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 Starts/Sits: Week 17
According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (coach's decision) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. With the Chiefs already in sole possession of the top seed in the AFC, they will opt to rest some of their starters to ensure they are fully healthy when they attempt to win their third straight Super Bowl. Kelce was a full participant in practice this week, which suggests this move is to rest him and that he is not dealing with any injury. Since Week 12, Kelce has seen a hefty 8.8 targets per game. During this span, he has tallied 52.7 yards per game with one touchdown. As a result of Kelce likely sitting out on Sunday, Noah Gray should be expected to operate as the top tight end, making him a solid play in deeper formats this week and an intriguing value play in DFS.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love looks to put forth a momentum-building effort heading into the playoffs as the Packers host the Chicago Bears in Week 18's regular season finale. Love has been non-startable in fantasy for the most part since Green Bay's Week 10 bye week with just two top 12 fantasy finishes in seven games. He has gone over 250 yards just twice in that span along with only three multi-touchdown games. The passing game has been a secondary focus for the Packers as they have been fueled by the run game and Josh Jacobs. Despite a hugely successful season by the offense, it hasn't manifested into fantasy scoring for Love or his wide receivers for the most part. With the Bears coming up north to Green Bay, consider Love a low-end starter, but probably more of a streaming candidate.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) is without designation for Sunday night's divisional clash with the Detroit Lions. The eighth-year pro picked up a quad injury in last weekend's bout against his former team -; kicking the week off with back-to-back limited sessions. However, on Friday, he was a full participant and enters the road tilt all systems go. Jones is the RB14 on the season -; averaging 14.3 fantasy points per game. Although Detroit's D has been friendly through the air, they've been staunch against opposing rushing attacks. The Lions are letting up just 97 yards per game on the ground (third-fewest) and the fifth-least fantasy points per game to RBs (19.1). Still, in a game with the highest over/under of the week (57) -; there should be plenty of offense to go around. The 30-year-old ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB13 in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (wrist) practiced in full on Friday after two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday and will be good to go for Sunday's season finale when the Packers host the Chicago Bears. Jacobs has been fantastic since the team's Week 10 bye with a rushing touchdown in seven consecutive games and a top-12 fantasy finish in six of the last seven games. He's been the engine that powers this Green Bay offense as of late and as Jacobs goes, so do the Packers. Quietly, Jacobs has also put up at least four targets in four of the last seven games as well. With the Packers facing division-rival Chicago in Week 18, Jacobs is a solid RB1 for the team's regular season finale.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes suffered this ankle injury during their Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Mahomes has yet to miss time due to the injury but is expected to take a seat on Sunday with the Chiefs already locked into the top seed in the conference. As a result, Carson Wentz is expected to get the starting nod. This ankle injury has not seemed to bother Mahomes as he has averaged a strong 27.8 PPR points per game over the past two weeks. During this span he has scored five total touchdowns. Wentz should be viewed as a risky QB2 facing the Denver Broncos who need a victory to clinch a playoff spot. Wentz will be without Isiah Pacheco (ribs) and is also expected to not have Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce who are both listed as doubtful.UPDATE: Per A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman, head coach Andy Reid said that Mahomes will not play in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is an excellent play in Sunday night's meeting with their division-rival Detroit Lions. The former first-round pick has been a revelation in 2024, working his way to 4,153 yards and 35 passing scores -; obliterating his previous career bests. Those numbers are good enough for fourth and fifth amongst league leaders, respectively, while his 68.1% completion percentage is a hair better than Lamar Jackson's 67.9. Darnold has undoubtedly played himself into another year of starting and will get a chance to put the cherry on top of his sensational season on Sunday Night Football against a vulnerable Detroit Lions pass defense. The Lions have allowed their opponents the second-most passing yards per game (250.4) and have afforded fantasy QBs 20.1 fantasy points per contest -; the eighth-highest in the league. The 27-year-old comes in at RotoBaller's QB5 ahead of this weekend's slate.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos. Running back Kareem Hunt (coaching) is also listed as doubtful for this weekend. Pacheco has been unable to practice all week with a rib injury he suffered during their Week 17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pacheco missed time earlier this season with a fractured fibula but should be expected to operate as the top running back when healthy. While he was sidelined, Kareem Hunt took over the starting role. With the Chiefs already having sole possession of the top seed in the AFC, they will opt to ensure both of their top running backs are fully healthy for the postseason. As a result, fantasy managers should expect rookie Carson Steele to receive a heavy workload in this game alongside Samaje Perine. Steele should be viewed as a viable RB2 option this weekend and a great value play in DFS.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is a fringe QB2 in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans due to the unusual circumstances of the matchup. The Titans are an average defense against fantasy quarterbacks, but the real mystery is how long the sophomore quarterback will play. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has committed to playing starters, but with Houston already set as the AFC's No. 4 seed no matter what happens Sunday, the Texans don't have any incentive to go all-out against the Titans with Wild Card Weekend looming. As a result, Stroud's value in leagues that play Week 18 or DFS formats must be tied to the possibility he is pulled from the game at some point.
From RotoBaller
According to Ben Baby of ESPN, Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton will not travel to Pittsburgh with the team due to a coach's decision. The rookie has had struggles finding playing time during his rookie campaign and will now not even be with the team during their must-win game on Saturday evening. This is a telling sign and could suggest the he is beginning to fall out of favor with the coaching staff. He has not logged at least ten offensive snaps in each of his past five games. Throughout the season, Burton has only caught four of his 14 targets for 107 yards. Fantasy managers should expect Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins (ankle) and Andrei Iosivas to lead the passing attack once again in the regular season finale.
From RotoBaller
Wide receiver Nico Collins of the Houston Texans is slated to remain his team's top target in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans, but he comes with an asterisk. Tennessee is a top-five defense against fantasy receivers, though the Michigan product logged 92 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first meeting. The elephant in the room is how long Houston will play its starters. The Texans have committed to playing their regulars, but they're already locked into the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs and have nothing to gain by beating Tennessee. Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans surely will be looking ahead to Wild Card Weekend at some point, which DFS players have to consider when evaluating Collins' Week 18 value.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled defensively over the past three weeks and will hope to get back on track in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Bengals have been scoring plenty of points, Pittsburgh managed to have a productive fantasy showing against them in Week 13. Additionally, the Steelers will have starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. back in the lineup after missing last week's contest due to a knee injury. Pittsburgh has proven that it can generate turnovers and sacks at a high level against any opponent, making its DST worthy of fantasy consideration this week, but safer options in more favorable matchups may be available in some formats.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon has a decent matchup in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans, but the opponent is only part of the picture for Houston this week. The former Cincinnati Bengal takes on the 21st-ranked defense against fantasy running backs, but the real question surrounds Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. Houston already has clinched the AFC South, but cannot improve its seeding on Sunday no matter what happens. Ryans committed to playing starters, but for how long? Mixon certainly has a matchup worth exploring, but the risk that he could be on the sidelines for a decent portion of the game has to be baked into his fantasy value for Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is now being considered doubtful to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints after it was reported earlier on Friday that he would be a game-time decision. Otton has already missed the last two games with a knee injury and is now likely to miss a third straight as the team looks to punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Saints. Both Payne Durham (quadriceps) and rookie Devin Culp (ribs) were listed on the Week 18 injury report as well, but both have been cleared to play this weekend after practicing in full on Friday. With Otton unlikely to play, expect both Durham and Culp to share the tight end duties for the Bucs in a must-win game at home. For fantasy purposes, managers should be able to find better TE options.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans defense/special teams is a worthwhile option in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans, albeit with a qualifier. The Texans plan to start their regulars, but Houston is already locked into the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs regardless of what happens Sunday. For its part, Tennessee plans to play both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph at quarterback, per Titans head coach Brian Callahan. The pair has thrown a combined 21 interceptions this season and Houston sacked Levis eight times in the first meeting earlier this season, so the matchup is there for Houston. It's certainly possible the Texans pull their starters at some point, but with the Titans in range of a top-three pick in the NFL Draft and set to juggle quarterbacks, the Texans are a solid play.
From RotoBaller
Though Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn has been a top-tier fantasy option this season, he should be avoided in a dodgy Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The veteran has an OK matchup against a Titans team that ranks right in the middle against fantasy kickers, but he comes with risk due to Houston's playoff positioning. The Texans already have locked down the AFC South and the No. 4 seed, so Sunday's results have no effect on them. Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans said he intends to start the team's regulars, but with much bigger fish to fry next week and nothing to gain Sunday, he certainly will be thinking ahead. As a result, Fairbairn's DFS value in Week 18 has to be tied to the likelihood he will be attached to a second-string offense at some point in the game.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz is a fringe TE2 in a dicey Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Even without the surrounding circumstances, Tennessee is a top-five defense against fantasy tight ends that held the former Dallas Cowboy to two catches and 20 receiving yards in the first meeting. Beyond that, any of Houston's offensive regulars are a dangerous bet due to the upcoming playoffs: The Texans are set in stone as the No. 4 seed and cannot move, so they have nothing to gain against Tennessee. Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans said he intends to play starters, but he also must be thinking about the Wild Card round next week. That means Schultz and the rest of the Houston regulars could find themselves on the sidelines at some point, diminishing their weekly value.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods should not be considered a playable option in an unappealing Week 18 matchup against Tennessee. First, the veteran played only 38% of Houston's snaps in the first full game without fellow receiver Tank Dell (knee), and now Houston plans to debut recently added receiver Diontae Johnson in this one. Additionally, Tennessee is a top-five defense against fantasy receivers and Houston cannot change its playoff seeding, so there is a solid possibility Houston begins thinking ahead to its Wild Card game in the middle of Week 18. Woods wasn't a great play anyway, but DFS players should look elsewhere given the circumstances.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears ruled out running back Travis Homer (hamstring) for the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. It doesn't come as much of a surprise since Homer has been sidelined with his hamstring injury since Week 15. When healthy, the 26-year-old was buried on Chicago's RB depth chart this year in a bad offense behind both D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. That limited role afforded him just six rushing attempts for 23 yards while also catching three passes for 11 yards. Homer mainly contributed on special teams for Chicago in his second year with the team. The former sixth-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 out of Miami didn't see a single carry and failed to catch his only target in 16 games with the Bears in 2023. Homer will become an unrestricted free agent in March and will look for a bigger role elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was not asked to do much in Week 17 and will hope to be more involved in a Week 18 bout with the Cincinnati Bengals. Just a few weeks ago, Boswell drilled five extra points and three field goals in a win against Cincinnati in which the Steelers put up 44 points. The Bengals have surrendered over 26 points per contest this season, so it's no surprise this divisional contest has a healthy projected point total of 48.5. Boswell offers plenty of upside on Saturday and should remain in fantasy lineups that still have something to play for.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meaning rookie Spencer Rattler will make his sixth start of the year to wrap things up for the Saints. Carr suffered a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand in the Week 14 win over the New York Giants and wasn't able to return to the field this year. The 33-year-old finishes up a disappointing second season in the Big Easy in which he battled multiple injuries yet again. In a career-low 10 games played in 2024, Carr also had career-lows in passing yards (2,145) and touchdowns (15) while throwing five interceptions. Given the Saints' salary cap situation heading into the future, it's likely they'll approach a contract restructure for Carr to return in 2025, where he could compete for the starting job with Rattler.
From RotoBaller