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.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown caught just one of four targets for four yards during Thursday's Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Brown had his quietest game of the season, it's still promising given that he led the Commanders' wide receiver room in snaps, targets, and routes run. He was even more involved than Terry McLaurin. Brown should be treated as a high-end fantasy WR4 heading into next week's battle with the Dallas Cowboys.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Anders Carlson is likely to handle the kicking duties during the Week 11 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. It has been musical chairs at the kicker spot for the Jets over the last few weeks. Carlson figures to become the fourth kicker for the team over the four games. Spencer Shrader was kicking for the Jets last week, but he has been signed to the Kansas City Chiefs active roster. Carlson is 5-for-5 on field goal attempts this season from his two-game run with the San Francisco 49ers. Carlson struggled as a rookie last season, but maybe can settle down with the Jets and become their full-time kicker.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (hamstring) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice. This is now back-to-back days that Johnson has been limited due to a lingering hamstring issue. Johnson has been quiet lately and only played four offensive snaps during last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. However, Johnson could see a bigger role this weekend with Tank Bigsby (ankle) unable to practice yet this week. Johnson would be the primary backup if Bigsby is unable to play, which would give him an uptick in value.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Henry was limited to open the week, but the veteran tight end appears to be fine now. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his status for this weekend after Henry got in a full practice session here. He figures to be ready to play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. Henry is looking to bounce back after posting a dud against the Chicago Bears last week. The 29-year-old has looked solid as the safety blanket for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (ankle) was able to get through a limited practice session on Thursday. Bryant suffered an ankle injury during the Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was off last week with the Raiders having a bye week. Bryant didn't practice to open the week, but returned as a limited participant on Thursday. He seems to have a decent chance at suiting up for the Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Bryant has seven receptions for 65 yards over his last three games, but doesn't have much fantasy value with Brock Bowers ahead of him on the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) was unable to suit up for practice on Thursday. This is now back-to-back missed practices for Fant to start the week. This is not a good sign for Fant coming out of the bye week. He appears to be trending in the wrong direction ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. If he sits, AJ Barner figures to see a majority of the snaps as the starting tight end. The rookie tight end hauled in four of his seven targets for 27 yards in Week 9. He's a possible deep league option if Fant is unable to play this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) was able to practice in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Metcalf appears to be much healthier coming out of the team's Week 10 bye after missing each of the previous two games with a sprained MCL that he suffered in Week 7. Barring a setback on Friday, it seems as though he'll be cleared to play on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. The 26-year-old should see a normal workload in his return, too, meaning fantasy managers should be ready to throw him back into their starting lineups if he's cleared to face the Niners. Metcalf only had three catches on 11 targets for 48 yards in the first meeting with San Fran on Oct. 10, but he's averaging 13.2 half-PPR points per game, which ranks 13th among all receivers. Metcalf's impending return inevitably means fewer targets for both Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was added to the Week 11 injury report on Thursday after putting in a limited practice. It's a new injury for Jennings, and it could put him in danger of missing the Week 11 game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. We should have a better idea of the 27-year-old's status after another practice on Friday. Jennings caught seven of 11 targets for 93 yards in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the second time this season he's been targeted double-digit times. Before that, he missed Weeks 7 and 8 due to injury before going on bye in Week 9. Jennings' rest-of-season value is buoyed by the fact that Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is done for the year, although he might be in danger of missing Sunday's game. If Jennings is out or limited, rookie Ricky Pearsall could be the No. 3 target behind Deebo Samuel Sr. and George Kittle (hamstring).
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited for the second straight day in practice this week on Thursday. McCaffrey made his 2024 debut in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but will most likely continue to have his workload monitored in practice the rest of the season. In his debut last Sunday, the 28-year-old All-Pro back had 19 touches for 107 scrimmage yards while playing 88 percent of the offensive snaps. We'd expect CMC to be removed from the final Week 11 injury report and be San Fran's lead back in a divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks. Backups Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo had a combined two carries for five yards in McCaffrey's return. McCaffrey will be looking to build on his debut last week and is a must-start in all fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) upgraded to a limited practice on Thursday after he did not practice at all on Wednesday. Kittle is dealing with some hamstring irritation, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said he wasn't really worried about the tight end's status heading into a Week 11 divisional showdown versus the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. As long as the 31-year-old veteran doesn't have a setback with his hamstring on Friday, he should be active in Week 11. He has scored seven touchdowns in eight games played in 2024 to put him atop the TE ranks in terms of fantasy points. In addition to his league-high seven touchdowns, Kittle has 43 receptions on 53 targets for 560 yards. On Oct. 10 in the first meeting against Seattle, he had five catches for 58 yards and two TDs. Kittle is a must-start, high-end TE1 for fantasy managers again this week.
From RotoBaller
With Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) returning to action on Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a healthy inactive. Robinson missed the team's previous two games, which afforded Rodriguez 13 carries for 56 yards as a change-of-pace option behind Austin Ekeler. With B-Rob back in the fold, the Commanders will roll with Robinson, Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols as their three backs against Philly. The 24-year-old Rodriguez has played in only four games in 2024 in his second year in the league, with all his statistics coming in the last two games with Robinson sidelined. Obviously, the former sixth-rounder in 2023 out of Kentucky is off the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (foot) put in a full practice on Thursday after picking up a DNP for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) has been practicing in full this week, while linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) has put in two limited practices. Unless he has a setback on Friday, Buckner should be good to play on Sunday against the New York Jets while getting after quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 30-year-old veteran missed Weeks 3-7 while on Injured Reserve but has been active the last three weeks, picking up nine solo tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and six QB hits. The Colts defense/special teams unit is a fade in fantasy this week against the Jets, but Buckner is certainly in play as a starting defensive lineman in IDP formats.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) had a biologic injection to deal with intermittent swelling in his right knee, according to a source, not a second surgery, as was reported on Wednesday. There has been no change in McCarthy's recovery timeline. "He's really knocked it out of the park every step of the way, and as his rehab has picked up, we noticed a little swelling in there. He's been doing everything we asked of him, but just wanted to make sure that there was no cause for concern, and all reports were very positive," head coach Kevin O'Connell said. The 21-year-old first-rounder had surgery for a torn meniscus on Aug. 14, assuring he won't make his NFL debut until 2025. McCarthy should be rostered in all dynasty/keeper formats with the Vikings hoping he can be their QB of the future. Current starter Sam Darnold has faded a bit after a hot start in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) was not seen at practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Williams has not played in each of the team's last two games, and with no practice yet after two days, he's once again trending towards not playing this Sunday in Week 11 against the visiting Cleveland Browns. Kendre Miller (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, so the Saints are down to Jordan Mims as the backup to workhorse back Alvin Kamara. Tight end Taysom Hill has gotten more involved in the backfield as well, but Kamara will most likely continue to see the lion's share of opportunities for the Saints. The 29-year-old Williams has only 32 carries for 124 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and one touchdown in 2024 and is only a handcuff for Kamara in deeper fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (quadriceps) is on his way to being available to play in Week 11 on the road against the Denver Broncos on Sunday after putting in a full practice on Thursday. Allgeier started the week off with a limited session on Wednesday. The matchup on the road against a top-five defense in the NFL isn't an ideal one for fantasy purposes, but the 24-year-old should remain involved alongside Bijan Robinson in Atlanta's offense. Allgeier has had double-digit touches in three of the last five games, including valuable ones near the goal line. Denver's defense has been good, but they've also been vulnerable on the ground in recent weeks. Allgeier ranks 32nd among RBs with 85 carries and is averaging a career-high 5.0 yards per carry. The ceiling is obviously limited behind Robinson, but Allgeier should remain an RB3/flex consideration in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (illness) was under the weather and unable to practice on Thursday, the team's first session of the week. Ferguson has an extra day to recover in Week 11 with the team's contest falling on Monday night versus the Houston Texans. He still has two more days to return to practice, and we think there's a good chance he'll play against the in-state rivals. If for some reason the 25-year-old is questionable to play on Monday night, fantasy managers may be in a quandary at the position. On top of it, the 25-year-old's fantasy stock will be down the rest of the year with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) done for the season. In his first game taking passes from Cooper Rush, Ferguson caught four of five targets for 24 yards. Luke Schoonmaker is the backup in Dallas if Ferguson is too ill to play by Monday.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week after coming off the team's bye. In addition to Jacobs, rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd (ankle, hamstring) has practiced on a limited basis twice this week after the team opened his 21-day window to return from Injured Reserve. We should have a better idea of Jacobs' status for the Week 11 divisional game against the Chicago Bears after Green Bay releases their final injury report on Friday, but it would be a surprise if Jacobs wasn't active. Lloyd could be a threat to Jacobs' volume down the stretch, but only an injury would supplant the former Raiders RB from top-dog status in the Packers' backfield. As long as Jacobs is active, consider him a high-end RB2 against a Bears defense that has been more vulnerable to the RB position in recent weeks.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) were both limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Thomas suffered a chest injury in the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots and has been limited in practice ever since, but he hasn't missed a game. Davis, meanwhile, has been on the injury report for most of the year with various ailments. Neither wideout is expected to be in danger of missing the Week 11 game at the Detroit Lions, but both Thomas' and Davis' fantasy floor will remain low for however long quarterback Mac Jones is running this offense -- Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) was ruled out for a second straight game in Week 11. Thomas has been Jacksonville's leading receiver in his first year in the NFL and is the better fantasy option, but his stock has fallen to WR3/flex value.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) was able to get in a limited practice on Thursday after being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday. In Tyjae Spears' return from injury in the Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Spears played 54% of the offensive snaps to Spears' 46% and handled 13 touches for 63 yards. Spears had 10 touches for 51 yards. The 27-year-old Pollard continues to deal with a foot injury but hasn't missed any time because of it. He had a season-high 28 carries for 128 yards in the overtime win over the Patriots on Nov. 3, but immediately after that game, the Titans coaching staff said they'd likely to reduce Pollard's workload moving forward. Pollard should play this Sunday against the Vikings, but Spears is going to take valuable touches away, setting him up as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) had his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday and put in a second straight day with a limited showing on Thursday. However, the Chiefs don't expect Pacheco to come off Injured Reserve to face the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, and fantasy managers may not want to expect his return until later in November. Remember, the 25-year-old suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2 and hasn't played since, so it's going to take him some to get back up to speed before the Chiefs trust him in game action. In the meantime, he should remain stashed in all fantasy leagues while Kareem Hunt continues to serve as the lead back. When Pacheco does return, the Chiefs could ease him back in alongside Hunt, who has been a game-changer for fantasy managers that scooped him up off the waiver wire earlier this season.
From RotoBaller