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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 16
Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) suffered a dislocated kneecap and torn ACL in Saturday's 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Oof. The second-year wideout was off to a ripping hot start in Week 16 with six receptions, 98 yards, and a touchdown before he got folded up on -- again sustaining a gruesome leg injury. Dell will now begin the long road to recovery. It's unfortunate news for the 25-year-old and the Houston Texans offense. With fellow wideout John Metchie III (shoulder) dealing with his own injury, Houston will deploy WRs Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jared Wayne at an elevated clip if Metchie can't suit up again in Week 17. Tight end Dalton Schultz should also pick up some more work with the offense down another pass-catcher.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers are activating tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) from Injured Reserve on Monday, and he will play against the New Orleans Saints, according to a source. Musgrave underwent surgery on his ankle in October and hasn't played since Week 3, so the Packers will ease him back in. The 24-year-old caught 34 of his 46 targets for 352 yards and one touchdown in his first 11 NFL games (nine starts) in Green Bay last year. In four games before injuring his ankle this year, Musgrave was barely involved behind Tucker Kraft, catching five of seven targets for 22 yards. He probably won't be all the field that much on Monday night in his first game back after a long layoff, and Musgrave will be a low-upside deep sleeper in DFS formats for the final three games of the regular season and in the playoffs for the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion), who has missed the last four games due to a concussion, is still making his way through the league's concussion protocol. The second-year wideout suffered a concussion in the Week 12 win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and hasn't played since. The 24-year-old had a productive three-game stretch from Weeks 7-9 in which he caught 21 of his 32 targets for 255 yards and three touchdowns with Jameis Winston at quarterback. He was becoming a weekly flex option for fantasy managers right before suffering a concussion. Now, with fantasy championship matchups in most leagues coming in Week 17, you can't trust Tillman in a lineup spot if he clears concussion protocol and is active against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. It's especially true with Dorian Thompson-Robinson now at QB.
From RotoBaller
After the Dallas Cowboys' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, owner Jerry Jones praised head coach Mike McCarthy but also declined to comment on his future after this season when asked. The praise for McCarthy is notable since his contract expires at the end of this season, and the Cowboys' late-season surge without quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) could buy the head coach more time with the organization. Dallas has won four of its last five games. "All I can say is what a good job, how good a job he's doing," Jones said. "Don't have thoughts that I would share as to anything about what we do ... after we're through playing this year." Already eliminated from postseason contention, Dallas has two division games remaining -- at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 and home versus the Washington Commanders in the Week 18 regular-season finale.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson voiced his frustration after being targeted just three times in the first 55 minutes of the game by quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. "I'd like to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but people see it differently," Wilson said. "That's out of my control." Wilson praised passing-game coordinator Todd Downing for trying to get him the ball, so the pass-catcher could really be taking a shot at Rodgers. In the last five quarters, Wilson has only been targeted five times. In the same span, Rodgers' buddy, receiver Davante Adams, has been targeted 17 times. Even Allen Lazard (seven) saw more targets than Wilson. He finished with six catches for 54 yards on Sunday thanks to a late comeback attempt, but it wasn't enough to make Wilson happy. He's on the verge of his third 1,000-yard season, but there has been speculation that he could ask for a trade sooner than later.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (shoulder) is getting an MRI exam on his shoulder on Monday, according to head coach Brian Daboll. It means the Giants' QB situation is once again up in the air heading into their Week 17 contest against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Dec. 29. Even if Lock's shoulder ends up being OK, the Giants could make the move back to Tommy DeVito under center for the penultimate game of another lost season for the G-Men after Lock threw two more pick-sixes in a Week 16 blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 28-year-old went 22-for-39 for 210 yards, one touchdown and the two interceptions while also fumbling. Lock just hasn't been good in limited duty for New York since the team parted ways with Daniel Jones, as he's completed just 52.7% of his passes for 624 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions in six games (three starts).
From RotoBaller
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said on Monday that rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) aggravated a previous ankle injury he was dealing with in the Week 16 blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Tracy was questionable to play in Week 16 against Atlanta but suited up anyway and didn't do much on the ground, gaining only 26 rushing yards on seven carries. However, the 25-year-old rookie salvaged his day for fantasy managers by catching all four of his targets for 43 yards and the team's only touchdown of the game. It's unclear if Tracy's aggravation will keep him from playing in the Week 17 contest against the Indianapolis Colts in what is a great matchup, but fantasy managers will want to monitor his status closely this week. Backup Devin Singletary would at least be an intriguing RB3/flex option in fantasy if Tracy is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was a non-factor in the Week 16 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, registering two catches for eight yards. He was targeted five times, which tied for second on the team, but he finished sixth on the team in receiving. Carolina tied a season-best with 36 points and resurgent quarterback Bryce Young played his best game of the year, yet Coker wasn't really part of the action. For managers who advance to their fantasy Super Bowls, the rookie is a massive gamble with a great matchup in Week 17 against Tampa Bay.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (elbow) said after the Week 16 win over the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday that his arm is fine after he suffered a right-elbow contusion in the second half. Allen said his elbow got hit, which caused him to lose feeling in his throwing arm. The loss of feeling in his arm contributed to a wobbly pass after he took the hit, and he was seen shaking his hand trying to get feeling back. "Just hit the funny bone nerve and went to throw the ball and just had no feeling in the hand," Allen said. He worked with trainers on the sideline to get heat applied to his arm and went back into the game for the next series. The 28-year-old is the front-runner for the MVP award in 2024 despite throwing for 154 yards, one touchdown and a pick in the win over the Pats. Look for Allen to bounce back as a high-end QB1 in Week 17 against the division-rival New York Jets at Orchard Park.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert carried the ball eight times for 31 yards and caught both of his targets for 15 yards in their 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The 32-year-old has started seeing more carries in the last several games, but fellow backfield mate De'Von Achane will continue to see most of the work. Ever since he fumbled against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, Mostert seems to be in the doghouse with head coach Mike McDaniel. He has not seen 10 carries in a game since then. His next opportunity will come next Sunday at the Cleveland Browns in a game where the offense might need to lean on the running game in the cold weather.
