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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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Player Notes
Brian Branch Jan 1 6:50pm ET
Brian Branch

The Detroit Lions released defensive back Jamal Adams from their practice squad on Wednesday. Adams is now on the free-agent market after joining the Lions late this year. He began the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans but played in only three games before being cut. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler had only four tackles (two solo) with the Titans and tallied three tackles (two solo) in his two games played for the Lions. Adams was a backup option for Brian Branch at safety during his time with Detroit. The former sixth overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 out of LSU was one of the better IDP safeties during his prime because of his tackling abilities, but injuries derailed his career, and he's played in only 15 games since the start of the 2022 season.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Jan 1 6:50pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as a limited practice participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Jones suffered a quadriceps contusion late in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday and didn't return to the game. However, the 30-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, giving him a good chance to be ready to go for a huge Week 18 contest against the division-rival Detroit Lions that will decide the winner of the NFC North and the top seed in the NFC postseason. Jones has been the RB15 in half-PPR scoring in his first year in Minnesota with 245 carries for 1,093 rushing yards and five touchdowns while adding 46 receptions for 378 yards and two more TDs in 16 games. If Jones is active, he'll be a top-10 fantasy RB with many teams resting their starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Jan 1 6:40pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott went unclaimed on waivers on Wednesday and is now a free agent. The Cowboys waived Elliott on Tuesday, and he's now free to sign with any team on the open market. The 29-year-old reportedly asked for his release and could be looking to sign with a playoff team to provide them with depth at the position in January. After spending the 2023 season with the New England Patriots, Zeke returned to Dallas this year for what was a disappointing campaign. The former first-rounder averaged a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry and had only 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries in 15 games as the clear backup to Rico Dowdle. If Elliott does latch on with a team headed for the playoffs, it would be unlikely that he'd suddenly have a big role with everything on the line.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Jan 1 6:30pm ET
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards (ankle) did not participate with the rest of the team in Wednesday's practice. Edwards didn't play in the Week 17 win over the New England Patriots last Saturday and is firmly in danger of missing a second straight game in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Depending on the outcome of the Bengals-Steelers game on Saturday, the Chargers could be locked into the No. 6 seed in the AFC for the playoffs. If the Bolts cannot move up to the No. 5 seed with a win over Vegas, they almost certainly would rest injured players like Edwards. Even if Edwards were to play this weekend, his fantasy value would take a hit now that J.K. Dobbins is back from Injured Reserve. There's a good chance that rookie Kimani Vidal could lead LA's backfield in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Jan 1 6:30pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledged that the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Miami Dolphins -- his 241st career start -- could be his last. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer said he'll decide before free agency in March whether to play another year in 2025. Rodgers is open to returning to the Jets next year if the new regime will have him, but that's unlikely to happen. He missed all of 2023 due to a torn Achilles and ranks 25th out of 33 qualified QBs in total QBR this year with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the Jets to a 4-12 record. Rodgers needs one TD to become the fifth player in NFL history with 500 TD passes, and he needs only 115 passing yards to pass Matt Ryan for seventh on the career list. The four-time MVP will be going for those milestones this Sunday and will be in play as a midrange QB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 1 6:20pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (wrist) were both held out of practice on Wednesday. Both Brown and Smith played in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, and they combined for three touchdowns. Brown and Smith are both likely fine from a health perspective heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. However, with the Eagles having already locked up the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, they are planning to rest key starters this weekend. If Brown and Smith are even active against New York, there's a good chance they won't see the field much, if at all. Fantasy managers would be wise to avoid Philly's offense altogether, but Jahan Dotson and rookies Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith should see much larger roles.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Jan 1 6:20pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Ladd McConkey (toe) and Joshua Palmer (foot) were both listed as non-participants in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. McConkey is dealing with a new injury, but he seemed fine in the Week 17 beatdown of the New England Patriots, when he had eight catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. The 23-year-old second-rounder has been a must-start in fantasy all year in his first season in the NFL as quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite target. However, the Chargers could rest him and other key starters on offense in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. If the Steelers beat the Bengals on Saturday, the Bolts would be locked into the No. 6 seed in the AFC for the playoffs and wouldn't have much incentive to play their starters.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Jan 1 6:10pm ET
Kenny Pickett

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice in the team's first session of the week on Wednesday. Pickett is dealing with broken ribs and was forced from the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in favor of third-stringer Tanner McKee. The Eagles are already locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, and head coach Nick Sirianni has confirmed that he plans to rest starts in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants, including running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion), who was inactive last week. The 26-year-old Pickett's availability is in question, but if we had to guess right now, we'd be surprised if Pickett plays. McKee did throw two touchdowns in mop-up duty last week, but fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Philly's offense in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Devin Culp Jan 1 6:00pm ET
Devin Culp

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie tight end Devin Culp (ribs) is on the team's Week 18 injury report and was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Culp has only appeared in four games his rookie season, but his status is more important heading into the regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints with both Cade Otton (knee) and Payne Durham (quadriceps) missing practice. The Bucs must win on Sunday to secure a playoff berth and the NFC South championship, so they won't be resting any players this weekend. Culp is probably only worth fantasy consideration as a DFS sleeper if both Otton and Durham are ruled out. The 24-year-old contributed for the first time all year in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, catching three of his four targets for 52 yards.

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Payne Durham Jan 1 5:40pm ET
Payne Durham

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight ends Cade Otton (knee) and Payne Durham (quadriceps) both missed practice on Wednesday. Otton has missed the last two games due to a left-knee injury and is fully in danger of missing a third straight game in the Week 18 regular-season contest versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Now that Durham is also on the injury report, the Bucs' TE room could be down to Devin Culp (ribs) this weekend. In a game that the Bucs need to win in order to clinch the NFC South and a playoff berth, their TE situation is worth monitoring for fantasy purposes. The 25-year-old Otton is the team's unquestioned top TE when he's healthy, but Culp could be an attractive low-cost DFS option if both Otton and Durham are ruled out. In the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, Culp contributed for the first time all year, catching three of four targets for 52 yards.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Jan 1 5:40pm ET
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Shepard did not play in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers due to foot and hamstring injuries, but a limited session on Wednesday means he could be on track to return in Week 18 in a must-win game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints this Sunday. The 31-year-old could be removed from the final injury report entirely by Friday if he's able to upgrade to a full practice. If Shepard returns to face the Saints, he'll be a touchdown-dependent WR4/5, at best, for fantasy managers. Due to the recent resurgence of rookie wideout Jalen McMillan, Shepard is Tampa's clear WR3 behind McMillan and veteran Mike Evans when he's healthy. Shepard has been outside the top-50 receivers in half-PPR points per game in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Jan 1 5:30pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

In the team's first practice of Week 18 preparation, Miami Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (knee) were both listed as limited participants. Hill has been on the injury report for most of the year while managing a wrist injury, but it hasn't caused him to miss any games and he should be ready to go for a must-win Week 18 game on Sunday against the division-rival New York Jets in the regular-season finale. Waddle, meanwhile, has missed the last two games with a knee injury and is much more up in the air. Of the two, Hill is the much better fantasy option with WR1 upside in Week 18. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) sitting out the Week 17 win over the Cleveland Browns, Tyler Huntley and Hill connected nine times on nine targets for 105 yards. If Waddle is able to return this weekend, he should be considered a risky, low-floor WR4/flex in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Jan 1 5:30pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (shin, shoulder) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Although Irving is dealing with two injuries leading up to the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, he should be fine to play this weekend. The 22-year-old has been playing through injuries all year and has been the team's most productive back, posting 1,033 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 188 carries while also adding 45 receptions and 397 yards through the air in his first 16 NFL games. The Buccaneers need to win to secure the NFC South title and a playoff berth, so none of their starters will be rested. Irving continues to split backfield touches with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, but he will be a high-end RB1 for fantasy managers in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Jan 1 5:20pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice session. Watson suffered a bruised left knee in the Week 16 win over the New Orleans Saints and didn't practice or play in last week's loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. The fact that the 25-year-old still isn't practicing isn't a good sign for his availability in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Chicago Bears, but Watson does still have two more days to return to the field. Watson's injury isn't considered very serious, but given his injury history, the Packers are more likely to err on the side of caution again this week to make sure he's ready to go for the playoffs. If Watson returns to practice in the next two days and plays, he'll be a shaky WR4/flex in fantasy lineups. Watson has averaged only 5.9 half-PPR points this year and has only scored twice.

From RotoBaller

Sam Howell Jan 1 5:10pm ET
Sam Howell

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the team doesn't plan on playing backup quarterback Sam Howell in their Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 17, but it sounds as though they plan to play all of their starters this weekend to close out the season. Howell has played only 25 offensive snaps in his first year in Seattle and didn't look particularly confident in the rare instances he got into a game this year. Despite dealing with a nagging knee injury of late, the 34-year-old Geno Smith should start and play all of the Week 18 game, lining him up as a QB1 option this week with so many starters across the league being rested in the season finale. Smith enters Week 18 as the QB13 in overall fantasy points with 4,097 passing yards, 17 TDs and 15 interceptions in 16 games.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Jan 1 5:10pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running backs Josh Jacobs (wrist) and Chris Brooks (ankle) were both listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Jacobs is dealing with what appears to be a minor wrist injury heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers have a shot to move up to the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture with a win this weekend and a Washington Commanders loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and from all indications, the Packers don't have any plans to rest starters, including Jacobs. Keep an eye on the 26-year-old's practice status the rest of the week, but barring a setback, Jacobs should play on Sunday and should be treated as a strong RB1 option in fantasy when considering that many other starting RBs will be rested this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Jan 1 5:00pm ET
Chris Olave

According to the team, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) logged a full practice on Wednesday. Olave was a full participant in practice last week but was unable to pass concussion protocol in time to suit up in Week 17. The wideout has been sidelined since suffering his second concussion of the season during Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers. Even though Olave has been limited by injuries all season, he has continued to showcase his high upside when on the field. During four of the six full games he played in, Olave tallied at least 80 yards in each contest. If Olave can return for the final game of the season, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 in all formats despite the poor QB play New Orleans has had with Derek Carr (hand) sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Jan 1 5:00pm ET
Deebo Samuel

According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib/knee) did not practice on Wednesday. Samuel saw his typical snap count during Monday's loss to the Detroit Lions. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status throughout the week, as he may be in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Samuel has found the end zone in each of his past two games but has had an overall disappointing season. Since Week 10, he has just averaged a mere 9.0 PPR points per game. During this span he has seen just 5.3 targets per game. If Samuel is unable to play on Sunday, Jauan Jennings will operate as the top wideout in the offense and rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall would slot in as the No.2 option.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Jan 1 4:50pm ET
Jaylen Warren

According to the team, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) upgraded to full participation during Wednesday's practice session. This is a great sign, as Warren was listed as limited participation during Tuesday's initial session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Thursday in case he faces a setback. Over the past two weeks, Warren has logged more offensive snaps than the presumed No.1 option in the backfield, Najee Harris. Warren has averaged 11.5 attempts and 5.5 targets per game during this two-game stretch. If Warren is off the injury report on Thursday, he should be viewed as a solid RB2 in PPR formats facing the Cincinnati Bengals, given his elite receiving ability.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Jan 1 4:40pm ET
Derek Carr

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) did not practice on Wednesday. Carr has been sidelined since suffering this injury during their Week 14 victory over the New York Giants. While sidelined, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler have each been given starting opportunities. While Carr has expressed interest in returning this season, seeing him open the week as a non-participant is not a positive sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Carr cannot play, Spencer Rattler will likely get his third-straight start. Last weekend, during his loss to the Raiders, he threw for 218 yards, one score, and two interceptions. He would be viewed as a risky QB2 facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller