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
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) did some stationary throwing on Saturday before the team's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Rams without really pushing off on his right foot. Herbert shed his walking boot right at the two-week mark last Thursday as he recovers from plantar fasciitis in his foot. The Chargers haven't been too worried that the 26-year-old won't be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, but he is missing a bunch of valuable reps with the rest of the starting offense in training camp and the preseason. Herbert could be dealing with pain in his foot early on in 2024, but he's likely to play through it. His fantasy stock was already trending down this offseason after losing all three of his favorite targets from last year in Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler. Herbert should now be considered more of a QB2.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) and quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) won't play in the preseason finale this Friday against the Atlanta Falcons on the road. Kirk missed practice last week due to what is considered a mild calf injury, so the team is playing it safe with him so that he'll be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Beathard suffered a groin injury in Saturday's preseason contest. With Kirk out again this week, Gabe Davis and rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. will see more reps, as well as Parker Washington, Devin Duvernay and rookie Joshua Cephus. When healthy, the 27-year-old Kirk will be looking to bounce back in 2024 after an injury-plagued 2023. He faces competition for targets from Davis and Thomas, but if healthy, he's a solid WR3/flex target in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sit their starters in the preseason finale this Thursday against the Chicago Bears. "I'll probably sit the starters, the way it looks right now," head coach Andy Reid said. It means that we won't see quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company again until the season kicks off on Thursday night in early September against the Baltimore Ravens. In the first two preseason contests, Mahomes went 11-for-18 for 120 yards passing. The 28-year-old two-time MVP is likely to be without receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) in Week 1, meaning he'll likely lean more on tight end Travis Kelce and rookie first-round wideout Xavier Worthy. Mahomes remains an elite QB1 in fantasy, but without Brown and against a tough Ravens squad, he won't be the most popular DFS play to kick off the regular season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) told Jets reporters that he expects to take team reps in training camp practice next week. Williams didn't take too long to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list in camp this summer, but he has yet to mix in with the rest of the team on the practice field as he recovers from a torn left ACL that he suffered in Week 3 of 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers. With time running out before the start of the 2024 regular season, though, it's possible that Williams isn't given a full workload if he's active for the Week 1 opener in early September. Because of his recovery from ACL and the fact he might not be ready to go early on, Williams' price will be reduced on draft day in fantasy. But when healthy, he's fully expected to be the No. 2 wideout behind Garrett Wilson and could be a nice value pick for fantasy managers as a big-play threat.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (hamstring) is dressed and going through individual drills for the start of the team's training camp practice on Monday. Stafford had to leave a join practice early against the Dallas Cowboys last week due to hamstring tightness and didn't practice the rest of the week or play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Sean McVay had already said he wasn't worried about Stafford missing the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions, and his return to practice this week all but confirms that. In addition to Stafford, offensive guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) returned to practice on Monday after dealing with a bruised scapula. The 36-year-old Stafford isn't going to play in the preseason finale this weekend against the Houston Texans on Aug. 24, but he should be fine for Week 1 against Detroit, where he'll be a midrange QB2 for fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders officially named No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback on Monday, according to head coach Dan Quinn. What had been expected all along is finally official, and Daniels will make his NFL regular-season debut in the Week 1 opener on Sept. 8 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 23-year-old former LSU star has looked good in his two preseason performances and went 10-for-12 for 78 yards while running for 13 yards on two carries in Saturday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Daniels has looked like a seasoned veteran while running the offense in training camp heading into his first NFL season, and his dual-threat abilities at the position will give him quite a bit of fantasy upside right away. His receiving corps beyond Terry McLaurin is a little suspect, but Washington's backfield should help take plenty of pressure off him. Daniels will be a high-end QB2 target with QB1 upside in the right matchups in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft (upper-body) is sidelined with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss some time in the regular season. Cracraft had a strong summer in his third season with Miami and seemed likely to start as the third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, especially with Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) still on the PUP list. However, Cracraft's injury raises the possibility that he could be placed on injured reserve when the Dolphins finalize their 53-man roster. By August 27, the Dolphins will have three options for handling Cracraft: keep him on the 53-man roster until he recovers, initially include him on the roster and then place him on IR on August 28, or put him on IR immediately, which would count as one of the two IR moves allowed on cutdown day under new NFL rules. This situation simplifies the roster decisions and opens up a spot for Erik Ezukanma, who had an impressive preseason debut against Washington. If the Dolphins keep six wide receivers, Ezukanma could join Hill, Waddle, Beckham, Braxton Berrios, and rookie Malik Washington, who will secure a spot on the roster. With these receiver injuries, Hill and Waddle will likely see even more targets, boosting Hill's value as the top overall pick in redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are parting ways with quarterback Max Duggan. Following Justin Herbert's (plantar fascia) diagnosis of a plantar fascia injury in his right foot on August 1, the Chargers now have two healthy quarterbacks on their roster: Easton Stick and Luis Perez. Duggan was drafted by Los Angeles in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the prior regime before Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach on January 24. Throughout his rookie year, Duggan alternated between the practice squad and the active roster but did not see any regular-season action. He spent all four years at TCU and ended up third on the school's all-time passing list. Duggan was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy after his standout 2022 season, where he threw for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns over 15 games and led the Horned Frogs to the College Football Playoff National Championship, though they lost to Georgia. In the preseason opener, Duggan was 4-of-7 for 41 yards but did not play in the Chargers' game against the Rams on Saturday. With Herbert's injury potentially affecting his performance throughout the season, the diminishing quarterback options for the Chargers are becoming a significant concern.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. following an injury to Chris Brooks (concussion), who has entered concussion protocol after Saturday's game against the Washington Commanders. The Dolphins struggle for healthy running back depth beyond Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. They even had a wide receiver filling in at running back for much of the second half, with Jaylen Wright (undisclosed) also held out due to injury. McFarland, 26, joins Miami, hoping to finally establish himself in the NFL. Drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Maryland, McFarland was known for his speed and agility. His rookie season was his most productive, with 33 carries for 113 yards and six receptions for 54 yards. However, his subsequent seasons were marred by injuries, limiting his production and keeping him on injured reserve for significant time. McFarland's tenure with the Steelers included a stint on injured reserve at the start of the 2021 season and another knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season. Now, with the Dolphins, McFarland can prove himself again.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Sean Clifford was outplayed by third-stringer Michael Pratt during Sunday's preseason game. Clifford finished 6/10 for 43 yards and an interception. Pratt fared slightly better going 10/16 for 52 yards. The Packers could not get anything going on offense without their starters. The offense did not score and the team scored two points as a whole. The quarterbacks combined for a yards-per-completion average of 3.7. Clifford was the Packers' backup quarterback in 2023. He recorded one completion for 37 yards in two games played. The Packers drafted Pratt in the seventh-round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Both players had solid performances during the first week of the preseason. As such, it remains to be seen who will ultimately win the backup job.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton recorded two receptions for 10 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Broncos. The Packers quarterbacks threw for a total of 95 yards with a 3.7 yards per completion average. Sunday's game was a game to forget for the Packers offense. Melton played a legitimate role for the team in 2023. Once he was activated to the active roster in November, Melton recorded 16 grabs for 218 yards and a touchdown in only five games played. Melton may be fighting for a roster spot with the Packers despite playing in both playoff games in 2023. Melton is currently listed as the Packers' No. 5 wide receiver.
From RotoBaller
Former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy has announced his retirement and will join NBC Sports for its Big Ten college football coverage. McCoy, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist during his college career at Texas, set an NCAA Division I record with 45 career wins as a four-year starter from 2006 to 2009. He led the Longhorns to the BCS National Championship game in 2010, capping off a perfect 12-0 regular season with a Big 12 title. Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, McCoy amassed an 11-25 record over his 36 NFL starts. His final NFL stint was with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, where he played in two preseason games before being released due to elbow issues. Over his career, McCoy also played for the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Cleveland Browns, finishing with 7,975 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in 56 games.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers second-year wide receiver Malik Heath had another solid preseason outing with three catches for 22 yards. Heath now has five catches for 44 yards this preseason. Heath is buried on the depth chart and is likely fighting for a roster spot as a special-teamer. He recorded 15 grabs for 125 yards and a touchdown during his rookie season with the Packers in 2023. Heath is a big-bodied wide receiver who could provide solid depth behind the Packers' main wide receivers should he make the team. His familiarity with the team could give him a solid chance at a roster spot when final cuts arrive.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers No. 4 running back Emanuel Wilson continues to receive a substantial workload during the preseason. Wilson finished Sunday's game against the Broncos with 13 carries for 41 yards and one reception for 11 yards. The Packers could not get much going on offense and primarily played their backups. However, with No. 3 Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) still out, Wilson continues to receive chances to show his skillset and show he belongs on the roster. The second-year back finished his rookie season with 14 carries for 85 yards a season ago with the Packers.
From RotoBaller
According to a report, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is poised to be named the team's starter soon. Nix has delivered impressive performances in his first two preseason games, completing 23 of 30 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns, a 76.7% completion rate, and a standout 116.7 QB rating. Despite his strong showing, head coach Sean Payton has yet to name him the Week 1 starter officially. "Listen, he's played well," Payton said Sunday. "I'm not announcing any starting quarterback tonight. I'll let you guys know when the time comes, but I thought he played well." While Payton may be hesitant to make a formal announcement, it's clear to Broncos faithful that Nix's poise, control, and confidence make him the likely choice. Although Nix may not have significant fantasy value himself, his performance boosts the Broncos' offense and optimism for the team's skill players.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill played early on in Sunday's preseason loss to San Francisco, lining up all over the field per usual. Hill plunged in a goal-line touchdown early while lining up as a running back. He carried the ball five times for 21 yards on the night with Alvin Kamara (back) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) absent, showing he could once again be a factor in fantasy football in 2024. Hill's last shot at preseason action will come Sunday against Tennessee.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' veteran running back Jamaal Williams drew the start in Week 2's preseason loss against the San Francisco 49ers with Alvin Kamara (back) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) sitting out. Williams rushed five times for 32 yards, breaking off a long run of 15 yards. He also caught his lone target for a two-yard gain. After a disappointing season in 2023, Williams will look to bounce back in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's new system. He remains a late-round flier and will likely go undrafted in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' running back James Robinson was active in Sunday's preseason loss as he fights for a roster spot. The veteran journeyman carried the ball five times for 27 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards. He also saw some work on special teams as a return man. Robinson has been unable to stick on a roster ever since he was traded from Jacksonville in 2022, and it will be an uphill climb for him to make the Saints' 53-man roster unless he impresses on special teams.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' receiver Chris Olave started in the preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers, drawing targets early on from quarterback Derek Carr. On four targets, Olave caught three balls for 26 yards. The third-year professional appears set for a massive target share this season as evidenced through the first two preseason games along with the lack of talent around him. While his ceiling this season is only as high as Klint Kubiak can take the New Orleans offense, Olave should have a safe floor week-to-week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' quarterback Derek Carr started the Week 2 preseason game and ended up playing a little over a quarter. Carr orchestrated a touchdown drive early in the second quarter that was capped off with a Taysom Hill rushing touchdown. The veteran completed seven of nine passing attempts for 47 yards on the day. New Orleans' preseason finale will be next Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, and it remains unclear as to whether the starters will suit up for a third straight week or not.
From RotoBaller