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.
RTSports Super Bowl Preview
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams is intrigued by a potential return to the West Coast and would be open to joining the Los Angeles Chargers or Los Angeles Rams if he gets released this offseason. Fowler also puts the San Francisco 49ers in the conversation, as Adams grew up in Northern California. The Jets are going to need to address Adams' situation, as his $38.3 million salary cap hit is untenable. The three-time All-Pro wideout had 854 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games after the Jets acquired him from the Las Vegas Raiders last year, but his addition failed to turn the Jets offense around as a whole, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not play out his contract in New York. Adams still managed his fifth straight 1,000-yard season and would be an intriguing addition for the Chargers, Rams or 49ers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts enters the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs looking to avenge the Super Bowl loss two years ago. Hurts has been steady throughout the playoffs, balancing efficient passing with his elite rushing ability. He finished the regular season with 21 passing touchdowns and 18 rushing scores, making him one of the league's top dual-threat quarterbacks. Kansas City's defense has been stingy against quarterbacks, allowing just 24 passing touchdowns all season while forcing 13 interceptions. However, Hurts' ability to extend plays and find the end zone with his legs keeps his floor high. He has rushed for multiple touchdowns in four of his last 17 full games, and with the Eagles' offensive line protecting him, expect him to play a significant role in both the passing and rushing attack. Hurts is primed to deliver on the biggest stage.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley enters the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs amid a historic postseason run. He has racked up 344 yards on outside runs in the playoffs, averaging an incredible 9.3 yards per carry. However, he now faces a Chiefs defense that has not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, and in 18 consecutive playoff games. Barkley's usage remains elite, as the Eagles run the ball more than any other team in early downs and inside the red zone. While Kansas City will key in on stopping him, Philadelphia's dominant offensive line should create opportunities. The Chiefs may force Jalen Hurts to beat them, but Barkley's explosiveness and ability to break tackles make him a serious threat if given enough volume.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown takes on the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, hoping to build on his strong NFC Championship performance. Brown has had a volatile season due to the Eagles' run-heavy approach, but when they pass, he dominates targets. He leads all receivers in air yard share (52%) and holds a 34% target share, ranking second in the league. When the Eagles have thrown 25+ times this season, Brown has thrived, averaging 10 targets for 100 yards. Against a Chiefs defense that will likely key in on Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia may need to air it out, giving Brown a prime opportunity to shine. Expect a more balance offensive attack, making Brown a crucial factor in this matchup.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will need to be at his best against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, but recent struggles raise concerns. Elliott finished the regular season with a solid 28-of-36 mark on field goals and nearly perfect PAT accuracy (47-of-48). However, his issues from long range were evident, going just 1-of-7 on attempts from 50+ yards. His postseason performance has been mixed, making six of seven field goals but missing three extra pointsan uncharacteristic trend that could be costly in a close game. Given how tight Super Bowl matchups can be, every point matters. If the game comes down to a clutch kick, the Eagles will need Elliott to shake off his recent inconsistencies.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will be the preferred back for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hunt has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to compete at a higher level than Isiah Pacheco. In the team's crucial AFC Championship win over the Buffalo Bills, Hunt rushed 17 times for 64 yards and a touchdown compared to five rushes and 12 yards for Pacheco. The 29-year-old will be leaned on again in the Super Bowl as Kansas City will do their best to manage the clock throughout the contest. Hunt will have to face one of the most formidable defenses in the league this weekend, but he will likely get enough opportunities to make something happen. Hunt's role as the primary back in the red zone makes him an interesting play in DFS and playoff leagues. The Chiefs will need to rely on the run game to prolong drives and Hunt should be the back they turn to.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy has blossomed into the top receiver for the team in his rookie season. The Chiefs will rely on Worthy to make plays in his first Super Bowl appearance against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. The 21-year-old caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Worthy received nearly twice as many targets as Travis Kelce in the biggest game of the year to that point. All signs point to the Chiefs relying on Worthy again on Sunday against one of the most formidable defenses in the league. The record-breaking speedster has demonstrated tremendous growth down the stretch and has even hauled in some highlight catches in recent weeks. Worthy is an easy play in both DFS and playoff leagues for the last game of the NFL season.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl this weekend. Butker will be making his fifth Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, and he performed well in his previous outings. The Chiefs kicker has attempted 10 field goals in the last game of the season and nailed nine. Butker has also made all 10 extra-point attempts in the Super Bowl. Regardless of the pace of play, the Chiefs kicker should make his mark on this contest. The 29-year-old has been a clutch performer in Super Bowls for Kansas City, notably nailing a kick in the final seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. The opportunity to impact the game will be offered to Butker and it will be up to him to deliver. Butker is a good pick in DFS and playoff leagues, especially given his consistency compared to Jake Elliot.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs defense has been a solid unit this season, but they will face their toughest test this weekend. The Chiefs defense must slow down the vaunted Philadelphia Eagles offense to win their third straight Super Bowl. One obstacle between Kansas City and history is the newly crowned Offensive Player of the Year, Saquon Barkley. Barkley just put up one of the most impressive offensive seasons in NFL history and has been nearly unstoppable all year. If the Chiefs hope to win, they must find a way to cap Barkley's production out of the backfield. Even if Kansas City can hinder Barkley's production, they must contend with one of the best wide receiver duos in the league and a top quarterback at the helm. It will be no small feat to slow down Philadelphia, but the Chiefs have the players and coaching staff to pull it off. Trusting the Chiefs defense in DFS and playoff leagues could be advisable given how well they perform in the biggest moments.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was listed on the injury report with an ankle injury, but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation heading into the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mahomes is looking to make history as a win on Sunday would make him the only quarterback in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. The 29-year-old already has an accolade-filled resume, but another Super Bowl win at this stage of his career could solidify him as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. Mahomes certainly has enough incentive to pull out a win, but he has a wide range of outcomes regarding his production. Kansas City plays a style of football conducive to winning, but their methods don't always translate to ceiling performances. The Chiefs could win because of strong defensive performances and lengthy offensive drives. The pursuit of history is more than enough reason to believe that Mahomes will do everything in his power to win. The path will not be easy since the Eagles had arguably the best defense in the league during the regular season. That said, Mahomes has the experience and ability to overcome difficult situations. Mahomes should be considered a safe pick for DFS and playoff leagues, but he does have a lower floor than in years past.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will have multiple incentives to perform in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. By his standards, the 35-year-old had a down regular season but has turned it on in the playoffs as the team attempts to complete the first three-peat in NFL history. Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans, before nearly disappearing against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills defense held Kelce to just two catches for 19 yards in the AFC Championship game, but there is still reason to be optimistic. The veteran tight end sits two touchdowns behind Jerry Rice for the most playoff receiving touchdowns in NFL history. The Eagles defense was one of the best units in the league during the regular season, so it could be tough sledding for Kelce. Kelce's floor is low, as shown by his performance against the Bills, but his ceiling could be the highest of any player in this game. Kelce is not a sure thing in DFS or playoff leagues, but relying on him could pay off in a big way.
From RotoBaller
Per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders have signed former Chicago Bears interim offensive coordinator Chris Beatty as their wide receivers coach. Beatty spent just one season with Chicago, initially hired as the team's wide receiver coach before garnering the title of interim offensive coordinator upon the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus. He spent the previous three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers in the same position. While the Kansas native bolsters just four years of NFL experience, he's worn many hats during his time at the collegiate level and most notably led Landstown High School in Virginia Beach to a 40-2 record from 2003-05. This included three-straight state championship appearances and a 14-0 2004 season in which they won it all. Additionally, Beatty is known for his work with former NFL wideout Percy Harvin and current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison.
From RotoBaller
Per Coral Smith of NFL.com, Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is elated to work under recently acquired head coach Pete Carroll. "I've got great respect from when I coached against him my first year in the Pac-10," said Kelly. "I think... if you get a chance to work with Pete Carroll, you're pretty excited about it." The 61-year-old spent four seasons as a head coach in the NFL after making a name for himself as the orchestrator of Oregon's fast-paced offensive attack. However, three seasons with Philadelphia and a 2-14 stint in San Francisco during the 2016 campaign spelled a temporary end to his NFL coaching career. Kelly would take a year off before becoming the head coach of the UCLA Bruins for six seasons and, most recently, led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship as their offensive coordinator. He'll now team up with Carroll in an attempt to turn around a Raiders franchise with one winning season since 2017.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead was presented with the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award at Thursday night's 2025 NFL Honors. Regarded as the highest honor in the league, the NFL Man of the Year award recognizes an athlete for his distinction on the field and exemplary community service off it. This was Armstead's fifth nomination for the award and first with the Jaguars. Additionally, he became the franchise's second recipient of the honor (Calais Campbell, 2019). The 31-year-old hasn't been the same force on the field that he was in years past. However, Thursday's stage provided an excellent platform to shine a light on his cause. He'll be back with the Jags' defensive unit for at least one more season
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers have hired ex-Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to their defensive staff. He'll reunite with San Francisco's defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, whom he worked with on the Seattle Seahawks (2011-12) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-16). It's a smart hire for San Fran, whose defense ranked seventh in yards allowed per game (317.4) but let up the fourth-most points per contest in the league (25.6). Bradley is a solid addition to aid Saleh in his day-to-day operations and runs the same scheme as the former Jets head coach, leaving a natural contingency plan in case Saleh opts for a head coaching gig in 2026. While his official role with the team has yet to be confirmed, it's reported that head coach Kyle Shanahan attempted to hire Bradley back in 2017, so this has been a long time coming.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (groin) practiced in full all week and was removed from Friday's final injury report for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. Baun was listed on this week's injury report with what apparently was a minor groin injury. It's something to watch in Sunday's big game, but the 28-year-old should be just fine to play his usual amount of snaps in the middle of Philly's top-ranked defense as they look to prevent the Chiefs from becoming the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. Baun, a former third-rounder, was a beast in his first year with the Eagles, being named a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro after recording 151 tackles (93 solo), 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, one pick, five forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season games.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end C.J. Uzomah (abdomen) practiced in full all week but is listed as questionable for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Uzomah had his practice window opened last week and has been practicing in full, but it doesn't necessarily mean the Eagles will activate him from Injured Reserve for the Super Bowl this weekend. Even if the 32-year-old veteran tight end is activated on Saturday and is active on Sunday against the Chiefs, he won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar as depth behind both Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. In seven games in his first year in Philly, Uzomah made only three starts and was not targeted at all in the passing game. He really hasn't been fantasy relevant since he had a career-high 493 receiving yards and a career-high five touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021.
From RotoBaller
Despite practicing in full all week, the Philadelphia Eagles have ruled out wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. Covey will stay on Injured Reserve this weekend and won't help the Eagles in the passing attack or on special teams. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Utah was only active for five games in his second NFL season in 2024 and caught seven of his eight targets for 34 yards and no touchdowns. He also returned six punts on special teams for a total of 46 yards. Covey last suited up for the Eagles in their Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens and was unable to haul in his only target.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (illness) put in another full practice on Friday and was removed from the final injury report for Super Bowl LIX this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Carter was feeling under the weather earlier this week and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, and he also missed several of the Super Bowl media sessions. However, the 23-year-old former ninth overall pick out of Georgia appears to be just fine now and will be ready to go for Sunday's big game against KC. It's good news for the Eagles interior defensive line, as Carter has been a key player for the top-ranked Philly defense in his second year in the NFL. He had 4.5 sacks and 25 solo tackles in 16 regular-season games and has added two sacks, three solo tackles, two tackles for loss, five QB hits, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in three playoff games.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has gone back on comments that he made after the team's Week 18 loss to the division-rival New York Jets in which he said, "I'm out," and "it was great playing here but at the end of the day, I have to do what's best for my career." "I'm taking full accountability for what I said. I'm gonna come back next year. I wanna stay with the Dolphins," Hill said on NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk during Super Bowl week. General manager Chris Grier said Hill never asked for a trade. The 30-year-old burner was clearly upset in the moment over a disappointing season in which the Dolphins missed the playoffs and he fell shy of 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since 2019. Hill has two years left on his current deal and should be back in South Beach in 2025 as he looks to bounce back after dealing with a nagging wrist injury pretty much all year.
From RotoBaller