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FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Champions Draft Results

Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Hurts was first quarterback picked


RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.

In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.

Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.

ROUND 1

 1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF

 2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL

 3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL

 4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ

 5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA

 6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET

 8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN

 9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET

 10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR

 11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI

NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.

ROUND 2

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND

 2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ

 3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET

 4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX

 5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO

 7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB

 8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR

 9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA

 10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL

 11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC

 12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI

NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.

ROUND 3

 1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL

 2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND

 3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU

 4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF

 5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF

 6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE

 8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB

 9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU

 10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU

 11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF

NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.

ROUND 4

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA

 2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI

 3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI

 4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI

 5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF

 6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI

 7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC

 8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA

 9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE

 10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA

 11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL

 12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI

NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.

ROUND 5

 1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL

 2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL

 3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN

 4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR

 5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU

 6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL

 8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF

 9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND

 10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI

 11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF

NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.

ROUND 6

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG

 2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT

 3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT

 4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN

 5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX

 6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT

 7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN

 8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB

 9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV

 10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN

 11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB

 12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN

NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.

ROUND 7

 1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS

 2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR

 3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC

 4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN

 5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX

 6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI

 8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS

 9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB

 10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU

 11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA

NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.

ROUND 8

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS

 2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC

 3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL

 4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE

 5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN

 7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC

 8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR

 9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE

 10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL

 11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB

 12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI

NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.

ROUND 9

 1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA

 2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL

 3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI

 4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN

 5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN

 6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI

 8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN

 9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN

 10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC

 11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX

NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.

ROUND 10

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC

 2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI

 3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC

 4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF

 5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE

 7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET

 8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL

 9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ

 10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX

 11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF

 12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF

NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.

ROUND 11

 1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO

 2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND

 3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI

 4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX

 5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL

 6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI

 8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV

 9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE

 10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS

 11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL

NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.

ROUND 12

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL

 2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV

 3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC

 4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF

 5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE

 7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC

 8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT

 9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET

 10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL

 11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA

 12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR

NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 18

Player Notes
Jake Moody Jan 4 12:50am ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will spend the final game of his turbulent 2024 season in Arizona to face the Cardinals. The former third-round pick has had a rough couple of weeks. In Week 18 against Detroit, Moody missed field goals from 51 and 58 yards, while missing one extra point out of five chances. In Week 17 against Miami, Moody missed from 41 yards after hitting from 21 yards while connecting on both extra-point attempts. Moody had accuracy issues on the road even before that, which makes Sunday an important chance to demonstrate competence ahead of the 2025 campaign. Arizona has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to kickers this season. Moody -- tenuously clinging to his job -- is RotoBaller's 15th-ranked kicker in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Jan 4 12:40am ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet hasn't been a reliable fantasy option throughout the 2024-25 campaign. He finished last year by catching a career-high 73 passes for 719 yards while amassing six touchdowns. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old has struggled this season, totaling 45 grabs for 471 yards and four touchdowns. To be fair, the Bears offense hasn't been the best. However, Kmet can't be trusted in Week 18 versus the Packers, so fantasy managers can keep him out of the lineup. The same can be said for those considering his services for DFS contests.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Jan 4 12:30am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had the best season of his career in 2023-24, amassing career-highs in receptions (96), yards (1,364), and touchdowns (eight). However, his production has decreased significantly during his second year in the Windy City. With the Bears capping off a miserable season on Sunday against the Packers, Moore will be looking for his first trip to the end zone since the Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions. Without question, fantasy managers can't keep him out of the starting lineup in Week 18. Still, Moore hasn't been as reliable this year, so he remains a risky fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Eric Saubert Jan 4 12:20am ET
Eric Saubert

San Francisco 49ers backup tight end Eric Saubert could make his fourth start of the season in Week 18 at the Arizona Cardinals. Starter George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) is listed as questionable. To date in 2024, Saubert has caught seven of nine targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. Saubert's fantasy ceiling was established in Week 2 of 2022 when he caught one of two targets for a 22-yard touchdown as a member of the Denver Broncos. The eighth-year pro has been a career fantasy nonfactor, though in Week 16 at Miami -- with Kittle on the field -- he caught his third-career touchdown. Arizona has allowed the fourth-fewest half-PPR points per game to tight ends. If Kittle plays, Saubert is unplayable. He's barely more than that if Kittle sits, other than as a bargain-bin DFS shot-in-the-dark.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Jan 4 12:20am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is nowhere near the player he once was. However, his first season in Chicago hasn't been a total wash. He's appeared in 14 games, which is a blessing in itself. The wideout also has 67 catches for 719 yards and seven touchdowns, which is better than expected, considering the Bears have first-year quarterback Caleb Williams under center. With Chicago limping to the finish line, the team will look for a strong end to the 2024-25 campaign versus the Packers in Week 18. Unlike Allen's days in Los Angeles, he's no longer an automatic fantasy starter. Still, there is no denying he can get hot, so he warrants consideration for any fantasy lineup.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Jan 4 12:10am ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary found the end zone in two of his first three games to begin the 2024-25 campaign. However, he eventually lost the No. 1 job to rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Things haven't changed, with Singletary getting sporadic work from week-to-week, including amassing just five carries in the win over the Colts in Week 17. It doesn't appear as if head coach Brian Daboll will waive the white flag to close out the season when the Giants play the Eagles on Sunday. As a result, it should be business as usual, with Tracy getting the bulk of the carries and Singletary looking for his leftover scraps.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Jan 4 12:00am ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has had some quality outings throughout his first season in the National Football League. He's appeared in all 16 games for the G-Men, amassing 780 yards and five touchdowns off 178 carries, adding 36 catches for 277 yards and a score. There are some things the rookie will need to improve moving ahead, specifically, his subpar 4.4 yards per carry. Still, Tracy has at least played well enough to warrant fantasy consideration from week-to-week. With the Giants looking to cap off a miserable season, Tracy will have one more chance to make a positive impression heading toward the offseason when the Giants meet the Eagles in Week 18. Head coach Brian Daboll seemingly implied the team was looking to remain competitive on Sunday. However, it's not entirely clear who will play for Philadelphia, meaning Tracy could have an easier path toward production if the Eagles rest some of their core players on the defensive side of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Jan 4 12:00am ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (back) has been a part-time player since he arrived in upstate New York in Week 7. The veteran is listed on the injury report with a back issue but fully practiced on Thursday and Friday. Cooper hasn't played 55% or more of the team's snaps in any game this season. That will likely continue in Week 18. The Bills have clinched the second seed in the AFC playoffs. Head coach Sean McDermott said that starters will play a portion of the meaningless game against the New England Patriots. With uncertain playing time, Mitchell Trubisky playing quarterback most of the game, and mediocre play in his time in Buffalo, Cooper shouldn't be anywhere near fantasy football or DFS lineups this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Jan 4 12:00am ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) turned a potential breakout candidate into a season-long disappointment. A recurring knee injury has kept him on the injury report but has not impacted his practice participation. Fresh off one of the worst games of his season, expectations for Kincaid have never been lower entering the regular season finale. The Bills have clinched the second seed in the AFC playoffs and have nothing to play for against the Patriots. Starters, like Dalton Kincaid, won't play their regular allotment of snaps. That includes quarterback Josh Allen, who will start the game but quickly depart. Mitchell Trubisky will take most of the snaps at quarterback. That makes Kincaid and the rest of the starting Buffalo pass-catchers impossible to trust for fantasy football or DFS lineups.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Jan 4 12:00am ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has had the best season of his career in 2024-25. He's appeared in 16 games, amassing career-highs in receptions (83), targets (129), receiving yards (656), and touchdowns (three). However, the Giants lack of stability at the quarterback spot hasn't allowed him to reach his full potential. The Giants will finish off a miserable year against the Eagles on Sunday. Head coach Brian Daboll implied the team would remain competitive to close out the season. While that should mean Robinson will get his usual allotment of snaps, he's tough to trust with Drew Lock under center, even if the Eagles rest some of their studs on the defensive side of the ball.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Jan 3 11:50pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (illness, chest) has been removed from the injury report and will try to duplicate his Week 17 breakout in a Week 18 matchup in Arizona against the Cardinals. The 2024 first-round selection was projected in most places as a WR6 or WR7 last week against Detroit but exploded with eight receptions of 10 targets for 141 yards and a touchdown. He added two carries for six yards and even threw one incomplete pass. Pearsall's potential ascendency could face a roadblock on Sunday, as he'll be catching his passes from backup Joshua Dobbs after Brock Purdy (right elbow) was ruled out. On the other hand, Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, wrist) is also out, perhaps clearing the way for more targets. Consensus rankings have Pearsall just a few slots behind wideout Jauan Jennings given the three-straight zeroes that Pearsall produced following the last time he surged with 15.3 half-PPR points in Week 10. Arizona is the NFL's 10th-toughest matchup for fantasy wideouts. Consider Pearsall a boom/bust WR3 for the final game of his rookie campaign.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Jan 3 11:50pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been a force to be reckoned with over the last two weeks, rushing 61 times for 343 yards and five touchdowns. Not only that, he's seen 21 or more carries six of the last seven weeks and gets no competition for work. Anthony Richardson (back) had been stealing some goal line opportunities, but the QB has been ruled out, paving the way for Taylor to take on all he can handle with Joe Flacco under center. With the Colts eliminated from the playoffs, it's uncertain if they'll work in some other backs to close out the year, but if not, the matchup is extremely favorable, going up against the Jaguars who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. The former second-round draft pick projects as a mid-range RB1 for the final week of the season.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Jan 3 11:50pm ET
Mack Hollins

