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FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

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.

Top Headlines
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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Demarcus Robinson Sep 8 10:50am ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson will open the season as the third wideout in this offense. He's set to start behind Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua during the season opener against the Detroit Lions. The 29-year-old beat out Tutu Atwell for the third wideout spot in camp, but he probably won't have a significant role. Both Kupp and Nacua figure to see the bulk of the targets. Last season, Robinson finished with 26 receptions for 371 yards and four touchdowns. There is still some big-play potential here, which makes Robinson a possible WR4 in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Sep 8 10:40am ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney will step into the WR2 role for this offense to open the season. The 26-year-old reportedly looked good in camp and continued to make plays when called upon. Drake London opens the season as the primary passing option, but Mooney shouldn't be far behind him on the depth chart. It's worth noting that tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson should also be involved in the receiving game. Mooney has spent the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. He's worth stashing in most fantasy formats and should be on the WR4 radar heading into the opener.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Sep 8 10:30am ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (ankle) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants. Nailor was able to log in a full practice to close out the week after being limited earlier in the week. He's expected to be the third wideout on this roster behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Sadly, there probably won't be a ton of targets left for Nailor with those two likely seeing the bulk of them. Nailor should be considered a desperation play in deep leagues heading into Week 1. The third-year wideout is unlikely to have a huge role while Jefferson and Addison are healthy.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Tannehill Sep 8 10:13am ET
Ryan Tannehill

Free-agent QB Ryan Tannehill (Titans) received interest from several NFL teams during the offseason, according to multiple sources. However, he would only be interested in returning to the league to play for a playoff contender with the need for a quarterback, a strong offensive line and multiple offensive weapons, if the money was right.

From TheHuddle

Dawuane Smoot Sep 8 10:13am ET
Dawuane Smoot

Buffalo Bills DE Dawuane Smoot (toe) has been downgraded from questionable to out for Week 1's game versus the Arizona Cardinals.

From TheHuddle

Malik Willis Sep 8 10:10am ET
Malik Willis

The Green Bay Packers are going to be without starting quarterback Jordan Love (knee) for a few weeks. Love suffered a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain, which could force him to miss three or four games. Malik Willis came into the game in the final seconds after Love went down during Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite that, the Packers haven't committed to Willis being the starting quarterback in Week 2. Willis has only been with the team for a few weeks, so he might not be quite ready for this type of role yet. Sean Clifford is currently on the practice squad and has been with the team since 2023. Those are two are their primary options unless they want to go outside of the organization. Free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been a rumored name, but wants to join a contending team and be paid well. Regardless of who starts, none of these players are going to be viable fantasy options in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 8 10:00am ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) appears to have avoided a season-ending injury. Love went down in the final moments of Friday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He needed to be helped off the field and further evaluation revealed an MCL sprain. The Packers only expect Love to miss a few weeks, which could be three or four games. Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn't an ACL tear that would force Love to miss the entire season. The assumption is that Malik Willis will start for a few weeks, but free-agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill has also been rumored to be an option. Whoever starts is going to be a downgrade over Love under center.

From RotoBaller

Trenton Irwin Sep 8 9:50am ET
Trenton Irwin

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin could be in line for a heavier workload during Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fellow wideout Ja'Marr Chase (illness) is trending in the right direction, but is still uncertain for the season opener. If he sits, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas would move up the depth chart. Also, Irwin could be in line to be the third starter considering he was competing for the WR3 role in camp. His value hinges on the status of Chase, which might not be known until closer to game time. Irwin could be a desperation play in deep leagues if Chase does end up sitting out.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Ramsey Sep 8 9:33am ET
Jalen Ramsey

Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) will attempt to play in Week 1's game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple sources. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging just one limited practice session during the week. Ramsey will not be at 100 percent and is hoping to be able to play on a pitch count.

From TheHuddle

Mike Greene Sep 8 9:30am ET
Mike Greene

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Calijah Kancey (calf) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Kancey was a late addition to the injury report on Friday due to a calf injury. It looks like the Bucs are going to play it safe and hold him out of the season opener. The first-round pick from last year recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season. He was mostly a part-time player, but Kancey has a chance to be a real difference maker on defense. Kancey figures to start on the Bucs defense this season, but Mike Greene is likely to get the opening week start.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 8 9:23am ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) is expected to play in Week 1's game versus the Tennessee Titans, according to head coach Matt Eberflus.

