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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

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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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Josh Downs Sep 12 11:50pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Downs suffered a left high-ankle sprain during training camp and did not recover enough to play in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. The 23-year-old appears to be getting closer to making his 2024 debut, though, although it remains to be seen if he'll get the green light to play this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Before injuring his ankle, Downs was lined up to be Indy's WR2 behind Michael Pittman Jr. Alec Pierce played 84% of the offensive snaps last week and caught three passes for 125 yards and a score, but Downs should work his way back into being one of quarterback Anthony Richardson's top targets when he returns. Downs is rostered in 22% of Yahoo leagues at the moment and is worth a pickup for WR depth.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 12 11:00pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left Thursday night's matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran quarterback took a significant shot to the head/neck area, rushing for a first down on fourth down late in the third quarter. While he walked off the field under his own power, the Dolphins quickly ruled Tagovailoa out for the rest of the game with a concussion. The veteran has a well-known history of concussions, suffering several in his five-year NFL career. Skylar Thompson took over under center after Tagovailoa left the game. Hopefully, he can clear the concussion protocol in time for Miami's Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. If not, Thompson would get the start.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 12 10:10pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (Achilles) is a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is positive news after Reynolds didn't suit up for Wednesday's practice. He appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reynolds hauled in five of his eight targets for 45 yards in the season opener. It's quite surprising to see Reynolds getting that many targets. It appears his fantasy value could be on the rise in Denver. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update after Friday's practice. If he sits on Sunday, Marvin Mims Jr. or Troy Franklin could see increased snaps. Neither player would be an ideal streaming option for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Baylon Spector Sep 12 9:50pm ET
Baylon Spector

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is listed as questionable to return during Thursday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Bernard made two tackles before being forced to the sideline during the first half of the game. The Bills will likely wait until after halftime to decide whether or not Bernard will return to this contest. His absence would certainly be a hit to this defense considering he led the team with 11 tackles in the season opener. Baylon Spector is listed as second on the depth chart, so he figures to get more snaps if Bernard is unable to return.

From RotoBaller

Joey Bosa Sep 12 9:40pm ET
Joey Bosa

Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa (back) was unable to get on the practice field on Thursday. This is alarming after Bosa opened the week as a limited participant on Wednesday. It sounds like the back issue is severe enough to keep him out of practice, which means he could be in danger of sitting out in Week 2. Bosa will still have another chance to get on the field on Friday, which will go a long way to deciding his availability for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. The absence of Bosa could mean veteran Bud Dupree draws a start on the d-line. The loss of Bosa would be a significant hit to the Chargers defense.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 12 9:30pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. This is now back-to-back limited practice sessions for Jennings to open the week. This isn't a good look after Jennings suffered an ankle injury during the season opener. The hope is that Jennings will practice in full on Friday which would give him a good chance of playing against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. Otherwise, Chris Conley could see increased snaps, but he wouldn't be a recommended fantasy option. Instead, Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk would see an uptick in value if Jennings is forced out.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 12 9:20pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) picked up an injury during Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old has missed practice each of the last two days. It's now being announced that Schultz is dealing with an ankle sprain. The good news is that the injury isn't considered severe, so Schultz should be able to suit up in Week 2. There is still a chance for Schultz to practice on Friday, which would give him a better chance of playing this weekend. Otherwise, Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover would likely split up the reps. Neither player is an ideal streaming option if Schultz is forced out of action.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 12 9:10pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) has been upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This means Fant should be ready to play after getting in a limited practice on Wednesday. It's worth noting that Fant has been dealing with this toe issue throughout the preseason. It could very well come back at him, but for now fantasy managers should expect him out there for the Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fant was quiet in the season opener with two receptions for 11 yards in the win. The Seahawks have a handful of options on offense, so sometimes Fant gets lost in the shuffle. He'll be on the TE2 radar for this weekend's matchup against the Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 12 8:00pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was listed as a limited participant in yet another practice on Thursday. Lockett was also listed as limited in each of the first two practices last week before he was active in the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. In that victory, the 31-year-old was out-snapped by both DK Metcalf and second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he finished with a solid six catches on seven targets for a team-high 77 yards. Lockett's ceiling certainly is lowered with Smith-Njigba around, but he's not going away anytime soon, and he should play in Week 2 versus the New England Patriots. The healthier Lockett gets, too, the more snaps he'll likely see in Seattle's offense. Sure, Lockett was much more attractive in fantasy when it was just he and Metcalf soaking up targets, but he remains in play as a big-play, WR4/flex option in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 12 7:40pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) remained out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Walker suffered an oblique injury in the Week 1 over the Denver Broncos and is now firmly up in the air to suit up in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. His status for Sunday's game will ultimately come down to whether he can get back onto the practice field on Friday. Still, Walker could be questionable to be active in Week 2, so fantasy managers planning on starting him again this weekend need to formulate a backup plan. Backup Zach Charbonnet would become Seattle's lead back in a plus matchup if Walker is limited or out entirely. Charbonnet should be scooped up off the waiver wire if he's available and you're thin at the RB position. He is currently rostered in only 52% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 12 7:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) told ESPN that the hamstring injury that he injured last week in practice that kept him out of the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots is completely unrelated to his contract status. Higgins hasn't practiced since getting hurt on Sept. 5. "I just don't understand why fans think I'm faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over," Higgins told ESPN. "I just don't understand why they think I'm faking an injury. It doesn't make sense to me." He has sought a contract extension in each of the past offseasons and requested a trade in March before signing the franchise tag on June 17. Higgins appears to be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 2 against the Chiefs, and fantasy managers shouldn't forget that he also missed three games with a hamstring injury in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Sep 12 7:20pm ET
Jaylen Wright

After being a healthy scratch in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright is active in Week 2 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. It comes after Raheem Mostert (chest) was ruled out on Wednesday. De'Von Achane (ankle) was also listed as questionable, but he is officially active. Achane should be Miami's lead back on Thursday with Mostert sidelined, but Miami figures to mix in Jeff Wilson Jr. and Wright as well as change-of-pace backs. It's unclear how many snaps and touches all three backs will split, but Wright is at least intriguing as a boom/bust flex play if you're already hurting at the RB position early on. The 21-year-old fourth-round speedster needs to at least be stashed in most fantasy formats, especially if you have Achane or Mostert rostered.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 12 7:10pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially active for the Thursday night showdown against the division-rival Buffalo Bills after he entered the game with a questionable tag. On a short week early in the year, both Achane and Raheem Mostert (chest) missed two practices earlier this week and were up in the air to play against Buffalo. Mostert was ruled out on Wednesday, so Achane's already high fantasy ceiling just went up considerably against a Bills defense that is banged up and not as formidable as its been in recent years. The explosive and speedy second-year back is a must-start every week, especially so with Mostert sidelined. The 22-year-old had 10 carries for only 24 yards in a Week 1 win over the Jaguars, but he also scored a TD and caught seven passes for 76 yards. Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright will have roles as well with Mostert out, but Achane should be in all lineups.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Sep 12 7:00pm ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a full participant in practice for the first time on Thursday and is hoping this is the week that he will make his NFL debut. Wilson missed the entire preseason and the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons due to an ankle injury that he suffered in training camp. He has missed valuable time learning the offense, but the third-round pick back in April feels like he's ready to do whatever is asked of him. The 23-year-old now has a much better shot to be active in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, but even if he is, expect Pittsburgh to ease Wilson into their offense because of how much time he missed leading up to the regular season. But in time, Wilson could easily become the team's No. 2 behind George Pickens in 2024, making him worth a bench stash in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 12 6:40pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was limited in practice for the second straight day with a calf injury that kept him out of the season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons. Justin Fields got the start in Week 1, and with Wilson still nursing his calf injury, the Steelers continue to prepare as if Fields will start in Week 2 on the road against the Denver Broncos. For what it's worth, the 35-year-old Wilson says he's "getting closer and closer" to playing, but it looks like he'll sit out a second straight week as the team plays it cautious with him. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that even though Fields is expected to start in Week 2, the belief is that Wilson will get the starting job once he returns from his calf injury. The Steelers think Wilson's command of the offense is stronger, and it seems as though only an explosive performance from Fields would change that plan.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 12 6:30pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) said his knee injury is a sprain similar to an ankle sprain, and it isn't a tear. Hopkins played in the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears despite entering with a questionable tag, but he played only 27% of the offensive snaps, which was fourth among Titans pass-catchers. It led to just one catch on his only target for an eight-yard gain. The 32-year-old veteran and five-time Pro Bowler clearly wasn't fully healthy. However, he's off the Week 2 injury report entirely and is expected to have a much bigger role in Week 2 against the New York Jets. Fantasy managers should expect Hopkins to be more involved on offense this Sunday, but his conditioning is still a question mark, and the matchup against the Jets isn't idea. Hopkins' fantasy stock is certainly down in 2024, but he should be a slightly more attractive WR4/flex another week removed from his knee sprain.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 12 6:30pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Updating a previous report, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was officially listed as a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day. A previous report stated that Ferguson was working out on the side, but he didn't officially take part in practice, and his status is firmly up in the air for the Week 2 contest at home against the New Orleans Saints. In addition to Ferguson, tight end John Stephens (hamstring) has also missed both practices this week. Ferguson suffered a bone bruise and MCL sprain in the Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns and is on the wrong side of questionable for this weekend's game. Fantasy managers that started Ferguson in Week 1 should have already made plans to be without him in Week 2. With both Ferguson and Stephens banged up, it's looking like Luke Schoonmaker will take on a bigger role against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 12 6:20pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz's (ankle) was held out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, putting his status up in the air for the Week 2 tilt at home against the visiting Chicago Bears. Schultz will likely have to suit up in some capacity at Friday's practice to avoid being ruled out entirely. The 28-year-old caught all three of his targets for only 16 receiving yards in a disappointing first game in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts as well. As things stand right now, he is shaping up as a very shaky TE1/2 for fantasy managers against a tough defense this weekend. If Schultz is out on Sunday or limited on offense, the Texans would be forced to turn to some combination of Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover at the position. Fantasy managers looking for a TE streamer would be better off looking elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Sep 12 6:20pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had a surprising Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins, putting up 12 carries and a team-leading 73 rushing yards. After a good preseason, it was clear Bigsby would be the handcuff for Travis Etienne Jr., but not even the most optimistic of fantasy managers expected this kind of outing from the sophomore RB in Week 1. The backup back had just two fewer touches than starter Etienne Jr., who only had 59 total yards and a costly fourth-quarter fumble. The Auburn product had a forgettable rookie season, but this great Week 1 performance could mean a bounce-back year two. While starting him in Week 2 against the stout Cleveland Browns defense would be a huge overreaction, Bigsby is worth picking up as a bench stash, whether as a handcuff or an upside option for the future. Keep Bigsby on benches for now, but if he's still on waivers after the initial wave, he's worth picking up.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Sep 12 6:20pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was added to the team's Week 2 injury report after he was listed as limited at practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good sign, but at least Pierce was able to do something at practice. Still, the 24-year-old could have an injury designation heading into the Week 2 contest at home against the Chicago Bears, depending on how much he's able to get done on Friday. Pierce really shouldn't be in consideration for a starting lineup spot in fantasy as the backup to Joe Mixon, but Houston's RB rotation could be affected against Chicago if Pierce is out or limited. Pierce played just 11% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, which ranked third behind Mixon and Dare Ogunbowale. Pierce is currently rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller