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Champions Draft Results

Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

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Player Notes
Xavier Legette Oct 4 8:50pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette will face off against a tough Chicago Bears defense in a road matchup this coming Sunday. The rookie wideout saw his usage tick up last week with the team down wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) after he was placed on injured reserve. Legette responded with the best production of his young career, hauling in 6-of-10 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown en route to a WR13 finish in PPR leagues. Those totals were all good for second on the team. The first-round pick and the rest of Carolina's offense have benefitted from the switch to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, and he should continue to return solid value while his role remains elevated in the offense. The Bears' defense presents as a more staunch challenge this week, but the South Carolina product projects as a sneaky low-end WR3/FLEX option for the matchup. Legette is RotoBaller's PPR WR36 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Oct 4 8:40pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin does have a plus matchup in Week 5 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, a defense that is allowing the eighth-most half-PPR fantasy points to RBs through four weeks in 2024. That's about where the positives end for McLaughlin, though, coming into this game. He's the No. 2 back behind Javonte Williams, is averaging a lackluster 3.2 yards per carry and is in an offense that has averaged just over 100 yards rushing per game. McLaughlin did have 5.1 yards per carry and 46 yards on nine carries in the Week 4 win over the Jets and found the end zone in Week 3 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He checks in as the RB50 in half-PPR scoring and also ranks 45th in carries (27) and 47th in passing targets (seven). McLaughlin has a better matchup this week, but Denver's low-scoring offense hasn't been able to support one fantasy RB, let alone two.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Oct 4 8:30pm CT
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has a favorable matchup this Sunday when the team takes on the Chicago Bears in Week 5. Hubbard is coming off two stellar performances in which he recorded 100-yard games on the ground and caught at least four passes while scoring a touchdown. It's back-to-back superb efforts for the fourth-year RB, who has his arrow pointing up with quarterback Andy Dalton remaining under center. The former fourth-round pick will eventually see less work out of the backfield with the looming activation of rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee). However, he's a locked-in RB2 with upside while he has a stranglehold on the Panthers' lead-back duties. Chicago's defense hasn't allowed many points this season, but they're letting up 4.5 yards per carry, and opposing offenses have scored five times on the ground against them -- the sixth-most in the league. Hubbard is RotoBaller's PPR RB11 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Oct 4 8:20pm CT
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams has the opportunity to get his season kickstarted in a matchup this Sunday at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. The Raiders defense is allowing the eighth-most half-PPR fantasy points to RBs through four weeks, also giving up 137.5 rushing yards per game (ninth-most). Now the question is whether the 24-year-old can exploit the matchup, but maybe more so, can the Broncos' offense be more consistent in sustaining drives? Williams hasn't been great -- he's the RB41 in half-PPR scoring -- and is averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. He also has yet to find the end zone. But he did have his most efficient game last week (16 carries for 77 yards) against the Jets and could be facing a Raiders defense without Maxx Crosby (ankle). Although the upside remains on the low end in Denver's low-scoring offense, Williams has RB2 upside this week.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Oct 4 8:20pm CT
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton will have low-end streaming appeal in Week 5 when the team takes to the road to face the Chicago Bears. It's been two weeks since the 36-year-old took over for Bryce Young as the Panthers' signal-caller, and the transition has paid off thus far for the team's offensive outlook. Dalton has racked up 539 yards and five touchdowns over that time frame while completing 65.4% of his passes (51-of-78). He and Carolina's skill players will have a more challenging task Sunday against a Bears defense, allowing the eighth-fewest points per game in the league through the season's first month (18.8). Still, the former second-round pick is performing well and has the Panthers offense looking far better off than the first two weeks. This will be his most difficult matchup to date, but Dalton has earned weekly lineup consideration in multi-quarterback formats and a longer look than usual, considering the start of bye weeks. He's RotoBaller's QB19 this week.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 4 8:10pm CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix will hope to end the franchise's long losing streak in Week 5 on Sunday at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Nix comes into this game as the QB23 in overall fantasy points through his first four NFL games. The 12th overall pick out of Oregon has completed only 60.1% of his passes for 660 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions, adding two touchdowns on the ground. It's safe to say he's struggled early on, but to be fair, it's not like he has great weapons around him in Denver. The 24-year-old threw for just 60 yards and his first NFL TD in the 10-9, Week 4 upset over the New York Jets. The Raiders defense (possibly without Maxx Crosby) presents a softer matchup at home, but fantasy managers should already know not to expect too much for the young signal-caller. Nix should be considered a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues against a Raiders D that ranks 18th in fantasy points allowed to QBs per week through four games.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 4 8:10pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has a chance to have a great week in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. Etienne Jr. was limited in practice all week, but fortunately will enter Sunday's game without an injury tag. While the Colts are better against the run than the pass, they aren't great against either. Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor may both be out for the Colts offense, meaning the Jaguars have a great chance to earn their first win of the season. That means more time spent leading and more running the ball. The main thing that has limited Etienne Jr.'s upside has been less volume than expected. It's hard to get a lot of carries for a team always playing from behind, but that could change on Sunday. Tank Bigsby has been good in limited touches, so he could continue to eat into Etienne Jr.'s workload. However, in a good matchup with potential for more volume, Etienne Jr. should be viewed as an RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 4 8:00pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is officially questionable heading into Sunday's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts after limited participation in practice all week. The star tight end hasn't played since Week 1, and the Jaguars offense has suffered without him. Brenton Strange has been a solid replacement but hasn't come close to the production Engram was expected to provide entering the season. While the former New York Giant had only one catch in Week 1, fantasy managers should be happy to start him if he returns from injury. His upside is higher than most alternative tight ends, which is all fantasy managers can really rely on at the position so far this season. Engram will have to compete with Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. for targets, but his red zone threat is something the team sorely lacks without him. The offense has steadily improved week-to-week, meaning Week 5 against a poor Colts pass defense could be the perfect week for Engram to return from injury with a bang.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Oct 4 7:50pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence should be upgraded this week in a great matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are one of the worst defenses in the NFL against the pass this season, so if Lawrence were to have a breakout game, this would be the game to do it. The former first overall pick has not been reliable to start the season, but the offense does seem to be improving, albeit slowly. Lawrence finally tossed multiple touchdowns last week, one to Christian Kirk and one to Brian Thomas Jr. There's a great chance he has another multi-touchdown effort this week, especially if star tight end Evan Engram returns from injury. The Colts will be without Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor on the offensive side, so it's possible the Jaguars will be playing ahead for the first time all season, meaning more runs than passes. Still, Lawrence should be viewed as a QB2 with QB1 upside in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Oct 4 7:30pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Friday that running back Rhamondre Stevenson won't make the start in Week 5 this Sunday against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. "Had a conversation with Rhamondre [Stevenson] and he won't be starting I'll be upfront and transparent. But he will play. And he understands he has to protect the football going forward," Mayo said. The head coach said earlier this week that he'd consider starting Antonio Gibson over Stevenson this week, and it looks like that will happen. Stevenson has had trouble hanging onto the football (four fumbles) while averaging 4.1 yards per carry on 65 rushing attempts. Gibson has been more efficient, averaging a career-best 5.3 yards per tote on just 29 carries. Stevenson should still be involved on Sunday, but now he'll be an even lower upside RB3/flex for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Darious Williams Oct 4 6:50pm CT
Darious Williams

