Recent Fantasy Risers and Fallers

We see some players’ fantasy stocks are rising by the day, while others are falling …

RISERS

Michael Carter, Jets RB
There are a lot of potential mouths to feed in the Jets’ backfield, with Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson also vying for touches, but it’s Carter’s pass-catching ability that is separating him from the pack in New York. By most accounts, Rookie QB Zach Wilson already looks comfortable in the Jets offense, but having Carter at his disposal to dump off to in the backfield will go a long way, especially in fantasy. The Jets may not ultimately have a “lead back” this season, but Carter is developing into a potential 1A.

Tre’Quan Smith, Saints WR
Smith is being thrust into the spotlight in New Orleans, now that it’s known that no.1 option in the passing game Michael Thomas is out for up to 16 weeks while his repaired ankle ligament heals completely. Marquez Callaway is also in the mix for increased targets, but it’s Smith who most people have moving into the primary receiving role for the Saints during Thomas’ absence. We’ve seen Smith produce in stints, and as long as the Saints don’t add any real competition in the meantime, he’s going to be an every week fantasy contributor.

Darnell Mooney, Bears WR
The Bears letting go of WR Anthony Miller isn’t an indictment on Miller’s ability as much as it’s a vote of confidence in the unassuming Mooney. Entering his 2nd year, Mooney is coming off a 61 catch, 631 yard, 4 TD rookie season and getting Miller out of the way just clears the way for more targets. Whether it’s Andy Dalton or Justin Fields under center, it’s going to be an improvement on Mitch Trubisky, and the Bears pass-catchers are primed to benefit. Mooney probably isn’t going to be a Pro-Bowl player, but he’s a no.2 receiver with a clear path to 70+ targets this season.

Xavier Jones, Rams RB
Darrell Henderson is the immediate beneficiary to Cam Akers‘ heartbreaking Achilles tear, but Jones is right behind him on the depth chart. The UDFA out of SMU put up over 1,300 yards and 23 TDs in his last season in college and profiles as more of a prototypical back than Henderson, who has also dealt with nagging injuries over his two seasons in the NFL. Jones is in line for carries as is, and there’s room for his role to grow. He’s an easy late round addition in any format.

 

FALLERS

Amari Rodgers, Packers WR
Well that was quick. In just my last segment I was celebrating the fact that Aaron Rodgers was returning to lead the Packers, and Amari would be a primary beneficiary of that return. Well, only a day after, in a move predicated by the Texans acquisition of former Bears slot receiver Anthony Miller, the Texans traded Randall Cobb back to the Packers – This was apparently one of Aaron Rodgers’ demands in order for him to come back to the team. In any case, Amari’s fantasy prospects will suffer, and it could be a year before he reaches anything close to his potential. On a high note, Miller could offer some real value in Houston, particularly if Deshaun Watson plays out the season. 

WR Denzel Mims, WR Elijah Moore, TE Chris Herndon, Jets
When it rains it pours in New York. Mims, Moore and Herndon have all been practicing with the second team, confirming rumors that the fantasy prospects of all three are fading fast. Mims is an athletic specimen, but Keelan Cole is a “better” fit for the Jets’ offense on the outside. Moore is being stymied by the return of Jamison Crowder to his starting role, and Herndon is being supplanted by Tyler Kroft – and probably rightfully so. Outside of dynasty leagues, you can ignore Mims in drafts.There is an argument to pick up Moore late in redrafts, but he’s a luxury. Herndon can be ignored altogether. 

49ers Offense
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan stated very recently that there is no QB competition between Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Trey Lance and that Garoppolo is the starter in San Fran. I hope this is just lip service espoused to lull Garoppolo into complacency and light a fire under Lance, because the last thing the 49ers offense needs, for fantasy purposes at least, is to have the ineffective Garoppolo under center for any length of time. It might also be a show of frustration by the 49ers in response to Lance not signing his rookie contract as of yet. In any case, Lance isn’t going to be handed the starting gig, even if he makes the 49ers more explosive. 

DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, Dolphins WRs
Both Parker and Williams are on the PUP to start camp, Williams is out due to a foot and Parker for unspecified reasons – Parker missed two games in 2020 and dealt with nagging hamstring issues throughout the season. It’s bad news for both players considering they now have savvy veteran Will Fuller and rookie world beater Jaylen Waddle to contend with for targets. Parker will probably bounce back for fantasy purposes, but I fear Williams may struggle to find his footing whether he returns quickly or not. It doesn’t help that Tua Tagovailoa will be under center for the foreseeable future, instead of reinvented gunslinger Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is now in Washington.