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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Champions Draft Results

Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5

Player Notes
Emmanuel Ogbah Oct 2 7:50pm ET
Emmanuel Ogbah

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (knee) said that his 2024 season is over. Phillips will require reconstructive knee surgery and will not be able to rejoin the team for the rest of the year. It's a major blow for the Dolphins defense the rest of the way. The 25-year-old Phillips also suffered a season-ending Achilles injury halfway through the 2023 season. The 18th overall pick in 2021 out of Miami, Phillips picked up six tackles (two solo), a sack, one tackle for loss and two QB hits while defending two passes in four games this year before his knee injury. Fantasy managers in single-year IDP formats can obviously drop Phillips now. The Dolphins will be asking a lot more out of Emmanuel Ogbah at the linebacker position with Phillips out for the rest of the season. The Dolphins defense/special teams unit is in play as a streaming option for the second week against a punchless Patriots offense in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 2 7:50pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been off to an extremely hot start to begin the season. Godwin has six receptions or more in every game with over 53 yards or more in each of those contests. The veteran wideout has also scored three touchdowns as the move back to the slot has done great things for his career. The biggest problem for Godwin's value is that he continues to battle with fellow wideout Mike Evans for targets. Luckily, the Bucs have gone pass-heavy early on which has given both receivers solid value most weeks. Godwin should once again be in the WR1 conversation for the upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Oct 2 7:40pm ET
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), who is officially listed on the Week 5 injury report with a knee injury, practiced in full on Wednesday. Fellow wideouts Braxton Berrios (ankle) and Malik Washington (quadriceps) were listed as limited. Beckham's knee injury caused him to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2024 season, but his 21-day practice window has now been opened and he could be activated and make his Dolphins debut as early as this Sunday versus the division-rival New England Patriots. Fantasy managers in most leagues can leave the 31-year-old veteran on the waiver wire given the fact that Miami's offense has taken a nosedive with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on Injured Reserve. When he's ready, OBJ will be battling for playing time in a reserve role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The three-time Pro Bowler (2014-16) had 35 catches for 565 yards and three TDs in 14 games for Baltimore in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Oct 2 7:30pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday. Ekeler suffered a concussion in the Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and wasn't cleared to play in the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Dan Quinn said that Ekeler's status is trending up heading into their Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns, although Ekeler still has steps to clear in the league's concussion protocol and must be cleared by an independent neurologist later this week. The 29-year-old's improving status and the fact that Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was a DNP on Wednesday makes Washington's backfield one to watch heading into the weekend. Even if B-Rob is able to play, Ekeler will have RB3/flex appeal in PPR leagues if he's cleared to return. Ekeler has a rushing touchdown and nine receptions for 121 yards through his first three games in D.C.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 2 7:30pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has continued to work his way into a larger role on this offense. Last week, Irving saw a career-high 10 carries for 49 yards and scored his first rushing touchdown of his career. Irving has seen 12 touches or more in three of the first four games this season. Lead back Rachaad White has struggled and Irving has played so well that it has turned into more of a committee approach. Honestly, Irving seems more like the lead back as his big-play ability is hard to ignore. He'll head into a tough matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. A defense that has done a nice job at holding running backs in check. Irving should continue seeing an increased workload which should only increase his fantasy value. He's worth rostering in most fantasy formats and has flex appeal in certain formats for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Oct 2 7:20pm ET
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

The Kansas City Chiefs officially designated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (personal) to return from the Non-Football Illness list on Wednesday. It doesn't mean that Edwards-Helaire will be active for the Monday night contest against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, but he is getting close to a 2024 debut after dealing with some personal issues. Isiah Pacheco (leg) remains on Injured Reserve, so there is opportunity in KC's backfield, but CEH could still be a long shot for fantasy production in 2024 alongside the likes of Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele. The former first-rounder in 2020 out of LSU has been a bust in the NFL so far through four seasons and averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per carry on a career-low 70 rushing attempts in 15 regular-season games in 2023. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team leagues should continue to ignore Edwards-Helaire.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 2 7:10pm ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was reportedly injured in practice on Wednesday and was listed as limited on the injury report. It's more bad news for White, who has been a big disappointment for the Raiders and fantasy managers through the first four weeks of 2024. White's status for the Week 5 divisional clash against the Denver Broncos this Sunday is now firmly in question. If he is limited or unable to suit up, Alexander Mattison would instantly become at least an RB3/flex option in Denver. White has been afforded double-digit carries in three of four games so far, but he's averaged a career-low 3.1 yards per carry and hasn't found the end zone. In addition to Mattison, Ameer Abdullah would have an expanded role in the Raiders' backfield against the Broncos if White's groin injury sidelines him. White has also added just five catches for 16 yards this year.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 2 7:10pm ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters on Wednesday that "hopefully we have him back soon" when referring to wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee), who was feared to have torn his ACL in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Further testing on Rice's knee earlier this week has offered a glimpse of hope that he didn't suffer a season-ending injury last Sunday. He is currently seeking a second opinion, and his timetable for a return remains unclear. Mahomes isn't exactly a doctor, but fantasy managers in single-year leagues definitely shouldn't drop Rice just yet. Rice leads the team with 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns but will not play on Monday night against the Saints. The Chiefs are expected to spread the ball around more with Rice out, with rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster expected to be Mahomes' top three wideouts. Tight end Travis Kelce will also have a higher fantasy ceiling.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 2 7:00pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Love sprained his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil but returned in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings this past Sunday. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Love "did a really nice job" at practice and "it looks like he's just getting back into the groove." The 25-year-old went 32-for-54 for 389 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions against Minnesota in his first game back. He will start in Week 5 in a great matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend as long as he doesn't have a setback with his knee this week. Even with receiver Christian Watson (ankle) likely out this week, Love should be considered a must-start QB1 against a Rams defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks through four weeks.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 2 7:00pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a game where he threw for nearly 350 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Mayfield tossed two touchdowns and even rushed into the end zone for a score as the Bucs picked up their third win of the season. The veteran signal-caller has eight touchdowns with only two interceptions on the season as he heads into a Thursday night matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. A defensive unit that has been average in terms of holding opposing quarterback in check. Fantasy managers should be able to continue believing in Mayfield as he should be considered a high-end QB2 for this Thursday night contest.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Oct 2 6:50pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Wednesday that wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) will avoid going on Injured Reserve, which would have cost him at least four games. Watson suffered a minor high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and did not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. The 25-year-old hasn't officially been ruled out for Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams, but that's expected to come later this week. It's still quite possible that the oft-injured Watson misses multiple games, which will mean bigger roles for Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, who scored twice last Sunday against Minnesota. Wicks was a popular waiver-wire pickup this week with Watson likely to miss time. Tight end Tucker Kraft could also get more involved.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 2 6:40pm ET
Bo Nix

