Instant Fantasy Analysis

Mon Mar 10 9:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Metcalf heads to the Steelers


The NFL does such a good job of staying relevant all season long. Free agency hasn’t even officially opened but the NFL continues to dominate headlines. Teams are agreeing to deals with free agents and trades are happening nearly every day. There is so much to keep up with, but we are here to help. It is time for some instant fantasy analysis of the latest moves from around the league.

Here is the latest. . . . .

The Jaguars traded receiver Christian Kirk to the Texans. This is a great spot for Kirk to land. He could become the go-to possession receiver for Houston. With Tank Dell’s status up in the air for the coming season, Kirk could take his role in the offense. Kirk should pair with Nico Collins to form a solid duo for quarterback C.J. Stroud. With that said, Kirk probably isn’t more than a No. 3 or 4 fantasy receiver. He isn’t likely to post some of his huge numbers from past seasons but should be able to get 70-plus receptions with around 1,000 yards. He should be a good depth piece or spot starter.

Las Vegas found their quarterback for the coming season, trading for Geno Smith. This is a big upgrade for the Raiders offense and their playmakers in the passing game. As for Smith, this probably isn’t a great spot for his fantasy value. He does reunite with his old coach, Pete Carroll, but the weapons in the passing game are lacking a little in Las Vegas, especially if you compare what he had to work with in Seattle. The only positive is the Raiders could be playing from behind, giving Smith more chance to air out. Smith could see his numbers dip a little from his days in Seattle. He is going to be spot start material for fantasy teams. 

The Seahawks got their quarterback a few days later, agreeing to a deal with Sam Darnold. This could be a good fit for Darnold and the Seahawks. He isn’t going to post the huge numbers he did with the Vikings explosive offense last year, though. We would consider Darnold more of a spot starter for fantasy teams this year. He should have a few big games but likely be pretty ho-hum most weeks.

Defense end Myles Garrett requested a trade a few weeks back but money apparently talks. The Browns signed Garrett to a massive contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Garrett will continue to lead the Browns top defense, which is good news for that fantasy unit.

The Vikings agreed to terms with running back Aaron Jones on a new two-year contract. This keeps Jones in Minnesota for a few more seasons. Jones was 15th overall in fantasy running back scoring this past season and has obvious fantasy value in this offense. He should be considered a top No. 2 fantasy back for the coming year. Injury is always a concern for him, especially at his age, but as long as he is on he field, he should produce good numbers in this offense.

The Rams made a big move for their offense, agreeing to terms with receiver Davante Adams on a two-year contract. Adams will replace Cooper Kupp, who the team is trying to move. Adams should be a healthier version of Kupp and produce some good numbers in this top offense. It wouldn’t surprise to see Adams push 100 receptions this coming season, being a top possession target for Matthew Stafford. Consider Adams a top No. 2 for fantasy teams. And don’t downgrade Puka Nacua because of this move. Nacua remains the top target in this offense and produced big numbers when Kupp was healthy and playing at a high level.

Pittsburgh added another top weapon to their passing game, trading for DK Metcalf. And he is signing a new, five-year contract with the team. It is hard to gauge Metcalf’s fantasy value right now, though, because we don’t know their quarterback. We will have a better idea of his value once that is figured out. For now, Metcalf should be considered a solid No. 2 fantasy receiver in this offense. The Steelers don’t have a great history in recent seasons of producing big fantasy receivers. Metcalf could be a little hit or miss for a team that likes to run the ball.

The Jets agreed to terms with Justin Fields to be their starting quarterback. This is a really intriguing signing for fantasy purposes. Fields might not be the best passer but his rushing totals really boost his fantasy value. As long as he is starting, he has good fantasy value. And he also gets to reunite with former college teammate Garrett Wilson, which could be a plus as well. Overall, Fields in a starring role is a plus for fantasy teams. He has the potential to a be top-10 fantasy quarterback if all goes well for him.

Dalles added Javonte Williams to their running back room. This is an interesting signing. It is thought the Cowboys want to address the running back position in the draft but for now, Williams looks to have the first shot to start. And if starting, he could have his best season to date in Dallas. He could do well in their pass-first offense, getting plenty of chances as a receiver out of the backfield. We’ll know more about this signing after the draft, though.

