As the NFL regular season rapidly approaches and depth charts become clearer, players rise and fall in Underdog Fantasy best ball drafts. The following analysis looks at risers and fallers at from August 1 through August 19.
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Underdog Fantasy Best Ball Risers and Fallers Since August 1
Running Backs
Tony Pollard and Derrick Henry both moved up slightly in the second round. The Cowboys haven't added another running back, and fellow riser Ezekiel Elliott signed with the Patriots. Henry has benefited from another running back's dissatisfaction with his contract. Furthermore, Tennessee's splashy signing of DeAndre Hopkins indicates they're not interested in rebuilding, which is ideal for a game-script-dependent back like King Henry.
Javonte Williams had positive health reports that culminated in appearing in Denver's second preseason game, and his ADP has maintained a steady climb dating to before August 1. The NFL levied only a three-game suspension to Alvin Kamara, and drafters are now snatching him in the 80s.
James Cook, Khalil Herbert, Jaylen Warren and Deuce Vaughn are all climbing because of stellar camp reports and preseason performances. Kenneth Gainwell is reportedly getting two-minute work for the Eagles, and he's drafted nearly two rounds earlier than he was on August 1.
De'Von Achane, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson no longer have Dalvin Cook potentially signing with the Dolphins hanging over their heads. So, drafters are reacting accordingly. Josh Jacobs hasn't signed his franchise tag, and Zamir White would be the primary beneficiary if Jacobs's holdout extends into the regular season. And Kareem Hunt is making the rounds, visiting teams and could sign somewhere soon.
Jonathan Taylor isn't happy with his situation in Indianapolis. However, he doesn't have much leverage. Regardless, his new ADP is probably more reasonable than his ADP on August 1 since Indy's offense might struggle, and rushing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson can vulture touchdowns on the ground and is unlikely to check down to Taylor often.
Rhamondre Stevenson's and Breece Hall's slide is an obvious reaction to the signings of Zeke and Cook by the Patriots and Jets, respectively. Many of the other falling running backs coincide with rising ones. Namely, Samaje Perine, Damien Harris, Kendre Miller, Devin Singletary and D'Onta Foreman had teammates on the risers table.
Jerome Ford's fall is the product of an injury that threatens his standing as Cleveland's primary backup. And Chase Brown is battling Chris Evans to be Joe Mixon's handcuff, saying nothing Trayveon Williams eventually returning to muddy the situation even more.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
