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Dynasty Risers and Fallers

Week 12 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

*These players have moved up the Draft Sharks dynasty rankings over the last week. Check back each week as we list the fantasy-relevant changes.

Bo Nix, Broncos

With his recent play, Nix has put himself in the Rookie of the Year race.

Since Week 5, he’s thrown for 231 yards and 1.9 TDs per game. He’s tied for eighth in adjusted completion rate over that stretch.

Plus, on the year, he’s tallied 295 yards and 4 scores. Impressive numbers.

Nix’s ability to throw downfield also brings promise. He rarely took downfield shots at Oregon – one of the main negatives on his college profile. But through Week 11, he’s 13th league-wide in deep ball rate. He’s tied for 17th in average depth of target.

Nothing crazy, but the rookie is clearly ahead of schedule in his development. Nix brings the promise of a long term QB1.

Jauan Jennings, 49ers

Back in May, the 49ers signed Jennings to an extension through 2025. 

He's performed as their best WR this season, posting a huge 2.66 yards per route run and 14.0 yards per catch.

He's tied for sixth in ESPN's receiver score, an analytic that blends a pass catcher's ability to get open, make the catch, and gain yards after the catch.

He turns 28 next summer and should retain a sizable role – especially if the team moves on from an underachieving Deebo Samuel.

Jonnu Smith, Dolphins

The Dolphins signed Smith to a two-year contract back in March. Since then, he’s largely delivered on a deal that called for less than $4 million guaranteed.

Smith ranks top-10 among TEs in catches and yards. He's currently sitting on a career high in route rate (89.6%) and yards per route run (1.99).

So, he’s earning boosted opportunities – and making the most of them. I think it’s noteworthy that he’s been able to earn targets at a higher rate than Jaylen Waddle. (More on him below.)

Smith projects to hold the role for at least 2025, and there’s potential for him to stick beyond then. He turns 30 in August.

Week 12 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

*These players have moved down the Draft Sharks dynasty rankings over the last week.

Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins

We're working with a small 2024 sample alongside Tua Tagovailoa. Still, in four games with Tua post-concussion, Waddle owns lines of 4-45, 2- -4 -1, 3-57, and 2-37.

His target shares in those games:

• 17%,
• 7%
• 22%
• 9%

Again, it’s a small sample. But it’s not at all what you’d expect from one of the NFL’s most productive young WRs.

We’d bet on him bouncing back to some degree in 2025. Betting on him delivering multi-year WR1 value isn’t wise, though.

Week 11 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

Two months ago, Hubbard looked like a mere placeholder for Jonathon Brooks.

Instead, the veteran has worked his way into the teams’ future plans. Carolina signed him to a four-year extension on November 7. 

Hubbard’s certainly earned it. Despite poor QB play, he’s tallied 5.1 YPC, 3.6 yards after contact per attempt, and 1.4 rush yards over expected per attempt. 

All excellent marks.

Now, Hubbard’s role likely gets scaled back in 2025 alongside a healthy Brooks. But it’s clear he’ll retain a fantasy-viable role next September.

Davis Allen, Rams

We’re not too thrilled about Allen’s multi-year outlook. He’s a former Round 5 pick with below average speed and just OK college production.

Once buried in the ranks, Allen is now the Rams’ starting TE. He easily set season highs in route rate (88%) and target share (14%) on Monday night.

We’ll see if Tyler Higbee makes it back this year or sticks around in 2025. But there’s an outside chance Allen, only 24 in February, sticks as their TE1 next fall.

Week 11 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Jonathon Brooks, Panthers

We’ve yet to see Brooks perform on an NFL field. But it’s not a positive development when his team signs the current RB starter to a contract extension -- especially one that includes $15 million guaranteed.

We'll evaluate Brooks on his play once he hits the field. Clearly, though, he's not set for workhorse usage in the near future.

Javonte Williams, Broncos

Williams’ usage hit rock bottom against Kansas City. He saw a 5% carry share and a 24% route rate against the Chiefs -- both season-lows.

Williams will hit free agency next year at only 25 years old. But the down year won’t help his chances of landing a starting role elsewhere, especially with the 2025 rookie class carrying plenty of appeal.

Week 10 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Jalen Coker, Panthers

DS colleague Shane Hallam will have an article out tomorrow that address Coker’s rising value.

