Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers

 

Fantasy Football Risers (8-24 through 8-30)

These players have moved up the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd, RBs, Packers

A.J. Dillon landed on season-ending IR earlier this week. That should mean a workhorse role for Jacobs at least early in the season. And it clears the path for Lloyd to win the No. 2 RB job if he can get and stay healthy. Emanuel Wilson is the only other RB on Green Bay’s roster.

Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Broncos

Denver cut RB Samaje Perine, leaving RBs Audric Estime and Blake Watson as the No. 3 and 4 RBs. Neither rookie will have a significant role early this season, leaving the backfield to Williams and McLaughlin.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers

Warren did some light work at practice this week and expects to be ready for the opener. We're now projecting Warren to play Week 1, although with a slightly lesser workload than previously projected.

Blake Corum, RB, Rams

The Rams’ curious decision to use Kyren Williams on punt returns might mean Corum will play a bigger role than we initially expected. He also remains the best handcuff in fantasy football.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers

RB Jonathon Brooks will open the season on the PUP list, meaning Hubbard will operate as Carolina’s clear lead back for at least the first four games. He should be a nice RB3 or flex play over that stretch.

Jordan Mason, RB, 49ers

RB Elijah Mitchell went on season-ending IR, locking in Mason as San Francisco’s No. 2 RB following a strong August. A Christian McCaffrey injury would turn him into an exciting fantasy starter.

Samaje Perine, RB, Broncos

Perine was cut by Denver … and then landed in Kansas City. That move boosted him up the RB rankings. Perine has a good shot to eventually win the Chiefs’ No. 2 RB job, which would at least make him a nice handcuff to Isiah Pacheco.

Dalvin Cook, RB, Cowboys

Cook signed with Dallas’ practice squad on Wednesday. It’s the best landing spot he could have hoped for: a wide-open backfield and a strong offense. But we remain skeptical that there’s any gas left in Cook’s tank. He’s well behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle in the updated RB rankings.

Cam Akers, RB, Texans

Akers easily out-played backfield mate Dameon Pierce this preseason. Don’t be surprised if Akers emerges as the better fantasy play if RB Joe Mixon misses time this year.

Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

It’s looking more and more like Rice won’t be suspended this season. We added another game to his projections this week, sending him up to 22nd in the WR rankings.

Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos

It was a worrisome preseason for Mims. But his value was resuscitated when the Broncos dumped WR Tim Patrick, who ran ahead of Mims in August. There’s still no guarantee the Broncos give Mims a significant offensive role – but his path to playing time got easier this week.

Malik Washington, WR, Dolphins

WR Odell Beckham will open the season on the PUP list, costing him at least the first four games. That gives Washington a shot to claim the No. 3 WR job. Miami kept just four WRs on its 53-man roster (Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, and Washington).

JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Chiefs

After getting dumped by the WR-needy Patriots, Smith-Schuster headed back to Kansas City. He caught 78 balls for the Chiefs in 2022, but that team was much weaker at WR. We’re still not expecting JuJu to be a fantasy factor this season, but this landing spot at least makes him worth keeping on your radar.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (8-24 through 8-30)

These players have moved down the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Kyren Williams, RB, Rams

The decision to have Williams return punts is strange at a minimum. It makes us believe that Williams might cede more work to RB Blake Corum than we initially thought. We shifted some projected work from Williams to Corum – although Williams still sits inside the top 10 of our RB rankings.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers

Brooks will open the season on the PUP list, meaning he’ll miss at least the first four games. We’d had him projected to miss the first two, so he took a fall in the rankings. The rookie remains a strong bench stash as a potential difference-maker over the second half of the season.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Carson Steele, RBs, Chiefs

The Chiefs signed RB Samaje Perine – after talking with Denver about a potential trade for him before he was released. Perine was an effective runner and pass-catcher last year and is a good bet to eventually win the No. 2 RB job in Kansas City. Edwards-Helaire and Steele are only worth stashing in deep fantasy leagues.

Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers

Mitchell had hamstring surgery and was placed on season-ending IR.

A.J. Dillon, RB, Packers

Dillon landed on season-ending IR on Tuesday.

Kendre Miller, RB, Saints

Miller will open the season on the PUP list after missing all of August with a hamstring injury. His future with the Saints from Week 5 on is murky. Miller is only worth stashing in deep redraft leagues. He’s a hold in dynasty.

Marquise Brown, WR, Chiefs

Brown has already been ruled out for Week 1, which makes us more skeptical that he’ll be available for Week 2. We knocked another game off his projections.

Odell Beckham, WR, Dolphins

Beckham will miss the first four games of the season on the PUP list due to an undisclosed procedure he had in the offseason. There’s no reason to be rostering him in redraft right now.

 

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Fantasy Football Risers (8-17 through 8-23)

These players have moved up the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Gardner Minshew, QB, Raiders

Minshew was named Vegas’ Week 1 starter. QB Aidan O’Connell still figures to make starts this season, but Minshew is your guy if you’re looking for a late QB3 in superflex drafts.

Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, RBs, Broncos

Williams and McLaughlin were the only RBs to get snaps with the first-team offense in Denver’s second preseason game. RBs Audric Estime and Samaje Perine played with the backups. If this is going to be just a two-man committee, Williams and McLaughlin both look like values at current ADP.

Najee Harris, RB, Steelers

Jaylen Warren’s hamstring injury might give Harris a shot to open the season in a workhorse role. We’re currently projecting Warren to miss Week 1.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Chargers

After talk that Vidal’s roster spot was in danger, the rookie showed out in the second preseason game, taking 11 carries for 49 yards. He’s now a good bet to win the No. 3 RB job, although Vidal is still unlikely to provide early-season fantasy value.

Braelon Allen, RB, Jets

The rookie has run well this preseason, and HC Robert Saleh has been impressed by Allen’s skills in the passing game. It sounds like a Breece Hall injury would turn Allen into a three-down back.

Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey, WRs, Commanders

The Jahan Dotson trade opens up the starting slot job for McCaffrey, although he still needs to pass Olamide Zaccheaus on the depth chart. The rookie is a nice bench stash in deeper leagues. The big winner might be McLaurin, though, who could see a career-high target share this season.

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Titans

Hopkins is expected to be available for Week 1 after his early-August knee injury. We added a game back to his projections, although we're projecting him for slightly reduced volume and efficiency in the opener.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs

Worthy was electric in the second preseason game, turning six targets into 62 yards and a score. More importantly, he played nearly every snap with QB Patrick Mahomes. The rookie is set to open the season with a big role.

Rome Odunze, WR, Bears

Odunze has simply looked better than WR Keenan Allen this preseason. It still looks like Odunze will open the season as Chicago’s No. 3 WR – but it might not be long before he passes Allen in the pecking order.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Colts

The rookie had an encouraging third preseason game. He ran a route 15 of QB Anthony Richardson’s 16 dropbacks, catching two of four targets for 18 yards and a score. Also notable: Mitchell played 19 of his 24 snaps in the slot. It looks like he'll be the primary slot receiver until Josh Downs is ready to return from his ankle injury.

Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch, WR, Cardinals

These guys already looked like Arizona’s No. 2 and 3 WRs. But WR Zay Jones’ five-game suspension to open the season could mean a few extra snaps for both guys. Wilson and Dortch both made small moves up the WR rankings.

Tim Patrick and Josh Reynolds, WR, Broncos

These two vets appear in line to open the season as Denver’s No. 2 and 3 WRs. They remain unexciting fantasy picks but could be worth roster spots in very deep leagues.

Brenden Rice, WR, Chargers

Rice worked in with the first-team offense in Los Angeles’ second preseason game, although it’s worth noting that The Athletic's Daniel Popper believes Rice is no higher than sixth on the depth chart. We’ll keep an eye on the rookie over the next couple of weeks. For now, consider him a waiver-wire watchlist candidate.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (8-17 through 8-23)

These players have moved down the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Aidan O’Connell, QB, Raiders

O’Connell lost the battle for the starting job to Gardner Minshew – a poor sign for his long-term outlook. O’Connell still figures to make starts this season but is only worth rostering in the deepest of superflex leagues.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers

Warren suffered a hamstring injury in the second preseason game that’s expected to cost him “multiple weeks,” according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. HC Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that the injury isn’t a “long-term concern.” But we’re still projecting Warren to miss Week 1 for now.

Keenan Allen, WR, Bears

We’re not sure what to make of the weight stuff (Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said earlier this month that Allen is up to 230 pounds). But Allen has 0 catches on 14 preseason routes and ranks 250th among 285 WRs in Pro Football Focus’ preseason receiving grades.

Curtis Samuel, WR, Bills

Samuel is considered “week-to-week” with turf toe. That can be a tricky injury for skill-position players to return from. Don’t count on Samuel as a fantasy starter early this season.

Jahan Dotson, WR, Eagles

Dotson goes from the projected No. 2 WR in Washington to the No. 3 in Philadelphia behind target hogs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. With TE Dallas Goedert and RB Saquon Barkley also sure to get plenty of volume, Dotson is a poor bet to be a reliable fantasy option with the Eagles.

Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos

Mims ran one route with QB Bo Nix and the first-team offense in the second preseason game. We’re not ready to cut bait in dynasty, but Mims is not worth a roster spot in redraft leagues right now.

Zay Jones, WR, Cardinals

Jones was suspended for the first five games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He was already looking like Arizona’s No. 4 WR and is well off the redraft radar.

Jelani Woods, TE, Colts

Woods is expected to miss about four months after undergoing toe surgery. He’s well of the redraft radar and is not a must-hold in dynasty.

  

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Fantasy Football Risers (8-10 through 8-16)

These players have moved up the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Bo Nix, QB, Broncos

Nix didn’t start Denver’s preseason opener – but he out-played QB Jarrett Stidham. The rookie completed 15 of 21 passes (71.4%) for 125 yards (6.0 YPA), one TD, and 0 INTs. He also flashed his rushing ability with three carries for 17 yards. Nix will start the Broncos’ second preseason game and is the heavy to be under center come Week 1.

Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings

J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury gives Darnold a runway to start the entire season for the Vikings. He’ll need to avoid a faceplant. But if he plays decently, Darnold could be a useful QB2 in this spot. Remember that Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens were both fantasy factors in Minnesota last year.

Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, RBs, Chargers

RB Kimani Vidal was left off The Athletic’s Daniel Popper’s 53-man roster projection. We’d still be surprised if the rookie was cut – but it’s clear that he’s unlikely to be a factor early on this season. That leaves this run-leaning Chargers offense to Edwards and Dobbins, who are climbing the RB rankings.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs

WR Marquise Brown is in danger of missing the first game or two of the season with his shoulder injury. That gives Worthy a chance to get off to a hot start – especially if the Chiefs lose WR Rashee Rice to a suspension.

Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos

Patrick worked with the first-team offense in Denver’s preseason opener. We’ll see if that sticks over the final two exhibitions, but we’ve bumped Patrick up the rankings. He’s at least on the late-round flier radar now.

Van Jefferson, WR, Steelers

Jefferson ran a route on eight of QB Justin Fields' nine dropbacks in the first preseason game. He’s the favorite to open the season as Pittsburgh’s No. 2 WR, barring a trade for Brandon Aiyuk.

Jordan Whittington, WR, Rams

This sixth-round rookie was the star of the Rams’ preseason opener, catching six of nine targets for 74 yards. HC Sean McVay talked him up as a potential 2024 contributor afterward. Whittington might already be the favorite for the No. 4 WR job. That could make him a fantasy factor with an injury to Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, or Demarcus Robinson.

Gerald Everett, TE, Bears

Everett worked in a virtual 50/50 timeshare with TE Cole Kmet in Chicago’s first preseason game. That usage, of course, wouldn’t be enough to make him a fantasy factor. Everett belongs on your waiver-wire watchlist in case of a Kmet injury this year.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (8-10 through 8-16)

These players have moved down the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Vikings

McCarthy will miss his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery to repair his meniscus. He’s expected to make a full recovery, and there’s still plenty of long-term upside here. Rebuilding dynasty teams should consider trading for him now.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions

Gibbs pulled a hamstring in Monday’s practice. It’s not a serious injury – and Gibbs is expected to be ready for Week 1. But we lowered his floor projection a bit to account for the added risk.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Chargers

The Athletic’s Daniel Popper left this sixth-round rookie off his latest 53-man roster projection. We’d still be surprised if Vidal was cut in favor of guys like Isaiah Spiller and Jaret Patterson. But it’s at least clear that Vidal will not be an early-season fantasy factor. He’s not worth a roster spot in most redraft leagues.

Marquise Brown, WR, Chiefs

Brown suffered a sprained S/C joint in the preseason opener that’s expected to sideline him 4-6 weeks. That means he could miss the first game or two of the regular season. We’ve knocked one game off of his projection for now, bumping him down the WR rankings a few spots.

Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos

Mims was on the field for Denver’s first offensive snap of the preseason – but didn’t play again until Denver’s fourth possession. He then continued to play deep into the third quarter with third-string QB Zach Wilson. It was a worrisome start for Mims, especially after last year’s underwhelming usage. We’ll keep a close eye on him in Denver’s second exhibition.

Cole Kmet, TE, Bears

Kmet was out-snapped 14 to 11 by TE Gerald Everett with the first-team offense in Chicago’s preseason opener. Both guys ran five routes. If that usage carries over into the regular season, Kmet will have no chance to be a reliable weekly fantasy play.

Jelani Woods, TE, Colts

Woods reportedly hasn’t gotten much first-team work in camp and played 0 snap with QB Anthony Richardson in the preseason opener. He’s off the redraft radar for now.

  

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Fantasy Football Risers (8-3 through 8-9)

These players have moved up the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Ken Walker, RB, Seahawks

There’s been a steady buzz on Walker since camp opened. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote that Seattle’s new coaching staff sees Walker as a three-down back. Then OC Ryan Grubb talked up Walker’s ability in the passing game. Adding more passing-game production would give Walker RB1 upside.

Jordan Mason, RB, 49ers

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner believes Mason is on his way to earning the 49ers’ No. 2 RB job. This still feels like a fluid situation, but lean toward Mason over Elijah Mitchell for now as the 49ers RB to target late in fantasy drafts.

Eric Gray, RB, Giants

Gray was awesome in Thursday night’s preseason opener, scoring this 48-yard TD and catching four balls for 46 yards. He played behind RB Tyrone Tracy and still figures to be third on the depth chart. But Gray is a name to monitor over the next month.

Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams

The positive vibes on Kupp continued this week, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting that he’s believed to be "all the way back” from last year’s injuries. WR Puka Nacua, meanwhile, is “week-to-week” with a knee injury, which certainly doesn’t hurt Kupp’s early-season outlook.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants

Nabers continues to be one of the buzziest players in the league. He reportedly dominated the Lions secondary in joint practices this week and continues to climb the WR rankings.

DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles

He’s been the best player at Eagles camp by most accounts. Smith is notably getting plenty of work in the slot, which has been an excellent spot to be in new OC Kellen Moore’s offense.

Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings

Addison was charged with two counts of misdemeanor DUI for his July arrest. But his first court date isn't until October 7, which means the case likely won’t be settled until 2025. This remains a fluid situation. But, for now, we’re not projecting Addison to be suspended this season.

Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce, WRs, Colts

Both guys got slight bumps up the rankings with WR Josh Downs expected to miss 4-6 weeks with his high-ankle sprain. Pierce seemed to be ahead of Mitchell based on early camp reports, but the rookie has been getting slot work with Downs out and is generally the higher-upside fantasy bet.

Jalen Tolbert, WR, Cowboys

Tolbert has garnered buzz from beat writers and coaches early in camp and seems to have a stranglehold on the No. 3 WR job. That makes him a deep sleeper to consider at the end of fantasy drafts.

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Giants

Hyatt has been running ahead of Darius Slayton in camp, looking like the favorite for the starting outside job opposite Malik Nabers. That’s probably not enough to make Hyatt a reliable fantasy play in managed leagues – but he’s a nice spike-week target late in best-ball drafts.

Johnny Wilson, WR, Eagles

The sixth-round rookie is already getting first-team reps in camp, likely in part because Parris Campbell is sidelined with an injury. (No surprise there.) Wilson is worth monitoring over the next month – and maybe taking a flier on in the last round of best-ball drafts.

Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Falcons

WR Rondale Moore’s season-ending knee injury secures McCloud’s standing as the starting slot receiver, at least for now. We wouldn’t be surprised if Atlanta added to the WR room over the next month. McCloud still isn’t a very appealing late-round pick.

Greg Dulcich, TE, Broncos

Dulcich has had a strong and, most importantly, healthy training camp. If he can stay on the field, he should play a significant role for a Broncos offense in need of pass-catching weapons.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (8-3 through 8-9)

These players have moved down the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers

Brooks remains on the PUP list, won’t play in the preseason, and might not debut until Week 3 or 4, HC Dave Canales said this week. The rookie was never likely to be an early-season fantasy asset, but he’s a few weeks behind where we thought he’d be at this point. Brooks slid in our RB rankings – but he might slide even more in ADP.

Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks

Both the media and Seattle’s coaching staff has talked up RB Ken Walker’s three-down ability lately. That has Charbonnet looking like more like a handcuff than standalone fantasy option.

Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers

Mitchell is sidelined with a hamstring injury and might have fallen behind Jordan Mason in the race for the No. 2 RB job, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.

Puka Nacua, WR, Rams

Nacua suffered a bursa sac injury to his knee on Sunday. There’s no structural damage, and Nacua is fully expected to be ready for Week 1, according to HC Sean McVay. But we’ve nudged Nacua down below WRs Garrett Wilson and A.J. Brown to account for some added risk.

Josh Downs, WR, Colts

Downs suffered a high-ankle sprain on Wednesday that’s expected to sideline him for 4-6 weeks. That puts him in danger of missing the start of the season and could impact his play beyond that. Downs was having an excellent camp before going down, but this injury certainly dings his 2024 outlook.

Darius Slayton, WR, Giants

He’s been firmly behind WR Jalin Hyatt in camp. Unless and until that changes, Slayton is not draftable.

Rondale Moore, WR, Falcons

Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury on Wednesday.

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Lions

He played behind names such as Antoine Green, Daurice Fountain, Tom Kennedy, and Caden Davis in Thursday night’s preseason opener. Peoples-Jones’ roster spot is seemingly in danger. He’s well off the redraft radar.

   

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Fantasy Football Risers (7-27 through 8-2)

These players have moved up the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Trey Sermon, RB, Colts

Sermon has been Indianapolis’ clear No. 2 RB in camp so far, according to The Colts Wire’s Paul Bretl. That matches what we heard in the spring. We’ll see if RB Evan Hull can make a move. But, for now, Sermon should be considered the Jonathan Taylor handcuff.

Royce Freeman, RB, Cowboys

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones talked up Freeman this week, suggesting that he could be a “great complement” to Ezekiel Elliott. We’re still betting on Rico Dowdle beating out Freeman for a top-two RB job in Dallas, but Freeman is at least on our radar now.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans

WR DeAndre Hopkins’ knee injury gives Ridley an extended chance to emerge as Tennessee’s No. 1 WR in new HC Brian Callahan’s offense – and potentially be a target hog early in the season if Hopkins misses games. WRs Tyler Boyd and Treylon Burks would also benefit from Hopkins’ absence and made small moves up the rankings.

Josh Downs, WR, Colts

He’s been a standout early in camp, showing strong chemistry with QB Anthony Richardson and drawing praise from the coaching staff. Downs looks like a safe bet to open the season as the Colts’ No. 2 WR.

D.J. Chark, WR, Chargers

Chark – not Quentin Johnston – has been primarily running with the first-team offense alongside WRs Josh Palmer and Ladd McConkey. It’s tough to see Chark garnering enough consistent volume to be a reliable fantasy starter, but he’s worth considering late in best-ball drafts. He’s ahead of Johnston in our updated WR rankings.

Jalen McMillan, WR, Buccaneers

The rookie has had a strong start to camp and is in the lead for the No. 3 WR job, according to Pewter Report. That’s probably not enough to make McMillan an asset in managed leagues. But he’d be a Mike Evans or Chris Godwin injury away from relevance.

Andrei Iosivas, WR, Bengals

It’s been a buzzy start to training camp for this second-year WR. In fact, The Athletic’s Paul Dehner believes Iosivas is now the favorite for the Bengals’ No. 3 WR job, ahead of rookie Jermaine Burton. It’s a battle to keep tabs on over the next month, but Iosivas is now worth a look at the end of best-ball drafts.

Calvin Austin, WR, Steelers

Austin has been Pittsburgh’s second-best WR (behind George Pickens) this offseason, according to Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders. WR Roman Wilson’s ankle injury only gives Austin more time to build momentum. We’re still not drafting him outside of fantasy leagues that go beyond 20 rounds, but Austin’s role is worth monitoring over the next month.

Ray-Ray McLoud, WR, Falcons

It’s been McLoud – not Rondale Moore – running as the primary slot receiver with the first-team offense in camp so far. It’s still tough to get excited about McLoud, a six-year veteran who’s never topped 39 catches or 277 receiving yards in a season. But whoever wins Atlanta’s No. 3 WR job figures to be on the field plenty this year.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (7-27 through 8-2)

These players have moved down the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers

Herbert is expected to be sidelined for about two weeks with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. He’ll follow a “graduated return to play protocol” after that, according to the team, “with the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.” We’ll keep a close eye on the situation over the next month, but the missed time hurts as the Chargers break in a new offense under HC Jim Harbaugh and OC Greg Roman. We lowered Herbert’s floor projection to account for the added risk.

Daniel Jones, QB, Giants

Jones has reportedly struggled with accuracy and arm strength early in camp. He, of course, is returning from a November ACL tear. But it’s obviously not what we wanted to hear after Jones’ ugly 2023 season. Consider Jones a risky QB3 selection for now.

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Titans

Hopkins is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a knee strain, according to beat writer Paul Kuharsky. The short end of that timetable would have Hopkins back a week ahead of the season opener; the long end would have him missing Week 1. We knocked one game off his projections for now, sliding him from 27th to 34th in the PPR WR rankings.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers

Johnston has been running primarily with the second-team offense in camp so far, behind WRs Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, and D.J. Chark. We’ll see if he can climb the depth chart. But, for now, he’s not a recommended late-round target in drafts.

Jermaine Burton, WR, Bengals

The rookie has seemingly fallen behind Andrei Iosivas in the race for Cincinnati’s No. 3 WR job. There’s still time for Burton to make up ground, but we’ve nudged him down closer to Iosivas in the WR rankings for now.

Roman Wilson, WR, Steelers

He’s considered “week-to-week” with an ankle injury suffered on Tuesday. That won’t help Wilson’s chances of winning an early-season role. The rookie is more of a waiver-wire watchlist guy than draft target.

Rondale Moore, WR, Falcons

Moore has been running primarily with the second-team offense early in training camp, according to multiple beat writers. We’ll see if that changes over the next month. But, for now, Moore is undraftable.

Troy Franklin, WR, Broncos

Franklin is no higher than fifth on the depth chart right now, according to insider Benjamin Allbright. Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Josh Reynolds, and Tim Patrick have been running ahead of Franklin. There’s still a chance the rookie makes a fantasy impact this year, but it’s unlikely to happen early in the season.

  

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Fantasy Football Risers (7-20 through 7-26)

These players have moved up the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Falcons

Cousins was medically cleared for the start of training camp, about nine months after tearing an Achilles. We’ll continue to keep an eye on him, but he’s clearly on track to be under center come Week 1.

Chase Brown, RB, Bengals

HC Zac Taylor talked up Brown’s progress this offseason, while GM Duke Tobin said that Brown will have “an opportunity to be the guy, or the second guy, or in tandem with Zack [Moss].” It sounds like Brown’s upside for touches climbs as high as he can reach.

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Chargers

Dobbins has been a full participant in training camp coming off last September’s torn Achilles. It remains to be seen if he can rediscover pre-injury form, but he’s at least off to a good start.

Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, RBs, Broncos

Denver’s backfield remains fluid, but these two guys are seemingly roster locks, according to insider Troy Renck. McLaughlin seems locked into a change-of-pace role, while Estime battles Javonte Williams for early-down work. Estime is a particularly intriguing fantasy flier with a Round 18 ADP.

Deneric Prince, RB, Chiefs

He’s been working ahead of Clyde Edwards-Helaire as Kansas City’s No. 2 RB at least on occasion early in camp. This sounds like a true battle for the title of Isiah Pacheco Handcuff. We’re not drafting Prince yet, even in best ball. But he’s a name to monitor closely over the next month. And it’d be prudent to stop drafting Edwards-Helaire for now.

Diontae Johnson, WR, Panthers

HC Dave Canales said Wednesday that Johnson will be featured in the offense. Johnson and QB Bryce Young have reportedly flashed good chemistry early in camp. He’s a nice value at his WR43 ADP.

Curtis Samuel, WR, Bills

Samuel has been a standout early in Bills camp. He’s reportedly lined up all over the formation, including in the backfield. Samuel has a real chance to lead Buffalo WRs in targets this season.

Michael Wilson, WR, Cardinals

Wilson has been running ahead of WR Zay Jones early in the camp. Those two are seemingly battling for the No. 2 outside WR job, opposite Marvin Harrison Jr. with Greg Dortch as the primary slot. Wilson is worth a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts. Jones is undraftable for now.

Tre Tucker, WR, Raiders

WR Michael Gallup’s surprising retirement leaves Tucker as the clear-cut favorite for Vegas’ No. 3 WR job. That’s not a great spot considering the target competition (Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer) and QB situation. But Tucker could at least provide a few spike weeks for best-ball teams.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (7-20 through 7-26)

These players have moved down the Draft Sharks fantasy football rankings over the last week.

Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos

It was a down-then-up week for Williams. It started with speculation that his roster spot could be in jeopardy. But it ended with Williams taking first-team reps in camp and drawing praise from beat writers and HC Sean Payton. We lowered Williams’ floor projection a bit, which moved him a few spots down the RB rankings. He remains a boom-or-bust fantasy pick.

Kendre Miller, RB, Saints

After struggling with injuries throughout his rookie season, Miller pulled a hamstring on the first day of camp. Then got called out by HC Dennis Allen. A rough start for a guy with lots of opportunity heading into 2024. Miller dropped a handful of spots in the RB rankings but is still worth a flier if he falls far enough in drafts.

Chig Okonkwo, TE, Titans

The Titans will use multiple TEs this season, HC Brian Callahan said, specifically naming Okonkwo plus Josh Whyle and Nick Vannett. That’s tough news for Okonkwo, who also faces increased target competition with the addition of WR Calvin Ridley. It’s tough to see Okonkwo being a reliable fantasy starter this year.

 

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