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.
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said on Wednesday that veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) should be closer to full-go for the Week 2 game against the New York Jets, but the team will still be mindful of what they ask him to do as he gets into shape. As a result, Callahan said he sees Hopkins' role growing in practice and this coming Sunday after he played just 27% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, which ranked fourth behind Calvin Ridley, Tyler Body, and even Treylon Burks. The 32-year-old finished with just one catch on his only target for eight yards. Expect to see Hopkins on the field more this weekend, but against one of the best secondaries in the league, fantasy managers would probably be wise to keep Hopkins on their benches as he continues to work past a knee injury. Hopkins practiced in full on Wednesday.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Apparently Schultz is a little gimpy after the team's Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old played a healthy 79 percent of the team's offensive snaps but disappointed his fantasy managers in the season opener by catching all three of his targets for just 16 yards. His status for the rest of the week should now closely be monitored, and he could head into Sunday's Week 2 game against the visiting Chicago Bears with an injury designation. Schultz is on the TE1/2 borderline most weeks given all the mouths to feed in Houston's passing game. If Schultz's injury is too serious for him to play this weekend, Brevin Jordan would most likely take his spot as the top pass-catching tight end for the Texans on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (knee) was listed on the team's first practice report for Week 2 on Wednesday, but he practiced in full and should be fine to play this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. It's something to watch moving forward, but it shouldn't make fantasy managers hesitant to use the 27-year-old signal-caller as a QB1 in starting lineups this weekend. Murray was inconsistent in the Week 1 loss on the road to the Buffalo Bills, going 21-for-31 for 162 yards and a touchdown. He also had five carries for 57 yards and a lost fumble. Murray connected with rookie first-round receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. just once for four yards. It's nothing to be too concerned about yet, and Murray's rushing abilities at QB give him QB1 upside most weeks. Expect Murray to look Harrison's way a lot more in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf), who didn't play in the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons, opened the week on the injury report and was limited on Wednesday. "He feels better (Tuesday) than he did over the weekend," said head coach Mike Tomlin of Wilson. "But as I sit here Tuesday, we're preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that's the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time." Fields didn't do anything to wow and didn't even lead the offense to a single touchdown, but he didn't turn the ball over, which is most important. For now, Wilson is day-to-day, but things are trending toward Fields getting a second straight start in Denver in Week 2 against the Broncos. Until he can get back on the field, the 35-year-old Wilson is only worth stashing in superflex fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Steelers.com's Teresa Varley writes that things are looking up for Wilson, who didn't play at all in the preseason or the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. "Expect an uptick in the participation of guys like Roman Wilson, who's working his way back to us, who's a partial participant at times and so forth," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "We're excited about getting him in the fold and seeing him maybe take a step." The third-rounder was also limited all of last week before being inactive on Sunday. There is plenty of opportunity in Pittsburgh's inexperienced receiving corps, but it's hard to expect Wilson to have much of a role when he gets fully healthy after all the developmental time he missed in training camp and the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) continues to deal with a thigh injury and was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Lockett has been dealing with a thigh injury since the middle of August at training camp. He also was limited in practices last week but ultimately suited up for the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Lockett played 54 percent of the offensive snaps, which was third behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he still managed to catch six of seven targets for a healthy 77 yards. As he gets healthier, the 31-year-old's snap count should rise, and he should be able to play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots unless he suffers a setback in practice later this week. Lockett is shaping up as a WR4/flex play for fantasy managers for the second week in a row.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday. In addition to Fant, fellow tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) was limited due to a foot injury. Fant was also limited in practice early last week before ultimately suiting up in the Week 1 win over his former team, the Denver Broncos. In the season-opening victory, the 26-year-old caught just two of four targets for 11 yards while playing 75 percent of the offensive snaps for Seattle. Barring a setback with his toe injury, he should be just fine to play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Fant took a major step back in this offense last year, so unless one or two of the Seahawks' trio of wide receivers go down with an injury, he's likely to be a low-upside, low-floor, low-end TE2 option for fantasy managers in 2024.
