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.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson finished the preseason with 17 carries for 64 rushing yards. The third-round pick out of Florida State was once believed to be a threat to James Conner's playing time but it appears the rookie will have to wait a while before he makes his mark on the league. In recent comments to the press, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing reaffirmed the team's commitment to using Conner as their primary running back, referring to him as the "bell cow in that room." While Benson's performance during training camp and the preseason solidified his role as Conner's direct backup, not much should be expected of the rookie out of the gate. Given Conner's injury history, Benson is certainly a worthwhile bench stash but the bench is exactly where he should be on fantasy rosters in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
When the Arizona Cardinals open their season on Sunday, it will mark running back James Conner's eighth as a pro, and his fourth with the team. Since joining the Cardinals in 2021, Conner has the eleventh-most carries in the league despite missing seven games due to injury over the last two seasons and starting only six games in 2021. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing recently told the media that Conner is "the bell cow in that room," signaling he will maintain his role despite rookie Trey Benson's presence on the depth chart. In 2023, Conner turned in his first 1,000-yard season and finished with the third-most rushing yards per game (80.0). The Buffalo Bills have a stout defense but last season had a weakness against running backs, allowing 4.4 yards per carry (eighth-worst in the NFL) and 6.33 yards per target (fourth-worst) to the position. Conner can be started as a solid RB2 option in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray won't have it easy in Week 1 when the team kicks off the 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills. Last season, the Bills limited opposing quarterbacks to just 215.2 passing yards per game and a total of 18 passing touchdowns, tied for the third-fewest in the league. However, they lost veteran safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde in the offseason, leaving room for fantasy managers to be optimistic about Murray's production. There's also the fact that Murray isn't shy about using his legs to make a play. Since his rookie season in 2019, he has averaged 37.7 rushing yards per game (fourth-most in the NFL in that span). Murray has a good track record and a stable of young pass-catchers headlined by fourth-overall draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. Despite the tough matchup, Murray should be in starting lineups on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears defense and special teams look to continue the upward trajectory they showed toward the end of last season against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. After acquiring defensive end Montez Sweat (toe), the Bears improved significantly, moving from 28th to 20th in points allowed, 23rd to 12th in yards allowed, and 22nd to 3rd in takeaways. It is important to note that Sweat has shown up on the injury report for Sunday's game as questionable, with a toe injury. In their Week 1 matchup, they'll face a Titans offense featuring notable playmakers like Calvin Ridley, De'Andre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd, with second-year quarterback Will Levis at the helm. Adding head coach Brian Callahan and new talent should benefit the Titans, but the significant scheme changes may lead to some growing pains. If you have the Bears' defense on your roster, feel confident starting them this week. Additionally, having Velus Jones Jr. returning kicks could provide added value.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a strong fantasy starter for Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. Last season, the Titans allowed the most fantasy points to kickers, making Santos a promising option. The Bears value Santos, as evidenced by their four-year, $16 million contract extension with him last December, including $9.5 million guaranteed. Santos had an impressive season in 2023, attempting 2.2 field goals per game and converting 92.1% of his attempts. With the Bears favored in their Week 1 matchup and an implied point total of 24.75the sixth highestSantos is in a favorable position. The weather forecast is in the mid-70s and clear, making him a solid choice if you've drafted him.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson made his NFL debut for the team in the Packers' 34-29 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1. Narveson made three of his four field goal attempts from 31, 23, and 26 yards. The lone miss came from 43 yards out when Narveson hit the upright. He also made both extra-point attempts on the night. With the Packers offense moving the ball solidly, Narveson did look the part in a unique environment for an NFL debut in Brazil. The Packers' rookie kicker should remain on the waiver wire in fantasy, as Narveson is still a bit risky to trust in your lineups for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts at home. Still, his fantasy outlook going forward has brightened a bit in a pressure-packed game with a national spotlight.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants defense could be the surprise play of Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. With a formidable front seven (including pass rush specialist Brian Burns, stud players Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence) and a secondary brimming with high draft picks (such as 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks), they're poised to challenge Sam Darnold early. While facing the daunting task of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Giants' defense managed to create 12 interceptions last season, showing their potential if they can pressure Darnold into mistakes. With new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the Giants could see a significant resurgence on the defensive side of the ball, offering hope to fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert had a quiet night in Friday's win over the Packers. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley did most of the heavy lifting on the offensive end. As a result, Goedert finished with only four grabs for 31 yards. Without question, nobody is expecting the veteran to be a top fantasy tight end in 2024-25. However, fantasy managers are still hoping he'll play better than last season, especially under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. At any rate, the Eagles will get some rest before getting ready for the Falcons in Week 2. Goedert isn't a viable starting option outside deep, multi-tight end formats. Yet, the upside is still there for those who may be desperate.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is poised for a potential fantasy breakout in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Following an impressive preseason, the rookie has demonstrated his big-play potential and ability to stretch the field, which aligns well with the Vikings' vulnerability to passing yards. Nabers' speed and route-running could exploit this weakness, with the Giants likely to target him frequently to showcase his explosive plays. Nabers is a flex option at the very least, especially in deeper leagues, making him a player to watch this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft had a pretty quiet night in the stat sheet in the Packers' 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo on Friday night. Kraft caught 2-of-3 targets for 37 yards, but the story is that Kraft was the TE1 in snaps and routes well over presumptive starter Luke Musgrave. Per Nathan Jahnke of PFF, Kraft dominated routes per dropback 30-8 and also in snaps as Kraft ran all but three snaps. Even if Kraft's utilization going forward remains as it was in Week 1, Kraft is still a streaming option if you need a tight end, not as somebody you need to plug into fantasy lineups immediately. Of course, there's the Jordan Love aspect, as Love left the game with an undisclosed lower-body injury. If Love plays in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, Kraft is a mid-range fantasy TE2 with volume-based upside.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has a chance to make noise in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Robinson's versatility and knack for making plays in space as the slot receiver will be crucial for an offense that looks to exploit a vulnerable Vikings secondary. While Robinson is returning from injury, his target share in the Giants' short passing game should give him a decent PPR floor in deeper leagues. With Minnesota's secondary giving up an average of 234 passing yards per game last season, Robinson may be a sneaky flex option.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has the potential to be a boom-or-bust flex option in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Hyatt, who showcased his game-breaking speed as a rookie last season, could see a breakout opportunity this week. His deep-threat ability could be a nightmare for Minnesota's shaky cornerbacks, especially with Daniel Jones showing increasing trust in the young wideout downfield. With the Vikings struggling in pass coverage and the Giants' offense poised for more vertical attacks, Hyatt is a sneaky flex option in deeper leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton lead the team in receiving yards for the fourth time in five years in 2023. Barring injury, that should change in 2024 as he heads into a Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. With rookie phenom Malik Nabers now on the team and recent draft picks Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson pushing for more playing time, Slayton may see the least amount of snaps in his career. That being said, though he posted an inconsistent 2023 season, he still averaged 15.4 yards per catch and is the most veteran presence in the receiver room. Slayton could surprise all of the doubters once again, but at this time, Slayton is better left on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano enters Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings as a sneaky yet reliable fantasy option. Despite only playing eight games last season, Gano is healthy again and has a career average field goal percentage of 83.7%, including an impressive 43-for-64 from 50+ yards. With the Giants offense projected to struggle to move the ball effectively, Gano could see few field goal opportunities on Sunday. Look elsewhere on the waiver wire until we get more answers about the Giants offense.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is set to exploit a favorable matchup in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, who ranked 24th in defense against the pass in 2023, allowed an average of 234 passing yards and over 21.3 points per game. This sets the stage for Jones to build on his dual-threat success from 2022. Despite a challenging 2023 season due to injuries, Jones is now healthy and ready to return to fantasy relevance. With the Vikings' secondary still in question, Jones could capitalize on their weaknesses, offering fantasy managers a reliable QB2 option this week.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott overcame the horrid field conditions in Friday's win over the Green Bay Packers. The veteran made both field goal attempts, successfully draining kicks from 38 yards and 21 yards, respectfully. He also made all four extra-point tries. Elliott, who signed a four-year extension this offseason, was one of the best fantasy kickers throughout the 2023-24 campaign. That's not expected to change, meaning he should remain in all fantasy lineups heading into the Eagles Week 2 showdown with the Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had a minor impact on the Packers' 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, as he caught just 3-of-5 targets for 13 yards, but hauled in a two-yard pass from Jordan Love in the third quarter to salvage his fantasy day. That touchdown was one of three red-zone targets on the night for Watson, but he was regularly involved in the offense throughout the night as he had multiple chances to score. Watson ran the third-most routes of the Packers' receivers and earned the third-most snaps at 63%, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. As a wide receiver who is dependent on the big play, Watson is going to be more boom or bust as a fantasy asset. He's a low-end WR3 or flex play when the Packers head home to host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, but that's if Jordan Love is good to go following Love's injury-related exit in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary will be the uncontested lead back in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. While Singletary has shown flashes of efficiency, averaging 4.16 yards per carry in 2023, he has struggled to find consistent fantasy relevance as a lead back in his career (he has never hit the 1,000-yard mark in five seasons). This week's matchup against a Vikings defense that allowed the eighth-fewest yards to rushers last season (98.7 per game) doesn't bode well for Singletary's upside. With the Giants likely in a pass-heavy game script, he's a low-ceiling FLEX play in PPR formats at best.
From RotoBaller
The New England Patriots' defense falls outside the top-12 units in fantasy football for Week 1. The Patriots are set to kick off their season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Cincinnati has an offense with plenty of firepower, but there are real questions about their pass-catching group this week with Ja'Marr Chase (personal) questionable and Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful. There's a chance that the Bengals could be without their top two receivers, leaving Joe Burrow with Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Trenton Irwin at his disposal. But even if the Bengals do find themselves short-staffed on Sunday, New England will still be difficult to trust in fantasy football. The Patriots have one of the worst offenses, which means the Bengals should win the time of possession battle and therefore be gifted extra opportunities to score. New England also suffered key losses this offseason, headlined by Matthew Judon being traded to Atlanta and Christian Barmore (blood clots) being sidelined until further notice. With a tough matchup and reduced playmakers, the Patriots' defense lacks fantasy appeal in Week 1. You can probably find better options on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith looked good in Friday's win over the Green Bay Packers. Although A.J. Brown was more productive, amassing five grabs for 119 yards and a touchdown, Smith still finished the night by pulling in seven catches for 84 yards. Fantasy managers would have loved to see the wideout find the end zone. However, it was an acceptable showing, especially with the sloppy field conditions in Brazil. Nonetheless, the Eagles will head home for a few days off before meeting the Atlanta Falcons for Monday Night Football in Week 2. Managers should keep Smith starting in all fantasy setups.
From RotoBaller