Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Divisional Round
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry capped off another fantastic year with a touchdown despite the team getting away from the run when they could have used it the most in the two-point loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished the game with 16 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown to go along with two targets, but he didn't haul any of those in. The Ravens had short spurts of committing to the run, then they ultimately got away from it as the game went on. In two postseason games, Henry accumulated 270 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Henry and Lamar Jackson will look for redemption next season while the Ravens look to re-tool on both sides of the ball.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson committed a couple of uncharacteristic turnovers in the first half on Sunday, but almost turned it all around in the second half. During the 27-25 loss to the Bills, Jackson finished with 254 yards and one interception on 18-for-25 throwing while gathering 39 yards on six carries and a fumble. He did a great job shaking off the rough first half to get the team within a two-point conversion of tying the game in the fourth quarter. He went 12-for-15 for 131 yards and a touchdown in the second half, but the third costly turnover from Mark Andrews and a dropped two-point conversion was the nail in the coffin.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had a subdued performance in the 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams, finishing with just two receptions for 14 yards. Over the last three games, Brown has averaged two catches for 20 yards, a surprising dip for one of the league's most elite receivers. The Eagles have leaned heavily on Saquon Barkley and the ground game during this stretch, limiting Brown's opportunities. He hasn't found the end zone since Week 16 against the Cowboys, but his ability to stretch the field and make big plays remains critical to Philadelphia's success. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Brown's role in the passing attack will be pivotal.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert paced the team with four receptions for 56 yards, including a 31-yard catch, in the 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert's reliability in the passing game has been a consistent asset, especially as defenses focus on containing wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Over his last three outings, Goedert has averaged four receptions for 52.6 yards per game, proving his value as a dependable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts. His ability to create opportunities has been instrumental in keeping the Eagles' offense balanced. As the Eagles gear up to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Goedert's steady production will remain a key factor in their quest for a Super Bowl appearance.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had a mixed outing in the 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He converted just one of three extra-point attempts, with the snowy conditions playing a significant role in the second attempt. However, Elliott remained reliable on field goals, going three-for-three this game and extending his streak to 10 makes in his last 11 attempts. While Elliott's missed extra points have raised some concernsthis marks the second consecutive game with a misshis consistency on field goals has been crucial for the Eagles during their playoff push. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Elliott's ability to deliver under pressure will be vital in what could be another tightly contested playoff matchup.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith contributed four receptions for 27 yards in the team's 28-22 Divisional Round victory over the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles relied heavily on Saquon Barkley's dominant ground game, Smith proved reliable when his number was called. The passing attack has taken a backseat multiple times this season as the team leans on Barkley's historic performances. However, Smith's ability to make key catches and move the chains remains a vital part of Philadelphia's offensive strategy. As the Eagles prepare for a grudge match against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, Smith's role in complementing the running game with an efficient aerial attack will be crucial in maintaining their postseason success.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts played a pivotal role in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts completed 15 of 20 passes for 128 yards while adding seven carries for 70 rushing yards, including a 44-yard touchdown run on the opening drive that electrified the snow-covered crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. As for the passing game, Hurts completed 15 passes for 128 yards. Hurts showed resilience despite being sacked seven times and playing with a knee brace in the second half. He should be good to go for next week as the Eagles are set to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. Hurts' ability to adapt and lead through adversity will be critical to Philadelphia's Super Bowl aspirations.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley delivered another historic performance in Sunday's 28-22 Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley carried the ball 26 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including a 62-yard score in the first half and a game-clinching 78-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also added four receptions for 27 yards, showcasing his versatility in the snowy conditions. Remarkably, this was Barkley's second 200-yard rushing game against the Rams this season, bringing his total to an astonishing 534 scrimmage yards against Los Angeles in two meetings. His explosive plays once again proved to be the backbone of the Eagles' offense, accounting for the majority of their points. As the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, Barkley's dominance will be key to securing a Super Bowl berth.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could be traded if the team adds a No. 1 receiver during the offseason, according to Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan. In a post on X responding to fan questions, Kaboly wrote, "Can they land somebody? If so, I do think they will move [Pickens]." It was a turbulent year for the 23-year-old, who drew head coach Mike Tomlin's ire for unsportsmanlike penalties and reportedly showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game. He missed three contests due to injury this year, and his production was somewhat inconsistent when he was healthy. Pickens finished the campaign with 59 receptions, 900 yards, and a career-low three touchdowns. There's no indication that Pittsburgh is done with Pickens or committed to trading him, but Kaboly's post suggests he could certainly be moved.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn "has been at the top of the list" for the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints as they continue to search for their next head coaches, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Now that Glenn's Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, he is available to be hired for any of the league's head coaching vacancies. Even though the Detroit defense struggled on Saturday against the Washington Commanders, Glenn impressed this season by overseeing a unit that consistently remained dominant despite dealing with a multitude of injuries. It's worth noting that although the Jets and Saints both fired defensive-minded head coaches during the middle of the 2024 campaign, it doesn't appear that will stop them from pursuing another defensive coach for their vacancies. Only one head coaching job has been filled so far (New England Patriots), but perhaps Glenn will accept a position soon and kickstart a domino effect of hirings.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) said that he's confident he will be able to play in next Sunday's NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. Hurts suffered a knee injury during the Divisional Round on Sunday, but he was able to finish the game after missing just one play. Even though the star signal-caller confirmed to the media that he's good to go for next week's contest, fantasy managers and bettors should still monitor his status on the Eagles' injury reports over the next few days.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders "are going to make a big push" to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Now that Johnson's Detroit Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, he is available to be hired for any of the league's head coaching vacancies. He's one of the top names on the coaching market, and while the Raiders may not have been on his radar at first, Tom Brady reportedly convinced him to interview with Las Vegas. It's unclear how much the Raiders' vacancy interests Johnson, but the team is clearly prepared to try to hire him. Owner Mark Davis has shown a willingness to hand out enormous coaching contracts before, so perhaps he'll shell out enough money to convince Johnson to become the next head coach of the Raiders. Only one head coaching vacancy has been filled so far (New England Patriots), but Johnson's decision could kickstart a domino effect of hirings.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Ravens tight end Mark Andrews had five catches for 61 yards in a playoff loss to the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: He also dropped the would-be tying two-point conversion attempt and had a brutal fumble to position the Bills to win the game. This one will sting for quite some time as Andrews' mistakes really did cost the Ravens a chance to win. He had a brutal start to the season but came back strong in the second half. While not the elite-level dynasty asset he once was, Andrews should be back as a TE1/2 next season.
Dynasty | Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper had no catches on one target in the Bills playoff win over the Ravens. Dynasty Analysis: Cooper is seemingly healthy, but Buffalo simply doesn't use him. In fact, he was only on the field for 21 of the more than 60 snaps on the day. Cooper will be a free agent at the end of the season and it's fair to wonder just what he may have left in the tank. His usage will again be something to watch next week.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir secured six of seven targets for 67 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens to advance to the AFC Championship game. Shakir led Buffalo in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. The Buffalo passing game was a little underwhelming. Running back James Cook finished with three targets, second on the team. No other receiver had more than two. Shakir will continue to be Josh Allen's favorite target when the Bills face the Chiefs next weekend for the chance to go to the Super Bowl.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught one pass for 11 yards in the team's 27-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs. Kincaid's lone reception came on the first play of Buffalo's second drive. He was targeted just once more for the rest of the game. Josh Allen threw for 127 yards, a season-low mark, which resulted in poor receiving performances across the board for Buffalo's pass catchers (excluding Khalil Shakir). Kincaid's subpar season continues but the Bills did advance to the AFC Championship game to meet the Kansas City Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 16 of 22 pass attempts for 127 yards and carried the ball 10 times for 20 yards and two touchdowns in the team's victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Allen's passing total was the lowest of his 2024-25 campaign. The rushing yardage left a lot to be desired, too. The two short touchdown plunges salvaged his fantasy score but he still finished below 20 points. Allen and the Bills get another shot at defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason when they travel to Arrowhead for the AFC Championship game.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed 17 times for 67 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards in the team's 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Cook averaged just a hair under four yards per carry against Baltimore, one of the league's stingiest run defenses. All three of Buffalo's touchdowns came on the ground. Quarterback Josh Allen punched in two of the scores. The other was given to backup running back Ray Davis, despite Cook getting Buffalo to the one-yard line. Another tough run defense is next when the Bills travel to Kansas City for a matchup with the Chiefs.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles win over the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: Barkley added four catches and 27 receiving yards, along with touchdown runs of 62 and 78 yards on the day. It was just another day at the office for the NFL's best running back. Barkley wasn't affected by the snowy conditions and broke the back of the Rams on his two long runs. There really isn't much to say at this point. Barkley is going to be the favorite to finish next year as the RB1 and is a prime target for any contending team this off-season.
Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had five catches for 61 yards in the Rams playoff loss to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Firmly supplanted as the Rams top option by Puka Nacua, it's fair to wonder just what his future holds at this point. Kupp may finally be showing his age at this point and he's under contract for a lot of money moving forward. While the cap hit for cutting him would possibly be too much to endure, it's a possibility moving forward. Kupp's dynasty value is sinking fairly rapidly at this point and he may indeed need a new home.