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.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was spotted in uniform walking into Wednesday's practice as his high-profile contract extension discussions continue. The multi-time Pro Bowler has been at the team facility but not participating in practices while he searches for a new deal. According to reports, Chase was part of the team meeting to prepare for the New England Patriots. These are important steps toward his availability on Sunday, but it's worth monitoring Chase's involvement during practice today and the rest of the week. Chase is a must-start WR1 for fantasy football if he's active on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (hand) put in a second straight limited practice session on Wednesday. The Packers didn't actually practice on Wednesday, so Doubs' practice status was an estimation with the team flying to Brazil ahead of Friday night's regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Unless Doubs is unable to practice on Thursday, he should be fine to suit up this week for fantasy managers while working through a minor hand contusion. When healthy, the 24-year-old will be a WR4/flex with upside for fantasy managers in a crowded Green Bay receiving corps that also includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. The former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of Nevada showcased his playmaking ability in 2023 in 17 regular-season games by finding the end zone eight times on 59 receptions and 674 yards.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (back) was added to the Week 1 injury report on Wednesday after he put in a limited practice. Kraft has apparently recovered from a torn pectoral muscle that he was rehabbing in the offseason, but now a back injury has cropped up right before the team's Week 1 regular-season opener in Brazil on Friday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. It doesn't mean the 23-year-old won't suit up on Friday, but it's something to watch for with Green Bay's tight end depth in the season opener. Luke Musgrave should operate as the team's top pass-catching TE, but if Kraft's back injury keeps him out or limits his snaps, it could create more playing time for third-stringer Ben Sims. Fantasy managers can ignore Kraft in starting lineups in Week 1 in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running backs MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) and Emanuel Wilson (hip) were both listed as limited at practice on Wednesday. The Packers held Lloyd out as part of their plan in the first practice of the week on Tuesday, and the fact he's back in the fold on a limited basis on Wednesday means he's on track to suit up for his first regular-season NFL game in Brazil on Friday night versus the Philadelphia Eagles. The 23-year-old missed valuable development time in training camp and the preseason due to his hamstring injury, but with AJ Dillon (neck) done for the year, he should take over RB2 duties from Wilson sooner than later behind starter Josh Jacobs. Lloyd is the better bench stash in Green Bay's backfield than Wilson, although he shouldn't be trusted in starting fantasy lineups in Week 1 against Philly.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday, and his status for Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans is up in the air. Downs is trending in the wrong direction to be ready for the start of the regular season after suffering a high-ankle sprain on Aug. 7, but that could change if he's able to get back on the practice field on either Thursday or Friday. As of right now, though, fantasy managers should be planning to be without the 23-year-old in Week 1. If Downs is inactive on Sunday, it will mean that rookie Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will start next to Michael Pittman Jr. in three-wide sets on Sunday against Houston. Downs should be set in a bench spot for now as Week 1 approaches.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) said he underwent surgery for a sports hernia, which is why he's not taking part in the team's first official practice on Wednesday. Gay had something flare up after the team's preseason contest against the Cincinnati Bengals and could be trending toward missing Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday versus the division-rival Houston Texans. Fantasy managers that were banking on using Gay as their starting kicker to open the year may already have to pivot and go in another direction. If he cannot kick this Sunday, rookie Spencer Shrader would be added to the active roster to make his NFL debut. It's best to just avoid Indy's kicking situation altogether in fantasy if Gay ends up being inactive against the Texans, which is the way this appears to be trending.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will travel to Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers in the regular season opener on Friday night. The 29-year-old suffered an oblique injury a few weeks ago, but returned to the practice field Tuesday and is slated to suit up on Friday. Goedert had a down year in 2023, finishing with his lowest fantasy point total since 2020 when he played in just 11 games. Goedert is no stranger to target competition and has been able to deliver for fantasy managers at times, but he has been an inconsistent option. After the acquisition of former Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson a few weeks ago and the addition of running back Saquon Barkley this past offseason, Goedert is in the most crowded receiver room of his career. The veteran is a threat to score a touchdown every week as apart of the Eagles offense, but he is going to be tough to trust on a weekly basis. Fantasy managers should consider him a fringe TE1 in Week 1 against the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will travel to Brazil to take on the Green Bay Packers in the team's regular season opener on Friday night. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $24 million extension this past offseason, making him tied for the highest paid kicker annually with Baltimore's Justin Tucker. Elliott deserved every bit of the extension, hitting 30 of his 32 field goal attempts and converting 45 of 46 extra points. After attempting only 23 field goals in 2022 (the second-lowest amount of his career) the veteran proved to be one of the most valuable fantasy assets at the position last season and heads into Week 1 as a top five option.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) will be a full participant in the team's first official practice on Wednesday. Samuel should be ready to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals as long as he doesn't have a setback with his turf-toe issue later this week. The 28-year-old has an opportunity to step up as a trusted weapon for quarterback Josh Allen in 2024 with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer around, but he'll also be competing for targets among a group of wideouts that include Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Samuel has gone over 800 receiving yards just once in his seven years in the NFL and is coming off a 62-613-4 line in 16 games with the Commanders. To begin the year, consider Samuel a WR5/flex best left on benches until we see how involved he'll be in Buffalo.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) should be at the team's first official practice on Wednesday, but it remains to be seen how much he'll do. It sounds like Hopkins will most likely be listed as limited on the first injury report of 2024 as the team prepares for their Week 1 matchup in Chicago against the Bears this Sunday. The 32-year-old veteran suffered a strained knee early in training camp but was always expected to be ready for the start of the 2024 season this week. Still, there's a chance he could be limited if he's active this weekend, which would mean more targets for Calvin Ridley as he makes his Titans debut. Hopkins should be active on Sunday to kick off the year, but he figures to be a little more risky for fantasy managers as more of a WR4/flex play in lineups.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Boston Scott (undisclosed) was placed on the practice squad injured list on Wednesday, Sept. 4. In addition, the team signed free-agent RB Aaron Shampklin to the practice squad.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will face off against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 in the first international game of the season, being held in Brazil. The 26-year-old did not see a single snap in the preseason but has plenty of hope surrounding him after last year's late season collapse in Philadelphia. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore should help solve some of the issues the offense had with being bland and mundane, and the addition of Saquon Barkley at running back makes the offense nearly impossible to gameplan against. The Packers defense ranked top 10 in passing defense by the end of last season but struggled against the run and defending rushing quarterbacks. In what should be a tightly contested game between two playoff hopefuls, Hurts should be considered a top three option during the opening week of the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will head to Brazil in Week 1 to take on the Green Bay Packers on Friday night. The former New York Giants back did not play a single snap in the preseason and should be a full strength after missing some practice time a few weeks ago due to a back injury. The Eagles offensive line is the best Barkley has ever had in his career by a wide margin and his first matchup against the Packers is on he can make a strong statement in to open the regular season. Green Bay gave up the fifth-most rushing yards in 2023 and did much better at defending the pass. Philadelphia is ready to unleash their highly paid free agent acquisition and fantasy managers should consider him a solid RB1 heading into Friday night.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will face off against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil on Friday for the team's regular season opener. The 27-year-old signed a three-year contract worth $96 million this past offseason and heads into the regular season as a fringe top five fantasy WR. While Brown shares the field with standout WR2 DeVonta Smith and now has even more competition with the acquisition of former Washington wide receiver Jahan Dotson, there is no doubt that the dominant top receiver for Philadelphia is a fantasy force and will have plenty of big games in 2024. He should see a heavy dose of Jaire Alexander in Week 1, but fantasy managers should still consider Brown a WR1 even with a tough matchup Friday night.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury and will be limited at practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Raheem Morris. It's not what fantasy managers that drafted Pitts want to see, but it would still be somewhat of a surprise if he's unable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 23-year-old has an opportunity to break out in 2024 as a high-end TE1 this year in fantasy with quarterback Kirk Cousins now leading the offense, but he's going to need to stay healthy to do so. If for some reason Pitts is limited in Week 1, it's unlikely that either Charlie Woerner or Ross Dwelley would be worth a look as a streaming option to kick off the season. Check back on Pitts' status later this week, but unless something changes, he should be in starting lineups in fantasy in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will head to Brazil in Week 1 to face off against the Green Bay Packers on Friday night. The 25-year-old signed a three-year, $75 million extension this past offseason and had rave reviews coming out of training camp. While he did not touch the field in the preseason, none of the Eagles starters did either, and Smith is entering his prime. The addition of Jahan Dotson in a trade from the division rival Commanders may add another mouth to feed but makes Smith that much tougher to cover with the like of A.J. Brown on the other side of the field and running back Saquon Barkley needing to be accounted for. The Eagles No. 2 receiver should be considered a high-end WR2 most weeks including the regular season opener against the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson will face off against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil to open the regular season on Friday. The former Washington Commander was traded to the Eagles two weeks ago as the team was making its final roster transactions before the regular season, giving Philadelphia one of the strongest receiver trios in the league. With that said, Dotson does not hold a ton of fantasy value in redraft leagues heading into Week 1. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has never supported three fantasy relevant wide receivers in the past and while the addition of Dotson makes the offense even tougher to stop, the target share and overall involvement for the 24-year-old is not expected to make him a fantasy asset on a weekly basis. If anything were to happen to A.J. Brown of DeVonta Smith, Dotson will be a hot waiver addition, but until then he is little more than an emergency bench stash or can be left on the waiver wire. He is not a recommended fantasy option in Week 1 against the Packers.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk (calf) is expected to be a full go for Week 1, head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Fantasy Spin: Kirk missed the final five games of last season due to injury. After ranking as WR28 overall in the 12 games he did appear in during the 2023 season, Kirk should be considered a flex option in Week 1.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions DT D.J. Reader (quadriceps) has a chance to play in Week 1, head coach Dan Campbell revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
From TheHuddle
The New York Jets agreed to terms on a three-year $30.75 million contract extension with defensive back Michael Carter II on Tuesday, making him the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL. The deal is worth up to $33 million with slightly more than $19 million in total guarantees. Carter is the Jets' nickelback and has been an important member of the defense over the last three seasons. Carter did not record an interception in 2023, but he did manage 50 total tackles and nine passes defensed. Carter's extension keeps an excellent Jets defensive core intact. The Jets' team defense should be a hot commodity in fantasy football in 2024.