We are entering the final big weekend for preparation of the 2025 fantasy football season and let’s take a look at some risers and fallers going into the Labor Day weekend.
As teams continue to reduce their rosters to an opening day 53 players, there were some key news that developed on Monday.
Washington signed Terry McLaurin to a 3-year, $96 million extension which puts a hamper on one my fallers.
Denver is expected to waive running back Audric Estime, according to sources. Estime rushed for 310 yards last season. This should help the RJ Harvey truthers (and I’m one of them).
But enough with some news, onto my risers and fallers!
Risers
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington
Once the Commanders announced they were trading Brian Robinson Jr., rookie Croskey-Merritt became the focal point to replace BRJ.
Croskey-Merritt has been a bright spot for Washington in the preseason. He’s rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown and has added three receptions. However, our expectations may be a bit stunted as Chris Rodriguez has shined a little brighter in the rushing department, running for 118 yards on just 17 carries.
But the more telling sign that Croskey-Merritt is ahead of Rodriguez, JCM did not play during the Commanders’ final preseason game while Rodriguez did play. Croskey-Merritt should be considered the 1A or 1B in the Washington backfield with Austin Ekeler.
JCM is currently my No. 28 in my PPR RB rankings.
RB Omarion Hampton, LA Chargers
Hampton is another rookie running back taking advantage of a situation.
During the July the 4th holiday weekend, the Chargers newly signed free agent Najee Harris had a firework injury to one of his eyes. And Hampton pounced on the opportunity.
The Chargers protected their first-round pick in the preseason, limiting Hampton to only 4 carries, but he averaged 5.3 yards in those 4 touches.
However, Harris is expected to be back for the Chargers’ Week 1 matchup against Kansas City. But I think his touches will be limited with very little preseason action.
Hampton has climbed into RB2 range at No. 19 on my PPR RB rankings.
Fallers
WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City
Yes, Rice will be playing in the Chiefs first four regular season games before his NFL disciplinary hearing on Sept. 30 regarding his 2024 high-speed crash and legal issues. There is some belief he may be slapped with an eight-game suspension, limiting his return until the beginning of the fantasy playoffs.
Best case scenario is a 4-game suspension (not likely), but Rice’s fantasy season may be a wash with a suspension lasting longer than 4 games.
Rice has fallen to No. 31 in my WR PPR rankings.
WR Deebo Samuel Sr., Washington
Reports from the Commanders training camp have Samuel excelling with quarterback Jayden Daniels, but McLaurin signing his extension may put some breaks on the Samuel optimism.
But Samuel still will have a strong presence in the offense with his Swiss Army knife role like he had with San Francisco. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will find creative ways to use Samuel along with Daniels, but with McLaurin signed now, Samuel targets could diminish as the season progresses.
Samuel is No. 33 in my WR PPR rankings.
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