Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 17
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a disappointing showing last weekend as he brought in just one of his seven targets during their playoff-clinching victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the poor showing, fantasy managers should continue to view McLaurin as a low-end WR1 heading into a Week 18 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys. Before Week 17, McLaurin was riding a four-game touchdown streak. Over this four-game stretch, McLaurin tallied six total touchdowns while seeing 7.5 targets per game and averaging 77.0 yards per game. Given his role as Jayden Daniels' go-to option in the passing game, McLaurin remains a must-start option in all formats. Facing the Cowboys, who have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts, should put him in prime position to bounce back.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings have an exciting meeting with the Detroit Lions on tap for Sunday Night Football in Week 18. Minnesota's defense has been stellar in 2024, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (18.8) while notching 31 turnovers -; tied for the most in the league. The Vikings have intercepted at least one pass in all but four games this season and have registered multiple sacks in 12-of-17 outings. However, they'll square off against a Lions squad that's racked up the second-most yards (410.5) and the most points (33.3) per game in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff has been superb -; completing 71.7% of his passes -; and Detroit is doing well protecting him (31 sacks [tenth-fewest]). Despite their excellence this season, the Vikings D/ST will be a risky option against the high-powered division rivals. They'll come in at RotoBaller's D/ST13 for this week's slate of action.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus carries solid WR3 upside in a Week 18 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys. With Noah Brown (kidney) and Dyami Brown (hamstring) sidelined over the past two weeks, Zaccheaus has emerged as the new No.2 option in the Washington passing attack. Over the past two weeks, the 27-year-old has seen at least eight targets per game and tallied 77.5 yards per game. During this span, he has found the back of the end zone three times. With Noah Brown still on the IR, fantasy managers should feel confident locking Zaccheaus into their lineup in deeper 3WR formats. He also carries solid upside, given the favorable matchup against the Cowboys, who have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wide receivers this season.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers ruled out running back Gus Edwards (ankle) didn't practice at all this week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Edwards was also inactive for last week's blowout win over the New England Patriots in Week 17, which was also the first game back for J.K. Dobbins off Injured Reserve. The Chargers are already in the playoffs, although they could move up to the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff picture if the Steelers lose to the Bengals on Saturday and the Chargers beat the Raiders on Sunday. It's unclear if Edwards would have been available this weekend if it were a must-win scenario for LA. Regardless, the Chargers will now have him rest up with hopes that he can return for the wild-card round next weekend as the backup to Dobbins. Rookie Kimani Vidal should be the No. 2 behind Dobbins on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday. In addition to a concussion that he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders, Hurts is dealing with a fractured finger on his left (non-throwing hand). Hurts will now miss his second straight game, although he's reportedly progressing through the concussion protocol and will hopefully have a shot to be cleared to play in the wild-card round of the playoffs next weekend. With Kenny Pickett questionable to play this weekend due to broken ribs, the Eagles are preparing for Tanner McKee to make his first career NFL start in Week 18. Entering Week 18, Hurts is the QB8 in overall fantasy points thanks to 2,903 passing yards and 32 total TDs (18 passing, 14 rushing).
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings placekicker Will Reichard is an excellent play this Sunday in a divisional bout with the Detroit Lions. The rookie missed another two kicks in last weekend's 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers -- 43- and 57-yard field-goal tries that both doinked out -- to bookend his performance. Still, he hit his other two kicks (25, 50) and all three extra-point attempts. Reichard missed two kicks in another game -- the one in which he injured his quad -- but has otherwise failed to connect on only one other field goal in 2024. Additionally, he's knocked through all 38 XP attempts. The Alabama product ranks as RotoBaller's K4 ahead of this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looks to cap off his impressive debut season in a divisional tilt against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Last weekend, Daniels threw three touchdown passes and tallied over 350 all-purpose en route to leading the Commanders to their first playoff birth since the 2020 season. Over his past five contests, Daniels has found the end zone 17 times (15 passing, two rushing) and averaged 240.0 passing yards and 76.4 rushing yards per game. During this span, he threw at least two passing scores in each contest. Fantasy managers should continue to view the Pro Bowl quarterback as a high-end QB1 facing the Dallas Cowboys, who have allowed the most PPR points to opposing QBs this season. In addition, with the Commanders needing a victory to move up to the No.6 seed, suggests that Daniels will remain in the game as long as it stays competitive.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. should be viewed as a mid-level RB2 facing the Dallas Cowboys. The Alabama product has found himself in a bit of a slump as of late. Over his past three contests, he has averaged just 8.9 PPR points per game and has not found the back of the end zone once over this stretch. In addition, he has averaged just 49.7 rushing yards per game. Before this stretch, Robinson tallied eight touchdowns over his first ten games of the season and ran for 64.0 yards per game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Austin Ekeler's (concussion) status before kickoff, as he could be nearing a return. If Ekeler suits up, Robinson may even see less work than he has, making him a low-end RB2. However, if the Commanders opt to rest Ekeler a week before the playoffs, then Robinson maintains his mid-level RB2 range against a Dallas defense, allowing the ninth-most PPR points to opposing RBs.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is listed as doubtful to play in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Jets in New York. Tagovailoa was limited in practice all week but is likely to miss his second straight game as the Dolphins look to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Jets this weekend. Head coach Mike McDaniel said earlier on Friday that Tagovailoa was unlikely to play on Sunday, so his doubtful listing doesn't come as a huge surprise. The 26-year-old former fifth overall pick missed four games earlier in the year with another scary concussion and will wrap up his fifth year in the NFL with only 2,867 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 starts, although he did lead the league with a 72.9% completion percentage. With Tagovailoa likely to miss a second straight game, Miami's playoff hopes will rest on the shoulders of backup Tyler Huntley.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. remains a desperation play heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Last weekend, Rodriguez found the back of the end zone and added 16 yards on five attempts. For the second straight week, Rodriguez saw more rushing attempts than the presumed No.2 option, Jeremy McNichols. However, Rodriguez may revert to the No.3 role if Austin Ekeler (concussion) returns to action. He was able to practice in full all week and is listed as questionable which suggests he is nearing a return. If Ekeler does not return, Rodriguez would be viewed as a high-risk touchdown-dependent RB3. However, if Ekeler does return, fantasy managers should not view Rodriguez as a viable play facing the Dallas Cowboys as he would only see a handful of snaps.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Samuel didn't practice at all this week. The 28-year-old veteran likely would have been able to suit up this weekend if the Niners were playing for something, but with San Fran eliminated from postseason contention, he will be rested to close out the year. Jauan Jennings should operate as the team's WR1 on Sunday in a good matchup, with rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley also seeing additional opportunities with backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs running the offense. Especially when considering the injuries to running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) and receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Samuel's 51-670-3 line as a receiver in 15 games was a huge disappointment for the 49ers and fantasy managers alike.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will get a tough matchup this Sunday night in a road tilt with the Detroit Lions. Hockenson had a nice total his last time out in a win against the Green Bay Packers, but he'll have a less vulnerable outing in store against a Lions defense that's limited TEs to 9.2 fantasy points per game in 2024 -; the second-fewest. However, it's worth noting that they've let up sizable performances twice over the past three weeks. Detroit just got torched by George Kittle in Week 17 for 112 yards on 8-of-8 receiving and let Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills combine for six catches and 95 yards two weeks prior. With a 57-point over/under on tap, there should be plenty of opportunities to go around for the veteran. The Iowa alum ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE7 in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor gets an exploitable spot in his team's meeting with the division-rival Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football. The Michigan State product put together his best performance of the season in last weekend's 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers -; racking up 81 yards and a touchdown on 5-of-5 receiving. It was a nice slump-breaking outing for the 25-year-old, as he recorded only eight receptions and 67 yards from Weeks 8-16. He'll get a chance to build on that production this weekend in a matchup that features a whopping 57-point over/under. Detroit has been a sieve on the back end this season, and quarterback Sam Darnold is elevating the entire offense with his exceptional play. Fantasy managers looking for a high-upside dart throw in Week 18 can do worse than Nailor. He'll land at RotoBaller's PPR WR47 ahead of this weekend's action.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Purdy suffered a right-elbow contusion at the tail end of the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night. While the injury isn't considered serious and Purdy should have a normal offseason, the Niners will hold him out in a meaningless game to close out the year. With Purdy sidelined, backup Joshua Dobbs will make his first start under center this year. The 25-year-old Purdy wasn't able to replicate his breakout 2023 season for San Fran, but he was still solid for fantasy purposes (QB10 overall heading into Week 18), especially when considering he was without All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) and receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) for most of the year.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit should be one of the best plays in Week 18 as the Packers host the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Bears have been losers of 10 straight games and head into Lambeau Field to face a defense that has been playing extremely well of late. Prior to last week against the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers had been a top-five fantasy defense against the Seahawks and Saints with a combined 10 sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery in those two weeks. Facing a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams at home should be a nice tune-up for the Packers, as Williams was sacked three times in the Packers' 20-19 win earlier in the season. Fire up the Packers D/ST as a starting fantasy unit in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
According to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, running back David Montgomery (knee) has been ruled out and running back Craig Reynolds (back) is listed as questionable for Week 18. Montgomery has been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain during their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Montgomery is currently eyeing a potential return in the postseason. Reynolds popped up on the injury report on Friday as a non-participant which is not a positive sign for his status for Sunday night. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Jahmyr Gibbs to lead the backfield once again and carry elite RB1 upside. If Reynolds were to be ruled out, Jermar Jefferson will likely slot in as the No.2 option. Jefferson saw a handful of carries near the goal line last weekend but Gibbs led the way as he tallied over 160 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison should be in store for another productive outing in Sunday night's divisional clash with the Detroit Lions. The second-year wideout has improved in his sophomore campaign, generating a modest 4.4 receptions and 62.5 yards per game compared to 4.1 and 53.5 from a season ago. After a shaky start to the year, Addison has posted just two single-digit fantasy performances since Week 9 -; rattling off 644 yards and nine touchdowns across 48 receptions in that span. The 22-year-old gets a dream matchup this Sunday night against a Lions defense that's let up the most receiving yards per game to WRs (3,040). Despite two fewer appearances thus far in 2024, he still has a chance to set new career-high marks -; needing eight receptions, two scores, and 37 yards. Addison clocks in as RotoBaller's PPR WR17 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs looks to keep up the momentum following a voluminous Week 17 to the Packers' Week 18 contest with the Chicago Bears. Doubs led the Packers with 11 targets in Week 17's loss to the Minnesota Vikings and brought in seven of those targets for 58 yards. Over the last seven games since the Packers' Week 10 bye, the Packers have focused more on a ground-and-pound approach with Josh Jacobs leading the charge, but even with the passing volume lacking, Doubs still maintained a solid target floor last week. If Doubs continues to get featured with the status of Christian Watson (knee) up in the air, that should make him the most desirable Packers pass-catcher. However, that only equates to flex-level fantasy value in Week 18 against the Bears.
From RotoBaller
According to Can Inman of the Bay Area News Group, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle/hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Kittle opened the week as a non-participant but was able to upgrade to limited participation on Thursday and Friday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the weekend as he may end up being a game-time decision. Kittle saw his typical workload on Monday evening as he logged 56 offensive snaps and was able to bring in all eight of his targets for 112 yards. Even though Joshua Dobbs is slated to get the start, fantasy managers should still view Kittle as a TE1 even without Brock Purdy (elbow) under center. He will be facing an Arizona defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.
From RotoBaller
According to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Ekeler has been on the injured reserve since suffering a concussion during their Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. However, Ekeler has been able to practice in full all week which suggests he has a good chance to return on Sunday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to kickoff as his return could shape up the Washington backfield. While sidelined, Brian Robinson Jr. has seen a significant uptick in work on passing downs. However, when Ekeler returns, fantasy managers should expect him to reclaim his third-down role. If Ekeler does play this weekend, Robinson should be downgraded to a low-end RB2.
From RotoBaller