Dynasty Risers and Fallers: Omarion Hampton’s Usage Raises Red Flags

Week 5 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

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

Kyren Williams, RB, Rams

Summer speculation about a split backfield hasn’t materialized. Williams has controlled 60% of the Rams' carries compared to 33% for Blake Corum.

Williams' fantasy performance shows he's deserving of the work, ranking third among RBs in PPR scoring while already catching 27 passes. That’s closing in on his career-high 36 receptions from last season.

With two more years left on his contract, Williams looks well-positioned to keep leading Sean McVay’s backfield.

Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers

Over the past three weeks, Warren ranks fourth among RBs with 24.3 PPR points. He’s benefited from Rico Dowdle missing time with a foot injury, but HC Mike McCarthy said this week that Warren will remain the lead back.

“Jaylen is our featured player right now. Let's make sure we all recognize that. He's hot. ... It’s important for us as an offense, coaches and players alike, to continue to put him in position to make plays. That won’t change.”

Warren is signed through 2027 and is making a strong case to remain the lead back (and a potential RB2) next season. 

Germie Bernard, WR, Steelers

Bernard broke out with a 6-catch, 80-yard Week 5. The Steelers played that game without Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, but that’s expected to be the arrangement in the short term.

Wilson was already ruled out for Week 6 with a finger injury. And Pittman will miss at least the next three games on IR. That’ll give Bernard a chance to earn a role even when his teammates return.

Note: The Steelers can reasonably get out of Pittman’s contract after this season. He's yet to contribute in 2026 with only 89 scoreless yards in 3 games.

There’s still uncertainty at QB, but Pittman leaving would strengthen Bernard’s chances of maintaining a meaningful role beyond 2026.

Week 5 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

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

Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers

Over the past two weeks, Hampton has totaled a low 40% carry share. That stretch includes just a 16% route rate, as the team has opted for a three-headed approach that also includes Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal.

This is on top of a Chargers offense that’s showing no signs of life under new OC Mike McDaniel. They've committed the most turnovers per game, plus rank 30th in points and 25th in yards.

Hampton doesn’t turn 24 until next year and shouldn’t be panic-sold. But at least for 2026, it’s an extreme long shot that he’ll provide the steady RB1 production that was possible entering the season.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Broncos

Waddle’s done more harm than good to fantasy rosters, with weekly PPR finishes at:

• WR104
• WR9
• WR77
• WR26
• WR66

What’s concerning is the relatively light volume, with Waddle’s 21.3% target share ranking just 32nd among WRs. 

We’ll see whether HC Sean Payton taking over play-calling leads to better results over a larger sample. 

For now, though, this offense doesn’t look capable of supporting a high-end fantasy outcome from Waddle. Through five games, Bo Nix sits at a 59.9% completion rate and 5.8 yards per attempt.

Week 4 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons

Penix’s two-game sample has turned up some impressive numbers, including a 73.3% completion rate and 10.6 yards per attempt, plus a low 14.3% pressure-to-sack rate.

That certainly doesn’t erase his durability concerns or that he’s not locked in as Atlanta’s 2027 starter. For now, though, he’s at least putting himself in position to stick atop the depth chart beyond 2026. 

Ollie Gordon, RB, Dolphins

Gordon made the most of his 9 carries Sunday, piling up 100 yards in the loss to Minnesota. Jaylen Wright lagged well behind with only 7 yards on 5 attempts. 

De’Von Achane absence provides Gordon a valuable runway to push for a bigger role next year.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills

HC Joe Brady recently praised Coleman for his early-season play. It’s showing up in the box score, with the former Round 2 pick slotting 35th in PPR points per game. 

Coleman’s age works in his favor. At 23, he should get more chances to earn a lasting role, especially while D.J. Moore deals with a nagging shoulder injury.

Dohnte Meyers, WR, Bengals

Meyers went undrafted in 2023 and took the CFL route before landing an NFL opportunity this season. He capitalized in Week 4 after Ja’Marr Chase left with a concussion, turning 9 targets into 7 catches and 82 yards. Meyers showed enough burst in space to make the performance more than just a volume-driven blip.

We’ll see if he’s able to retain the No. 3 WR role when Andrei Iosivas returns from a thumb injury. For now, Meyers has gone from the bottom of the dynasty ranks to a range where he’s worth rostering in deep formats.

Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders

Mayer quietly ranks seventh among TEs in receiving yards over the past two weeks, despite sharing the field with a healthy Brock Bowers. Mayer caught eight balls for 82 yards against Kansas City last Sunday and posted a healthy 74.2% route rate. 

Bowers’ lack of inline snaps allows Las Vegas to keep Mayer on the field without sacrificing its top weapon. So far, only 12.6% of Bowers’ passing snaps have come inline.

Mayer’s dynasty outlook looks better with HC Klint Kubiak calling the shots and a young top pick set to eventually replace Kirk Cousins.

Week 4 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

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

Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles

Hurts continues to struggle in new OC Sean Mannion’s offense.

Through four weeks, he’s managed just 178 passing yards per game, plus poor marks in completion rate (59.6%) and yards per attempt (6.25). He threw for just 93 yards in Sunday’s home loss to the Rams, going 1 of 7 for 5 yards on third downs. 

It’s a small sample, and Philly played without DeVonta Smith this past game. But we’ve seen little to suggest Hurts will improve, especially with an O-line that’s likely on the decline. RT Lane Johnson recently announced his retirement, and the Eagles traded C Cam Jurgens to Baltimore.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles

Like Hurts, Barkley feels the effects of losing two key blockers and playing in an offense that has struggled. He’s also week to week with a hamstring injury.

The dynasty outlook gets shakier beyond 2026, with Barkley turning 30 in February and Philadelphia potentially moving on next offseason.

Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos

Blame a shaky Bo Nix, but Sutton simply hasn’t delivered much through the first month:

• 9 catches
• 86 yards 
• 0 TDs

His target share is just 14.8%, while he’s seen a low 55% catchable target rate.

Don’t expect the 31-year-old to bounce back to 2025-level production. If he posts a big game within the next few weeks, consider flipping him for a pick or help elsewhere.

Week 3 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Parker Washington, WR, Jaguars

Washington already earned a writeup after Week 1, but his continued production has pushed him even higher in the rankings.

He ranks fourth among all pass catchers in target share through three weeks and sixth in team receiving yards share. His 3.25 yards per route run and 14.7 yards per reception add even more support to the early production.

The biggest uncertainty is where Washington will play long term, with his rookie contract set to expire after this season. But on his current track, it's hard to imagine Washington playing elsewhere for at least 2027.

Michael Wilson, WR, Cardinals

Wilson earned a massive 17 targets on Sunday, good for a 32.7% team share. He snagged 11 for 89 yards and a score (and nearly added a second).

He’s essentially operating as a co-No. 1 alongside Trey McBride, who narrowly tops Wilson in season-long targets (34 to 31). 

Meanwhile, Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a non-factor with 9 total targets.

Arizona already committed to Wilson this summer, inking him to a three-year extension with $47 million guaranteed. He looks like a dynasty WR3 … with the potential for more.

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Jets

Sadiq’s college career established him as an excellent athlete, and his 9.52 Relative Athletic Score at the NFL Combine confirmed it. 

Then came Sunday’s 7-105-1 breakout at Detroit. 

The matchup helped, and the Jets were missing TE Mason Taylor and WR Adonai Mitchell. Even so, Sadiq showed the contested-catch ability, reliable hands, and run-after-catch talent that point to a high fantasy ceiling. Fantasy managers would be wise to hold tight to the 21-year-old.

Week 3 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Baker Mayfield, QB, Buccaneers

Here are Mayfield’s weekly fantasy finishes:

• QB15
• QB21
• QB27

Plus, among 26 QBs with 75+ attempts, he’s 24th in off-target throw rate and 17th in adjusted completion rate. Now, he’s dealing with a thumb injury that’ll cost him at least three weeks.

De’Von Achane, RB, Dolphins

Achane simply had to move down the ranks after suffering a Week 3 ACL tear.

He’ll miss the final 14 games, but he’ll be on track to return for Week 1. Achane signed a four-year, $64 million deal earlier this year and should resume his clear lead-back role in 2027.

Avoid any temptation to sell low.

