The semifinals of most fantasy leagues sit in Week 16, and we have few windows left before Dynasty shifts to an offseason of speculation. Dynasty staffers Corey Spala, Andy Hicks, Jason Wood, and Matt Montgomery hit their movers coming out of Week 15.

The Dynasty staff gathered to work through multiple quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends who are the biggest risers or fallers in rankings. Check out the Footballguys Dynasty Football show with Jagger May and myself for more Dynasty content. We do three episodes weekly, discussing a variety of relevant Dynasty trends.

Dynasty Movement at Quarterback

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta

Matthew Montgomery: It is now or never, folks. Penix will get his first serious NFL opportunity, so we are at a tipping point for his value. We will learn a lot over the next three weeks, but we should approach this positively, especially considering the runway Kirk Cousins gave him. The Falcons can't get worse at quarterback, so as long as Penix is somewhat viable, we should see his value increase going into next season. 

Corey Spala: Cousins and Penix should be moving in rankings; Cousins should be moving down, and Penix should be moving up, or at least in consideration. Cousins has been horrendous in the last four games, and Atlanta benched him for Penix. Cousins set a career-high with 16 interceptions in 14 games played. Penix has the arm talent to succeed and make passes at all levels. Cousins is currently ranked QB25 and should move below Matthew Stafford (QB30). Penix is currently ranked QB24 and could move ahead of J.J. McCarthy (QB22).

Jason Wood: Fortunately, I already had Penix ranked relatively high, though I admittedly thought the window to acquire him would last a bit longer. Unfortunately, that window may close quickly for those who don't already have him rostered. Now that he's been named the Falcons' starter in place of the struggling Cousins, Penix could soon vault up the consensus ranks. If he performs well over the next few weeks, he has a strong chance to enter 2025 as the clear starter, surrounded by a talented group of skilled players at his disposal.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta

Jason Wood: The Falcons are on the hook for a $40 million cap hit for Cousins in 2025, regardless of whether he's the starter. Kudos to the organization for giving Penix a shot despite the significant financial commitment to Cousins last offseason. The veteran's struggles could be partially attributed to his Achilles tendon tear, but that's little consolation given how his performance has declined as the season progresses rather than improving. While it's not out of the question that a desperate team might trade for Cousins, it's equally plausible that his days as an impactful fantasy starter are over.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay

Jason Wood: When you look at the absolute disaster in Cleveland, it's hard to believe that just a few seasons ago, they had Mayfield on a team-friendly contract and decided he wasn't the answer. Fast forward to today, and Mayfield has 32 touchdowns through Week 15, keeping the surging Buccaneers in playoff contention. He's a top-8 fantasy quarterback in every format, and given his age and confidence, there's no reason to think he can't maintain his value for another five-plus seasons.

Sam Howell, Seattle

Andy Hicks: Given his solid performance as a starter for Washington last year, I was excited at the prospect of Howell being a contender for the starting job in Seattle. Geno Smith held him out and played well, but not spectacularly. Howell got his first opportunity late against the Packers. Woof. I had Howell very high amongst the backups in my ratings. Not anymore. 

Dynasty Movement at Tight Ends

Cade Otton, Tampa Bay

Matthew Montgomery: I now have serious doubts about Otton, who I was very high on in these articles early in the season. Still, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to get McMillan more and more involved in the passing game, we are seeing Otton's numbers fall at an alarming rate. He still has value and viability in fantasy, especially considering the wasteland, which is the tight end position. Still, we should pump the brakes on some of the elite expectations likely thrust upon him in the midseason. 

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville

Corey Spala: Strange has had an intriguing second season. He has averaged six targets per game when Evan Engram did not play. In week 15, he ran a route on 82% of Jacksonville's dropbacks. Looking to the future, Engram has zero guaranteed salary in 2025; Jacksonville can save $11.75M by cutting Engram post-June 1st. Strange is our current TE34, and I see him moving ahead of Luke Schoonmaker (TE32) and Tyler Conklin (TE29).

Andy Hicks: Strange was drafted in the second round by Jacksonville last year with high Dynasty expectations. Like the traditional rookie tight end, though, he recorded only five receptions as the veteran Engram thrived. This year, Strange has been contributing regularly while Engram has battled a few injuries and is finally being placed on IR this week. Strange responded by recording an 11-reception game. Engram is contracted for next year but will be 31. He needs another year to be the starter fully, but he moves into the top 25 tight ends for now, and a few more good performances will vault him higher and make Engram expendable.

Jason Wood: Strange's Dynasty value is rising, partly thanks to Engram's declining stock. Strange has stepped into a high-target role for a struggling Jaguars team and has performed admirably. While it's too early to say whether he'll be a key part of the offense in 2025, that will depend on factors like how the roster is restructured, Trevor Lawrence's health, and the system implemented by the new coaching staff. Still, Strange has shown enough in recent weeks to earn a spot in the tier of speculative assets worth rostering.

Evan Engram, Jacksonville

Jason Wood: It's becoming clear that we've likely seen the peak years for Engram, and that warrants a downgrade. His latest season-ending injury casts even more doubt on his ability to return to the 100-reception form that once vaulted him into the top tier of Dynasty assets. With uncertainty surrounding Jacksonville's offense, it's far more likely that Engram produces a handful of league-average seasons moving forward rather than becoming a difference-maker who helps you win championships.

Dynasty Movement at Running Back

Chase Brown, Cincinnati

Jason Wood: How many times can a single player climb the Dynasty ranks in one season? Brown always had the potential to become the Bengals' lead back. Still, there were significant questions about his pass-blocking and route-running, making it more likely that he would spend most of his career as a committee contributor. To his credit, Brown has made remarkable improvements in both areas and is now a key centerpiece of the Bengals' offense, regardless of the game script.

Corey Spala: It is time to consider Chase Brown a top Dynasty running back asset. Brown has taken on an actual workhorse role following Zack Moss's placement on injured reserve in Week 9. He has an average of 25 opportunities per game (carries/targets), and his lowest weekly fantasy finish is RB9. He is under contract through the 2026 season and should remain a focal point of the offense. He is currently ranked RB22 and should move up the rankings. I would have him over Brian Robinson Jr. (RB16) and Joe Mixon (RB13). 

Ken Walker III, Seattle

Jason Wood: I've always been a big fan of Walker, but the numbers tell a concerning story—he's had only two 100-yard games in his last 25. During Walker's recent injury absence, Zach Charbonnet looked more impressive when running behind the same offensive line. While Walker is still capable of big performances, his inability to consistently create plays on his own is becoming a concern, especially with Seattle's new, more pass-heavy offensive system. I considered Walker a top-10 asset at the running back position for the past few years, but I can no longer rank him that high.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City

Jason Wood: Kareem Hunt stepped into the Chiefs' backfield mid-season and looked just as productive, leading many to question whether Pacheco had sustainable Dynasty value—at least as an every-week starter. However, now that Pacheco has returned from injured reserve, it's clear that Andy Reid views him as the unquestioned lead back. His return has relegated mid-season contributors like Hunt and Carson Steele into obscurity.

Jerome Ford, Cleveland

Jason Wood: Nick Chubb suffered yet another season-ending injury, and - regardless of his immense talent - we have to bank on Chubb's productive years being behind him. In the next few weeks, Jerome Ford can re-assert his value to the Browns or another potential suitor in free agency. Ford's ability to make plays as both a runner and receiver set him up well, particularly on a team like the Browns, who rarely have a lead and thus cannot commit to a ground-and-pound approach.

Justice Hill, Baltimore

Corey Spala: Hill has earned a role within the Baltimore scheme. Derrick Henry is signed through 2025 and has zero guaranteed salary. Baltimore should retain Henry and utilize Hill similarly in 2025. Hill has averaged 8.9 points per game; five games over 10 points, but seven under eight points. It is not league-breaking production, yet his secure role and flex-play on bye weeks or injuries is a benefit. Furthermore, Henry has not missed a game this season. If so, Hill may have seen an increased workload during his absence, warranting a spot-start in your lineup. He is currently ranked RB62 and should be ahead of running backs like Jaleel McLaughlin (RB50) and Roschon Johnson (RB45).

Tony Pollard, Tennessee

Matthew Montgomery: This season felt like it was finally time for Tyjae Spears to take over the backfield. Still, the Titans continued to use him in the same role, which has me feeling much more positive about Pollard's long-term viability. Pollard has been exactly who he was in Dallas with less of a magnifying glass on him. Consistently good, not excellent, but rarely loses the week for you. What is most exciting is his consistent volume at the position. He's not a sexy player, but he can help you win a league.  

James Cook, Buffalo

Matthew Montgomery: We all likely had high expectations for Cook, but a subsection of the community doubted what his season would look like with Ray Davis breathing down his neck. The short answer to those questions gave us a more rested and energetic Cook for this down-the-stretch run. He's had 20+ points in two of the last three weeks and has a tasty matchup against the Pats. While this is an article on Dynasty movement, short-term returns are also factors in their long-term viability and value. 

Craig Reynolds, Detroit

Andy Hicks: The season-ending injury to David Montgomery will introduce us once again to Craig Reynolds. In the Gibbs/Montgomery era, we have a two-game sample of a time when Montgomery missed time in 2023. Reynolds chipped in with a 14 carry for a 74-yard performance against the Raiders. When Gibbs missed time earlier in the season, Reynolds recorded a seven carry for 52 52-yard game with a touchdown. The other games were less memorable. Jahmyr Gibbs will be the biggest beneficiary, but Reynolds should shine in at least one remaining game this year. Sione Vaki is a possibility, but five carries for nine yards looked average in his only playing time. 

Rico Dowdle, Dallas

Andy Hicks: The performance of Dowdle over the last four weeks has been astounding. Four hundred seventy-eight rushing yards at well over five yards a carry means he has to have his whole future assessed. Whether the Cowboys rely on him next season may depend on who the coach is and whether an attractive free agent or rookie presents itself. Dowdle will be an unrestricted free agent to price himself out of the market. If he is in a starting job in 2025, his value increases exponentially. As it is right now, that is far from a sure thing. Warranting a bump in his rankings, but starting a Dynasty prospect? Maybe not. 

Dynasty Movement at Wide Receiver

Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay

Matthew Montgomery: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done it again at the receiver position. They have a tremendous recent (and long-term) history of great picks at the wide receiver position. While it took a little longer in McMillan's rookie year than we would have preferred, he has established himself as a player to watch for next season, taking that major leap we all love to see.

Corey Spala: It was anticipated McMillan would have a more significant role following Chris Godwin's placement on injured reserve and Mike Evan's three-game absence. Unfortunately, he did not play in two games with a hamstring injury. McMillan appears to be on track and developing properly for Tampa Bay. He has 13 targets, nine receptions, 134 yards, and three touchdowns over the last two weeks. Godwin is due for a new contract, and Evans will be 32, entering his final contract year in 2025. McMillan is currently ranked as WR66 and should rise the rankings. I would rank him above Adonai Mitchell (WR48), and the argument can be had with aging wide receivers like Mike Evans (WR42), Stefon Diggs (WR41), and Davante Adams (WR37).

Jason Wood: Evans missed four games this season but is still on track for another 1,000-yard campaign. Meanwhile, Chris Godwin was putting up substantial numbers before suffering yet another season-ending injury. However, the reality is that both veterans are now on the wrong side of 30, and the Buccaneers will soon face some tough roster decisions if they hope to build a contender around Baker Mayfield in the next season or two. McMillan has shown enough promise to suggest he could soon emerge as the Buccaneers' No. 2 target and, eventually, become the new alpha when Evans finally hits the age cliff.

Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland

Corey Spala: Jeudy is continuing his hot streak. He has seven straight games with at least six targets and 14 points per game. Notably, Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be starting at quarterback for Cleveland this week. It will be essential to understand the context regarding the quarterback situation. Jeudy is fifth in the NFL in receiving yards and has cemented a future outlook in Dynasty. He is under contract through the 2027 season and will be 28 then. Jeudy is currently ranked as WR43 and should rise to the rankings. I see no reason he should not be ranked ahead of Josh Downs (WR34) and Michael Pittman Jr (WR31).

Jason Wood: When the Browns traded for Jeudy and signed him to a new extension, I was skeptical—which isn't unusual for a Browns front-office decision. However, with the recent inflation in receiver salaries, Jeudy's contract now looks quite reasonable. More importantly, he's stepped up big this season, mainly after Amari Cooper's trade. Jeudy has proven he's capable of being a high-volume No. 1 receiver, even on a non-contending team. Jeudy's stock warrants a significant boost as long as the Browns don't make a big splash at receiver in the draft.

Jayden Reed, Green Bay

Jason Wood: I got ahead of myself with my mid-season upgrade of Reed; he's since cooled off considerably and is now stuck in a four-way muddle for opportunity share alongside Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontavion Wicks. With Tucker Kraft and Josh Jacobs commanding targets, it's challenging to see Reed justifying my previous top-20 ranking. Moving forward, consider him a high-variance WR3.

Terry McLaurin, Washington

Jason Wood: I've always considered myself a McLaurin fan, but it was starting to seem like he would never truly become a legitimate fantasy alpha receiver. However, Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury have unlocked that final level for McLaurin, and he's now making plays against any defensive coverage. Whereas most of us once viewed McLaurin as a high-end WR2 being forced into a WR1 role, we can confidently say he's worthy of the No. 1 moniker—as long as Daniels is under center.

Andy Hicks: As McLauren turned 29 at the start of the season, his career looked to be an underachievement as he struggled with substandard quarterback play. Enter Jayden Daniels. McLaurin is performing phenomenally. He has finally become the elite wide receiver many others saw in his rookie season, and before, it was time to move him up much higher. 

Xavier Worthy, Kansas City

Matthew Montgomery: Collectively, we should all step back and evaluate the super-fast guys from the draft. They all have one defect, and the teams don't know how to use them. Worthy came into the league undersized for his position but had an elite speed that tantalizes even the best-run organizations like the Chiefs; if Andy Reid can't even get this guy going in a more stable direction, we should prepare ourselves for the inevitable "what if" scenarios he's shown us through year one. Tamper your expectations and prepare to move on, folks; it may never work for Worthy in the league. 

DK Metcalf, Seattle

Andy Hicks: The rise of Jaxon Smith-Njigba has come at a cost - to Metcalf. He hasn't had a touchdown since week seven and averages 54 yards a game. Tyler Lockett and Metcalf used to be helpful in fantasy together for years, but Metcalf is trending downward rapidly. He is too good to give up on, though, and there are a few games left where he can resurrect his confidence. He is an unlikely cap cut for next year but a free agent the year after. His stock decreases, but hopefully for only a short period.

Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh

Andy Hicks: Pittsburgh needs a complement to George Pickens, and it may very well be third-year man Austin. He missed his rookie season after being drafted in the fourth round. He then had a low-key second year with only 17 catches. Against the Eagles, he recorded his fourth game of receiving over 50 yards for the season and has 452 yards for the year with four touchdowns. His upside is capped regardless of whether Pickens is in there, but he is putting himself on the map with solid performances. He may not have peaked yet. One to watch. 

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay

Andy Hicks: What looked like a forlorn prospect when he hurt his hamstring in week seven, Evans has returned with a vengeance. He needs 251 yards to keep his unprecedented streak of 11 1000-yard seasons and start a career alive. He could do it well before the last game after a 159-yard and two-touchdown performance against the Chargers. He will be 32 at the start of next season, not 52, so in the final year of an expensive deal, he still has Dynasty life. His rapport with Baker Mayfield makes him underrated in this format, and after kicking him in the shins after his hamstring injury, it's time to forgive and forget as he leaps back up rankings. 

Jalen Coker, Carolina

Andy Hicks: It is rare to see an undrafted rookie wide receiver be anything other than a depth chart option in their first year. Coker had recorded 17 catches for 263 yards before missing a month with a quad injury. An 83-yard touchdown makes all those who underrated him to date sit up and take notice. He gets a massive leap in rankings with a close eye on further progress.