The startup draft in Dynasty fantasy football is pivotal; it can significantly alter a team's trajectory. As the draft progresses, standout players become scant, leading to a challenging selection process in the later rounds. However, potential gems often lurk among the uncertainty. This article highlights five players to consider for late-round steals that could yield substantial value, especially where others might have lingering doubts.

Rashid Shaheed of the New Orleans Saints is viewed as the clear second wide receiver behind Chris Olave but has demonstrated his potential through substantial target shares when healthy. Tight end Colston Loveland from Michigan is an emerging talent in a loaded class. Isaac Guerendo of the San Francisco 49ers presents a strategic addition, given Christian McCaffrey's injury history. Tank Bigsby offers exciting upside under a new offensive scheme with the Jaguars, and lastly, J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings is a promising quarterback option with high rushing upside.

In the current landscape of dynasty fantasy football, the importance of backup running backs is highlighted by the need for depth in a position that often faces injuries. With the NFL increasingly leaning towards a pass-first approach, having reliable backups can be a game changer.

MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers is noted as a top investment. Despite a rocky rookie season marred by injuries, he possesses explosive speed and pass-catching ability that could make him a standout behind veteran Josh Jacobs. As Jacobs ages, Lloyd's role is expected to expand, making him a valuable asset at a low cost.

Isaac Guerendo from the San Francisco 49ers is also a key name, thriving amidst the team's notorious running back injuries. His performance late last season showcased his potential as a bell cow back. Finally, Audric Estime of the Denver Broncos and Antonio Gibson of the New England Patriots represent other intriguing options for managers looking to bolster their rosters.

The NFL offseason is a critical period for Dynasty fantasy football leagues, where players' values can fluctuate greatly. Many players can be acquired at lower costs due to recent disappointing performances or injuries. Blake Corum of the Los Angeles Rams is highlighted as a buy-low candidate, despite a rocky rookie season overshadowed by Kyren Williams's dominance. Corum has significant upside and may benefit from Williams's injury-prone history and fumbling issues.

Travis Etienne from the Jacksonville Jaguars, once a top performer, faced challenges in 2024 but could rebound with new offensive schemes under head coach Liam Coen, who previously led a successful run game with the Buccaneers. MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers, despite injury setbacks, possesses talent that could thrive in Green Bay’s productive run scheme.

Isaac Guerendo from the 49ers also presents an intriguing buy opportunity, showing promise when healthy and potentially stepping up with veteran Christian McCaffrey aging. Lastly, Tyrone Tracy Jr. of the New York Giants offers value with his versatility and the team's evolving offensive dynamics. Each of these players could prove vital to fantasy rosters in the 2025 season.

The 2024 NFL regular season has concluded, setting the stage for the playoffs. Key injuries to star players may significantly impact team performances as the postseason unfolds. Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers has shown improvement late in the season but suffered an elbow injury in the final game, though he's expected to play in the Wild Card round. Zay Flowers from the Baltimore Ravens is day-to-day with a knee injury after leading the team in receiving for two consecutive years. Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles is still in concussion protocol after a head injury, raising concerns for his playoff participation.

Blake Corum, a rookie RB for the Los Angeles Rams, fractured his forearm in Week 18 and will miss the playoffs, impacting the Rams' offensive depth. Christian Watson's situation is more severe; the Packers' WR is believed to have torn his ACL, which will hinder his 2025 season. Isaac Guerendo of the San Francisco 49ers is recovering from a knee injury but is expected to be fine for next season. Lastly, Geno Smith led the Seattle Seahawks to a 10-7 record but will not participate in the playoffs due to fierce competition in the NFC.

The San Francisco 49ers have concluded a disappointing 2024 season with a 6-11 record, marking a stark contrast to their previous three years of playoff success. Key players faced contract disputes and injuries, impacting the team's performance significantly. Tight end George Kittle expressed dissatisfaction with the team's low standards and expectations not being met, highlighting the disappointing nature of their season.

The struggles began with holdouts from Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams during training camp, followed by injuries to rookie Ricky Pearsall and Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey. The team faced a series of tragic personal events, compounding their challenges on the field.

Quarterback Brock Purdy experienced a decline in performance, with a noticeable drop in his passer rating and struggles to lead the team to comeback victories. The defense, typically a strength, faltered under coordinator Nick Sorensen, culminating in the fewest takeaways and most points allowed late in the season.

Despite these setbacks, the rookie class provided a glimmer of hope, with several players stepping up as key contributors. However, special teams issues continued to plague the team. Looking ahead, questions about Purdy's contract loom, as he is now eligible for an extension that could make him one of the league's higher-paid quarterbacks.