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.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (ankle) exited during the second half of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Miami Dolphins. He was taken to the locker room for evaluation and is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had rushed for just 22 yards on six carries. With Nick Chubb (Achilles) done for the year and Ford temporarily sidelined, the Browns will now rely on D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. as their primary running backs.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught six of his seven targets for 120 yards and two touchdowns in their decisive victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. Smith left the game for a brief window with a wrist injury. However, that did not seem to alter his performance as he paced all Philadelphia pass catchers in yards and receptions. He caught his first score of the game from Kenny Pickett on a 22-yard pass. He found the end zone again, this time on a 25-yard strike from Tanner McKee. His longest reception of the afternoon went for 49 yards. Despite catching passes from a multiple backup quarterbacks, Smith showcased his elite upside with his first multi-touchdown performance of the season. Smith will look to stay hot in a divisional tilt in Week 18 against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was replaced by Tyrod Taylor in the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Rodgers finished with 112 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also took four sacks, including one for a safety. Interestingly, Taylor played significantly better in his two drives, completing 79 percent of his passes for 83 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Despite Taylor's promising fourth quarter, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich told the media postgame that he expects Rodgers to remain the starter for Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins. Looking beyond next weekend, Rodgers' future with the Jets remains uncertain, and it's possible he will enter 2025 with a new team or even on the retirement list.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) re-aggravated an existing injury during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, according to interim head coach Darren Rizzi. He was targeted twice but did not catch a pass in the defeat. Valdes-Scantling has been one of the Saints' most productive pass-catchers since the team lost Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) to injuries. However, after Derek Carr (back) got hurt, Valdes-Scantling's productivity declined. He was targeted seven times in Week 15 when Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler both got reps, but he caught just two passes in that contest. Assuming Carr remains sidelined for Week 18, Valdes-Scantling will stay off the fantasy radar in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ran the ball 32 times for 125 yards and two scores in their loss to the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon. He also brought in two of his four targets for 11 yards. Taylor punched in his first score of the game in the second quarter on a three-yard run. Later in the third, Taylor would tally his second touchdown, this time on a 26-yard run. This was also his longest run of the afternoon. Taylor has now posted back-to-back outing where he tallied at least two touchdowns and eclipsed over 100 rushing yards. Since Week 13, Taylor has seen at least 22 rushing attempts per game. The Wisconsin product remains a high-end RB1 heading into his final game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars who have allowed the second-most PPR points to opposing RBs.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield went 27-for-32 with 359 yards and five scores in their blowout victory over the Carolina Panthers. Mayfield connected with his top wideout Mike Evans twice, both times in the red zone. He also found rookie wide receiver, Jalen McMillan for two scores, once from 10 yards out and the other time from 16 yards out. His fifth passing score was caught by tight end Payne Durham. Since Week 14, Mayfield has thrown at least two passing scores in each contest and tallied at least three in three of them. Over this span he has tallied at least 280.0 passing yards in each game. Mayfield will look to cap off the best season of his career with a Week 18 matchup against the New Orleans Saints as the Buccaneers inch towards a playoff berth.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans caught eight of his nine targets for 97 yards and two scores during their demanding victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon. Evans did most of his damage in the first half by scoring twice. He caught his first score on a two-yard pass in the opening frame and his second score on a one-yard pass in the second quarter. His longest reception of the day went for 34 yards. His receptions, targets, and yardage total paced all Tampa wideouts and only tied for the most receiving scores with rookie Jalen McMillan. Since Week 13, Evans has found the end zone five times in five contests. During this stretch, he has tallied at least 90 yards in three of the five games. He will look to stay hot next weekend against a struggling New Orleans secondary.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers caught seven of his eight targets for 171 yards and two scores in their victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Nabers found the back of the end zone in the opening quarter on a 31-yard pass from Drew Lock. Then in the fourth quarter, Nabers tallied his second touchdown, this time on a 51-yard TD reception. Nabers' eight targets and 171 yards paced all New York pass catchers. In addition this set a new career-high in yards in a single game. This was also only the third time this season the LSU product tallied over 100 receiving yards in a single contest. Despite having poor quarterback play, Nabers has enjoyed a fantastic rookie season as he caught at least seven passes in nine of his 14 games with six total touchdowns. Nabers remains an elite play in DFS next weekend despite facing a tough Philadelphia secondary.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock went 17-for-23 with 309 yards and four scores in their victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Lock also added a rushing score. Lock tallied his first score of the afternoon on a 31-yard pass to rookie standout Malik Nabers. In the second, Lock found Darius Slayton on a 32-yard TD strike and later Wan'Dale Robinson on a five-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, he found Nabers once again, this time on a 59-yard catch-and-run TD pass and capped off his day with a rushing score at the five-yard line. This was not only Lock's best showing of the season but of his career. Coming into this game, Lock averaged a mere 205.0 passing yards per game with just one passing score over his past three contests. Despite his strong showing, Lock has a tough task ahead of him in Week 18 facing a Philadelphia defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has already been ruled out ahead of Week 18 against the Houston Texans, head coach Brian Callahan told the media. Spears exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and did not return. He finished Week 17 with 98 rushing yards on 21 carries. He also caught three of his four targets for eight yards through the air. Spears had been elevated to the lead-back role with Tony Pollard (ankle, illness) sidelined before he, too, had to leave the contest. Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley took over as the Titans' top running backs with Spears sidelined, but Pollard could return to the mix for next week's regular-season finale.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Carolina Panthers. He had registered one tackle and one pass defended prior to his departure. It's worth noting that Dean dealt with injuries to both knees during practice this past week, so it's possible that he re-aggravated or worsened an existing ailment. Josh Hayes will earn more defensive snaps for the duration of Dean's absence.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (head) was taken to the locker room and is being evaluated for a potential concussion, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. Spears had been productive prior to his departure, rushing for 98 yards on 21 carries. He also caught three of his four targets for eight yards through the air. The 23-year-old was in the midst of handling an increased workload with Tony Pollard (ankle, illness) inactive. He already suffered one concussion earlier this season and has been wearing a guardian cap as a preventative measure. Until Spears can return to the mix, Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley will lead the Titans' backfield.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring) exited the game against the Buffalo Bills with a hamstring injury and will not return. The star cornerback left the game in the third quarter and was quickly downgraded from questionable to out. He registered three total tackles, all solo, and one pass defended before leaving. The Jets already have a thin secondary, so they'll have an even tougher time playing spoiler to the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old had been listed as questionable but was not expected to play entering this weekend. Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs will step up as the Packers' top wide receiver for the duration of Watson's absence. Reed remains the top fantasy receiver in Green Bay, but all three have FLEX upside given Jordan Love's ability to distribute targets.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He finishes the game with three carries for three yards and one catch for 16 yards on one target. The only two running backs on the depth chart for the rest of this game are Jamaal Williams and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Miller's status is up in the air now for their Week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. He took a hit while throwing a pass, went to the sideline in visible pain, and then went to the locker room with medical personnel. At the time of his departure, he had completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown. With Jalen Hurts (concussion) also sidelined, the Eagles will now turn to third-string quarterback Tanner McKee to lead their offense until Pickett can return. A second-year Stanford product, McKee has never played a regular-season snap in the NFL.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) was originally considered questionable for the Week 17 matchup with the Cleveland Browns but has since been ruled inactive. Tyreek Hill (wrist), on the other hand, will play while the offense misses Tua Tagovailoa (hip). Malik Washington should be the one to step up and see some more targets since Odell Beckham Jr. isn't competing for any looks. Waddle's next chance to play will be Week 18 against the New York Jets.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) is officially active for Week 17's game against the Cleveland Browns. The star wideout finally started finding the end zone again from Week 10 to Week 16, but he'll have to operate with Tyler Huntley instead of Tua Tagovailoa (hip). During Huntley's three starts earlier this season, Hill registered WR54, WR32, and WR73 finishes in half-PPR leagues. The Browns allow the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers but are 22nd against opposing quarterbacks. Fantasy managers may want to temper expectations a bit for Hill, especially in a game forecasted with thunderstorms and wind.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) has been downgraded from doubtful to inactive ahead of Sunday's kickoff against the Cleveland Browns. That means Tyler Huntley will take over as the starting quarterback against his former team. This also means a sizeable downgrade for the Dolphins' offense since Huntley threw just one touchdown in his three starts earlier this season. Tagovailoa's next chance to play will be Week 18 against the New York Jets.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (head) is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return on Sunday against the Raiders. The second-year back accrued three yards on three carries and one catch for 16 yards before leaving the game in the second quarter. His status will likely be monitored through halftime to see if he can return. In the meantime, Clyde Edwards-Helaire should see extra opportunities both on the ground and through the air.
From RotoBaller