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.
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
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) shed his walking boot on Thursday and was working out in the weight room. Herbert had a walking boot on for exactly two weeks while he deals with a plantar-fascia injury in his foot. It's good news that the 26-year-old is out of his boot, but it remains to be seen when he'll actually rejoin his teammates at training camp practices as he prepares for the start of the 2024 season. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks with his foot, it's likely that Herbert will be ready for the Week 1 regular-season matchup against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert's fantasy stock was already on the decline before his foot injury with his top targets -- Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams -- all departing in the offseason and with a run-first offense expected under the new coaching staff.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (back) left individual drills on Thursday due to back tightness, which was later confirmed as a back injury, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. The rookie lineman was the 14th overall pick this year and is expected to step into a starting role to protect quarterback Derek Carr. His status for the team's next preseason game on Sunday is to be determined. Fuaga looked great in his first preseason game, as he allowed no pressures and received a pass-blocking grade of 77.2 from PFF. Having him healthy heading into the regular season will likely be the team's priority.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (unknown) was not at practice on Thursday night and the reason is still unknown. The star wideout rejoined his teammates on Monday after the birth of his son and has practiced as usual since then. His absence is more than likely a short-term deal but it would be worth monitoring as it remains to be seen if he suits up for a preseason game this year. The quarterback battle continues while Adams' fantasy impact weighs heavily on who wins between Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O'Connell.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon (hamstring) continues to battle hamstring issues since suffering the injury during the team's first preseason contest against the Denver Broncos. The fourth-year back has separated himself as the leader for the backup position, but the hamstring issue has opened the door for the next two backs to move up the depth chart. Right now, Tyler Goodson seems to be leading that race with Evan Hull following him. Jonathan Taylor is still the workhorse of the backfield, however, so the fantasy impact of the backup competition will come to fruition if Taylor is hurt and has to miss any action.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte turned four targets into three catches for 23 yards during Thursday's preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His longest play was a 13-yard reception. Boutte was the Patriots' most productive pass-catcher in the contest, leading the team in receptions and yards while tying for the most targets. The second-year receiver likely isn't going to be a fantasy weapon in 2024, but this performance should still be highlighted as it gives Boutte a stronger chance of making the roster and carving out a role down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker was targeted four times during Thursday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he finished the contest with just one catch for 12 yards. Even though the rookie's production was limited, fantasy managers should pay most attention to the fact that he tied for the team lead in targets. All four of the passes thrown his way came from rookie Drake Maye, who saw the field in the second and third quarters. Baker is worth a late-round pick in deeper fantasy leagues given that he could still carve out a meaningful role in the Patriots' offense this season.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed six of 11 passes for 47 yards during Thursday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He also showed off some mobility, rushing four times for 15 yards and adding a touchdown on the ground. After an uninspiring performance over a limited sample size last week, Maye earned more opportunities this week and finally showed flashes of a potential starting quarterback. It's still unclear whether he'll start over Jacoby Brissett when the regular season comes around, but this appearance was promising nonetheless. Specifically, fantasy managers can get excited about the fact that the Patriots dialed up a designed run around the goal line for the rookie.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed just three of seven passes for 17 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception during Thursday's preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Brissett played the entire first quarter, leading three unsuccessful drives, the middle of which saw the Patriots move close to the goal line before Brissett threw a costly interception in the end zone. This uninspiring outing falls in line with less-than-glowing reports out of Patriots training camp, suggesting that the gap between Brissett and rookie Drake Maye may be shrinking. As of now, Brissett's experience probably still gives him the slight edge for QB1 in New England, but it should be noted that Maye had a very good performance Thursday against Philadelphia.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 18 yards on six carries during Thursday's preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was not targeted in the passing game. Stevenson, of course, saw all of his reps come with the first-team offense. Even though he only played in the first quarter, he led the Patriots in touches and rushing yards. Fantasy managers can't (and shouldn't) take too much stock in Stevenson's appearance Thursday, but it does bear mentioning that his quarterback situation is still a bit murky as Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye continue to battle for the starting job. Regardless of which quarterback gets the bulk of the reps in 2024, Stevenson should be heavily involved both on the ground and in the passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Joseph Ngata caught all five of his targets for 88 yards during the team's 14-13 preseason win over the New England Patriots. The second-year receiver flashed similar skills on occasion last preseason but spent most of his time on the practice squad. There is a fight for the final few receiver spots between Ngata, veteran John Ross, and E.J. Jenkins, but Ross has seen plenty of reps with the second team in practice and has seemed to have the most buzz out of the group this preseason. If Ngata can have another strong outing next week, perhaps he can nab one of the final roster spots. If not, expect the young receiver to latch onto the Philadelphia practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley took five carries for 15 yards and caught all four of his targets for 31 yards during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. Kenneth Gainwell again got the start Thursday night with the second-team offense but was replaced much earlier this week by Shipley, who saw snaps with No. 2 quarterback Kenny Pickett. The rookie only saw one target last week, but was targeted by both quarterbacks throughout the game and was far more efficient with them than Gainwell. While Shipley may open the season as the No. 3 on the depth chart, he can easily push for passing down snaps and earn more playing time as the season rolls on unless Gainwell can step it up compared to last year. Neither will retain any fantasy relevance in redraft leagues unless Saquon Barkley misses time.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tyrion Davis-Price took four carries for 28 yards and caught his lone target for no gain during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. The former San Francisco 49er did well with his touches but did not see playing time until late in the game and seems to be far behind Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley on the depth chart. The Eagles are looking to find their No. 4 back, and rookie Kendall Minton has been staving off Davis-Price for that final spot. The loser will likely land on the practice squad heading into the regular season. It will be interesting to see who gets in the game first during the Eagles' final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy underwent surgery for a torn meniscus and is out for the season. Dynasty Analysis: There was hope his injury was a partial tear that could be trimmed but that wasn't the case and a full repair was needed. It's not catastrophic as McCarthy wasn't the presumed starter but his chance of starting later in the year are now gone. Sam Darnold will have a golden opportunity moving forward as the starter, though Minnesota could also kick the tires on some veteran options. McCarthy will likely fall a couple of spots in rookie drafts as a result.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee completed 15 of 19 passes for 140 yards and lost a total of four yards on four carries during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. Kenny Pickett was again the starter in this game but had another uninspiring performance while being sacked three times. The starters were rested again this week in favor of the second string, but McKee maximized his minutes this week as he pushes to make the roster as the emergency quarterback. For what it's worth, the 24-year-old was given reps with the second-team offense this past week and has been pushing Pickett for the No. 2 spot, but it is still seen as the No. 3 on the depth chart heading into the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) was seen in the blue medical tent early Thursday during practice due to knee soreness. According to Nick Harris of the team's site, it is "not expected to be a major concern moving forward." With star wideout CeeDee Lamb missing time due to a contract holdout, the Cowboys' offense has been leaning on Cooks early and often in practice. While this does not appear to be a long-term issue, it is worth mentioning that Jalen Tolbert is the third wide receiver on Dallas' depth chart, and it's quite the falloff after that. If the eleventh-year wideout's knee does not improve quickly, expect the Cowboys to seek veteran help at the position. Cooks is Yahoo!'s WR59 in ADP and could be a nice value in an offense that should funnel targets to him, Lamb, and Jake Ferguson.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 11 of 13 passes for 67 yards and added two carries for six yards during the team's second preseason game against the New England Patriots. The former first-round pick started the game with a quick three-and-out but led the offense down the field for a field goal on the second drive. Pickett was sacked three times on his second-to-last drive and was taken out at the start of the second half for Tanner McKee. The 26-year-old is averaging 6.2 yards per completion through two starts and has done little to impress, although he has played with no starting receiver thus far. McKee had a solid night and was getting more second-team reps this past week in practice, but there is little doubt that Pickett will head into the regular season as the No. 2 behind Jalen Hurts. Pickett will play against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday, but may not get the start if the starters see action for the first time this preseason.
From RotoBaller