Dynasty Movement: Week 2

Photo: USA Today Sports

Week 1 gave us our first opportunity for significant Dynasty movement since the conclusion of April's draft. Each week a group of Footballguys staffers will discuss a pressing issue while identifying key movers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. 

Who is your biggest dynasty faller from Week 1?

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland

Jason Wood - Many of us held out hope, albeit slim, that Deshaun Watson would finally get back on track this year now that his legal issues and injuries were behind him. Unfortunately, he looked utterly inept in Week 1, and now there are new allegations of sexual assault. While it's far too early to know how these latest allegations will impact his tenure with the Browns, if at all, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine him returning to the form that earned him the $230 million deal with Cleveland in the first place.

Will Levis, Tennessee and Blake Corum, LA Rams

Andy Hicks - I will start with Blake Corum. I often take with a grain of salt any hype surrounding a rookie running back drafted after pick 80. After reading so many opinions, I realized that Corum would not only contribute, but it was a matter of time until he took over from Kyren Williams. He will contribute as the year goes on, but not to the level the preseason hype led me to believe.

As for Will Levis, the Titans were in a comfortable situation, leading by two touchdowns, until Levis made multiple head-scratching decisions that cost his side a win. A quarterback should either win or not be a net negative. Levis is capable at his best, but I have zero confidence he is a player you can rely on in fantasy football.

Bryce Young, Carolina

Matt Montgomery - There may be no worse a first-overall pick than Bryce Young for the Carolina Panthers. At first, I felt like most people that he was tasked with trying to turn around a franchise in need of anything positive to happen and that it would take some time. Now, I feel like he is a player who will never be entirely comfortable playing the position due to his lack of help throughout his career. Whether it was offensive line help, coaching stability, or an owner with any type of patience, he hasn’t had quite a fair shake, and it has ruined him as a player and effectively derailed any fantasy value he had. 

Dan Hindery - Anyone holding out hope that Bryce Young would make a big Year 1 to Year 2 leap after Carolina hired a new coaching staff has to be incredibly discouraged following the Week 1 beatdown at the hands of the Saints. The Panthers’ offense looked every bit as terrible as it did last season. Coming out of Alabama with multiple years of high-level production in the SEC, Young felt like a safe bet to be a long-term starting quarterback in the NFL. No longer. We must consider that Young’s career could follow a trajectory similar to Zach Wilson's if he cannot improve in his sophomore season.

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 

Corey Spala - In Superflex startups, McCaffrey is picking up 12 ahead of Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson. McCaffrey’s tendinitis may be the start of the fall of his dynasty value. The Week 1 performance from Jordan Mason reassures us of how friendly Kyle Shanahan’s system is for running backs. I am not doubting the superior ability McCaffrey provides; instead, I question the importance he will have. What I mean is that it may behoove San Francisco to rotate running backs to ensure the health of McCaffrey as they head into the postseason. We simply cannot value McCaffrey as a top-tier dynasty asset, given he is 28 years old and has a lingering injury. Welcome to the elite aging asset value to production conundrum. 

Dynasty Movement at Quarterback

Bryce Young, Carolina

Jason Wood - As the first overall pick just a season ago, it’s hard to completely give up on Bryce Young, especially at a position where the dynasty rankings thin out quickly. However, his Week 1 performance was somehow worse than last year. I was already among the lowest on Young in the industry, and I no longer view him as a top-30 asset.

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota

Jason Wood - J.J. McCarthy drops in the rankings through no fault. The rookie will miss the season after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold played well in his first start. While McCarthy is still the likely long-term franchise answer for the Vikings, we can only partially rule out the possibility of Darnold playing well enough to secure a multi-year deal, which could leave McCarthy in an uncomfortable transitional role.

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland

Andy Hicks - The criticism surrounding the performance of Watson against the Cowboys is partially justified. Whether the latest disturbing off-field allegations take root remains to be seen, but playing without confidence and rhythm isn’t helping. He hasn’t played more than six consecutive games in almost four years. Given the franchise and fan base, the calls to switch to Jameis Winston will happen well before week seven.

Matt Montgomery - Personal nonsense aside, we forget just how amazing Watson was upon entering the league. He was the prototypical blue-chip quarterback who immediately splashed when he got the opportunity to play. Many people (myself included) thought he had a trajectory to dynasty QB1 if he could continue improving on the already stellar play he showed. His situation, though, feels a lot like the downfall of Golf legend Tiger Woods. The scandal was so shocking and severe that it almost feels like the genie left the bottle, and we have a shell of a quarterback in the NFL. It’s over for Watson now. The Browns would likely do anything to get out of his contract, and the PR problems alone will likely make Cleveland the last stop of his career.

Dan Hindery - The vibes were off for the Browns’ offense throughout training camp, and we saw why in Week 1. Watson still looks like a shell of his former self. How much of his issues are mental versus physical is hard to tell. Whatever the problem, he seems like the exact same quarterback who finished 28th in points per game last season. Even more troubling, he averaged more than six fewer points per game than Joe Flacco in the same offense.

Corey Spala - Deshaun Watson should fall in the dynasty rankings. He hoped to return to his former self after the 2023 offseason while returning to health. Watson is simply bad. Since 2021, he ranks 51st in expected points added (EPA) per play among 58 qualifying quarterbacks. Cleveland will need to make a business decision: play the quarterback with a 72.9 million dollar cap hit in 2025 and 2026, or play a quarterback who will help you win. 

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay

Andy Hicks - With 4000 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, and a playoff win last year, Mayfield deserved respect. He survived four years in Cleveland to start his career. Mayfield has matured into a productive and solid fantasy quarterback. He is in a division where the Bucs should win, so he would expect to be playoff-bound again. He can still be elite if he is productive against non-Commander teams.

Corey Spala - Baker Mayfield should rise in dynasty rankings. He is currently our dynasty QB22, and I see no reason why he should not be ranked ahead of Bo Nix (QB20) and Bryce Young (QB19), and you can argue having Mayfield ahead of Jared Goff (QB17). Mayfield proved he did not need OC Dave Canales. In Week 1, he had a strong performance, completing 80% of his passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Tampa Bay has surrounded him with weapons for the now and future.

Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh

Matt Montgomery - Russell Wilson was always my “sleeper” QB, who I felt could pay dividends if we got anything close to the old Seattle player, but his story keeps getting weirder and weirder. Not only is his tenure in Pittsburgh already seeing him miss games, but the optics of him on the sideline wearing pads after being declared inactive just scream, “Look at me”, which is not something that is an ideal trait for a successful quarterback in the NFL. Oh, and he also isn’t that good of a player anymore…

Will Levis, Tennessee

Dan Hindery - It was just one play, but the game-losing interception late, in which Levis carelessly tossed the ball up to a Bears defender while falling down, was the type of play that can define a career. It wasn’t quite Mark Sanchez’s “butt fumble,” but it was the sort of play that instantly zaps hope from a fanbase pulling for Levis to be the answer at quarterback. Levis should have a full season to prove he deserves the starting job in 2025 and beyond, but the early returns from Week 1 were not promising.

Dynasty Movement at Running Back

Travis Etienne Jr.., Jacksonville

Jason Wood - Travis Etienne Jr. had a solid first week and remains the Jaguars' starting tailback. However, it's worth noting when a running back falls out of the top 10 in dynasty rankings, even by a few spots. Head coach Doug Pederson and the Jaguars' coaching staff prefer a committee approach; it’s just that no one on the roster last year provided a credible alternative. Tank Bigsby has worked his way into the rotation this year, logging 12 carries in Week 1. Etienne’s reduced usage and generally lukewarm perceptions of the Jaguars' offense have led to his slight downgrade.

Matt Montgomery - I am the least confident in this one, but I still believe it could happen. Etienne didn’t perform terribly; I just feel like Tank Bigsby is gaining ground in the room, and I wouldn’t be shocked if we hit Week 10-11 and begin to see the roles reverse a bit on this team. Etienne has had plenty of opportunities to run away with the job, but he seems stuck in the “mediocre” class of number-one running backs. Maybe this concern is the classic Week 1 overreaction, but if I have a choice to be either player, I think I’d rather be the guy charging up at the role than the guy defending his starting spot. 

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay

Jason Wood - Rachaad White had one of the strangest seasons in recent memory last year. He finished third in carries and fourth in receptions among running backs, which was enough to deliver top-12 value. However, anyone watching White could see his inefficiency as a significant concern. In dynasty leagues, it’s hard to overlook a lack of elite abilities, and now might be the ideal time to trade him before his value drops significantly. Rookie Bucky Irving looked explosive as a ball carrier in his Week 1 debut, and if the coaches are rational, Irving could quickly step into a full committee role or even become the starter by season’s end.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago

Jason Wood - Many expected Johnson to displace Khalil Herbert as the Bears' No. 2 running back. Not only did that not happen, but Johnson was also inactive in Week 1 in favor of Travis Homer. With the Bears transitioning to a more pass-heavy offense and Johnson sitting at No. 4 on the depth chart, a major downgrade was warranted.

Austin Ekeler, Washington

Jason Wood - Austin Ekeler has already experienced a significant drop from where he ranked 12 months ago, but a further discount is warranted. His best chance at maintaining value for a few more years would have been securing the third-down role and playing on passing downs, leaving first and second-down duties to Brian Robinson Jr. However, in Week 1, Robinson served as the workhorse runner and matched Ekeler step for step as a receiver.

Joe Mixon, Houston

Andy Hicks - I am always wary of veteran backs moving to a new franchise. Was their success system based? How will they cope with new coaches and new teammates? In the case of Mixon, asked and answered. 150-yard rushing games are rare in the NFL. Mixon is only 28, so he deserves a solid reevaluation in the rankings.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England

Andy Hicks -The difference between the Patriots and an undermanned Bengals was the impressive Stevenson. Antonio Gibson was expected to see more playing time, but Stevenson put that theory to rest. A significant bump in rankings is warranted. With a new contract, his dynasty prospects are secure.

J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers

Andy Hicks -Call me an optimist, but my preseason opinion of Dobbins was higher than most. He had always beaten out Gus Edwards in Baltimore. With Edwards turning 30, Dobbins needed a good training camp and preseason. Also luck. His nemesis to date. Dobbins looked great against the Raiders and rose in rankings. It would be nice to see him play a full season, but his history suggests riding the wave while you can.

Corey Spala - We found out the answer, and J.K. Dobbins has recovered from his Achilles injury. He tied for the fastest run from a running back in Week 1. This is straight-line speed, and we should be concerned about his lateral and agility movement. He displayed the ability and confidence in his Chargers debut. Dobbins is currently ranked RB51 and should be ranked ahead of assets like Austin Ekeler (RB38) and Zamir White (RB32).

Ty Chandler, Minnesota

Matt Montgomery - Chandler always felt like a typical one-year wonder, but this week, we saw that Aaron Jones will likely be the play in Minnesota. Chandler showed that he will be a volume-dependent player, and I just don’t know if the volume consistently there for him matches some of those numbers from a year ago. This week, he saw the ball just 11 times, not too far from Jones’ 16, but he had eight carries for just 17 yards total. He is suited for a bench role on rosters unless something happens before him. 

Gus Edwards, LA Chargers

Matt Montgomery - I have been adamantly against J.K. Dobbins for the better part of 3 years, so when Edwards was added to the team mixed with a Harbaugh-style offense, it felt like a match made in heavy for a formidably 1-2 punch with Edwards being the 1. I couldn’t have been further from the truth, and I believe we need to pivot while we can because I don’t see this timeshare going differently unless Dobbins does what Dobbins has done over his career and gets hurt. Until that happens (and I pray it doesn’t), I think Edwards needs to ride the pine on your fantasy benches. 

De’Von Achane, Miami

Dan Hindery - There are only three running backs I’d prefer to have on my dynasty roster over Achane. Yes, he is undersized and needs to prove he can stay healthy, and his profile is not perfect. However, the things he can do with the ball in his hands in what could again be one of the league’s best offenses are exciting. He will not only see double-digit carries (including in the red zone), but he’s also serving as the de facto WR3 in Miami. I’ll err on the side of the explosive young talent in a great system when in doubt.

Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia

Dan Hindery - Christian McCaffrey’s dynasty stock bottomed out two years ago. A combination of injuries and being stuck in a lifeless Carolina offense dampened our enthusiasm for a guy who had dominated early in his career before returning to earth. McCaffrey got traded to an elite offense and instantly returned to being a dominant fantasy performer. Barkley may be following a similar path. Based on Week 1, we may have underestimated just how gigantic the upgrade was in moving from the Giants to the Eagles. If we were drafting today, Barkley might be the first running back selected in redraft.

Zamir White, Las Vegas

Dan Hindery - The game script may have played a role, but there’s no sugar-coating how disappointing White’s Week 1 usage was. He was on the field for just 39% of the Raiders' offensive snaps. The bullish case for White in the short term was that he could hold off Alexander Mattison and dominate backfield touches as he did down the stretch in 2023. Early returns are not promising.

Brian Robinson Jr., Washington

Corey Spala - Brian Robinson Jr. saw 16 opportunities in Week 1, resulting in 89 yards and one touchdown. Robinson should rise in the ranks from his current RB33 ranking. He appears to be an important asset to Washington’s offense. He had the same amount of targets (4) as Austin Ekeler. It seems Washington will provide Robinson with more opportunities, as Dan Quinn noted he does not want Jayden Daniels to have a lot of carries; Daniels had 16 in Week 1. The important takeaway from Robinson is he is also involved in the passing game, which increases his fantasy production. I am comfortable with having Robinson ranked ahead of running backs like Zach Charbonnet (RB30) and Najee Harris (RB25). 

Dynasty Movement at Wide Receiver

Chris Olave, New Orleans

Jason Wood - I’m questioning why I had Chris Olave in my top 10. He’s a talented receiver and has been productive, but he has never looked like a true game-breaker. The Saints scoring 37 points against the Panthers, with Olave being a virtual non-factor speaks volumes. Rashid Shaheed has officially evolved from a gadget player to a reliable top target, and Derek Carr prefers throwing short and intermediate passes to running backs and tight ends. While Olave will remain a fantasy starter for years, he should be viewed more as a WR2 than an alpha.

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis

Jason Wood - The Colts’ offense is unlikely to have the passing volume needed to justify Michael Pittman Jr.'s consensus dynasty ranking. Anthony Richardson is expected to be a low-volume, boom-or-bust vertical thrower, at least for a season or two. Pittman’s value comes from catching a high volume of short and intermediate routes. While he will remain the most targeted receiver in Indianapolis, he’ll now need positive touchdown variance to meet expectations.

DK Metcalf, Seattle

Jason Wood -  DK Metcalf has finished as WR24, WR22, and WR23 per game over the last three seasons. His durability is the main factor that artificially elevates his fantasy value. For a player already performing like a low-end WR2, now dealing with a new offensive coordinator and the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, it's puzzling that Metcalf remains a top-18 consensus option. That perception needs to change. Take advantage of it if you can get top-20 value for Metcalf in a trade.

Jahan Dotson, Philadelphia

Jason Wood-Jahan Dotson is coming off a disappointing season. He clearly didn’t win over the new regime in Washington, which led to a rare divisional trade, as the Commanders sent him to their rival, Philadelphia. While Dotson fills a significant need for the Eagles as their No. 3 receiver, he is buried behind two top receivers in the NFC, both of whom are signed to long-term contracts.

Rashee Rice, Kansas City

Andy Hicks - Because of his numerous off-field incidents, Rashee Rice moved down my rankings considerably. While I am still wary, he has to move back up based purely on his usage to open the season. He has to deal with the consequences of his post-season behavior. He will not move up as high as he should, but talent tends to win out in the long run.

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis

Andy Hicks - Pierce had some good metrics last year that didn’t appear in the box score. They did in the first week of this season. With 10% of his career catches exceeding 40 yards, he makes for an excellent play in touchdown-distance leagues. Don’t expect this every week, but the third-year player has been underrated by many. I did have him higher than most, but he gets a nice boost anyway.

Wan’dale Robinson, NY Giants

Andy Hicks - Robinson led the Giants in receptions and targets. Forty-four yards isn’t anything to write home about, but he had 60 receptions last year and is a former second-round pick. If Robinson can improve your third receiver spot or flex options, he is worth exploring or taking while he has value. In PPR leagues, he could be worth significantly more.

Jameson Williams, Detroit

Andy Hicks - Williams was labeled a bust after a knee injury cost him his first season, and he struggled in his second. He was drafted high for a reason and just needed development and confidence. The training camp hype suggested he had turned a corner. The performance against the Rams proved it. Inconsistent performances and regular wide receiver fluctuations will happen, but those with patience will be rewarded. Williams deserves a good bump in rankings.

Corey Spala - Detroit has found their WR2 with a healthy Jameson Williams. Injuries have affected his play throughout his first two seasons, and we saw why he was drafted in the first round in Week 1. The scary part is that Dan Campbell noted that there are things Williams can “clean up” to improve his game. Williams’ Week 1 five receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown game will not happen week-to-week; however, it was vital for him to receive nine targets. Additionally, he had the third-highest average separation score among all wide receivers (minimum 15 routes). The volume and efficiency are a great pairing to see. He should rise from his current WR50 ranking. I am comfortable with having him ranked ahead of Diontae Johnson (WR43) and Christian Kirk (WR39).

Marvin Mims Jr., Denver

Matt Montgomery - We were all hopeful that with the change at quarterback this season, we would see an emergence in the Denver receiving corps, and maybe we still do. However, our performance from Mims this week was a worst-case scenario. It is one thing to not contribute during the game, but it is an entirely different animal to receive just one target. Is this just a case of a rookie quarterback not able to see the whole field and pick his spots? He played the least number of snaps at the position this week, and his value is all but gone entering year two. 

Any Carolina Receiver

Matt Montgomery - This may seem cheeky to read, but I will further elaborate on this by piggybacking off my Bryce Young take. The Panthers gave us NOTHING to be excited about. They have a fun and athletic rookie receiver in Xavier Legette, who caught just four balls for 35 yards. Adam Thielen, who is normally Mr. Reliable, was targeted only four times, and if anyone can give me any reason to target a tight end on this team, you should be in sales for a living! I know it is easy to pile on, but I stop here before we get mean to the team; quarterback Bryce Young seems to have little confidence or skills to be an effective leader of this team, and until there is significant data that shows us we can trust players on this team, I am firmly out on the offensive playmakers for this franchise. That is unless we see an Andy Dalton start in the future! 

Rashod Bateman, Baltimore 

Matt Montgomery - The main story from the Thursday game in fantasy circles was the “emergence” of Isaiah Likely, and rightfully so. While many people think that Mark Andrews is the odd man out, I think the opposite. I think the team will run 12 personnel (two tight end sets) because of the ability of Likely to make plays downfield. If that’s the case, that means fewer targets to go around, and Bateman has been on life support for the better part of three seasons with this team. People may say, “Agholor is the guy who loses out.” I agree that this will hurt him, but just because Bateman will be on the field doesn’t mean he will get targets and then do something with the ones he gets.  

Marvin Harrison Jr.., Arizona

Dan Hindery - There are few players I’d rather have in Dynasty than Marvin Harrison Jr.. However, that list is longer today than it was before Week 1. The dynasty community has generally valued Harrison as if there was zero chance he would be a bust. That thinking was always a mistake. We’ve seen “can’t miss” Top 5 picks fail to meet expectations regularly. Players like Sammy Watkins and Trent Richardson were valued in the same stratosphere as Harrison. We have to discount Harrison's value after the awful Week 1 performance, especially because it was not just a statistical struggle. You expect a player with Harrison's hype to leap off the screen positively, and he did not do so. Instead, he looked sluggish and slow.

Puka Nacua, LA Rams

Dan Hindery - Nacua has landed on injured reserve with a knee injury. The medium-term absence negatively impacts his value. However, it should also affect our long-term valuation. Nacua fell so far in the draft because of a lengthy injury history that dogged him nearly every season in college. I’m always hesitant to tag a player with the “injury-prone” label, especially early in their NFL career, but we may soon get there with Nacua.

Brian Thomas Jr.., Jacksonville

Dan Hindery - While several rookies from the vaunted 2024 wide receiver class struggled in their NFL debuts, Thomas was excellent. In addition to his 47 receiving yards and a touchdown, he drew a key 40-yard pass interference penalty against Jalen Ramsey. Thomas looked dangerous, and for a player who was cd one of the most raw among the top prospects, he looked surprisingly NFL-ready. Thomas should become Lawrence’s go-to target and Jacksonville’s WR1 very quickly. It’s hard not to get excited about his upside.

Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay

Corey Spala - Despite having only three targets, Jalen McMillan hauled in his one reception for a 32-yard touchdown. It should be noted Baker Mayfield missed McMillan on another potential big play with a slight overthrow.  An important statistic from Week 1 is McMillan played 82% of snaps and ran the most routes of any Tampa Bay wide receiver. McMillan should rise from his current WR70 ranking. I see no reason why he should not be ranked higher than fellow rookies Roman Wilson (WR61), Troy Franklin (WR60), and veteran Romeo Doubs (WR51).

Dynasty Movement at Tight End

David Njoku, Cleveland

Jason Wood - The vibes in Cleveland are terrible, and Deshaun Watson is likely to remain a problem for at least two more seasons. David Njoku is also dealing with another significant injury nearing an age cliff. While the tight end position is too thin to ignore Njoku on dynasty rosters, it’s time to start viewing him as a strong No. 2 option rather than an every-week starter.

Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, Green Bay

Jason Wood - Luke Musgrave was one of the most coveted young dynasty options, appearing to have an inside track on the starting role in Green Bay. Pairing him with Jordan Love—who is young and locked up long-term—brought a compelling upside. While that potential still exists, Musgrave was clearly the No. 2 tight end and played sparingly, while Tucker Kraft was the full-time starter, staying on the field in nearly all personnel groupings.

Matt Montgomery - Green Bay has a tight-end room headlined by Tucker Kraft. Musgrave was virtually invisible on Friday’s opening game against the Eagles. He may be young and fun to see on a dynasty roster, but he will likely remain on your bench unless something happens to Kraft. The Green Bay receivers are too good for the team to run 12 personnel often, so Musgrave doesn’t get many opportunities to produce. The best-case scenario for him to get to fantasy viability is if he gets red zone targets, but until Jordan Love is healthy, at minimum, he is at a high-risk start in fantasy football. 

Corey Spala - I believe the Green Bay Packers tight ends are reversed in preferences. Musgrave (TE17) is currently ranked ahead of Kraft (TE24) when they should be reversed, at least in preference, not necessarily ranking. Musgrave should fall in dynasty rankings, while Kraft should rise. Kraft (95%) out-snapped Musgrave (25%) and had two receptions to Musgrave’s zero in Week 1. It is important to note that either tight end will not be the top target in the Green Bay offense. I am emphasizing which tight end should be preferred. 

Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, Baltimore

Andy Hicks - While I had Likely rated higher than most as a dynasty prospect, his performance to open the season puts him inside my top 12 rankings. While some will panic about the week one performance of Mark Andrews, he deserves further chances to continue as a starting fantasy tight end. Most importantly, none of the receivers outside Zay Flowers are a threat to either Likely or Andrews. I would expect Andrews and Likely to alternate week to week who has the better numbers. Both are solid options moving forward.

Dan Hindery - We shouldn’t overreact to one big game but must also put the performance in its proper context. The context is what makes Likely’s big Week 1 performance so exciting. He ended the 2023 season on a heater, ranking as the overall TE3 over the final five weeks. He followed that up with an outstanding training camp, where beat writers regularly lauded him as the best player on the field. There will be down weeks mixed in, but Week 1 won’t be the only standout game for Likely this season. Plus, it looks like all of the top tight ends will have some down weeks.

Corey Spala - Baltimore has a tight-end-friendly scheme that utilizes two tight ends. Mark Andrews (TE7) should not fall in rankings because Isaiah Likely should rise from his current TE18 ranking. Likely has improved each year he has played, and his third season is off to a tremendous start. I am not overreacting and saying he should be TE8, but rather identifying his low ranking. He should be ranked ahead of tight ends like Cole Kmet (TE15) and Dalton Schulz (TE13). Baltimore will continue to utilize 12 personnel and give their tight ends targets. I believe Week 1 was a boom game, given the variables surrounding his usage, but I still think he will be an important factor in the offense moving forward. 

Noah Gray and Travis Kelce, Kansas City

Andy Hicks - While most commentary focused on the tight-end numbers in Baltimore, the Chief's situation is just as interesting. We know what Kelce is capable of, but at age 35, he will be inconsistent. Fresh from a new contract, Noah Gray has been improving over the last few seasons and is ten years younger than Kelce. He will be a possible option as the season progresses. Gray moves up in rankings, while the trigger on moving Kelce down remains poised. 

Brock Bowers, Las Vegas

Dan Hindery - Bowers’ Week 1 production—six catches for 58 yards and no touchdowns—doesn’t leap off the page. However, it was suitable for an overall TE3 finish in Week 1. Every report from Raiders camp pointed to Bowers being a key part of the offense who will be force-fed targets. How many tight ends in the league right now can we confidently say will be force-fed targets every week? It was a rough Week 1 across the board at the position, but within that context, Bowers showing out as a 21-year-old rookie in his first game looks all the more impressive. Bowers is already a Top 3 dynasty tight end and has a great shot at ascending to TE1 this season if he keeps seeing eight targets per game.

Dalton Schultz, Houston

Corey Spala - Dalton Schultz should fall in the rankings. I am not denying his importance to Houstons’ offense, but rather his importance to our dynasty leagues. He is (at best) the fourth target in the offense and should not be ranked as the current dynasty TE13. The tight-end position will have few candidates worthy of a fringe TE1. It will be important to identify who should be while emphasizing why they should be ranked here. Schultz is not a top target and does not offer the desired athleticism to create and garner big plays. I believe Schultz should be ranked after tight ends like Pat Freiermuth, Isaiah Likely, and Dallas Goedert.