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 DFS Pickem Plays: Week 18
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is anticipated to suit up on Sunday against the Texans. Pollard has been dealing with an ankle injury for a few weeks. However, it finally kept him off the field for the Week 17 loss to the Jags. Tyjae Spears (concussion) for the start in that one. Unfortunately, Spears suffered a concussion and won't suit up in Week 18. With Pollard expected back in the mix, Julius Chestnut, who had three attempts for 17 yards versus Jacksonville, likely won't see as much action, severely restricting his fantasy potential. But Pollard's outlook isn't as favorable either, with the Texans defense allowing only eight touchdowns to opposing backs this season, one of the best marks in the National Football League.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is "considered a long-shot" to suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Carolina Panthers. The wideout is currently listed as questionable for Week 18. However, Rapoport added that it will be an "uphill battle" for Mooney to get on the field. He has had arguably the best season of his career in 2024-25, totaling 992 yards and five touchdowns off 64 catches. With the Falcons still alive for the postseason, Mooney will be needed. But if he's not out there, Drake London will presumably see more attention from Michael Penix Jr. The same can be said for Kyle Pitts and Ray-Ray McCloud III.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) likely suffered a knee sprain in Saturday's win over the Cleveland Browns. The 24-year-old wasn't involved long on Saturday night, catching only one pass before his abrupt departure. He'll undergo an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. However, it's believed Flowers didn't suffer a "major injury." The 2023 No. 22 overall pick had a productive regular season, totaling 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns, so the team could use him on the field for the Wild-Card round. But if Flowers doesn't suit up, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews, combining for nine catches for 130 yards and two scores in Week 18, should remain Lamar Jackson's preferred targets. Of course, Derrick Henry will stay involved, potentially seeing a small uptick in carries.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had eight catches for 68 yards in Saturday's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran hasn't been consistent during the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, after catching 10 passes for 86 yards in the overtime win over the Broncos, he had another potent showing in Week 18. Gesicki signed a one-year deal to join the Bengals during the offseason. It's likely the team will look to bring him back, considering he was starting to build rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow. Either way, Gesicki is worth monitoring in fantasy drafts heading into next season, although he may benefit the most from a statistical standpoint by remaining in Cincinnati.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had only two catches for 12 yards in Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The wideout has had the best year since entering the league, totaling a career-high six touchdowns to end the 2024-25 campaign. However, he still hasn't been consistent by any means. With that in mind, Tee Higgins (ankle) future in Cincinnati is up in the air, so there could be room for Iosivas to win the No. 2 job behind Ja'Marr Chase heading into next season. Yet, the front office may finally come to their senses and do what is necessary to retain Higgins, which wouldn't be good for Iosivas' outlook moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Khalil Herbert got the start for the injured Chase Brown (ankle) in Saturday's crucial win over the Steelers. The 26-year-old, who was acquired by the Bengals in November, had played sparingly since arriving in Cincinnati. However, he did exactly what was needed on Saturday night, running for 69 yards off 20 carries while adding seven catches for 14 yards. The Bengals still have a shot at the postseason. But if Herbert's season is finished, he'll likely draw interest from at least a few teams in free agency. With that said, unless he gets a meaningful role in 2025-26, his fantasy upside will remain capped.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught 10 of his 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's win over the Steelers. The former LSU Tiger didn't find the end zone in Week 17 versus the Broncos. However, he showed up in a big way on Saturday to help keep the Bengals' postseason hopes alive. With that said, Chase has had an impressive year, amassing 1,708 yards, 127 grabs, and 17 touchdowns, making him a top-five overall option in fantasy drafts entering the 2025-26 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 277 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 37-for-46 passing in Saturday's much-needed win over the Steelers. The signal-caller entered Week 18 by tossing at least three touchdowns each of his last eight appearances. While he cooled off on Saturday night, he still did enough to lead the Bengals to another victory while keeping the team's postseason hopes alive. With that in mind, regardless of what happens with Cincinnati concerning the playoffs, Burrow will be a top-five quarterback in all fantasy drafts heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle) exited Saturday's 19-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and did not reenter. The 25-year-old was forced from the contest in the third quarter and was initially deemed questionable to return. However, he was not seen again after injuring his ankle. Cincinnati's offense missed him when he was gone -- having trouble moving the ball with Pittsburgh keyed in on teammate Ja'Marr Chase. Before leaving, Higgins caught 4-of-5 targets for 53 yards. Despite not returning, he was not immediately ruled out, which is a positive sign. With the Bengals snagging another win, they'll need some help tomorrow to punch their ticket to the playoffs.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts placekicker Matt Gay will be a fringe top option in Week 18 when his team hosts the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. The sixth-year pro has been excellent in his second season with the Colts -- hammering home all 31 extra-point attempts and missing just five field goals. It starkly contrasts his 2023 season when he missed eight of them and an additional extra point. Jacksonville has been one of the more favorable matchups for kickers this season -- letting up 8.6 fantasy points per game to the position. Quarterback Joe Flacco will again play in an injured Anthony Richardson's (back) stead, and he moved the ball well last week in their 45-33 loss to the Giants. Gay should again be productive and comes in at RotoBaller's K12 in this week's ranks.