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.
Los Angeles Chargers running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were listed as co-starters on the team's first official depth chart, and which back will get more touches has been a mystery all offseason. In a media availability on Thursday, offensive coordinator Greg Roman suggested it could change week-to-week. "We don't overthink that. They're both going to play, and whoever's got the hot hand as I tell them, has got the hot hand," Roman said. "So we're going to go with the hot hand." While both players should be rostered in all 12-plus team leagues, it would be a surprise if Dobbins is effective following an Achilles tear roughly one year ago. Achilles tears have proven to be career-enders for many players, especially at the running back position. However, he's not on the Week 1 injury report, so he could make a surprising comeback. For now, Edwards carries an RB3 outlook into Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Dobbins is a risky flex consideration.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (hamstring) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season. This is obviously not great news, especially with a Sunday Night Football matchup against Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Detroit Lions approaching. The 2018 undrafted free agent spent four seasons with the Rams before two seasons in Jacksonville, but he signed back with L.A. this offseason. Starting cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring) was limited during Wednesday's practice, so the secondary is limping into the start of the new campaign.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will square up against a Jacksonville Jaguars team this Sunday that was stout against the run in 2023. Jacksonville's defense ranked in the top ten (ninth) in total rushing yards a season ago; however, they did allow the ninth-most rushing scores (15). Achane missed six games last season and accrued higher than a 48% snap share in just four of the contests he participated in. However, the former Aggie was uber-efficient with his touches, scoring 11 touchdowns while rushing for an even 800 yards on 103 carries (7.8 YPC) and adding another 197 yards through the air across 27 receptions. He's expected to begin the year splitting time with Raheem Mostert in the Dolphins' backfield, though fantasy managers should have no fears slotting him into their lineups. The second-year running back is an excellent play this week as RotoBaller's RB6 in Week 1 rankings.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday in the team's first home game of the season. He is coming off a career year in which he scored 21 total touchdowns and produced 1,187 scrimmage yards on a Dolphins squad that scored the second-most points in the NFL (496). Mostert is again set to lead a committee in the Dolphins' backfield, splitting time with De'Von Achane and perhaps Jaylen Wright and even Jeff Wilson sprinkling in for touches. The 32-year-old back does not have the same kind of miles as other NFL veterans his age, as he has yet to eclipse 700 career carries (674). Additionally, he is still one of the fastest players in the league -- clocking in as the tenth-fastest ball carrier in any game last season at a scorching 21.62 MPH. Jacksonville was tough against the run last year -- allowing the ninth-fewest yards in the NFL -- though they did let up 15 rushing touchdowns -- tied for ninth-most. Expect a good amount of scoring opportunities for the tenth-year back, as the Dolphins have an implied point total of 26 in their first tilt.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is dealing with calf tightness and was limited at Thursday's practice, according to Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly. The 35-year-old had a calf injury pop up earlier in the preseason, so the team is likely to be cautious with the aging signal-caller. It would be a surprise if he didn't suit up in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, but fantasy managers should stay up to date with his latest updates. Wilson played the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos, posting 6,594 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. He added 618 yards and six scores on the ground. As bad as Wilson looked at times in Denver, he finished as the overall QB16 in 2022 and QB14 in 2023. He's not a viable starter in single-QB formats, but he could have sneaky value in Superflex and two-QB leagues. That said, he carries a QB3 outlook into Week 1, especially considering his calf issue could limit his mobility.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary signed with the organization this offseason on a three-year, $16.5 million deal following a solid season with the Houston Texans in 2023. The 27-year-old posted career highs in rushing attempts (216) and rushing yards (898) last season. Although his offensive environment isn't ideal like it was in Houston with C.J. Stroud and a strong offensive line, he could make a significant fantasy impact if he sees a healthy opportunity share. Giants reporter Jordan Raanan said Singletary is going to have "prime usage," and he wouldn't be surprised if he's utilized like Saquon Barkley was in New York. Head coach Brian Daboll hinted at a three-down role for Singletary in a recent media availability. "He's just a good running back. You can use him on all three down," Daboll said. "You don't have to sub him a bunch." It's always tough to trust coaches in the preseason, but it sounds like Singletary could see a dominant opportunity share, which obviously limits the upside of rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Singletary has an RB3 outlook for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. His initial usage will tell us more about his role heading into Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL in practice leading up to Week 3 of last season, but he is not on the Cowboys injury report leading up to the Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike McCarthy suggested he will not be on a pitch count or be limited in his return to action. "I see him healthy, ready to go, McCarthy said. "As standing here today, I see him slated as a full-time player. I think Trevon's been right on schedule as far as how much he'll play." Diggs led the league with 11 interceptions in 2021 and has one All-Pro nod and two Pro Bowl selections on his resume. With 2023 breakout cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) on Injured Reserve, the Cowboys will need Diggs to be at full strength heading into a matchup against Amari Cooper.