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 11
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears avoided the injury report for the first time since Week 6 and will take on the Vikings in Week 11 action. Spears missed Weeks 7-9 with a hamstring injury but returned for last week's contest vs. the LA Chargers, playing a healthy 46% of snaps. The shifty back still ran behind Pollard in opportunity share, but was able to garner 10 in the game, averaging his highest YPC mark of the season at 6.7. Unfortunately he faces an even tougher run-stopping unit this Week in Minnesota, who are fourth-best at limiting opposing backs. The only saving grace here is that the Vikings are middle-of-the-pack in receptions allowed to RBs, which is a strength of Spears' game. Even so, Spears has a small share of a dysfunctional offense that will have a tough time moving the ball this weekend. He is merely a desperation play in deeper formats, with a slight upgrade in full-PPR.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (illness) returned to a full practice on Friday after being held out of the first practice of the week on Thursday. The Cowboys play the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in Week 11, and Ferguson should be ready to roll by then. There's a good chance he'll be removed from the final injury report entirely on Saturday if he can put in another full practice. The real concern for Ferguson's fantasy managers shouldn't be his illness, but rather the fact that quarterback Cooper Rush is now leading Dallas' offense with Dak Prescott (hamstring) out for the season. In Rush's first game under center in last week's blowout loss to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, Ferguson caught four of five targets for only 24 yards. Ferguson is now more of a low-upside, touchdown-dependent TE2 rather than a weekly TE1 option.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley will take on the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 11 matchup. It's been a roller coaster season for the 29-year old who has been the most negatively impacted by the Titans inept offense from a fantasy standpoint, ranking as the WR60 through the first seven weeks. After Hopkins was shipped off to Kansas City, Ridley has been an all-star fantasy asset as the WR2 since Week 8, highlighted by a two-touchdown performance last week against a tough Chargers defense. While Ridley always carries a fair bit of risk given the poor play of the Titans offense overall, he's become a must-start player after commanding 31 targets over the past three weeks. Minnesota is a formidable defensive unit, but are much more susceptible through the air, ranking as the 3rd-worst defense at limiting opposing WRs. Consider Ridley a risky WR2 with some upside this week.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight ends Noah Fant (groin) and Brady Russell (foot) have been ruled out for Sunday's game against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. It will be the second straight game that Fant has missed after suffering a groin injury in practice two weeks ago. The bye in Week 10 apparently wasn't enough to get him back on the field. With Fant missing another contest, the Seahawks will likely elevate either Tyler Mabry or the recently signed N'Keal Harry from the practice squad to provide depth behind rookie AJ Barner and Pharaoh Brown. Barner played over 90 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams with Fant out and caught four of his seven targets for 27 yards in his first career NFL game. Barner will once again be a TE2 sleeper with Fant out again in Week 11 against the Niners.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (illness, wrist) was a full-go in practice on Friday but is listed as questionable to play on Sunday against the visiting Indianapolis Colts in Week 11. Adams was under the weather this week and didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and he's also dealing with a minor wrist injury. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said on Friday that Adams is expected to play, so fantasy managers should keep the 31-year-old All-Pro wideout in their lineups and check back on Sunday morning to make sure he's officially active. Adams has a strong matchup this weekend, too, as he'll be facing a Colts defense that has surrendered the sixth-most half-PPR points to receivers in the last three weeks, including three touchdowns. In four games since joining the Jets, the six-time Pro Bowler has a 20-206-1 line on 39 targets.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) are both listed as questionable to play in Week 11 versus the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Bosa did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but put in a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to suit up this weekend. Williams did not practice all week but was merely being rested, so he should be available to protect quarterback Brock Purdy's blind side on Sunday. The 27-year-old Bosa was able to play through his hip injury in the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had four tackles, including a sack, which brings him to a disappointing 5.5 sacks through nine games on the season. If active, though, he's a must-start defensive lineman in IDP leagues against a Seahawks offense that will be getting receiver DK Metcalf (knee) back.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) practiced in full all week and has been cleared to face the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 on Sunday. It's excellent news for a Seahawks offense that struggled in the two games that Metcalf missed leading up to their Week 10 bye. Metcalf had been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain in the Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons but will be back in action as quarterback Geno Smith's top target in the passing game. Fantasy managers should ignore the fact that the 26-year-old only caught three of 11 targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns in the Week 6 loss to the Niners. The matchup against San Fran's defense isn't the friendliest for fantasy purposes, but when healthy, Metcalf has been the WR13 in half-PPR points scored per week in 2024 at 13.2. Now that he's back, return him to your starting fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was removed from Friday's final Week 11 injury report and will be available to play on Sunday when the team takes on the division-rival Seattle Seahawks at Levis Stadium. Jennings popped up on the injury report on Thursday after being limited in practice, putting his availability for Sunday's game in question. The 27-year-old is now in the clear, though, and could have another big role in San Fran's passing attack against Seattle after leading the team in targets (11) and receiving yards (93) in the Week 10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jennings had missed the two previous games due to a hip injury. With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) done for the year, Jennings' elevated role should be secure the rest of the year. The Seahawks D has allowed the second-most half-PPR points to receivers in their last two games.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is listed as questionable for the Week 11 divisional game on Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks. Kittle is dealing with a little hamstring irritation and did not practice on Wednesday before putting in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he wasn't too worried about Kittle's status for this weekend, so fantasy managers should leave him in all starting lineups, even with the Niners and Seahawks kicking off in the late window on Sunday. The 31-year-old leads all tight ends in fantasy points through 10 weeks and has found the end zone seven times in his eight games this year. Oh, and he also caught five passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting against Seattle back on Oct. 10. Kittle will be a must-start for the rest of the year in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard takes on the Minnesota Vikings and their stout run defense this upcoming Sunday. With Tyjae Spears returning to the lineup last week, Pollard played a season low in snaps at 54% and only received nine carries in the game. The positives were that Pollard received more work in the passing game than Spears and was more efficient, but the latter's stock is definitely on the decline. This week against a Vikings defense that is fourth-best against fantasy running backs and is No. 1 in the league in yards allowed, Pollard is demoted to a low-end flex. The former Cowboy is still in the mix given his role in the offense, but if he doesn't score a touchdown it will likely be a disappointing performance for fantasy managers given Minnesota's propensity to shut down their oppositions ground game.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will be a top play at the position this Sunday when his team lines up against the Tennessee Titans. The former eighth-overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft was back to a staple option in the Vikings offense in just his second game back from a devastating knee injury, racking up eight receptions and 72 yards on nine targets. Perhaps even more impressively, he did so on less than half the team's snaps (46%). Hockenson will get his toughest test thus far in a Titans defense that has stifled their opponent's passing games in 2024. Tennessee has let up an average of just 4.3 fantasy points per game to the TE position and is allowing an abysmal 5.3 yards per pass attempt. However, the 27-year-old's involvement should keep him in the conversation as one of the better performers at tight end this weekend. He's RotoBaller's PPR TE5 in this week's ranks.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis will start against the Minnesota Vikings in a cross-conference showdown this Sunday. Last week against the Chargers, Levis had his first turnover-free performance, putting up a season-high 19.1 fantasy points which included a career-high 41 rushing yards. The Kentucky product looked a bit more comfortable in the offense, but was still sacked seven times on the afternoon, which figures to be a major issue for this upcoming matchup against defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his aggressive scheme. This game also features the lowest over/under on the day at 39.5 with the Titans implied team total sitting at 17 points. While the Vikings are easier to beat through the air as opposed to on the ground, Levis cannot be trusted even in 2QB formats given his play this season and the tough matchup.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings kicker John Parker Romo will get his second NFL start this weekend when his team travels to Nashville to square off against the Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old was called upon to replace an injured Will Reichard (quad) last Sunday and responded by knocking in all four of his field goal tries to fell the Jaguars 12-7. The Titans present a difficult matchup for opposing offenses but have been one of the better ones regarding fantasy kickers. Tennessee averages 9.3 fantasy points per game allowed to the position -; tied for the eighth-most in the league through ten weeks. Romo ranks as RotoBaller's K20 ahead of Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers will not be a recommended option this Sunday when his team squares off against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. The former Florida State Seminole garnered his highest touch total of the season in last weekend's victory over the Jaguars when he received 14 of them (13 rushes) with backfield mate Aaron Jones (ribs) briefly tending to an injury. It appears that Akers has taken over Minnesota's RB2 role over the last few weeks, superseding Ty Chandler, who previously held that title. Even with his new-found promotion, the 25-year-old is little more than a handcuff unless Jones is forced to miss time. Akers ranks as RotoBaller's RB42 in PPR formats for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been his team's most reliable fantasy receiver so far in 2024, but with the Colts switching back to Anthony Richardson at quarterback, Downs' fantasy value undoubtedly takes a hit. In three games together this season, Downs caught just eight of 17 targets from Richardson. Still, the 23-year-old leads his team in receptions (45), targets (66), yards per game (60.4), and yards after catch (211) despite playing in only eight of the Colts' 10 games. The schedule affords Downs no favors, however, with the Indy taking on the Jets this week on the road, a defense that has allowed the fewest points to WRs this season. While the former third-round draft pick has been a solid WR2 the last two weeks, his situation and matchup deem him closer to a WR3 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus has been a calming presence for the Packers and their well-publicized kicker woes and McManus looks to keep that up this week as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. McManus has missed just one kick this season, a 46-yard field goal attempt that may have had some wet weather affecting that kick during the operation. That said, McManus has been everything the Packers have wanted out of the kicker position in his three games, with two game-winning field goals. With a tough defense ahead in Chicago, McManus could have some opportunities to kick if the Packers' offense stalls, so consider McManus a low-end starting kicker in fantasy for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is an unenticing fantasy option in Week 11 when his team takes on the Tennessee Titans on the road. The second-year wideout is averaging a paltry three receptions and 42.6 yards per contest through seven appearances. He has been marginally more involved over the prior two weeks, garnering at least five targets in both outings. Still, it won't be easy to trust him this coming Sunday against one of the more effective pass defenses in the league. Tennessee has been committed to shutting down their opponent's air attacks, allowing an average of just 111 yards per game to wideouts and the fewest fantasy points per game to the position (13.6). Addison presents as RotoBaller's PPR WR49 for this weekend's slate of games.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is in store for his most challenging outing of the season this Sunday when his team travels to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. The superstar wideout had his worst outing of 2024 in last weekend's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, failing to score at least 15 fantasy points for the first time. He'll get another staunch test in Week 11 in a Titans defensive unit that's allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this season (13.6 per game). Still, the 25-year-old is the league's second-leading receiver (831), averaging an astounding 92.3 yards per game and remaining a must-start option. Fire him up as RotoBaller's PPR WR2 in this week's rankings.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Kansas City has been a solid unit this season and sealed their most recent victory with a last-second blocked field goal. The Chiefs defense has recovered three fumbles, caught five interceptions, and collected 19 sacks this season. This defensive unit will be tested against the Buffalo Bills offense this week. Josh Allen has only been sacked 13 times this season, making him one of the hardest quarterbacks to take down. The Bills also have an effective run game behind a dynamic running back named James Cook. With both teams jockeying for the top seed in the AFC, this contest could turn into a defensive matchup. Both teams can dominate the time of possession through effective runs and quick passes. That said, both offenses can also run up the score in this contest, giving it a wide range of outcomes. The Chiefs are ranked as the 17th-best defense in our RotoBaller rankings this week, meaning fantasy managers should look for other options.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner looks like he may be filling in for Noah Fant (groin) once again in Week 11. Fant has been ruled out for Week 11. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in a game in which they project to pass quite a bit. Barner received seven targets in a starting role with Fant out in Week 9. While he was inefficient with his targets, he could see similar volume this week. The 49ers will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping the likes of DK Metcalf (knee), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. That could leave receiving lanes open for Barner. The rookie was primarily a blocker before Fant's injury. However, he has displayed an ability to get open, and solid athleticism in the open field. With the tight end position performing so poorly for fantasy in 2024, Barner is a potential option as a plug-in for injured players or players on a bye.
From RotoBaller