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.
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet has failed to prove himself as a dependable option within the team's offense. As a result, he ranks outside the top 18 tight ends and should be benched in most fantasy leagues ahead of Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. Although Kmet did catch a touchdown last week, he has just three receptions for 23 yards over his last three games. The 25-year-old ranks 14th among fantasy tight ends in 2024, but most of his production has come from outlier games. Through 15 contests, he has posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR) just thrice. Fantasy managers can justify benching or even dropping the 25-year-old as fantasy championships arrive and Kmet remains a non-factor.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson should be avoided in all fantasy leagues ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. While Johnson did vulture numerous touchdowns from D'Andre Swift earlier in the year, that hasn't happened as much lately due to his reduced snap counts, as well as the fact that he missed multiple weeks due to a concussion. In fact, while the 23-year-old scored six touchdowns over eight games from Week 4 through Week 12, he has not found the end zone since then. He mustered just one carry against the Detroit Lions last week and should not be viewed as a legitimate fantasy option as long as Swift stays healthy.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore continues to impress with his large target share, and he should remain a must-start fantasy option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Moore has been one of Caleb Williams' favorite targets, averaging 7.2 catches per game over the last six weeks. He has scored double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in each of those six games, ranking as the overall WR12 in fantasy football during that window. While he loses a significant amount of his touchdown opportunities to Keenan Allen, Moore has shown that he can sustain high-end WR2 production even if he's not finding the end zone on a routine basis. This week, Moore continues to rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver against the Seahawks, who have allowed the fourth-most touchdowns and 12th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze remains a volume-dependent fantasy option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Odunze has commanded solid target shares lately, but he has caught more than four passes in just two of his last seven games. Furthermore, he has just three touchdowns through 15 games this season, losing key opportunities to DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. All in all, the rookie pass-catcher should be viewed as a low-end WR3/FLEX option. Seattle ranks near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, but on a positive note, they've surrendered the fourth-most touchdowns to the position.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was a sizable part of the Packers' 34-0 rout over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Reed caught 3-of-4 targets for 76 yards on the evening, including a 37-yard strike early in the fourth quarter and then a 34-yard catch that boosted Reed's night later in the fourth quarter from backup quarterback Malik Willis. Also adding a rushing attempt for five-yard rush, Reed was a big factor for the Packers, but ultimately, the huge lead curbed a lot of the passing work in the second half. With the Packers heading to Minnesota for a divisional showdown against the Vikings in Week 17, Reed is a low-end flex option for fantasy managers due to his boom-or-bust nature over the second half of the season.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has not been a dependable fantasy option lately, struggling to rack up points as he deals with reduced volume, efficiency, and scoring opportunities. The veteran running back mustered just 22 rushing yards on nine carries against the Detroit Lions last week, and he hasn't finished with double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues since Week 11. In fact, over his last five games, Swift ranks 30th among running backs in total points and 40th in average points per contest. These numbers suggest that he should be benched in most leagues, but the reality is that he checks in closer to the RB3/FLEX range. When Swift gets the perfect storm of high volume, pass-catching usage, and scoring opportunities, he can be one of the best running backs in fantasy football. However, that trifecta has been hard to come by in Chicago's offense, leading to some frustration for his fantasy managers. He'll have a chance to get back on track this Thursday night against the Seahawks, who have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards, 10th-most receiving yards, and 16th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. He's a solid RB3/FLEX option as the fantasy playoffs continue in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is the top fantasy scorer at his position this season and will look to finish the fantasy campaign on a high note against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. Pittsburgh's top wide receiver, George Pickens (hamstring), is expected to return from a three-week absence on Wednesday, which should only benefit the offense and improve Boswell's chances of seeing the field. While the Chiefs have been stout defensively and have limited opposing kickers to the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game, Boswell has been far too consistent to bench in favor of a streaming candidate. Fantasy managers should continue to roll with Boswell as a high-end option this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was a background player in the Packers' 34-0 rout over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. After coming off a two-touchdown game against the Seattle Seahawks in his return from two games missed while on concussion protocol, Doubs blended into the background as the run game was the star of the Packers' win. Doubs caught 2-of-3 targets for 20 yards in the victory as 10 different Packers earned a target, and the blowout nature led Green Bay to run the ball to salt away the victory. With the Packers headed to Minnesota to face the Vikings in a divisional showdown in Week 17, Doubs is a desperation flex option for fantasy managers with a low floor and capped ceiling.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen has been a touchdown machine lately, and he has a good chance to return to the end zone during Thursday night's contest against the Seattle Seahawks. Allen has five touchdowns over his last five games, ranking as the overall WR6 in PPR leagues during that span. He has just 3.2 fewer fantasy points than Ja'Marr Chase during that window, and he ranks ahead of stars like Mike Evans, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, A.J. Brown, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. While most of Allen's productivity can be attributed to his sudden spurt of touchdowns, we can't ignore that he has been a high-volume option for Caleb Williams, racking up nine receptions and 141 yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. As it stands, Allen may be the most dependable fantasy option in Chicago. He should continue to be deployed as a mid-to-low WR2 option for Week 17, especially as he faces a Seahawks defense allowing the fourth-most touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks caught his first touchdown since Week 7 in the Packers' 34-0 blanking of the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Wicks kicked off the proceedings with a two-yard score from quarterback Jordan Love and ended up as the target leader for the Packers with seven. Catching 3-of-7 targets for just 13 yards, Wicks was inefficient but still was targeted heavily in comparison to the rest of the pass-catchers for the Packers. On deck for the Packers is a date with a divisional foe in the 13-2 Minnesota Vikings, where Wicks will be a flex option if Christian Watson misses that game as he left Week 16 with a knee injury.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has led the team's pass-catchers in each of his last two games and should get plenty of run against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. The Chiefs have shut down the running game while giving up a fair amount of fantasy points to receivers this season. Although Austin has seemingly established himself as a trusted target of quarterback Russell Wilson, he will likely have to compete for opportunities with George Pickens (hamstring) for the first time since Week 13. If Pickens is surprisingly inactive, Austin can be viewed as a desperation flex play, but he shouldn't be started in fantasy lineups otherwise.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams played on over 35% of offensive snaps for the first time in black and gold last week and will look for continued utilization in a Week 17 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City has been middle-of-the-road against opposing wideouts in 2024, surrendering the 16th-most fantasy points per contest to the position. Williams may see yet another uptick in his playing time on Wednesday, but it is difficult to project him for many opportunities with George Pickens (hamstring) pushing to make his return from a three-week absence. Williams was unable to make an impact for fantasy purposes with Pickens sidelined, so there is no reason to consider him in starting lineups this week.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is coming off a high-scoring fantasy performance and will look to remain a fringe QB1 option heading into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Williams benefitted from some garbage-time production on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, finishing Week 16 with 334 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one turnover, as well as 34 rushing yards. The No. 1 overall pick has boasted impressive decision-making without a single interception since Week 6, but his ball security has started to come into question as he has a lost fumble in each of his last three games. Nevertheless, Williams ranks just outside the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks this season, and he could be due for another strong showing in this week's potential shootout against a mid-tier Seahawks defense. Seattle has allowed the 11th-most passing touchdowns and 14th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, but the sixth-fewest rushing yards.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was underwhelming for fantasy purposes last week and will look to get back on track in Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs. While it is nearly impossible to beat the Chiefs on the ground, Kansas City has been vulnerable to the pass and especially to opposing tight ends. The Chiefs, who gave up a big performance to Houston's Dalton Schultz last week, have allowed the third-most fantasy points per contest to tight ends this season. With George Pickens (hamstring) expected to rejoin the Steelers on Wednesday, Freiermuth doesn't offer much in the way of guaranteed volume, but he certainly has some upside in this matchup and can be started as a low-end TE1.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has been the QB20 in fantasy since Week 14 and faces a tough challenge on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City has surrendered the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks over the past eight weeks. On a positive note for Wilson, Pittsburgh's top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) reportedly has a good chance to return from a three-week absence on Wednesday. Wilson has seen a significant dip in his fantasy output without Pickens as the Steelers' offense has struggled to push the ball downfield. If Pickens is indeed active, Wilson will have some upside in this contest, but he is still best viewed as a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been quiet as of late and will have to overcome the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 to provide value in fantasy championships. The Chiefs have been shutting down the run all season, giving up the fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs as well as the fourth-fewest yards per carry. With George Pickens (hamstring) likely returning to the lineup on Wednesday, Pittsburgh's offense should look much better than it has for the past three weeks, which will put Harris in more favorable situations. Still, he can't be trusted in this matchup. Fantasy managers with other options would be wise to bench Harris or deploy him as a low-end flex option this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was plenty involved in the Packers' victory over the New Orleans 34-0 in Week 16. Kraft caught 3-of-4 targets for 63 yards, highlighted by a 30-yard catch in the second quarter to get the ball deep into Saints' territory which set up the Packers third touchdown of evening. Kraft's 63 yards and four targets were second on the team for the evening and Kraft also chipped in with a direct snap that went for two yards rushing. With Kraft as involved in the offense as he is, he's become a solid low-end TE1 for fantasy managers this season. He'll remain in the starting conversation for Week 17 as well when the Packers head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in a divisional showdown.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) had an eventful Week 16 as the Packers steamrolled the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Watson only recorded one target and did not record a reception in the game. After a 14-yard rush by Watson to help set up a Chris Brooks one-yard touchdown in the second quarter, Watson hurt his knee and went into the blue tent to get it checked out by medical staff. Watson was considered questionable to return, but he did not return to the game. Watson also added a nine-yard rush for his final stat line of 23 yards rushing on the evening. The Packers will face division-rival Minnesota in Week 17, where if Watson is available for fantasy managers, he will be a boom-or-bust flex option.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs kept his touchdown streak intact with a second-quarter touchdown as the Packers routed the New Orleans Saints 34-0 in Week 16. Jacobs scored on a two-yard touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, making that the sixth consecutive game that Jacobs has scored a touchdown. With an economical 69 yards on 13 carries, Jacobs was efficient on the ground while also catching a perfect 4-of-4 targets for 38 yards on the evening. Bowing out a bit early was Jacobs as with a massive lead and the Packers well on their way to a win, he gave way for the backups later in the second half. With a divisional matchup set for Sunday afternoon when the Packers face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit was dominant in their Week 16 home win over the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were outmatched from the opening kick as the Packers held the Saints to 220 yards of total offense. The Packers sacked Spencer Rattler three times while also forcing a fumble and interception as Green Bay is the first team to hold an opponent scoreless this season. The Packers will head west to the neighboring state of Minnesota for a late afternoon date with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. For fantasy managers, the Packers D/ST will be a borderline startable unit in that matchup based on how well the Packers have played on defense as of late.
From RotoBaller