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.
TFC Champion is Crowned
The New England Patriots are scheduled to interview former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel for their head-coaching job on Thursday, according to sources. Vrabel is considered a leading candidate, if not the top candidate, for the Patriots job. A report earlier on Tuesday suggested that Vrabel is also likely the division-rival New York Jets' No. 1 candidate for their head-coaching position as well. Vrabel was the head coach of the Titans from 2018-23 and worked as an assistant coach for the Browns in 2024 after being fired last year. A member of the Patriots Hall of Fame, Vrabel went 54-45 as the Titans head coach. He's ultimately expected to land with New England, which has a desirable situation for a head coach given quarterback Drake Maye's presence on the roster, the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and $130 million in salary-cap space.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys denied permission to the Chicago Bears to interview head coach Mike McCarthy from their open head-coaching position, according to an ESPN source. McCarthy remains under contract with the Cowboys until Jan. 14, and the Cowboys denying the Bears permission to speak to him about their head-coach job right now could signal that owner Jerry Jones plans to extend a new contract to McCarthy. But if Dallas doesn't re-sign McCarthy by Jan. 14, the Bears could just interview him then if they haven't settled on a new coach by that date. Despite a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024 in which the Cowboys suffered key injuries to notable players like quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring), Jones has praised McCarthy as the leader of the team. Now the Cowboys are on the clock to decide whether they want McCarthy back in 2025 or beyond.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears are reportedly planning to interview Pete Carroll for their open head-coaching position. There were rumors that is was going to happen, but it now appears to be official. The 73-year-old spent over a decade with the Seattle Seahawks and won a Super Bowl during his time with the organization. He was later let go as the head coach, but Carroll took over as an advisor in 2024. A year later, Carroll appears to be interested in being a head coach once again. The expectation is that the Bears are going to interview a handful of candidates, but Carroll is probably the most experienced of them all. The Bears head coaching gig is possibly the most prized out of all the current openings given the amount of potential this team has with youngster Caleb Williams under center.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers have signed wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins to a reserve/future deal. The former sixth-round pick spent the 2024 season with the New York Giants. He hauled in both his targets for 12 targets in his two appearances with the organization this season. Hodgins barely saw the field this season, but he did show flashes of potential during his 2023 campaign with the Giants. It's a low-risk move for the 49ers who might've found a decent depth option in the 26-year-old wideout. He'll get a chance to win a spot on the roster during training camp.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. Wilson was designated to return from the injured reserve at the end of December. He was a full participant in practice all last week, but Wilson remained sidelined for the regular season finale. However, it seems possible that Wilson could return to the field for Saturday's Wild-Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Wilson has been out since October, so the Steelers haven't been able to see what the rookie wideout can do. If active, Wilson would likely play a minimal role during Saturday's playoff game.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. The Chargers are hopeful to get Perryman healthy in time for Saturday's playoff matchup against the Houston Texans. Perryman missed a ton of time down the stretch of the season and only played in 11 games during the regular season. Despite that, Perryman still finished with 55 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack with the Chargers this season. Troy Dye has been seeing an increase in playing time lately with Perryman sidelined. Dye has been a viable option, including a 14-tackle game earlier in the season, but having Perryman available would be a nice boost for this defense.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (illness) was absent during Tuesday's practice session. Heyward played his normal role during the regular season finale last weekend, so he must've picked up the illness afterwards. The Steelers don't play until Saturday for their Wild-Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. That being said, Heyward has plenty of time to recover before Saturday's contest. His absence would be a significant loss for this defense considering he well Heyward has performed this season. Heyward finished the regular season with 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and eight sacks across 17 games.
From RotoBaller
According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. The star defensive back saw his typical workload during their Week 18 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week but seeing him open the week as a limited participant is a positive sign. Across 17 games this season, the Notre Dame product has tallied an impressive 107 tackles (77 solo) with 30 assists, two sacks, nine deflections, two forced fumbles, and one interception. If Hamilton were to miss Saturday's playoff game against the Steelers, Sanoussi Kane would see an increase in playing time.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder) did not practice on Tuesday. The 24-year-old wideout exited Sunday's game early. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week as he could be in danger of missing Saturday's contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Before exiting, Metchie saw four targets and brought in two of them for 24 yards. In Week 17, Metchie saw a season-high eight targets. With Tank Dell (knee) out for the remainder of the season, Metchie should operate as the clear No.2 wideout in this offense for the remainder of the playoffs. If Metchie were to miss Saturday's playoff game, fantasy managers should expect Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, or Diontae Johnson to move up the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (thigh) was a limited participant on Tuesday. Johnston is coming off a career-day where he tallied 186 yards on 13 receptions. This was only the second time this season he eclipsed 100 yards in a single game and first time he brought in double-digit receptions. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with his status during Tuesday's practice as he did not show any signs of an injury during Sunday's game. However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Since Week 14, Johnston has become a top option in Los Angeles passing attack as he has seen an impressive nine targets per game and averaged 69.0 yards per game. Johnston should be viewed as a solid option in DFS formats on Saturday facing a struggling Houston secondary.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. Dobbins missed four games earlier this season due to an MCL sprain but now appears to have a minor ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him open the week as a limited participant is a positive sign. Since returning in Week 17, Ekeler has averaged 18.5 attempts per game and tallied 69.5 rushing and 9.5 receiving yards per game over this stretch. Before his knee injury, Dobbins averaged a similar 69.6 rushing yards per game and found the back of the end zone eight times over his first 11 games. If he can take on his typical workload, the 26-year-old should be viewed as an elite running back option in all playoff competitions.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chargers have signed running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dynasty Analysis: It's a fun story to watch, but dynasty managers aren't exactly thinking they have the next LaDainian Tomlinson here, either. Elliott will join the practice squad and could be elevated should Gus Edwards be unable to play in the playoffs, but this could be a short tenure for Elliott in Los Angeles. He'll likely attempt to sign on with a team next season, but it's clear he's lost most of his burst at this point and isn't really effective in much other than short yardage situations. Elliott belongs on dynasty waiver wires at this point.
Free-agent OL Isaac Alarcon, WR Russell Gage Jr., WR Isaiah Hodgins and OT Jalen McKenzie signed Reserve/Future contracts with the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Tuesday, Jan. 7.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | Packers receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL in this week's game. Dynasty Analysis: Watson's third season ends with a 29/620/2 line. Believe it or not, that's a career high in yardage. He'll miss the postseason, but the bigger concern with dynasty managers is the fact he's unlikely to be ready for the beginning of next season. Outside of a crazy stretch of touchdown scoring his rookie season, Watson has been tough to rely on in dynasty leagues. Now entering his fourth season, his injury history and inconsistent production is going to send his dynasty value south all off-season. He could be a decent buy this Spring, but it's going to certainly come with some real risk.
Los Angeles Chargers WR Josh Palmer (foot) did not practice Tuesday, Jan. 7. RB Gus Edwards (ankle), WR Simi Fehoko (elbow), OG Zion Johnson (ankle), LB Denzel Perryman (groin), OT Trey Pipkins (oblique), OT Rashawn Slater (knee) and DB Ja'Sir Taylor (oblique) were limited participants at practice.
From TheHuddle
After the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to be looking at former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen to replace Pierce, among others. In addition to Vrabel and Coen, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Peter Carroll's name could be involved. Vrabel could be a front-runner given his popularity as a head-coaching candidate this cycle and his familiarity with Brady, as the two previously won Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots. Formulating a plan to find a franchise quarterback is priority No. 1 for Vegas' front office and whatever new head coach they bring in. Vrabel is already scheduled to interview for head-coaching openings with the Patriots and Chicago Bears, while Coen has a request from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
According to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, wide receiver Joshua Palmer (heel) is not expected to take part in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. Palmer suffered a heel injury in the Week 17 win over the New England Patriots and sat out of the victory of the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders in the Week 18 regular-season finale. If the 25-year-old doesn't return to practice in the next two days, he'll be headed for a second straight absence when the Bolts face the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs this Saturday. With the 25-year-old out last weekend, DJ Chark caught his first touchdown pass of the year. Regardless of whether Palmer returns this Saturday, rookie Ladd McConkey should continue to draw most of the aerial targets from quarterback Justin Herbert and will be a popular DFS play this weekend versus Houston on the road.
From RotoBaller
According to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, running back Gus Edwards (ankle) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday as the team begins preparing to face the Houston Texans on Saturday in the wild-card playoff round. An ankle injury kept Edwards out for the final two regular-season games, but a return to practice early in the week is a good sign that he'll have a chance to be active this weekend for the start of the postseason. The 29-year-old was a big fantasy disappointment in 2024 in his first year in LA after he scored a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns in Baltimore in 2023. He ran for a career-low 365 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries in 11 games (six starts). If Edwards is active against the Texans, he'll be a low-volume, touchdown-dependent flex play, at best, while working as the clear backup to J.K. Dobbins in the Chargers' backfield.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said on Tuesday that there is "no concern at all" for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (hip) long-term health after a unique hip injury sidelined him for the final two games of the 2024 season. It's good news, but it also doesn't mean the 26-year-old former first-rounder won't be one of the biggest injury risks at the QB position in 2025. Tagovailoa missed four games while on Injured Reserve this season due to yet another scary concussion and finished with 2,867 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a league-best 72.9% completion percentage in 11 starts after his breakout 2023 campaign. In addition to his injury concerns, the Dolphins could have trouble retaining star wideout Tyreek Hill after he voiced his willingness to leave the organization. Injuries and lack of downfield passing will push Tagovailoa down to the QB2 ranks in fantasy in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams placed rookie running back Blake Corum (forearm) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday and signed veteran running back Royce Freeman from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster in a corresponding move. Corum is out for the rest of the season after fracturing his forearm in the loss to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Kyren Williams will continue to work as the Rams' No. 1 RB for the playoffs, with Ronnie Rivers now likely serving in the top backup role with Corum sidelined. The 24-year-old third-round pick out of Michigan had a small role behind Williams all year in his first season in the NFL and finished with only 58 rushing attempts for 207 yards (3.6 yards per carry), adding seven catches for 58 yards. If he's ready to go for the start of the 2025 season, Corum will likely be a top fantasy handcuff for Williams.
From RotoBaller