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.
According to head coach Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts are still unsure if quarterback Anthony Richardson (back, foot) will start in Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan reported the news. Steichen also noted that the 22-year-old is feeling better on Monday and will start this weekend if he's healthy enough to do so. The second-year pro had been dealing with a foot issue he picked up in Week 16 but has also reportedly been battling back spasms -- the actual reason for his inactive designation versus the Giants. With the entire week to rest before the season's final slate of contests, Richardson will still have a shot at playing. However, his progress over the next few days will be telling of his availability. With Indy officially eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Florida alum miss another outing.
From RotoBaller
Per Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, quarterback C.J. Stroud and the rest of the team's starters will play in this weekend's divisional clash with the Tennessee Titans. "Everybody has to be ready to go, and that's where we are," said Ryan. "Everyone will be out there playing." Ok then. Evidently, the Texans will be out in full force for the season's final week. Despite locking up the AFC's fourth seed, the second-year coach will run out his first-string unit in Week 18 after an embarrassing 31-2 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. With the game holding no meaning for either team, it's possible that the starting squad could get a little rest anyway. Still, seeing the team's best product on the field for at least some of the action will be nice. The Texans will travel to Nashville to take on their division foes.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins brought in both of his targets for 33 yards in his team's 40-14 drubbing of the New York Jets. The 31-year-old commanded just two looks on a day when quarterback Josh Allen's pass attempts were down again -- tossing 27 during an outing in which they controlled from start to finish. Despite participating in every game this season, Hollins has registered 50 or more yards just twice all year. It hasn't been all bad in 2024, as the veteran has hauled in a career-high five TDs. Still, he's otherwise compiled 28 receptions and 353 yards while leading the Bills' WR corps in snaps. With Buffalo's playoff spot all locked up, their meeting with the New England Patriots in Week 18 is but a formality. It wouldn't be surprising at all to see the squad sit their starters for at least some of the contest.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd caught 2-of-4 targets in Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 30-year-old was a non-factor in Week 17, notching his fourteenth outing in 2024 with three or fewer receptions. It's unlikely that the veteran fell off so drastically; instead, questionable quarterback play is the cause of his subpar season. Unless he puts together a monster performance in Week 18 to close out the year, Boyd will finish under 600 receiving yards for the first time since his sophomore season in 2017, when he played just ten games (22/225/2). With Rudolph and teammate Will Levis slated to split QB reps next weekend, it doesn't look like his situation will improve to close out the season. Tennessee will host the Houston Texans in the season's final week.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that he will probably hold running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) back in practice this week, but he expects the RB to be ready to go for the playoffs. Reid said that Pacheco "dinged his ribs" in the Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. The 25-year-old finished with only six carries for 18 yards last Wednesday before departing in the fourth quarter. With the Chiefs locked into the AFC's top seed for the playoffs, they will most likely rest most of their starters, including Pacheco, in Week 18 against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Fellow RB Kareem Hunt might also see minimal run, if any at all, this weekend with KC having nothing to play for. If both Pacheco and Hunt are rested completely, look for Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele to share backfield touches for an offense that will be run by backup QB Carson Wentz.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that both quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Levis will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans this coming Sunday. It means that fantasy managers still playing for something in two-QB superflex leagues should ignore both Rudolph and Levis this weekend. Tennessee chose to bench Levis after their Week 15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in favor of Levis, who hasn't been a noticeable upgrade. Rudolph has completed 64.62% of his 65 pass attempts with 445 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions in two losses to the Colts and Jaguars. Levis, the team's second-round pick in 2023, has been too inconsistent in his second NFL season, tossing 12 TDs and 12 interceptions while also being sacked 40 times in 11 starts. There will obviously be very little upside for both QBs to close out the year.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. was minimally involved in the team's 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in Week 17. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler continued to struggle and completed only 20 of his 36 pass attempts. He targeted Austin only twice in the game, with Austin coming down with one catch for a gain of 23 yards on the day. Fellow wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling aggravated his back injury and was forced to leave the contest, but it didn't lead to Austin being more involved. The 24-year-old has played at least 70 percent of the offensive snaps the last three weeks, but it has led to only three catches on nine targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns over that span. In New Orleans' depleted offense that is being run by Rattler, Austin cannot be trusted in fantasy in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell had only four touches (three carries, one reception) in the 41-7 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 on Sunday. Given the score and the fact that the Eagles pulled star running back Saquon Barkley in the fourth quarter after he reached the elite milestone of 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, Gainwell's minimal involvement was a bit of a disappointment. He gained only four yards on his three rushing attempts and picked up five yards on his lone catch. The good news, though, is that with Philly locked into the No. 2 seed and with nothing to play for in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, Gainwell could easily operate as the team's lead back. However, that could also come with third-string QB Tanner McKee under center with both Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) hurt.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard never had much of a chance to stand out on offense in the team's 40-14 blowout loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Week 17. That was especially true with quarterback Aaron Rodgers only attempting 18 passes on the day. Lazard was targeted just three times and caught one pass for a pickup of nine yards. Meanwhile, receivers Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson and tight end Tyler Conklin were all targeted eight times. The 29-year-old Lazard was the target on one of Rodgers' two interceptions on the day. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 6 and has caught only 34 of his 57 targets on the season for 459 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games in his second year in New York. Rodgers has good chemistry with Lazard, but the opportunities just aren't there behind Adams and Wilson. Lazard is off the fantasy radar for Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders earned one target in Week 17 and turned that into a five-yard reception in Sunday's 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this one, Sanders took a clear backseat to the Panthers' receivers, Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette. In addition, the Buccaneers dictated game flow in this one, as they dominated the game and time of possession with 41 minutes compared to the Panthers' 19, making it difficult for Carolina's playmakers to make a difference in this contest. Sanders became fantasy-relevant in the middle of the season with 18 catches for 212 yards and a touchdown from Week 6 through Week 10. However, since Week 14, he has only earned three total targets, making him nothing more than a dynasty stash for fantasy managers. The Panthers will travel to Atlanta this week to take on the Falcons, and Sanders should be on your bench.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts veteran quarterback Joe Flacco wasn't able to really boost rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell's output in the Week 17 upset loss to the New York Giants on the road on Sunday. With Anthony Richardson (back) out, Mitchell only hooked up with Flacco two times on four targets for 22 yards. Flacco being under center has helped boost Indy's pass-catchers in fantasy in the games he's started, but it was Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce who benefitted the most on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in the 45-33 loss, combining for 15 receptions, 231 yards and two touchdowns. The 22-year-old Mitchell has an intriguing skill set for the long term, but he just hasn't had enough opportunities in the Colts' low-volume passing attack with Richardson, who has had his issues with accuracy early in his career. Despite a good matchup in Week 18 against the Jags, Mitchell will be hard to trust in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (calf) was reportedly dealing with very serious back spasms leading up to the Week 17 contest against the New York Giants on Sunday, which is why he was deemed inactive. However, there were also reports coming from the team that Richardson was just dealing with "soreness," which ESPN's Stephen Holder says was ridiculous. Richardson was not permitted to speak to reporters after Sunday's loss, which eliminated Indy from postseason contention. With the Colts now eliminated from the playoffs, it seems likely that Richardson will miss a second straight game due to his back spasms, so fantasy managers still playing for a championship in Week 18 shouldn't expect to have the second-year signal-caller's services against the Jaguars. Veteran Joe Flacco went 26-for-38 for 330 yards, two TDs and two picks in his fifth start of the year against New York.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis earned six carries and turned that into just nine yards in Sunday's 40-17 win over the New York Jets. He added one reception for four yards as well. As expected, Davis took a clear back seat over James Cook; however, Ty Johnson was also involved and was more effective than Davis on the ground, totaling 25 yards on his five total opportunities. With the Bills' victory in Week 17, they are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture, making it possible for Davis to get started in Week 18. If that's the case, and based on Johnson's involvement, fantasy managers can expect them to split the backfield if the Bills decide to rest Cook against the New England Patriots for the regular season finale.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich reiterated on Monday what he said following the blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Week 17: That the team plans to start quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. The Jets' season was over a while ago, but the Dolphins playoffs hopes are still alive heading into the final week of the regular season. The wheels fell off for Rodgers and the 4-12 Jets on Sunday against the Bills, with the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer looking checked out while going just 12-for-18 for 112 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in the 40-14 loss. He was pulled late in favor of journeyman Tyrod Taylor, but it looks like Rodgers will get one more start in what is expected to be his final game with Gang Green. From a big-picture perspective, Rodgers needs one more TD for 500 in his illustrious career.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) isn't dealing with a major injury after being pulled late in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday with a quadriceps contusion. Jones tried to get his quad worked on over on the sideline late in the fourth quarter, but out of an abundance of caution, he did not return against Green Bay. While Jones' status will be somewhat in question for the huge Week 18 showdown against the Detroit Lions, which will decide the top seed in the NFC playoff picture, he should be able to play. If Jones is limited at all because of the injury, Cam Akers would benefit from more touches out of the backfield in a tough matchup. The 30-year-old Jones finished Sunday's game with 12 carries for 47 yards while catching four of his five targets for an additional 30 yards.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert earned eight opportunities on the ground and through the air, turning that into 19 all-purpose yards in Sunday's 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. He had six carries for three yards while catching both of his targets for 16 yards in Sunday's victory. This type of production has been par for the course for Mostert in 2024. After having a career season last year, Mostert has taken a clear backseat to De'Von Achane in 2025. In Week 18, the Dolphins travel to New York to take on the Jets, and Mostert can be left on the bench for fantasy managers as he is not getting enough volume and opportunities to be fantasy-relevant.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs), who made the start in place of the injured Jalen Hurts (concussion) in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, came into the game with broken ribs. Pickett played through the injury but then aggravated his ribs late in the second half and was pulled in favor of third-stringer Tanner McKee, who tossed two touchdowns himself. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC now and have nothing to play for in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants, which means Pickett's status becomes more important. The Eagles will likely rest Hurts, who is dealing with a broken finger on his left (non-throwing) hand in addition to his concussion. If Pickett cannot play next Sunday, McKee could be in line to make his first NFL start in the regular-season finale.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington hauled in four receptions for 41 yards on five targets in Sunday's 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also lost 11 yards in his only rushing attempt. With fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) out in Week 17, Washington moved up in the pecking order and made the most of his five targets. Those five targets were second on the team to Tyreek Hill's nine. Washington has been coming on of late, earning four-plus targets in three straight games. The rookie receiver out of Virginia is showing that he belongs in the NFL, and he will look to keep that going next Sunday when the Dolphins travel to New York to take on the Jets. Washington remains a WR4 for Week 18 but is making the most of his opportunities. Washington has shown flashes of what he can do in the NFL, and he is becoming a nice bench stash in dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder hauled in three of his five targets over 25 yards in Sunday night's 30-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Crowder has missed most of the season due to a calf injury. The veteran wideout returned from injured reserve in Week 15 and has slowly played more snaps and seen more targets in each game he has played. The three receptions were third on the team behind Zach Ertz and Olamide Zaccheaus. The Commanders clinched a playoff spot with their win in Week 17, so it is uncertain how head coach Dan Quinn will want to play things in Week 18 versus the Dallas Cowboys. Crowder's recent uptick in snap percentage and target share puts him on the WR4 map for Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange, who has been plagued by inconsistency as starter, finished with zero fantasy points in a 20-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. Strange coming into the game was likely considered by some fantasy managers as a potential starting tight end as a touchdown dependent boom-or-bust option. Given the volatility of the position, that was a fair thought process. However, given the Jaguars lackluster offense, a dud was always possible. Besides Week 15 where he put up 11 catches for 73 yards, Strange has combined for seven catches since Week 10. He has shown flashes since taking over as starter after Evan Engram got injured, but not enough to warrant being a reliable fantasy option going forward. Strange and the Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18 to round out the season.
From RotoBaller