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.
TFC Champion is Crowned
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite that, Al-Shaair is expected to suit up for this weekend. Al-Shaair was able to get through limited practice sessions this week after picking up a knee injury during last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 27-year-old has missed a handful of games this season, but is an impactful player when healthy. He recorded 70 tackles, two sacks, and four passes defended in 11 games in the regular season. If Al-Shaair sits, Devin White would likely see an increased role this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is reportedly expected to play during Saturday's Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs. The star back suffered an ankle injury and was unable to practice on Thursday. As a result, Mixon is tagged as questionable for this weekend, but it's hard to imagine him sitting out this important contest. The Texans are likely being cautious with Mixon, which is why he missed Thursday's practice. If he sits, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale would be the primary options in the backfield. Pierce is the better fantasy option between the two backs, but if Mixon plays then neither back would be worth a look. If healthy, Mixon would be one of the best backs for DFS contests for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly interviewed Byron Leftwich for their vacant offensive coordinator job. Leftwich hasn't coached in the NFL since the 2022 season when he was the offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leftwich saw plenty of success during his time in Tampa Bay, including a Super Bowl victory in 2020. He recently interviewed for the New England Patriots head coaching job, but the team decided to go with Mike Vrabel instead. Leftwich had some top ranked offenses during his time in Tampa Bay, but it declined during his final year with the team. Leftwich was a pass-heavy coach in Tampa Bay, which might not exactly fit with Seattle, but we'll see what happens.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) is back on the practice field on Friday. That is good news after Goedert was unable to practice on Thursday due to an illness. Luckily, it sounds like a minor issue that shouldn't impact his status for Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Goedert hauled in four of his seven targets for 47 yards and a touchdown during last week's win over the Green Bay Packers. If healthy, Goedert is a fairly reasonable option for DFS contests for this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (concussion) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's playoff matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Davis still remains in concussion protocol on Friday, which doesn't bode well for his chances of playing this weekend. The absence of Davis would likely mean an increased role for Ty Johnson in the backfield. Last week, Johnson rushed nine times for 44 yards while hauling in two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown through the air. James Cook figures to see a majority of the carries after getting 23 touches last weekend. It's hard to imagine Johnson or Davis being reliable DFS options.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) has been unable to practice this week, but that doesn't mean he won't suit up this weekend. Head coach John Harbaugh said Flowers has a chance at suiting up for Sunday's divisional round matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers hasn't played since the regular season finale, but the Ravens were able to get the job done last week without him. Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews figure to be the focal point on offense if Flowers is unable to go. There's a chance that Flowers could be limited, assuming he's active for this weekend. The uncertainty around his status makes Flowers a risky DFS option.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons are interviewing Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Grady Brown for their defensive-coordinator job on Friday, according to a source. After firing Jimmy Lake following the 2024 season, the Falcons have already interviewed Don "Wink" Martindale, Jeff Ulbrich, Lou Anarumo and Derrick Ansley for the position. Brown just wrapped up his fourth year working as an assistant defensive coach for the Steelers after joining the organization in 2021. Before joining the Steelers, Brown had worked for several collegiate programs as a defensive coordinator and secondary coach, including stops Houston, South Carolina and McNeese State. In his second season with the Steelers, Brown helped the defense finish tied for the league lead in interceptions. Given his lack of experience at the NFL level, he's considered more of a long shot to be hired by the Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski will return for a second interview with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive-coordinator position on Friday, according to sources. The 28-year-old has been a vital part of Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell's staff and has worked closely with QBs coach Josh McCown, who has generated head-coaching interest himself this cycle after the excellent work he did with Sam Darnold in 2024. Udinski began his coaching career working under Matt Rhule at Baylor in 2019 before following Rhule to the Carolina Panthers. He went to Minnesota when O'Connell was hired as the head coach in 2022. In addition to Udinski, New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will get a second interview for the OC job in Seattle.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets will interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown for their head-coaching job on Friday, according to sources. After the Vikings were knocked out of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams on wild-card weekend, Flores will be a busy man this weekend, also interviewing for head-coaching positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday and with the Chicago Bears on Saturday. He's considered one of the favorites for the Jets' job. He went 24-25 over three seasons as the head coach for the Miami Dolphins, and there were plenty of questions about how he handled the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. McCown started 13 games as the Jets QB from 2017-18.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints are interviewing interim head coach Darren Rizzi for their head-coaching vacancy on Friday. It's the fourth interview the Saints have held, also talking with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. In addition to Rizzi, the Saints will interview Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Friday. Rizzi took over the interim head-coach job midway through the 2024 season after the Saints fired Dennis Allen. He initially gave the Saints a spark but finished 3-5 down the stretch with the Saints finishing last in the NFC South division. Formerly the team's special teams coordinator, Rizzi is considered a long shot to be hired for the full-time position in the Big Easy.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is saying that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle), who is questionable to play in the Divisional Round playoff game on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, has a real shot to play despite missing the final practice of the week on Thursday. Mixon popped up on the injury report on Wednesday and was limited and then was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday, putting his status for this weekend's game up in the air. Rapoport says that Mixon's injury is a minor one, so it sounds like he should be active and play through it on Saturday. The Texans need Mixon if they are to have any chance to pull off the upset of KC, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards with 12 total TDs during the regular season. Fantasy managers should leave him in their lineups, but there is now more risk involved going up against a Chiefs defense that has been stingy to RBs this season.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that rookie running back Ray Davis (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol on Friday. Davis suffered a scary concussion in the wild-card win over the Denver Broncos last Sunday and never returned to the game. While he remains in the concussion protocol, he's put in two limited practices this week. However, the 25-year-old backup will need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday and be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to get the green light to play this Sunday in the Divisional Round of the postseason versus the visiting Baltimore Ravens. The fact that he's still in the protocol on Friday means there's a good chance he'll be ruled out before Sunday's game. James Cook remains Buffalo's lead back, but a Davis absence would open up a much bigger workload for Ty Johnson against the Ravens.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that it looks like Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is headed toward missing a second straight game in the playoffs in the Divisional Round on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Flowers suffered a knee sprain in the Week 18 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns and has not practiced since. Flowers had an outside chance of playing earlier this week, but two straight DNPs on Wednesday and Thursday have made it less likely that we'll see him in Buffalo. That could change if Flowers is able to return to practice on Friday, but it's looking unlikely to happen. If the Ravens beat the Bills this weekend, Flowers' status for the AFC Championship would be up in the air. Obviously, fantasy managers should avoid him this weekend. Rashod Bateman, who scored in the wild-card win over the Steelers, will be in line to serve as the WR1 for the second straight game.
From RotoBaller
Updating previous reports, Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) has a good chance of playing Saturday, Jan. 18, against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fantasy Spin: Mixon suffered the ankle injury at some point this week, and Dameon Pierce could see a larger load than normal. Mixon would be an RB2 in playoff leagues if he's able to go, but Pierce looks to be a flex candidate.
From TheHuddle
The Kansas City Chiefs defense will take on the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this week. The Texans most recently scored 32 points in their Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. With C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, and Joe Mixon leading the offense, Houston has plenty of talent at their skill positions. That said, if the Kansas City defense can successfully erase Collins from the offensive game plan, Houston has a depth issue among their pass catchers. Losing Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell means the Texans offense will have to rely on Robert Woods and John Metchie III at wide receiver. If the Chiefs offense controls the game's pace, the defense could be a viable option in DFS and playoff leagues. The Kansas City defensive unit is risky, given the potency of the Texans offense, but they could be a sneaky good play.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The 35-year-old finished the season as the team's leading receiver yet again, but his performances this season were far from what we've come to expect from the eventual Hall-of-Famer. Kelce appeared to regress as an offensive weapon, causing the team to shift toward feeding Xavier Worthy. The rookie receiver became the focal point of the Chiefs passing attack in the home stretch of the regular season, but Kelce has the edge with playoff experience. Patrick Mahomes still trusts Kelce's ability to make big plays for the team and will likely be heavily targeted against the Texans. The Houston defense put on a clinic against the Los Angeles Chargers in last week's Wild Card matchup, collecting four sacks, four interceptions, and a touchdown while only allowing 12 points. The Texans struggled to defend in the red zone this season, where Mahomes will be looking for Kelce. Kelce should be considered a safe play in DFS and playoff leagues since he is one of the most prolific playoff performers in NFL history.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will take on the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round this weekend. The 21-year-old came on strong in the season's final weeks, collecting 21 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns from Weeks 15 through 17. Worthy stepped into the WR1 role and displayed why he was a first-round pick in 2024. With nearly three full weeks off to rest and prepare, the rookie will look to continue his dominant stretch against the Texans defense. Houston recorded four interceptions last week against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round. The Chiefs were often scheming the young receiver open, and he capitalized on those opportunities. If Worthy is utilized like he was down the stretch, he should be a strong play in both DFS and playoff leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will face the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this week. Hopkins rested in Week 18 with the rest of the starters, making it nearly three weeks since he last suited up. Hopkins played a consistent role in the offense following his acquisition at the trade deadline, but his involvement tapered off as the season went on. The emergence of rookie Xavier Worthy and the steady presence of Travis Kelce pushed Hopkins down in the pecking order. That said, Mahomes has still demonstrated trust in the sure-handed veteran receiver at key moments. Hopkins will also have to contend with a tough Texans defense that held the Los Angeles Chargers to 12 points and picked off Justin Herbert four times. The 32-year-old is a risky play in both DFS and playoff leagues, given his low floor, but there's still a chance he finds the endzone.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this Saturday. Butker missed his lone field goal attempt in the Week 18 shutout loss to the Denver Broncos. The veteran kicker will look to turn things around now that the playoffs have started. Since returning from knee surgery in Week 15, Butker has nailed three of his five field goal attempts and eight of nine extra-point attempts. The 29-year-old could be heavily involved if the Texans get rolling offensively, which is possible given they scored 32 points in their Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Given how the Chiefs perform in the playoffs, Butker should be good for at least two field goals and extra-point attempts. Butker should be considered a viable plug-in kicker in DFS and playoff leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was listed on the injury report with an ankle injury but practiced fully all week and has no injury designation heading into this week's contest. Mahomes will benefit from two extra weeks off between games since the Chiefs clinched the top seed in the AFC. The additional rest and preparation should come in handy against the Houston Texans defense that racked up four sacks, four interceptions, and a touchdown in their Wild Card matchup. The 32-year-old should also benefit from a healthy receiving core outside of Mecole Hardman, who is listed as doubtful for this week. For those playing DFS or in playoff leagues, few quarterbacks can compete with Mahomes' career playoff stats. The Chiefs quarterback is among the surest bets to show up when the lights are the brightest. Start Mahomes with confidence anywhere you can.
From RotoBaller