Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers: Say No To Stale Rankings

   

Fantasy Football Risers (8-23 through 8-29)

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

Spencer Rattler, QB, Saints

The Saints’ Week 1 starter, Rattler out-played rookie QB Tyler Shough in training camp and preseason. He registered a 70% completion rate and 6.9 yards per attempt on 43 preseason passes. We’re still expecting Shough to make multiple starts this year. Rattler is an unexciting QB3 even in superflex leagues.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots

Henderson got another bump up the RB rankings with The Athletic’s Chad Graff writing this week that the rookie could get “half the carries, if not more." That would give Henderson RB1 upside considering he’s already primed to play a big role in the passing game.

Tony Pollard, RB, Titans

RB Tyjae Spears landed on IR this week, knocking him out for the first four games of the season. That’ll make Pollard a workhorse in September – and a weekly RB2 with RB1 upside in fantasy lineups.

Najee Harris, RB, Chargers

Harris was activated from the non-football injury list on Tuesday, and HC Jim Harbaugh said there’s a “possibility” Harris plays Week 1. He wouldn’t be a fantasy option in that one and might not be a standalone starter all year. But Harris is at least trending toward handcuff status behind Omarion Hampton. He’s draftable in the double-digit rounds.

Brian Robinson, RB, 49ers

HC Kyle Shanahan called Robinson the “two back” just a couple of days after he was acquired from Washington. We don’t expect him to be a fantasy option as long as RB Christian McCaffrey is healthy. But Robinson looks like the CMC handcuff, making him worth a roster spot in most fantasy leagues.

Ollie Gordon, RB, Dolphins

RB Jaylen Wright underwent a “minor procedure” this week and will likely miss multiple games to open the season. That gives Gordon a chance to steal the No. 2 RB job, which he might have already done with a strong preseason. Gordon has become a priority target in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.

Kendre Miller, RB, Saints

Miller looks set to enter the season as New Orleans’ No. 2 RB based on preseason usage. “I thought he's done a phenomenal job,” HC Kellen Moore said this week. Miller is worth considering at the end of fantasy drafts as Alvin Kamara’s handcuff.

Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

We finally got a resolution to the Rice situation: He’ll be suspended for the first six games of the season. Although we’d had Rice projected to miss six games for a while, he climbed the rankings a bit for two reasons:

1. No more risk that he’s suspended more than six games.
2. The suspension coming at the start of the season makes him easier to replace in fantasy lineups (fewer injuries and no bye weeks until Week 5).

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers

Egbuka climbed the WR rankings again this week. WR Chris Godwin isn’t expected back until Week 5 or later, according to GM Jason Licht. And TE Cade Otton is iffy for Week 1. Egbuka figures to be busy right out of the gate.

Matthew Golden, WR, Packers

WR Jayden Reed will evidently try to play through a Jones fracture that he suffered in his left foot in early August. That only raises the ceiling on Golden, who has a chance to emerge as Green Bay’s No. 1 WR. He's a big value in fantasy drafts, according to ADP Market Index.

Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos

Mims ran a route on 92% of QB Bo Nix’s dropbacks this preseason. Don’t expect that rate to hold in the regular season, but Mims looks like a lock to play the biggest role of his career this year. He’s a breakout candidate, although we’ll have to keep an eye on the groin injury he suffered this week.

Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers

Coker will take over as Carolina’s primary slot receiver after the Adam Thielen trade, GM Dan Morgan confirmed this week. Coker out-played WR Xavier Legette last year and could emerge as the No. 2 target in this year.

Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders

Cooper is back with the franchise that drafted him in 2015, signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the Raiders this week. He joins a WR corps with Jakobi Meyers, who requested a trade this week, and youngsters Tre Tucker, D’Onte Thornton, and Jack Bech. So there’s a path for Cooper to be fantasy-relevant this year. But he’s just a late-round flier in drafts for now.

Tory Horton, WR, Seahawks

The Seahawks released WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, clearing the way for Horton to open the season as the No. 3 WR. He’d probably need to pass WR Cooper Kupp for No. 2 duties to be a reliable fantasy factor in what will be a run-leaning offense. But Horton is worth stashing in deeper redraft leagues.

Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Lions

Following an impressive preseason from TeSlaa, the Lions traded WR Tim Patrick to Jacksonville. That gives this rookie a shot to open the season as the No. 3 WR in a high-scoring offense. That’s probably not enough to make him a reliable fantasy option, but an injury to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, or even Sam LaPorta could change that.

Harold Fannin, TE, Browns

Fannin registered a 65% snap rate and 64% route rate with QB Joe Flacco and the first-team offense in the preseason finale. The rookie looks set to play a significant role right away. He’s still more likely a David Njoku handcuff than standalone fantasy option. But Fannin will be an intriguing player to monitor early this season -- and could be worth stashing in deep redraft leagues.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (8-23 through 8-29)

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

Tyler Shough, QB, Saints

Shough lost the starting job to QB Spencer Rattler -- not a promising start to his career. We still expect Shough to make multiple starts this season, but he’s not worth rostering in redraft leagues.

Joe Mixon, RB, Texans

Mixon landed on the on the reserve/non-football injury list this week, which means he’ll miss at least the first four games of the season. GM Nick Caserio said “we’ll see” when asked whether Mixon will play at all this year. Mixon can’t be considered until the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts. And we wouldn’t blame you for avoiding him altogether in fantasy leagues without an IR spot.

Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans

Spears was placed on short-term IR, knocking him out for the first four games of the season with his high-ankle sprain. He’s still worth a draft-and-stash in the later rounds, but Spears won’t be a fantasy factor before October.

Isaac Guerendo, RB, 49ers

He looks like the No. 3 RB in San Francisco following the trade for Brian Robinson. That makes Guerendo waiver-wire material outside of deep fantasy leagues.

Jaylen Wright, RB, Dolphins

Wright underwent a “minor procedure” this week and will likely miss multiple games to open the season. That’ll give Ollie Gordon a chance to lay claim to the No. 2 RB job, which he might have already been winning after out-playing Wright this preseason. Wright is not worth rostering in most redraft leagues.

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Packers

Lloyd was placed on IR with his latest injury, this time to his hamstring. He’s out for at least the first four games of the season and isn’t worth rostering in redraft.

Phil Mafah, RB, Cowboys

The rookie will open the season on IR, costing him the first four games. Mafah could still work himself into a role in a wide-open Dallas backfield this season. But he’s not worth a roster spot in redraft to open the season.

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Raiders

Meyers requested a trade on Monday and watched the Raiders add WR Amari Cooper on the same day. It all adds uncertainty to a guy we were drafting for his floor. Meyers has sunk to WR4 territory in the PPR rankings.

Jayden Reed, WR, Packers

Reed is reportedly dealing with a Jones fracture in his left foot. He’s uncertain for Week 1, and this injury could linger well beyond that. Reed is a risky pick in remaining fantasy drafts.

Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers

Despite being activated from the PUP list last week, Godwin is not expected to make his 2025 debut until Week 5 or later, GM Jason Licht said. We’re now projecting Godwin to miss the first five games of the season, knocking him further down the WR rankings.

Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings

Thielen fell in the rankings with his move from Carolina back to Minnesota. He has a chance to be a fantasy factor during WR Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension to open the season. But Thielen figures to eventually settle in as the No. 4 option in this passing game behind Justin Jefferson, Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.

Diontae Johnson, WR, free agent

Johnson got dumped by a Browns team in desperate need of WR help. That doesn’t bode well for his chances of making a fantasy impact again. He shouldn’t be rostered in redraft leagues and is not a must-hold in dynasty.

Jason Sanders, K, Dolphins

Sanders is expected to miss 4-5 weeks with a hip injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Look elsewhere for your fantasy kicker.

  

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Fantasy Football Risers (8-16 through 8-22)

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

Daniel Jones, QB, Colts

Jones was named the Colts’ starter -- and HC Shane Steichen said he’ll have a long leash. We’re still expecting to see QB Anthony Richardson at some point this season. But Jones is the pick if you’re looking for an immediate QB3 in best ball and superflex drafts.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts

Taylor’s carry, target, and TD projections get boosts with QB Daniel Jones under center. He remains an exciting Round 2 fantasy pick.

Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks

Charbonnet has had a strong camp and preseason, while RB Ken Walker has struggled with a sore foot. ESPN’s Brady Henderson suggested this week that Charbonnet could be pushing Walker for work. We’re not fully buying that, but we did add a little volume to Charbonnet’s 2025 projections. If nothing else, he remains an excellent handcuff bench stash.

Jerome Ford & Dylan Sampson, RBs, Browns

RB Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned and away from the team. His domestic violence charges were dropped, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this week that a contract may not be signed until the NFL completes its investigation into the incident. At this point, Judkins is a long shot to play Week 1, leaving Ford and Sampson to handle backfield work.

Nick Chubb & Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans

RB Joe Mixon remains sidelined with his foot/ankle injury and seems likely to open the season on the PUP list. His absence would leave the backfield to Chubb, Pierce, Woody Marks, and Dare Ogunbowale. Chubb started Houston’s second preseason game while Pierce sat with a minor injury. But they’ve reportedly been splitting first-team work in practice recently. Both guys are viable late-round fliers, although Chubb still sits higher in the RB rankings.

Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Chris Rodriguez, RBs, Commanders

RB Brian Robinson was dealt to San Francisco on Friday, leaving these three atop Washington’s depth chart. Ekeler’s role as primary pass-catching back is secure, and he could pick up some extra rushing work. Croskey-Merritt has been buzzing all summer and is exciting pick in the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts. But Rodriguez figures to be involved, too, particularly on short-yardage and goal-line snaps.

Colts pass catchers

QB Daniel Jones means more pass attempts and more efficient passing than QB Anthony Richardson. It’s good news for WRs Josh Downs and Michael Pittman and TE Tyler Warren. All three climbed our rankings this week.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills

"Coleman has dominated training camp,” Sports Illustrated’s Alex Brasky wrote this week. The second-year WR seems primed for a big leap in a high-scoring Bills offense. He’s one of our favorite fantasy football sleepers.

Pat Bryant & Troy Franklin, WRs, Broncos

Denver traded WR Devaughn Vele to New Orleans this week, freeing up snaps for these youngsters. Bryant, Franklin, and Marvin Mims figure to rotate between the Broncos’ No. 2, 3, and 4 WR spots. All three are viable late-round bench stashes as we wait to see how the WR room shakes out.

Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Bears

Zaccheaus has had a strong camp by all accounts and is set to open the season as Chicago’s starting slot receiver. We don’t expect him to hold off WR Luther Burden for long, though, so Zaccheaus is still not a recommended pick in fantasy drafts.

Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Lions

The rookie has scored in back-to-back preseason games, totaling eight catches and 105 yards. He’s seemingly pushing Tim Patrick for No. 3 WR duties. TeSlaa still isn’t worth a roster spot in most redraft leagues. But an injury to Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, or even Sam LaPorta could change that.

Jamari Thrash, WR, Browns

Thrash has out-played WR Diontae Johnson in camp and is expected to open the season as Cleveland’s primary slot receiver. He still sits well outside draftable range in the WR rankings.

Cade Otton, TE, Buccaneers

WR Chris Godwin is expected to miss at least the first month of the season, while WR Jalen McMillan is likely out for the first half of the year. That leaves Otton as the likely No. 3 target in the passing game behind WRs Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka. Otton could be a viable fantasy spot starter in September.

Harold Fannin, TE, Browns

"Fannin is going to line up all over the formation, and he’s absolutely going to be involved in the offense,” The Athetic’s Zac Jackson wrote this week. Fannin was notably held out of Cleveland’s second preseason game, along with other key players. The rookie will still likely need a David Njoku injury to be a reliable fantasy play. But he’s worth keeping on your waiver-wire watchlist. 

  

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Fantasy Football Fallers (8-16 through 8-22)

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

Anthony Richardson, QB, Colts

Richardson got beat out for the starting job by QB Daniel Jones -- the latest in a long line of disappointments for the former fourth overall pick. We’re still expecting Richardson to make starts this season, but he’s unrosterable in 1-QB leagues.

Joe Mixon, RB, Texans

Mixon remains sidelined with no timetable for return. "The Texans will take their time with managing his recovery and will not rush him back onto the field after missing the entire offseason and the majority of training camp so far,” insider Aaron Wilson wrote this week. Mixon is a virtual lock to miss the start of the season. His status beyond that is entirely unclear. He can only be drafted as a bench stash at this point.

Brian Robinson, Isaac Guerendo, and Jordan James RBs, 49ers

San Francisco’s trade for Robinson muddies the depth chart behind RB Christian McCaffrey. Robinson and Guerendo had nearly identical advanced metrics last year. Guerendo’s size and athleticism makes him the more exciting player, but it doesn’t guarantee him the No. 2 job. He and Robinson are just late-round fliers. James is off the redraft radar for now.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns

Judkins remains unsigned and away from the team. The domestic violence charges against him were dropped, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this week that a contract may not be signed until the NFL completes its investigation into the incident. Judkins is looking like a long shot to play Week 1. And it’s tough to imagine him being a fantasy factor before October.

