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.
TFC Champion is Crowned
Washington Commanders tight ends John Bates (shoulder) and Ben Sinnott (shoulder) were both removed from Friday's final injury report and will be available on Sunday for the NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Zach Ertz (rib) will also be active after practicing in full on Thursday and Friday, so neither Bates nor Sinnott are realistic DFS options for fantasy managers this weekend. The 27-year-old Bates has played through a shoulder injury in both postseason games but has only one catch on three targets for 20 yards to show for it. He had eight grabs on 13 targets for 84 yards and no scores in 17 regular-season games (six starts). Sinnott, meanwhile, has not even been targeted in two playoff games and caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and one touchdown in his first 17 NFL games during the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead indicated that the team might be open to working out a long-term contract extension with running back Kyren Williams this offseason after he had another strong year in 2024. Williams accounted for almost 81% of the Rams' rushing attempts out of the backfield this year and ran the ball 316 times for a career-high 1,299 yards and a career-high 14 rushing touchdowns while adding a career-high 34 catches (40 targets) for another 182 yards and two scores through the air in 16 regular-season games. He'll be heading into the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, which makes him eligible for a contract extension this offseason. The 24-year-old has gone for 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last two years and is the first Rams RB since Todd Gurley to score 14 rushing TDs in a single season. Williams will be a strong RB1 choice for fantasy managers in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee, illness, rest) practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and was removed from the final injury report. He will play on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders and will be hoping to do some damage after barely being heard from in the first two postseason games. Even though the 27-year-old has just three catches on 10 targets for 24 yards and no touchdowns in playoff wins against the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams, Brown will have some of the most upside on Championship weekend at the receiver position. In the last meeting against the Commanders on Dec. 22, he had eight catches for 97 yards and a score on a season-high 15 targets. And in the first meeting on Nov. 14, he caught five of eight targets for 65 yards. Brown has high-end WR1 upside for DFS lineups.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) has been ruled out for the NFC Championship game on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders, while center/guard Cam Jurgens (back) is listed as questionable. Covey was limited in practice all week but will not return from Injured Reserve. However, the 27-year-old could be ready to play in a few weeks if the Eagles are victorious this weekend and advance to the Super Bowl. Covey isn't fantasy relevant when active, as he caught only seven of eight targets for 34 yards and no touchdowns in five regular-season games in 2024 in his second year in the league. The 25-year-old Jurgens missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was limited on Friday, giving him a chance to play. If he's inactive on Sunday, expect Nick Gates to start under center for the Eagles.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders defense is an intriguing value play in DFS competitions this weekend while facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, in their upset victory over the Detroit Lions, they allowed 31 points but were quite opportunistic. They forced three interceptions, one of which was returned for a score, and added two sacks. However, they have another tall task ahead of them in the Philadelphia Eagles. In the two games they faced the Eagles this season, Saquon Barkley has had his way, tallying 148.0 rushing yards per game with four touchdowns. While Barkley will be difficult to contain, quarterback Jalen Hurts has been sacked nine times during the postseason and is entering this game battling a minor knee injury. Even though starting defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger) is questionable, if you want to save salary in your DFS lineup, target the Commanders, as they have a path to another solid showing.
From RotoBaller
The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan reports that New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) recently had surgery for a high-ankle sprain that was initially misdiagnosed earlier this season. Dugger had tightrope surgery on Jan. 9 to re-stabilize his right ankle that progressively worsened during the 2024 season. He was initially diagnosed with a mild sprain in late September and he was later told he was dealing with a bone bruise. Dugger's ankle injury led to a career-high 13 missed tackles while he also graded out as the third-worst safety in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. Normally a starting-caliber defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues, Dugger didn't even register in the top 50 at his position in overall points by the end of the year. With better health in 2025, though, Dugger could easily bounce back for a Pats D under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin carries high-end WR1 value in the NFC title game when he faces the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, in their victory over the Detroit Lions, he caught four of his six targets for 87 yards and a score. This was his third straight game in which he found the end zone. Since Week 12, McLaurin has averaged an incredible 19.3 PPR points per game. During this eight-game stretch, the Ohio State product averaged 68.1 yards per game with nine total TDs. The last time he faced this Philadelphia secondary, he caught five passes for 60 yards and a score. Operating as Washington's clear No.1 wideout, he is a high-end WR1 in all DFS competitions this weekend, as the Washington offense is centered around him.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown looks to continue his playoff breakout in the NFC title game against the Philadelphia Eagles. During the first two rounds of the playoffs, Brown has emerged as an integral part of the offense, as he has seen 6.5 targets per game. During this stretch, he has tallied 93.5 yards per game with one touchdown. During the regular season, Brown only averaged 19.3 yards per game with just one touchdown. Given his current play, Brown should still be viewed as a reliable WR3 with upside in all DFS competitions this weekend despite facing a tough Philadelphia secondary that has allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (hip) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Zaccheaus opened the week as a limited participant but was able to log a full session on Friday to avoid a designation. During the playoffs, Zaccheaus has taken a step back as Dyami Brown has grown into the No.2 WR role. As a result, Zacchaeus has caught just three passes for 19 yards. However, during the final three weeks of the regular season, Zaccheaus averaged 68.7 yards per game with three touchdowns. With the Commanders entering this game as underdogs, they may find themselves trailing at times, which could set up a positive game script for the slot receiver. He is a WR3 at a value price in DFS on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (rib) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz opened the week as a non-participant but logged two consecutive full sessions on Thursday and Friday. Last weekend, in their upset victory over the Detroit Lions, Ertz caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and a score. This was a nice bounce back following his two-catch, 23-yard showing in the wild-card round. Since Week 11, the 34-year-old has been a force in the red zone, catching seven TDs across this nine-game stretch. DFS players should view Ertz as a touchdown-dependent TE1 this weekend, as he does all of his damage in the red zone.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez is a risky play in DFS competitions this weekend facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, during their upset victory over the Detroit Lions, Gonzalez went 1-for-2 on attempts and a perfect 6-for-6 on extra points. Since taking over the starting duties for Austin Seibert (groin), Gonzalez has gone 9-for-12 on field goals and 27-for-27 on extra points. Given that the Eagles have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers this season makes Gonzalez a risky streaming option that carries little upside.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should be viewed as a high-end QB1 when he faces the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon. Daniels has led the Commanders to two thrilling upset victories during the playoffs. During this two-game stretch, Daniels has averaged 26.6 PPR points per game. He averaged 283.5 passing and 43.5 rushing per game with four total scores. During the final five weeks of the regular season (excluding Week 18), Daniels averaged a stellar 34.0 PPR points per game. The last time he faced this Philadelphia defense, he threw five passing scores with 258 passing and 81 rushing yards. As a result, DFS players should view Daniels as an elite option as he looks to continue Washington's Cinderella run.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is coming off a strong showing in the divisional round and carries RB2 upside facing the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC title game. Last weekend, facing a tough Detroit rushing defense, Robinson ran for 77 yards and two scores on 15 attempts. This was a nice showing for Robinson, as he averaged an underwhelming 35.0 rushing yards per game over his previous five contests. However, during his first 10 games of the season, the Alabama product found the back of the end zone eight times and averaged a strong 64 rushing yards per game. Despite another tough matchup, as the Eagles have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs, Robinson carries high-floor RB2 value this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should be viewed as a high-end flex option in DFS formats this weekend when he faces the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, in their upset victory over the Detroit Lions, Ekeler ran the ball for 47 yards on six attempts. He caught all four of his targets for an additional 41 yards. Ekeler also saw four targets in the wild-card round. Even though Brian Robinson Jr. will continue to see the majority of carries on the ground, Ekeler should continue to have a role, especially on passing downs. The last time he faced the Eagles (Week 11), he caught eight of nine targets for 89 yards. If the Commanders fall behind in this contest, Ekeler should have a path to seeing a high volume of targets, which makes him a strong value play as an RB2/flex option in DFS competitions.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (biceps, hamstring) and cornerback Taron Johnson (neck, shoulder) have both been cleared from the final injury report on Friday and will be active against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday for the AFC Championship tilt. In addition offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (illness) will play. The 30-year-old Milano was an All-Pro in 2022 but played in only five games in 2023 due to injury and then played in just four regular-season games in 2024. However, he's been close to an every-down player in the team's two postseason games and will be a key defender for Buffalo as the Bills look to get over the hump in the playoffs against KC and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Having Johnson in the secondary will also be big with safety Taylor Rapp (back, hip) ruled out. Buffalo's defense is one of the more attractive fantasy plays this weekend against a Chiefs offense that is beatable.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger, knee) and defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste (shoulder) are both questionable for the NFC Championship game on Sunday versus the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, while linebacker Bobby Wagner (ankle) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) have been cleared to play. Payne played 37 defensive snaps in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams but picked up a knee injury in the process and could sit out this weekend. It would be a blow to Washington's interior defense against a stout Eagles offensive line if Payne cannot play, although it's excellent news for the Commanders defense that the ageless Wagner will be available to try and slow down Philly's ground attack, which is led by the NFL's leading rusher in Saquon Barkley. Washington's defensive unit is probably the least attractive play in fantasy of the four teams this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (concussion, personal) and linebacker Baylon Spector (calf) are both listed as questionable for the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday on the road. Benford was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being downgraded to a DNP on Friday for personal reasons. The 24-year-old defensive back will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before Sunday in order to play, as he remains in the league's concussion protocol. In addition, safety Taylor Rapp (back, hip) is out, so Buffalo's secondary could be even more short-handed on Sunday. The good news is that Taron Johnson (neck, shoulder) will play against KC. Spector practiced all week but remains on Injured Reserve. He will need to be activated by Saturday to have a shot at suiting up as linebacker depth.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (ankle), who returned to practice on Friday after sitting out on Wednesday and Thursday due to an ankle injury, said he is playing this Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders. "I feel great," Goedert added. The 30-year-old will most likely be removed from Friday's final injury, clearing the way for him to suit up as the Eagles look to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. Despite his ankle injury, Goedert is as good as any TE play for DFS fantasy lineups this weekend in a game in which the Eagles could be forced to throw more than they have been this postseason. In two playoff games this year, Goedert has eight receptions on 10 targets for 103 yards and a touchdown. Against Washington in Week 11, he caught all five of his targets for 61 yards.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (knee) was removed from the final injury report on Friday and is good to go for Sunday's NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders. Hurts injured his left knee in the Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday but didn't miss any practice time this week. He will, however, wear a brace on his left knee, and Hurts' mobility could be limited, which will make fantasy managers setting DFS lineups a little more reluctant to use him as their QB for Championship weekend. The 26-year-old has gone 28-for-41 for 259 yards and two touchdowns in two playoff games, adding 13 carries for 106 yards and a score on the ground. Hurts led the NFL with 14 rushing TDs during the regular season, but his knee injury will make him a more volatile fantasy play since the Eagles' passing game has been subpar down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders have hired Pete Carroll as their new head coach on Friday. Unsurprisingly, quarterback Russell Wilson is a name to watch with the Raiders likely seeking a new QB this offseason. There is an obvious connection between Wilson and Carroll during their days in Seattle together. Wilson is set to be a free agent after throwing for nearly 2,500 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders aren't exactly as skilled of a roster as the Steelers, but Wilson could serve as a solid bridge option for Las Vegas. It remains to be seen if the two sides will reunite this offseason.
From RotoBaller