Eric Moody
Change is the one factor you’ll be able to all the time depend on, each in sports activities and in life. Whereas consistency is what fantasy managers attempt for, the truth is that participant efficiency can swing wildly over an extended season.
Attempting to maintain up with all of the highs and lows throughout 44 video games and 4 months can really feel overwhelming. That is why breaking issues down week by week makes it simpler to remain grounded and centered on what issues proper now.
That is the purpose of my Risers and Fallers column. It helps you monitor momentum shifts as they occur, utilizing insights pulled instantly from ESPN’s fantasy metrics.
Risers
Sophie Cunningham, G, Indiana Fever (41.0% rostered, +4.1)
Caitlin Clark continues to overlook video games with a groin harm, and with an extended profession forward, the Fever could take a conservative strategy and shut her down for the season. Cunningham has stepped up and performed very nicely. She’s scored 20 or extra fantasy factors in six straight video games and performed 26 or extra minutes in 5 of her final six. She’s outperformed Aari McDonald and stays an integral a part of the Fever’s rotation and a must-add for fantasy managers.
JJ Quinerly, G, Dallas Wings (11.1%, +3.6)
Quinerly has been excellent since coming into the Wings’ beginning lineup final month. Dallas is beginning to discover a rhythm with its rookies and Quinerly has thrived in that atmosphere. She has injected much-needed velocity and motion into Dallas’ offense, serving to spark transition alternatives, attacking the paint and creating area for fellow rookie Paige Bueckers to work off the ball. Quinerly has averaged 28.9 minutes and fantasy factors per recreation over her previous seven video games.
Leila Lacan, G, Connecticut Solar (2.8%, +0.5)
Lacan made her WNBA debut earlier this month and has been trending up ever since. She has averaged 24.9 minutes and 16.8 fantasy factors per recreation over her final six video games. She is firmly on the streaming radar and a wise pickup for managers coping with accidents at guard. Lacan missed the Solar’s first 17 video games on account of her dedication to the French nationwide workforce for FIBA EuroBasket, however she has been impactful in a reserve function.
Fallers
Jewell Loyd, G, Las Vegas Aces (93.8% rostered, +0.1)
Loyd’s fantasy output has been up and down all season and her worth stays restricted. She has averaged simply 20.9 fantasy factors per recreation and capturing 37.9% from the sector, with a decreased utilization price taking part in alongside A’ja Wilson in Las Vegas. Whereas Loyd’s scoring upside retains her roster-worthy, managers ought to really feel comfy supplementing her manufacturing with streamers if they’ve the roster flexibility. The Aces even have one of many hardest remaining schedules this season.
Arike Ogunbowale, G, Dallas Wings (99.9% rostered, +0.0)
Ogunbowale has lengthy thrived with excessive utilization, however that is modified in 2025. With Bueckers and different rookie guards rising, her manufacturing has dipped to a career-low 15.9 PPG on simply 14.6 FGA per recreation and 35.5% capturing. The Wings are more likely to miss the playoffs, whereas Ogunbowale is coping with a thumb concern and set to develop into an unrestricted free agent after the season. With a tricky schedule forward, Dallas would possibly lean extra on its youth. Ogunbowale should not be dropped, however fantasy managers must reset expectations down the stretch.
