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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Byron Murphy II Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Byron Murphy II

The Seattle Seahawks D/ST has had trouble containing opposing teams in recent weeks as the injuries mount. The Seahawks project to be without key defensive starters Byron Murphy II and Uchenna Nwosu in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. Additionally, Riq Woolen and Derick Hall appear to be in jeopardy of missing this game as well. This group came out hot to start the season. They did not allow more than 20 points in any of their first three games. However, they have allowed 29 and 42 points in each of the last two games. A lot of that can be attributed to injuries, but the Seahawks have also faced stiffer competition over the last two weeks. With a solid 49ers offense coming to town in Week 6, you should look elsewhere for your D/ST. This unit should have better days ahead, but they will need to get some of their personnel back from injury first.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III enters Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers after only recording five carries in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Although the Seahawks were in a close game, they decided to more or less abandon the run early. It is unlikely that this inexperienced coaching staff will make that mistake again. The 49ers have been middle-of-the-road against opposing running backs in fantasy in 2024. They are allowing 110.8 rushing yards per game to opposing teams. This is not the same defense that it used to be, and Walker should receive a huge workload with a chance at RB1 numbers once again. If the Seahawks defense can keep this game close, Walker should have no problem providing points to your fantasy team. Fire him up as a high-end RB2 and low-end RB1 in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 8 5:50pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) will check in as a WR2 in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. He is currently listed on the injury report with a hand injury but should be good to go in Week 6 as he has been nursing the injury for a couple of weeks now. Metcalf has been excellent in 2024 and currently sits as the WR11 in fantasy. The 49ers are the 10th-best defense against wide receivers in fantasy, but Metcalf's big play ability gives him major upside. The 49ers as a whole have not been the same juggernaut as they have been in recent years. They will visit Seattle with a 2-3 record. This game feels like it could be a close one. Metcalf is coming off two straight games with a lost fumble. Fantasy managers can only wonder if it has something to do with his injury. However, if he can clean up the turnovers, he should have a nice game. He has recorded 28 receptions for 421 yards in five games this season. He should be in your lineup once again in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is a great bye week fill-in in Week 6. He has had a great fantasy floor in 2024, scoring at least 9.6 fantasy points in four of five games. He has also earned at least six targets in four of five games. This game should be a close one but there is no doubt that the Seahawks will need to put the ball in the air if they want to best the division-rival 49ers. With players such as Tyreek Hill, Aaron Jones, and Kyren Williams on bye, you could do a lot worse than Lockett in your flex position. Lockett has also been mysteriously lacking touchdowns this season. If that trend starts to turn around, then Lockett could become an every-week starter in fantasy. He deserves to have a place in lineups in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been wildly inconsistent in 2024. Smith Njigba has earned at least seven targets in three of five games this season. He has at least 51 yards or a touchdown in those three games. However, he has two games with three or fewer receptions and 39 or fewer yards. Smith-Njigba has been heavily involved in the Seahawks' game plans overall. His snap share has been in the high 80% and he is running a lot of routes. However, he still does not seem to have the same rapport or trust that veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett has with quarterback Geno Smith. Still, Smith Njigba continues to flash his talent and should continue to build momentum as the season progresses. The San Francisco 49ers present a moderate challenge for Smith-Njigba in Week 6. They may choose to focus more on the Seahawks' top two wide receivers in DK Metcalf and Lockett. Hopefully, Smith Njigba can have a solid day in Week 6. He enters Week 6 as the WR26 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is a solid streaming option in Week 6 when the Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are 14th against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2024. Smith has been very consistent in 2024 and has thrown for 1,466 yards and five touchdowns. He is coming off back-to-back games with at least 21.6 fantasy points and has a good chance to clear that number again in Week 6. With the Seahawks passing offense clicking in recent weeks, they should be able to put pressure on a 49ers defense that has not been as good as in years past. While this is not a huge bye week for fantasy-relevant quarterbacks, Metcalf could still fill in for any fantasy managers nursing injuries or underperformance at the position.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Oct 8 5:50pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) continues to have a poor fantasy season. It does not look like things will get better in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. In Fant's defense, the tight end position has been disappointing in fantasy in 2024. However, Fant has been especially bad. He has only cleared 5.4 fantasy points in one game this season. The 49ers are No. 10 against opposing tight ends in fantasy and should have no problem shutting down Fant with their talented linebackers and safeties. Despite the state of the position this season, it is best to look elsewhere. Fant is simply a secondary player in an offense loaded with high-end talent.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 8 5:40pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he's not sure how long kicker Jake Moody's right high-ankle sprain will take to heal but that it would be "about a month." Moody injured his right ankle in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and could be a candidate to land on Injured Reserve, which would keep him sidelined for at least four games. In the meantime, the Niners signed veteran kicker Matthew Wright to handle the kicking, and he could be a decent streaming candidate in a strong 49ers offense. Fantasy managers using Moody through the first five weeks will obviously need to pivot moving forward. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers, as Moody was the No. 2 kicker in fantasy points through the first five weeks. If Moody were to go on IR, he wouldn't be eligible to return until Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Adam Butler Oct 8 5:40pm CT
Adam Butler

Las Vegas Raiders star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) is out indefinitely after having surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot that he suffered in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to sources. It's a huge blow in the middle of the Raiders' defense after they signed him to a big-money deal in free agency in the offseason. Wilkins will head to Injured Reserve and miss at least the next four games, and likely more. The 28-year-old former 13th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2019 out of Clemson had 17 tackles (11 solo), two sacks and six QB hits in his five games with the Raiders this year before getting hurt. A Raiders defense that had already been vulnerable on the ground will now be a much better matchup for opposing running backs. Expect Adam Butler and John Jenkins to see more action at D tackle with Wilkins out for the foreseeable future in Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Talanoa Hufanga Oct 8 5:30pm CT
Talanoa Hufanga

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) suffered torn wrist ligaments in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and is expected to miss a month, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Hufanga obviously has been unable to practice this week ahead of the Thursday night divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks to kick off Week 6 action. The 24-year-old will now be a candidate to land on Injured Reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. Hufanga suffered a torn ACL in Week 11 of last year and he wasn't able to make his 2024 debut until Week 3. He also missed Week 4 due to injury and is now going to miss more time. It's a blow to what hasn't been as dominant of a 49ers defense so far this year, but they should still be considered a top-10 fantasy unit this week on the road against Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 8 5:20pm CT
Rashee Rice

After having surgery to fix his right LCL on Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is expected to be out for four months, according to multiple sources. It was a best-case scenario for Rice, who will miss the rest of the 2024 season, but the good news is he's expected to make a full recovery. In addition to his knee, Rice also had a hamstring tendon repaired on Tuesday. Barring any setbacks for the 24-year-old during his rehab, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season next fall. With receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) already out for the year and running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, the Chiefs have lost their best playmakers outside of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues can obviously drop Rice at this time and look for a replacement.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 8 5:20pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Tuesday. Kittle missed the Week 3 contest with a hamstring injury but returned in Week 4, only to suffer an injury to his ribs. He played through his rib injury in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals and caught a season-high eight passes (12 targets) for 64 yards and a touchdown. Kittle will most likely be removed from the final Week 6 injury report on Wednesday and be fine to play on Thursday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, where he'll be a must-start TE1 in fantasy. Despite missing Week 3 due to injury, Kittle has managed to find paydirt in each of the last three games that he's played in, going for 19 catches and 185 yards on 24 targets.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 8 5:10pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is expected to miss multiple games with a left-oblique injury that he suffered in the Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5, according to sources. The Saints have two games in the next nine days, so it's likely that Carr misses Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Thursday night game next week against the Denver Broncos in Week 7. Carr said he wasn't feeling good at all after Monday's game, prompting him to undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday. After a hot start the first two weeks, the 33-year-old has come back down to Earth in three straight losses and will now miss time. Jake Haener came in to replace Carr on Monday, but rookie Spencer Rattler will also be under consideration to start this Sunday against Tampa. Either way, fantasy managers will need to downgrade the rest of the Saints' offense.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Oct 8 5:10pm CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints rookie fifth-round quarterback Spencer Rattler is a strong candidate to get the start in Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday with Derek Carr (oblique) injured, according to sources. Carr is expected to miss multiple games, and with the Saints having a quick turnaround in Week 7 on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, it seems likely Carr will miss at least the next two games. The 24-year-old Rattler hasn't seen action in a regular-season NFL game yet behind Carr and Jake Haener. The South Carolina product has plenty of arm strength but will likely struggle with the speed of the game and with decision-making if he's thrown into the fire in a divisional matchup this weekend. Fantasy managers in single-QB leagues can ignore the Saints' QB situation with Carr injured. In superflex leagues, Rattler is worth a flier for those that own Carr.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 8 3:00pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye will make his first career start in Week 6 at home against the Houston Texans. The Patriots had been committed to starting Jacoby Brissett. However, they decided to make a change following the team's 15-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins last week. Maye briefly played in Week 3 against the New York Jets, completing four of his eight pass attempts for 22 yards and two rushing attempts for 12 on one drive, totaling 2.1 fantasy points. Hopefully, the change at quarterback can jumpstart a struggling New England offense. Yet, fantasy players shouldn't have high expectations for Maye or the offense this week or anytime soon. The rookie quarterback is only worth adding in standard-size superflex leagues. Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson is the only Patriot that fantasy players can start with confidence until the offense shows signs of consistent production.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 8 2:50pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) will miss the rest of the 2024 NFL season after undergoing successful surgery on Tuesday. The second-year wide receiver suffered the injury early in the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after taking a hit to the knee from Patrick Mahomes trying to make a tackle following an interception. While the star wide receiver will miss the rest of the season, he is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of next year. Rice suffered no damage to his ACL or meniscus, which many thought could have been torn last week. The Chiefs will likely add a wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline in a few weeks. However, Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster will see more targets and fantasy value with Rice done for the year.

From RotoBaller

Ty Chandler Oct 8 1:40pm CT
Ty Chandler

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is out of action this week on a bye, but after Aaron Jones (hip) suffered a hip injury in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets, Chandler could be in line to start in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. There will be plenty of updates on Jones' status next week, but fantasy managers needing help at running back should consider stashing Chandler in case the former Green Bay Packer is sidelined for longer than expected. The team is labeling Jones as "week-to-week," so he's not a lock to return immediately. Chandler was limited to just 39 yards on 16 touches in relief of Jones on Sunday, but he would enter the game as the clear RB1 against Detroit if Jones can't go. His upside would likely be limited against a strong Detroit front, but his potential usage would put him in RB2 territory, which is valuable for fantasy managers who have D'Andre Swift or Rico Dowdle on a bye next week.

From RotoBaller

Teagan Quitoriano Oct 8 1:30pm CT
Teagan Quitoriano

The Houston Texans are signing tight end Teagan Quitoriano to the active roster from the Chicago Bears practice squad, according to Texans reporter Aaron Wilson. The 24-year-old was a fifth-round pick by the Texans in 2022 out of Oregon State and caught nine passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in 16 career games with the organization. Quitoriano was waived by Houston on September 4 with an injury settlement, but after Brevin Jordan (knee) suffered a torn ACL, the position group lacked depth. Quitoriano is not on the fantasy football radar in Houston's crowded skill position group. Even if was elevated to the TE1 role in a potential Dalton Schultz absence, he'd likely have little upside and virtually no fantasy floor.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Mims Oct 8 1:20pm CT
Denzel Mims

Free-agent wide receiver Denzel Mims is working out for the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, according to team reporter Todd Archer. The team is lacking wideout depth after Brandin Cooks (knee) landed on Injured Reserve with a knee injury, so the former second-round pick is aiming to join the roster or practice squad. Mims was selected by the New York Jets in 2020 and has spent time with four NFL organizations. He has totaled 42 receptions on 92 targets for 676 yards and no touchdowns in 30 career games (all with the Jets). He did not play in a game last season. Even if Mims signs with Dallas, it would be surprising if he earns a meaningful enough role to be anywhere near the fantasy football radar. For now, expect CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and Jalen Tolbert to operate as Dak Prescott's No. 1, 2, and 3 options in the passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Blake Whiteheart Oct 8 1:10pm CT
Blake Whiteheart

The Cleveland Browns released tight end Blake Whiteheart on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Whiteheart went undrafted out of Wake Forest in 2023 and spent time with the Arizona Cardinals last season before signing with Cleveland's practice squad this summer. He has been active recently in the absence of David Njoku and caught three of his four targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in four games this season. Njoku suffered a knee injury in his return to action in Week 5, so Whiteheart's release could be an indication that his injury is not considered serious. Whiteheart was not on the fantasy football radar before his release and, it would be surprising if he enters it any time soon.

From RotoBaller