Welcome to the Week 3 Dynasty Risers & Fallers. I highlight which players have had a huge rise or fall in their fantasy value this week.
Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers is one of the biggest topics in dynasty every season. It’s quick & easy to understand, translates to several different league formats beyond dynasty, and, most of all, it’s SEO-friendly. This season, Fantasy Sports Advice Network has allowed me to cover the biggest movers of our beloved fantasy football space each week! So without further ado, why don’t we talk about the players that made a splash (both good and bad) in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL Season!
Week 3 Dynasty Risers
Drake Maye, QB (New England Patriots)
Drake Maye is quickly emerging as one of the most promising quarterbacks in fantasy football, making him a notable riser in the position. Currently sitting as the QB10 on the season, Maye has been a consistent presence, outperforming expectations for a second-year player. His ability to contribute both in the air and on the ground sets him apart, as he’s averaging 7 carries per game and is leading his team in rushing touchdowns. This dual-threat capability is valuable in fantasy, with Maye out-touching rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson 14-8, and trailing only slightly behind Rhamondre Stevenson in carries. His well-rounded skill set is allowing him to contribute significantly to his offense, both as a passer and a rusher, making him a reliable fantasy asset week in and week out.
In addition to his rushing stats, Maye is excelling as a passer, ranking top 10 in passing yards, EPA (expected points added), points per game, and completion percentage. These figures highlight his efficiency and overall production, solidifying his status as a QB1 for fantasy managers. Maye’s ability to put up strong numbers in key areas like passing volume and scoring efficiency—coupled with his steady rushing production—positions him as a rising fantasy star with a high ceiling. As his role continues to grow in the offense, he’s becoming a must-start option for fantasy managers looking for a reliable, high-upside quarterback.
James Cook, RB (Buffalo Bills)
James Cook is quickly emerging as one of the top fantasy running backs this season, having firmly established himself as THE RB1 through the first two weeks. The Buffalo Bills are leading the NFL in run plays per game, and Cook is benefiting from a high-powered offense that’s committed to getting him the ball. His fantasy value is skyrocketing, as he’s currently leading all running backs in points per game (PPG) and touchdowns, making him one of the most productive players at his position. This level of scoring efficiency is a key indicator of his role in the offense and his ability to make the most of his opportunities, which is crucial for fantasy managers looking for a consistent and explosive performer.
In addition to his scoring, Cook is also excelling in key metrics that translate directly to fantasy success. He ranks in the top 5 in red zone touches, rush yards, and points per opportunity, showcasing his ability to capitalize when it matters most. These numbers reflect his high usage and efficiency, and with the Bills continuing to run the ball more than expected, Cook’s role in the offense is only expected to grow. His combination of volume, efficiency, and scoring upside makes him a must-start player in fantasy leagues, and as the Bills’ top back, he’s shaping up to be one of the most valuable running backs of the season.
Tyler Warren, TE (Indianapolis Colts)
Tyler Warren is making an immediate impact in fantasy football and looks like this year’s breakout rookie tight end. Through just two weeks, he ranks as the TE5 in standard formats and TE4 in PPR, putting him ahead of many veteran names at the position. His production is already drawing comparisons to Brock Bowers‘ explosive start last season, with nearly identical stat lines—Warren has posted 16 targets, 11 receptions, and 155 yards so far. Most impressively, he’s leading the Colts in targets, a rare feat for a rookie tight end and a clear sign that he’s become a focal point in the offense.
Warren isn’t just producing—he’s dominating across nearly every meaningful tight end metric. He leads all TEs in targets, target share, route participation, red zone targets, deep targets, receiving yards, yards after catch (YAC), and points per game. This level of usage and efficiency is almost unheard of for a first-year player at the position, which traditionally sees a steep learning curve. With a combination of volume, red zone involvement, and big-play ability, Warren is shaping up to be not only a weekly starter in fantasy lineups but potentially a league-winner at a notoriously thin position.
Week 3 Dynasty Risers- Honorable Mentions
Mac Jones, QB (San Francisco 49ers)
Bhayshul Tuten, RB (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Cam Skattebo, RB (New York Giants)
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR (New York Giants
Week 3 Dynasty Fallers
TreVeyon Henderson, RB (New England Patriots)
Rookie running back Treveyon Henderson has been a significant disappointment in fantasy football, especially considering his preseason hype and an ADP that had him ranked around RB15. Through the first few weeks of the season, he’s dropped all the way to RB41, failing to live up to expectations. One of the key reasons for his struggles is his limited involvement in the Patriots’ backfield. Despite his potential, Henderson has only 8 carries on the season, trailing Rhamondre Stevenson, who has 18, and Antonio Gibson, who has 6. With Stevenson locked into a major role after signing a 4-year, $36 million contract, it’s clear that the Patriots are committed to him as their lead back, leaving Henderson with fewer opportunities than fantasy managers had hoped for.
Beyond his lack of rushing volume, Henderson’s usage across the board has been concerning. He’s currently outside the top 32 running backs in snap share, opportunities, rushing yards, evaded tackles, and red zone touches—key metrics that define a productive fantasy running back. With such limited involvement in both the rushing and passing games, Henderson is not seeing the kind of workload that can make him a reliable fantasy starter. His role in the offense is looking more like that of a backup or committee player, leaving fantasy managers with little hope for a significant turnaround in the short term. Until his situation changes or his role expands, Henderson remains a major faller in fantasy football.
A.J. Brown, WR (Philadelphia Eagles)
AJ Brown has been one of the biggest early-season disappointments in fantasy football, massively underperforming relative to his draft capital. Through two weeks, he ranks a shocking WR101 overall, managing just 3.5 points in standard and 9.5 in PPR—good for WR83 in that format. To put it in perspective, he’s trailing not just elite receivers, but depth options like Marquise Brown, Dyami Brown, and even Noah Brown in fantasy production. The volume simply hasn’t been there, with Brown averaging only 4.5 targets per game in an Eagles offense that ranks dead last (32nd) in pass plays per game. For a player who was drafted as a locked-in WR1, this lack of involvement is alarming.
Looking deeper into the advanced metrics, the story doesn’t get any better. Brown is outside the top 32 in nearly every key receiving stat—targets, routes run, air yards, average depth of target (aDOT), receptions, receiving yards, yards after catch (YAC), points per game, and even target separation. These are not just indicators of a slow start; they suggest a fundamental problem with his usage and role in the offense right now. Whether it’s a scheme shift, poor quarterback play, or defensive attention, Brown’s current trajectory makes him a clear fantasy faller—and unless the Eagles open up the passing game soon, he may not return the elite value managers paid for on draft day.
D.J. Moore, WR (Chicago Bears)
DJ Moore has gotten off to a rough start in fantasy football this season, falling far short of expectations for a player many drafted as a reliable WR2. Through two weeks, he ranks as WR53 in PPR and WR58 in standard formats, with zero games over 10 fantasy points. Despite being viewed as the “alpha” in the Bears’ passing game, Moore has just 11 targets—trailing Rome Odunze (20) and even Olamide Zacchaeus (12). That lack of volume is alarming, especially on a Bears offense that continues to struggle generating consistent passing production. Fantasy managers expected Moore to be a steady contributor, but the numbers so far paint a very different picture.
The deeper metrics are equally concerning. Moore currently ranks outside the top 32 wide receivers in targets, target share, snap share, air yards, average depth of target (aDOT), points per game, yards after catch (YAC), expected points added (EPA), and points per route run. That means he’s not just being underutilized—he’s also failing to create big plays or efficiency with the limited opportunities he does get. Whether it’s a function of Chicago’s offensive design, quarterback inconsistency, or simply being overshadowed by emerging weapons like Odunze, Moore’s fantasy value is fading fast. Until there’s a clear shift in usage or offensive rhythm, he has to be considered a faller at the wide receiver position.
Week 3 Dynasty Fallers- Honorable Mentions
Anthony Richardson, QB (Indianapolis Colts)
Brian Thomas Jr, WR (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Mark Andrews, TE (Baltimore Ravens)
Tyrone Tracy Jr, RB (New York Giants)
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