David Montgomery, RB, Texans

When Montgomery isn’t scoring TDs, there’s not much value here.

After a three-TD opener, he’s posted lines of 6 carries for 10 yards and 11 carries for 33 yards. Among 33 RBs with 30+ carries, he ranks last in yards per carry, 32nd in yards after contact per attempt, and 20th in missed tackles forced per attempt.

That helps explain the split with Woody Marks, who’s trailed Montgomery 13-17 in carries over the past two weeks. Marks has held a slight edge in target share over that stretch (8% to 6%).

At 29, Montgomery’s current trajectory makes him an unlikely lead back next season.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence is playing well, with a 66.7% completion rate, 7.6 yards per attempt, and 7 TDs. Meanwhile, Travis Hunter has barely factored in on offense with just a single target.

Still, Thomas hasn’t delivered much for fantasy managers, finishing WR58, WR51, and WR103 in PPR points. He’s also a distant third on the team in route rate (57.4%) and well behind No. 1 Parker Washington in target share (30.3% to 15.8%).

It’s hard to see Thomas becoming a reliable fantasy option this season. We’ll see if trade talks heat back up over the offseason.

Week 2 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars

Tuten has quickly taken control of the Jacksonville backfield, handling 54% of the team's carries through two games.

Chris Rodriguez hasn't emerged as a true goal-line specialist, either. Over two weeks, the Tuten-Rodriguez pairing has split inside-the-five rushing attempts 50/50.

But it's more than just the workload. Among 34 RBs with 20+ carries, Tuten ranks third in missed tackles forced per attempt and 10th in yards per carry.

Tuten’s workload and ability give him the upside to deliver RB2 production this season.

Denzel Boston, WR, Browns

Boston’s rookie career is off to a terrific start.

He leads the Browns in:

• Route rate (95%)
• Target share (22%)
• Receiving yards (154)
• Yards per route run (2.44)
• Receiving TDs (2)

Better QB play would raise Boston’s ceiling, and Cleveland could address the position in 2027. For dynasty purposes, though, he’s already showing the potential to develop into at least a co-No. 1 WR alongside K.C. Concepcion.

Terrance Ferguson, TE, Rams

Monday gave us the best look yet at Ferguson's fantasy upside. He posted career highs with 6 catches and 54 yards while scoring his first TD of the season.

Puka Nacua sitting out boosted Ferguson's opportunity, so don't overreact to one game. Still, he supplies useful contingent value in the short-term should Nacua (or Davante Adams) miss 2026 games. Longer term, Ferguson could become the Rams’ No. 2 target once Adams moves on.

Week 2 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

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

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders

Daniels suffered another dislocated left elbow in Sunday's loss to Dallas. He's seeking additional medical opinions but is expected to miss a significant stretch.

There's no reason to panic-sell him in dynasty leagues. Still, another extended absence after last year's injury-plagued season adds an uncomfortable layer of risk to his profile.

Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants

Dart needs surgery to repair his meniscus and MCL after getting injured early in Monday's loss to the Rams. His season is over.

The good news: Barring complications in his recovery, Dart should have enough time to get ready for Week 1 of 2027. For now, though, dynasty managers lose a full season of development and evaluation.

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Packers

Lloyd was out-carried by Kaleb Johnson in Week 2 despite Johnson joining Green Bay only weeks ago. A lost fumble didn't help Lloyd's case.

Josh Jacobs' return timetable remains uncertain, but Lloyd is already struggling to separate from the Packers' other backups. His chances of carving out a fantasy-friendly role continue to fade.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers

Brooks will miss at least six weeks with a groin injury that’ll require surgery. The injury only adds to an already concerning outlook. Even with Brooks healthy in Week 1, Chuba Hubbard controlled 69% of the snaps and 53% of Carolina's carries.

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Steelers

Metcalf's season is off to a brutal start. 

Despite commanding a 25% target share and running a route on 100% of Pittsburgh's pass plays, he's managed only 8 catches for 67 scoreless yards. He's also dropped three passes while averaging an ugly 0.76 yards per route run. 

Two games remain a tiny sample, but there hasn't been much encouragement from Aaron Rodgers or the Steelers' passing game. With Metcalf also set to turn 30 next season, his dynasty outlook is trending down.

