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USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Champions Draft Results

Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Jerome Ford Dec 31 6:30pm ET
Jerome Ford

According to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (ankle) was held out of the team's walkthrough on Tuesday. The 25-year-old left Sunday's game early with an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status closely leading up to Saturday's game. Before exiting early, Ford tallied 22 yards on six attempts. During Weeks 15 and 16, Ford performed very well as the lead back, tallying 88.0 yards per game with a strong 21.3 PPR points per game. During this stretch, he averaged an impressive 9.8 YPC. In addition, No.2 running back Pierre Strong (concussion) was also unable to practice. If both running backs cannot suit up this weekend, D'Onta Foreman will likely lead the backfield against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 31 6:20pm ET
Tee Higgins

According to Jay Morrison of BengalsTalk.com, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) opened the week as a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. Higgins was limited in practice leading up to Week 17, but this injury did not seem to limit his play. In this game, he caught 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns during their overtime victory over the Denver Broncos. Since Week 11, Higgins has been one of the most valuable wide receivers from a fantasy perspective, averaging a stellar 22.3 PPR points per game. During this six-game stretch, the Clemson product has found the end zone seven times and averaged 86.2 yards per game. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week but should expect him to be a full-go for Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Dec 31 6:10pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) was limited on Tuesday due to a rib injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he remains limited during practice. During their Week 17 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs, Warren logged 11 attempts and brought in five passes for 112 total yards. This was his second straight game, logging at least double-digit rushing attempts. In addition, Warren saw more offensive snaps than Najee Harris for the second straight contest as well. Before this two-game stretch, Warren averaged 8.6 attempts per game since Week 6, while Harris dominated the snaps. Going forward, fantasy managers should expect Warren to have a slightly higher ceiling than Harris, especially in PPR formats, given his elite pass-catching abilities.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Dec 31 5:40pm ET
Trey Benson

The Arizona Cardinals placed rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, so he will not be available to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. The third-rounder from Florida State will end up missing the final three games of his rookie season. As James Conner's primary backup in his first year in the NFL, Benson finished with 63 carries for 291 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and a touchdown while catching six passes for 59 yards. Conner was pulled from last week's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night due to a knee injury and could also be rested in a meaningless game this weekend, which would put DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter in line to split the backfield workload for Arizona. Benson is a solid hold in keeper leagues, although he could be in line for a backup role again in 2025 if Conner stays healthy.

From RotoBaller

Greg Zuerlein Dec 31 5:40pm ET
Greg Zuerlein

The New York Jets announced on Tuesday that they placed kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) and safety Chuck Clark (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve, so they will not be available to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The team also signed defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and linebacker Jamin Davis to the active 53-man roster, signed offensive lineman David Sharpe to the practice squad, signed kicker Greg Joseph to the active roster and released kicker Anders Carlson. The Jets activated Zuerlein from IR last week, but he didn't attempt a kick in the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and apparently had a setback with his left knee. The 37-year-old veteran made only nine of his 15 field-goal opportunities and went 13-for-14 on extra points when healthy, so he'll likely be cut this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Dec 31 5:30pm ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) was listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice as the team begins preparing for a big must-win Week 18 showdown against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Brown suffered a mild right high-ankle sprain in Saturday's overtime victory over the Denver Broncos. The Bengals are hopeful that the 24-year-old will be available as their lead back in the regular-season finale, but there's no guarantee that will happen if Brown can't practice much this week. Through 17 weeks, Brown has been the RB11 in half-PPR scoring thanks to 990 rushing yards and seven rushing scores on 229 carries. He's added 54 receptions for 360 yards and another four TDs through the air, making him a must-start in fantasy on a weekly basis. If he cannot go this Saturday in a tough matchup, Khalil Herbert would be Cincy's RB1.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 31 5:30pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was listed as a non-participant on the team's estimated practice report on Tuesday. The Browns didn't actually hold a full practice. Njoku injured his knee in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals and didn't practice at all last week before being ruled out of the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The fact that the 28-year-old still isn't able to practice is not a good sign for his availability for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, although he still has two more days to get back on the field. Still, the Browns have nothing left to play for but pride, so it would not be a surprise to see them hold Njoku out to end the season. Akins set season-highs in catches (six), targets (eight) and receiving yards (49) in the loss to Miami, but he'll be nothing more than a TE2 sleeper in Week 18 if Njoku is out again.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Dec 31 5:20pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

The Dallas Cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott on Tuesday, according to a NFL insider Josina Anderson. Elliott asked for the Cowboys to release him before the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. After a year with the New England Patriots, Elliott returned to Dallas in 2024 but was a shell of his former self in Dallas' backfield. Rico Dowdle eventually took over lead-back duties, as expected, and Zeke had a career-low 3.1 yards on his 74 rushing attempts as he nears the end of his NFL career. In addition to his 74 carries (also a career-low), he had 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns while adding 12 receptions for 69 yards in 15 games in his ninth year in the league. It's been several seasons now that Elliott has lacked any real kind of burst on the ground. If he lands with a team for the playoffs, he's likely to serve as RB depth.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Dec 31 3:50pm ET
Drake Maye

If the New England Patriots retain head coach Jerod Mayo for a second season in 2025, The Athletic's Chad Graff mentions Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach and former NFL quarterback Josh McCown as an option to join Mayo's staff in New England as the offensive coordinator. McCown has been one of the best position coaches in the league in 2024 and has helped quarterback Sam Darnold lead the Vikings to an amazing 14-2 record. The former NFL QB also helped coach and mentor current Patriots QB Drake Maye in high school. McCown is in a good situation in Minnesota right now, but perhaps Mayo would be able to sell McCown on a young and talented QB that he's familiar with. All of this could be a mute point if the Patriots fire Mayo as the head coach following the Week 18 regular-season finale. And if Mayo is retained, there's no guarantee current offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt would be fired.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Dec 31 3:20pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Despite the fact that the Los Angeles Rams could fall from the No. 3 seed to the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoff picture with a loss in the Week 18 regular-season finale to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, head coach Sean McVay said that resting starters this weekend is "probably the direction that we'll go." The Rams have rested their starters with a playoff berth already secured throughout McVay's tenure as the head coach. McVay said he's looking forward to getting players like quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie running back Blake Corum extended playing time. It means that fantasy managers still playing for a championship shouldn't be counting on Rams players like quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams in their lineups in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Kevin Stefanski Dec 31 2:50pm ET
Kevin Stefanski

Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) is in the concussion protocol, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. The 26-year-old rushed five times for 33 yards and caught three of his five targets for 15 yards in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Running back Jerome Ford (ankle) was banged up in Week 17, and his status for Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens is to be determined. Cleveland signed John Kelly to the active roster from the Chargers' practice squad, so it could be D'Onta Foreman and Kelly leading the backfield this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Yannick Ngakoue Dec 31 2:30pm ET
Yannick Ngakoue

Veteran pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue is being waived by the New England Patriots on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The 29-year-old posted nine tackles and two QB hits for the organization since joining the team in November. Ngakoue has posted 70.5 career sacks in 134 games since entering the NFL in 2016, but his production has fallen off a cliff since his 9.5-sack season in 2022. However, a team that qualified for the postseason might be interested in bringing him in as a rotational rusher.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Dec 31 2:20pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) suffered a right-elbow contusion in the Monday Night Football loss to the Detroit Lions. The 2022 seventh-round pick is unlikely to play in the team's season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, but no long-term issues are expected. Purdy regressed this season after a fantastic 2023 campaign, throwing for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions en route to the 49ers missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. After Purdy exited the Week 17 game, backup Joshua Dobbs completed three of his four passing attempts for 35 yards and rushed for a seven-yard touchdown. He'll likely draw the start in the Week 18 finale and could have fantasy or DFS upside if key 49ers' pass-catchers are active.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Dec 31 2:20pm ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will assume his placekicking duties in the Week 18 season-finale against the Arizona Cardinals, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. The 25-year-old has struggled since returning from the Injured Reserve list and missed three of his seven kicks in Week 17's loss to the Detroit Lions. Moody has not lived up to his third-round price in the 2023 NFL Draft, so the organization could add kicking competition heading into next season. However, he'll keep his job for at least one more week. It's tough to trust him in DFS or fantasy football based on his recent struggles.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Dec 31 2:10pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) was designated to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The rookie third-round selection has been out of action since late October due to a hamstring injury. However, he did not catch a pass this year and only played in one game before being sidelined. The team could get him back for the playoff push, but it would be a surprise if he makes an impact despite the lackluster Pittsburgh wide receiver room. Wilson can continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues, but his fantasy outlook moving forward is not looking promising.

From RotoBaller

Bailey Zappe Dec 31 1:00pm ET
Bailey Zappe

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Tuesday that he might play both quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Jameis Winston (shoulder) is likely to serve as the emergency third QB for the third straight week. The 25-year-old Thompson-Robinson struggled in his second straight start in the 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, going 24-for-47 for 170 yards with an interception. He also carried the ball four times for 10 yards and lost a fumble. DTR is not the future at the position in Cleveland, so the Browns could get Zappe a little run as the team limps to the finish line in 2024. Obviously for fantasy purposes, nobody should have either Thompson-Robinson or Zappe in their starting lineups in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Dec 31 12:50pm ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that the team is hoping to get wide receiver Curtis Samuel (ribs) back for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday. Samuel was inactive for the second straight game in the team's blowout win over the division-rival New York Jets this past weekend, but his injury obviously isn't too serious, and he'll have a shot to play in the final regular-season game of the year. However, with the Bills expected to rest most of their starters against New England, it would be a surprise if the 28-year-old saw extensive run on offense this weekend. When healthy, Samuel has had a tough time standing out in 2024 in a crowded receiving corps that also includes Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, rookie Keon Coleman and Mack Hollins. He has only 24 catches, 201 yards and one TD in 13 games in his first year in Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Dec 31 12:40pm ET
Diontae Johnson

New Houston Texans wide receiver Diontae Johnson practiced with the team for the first time on Monday since being claimed off waivers last week from the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson was acquired by the Ravens from the Carolina Panthers at the trade deadline, but things didn't exactly work out in Baltimore. Johnson was unhappy with his role -- he caught just one of five targets for six yards in four games played -- and was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team right before the Ravens cut him. He's happy to turn the page and join a Texans team that was looking for depth after a devastating knee injury to receiver Tank Dell. Johnson has 31 catches for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 with the Panthers and Ravens. His time in Houston to close out the year will be an audition of sorts, but his path to fantasy relevance in playoff leagues will be an uphill battle.

From RotoBaller

Mitchell Trubisky Dec 31 12:40pm ET
Mitchell Trubisky

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that the team plans to use a blend of starters and backups in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. The Bills locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC with their win over the division-rival New York Jets in Week 17. Quarterback Josh Allen will start the game but will only play for a very brief time, which means backup Mitchell Trubisky should see most of the snaps this weekend. Allen holds the longest active streak among NFL QBs with 114 consecutive starts, dating back to 2018. Trubisky has played only 53 offensive snaps all year and will get a little run in the regular-season finale against the Pats. The 30-year-old veteran and former first-rounder has gone 4-for-5 for 78 yards and a TD in parts of eight games in 2024. We hope fantasy managers in superflex leagues don't have to rely on him in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Dec 31 12:30pm ET
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he's going to work through the team's quarterback situation this week as they head into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. There's a chance that both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe could play this Saturday. Veteran Jameis Winston (shoulder) is likely to be the emergency third QB for the third straight week as he battles through a shoulder injury. The 30-year-old Winston gave the Browns offense an initial spark when he took over for Deshaun Watson (Achilles) midway through the year, but his turnover issues became too much and he was benched in Week 15 in favor of Thompson-Robinson. DTR hasn't looked very great in his two starts under center, but the Browns have to play out the string. None of the three QBs figure to be the answer for Cleveland going forward into 2025.

From RotoBaller