Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
The Miami Dolphins D/ST has been up and down throughout the 2024 season. At times, they have played down to lower competition but have risen to the occasion against better teams. Regarding fantasy points, they rank as one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They haven't scored more than 10 fantasy points in three weeks. However, Week 17 presents a matchup with the Cleveland Browns, projected to have rain and heavy winds. Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be the starter, which could mean opportunities for turnovers in the messy conditions. They are a solid start if you want a streaming option for your fantasy football championship. They are the number two defense in the Week 17 RotoBaller rankings.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will look to bounce back in Week 17 when the team hosts the Dallas Cowboys. Smith caught six of his seven targets for 51 yards in Week 16, failing to score for the first time in three games. Despite being a steady presence in the Eagles' passing game, his production has fluctuated due to the team's run-first tendencies and recent quarterback uncertainty. Smith has amassed 197 yards and two touchdowns on 21 catches over his last three outings. The matchup against Dallas presents an opportunity, as the Cowboys rank poorly in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. However, with Jalen Hurts out with a concussion, Smith's ceiling will depend on the efficiency of backup Kenny Pickett. Fantasy managers should consider Smith a low-end WR2/Flex for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra has struggled to make an impact in recent weeks and remains off the fantasy radar as the team prepares to host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. Calcaterra hasn't surpassed three receptions or 22 receiving yards in any of his last three starts and failed to draw a single target against Washington in Week 16. While Calcaterra has been on the field plenty, logging over 88% of the snaps and running 92 routes over the last three games, his involvement in the passing game has been nearly nonexistent. With Kenny Pickett under center and the Eagles opting to lean on their star receivers, Calcaterra offers little upside. Even with Dallas's struggles in red-zone defense, he remains a firm sit and is not a viable streaming option for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will aim to continue his reliable production in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. While Elliott has struggled from beyond 50 yards this season, hitting just one of seven attempts, his success from shorter distances and the high-scoring nature of the Eagles' offense have kept him fantasy relevant. He ranks fifth in the league with 40 extra points made, a testament to Philadelphia's efficiency in the red zone. Elliott has posted back-to-back double-digit fantasy performances, providing a solid floor for managers in need of a dependable kicker. With the Eagles expected to put up points against a Cowboys defense that has shown vulnerabilities, Elliott remains a strong option heading into this divisional matchup.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles defense/special teams will look to produce in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys after giving up a season-high 36 points in a tough loss last week. Despite the defensive struggles, the Eagles showcased their ability to force turnovers, notching two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Philadelphia is now tied for fourth in fumble recoveries, 10th in sacks, and ranks first in the league in fewest total yards allowed. A favorable matchup awaits as the Cowboys will be without star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder), significantly reducing their offensive threat. With Dallas missing its top weapon and Philadelphia's defense excelling, fantasy managers should feel confident rolling with the Eagles D/ST at home in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett will start in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys as Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol. While Pickett also appeared on the injury report this week due to a rib issue sustained in last week's game, he has since been cleared to play. In Week 16, Pickett completed 14 of 24 pass attempts for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also contributed 13 rushing yards on three attempts. Pickett's Week 16 performance left much to be desired, ranking 27th in yards per attempt and 28th in passer rating. Despite his struggles, Dallas offers room for optimism, as their defense has allowed the eighth-most passing yards per game since Week 11. Still, the Eagles are likely to lean heavily on their rushing attack and defensive play, positioning Pickett more as a game manager than a fantasy asset. Consider him a risky QB2 option.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will aim to build on his recent performance when the Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. Brown earned a season-high 15 targets in last week's game, as backup quarterback Kenny Pickett leaned heavily on Browntargeting him on over 60% of his passes, showing trust in the star receiver. Despite opening this week on the injury report (knee/rest), Brown was cleared to play on Sunday. The matchup against Dallas is promising, as the Cowboys have given up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Known for his dominance in man coverage, Brown could exploit a defense that struggles in this area. Dallas ranks 22nd in pass defense, allowing 223.7 passing yards per game, and has surrendered 23 passing touchdowns in 2024. Regardless of who is under center for Philadelphia, Brown remains a WR1 in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will look to lead the Eagles offense in Week 17 as they host the Dallas Cowboys in a pivotal divisional matchup. Barkley is coming off a strong 150-yard performance and remains the focal point of Philadelphia's ground game. With Jalen Hurts questionable due to a concussion, the Eagles could lean heavily on Barkley to control the tempo against a Dallas defense that struggles in run defense, ranking last in the NFL in EPA (expected points added). Barkley's high workload and explosive play potential make him a must-start option in all formats this week. Expect another strong outing from Philadelphia's star running back against a struggling Cowboys team.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley has a minimal chance of playing in Week 17 with Tua Tagovailoa (hip) questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns. We saw him start in place of Tagovailoa after he suffered a gruesome concussion back in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. He cracked 10 fantasy points in his three starts just once, and the offense looked abysmal. The matchup in Cleveland this week presents harsh conditions with a 50% chance of rain and 25+ mph gusts at kickoff. It seems Tua should be fine for this game, but even if he's not, Huntley is best left on benches for Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) has been placed on injured reserve, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move will effectively end Hubbard's season with two weeks remaining on the schedule. Hubbard enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, running with the opportunity to lead Carolina's backfield. He finishes the year with 1,195 rushing yards, 171 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Not only did he take over the backfield from Miles Sanders, but he also allowed the Panthers to be patient with the debut of Jonathon Brooks, who recovered from a torn ACL only to re-injure himself in his third NFL game. Hubbard, who ranks 12th among running backs in fantasy points (PPR), played well enough to earn a four-year contract extension during the middle of the season, signifying that the Panthers want him to be a centerpiece of their offense long-term. He should remain the Panthers' primary running back when he returns healthy in 2025, ranking as a high-end RB2 option in fantasy football. Meanwhile, for the final two games of the 2024 season, the Panthers will likely rely on some combination of Raheem Blackshear, Velus Jones Jr., and Mike Boone out of the backfield. There's also a slight chance that Sanders could return from IR for next week's season finale. Without a clear backfield alignment, it's risky to start any Panthers running back in fantasy football for Weeks 17 and 18.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft has been mostly a nonfactor in 2024. After suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason, Cracraft was activated off IR in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams. With the injury to Jaylen Waddle (knee), Cracraft saw his first targets of the season in Weeks 15 and 16, totaling two receptions on four targets for 12 yards. With Waddle questionable and having a chance to suit up, he will likely continue to see limited opportunities. To make matters worse, rain is in the forecast for their matchup against the Cleveland Browns. He should be left on benches for championship week.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers delivered a hot stretch of high-volume performances before coming down to earth with just two receptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. He'll look to bounce back with more targets and receptions in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints. Meyers ranks as the overall WR23 in PPR leagues since the Davante Adams trade, totaling 48 catches, 570 yards, and one touchdown during that eight-game span. While Meyers' involvement and productivity has been good (for the most part), his lack of touchdowns is clearly lowering his fantasy ceiling. This has always been an issue for Meyers, even dating back to his time in New England. He didn't score his first career touchdown until his third season with the Patriots, and he has just two scores through 13 contests this year. Fortunately, he's about to take on a Saints defense allowing the sixth-most catches, fifth-most receiving yards, and seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. Even without significant touchdown upside, Meyers' role and favorable matchup should get him into the low-end WR2 tier for fantasy football in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker continues to see the field at a very high rate, but his production has been suboptimal lately. Just last week, Tucker played 92 percent of the Raiders' offensive snaps but caught just two passes for 41 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has just six catches for 66 yards over his last three games, ranking as the overall WR81 in PPR leagues during that span. While Tucker does have higher upside this week against a Saints defense allowing the sixth-most catches, fifth-most receiving yards, and seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, his recent track record makes him tough to trust in lineups, especially as we reach the heart of the fantasy playoffs. Tucker can be benched in most fantasy formats, and even in deep leagues, he's nothing more than a mere dart throw.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison remains on the fantasy radar given his ability to catch passes and score touchdowns. The 26-year-old had previously been benched in favor of Sincere McCormick, but after McCormick landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, Mattison returned to his starting job last Sunday. The 26-year-old mustered just 2.3 yards per carry against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he made an impact (especially in PPR leagues) with seven targets, four catches, and 29 receiving yards. He also scored a touchdown. Fantasy managers should be excited to watch Mattison perform against a New Orleans Saints defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. In addition to remaining an impactful touchdown scorer and pass catcher, Mattison could see his ground efficiency improve given that the Saints have allowed a staggering 4.9 yards per carry. He remains a mid-range RB3/FLEX play this Sunday in New Orleans.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah has quietly been one of the more impactful running backs in fantasy football over the last two weeks, and he'll look to build on his hot streak during this Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New Orleans Saints. Over the Raiders' last two contests, Abdullah has played fewer than half of the offensive snaps but still managed to total 46 rushing yards, 12 catches, 105 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Despite operating as the Raiders' No. 2 running back, he ranks as the overall RB11 in PPR leagues during that two-week span. While we can't bank on Abdullah finding the end zone for a third week in a row, we do like his odds against a Saints defense that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns in 2024. Plus, he should continue to thrive as a pass-catcher, which has been Abdullah's specialty throughout his entire career. New Orleans is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024, and managers could certainly justify deploying him as a mid-range RB3 amidst his hot stretch of games.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's Week 17 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran kicker is currently on injured reserve. While there was some optimism about his status when the Cardinals recently opened his 21-day practice window, the team shut down any speculation about a potential Week 17 return by ruling him out on Thursday. With Prater set to remain sidelined following a week of limited practices, the Cardinals will deploy Chad Ryland as their primary kicker once again this weekend. The 25-year-old has exceeded expectations so far, going 25-for-29 on field goals and 21-for-21 on extra points.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has seen an increased role with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jaylen Waddle (knee) being banged up. He produced his best performance in Week 15 with five receptions on six targets for 52 yards. This week, Miami travels to take on the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled to defend wide receivers. However, the weather conditions at kickoff will be less than ideal, with the forecast projecting a 50% chance of rain and 25+ mph wind gusts. With Waddle having a shot to play, Washington should remain on the bench in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains a top fantasy football option given his high volume and productivity. The rookie should continue to be started in all leagues ahead of his Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Bowers ranks first among tight ends in fantasy points this year, and he's coming off a big game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in which he caught 11 of 13 targets for 99 yards through the air. In fact, he was so productive that he vultured opportunities from wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who finished last week with a season-low two catches. Even in a slightly tougher matchup against the Saints, who are allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2024, we expect that Bowers will continue to feast. For the most part, he has proven that he is already matchup-proof, routinely posting top fantasy performances. He should be started in all leagues as the fantasy playoffs continue.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) is expected to play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17 despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Conner picked up the injury during last Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers in which he totaled 117 rushing yards, 49 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Rapoport notes that it's encouraging to see Conner suit up with the Cardinals already eliminated from playoff contention, but he'll be playing at less than 100 percent on Saturday. As a result, he might drop to the RB2 tier in fantasy football. At the same time, Trey Benson (ankle), who is also listed as questionable, could earn additional opportunities out of the backfield.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph comes into Week 17's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars from a turbulent performance against the Indianapolis Colts, where he threw two touchdowns and three interceptions. Rudolph has proven to be serviceable overall, with multiple scores in each of his last three appearances and tallying his second-highest passing yard total last Sunday with 252. He's also slinging the ball, accounting for 60 passing attempts in less than a game-and-a-half since returning to action. Coming up for Rudolph is a Jaguars defense giving up the most points to opposing QBs in fantasy this season. While the last meeting between these teams ended in a low-scoring 10-6 final score, Rudolph is still an enticing option for Superflex or 2QB leagues.
From RotoBaller