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Packers

Lloyd is hurt. Again. He pulled a hamstring in Green Bay’s second preseason game and is out indefinitely. Lloyd remains an exciting talent but isn’t worth a redraft roster spot until he proves he can stay on the field.

Jalen McMillan, WR, Buccaneers

McMillan suffered a neck injury in Tampa Bay’s second preseason game that’s expected to cost him at least the first half of the season. He’s not worth a roster spot in any redraft leagues.

Diontae Johnson, WR, Browns

Johnson has been a camp disappointment, The Athletic’s Zac Jackson wrote this week, and has been running behind WR Jamari Thrash in the slot. Johnson might not even be a lock to make Cleveland’s 53-man roster and is off the fantasy radar for  now.

Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Patriots

Polk will miss the entire 2025 season with a shoulder injury that requires surgery. He was already off the redraft radar after a miserable rookie season. Polk is not a must-hold in dynasty leagues.

 

  

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Fantasy Football Risers (8-9 through 8-15)

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

James Cook, RB, Bills

Cook got paid this week: $48 million over the next four years. That eliminates any risk of an in-season holdout, boosting Cook’s floor projection. But we’re still not expecting his role to change from last year. Cook climbed the RB rankings but remains overvalued, according to the ADP Market Index.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots

Henderson jumped off the screen in the preseason opener, scoring a 100-yard kick-return TD and busting an 18-yard run off left tackle. He played just 50% of the first-team snaps -- but ran a route on 75% of QB Drake Maye’s dropbacks and drew three targets. Henderson could catch a ton of passes this year.

Tony Pollard, RB, Titans

RB Tyjae Spears suffered a high-ankle sprain in the preseason opener. That makes him iffy for Week 1 and could impact his play throughout September. It boosts Pollard’s early-season outlook.

R.J. Harvey, RB, Broncos

Harvey controlled first-team work in the preseason opener, playing 63% of the snaps and out-carrying J.K. Dobbins 7 to 0. There’s no guarantee that sticks come Week 1. But if it does, Harvey would have RB1-level upside.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns

Judkins will not face criminal charges after being accused of domestic violence in July. The NFL is still investigating the case, so Judkins isn’t out of the woods yet. But there’s a very real chance he dodges a suspension. The rookie missed a ton of valuable camp reps and could get off to a slow start. But he’s the favorite to be Cleveland’s lead back by October.

Jaylen Wright & Ollie Gordon, RBs, Dolphins

RB Alexander Mattison underwent season-ending neck surgery this week. That makes Wright an even safer bet for Miami’s No. 2 RB job. It also makes Gordon a virtual lock to make the final roster, putting him on the radar in deep fantasy leagues.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers

Dowdle surprisingly split first-team work with RB Chuba Hubbard in the preseason opener. We don’t expect that to continue when the games start to count. But Dowdle could be Carolina’s pass-catching back, giving him value in deep PPR leagues. And he looks like the Hubbard handcuff.

Sean Tucker, RB, Buccaneers

“We’ve got to get him the ball more,” HC Todd Bowles said of Tucker last weekend. RB Rahaad White, meanwhile, suffered a groin injury in the preseason opener. Consider taking a shot on Tucker late if your draft goes beyond 16 rounds.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders

The rookie got the start in Washington's preseason opener. RBs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler didn’t play, but it’s confirmation that Croskey-Merritt is already the No. 3 RB. He’s probably one injury away from having a real role in a high-scoring offense.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers

McMillan and QB Bryce Young looked ready to roll in the preseason opener, connecting on two of three targets for 43 yards. The miss was an incredible anticipatory throw from Young into the end zone that McMillan couldn’t quite corral. The rookie is clearly ready to play a huge role in this offense right away

Emeka Egbuka & Jalen McMillan, WRs, Buccaneers

WR Chris Godwin is trending toward opening the season on the PUP list, which would cost him the first four games. That’d mean more target opportunity for Egbuka, who continues to rocket up our rankings. But it’d also mean a near full-time role for McMillan early this season. He could be a spot starter in deeper fantasy leagues.

Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos

Mims ran a route on 82% of the pass plays with the first-team offense in the preseason opener. That was a big jump from last year, when Mims never topped a 48% route rate. If this usage sticks, Mims could be a fantasy factor even in lineup-setting leagues this season.

Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers

Coker was a rankings faller earlier this month after reports that his roster spot was in danger. He’s turned it around since, though, prompting HC Dave Canales to call him "one of the more reliable guys we have" this week. Coker will likely open the season as Carolina’s No. 4 WR but could surpass Adam Thielen and/or Xavier Legette on the depth chart in-season.

   

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Fantasy Football Fallers (8-9 through 8-15)

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

Breece Hall, RB, Jets

Hall worked in a three-RB committee in the preseason opener, as HC Aaron Glenn suggested would be the case back in March. We’ll see if we get any more usage clues from the backfield over the next two preseason games, but we nudged Hall down the RB rankings for now. He’ll struggle for more than mid-range RB2 production if he loses work to RBs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers

Hubbard split work with RB Rico Dowdle in the preseason opener. We don’t expect that to be the case come Week 1, but we are buying Hubbard ceding passing-down snaps to Dowdle. We shaved Hubbard’s target projection, pushing him down the RB rankings.

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Broncos

Dobbins was out-snapped and out-touched by RB R.J. Harvey in Denver’s first preseason game. We’ll continue to look for more clues on this backfield split. But Dobbins might end up as more of a handcuff than standalone fantasy option.

Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans

Spears suffered a high-ankle sprain in the preseason opener. That could challenge his availability for Week 1 -- and hamper him throughout September. Spears fell a few spots in the RB rankings but remains a nice late-round stash, even if it’s just as the Tony Pollard handcuff.

Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers

White exited the preseason opener with a groin injury that doesn’t sound serious. His bigger concern might be RB Sean Tucker, who flashed as a rookie last year and was talked up by HC Todd Bowles this week. Tucker and White could form something close to a 50/50 committee if RB Bucky Irving misses time this year.

Jerome Ford & Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns

No domestic violence charges will be filed against RB Quinshon Judkins. The league is still looking into the incident, so a suspension is still possible. Ford and Sampson are still on the late-round radar, but both guys fell in the rankings with Judkins’ outlook improving.

Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

Rice and the league have not agreed on the length of a suspension for his street-racing crash, so they’ll go to a hearing on September 30. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Friday that the league initially proposed a suspension of double-digit games. It’s still possible that the two sides settle before Week 1. But, if they don’t, Rice’s suspension would come in the middle of the season. We’re now projecting him to miss six games -- up from four.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders

McLaurin remains sidelined as he angles for a new contract. We’re now just a little over three weeks away from the season opener -- and OC Kliff Kingsbury said Friday that McLaurin needs to get back on the field. We’re still projecting him to play Week 1, but we lowered his ceiling projection to account for the elevated risk.

Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers

Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds wrote this week that he'd be "shocked" if Godwin avoided the PUP list to start the season. That certainly matches the vibe we’ve gotten since training camp opened. We now have Godwin projected to miss the first four games.

Jayden Reed, WR, Packers

Reed was spotted in a walking boot ahead of Green Bay’s preseason opener last Saturday. He’s since shed the boot, but HC Matt LaFleur said that Reed could “potentially” miss Week 1. 

Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons

Mooney remains sidelined with the shoulder injury he suffered on July 24. HC Raheem Morris said Tuesday that Mooney is "week to week" with no clear timetable for return. We’re still tentatively projecting him to play Week 1, but we lowered Mooney’s floor projection.

 

  

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

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

Kyren Williams, RB, Rams

Williams’ three-year extension has us a little less concerned about him ceding work to RBs Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter this season. Williams got a small bump up the RB rankings.

Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers

HC Jim Harbaugh conceded on Friday that RB Najee Harris’ eye injury could keep him sidelined to start the season. We’re now projecting Harris to miss Week 1, which gave Hampton another boost up the rankings.

Tyrone Tracy, RB, Giants

ESPN's Jordan Raanan said this week that there's "no competition" in the Giants backfield. "It's 100% Tyrone Tracy.” Rookie RB Cam Skattebo has been sidelined for the past week with an injury. This backfield isn’t set in stone, but it’s at least looking like Tracy will open the season as a viable fantasy starter.

Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings

HC Kevin O’Connell referred to RBs Aaron Jones and Mason as "1A-1B" this week for at least the second time this offseason. O’Connell also talked up Mason’s ability in the passing game. We’re still expecting Jones to control passing-down work this season, but it’s become clear that Mason will have a significant role in this backfield. 

Keaton Mitchell, RB, Ravens

Mitchell had a strong preseason opener on Thursday night, taking nine carries for 68 yards and a score. He looks like Baltimore’s No. 3 RB behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill and would be a fantasy factor if Henry misses time this season.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers

The rookie had another strong week at training camp. Meanwhile, GM Jason Licht said Tuesday that he’s not sure if WR Chris Godwin will need to open the season on the PUP list (which would cost him the first four games). If that happens, Egbuka could get off to a hot start and never look back.

Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers

Allen is back in Los Angeles after signing a one-year deal with the Chargers on Wednesday. He won’t threaten Ladd McConkey’s spot atop the depth chart, but Allen could certainly wind up as the team’s No. 2 WR. He remained productive on a dysfunctional Bears offense last year, catching 70 balls for 744 yards and seven TDs in 15 games.

Tory Horton, WR, Seahawks

Horton had a nice preseason debut on Thursday night, catching three balls for 31 yards and a score. ESPN’s Brady Henderson wrote earlier this week that Horton has out-played WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling in camp and has already been mixing in with the first-team offense. At this point, the rookie seems like the favorite to open the season as Seattle’s No. 3 WR.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Panthers

Sanders has been “one of the brightest stars in camp,” The Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye wrote this week. Sanders flashed a bit as a rookie last year and looks primed to operate as Carolina’s clear lead TE in 2025. He’s worth a look near the end of best-ball drafts and could emerge as a spot starter in lineup-setting leagues this season.

  

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

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

Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers

Herbert lost LT Rashawn Slater for the season on Thursday. Slater ranked third among 81 qualifying OTs in Pro Football Focus’ 2024 pass-blocking grades. And in the two games he missed last year, Herbert was pressured on 41% and 26% of his dropbacks. It’s a significant loss for the Chargers’ offense and knocked Herbert a couple spots down the QB rankings.

Aaron Jones, RB, Vikings

It’s looking like Jones could find himself in something close to a 50/50 split of early-down work with RB Jordan Mason this season. We’re still expecting Jones to control passing-down work, though, which keeps him inside the top 30 of our PPR RB rankings.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants

Skattebo has been sidelined for a week with an undisclosed injury. He wasn’t getting much first-team work before going down and looks destined to enter the season firmly behind RB Tyrone Tracy on the depth chart. Skattebo should only be drafted as a bench stash.

Najee Harris, RB, Chargers

Harris remains sidelined and without a timetable for return. HC Jim Harbaugh admitted on Friday that the eye injury could cost Harris the start of the season. He took another tumble down the RB rankings and is barely draft-worthy right now.

Devin Neal, RB, Saints

Neal is expected to miss “multiple weeks” with a hamstring injury, per HC Kellen Moore. That’ll hurt this sixth-round rookie’s chances of winning the No. 2 RB job. Neal isn’t worth a pick in most fantasy drafts right now.

Khalil Herbert, RB, Colts

Herbert played behind both D.J. Giddens and Tyler Goodson in Thursday night’s preseason opener. (Jonathan Taylor didn’t play.) Herbert is in danger of not making the Colts’ final roster and is well off the fantasy radar at this point.

Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers

Asked Tuesday if Godwin could open the season on the PUP list, GM Jason Licht said, “That we don't know yet.” Not very comforting. Godwin remains sidelined after two offseason surgeries and continues to slide down our WR rankings.

Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings

Addison was handed a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. We’d had him projected out for the first two games, so he took a slight hit in the rankings. We’ll see where his ADP goes, but Addison will still be worth targeting in WR4 territory.

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills

Shakir suffered a high-ankle sprain in practice last weekend. HC Sean McDermott said Thursday that Shakir should be ready for Week 1. But high-ankle sprains have a tendency to limit effectiveness even after a player returns. We’ll keep an eye on Shakir’s status, but he could be a risky Week 1 fantasy starter.

Quentin Johnston and Tre Harris, WRs, Chargers

WR Keenan Allen’s arrival could push both of these guys down a rung on the depth chart. Johnston wasn’t an exciting fantasy target to begin with. Harris still possesses enough upside to be worth a bench stash, but don’t count on the rookie as an early-season fantasy asset.

Mason Taylor, TE, Jets

Taylor went down with a high-ankle sprain this week. He should be back before Week 1, but the missed practice time likely kills any chance the rookie had to be a viable fantasy starter early on this season.

  

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Fantasy Football Risers (7-26 through 8-1)

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

Nick Chubb and Woody Marks, RBs, Texans

These guys are topping Houston’s depth chart for however long RB Joe Mixon remains sidelined with his foot injury. Chubb has been running as the lead back in camp and would be the favorite for early-down work if Mixon isn’t ready for Week 1. Marks, a fourth-round rookie, could be in line for change-of-pace and passing-down duties. Both guys climbed the rankings this week, but we’re not particularly excited about either.

Braelon Allen, RB, Jets

Allen has been buzzing since camp opened. The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt wrote this week that he believes the Jets backfield "might be more 1A-1B than 1-2," with Allen as the B to Breece Hall’s A. We’re still not convinced that Allen will see enough work behind Hall and alongside QB Justin Fields to be a standalone fantasy option. But we bumped him up the RB rankings and will continue to monitor this backfield split.

Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson, RBs, Browns

The vibes around RB Quinshon Judkins keep getting worse. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said this week that he’s “cautiously optimistic” that Judkins will play for the team. No idea when that will be. At this point, it looks likely that Ford and Sampson will open the season as Cleveland’s top two RBs. They’re both worth considering once you get into the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts.

D.J. Giddens, RB, Colts

The rookie has impressed in camp so far, particularly in the passing game. ESPN’s Stephen Holder believes Giddens could make an impact this season as a receiver. We’re still not betting on any standalone fantasy value, but he at least looks like the Jonathan Taylor handcuff.

Tahj Brooks, RB, Bengals

The Bengals dumped RB Zack Moss this week, clearing the path for Brooks to win handcuff duties behind Chase Brown. RB Samaje Perine remains on the roster, but he’s a passing-down specialist at this point of his career. We’d bet on Brooks being the better fantasy play if Brown misses time this season.

Matthew Golden, WR, Packers

Golden has “checked every box” in camp so far, Packers News’ Ryan Wood wrote this week. The rookie has been a regular with the first-team offense and looks set to play a big role right out of the gate. We weren’t in love with Golden as a prospect, but we’re open to the idea of him returning value at his current WR44 ADP.

Demario Douglas, WR, Patriots

Patriots insider Taylor Kyles calls Douglas the team’s best receiver in camp so far. We’re not buying Douglas out-scoring WR Stefon Diggs in fantasy this year. But it does continue to sound like Douglas is primed for a significant role as New England’s primary slot receiver. He’s a nice late-round target in PPR drafts.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Chargers

Lambert-Smith has been buzzing in training camp and had a strong preseason debut on Thursday night, catching both of his targets for 43 yards and a TD on 13 routes. Fellow rookie WR Tre Harris also ran 13 routes but failed to catch his only target. Harris and Quentin Johnston remain the favorites to open the season as the No. 2 and No. 3 WRs behind Ladd McConkey. But Lambert-Smith is seemingly pushing for a role. Consider him a deep, deep sleeper for now.

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens

TE Isaiah Likely underwent surgery this week to repair a broken bone in his foot. He’s reportedly iffy for the start of the season. Andrews will get a significant boost if Likely misses time. He registered a season-high 94% route rate and 6-68-1 receiving line when Likely missed Week 10 last year.

   

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Fantasy Football Fallers (7-26 through 8-1)

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

Matt Stafford, QB, Rams

Stafford remains sidelined with back soreness. HC Sean McVay hasn’t expressed any concern about Stafford’s availability for Week 1, but there’s still no timetable for his return. We’re still tentatively expecting him to be out there for the opener, but we’ve lowered Stafford’s floor projection.

Breece Hall, RB, Jets

The buzz on RB Braelon Allen -- both from coaches and media -- has us shifting some work from Hall to Allen in our projections. Hall dropped a few spots down the RB rankings but still sits top-15 across scoring formats.

Joe Mixon, RB, Texans

Mixon is expected to miss “an extended period of time” with a foot injury, and “there’s a chance” he won’t be ready for Week 1, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Mixon has been dealing with this issue for much of the offseason – a bad look for a 29-year-old RB with a lengthy injury history. We’ll continue to keep an eye on the situation, but Mixon fell over 10 spots in the RB rankings this week.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns

Judkins remains unsigned and away from the team after his mid-July domestic violence arrest. Owner Jimmy Haslam said this week that he’s only “cautiously optimistic” that Judkins will play for the team. There’s still a wide range of outcomes here. But that range includes Judkins not playing at all this season.

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Packers

Lloyd is hurt. Again. He went down with a groin injury on Monday. It’s not considered long-term, according to HC Matt LaFleur. But it’s a bad start to camp for a guy who was limited to 10 offensive snaps due to multiple injuries last year. We’re backing off Lloyd as a priority late-round target for now.

Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons

Falcons HC Raheem Morris was non-committal on Mooney’s availability for Week 1 when asked on Tuesday. We still have him projected to play in the opener for now but lowered Mooney’s floor projection.

Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers

Coker is clearly behind WRs Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Adam Thielen and has been out-played by WR Hunter Renfrow early in camp, according to The Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye. We’ll see if Coker can make a push up the depth chart, but he’s not worth a pick in most fantasy leagues right now.

Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens

Likely is reportedly iffy for the start of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot this week. That means it might be October before we could consider trusting him in a fantasy lineup. Likely is not worth rostering in most lineup-setting redraft leagues.

Mike Gesicki, TE, Bengals

The Bengals scooped up TE Noah Fant this week after he was dumped by the Seahawks. We’re still expecting Gesicki to operate as Cincinnati’s primary pass-catching TE this year after getting a three-year, $25.5 million deal earlier this offseason. But Fant’s arrival adds some risk to his playing time and targets. We lowered Gesicki’s floor projection a bit, although he moved just one spot down the TE rankings.

    

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Fantasy Football Risers (7-19 through 7-25)

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

Ken Walker, RB, Seahawks

Walker will be a focal point of Seattle’s offense this season, according to both beat writers in attendance for the start of camp and the coaching staff. “We’re going to ask a lot out of him,” new OC Klint Kubiak said. Walker’s ceiling extends into RB1 territory.

Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers

RB Najee Harris has yet to hit the field since his July 4 fireworks accident. HC Jim Harbaugh suggested this week that Harris could be sidelined through the end of training camp on August 8. That spells opportunity for Hampton, who has impressed his coaches early in camp.

Jerome Ford & Dylan Sampson, RBs, Browns

These guys will be atop Cleveland’s depth chart for as long as RB Quinshon Judkins is out of the picture after his mid-July domestic violence arrest. Sampson is an explosive rookie with exciting upside. But don’t sleep on Ford, who’s coming off a sneaky efficient 2024 season. HC Kevin Stefanski said this week that Ford is atop the depth chart for now. Both guys are worth a look in the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts, but we slightly prefer Ford at this point.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers

WR Chris Godwin is iffy for the start of the season after undergoing a second ankle surgery this spring. That could give Egbuka a shot to play a big role right out of the gate. A hot start could mean starter-level production for fantasy teams all season. At minimum, he remains a high-upside WR handcuff.

Jalen Royals, WR, Chiefs

The rookie has picked up the Chiefs’ offense quickly and is already getting some first-team reps. He could get significant playing time while WR Rashee Rice serves his presumed suspension. Royals is worth a look at the end of deep fantasy drafts.

Elijah Arroyo & A.J. Barner, TEs, Seahawks

The Seahawks released TE Noah Fant on Sunday, leaving these two guys atop the depth chart. Barner is a more traditional in-line TE and might play more snaps, especially early in the season. But Arroyo is the upside target in fantasy drafts. The second-round rookie averaged 16.9 yards per catch at Miami last year, including a massive 8.9 yards after the catch per reception. Seahawks GM John Schneider talked up Arroyo’s WR-like skill set shortly after drafting him. And Arroyo has been a standout early in camp.

Oronde Gadsden, TE, Chargers

The rookie had a buzzy spring and has continued to impress early in camp. He’s already mixing in with QB Justin Herbert and the first-team offense. Gadsden remains a long shot for 2025 fantasy value. But he’s at least worth monitoring over the next month – and stashing in all dynasty leagues.

 

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Fantasy Football Fallers (7-19 through 7-25)

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

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns

Judkins remains unsigned and away from the team after his July 12 domestic violence arrest. There’s no timetable for when the situation will be resolved, either from a legal standpoint or the NFL’s. The commissioner’s exempt list is a possibility for Judkins, as well as a six-game suspension under the league’s domestic violence policy. It’s a murky situation right now that makes Judkins a high-risk fantasy pick.

Najee Harris, RB, Chargers

Harris remains sidelined after his July 4 fireworks accident with no timetable for return. It’s possible the eye injury is a non-factor by the time Week 1 rolls around. But the missed time is giving talented rookie RB Omarion Hampton a chance to take control of lead duties. If you’re drafting now, there’s little reason to aggressively pursue Harris, even at a deflated ADP.

Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers

We learned Wednesday that Godwin had a second surgery on his left ankle this spring. Then HC Todd Bowles said Thursday that he doesn’t “know for sure” whether Godwin will be ready for Week 1. There’s clearly elevated risk here until we see Godwin back on the field. But he’s a risk worth taking as his ADP falls into WR4 territory. Godwin ranked fifth among WRs in PPR points per game through Week 7 last year.