For now, let’s start with the words of HC Dave Canales. Carolina’s new boss responded to a question about why Coker went undrafted in April.

"I would say small school. [Coker played at Holy Cross.] He ran a good 40 time. A lot of times when you come from a small school they look at the production, but they also look at all of the measurables. He's got great size. He certainly didn't run a 4.3, but he's fast. He's shown it."

"He's separating on NFL fields. That's not easy to do. We have to look at the challenges against winning against NFL players outside, in the slot, and to do it with the consistency he has over the last couple of games is awesome...But what we saw from him is that when he gets the opportunities, he makes the most of them."

Again, more from Shane on Thursday. But clearly, there’s an opportunity for Coker to shine down the stretch with Diontae Johnson now residing in Baltimore.

Cade Otton, Buccaneers

Since Week 7, Otton’s racked up 258 yards and 3 TDs on 25 catches. Among TEs, only Travis Kelce has topped him in targets over that stretch.

Sure, the Bucs have mostly been without Chris Godwin and Mike Evans over that stretch. But let’s step back and look at Otton’s season-long numbers.

Entering the weekend, he’s tracking career-highs in catch rate, TD rate, and yards per route run.

At 25, Otton’s just hitting his stride as a pro. And if Chris Godwin plays elsewhere in 2025, the TE would likely slide into a reliable role.

Week 10 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Chris Olave, Saints

Olave suffered his fifth documented concussion on Sunday. Given the volume and severity of the injury, it’s fair to question the longevity of his NFL career. We certainly wish the best for Olave going forward.

Zack Moss, Bengals

Moss is potentially done for the year with a neck injury. He’s under contract for 2025 but carries just a $1.5 million dead cap hit, per Spotrac. There’s no guarantee he’ll return next season – especially with Chase Brown trending up.

Week 9 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Tyrone Tracy, Giants

Monday was a banner day for Tracy. He set career highs in carry share (83%), attempts (20), and rush yards (145). It’s just one game, but it came against a formidable opponent in Pittsburgh. 

Tracy hasn’t lacked talent, but it was unknown how much work he’d be able to wrestle away from Devin Singletary. Now, we have that answer.

Longer term, we’ll see if the Giants stick with HC Brian Daboll for another year. Given the holes elsewhere, it’s hard to see the team sinking big money into a marquee free agent or early-round RB.

Kayshon Boutte, Patriots

Here’s a sneaky one.

Boutte, an afterthought entering the year, has recently become New England’s leader in routes run. He caught Drake Maye’s first career TD on a deep ball. And it’s worth remembering the track this WR took to get here.

Here’s our profile on him from 2023. He was a highly recruited high school athlete and delivered two promising seasons at LSU. Ankle injuries, drops, and a poor Combine landed him in Round 6 of the NFL Draft.

But this year, he’s seemingly turned a corner. Sure, seeing the field for New England isn’t a major accomplishment – especially with Ja’Lynn Polk disappointing as a Round 2 rookie. Still, there’s a small chance for Boutte to develop into a long-term contributor if he stays on this path.

Cade Otton, Buccaneers

Otton ranks eighth in TE PPR points per game. Isolate the last three weeks, and he jumps to third.

Thus far, he’s hit career highs in yards per route run (1.22), catch rate (72%), and missed tackles forced (9). At only 25, he could stick as a go-to option for Tampa Bay’s passing game. Note that Chris Godwin is scheduled for free agency in the spring, while Mike Evans will play 2025 at 32 years old.

Week 9 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Anthony Richardson, Colts

We’re still taking a long-term view here. Richardson's upside certainly extends into the top 10 over a multi-year time horizon.

But the downside he’s shown has made his best-case scenario tough to chase. Leaning on the deep ball, Richardson owns a 44.4% completion rate and a -12.5% completion rate over expected. Truly awful numbers.

After getting benched, it’s unclear when he’ll see the field again.

Christian Kirk, Jaguars

Kirk sustained a broken collarbone against Green Bay. The 28-year-old is under contract for one more season, but the rise of Brian Thomas Jr. hurts the veteran’s upside in Jacksonville.

Prior to the injury, the Jags reportedly tried to trade Kirk.

Stefon Diggs, Texans

Diggs tore his right ACL in Week 8. He’s now questionable for Week 1 of 2025.

It’s also uncertain where he’ll play, as the 31-year-old is scheduled for free agency.

Week 8 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

*These players have moved up the Draft Sharks dynasty rankings over the last week. Check back each week as we list the fantasy-relevant changes.

Drake Maye, Patriots

We’re working with a small sample here. But it’s still positive when a rookie QB can carry over the traits that made him a top-five draft pick.

Over the past two weeks, he's tallied 5 TDs, 2 INTs, and a 65.7% completion rate. He's added eight scrambles -- a part of his college game that produced NFL excitement.

Just watching the games back, you can tell he’s an advanced processor at 22 years old. And there’s no limitation with his arm talent. 

New England must add help at pass catcher and O-line over the offseason. But for now, Maye’s given the team – and fantasy managers – reason for optimism. 

Tank Bigsby, Jaguars

In Week 7, Bigsby excelled with Travis Etienne sidelined by a hamstring. Facing New England, he hit 100 rushing yards for the second time over the past three weeks. 

Here’s more meat to his impressive 2024:

–Bigsby’s 2.4 yards rush yards over expected per attempt ranks second among RBs.

–His 0.07 EPA per rush ranks fifth.

–He’s tallied a run of 10+ yards every 6.7 attempts.

Even when Etienne gets healthy, Bigsby, 23, should retain a role moving forward.

Week 8 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

*These players have moved down the Draft Sharks dynasty rankings over the last week.

Deshaun Watson, Browns

Watson sustained a Week 7 Achilles tear. Following a horrid start to the season, there’s a chance he’s played his last snap in the league.

Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers

Aiyuk suffered an ACL/MCL tear against Kansas City. That followed an underwhelming seven-game stretch and a training camp holdout. 

We’re still long-term believers in the talent, but another slow start in 2025 is likely.

Chris Godwin, Buccaneers

Godwin suffered an ankle fracture/dislocation in Monday’s loss to Baltimore. That complicates his outlook at 29 in February – especially with his impending free agent status.

Khalil Shakir, Bills

The Amari Cooper trade sets Shakir back a bit for 2024. And while the veteran is likely just a one-year rental, there’s at least a chance he returns for 2025.

Week 7 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Ray Davis, Bills

Davis arrived as a mid-round pick hoping to share carries with James Cook.

That wasn’t the arrangement with Cook healthy from Week 1 to Week 5, but Davis’ impressive showing against the Jets may change plans. (Cook should return within the next two weeks.)

On Monday, the Kentucky rookie averaged nearly 5.0 YPC on 20 carries and forced seven missed tackles, per PFF. Buffalo’s balanced offense only boosts Davis’ fantasy value for the foreseeable future.

Sean Tucker, Buccaneers

It was one game, but Tucker maximized his opportunity vs. New Orleans with 192 total yards and two scores (17 touches).

"It's definitely worthy of him making it a three-headed monster," HC Todd Bowles said postgame. "He took advantage of his opportunities. He ran away from some tackles, some linebackers, he ran through the hole, he cut back, he made plays, he caught the ball well out of the backfield so that gives us a three-headed monster."

We’ll see how the backfield shakes out when Rachaad White returns. But what we saw on Sunday matched the promise that Tucker flashed at Syracuse from 2020-2022.

Week 7 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

*These players have moved down the Draft Sharks dynasty rankings over the last week.

Travis Etienne, Jaguars

Etienne’s set to miss time with a hamstring injury. That alone doesn’t impact his dynasty value, but the 180 we’ve seen from Tank Bigsby certainly does. Bigsby has out-shined his teammate in YPC, EPA per rush, missed tackles forced per rush, and PFF rushing grade.

Also note, for both guys: There’s a real chance Jacksonville overhauls its coaching staff in the coming months. A new coach/play-caller would add overall uncertainty to the backfield.

Rachaad White, Buccaneers

Among 64 qualifiers, White ranks 62nd in yards per carry, 52nd in success rate, 49th in yards after contact per attempt, and 51st in yards created.

He’s working on a small sample: 51 carries. But it’s a continuation of a theme from 2023. Now, he’ll also have to fend off backfield competition from Sean Tucker, in addition to Bucky Irving.

While White remains a strong pass catcher, his rushing workload is now a major question. We’ll also see if he misses further time with a foot injury.

Rashee Rice, Chiefs

Rice recently underwent posterolateral corner surgery on his right knee. We remain bullish on him long-term, but he had to drop a bit following the significant injury.

Consider Rice questionable for Week 1 of next season.

Week 5 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings

Darnold ranks fourth in QB fantasy points. He's sixth in EPA per dropback and third in completion rate over expected.

It's fair to wonder where he'll start in 2025, assuming a healthy J.J. McCarthy. But the veteran will start somewhere if this breakout season continues. Just one month ago, that seemed like a long-shot proposition.

Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars

Despite poor play from Trevor Lawrence, Thomas has proven pro-ready.

Among 51 WRs with 20+ targets, Thomas ranks tied for eighth in yards per catch and 12th in yards per route run. He turns just 22 on the 8th.

"We challenge him as a staff, we challenge him more and more on his plate, "HC Doug Pederson said this week. "I think we're seeing, you're seeing, obviously, the type of receiver that he is and why we drafted him. He's, gosh, he's such a competitor. I love that about him -- the way he competes out there and he plays hard, he plays fast, he'll go in there and block a safety if he has to… So, he's very capable and we're going to continue to keep throwing the ball this way.”

Pederson and his staff might not stick around in 2025, but it’s becoming clear that Thomas will be a long-term staple in Jacksonville.

Erick All, Bengals

All’s injury history includes an ACL tear and a herniated disc that required surgery.

But you wouldn’t know it based on his rookie-year play thus far. 

He’s beat teammate Mike Gesicki in yards per route run (2.16 to 1.91) and targets per route (.31 to .24).

All’s even out-targeted Gesicki – 8 to 6 – over the past two games.

The Round 4 pick isn’t short on ability, and there’s a real chance he’s Joe Burrow’s full-time TE come 2025.

Week 5 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Will Levis, Titans

Levis finished as the QB28 over the first three weeks.

On Monday, he was knocked out of the Miami game with a shoulder injury.

Maybe he returns after Tennessee’s Week 5 bye. Still, he’s underwhelmed under new HC Brian Callahan. Levis ultimately won’t be a lock to start for any team beyond 2024.

Malachi Corley, WR, Jets

Through one month, Corley’s run only one route.

Remember, the Jets drafted him in Round 3.

“He just needs to continue to work. There’s a group of receivers ahead of him that are operating a little bit better than he is right now. We as coaches also have to continue to work to develop him and get him ready to contribute to the offense,” HC Robert Saleh said this week.

Corley remains a dynasty hold for his long-term potential. But it’s certainly disappointing that he hasn’t earned snaps on a team with pass-catching questions.

Week 4 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders

Our 2024 Breakout Pick, Daniels has already turned heads with his athleticism and advanced passing chops.

Frankly, Daniels’ rush volume is even higher than we expected. He’s up to 38 total rushes; ten or more in each game.

We’ll see if that’s sustainable. But Daniels’ ability to flash early bodes well for his future – especially factoring an offense with little receiving depth and O-line questions.

Braelon Allen, RB, Jets

Through three games, Allen’s passed the eye test with an explosive combo of burst and power.

His underlying numbers look solid, including a top-ten rush EPA.

Perhaps most surprising: Allen’s volume. He’s already racked up 27 opportunities alongside a healthy Breece Hall.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants

Nabers was a dynasty WR1 from the moment he entered the league.

But his early-season tape and production – alongside Daniel Jones – has exceeded expectations. He’s the PPR WR1 entering Week 4.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers

Here's a surprise performer through three games.

Johnston's sitting on 3 TDs, a  71.4% catch rate, 6.2 yards after catch per reception, and 2.05 yards per route run. That’s a huge turnaround from a massively disappointing rookie year.

The Chargers will likely add talent to the WR corps next offseason, but for now, Johnston will have a huge opportunity to prove he belongs as a starter.

Week 4 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars

Lawrence is locked into a starting role for the foreseeable future. After all, he just signed a multi-year deal.

Still, he’s performed as a bottom-tier QB through the first three weeks. He's managed only 560 yards and 2 TDs.