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was fully dressed and back on the practice field on Thursday leading up to the Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. The former first-round pick has been seeking a new contract that would potentially make him the highest-paid wideout in the league, and there has been speculation that he could sit out games if he doesn't reach an extension before the start of the regular season. While his second consecutive day of practice doesn't put those concerns to rest, it certainly doesn't hurt his chances of suiting up. Surely, there will be more updates before Sunday, but if he's active, he's a clear must-start option in leagues of all shapes and sizes. The 24-year-old has WR1 overall upside in any given matchup.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers defense/special teams unit heads to Brazil to match up with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers do feature a solid D/ST unit overall, but against the Eagles' strong offense with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and others, Green Bay should be left on the bench or on waivers for Week 1. Under the direction of former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, the Packers have added to their inside linebacker unit by drafting Edgerrin Cooper in the second round and revamping their safety unit as they brought in former Giant Xavier McKinney and rookie second-rounder Javon Bullard. Add in continued health from Eric Stokes, and Jaire Alexander, plus a formidable pass rush that features Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kenny Clark, and the Packers look like a sleeper defensive/special teams unit for 2024, but one we should err on the side of caution against a potent Eagles defense in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers signed rookie running back Dillon Johnson to the practice squad on Thursday, according to NFL.com. Johnson went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft following a stellar season at Washington. While playing in a loaded offense featuring Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, Johnson rushed 233 times for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns in 14 games last season. He spent time with the Tennessee Titans this offseason before being let go on July 25. He was signed by Carolina on July 31 but waived on August 19. Carolina won't have Jonathon Brooks (knee) for at least the first four games of the season, and with Miles Sanders (finger) banged up, Johnson adds depth to the practice squad. For now, he's nowhere near the fantasy football radar.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will square up against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the team's home opener this Sunday and hopes to begin the year hot as he has the prior two seasons. Tagovailoa began 2022 with a 469-yard six-touchdown performance in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens and tossed 466 yards and three scores in Week 1 last season against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jacksonville's defense was a stout unit on the ground in 2023, allowing the ninth-fewest rushing yards in the league. However, they were much more porous through the air as opponents threw for the seventh-most yards (4,076) and touchdowns (27) against the unit. Look for Mike McDaniel to cook up some innovative play designs to scheme a few wide-open looks for the fifth-year QB. The Alabama product is a back-end QB1 (QB12) in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is the healthiest he's been in a while as the Packers travel south to Brazil to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their Week 1 season opener. Watson's lower-leg injuries have dominated the offseason when talking about the third-year pro from North Dakota St., but those seem to be mostly rectified as testing found Watson had a muscle imbalance in his legs which likely contributed to his constant hamstring issues. Watson participated in every practice during training camp, so he's ready to build off of his first two seasons where he's averaged seven touchdowns and an efficient 1.91 yards per route run combined. Watson does have a lot of competition within his wide receiver room with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks itching for coveted playing time, but consider Watson a low-end WR3 or solid flex option that can make a fantasy week with a long touchdown against the Eagles and Vic Fangio's two-deep shell defense.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave was the clear leader in the tight end room last season until he suffered a kidney laceration that put him on the shelf until Week 18. Whether Musgrave can retain that heavy snap and route utilization in Week 1 remains to be seen, but this week, Musgrave is more of a streaming option at tight end than a locked-in starter for fantasy purposes. Musgrave was just TE22 in fantasy points per game from Weeks 1-10 last season and he wasn't super useful in fantasy with just two weeks as a TE1. Tucker Kraft (back) may miss Week 1 for the Packers, leaving Musgrave as the lone realistic option for the Packers to run the majority of routes. Even then, the expectations for Musgrave should be tempered against an Eagles team that will keep opposing offenses in front of them with Vic Fangio's two-deep shell.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson will put on a Packers uniform for the first time in a very unique way: playing in a regular season opener in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles. Narveson spent his preseason with the Tennessee Titans and was released a little over a week ago after losing the kicking competition to veteran Nick Folk. When the Packers' kicking job was still unsettled after the preseason, Narveson was scooped up by the Packers as the team released both second-year kicker Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph. Now the Packers' kicker heading into Week 1, Narveson has a short leash but a booming leg that could help him when the weather turns cold. As a career 78% field goal kicker in college with Iowa State, Western Kentucky, and N.C. State, Narveson should have some solid opportunity in the early going with the Packers but is probably more of a wait-and-see fantasy kicker in Week 1. If he comes out of the gates strong, he's worth a speculative add.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is a strong fantasy start in your quarterback slot as Love and the Packers head to Brazil to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Friday's Week 1 opener. Love ended the 2023 season incredibly strong as the QB4 from Week 11 to the end of the season as the Packers made the playoffs and scored a win over the Cowboys in the wild-card round. They will face an Eagles team in transition on defense as they will have Vic Fangio coordinating their defense this season. While the Eagles last season were one of the worst teams against the pass, one would assume a sizable improvement for the Eagles' defense is coming under Fangio, who has been one of the more respected defensive coaches in getting the most out of his players. Still, Love should be able to use his deep pool of wide receivers, tight ends, and running back Josh Jacobs to put up solid numbers as a low-end QB1 this week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs should be considered a solid RB2 in his matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday evening. Jacobs came over from the Raiders after five up-and-down seasons, with his best season coming in 2022. Finishing as RB3 that season, Jacobs put up over 1,600 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in a breakout season, but last season saw Jacobs return to his inefficient ways. Heading to a Packers' offense that is rising with Jordan Love and a bunch of young receivers, Jacobs is expected to carry quite a bit of the rushing workload this season, though he will split some time with rookie MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson. Against the Eagles' solid run defense that limited opposing backs to the sixth-lowest yards after contact per attempt last season, Jacobs should be able to put up a usable fantasy stat line predicated by volume in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed looks to build off of his exciting and productive rookie campaign as the Packers travel south to Brazil to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. Reed comes off of a stellar rookie season where he up 10 total touchdowns, 90 targets, and 64 receptions for 793 receiving yards and should improve upon those numbers in his second year with the green and gold. As the primary slot man seeing almost 76% of snaps there last season, Reed may come off the field a little more than we'd like when the formation condenses, but his efficiency was excellent last season with a 2.05 yards per route run. Against the Eagles in Week 1, Reed should have a tougher time than last year's slot receivers did, as the Eagles reinforced their nickel back situation with rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Still, Reed is a low-end WR3 in your fantasy lineups and has all the upside in the world for the Packers in this week's matchup.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said that he's "hopeful" that cornerback Jalen Ramsey (calf) will be able to play in the Week 1 matchup on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Ramsey has yet to practice with the team this week and has been sidelined since Aug. 12 with his calf injury, so the odds aren't good that the veteran cornerback will be able to play this weekend unless he returns to practice on Friday. The Dolphins face off against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on a short week next Thursday, too, which will most likely very much play into the team's decision to play Ramsey this weekend. Miami's secondary will be much more vulnerable against Trevor Lawrence and company if Ramsey isn't active this Sunday, and it could force rookie corner Storm Duck into meaningful snaps right away.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (hand) travels to Brazil as the team is set to square off with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. For Week 1, Doubs is nursing a hand injury and was limited Tuesday as well as on Wednesday's projected injury report as that is the team's travel day to Brazil. In terms of fantasy, Doubs is a low-end flex option where you're hoping he gets into the end zone. 2023 saw Doubs run the most routes on the team but was pretty inefficient with those routes, with the lowest yards per route run and targets per route run of the quartet of Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks last season. The same target competition exists in 2024 and Doubs has as much of a chance as anybody in this Packers' offense to lead the team in receiving, as evidenced by his postseason where he put up 10 receptions, 234 yards, and a touchdown in two playoff games.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz said during a press conference on Thursday that the team thinks it will be a near 50-50 split in the backfield between running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears this year. Holz goes on to say that the Titans have some plays earmarked specifically for Pollard or Spears, but the rest of them are interchangeable. We'll get a better look at Tennessee's new backfield combination on Sunday in Week 1 at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears, but it sounds as though the Titans feel that Pollard and Spears are interchangeable and are basically co-starters to begin the 2024 season. Pollard failed to impress in a lead-back role in Dallas in 2023, and it doesn't look like he's going to have a leg up on backfield touches over Spears in his first year in Tennessee. To open the regular season, both RBs should be considered more of RB3/flex plays.
From RotoBaller