The Chargers seem to be moving on from JK Dobbins, agreeing to a deal with Najee Harris. This might be a downgrade from Dobbins a little but is a great fantasy spot for Harris. He seems like he could be a perfect fit for the Chargers offense. It would not surprise if he has his best fantasy season to date in this offense. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Tyler Conklin Apr 2 10:00pm CT
Tyler Conklin

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they signed Australian tight end Jordan Petaia as part of the league's International Player Pathway training program. Petaia recently worked out for teams at the University of South Florida's Pro Day on March 26. He appeared in two Rugby World Cups in 2019 in Japan and in 2023 in France for the Wallabies and became the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup in 2019 at just 18 years old. Petaia will be a long shot for any kind of fantasy relevance in the NFL with the Chargers but will provide additional tight end depth in L.A. heading into training camp behind newcomer Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Tucker Fisk and McCallan Castles. The 25-year-old spent the last few months learning American football at the IMG Academy in Florida.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Golden Apr 2 9:10pm CT
Matthew Golden

University of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden is taking a pre-draft visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, according to Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh. The Steelers acquired wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, but it doesn't mean that they won't look to add to the position through the draft to provide depth in 2025 behind Metcalf, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. The 21-year-old Golden is widely expected to come off the board in this year's NFL draft in the first round after producing 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Longhorns. He also impressed with his speed at the combine in late February by running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. If makes sense for the Pittsburgh to look at receiver in the upcoming draft with the future of Pickens uncertain beyond the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Apr 2 9:00pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson said on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday that he's not looking for a short-term deal from Cincinnati and began asking for a long-term deal from the Bengals with guaranteed money three years ago. Hendrickson, who has the third-most sacks in the NFL since 2020 (70.5), sounds frustrated that he hasn't been able to get an extension worked out with the Bengals yet, but he's not willing to put a timeline on when he might prefer a trade out of town this offseason. The 30-year-old said he doesn't have any desire to become the highest-paid defender in the league, but the communication of late with him and the team has been poor. He sounds fed up, but in all fairness, it was always going to be hard for Cincy to lock up all three of Hendrickson and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. It doesn't sound like a Hendrickson extension is close.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Apr 2 8:40pm CT
Tutu Atwell

The Los Angeles Rams plan on giving wide receiver Tutu Atwell a bigger role in 2025. "I think the fans are accurate in that I haven't done a good enough job of utilizing him," head coach Sean McVay said. The Rams cut veteran Cooper Kupp this offseason and replaced him with All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, but the 25-year-old Atwell could be utilized more often in the passing attack after posting career-highs in catches (42) and receiving yards (562) in 17 regular-season games (five starts) in 2024. Most of his production came in Weeks 3-7 when both Kupp and Puka Nacua were out with injuries. Atwell has 99 career receptions for 1,343 yards and four touchdowns in 54 games (23 starts), averaging 13.6 yards per catch. Demarcus Robinson is also gone, so Atwell should start in most three-receiver sets alongside Nacua and Adams, giving him some sleeper potential in deeper fantasy leagues in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Kyle McCord Apr 2 3:00pm CT
Kyle McCord

According to Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, there was "a lot of good buzz" surrounding former Ohio State and Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord at league meetings this week, and NFL teams are higher on him than draft analysts have been. The New Jersey native spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career in Columbus but backed up C.J. Stroud in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, he threw for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions en route to an 11-1 campaign. After transferring to Syracuse, he led the Orange to its first 10-win season since 2018 behind 4,779 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. In a weak quarterback class, there's a chance the 22-year-old could end up as a Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Apr 2 2:50pm CT
Ashton Jeanty

Boise State running back and 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty is expected to be a first-round pick and the first ball-carrier selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the explosive runner has been tied to landing spots such as the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the popular destination. The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick, and it would be a surprise if he's selected inside the top five. Meanwhile, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Raiders as -150 favorites to land Jeanty, and ESPN's Field Yates projected Jeanty to land in the Sin City in his recent mock draft. Jeanty was excellent in his final collegiate season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. While the Las Vegas offense has struggled in recent years, quarterback Geno Smith, tight end Brock Bowers, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers provide enough firepower around him if the Raiders' offensive line can achieve at least league-average play. If Jeanty is the pick at No. 6 overall, expect him to be a full-fledged workhorse with immediate high-end RB1 upside for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Apr 2 2:40pm CT
Emeka Egbuka

Former Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is viewed as one of the top prospects at the position by many NFL Draft analysts. However, the 2025 wideout class is viewed as a weak group at the top, and many have predicted Egbuka to fall out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN's Field Yates projects Egbuka to be selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 38 overall pick in his latest mock draft, and a Round 2 landing spot has become a popular theme for the 22-year-old. Egbuka posted 205 receptions for 2,868 yards, and 24 receiving touchdowns in 60 games for the Buckeyes. He'll likely end up in the slot during his NFL career.

From RotoBaller

Sean McVay Apr 2 2:30pm CT
Sean McVay

Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (shoulder) is expected to be ready for training camp this offseason after undergoing shoulder surgery, according to head coach Sean McVay. The 32-year-old played in just 11 games last season, his lowest since 2019. The former second-round pick by the St. Louis Rams out of Wisconsin in 2015 has spent his entire 10-year pro career with the Rams organization and has played in 141 games (all starts). The veteran is expected to continue starting at right tackle in 2025, though the Rams could have an eye on drafting his replacement in the early rounds of this month's NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

Milton Williams Apr 2 12:40pm CT
Milton Williams

The New England Patriots expect to have defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness) in the fold when they begin their offseason workouts on Monday, April 7, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. It's great news for the interior of the team's defensive line, as Barmore entered the offseason with uncertainty after having a setback with his blood-clot diagnosis last year. The Patriots signed the 25-year-old to a four-year, $84 million extension in 2024 after he led the team in sacks (8.5) and QB hits (16) in 2023. But he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs right before the start of training camp last July and ended up playing in only four regular-season games. Barmore made his season debut in Week 11 but was shut down after experiencing "recurring symptoms" from blood clots. If healthy, Barmore will join forces with Milton Williams, and the two could create one of the best interior combinations in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Apr 2 12:30pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week that the team plans to bring in a veteran kicker "who's capable of taking that job" to compete with Jake Moody this offseason. The 49ers would love to see Moody win the competition and come out motivated for a strong season in 2025 after struggling through a high-ankle sprain in 2024. The 25-year-old made just 70.6 percent of his 34 field-goal attempts in 14 games (4-for-9 from 50-plus yards) in his second year in the NFL after making 84 percent of his 25 field-goal tries in his rookie year. The former third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Michigan certainly has the skills to bounce back in 2025 if he's healthy, and if he does, he should be in play as a top-12 fantasy kicker.

From RotoBaller

Quinn Ewers Apr 2 12:30pm CT
Quinn Ewers

The New Orleans Saints are expected to host a top-30 visit with University of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in mid-April, according to a league source. The Saints have shown a considerable amount of interest in Ewers in the lead-up to this year's NFL draft, as they also met with him at the scouting combine in February. The Saints are moving forward with QB Derek Carr in head coach Kellen Moore's first year with the team, and they also like Spencer Rattler as the backup as he continues to develop, but it doesn't mean they won't consider taking another young signal-caller like Ewers as a potential starting QB for them in the future. The 22-year-old went 27-9 for the Longhorns and threw for 3,472 yards with 31 TDs and 12 interceptions in his final season in 2024. Ewers is projected as an early Day 3 pick in this year's draft.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Apr 2 12:20pm CT
Jaylen Warren

After former running back Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo believes the Pittsburgh Steelers could target a running back in this year's NFL draft. Harris took 1,097 career carries with him (fifth-most over the last four years), and the Steelers ran the ball fourth-most in 2024. Jaylen Warren is expected to see an elevated role with Kenneth Gainwell providing depth, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pittsburgh add another back in what is considered a very deep RB class this year. Head coach Mike Tomlin even called it a "uniquely deep draft at that position." The Athletic's Dan Brugler has eight backs ranked inside his top 100. Names like Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins and Tennessee's Dylan Sampson could be options for the Steelers as they continue building their RB room for 2025.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 2 10:13am CT
Drake Maye

Dynasty | The Patriots are reportedly receiving trade calls in regards to quarterback Joe Milton. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't the first report we've seen like this and it seems there's a lot of smoke surrounding the interest around the league. With Drake Maye established as the long-term starter, it's hard to imagine New England not at least listening to what other teams have to offer. Milton showed well in limited action last season and seemingly has some upside. With quarterbacks being the premium of all premium positions, it wouldn't be surprising to see New England hold on to him in case something happens with Maye as well. At this point, Milton looks like a solid stash in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Cam Ward Apr 2 10:10am CT
Cam Ward

If the Tennessee Titans have indeed fallen in love with Miami quarterback Cam Ward, they may be unwilling to consider any trade offers for the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft. "I was taught over the years, if you find the quarterback that you want, and you think he's a franchise quarterback, then you're not going to pass on him," general manager Mike Borgonzi said. While Borgonzi isn't ruling anything out, he also said the Titans might not be open for business when teams come calling for the start of the first round on Thursday, April 24. The Athletic's Dianna Russini doesn't sense there's conviction yet for the Titans on what they want to do with the No. 1 overall pick, but regardless, Ward is considered the likely top pick this year. If they don't trade out of the top pick, Paul Kuharsky believes a trade of their second-round selection (35th overall) might be more likely.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Apr 2 10:10am CT
Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst did not rule out the possibility of cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) returning to the team in 2025 at this week's annual league meetings. When asked about Alexander potentially remaining in Green Bay, Gutekunst said, "It could be a possibility. Absolutely." The Packers have had talks about trading the 28-year-old defensive back this offseason, though, and they hope to have a resolution on his situation before the draft at the end of April. The two-time Pro Bowler has been a big part of Green Bay's secondary in his seven years with the team since debuting in 2018, but he's played in just 14 regular-season games the last two years due to injuries and had knee surgery in January. It's unlikely that Green Bay would be able to get much for Alexander due to his injuries and the fact that he has two years left on his current deal.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Apr 2 10:00am CT
Kenny Pickett

When asked about the team's current quarterback situation, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "I feel good. Obviously it's March 31, so there's still a draft to be had. It's not August 1. I will say this: Kenny Pickett's a guy that I believe in, that we believe in. So we'll see how it all shakes out." A lot can still happen between now and this month's NFL draft, including a potential trade for Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, but we find it hard to believe that Cleveland would be happy going into Week 1 of the 2025 season this fall with Pickett as their starter. The team is saying they won't trade up to No. 1 overall to select Miami QB Cam Ward in the draft, but it would be a surprise if they don't take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall or another signal-caller later in the first round if they trade back. At the very least, though, Pickett, a former first-rounder, should have a chance to compete for the starting gig this summer.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Apr 2 9:40am CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the league's annual meeting this week that it's "unlikely" they will trade up to No. 1 overall with the Tennessee Titans in this month's draft to draft Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Owner Jimmy Haslam also stressed that the organization won't go chasing ghosts at the QB position in this year's draft and "won't force a quarterback" at No. 2 overall (if they don't trade back). All options appear to be on the table for Cleveland, including taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at second overall to pair with All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Although the Browns are saying they won't force a QB in the draft, it's hard to envision them passing on Colorado's Shedeur Sanders with Kenny Pickett as the current starter -- Deshaun Watson (Achilles) isn't expected to play in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Apr 2 9:30am CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor called defensive end Trey Hendrickson a premier pass-rusher in the NFL and that the team is still working to sign him to a long-term contract extension this offseason. The Bengals gave Hendrickson, who is entering the final year of his current deal in 2025, permission to seek a trade in early March but also say they'd love to keep him around. It won't be easy, though. Not only will the 30-year-old command a new deal that should make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL, but the Bengals also recently locked up both receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. If it looks like the sides are too far apart in the lead-up to this month's NFL draft, the Bengals could decide to trade Hendrickson, who has a whopping 35 sacks the last two years, to bolster their draft capital for this year and down the road.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Apr 2 9:20am CT
Dyami Brown

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said new wide receiver Dyami Brown has untapped potential, and new head coach Liam Coen thinks having a speedy player like Brown opposite of Brian Thomas Jr. will pay dividends in 2025. "You look at somebody that's able to attack the field at all three levels. He can go down the field on the post, in the go, in the pylons and be the top shelf, but also you can throw him a screen and he can go and do something with it. I can't coach that," Coen said. Most of the damage Brown did last year came in the playoffs, as he caught 14 passes on 18 targets for 229 yards and a touchdown in three games while going for a 30-308-1 line in 16 regular-season games (three starts). The 25-year-old former second-rounder probably won't see a ton of targets behind Thomas, but he could be a sleeper to target in deeper fantasy leagues as the Jags look to replace a lot of production from the departures of Christian Kirk and Evan Engram.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Apr 2 9:00am CT
Jaxson Dart

With the Pittsburgh Steelers still waiting for free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on who he will play with next in 2025, if at all, general manager Omar Khan said "all options are on the table through free agency, trade or draft." The Steelers still have two QB spots to fill, and Khan said it's "safe to assume" one of those spots will go to a veteran signal-caller like Rodgers. Outside of Rodgers, Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz are the best options among free agents, while Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins could be the most realistic trade target. However, Cousins' financials and his no-trade clause make him difficult to move. Although it's considered a weak draft class at the position, Pittsburgh has done their due diligence on players like Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, Quinn Ewers and Jaxson Dart and they aren't ruling out taking a QB in the first round at pick No. 21.

From RotoBaller