From RotoBaller
When asked if the door is open for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) to suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I'd say it's pretty open." Love did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain in his left knee at the very end of the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday in Brazil. The Packers are not placing the 25-year-old on Injured Reserve, which means they are confident he can return within the next four games. However, despite LaFleur's comments about Love having a shot to play this weekend, fantasy managers should have already formulated a plan to be without Love in Week 2 and possibly beyond. Love's injury typically comes with a three- to six-week timetable, so the smart money is on him missing multiple weeks. The Packers offense could struggle mightily with backup Malik Willis under center in the meantime.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Walker suffered an oblique injury in the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but luckily his injury forced him out of the game late and he was able to provide 20 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown before leaving. He also added two catches for six yards. The 23-year-old is considered day-to-day as of Wednesday, but his status for the Week 2 contest against the New England Patriots is very much up in the air. Walker is a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 if he's active as Seattle's lead back, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he carries a questionable tag into the weekend. If Walker doesn't get cleared to play, backup Zach Charbonnet would work as Seattle's starting RB. Charbonnet is rostered in only 51% of Yahoo leagues currently.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) was given a rest day at practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Matt Eberflus. The Bears will evaluate Allen on Thursday and see where he's at. Allen tweaked a heel injury that he also dealt with in training camp in August in the Week 1 season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans and even went into the medical tent on the sideline to be checked, but he eventually returned to the field and finished out the game. In addition to Allen, rookie Rome Odunze's (knee) is dealing with an MCL sprain and may not be able to play in Week 2 at the Houston Texans. The 32-year-old Allen's status should be closely monitored the next few days. If both he and Odunze are unable to play against the Texans, DJ Moore will see as many targets as he can handle, with tight end Cole Kmet also see a sizeable uptick in targets from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) said that his surgically-repaired right wrist is not impacting his ability to throw the ball down the field. Burrow was seen flexing his right wrist on the sideline of the Week 1 upset loss to the New England Patriots, but he said it's normal and he does it all the time to keep the joint loose after his offseason surgery. The 27-year-old practiced in full on Wednesday and will be ready to roll for a tough Week 2 date this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Burrow struggled mightily in the season opener without receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) and after not practicing with Ja'Marr Chase at all during training camp and the preseason. Higgins could miss another game this weekend. We're expecting Burrow and Cincy's offense to eventually figure it out, but after the ugly Week 1 performance, Burrow is more on the QB2 radar than the QB1 for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) wouldn't practice on Wednesday and instead would stay inside and get treatment on his injured ankle. Addison injured his right ankle in the Week 1 blowout win over the New York Giants, and it's unclear exactly if he will be able to play in Week 2 this Sunday versus the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings are hopeful that the 22-year-old second-year pass-catch can play against the Niners, but they are playing it smart with his ankle, and it will ultimately come down to how much Addison can do in practice later this week. Despite the Vikings winning comfortably in Week 1, Addison had only three catches on four targets for 35 yards. If he's inactive in Week 2 or limited at all by his ankle, Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell will compete for targets behind WR1 Justin Jefferson.
From RotoBaller
When asked if the team's Week 6 bye will help get Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee), and offensive linemen Steve Avila (knee) and Joe Noteboom (ankle) back after only missing the required four games while on Injured Reserve, head coach Sean McVay said, "They each have unique injuries that as of right now could keep them out longer than that." The Rams officially placed all three players on IR on Wednesday, meaning they have to sit out Weeks 2-5. The 23-year-old Nacua will have an extra week to recover because of the team's bye, but it sounds like he may not even be ready for Week 7 against the Raiders due to a PCL sprain in his right knee that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Lions. WR1 Cooper Kupp is going to eat with Nacua sidelined, while Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson will also be much more involved in the passing game, as well as tight end Colby Parkinson.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (ankle) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, forcing him to miss at least four games. The rookie running back had a limited role in the Week 1 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, totaling two rushing attempts for 14 yards, including a 12-yard rush. While the former Notre Dame star was the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, his time on injured reserve could open up playing time for Blake Watson. The undrafted free-agent running back is worth adding in dynasty and deeper redraft leagues. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin should again receive most of the backfield workload in the Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (concussion) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, according to Nick Underhill of New Orleans Football. Moreau left Sunday's game early due to concussion protocol and did not return. Before the injury, Moreau caught all four of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. Seeing the 27-year-old on the practice field is a good sign for his potential status for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. However, he will need to pass a specific concussion protocol in order to suit up. Given his workload in the season opener, Moreau is shaping up to be a solid TE2 if he plays on Sunday. However, if he is unable to play, Juwan Johnson is likely to see an increase in snaps.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (back) was limited in practice on Wednesday with a back injury according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The Packers are likely easing the practice workload on their newly acquired running back prior to their Week 2 match against the Indianapolis Colts. Jacobs saw a heavy workload on Friday evening against the Eagles as presumed backup MarShawn Lloyd was inactive with a hamstring injury. Jacobs logged a hefty 42 offensive snaps in that game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Jacobs' status prior to the weekend. Lloyd was also a limited participant in practice as well. If Jacobs were to face any limitations in Week 2, Emmanuel Wilson will likely see an uptick in work.
From RotoBaller
In Week 2, the Miami Dolphins will face their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills, on Thursday Night Football. The Dolphins are 2.5-point favorites, while the matchup has a 48-point implied total for the two teams. Miami's D held up well against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday in their 20-17 victory. They allowed just 139 yards and a score through the air against the Jags, though they did let up 128 and a score on the ground. While Josh Allen might be missing his leading wide receivers from 2023, he still found a way to put up 271 total yards and four combined scores against the Cardinals. Miami's defense fared better in their second matchup (at home) against Buffalo in 2023, but they got gashed for 48 points in Week 4 when they took them on in Buffalo. The unit can be left on waivers and benches ahead of Week 2 as RotoBaller's DEF24.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Kadarius Toney (undisclosed) was not practicing on Wednesday due to a minor undisclosed injury, according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram. Toney recently signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns on Monday to join the practice squad. The 25-year-old will likely need substantial time to get accustomed to the Cleveland playbook and should not be expected to join the active roster anytime soon. Last season, the former first-round selection played in 13 games for the Kansas City Chiefs but totaled just 169 yards and a score on 27 catches. He added 31 yards on the ground. Toney should remain on all waiver wires until he earns a consistent role in the Cleveland offense.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) was limited at practice on Wednesday, according to Richard Silva of the Detroit News. The 23-year-old did not show any injury concerns earlier this week, so the Lions could be leaning on the side of cation with their former first-round pick. Williams saw very limited playing time throughout the first two seasons of his career but began to find some consistency late last season. In the season opener on Sunday, the Alabama product led all Detroit pass-catchers with 121 yards. This was highlighted by an impressive 52-yard touchdown catch. Fantasy managers should follow Williams' status prior to Sunday. The wideout is shaping up to be a high-end flex play as the Lions face the Buccaneers in a Divisional Round rematch.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders will again look to help his team to a victory when they face the Buffalo Bills in a Thursday Night Football divisional matchup. Sanders successfully converted both of his extra-point tries and 2-of-3 field goals -- including a 52-yard game-winner with time expiring -- against the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Sunday. His miss was a 42-yard attempt in the third quarter. The 28-year-old did not attempt a field goal in his matchups against the Bills last season and was just 4-for-4 on point attempt tries over the two contests. Buffalo's defense doesn't hold quite the star power it once did, so it's fair to expect Sanders to score more than two fantasy points -- his total in both matchups last season. Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater connected on both of his FG and XP tries last week in the team's 34-28 loss. The Bills will probably play the Fins tough, but Sanders should still have a nice game. He's RotoBaller's K8 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller