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 head coach Zac Taylor admitted he may have been premature in his comments about wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's status, stating that Chase is now considered day-to-day. Taylor acknowledged he "spoke too quickly" on Tuesday regarding Chase's availability and expressed hope that Chase will return "hopefully at some point soon." Despite Taylor's earlier statement that Chase would practice this week, the star wide receiver did not participate in Wednesday's session as the team prepared for its season opener. Chase has essentially been "holding in" throughout the preseason as he seeks a better contract than the $1.1 million he's set to earn in 2024. However, his salary will increase to over $21 million in 2025 due to the Bengals picking up his fifth-year option in April. Taylor also mentioned he expects Chase to play in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, but the final outcome remains uncertain with the situation evolving rapidly.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have signed former Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown. Brown, who previously worked with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during their time with the Cowboys, was recently waived by the Texans as part of their roster cuts. At 28 years old, Brown is coming off two consecutive seasons with over 550 receiving yards, having played for the Cowboys in 2022 and the Texans in 2023. With the Commanders having traded Jahan Dotson to the Eagles last week, their current receiver lineup includes Terry McLaurin, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Byron Pringle, and Jamison Crowder. Washington needs reliable contributors to support McLaurin and Zaccheaus, though rookie third-round pick McCaffrey might also see some action. Despite missing part of training camp due to a shoulder injury following offseason labrum surgery, it appears the Commanders expect Brown to be ready for Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch anticipates that hold-in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back, neck) will participate in practice on Wednesday. When asked about the consequences if Aiyuk doesn't show up, Lynch responded, "Then we'll deal with that." Head coach Kyle Shanahan also expressed hope that Aiyuk will practice, noting that doctors have cleared him after earlier reports of back and neck issues. Shanahan indicated that he would address potential penalties if necessary. The situation remains to be determined regarding whether Aiyuk is nearing a market-value extension or is willing to play out his rookie contract, which includes a $14.1 million salary. This ongoing uncertainty also opens up trade possibilities for the 49ers' leading receiver since 2022. The offseason's biggest fantasy storyline continues with no resolution in sight.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed running back Dalvin Cook. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that didn't take long. Cook visited the facility today and signed shortly thereafter. His signing is one of those that could be good in reality but a mess in fantasy. At this point, Dallas looks to be going with some kind of committee that features Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Rico Dowdle. Cook is certainly worth an add to a dynasty roster but he's going to need to show he has some juice left to be trusted in lineups moving forward.
Dynasty | The Steelers will open the season with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Wilson beat out Justin Fields for the job but it was hardly by a landslide. Wilson looks like the safer option at the moment, with Fields having more explosiveness and risk at the same time. Pittsburgh is obviously playing it safe here but it's hard to look at this and think Fields won't start some games this season as well. Wilson is a QB2 in dynasty leagues but it's clear his best days are behind him.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) was seen in a non-contact practice jersey again on Wednesday afternoon. The Alabama product was seen wearing the same jersey earlier this week as he is being slowly eased back into game action. The 25-year-old has been dealing with a lingering undisclosed injury for most of August now, but it is promising to see the wideout on the field, albeit in a non-contact setting. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to Waddle's status, as he could be a full participant in the coming days. Waddle signed a massive $84.75 extension earlier this offseason after posting his third-straight 1,000-yard campaign last season. Even though he battled numerous injuries last season, he remains a top option at the wide receiver position given his big-play ability with a strong 73.6 air yards per game and a 2.88 average yards per route run.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (toe) was seen taking part in the practice session that was open to the media on Wednesday afternoon, according to Sal Capaccio of WGR550. This is an excellent sign for the 28-year-old wideout, who is currently questionable entering the opening week of the NFL season. Samuel was diagnosed with turf toe earlier in August and could be ready for Week 1 if he continues to progress well. Head Coach Sean McDermott expressed last week that Samuel "has a real good chance of being back," and this recent report suggests he remains on track to do so. Last season as a Commander, Samuel caught 613 receiving yards with four scores through the air and added one on the ground. Samuel remains an intriguing draft target at his current 129.7 Yahoo! ADP as the Bills wide receiver room lacks a clear No.1 option.
From RotoBaller
Free agent wide receiver Allen Robinson II is signing with the Detroit Lions, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Robinson was recently cut by the New York Giants earlier this week. The 31-year-old has struggled over the past few seasons after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2019 and 2020. Since then, the Penn State product has averaged just 343 receiving yards each season, and will now look to join his fourth team in four years. Currently, the Lions have two wide receivers on the injured reserve, Tre'Quan Smith (undisclosed) and Antoine Green (concussion), which could open the door for the veteran to serve in a depth role throughout the season occasionally. For now, fantasy managers should feel comfortable leaving Robinson on their waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
Free agent wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. is signing with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The former 2021 second-round selection was waived by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday afternoon. Over his first three NFL seasons, the LSU product totaled just 767 yards and one score on 64 receptions. Marshall saw a career-high 490 yards in 2022 but took a significant step down last season as he tallied only 139 yards. The 24-year-old could push to earn the No.4 or 5 spot on the 49er depth chart or may be placed on the practice squad for the time being. Marshall could be a name to monitor in deeper dynasty leagues, as he has yet to earn an extended opportunity in the NFL despite being a high draft pick.
From RotoBaller
Free Agent Kicker Brayden Narveson was claimed by the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday afternoon, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. In a corresponding move, the Packers released kicker Greg Joseph. Narveson was an undrafted rookie and spent the preseason playing in Tennessee and went 6-for-7 on his field goal attempts. This was surprising, as the Packers waived Anders Carlson on Tuesday, suggesting that Joseph had won the starting job. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Narveson to now serve as the new starting kicker in Green Bay. While the N.C. State product may be a risky investment late in drafts, he should have ample opportunities to score fantasy points kicking on a potent offense and has flashed potential by hitting a 59-yard field goal during the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers made the team's final 53-man roster on Tuesday, signing just a week after training camp had started. Akers doesn't present much value on special teams, so that means if he's active, he will be pushing for carries on game days to spell workhorse starter Joe Mixon. If the Texans opt to trade away presumed No. 2 back Dameon Pierce as well, Akers would become Houston's preferred backup and fantasy's clear-cut handcuff to Mixon. It's hard to envision Akers, 25, having much upside or standalone value this season, after rushing for a mere 2.8 yards per carry over 60 attempts and coming off his second career Achilles tear in 2023, but the former second-round pick is at least trending up this summer over Pierce.
From RotoBaller
There is hope that Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) will return sometime in November. Mitchell is on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season and will miss at least the first four games of the year after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in December of last year. This could lead Baltimore to add a RB who was cut from another team, but for the time being, veteran receiving back Justice Hill is all set to handle the change-of-pace role behind workhorse starter Derrick Henry in the early stages of 2024. Fantasy managers can stash the 22-year-old Mitchell if they have the space, considering he racked up 8.4 yards per carry across 47 attempts in his rookie season last year, but he's unlikely to be an option until the second half of the campaign.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell finally started showing some of his potential last season, starting 14 games and looking to be a dangerous weapon early in the season. His effectiveness tapered off after a hot start, however, and the 24-year-old former second-rounder's role diminished down the stretch before missing time while in concussion protocol. The Rams are fairly loaded at WR, with Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Demarcus Robinson set to line up as the wideouts in three-receiver sets. The emergence of rookie Jordan Whittington, along with a good training camp from journeyman Tyler Johnson, gives LA the kind of depth in the receiving corps where they could consider floating Atwell's name in trade talks. It's been reported the Rams are not looking to deal Atwell, but they still might be open to a respectable offer to improve other areas of the roster.
From RotoBaller
There's still no sign of Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers (foot) at practice on Wednesday. Bowers hasn't practiced since the middle of August due to a foot injury, but there remains optimism that his lack of activity is precautionary. Fantasy managers will want to see the 21-year-old first-rounder back on the field soon, however, as Las Vegas' regular-season opener is less than two weeks away against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 8 at SoFi Stadium. In the meantime, Michael Mayer and Harrison Bryant figure to be handling the first-team reps at tight end in practice sessions for the Raiders. Unless something significant emerges about his injury, Bowers remains safe to choose as a late-round pick for fantasy managers waiting until the end of drafts to grab a TE.
From RotoBaller
It doesn't look like Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is practicing on Wednesday. After head coach Zac Taylor said on Tuesday that Chase was going to continue to practice amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Bengals, the wideout got to practice 13 minutes after it has started in street clothes. Taylor also said Tuesday that he expects Chase to suit up for Cincinnati's regular-season opener against the visiting New England Patriots on Sept. 8 at Paycor Stadium, so fantasy managers shouldn't be moving the 24-year-old All-Pro around in their first-round rankings for the final week of drafts. Despite missing star quarterback Joe Burrow for half of the season last year, Chase put up a career-high 100 receptions (145 targets) in 16 appearances.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have named quarterback Russell Wilson their Week 1 starter against the hosting Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, so Justin Fields will begin the season as the team's backup. The Steelers left the door open for Fields to potentially win the starting job after Wilson missed the early part of training camp due to a calf injury, but the incumbent veteran will ultimately get the nod for the opening week of the campaign. Wilson gives Pittsburgh a stabilizing presence under center that should help keep the offense on schedule, but his fantasy value is going to be very limited during his starts in 2024 with a weak receiving corps and a major emphasis on the ground game in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's attack. Fantasy managers shouldn't look at the 35-year-old veteran signal-caller as anything more than a low-upside QB2 option.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson will be the team's starter to begin the season, head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Fantasy Spin: This was always expected, as Tomlin said on numerous occasions throughout the offseason that Wilson was the favorite for the job. Wilson finished as QB14 overall in 2023 and is a QB2 and fringe starter in 12-team leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Arizona Cardinals are re-signing quarterback Desmond Ridder (concussion) to their practice squad on Wednesday, according to sources. Ridder returns to the desert just a day after he was waived as the Cardinals cut their roster down to 53 players. The 24-year-old signal-caller failed to prove to the Atlanta Falcons that he was their franchise QB in his two seasons, and now he'll enter the 2024 regular season as the QB3 in Arizona behind Kyler Murray and Clayton Tune. The former second-rounder out of Cincinnati is no longer on the fantasy radar in single-year leagues after completing only 64% of his 503 pass attempts in his two years in Atlanta while throwing for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In addition to his 12 picks, Ridder was turnover-prone with 15 total fumbles, including 12 in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Steelers have decided on Russell Wilson to be their starting quarterback to open the season. He beat out Justin Fields for the job.
The Los Angeles Rams are signing defensive end Neville Gallimore, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. The 2020 third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys signed with the Miami Dolphins at the start of free agency, but he was surprisingly released ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday. Gallimore played in 52 games for Dallas from 2020 to 2023 and racked up 90 total tackles (40 solo), four sacks, three pass deflections, and 12 run stuffs during his tenure. He'll now join the Los Angeles 53-man roster and a young defensive line that is tasked with replacing future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald.