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
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is a fantasy football RB1 this season but will have an uphill battle to land in the top 12 in Week 11. The Kansas City Chiefs allow the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs and surrender 3.17 yards per carry. Cook can make up for a lack of rushing efficiency with work in the passing game. However, he only caught one pass against the Colts last week. That was without Amari Cooper (wrist) and Keon Coleman (wrist) in the lineup. Coleman will be out again. So will tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee). Cooper is questionable. The Chiefs may focus more on containing Cook on backfield routes. Regardless, the 25-year-old will see plenty of usage and ranks as an RB2 this week.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has four straight games with at least six receptions and enters Week 11 leading the team in catches (48) and receiving yards (529). He's providing a safe PPR floor and should get plenty of looks on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) will not play. Amari Cooper (wrist) is questionable and sporting a cast. The Chiefs are most susceptible to receiver production from the slot. That's Shakir's role and the health of other receivers does not impact that. The 24-year-old ranks as a high-end WR3 in PPR formats this week.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb comes out of his bye to face off against the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 11. Chubb has struggled in his three games played this season, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry on 42 attempts. The Saints have been one of the best matchups for running backs in the league this season as they are allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to the position. Chubb can be trusted as a low-end RB2 heading into Week 11 thanks to the friendly matchup.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox will be the team's go-to tight end this week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dalton Kincaid (knee) will be inactive. Despite logging just 10 receptions this season, the 28-year-old is in the streaming conversation. He's had explosive weeks in the past and the matchup is fantastic. Defending the tight end position is the weakness of the Kansas City defense. The unit allows the second-most fantasy points and most yards to the position. Fantasy managers needing help at tight end should be able to find Knox on the waiver wire and plug him into lineups.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston comes out of his bye with a road game against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have been good against opposing quarterbacks this season as they are allowing just the 24th-most fantasy points per game to the position this season. Winston should see plenty of volume as he has made over 40 pass attempts in each of his two starts this year. The veteran is a viable fantasy option as a QB2 heading into Week 11 against New Orleans.
From RotoBaller
Whether on the ground or through the air, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (left hand) delivers 20+ fantasy point performances. He hasn't had a disappointing result since Week 5. Fantasy managers hope that doesn't change in Week 11 against a stout Kansas City defense. The Chiefs are better against the run than the pass, but Allen will also be without two of his primary receivers. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) and wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) will be inactive. Amari Cooper (wrist) is questionable. Allen appeared on the injury report again with a hand injury that hasn't hampered him at all. Despite all that, Allen ranks as a QB1 in what should be a highly competitive game that could determine home-field advantage in the postseason.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell played a limited role in the team's victory last week and will look to make more of an impact against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. While Baltimore has been middle-of-the-road against fantasy kickers this season, Sunday's divisional showdown is tied for the highest over/under of the week. The Steelers should be able to throw and score on the Ravens, but it's hard to imagine Boswell goes another week without a field goal attempt. Boswell has been automatic all season, so he can be expected to produce for fantasy purposes if his number is called. Fantasy managers can lock Boswell in as a top-five option in this potential shootout.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (elbow, shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice after popping up on the injury report earlier in the week. Cousins is coming off of 300-yard passing game versus the Saints in Week 10, but the yardage total came without a single TD and he threw a pick. The only two games this season in which the veteran signal-caller was held without a TD pass both came against the Saints, but Week 11 brings a tough road matchup against the Broncos who have limited QBs to the 11th-fewest fantasy points this season. Denver has been more vulnerable in recent weeks, though, allowing three straight 220-plus yard passers and six touchdowns over the last three weeks, compared to just two 220-yard passers and six TDS over the first seven weeks. View the 36-year-old as a low-end QB2 this week as they could decide to ride Bijan Robinson and the run game instead in a contest that has the Falcons as two-point underdogs with just 44 expected total points.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth salvaged his Week 10 performance with a touchdown and will hope to earn more opportunities when facing the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The Ravens, who have been extremely vulnerable to the pass all season, give up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Although Freiermuth is averaging fewer than three targets per contest with Russell Wilson at quarterback, he should be on the fantasy radar this week given this enticing game environment with a 48.5-point over/under. It's difficult to trust Freiermuth as a fantasy TE1, but he can be considered a streaming option or high-end TE2 for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams made the most of his limited snaps in Week 10 and will look to get more involved in a divisional showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. Williams, who caught his only target for a 32-yard touchdown in his Steelers debut, is likely to see more playing time now in his second week with the team and could get a few shots downfield from quarterback Russell Wilson. This is certainly a matchup that Williams and teammate George Pickens can exploit as the Ravens have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to wideouts this season. While fantasy managers shouldn't be starting Williams in most redraft formats on Sunday, he has some upside as a DFS play in what projects to be a high-scoring affair.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been highly effective when healthy this season, playing in seven of the Colts' 10 games and averaging 88.0 YPG rushing while adding 12 catches for 108 yards receiving. Along with five TDs on the year, the 25-year-old has been one of the lone bright spots on offense in 2024. With Anthony Richardson back at QB in Week 11, the Colts will likely lean more heavily on the ground attack versus the Jets who have been weak against the run over their past four contests, allowing a pair of 100-yard rushers and five scores during that time. Even so, with the uncertainty at quarterback and the Colts as four-point underdogs in a game with a low expected total, Taylor figures to be more of a fringe RB1 in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and was removed from the final Week 11 injury report, so he will be active on Sunday to face the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Decker will return to action to protect quarterback Jared Goff's blind side after sitting out the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans last Sunday night. The 30-year-old former 16th overall pick in 2016 out of Ohio State has started in all 120 games he's appeared in over his nine-year NFL career. His return is great news for Goff and the rest of Detroit's offense this weekend in a game that the Lions are favored by two touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack (groin) did not practice all week and is listed as questionable for the Week 11 contest on Sunday night against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, defensive back Deane Leonard (hamstring) is also questionable after being limited in practice all week. Mack was active for the Week 10 win over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday, but he played only four defensive snaps in the victory. The 33-year-old veteran pass-rusher will probably be active again on Sunday night, but there's a good chance he'll be on a limited snap count yet again, making him one to avoid in starting fantasy lineups in IDP setups. The Bolts defense has been a popular streaming unit in recent weeks with a string of excellent matchups, but they should be faded in Week 11 against a rising Bengals offense that is getting receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) back.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been highly productive for fantasy recently and should continue to find success on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been the single-best matchup for fantasy wideouts this season and were eviscerated to the tune of 11 receptions, 264 yards, and three touchdowns by Ja'Marr Chase last week. Through three games with Russell Wilson under center, Pickens has garnered a 26% team target share and found the end zone twice. Although Mike Williams should be more involved in Pittsburgh's offensive game plan this week, Pickens will undoubtedly remain the top weapon in the passing game. The third-year pro is a must-start fantasy option as a WR1 with upside in Week 11.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) had surgery on his right knee earlier this week to fix a torn ACL and other damage. In addition to tearing his ACL, Aiyuk also tore his MCL in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and will miss the rest of the season. He should have already been dropped in single-season fantasy leagues. It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old will make enough progress in his rehab in the offseason in order to be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2025 regular season next fall. For the rest of 2024, receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle should be the most-targeted pass-catchers, with rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall also seeing an expanded role in the passing attack. Aiyuk was an absolute fantasy bust this year, finishing with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns in seven games.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will hope to tally a fourth consecutive victory in a Week 11 bout with the 7-3 Baltimore Ravens. Although Baltimore's defense has been stingy against the run this season, it is the second-best matchup for fantasy quarterbacks and surrenders the most passing yards per contest in the NFL. The Ravens have given up a top-12 quarterback performance in six of 10 games. This divisional clash is tied for the highest-projected point total of the week, so we should see plenty of scoring in what could become a shootout. Wilson has been incredibly effective through three starts with a 105.9 passer rating and seven total touchdowns to one interception. Outside of the elite tier of fantasy quarterbacks with rushing upside, there aren't many options that should be started ahead of Wilson this week. The 35-year-old can be viewed as a solid QB1 in all formats on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 11 showdown against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. In addition, cornerback C.J. Henderson (neck) is out, while defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) is questionable. Head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that Highsmith is week-to-week, meaning he could miss additional time, including the Week 12 tilt on a short turnaround next Thursday night against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. It certainly will make things more difficult for the Steelers defense against two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and the explosive Ravens offense. Pittsburgh's defense/special teams should be faded in fantasy this week. With Highsmith out, Nick Herbig should take on a bigger role at linebacker.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will face the Vikings in Week 11 NFL action this Sunday. The career Titan has really stepped up as the second wide-receiver on this team when DeAndre Hopkins left, leading the team in receiving touchdowns with four. Calvin Ridley is still far and away the top option in the passing game for whoever is quarterbacking the Titans, but Westbrook-Ikine has been a sneaky reliable play for the most part since Week 7, finishing as a top-36 fantasy WR three times. The Vikings have not been great at stopping opposing wideouts, as they currently rank 30th against the position, but quarterback Will Levis will likely be under heavy pressure all game which does not bode well for his #2 receiver. The Indiana product is only a flex option in deeper formats for Week 11.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (groin) was a full-go in Friday's practice session after being listed as a limited participant on Thursday. Pierce has missed the team's last two games with his groin injury, but barring a setback in Saturday's practice, he could be cleared to play on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. The 24-year-old's return would push Dare Ogunbowale back to the RB3 role. If Pierce is able to return in Week 11, he'll return to backup duties in the backfield behind Joe Mixon, who has been excellent in his first year with the team. Pierce has been very efficient (career-high 7.0 yards per carry) in his four games in 2024 after a disastrous second season in 2023 that saw him average just 2.9 yards a tote. However, he hasn't seen enough volume behind Mixon when healthy to give him standalone fantasy value.
From RotoBaller
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