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Buffalo's secured second seed in the AFC postseason. Head coach Sean McDermott noted the starters and backups will both play on Sunday against the New England Patriots. While Hollins plays a significant amount of the offensive snaps, he's not as integral to the offense as other receivers like Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. Hollins could lead a group of practice squad players, and/or Curtis Samuel (ribs) if he's active, for backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The Bills (other than running back Ray Davis) are difficult to trust given uncertain playing time and opportunities in the regular season finale.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Jan 3 11:40pm ET
Ray Davis

Remember the 23-touch coming-out party for Ray Davis in Week 6? A similar opportunity could await the rookie in Week 18. The Bills can't move out of the second seed in the AFC, meaning starters won't play their full allotment of snaps. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed earlier in the week that both starters and reserves will play. Davis should be in line for at least 12 touches against a bottom-10 run defense in the New England Patriots. Third-down back Ty Johnson should also be heavily involved in the gameplan. Davis can be counted on as an RB2 for fantasy football lineups.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Jan 3 11:40pm ET
Khalil Shakir

What do you get when a team has clinched their playoff seeding entering the final week of the regular season? A blend of starters and backups playing on the football field. Head coach Sean McDermott promised that earlier in the week. That could mean an early exit for Buffalo's most utilized wide receiver, Khalil Shakir. The slot receiver has caught 76 passes for 821 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games. He, alongside Keon Coleman and Amari Cooper (back), can't be depended upon against the Patriots due to uncertain playing time and Mitchell Trubisky playing most of the quarterback snaps.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Jan 3 11:40pm ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end starting quarterback in Week 18 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers. Murray and the Cardinals will look to end their season on a high note after watching their playoff hopes dwindle post-bye week. Murray had a solid performance last week, topping 300 yards despite throwing two interceptions. A strong showing in this matchup will help build momentum for the Cardinals heading into next season. With nothing to play for in terms of playoff implications, we can expect the Cardinals to play more freely and open up the playbook to put an exclamation point on their season. Murray should still be viewed as a starter in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Mitchell Trubisky Jan 3 11:30pm ET
Mitchell Trubisky

The Buffalo Bills have secured the No. 2 spot in the AFC playoffs, meaning Week 18 will be treated like a preseason game. Head coach Sean McDermott noted earlier in the week that the team plans on using starters and reserves on Sunday against New England. Quarterback Josh Allen will get the start to extend his consecutive starts streak, which dates back to 2018. Fantasy managers should only expect to see Allen for a series before Mitchell Trubisky takes over. The 2017 second overall pick has played 54 snaps across eight blowout games this season. Fantasy managers still playing in Week 18 should look elsewhere for a starting quarterback. Trubisky ranks as a low-end QB2.

From RotoBaller

Mike White Jan 3 11:30pm ET
Mike White

The New England Patriots defense/special teams has not been a reliable fantasy option this season, and they remain off the fantasy radar in most leagues ahead of Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills. While the Bills are expected to play their reserves, including quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White, we can't trust the Patriots D/ST amidst one of their worst seasons in recent memory. New England ranks 29th among defensive units in fantasy points this year, so even if they do play most of their snaps against Buffalo's backups, they're not guaranteed to pad their stats. Plus, there remains a significant possibility that the Patriots play a portion of their backups, too, as they hope to gain film on some of their reserves and potentially remain in position for the draft's No. 1 pick. All in all, there are too many uncertain factors at play, leaving New England as an unfavorable fantasy option for Week 18.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Jan 3 11:30pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook averages a shade over 15 touches per game this season but that number could plummet in Week 18. The Bills have clinched the No. 2 spot in the AFC playoffs. Head coach Sean McDermott said the team plans on using starters and reserves on Sunday against New England. That means more opportunities for backup running backs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. Cook can't be trusted in any fantasy football or DFS lineups without the proper volume. His day could be finished after a handful of snaps.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Jan 3 11:30pm ET
Joey Slye

New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye remains off the fantasy radar heading into Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Slye has demonstrated impressive power as the Patriots' kicker this season, but his accuracy issues have been well-documented. Furthermore, as the Patriots' offense continues to struggle, scoring opportunities have been hard to come by for the 28-year-old. He has not attempted a single field goal over the last two weeks, adding just four successful extra points during that span. Although the Patriots have a more promising outlook in Week 18 with the Bills expected to deploy many of their reserve players, New England still isn't a dependable offense, which means Slye, who ranks 24th among kickers in fantasy points this year, remains unreliable. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for productive kicking options in the final week of the regular season.

From RotoBaller