Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week the PGA Tour is in Charlotte for the Wells Fargo Championship, and an elite field is set to tee off. Here’s how our model sees this week’s event event shaping up:
2024 Wells Fargo Championship Preview
Quail Hollow Club is ready for its annual close-up. Originally established in 1961 and redesigned by Tom Fazio in 1997, the course underwent further enhancements in 2003, 2014 and 2016 to keep pace with pro golf and to stage the 2022 Presidents Cup. The redesign in 2016 changed it from a par 72 to par 71, and it will play at 7,521 yards this week. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler is not in the field, but most of the remaining world top 20 have made the trip. Here are the players our model likes this week.
KeyCompete’s 2024 Wells Fargo Championship Power Rankings
1. Xander Schauffele (+900) - Power game is a great fit here. Due to bag another big-time event soon.
2. Rory McIlroy (+650) - Powerful drives and deft touch around the greens make him a potent force on any course, especially here, where he’s a three-time champion. Shot a course-record 61 here in 2015.
3. Viktor Hovland (+2500) - Rose quickly last summer but has stalled a bit thus far in ‘24. Another player with the power game to thrive here.
4. Wyndham Clark (+1600) - Arguably the best player on Tour this year outside of Scheffler. Defending champion here.
5. Max Homa (+2000) - Well-rounded game and a penchant for rising to the occasion on big stages, especially this one. Winner here in 2019 and 2022.
6. Sahith Theegala (+2800) - Smooth swing and a sharp short game, Theegala has the tools for this place.
7. Justin Thomas (+2500) - Not yet in top for this year but won the PGA Championship here in 2017.
8. Hideki Matsuyama (+3000) - Silky-smooth swing and a knack for navigating tough courses, he can thrive here. Winner at the Genesis back in February.
9. Patrick Cantlay (+1800) - A well-rounded game and a reliable putting stroke, he has the ability to contend with the best in the world on any given day.
10. Tommy Fleetwood (+2200) - Has the right mix of power and short game finesse to have an impact here.
Canada’s Taylor Pendrith earned first career win, and his close friend and fellow Canadian MacKenzie Hughes was able to get a front row seat for it (with a few beers in his hands). We hit this bet in our Saturday morning column on SI.com, and also as an outright pick on our site. Pendrith paid off handsomely!
KeyCompete brought our yearly record to 78-54 on the season on outright bets.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have had the quietest offseason among the teams in the NFC South, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the reigning division champions are on the decline.
The Buccaneers could make it four consecutive division titles after retaining their key in-house free agents, including Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield. But the Atlanta Falcons, who had a fast start to the offseason, could be on the rise with the free-agent addition of Kirk Cousins.
The Falcons were viewed as clear favorites in the NFC South after adding Cousins to an offense that included Bijan Robison, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. But the gap might have closed after they used a first-round pick on quarterback Michael Penix Jr., while their divisional rivals strengthened their respective rosters with top picks that weren’t used on signal-callers.
The New Orleans Saints drafted a quarterback (Spencer Rattler in the fifth round), but used their first-round pick on offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga to help Derek Carr.
The Carolina Panthers also prioritized their offseason to assist quarterback Bryce Young, but they still have a long way to go to catch up to the rest of the pack.
Here are grades and analysis for how the NFC South teams did this offseason.
Mayfield turned his career around in Tampa Bay, making his first career Pro Bowl.
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offseason grade: B
Key additions: C Graham Barton, Edge Chris Braswell, OG Ben Bredeson, Edge Randy Gregory, S Jordan Whitehead
Key subtractions: CB Carlton Davis III, LB Devin White
Analysis: The Buccaneers avoided offseason splash moves and prioritized their core group, one that surprised in 2023 with Mayfield’s resurgence. Tampa Bay should again contend for the NFC South title after retaining Evans, Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who was hit with the franchise tag. Evans and Mayfield gained long-term extensions after helping the Buccaneers advance to the divisional round.
It’s not the flashiest roster, but the Buccaneers have talent throughout and continue to improve the offensive and defensive lines. Tom Brady might be jealous of the offensive line the Buccaneers have built for Mayfield over the past two seasons. Tampa Bay selected Graham Barton, possibly the best center in the draft, to join a group that made strides last season after failing to protect Brady in 2022.
The Buccaneers, however, took a risk handing Mayfield a three-year extension worth up to $115 million after one dynamic season in Tampa Bay. Mayfield, the former top pick of the Cleveland Browns, will also be without Dave Canales, the offensive coordinator who became the Panthers’ coach in the offseason. But the Buccaneers made many savvy moves to ensure Mayfield’s ’23 season wasn’t a fluke.
Key subtractions: RB Cordarrelle Patterson, QB Desmond Ridder, TE Jonnu Smith
Analysis: The Falcons quickly went from being NFC South favorites with Cousins to a team with quarterback concerns following the first-round selection of Penix. Not only did the Falcons create an awkward scenario, they failed to improve the 2024 squad by using their No. 8 pick on a player who might not play for a few seasons. Had the Falcons gone with the best player available, perhaps they would have gotten an A grade for the offseason and be viewed as NFC South favorites for longer than a month.
But the Falcons could still have the best team in the division if Cousins makes a full recovery from the torn Achilles he sustained last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins will get to work with coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, two former Los Angeles Rams assistant coaches who had plenty of success under Sean McVay. With the Falcons having talented skill players, perhaps Cousins and a new coaching staff were the final pieces for Atlanta to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2017. But they might have been viewed as Super Bowl contenders had they drafted one of the top edge rushers in the draft instead of Penix. Maybe Penix gets an opportunity to start a game or two in 2024 to impress and quiet the critics.
New Orleans Saints
Offseason grade: B-
Key additions: OL Taliese Fuaga, LB Willie Gay Jr., CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, QB Spencer Rattler, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., Edge Chase Young
Key subtractions: S Marcus Maye, OG Andrus Peat, WR Michael Thomas, QB Jameis Winston
Analysis: With a veteran-filled roster, New Orleans balanced the present and the future after saying goodbye to key players and hello to prominent rookies. The Saints are far removed from the days of Drew Brees and Sean Payton, but they neglected the full rebuild route the past three seasons and missed the postseason every year in that span. The organization seems to have finally adjusted after parting with Michael Thomas, Marcus Maye and Andrus Peat. The moves they made provided some cap space flexibility for the Saints, something they haven’t had much of in recent years.
For the most part, the 2024 Saints should have a similar look to last season heading into Year 2 with Carr as the starting quarterback. Carr had mixed results in his first season in New Orleans, but played well in the final month and should have better protection with the arrival of Fuaga, a rugged run blocker who can play tackle and guard. But the Saints might be making a mistake by relying on Trevor Penning and Ryan Ramczyk as the starting tackles again. Penning has struggled since being a 2022 first-round pick and Ramczyk has dealt with injuries. If Carr gets time to operate, he’ll have Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to hurt defenses downfield.
Young, the No. 2 pick of the 2020 draft, will be on his third team in five seasons.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
On defense, the team took a chance on Chase Young, who had a rocky 2023 season after being traded by the Commanders to the 49ers. But the move could pay off, with veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan needing help. New Orleans could have a foundational piece in second-round cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Carolina Panthers
Offseason grade: C+
Key additions: RB Jonathon Brooks, Edge K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge Jadeveon Clowney, S Jordan Fuller, OG Robert Hunt, WR Diontae Johnson,LB Josey Jewell, WR Xavier Legette, OG Damien Lewis, Edge D.J. Wonnum
Key subtractions: S Vonn Bell, Edge Brian Burns, S Jeremy Chinn, Edge Yetur Gross-Matos, CB Donte Jackson, LB Frankie Luvu
Analysis: Let’s get the bad out of the way because there have been plenty of offseason positives for the worst team in the NFL last year. The Panthers’ rebuild project took a hit after they elected to trade Brian Burns to the New York Giants for two draft picks, neither in the first round. It’s been well documented that the Panthers had the opportunity to trade Burns in 2022 for multiple first-round picks. With that in mind, it was strange that the Panthers didn’t just keep Burns on the roster to continue building the defense with stud defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who cashed in this offseason with a lucrative contract extension.
The Panthers also spent money on the offensive side to assist Young, the 2023 No. 1 pick coming off a rough rookie season. Perhaps no offseason acquisition was more important than the hiring of Canales, the offensive guru who helped reignite the careers of Mayfield and Geno Smith. The Panthers added weapons and protection for Young, including the splash signing of guard Robert Hunt, whom the team might have overpaid for with a monster five-year, $100 million contract. Veteran wideout Adam Thielen won’t have to carry the team like he did last season, with the trade for Diontae Johnson and first-round selection of Xavier Legette. Also, the Panthers improved the poor ground game by using a second-round pick for running back Jonathon Brooks.
Offensively, the Panthers might have done enough this offseason to gain positive results from Young in Year 2. The defense, however, might not be able to replace the production of Burns. Newcomer veterans Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum will need to step up to help Brown and the rest of the defense.
Shohei Ohtani's hot streak continued this past weekend, as his incredible hitting efforts helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a sweep over the Atlanta Braves. In the three-game series, Ohtani hit three home runs, six RBIs, and notched five runs. The Dodgers struck a blow in the rivalry between the two National League superpowers.
Ohtani's top performance came Sunday, when he went a terrific 4-for-4 with two home runs, three RBIs, and two runs, and broke the Dodgers record for most home runs hit by a Japanese-born player. This game even included the third-longest home run of Ohtani's career, at 464 feet.
While Ohtani is regularly commended for his play, his efforts this weekend solidified how great he is, and brought in even more praise: he won the NL Player of the Week award for the first time this season.
Former MLB utility player Mark DeRosa is joining in on the praise for Ohtani. DeRosa, who had a 15-year career playing for eight MLB teams, called Ohtani the "best hitter in the game."
"We're watching a guy take over the sport," DeRosa said on MLB Network. "He is trumping the game offensively ... He's doing Ruth-ian type stuff, he's doing Lou Gehrig-type stuff, he's doing Barry Bonds-type stuff. And by the way, he's been an ace . He's the best hitter in the sport, and it's kind of not close."
Through Monday, Ohtani is slashing .370/.434/.705 with 11 home runs and 27 RBIs. He’s leading MLB in home runs and batting average.
The two-time AL MVP and reigning home run leader appears to be on his way to leading MLB in more statistical categories this season. While he's still in the middle of his career and it's hard to tell if he will be able to go down alongside the all-time greats at this point in time, he is certainly making his case, especially if he continues on this pace.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were overlooked last season after the retirement of Tom Brady, with many predicting them to finish last in the NFC South.
Obviously, that didn’t occur with Tampa Bay winning the division for a third consecutive season—GM Jason Licht kept receipts of the doubters and let one familiar reporter know about it.
Licht might be keeping receipts again because many football pundits have been talking about the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. The arrival of Kirk Cousins gave Atlanta the headlines—and again after the draft selection of Michael Penix Jr.
But the under-the-radar Buccaneers made many savvy moves this offseason, and the same can be said for the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.
Here’s how we view the rosters in the NFC South with free agency and the draft in the rearview mirror.
4. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were wise to prioritize Bryce Young’s surroundings this offseason, which could lead to a much-improved offensive unit under the guidance of new coach Dave Canales. But both sides of the football still have a long way to go before turning into a playoff roster.
After heavily relying on Adam Thielen last season, the Panthers added help for the veteran wideout and their young QB. They formed a diverse receiving corps with the trade for downfield threat Diontae Johnson and first-round selection of Xavier Legette, a 6'3," 227-pound wideout who could thrive on the outside, especially with contested catches. The second-round selection of running back Jonathon Brooks should give the backfield a boost after a dismal season for the rushing attack. On paper, Young appears to be better set up for success in Year 2, especially behind a revamped offensive line with newcomer guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. If they get production from left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, the 2022 first-round pick, perhaps the Panthers go from the bottom of the standings to flirting with a .500 season. This is still far from an elite unit, though.
As for the defense, the Panthers could have a tough time replacing Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants, with a veteran rotation of edge rushers including D.J. Wonnum, Jadeveon Clowney and K’Lavon Chaisson. Perhaps that could be enough with stud defensive tackle Derrick Brown anchoring the middle of the defensive line. The linebacker group could be better with free-agent addition Josey Jewell. And so could the secondary if they get a healthy season from cornerback Jaycee Horn, the 2021 first-round pick.
3. New Orleans Saints
The Saints made a bunch of moves in the offseason that could benefit Derek Carr and his explosive receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. It’s tough, however, to gauge whether the Saints view Carr as a long-term answer at quarterback after a rollercoaster first season in New Orleans.
The Saints might be tied to Carr for at least two more seasons with the way his contract was constructed. But the team took a chance on Spencer Rattler, the intriguing fifth-round selection with potential upside. If Carr finds consistency in Year 2 with the Saints, he might not have to worry about Rattler.
The team parted with veteran guard Andrus Peat and drafted a potential replacement in rugged blocker Taliese Fuaga with a first-round pick. But Fuaga might be best at right tackle, a position that currently belongs to veteran Ryan Ramczyk, who has injury concerns. If Fuaga starts the season at guard, that likely means the Saints haven’t given up on left tackle Trevor Penning, the 2022 first-round pick who has struggled the past two years. Versatile playmakers Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill are back in New Orleans to make this an intriguing offense if the blockers allow Carr time to operate.
The defense has plenty of household names, but many are in the back end of their prime. They got younger with the free-agent addition of edge rusher Chase Young to help veteran Cameron Jordan. But Young has had mixed results throughout his career, even during his short stint with the San Francisco 49ers last season. The team will need 2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee to step up and aid the interior of the defensive line. The secondary should remain a strength with rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry joining Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins has had an interesting start with the Falcons, to say the least.
On one hand, Cousins is joining a team rich with skill players, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, and will get to work with coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, two former Rams assistants who had plenty of success under Sean McVay. But on the other hand, he left the Minnesota Vikings at least partially because he was told they were aiming to draft his successor in the first round. That scenario occurred in Atlanta a month after joining the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million contract. The team created an awkward dilemma with the first-round selection of Michael Penix Jr., a move that could pay off in the long run but doesn’t do much in 2024.
Cousins and the Falcons have a good enough roster to make noise in the NFC South, but missed an opportunity to draft an immediate impact player to make them more than divisional contenders. Putting aside the quarterback dilemma, the Falcons have stability on the offensive line and added depth at wide receiver with Rondale Moore, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III. One will need to step up as the No. 2 wideout behind London, who was often open last season to no avail as his signal-callers failed to get him the ball. Pitts might finally put it together on the field with Cousins and a new coaching staff.
The defense will probably build off its promising 2023 season due to the arrival of Morris, who flourished as the Rams’ defensive coordinator the past three seasons and won a Super Bowl in L.A. Atlanta boasts a strong secondary with safety Jessie Bates III and cornerback A.J Terrell, and the defensive front could be better with talented Day 2 picks Ruke Orhorhoro and Bralen Trice.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If Baker Mayfield’s 2023 season proves not to be a fluke, the Buccaneers will be well positioned themselves to capture the NFC South title for the fourth consecutive season.
Mayfield might no longer have offensive play-caller Canales, who’s now coaching the Panthers, but they retained his best wide receiver in Mike Evans, who signed a lucrative contract extension this offseason, and improved the offensive line with the first-round selection of Graham Barton, possibly the best center in the draft. With stud left tackle Tristan Wirfs, the Buccaneers could have the best offensive line in the division, which would be a plus for running back Rachaad White, who impressed last season. But the Buccaneers could use another pass catcher to go with Chris Godwin, Evans and tight end Cade Otton. Perhaps Trey Palmer or rookie Jalen McMillan will emerge as a reliable target for Mayfield.
Considering the production coach Todd Bowles received last season, the Bucs might have the best defense in the division. The front should be ferocious with former Pro Bowler Vita Vea and 2023 rookie standouts YaYa Diaby and Calijah Kancey. The team also drafted edge rusher Chris Braswell in the second round and signed veteran Randy Gregory. K.J. Britt and Lavonte David form a productive linebacker duo, and the secondary is filled with talent, including All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. If Mayfield can maintain the level of play he did last year, Tampa Bay should return to the playoffs with even more receipts.
The conversation around the NFL draft is always about the first few rounds.
Everyone knows about the star quarterbacks and the top players at the forefront of each position group’s depth chart. But each autumn, we learn about the biggest steals of the draft, young players who were selected on Day 3 and immediately became important players for their respective teams.
But who are those guys this time around? Who fits the bill in terms of talent, fit and opportunity?
Here are five players to keep your eyes on as the 2024 season develops.
Will Shipley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
If there’s any position to bet on with late-round choices, it’s running back. And with as much as the Eagles are willing to pound the rock, Shipley is a logical choice.
The fourth-rounder won’t see the majority of carries considering D’Andre Swift is the entrenched starter, but he was a three-year contributor at Clemson, running for 2,748 yards and 31 touchdowns. Look for him to play as a rotational back for Philadelphia.
Brenden Rice, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Rice was one of the draft’s stunning developments, falling to the seventh round before he was finally scooped up by the Chargers. Yet, considering Los Angeles’ receiver room, Rice might have a chance to play a ton of snaps.
The Chargers released Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen this offseason, replacing them with second-round pick Ladd McConkey and little else. At USC in 2023, Rice caught 45 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns. The son of first-ballot Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, he has ample upside.
Rasheen Ali, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Ali combined for 2,536 rushing yards in his two best seasons.
HELEN COMER/The Daily News Journal / USA
Much like Shipley and the Eagles, we’re talking about a running back with a run-heavy team. Although Derrick Henry, Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell are ahead of the fifth-rounder on the depth chart, the Ravens run enough so Ali could see touches, especially if Henry is managed to an extent.
At Marshall, Ali was extremely productive when healthy. In his two best seasons of 2021 and ’23, Ali combined for 2,536 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns. At 206 pounds, he provides a bit of youth for Baltimore’s backfield.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers
There’s no reason to think Sanders won’t see starter-level snaps for the Panthers in 2024. While Tommy Tremble is a veteran ahead of Sanders on the depth chart, he’s long been a backup-level piece.
The fourth-rounder started two years for the Texas Longhorns, catching 99 passes for 1,205 yards and seven touchdowns. At the scouting combine, Sanders ran a 4.69 40-yard dash time at 6'4" and 245 pounds. Expect the rookie to be a security blanket for second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
Javon Baker, WR, New England Patriots
Baker had 108 catches in his two seasons at UCF.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Baker might prove to be one of this draft’s steals. Projected as a Day 2 pick out of Central Florida, the Atlanta native was selected in the fourth round.
At UCF, the 6'1" and 202-pounder was a two-year starter after transferring from Alabama, catching 108 passes for 1,935 yards and 12 touchdowns. In New England, he’s going to have ample opportunity to play alongside fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk with No. 3 pick Drake Maye as his quarterback.
The Kansas City Royals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Monday at Kaufman Stadium. Ten thousand fans were in attendance to see the home team come from behind to win their 21st game of the season, but at least one of them did not care about the final score.
There was one on and two outs when Gary Sánchez stepped to the plate in the fourth inning. After taking three pitches from Cole Ragans, he hit a fastball deep to left center. As the ball hurdled towards a waterfall feature, a Brewers fan jumped and grabbed the ball with his outstretched, gloved hand and caught the home run.
What followed was one of the most intense celebrations in the history of sports.
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) May 7, 2024
If there was ever a case for excitement to be measured on the Richter scale, this is it. This guy was jacked up. Who knows how long he's been bringing that glove to games hoping for this exact thing to happen?
And for the ball to be hit by a player on his favorite team in a different city? That's a really intense state of euphoria. Like the kind of thing that only happens when Dan Campbell or a young Blake Griffin is involved. Guys who win by knockout in the UFC are more subdued.
This is why sports are the best. All this guy really did was catch a baseball. Big deal. But everything that preceded this moment made him react like it the greatest thing to ever happen to to anyone. Ever. And that's worth celebrating.
Gregg Doyel, a longtime sportswriter with the Indy Star, has been suspended for two weeks and will not cover any Indiana Fever games this season after his press conference incident with Caitlin Clark, according to a report from Bob Kravitz.
Kravitz, a former writer at the Indy Star himself, broke the news on his Substack on Tuesday. Doyel has not published a column since April 29, despite the Pacers being in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Doyel would not comment on the incident or related suspension when reached by Kravitz for comment. He is expected to return to work on Monday, May 13.
Doyel's discipline stems from Clark's introductory press conference with the Fever on April 17. During the press conference, he began a question by giving Clark her patented heart gesture. When Clark asked if Doyel liked her well-known hand signal, Doyel replied with "Start doing it with me and we'll get along just fine," which led to an uncomfortable look by Clark.
Reporter: 🫶
Caitlin Clark: "You like that?"
Reporter: "I like that you're here."
Caitlin: "Yeah, I do that at my family after every game.”
Reporter: "Start doing it to me and we'll get along just fine."
Doyel was widely criticized in the media for his strange encounter with Clark, so it should come as no surprise that he has been disciplined for his antics.
While Frank Gore Jr. was not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, he will still have a great chance to make a roster for the fall. He'll even have the chance to play for one of his father's former teams after getting signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Will Hall coached Gore Jr. for his four college seasons at Southern Mississippi from 2020 to 2023. During his spring media availability with the rest of the Sun Belt coaches, Hall spoke to G5 Football Daily about what Gore Jr. can add to his new team.
"He's super-duper high football IQ. He's a guy that grew up Frank Gore Sr.'s son, which is basically like growing up a coach's son," Hall noted of his former Super Back. "He really understands the whole realm of playing running back. Everything. All the nuances that go with it. So he brings that to the table. He catches the ball well out of the backfield. He's a willing pass blocker, especially for his size. He has a unique ability to make the first guy miss. Extremely hard worker that's willing to play special teams...I know he's going to give everything he has to make that club."
In four seasons under Hall at Southern Miss, Gore Jr. totaled 30 touchdowns from scrimmage while also throwing seven. He rushed for 4022 yards on 759 carries.
Buffalo's rookie minicamp is scheduled to begin on May 10. Frank Gore Sr. played one season for Buffalo in 2019.
Last week: Taylor Pendrith won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Notes: This is the sixth of eight $20 million signature events and the first of two such events that precede a major championship. ... Scottie Scheffler and Ludvig Aberg are the only eligible players not in the field. Scheffler had planned to miss all along because of the impending birth of his first child. Aberg has a knee issue and said he needed a week of rest. ... Quail Hollow will host the PGA Championship next year for the second time. ... Webb Simpson, a Quail Hollow member, received one of four sponsor exemptions. He has received four exemptions to signature events this year. ... The top three finishers from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson — Taylor Pendrith, Ben Kohles and Alex Noren — played their way into the Wells Fargo Championship through the Swing Five. Dominican Republic winner Billy Horschel also is part of the Swing Five and makes his debut in a signature event this year. ... The winner gets into the PGA Championship next week if not already eligible.
Television: Thursday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+); 3-6 p.m. (NBC Sports App and Peacock); 7-9 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay); Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ESPN+); 3-6 p.m. (NBC Sports App and Peacock); 8:30-10:30 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay).
Defending champion: Jin Young Ko.
Race to CME Globe leader: Nelly Korda.
Last tournament: Hannah Green won the JM Eagle LA Championship.
Notes: Nelly Korda has won five consecutive tournaments and goes for the LPGA Tour record of six in a row. She shares the record with Nancy Lopez (1978) and Annika Sorenstam (2004-05). ... Korda took seven weeks off after her first win in the streak. She is coming off her second major championship title. ... The field has eight of the top 10 players in the world. Missing are Lilia Vu, who is recovering from injury, and Charley Hull, who is playing in the Aramco-sponsored Ladies European Tour event in South Korea. ... Danielle Kang also is skipping the Founders Cup to play the Aramco event. ... Hannah Green has two wins this year and moved into the top 10 in the world for the first time in her career. ... This is the first of four straight LPGA events within driving range. Three tournaments are in New Jersey. The other is the U.S. Women’s Open about an hour west of Philadelphia.
Last week: Scott Dunlap won the Insperity Invitational.
Notes: This is the first of five majors on the PGA Tour Champions schedule. ... Steve Stricker starts a stretch of three straight majors. He is in the field for the PGA Championship next week at Valhalla and then defending his title in the Senior PGA Championship the following week. ... Two of the last three tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions have been shortened to 36 holes because of bad weather in Texas. ... Bernhard Langer tied for 31st in his return to competition after three months from tearing his left Achilles tendon. ... Stricker has won this major three of the last four years. Another victory would tie him with Jack Nicklaus for most victories in the Tradition. ... John Daly is playing on a sponsor exemption. ... Jim Furyk has a new caddie this week after encouraging Mike “Fluff” Cowan to leave and work for C.T. Pan on the PGA Tour.
Last week: Taylor Pendrith won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Notes: This new tournament is held opposite a signature event 180 miles away. ... The winner gets a spot in the PGA Championship next week but not in the Masters or a guaranteed spot in the remaining two $20 million signature events. ... Among the PGA Tour winners in the field are Wesley Bryan, Daniel Berger and Aaron Baddeley. ... Bryan was in line to play in the Wells Fargo Championship with its $20 million purse and no cut. But he was bumped from the Swing Five after the Byron Nelson. ... Bryan’s brother, George Bryan, was given a sponsor exemption after failing to qualify. This is the second time the brothers have played in the same tournament. ... This gives South Carolina two events in one year. The last time that happened was when the CJ Cup went to Congaree. The other is at Hilton Head Island. ... More than 10 players in the field previously have won opposite-field events on the PGA Tour.
Japan Golf Tour: For The Players By The Players, The Club Golf Village, Gunma, Japan. Defending champion: Shintaro Kobayashi. Online: https://www.jgto.org/en/
Ladies European Tour: Aramco Team Series, New Korea CC, Goyang, South Korea. Defending champion: Pauline Roussin-Bouchard. Online: https://ladieseuropeantour.com/
Sunshine Tour: FBC Zimbabwe Open, Royal Harare GC, Harare, Zimbabwe. Defending champion: Neil Schietekat. Online: https://sunshinetour.com/
Japan LPGA: RKB Mitsui Matsushima Ladies, Fukuoka CC (Wajiro), Fukuoka, Japan. Defending champion: Chisato Iwai. Online: https://www.lpga.or.jp/en/
Korea LPGA: NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship, Suwon CC, Yongin, South Korea. Defending champion: Jinhee Im. Online: https://klpga.co.kr/
Fantasy football isn't just all about redraft leagues, where managers pick a new team every season. The fantasy world has expanded over the decades, and dynasty leagues are one of if not the most challenging and comprehensive of those expansions. In these formats, you have one main draft (a startup) where you compile a roster that you will keep year after year.
In the seasons that follow, your league will hold yearly rookie-only drafts with the goal of building not only for the present but for the future as well. Younger players are going to hold more value in dynasty leagues. Tyreek Hill is a great player and all, and he’ll be picked in the top five in redraft leagues. That’s because you’re drafting him for just the next season.
But, entering his age-30 season, the Cheetah isn’t as valuable in dynasty formats. You’ll see that sort of pattern with many fantasy stars who are in the middle or latter stages of their careers. That list includes the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Derrick Henry and even Travis Kelce.
So, for those managers looking to take that next step in their fantasy football obsession, here are my positional dynasty startup rankings for 2024. Because age is more important in this format, I’ve included every player’s age starting in September 2024 (the start of the new season).
Let’s start building the foundation for a real “dynasty” roster!
2024 Fantasy Football Dynasty Quarterback Rankings
Rank. Player - Team - Age
1. Jalen Hurts - PHI - 26
2. Josh Allen - BUF - 28
3. Patrick Mahomes - KC - 28
4. C.J. Stroud - HOU - 22
5. Anthony Richardson - IND - 22
6. Lamar Jackson - BAL - 28
7. Joe Burrow - CIN - 27
8. Caleb Williams - CHI - 21
9. Jordan Love - GB - 25
10. Jayden Daniels - WAS - 23
11. Justin Herbert - LAC - 26
12. Brock Purdy - SF - 24
13. Dak Prescott - DAL - 31
14. Trevor Lawrence - JAC - 24
15. Kyler Murray - ARI - 27
16. Tua Tagovailoa - MIA - 26
17. Drake Maye - NE - 22
18. J.J. McCarthy - MIN - 21
19. Justin Fields - PIT - 25
20. Bryce Young - CAR - 23
21. Jared Goff - DET - 29
22. Deshaun Watson - CLE - 28
23. Kirk Cousins - ATL - 36
24. Bo Nix - DEN - 24
25. Will Levis - TEN - 25
26. Baker Mayfield - TB - 29
27. Matthew Stafford - LAR - 36
28. Michael Penix Jr. - ATL - 24
29. Derek Carr - NO - 33
30. Aaron Rodgers - NYJ - 40
31. Geno Smith - SEA - 33
32. Russell Wilson - PIT - 35
33. Daniel Jones - NYG - 27
34. Gardner Minshew - LV - 28
35. Sam Howell - SEA - 24
36. Aidan O'Connell - LV - 26
37. Jarret Stidham - DEN - 28
38. Sam Darnold - MIN - 27
39. Zach Wilson - DEN - 25
40. Drew Lock - NYG - 27
2024 Fantasy Football Dynasty Running Back Rankings
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) on Dec 24, 2023.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Rank. Player - Team - Age
1. Bijan Robinson - ATL - 22
2. Breece Hall - NYJ - 23
3. Jahmyr Gibbs - DET - 22
4. Jonathan Taylor - IND - 25
5. Christian McCaffrey - CAR - 28
6. Travis Etienne - JAC - 25
7. Kyren Williams - LAR - 24
8. De'Vone Achane - MIA - 22
9. James Cook - BUF - 24
10. Kenneth Walker - SEA - 23
11. Isiah Pacheco - KC - 25
12. Josh Jacobs - LV - 26
13. Saquon Barkley - PHI - 27
14. Jonathon Brooks - CAR - 21
15. Rachaad White - TB - 25
16. Rhamondre Stevenson - NE - 26
17. Javonte Williams - DEN - 24
18. Zamir White - LV - 25
19. D'Andre Swift - CHI - 25
20. Trey Benson - ARI - 22
21. Najee Harris - PIT - 26
22. Joe Mixon - CIN - 28
23. Tony Pollard - TEN - 27
24. David Montgomery - DET - 27
25. Alvin Kamara - NO - 29
26. Brian Robinson Jr. - WAS - 25
27. Nick Chubb - CLE - 28
28. Derrick Henry - BAL - 31
29. Zack Moss - CIN - 26
30. Tyjae Spears - TEN - 23
31. Zach Charbonnet - SEA - 23
32. James Conner - ARI - 29
33. Aaron Jones - GB - 29
34. Jaylen Warren - PIT - 25
35. Devin Singletary - NYG - 27
36. Blake Corum - LAR - 23
37. MarShawn Lloyd - GB - 22
38. Kendre Miller - NO - 22
39. Jaylen Wright - MIA - 21
40. Jaleel McLaughlin - DEN - 24
41. Chase Brown - CIN - 24
42. Austin Ekeler - LAC - 29
43. Chuba Hubbard - CAR - 25
44. Bucky Irving - TB - 22
45. Jerome Ford - CLE - 24
46. J.K. Dobbins - LAC - 26
47. Raheem Mostert - MIA - 32
48. Antonio Gibson - WAS - 26
49. Tyler Allgeier - ATL - 24
50. Roschon Johnson - CHI - 23
51. Gus Edwards - LAC - 29
52. Ty Chandler - MIN - 26
53. Rico Dowdle - DAL - 26
54. Keaton Mitchell - BAL - 22
55. Dameon Pierce - HOU - 24
56. Khalil Herbert - CHI - 26
57. Ezekiel Elliott - DAL - 29
58. Ray Davis - BUF - 24
59. Elijah Mitchell - SF - 26
60. Alexander Mattison - LV - 26
61. Tank Bigsby - JAC - 23
62. Braelon Allen - NYJ - 20
63. Will Shipley - PHI - 21
64. Kenneth Gainwell - PHI - 25
65. Audric Estime - DEN - 21
66. Miles Sanders - CAR - 27
67. Clyde Edwards-Helaire - KC - 25
68. Jamaal Williams - NO - 29
69. Tyrone Tracy - NYG - 24
70. AJ Dillon - GB - 26
71. Kimani Vidal - LAC - 23
72. Isaiah Spiller - LAC - 23
73. Isaac Guerendo - SF - 24
74. Jordan Mason - SF - 25
75. Deuce Vaughn - DAL - 22
76. Trey Sermon - IND - 25
77. Israel Abanikanda - NYJ - 21
78. Justice Hill - BAL - 26
79. Isaiah Davis - NYJ - 22
80. D'Onta Foreman - CLE - 28
2024 Fantasy Football Dynasty Wide Receiver Rankings
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) on Jan. 7, 2024.
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Rank. Player - Team - Age
1. Justin Jefferson - MIN - 25
2. Ja'Marr Chase - CIN - 24
3. CeeDee Lamb - DAL - 25
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown - DET - 24
5. Garrett Wilson - NYJ - 24
6. Puka Nacua - LAR - 23
7. Marvin Harrison Jr. - ARI - 22
8. A.J. Brown - PHI - 27
9. Chris Olave - NO - 24
10. Drake London - ATL - 23
11. Brandon Aiyuk - SF - 26
12. Malik Nabers - NYG - 21
13. Nico Collins - HOU - 25
14. Michael Pittman Jr. - IND - 26
15. Jaylen Waddle - MIA - 25
16. Tee Higgins - CIN - 25
17. Devonta Smith - PHI - 25
18. D.K. Metcalf - SEA - 26
19. Rashee Rice - KC - 24
20. Rome Odunze - CHI - 22
21. Tyreek Hill - MIA - 30
22. Tank Dell - HOU - 24
23. Zay Flowers - BAL - 23
24. Deebo Samuel Sr. - SF - 28
25. Jordan Addison - MIN - 22
26. D.J. Moore - CHI - 27
27. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - SEA - 22
28. George Pickens - PIT - 23
29. Brian Thomas Jr. - JAC - 21
30. Jayden Reed - GB - 24
31. Xavier Worthy - KC - 21
32. Ladd McConkey - LAC - 22
33. Christian Kirk - JAC - 27
34. Keon Coleman - BUF - 21
35. Terry McLaurin - WAS - 28
36. Christian Watson - GB - 25
37. Davante Adams - LV - 31
38. Calvin Ridley - TEN - 29
39. Stefon Diggs - HOU - 30
40. Xavier Legette - CAR - 23
41. Ricky Pearsall - SF - 24
42. Adonai Mitchell - IND - 22
43. Cooper Kupp - LAR - 31
44. Mike Evans - TB - 31
45. Diontae Johnson - CAR - 28
46. Amari Cooper - CLE - 30
47. Jameson Williams - DET - 23
48. Josh Downs - IND - 23
49. Courtland Sutton - DEN - 28
50. Ja'Lynn Polk - NE - 22
51. Chris Godwin - TB - 28
52. Jakobi Meyers - LV - 27
53. Marquise Brown - KC - 27
54. Romeo Doubs - GB - 24
55. Jerry Jeudy - CLE - 25
56. Demario Douglas - NE - 23
57. Roman Wilson - PIT - 23
58. Malachi Corley - NYJ - 22
59. Gabe Davis - JAC - 25
60. Curtis Samuel - BUF - 28
61. Rashid Shaheed - NO - 26
62. Mike Williams - NYJ - 29
63. Quentin Johnston - LAC - 22
64. Marvin Mims Jr. - DEN - 22
65. Jahan Dotson - WAS - 24
66. Keenan Allen - CHI - 32
67. Dontayvion Wicks - GB - 23
68. Josh Palmer - LAC - 24
69. Khalil Shakir - BUF - 24
70. Jermaine Burton - CIN - 23
71. Wan'Dale Robinson - NYG - 23
72. Rashod Bateman - BAL - 24
73. Elijah Moore - CLE - 24
74. Michael Wilson - ARI - 24
75. Troy Franklin - DEN - 21
76. DeAndre Hopkins - TEN - 32
77. Tyler Lockett - SEA - 31
78. Darnell Mooney - ATL - 26
79. Jalin Hyatt - NYG - 22
80. Javon Baker - NE - 22
2024 Fantasy Football Dynasty Tight End Rankings
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta makes a catch during warmups before the NFC divisional playoff game.