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins caught six of his eight targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Akins caught Bailey Zappe's lone touchdown pass in the contest on a 16-yard reception in the fourth quarter. The veteran tight end turned in a strong showing starting in place of the injured David Njoku (knee) over Cleveland's final two games of the season, catching 12 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Akins is an unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason as he will hope to parlay his strong performance at the end of the season into a new contract somewhere in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson is a solid fantasy option this weekend in his team's divisional clash with the visiting Carolina Panthers. The 25-year-old has been fine since taking over the Falcons kicking job for an injured Younghoe Koo (hip). In four appearances this season, Patterson has been automatic on his 11 XP attempts but has missed a field goal try in each of his last two games. He'll get a dream outing in Week 18 against a Panthers defense that's allowed the most points per game in the league (31) and the most fantasy points per game to the kicking position (10.5). The Falcons bolster a 28-point implied point total for the contest, so the Memphis product projects to be afforded a few chances to get on the board against one of the league's worst defenses. Patterson ranks as RotoBaller's K10 ahead of this weekend's slate of action.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field-goal attempt, a 23-yarder, and added an extra point in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Although Hopkins finished a tough 2024 season on a high note, he overall made just 18 of his 27 field-goal attempts for the Browns this past season. The veteran kicker still has three years remaining on the contract extension he signed before the season, although it wouldn't be a big surprise to see the Browns bring in some competition in training camp next year. That being said, an offseason release would bring a significant cap hit and dead money for the Browns which makes it likely that Hopkins is back with the team for the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught three of his five targets for 36 yards in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. The veteran's production was good enough for him to finish third on the team in receiving in the season finale, putting the finishing touches on what was a disappointing finish to the season for him as he caught just 11 passes for 91 yards over his final five contests. That being said, Moore set a new career-high in receptions in a single season in the Week 18 loss, finishing with 61 to eclipse his previous high of 59 in 2023. An unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason, Moore is unlikely to have trouble finding a job heading into 2025.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards and caught his lone target for an eight-yard gain in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Foreman opened the game as the team's starter and led the backfield but it was slow going for the veteran, who saw just three carries after halftime. Foreman is an unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason and will look to catch on somewhere to continue his career after averaging just 3.3 yards per carry with the Browns in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers placekicker Brandon McManus is an excellent option this weekend when his team squares off with the visiting Chicago Bears in Week 18. The twelfth-year pro has been exceptional since taking over the Packers' kicking job in Week 7 -- driving through all 29 extra-point tries and missing just one of his 18 field goal attempts. This Sunday, he'll line up against a Bears defense that's been friendly to kickers in 2024, giving up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position (9.4). Moreover, Green Bay is scoring the eighth-most points per game in the league (27.4) -- so the 33-year-old should again be afforded plenty of scoring opportunities in the contest. The veteran is RotoBaller's K9 ahead of the season's final slate.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught six of his 13 targets for 63 yards in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Jeudy set a new Cleveland Browns record by snagging his 90th catch of the season in the fourth quarter, breaking Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome's previous single-season team record of 89. The veteran wideout started off slow in 2024 but came on strong at the midpoint of the season to post career highs in catches and receiving yards. Cleveland is likely to bolster their receiving corps in the offseason but Jeudy did enough to be considered the team's No. 1 receiver heading into the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing will see an uptick in snaps this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals in a road tilt. The rookie has been used sparingly in 2024 -- recording just two receptions and 50 yards in 11 appearances. However, he projects to see an elevated role in the offense with fellow wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, wrist) ruled inactive for the contest. Cowing has managed only 56 snaps in his debut campaign but was productive during his time at college -- breaking out in his third season with UTEP (104.2 YPG) before transferring to Arizona and notching two 85+ catch seasons. With QB Brock Purdy (elbow) set to sit, Joshua Dobbs will man the 49ers helm, so it isn't ideal for the 23-year-old wideout. Still, tight end George Kittle (ankle) is also dealing with an injury and is questionable for the matchup. Cowing could have a busy day in the team's season finale if Kittle sits. Though, he still won't be a recommended option. The former fourth-round pick comes in at RotoBaller's PPR WR87 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe completed 16 of his 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while adding two yards on two carries in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Zappe made his first and only start of the season for the Browns in the finale while showing spotty accuracy and a lack of arm strength in the lopsided loss. His first interception came in the first quarter and was a back-breaker as it was thrown right into the hands of rookie corner Nate Wiggins, who returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. The Browns turned to Dorian Thompson-Robinson to lead a drive at the end of the first quarter but he only wound up taking six snaps in the contest before the team reinserted Zappe at the beginning of the second quarter. An unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason, Zappe will look to catch on as a backup quarterback somewhere ahead of the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson will not be a recommended fantasy option for Sunday's meeting with their division-rival Seattle Seahawks. The 26-year-old was a healthy scratch for the last two contests, but he'll be called upon to work in the Rams' season finale, with teammates Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp getting the afternoon off. Johnson will likely slot in as the third or fourth option in the offense behind wideouts Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell -- competing with Jordan Whittington for looks from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Fantasy managers looking for a streaming option can do better than the fifth-year pro, who presents as a low-floor, low-upside option in the season's final week. Johnson ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR86 ahead of Week 18's action.
From RotoBaller