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.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones was dealt to the organization from the Cleveland Browns for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft last October. While he played in eight games for the Lions, he only caught five passes for 58 yards. He could be a more significant factor in the offense with a full training camp in Detroit, though he's currently behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond on the depth chart. Still, the explosive wideout, who has averaged 15.5 yards per reception in his career, could have value as a late-round pick in best ball formats. If one of the starting wideouts goes down, Peoples-Jones will play significant snaps in one of the league's best offenses, and his one-play-touchdown upside could enable him to enter best ball lineups on occasion. Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman suggests Peoples-Jones is in the lead for the WR4 role, so he's at least worth monitoring early in the 2024 campaign. For now, he can be left undrafted in traditional fantasy football leagues.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said wide receiver Tyreek Hill (hand) will not participate in team drills during Wednesday's practice. Hill is dealing with a minor hand injury, so the team is being extra careful with the eight-time Pro Bowler. McDaniel said Hill could practice in full, but it may put him at risk of further injury. While the 30-year-old's injury is somewhat concerning given his steep cost in fantasy football drafts, it's a good sign the organization is not taking any chances. Following two seasons of at least 1,710 receiving yards with Miami, Hill remains in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick in all formats. Hill's age puts him at risk of sudden decline, but his upside remains the highest among all fantasy wideouts.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims went undrafted last year out of Fresno State, and after a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers, he landed with the Saints and played in two regular-season games. With Kendre Miller (hamstring) continuing to deal with injuries, Mims has seen extra opportunities this offseason. According to Ross Jackson of LouisianaSports.net, he has made the most of them. "The play began with [Derek] Carr and Mims talking in the backfield, Carr looking to instruct the running back on how to attack the play," Jackson wrote. "The conversation paid off as Mims beat linebacker Demario Davis down the left sideline for what would have been a big gain. It was an impressive catch by the back who continues to catch eyes." It's important not to overreact to a practice highlight, but if Miller can't stay healthy or make an impact, Mims could occupy the RB3 role behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams in 2024. This report puts him on the deep-league fantasy football radar, but he can be ignored in traditional drafts.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry joined the team this offseason following an eight-year career with the Tennessee Titans that saw him rack up 9,502 rushing yards and 90 rushing touchdowns. King Henry posted a 2,000-yard rushing season in 2020, and although he has seemingly regressed since then, he's still been productive considering his offensive circumstances in Tennessee. Now in Baltimore, he's set to play with arguably the best rushing quarterback of all time, and Henry says the fit has been perfect. "I'm comfortable now. I'm right at home," he said, "Training camp was good. We got a lot better; [we're] still getting better, but I'm comfortable and right at home." While Henry's efficiency has declined, he could improve on his 4.2 yards-per-carry from last year since defenses have to respect Lamar Jackson in the rushing attack. He'll also run behind Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard, something Henry is excited about. As always, Henry will be more effective in standard and half-PPR formats than in PPR, and he could contend to lead the NFL in touchdowns if he stays healthy. He's reasonably priced around the RB9 spot in 2024 redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk has earned a starting job in the team's crowded WR room. Polk has been a regular contributor in the Patriots' top offensive unit this week. The 22-year-old second-round rookie out of Washington looks to offer New England some help in the receiving corps after the club fielded a historically poor offense in 2023, and his fantasy upside in Year 1 is likely to remain limited largely due to the uncertainty at quarterback. Although Polk doesn't grade out as an overly talented athlete based on workout metrics, and his college production was overshadowed by rookie first-rounder and former teammate Rome Odunze, he could end up seeing a decent amount of volume in 2024 as a WR5/6 fantasy flier at the end of drafts this summer.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round tight end Brock Bowers (foot) missed Tuesday's training camp practice after he sat out of the second preseason game on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys due to a sore foot. Bowers' foot injury is worth watching with the 2024 regular quickly approaching in several weeks, but as of right now, his injury doesn't appear to be serious enough to make him questionable for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. The 21-year-old from Georgia was the 13th overall pick in April and figures to immediately serve as Vegas' top pass-catching TE over Michael Mayer. Volume-wise, it's possible that Bowers is the No. 2 pass-catcher behind WR1 Davante Adams, making him worth a fantasy draft selection as a low-end TE1. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder could be a beast in yards after the catch in his first year in the NFL.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had another meeting on Monday, and talks continue to progress on a long-term contract extension, according to sources. There has been movement on a deal, but there are some minor details that still need to be ironed out with ownership approval. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been close to acquiring Aiyuk in a trade, but the Steelers' latest offer on a long-term extension has reportedly pushed the 26-year-old first-rounder back to the negotiating table with his current squad. At this point with two weeks remaining before the start of the 2024 regular season, it seems likely that Aiyuk will remain in San Fran, regardless of whether an extension is agreed upon. The Niner reaching an extension with Aiyuk in the next several weeks is the likeliest outcome, which would be the best possible news for fantasy managers that have already drafted Aiyuk as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) returned to training camp practice on Tuesday. Kamara didn't exactly do much in a light practice session on Tuesday, but it was a good sign nonetheless to see him back in action after being held out since Aug. 13 with back tightness. It remains to be seen if the Saints will want the 29-year-old veteran to play at all in the preseason finale this Sunday against the visiting Tennessee Titans, but either way, it looks as though he'll be good to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. The five-time Pro Bowler averaged under 4.0 yards per carry in 2023 for the second time in the last three years, but he made up for it by catching 75 passes for 466 yards in 13 games. Kamara is obviously more attractive in point-per-reception fantasy leagues as an RB2, but if his volume dips at all in the passing game, we could see his fantasy value crater very quickly.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie tight end Jaheim Bell suddenly found himself at the top of the depth chart early this week with Hunter Henry (lower body) and Austin Hooper (undisclosed) held out of practice and Mitchell Wilcox (calf) leaving practice early with his injury. Bell has taken a lot of reps and caught touchdowns from three different quarterbacks as he is making the most of the opportunity on the field with several tight ends ahead of him out for recent practice sessions. While Bell should not be drafted in fantasy football for 2024, he could be somebody to keep an eye on if injuries continue to strike the tight end room. The 23-year-old from Florida State should get plenty of work in the Patriots' final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco's rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) won't be practicing with the team this week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan did leave a glimmer of hope that Pearsall could play in the 49ers preseason finale on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it's looking like that window is closed. There is still some time between now and the 49ers Week 1 opener against the Jets on September 9, but Pearsall may not be heavily involved due to him missing critical installation time, especially with Brandon Aiyuk not practicing. For fantasy purposes, Pearsall is merely a late-round contingency pick in the event of an injury to Deebo Samuel or Aiyuk. The path to playing time seems a bit murky even then, as Jauan Jennings is also involved at wide receiver.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that the healthy starters will play on Friday, including starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield stated that he isn't expecting to play too much, so it's important to play well when they're out there. With the Buccaneers hosting the Miami Dolphins this Friday in their final preseason tune-up, Mayfield and company will get a handful of game snaps and then make way for other players further down the depth chart. Notably, Mayfield did not suit up for the Bucs' second preseason matchup against the Jaguars. The team looks to keep its starting quarterback healthy after posting a 28-touchdown season in 2023 while adding over 4,000 passing yards. Mayfield still has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, so all is well in Tampa for this passing game. At worst, Mayfield is a streaming quarterback option in fantasy, but he could be a low-end fantasy starter in a pinch if the matchup is right.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring) exited Saturday's preseason contest with the Buffalo Bills and was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke on Tuesday, saying "He is probably out for this week, but not anything that's a long-term concern." Tomlin is putting a positive spin on a negative with Warren, but the fact is Warren may miss multiple weeks and as of now, Warren's Week 1 status is in jeopardy. When healthy, Warren is one of the biggest sleeper candidates in fantasy football, as he's part of a two-headed backfield with Najee Harris and now is coached by one of the preeminent offensive coordinators for his skills, Arthur Smith. Warren was an upside RB2 before this injury but is probably more of a high-end RB3 in fantasy with some of the concern about his hamstring.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (undisclosed) did not practice on Tuesday, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Despite not practicing, Cooper was present for the team's walkthrough in the middle of the practice session. Though Cooper did leave practice on Thursday during 11-on-11 drills, the specific reason or injury was not made known. Head coach Kevin Stefanski did note that Cooper was "sore." The unquestioned top wide receiver for the Browns entering 2024, the 30-year-old Cooper put up a career-high 1,250 receiving yards in his 2023 campaign. Cooper is a worthwhile pick as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 in fantasy football drafts as a stable floor play with a dash of upside. Even with the team adding Jerry Jeudy in the offseason, Cooper is still the top dog in the pecking order for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (back) is participating in practice Tuesday, Aug. 20.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns WR Amari Cooper (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Aug. 20, but did participate in the walkthrough.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings tight end Robert Tonyan (back) returned to practice Tuesday. Tonyan had been out of training camp and the preseason since July 31. Tonyan was still a limited participant in practice. He only participated in positional drills and sat out of the team portion of practice. His return is a welcome one for the Vikings' depth at tight end as starter T.J. Hockenson (knee) continues to recover from a torn ACL and MCL. Tonyan recorded 11 receptions for 112 yards and no touchdowns with the Chicago Bears in 2023. The 30-year-old signed with the Vikings in May as a veteran depth piece. He is unlikely to be a major fantasy contributor in 2024, especially once Hockenson returns.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested that running back Christian McCaffrey's (calf) obsession with practice reps has him unconcerned with the running back's calf strain. When speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Shanahan explained that McCaffrey is so deliberate with every rep he can take when healthy, that the missed time should not affect his ability to perform at a high level. McCaffrey is the engine that drives the 49ers offense. He finished 2023 with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 67 receptions for 564 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. McCaffrey is currently the consensus No. 1 pick in fantasy despite the injury. Shanahan's interview should only serve to appease fantasy manager worries about drafting McCaffrey.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (back) returned to practice on Tuesday. Charbonnet sat through the Seahawks' second week of preseason with back tightness. Charbonnet finished his rookie season in 2023 with 462 rushing yards, 209 receiving yards, and one rushing touchdown. He still appears to be squarely behind Walker in the Seahawks' pecking order. With a new regime entering the fold, fantasy managers will need to see how these backs will be deployed at the start of the season. For now, Charbonnet is merely a high-quality insurance back.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is reportedly having promising contract talks with the team, according to owner and general manager Jerry Jones. Lamb has been holding out during the preseason and training camp as he seeks a contract extension. Lamb finished 2023 with 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on a league-leading 135 receptions. He is fully worth a top-of-the-market wide receiver extension. The Cowboys are cutting contract negotiations dangerously close to the regular season. All Cowboys fans and fantasy managers can do is hope that the two sides can come to an agreement in the next few weeks.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (hamstring) was back in team drills on Tuesday. Stafford left a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys with hamstring tightness last week. The Rams have remained cautious with the injury. All reports have suggested that the coaching staff was unconcerned about the injury. Stafford returned to individual drills on Monday. Tuesday's ramp-up to team drills suggests that the injury may be progressing well. Stafford threw for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns in 15 games in 2023. Stafford is highly important to the fantasy success of Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams as well as the Rams' success as a whole. For now, Stafford's injury should be monitored by fantasy managers to ensure that he returns to play fully healthy before Week 1.
From RotoBaller