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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Dalton Kincaid Oct 17 4:30pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (collarbone) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it will likely clarify his status heading into the weekend. The 24-year-old enjoyed his best outing of the campaign last week as he caught a season-high six passes for 51 yards en route to defeating the New York Jets. If Kincaid were to miss Sunday's game, fantasy managers should expect wideouts Khalil Shakir and newly acquired Amari Cooper to see increased opportunities. In addition, No. 2 tight end Dawson Knox will likely see more snaps. If Kincaid can play, he should be locked into all lineups as a low-end TE1.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 17 4:20pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (toe) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. This is a great sign for the 25-year-old, who was sidelined during Week 6 and limited during Wednesday's practice. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Friday's injury report, but seeing him return to full participation on Thursday suggests he should be ready to return to action this weekend. No.2 running back Ray Davis (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, which could set Cook up for increased opportunities on Sunday if he cannot play against the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 17 4:20pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) was placed on the injured reserve on Thursday, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Shaheed is set to undergo meniscus surgery and will now have to miss at least the next four games. However, given the potential extended recovery period due to the operation, the 26-year-old could be sidelined for a longer period. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his progression, as he would be eligible to return during Week 11. Shaheed enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign, scoring at least 15.0 PPR points in four of the six games he played. With Shaheed and Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out on Thursday evening, rookie Bub Means will likely lead the New Orleans passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Oct 17 4:10pm ET
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This was surprising as the Kentucky product did not face any limitations during Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report as it should clarify his status heading into the weekend. Last week, with James Cook (toe) sitting out, Davis took the lead role in the backfield and performed very well, totaling 97 yards on the ground with an additional 55 through the air. If Davis remains sidelined, Cook should be expected to play the top role. If Davis can suit up, both may limit each other's opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Oct 17 3:40pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Kraft dealt with a groin injury during practice last week but managed to suit up for the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals while playing 81% of the offensive snaps. The 23-year-old disappointed fantasy managers looking for a second straight big performance, as he caught just two of his four targets for a season-low 13 yards. Kraft scored three total touchdowns the previous two games, but this is a reminder that he's a volatile low-end TE1 for fantasy managers in an offense with a lot of mouths to feed through the air as long as Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are all healthy. Barring a setback, Kraft should be active this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Oct 17 3:30pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Jayden Reed (ankle), Christian Watson (ankle) and Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) were all limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Reed and Wicks suffered injuries in the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, while Watson returned last Sunday after missing one game due to an ankle sprain. The fact that all three are practicing this week is a good sign that they'll be available this weekend against the Houston Texans. Of the trio of wideouts, Reed is the best fantasy option and enters Week 7 action as the WR3 in half-PPR scoring with 27 catches for 442 yards and three TDs while adding 110 rushing yards and an additional score. Assuming all three play against Houston, Reed will be a must-start in fantasy, while Watson and Wicks are more of boom/bust WR4/flex options.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Oct 17 3:13pm ET
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (hamstring), LB Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (elbow), LB Jon Rhattigan (knee, illness), DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee), RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) and LB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 17. WR David Moore (knee), DE LaBryan Ray (ankle, knee), S Nick Scott (hamstring), OT Ikem Ekwonu (elbow), LB Marquis Haynes (back) and TE Ian Thomas (hip) were limited. CB Troy Hill (rest), RB Chuba Hubbard (rest), C Andrew Raym (concussion), TE Tommy Tremble (concussion), CB Dane Jackson (hamstring), DT Jaden Crumedy (ankle), S Sam Franklin (foot) and OT Yosh Nijman (knee) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Najee Harris Oct 17 3:10pm ET
Najee Harris

After missing the first practice session of the week on Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ribs) looked fine in his return to practice on Thursday due to a rib issue. With Harris returning to practice on Thursday, he should be on track to suit up for Sunday night's showdown against the visiting New York Jets. The 26-year-old has had more of the backfield to himself this year with Jaylen Warren missing a few games with a knee injury, although mobile quarterback Justin Fields has taken away valuable red-zone opportunities on the ground. The expected move to Russell Wilson under center this weekend should be a good thing for Harris' fantasy upside, although the Steelers could mix in Fields in packages as a runner. Until we have a better read on the situation, treat Harris as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex against the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Oct 17 3:00pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is not practicing on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a foot injury. His lack of practice early in the week suggests he could be trending toward missing the Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He sat out last week's showdown against the Houston Texans. Backup Antonio Gibson could draw another start, and despite his lack of success against Houston in Week 6, he will have a favorable matchup against the Jaguars defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to RBs.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Oct 17 3:00pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) did not practice on Thursday following his limited practice session on Wednesday. The rookie out of Texas had his practice window opened this week, but the belief is he will not make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL, and with the Panthers sitting a 1-5 through Week 6, there's no reason to rush him into action. Additionally, Chuba Hubbard has been excellent in the RB1 role, so the team isn't in dire need of running back production. Fantasy managers should follow his status through the rest of the week, but a Week 8 or Week 9 return seems more realistic for the first RB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 17 2:40pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is back at practice on Thursday after logging a limited session on Wednesday with a knee injury. He missed the Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The third-year back out of Alabama has been excellent to start the season, scoring at least 13.8 half-PPR fantasy points in four of his five games. If Robinson does not suffer a setback, he could be in a smash spot against the Carolina Panthers, who have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to running backs. If he's out, Austin Ekeler has RB1 upside. However, Ekeler could be worth a flex spot even if Robinson returns. Fantasy managers with Robinson or Ekeler should monitor Robinson's status on Friday heading into Week 7 start-or-sit calls.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 17 2:30pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) is practicing without a non-contact jersey on Thursday, suggesting he is logging a full practice. The second-year ball carrier out of Texas A&M practiced in full on Wednesday, so all signs are pointing toward him being available in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Achane has not scored more than 7.3 half-PPR fantasy points in any of the three games without Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), and he exited the Week 5 game against the New England Patriots with a concussion. However, the Colts rank 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (155.2), so Achane can be slotted in as an RB2 or RB3 in fantasy for Week 7. That said, his ceiling and floor are limited until Tagovailoa comes back.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Oct 17 2:20pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White (foot), Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker could be set to work in a pure three-man committee, which will make fantasy football start-or-sit decisions tough for the three talented backs. Head coach Todd Bowles said the team will go with the "hot hand" approach on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Needless to say, this is a tricky situation to navigate, but it sounds like White is trending toward playing in Week 7 after missing Week 6 with a foot injury. While all three backs have had their moments this year, the Ravens have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to RBs, meaning each ball carrier should be downgraded in the rankings this week. Their usage should be closely monitored on Monday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 17 2:20pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is not practicing on Thursday due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old also missed Wednesday's practice, so his status could legitimately be in doubt for the Week 7 game against the Washington Commanders. Johnson has also been in the middle of trade rumors, so his situation is worth monitoring. The former Pittsburgh Steeler got out to a slow start in his Carolina career, but he has been excellent since Andy Dalton took over the starting quarterback duties from Bryce Young. Johnson has scored at least 19.8 PPR fantasy points in three of his four games with Dalton under center, and the Commanders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. That said, Johnson is a must-start if active. If he's not, rookie Xavier Legette has at least WR3 upside in the favorable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 17 2:10pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (leg) is not practicing on Thursday to begin Week 7 preparation. The team faces the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, so Evans' status will be worth monitoring ahead of a potential late-week start-or-sit decision. As he often is, Evans has been up and down this season. Overall, the 31-year-old has hauled in 25 of his 42 targets for 310 yards and five touchdowns. However, he has three games of under 45 yards. The Ravens have allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year, so he could be in for a big spike week if he plays. If not, Chris Godwin has legitimate WR1 overall upside, while Jalen McMillan and tight end Cade Otton could become viable options at flex and TE.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 17 2:00pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was not seen on the field at Thursday's practice and has not practiced or played since suffering a right high-ankle sprain in Week 4. Taylor said that he was unsure if he would practice at all again this week, making it more likely that he'll miss a third straight contest in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He still has one more day on Friday to return to practice, but as of right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be confident in Taylor suiting up on Sunday. The good news for the Colts is that Trey Sermon (knee), who has been the lead back the last two games with Taylor out, returned to practice after being a DNP on Wednesday. If Taylor misses another contest, the Colts give Tyler Goodson a bigger share of the backfield touches if Sermon ends up playing.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 17 1:43pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (leg) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 17, due to a leg injury, according to head coach Todd Bowles.

Fantasy Spin: Bowles also noted that Evans recently "tweaked" something in his leg that had been "nagging." For what it is worth, Bowles told reporters that Evans is expected back at practice later in the week. Evans' availability takes on added importance because the Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens in one of the two Monday night games this week. Evans has rarely missed games throughout his career, so he will likely be good to go for Week 7. In the off-chance he cannot play, Jalen McMillan would likely step into a much larger role.

From TheHuddle

James Cook Oct 17 1:40pm ET
James Cook

For the second straight day, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (toe) got some work in at practice on Thursday. Cook was also limited on Wednesday for the team's walkthrough after he missed Monday night's victory over the division-rival New York Jets. With the 25-year-old's status still unclear for Week 7 this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Ray Davis was a popular waiver-wire pickup after impressing in the lead role in Week 6. The 24-year-old saw 20 carries for 97 rushing yards and caught all three of his targets for an additional 55 yards through the air. Cook will be Buffalo's lead back whenever he returns, but if he misses another game this weekend, Davis will basically be a must-start for fantasy managers after showing out on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 17 1:30pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) are both practicing on Thursday after picking up DNP tags on Wednesday. Pittman and Downs both missed two practices last week and were up in the air to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, but they both suited up and found the end zone. Pittman said after Sunday's win that he could still land on Injured Reserve due to his back injury, but the fact he's practicing on Thursday this week is a good sign that he'll be ready to roll this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, Pittman played a season-low 80% of the offensive snaps last week and caught just three passes for 35 yards. With quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) looking likely to return this weekend, the bust potential for both Pittman and Downs will increase.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 17 1:30pm ET
Trey Sermon

After not practicing on Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (knee) returned for Thursday's session. Sermon has operated as Indy's lead back the past two weeks with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) nursing a high-ankle sprain, and he could have that role again if Taylor is unable to return to practice this week. The 25-year-old found the end zone in Week 5 but accumulated only 67 rushing yards on 28 carries (2.39 yards per carry) in the starting role the last two weeks. The Colts' backfield is up in the air right now with Sermon and Taylor both being questionable to play. If neither of them can go, look for the Colts to split the backfield work between Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull. If Sermon plays again and Taylor doesn't he'll be an RB3/flex, at best, for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller