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Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Offseason | NFL: Divisional

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
Jayden Daniels Jan 16 5:20pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will look to extend their playoff run in a showdown in Detroit on Saturday evening. In his playoff debut last weekend in Tampa Bay, Daniels looked poised as he went 24-for-35 with 268 yards and two passing scores. He added 36 yards on the ground. The LSU product finished the regular season on a high note, averaging an impressive 34.0 PPR points per game and tallying over 300 all-purpose yards per game during Weeks 12 through 17. During this stretch, he found the back of the end zone 17 times. This weekend, in a projected high-scoring affair (55.5 projected point total) against the Lions, who have allowed the ninth-most PPR points to opposing QBs, makes Daniels an elite option in all DFS competitions.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Jan 16 5:20pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is a touchdown-dependent flex option in the divisional round when he faces the Detroit Lions. Robinson had a disappointing conclusion to the season, and those struggles lingered during their wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this game, Robinson tallied just 16 yards on ten carries. Over the final three weeks of the regular season, Robinson tallied just 31.3 rushing yards per game and did not score a touchdown. However, during his first ten games of the season, Robinson scored eight touchdowns and averaged a solid 64 yards per game. Facing another tough rushing defense in Detroit, who has allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs, makes him a touchdown-dependent flex option that is best to avoid in DFS in competitions.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Jan 16 5:20pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler could have an increased role in a potential high-scoring affair against the Detroit Lions on Saturday evening. Ekeler returned from his four-game absence due to a concussion in Week 18. In this game, he tallied 32 total yards. Last weekend in Tampa Bay, he tallied a solid 27 yards on eight carries and brought in 26 yards on three receptions. Given Brian Robinson Jr.'s recent struggles, Ekeler has a viable path to being the top option in the backfield this weekend. In addition, given the projected 55.5-point total, the Commanders will need to rely on their passing attack, which should bode well for Ekeler, given his elite pass-catching abilities. Ekeler is a great value play as an RB2 in DFS competitions despite the tough matchup on paper.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Jan 16 5:20pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin should be viewed as a high-end WR1 during the divisional round when he faces the Detroit Lions on Saturday evening. Last weekend, McLaurin led the way in their upset victory in Tampa Bay, bringing in seven of his ten targets for 89 yards and a score. His targets were the most on the team. Over his previous seven games, McLaurin has scored in six of them (eight total TDs) and averaged a solid 66.3 yards and 19.3 PPR points per game. During this span, he has seen 8.4 targets per game and caught just under six of them in each contest. Given his role as Jayden Daniels' go-to option, he carries elite upside in a favorable matchup, as the Lions have allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season. McLaurin should be targeted in all DFS competitions this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Jan 16 5:20pm ET
Olamide Zaccheaus

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus had a disappointing showing last weekend but should be poised for a bounce back showing in Detroit on Saturday night. Last weekend, Zaccheaus caught all three of his targets for a mere 19 yards. However, during his previous three games (Weeks 16 through 18), Zacchaeus averaged an impressive 68.7 yards per game and scored three touchdowns. While Dyami Brown (hamstring) has returned from his injury and should continue to have a role in the starting lineup, fantasy managers should expect Zaccheaus to return to form in a potential high-scoring affair in Detroit. Zacchaeus is a viable WR3 play in DFS, as the Lions have allowed the second-most PPR points per game to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Jamison Crowder Jan 16 4:50pm ET
Jamison Crowder

According to the team, Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (hamstring) is off the injury report and good to go for Saturday's playoff game against the Detroit Lions. Crowder carried a questionable tag with this same injury last tweet but avoided one heading into the divisional round. Last weekend against Tampa Bay, Crowder logged just offensive snaps and did not see a target. He also was held off the scoresheet during Week 18. However, during Weeks 15 through 17, Crowder caught 2.7 passes per game and, tallied 22.3 yards per contest and found the end zone twice. The 31-year-old should be viewed as a high-risk desperation flex play as he is the clear No.4 option in the wide receiver room and has not seen consistent work throughout the season.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Jan 16 4:40pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed that his future with the Jets is dependent on the new general manager and head coach, not on owner Woody Johnson. The former four-time MVP winner spoke on the Pat McAfee Show earlier on Thursday and expressed how he discussed his future with the team during exit meetings. Rodgers said, "I think everybody understands that it's going to come down to a GM and a coach and myself and whether we all want to do a dance together or if it's not in the cards." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation, as Rodgers still has another year remaining on his contract with the Jets. After firing Robert Salah during the 2024 season, Jeff Ulbrich took over as the interim head coach. Following the end of the season, the Jets have had contact with several potential coaches, such as Ron Rivera, Aaron Glenn, and Brian Flores. During their GM search, they have spoken to Darren Mougey of the Broncos, Lance Newmark of the Commanders, and Trey Brown of the Bengals, among others. If Rodgers returns to the Jets, he would likely carry QB2 value, given his unstable production this past season.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Jan 16 4:30pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (rib) is off the injury report and should be viewed as a low-end TE1 in DFS formats this weekend, facing the Detroit Lions. Ertz opened the week as a non-participant but was able to upgrade each day, ending the week with a full session on Thursday. Last weekend, during their upset victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ertz took the backseat as he caught just two of his four targets for 23 yards. However, Ertz scored three touchdowns during Weeks 17 and 18 and caught 11 of his 12 targets. Overall, the 34-year-old has enjoyed a nice debut campaign in the DMV as he has found the back of the end zone seven times and averaged 38.5 yards during 17 regular season games. Given the projected high-scoring affair on Saturday evening, Ertz should enjoy a nice bounce back despite the Lions allowing the fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Jan 16 4:20pm ET
David Montgomery

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is off the injury report and good to go for Saturday's playoff game against the Washington Commanders. The veteran back has been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain during their Week 15 contest against the Buffalo Bills. While sidelined, sophomore running back Jahmyr Gibbs has taken complete control of the backfield. However, with Montgomery back in the mix, fantasy managers should expect both of them to share the backfield throughout the remainder of the postseason. During the first 13 games of the season, Montgomery averaged 13.8 carries per game with 59.3 rushing yards per game. During this stretch, he found the back of the end zone 12 times and saw 17 total carries within the five-yard line. While Gibbs carries the higher ceiling, given his elite speed, Montgomery is a high-floor RB2, given his role in short-yardage situations and in the red zone. Fantasy managers should feel confident viewing him as an RB2 in all DFS competitions this weekend against Washington.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Jan 16 4:10pm ET
Ray Davis

According to the team, Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (concussion) remained limited during Thursday's practice. Davis will have another opportunity on Friday to log a full session before the final injury report. The Kentucky product suffered a concussion during Sunday's victory over the Denver Broncos. Before exiting, he ran the ball once for three yards. Through the first 16 contests of the season, Davis averaged 23.6 yards per game. During game No.17, Davis was given the start and tallied 64 yards on a season-high 15 attempts as the Bills had already locked up the No.2 seed. If Davis were to sit out on Sunday evening, fantasy managers should expect Ty Johnson to be deployed as the clear No.2 option behind James Cook against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 16 3:10pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) is not practicing on Thursday because of an illness. The 30-year-old should be able to play in Sunday's NFL Divisional Round contest against the Los Angeles Rams, but his status is worth monitoring. Goedert caught four of his six targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Green Bay Packers and is a strong No. 3 option in the passing game behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. If he can play, he'll face a Rams defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. If he's surprisingly inactive, Grant Calcaterra would earn the start at TE.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Jan 16 2:40pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) has resumed on-field work, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. The 2024 first-round pick out of Michigan suffered a preseason ACL tear that cost him his entire rookie campaign, forcing veteran Sam Darnold into the starting role. However, it was unclear how much McCarthy was slated to play in Year 1. Darnold threw 35 touchdowns and led Minnesota to 14 wins in 2024, but his late-season collapse in Week 18 and the NFC Wild Card Round could impact his standing with the organization. In all likelihood, McCarthy will start at some point in 2025, and he's an intriguing fantasy football option due to his elite supporting cast consisting of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Jan 16 2:40pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) is practicing on Thursday after being listed as a "DNP" on Wednesday with knee and rest designations. Brown was limited or missing from practice early in last week's preparation, and the team is clearly being cautious with the All-Pro wideout. Brown registered just three receptions for 10 yards on three targets in last week's NFC Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers, but the team attempted just 21 passes compared to 35 rushes. Brown should be expected to suit up on Sunday, and he'll face a Rams defense that surrendered the 14th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts during the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Jan 16 2:30pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is not practicing on Thursday, marking the fifth consecutive official practice he has been held out of since suffering a knee injury in the Week 18 win over the Cleveland Browns. Flowers, who posted his first 1,000-yard season and earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024, is looking unlikely to suit up against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round on Sunday. The 2023 first-round pick played in every regular-season game in his second year with the franchise, and the timing of the injury in unfortunate. With Flowers likely out of action this week, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and Justice Hill should see additional opportunities in the passing game. His potential absence could loom large in Baltimore's chances to collect a road victory at Buffalo and advance to the AFC Championship Game.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Jan 16 2:20pm ET
Sam Darnold

In a media availability on Thursday, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he is interested in signing a contract extension. The 39-year-old has compiled a 34-17 record in three seasons with the Vikings, though he has begun his postseason career with an 0-2 record. O'Connell comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree and has been known for his reputation for working with quarterbacks. O'Connell helped guide Sam Darnold to career highs in passing yards (4,319) and passing touchdowns (35) in 2024, and Minnesota will surely want to keep him around to pair him with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Jan 16 2:10pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said the team wants to bring kicker Brandon McManus back for the 2025 NFL season. The 33-year-old signed with Green Bay on October 16 and played in 11 games for the Packers. He connected on 20 of his 21 field goal attempts and all 30 of his extra-point tries during the regular season. The Super Bowl 50 champion with the Denver Broncos has hit on over 82% of his career field goal attempts and arguably had the best season of his career in 2024. McManus averaged 9.0 fantasy points per game this season, so he'll be on the fantasy radar next season if he re-signs with the Packers.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Jan 16 1:30pm ET
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is set to interview with the New York Jets on Thursday for their head-coaching vacancy. In addition to Slowik, the Jets will interview Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for the same position on Thursday. Slowik, who is now in his second year running the Texans' offense, also received some head-coach looks last offseason but remained in Houston. The Texans' offense wasn't as productive in 2024 in quarterback C.J. Stroud's second season, but the team still managed to win the AFC South and win a playoff game for the second straight season. If the Texans were to pull the upset over the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend in the Divisional Round, it would make Slowik even more attractive to teams looking for a new head coach.

From RotoBaller

Zane Gonzalez Jan 16 1:20pm ET
Zane Gonzalez

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said there's no concern about kicker Zane Gonzalez's hip injury or his status for the Divisional Round playoff game this Saturday versus the hosting Detroit Lions. Gonzalez was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Tuesday but was a full-go on Wednesday, signaling he's ready to kick this weekend. If the 29-year-old puts in another full practice on Thursday, he'll most likely be removed from the final injury report. After joining the Commanders midway through the 2024 campaign, Gonzalez delivered stability at the position and made five of his seven field-goal attempts and all 19 of his extra-point tries in six regular-season games before kicking the game-winning field goal last Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round. Despite that, he'll be a shaky fantasy option in Detroit in a game in which the Commanders won't have the luxury of settling for field goals.

From RotoBaller

Robert Saleh Jan 16 1:10pm ET
Robert Saleh

ESPN's Ed Werder reports that University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders would almost certainly accept if Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones offers to make him the next head coach, according to sources. Those around Sanders are encouraging him to pursue the opportunity, and Jones is enamored with the idea of hiring the former NFL cornerback. While Dallas has yet to request a formal interview with Sanders, he's the current betting favorite to become the next head coach of the Cowboys. The team has requested interviews with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and current Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and more names should surface this weekend. Sanders was the head coach at Jackson State for three seasons before signing a five-year $29.5 million deal at Colorado. He also played five seasons in Dallas and helped the team win Super Bowl XXX.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Jan 16 1:10pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was not seen at practice with the rest of the team on Thursday due to an ankle injury. Mixon wasn't on the injury report on Tuesday before being added on Wednesday while being listed as a limited participant. However KPRC's Aaron Wilson writes that it would be a surprise if Mixon were not active on Saturday to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The 28-year-old is a vital piece of Houston's offense, having rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns during the regular season. He had 106 yards on the ground and scored in last week's blowout win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round. However, Mixon's status is now worth watching heading into Saturday's contest. If he's out or limited at all, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale would take on bigger roles in the backfield.

From RotoBaller