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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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17

Player Notes
Pierre Strong Jr. Jan 1 10:39am ET
Pierre Strong Jr.

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

Ashtyn Davis Jan 1 9:40am ET
Ashtyn Davis

According to the team, the New York Jets placed safety Chuck Clark (undisclosed) on the injured reserve, which will end his 2024 season. Clark missed four games earlier this season due to an ankle injury, but it is unknown if Clark suffered a new injury or reaggravated this previous one. During the past four weeks, Chuck has tallied at least seven tackles in each contest. When on the field, the 29-year-old has been a clear starter in the New York secondary. During the final game, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Ashtyn Davis and Isaiah Oliver to have an increase in playing time.

From RotoBaller

Joey Porter Jr. Jan 1 9:30am ET
Joey Porter Jr.

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joey Porter Jr. (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's initial practice session. Even though Porter sat out last week during their matchup against the Chiefs, head coach Mike Tomlin noted that Porter is expected to return on Saturday. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should continue to monitor his progress throughout the week. However, seeing him log a full practice on Tuesday is a positive sign. Through his first 15 games of the season, Porter tallied 64 tackles (47 solo) with six deflections and one interception. When he returns he will slot in as the No.1 corner back on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Jaylan Ford Jan 1 9:20am ET
Jaylan Ford

According to the team, the New Orleans Saints have placed rookie linebacker Jaylan Ford (fibula) on the injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the Saints promoted Josh Ball to the active roster. Ford suffered a fractured fibula during Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout his rookie campaign, the former fifth-round selection only saw time on special teams. He tallied four tackles, with two of them being solo. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Demario Davis and Pete Werner to continue to see most of the linebacker snaps during the final game of the regular season, with Willie Gay operating as the No.3 option on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Dec 31 11:13pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have cut running back Ezekiel Elliott. Dynasty Analysis: Once thought of as the lead back this season, Elliott just didn't show he had enough left in the tank to produce for the Cowboys and was eventually replaced by Rico Dowdle. On the year, he posted just 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on a career low 3.1 yards per carry. Elliott is just 870 yards short of 10,000 for his career (a feat only 32 running backs have ever achieved), but it's fair to wonder if he has enough left in the tank to get there. He may have a line on joining a contender, but he's someone to let go of in dynasty leagues at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Ben Skowronek Dec 31 9:50pm ET
Ben Skowronek

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) was a limited participant in practice to open the week on Tuesday. It appears that Skowronek is headed in the right direction following his absence from last Wednesday's game due to a hip issue. There appears to be a good chance that Skowronek can get back on the field for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. Skowronek has mainly been playing on special teams, but did see his role as a receiver increase when George Pickens was sidelined. However, Skowronek is too far back on the depth chart to have viable fantasy value heading into Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Cole Holcomb Dec 31 9:40pm ET
Cole Holcomb

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee) had his 21-day practice window opened on Tuesday. Holcomb last played in Week 9 of the 2023 season when he suffered an extremely serious knee injury. There was speculation that Holcomb's career could be over, but now he appears to be headed in the right direction. A limited practice on Tuesday gives hope that Holcomb might be able to suit up for Saturday's regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. If active, Holcomb would likely be on a snap count, but getting him on the field at all would be a great feel-good story.

From RotoBaller

Rasheen Ali Dec 31 9:30pm ET
Rasheen Ali

Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (hip) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice session. Ali appears to be still dealing with a hip issue that forced him out of action early during Wednesday's Week 17 contest. Normally, his status doesn't mean much, but fellow back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) missed Tuesday's practice and is in danger of sitting this weekend. If Hill sits, Ali would be the primary backup to Derrick Henry in the backfield. It probably wouldn't result in anything noteworthy, but an increased snap count could give Ali a chance to prove himself.

From RotoBaller

Charlie Kolar Dec 31 9:30pm ET
Charlie Kolar

Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. Kolar was designated to return from the injured reserve on Monday after missing the last four games due to a fractured forearm. The fact Kolar was able to get through a full session on Tuesday is good news ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns. The organization is hopeful that Kolar will be available for the regular season finale. There probably won't be much fantasy value from him given he's the third string back, but Kolar is solid depth at the tight end spot.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Ward Dec 31 9:20pm ET
Denzel Ward

Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward (shoulder) didn't suit up for Tuesday's walkthrough. This news comes after Ward was forced to exit early during Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. Ward injured his shoulder in the first half and didn't return to the game. As a result, Ward has begun the week on the sideline, but has plenty of time to get ready before Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The loss of Ward would be a significant hit to this secondary. He has 48 tackles, 19 passes defended, and two interceptions this season. The Browns have no incentive to win, so we'll see if they let their All-Pro corner suit up for the regular season finale.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Dec 31 8:00pm ET
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion, illness) was listed as a non-participant in the first Week 18 practice on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rasheen Ali (hip) was listed as limited. Hill suffered a concussion in Week 16 and was unable to play in last week's blowout win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day on Wednesday. Head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that the team was expecting the 27-year-old to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, but it appears that Hill hasn't quite passed the league's concussion protocol. Derrick Henry is Baltimore's clear lead back, but with Hill still not practicing, the rest of the team's backfield is up in the air heading into the matchup against the Browns. Hill will need to practice on either Wednesday or Thursday to have a shot at playing on Saturday. If he's out again, Keaton Mitchell should be the RB2.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Dec 31 8:00pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) was a full practice participant on Tuesday in the team's first practice of the week as they prepare to face the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Monday that he expected Fields to play this weekend after he missed the last two games due to an abdominal injury. Fields should be active on Saturday as Pittsburgh looks to win and hope for a Baltimore Ravens loss in order to win the AFC North division. Even if the 25-year-old Fields is active in Week 18, he'll merely be the backup to starter Russell Wilson under center and won't belong in any starting fantasy lineups. Since Wilson took over as the starting QB in Week 7, Fields has attempted just one pass and has seven rushing attempts for 58 yards on the ground.

From RotoBaller

Michael Woods II Dec 31 7:50pm ET
Michael Woods II

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II (knee) is on the Week 18 injury report and was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. Woods apparently picked up a minor knee injury in the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in which he played 68 of the team's 79 offensive snaps on his way to just one reception for three yards on four targets. The 24-year-old should be able to suit up in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens this Saturday and will have an elevated role again with Cedric Tillman (concussion) closing out the year on Injured Reserve. Despite what should be an expanded role in a good matchup, it's impossible to recommend Woods in any kind of fantasy format with the Browns expected to play both quarterbacks Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe in a meaningless game for the team. Woods has only seven catches in five games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Dorian Thompson-Robinson Dec 31 7:40pm ET
Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of Week 18 on Tuesday. Thompson-Robinson is dealing with a minor calf injury, but it shouldn't prevent him from being active in the regular-season finale this Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Jameis Winston (shoulder) was also limited, but he is expected to serve as the emergency third QB for the third straight week as Cleveland plays out the string in a disappointing season. DTR has not looked good while starting the last two games for the Browns, going 44-for-81 for 327 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions while also losing a fumble. In a game that means nothing to the Browns, they are expected to play both Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe against Baltimore. Neither QB will be recommended in DFS lineups on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Dec 31 7:00pm ET
Myles Garrett

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (thigh) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report. Last weekend, the 29-year-old logged 49 defensive snaps and tallied four tackles and two sacks but did not show any signs of an injury. Fantasy managers in IDP formats should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he is unable to return to practice. Since Week 12, Garrett has tallied 22 total tackles (17 solo) with seven sacks, one deflection, and one forced fumble. If Garrett cannot suit up on Saturday, James Houston and Cameron Thomas should see an uptick in opportunities against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 31 6:50pm ET
Joe Burrow

According to Jay Morrison of BengalsTalk.com, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) was a limited participant during Tuesday's walkthrough practice session. Burrow has been dealing with both of these injuries throughout the season but has yet to miss any time due to them. Last weekend, Burrow led the Bengals to a victory over the Denver Broncos to keep them alive in the AFC playoff picture. In this game, Burrow threw for 412 yards and three scores. The former No.1 overall selection has thrown at least three passing scores in eight straight games. During this span, he has tallied 28 total scores while averaging 331.0 passing yards per game. Fantasy managers should continue to view Burrow as a high-end QB1 in all formats on Saturday when he faces the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 31 6:43pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (knee) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Fantasy Spin: Njoku was inactive last week and isn't starting out this week on a high note. Managers will want to monitor his status over the next few days while having a pivot option ready.

From TheHuddle

Nelson Agholor Dec 31 6:40pm ET
Nelson Agholor

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) practiced in full on Tuesday. Agholor has been sidelined over the past two weeks with a concussion. Even though he has not officially passed the league's concussion protocol, seeing him return to full participation early in the week puts him in a great position to return on Saturday to face the Cleveland Browns. Before his injury, Agholor has been deployed as the No.3 wide receiver in the Baltimore offense. Over his past seven contests, the wideout found the back of the end zone twice but only saw an average of 1.7 targets per game over this stretch. If he can return this weekend, Tylan Wallace would likely see a drop in snaps.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Dec 31 6:30pm ET
Jerome Ford

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

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 31 6:20pm ET
Tee Higgins

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

From RotoBaller