Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Leonard Floyd (knee) was seen at practice on Wednesday. Floyd was labeled day-to-day after injuring his right knee in last Friday's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter when a teammate landed on his leg. Floyd avoided a serious injury, though, and should be fine for the Week 1 regular-season finale on Monday, Sept. 9, against the New York Jets. The 31-year-old specialized in pass-rushing in his lone season with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, which led to a career-high 10.5 sacks, but he also recorded a career-low 32 tackles (21 solo) in 17 regular-season games (16 starts). The former ninth overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2016 out of Georgia has had at least nine sacks in each of the last four seasons and should be pretty productive again in 2024 for a strong 49ers defense across from All-Pro Nick Bosa.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers acquired defensive back Elijah Molden from the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2026, according to sources. Molden was a starter for most of last season in Tennessee and will now get a fresh start in 2024 on the west coast while giving the Chargers more secondary help. The 25-year-old former third-round selection (100th overall) in 2021 out of Washington had a career-best 73 tackles (47 solo), an interception returned for a touchdown, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 15 contests (eight starts) in 2023 in his third year in the league. Molden is likely to move around a bit in his new home alongside fellow safeties Derwin James and Alohi Gilman.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed quarterback Michael Pratt to their practice squad, according to PewterReport. The Buccaneers were reportedly interested in drafting Pratt back in April, and now they get him after he was cut loose by the Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay released John Wolford on Tuesday, so Pratt will take his job as the Bucs' No. 3 quarterback. Barring additional roster moves, we can expect Pratt to operate as the Buccaneers' emergency third-string quarterback on gameday this season.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed running back Samaje Perine. Dynasty Analysis: The former Bengal. Commander and Bronco will take his talents to Kansas City and attempt to carve out a meaningful role for the Chiefs. It's a decent enough landing spot as Perine will compete with Clyde Edwards-Helaire for backup or change-of-pace duties for Isiah Pacheco. Perine has been productive at times but he's a long way from looking like an absolute must-add in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | The Broncos have signed tight end Donald Parham. Dynasty Analysis: It sounds like Parham will land on the practice squad, at least to start. He was a bit of a surprise cut by the Chargers and while Denver likes Greg Dulcich, he has yet to show an element of consistency (or health) to make them feel very comfortable. Parham should stay on watch lists and be monitored if and when he's called up to the active roster.
Dynasty | Terrace Marshall has signed on with the San Francisco 49ers and will join their practice sqaud. Dynasty Analysis: The 49ers seem to collect wide receivers like baseball cards, so this makes sense. Marshall flamed out in Carolina but it's clear he has real talent. San Francisco will likely try to stash him for a while. then either call him up on their own or attempt to block another team from signing him off their squad. It's hard to keep a player on a practice squad on your dynasty roster, but you could make a case for Marshall.
Dynasty | The Lions have signed wide receiver Allen Robinson to their practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Detroit looks to be the latest team to see what Robinson left. The Bears, Rams, Steelers, and Giants have all given him a chance over the past few years but it seems as if Robinson is simply not the same player he once was at 31 years old. With a loaded receiving corps and Tim Patrick also waiting in the wings, it's hard to see a path to dynasty relevancy for Robinson any time soon.
Dynasty | The Commanders have signed wide receiver Noah Brown. Dynasty Analysis: Hmm. This one is interesting as the Commanders recently traded Jahan Dotson. He has a chance to emerge as their WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin, though that's far from a given. Brown will compete with the likes of Olamide Zaccheus, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder, and Luke McCaffrey for targets but he's worthy of a roster spot again based on this landing spot.
Dynasty | The Falcons have traded quarterback Taylor Heinicke to the Los Angeles Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: Heinicke was likely deemed expendable months ago after the Falcons shockingly took Michael Penix Jr early in the NFL Draft. He should have the inside track to back up Justin Herbert and could push Easton Stick either to the QB3 spot or even off the roster. This is a decent landing spot for Heinicke, who has proven to be effective as a spot starter but far from a player to build a team around. He's off the dynasty radar, despite the positive move from Atlanta to LA.
The New Orleans Saints have claimed running back and punt returner Kene Nwangwu off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Nwangwu had been cut loose when the Vikings trimmed their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is primarily a return specialist, having attempted just 14 rushes over the last two seasons. On the other hand, he led the NFL with 35 punt returns in 2022 and tacked on another 15 over nine games last year. He owns an impressive 27.6 yards per return and three return touchdowns over 37 career contests. It's no surprise that Nwangwu was claimed off waivers given his special teams talent, but it's an interesting landing spot given that the Saints already have Rashid Shaheed on their roster. Presumably, Shaheed will handle kick returns and Nwangwu will get the nod for punt returns in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane is "cautiously optimistic" that quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (knee) will avoid being placed on injured reserve, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. However, the team won't rule anything out until Trubisky is able to practice. Nevertheless, Beane's comments are promising. The same is true of the Bills' decision to release quarterback Ben DiNucci, leaving the Bills with only Josh Allen and Trubisky on the 53-man roster. Buffalo wouldn't enter the season with Allen as their only healthy quarterback, so perhaps Trubisky is trending in the right direction. We should know more within the next week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (foot, toe) was spotted at practice on Wednesday. This was a positive sign for the up-and-coming pass-catcher given that he'd missed time with an assortment of injuries this summer, including foot, toe, and hamstring issues. He has 11 days to get fully healthy before the Saints' season kicks off against the Carolina Panthers. Shaheed projects as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Chris Olave, giving him legitimate appeal as an occasional FLEX option in fantasy football. His speed makes him quite the boom-or-bust weapon.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) had surgery over the offseason, according to David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Miami reportedly knew about Beckham's injury and procedure before signing him in free agency. Although Beckham wanted to play Week 1, the Dolphins placed him on the PUP list, delaying his debut with the team until Week 5 at the earliest. Furones notes that the team was comfortable with Beckham's injury status and made their decision based on the "long play" essentially banking on the fact that Beckham will get healthy over the next month and make a big impact down the stretch. From a fantasy football perspective, the veteran will operate behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, making it difficult for him to rack up points.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is not expected to be suspended by the NFL until after his legal process plays out, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post. Furthermore, the NFL does not intend to place Rice on the commissioner's exempt list. These developments point to Rice being available for most or all of this season. The legal process can take a while, especially if Rice's representation manages to delay parts of the process until next offseason. Fantasy managers should still tread carefully with Rice, but the odds of him suiting up for a full season are a bit higher with today's news. If he does play most or all of the Chiefs' 17 games this season, he'd be Patrick Mahomes' No. 1 wide receiver and would teeter between the WR2 and WR3 tiers on a weekly basis.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. Not only is starting quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) recovering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, but backup Easton Stick regressed in training camp and the preseason. The 31-year-old Heinicke will be an upgrade at the QB position behind Herbert entering the regular season next week. In Atlanta, the Falcons were expected all along to try and trade Heinicke after taking rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the first round in April. Heinicke made his NFL debut back in 2017 with the Houston Texans and has appeared in 38 games (29 starts) since then with four different teams. His best year came in 2021 with Washington, when he threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 picks on 321 pass attempts over 16 games (15 starts).
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo will talk to the players on Thursday and announce the decision on the starting quarterback between rookie first-rounder Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett. A decision has already been made, it just hasn't been announced. Maye, the third overall pick in this year's draft out of North Carolina, has outplayed Brissett the last few weeks, but the new coaching staff remains hesitant to throw the 21-year-old out there right away in Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Brissett also suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason finale, although it won't keep him from being ready for the regular-season opener. Brissett could very well start in Week 1, but Maye is the more attractive upside QB3 play in superflex leagues, and it's only a matter of time before he would take over under center in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back, neck) was not seen during warmups before the team's practice on Wednesday. The 49ers expected Aiyuk to return to practice on Wednesday. "I know he's been cleared by our doctors. So I hope he's out there practicing today," Shanahan said. It's yet another strange turn in the Aiyuk saga as he continues to hold-in as he seeks a long-term contract extension with just over a week until Week 1 against the New York Jets on Monday night. The 26-year-old has apparently been dealing with a back/neck issue during training camp despite not practicing or playing at all during the preseason. The possibility of the Niners trading the former first-rounder seems remote at this point, but each passing day that Aiyuk isn't on the field should give fantasy managers pause as to whether they should draft him as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (foot) missed practice Wednesday. GM Ryan Poles asserts that it was minor discomfort related to a cleat issue and isn't figured to be an issue for Week 1. The injury won't help an aging wide-out in a crowded receiving room. The 32-year-old is part of a hyper-talented WR room that includes DJ Moore and ninth-overall pick Rome Odunze. It's clear Allen won't have the 8.5 or more targets per game he's enjoyed in each of his last seven seasons, but he will be catching passes from rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Fantasy managers will still want to watch to ensure Allen returns to practice in the coming days heading into their drafts.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor admitted he may have been premature in his comments about wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's status, stating that Chase is now considered day-to-day. Taylor acknowledged he "spoke too quickly" on Tuesday regarding Chase's availability and expressed hope that Chase will return "hopefully at some point soon." Despite Taylor's earlier statement that Chase would practice this week, the star wide receiver did not participate in Wednesday's session as the team prepared for its season opener. Chase has essentially been "holding in" throughout the preseason as he seeks a better contract than the $1.1 million he's set to earn in 2024. However, his salary will increase to over $21 million in 2025 due to the Bengals picking up his fifth-year option in April. Taylor also mentioned he expects Chase to play in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, but the final outcome remains uncertain with the situation evolving rapidly.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have signed former Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown. Brown, who previously worked with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during their time with the Cowboys, was recently waived by the Texans as part of their roster cuts. At 28 years old, Brown is coming off two consecutive seasons with over 550 receiving yards, having played for the Cowboys in 2022 and the Texans in 2023. With the Commanders having traded Jahan Dotson to the Eagles last week, their current receiver lineup includes Terry McLaurin, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Byron Pringle, and Jamison Crowder. Washington needs reliable contributors to support McLaurin and Zaccheaus, though rookie third-round pick McCaffrey might also see some action. Despite missing part of training camp due to a shoulder injury following offseason labrum surgery, it appears the Commanders expect Brown to be ready for Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
From RotoBaller