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
The Chicago Bears ruled out running back Travis Homer (hamstring) for the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. It doesn't come as much of a surprise since Homer has been sidelined with his hamstring injury since Week 15. When healthy, the 26-year-old was buried on Chicago's RB depth chart this year in a bad offense behind both D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. That limited role afforded him just six rushing attempts for 23 yards while also catching three passes for 11 yards. Homer mainly contributed on special teams for Chicago in his second year with the team. The former sixth-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 out of Miami didn't see a single carry and failed to catch his only target in 16 games with the Bears in 2023. Homer will become an unrestricted free agent in March and will look for a bigger role elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was not asked to do much in Week 17 and will hope to be more involved in a Week 18 bout with the Cincinnati Bengals. Just a few weeks ago, Boswell drilled five extra points and three field goals in a win against Cincinnati in which the Steelers put up 44 points. The Bengals have surrendered over 26 points per contest this season, so it's no surprise this divisional contest has a healthy projected point total of 48.5. Boswell offers plenty of upside on Saturday and should remain in fantasy lineups that still have something to play for.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (hand) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meaning rookie Spencer Rattler will make his sixth start of the year to wrap things up for the Saints. Carr suffered a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand in the Week 14 win over the New York Giants and wasn't able to return to the field this year. The 33-year-old finishes up a disappointing second season in the Big Easy in which he battled multiple injuries yet again. In a career-low 10 games played in 2024, Carr also had career-lows in passing yards (2,145) and touchdowns (15) while throwing five interceptions. Given the Saints' salary cap situation heading into the future, it's likely they'll approach a contract restructure for Carr to return in 2025, where he could compete for the starting job with Rattler.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (concussion) didn't practice all week and has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he suffered a concussion in the Week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Alvin Kamara (groin) is doubtful to play as well, which means Clyde Edwards-Helaire could lead the Saints' backfield against the Bucs this weekend, with veteran Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims also pitching in. The 22-year-old Miller dealt with more injuries in his sophomore season in the NFL after playing in only eight games as a rookie in 2023. The former TCU product played in just eight games in 2024 and had 39 rushing attempts for 148 yards and one touchdown, adding five catches for 33 yards. Miller's standing in the organization has likely soured after two injury-filled years to begin his career.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams will rest running back Kyren Williams for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks at Sofi Stadium on Sunday, according to head coach Sean McVay. The Rams are prioritizing rest for their best players this weekend despite the fact that they could slip to the No. 4 seed in the NFC for the playoffs if they lose to Seattle and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints. With Williams sitting the final game of the regular season out, rookie Blake Corum should get all the backfield touches he can handle on Sunday with backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo running the offense. The Rams' offense is unlikely to be as efficient without their top weapons, but for the volume alone, Corum has easy RB2 upside. Williams finishes his third season in the NFL with a career-best 1,299 rushing yards and a career-high 14 TDs on 316 carries over 16 starts.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (groin) is listed as doubtful to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kamara hasn't practiced or played since suffering an adductor injury in Week 15 and he's unlikely to see the field to close out the 2024 season this weekend. Head coach Darren Rizzi said Kamara will go through a workout on Saturday morning, at which point he'll likely be officially ruled out for Week 18. The lone incentive for the 29-year-old to play on Sunday is the fact that he's 50 yards from the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his NFL career. Still, it's unlikely he'll have a shot to reach that milestone. With Kendre Miller (concussion) already ruled out, it's looking like the Saints' backfield will be led by Clyde-Edwards Helaire, who made his team and season debut in Week 17.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (illness) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The rookie wideout missed the first two days of practice before getting in a full session on Friday. Odunze appears to be over the illness and will suit up for the regular season finale. The 22-year-old finished with one reception for 15 yards during last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Odunze hasn't been a productive fantasy option over the last few games. That being said, Odunze might have flex value, but probably won't offer much more for fantasy managers playing their championship games in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams will rest quarterback Matthew Stafford in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Sean McVay. Even though the Rams can fall from the No. 3 seed to the No. 4 seed in the NFL postseason picture with a loss to Seattle coupled with a win by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the Rams are prioritizing rest for key players on both sides of the ball. LA will also sit star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and starting running back Kyren Williams. With Stafford getting the week off, backup Jimmy Garoppolo will make his first start for the Rams at home at Sofi Stadium against the visiting Seahawks. Stafford finishes his fourth season with the Rams with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his 16 starts.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams will sit wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday at home against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Sean McVay. Even though the Rams could drop to the No. 4 seed in the NFC postseason picture with a loss coupled by a win by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the Rams are prioritizing rest for their key players on both sides of the ball. Without Nacua and Kupp on the field this weekend in the season finale, the Rams will likely be rolling with Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson and rookie Jordan Whittington in starting three-wide sets with backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo running the offense. Fantasy managers should obviously temper expectations for the Rams' offense without their best players, but Robinson could be a sneaky sleeper play in DFS lineups.