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.
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) went through a second straight limited practice on Thursday while battling a shoulder sprain that he suffered in the Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Lamb said he will not wear a brace on Sunday against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles and that he's been feeling good. Specifically, the 25-year-old has an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, but he's expected to play this weekend. However, given his injury and the fact that he'll now be taking throws from backup quarterback Cooper Rush with Dak Prescott (hamstring) injured, Lamb's fantasy stock is on the decline heading into Week 10 and beyond. Still, Lamb is probably a better upside option than most WR3/flex choices fantasy managers may have. It's a tough matchup to boot, as the Eagles defense has allowed the second-fewest half-PPR points to wideouts in the last three weeks.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps), who came into Thursday night's game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens listed as doubtful, is officially out for Week 10. Higgins injured his quad muscle in practice and will now be missing his third straight game and fifth total this year. He needs a little more time to heal up before potentially returning in Week 11 to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Expect Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas to be quarterback Joe Burrow's top receivers, while tight end Mike Gesicki should also continue to benefit in what could be another high-scoring game against Baltimore. In the last two games with Higgins sidelined, Gesicki has drawn 14 targets, catching 12 of them for 173 yards and two touchdowns, with both of his scores coming in the Week 9 blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (knee) has been ruled out for the Thursday night game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, with B.J. Hill expected to play in his absence, according to sources. It will be Brown's second straight missed game. The Bengals offense didn't really miss the 28-year-old in the Week 9 blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders -- quarterback Joe Burrow threw for five touchdowns -- but it might matter more against the Ravens in a divisional clash in primetime. Cody Ford played 74 snaps on offense on Burrow's blind side against the Raiders last Sunday and didn't give up a single sack. He'll have a much tougher task in Week 10, though, against a more physical Ravens defensive front. In addition to Brown, receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) will be missing for the third straight week for this offense.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring) continued to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday, according to Daniel Flick of The Observer. The young tight end was also tending to this injury on Wednesday and could be in danger of missing this weekend's game if he is unable to return to full participation on Friday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it may provide some clarity on his status heading into the weekend. Even though Pitts caught just one pass last weekend, he has been one of the most productive tight ends over the past month, averaging a solid 16.1 PPR points per game during Weeks 5 through 8. If Pitts is able to suit up, he should be locked into all lineups as a solid TE1 facing the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (hip) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice according to Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated. London suffered a hip injury during the opening quarter of last Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Earlier in the week, London was considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it will likely provide clarity for his availability for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. In London suits up, he should be viewed as a solid WR1 in all formats. If not, fantasy managers should expect Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III to operate as the top two wideouts in Atlanta.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hand, wrist) told the media that he aggravated a past injury, according to Alex Zietlow of The Observer. However, Legette emphasized that he has been dealing with this injury for years and that he is "good." In addition, he also expressed excitement about traveling overseas to face the Giants in Germany. Fantasy managers should monitor his status in case he faces a setback, but he should be expected to be a full-go for Sunday's tilt. The South Carolina product has found the back of the end zone in each of the past two games and should be viewed as a solid WR3 this weekend while leading the Carolina passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) remained limited during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as the Alabama product may carry an injury designation into the weekend and could be in danger of missing his second-straight game. Last weekend, while Robinson was sidelined, Austin Ekeler was deployed as the lead running back while Chris Rodriguez Jr. served as the No.2 option. If Robinson were to remain out this weekend, Ekeler could once again produce solid RB2 production against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Rodriguez becoming a viable flex option in deeper formats.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign for the 27-year-old as he sat out on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue his status during Friday's practice as he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game. Since moving to the DMV in Week 2, Seibert has been one of the most productive kickers from a fantasy perspective. During this stretch, he has gone 25-for-27 on attempts and a perfect 22-for-22 on extra points. If Seibert is active on Sunday, fantasy managers should continue to view him as a high-end option given how potent the revamped Washington offense has performed under Kliff Kingsbury.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) has been activated off the injured reserve and is set to make his season debut on Thursday evening against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell has been sidelined since suffering a torn ACL last December. Last season, the 22-year-old showcased his elite speed as he averaged an impressive 8.4 yards per carry. Through Weeks 9 through 15, Mitchell averaged just 7.8 attempts per game but was able to tally an average of 66.0 rushing yards in each outing. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should look to stash Mitchell for the time being as even though he has big-play ability, he will face a limited workload early on as he is eased into action. Down the stretch, he could eventually earn a decent role in the Baltimore offense playing behind Derrick Henry.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receivers Curtis Samuel (pectoral) and Mack Hollins (shoulder) were both wearing non-contact jerseys at Thursday's practice session. Hollins was listed as a full participant on Wednesday, so this would represent a downgrade for him. Samuel returned in the Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins after missing Week 8, but he failed to catch his only target with Amari Cooper (wrist) out and has gone without a catch in each of his last two games. Rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) might miss multiple weeks, but even with Buffalo's receivers beat up, Samuel isn't an attractive starting fantasy lineup option. Hollins had gone without a catch in each of his last two games before bringing in all five of his targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in Week 9. If Cooper is out again this weekend, Hollins will be a touchdown-dependent WR4/flex option, at best, in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight ends Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle, wrist) and Tommy Tremble (back) were both listed as limited in Thursday's practice. Meanwhile, Feleipe Franks (concussion) practiced in full for the second straight day. Tremble was a full-go on Wednesday, while Sanders is popping up on the injury report for the first time this week. Sanders has certainly been more involved in recent weeks as a pass-catcher than he was in the first four games of his NFL career. He's had at least five targets in four of his last five games and has a 19-217-0 line in his last five games. The 21-year-old has yet to find the end zone, though, and remains nothing more than a low-upside TE2 streamer in deeper fantasy leagues if he's active in Week 10 in Germany against the New York Giants. The return of Tremble would certainly be bad news for Sanders.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg reports that Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) is practicing in a similar fashion to last week. Cooper was inactive for the Week 9 win over the division-rival Miami Dolphins but was limited in Wednesday's walkthrough. He's likely to be listed as limited for a second straight day on Thursday and is up in the air to play in Week 10 versus the Indianapolis Colts. With rookie Keon Coleman (wrist) possibly missing multiple weeks with his own wrist injury, look for Khalil Shakir to see increased volume against the Colts, especially if Cooper misses a second straight game. The 33-year-old Cooper had four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in his Bills debut in Week 7 before getting injured in Week 8. If Cooper is able to get the green light to return this Sunday, he should be considered a must-start for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is not practicing for a second straight day due to a hamstring injury. The veteran turned in two limited practices last week before logging a "DNP" on Friday, so it's possible he suffered a setback to his ailment. With no practice to start the week, it would be somewhat of a surprise if he's activated from the Injured Reserve list for the Week 10 game against the New York Giants in Germany. With Diontae Johnson now in Baltimore and Jonathan Mingo in Dallas, rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker have fantasy appeal in 12-plus team leagues. The Giants are a natural matchup for wideouts, so both players are on the flex radar for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is back at practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury. This is great news for his fantasy managers, but his status should continue to be monitored on Friday and up to Sunday. Smith has posted at least 900 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, but he is a "boom-or-bust" fantasy option in most matchups while sharing a field with A.J. Brown (knee) and Dallas Goedert (hamstring). Assuming all three pass-catchers are active in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys, Smith is a solid WR2 or WR3 play with upside, but he has a low floor due to his boom-or-bust nature.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is still out of practice on Thursday leading up to Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The former Pittsburgh Steeler and New England Patriot has not played since Week 5, and he's looking likely to be out again in Week 10. In his absence, K.C. traded for DeAndre Hopkins, who has taken over the clear WR1 role. When Smith-Schuster finally does return, he could have very little fantasy value. If he surprisingly plays this week, he is not worth starting except in 16-plus team leagues against a Denver Broncos defense that has surrendered the 8th-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) is not expected to travel with the team for the Week 10 game against the Carolina Panthers in Germany. Needless to say, he is trending toward being inactive after suffering a concussion last Sunday. In his absence, sophomore third-round wideout Jalin Hyatt should see more action, but he is not on the fantasy football radar. Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson should continue to operate as Daniel Jones' No. 1 and No. 2 targets in the passing game for the international NFC showdown.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (groin) is not practicing for the second straight day due to a groin injury. The third-year back out of Florida missed the Week 9 loss to the New York Jets and has only been active for four games in 2024. It looks like he could be on his way to missing another week of action, meaning J.J. Taylor and Dare Ogunbowale could serve as the RB2 and RB3 for Houston behind Joe Mixon. However, Mixon is in a workhorse role, so neither backup is worth starting in fantasy lineups. Pierce remains a handcuff RB in deep leagues, but he's barely on the fantasy football radar in leagues of 12 teams or fewer.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is not practicing on Thursday after logging a "DNP" on Wednesday. The 2020 second-round pick has missed several Wednesday practices before returning on Thursday this year, but his absence two days in a row could suggest he's at real risk of missing Week 10. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Friday, but he's become an unattractive fantasy option in 2024. The USC alum has scored double-digit half-PPR fantasy points in just three of his nine games this year and totaled just 4.0 fantasy points over the last two weeks. If he plays, it will be against the Buffalo Bills, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) is not practicing on Thursday, though he is working off to the side. This will mark his second straight "DNP" of the week with a wrist injury, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status heading into the weekend. The rookie out of Florida State has come on in recent weeks, scoring at least 14.5 fantasy points in matchups with the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks. If he cannot play, wide receiver Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid will have higher floors and ceilings against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. The Colts have surrendered the 11th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts and fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) is still not practicing on Thursday as he works his way back from a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old has been sidelined on the Injured Reserve list since Week 5, and although his hamstring is reportedly feeling much better, it seems like he's on the wrong side of questionable for Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. Collins scored at least 14.7 half-PPR fantasy points in four of his first five games and was leading the NFL in receiving yards before getting hurt. If Collins cannot play this week, fellow wideout Tank Dell is a virtual must-start in a favorable matchup against the Detroit secondary. Fantasy managers holding out hope for Collins should monitor his practice status and official game designation on Friday afternoon.
From RotoBaller