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.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson's (back, foot) status for Week 17 versus the New York Giants on Sunday is in question after he missed a second straight day of practice on Thursday with back and foot injuries. However, a team source said the Colts are optimistic that Richardson will play on Sunday after he has made consistent progress while responding to treatment. Still, Richardson's performance in practice on Friday will be critical. He didn't miss any snaps in the Week 16 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans, when he rushed for a career-high 70 yards. If he is not able to play this weekend, the Colts will turn back to veteran Joe Flacco to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. While Richardson remains a work in progress as a passer, he's had nine or more rushes in four of the five games since returning as the starter and would have clear QB1 upside in Week 17 if he's active.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) is limited in the team's first practice of the week on Thursday. Guerendo is dealing with two injuries and was unable to play in the Week 16 loss to the Miami Dolphins. It's good news that the 24-year-old is back on the practice field, but he might need to upgrade to a full practice in the next two days to avoid a questionable tag heading into a Monday night game against the Detroit Lions. Guerendo will operate as San Fran's lead back if he's available this week, but the problem is it might not be worth the risk leaving him in starting lineups for championship week in fantasy if he's uncertain to play on Monday night. Additionally, the matchup against Detroit's defense is not a friendly one for fantasy purposes. If Guerendo misses a second straight game, Patrick Taylor Jr. would be in line for a second straight start.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe), who is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, said he's going to try and get back on the field for Friday's practice. However, Nabers is calling himself a "gameday decision" for Sunday's contest against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. The 21-year-old first-rounder out of LSU will probably be questionable, at best, this weekend, but a return to practice on Friday would make him much more likely to suit up for fantasy managers in championship week in most leagues. Despite a messy quarterback situation in New York for all of Nabers' rookie season, he's currently three receptions shy of 100 in 2024 and has maintained must-start status in fantasy when he's active. If Nabers doesn't get the green light to play on Sunday, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton would be the Giants' top receivers for quarterback Drew Lock.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. It's the second straight day that Hurts will be a DNP after suffering a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. The good news for the Eagles is that backup Kenny Pickett (ribs) was at practice on Thursday. With both Hurts and Pickett banged up, the Eagles signed Ian Book to their practice squad on Thursday for insurance behind third-stringer Tanner McKee. It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old Hurts will be able to clear the league's concussion protocol in order to play on Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Fantasy managers need to have a backup plan in place in case he cannot go. If Hurts misses this weekend's game, it will be an obvious downgrade for the entire Eagles offense. Check back on his status on Friday.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) is not practicing on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Lamb has been playing through an AC joint injury to his shoulder since initially injuring it since Week 9, but two straight DNPs this week makes the 25-year-old worth watching heading into Sunday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's entirely possible that the Cowboys are just giving their star wideout some extra rest in the penultimate game of the 2024 season, but if he isn't able to practice on Friday, there's a real chance that Lamb could miss Week 17. If that comes to pass, the Cowboys would be down to Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert as their top wideouts. Lamb has remained a must-start fantasy wideout, even after quarterback Dak Prescott's (hamstring) season-ending injury.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve and play against the New England Patriots on Saturday. The former Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick has missed the last four games after suffering a knee injury but could return to action after logging two limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, he did not practice on Thursday, so he might be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 17. Gus Edwards (ankle) won't play against the Patriots, so if Dobbins is also out, rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins will likely share touches. All Chargers' backs are risky fantasy options given all the uncertainty.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip/wrist) was limited in Thursday's practice with hip and wrist injuries after logging a full practice on Wednesday. While his step down in participation is concerning, organizations often take it easy on banged-up players down the stretch. That said, fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week. Veteran wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's session with a hamstring injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers present a top-10 matchup for fantasy wideouts, so the health of both pass-catchers will be important for fantasy football championship matchups. Legette has hauled in 41 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie campaign.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (illness) was added to Thursday's injury report as a limited participant in practice due to an illness. The 34-year-old has been productive over his last four games, catching 27 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns. He has re-entered the fantasy radar as quarterback Bryce Young has shown signs of improvement, and the Week 17 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is favorable for wide receivers. Consider the veteran a WR3 option if he can play through the illness. If he's surprisingly out, rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip) could enter the fantasy radar, assuming he's active after missing the last two games with a hip injury.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards (ankle) did not practice on Thursday and has officially been ruled out of the game against the New England Patriots in Week 17. Edwards had his most productive game of the season last week against the Denver Broncos, posting 71 total yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins (knee), who has missed the last four games on Injured Reserve, is listed as questionable for Saturday's AFC showdown. If Dobbins is activated, he should be considered a risky RB2 option for the fantasy football season finale. If Dobbins can't go, rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins will likely share touches in L.A.'s backfield.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (ankle) is practicing for a third consecutive day on Thursday after missing last week's game against the Carolina Panthers due to an ankle injury. The rookie out of Florida State could be in line for more work if James Conner (knee) cannot play or is limited, but fantasy managers will have to see what their official game designations are later on Thursday and 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday. The Rams present a neutral matchup for fantasy running backs, so if Benson earns a spot start, he should be considered an RB2 option for fantasy football championship matchups.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns placed defensive tackle Shelby Harris (elbow) on Injured Reserve on Thursday, according to NFL.com. The 33-year-old's season is over after suffering an elbow injury. Harris totaled 37 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two pass deflections, and 8.5 run stuffs in 14 games this season. With Harris sidelined, rookie Mike Hall Jr. should see more playing time as Cleveland closes the season against the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) is practicing on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with a knee injury. The three-time 1,000-yard receiver missed last week's contest against the San Francisco 49ers, but his return to the practice field could mean he's trending toward facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. Waddle is having the least productive season of his young career, catching 54 passes for 700 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games. However, he always has spike-week upside, especially in favorable matchups. The Browns have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, so consider Waddle a boom-or-bust flex consideration if he plays on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (leg) will play on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, according to head coach Zac Taylor. The former Pro Bowler has missed six of the last seven games due to a leg injury, but his return could provide a boost for the Bengals offense against a strong Denver stop unit. The Bengals are still narrowly alive in the AFC postseason race, so getting back any reinforcements is key.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was not spotted at the open portion of Thursday's practice, according to team reporter Turron Davenport. Pollard has not taken part in practice often over the last few weeks yet has not missed a game this season. However, with sophomore running back Tyjae Spears finally healthy, he has eaten into Pollard's workload. Spears has logged 23 touches and scored four touchdowns in his last two games. That said, fantasy managers in deeper setups will likely have to start Pollard if he's active on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, so his status should continue to be monitored throughout the rest of the week.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) will make his second straight start in Week 17 on Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins, according to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Thompson-Robinson aggravated a calf injury in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but he's been able to practice on a limited basis so far this week and will be good to go this weekend. The 25-year-old took over for the benched Jameis Winston last week and struggled to move the football in his first start of the year despite facing a porous Bengals defense. DTR completed only 20 of his 34 pass attempts last Sunday for 157 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also fumbled once. He'll have a tougher matchup this weekend against Miami and could be without tight end David Njoku (knee), who he targeted 10 times last week. DTR will be a desperation low-end QB2 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, New York Giant rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) is not practicing on Thursday. Tracy also picked up a DNP on Wednesday's practice estimate, so he's firmly in danger of missing the Week 17 game this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Fantasy managers in a bind at RB or those who are in need of a flex play this weekend might want to consider picking up Devin Singletary if he's available on the waiver wire. If Tracy is ruled out for Sunday's game, Singletary's volume boost in the backfield would make him an intriguing flex option against a Colts defense that has been bad against the run in 2024. Tracy is probably going to need to practice in some fashion on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely after aggravating an ankle injury in the team's Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Check back on his status on Friday.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was not seen at practice on Thursday during the portion open to the media. Njoku was also listed as a non-participant for Wednesday's practice estimation, putting his status firmly in question for the Week 17 contest against the visiting Miami Dolphins this Sunday. The 28-year-old will most likely have to practice in some fashion on Friday to have a chance of suiting up this weekend. Njoku missed the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury but returned in last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and caught eight of 10 targets for 66 yards in quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's (calf) first start of the year. Njoku will most certainly be on the TE1 radar in Week 17 if he can play. Jordan Akins would see an expanded role if Njoku is ruled out, but he wouldn't be worth streaming in fantasy championship matchups.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie Xavier Legette (groin) is at practice on Thursday and has a chance at returning to play this Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. Legette was listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday, so the 23-year-old is certainly tracking towards making his return this weekend after missing last week's overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Dave Canales said early this week that Legette would need to make significant improvement in order to have a shot at playing in Week 17. It appears that Legette is making good progress, but it doesn't mean he won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's contest. And even if the rookie is able to get cleared to play against Tampa, it doesn't mean he'll have a significant role on offense behind veteran Adam Thielen. Legette hasn't scored since Nov. 3 and has exceeded 60 receiving yards only once in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hip), who was listed as a non-participant for Tuesday's practice session, is back on the field during the early portion open to the media. It's unclear exactly if Adams was able to put in a full session, but the fact that he's back on the field at all suggests the Jets were just resting the veteran pass-catcher earlier in the week. The 32-year-old's Week 17 status is worth monitoring heading into Sunday's game against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. If Adams is active this weekend, he should be considered a must-start in fantasy lineups with championships on the line. In recent weeks, he's been the Jets' clear WR1 ahead of Garrett Wilson. Adams has scored in four straight games and has 30 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns on 48 targets in that span. Check back on Friday to see if he carries an injury designation into Sunday's game.
From RotoBaller
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is coming out of retirement and is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions, according to sources. Bridgewater will return to Detroit after serving as Jared Goff's backup last season. The 32-year-old veteran signal-caller only appeared in one game in 2023 and didn't attempt a single pass. The year before with the Miami Dolphins, he went 49-for-79 for 683 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions in five games (two starts). Bridgewater will most likely join the Lions' practice squad initially but could eventually join the 53-man active roster alongside Hendon Hooker as insurance behind Goff for the postseason. Given the time that Bridgewater has been away from the game the past year, we'd be surprised if he'd suddenly become the QB2 for Detroit when postseason action begins.
From RotoBaller