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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
The Invitational Live Stream
Pittsburgh Steelers starting center Nate Herbig (shoulder) is expected to miss "a significant amount of time." He was injured in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Bills. Unfortunately, further testing revealed a torn rotator cuff for the 26-year-old. Of course, this is another tough blow for the Steelers offense, with Russell Wilson (calf) battling an injury throughout camp and Jaylen Warren (hamstring) anticipated to miss a few weeks. It also isn't good news for guys like Justin Fields, Najee Harris, and George Pickens. At any rate, rookie center Zach Frazier, selected with the No. 51 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will presumably enter the starting lineup.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (neck) was diagnosed with a sprain. The veteran wideout was injured in Saturday's preseason clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative. However, it appears his availability for Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals is up in the air. MVS, who signed with Buffalo this offseason, caught a subpar 21 passes for 315 yards and one touchdown in 16 games with the Chiefs in 2023-24. But with Stefon Diggs now in Houston, the door is open for anyone on the depth chart to take over as the No. 1 option for Josh Allen.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus Jacksonville. Fortunately, it appears the rookie isn't injured. However, head coach Raheem Morris opted to hold him out of Saturday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. With that said, Kirk Cousins (Achilles) won't suit up, meaning Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock will presumably close out the preseason for Atlanta before the club preparers for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring) may miss "a few weeks," according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 25-year-old exited Saturday's preseason battle with the Buffalo Bills with a hamstring injury and was ruled out shortly after. Warren finished last season by running for 764 yards and four touchdowns off 149 carries, adding 61 catches for 370 yards. Of course, this isn't the kind of update fantasy managers had hoped for heading into the 2024-25 campaign. Fortunately, Warren has time to recover before the Steelers begin the season versus the Atlanta Falcons. If he doesn't suit up for that one, Najee Harris would presumably see more touches, with Cordarrelle Patterson expected to provide relief.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers DT Nick Williams (knee) exited the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Aug. 18, with a knee injury and is questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Randy Gregory has been released for failing to report to training camp, head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Sunday, Aug. 18.
From TheHuddle
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bears wide receiver Dante Pettis could have already locked up a spot on the depth chart. "It wasn't just the two touchdowns he caught against the Bengals, It's how he has been used in practice." said Biggs during his recent column. "Pettis offers a sure-handed option as a punt returner and might be the fifth receiver. He certainly helped himself Saturday." The 28-year-old last played in 2022, where he recorded 19 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games with Chicago. While Pettis likely won't see more attention than DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, or Rome Odunze, he's someone to watch in case one of those guys gets injured during the 2024-25 campaign. However, he'll need to keep climbing the depth chart heading into Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (undisclosed) didn't suit up for Saturday's preseason clash with the Cowboys. However, it appears Adams' injury isn't severe. "The other night when we had the practice here at the stadium, he had an awkward movement where he just got sore," head coach Antonio Pierce said in an interview with ESPN. "He missed practice on Thursday. And like I said, if a guy's not 100 percent healthy, I wasn't going to risk it. It's not worth it. He'll be back to practice come Tuesday." The 31-year-old eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the fourth consecutive season in 2023-24. Yet, he caught just eight touchdowns, his fewest since 2019. But if Adams can get some stability from quarterback Gardner Minshew II, who was announced as the Week 1 starter on Sunday, he could return to the Pro Bowl conversation. With that said, fantasy managers should still view him as a top wideout, assuming he's healthy.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is expected to start during the team's final preseason game next weekend. Levis and a majority of the starters sat out of their second preseason game after getting in a few reps during the preseason opener. It sounds like the plan is for Levis to play around three or four series during their matchup against the New Orleans Saints next weekend. The 25-year-old is looking to build off his rookie season where he threw for 1,808 passing yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions in nine starts with Tennessee. The Titans have given Levis the chance to be the full-time starter and show what he can do. The organization has made upgrades on offense, but Levis still remains a shaky weekly fantasy option in 12-team redrafts.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (hamstring) is uncertain to suit up for Monday's practice session, according to head coach Sean McVay. Stafford has been sidelined since leaving early during Wednesday's practice due to hamstring tightness. The Rams are downplaying the severity of the issue but will likely re-evaluate his status on Monday. The 36-year-old is fully expected to be ready to play in the season opener. In the meantime, Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn will continue getting increased reps under center.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver James Washington has been released by the organization on Sunday. It looks like Washington was the odd man out as the Falcons needed to cut someone to add safety Justin Simmons to the roster. At this point, Washington is nothing more than depth on any NFL roster. His best season came in 2019 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Washington recorded 44 receptions, 735 receiving yards and three touchdowns during that season. Since then, Washington has regressed appears to be nothing more than a back-end depth option. He could land elsewhere before the season begins, but Washington is unlikely to make a big impact anywhere.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Raiders have named Gardner Minshew their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Minshew beats out Aidan O'Connell for the job, though neither was overly impressive this off-season. Minshew was fine in Indianapolis last season, throwing for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He slots in as an uninspiring game manager who should help keep the offense afloat but far from elite. His grip on the job won't be too strong but this is a major blow to the draft stock of O'Connell.
