Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle/hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to their final game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals. With the 49ers out of playoff contention, Kittle may face an uphill battle to clear protocol in order to suit up. On Monday evening, during their loss to the Detroit Lions, Kittle brought in all eight of his targets for 112 yards. This was his second-straight contest tallying at least 100 yards and the fourth time this season he has accomplished this feat. Since Week 12, he has averaged a strong 15.2 PPR points per game. Even though Joshua Dobbs will be under center on Sunday, Kittle remains a must-start tight end if he is cleared to play.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Wednesday that wide receiver Diontae Johnson will make his team debut in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. "He's picking it up pretty fast. We'll try to put him in situations to utilize his strengths," Ryans said. After a disastrous short tenure with the Baltimore Ravens in which he caught one of his five targets for six yards in four games and was also suspended for conduct detrimental to the team after being frustrated with his lack of a role, Johnson will attempt to carve out a role in Houston alongside Nico Collins with both Tank Dell (knee) and Stefon Diggs (knee) out for the year. The 28-year-old caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three TDs in seven games with the Panthers before being traded to Baltimore. He'll be a true wild card during the postseason, and it remains to be seen how much he'll be involved this Sunday in a meaningless game.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Wednesday. Strong suffered a concussion in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and is now in the league's concussion protocol. With two straight DNPs this week and a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on a short week on Saturday, it's looking unlikely that the 26-year-old will suit up for the last game of the season. In addition to Strong, Jerome Ford (ankle) has yet to practice this week and could also be out this weekend. If both Ford and Strong are unavailable for the Browns, D'Onta Foreman would most likely see the lion's share of work in the backfield in a bad Browns offense, with John Kelly in line for backup duties for Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
For the second straight day this week, Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) was not seen at practice on Wednesday. Brown also missed the team's walkthrough session on Tuesday, although his DNP on Wednesday is more important. The 24-year-old reportedly suffered a mild high-ankle sprain late in the overtime win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday in Week 17. The Bengals are hoping that he will be available for a must-win divisional clash in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Saturday, Brown's availability is very much up in the air after two DNPs so far this week. He's probably going to need to practice on Thursday to avoid being ruled out entirely. Brown has been a do-it-all workhorse in Cincy's high-octane offense in 2024 and has been a must-start in fantasy lineups. However, backup Khalil Herbert could be forced into starting duties against the Steelers on Saturday.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Carson Steele has been told that he'll see extra work in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The specifics of Steele's role are unclear, but it's likely that the Chiefs will be resting Isiah Pacheco (ribs) with the team having nothing to play for with the No. 1 seed already locked up in the AFC for the postseason. Kareem Hunt could be active this weekend, but he might not see the field much before being pulled. So if fantasy managers playing DFS contests want any exposure to KC's backfield with backup quarterback Carson Wentz leading the offense, they'll want to look to the 22-year-old Steele as their man. Still, Steele will have limited upside against a top-five defense on the road in Denver. Steele has averaged a dismal 3.3 yards per carry on his 48 rushing attempts and hasn't found the end zone in 16 games in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will make the start in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Sean McVay. McVay acknowledged earlier this week that he would most likely rest his starts in the regular-season finale despite the fact that the Rams could fall from the No. 3 seed to the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoff picture if they lose to Seattle on Sunday and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints. In addition to quarterback Matthew Stafford sitting this weekend, the Rams will also likely rest other key offensive starters such as running back Kyren Williams and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Garoppolo has started 63 games in his NFL career, but the 33-year-old hasn't started at all in 2024 and will most likely be working with mostly backups, making him an unappealing QB2 for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said if running back Tony Pollard (ankle, illness) cannot play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans, the team will likely go with a committee backfield of Julius Chestnut, Joshua Kelley and Jabari Small, who would be called up from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster for the final game of the year. Tyjae Spears suffered a concussion in last week's loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars and will almost certainly be ruled out by Friday. The 27-year-old Pollard remains up in the air to play this weekend, but with the Titans having nothing left to play for but pride, it's unlikely he'll have much of a role if he is active. Chestnut would probably be the best sleeper DFS dart throw in Week 18 if Pollard is declared out on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol and is not expected to play on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season opener. Hurts suffered a concussion early in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and was inactive in the blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, so they have nothing to gain by rushing Hurts back this weekend. In addition to Hurts, head coach Nick Sirianni said on Wednesday that the team plans to "rest some guys" on Sunday, including the NFL's rushing leader in running back Saquon Barkley. Kenny Pickett (ribs) is not certain to play through his broken ribs on Sunday, either, so third-stringer Tanner McKee could make his first career start against the G-Men.
From RotoBaller
In addition to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes being rested in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Denver Broncos, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests that tight end Travis Kelce, running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs), defensive tackle Chris Jones, defensive end George Karlaftis and defensive back Trent McDuffie could all sit out. The Chiefs have already secured the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs, so they will rest some key players on both sides of the ball. Carson Wentz will make his first start of the season under center for KC in a game that the Broncos must win to land the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. If the 35-year-old Kelce does start, he probably won't stick around long before being pulled, so fantasy managers playing DFS in Week 18 should look to avoid him.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs will get the starting nod against the Arizona Cardinals this weekend. Dobbs came in for relief late in Monday's game when Brock Purdy (elbow) sustained an injury. The team is opting to lean on the side of caution with Purdy and will let their backup QB start under center in their final game. On his lone drive on Monday night, Dobbs tallied a seven-yard rushing score with 35 passing yards. When Purdy missed time earlier this season, Brandon Allen got the start, but now the coaching staff will turn to Dobbs. Dobbs is worth a look as QB2 in all formats, as he does carry some rushing upside in this matchup despite facing a tougher Arizona defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) will undergo knee surgery and will not return for the remainder of the 2024 season. Alexander has been sidelined since Week 12 due to a PCL injury. Across seven games this season, Alexander has tallied 16 total tackles (15 solo) with seven pass deflections and two interceptions. While he has been out, Carrington Valentine has seen an increase in snaps. Over his previous seven contests, he has logged at least 30 defensive snaps in each of them and tallied 22 total tackles with two interceptions over this span. He should continue to operate as a starter in the Green Bay secondary throughout the playoffs.
From RotoBaller
According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion/illness) is not practicing on Wednesday. Hill was also listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's estimated report and is in danger of missing Saturday's game. Hill also sat out last weekend and may miss his second-straight contest if he is unable to practice in some capacity on Thursday. Throughout the season, Hill has been deployed as the No.2 running back in the Baltimore offense and as the change-of-pace option behind Derrick Henry. Hill has seen at least three targets in seven games this season and tallied at least 30 receiving yards in each of these games. If Hill cannot return on Saturday, Keaton Mitchell will move up to the No.2 spot.
From RotoBaller
According to David Newton of ESPN, Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip/wrist) was a full participant during Wednesday's initial practice session. Legette sat out during Week 16 and was listed as questionable for Week 17 but was able to suit up. In this game, the rookie wideout brought in five of his nine targets for 28 yards. During Weeks 1 through 15, Legette saw an average of 5.0 targets per game while tallying 31.4 yards per game. However, during Weeks 4 through 10, Legette found the end zone four times. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during the week in case he faces a setback. However, he should be slated to operate as the No.2 wideout in their final game against the Atlanta Falcons.
From RotoBaller
According to Chris Emma of 670 The Score, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (illness) is not practicing on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week as he has two more opportunities to return to the field before the final injury report. The rookie wideout has flashed high upside at times but struggled to see consistent targets in the struggling Chicago offense. He has tallied at least 40 yards in eight games and seen at least seven targets in six games. However, he has also tallied less than 30 yards in five games. Odunze remains a risky flex option in all formats heading into a Week 18 tilt against the Green Bay Packers.
From RotoBaller
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is opening the week as a limited participant. Rapoport also noted that the team is currently approaching their Week 18 matchup against the New York Jets if Tyler Huntley was the starter quarterback. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Tagovailoa's status throughout the week. Since averaging a stellar 27.5 PPR points per game during Weeks 11 through 14, Tagovailoa has taken a step back in his two previous starts, averaging a mere 14.7 PPR points per game. If Tagovailoa were to turn to the corner in time to play on Sunday, he would be viewed as a risky QB1 facing a tougher New York Jets secondary.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Eagles are resting Saquon Barkley in their final regular season game. Dynasty Analysis: It's the smart move for a team that has their playoff seed wrapped up and has Super Bowl aspirations. Still, it would have been fun to see if Barkley could have posted the final 101 yards to break the long-held record of 2,105 rushing yards by Eric Dickerson. Barkley's season ends with 2,005 rushing yards and a whole lot of happy dynasty managers. His status as a top-10 player won't change over the off-season.
According to Alain Poupart of Sports Illustrated, the Miami Dolphins are approaching Week 18 with Tyler Huntley as the starting quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa (hip) did not suit up last weekend and is opening this week as a limited participant. In their victory over the Browns last Sunday, "Snoop" Huntley went 22-for-26 with 225 yards and a score. He added 52 yards and a score on the ground on seven rushing attempts. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Tagovailoa's status throughout the week. If Huntley were to be given another start, he should be viewed as a risky QB2 facing a New York Jets defense that has allowed the tenth-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs this season.
From RotoBaller
According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (thigh) remained sidelined during Wednesday's practice. Garrett was also listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's estimated session. Fantasy managers should closely monitor his status on Thursday's injury report, as he may be in danger of missing Saturday's divisional tilt against the Baltimore Ravens. Garrett has yet to miss a game this season. Across 16 contests, the former No.1 overall selection has tallied 45 total tackles (38 solo) with 14 sacks, one pass deflection, and three forced fumbles. If Garrett were to miss Saturday's game, James Houston and Cameron Thomas should see an uptick in playing time.
From RotoBaller
According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) will not practice again on Wednesday. Njoku was also listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's estimated report. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Thursday's practice as he could be in danger of sitting on Saturday. Over his past five contests, Njoku has averaged a strong 15.4 PPR points per game. During this stretch, he has tallied 50.0 yards per game while seeing 10.8 targets per game. If Njoku were to miss his second-straight contest, Jordan Akins would get the starting nod once again. Akins would be viewed as a desperation TE2 and a high-risk play in DFS, as he has only seen more than four targets in one game this season.
From RotoBaller
According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (ankle) will not practice again on Wednesday. Ford will now miss his second-straight practice and could be in danger of missing Saturday's contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Thursday's session. Ford left last weekend's game early due to an ankle injury. Over his past three contests, Ford has tallied 198 total rushing yards while posting a strong 8.3 YPC. No.2 running back Pierre Strong (concussion) will also not practice on Wednesday. This could leave D'Onta Foreman and John Kelly as the lone running backs during their final game of the season. Foreman would be a viable low-end RB2 if given the start.
From RotoBaller