Fantasy Spin: Allen had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging two limited practice sessions and one full session during the week. He is expected to receive his normal workload and can be viewed as a WR3 or flex option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

D.J. Reader Sep 8 9:23am ET
D.J. Reader

Detroit Lions DT D.J. Reader (quadriceps) is not expected to play in Week 1's game versus the Los Angeles Rams, according to multiple sources. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report after being a limited practice participant throughout the week but it is believed that he has a more realistic chance to play in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From TheHuddle

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 8 8:40am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) woke up ill on Saturday but started to feel better later in the day, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. Chase is currently listed as questionable for Week 1 versus the Patriots with his illness, but his availability could also be impacted by the absence of a contract extension. The star wide receiver has mentioned that he could skip or be limited during Sunday's game since he didn't accept an extension offer before his self-imposed Week 1 deadline. Based purely on health alone, it sounds like Chase is feeling better and could be well enough to play. Add in the contract factor, though, and this situation is incredibly murky. To further complicate matters, Tee Higgins (hamstring) is not expected to suit up. Therefore, we could see increased opportunities for Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Trenton Irwin against New England.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Tannehill Sep 8 8:20am ET
Ryan Tannehill

Free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill is waiting for the perfect opportunity before signing with an NFL team, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. His ideal landing spot would be a playoff contender with a strong offensive line, significant offensive weapons, and the need for a quarterback. He has reportedly been staying in shape and throwing to local receivers, keeping himself ready in case he gets the call. Rapoport notes that there's been some interest in Tannehill around the league, but evidently, his desired opportunity hasn't presented itself yet. One team to keep an eye on is the Green Bay Packers, who are contenders but are also preparing for a multi-week absence from Jordan Love (knee).

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 8 8:20am ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is "more likely" to start against the Atlanta Falcons than Russell Wilson (calf), according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Steelers will still evaluate Wilson prior to kickoff, leaving the door open for him to play. He believes he's healthy enough to suit up, but Pittsburgh may opt to hold him out. Specifically, Rapoport notes that the Steelers like to be cautious with calf injuries. In the event that Fields is confirmed as the starter, he'd rank as a mid-range QB2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Reader Sep 8 8:20am ET
D.J. Reader

Detroit Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader (quad) will be inactive for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 30-year-old was activated from the PUP list a couple of weeks ago but isn't quite ready to return to game action. Once he does return to the NFL, he'll be making his Lions debut. He spent the last four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing his stint with 34 tackles, seven quarterback hits, and one sack in 2023. Levi Onwuzurike should step up and earn more snaps in Reader's absence, even if it's just for one week.

From RotoBaller

Montez Sweat Sep 8 8:20am ET
Montez Sweat

Chicago Bears pass-rusher Montez Sweat (toe) is expected to play in Week 1 despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Sweat had logged two limited practice sessions before participating in a full capacity on Friday. He's coming off a career year in which he logged 57 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His presence will be valuable as the Bears look to slow down Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans' offense in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 8 7:20am ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) is expected to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. He is coming off a down year, having failed to reach 1,000 yards receiving and scored under eight touchdowns for the first time in five years. Lockett will join DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Seattle's clear top three wide receivers. It's unclear what Lockett's exact role will be under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, but Lockett still received a healthy 122 targets in 2023, so he's shown he has some left in the tank. Fantasy managers may be better off leaving him on the bench, though, as his injury could affect his play. Lockett is currently WR44 in the latest RotoBaller Week 1 rankings, making him a flex play at best for the season opener.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 8 6:20am ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has a good matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, but the first-round receiver has never had a real chance to show how good he can be. Entering his third year, Williams only has 25 catches for 395 yards and three touchdowns under his belt. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound receiver boasted over 1,500 yards in his final college season and is the WR2 on the Lions depth chart. Williams also has 4.4 speed and will be Jared Goff's favorite deep-threat target this season. With Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown being the biggest names on offense, Williams could fly under the radar and see some surprising productivity. That said, he has yet to prove himself and is still risky. Williams is a decent WR3/flex option and ranked as the WR46 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Jake Bates Sep 8 6:20am ET
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions Kicker Jake Bates will face the Los Angeles Rams at home in Week 1. Bates had a good season in the UFL earlier this year, kicking a 64-yard field goal and two other field goals of 60 or more yards. The 25-year-old had never attempted a field goal in his football career until earlier this year, but he proved during his time in the UFL that he could hang with the best. He signed a two-year deal with the Lions this offseason and could be considered to start just because of how high-scoring this matchup is expected to be. Bates is listed as K18 on RotoBaller's Week 1 Rankings.

From RotoBaller