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 DFS Pickem Plays: Week 17
Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's Week 17 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran kicker is currently on injured reserve. While there was some optimism about his status when the Cardinals recently opened his 21-day practice window, the team shut down any speculation about a potential Week 17 return by ruling him out on Thursday. With Prater set to remain sidelined following a week of limited practices, the Cardinals will deploy Chad Ryland as their primary kicker once again this weekend. The 25-year-old has exceeded expectations so far, going 25-for-29 on field goals and 21-for-21 on extra points.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has seen an increased role with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jaylen Waddle (knee) being banged up. He produced his best performance in Week 15 with five receptions on six targets for 52 yards. This week, Miami travels to take on the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled to defend wide receivers. However, the weather conditions at kickoff will be less than ideal, with the forecast projecting a 50% chance of rain and 25+ mph wind gusts. With Waddle having a shot to play, Washington should remain on the bench in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains a top fantasy football option given his high volume and productivity. The rookie should continue to be started in all leagues ahead of his Week 17 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Bowers ranks first among tight ends in fantasy points this year, and he's coming off a big game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in which he caught 11 of 13 targets for 99 yards through the air. In fact, he was so productive that he vultured opportunities from wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who finished last week with a season-low two catches. Even in a slightly tougher matchup against the Saints, who are allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2024, we expect that Bowers will continue to feast. For the most part, he has proven that he is already matchup-proof, routinely posting top fantasy performances. He should be started in all leagues as the fantasy playoffs continue.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) is expected to play against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17 despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Conner picked up the injury during last Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers in which he totaled 117 rushing yards, 49 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Rapoport notes that it's encouraging to see Conner suit up with the Cardinals already eliminated from playoff contention, but he'll be playing at less than 100 percent on Saturday. As a result, he might drop to the RB2 tier in fantasy football. At the same time, Trey Benson (ankle), who is also listed as questionable, could earn additional opportunities out of the backfield.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph comes into Week 17's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars from a turbulent performance against the Indianapolis Colts, where he threw two touchdowns and three interceptions. Rudolph has proven to be serviceable overall, with multiple scores in each of his last three appearances and tallying his second-highest passing yard total last Sunday with 252. He's also slinging the ball, accounting for 60 passing attempts in less than a game-and-a-half since returning to action. Coming up for Rudolph is a Jaguars defense giving up the most points to opposing QBs in fantasy this season. While the last meeting between these teams ended in a low-scoring 10-6 final score, Rudolph is still an enticing option for Superflex or 2QB leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) is expected to play against the Denver Broncos in Week 17 despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Higgins' season has been interrupted by numerous injuries, but he has been able to produce consistent results recently. He has been available for each of the Bengals' last five games, catching 29 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns during that span. He has been able to carve out a large role for himself and remain an impactful fantasy contributor despite playing behind superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Fantasy managers should view Higgins as a low-end WR2 this Saturday against the Broncos, who have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to non-slot receivers over the last six weeks.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys defense has taken a major step forward over the past month as they have become healthier. In last week's win over Tampa Bay, they totaled four sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. This week, they get the luxury of facing turnover-prone quarterback Kenny Pickett. With the unit looking a lot more like 2023's version of the Dallas defense in recent weeks, they are a startable option against the Eagles in fantasy championship week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey remains one of the hottest kickers in the league following an impressive Week 16 performance in which he drilled three field goals from beyond 50 yards. Aubrey's leg has kept Dallas in many games this season and more of the same should be expected this week against a tough Philadelphia defense. The matchup could not be tougher, as Philadelphia has allowed the least amount of points to opposing kickers this season. Aubrey can be started given his ability to consistently drill 50+ yard field goals, but beware that this is a tough matchup and that there are safer options out there.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (finger) was a limited participant in practice all week, entering Sunday's matchup with a questionable status. Given that he was able to practice all week, Tolbert should be good to suit up for the shorthanded Cowboys who will be missing star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) for the remainder of the season. With Lamb out, the pecking order in the receiving room is questionable. Tolbert likely slots in behind veteran Brandin Cooks and tight end Jake Ferguson, putting him back on the fantasy radar. With that being said, he is a desperation flex option against Philadelphia's seventh-ranked secondary.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin has gotten involved on the ground in recent weeks, carrying the ball three times in last week's win over Tampa Bay. Given the lack of playmakers with CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) now sidelined, Mike McCarthy may scheme up more creative ways to get the ball into the hands of the speedster. The 28-year-old has caught 27 balls for 351 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 69 yards on the season. Against Philadelphia's seventh-ranked secondary, Turpin is no more than a desperation dart throw with a very low floor. His usage will be worth monitoring.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson is now the top receiving option on the team with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) ruled out for the remainder of the season. Ferguson has yet to score a touchdown in the 2024 season, limiting his ceiling, but should see enough usage to be a safe start at tight end despite a tough matchup on tap against Philadelphia. He grades as a low-end TE1 this week with a safe projected target share in a game that should be low-scoring.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle rushed for just 23 yards last week after a three-week stretch of 100+ yards on the ground. The 26-year-old out of South Carolina has generally performed better when facing easier matchups, and this week's matchup against Philadelphia's top-ranked defense against running backs is far from easy. Dowdle will see heavy volume per usual as the workhorse in Dallas' offense, but his production may not be as strong as it has in recent weeks due to the tough matchup. He is a low-end RB2 solely based on projected volume.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks should see more volume over the next two weeks due to the absence of star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder). The 31-year-old has seen 4.5 targets per game over the past four weeks, while Lamb has absorbed 8.5 targets per game in the same span of games. Cooks will compete with tight end Jake Ferguson and third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert (finger) for opportunities. Facing Philadelphia's seventh-ranked defense against receivers, the matchup is less than ideal. Cooks can be started as a flex option in desperation, but has a low floor this week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush has had an up-and-down season, typically stringing together stronger performances against weaker defenses. Philadelphia boasts the eighth-strongest defense against opposing quarterbacks fantasy-wise, making a tough matchup for the career backup. To make matters worse, CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Rush will now rely on a makeshift receiver room of Jake Ferguson, Brandin Cooks, and Jalen Tolbert against one of the best secondaries in the league. Look elsewhere for quarterback production during fantasy championship week.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is a decent streaming option in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. Last time they faced the Titans in Week 14, they only gave up 6 points and got two sacks. The Titans offense has been one of the friendliest to fantasy defenses this season, so the Jaguars D/ST is a better option than usual for fantasy championships. Unfortunately the defense is one of the worst in the NFL, so their upside is limited, but against the Titans turnover-prone offense, anything is possible. As long as they can stop the running game and force Mason Rudolph to beat them, they have a good shot of at least producing a solid fantasy day. However, there are definitely better defenses to start in fantasy championships in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller was the odds-on favorite to assume the role as the team's featured back after Alvin Kamara (groin) was declared out before Week 16. Unfortunately for Miller, that game turned into a blowout early on and the coaching staff pivoted to a two-minute offense that involved a surprisingly heavy dose of Jordan Mims. Miller finished the game with a 40% snap share to Mims' 43% and logged just 10 touches for a total of 31 yards from scrimmage. Miller is expected to sit atop the depth chart again in Week 17 but seeing how quickly the Saints moved away from him last week should give fantasy managers pause before entrusting him with a starting spot in the final week of fantasy football. Additionally, New Orleans will be missing starting linemen Erik McCoy (elbow) and Lucas Patrick (knee). Managers hoping to lock up a championship this weekend should weigh their alternatives before locking Miller in.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims was the team's unexpected leader in targets in Week 16, seeing eight passes come his way. That translated to merely 16 yards on five catches as rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler could do little but check down to the backup to spot starter Kendre Miller. Alvin Kamara (groin) is out another week, meaning Miller is likely to be in the RB1 slot once again with Mims and Jamaal Williams as the alternatives out of the backfield. Despite outsnapping Miller in Week 16, Mims can't be counted on to do the same on Sunday in the Saints' game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi clarified that Mims' involvement was due to the game getting out of hand so early, forcing the team to run a two-minute offense to give themselves a chance at keeping up. The Raiders don't pose the same threat which means we should see less of Mims in Week 17. He can remain on the wire.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints have listed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) as questionable for their Week 17 meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders. If he misses the game then the Saints' motley crew of other receivers including Kevin Austin Jr., Dante Pettis, and tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau are among the contenders to see some extra targets. Chris Olave (concussion) is also listed as questionable and if he makes his return on Sunday then he would immediately retake his position at the top of the depth chart. If MVS does play, he offers little upside for fantasy teams looking to lock up a championship this weekend. Spencer Rattler will get another start as Derek Carr (hand) is listed as out for the second straight week. Rattler's erratic performance in his handful of starts this year makes it hard to trust any of the Saints receivers in Week 17. Valdes-Scantling is an easy sit in the final week of the fantasy season.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end tied for the team lead in receptions in Week 16. That he did so with all of two catches should say something about how the offense fared last week. Moreau also led the team outright in receiving yards with 33, giving him roughly one-third of quarterback Spencer Rattler's 153 passing yards in the 34-0 loss at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. With Derek Carr (hand) out for another week, Rattler will draw another start on Sunday against Moreau's former team, the Las Vegas Raiders. In Rattler's five starts this season, Moreau has averaged two catches for 32.8 yards on 2.4 targets per game, leaving little hope that the rookie will look to his tight end for anything more than an occasional chunk gain. While this may be a "revenge game" for Moreau, he is unlikely to make an impact in fantasy. Managers vying for a championship this weekend would be wise to look elsewhere if they are in need of a tight end.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) carries no designation heading into the team's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Johnson was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and listed as such in Wednesday's estimated report. He was able to participate in full on Friday. Quarterback Derek Carr (hand) will miss another week meaning rookie Spencer Rattler will be back under center. The inexperienced signal-caller might be expected to use his tight end as a safety net but in Rattler's five starts this year Johnson has averaged 2.6 receptions for 30.6 yards on 3.6 targets per game. The Raiders have given up the fifth-most yards and touchdowns to opposing tight ends in 2024 but the Saints' inability or unwillingness to work Johnson into a more consistent role makes him hard to trust as a starter in the final week of fantasy football.
From RotoBaller