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth will be looking to end an up-and-down regular season on a positive note against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. Freiermuth was heavily involved in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, logging a season-high seven receptions, but his best fantasy showing of the year came against this same Bengals team back in Week 13. The fourth-year pro hauled in six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown against his division rival, who has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in the NFL. Furthermore, Freiermuth has performed notably well against Cincinnati throughout his career, scoring double-digit half-PPR fantasy points in five of seven matchups. Fantasy managers with something to play for on Saturday can deploy Freiermuth as a top-12 option in most formats.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye (hand) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said that Maye would start on Sunday. Now, Maye is in danger of missing the regular season finale due to a right hand injury. If he sits, Joe Milton III would be in line to start this weekend. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett is also on the roster, but the Pats are likely to go with Milton over him. The former sixth-rounder is an intriguing prospect, but Milton isn't someone worth streaming especially against the Bills defense.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) is listed as doubtful for the Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Abdullah has been absent in practice this week after apparently picking up a foot injury during last week's win over the New Orleans Saints. The 31-year-old rushed 20 times for 115 yards and hauled in three of his four targets for 32 yards during last week's game. The absence of Abdullah would probably mean that Alexander Mattison would serve as the lead back on Sunday. Mattison has been held to 36 rushing yards or less in each of his last six games. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option for Week 18.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie wideout was a limited participant in practice each of the last two days. This was likely just the Giants monitoring Nabers' reps, so fantasy managers can expect him to be out there this weekend. He hauled in seven of his eight targets for 171 yards and two touchdowns during last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Fantasy managers can plug Nabers in as a WR1 against an Eagles defense that is resting most of their starters.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) has been ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against the Houston Texans. Folk will now miss his third game in a row due to an abdominal issue. He'll finish the season nearly perfect on his kicks. Folk made 25-of-25 extra point attempts and 21-of-22 field goal attempts during his 14 games with the Titans this season. The 40-year-old will be a free agent this offseason, but he shouldn't have any issues finding another opportunity, assuming he wants to continue his career. Matthew Wright will kick for the Titans for the regular season finale. He made all three of his kicks during last week's game.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Houston Texans. The 30-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Titans during the offseason in hopes of giving his offense a lift. Instead, Boyd had a down year with only 39 receptions for 390 yards and finished with zero touchdowns in 16 games. The expectation is that the rebuilding Titans will go in a different direction and let Boyd walk into free agency. The Titans will have Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine serve as their primary receiving options during Sunday's regular season finale.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against the Houston Texans. Spears will sit out the regular season finale after suffering a concussion during last week's game. Before that, Spears rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries, which was his best running performance of the season. Lead back Tony Pollard (ankle) is considered a game-time decision, so the Titans could be in a bad spot if he's unable to play. Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley could end up having bigger roles for Sunday's game. However, neither back is considered a viable streaming option for Week 18.
From RotoBaller
According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, New York Jets defensive back Sauce Gardner (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. The defensive back initially suffered this hamstring injury during Week 16 and reaggravated last weekend during their loss to the Buffalo Bills. During the week, Gardner was unable to practice in any capacity. As a result, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Brandin Echols and Michael Carter to see an increase in playing time on Sunday. Gardner will end his 2024 campaign with 49 tackles (36 solo), one sack, nine pass deflections, and one interception across 15 games.
From RotoBaller
According to Paul Kuharsky, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Pollard could not suit up last weekend due to an illness and this same ankle injury. During the week, Pollard was only able to practice in a limited capacity. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status throughout the weekend in case he faces a setback. With Tyjae Spears (concussion) not practicing with a concussion, Julius Chestnut could be the lone option in the backfield if Pollard can not turn the corner. Last weekend, Chestnut tallied 17 yards on three attempts. If Pollard can play, he should be viewed as a low-end RB2 in all formats, facing a Texans defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs this season.
From RotoBaller
According to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com, wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Mooney popped up on the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant but was then downgraded to a non-participant on Friday. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status over the weekend. However, seeing him downgrade throughout the week is not a positive sign. If Mooney were to sit out on Sunday, Drake London would see further increase in targets and Ray-Ray McCloud would move up to the No.2 spot on the depth chart. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. has looked London's way 21 times over his first two starts and would be viewed as a high-end WR2 if Mooney cannot play.
From RotoBaller
According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis will start in Week 18 against the Houston Texans. While Levis will start the game, it was reported earlier this week that the Titans would give both him and Mason Rudolph snaps in this contest. As a result, this makes them difficult to project from a fantasy standpoint. However, seeing Levis get the start may suggest he sees a slight edge in opportunities. Over the past two weeks, the team has given starting duties to Mason Rudolph. Over Levis' past four complete games, he averaged 225.6 passing yards per contest with a 7:2 TD:INT ratio. Fantasy managers should look for an alternative option this weekend, as both will carry a limited ceiling given their unknown snap count on Sunday.
From RotoBaller