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.
The Washington Commanders announced on Wednesday that they have opened the 21-day practice window for running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) to return from Injured Reserve. It means that Ekeler can resume practicing with the team on Wednesday and will be eligible to come off IR and play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. If the 29-year-old pass-catching back is going to play this weekend, he'll need to come off IR by Saturday. It's good news for Washington's backfield, which has seen Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. get more run alongside starter Brian Robinson Jr. since Ekeler landed on IR on Nov. 30. Ekeler had been a solid RB3/flex option in PPR leagues when healthy, but he'll be a much more shaky fantasy play in Week 18 if he returns due to a potential limited workload if the team eases him back in.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that he's hopeful that quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) will get back from his back spasms in order to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the Colts will see how the second-year signal-caller progresses in practice this week. The Colts are only holding a light walkthrough practice on Wednesday, so the real test will come for Richardson on Thursday. The 22-year-old was held out of the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants due to pretty serious back spasms, but apparently he's feeling better this week and has a shot to play in a meaningless game. If Richardson is active this weekend, he'll have clear QB1 upside in fantasy against Jacksonville's bad defense, but he'll also be at risk of re-injury with his back.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) will be limited in his return to the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday. Samuel has missed each of the team's last two games with his rib injury, but the 28-year-old veteran has a shot to play this weekend in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday. The Bills have already locked up the No. 2 seed for the playoffs in the AFC, so they don't have anything to play for this weekend. However, with many of the team's starters likely being rested for most of Sunday's game, it's possible Samuel gets some decent run on offense in order to get his legs back under him for the playoffs. Still, with backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky likely to play most of the snaps, fantasy managers should consider Samuel a desperation dart throw in DFS.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers announced on Wednesday that they opened the 21-day practice window for running back Miles Sanders (ankle) to return from Injured Reserve, meaning he can be activated to the 53-man active roster ahead of the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. With Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) going on season-ending IR last week, the Panthers could get Sanders back this weekend for additional RB depth alongside Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone and Velus Jones Jr. The 27-year-old Sanders isn't guaranteed to be active to close out the season, though, and he'll need to show enough in practice this week to get the green light. And even if Sanders is active against Atlanta, there's no guarantee he'll see enough snaps after being sidelined since Nov. 10. Sanders has averaged only 3.7 yards per carry on his 38 rushing attempts in 2024 in his second year in Carolina.
From RotoBaller
Although Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said he's banged up after the Week 17 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day last Wednesday, he was able to practice on Monday and appears ready to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Texans are already locked into the No. 4 seed in the AFC for the postseason, but head coach DeMeco Ryans plans to play his healthy starters after the team got embarrassed last week. However, how long Stroud and other key starters such as wide receiver Nico Collins and running back Joe Mixon stay in the game on Sunday remains to be seen. Stroud, who was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, has been sacked 52 times (second-most in the NFL) and has had a rocky sophomore season. He won't be a recommended starting DFS QB in Week 18 with the potential to be pulled early on.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is expected to make the start in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. "Drake is the starting quarterback. If he's healthy and ready to go, he'll play," head coach Jerod Mayo said. There has been speculation going around that the Pats will hold Maye out of the meaningless regular-season finale with the Bills likely resting most of their starters. The 22-year-old third overall pick out of North Carolina this year has certainly given Patriots fans enough to look forward to in the coming years as their franchise signal-caller, but he mostly struggled in 2024 with a terrible supporting cast around him on offense. Going into Week 18, Maye has completed 66.8% of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 TDs and 10 interceptions while also scoring two TDs on the ground. He'll be a QB2 with upside in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Conner injured his knee in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams last Saturday and never returned, and the 29-year-old's 2024 season will come to an end a week early. With rookie Trey Benson (ankle) going on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, the Cardinals backfield will now consist of some sort of timeshare between DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter in a meaningless Week 18 contest against San Francisco in which both teams could be sitting some banged-up starters. Despite Arizona not making the playoffs, Conner was the RB10 in half-PPR scoring through 17 weeks in 2024, recording 1,094 rushing yards and eight TDs on 236 carries while adding 47 catches for 414 yards and one TD.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) is in the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. The 26-year-old rushed five times for 33 yards and caught three of his five targets for 15 yards in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Running back Jerome Ford (ankle) was banged up in Week 17, and his status for Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens is to be determined. Cleveland signed John Kelly to the active roster from the Chargers' practice squad, so it could be D'Onta Foreman and Kelly leading the backfield this weekend.
According to the team, the New York Jets placed safety Chuck Clark (undisclosed) on the injured reserve, which will end his 2024 season. Clark missed four games earlier this season due to an ankle injury, but it is unknown if Clark suffered a new injury or reaggravated this previous one. During the past four weeks, Chuck has tallied at least seven tackles in each contest. When on the field, the 29-year-old has been a clear starter in the New York secondary. During the final game, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Ashtyn Davis and Isaiah Oliver to have an increase in playing time.
From RotoBaller
According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joey Porter Jr. (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's initial practice session. Even though Porter sat out last week during their matchup against the Chiefs, head coach Mike Tomlin noted that Porter is expected to return on Saturday. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should continue to monitor his progress throughout the week. However, seeing him log a full practice on Tuesday is a positive sign. Through his first 15 games of the season, Porter tallied 64 tackles (47 solo) with six deflections and one interception. When he returns he will slot in as the No.1 corner back on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, the New Orleans Saints have placed rookie linebacker Jaylan Ford (fibula) on the injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the Saints promoted Josh Ball to the active roster. Ford suffered a fractured fibula during Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout his rookie campaign, the former fifth-round selection only saw time on special teams. He tallied four tackles, with two of them being solo. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Demario Davis and Pete Werner to continue to see most of the linebacker snaps during the final game of the regular season, with Willie Gay operating as the No.3 option on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have cut running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dynasty Analysis: Once thought of as the lead back this season, Elliott just didn't show he had enough left in the tank to produce for the Cowboys and was eventually replaced by Rico Dowdle. On the year, he posted just 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on a career low 3.1 yards per carry. Elliott is just 870 yards short of 10,000 for his career (a feat only 32 running backs have ever achieved), but it's fair to wonder if he has enough left in the tank to get there. He may have a line on joining a contender, but he's someone to let go of in dynasty leagues at this point.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) was a limited participant in practice to open the week on Tuesday. It appears that Skowronek is headed in the right direction following his absence from last Wednesday's game due to a hip issue. There appears to be a good chance that Skowronek can get back on the field for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. Skowronek has mainly been playing on special teams, but did see his role as a receiver increase when George Pickens was sidelined. However, Skowronek is too far back on the depth chart to have viable fantasy value heading into Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee) had his 21-day practice window opened on Tuesday. Holcomb last played in Week 9 of the 2023 season when he suffered an extremely serious knee injury. There was speculation that Holcomb's career could be over, but now he appears to be headed in the right direction. A limited practice on Tuesday gives hope that Holcomb might be able to suit up for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. If active, Holcomb would likely be on a snap count, but getting him on the field at all would be a great feel-good story.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (hip) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. Ali appears to be still dealing with a hip issue that forced him out of action early during Wednesday's Week 17 contest. Normally, his status doesn't mean much, but fellow back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) missed Tuesday's practice and is in danger of sitting this weekend. If Hill sits, Ali would be the primary backup to Derrick Henry in the backfield. It probably wouldn't result in anything noteworthy, but an increased snap count could give Ali a chance to prove himself.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. Kolar was designated to return from the injured reserve on Monday after missing the last four games due to a fractured forearm. The fact Kolar was able to get through a full session on Tuesday is good news ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns. The organization is hopeful that Kolar will be available for the regular season finale. There probably won't be much fantasy value from him given he's the third string back, but Kolar is solid depth at the tight end spot.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward (shoulder) didn't suit up for Tuesday's walkthrough. This news comes after Ward was forced to exit early during Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. Ward injured his shoulder in the first half and didn't return to the game. As a result, Ward has begun the week on the sideline, but has plenty of time to get ready before Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The loss of Ward would be a significant hit to this secondary. He has 48 tackles, 19 passes defended, and two interceptions this season. The Browns have no incentive to win, so we'll see if they let their All-Pro corner suit up for the regular season finale.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) was listed as a non-participant in the first Week 18 practice on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rasheen Ali (hip) was listed as limited. Hill suffered a concussion in Week 16 and was unable to play in last week's blowout win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day on Wednesday. Head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that the team was expecting the 27-year-old to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, but it appears that Hill hasn't quite passed the league's concussion protocol. Derrick Henry is Baltimore's clear lead back, but with Hill still not practicing, the rest of the team's backfield is up in the air heading into the matchup against the Browns. Hill will need to practice on either Wednesday or Thursday to have a shot at playing on Saturday. If he's out again, Keaton Mitchell should be the RB2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) was a full practice participant on Tuesday in the team's first practice of the week as they prepare to face the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday that he expected Fields to play this weekend after he missed the last two games due to an abdominal injury. Fields should be active on Saturday as Pittsburgh looks to win and hope for a Baltimore Ravens loss in order to win the AFC North division. Even if the 25-year-old Fields is active in Week 18, he'll merely be the backup to starter Russell Wilson under center and won't belong in any starting fantasy lineups. Since Wilson took over as the starting QB in Week 7, Fields has attempted just one pass and has seven rushing attempts for 58 yards on the ground.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II (knee) is on the Week 18 injury report and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. Woods apparently picked up a minor knee injury in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in which he played 68 of the team's 79 offensive snaps on his way to just one reception for three yards on four targets. The 24-year-old should be able to suit up in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens this Saturday and will have an elevated role again with Cedric Tillman (concussion) closing out the year on Injured Reserve. Despite what should be an expanded role in a good matchup, it's impossible to recommend Woods in any kind of fantasy format with the Browns expected to play both quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe in a meaningless game for the team. Woods has only seven catches in five games in 2024.
From RotoBaller