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Champions Draft Results

Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Hurts was first quarterback picked


RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.

In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.

Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.

ROUND 1

 1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF

 2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL

 3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL

 4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ

 5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA

 6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET

 8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN

 9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET

 10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR

 11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI

NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.

ROUND 2

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND

 2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ

 3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET

 4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX

 5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO

 7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB

 8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR

 9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA

 10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL

 11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC

 12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI

NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.

ROUND 3

 1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL

 2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND

 3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU

 4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF

 5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF

 6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE

 8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB

 9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU

 10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU

 11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF

NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.

ROUND 4

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA

 2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI

 3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI

 4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI

 5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF

 6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI

 7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC

 8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA

 9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE

 10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA

 11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL

 12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI

NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.

ROUND 5

 1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL

 2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL

 3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN

 4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR

 5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU

 6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL

 8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF

 9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND

 10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI

 11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF

NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.

ROUND 6

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG

 2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT

 3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT

 4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN

 5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX

 6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT

 7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN

 8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB

 9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV

 10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN

 11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB

 12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN

NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.

ROUND 7

 1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS

 2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR

 3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC

 4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN

 5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX

 6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI

 8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS

 9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB

 10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU

 11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA

NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.

ROUND 8

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS

 2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC

 3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL

 4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE

 5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN

 7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC

 8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR

 9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE

 10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL

 11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB

 12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI

NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.

ROUND 9

 1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA

 2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL

 3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI

 4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN

 5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN

 6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI

 8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN

 9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN

 10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC

 11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX

NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.

ROUND 10

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC

 2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI

 3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC

 4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF

 5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE

 7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET

 8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL

 9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ

 10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX

 11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF

 12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF

NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.

ROUND 11

 1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO

 2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND

 3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI

 4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX

 5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL

 6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS

 7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI

 8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV

 9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE

 10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS

 11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA

 12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL

NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.

ROUND 12

 1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL

 2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV

 3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC

 4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF

 5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB

 6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE

 7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC

 8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT

 9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET

 10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL

 11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA

 12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR

NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Josh Allen Aug 8 9:33am CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen will play about a quarter in the preseason opener Saturday, Aug. 10.

Fantasy Spin: Allen was the QB1 last season.. He's still an elite option in drafts, but his stock could take a hit with the questions around him at receiver.

From TheHuddle

Dallas Turner Aug 8 9:00am CT
Dallas Turner

Minnesota Vikings rookie outside linebacker Dallas Turner is listed behind edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel on the team's first unofficial depth chart. The veteran defenders were brought in during free agency after strong seasons with the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins, respectively. Greenard posted a career-high 12.5 sacks in 15 games last season, while Van Ginkel posted a career-high six sacks. Turner, who was projected by many to be a top-10 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, slipped to the No. 17 slot after posting 32.5 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks in three seasons at Alabama. He figures to play a significant role as a rookie, but he might work behind the veteran duo for the first half of the season or beyond.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Aug 8 8:50am CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that quarterback Josh Allen will start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, and he will play about a quarter. The 28-year-old could benefit from some preseason action given the turnover to his pass-catching group. With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis out of town, Allen will need to work quickly to develop chemistry with newcomers Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, among others. Buffalo could get out to a slow start offensively until the new faces get comfortable, but these reps before the regular season could help speed the process along. Once again, Allen is the consensus QB1 in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Even if his passing numbers take a hit, his rushing upside insulates him as an elite fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Aug 8 8:40am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings signed a two-year, $15.39 million contract extension this offseason to remain with the organization despite a lack of strong production since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2020. The Tennessee product has had to compete with Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey for targets and has collected a modest 78 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns through his first 45 regular season games. However, with first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) continuing to battle injuries and star wideout Brandon Aiyuk in the thick of trade rumors, Jennings has had his best camp as a pro, according to team reporter John Chapman. This is a great time to stand out in camp, as Jennings could play a significant pass-catching role if Aiyuk is traded and Pearsall is brought along slowly. Jennings threw for and caught a touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII, so the team likely has plenty of trust in him. While it's too early to say he'll definitely be a contributor, he's worth taking a late-round flier on in deep fantasy leagues and best ball drafts.

