Baker is a case study of the differences between the real NFL and fantasy sports. Last season, Mayfield was a man reborn, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and tossing 28 TDs, both career highs. He finished in the top 10 at the position, but it sure didn’t feel like it. His weekly fantasy production was not fantastic, eclipsing 20 points a mere four times. Four.
He has a couple of new toys in the toy box (discussed below), but another notable addition is the new offensive coordinator, Liam Coen. Baker’s resurrection is widely credited to Coen, and the two have spoken glowingly about each other. I don’t expect too much to change with the numbers, though, and 4,000/28 feels like the ceiling. Mayfield is a decent choice if you wait to snag your QB; just don’t expect QB1 numbers from him.
If you’ve read any of my previous articles, you’re no doubt familiar with my disdain for Rachaad White. He’s about as much fun to watch as watching concrete cure, but his 2023 usage and fantasy production warrant consideration. And logically, I don’t have much reason not to like the production – 1,500 all-purpose yards and 9 total touchdowns.
This volume and his usage in the passing game drove his production and present a decent floor. The concerning thing for me is the addition of Bucky Irving, of whom I have previously waxed poetic. Irving is a versatile athlete who will have the opportunity to be involved in Coen’s “revitalized“ running game, but it may not be right out of the gate.
Chase Edmunds’ presence is problematic for Irving’s value, though I think Bucky is the preferable back to own of the two (dynasty for sure, but also in redraft). I still see White as RB1 here, though Irving will also carve out a decent role. White is being drafted as RB12, while Irving is going off as the 59th RB taken. White is the safe pick, while I love Irving’s value.
Mike Evans had a fantastic season in 2023, finishing as WR4 and giving us both yardage and touchdown goodness most weeks. Evans churning out 1,000 seasons is as certain as death and taxes, and he’s also a safe bet for double-digit touchdowns.
I’m baffled as to why he’s being drafted so low – he’s currently being selected as WR15. He’s someone I’m targeting at that price across the board. Godwin played a complementary role to Evans in 2023 and is earning high praise in camp thus far.
And while he eclipsed 1,000 for the fourth time in his career, he also produced just two touchdowns (this after only finding pay-dirt three times in 2022). I’m not sure the lack of touchdowns changes for Godwin, even in a new offensive system.
Rookie Jalen McMillan should fit nicely into the slot, which makes him somewhat relevant from a fantasy standpoint. I don’t see McMillan surpassing Godwin as the number two, but I would say he’s firmly locked into WR3 based on the other lackluster options in the room.
Evans will cost you a Round 3 pick or higher, Godwin is going in the 8th round, and McMillan is going outside the top 200 – which feels right for this bunch.
Oh. And avoid this TE room. Completely.
