Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Cornerstone Report, Week Zero

Welcome to the Cornerstone Report, where we will check in on the young players in football (2024 eligible, rookies, and second year) each week! As the hottest commodities in dynasty and devy, these players can make or break your teams in the future. Here are some of the top headlines and reports for the future of the league.

Caleb Williams, QB USC shows his elite talent

Everyone knows that Williams is the likely number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the expectations were high for the Heisman Trophy winner. In USC’s season opener against San Jose State, With 278 yards passing and four TDs, he is right back in the driver’s seat for another Heisman Trophy. In a game littered with elite NFL throws, Williams drew rave reviews for his play in week zero. Expect him to be a dual-threat QB at the next level paying immediate fantasy dividends.

Audric Estime, RB Notre Dame leads the backfield

Estime is not a big-time cornerstone name yet, but the leading runner in the Fighting Irish backfield is starting to make his name known. After 121 rushing and receiving yards in week zero against Navy, Estime planted his flag as a potential 2024 NFL Draft pick. He also scored a TD early in the game to give Notre Dame a lead they would not give back. Follow Estime this year as he may make a sharp rise up draft boards.

Anthony Richardson, QB IND gets the nod to start the season

Along with fellow rookies CJ Stroud and Bryce Young, Richardson will open the season as a starter as a rookie. There have been a few years of teams cautious about throwing rookie QBs to the fire, but this season appears to be different. Fantasy owners will get to see Richardson’s legs at work early this year and determine if he is ready to be the next stud fantasy QB with his physical skillset.

Tank Bigsby, RB JAC looks to have earned a role

One of the strongest training camps and preseasons for a skill position rookie this year was from Bigsby. He almost immediately established himself as the backup to starter Travis Etienne and may have earned a role getting snaps for the Jaguars. A prolific runner with good vision, Bigsby has the potential to be an efficient runner who could rack up some TDs this season.

Kenny Pickett, QB PIT has a flawless preseason

The Steelers were one of the few teams to put their starting QB out there in every game. It paid off as Pickett showed his upside with an almost perfect preseason. Posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating while throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns is pretty impressive. Pickett might be one of the most slept-on fantasy QBs and has a shot to take a big step forward.

Jahan Dotson, WR WAS has high expectations this season

One of the second-year players who appears to be taking a step forward is Dotson. After a strong preseason, Dotson appears to be a focal point of Eric Bieniemy’s new offense. With manufactured touches incoming from QB Sam Howell, Dotson could be a high-volume target for PPR leagues. If the Commanders offense gets rolling, it could be more dangerous than perceived.

Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Cornerstone Report, Week Zero