Jayden Reed, WR, Packers

Reed might miss the season after sustaining a scary neck/back injury against the Jets. This comes after injuries limited him to only five regular season games in 2025. 

Matthew Golden's emergence creates another problem, making Reed a difficult 2027 rebound projection even with three seasons remaining on his contract.

Week 1 Dynasty Fantasy Football Risers

Kenneth Walker, RB, Chiefs

Walker finished as the RB2 overall in his Chiefs debut after turning 23 carries into a league-leading 173 rush yards. He also notably earned 6 targets for the fifth-highest mark of his career. Walker has already proven he can produce at an RB1 level, finishing as the RB12 in 2024 with 16.3 PPR points per game. But now, not only is he attached to a Patrick Mahomes-led offense, he’s showing he’s capable of a 60.5% carry share and 22.2% target share in it.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers

Hubbard endured a down season last year after finishing as the RB14 with 15.8 PPR points per game the year prior. He lost usage to Rico Dowdle while dealing with lingering calf issues throughout the season. But with Dowdle now with the Steelers and Jonathon Brooks as the only legitimate competitor for backfield touches, Hubbard has the runway to add more performances like his 23.7 PPR points in Week 1.

Emmett Johnson, RB, Chiefs

In Johnson's debut, he handled 21.1% of the Chiefs' rush attempts, second to Kenneth Walker. The rookie also hauled in both of his targets for 44 receiving yards. It was an impressive opening performance for the sixth-highest drafted RB from this past draft. Following Week 1, Johnson is one of the most sought-after handcuffs in fantasy.

Parker Washington, WR, Jaguars 

It was a mini-breakout third season for Washington last year after producing 10.5 PPR points per game, while not even being a full-time player. When Washington was on the field, he accounted for a target on 23.1% of his routes while averaging 2.06 yards per route run. That made him one of just 14 WRs to earn at least a 23% target rate and 2.00 yards per route run last season. Washington’s 19.3 PPR points in Week 1 have him climbing our dynasty rankings.

Matthew Golden, WR, Packers

Golden struggled mightily last season, becoming just the fifth first-round rookie WR to produce less than 1.00 yard per team pass attempt. That came a season after he became one of just three WRs selected in the first round despite never producing a collegiate season with at least 2.00 yards per team pass attempt. But in the first game of Golden’s second season, he posted 15.5 PPR points and a 28.6% target share that ranked eighth among all WRs. He could certainly develop into a co-No. 1 alongside Christian Watson and a WR3-level asset in the short term.

Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers

Coker led all WRs in Week 1 with 33.8 PPR points. The Panthers WR hauled in eight of his 9 targets for 138 yards and two scores, leading the team in receptions, targets, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. If you include the playoffs, this marks the second straight game that Coker has posted at least 28 PPR points. The third-year WR has averaged 17.2 PPR points per game over his past seven contests, which would’ve ranked as the WR6 last season.

Caleb Douglas, WR, Dolphins

Douglas is coming off his NFL debut, where he produced 14.4 PPR points behind a 25.9% target share. For reference, Keenan Allen and Terry McLaurin are the only third-round rookie WRs to achieve at least a 20% target share. That’s an impressive signal from the rookie, and he should have more opportunities to establish his role in a thin passing game. 

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Bills

Kincaid already benefits from playing with Josh Allen, and his current level of play could earn him an extension that keeps him in Buffalo for the foreseeable future. If Kincaid can maintain anything close to his 23% target share, he has a strong chance to finish as a high-end TE1 in Year 4.

Week 2 Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants

In the Giants’ first game under John Harbaugh, Tracy lost a fumble on his second and final carry. That left him with -1.6 PPR points for the week. With Cam Skattebo healthy and Devin Singletary and Najee Harris on the roster, Tracy isn't even guaranteed the backup role.

Eli Stowers, TE, Eagles

Stowers entered the league with strong draft capital after Philadelphia took him in Round 2, but little has gone right since. Reports from camp pointed to a steep learning curve and struggles with physicality, and a hamstring injury will now sideline him for at least four games. That’s enough to move the rookie TE down our dynasty rankings.