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.
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
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns are placing running backs Jerome Ford (ankle) and Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) and tight end David Njoku (knee) on Injured Reserve, ending their season. All three players were previously ruled out for Sunday's game, and this move opens up additional roster spots for the Browns on Saturday. As a result, fantasy managers should expect D'Onta Foreman and John Kelly to see most of the snaps in the backfield on Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens. Jordan Akins will likely get the start at tight end. Ford opened the season as the starter with Nick Chubb sidelined and reclaimed that role for the past few weeks when Chubb's season ended due to a foot fracture. Njoku also batted injuries throughout the season but began to find his footing over his past five contests, averaging 15.4 PPR points. Foreman and Akins are viable plays in deeper formats this weekend and are high-floor options in DFS.
From RotoBaller
According to Mike Chappell of FOX 59, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson "didn't make enough progress this week." The former fourth-overall selection sat out last weekend with this same injury and could not practice all week. Through his sophomore campaign, the Florida product appeared in 11 games and missed time with other injuries and due to being benched. Across this span, he averaged an underwhelming 164.9 passing yards per game with 45.4 rushing yards per game. He tallied 14 total touchdowns while averaging 19.0 PPR points per game. As a result, veteran Joe Flacco will be given the starting nod in the final game of the regular season. He is a viable high-end QB2 facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing QBs this season.
From RotoBaller
According to the team, Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip/wrist) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie wideout opened the week as a full participant on Wednesday but was downgraded to a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, which caused him to carry a questionable tag. The 23-year-old missed their Week 16 contest with these same injuries but was able to suit up last weekend. In Week 17, the South Carolina Product caught five of his nine targets for just 28 yards. If Legette can turn the corner in time for Sunday, he would slot in as the No.2 WR on the team, behind Adam Thielen. Fantasy managers should view him as a risky flex option, as he has not scored double-digit PPR points over his past five games despite seeing 6.8 targets per game.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) and cornerback Jamel Dean (knee) will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Winfield injured his knee in the Week 14 win against the Las Vegas Raiders and hasn't played since, but he did return to practice on Thursday, which is a good sign for his availability if the Bucs win on Sunday and lock up the NFC South division title and a playoff berth. Dean aggravated a knee injury in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers. It's unclear as to whether the 28-year-old will be available next week if the Buccaneers qualify for the playoffs. With Dean out this weekend, Josh Hayes will be asked to step up as the team's second cornerback. When healthy, Winfield is one of the best safeties in football, so it will be important for Tampa to get him back if they continue playing past Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) will be a game-time decision for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, according to head coach Todd Bowles. Otton has missed the last two games but returned to a limited practice on Thursday for the first time since Dec. 20, giving him a chance to suit up for a must-win game this weekend. Payne Durham (quadriceps) is also iffy for the regular-season finale for the Bucs, so in the event that both Otton and Durham are held out against the Saints, rookie Devin Culp would be in line for an elevated role for the second straight week after catching three of four targets for 52 yards in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Otton went off for several weeks when receiver Mike Evans was injured, but he's since fallen to a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE1 when healthy.
From RotoBaller
According to Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins are preparing to start quarterback Tyler Huntley on Sunday against the New York Jets as Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is "unlikely to play." This situation frustrates fantasy managers because Tagovailoa logged a few limited practices to start the week. Huntley played admirably in Tagovailoa's absence last week and threw for 225 yards through the air, with a majority (105 yards) going to Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins still have a chance to sneak into the AFC playoffs, but they will need to win on Sunday over the Jets and the Chiefs, who are expected to play backups mostly, to beat the Broncos. If Tagovailoa does not suit up, Huntley will be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) is still not practicing on Friday and has now missed six days overall (four straight practices and two more estimated practices) due to pretty serious back spasms that kept him sidelined for the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. Richardson said he was feeling much better this week, but with the Colts being eliminated from the playoffs with their loss last week, it's unlikely that the team would throw Richardson out there in Sunday's regular-season finale against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars if he's not 100 percent. If he's ruled out on Friday, veteran Joe Flacco would make a second straight start in a friendly matchup for fantasy purposes. Richardson, the fourth overall pick last year, continues to be injury-prone early in his career and did not have the second-year breakout that many were predicting in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Friday that quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) is "progressing through the protocol" when asked about Hurts' status heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Sirianni didn't offer any additional details. Hurts suffered a concussion in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and was inactive for last week's blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. With the Eagles locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC for the postseason, they will rest key starters on both sides of the ball this weekend, including Hurts. Hopefully, he will make enough progress through the concussion protocol in order to be cleared to play in the wild-card round of the playoffs next weekend. If Kenny Pickett (ribs) doesn't play in Week 18, third-stringer Tanner McKee will get the start against New York.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) has been inactive for the last two weeks with a rib injury. Bills head coach Sean McDermott indicated that Samuel is the only player likely to be questionable for this Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. The Bills have already secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff picture, so the main reason to consider playing Samuel this week would be to give him some game reps before their playoff matchup next weekend. Samuel has had a disappointing season, recording only 24 receptions for 201 yards and one touchdown. Fantasy managers should look for alternative wide receiver options for production in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that veteran kicker Matt Prater (knee) "will not go" in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Prater suffered a meniscus injury in his knee earlier this year and missed the last three months as a result. The 40-year-old kicker only ended up playing in four games in 2024 before injuring his knee in his fourth year with Arizona and 18th year in the NFL. In the four games he was active, Prater made all six of his field-goal attempts (one from 50-plus yards) and was successful on all 10 of his extra-point tries as well. Prater will be a free agent heading into his age-41 season in 2025. Chad Ryland will close out the year this weekend as Arizona's kicker. He's bounced back from a tough rookie season with the Pats to go 26-for-30 on field goals and 21-for-22 on extra points in his 12 games with the Cardinals.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on WGR550 radio that linebacker Terrel Bernard (quadriceps) will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots, but he "feels good" about his availability for next week's wild-card playoff game. Bernard suffered a quad injury in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival New York Jets and will now rest up so that he can be available for the Bills defense to kick off the postseason. The 25-year-old linebacker enters Week 18 action as the No. 34 linebacker in IDP fantasy formats with 104 tackles (55 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery in his 13 starts this year. Getting him back for the playoffs will be important for a Bills defense that hasn't been as dominant as in year's past.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills signed quarterback Mike White to a one-year contract extension on Friday that runs through the 2025 season, according to a source. With the Bills planning to sit quarterback Josh Allen after a brief appearance in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday, the Bills have elevated White from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster. Backup Mitchell Trubisky is expected to see most of the playing time in a meaningless regular-season finale for Buffalo with the team already locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC for the postseason. The 29-year-old White could also see some run late in Sunday's game, though. White had a nice little run for the New York Jets in four starts in 2022, but he's attempted just six passes since the start of the 2023 season.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said it was a medical decision to sit quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow) for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals this Sunday and also downplayed the signal-caller's injury. "It's nothing more than when you hit your funny bone. When you get an NFL helmet in the wrong place it irritates the nerve. Brock is going to be fine. It's going to quiet down," Lynch said. The 25-year-old injured his elbow late in the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions and hasn't practiced yet this week. With the Niners already eliminated from the playoffs, there's just no reason for the team to throw Purdy out there against Arizona. Veteran Joshua Dobbs will get the start instead. Entering Week 18, Purdy is the QB10 in overall fantasy points, although his 2024 was a step down from his breakout in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught three of seven targets for 50 yards in the Christmas game 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Week 17 was Pickens' first game back from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14-16. Pickens and the struggling Steelers offense will look to bounce back with a strong performance in Week 18 as they host the Cincinnati Bengals, who rank middle of the pack against opposing wide receivers. Pickens caught three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in his previous game against the Bengals in Week 13. The Steelers have already clinched a playoff spot. However, they want to steer the ship in the right direction before the playoffs start, as they are on a three-game losing streak heading into this matchup. Look for Russell Wilson to look Pickens' way often in this one. RotoBallers ranks have him as our WR11 in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has seen his fantasy production dip over the last three weeks. The main reason is that the Steelers have lost all three games by 14 or more points, meaning game flow has not been in Harris's favor. In addition to that, they faced three top-10 defenses against the run. Last week against the Chiefs, Harris accumulated 81 all-purpose yards, which was his best production since Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 18, Harris will get another crack at the same Bengals, and fantasy managers can start Harris as a reliable RB2 this week, as the Bengal's defense has been vulnerable against the run in 2024. Harris comes in as RB18 in the latest RotoBaller running back rankings for Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson saved his Week 17 fantasy stat line on the ground as he rushed for a season-high 55 yards and a touchdown in the Christmas game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Wilson struggled through the air, only throwing for 205 yards on 37 pass attempts while also throwing an interception and no passing touchdowns. The Steelers are on a three-game losing streak and will look to steer the ship as they head into the playoffs next week as either the division winner or, more likely, a Wild Card team. This week, the Steelers will host the Cincinnati Bengals, who allow the fifth most points to opposing quarterbacks on the season, making Wilson a low-end QB1 play in Week 18.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs are designating defensive back Jaylen Watson (ankle) to return from injured reserve, and he will practice on Friday. Watson suffered this injury in Week 7's win over the San Francisco 49ers, leading him to land on the IR. During Weeks 8-14, with Watson out, the Chiefs have ranked 27th in EPA/play as a defense. The Chiefs still rank second in points allowed per game during the season (18 PPG). With the Chiefs locking up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Watson will have a chance to suit up this Sunday against the Denver Broncos to get a few reps before the Chief's next game, the Divisional playoff round, the weekend of the 18th of January.
From RotoBaller