Guest of the League
TBL2 Est. 2008
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 DFS Pickem Plays: Week 18

Player Notes
Chigoziem Okonkwo Jan 3 7:20pm ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (abdomen) popped up on the Week 18 injury report on Thursday and is now questionable to play on Sunday in the regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans. Okonkwo was limited in Thursday's practice and missed Friday's session, so he should be considered on the wrong side of questionable. The Titans are only playing for draft positioning in the regular-season finale, so there's a good chance they'll hold out any injured players that are questionable like Okonkwo. If the 25-year-old doesn't play this weekend, look for Nick Vannett and Josh Whyle to get some more run at the tight end position for Tennessee. Although Okonkwo started making some noise in recent weeks as a pass-catcher, he was mostly off the fantasy radar in 2024 and will finish with 52 catches for 479 yards and only two TDs in 16 games if he doesn't play in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Jan 3 7:20pm ET
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in a must-win game in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Shepard was inactive for the team's Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers but is hoping to return to help the Bucs secure a playoff berth and the NFC South title. If he does return, he'll return to his role as the WR3 behind Mike Evans and rookie Jalen McMillan, giving him little fantasy upside. Despite another phenomenal season from quarterback Baker Mayfield and the season-ending injury to Chris Godwin (ankle), Shepard has failed to produce consistently for fantasy managers, catching a total of 31 passes on 49 targets for 323 yards and only one score. If he's active, consider him a low-upside, touchdown-dependent WR4/5 against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Titus Leo Jan 3 7:10pm ET
Titus Leo

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (concussion) and safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) have both been ruled out for the Patriots defense for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Additionally, safety Kyle Dugger (ankle, quadriceps), linebacker Anfernee Jennings (knee), linebacker Titus Leo (ankle) and linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee) are questionable to play. The Patriots will secure the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft if they lose to the Bills on Sunday, so they won't be rushing any key players back onto the field this one. Even though the Bills don't plan to keep their key starters on offense in this contest for long, fantasy managers with something still on the line in Week 18 shouldn't have the Patriots defense/special teams unit as a consideration.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Jan 3 7:00pm ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) did not practice at all this week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Kayshon Boutte (illness) was cleared to play. The 22-year-old Polk will finish off what has been a bad rookie season early due to a shoulder injury. The second-round selection just never had much of a chance to excel in 2024 in a bad offense with rookie quarterback Drake Maye struggling to find his footing with limited weapons around him. Polk will finish his first year in the NFL with only 12 catches on 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts). The Patriots will surely look to bring in upgraded receiving options this offseason, giving Polk and others even more competition.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Jan 3 6:50pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) returned to a limited practice on Friday and is listed as questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Friday's practice session was the first Watson was able to attend since suffering a bruised left knee in the 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. "It was good, it really was," said head coach Matt LaFleur of Watson's return. "It was good to get him back out there, kind of get him back in the flow of things. So that was, that was encouraging." The 25-year-old's return to practice on Friday means he's making progress, but we still expect the Packers to play it safe and hold the oft-injured receiver out in the regular-season finale so that he'll be ready to go for the playoffs next week. It's unclear how long Green Bay might play their starters on Sunday, giving them all considerably more risk in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Jan 3 6:50pm ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) was a limited participant in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Henry will enter the final week of the regular season as a shaky fantasy TE on the TE1/2 borderline. Aside from his injury, the Patriots and Bills have nothing on the line on Sunday besides draft positioning, so there's a chance that Henry doesn't see the field all that much if he's active. If he's ruled out on Sunday morning, Austin Hooper would be a TE sleeper in DFS lineups. Henry has been a low-ceiling, low-floor fantasy TE in 2024 in the low-scoring Patriots offense with rookie quarterback Drake Maye leading the show. He currently ranks as the TE19 in half-PPR points per game (5.0) with 66 catches for 674 yards and only two touchdowns in 16 games played.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Jan 3 6:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he's optimistic about the status of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) for Sunday's game against the division-rival New York Jets in the Week 18 regular-season finale despite Waddle being listed as questionable. Waddle has missed the last two games due to his knee injury but upgraded to a full practice session on Friday after two limited showings earlier this week. As things stand right now, Waddle is more likely to return than not for a must-win game against the Jets. It's good news for the Dolphins offense, but Waddle should still be considered a volatile WR4/flex play in fantasy this weekend if he's active on Sunday. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is expected to miss his second straight game, so Waddle could be taking passes from backup Tyler Huntley while potentially dealing with a limited snap count.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Jan 3 6:40pm ET
Chris Olave

The New Orleans Saints have listed wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) as questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Florida. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said the decision on whether Olave plays will be "all-encompassing." Olave has been practicing in full for the last two weeks, but Saints have already been eliminated from the playoffs, and NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill says he'd be surprised if the 24-year-old is allowed to suit up. The former first-round pass-catcher hasn't played since suffering his second concussion of the season back in Week 9, so even if he were to return this weekend, he probably wouldn't see his usual number of snaps on offense. He'll need to come off Injured Reserve on Saturday if the Saints want to let him play. Olave had a 32-400-1 line in eight games before suffering his second concussion.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Jan 3 6:30pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (illness, wrist) did not practice on Friday and is questionable to play in Week 18 versus the division-rival New York Jets in the regular-season finale. Hill was limited in practice on Wednesday before upgrading to full on Thursday. The 30-year-old likely didn't practice on Friday while being under the weather. He's been managing a wrist injury for most of the year but hasn't missed a game, so as long as he's not still sick on Sunday, we'd expect the Cheetah to suit up for a must-win contest on the road. Fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle (knee) could return after missing a few games to pull targets away from Hill, but Tyreek should be considered a must-start in fantasy lineups if he's active, even with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) expected to miss a second straight game. Backup Tyler Huntley connected with Hill nine times (on nine targets) for 105 yards last week.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Jan 3 6:20pm ET
Kenny Pickett

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice all week but is listed as questionable to play on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC postseason picture, so their main priority this weekend is getting their QB room healthy. Starter Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) will miss his second straight game, so if Pickett is unavailable, the Eagles will be down to third-stringer Tanner McKee. McKee is planning to make the start, so if the 26-year-old Pickett ends up being active on Sunday, it will likely be in a backup role. Fantasy managers still playing for a championship in Week 18 should just avoid Philly's offense as a whole. If Pickett is ruled out, Ian Book would be the backup for McKee.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Jan 3 6:20pm ET
Drew Lock

The Philadelphia Eagles are resting key players on both sides of the football for their Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New York Giants. With the No. 2 seed in the NFC postseason already locked up, linebacker Zack Baun and cornerback Darius Slay are both listed as doubtful to play. In addition, defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebacker Nakobe Dean (abdomen) are doubtful. Baun is the No. 2 fantasy linebacker in IDP formats thanks to his 93 tackles, 3.5 sacks and interception, so fantasy managers in those formats will need to make sure to bench him if they are still playing for a championship. Philadelphia's defense obviously won't be at full strength this weekend as they rest up for the playoffs, but they'll still be a top-10 fantasy defense against the lowly Giants offense and turnover-prone quarterback Drew Lock.

From RotoBaller

Ameer Abdullah Jan 3 6:10pm ET
Ameer Abdullah

After initially being listed as doubtful, the Las Vegas Raiders have downgraded running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) to out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after he missed practice all week. Abdullah injured his foot in the Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in which he had the first 100-yard rushing day of the season. With the 31-year-old getting an early start to the offseason, the Raiders will use Alexander Mattison as their lead back against LA at Allegiant Stadium, with rookie Dylan Laube and Chris Collier also seeing action in a change-of-pace role. Abdullah saw additional opportunities in the second half of this season due to injuries to Mattison and Zamir White, but he'll finish his third season in Sin City with only 311 rushing yards and two TDs on 66 carries over 16 games. He added a career-high 40 catches for 261 yards and three more TDs.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Jan 3 6:00pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) practiced in full all week and has been removed from the Week 18 injury report on Friday. The Eagles opened Goedert's 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve on Wednesday, and it appears he'll be officially activated by Saturday and return to action on Sunday when the team faces the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The 30-year-old will be returning for the first time since injuring his knee back in Week 13. However, for fantasy purposes, managers should be looking elsewhere. Philly will almost certainly cap Goedert's playing time in his return as they look to get him up to speed heading into the postseason. On top of that, third-string quarterback Tanner McKee is in line to make his first career start with both Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) banged up.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Jan 3 5:50pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz is coming off the best performance of his season and will look to stay hot against a struggling Dallas defense. Last weekend in their playoff-clinching victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Ertz caught six of his seven targets for 72 yards and two touchdowns. This was his second-highest yardage total this season and first multi-touchdown game of the campaign. This was also a nice breakout game for Ertz, as he caught just three passes during Weeks 15 and 16. However, before this minor slump, he averaged a solid 13.0 PPR points during Weeks 10 through 13. Since Week 10, Ertz has seen at least six targets in all but two contests. Given his reliable target share and ability to gain high-value targets in the red zone, he remains a high-floor, low-end TE1 in PPR formats against the Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Zane Gonzalez Jan 3 5:50pm ET
Zane Gonzalez

Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez remains a risky streaming option heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Gonzalez has been filling in for the injured Austin Seibert (groin). Across five games this season, Gonzalez has gone 4-for-6 on attempts and a perfect 17-for-17 on extra points. Last weekend against the Atlanta Falcons, he went 1-for-1 on his lone field goal attempt. While Gonzalez has struggled at times, he plays on a high-octane offense that continues to put him in scoring opportunities. Facing a Dallas defense that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing kickers this season, makes the 29-year-old a risky streaming option with upside in deeper 14+ team formats in the final week of the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Rush Jan 3 5:50pm ET
Cooper Rush

The Washington Commanders defense is worth a look as a low-end streaming option when they face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Last weekend, the Cowboys struggled to move down the field all afternoon against a tough Philadelphia defense. In this game, they scored just seven points, and quarterback Cooper Rush threw two interceptions and was sacked once. However, in Week 16, they scored 26 points in an upset victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last weekend, the Washington defense tallied two sacks and an interception while allowing 24 points against Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons. While top defensive back Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) will miss his second-straight contest, they will face a Dallas offense without CeeDee Lamb (shoulder), which should provide a much easier matchup. Given Dallas' struggles last weekend, the Commanders defense should be viewed as a low-end option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Jan 3 5:50pm ET
Josh Palmer

The Los Angeles Chargers ruled out wide receiver Joshua Palmer (foot) for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Chargers still have a shot to move up to the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture if the Steelers lose to the Bengals on Saturday, but they will rest Palmer for this one and hope he's ready to go for the wild-card round next weekend. The 25-year-old has been the Chargers' No. 3 receiver in 2024 behind rookie Ladd McConkey and second-year pass-catcher Quentin Johnston. The role hasn't made him much more than a WR4/5 flex play in deeper fantasy formats on a weekly basis. Palmer will finish the regular season with 39 receptions on 65 targets for 584 yards and just one TD. Either DJ Chark or Derius Davis will step into the WR3 role for the Bolts against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Jan 3 5:50pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (wrist) both missed practice all week and are considered doubtful to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday. The Eagles will also rest quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) and running back Saquon Barkley this weekend since they are already locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason. Key offensive tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata are also in line to be rested. Both Brown and Smith should be fully ready to rock for the wild-card round of the playoffs next week, and hopefully they'll be getting Hurts back under center. With both Brown and Smith set to rest against the G-Men, Jahan Dotson and rookies Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith should start, but they could be working with third-string QB Tanner McKee.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Jan 3 5:40pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a disappointing showing last weekend as he brought in just one of his seven targets during their playoff-clinching victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the poor showing, fantasy managers should continue to view McLaurin as a low-end WR1 heading into a Week 18 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys. Before Week 17, McLaurin was riding a four-game touchdown streak. Over this four-game stretch, McLaurin tallied six total touchdowns while seeing 7.5 targets per game and averaging 77.0 yards per game. Given his role as Jayden Daniels' go-to option in the passing game, McLaurin remains a must-start option in all formats. Facing the Cowboys, who have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts, should put him in prime position to bounce back.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Jan 3 5:40pm ET
Jared Goff

The Minnesota Vikings have an exciting meeting with the Detroit Lions on tap for Sunday Night Football in Week 18. Minnesota's defense has been stellar in 2024, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (18.8) while notching 31 turnovers -; tied for the most in the league. The Vikings have intercepted at least one pass in all but four games this season and have registered multiple sacks in 12-of-17 outings. However, they'll square off against a Lions squad that's racked up the second-most yards (410.5) and the most points (33.3) per game in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff has been superb -; completing 71.7% of his passes -; and Detroit is doing well protecting him (31 sacks [tenth-fewest]). Despite their excellence this season, the Vikings D/ST will be a risky option against the high-powered division rivals. They'll come in at RotoBaller's D/ST13 for this week's slate of action.

From RotoBaller