Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Cornerstone Report, Week 18

Shane Hallam

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.

Michael Penix Jr, QB Washington has monster Sugar Bowl

Penix impressed scouts and viewers alike in the Sugar Bowl as he threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns against Texas. Throwing numerous deep passes that were on point, Penix’s first-round buzz is growing. The left-handed QB has a rocket arm and reads the field well. His age, injury history, and lack of mobility will be question marks, but he could be a high level NFL passer. If he can perform similarly in the National Championship, Penix could slide into the top half of the first round.

Blake Corum, RB Michigan clinches a Rose Bowl victory

Michigan pulled off an Overtime victory against Alabama on the back of Corum. He ran for 83 yards and the game-clinching TD. He also caught two passes for 35 yards and another score. The fantasy community continues underrating Corum who has been a workhorse for Michigan for two years. He has recovered from last year’s ACL injury well and showcases elite agility in short space. The short, but compact, rusher should be a second or third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

De’Von Achane, RB MIA takes advantage of starting opportunity

Raheem Mostert was a surprise inactive for the Dolphins this past week against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite getting blown out, the Dolphins offense ran through Achane. He ran for 107 yards and also added four catches for 30 yards, including an incredible leaping touchdown reception. Achane has the speed and toughness to be a full-time starter for the Dolphins, though he likely will be in line for another year of splitting with Mostert in South Beach.

Puka Nacua, WR LAR approaches rookie receiving record

The Rams pulled off a one-point victory over the New York Giants and Nacua led the team in receiving yet again. His 118 yards put Nacua at 1,445 for the season, third in NFL history. He is 10 yards behind Ja’Marr Chase and only 28 yards behind Bill Groman who set the record in 1960 in only 14 games. Nacua’s ascension from a fifth-round pick to one of the best receivers in the NFL as a rookie is incredible. He will be valued as a WR1 going forward.

George Pickens, WR PIT has another 100-yard performance

All Pickens needed was Mason Rudolph to take over as the QB to really take off. Two weeks ago, he put up four catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals. He followed it up with 131 yards receiving against the Seahawks on seven receptions. The inconsistency of the Steelers offense makes it difficult to trust Pickens week to week, but he clearly is very talented. If Kenny Pickett develops or the Steelers upgrade at QB, Pickens still has a ton of upside.

Kyren Williams, RB LAR caps off a Fantasy MVP year

The surprise of the year has been the ascension of Williams to top-five fantasy RB status. He capped his fantasy season scoring three touchdowns on the ground against the Giants. Williams scored 15 touchdowns in 12 games with five yards per carry. His quickness and vision were near elite all season and he remains a focal point of the Sean McVay offense.

Shane Hallam