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.
Free-agent quarterback Matt Corral is signing with the Minnesota Vikings after they placed first-round selection J.J. McCarthy (knee) on Injured Reserve. McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus earlier this week and underwent season-ending surgery as a result. Corral will likely compete with Jaren Hall for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart as Sam Darnold is slated to start and Nick Mullens to serve as the backup. Corral was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Corral then joined New England but never once saw the field with these two teams. Fantasy managers should expect Jaren Hall to serve as the No.3 quarterback in Minnesota as he started in Week 17 last season and served as the emergency quarterback on several occasions, but if Corral looks sharp in the preseason, he could make the final roster.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler (thigh) told the media that he is feeling 100% amid his thigh injury. The fifth-round pick in this year's draft reportedly suffered a bruised thigh in Saturday's preseason game. Before the injury, Rattler looked quite sharp in his pro debut, going 9-for-17 with 70 passing yards and a rushing score. This injury kept him out for a few days, and he is now past the minor setback. Even though Jake Haener is currently serving as the backup in New Orleans, Rattler could contend for that role, given his performance last week. Dynasty managers should continue to follow Rattler during the preseason, as he could be worth stashing if he continues to take advantage of any playing opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson expressed that he is "not where he wants to be" after Thursday's practice. Dotson further expressed, "I'm trying to grow every single day that I come out here. Trying to find something to get better at every single day." These comments came just a few days after head coach Dan Quinn told the media that the Commanders are still searching for the No. 2 receiver. Dyami Brown led all wide receivers in yards in their first preseason game on Saturday afternoon and has been having a fantastic training camp. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to the Washington wide receiver room during the final two weeks of the preseason, as it may decide who plays alongside Terry McLaurin this fall.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) is hopeful to be ready for Week 1, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The first-round selection in this year's draft recently suffered a shoulder injury last week at practice. This was the same injury that kept Pearsall on the Non-Football Injury list earlier this spring. This is a tough blow for the Florida product, as he could have cemented himself as the No. 2 wide receiver in San Francisco amid a contract holdout with Brandon Aiyuk. Seeing that Shanahan is hopeful the 23-year-old could be ready for opening week is a great sign. Fantasy managers should take a look at Pearsall at his current 131.0 Yahoo ADP, as he may be a value if Aiyuk is eventually traded. If not, fantasy managers should expect Pearsall to split time as the No. 3 wideout with Jauan Jennings.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to shine at training camp this summer. During Thursday's practice, Harrison created separation with a nice move at the top of the route to get open in the end zone. The 22-year-old highly-touted prospect has been one of Arizona's brightest stars at camp all summer long, and he's being treated as such with a costly second-round fantasy ADP in drafts already in Year 1. Harrison has drawn comparisons to a young A.J. Green, who was also a No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft in the past, and he's all set to be quarterback Kyler Murray's top target with the Cardinals. Harrison dominated at Ohio State in 2023 to the tune of 18.1 yards per catch through 67 receptions (12 games) with 12 touchdowns and a massive 29.3% target share.
From RotoBaller
ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler believes Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson is likely to cede the majority of rushing attempts to James Conner in 2024. After totaling 1,040 rushing yards in just 13 appearances last season, Conner is locked in as Arizona's lead back to start the campaign. However, the Cardinals selected Benson with the second pick in the third round of the NFL Draft to provide a change of pace in the backfield for this year. It's also worth noting that Conner is riding an expiring contract in 2024, which would figure to make him a trade candidate when we get closer to the deadline around midseason. Benson, 22, profiles similarly to a young J.K. Dobbins based on workout metrics, and he's unlikely to see more than the occasional carry on early downs as an RB4/5 luxury stash in fantasy drafts while Conner is around and healthy in the desert.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown believes running back Chase Brown is primed for a breakout year in 2024. "If I could play fantasy football, I'd take him as my first running back," the four-time Pro Bowl left tackle said of Brown. "He's going to have a year. I guarantee it. Special talent, special player." Brown represents a popular late-round pick as an RB4 for fantasy managers this summer, ranking 12th among qualifiers at his position in full-PPR fantasy points per opportunity (0.91) in his rookie season a year ago. Incumbent veteran Zack Moss is set to start the season as Cincinnati's lead back, but the Bengals figure to be more inclined to get Brown involved as a change-of-pace back after workhorse starter Joe Mixon's offseason departure to the Houston Texans. Brown, 24, should at least see plenty of usage in the passing game after posting 11.1 yards per catch over 14 receptions in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills plan to play quarterback Josh Allen and the team's healthy starters for a quarter and half of Saturday's preseason game against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers. The playing time could change depending on the weather, considering there is rain in the forecast at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday. Allen as well as the star and veteran players made a brief appearance in last week's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, but weather permitting, it sounds like fantasy managers will get a more extensive look at Buffalo's first-team offense on Saturday against the Steelers. One of the top storylines to watch is how the Bills' receiving corps might shakes ou; third-year receiver Khalil Shakir, veteran wideout Curtis Samuel, and rookie second-rounder Keon Coleman have yet to separate much in terms of ADP this summer.
From RotoBaller
When the Kansas City Chiefs signed wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) as a free agent this offseason, he immediately became their most accomplished and experienced wideout. The Chiefs are expecting Brown back in their lineup early in the season but not necessarily in time for the Sept. 5 regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the Chiefs are feeling his absence. "We lose a little bit of that veteran-type receiver in that room," Mahomes said on Thursday. "We have other guys that can replace him a little bit, but to have that much talent and have a good understanding of what I want hopefully we're getting him back sooner rather than later." Mahomes dealt with a league-high 35 dropped passes by his pass-catchers in 2023, and he'll likely have to lean on tight end Travis Kelce as well as receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy to begin 2024.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said on Friday at training camp that wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (toe/foot) is dealing with either a toe or foot injury. Allen wasn't sure when sharing the news with reporters, so with the extent of the issue not yet known, it's something for fantasy managers to monitor going forward. It's fair to expect the Saints to take a cautious stance and hold Shaheed out of Sunday's preseason game against the hosting San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium at the very least. The 25-year-old former undrafted wideout has carved out a significant role in New Orleans' passing game as a formidable deep threat opposite star receiver Chris Olave, racking up 15.6 yards per catch across 46 receptions last season. Shaheed should be considered day-to-day until more clarity becomes available.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Bills have released wide receiver Chase Claypool. Dynasty Analysis: This seemed inevitable when he was placed on IR earlier in the week. He'll get an injury settlement and be free to sign with another team when he's healthy. Claypool has been battling a toe injury and was unable to much of anything this off-season for Buffalo, who seemingly lost patience with his status and was unable to wait for him to heal. Claypool should latch on somewhere but we haven't seen anything to get us excited in years now. He's best left on waivers in dynasty leagues.
Dynasty | Drake Maye completed 6-of-11 passes for 47 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles, adding four carries for 15 yards and a touchdown. Dynasty Analysis: Maye's numbers don't really reflect how well he played. He looked calm in the pocket and had one significant deep pass dropped. After the game, Jerod Mayo said the competition between Maye and Jacoby Brissett isn't settled and that's significant news as Maye was not expected to be considered to start week one as of two weeks ago. Clearly making strides, Maye continues to be a solid top-5 pick in Superflex leagues.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) was not spotted at Friday's practice. That makes a third consecutive absence at training camp due to a back issue for Kamara, who appears all but certain to sit out Sunday's preseason game against the hosting San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned with Kamara's injury at the moment, but it would certainly be encouraging to see him back on the field at some point next week with the regular season quickly approaching. It doesn't help the Saints that there remains no sign of second-year back Kendre Miller (hamstring) at practice. Veteran power back Jamaal Williams makes sense as a bench stash in deep fantasy leagues while New Orleans' backfield remains banged up, and he figures to draw the start on Sunday against San Francisco.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms on a three-year, $16.5 million contract extension with kicker Evan McPherson on Friday, according to his agents. McPherson will earn $10 million in new money in the first year of the deal, the most ever for a three-year kicker extension. The 25-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2021 out of Florida earned his extension by making 83.9% of his 93 field-goal attempts in his first three seasons in the NFL with the Bengals, including going 126-for-132 on his extra points in 49 regular-season games. McPherson went 26-for-31 on field goals and a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points in 17 games for Cincy last year. All five of his missed FGs in 2023 came from over 50 yards out. With quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) back from injury, McPherson should be drafted as a top-12 fantasy kicker in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams plan to hold out the same players that missed the preseason opener in Saturday's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers, including wide receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Kyren Williams. Kupp has been healthy this summer during training camp, but head coach Sean McVay isn't taking any chances with the team's key players in the preseason this year. It remains to be seen if the 31-year-old Kupp or other key players will even suit up for the preseason finale next week. Kupp missed the first four games of 2023 with a hamstring injury, so it makes sense as to why the Rams want to rest him this summer. With better health, a bounce-back campaign in 2024 is possible for a player only a couple years removed from a league-high 145 catches, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, but the presence of rising star Puka Nacua won't help Kupp's cause.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Johnny Wilson (head) is in the league's concussion protocol after getting injured in a joint practice on Tuesday and not being able to suit up for the preseason game against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. Wilson will be hoping to get cleared in time for the team's final preseason contest on Aug. 24 against the Minnesota Vikings. The 23-year-old sixth-round selection caught one of his three targets for seven yards in the preseason opener last week against the Baltimore Ravens. Injury aside, Wilson is going to have a tough time finding much of a role in Philly in his first NFL season while being behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Parris Campbell on the receiving depth chart.
From RotoBaller
The saga between the San Francisco 49ers and disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is reaching a critical point with only 20 days until the start of the 2024 regular season. Things have gone back and forth between the two sides, and at times a trade has seemed imminent. However, general manager John Lynch on Friday said that he understands the "urgency" of the matter involving Aiyuk. "I can tell you, we feel the urgency to have him, the season's approaching, and we have ample time," Lynch also said. The GM wouldn't say what the odds were of Aiyuk staying in San Fran and didn't give a timetable for a final decision. Lynch said there's no animosity between the club and Aiyuk. From a fantasy perspective, Aiyuk's value will be the highest in 2024 as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 if he stays with the Niners. If he cannot reach an extension with San Fran, a trade to the Steelers could be in the works.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that "the competition isn't over" for the starting quarterback job in Week 1 of the regular season between veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookie first-rounder Drake Maye. Mayo said that Maye has made strides, but he wants to see the whole operation be faster with Maye running the show. Maye has gone 8-for-14 for 66 yards and a rushing score in two preseason games to this point, while Brissett has gone 3-for-10 for only 17 yards and an interception. It's possible that the 21-year-old rookie will get more reps with the first-team offense in training camp practices before the final preseason contest next week. Brissett is still probably the favorite to start in Week 1, but he's probably not going to be able to hold off Maye for long if he continues to play like he has in the preseason.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen expressed concern when running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) got hurt three weeks ago in training camp about being able to make the team from the training room. Allen said that sentiment hasn't changed at this point, not just with Miller, but any young player who hasn't gotten to show enough for a true evaluation. The 22-year-old former third-round in 2023 has been a disappointment since entering the NFL. The former TCU star also dealt with nagging injuries in his rookie season and played in only eight games, carrying the ball 41 times for 156 yards and one touchdown and catching 10 passes for 117 yards. He's currently third on the RB depth chart behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams and could be falling further. Miller is off the fantasy radar for now in single-year leagues.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) did an extensive workout on a side field at training camp on Thursday and appears to be getting close to a return to practice. It's great news for the consensus No. 1 overall fantasy pick and NFL's reigning rushing leader. McCaffrey is recovering from a calf strain that he suffered earlier this month and is not going to play at all in the preseason as a result. But as long as the 28-year-old All-Pro is on track to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday night against the New York Jets on Sept. 9, he'll remain the consensus No. 1 overall fantasy selection in upcoming drafts. As of right now, the 49ers don't seem worried that CMC will miss the start of the regular season, but we'll continue to keep a close eye on his progress.
From RotoBaller