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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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 7

Player Notes
Julian Love Oct 17 1:20am ET
Julian Love

The Seattle Seahawks placed starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins (hand) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and signed safety Ty Okada off the practice squad to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Jenkins, who currently ranks third on the team in tackles with 38, will now be required to miss at least the next four games. The earliest he'll be able to return will be in Week 12 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals (Seattle is on bye in Week 10). Jenkins has played every snap on defense in 2024, so losing him will be a pretty big blow for the Seahawks' secondary going into their Week 7 game this Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. With Jenkins sidelined for the next four games, K'Von Wallace, Coby Bryant and Okada will be options to replace him alongside Julian Love.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 17 1:20am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all three of his targets in Week 6 for a season-best 48 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started off the game with a 27-yard gain on a strike from quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was filling in for an injured Derek Carr (oblique) and will likely start again in Week 7. He also had a 30-yard catch-and-run negated by an illegal shift penalty in the third quarter. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) ruled out and Taysom Hill (ribs) doubtful for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos, New Orleans will be short on experienced skill position players. Johnson's usage may very well then skew more towards route running than blocking as it did in Week 6 but even so he will be a risky play so early in the week. Denver has allowed just five passing touchdowns all year (two to tight ends), limiting Johnson's upside. Tight end streamers in deeper leagues might want to take a chance but managers in the typical 10 or 12-team formats can leave Johnson on the wire in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 17 1:10am ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal) was absent from practice on Wednesday. Over the course of just a few days, Williams was publicly called out by Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route and then subsequently knocked down a rung on the depth chart after the acquisition of Davante Adams. His relationship with the Jets is likely coming to a close amidst reports that the team will make him available prior to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. The 30-year-old has been relatively quiet this season, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 17 1:10am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as the team begins preparation for a Week 7 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. White has missed the team's last two games and has seen his fantasy stock plummet considerably after six weeks of the season. The 25-year-old entered the year as the expected lead back after Josh Jacobs departed in free agency, but it has been Alexander Mattison, and not White, who has become the Raiders' primary ball-carrier. Even if White is able to suit up this Sunday against LA, he might play second fiddle to Mattison in the backfield. The former fourth-rounder is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry for 152 yards and no TDs on 49 carries through four games. White should remain on fantasy benches if he makes his return in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 17 1:00am ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (right shoulder) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old looks like he'll be healthy enough to play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, but that doesn't mean a whole lot for fantasy managers or Titans fans. Levis has been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL this season, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 699 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also taken 15 sacks, lost three fumbles, and repeatedly demonstrated poor decision-making. Fantasy managers should continue to avoid Levis in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Cedrick Wilson Oct 17 1:00am ET
Cedrick Wilson

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) popped up on the New Orleans Saints injury report earlier this week but got a full practice in the day ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. Wilson was limited in the team's earlier sessions but carries no injury designation going into Week 7. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both ruled out there is an opportunity for Wilson to see more snaps than usual. That may not result in much fantasy value, though. Olave's early departure in Week 6 afforded Wilson three targets while stand-in quarterback Spencer Rattler gave most of his attention to rookie wideout Bub Means. Even without Patrick Surtain (concussion), Denver still boasts a formidable secondary and their pass rush will give Rattler fits. Wilson is not a viable option in fantasy in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Oct 17 1:00am ET
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin is looking for an encore in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints after scoring his first career touchdown in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve, Franklin played 65% of the offensive snaps -- second-most behind Courtland Sutton -- and caught two of three targets for a season-high 31 yards and the score. The 21-year-old has plenty of familiarity with rookie quarterback Bo Nix from their days playing together at Oregon in college, but so far it's led to just seven catches (15 targets) for 60 yards and a TD in his first five NFL games. The Saints defense has been very friendly for opposing wideouts, so don't be surprised if Franklin makes some noise for the second straight week. For now, he's merely a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 17 12:50am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is outside the top-50 receivers in terms of average fantasy points per game through six weeks, but he could return some nice value in a Week 7 Thursday night matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Sutton scored his second touchdown of the season in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers and was able to go over 50 receiving yards for the third time this year and third time in the last four games. Although his overall production doesn't jump off the page, Sutton is tied with D.J. Moore for 13th among all wideouts with 47 targets. The 29-year-old is Denver's clear top receiving target, and he seems to be gaining some chemistry with rookie QB Bo Nix. Against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts in the last three weeks, Sutton is a WR4/flex with upside for more on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 17 12:50am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. However, head coach Antonio Pierce said that he's hopeful Meyers will be able to suit up against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. It's interesting to see Pierce's optimism given that Meyers missed his first practice of the week, but that certainly doesn't preclude him from progressing and playing on Sunday. There's suddenly extra attention on Meyers, who is the Raiders' No. 1 wide receiver now that Davante Adams has been traded to the New York Jets. Meyers should be evaluated as a mid-to-low WR3/FLEX in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Oct 17 12:50am ET
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele could be heavily involved in the team's Week 7 game on Thursday night against the hosting New Orleans Saints. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, Vele played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught four of his six targets for a team-high 78 yards in just his second NFL contest. In the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the seventh-rounder out of Utah caught all eight of his targets for 39 yards. Although he's played in just two games, Vele has been extremely efficient with his opportunities and will have another shot to impress this week against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to pass-catchers in the last three weeks. While it's a stretch to call Vele a realistic starting option in fantasy, he should at least be on the watch list in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 17 12:40am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 30-year-old's appearance on the injury report is not surprising given that he was sidelined from Week 2 through Week 5 with a hamstring issue. He did return to the mix last weekend and was one of the Jaguars' lone bright spots, catching all 10 of his targets for 102 yards despite playing just 61 percent of offensive snaps. Engram is a productive, high-volume weapon who ranks as a solid fantasy TE1 going forward.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Oct 17 12:40am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) was officially listed as a limited participant on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was dealing with a knee issue ahead of Week 6, but it didn't stop him from suiting up against the Chicago Bears in London. He proved to be one of the Jaguars' few bright spots, catching five of eight targets for 45 yards and two touchdowns. It's unclear whether Davis' expanded role and production are here to say, but last Sunday's performance at least provides managers with some reasons to be optimistic. He's back on the fantasy radar as a WR4 or WR5 heading into Week 7 versus the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 17 12:30am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has been on a peculiar stretch of games lately; he saw his rushing workload scaled back in Week 5, and then he only registered three carries last Sunday in London. While his reduced opportunities could be attributed to a new hamstring injury, it's also possible the Jaguars simply preferred Tank Bigsby or D'Ernest Johnson in certain scenarios against the Chicago Bears. As a result, Etienne has become tough to trust in fantasy football, even if the team gives him a clean bill of health. He's merely an RB3/FLEX play for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Mason Tipton Oct 17 12:30am ET
Mason Tipton

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton could be in for an increased snap share in Week 7 with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both out. Tipton logged a season-high 41% share in Week 6 after Olave departed with his injury just three plays into the game. The extra run did not equate to a more productive day, however, and he finished with one catch for 15 yards on two targets. Unfortunately for Tipton, the Saints square off against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Denver has one of the stingiest defenses in the league this season and is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. Despite the opportunity to see more time on the field, Tipton shouldn't be counted on as a fantasy asset.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 17 12:30am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin just cannot be trusted in starting fantasy lineups for a Week 7 primetime clash against the hosting New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. McLaughlin checks in as the RB58 in terms of half-PPR points per game through six weeks in his second year in the NFL. The Broncos are averaging just over 100 rushing yards a game in 2024, with neither McLaughlin nor Javonte Williams doing much on the ground. The lone bright spot is that McLaughlin has found the end zone twice (one rushing, one receiving), but he's only seen double-digit carries once (back in Week 1) and is averaging a paltry 3.2 yards per carry on 36 attempts. The volume just isn't there for McLaughlin to be a viable starting option for fantasy managers, especially now that rookie Audric Estime is back in the mix.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 17 12:20am ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Although Pearsall is still on the non-football injury list as a result of being shot during an armed robbery attempt in the preseason, he's one step closer to making his NFL debut after the 49ers opened his 21-day practice window earlier this week. Essentially, the 49ers have three weeks to activate Pearsall from the non-football injury list. During that span, he can practice with the team, but he can't appear in a game until he's activated. If 21 days pass and Pearsall is still not activated, he's done for the season. As of now, it appears as though the rookie is trending in the right direction and will be able to make his NFL debut sooner rather than later. He's presumably competing with Jauan Jennings for the No. 3 role behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Oct 17 12:20am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams, and the Broncos' ground attack in general, have been a big disappointment heading into a Week 7 primetime game against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. Williams is averaging a career-low-tying 3.6 yards per carry with 213 rushing yards and no touchdowns on 59 carries through six games. He's caught 20 passes for 143 additional yards. The 24-year-old is averaging just 7.6 half-PPR fantasy points per game, fewer than Dameon Pierce and Jeremy McNichols. The good news is he'll face a Saints defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the RB position this year, including the fourth-most points in the last three weeks. It's hard to get excited about Williams in starting fantasy lineups based on what he's produced so far, but he has the potential to be a serviceable RB3/flex this week on the road.

From RotoBaller

Bub Means Oct 17 12:10am ET
Bub Means

It took injuries to the New Orleans Saints top two receivers, but rookie Bub Means will likely get his first NFL start on Thursday when Week 7 begins. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) declared out, Means has a chance to build off his impressive Week 6 performance. In that game, he tied running back Alvin Kamara for the team lead in both catches (five) and targets (eight), gaining 45 receiving yards and scoring a touchdown after taking over for Olave, who was forced out of the game on the Saints' third offensive play. Unfortunately, Means' opportunity comes against the Denver Broncos, who have held opposing wide receivers in check better than anyone else this season. Over their first six games, they have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game and just one touchdown to the position. The one glimmer of hope for Means is that Denver will be missing the elite play provided by cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion). Means projects as a WR5 and is a risky play in the first game of the week.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 17 12:10am ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has an opportunity on Thursday night on the road at the Caesars Superdome to continue his positive momentum against the New Orleans Saints. Nix comes into the Week 7 contest as the QB21 in average fantasy points at his position, but he's shown notable progress in the last three weeks with 482 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception after throwing for 600 yards, no TDs and four picks in his first four NFL games. The Saints defense has allowed 15.1 fantasy points per game to QBs (ninth-fewest), but they've also surrendered the fourth-most passing yards per game (262.2). By no means has Nix been great so far -- Denver's offense is averaging 18.7 points per game -- but he's shown flashes of his potential as the 12th overall pick and has a matchup to exploit this week. Fantasy managers should consider him a low-end QB2 in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 16 11:40pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) was limited in practice all week managing a lingering hand injury but is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. New Orleans was probably just taking it easy on the league leader in total touches (132) on a short week. Kamara will likely be relied on heavily to produce for a Saints offense that will be missing several skill position players, with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) already declared out and Taysom Hill (ribs) designated as doubtful. Kamara was targeted eight times by rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in Week 6, who will likely get another spot start with Derek Carr (oblique) listed as doubtful. Denver's defense has been among the most effective in the league this season but Kamara should still be in starting lineups when Week 7 kicks off on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller