FFWC Risers & Fallers: August
Welcome to another episode of the FFWC stock report, where I dive in and talk about the players that are rising and falling in FFWC drafts. The high-stakes ADP discussed below will be based on FFWC Circa Las Vegas Championship leagues.
Speaking of the FFWC Circa Las Vegas Championship, pack your bags and get ready for the most amazing Vegas weekend of all time! Not only will the Circa Resort & Casino host the Championship, but we’re also taking fantasy football to a next-level experience with the Circa Las Vegas Fantasy Championships!
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But now, let’s recap the FFWC Risers & Fallers: August from those amazing Circa Las Vegas Championship drafts.
Stock Rising
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) Detroit Lions (ADP 25, +8)
The surge in popularity for Jahmyr Gibbs can be attributed to the turmoil faced by other running backs in the league. With Ezekiel Elliott signing with the Cowboys, Dalvin Cook joining the Jets, Josh Jacobs holding out, and Jonathan Taylor expressing trade desires, the conditions have favored Gibbs, causing his draft stock to soar from the 3/4 turn to an early 3rd round placement.
Personally, I’m very optimistic about Gibbs given his current price point, especially when snagged anywhere in the 3rd round. Also, you’re going to want to check out just how the FullTime Fantasy staff is on Gibbs here.
Dameon Pierce (RB) Houston Texans (ADP 56, +7)
Dameon Pierce is distancing himself from the veteran presence of RB Devin Singletary during training camp and preseason games. Indications suggest that Pierce could become an incredibly valuable three-down back in the Texans’ offensive scheme.
Ezekiel Elliot (RB) Dallas Cowboys (ADP 152, +8)
The experienced running back inked a one-year deal with the Patriots just last week, with expectations that he will vulture goal-line opportunities from Rhamondre Stevenson. My advice would be to steer clear of Zeke. Also, his 2022 performance seems lackluster at best!
James Cook (RB) Buffalo Bills (ADP 60, +23)
Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey is highly praising Cook’s potential for being a versatile player across all three downs, an aspect that holds great value in PPR formats. Cook has undeniably dominated the workload during the preseason matches for the Bills, potentially positioning himself to take full control of the backfield in the upcoming 2023 season.
Jaylen Warren (RB) Pittsburgh Steelers (ADP 103, +32)
Warren’s exceptional displays during both the previous season and preseason have caught attention, potentially leading to him siphoning a few touches from Najee Harris this year. At the very least, Warren could serve as an insurance policy for the primary ball carrier.
Deuce Vaughn (RB) Dallas Cowboys (ADP 151, +52)
The rookie, despite his small stature, made an impressive impact in the first week of preseason action. Carrying the ball eight times for 50 yards and a touchdown, with 43 of those yards coming after evading contact, Vaughn is making a strong case to be Dallas’ second-string running back at the start of the season.
Javonte Williams (RB) Denver Broncos (ADP 74, +12)
Javonte Williams’ average draft position is on the upswing, thanks to optimistic updates on his recovery from an ACL injury. Head coach Sean Payton has confirmed that the third-year back is currently at full strength, set to take the field in Week 2 of the preseason for the first time since October. A strong performance could substantially boost his draft position, potentially overshadowing Samaje Perine, his backfield counterpart newly added by Denver.
Read more about our high expectations for Javonte Williams here.
Deonte Harty (WR) Buffalo Bills (ADP 219, +33)
Harty assumed the role of Buffalo’s starting slot receiver during the opening game of the preseason. The ongoing competition for playing time among Harty, Trent Sherfield, and Khalil Shakir will be closely monitored. As of now, Harty appears to be a sleeper worth considering in later rounds of drafting. Plus, Shakir seems positioned as the fifth wide receiver on the team.
Skyy Moore (WR) Kansas City Chiefs (ADP 75, +30)
Someone apart from Travis Kelce must step up as a pass-catcher for Patrick Mahomes this season. With Kadarius Toney nursing a knee injury and being selected well ahead of Moore, along with Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s historical inconsistency in surpassing 700 receiving yards in a season, the buzz around Moore is escalating as the onset of Week 1 approaches. It’s possible that Kansas City’s next WR1 is right under our noses.
Jahan Dotson (WR) Washington Commanders (ADP 50, +31)
Dotson continues to make a strong impression in the preseason. He also has a knack for finding the end zone. Teammate Terry McLaurin has been hampered by a toe injury that might hinder his performance. Dotson’s cost might be climbing, but my belief in his skillset remains steadfast.
Tyler Lockett (WR) Seattle Seahawks (ADP 57, +27)
This alteration in ADP is solely a result of rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s recent wrist injury, which could potentially keep him out of action for up to six weeks. Although investing in Tyler Lockett might be relatively costly, he now firmly secures a spot as a second-tier wide receiver for the initial half of the season.
Darren Waller (TE) New York Giants (ADP 58, +25)
The standout tight end has been delivering standout performances during training camp and preseason matches. Waller’s impressive stats include three receptions for 30 yards on four targets in the first quarter of the recent preseason game. Currently, Waller is being drafted as the third tight end. And this position could very well persist throughout the remainder of the draft season.
Fallers
Breece Hall (RB) New York Jets (ADP 53, -22)
Dalvin Cook’s arrival has caused the promising second-year player’s average draft position to plummet. Nonetheless, Hall demonstrated his prowess during practice last week. Also, he will be 100% for Week 1. Given this situation, I consider this to be a prime opportunity to snatch him up in the fifth round.
Rashaad Penny (RB) Philadephia Eagles (ADP 134, -19)
A mix of injury concerns, shared backfield responsibilities, and appearances in preseason games have been responsible for the decline in Penny’s average draft position. Furthermore, there have been talks about the Eagles potentially parting ways with Penny due to his low cap impact.
Miles Sanders (RB) Carolina Panthers (ADP 80, -31)
A groin injury has prevented Sanders from practicing. That left fantasy managers apprehensive about drafting him at ADP. However, in the right build, Sanders is worth a shot in the 7th round.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) Seattle Seahawks (ADP 84, -33)
Smith-Njigba’s need for wrist surgery, stemming from an injury incurred during the second week of preseason play, has led to a sharp decrease in his stock. Although he may miss the initial four weeks of the regular season, this could present an opportunity to acquire him for those who have faith in his potential.
Kadarius Toney (WR) Kansas City Chiefs (ADP 101, -12)
Toney’s average draft position is on a decline, while Skyy Moore’s is on an ascent. Despite Toney’s game-changing abilities, his injury history raises concerns. Sidelined due to a meniscus tear from Kansas City’s initial preseason practice, Toney’s draft price still remains ahead of Moore’s, rookie Rashee Rice’s, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s. Although the injury has prompted a dip, Toney’s ADP remains relatively high due to his upside.
Jameson Williams (WR) Detroit Lions (ADP 135, -22)
Williams, who has already had leg injuries in camp, left practice due to a suspected hamstring injury. This adds to the setbacks faced by the former first-round pick. Also, he was already suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league’s gambling policy. Williams may be a massive bust until he figures out this professional athlete thing.
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