Barring a major turnaround, there’s a real chance he’ll work with a new HC in 2025.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Bears

Chicago’s O-line has struggled. But if you watch Swift, there are several plays each game that call into question his vision.

Add it up, and he’s managed only 1.8 YPC on 37 attempts. Roschon Johnson even took on a larger role in Week 3 (8 carries, 22 snaps, 5 targets).

Swift signed a three-year deal this past offseason, but Chicago could quickly cut the cord.

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens

Six catches. 65 yards. 0 TDs. That’s all we’ve seen from Andrews in 2024. 

Last week, he ran only six routes against Dallas.

Unlikely to be at 100% and now pushed by Isaiah Likely, Andrews’ days as an elite TE1 are probably over.

Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs

We now have a three-week sample of Kelce significantly underperforming.

Yes, he’s probably the best TE of all time. And yes, he remains tied to an excellent offense. But even if he rebounds a bit, at 35 in October, Kelce’s days as a fantasy asset are winding down.

Week 3 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

De'Von Achane, RB, Dolphins

It's not just Achane's hot start that's nudged him up the ranks.

It's the fact that he was trusted to handle 29 touches against Buffalo -- despite an ankle issue.

That level of volume won't be close to the norm going forward. But for a guy who projected for limited touches entering the league, it's certainly a positive development.

Rashid Shaheed, WR, Saints

Through two games, Shaheed tops Chris Olave in targets, catches, yards, TDs, catch rate, yards per route run, and yards after the catch per reception.

That's probably unsustainable over 17 games...but it's still a snapshot on how well Shaheed has played early on.

Most importantly, the 26-year-old is in an offensive environment that can sustain weekly fantasy production. Hopefully OC Klint Kubiak sticks around beyond 2024.

Week 3 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers

It took 2 games, 3 INTs, and 0 TDs for Carolina to bench Bryce Young.

Perhaps we see him later in the year. But the tape has showed nothing to believe he'll develop into a useful fantasy asset -- at least any time soon.

Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, WRs, Rams

At 31, Kupp's dynasty prospects already looked suspect coming into the year.

But another ankle injury simply forces a move down the ranks. While he could return within a few weeks, the high risk of another injury is worrisome.

Nacua's recent knee issue could knock him out past mid-season. His injury history now includes eight different entries going back to college -- including five to his lower half.

Isaiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs

We flagged Pacheco as a "very high risk" injury player in the preseason. Entering the year, his injury history included several noteworthy items. 

Of course, he plays as one of the most physical backs in the league, too.

The 25-year-old has a chance to return around mid-season, but a recent fibula fracture only adds risk to his value.

Week 2 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

*These players have moved up the Draft Sharks dynasty rankings over the last week. Check back each week as we list the fantasy-relevant changes.

Bucky Irving, RB, Buccaneers

Irving looked explosive in the opener vs. Washington (9-62 rushing). 

We’ll see how he fares against tougher defenses. But it’s clear that this backfield could shift more rushing work to the rookie – especially if Rachaad White remains inefficient.

Jameson Williams, WR, Lions

Williams ran a route on 30 of 32 Jared Goff drop backs.

The results matched the offseason hype: 5 catches, 121 yards, and 1 TD. He'll certainly have some dud games playing in such a loaded offense. But there's no denying the talent here. And the career-high 9 targets clearly shows he's earned the trust of Jared Goff.

Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens

As with Williams, it was one big game from Likely.

But man, did he look impressive...

While the Chiefs pushed extra defensive attention toward Mark Andrews, Likely still capitalized with 26.1 PPR points. This followed a training camp with plenty of buzz for the 24-year-old.

If this level of play continues, he'll remain a go-to piece for Lamar Jackson. Note that Likely ran only 3 fewer routes than Mark Andrews (35 to 38) against Kansas City.

Week 2 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

*These players have moved down the Draft Sharks dynasty rankings over the last week

Luke Musgrave, TE, Packers

Don't throw in the towel here; Musgrave is still only 24, and he's loaded with athleticism. But it's a major disappointment to see Tucker Kraft beat him in routes run in the opener (30 to 8).

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Kevin English, Senior Analyst

Kevin brings 15 years of experience as a fantasy analyst and mid-stakes competitor across various formats (redraft, best ball, dynasty, DFS). His work has been featured on The Mercury News, Rotoworld, and FantasyPros.