Dynasty | Falcons running back Jase McClellan ran for 55 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in Atlanta's preseason loss to Baltimore. Dynasty Analysis: It was a solid performance for McClellan, who is attempting to make the team behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. While he likely won't have much of a role behind those two and has done little to push Allgeier for the backup job, McClellan's name remains one to keep on watch lists.
Dynasty | Bears receiver Dante Pettis had three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears preseason win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Pettis is attempting to lock down the fourth receiver job behind DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze and this likely helped. He's bounced around the league for a few years but has typically produced when called upon. He's another name to keep filed away should he win the job and see the Bears incur an injury or two at the receiver position.
Dynasty | Bears receiver Rome Odunze had one catch for 45 yards and one carry for 16 yards in the Bears preseason win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Odunze nearly had a highlight reel touchdown catch but his foot touched out of bounds. Odunze has clearly looked NFL ready all off-season and could push Keenan Allen to be the second receiver for the Bears this season. While dynasty managers may need to be a little patient with him, it certainly seems as if this top-3 rookie pick has a long and productive career ahead of him.
Dynasty | Giants quarterback Daniel Jones completed 11-of-18 passes for 138 yards with two interceptions in the Giants preseason loss to Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Ouch. Jones was seeing his first action since tearing his ACL last season and this wasn't pretty as one of the interceptions resulted in a pick-six. Jones was fortunate to see the Giants pass on quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft but he's going to need to play much better quickly to retain his job beyond the first part of this season and certainly for anything beyond that.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver John Metchie had six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in Houston's preseason win against the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: The preseason reports on Metchie have been all positive and this just solidifies those. Unfortunately, he's buried on a depth chart behind Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell at the moment. However, Diggs is on what amounts to a one-year deal and Metchie could be waiting in the wings for a bigger role in the future. He's a player to certainly keep your eye on in dynasty leagues and a possible back-of-the-roster stash at the moment.
Dynasty | Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had four catches for 54 yards in the Giants preseason loss to Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The Giants offense looks anemic but you can hardly blame Nabers, who looks like he can get open against just about anyone. Daniel Jones needs to improve quickly for Nabers to unlock his full potential but everything we've seen thus far merits him being a top two rookie draft pick. In short, Nabers looks the part of a future dynasty WR1.
Dynasty | Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught three passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in Kansas City's preseason loss to Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Check, please. Worthy has done nothing but impress since joining the Chiefs and it's clear he's going to have an early role with Kansas City this season. With unparalleled speed to burn, Worthy is looking like a very solid first round rookie pick at the moment. While expectations need to be tempered a little, he sure looks like a lot of fun.
Dynasty | Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 8-of-10 passes for just 47 yards in Pittsburgh's 9-3 preseason loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: This was Wilson's first preseason action and it wasn't pretty. At this point, it honestly seems as if Wilson has lost the mojo he once had in Seattle and has turned into more of a game manager than a playmaker. While Justin Fields hasn't done much to unseat him, Fields does at least add a different dynamic with his rushing ability. It seems this quarterback battle is far from settled and we're going to need to see more before truly evaluating the fantasy potential of this offense. Wilson remains a flimsy QB2 at the moment.