From RotoBaller
Wide receiver Rome Odunze of the Chicago Bears ended with a respectable 77 receiving yards on four catches in a 34-17 loss to Detroit on Sunday. The rookie was targeted seven times, which was third on the team, and was second only to receiver Keenan Allen in yards. Though this season has been a major dud for Chicago, Odunze has shown some late-season promise with a two-touchdown performance in Week 14 and his third-highest yardage total of the season on Sunday. The Bears will continue playing out the string with a Thursday matchup against Seattle in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland had an excellent game Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, converting all three field goal attempts and all three extra points in the 36-30 overtime defeat. The kicker was one of the few Cardinals who outperformed expectations, nailing field goals of 48, 30, and 58 yards, the last of the which sent the game to an extra period on the last play of regulation. The second-year man has done well with his chance in Arizona and could be a plausible streaming option with a plus matchup in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride had his least productive receiving day of the season during a 36-30 overtime loss to Carolina on Sunday, finishing with just three catches for 20 yards. The tight end phenom was targeted only four times, which was fewer than journeyman running back Michael Carter and No. 2 receiver Michael Wilson, and the same as running back James Conner. McBride has been great this season, but Sunday was a brutal time for a dud in the fantasy playoffs. The Cards were officially knocked out of the playoffs with the loss, so managers who survived will hope for McBride to rebound in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington caught three of four targets for 28 yards in the 29-17, Week 16 win over the San Francisco 49ers. With Jaylen Waddle (knee) sidelined for this game, the rookie could not take advantage of more snaps. The Miami passing attack struggled somewhat and leaned more on the ground game. Waddle could miss more than just this game, making his status something to be monitored throughout this week. Washington will look to bounce back next Sunday when he and Miami hit the road to take on the Cleveland Browns in a game that will possibly be in freezing temperatures.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson finished with two catches on five targets for 44 yards in a 36-30 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. It was an all-around poor day for Arizona's passing game, as tight end Trey McBride had his worst receiving day of the year and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. failed to hit 50 receiving yards for the third straight game. The loss officially bounced Arizona from playoff contention, so the Cardinals are down to playing spoiler next week against the Los Angeles Rams. Wilson will be a highly risky bet for standard-format managers in fantasy Super Bowls.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas turned his only involvement of the game Sunday against Carolina into a one-yard touchdown catch. The 26-year-old had no carries and only one target, but made it count for his first touchdown of the season. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, it wasn't enough in a 36-30 overtime loss that knocked them out of playoff contention. Starting running back James Conner (knee) departed the game, Trey Benson (ankle) was out, and Emari Demercado (back) is on injured reserve, leaving a possible opening in the Arizona backfield. Based on Sunday's game, however, it would appear as if journeyman Michael Carter would be the preferred streaming option over Dallas.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders made 5-of-5 field goal attempts and 2-of-2 extra points in their 29-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. His longest came from 54 yards out. Sanders continued to stay hot and has now made his last 23 field goal attempts. As the Dolphins offense has looked more formidable, he continues to get more opportunities than almost anyone in the league, and his conversion rate has been phenomenal. The 29-year-old is now the sixth-ranked kicker overall in fantasy football and should be a weekly start for anyone still in the playoffs. He will have a challenging task traveling to take on the Cleveland Browns in likely freezing conditions in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. finished with a forgettable Week 16 against Carolina, catching four passes for 39 yards on eight targets. The rookie has had a rough stretch after the Cards' bye, finishing outside the top 40 at his position four times in the past five weeks, which has been disappointing given his early-season draft hype. Sunday's 36-30 overtime loss knocked Arizona out of playoff contention, leaving the team to play out the string during the final two weeks. Harrison will be a risky play for managers in fantasy Super Bowls during a Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell indeed worked as the deep threat in the absence of Alec Pierce (concussion), however, the 22-year-old was targeted just one time in this contest. The rookie wideout hauled in that one target for a big gain of 36 yards, but that was midway through the second quarter and the speedster did not receive another look for the rest of the game. Not that he was the only one who put up disappointing receiving numbers, as Josh Downs "led" the corps with three catches while Michael Pittman Jr. corralled just two. Jonathan Taylor ran all over the Titans, so there was no need for the Colts to ask Anthony Richardson to throw up a lot of passes, completing just 7-of-11 attempts on the day. Assuming Pierce can play next week, Mitchell will again work as the fourth option in a feeble passing attack and should not be trusted in fantasy championships.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught three of his seven targets for 29 yards and a touchdown in their 29-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Hill could've had a much bigger game if not for a few dropped passes, one of which could've been another touchdown. With Jaylen Waddle (knee) out in this game, this wasn't exactly the level of production fantasy managers were hoping for. This is the fifth time this season that the 30-year-old had 30 yards or less, and the 11th time he has failed to reach 15 PPR fantasy points. At this point in the season, it's safe to say that Hill was one of the biggest busts of the 2024 season. His next opportunity comes next Sunday afternoon at the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.
From RotoBaller