Champions Draft Results
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.
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The Paur Report
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught his lone target for 13 yards and gained 14 additional yards on a rushing attempt in Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Commanders. It was an underwhelming performance from the 28-year-old, although his 14-yard run kept alive the game-tying fourth-quarter touchdown drive and got the Falcons down to the Washington five-yard line. But the offense doesn't typically support both he and Kyle Pitts, and Sunday was Pitts' night as he caught four passes including one for a touchdown. After catching no less than two passes in every game through Week 14, McCloud now has two one-catch games in the last three weeks. The Clemson product and the entire Falcons offense have a chance to end the regular season on a high note in Week 18, as they draw the Panthers at home in a game they need to win in order to have a shot at the playoffs.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney could snag just two of his five targets in Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, totaling 37 yards on his receptions. A week after leading the Falcons in receiving yards, the 27-year-old faded from the offense, but such is the case with a rookie quarterback. There will be ups and downs, but Mooney's down was an untimely one, letting many fantasy managers who put their faith in him down at the most crucial time of the fantasy season. Still, it has been a banner year for the fifth-year pro, who is just eight yards away from logging his second 1000-yard season, the last coming back in 2021 for the Bears. He has a good chance to hit that milestone in Week 18 against the Panthers, although he posted just a 3-38-0 line against them earlier this season.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts caught his first touchdown pass since Week 8 in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, hauling in four of five targets for 44 yards and the score. It has been yet another disappointing season for the former first-round draft pick, but perhaps this can be the beginning of some rapport with his rookie quarterback that, if he can muster another decent outing next week, could build some momentum heading into next season. It's probably a long shot, though, but the 24-year-old does draw a favorable matchup next week against the Panthers in a must-win game for the Falcons. Carolina is one of the worst teams in allowing production to tight ends, although they allow production to all positions, so the Falcons should have multiple paths to victory.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. nearly led his team to a win on Sunday Night Football, getting the team into position for a potential game-winning field goal, but the kick fell short and the Falcons ultimately lost 30-24 to the Commanders in overtime. The former first-round draft pick completed 19-of-35 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Some passes were clearly off-target, but others displayed the 24-year-old's talent level, including the game-tying touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts late in the fourth quarter. The rookie will get a chance to end the season on a high note and send the Falcons -- with some help from the Saints -- to the playoffs with a win against the Panthers in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London led the Falcons in receiving in Sunday's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, hauling in seven of 13 targets for 106 yards, although he was unable to find the end zone. Michael Penix Jr. frequently looked London's way, with no other receiver getting more than five targets, but the lefty QB missed London streaking across the end zone late in the game with an off-target throw. Still, it was a strong showing from the former first-round draft pick, with the yardage total putting him over 1,000 yards receiving on the season, the first 1,000-yard season of his three-year career. The 6-foot-4 wideout gets a favorable home matchup against the Panthers in Week 18, a defense he put a 6-74-1 line on earlier this season.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders defense/special teams allowed 10 points, forced two turnovers, and registered four sacks during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints. Vegas' two turnovers were both interceptions, with one apiece from Jack Jones and Thomas Harper. Elsewhere on the stat sheet, six different players recorded at least half a sack. Robert Spillane was the Raiders' defensive leader once again with his eight tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and two passes defended. This Vegas unit had a productive outing against a poor Saints offense, but they'll get a tougher test in Week 18 when they face the Los Angeles Chargers. Fantasy managers in leagues with 14 or fewer teams can leave the Raiders on waivers as the season wraps up.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin hauled in just one of his seven targets during their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. His lone catch went for just five yards. McLaurin had a tough time getting open facing standout Atlanta defensive back A.J. Terrell who shadowed him all evening. Instead, No.2 wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus and tight end Zach Ertz did most of the damage through the air while Jayden Daniels added over 100 yards on the ground. This was only the fourth-time this season McLaurin tallied less than double-digit PPR points in a single game. Coming into this contest, the Ohio State product averaged 22.9 PPR points per game over his past four contests and found the end zone an impressive six times over this stretch. Despite the poor showing, McLaurin remains a must-start WR1 heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson handled 17 carries for 90 yards and scored two touchdowns in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders, adding three catches for eight yards as well. Robinson had 13 carries by halftime, but with Washington running two seven-minute-plus drives in the second half, the Falcons did not get a chance to run many plays and when they did, they were passing as they tried to play catch-up in the fourth quarter. It could have been an even more lucrative night as Atlanta ran Robinson out of the wildcat, but when they did so on 1st-and-goal from the five-yard line in the fourth quarter, the snap went over Robinson's head for a huge loss, with the drive ending in a 13-yard TD pass to Kyle Pitts instead. Nevertheless, the second-year pro surely helped fantasy managers to some championships on Sunday, and with one game left to go in the regular season, the former first-round draft pick will face the Panthers at home next week, a team he scored two TDs against earlier this season.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette caught five of his nine targets for just 28 yards during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie receiver returned from a one-week absence to lead the Panthers in targets and receptions, but his yardage output was relatively disappointing. Legette also played just 68.1 percent of the offensive snaps, which is lower than usual but could just be a reflection of the Panthers being cautious in his first game back from injury. Moving forward, Legette should be able to establish himself as Carolina's No. 2 receiver behind Adam Thielen, but that doesn't mean he won't occasionally be out-played by the likes of Jalen Coker and David Moore. Heading into Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons, Legette ranks as a WR4.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus caught eight of his nine targets for 85 yards and a score during their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. Zaccheaus got on the scoresheet early catching the first score of the game on a seven-yard strike from Jayden Daniels. Zaccheaus' targets, receptions, and yards paced all other Washington pass catchers in this contest and was Daniels' go-to option all evening. His longest reception went for 16 yards. With Noah Brown (kidney) and Dyami Brown (hamstring) both sidelined, Zaccheaus has made the most of his opportunities. Over the past two games he has scored three touchdowns and tallied at least 70 yards in each game. He should be viewed as a solid flex option in Week 18 facing the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson went 4-for-4 on field goals and also converted his lone extra-point attempt during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints. His field goals came from 25, 31, 39, and 54 yards out. Carlson has now made four-plus field goals in 25 percent of his games this season, pushing him just inside the top 12 kickers (based on fantasy points) so far. Although his fantasy production has been relatively inconsistent due to the Raiders' developing offense, Carlson remains an intriguing weekly streamer with very high upside. He should continue to be viewed as a fringe top-12 kicking option in fantasy football ahead of Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught six of his seven targets for 72 yards and two touchdowns in their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Ertz had caught just three passes in total over his past two games but was able to snap this cold streak in a big way. The veteran tight end played a crucial role especially in the second half of this contest. Ertz found the end zone for the first time in the third quarter on a ten yard pass from Jayden Daniels. Then, the 34-year-old would play the hero as he hauled in the playoff-clinching score in overtime from two yards out. Despite his recent struggles, Ertz should continued to be viewed as a low-end TE1 playing on a high-octane Washington offense. He remains a solid play in all formats next weekend with Noah Brown (kidney) on the injured reserve as he should continue to see a reliable target share.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz (groin) exited Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Atlanta Falcons and did not return. Washington left the door open for him to re-enter by listing him as questionable, and he did join his teammates on the sideline. However, he stayed off the field while Michael Deiter took over as the Commanders' center. Biadasz's status is worth monitoring given his integral role in snapping the football and protecting Jayden Daniels.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton caught one of three targets during Sunday's Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. His lone reception wound up being a 32-yard touchdown, giving him double-digit fantasy points in some PPR leagues. The 27-year-old's fantasy production has been minimal ever since the Giants benched and released Daniel Jones, but he was able to display a spark in the penultimate game of the regular season. Moving forward, most redraft managers can avoid Slayton as he remains New York's No. 3 wide receiver behind Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. tallied 60 yards on 13 attempts in their victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. Robinson caught both of his targets for nine yards. While Robinson did see most of the rushing attempts he was unable to find the back of the end zone for the third straight contest. Instead, backup running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was given the red zone work and was able to punch in a score in the fourth quarter. Over his past three contests, Robinson has only eclipsed 60 rushing yards on one occasion and has only tallied more than 100 yards once over his past six contests. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) nearing a return, fantasy managers could expect Robinson to lose some opportunities especially during the playoffs. He should be viewed as a low-end RB2 heading into a Week 18 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker was targeted eight times during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints, but he ultimately caught just two passes for 14 yards and a touchdown. He also added a five-yard rush. It was a bizarre day for Tucker as he finished second on the team in targets but fourth in catches and fifth in receiving yards. Simply put, he and Aidan O'Connell weren't quite able to get on the same page very often in New Orleans. However, Tucker did salvage his fantasy showing by finding the end zone, giving him his first touchdown since Week 13 against the Chiefs (and just his third touchdown of the season). Tucker remains the Raiders' No. 2 receiver, but he'll be hard to trust in fantasy football when he takes on the Los Angeles Chargers next week.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker caught each of his two targets for a total of 35 yards during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The second-year receiver out of Holy Cross has shown numerous flashes this season, but he's struggling to establish himself as a consistent option while competing for targets with Adam Thielen, David Moore, and Xavier Legette. Coker did play 87 percent of offensive snaps, tying his second-highest mark of the season. His 35 receiving yards also ranked second-most on the team behind Thielen, who had 110 yards and two touchdowns. Despite facing some growing pains in a developing Panthers offense, there's reason to believe that Coker could eventually become the team's clear-cut No. 3 receiver. He's an intriguing dynasty target ahead of the upcoming NFL (and fantasy football) offseason. Before then, he'll get one more chance to cement himself in the Panthers' offense when he faces the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for 16 yards and a score on five carries on Sunday evening in their victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Rodriguez also tallied 12 yards on his lone reception. The sophomore running back punched in his score in the fourth quarter on a two-yard carry. While Brian Robinson Jr. saw the vast majority of the attempts, it is promising to see Rodriguez's name called late in the game. In this game, he logged four more attempts than the presumed No.2 option Jeremy McNichols. The Kentucky product has seen a slight uptick in opportunities with Austin Ekeler (concussion) on the injured reserve over the past month. However, with Ekeler nearing a return, fantasy managers should not expect him to have a consistent role in the offense moving forward. For now, he projects to be a desperation flex play in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels went 24-for-36 with 227 passing yards and three scores en route to clinching a playoff spot by defeating the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening. Daniels added an impressive 127 yards on the ground on 16 attempts. Daniels found Olamide Zaccheaus in the opening quarter on a seven yard TD pass to open the scoring. In the third quarter, he found his tight end Zach Ertz on a ten yard TD pass. Then in overtime, Daniels found Ertz for the second time this evening to clinch the victory. Daniels has now led the game-winning drives in each of the past two games to lead Washington to their first playoff appearance since 2020. Over his past five games, Daniels has tallied 15 passing scores, two rushing scores and tallied over 300 scrimmage yards in three of them.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor hauled in all five of his targets for 81 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-25 win against the Green Bay Packers. The 25-year-old hadn't sniffed this sort of volume since way back in Week 7, but he was effective -- putting together his best outing of the season. The TD was Nailor's sixth, his first since Week 12. More so, the yardage and reception total were both season highs. With the Vikings' ground attack proving ineffective (2.7 YPC), QB Sam Darnold attempted his most passes of the season (43) en route to a career-high in passing (377). While it isn't a prescriptive performance, it's a reminder that the Michigan State product can at least work as, at worst, a tertiary option in this offense. It's possible he'll be involved again next weekend when Minnesota hosts their division-rival Detroit Lions in what presents as an exciting end-of-season tilt.
From RotoBaller
