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.
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (hamstring) were both missing from practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Gardner was injured in the Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and didn't play in last Sunday's blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, Williams sat out in Week 16 but returned to action against Buffalo. With the Jets playing out the string in a disappointing season, both Gardner and Williams could be held out this weekend if they aren't 100 percent. It would be more bad news for a Jets defense that has really underwhelmed in 2024. New York will be facing a Miami Dolphins team in Week 18 that is still trying to keep their playoff hopes alive, so fantasy managers should be looking to avoid the Jets' defense/special teams unit.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is missing his third straight practice of the week on Thursday, which suggests he'll be ruled out again for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. If Njoku is officially ruled out on Thursday, he will have missed three of the final four games of the season due to injury. The 28-year-old has been a top-10 fantasy TE this year in terms of average half-PPR points per game (7.3) thanks to 64 catches on 97 targets for 505 yards and five touchdowns in his 11 games played. In what is expected to be a blowout loss to the Ravens, backup tight end Jordan Akins could rack up some notable garbage production this weekend if Njoku is inactive. In the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Akins had season-highs in catches (six), targets (eight) and receiving yards (49).
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (calf) is missing a second straight practice this week on Thursday. Conklin picked up a calf injury in the Week 17 blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and is now trending toward missing the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Miami Dolphins unless he can return to practice on Friday. The 29-year-old is coming off a season-high eight-catch performance last Sunday in which he also recorded 57 receiving yards and his third touchdown of the year. The Jets have nothing to play for this weekend, so it's unlikely they'll try to force Conklin out onto the field if he's not 100 percent. If he is not active for what could be quarterback Aaron Rodgers' final game in the NFL, Jeremy Ruckert and Kenny Yeboah would battle for TE1 duties in New York.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) didn't have his helmet on and wasn't seen stretching with the other QBs on Thursday, so it's looking like he's in line to miss a second straight practice as the team prepares for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson missed the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants, which eliminated the Colts from the postseason, due to pretty serious back spasms. He has been feeling much better this week, though, and the Colts are hopeful he can play in the final game of the year. However, with two DNPs to open the week, Richardson is far from a lock to be available on Sunday for fantasy managers in an excellent matchup. With many starting QBs resting this weekend, Richardson would have QB1 upside if he's active, but he'd also be a big risk due to a back injury that he's had issues with since high school.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) missed the team's final practice of the week on Thursday, meaning it's likely he'll be inactive for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, which would lead to a bigger role for Keaton Mitchell. Hill did not suit up for the Week 17 blowout win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day last Wednesday. Head coach John Harbaugh said earlier this week that the team was expecting the 27-year-old pass-catching RB to return to action for the final regular season game, but after three missed practices, Baltimore will most likely list Hill as out on the final injury report on Thursday. Mitchell would see change-of-pace work behind starter Derrick Henry if Hill is out again on Saturday but would be a stretch as a starting lineup option in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said that he would like another shot at a head-coaching gig "at some point" when asked about it during a press conference. The Commanders' season isn't over heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys after they clinched a playoff berth with a victory in overtime over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. However, with several head-coaching positions expected to become available on Black Monday, Kingsbury's name is already floating around as a candidate after the impressive work he's done with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2024. The Chicago Bears make the most sense because of the fact that Kingsbury worked with quarterback Caleb Williams in 2023 at USC. The Bears will surely be looking for an offensive mind who can get Williams right, but it's unclear if Kingsbury will be their guy.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Daniel Oyefusi write that the Cleveland Browns are expected to look at "any veteran quarterback with starter's talent" this offseason, including Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, according to a team source. Cutting Deshaun Watson (Achilles) now would cost the team $92 million in cash and $119 million in dead salary cap money if he was designated as a post-June 1 release. A recent restructure of his contract allows the Browns to push Watson's dead cap figure into 2030 and signals he'll likely be on the roster next year. With Watson having been available in just 19 regular-season games since 2021, it's clear Cleveland's goal will be to strengthen their QB room this offseason. The working leaguewide theory is that the Browns will keep Watson for one more year and have him battle it out for the starting job with a veteran and/or draft pick.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) will be a game-time decision for Saturday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Zac Taylor said, "We'll see," when asked about Brown's status this weekend. Brown will almost certainly be listed as questionable on Thursday's final injury report after he did not practice all week following a mild high-ankle sprain in the Week 17 victory over the Denver Broncos last Saturday. The 24-year-old has been a top-12 fantasy RB this year, but anyone still playing for something in redraft leagues might have to look elsewhere at the position this week. If active, Brown could cede more work to backup Khalil Herbert and could be less productive in a tough matchup on the road against one of the better defenses in the NFL. Herbert will have RB2 upside on volume alone if Brown is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett could be playing in his final game with Seattle in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but he plans to continue his career in 2025. The 32-year-old former third-round pick in 2015 out of Kansas State has seen his role shrink to WR3 for the Seahawks in 2024 due to the emergence of second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After reaching the 1,000-yard milestone four straight years from 2019-2022, Lockett had 894 receiving yards last year and currently is sitting on 572 yards and only two touchdowns on 47 receptions in 16 games this year. Lockett is the franchise's second-leading receiver in catches, yards and touchdowns, but he has accepted his role as more of a facilitator for both JSN and DK Metcalf. With a salary cap hit of $30.8 million in 2025, it's unlikely Lockett will stick around in Seattle.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt announced on Thursday that rookie quarterback Drake Maye (hand) will start on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Van Pelt also said the intent is for Maye to play the entire game. The 22-year-old first-rounder was limited by a hand injury in practice on Wednesday, but he'll be good to go this weekend. The Patriots would secure the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft if they lose to a Bills team that is expected to play mostly backups, but New England wants to get Maye out there for one more game in what has mostly been a learning experience in his first year in the NFL. The third overall pick has completed 66.8% of his pass attempts for 2,276 yards, 15 TDs and 10 interceptions in 12 games (11 starts). He'll be a QB2 with upside in Year 2, but the Pats need to add more playmakers around him.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) is not practicing with the rest of the team on Thursday, but he was seen working out with trainers on the side. Brown suffered a mild high-ankle sprain in last Saturday's overtime win over the Denver Broncos and hasn't been able to practice with the rest of the team all week. It remains to be seen how he'll be listed on the team's final Week 18 injury report on Thursday, but at the very least, Brown will likely be questionable to play on Saturday in a must-win divisional clash in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. Coming into Week 18 action, the 24-year-old has been a must-start fantasy RB as Cincy's backfield workhorse -- he's the RB11 in half-PPR scoring -- but he could be limited or out this weekend. If Brown cannot go against Pittsburgh, Khalil Herbert would be the Bengals' RB1 in a tough matchup.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers acknowledged he could be playing his last game for the Jets in Week 18 and said he would decide before free agency begins in March if he'll play in 2025. 'I'm just more resigned to the reality of the situation,' Rodgers said. 'I think there's going to be change here, and if I'm a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here.'
Fantasy Spin: Rodgers' mobility has really hindered him this year, and while he showed signs of fantasy merit, he really is an afterthought except in two-QB leagues.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of the regular-season finale against Dallas. The fourth-year receiver doesn't have a top-25 finish in PPR formats this year, but has an enticing matchup against a bad Dallas pass defense. Washington has committed to playing its starters, but certainly will be thinking about next week with a berth in the NFC playoffs already clinched. Brown's practice status will be worth watching as the Commanders progress through the week.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (calf) did not practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday. Conklin apparently picked up a calf injury in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills in which he had one of his best showings of the season. The 29-year-old caught all eight of his targets for 57 yards and a touchdown, but now his availability will be in question heading into the regular-season finale in Week 18 versus the division-rival Miami Dolphins. If Conklin is unable to get back on the practice field this week, the Jets would have more playing time available for tight ends Jeremy Ruckert and Kenny Yeboah, although neither player would excite fantasy managers setting DFS lineups. In his third year with the Jets in 2024, Conklin has barely moved the fantasy needle, catching 49 passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns on 69 targets in 15 games.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring) was not able to practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday as they prepare for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Gardner injured his hamstring in the Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams but played in the blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills last weekend, although he aggravated his hamstring in the third quarter and never returned. The Jets have nothing left to play for but pride in the final game of the regular season, so there's a good chance the Jets will hold the 24-year-old out this weekend. If Gardner doesn't get the green light to play in Week 18, Brandin Echols should fill in for him in the secondary. Gardner, the former fourth overall pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati, hasn't been quite as good as he was in his first two NFL season and has 49 combined tackles and one pick in 15 starts.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (ankle, rest) did not practice on Wednesday prior to the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Washington rested a number of its major players and will be an interesting case in Week 18. The Commanders have clinched a berth in the playoffs, but are locked into a Wild Card road game with the NFC East having already gone to Philadelphia. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has said he intends to play starters, which would make McLaurin a WR1 option against a bad Dallas secondary if he plays. But it's worth watching throughout the week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) logged a limited practiced on Wednesday ahead of the Week 18 game against Tampa Bay. The veteran receiver has been an extreme boom-or-bust option who surprised with a WR2 finish in Week 10 and caught touchdowns in three straight weeks earlier in the season, but bottomed out with no catches on two targets last week. With the Saints likely to play out the string without quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin), MVS is a low-end WR5 option on an offense that isn't worth trusting.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday prior to the Week 18 finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Miller can't clear concussion protocol by Sunday, newly acquired back Clyde Edwards-Helaire seems likely to lead the backfield again, though he drew only five carries last week against Las Vegas. With the Saints way out of the playoff picture and quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin) still not practicing, the entire offense looks to be avoidable in any format that still plays Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday prior to the Week 18 finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran tight end is coming off his best game of the year and led the team in receiving, but times are bleak for the Saints. Johnson has a nice matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that ranks in the bottom 10 against fantasy tight ends, but with Derek Carr (left hand), Alvin Kamara (groin), and Chris Olave (head) all dealing with injuries and the Saints having little incentive to go all out, Johnson should be viewed as a TE2 option if he plays.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) did not practice on Wednesday ahead of Week 18's finale against the Arizona Cardinals. The Ohio State product has been an injury report regular this year, but the knee injury was a new designation after oblique and hip issues earlier in the season. With San Francisco already eliminated from playoff contention, there won't be much reason to push the envelope with the star defensive end, so missing the game certainly seems in play for Bosa. For IDP formats still going in Week 18, managers should have a backup plan at the ready.
From RotoBaller