The Los Angeles Rams expect cornerback Darious Williams (hamstring) to play in Week 5 against the visiting Green Bay Packers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, according to head coach Sean McVay. Williams said he felt good being back at practice this week. Williams is currently on Injured Reserve, but he returned to practice on Wednesday and should be activated on Saturday before making his 2024 debut this weekend against Green Bay. The Rams could ease the 31-year-old defensive back into the fold, but he will now start opposite Tre'Davious White. It's good news for a struggling Rams secondary, but Williams' expected return this week won't make the Rams' defense/special teams until worth streaming in fantasy against the Packers. In 17 games with the Jaguars in 2023, Williams had 53 tackles (44 solo), a career-high-tying four interceptions (one TD), 19 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 4 6:40pm CT
Justin Fields

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (ankle) is listed as questionable to play on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Diggs popped up on the injury report on Thursday and was limited in practice before sitting out on Friday. In addition, cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) and rookie linebacker Marist Liufau (quadriceps) are questionable. The vaunted Cowboys defense has not only disappointed so far in 2024, but they're also without star pass-rushers DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Micah Parsons (ankle) in Week 5. Steelers wide receiver George Pickens would benefit the most if Diggs is unable to play this week. With all the injuries to that side of the ball, Dallas' defense/special teams unit is merely a streaming option against Steelers dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields on the road this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Fred Warner Oct 4 6:40pm CT
Fred Warner

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) is listed as questionable to play this Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Warner injured his ankle in the Week 4 win over the New England Patriots and is now up in the air to play this weekend. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being limited on Friday, giving himself a chance to suit up. The 49ers' defense/special teams unit should still be considered a must-start against Arizona in Week 5, but Warner being on the field would certainly give them much more upside. He is a must-start linebacker in IDP fantasy leagues whenever he's active. The 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowler is a tackle machine with 100-plus combined tackles in all six of his NFL seasons. Through four games this year, he already has 27 tackles (17 solo), a sack, two interceptions (one for a TD) and three forced fumbles.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 4 6:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Through four games in 2024, the Cleveland Browns defense has failed to live up to the high standard they set last year. They will look to change that in a Week 5 road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Thanks to record-setting rookie QB Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have been a problem for fantasy defenses in 2024, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position through four games. Due to the tough matchup and their own underachieving ways this season, the Browns defense should not be in starting lineups for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Oct 4 6:30pm CT
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe (hip) practiced in full on Friday after he was given an DNP tag on Thursday. Grupe was looking iffy for Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football after popping up on the initial injury report, but a return to a full practice a day later on Friday should put him in the clear to be available to close out Week 5 action. The 25-year-old has been a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first four weeks of the season, and there's no reason why fantasy managers should be going away from him this week as long as he's active. Grupe is currently the No. 7 kicker in terms of fantasy points this year. He's made all eight of his field-goal attempts and has missed just one of his 14 extra-point tries. The Chiefs defense has allowed 7.5 fantasy points per game to kickers through four games, which ranks 20th in the league.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 4 6:30pm CT
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (forearm) was able to put in a full practice on Friday after he had a limited showing in Thursday's session. Johnson is on track to be available to play on Monday Night Football in Week 5 on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fellow TE Taysom Hill (ribs) is dealing with fractured ribs and is looking doubtful to play, which will open up some more pass-catching opportunities for Johnson this week. Foster Moreau will continue to be a road block in terms of playing time and targets for Johnson, though, so fantasy managers should continue to ignore him. Through the first four games in 2024, Johnson has only caught four of six targets for 39 yards and one touchdown. There should be better TE2 sleeper options available in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 4 6:20pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper has mostly struggled in 2024 as he has hit double-digit PPR points just once in four games. He will look to rectify that in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders could be just what a struggling Browns offense ordered as they have struggled to slow down passing attacks in 2024. Washington is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts while allowing at least one touchdown catch to go to a wide receiver in all four of their games. The Cooper-Deshaun Watson connection should be able to take advantage of the soft matchup and can be treated as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Oct 4 6:20pm CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins has been solid this season, hitting five of his six field goals and adding five extra points on six attempts. He will look to add a few more field goals to his tally in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Washington has mostly struggled on defense this season but they have been solid against fantasy kickers, allowing just the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. This is at least partially a result of all the touchdowns they have allowed, but nonetheless, it doesn't help Hopkins' case to be considered as a fantasy starter. He settles in outside of the top 15 options at the position for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 4 6:20pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Friday. Fellow RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) was upgraded to full-go in practice after being limited on Wednesday. Kamara was listed with the same injuries last week before suiting up and touching the ball 26 times for 119 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old will most likely be cleared on Saturday to play on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kamara should continue to have high volume in the Saints' backfield, especially with Taysom Hill (ribs) looking doubtful to play after fracturing his ribs last weekend. Through four weeks in 2024, Kamara is the RB1 in fantasy in half-PPR scoring with 362 rushing yards and five touchdowns, adding 17 catches for 174 yards and another TD. He's a must-start against KC.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Oct 4 6:10pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford has been active in the passing game this season, catching 17 passes for 85 yards through four games. The veteran tailback will look to keep it up in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have struggled on defense this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to running backs thus far. After a hiccup in Week 2, Ford has reclaimed the majority share of the Cleveland backfield and has reached at least 10.0 PPR points in three of his four contests. Fantasy gamers can treat him as a high-end RB2 heading into a prime matchup against Washington in Week 5.

From RotoBaller