Training camps have been in full swing. The Hall of Fame Game is in the rearview mirror, and preseason action begins for the other clubs this week. Fantasy football drafts are ramping up, and gamers are reacting to camp news and depth-chart expectations. Let’s look at a snapshot of risers and fallers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end from July 30 to August 5 in half-point-per-reception (half-PPR) formats.
Training camps have been in full swing. The Hall of Fame Game is in the rearview mirror, and preseason action begins for the other clubs this week. Fantasy football drafts are ramping up, and gamers are reacting to camp news and depth-chart expectations. Let’s look at a snapshot of risers and fallers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end from July 30 to August 5 in half-point-per-reception (half-PPR) formats.
Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy and Will Levis were picked later in half-PPR leagues as of August 5 than on July 30. Nevertheless, they each climbed one spot within the positional rankings at quarterback. Murray was the only quarterback drafted as a starter in 12-team leagues who moved up the rankings.
Quarterbacks are dipping in overall average draft position (ADP), starting at the top with elite quarterbacks. Still, the fall has also permeated the middle tier and late-round darts.
Running Backs
James Conner was the only RB2 or higher to climb within the rankings at running back. He was outstanding last year. The veteran running back's job is secure early in the year, so the move upward is justifiable since he could hold down the fort all season. Chuba Hubbard's climb is baffling. Fantasy championships are won in the playoffs, and while early-season fantasy points can help fantasy teams reach the postseason, Hubbard's unlikely to be a meaningful contributor during the most crucial weeks of the season.
Many of the running backs in this section actually had earlier ADPs on August 5 than on July 30. Nevertheless, they dropped in the rankings at running back. David Montgomery slipped behind Conner, and Detroit's between-the-tackles grinder is an appealing selection.
Gamers who pick Jonathon Brooks should have an early-season plan in case the Panthers ease him into action early in the year, but he has league-winner upside as a possible bell-cow down the stretch. Kendre Miller's slide will probably continue, barring head coach Dennis Allen changing his tune about the second-year runner.
Wide Receivers
Cooper Kupp is the first name that stands out to me. I must admit I was concerned about Kupp's 2024 outlook earlier in the year. However, I've done a 180 with positive camp reports and optimism from Dr. Edwin Porras.
My favorite injury related ADPs (directly or because of teammate):
Kupp should continue to ascend in the wake of Puka Nacua's week-to-week knee injury.
More injuries in LA: Rams standout WR Puka Nacua is now considered week to week after suffering a knee injury this weekend that one source described as "not serious." pic.twitter.com/1VVwugcKDn
Speaking of knee injuries, DeAndre Hopkins will almost certainly appear in the fallers section in the next update after suffering a knee injury projected to sideline him for four to six weeks.
More about Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins suffering a knee injury that is likely to sideline him four to six weeks:https://t.co/4qY9kBxEP9
Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are the only teammates among the falling wideouts, and it could be a reaction to New Orleans's potentially catastrophically dreadful offensive line. Nevertheless, both wideouts are still intriguing, especially at their reduced costs.
Jordan Addison was an over-drafted player after riding high on favorable touchdown variance last year, but his fall stems from a near-certain suspension. As Adam Levitan of Establish the Run noted on Twitter, the timing of Addison's likely suspension could be problematic.
Jordan Addison (possible suspension for DUI) situation remains murky. Now has a court date of October 7, but we don't know when case will be resolved.
What we do know now is IF Addison does take his suspension this season, it will be after Wk 6 at a minimum.
Even if the NFL waits until 2025 to suspend Addison, he's an unappealing pick before the 120s.
Tight Ends
Mark Andrews was the only riser among starting tight ends in 12-team half-PPR leagues, moving into a tie for the TE3 spot. Cole Kmet broke a tie at TE15 to claim possession for himself, but he's less appealing this year than last season in a more crowded pass-catching corps.
I have Trey McBride ranked ahead of Andrews, but the third-year tight end slipped into a tie for the TE3 spot with Baltimore's stud tight end. They're in the same tier and are excellent options for fantasy gamers. Noah Fant's slide might be related to a brief injury scare for Geno Smith. Yet, Smith returned to practice on Monday. Fant's an intriguing late-round dart for gamers who wait to select a non-elite tight end.
Josh is a savvy, grizzled veteran in the realm of make-believe sports. He's thoroughly experienced playing in season-long re-draft leagues, keeper formats and daily games. His fantasy advice for baseball and football has been found at many locations around the internet. He's finished in the top 10 accuracy scores among experts here, at Fantasy Pros, in three of four years competing with his colleagues including a first-place finish in 2012.
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