From RotoBaller

A.T. Perry Aug 8 8:30am CT
A.T. Perry

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry struggled early in the training camp, but according to team reporter Jeff Nowak, he's been "coming on strong lately" ahead of the team's first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. The sixth-round pick in last year's draft had a decent start to his career considering his draft position, catching 12 passes for 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Wake Forest product has a chance to play significant snaps in 2024 following the departure of longtime Saint Michael Thomas. Perry has a strong college production profile and above-average athleticism, so he could have some fantasy value in Derek Carr's offense. For now, he's likely the WR3 behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. It would be a surprise if he's a consistent producer, but his long frame could make him a top target in the red zone. His best value is as a late-round flier in best ball formats.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Dobbs Aug 8 8:20am CT
Joshua Dobbs

Following an up-and-down 2023 season, veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. The 2017 fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Tennessee saw the most action of his career last season, playing in 13 games with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings. Overall, he threw for 2,464 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions and ran for 421 yards and six scores on the ground. He is listed alongside Brandon Allen in the QB2 role on the team's first unofficial depth chart, and the position battle is worth monitoring in two-QB and Superflex leagues. If Dobbs wins the job, he should be stashed in deep versions of those formats, as he would likely have at least QB2 fantasy value if Brock Purdy had to miss any time. Dobbs has fantasy-friendly rushing upside, and he'd get to throw to a loaded skill group in the Bay.

From RotoBaller

Talanoa Hufanga Aug 8 8:20am CT
Talanoa Hufanga

Veteran free-agent safety Tracy Walker is finalizing a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The 2018 third-round pick out of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. He racked up 398 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 23 passes defended in his first 79 pro games. With Talanoa Hufanga coming off a major ACL injury, this move provides depth to the San Francisco secondary. Walker may not begin the season as a starter, but the experienced veteran should see playing time and contribute to what has been one of the best defenses over the last few years.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Aug 7 11:43pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert has stood out for his production during training camp, per ESPN's Tim McManus, who notes that both Goedert and TE Grant Calcaterra had touchdowns during practice Wednesday, Aug. 7, and that new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's scheme is conducive to a lot of opportunities for tight ends.

Fantasy Spin: Goedert has been bit by the injury bug in recent years, but if he can stay healthy and involved he has the talent to be a midrange TE1.

From TheHuddle

Malik Washington Aug 7 11:30pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins rookie sixth-round wide receiver Malik Washington has been turning heads with his play at training camp this summer. Washington is listed as fifth on the team's unofficial preseason depth chart, but that could change quickly. He posted back-to-back strong practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 23-year-old from Virginia slipped to the sixth round because he's only 5-foot-8, but he's also fast and has a knack for breaking tackles. Miami's top receivers are Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Odell Beckham Jr. and River Cracraft. If they keep a sixth receiver, it will likely be Washington, Erik Ezukanma or Braylon Sanders. Along with the other wideouts on the bubble, Friday night's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons will be huge for them. Washington projects to be a slot receiver in the NFL but for now is just one to watch in dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Aug 7 10:10pm CT
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry won't play in the preseason, according to sources. The next time we will see him will be in the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship contest. The Ravens will also hold quarterback Lamar Jackson out of their preseason opener this Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles, although Jackson and some of the other starters on offense are expected to play later in the preseason. King Henry has a lot of wear on his tires after seeing 300-plus carries in three of the last five seasons, so it makes sense for the Ravens to hold their veteran RB1 back until games actually count. The 30-year-old almost certainly won't have as much rushing volume as he did in Tennessee, making him more touchdown-dependent as a midrange RB1 in fantasy in a better offense.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Aug 7 9:50pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) took a hit to his left knee on the last play of training camp practice on Wednesday and stayed face down on the grass while teammates took a knee around him. Watson eventually got up and walked gingerly under his own power, giving two thumbs up to a camera on the sideline. "It's a little sore, but it's just a bruise, so nothing that's going to stop me from doing anything," Watson said. Depending on how he feels later in the week, the Packers could hold Watson out of the preseason opener on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns as a precaution, but it looks like he avoided a serious injury. The 25-year-old has plenty of big-play ability, but durability issues and questions about target volume make him more of a boom/bust WR4/flex in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Aug 7 9:20pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder) was spotted after Wednesday's training camp practice wearing a brace covering his right shoulder and going across his torso. James Conner is Arizona's clear lead back entering the 2024 season, but Demercado so far has been working with the first-team offense as his primary complement in the Cardinals' backfield. It's unclear if the 25-year-old's shoulder injury is serious enough to keep him out of practices moving forward, but if it is, it could give both Michael Carter and rookie Trey Benson opportunities to unseat Demercado as the RB2 in the desert. Demercado had 58 rushing attempts for 58 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first NFL season in 2023 after going undrafted out of TCU. He could open the year as the No. 2 RB, but Benson has a fairly good shot at surpassing on the depth chart sooner than later.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Aug 7 8:40pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher had some glowing words about the two-headed backfield of Zack Moss and Chase Brown after practice on Wednesday, saying he's "super pleased with both." Pitcher complemented Moss being a consummate pro and being where he needs to be on every single play, regardless of what has been asked of him. As for Brown, Pitcher said, "Chase is the young, budding talent that we all expected him to be, who adds an explosive element to our rushing attack, and catching the ball out of the backfield." Both backs are worthy of high-end RB3 status in fantasy, with Moss perhaps having the early-season edge. Brown has been a fast riser in training camp and could surpass the veteran Moss during the season. We may see one or both during the Bengals' opening preseason matchup at home against the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Aug 7 8:20pm CT
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has had a very good training camp to this point and could be the leader in rushing for the team this season, per The Athletic's Jon Machota and his latest 53-man roster projection. The Cowboys recently signed Royce Freeman (groin), who left camp on Monday with a groin injury with an unclear timeline for a return. Dowdle provides a bit of juice into the Cowboys' backfield, and along with the returning Ezekiel Elliott, should provide a solid one-two combination of backs in an elite offense this season. While Elliott is the current clubhouse leader for the highest number of touches among Dallas running backs, Dowdle may win out in efficiency this season. This Sunday's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams should help to paint a clearer picture for fantasy managers, but draft Dowdle as an upside RB4 in drafts in the meantime.

From RotoBaller

Andrew Billings Aug 7 7:43pm CT
Andrew Billings

Chicago Bears OT Darnell Wright (undisclosed), DT Andrew Billings (undisclosed) and CB Terell Smith (undisclosed) left practice early Wednesday, Aug. 7.

From TheHuddle

Genard Avery Aug 7 7:23pm CT
Genard Avery

Indianapolis Colts DE Genard Avery (leg) left practice early Wednesday, Aug. 7, because of an apparent leg injury.

From TheHuddle

Russell Wilson Aug 7 7:20pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Houston Texans. Wilson returned to training camp practice on Tuesday after missing some time with a minor calf injury, which allowed backup Justin Fields to get some run with the first-team offense. When asked if Wilson was still in the pole position and in the lead in the QB competition, head coach Mike Tomlin said, "You guys saw the depth chart I released yesterday. That is real." Pittsburgh listed Wilson as the starter over Fields on their first unofficial depth chart this week, but if Fields outplays Wilson for the rest of camp and the preseason, it's not out of the question that Fields could win the battle for the starting job entering the regular season. The 35-year-old Wilson proved the last two years in Denver that he's no longer a QB1 in fantasy, and that shouldn't change in Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Aug 7 7:10pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen commented on the competition between rookie wide receivers Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell, noting, "They're still battling. Both of those guys are making plays every day. I think both of them will have an impact for us this year, so I really like where they're both at." This competition becomes even more crucial, with Josh Downs (ankle) expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks, opening up additional opportunities for Pierce and Mitchell. Both will start in three-receiver sets alongside Michael Pittman, but one could secure a more significant role in two-receiver formations. Alec Pierce, who led the NFL in snaps last season with 1,090, is known for his durability and consistent play. Adonai Mitchell, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, brings significant potential to the table. While Mitchell's upside is notable, Pierce's experience and reliability make him the likely frontrunner for the starting role despite the tight competition.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Aug 7 7:10pm CT
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hamstring) missed another training camp practice on Wednesday. It's the fourth straight day that Shaheed has been sidelined at camp after he experienced tightness in his hamstring over the weekend. It doesn't sound like Shaheed's injury is a long-term issue, so barring a setback, he should be healthy in time for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers. After catching 46 of his 75 targets for 719 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games (eight starts) in 2023 in his second NFL season, the 25-year-old pass-catcher figures to have an even bigger role in the Saints' offense in 2024. He should be the club's No. 2 wideout behind Chris Olave, but he's going to need more target volume if he's going to be anything more than a boom/bust deep threat for quarterback Derek Carr.

From RotoBaller

Fred Warner Aug 7 7:03pm CT
Fred Warner

San Francisco LB Fred Warner (foot) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 7, because of foot irritation but said it is not a serious issue.

From TheHuddle