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) was unable to practice with the team on Wednesday. Crosby suffered an ankle injury in the Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers and missed the first game of his career in the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. Posting a DNP in the first practice of the week isn't a good sign for Crosby returning in a Week 5 divisional matchup against the Denver Broncos, but he does have two more days to return to practice. Not having the 27-year-old, who is one of the best pass-rushers in football, would make the Raiders' defense/special teams unit less attractive as a streamer this week, although the matchup this week against Denver rookie quarterback Bo Nix is a nice one. Crosby, a three-time Pro Bowler, already has 14 tackles (eight solo), three sacks, five tackles for loss and five QB hits in his three games played in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 2 6:40pm ET
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is not expected to play in Week 5 this Sunday on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to league sources. Not only has Adams told the organization that he wants to be traded, but he's considered week-to-week after injuring his hamstring in practice last week and missing the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. The 31-year-old missed another practice on Wednesday and may not play again for the Raiders until he traded. The problem with that for fantasy managers is that the trade deadline isn't until early November. The six-time Pro Bowler is a must-start in fantasy lineups when he's on the field, and a trade out of Vegas should eventually improve his fantasy value. Moving forward, all of Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, DJ Turner and rookie tight end Brock Bowers will receive a boost with Adams' tenure in Vegas likely coming to an end soon.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 2 6:30pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team "just doesn't feel" that rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) is ready to have his 21-day practice window opened this week. "I know he is really close. When he's good to go, himself and the medical staff, we'll be pumped to have him back," Shanahan said. Pearsall, who was a surprise first-round selection back in April, missed time in training camp due to a nagging hamstring injury and was then shot in the chest shortly before the start of the regular season during a burglary attempt. The 24-year-old recovered quickly from his gunshot wound but doesn't have a clear timetable for a return. When Pearsall is finally cleared to make his NFL debut, he'll have a lot of ground to cover and shouldn't be expected to make much of an impact in single-year fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 2 6:30pm ET
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Adams suffered a hamstring injury in practice last week, missed the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, and is considered week-to-week. In addition to his injury, Adams has told the Raiders he wants to be traded, making it likely that he'll miss a second straight game for Vegas this weekend versus the division-rival Denver Broncos. The 31-year-old six-time Pro Bowler unsurprisingly is drawing plenty of interest around the league, but no trade is currently imminent. With Adams likely out again in Week 5, expect Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner to work as the top three wideouts for quarterback Gardner Minshew II for the second straight week. A trade out of Vegas should boost Adams' fantasy value the rest of the way, but in the meantime, he might be on benches for a bit.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 2 6:20pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) did not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Kittle was forced from the Week 4 win against the New England Patriots with a rib injury but later returned to the contest and caught a jump-ball touchdown in the end zone in the blowout victory. The team considers him day-to-day for now, but a DNP in the first practice of the week isn't a great sign. The Niners could just be giving him the day off, but either way, the 30-year-old will need to return to practice in the next two days to give himself a chance to face the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 on Sunday. When healthy and active, the five-time Pro Bowler is a must-start TE1 in fantasy. Kittle has missed one game due to a hamstring injury but has caught 15 of 17 targets in his three games for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 2 6:00pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (calf, knee) won't carry an injury designation into Thursday night's divisional contest against the Atlanta Falcons to kick off Week 5 action. Evans was held out of practice on Monday but was limited on Tuesday and Wednesday and is good to go. Fellow receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) will not play, which means veteran Sterling Shepard will serve as the WR3 for Tampa behind Evans and Chris Godwin against Atlanta. Now that we know for sure that Evans is good to go, he should be locked into all starting fantasy lineups as he looks for a second straight strong week. In the win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, Evans had season-highs in catches (eight) and yards (94) while finding the end zone for the third time in 2024. It was a nice bounce-back after catching just two passes for 17 yards the week prior.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 2 5:50pm ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) is on the team's Week 5 injury report after being limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Fellow RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was also listed as limited. Etienne injured his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans before eventually returning, but it led to a bigger role for Bigsby, who had seven carries for a season-high 90 yards on the ground. The 25-year-old Etienne had 11 carries for 50 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards. Both RBs should be available to play in Week 5 versus the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but Bigsby's efficient performance last week could lead Jacksonville to give him a bigger piece of the backfield pie as the Jags look for their first win of 2024. Etienne should be viewed as an RB2 in fantasy, with Bigsby becoming a more appealing RB3/flex in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 2 5:50pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was able to put in a limited practice on Wednesday. Njoku is slowly working his way back from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku hasn't played in a game since, but he could be tracking toward his return in Week 5 this Sunday to face the Washington Commanders. The Browns coaching staff still wants to see a little more out of Njoku in practice the rest of the week before clearing him, so fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his progress before throwing him back into starting lineups as a low-end TE1 in what has been a mediocre Browns offense to this point. Backup Jordan Akins hasn't been an answer for fantasy managers as a streamer the last three weeks, as he's caught just six passes for 49 yards and no scores in the three games that Njoku has missed.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 2 5:40pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Engram injured his hamstring before the Week 2 contest and hasn't played since. However, the fact that he's back on the practice field should at least give him a shot to play this weekend in a divisional contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Engram will likely need to put in a full practice later this week to avoid a questionable tag on Friday. The 30-year-old caught just one of his four targets for a five-yard gain in the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. When he returns, Engram should become a bigger part of Jacksonville's offense as they look for their first win of the season. Backup Brenton Strange has caught eight of his 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown in an elevated role the last three weeks with Engram sidelined.

From RotoBaller