Wed Apr 23 4:31pm ET
Field Level Media
Titletown underwent a makeover for the weekend as the 2025 NFL Draft takes place at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., starting Thursday night with the first round.
On the clock since the final game of the regular season in January, the Tennessee Titans resisted trade overtures and are committed to keeping the No. 1 pick in hopes of reversing recent fortunes in Nashville.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward has been the primary prospect under consideration by first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi and second-year head coach Brian Callahan for weeks. Ward, rated as a zero-star recruit, began his journey at Incarnate Word, transferred to Washington State and then spent the final season of his five-year college football journey running the Hurricanes' offense and set the FBS record for TD passes (158).
"I'm excited to hopefully hear my name called first to go to a great organization like that," Ward said Wednesday.
The Titans' franchise last had the No. 1 pick in 1978, when the then-Oilers selected running back Earl Campbell.
Callahan was part of the Bengals' organization when Joe Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020 and Borgonzi was a scout with the Chiefs when Kansas City unearthed a franchise quarterback named Patrick Mahomes.
Ward dined with Titans brass before his pro day, where he declared he was "solidifying" his status as the No. 1 pick.
"I like confidence. I think that's a good thing," Callahan said. "When you're in the conversation for the No. 1 pick there's a lot that comes with it. To have fun with that is a good thing."
Ward said the passing game concepts in Tennessee are similar to what he was accustomed to in Miami. He also said he's been in touch with Warren Moon about wearing the retired number -- 1 -- Moon immortalized with the Houston Oilers' franchise.
Barring a trade, the Wisconsin faithful will wait a few hours into the draft for the Green Bay Packers to make their first selection, No. 23. The Packers enter the draft with picks late in the second (54) and third (87) rounds, which take place Friday night. The final four rounds begin Saturday morning.
One position seemingly always settled in Green Bay is quarterback, where Jordan Love has a firm hold on the spot since being drafted 26th in 2020 and developing behind Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have been the youngest team in the playoffs two consecutive seasons. Rodgers was the 24th pick in 2005.
Following the 2024 draft in which quarterbacks went 1-2-3 and six were first-round picks, the landing spots for the other QBs in this class are far less certain. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart, Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Louisville's Tyler Shough all have been mentioned as options in the top 32.
None are expected to be selected before Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the two-way dynamo from Colorado who insists he can continue playing two positions as a pro.
"I believe I can do it. They said I can't do it in college, I won the most prestigious award in college football. You still tell me what I can't do and I'm going to go out there and do it," Hunter said Wednesday, standing in the end zone at Lambeau Field. "Why is it important? Because I love football."
Hunter went to the NFL Scouting Combine as a defensive back -- primarily because players are grouped by position for all segments of the event -- and told teams in face-to-face interviews he sees himself as a wide receiver and cornerback.
Few debate his gamebreaker ability, but teams are far from unanimous on the best way to use Hunter.
Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back picked in the top five since Saquon Barkley (No. 2, Giants, 2018). Jeanty can break tackles and long runs, and shared his own self-confidence in an open letter to NFL general managers this month with a reminder: "It's tackle football, you know what I'm saying? I'd draft the guy they can't tackle."
Jeanty is the headliner in a deep running back class with the potential to place multiple players in the first round for the second time since 2019.
The supply of blue-chip defensive talent runs deep, starting with Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. Depending on how Hunter is ultimately classified, Carter is expected to be the first defensive player off the board.
A converted stand-up linebacker with only one season at defensive end, Carter posted 23 sacks with the Nittany Lions but has been hampered by injuries to his shoulder and foot since the end of the extended 2024 college football season.
Carter said he's ready for draft day to finally be here.
"I'm ready to get to tomorrow and find out where I'm going to go," Carter said. "Wherever it is, I'm blessed to have the opportunity. I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity."
Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, Georgia edge defenders Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams and SEC offensive tackles who've blocked them -- Missouri's Armand Membou and Will Campbell of LSU -- are also leading options in the top 10.
The Patriots, who drafted Drake Maye behind Caleb Williams (Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Commanders) last year, are one of the teams eyeing betting pass protection under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
Pete Carroll is back in the saddle, too, after a year away and helping guide the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 with a fresh Jacksonville regime in between with the fifth overall pick. Jaguars' first-time general manager James Gladstone has taken an unconventional approach to the draft, and along with 39-year-old first-time head coach Liam Coen, brings an unpredictable element to the middle of the top 10.
A pair of Michigan All-Americans, defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, are projected to be in play for the Jaguars and Raiders. Las Vegas scored a superstar in the first round last year with record-setter Brock Bowers, the 13th pick in 2024.
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and Penn State's Tyler Warren are candidates to be picked in that same range this year.
When and where a second quarterback will come off the board is complicated.
Factors include talks with veterans in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are considered the frontrunners to sign Rodgers in free agency. A similar scenario could unfold with the Cleveland Browns, who have the No. 2 pick, with reported interest in acquiring Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Cousins holds a no-trade clause and reportedly plans to resist waving that provision until after the draft to avoid landing in the same situation he found himself in a year ago. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in free agency, the Falcons shocked Cousins and many more by using the No. 8 pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Tyler Drake of AZSports. Benson was a limited participant in practice every day this week, but the Cardinals ultimately decided to hold him out for another week. Head coach Jonathan Gannon said that the second-year back looked good during practice this week, and that they'd "see how it goes" on Friday in regards to his chances to play in Week 12. It seems like Benson is making progress in his recovery, but he's not quite there yet. He has now been ruled out for his seventh consecutive game and has yet to practice in full capacity, which is likely the next big step for him to take to get back to the field. Emari Demercado (ankle) has also been ruled out for Sunday, leaving Bam Knight and Michael Carter to split the backfield duties against the Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will come out of a Week 11 bye to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 12. Pittman is enjoying a bounce-back season after a rough 2024, catching 54 passes for 580 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. The veteran wideout will look to break a two-game scoreless streak in Week 12 as he goes up against a Kansas City defense that is allowing just the 27th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. While this is a tough matchup, Pittman has been an excellent red-zone threat this season and should return low-end WR2 numbers for fantasy managers in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce will come out of his Week 11 bye to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 12. Pierce has enjoyed a mini-breakout in 2025, catching 28 passes for 585 yards and one touchdown in eight games, putting him on pace to set new career highs in catches and receiving yards. The veteran wideout would be garnering more notoriety, but he has only scored one touchdown despite averaging 20.9 yards per catch. Pierce is due for some positive regression in the scoring department, but remains a solid flex option in all fantasy leagues even without the TDs. Fantasy managers can insert him into starting lineups in Week 12, despite a tough matchup against a KC defense that is allowing just the 27th-most fantasy points per game to the position.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice session and has been cleared from the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the New England Patriots, according to the team's official website. It's unclearwhether Flacco will be the starter or return to a backup role, given thatJoe Burrow (toe) practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday this week. However, he was limited on Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday. The 40-year-old Flacco has filled in admirably for the star quarterback, totaling 2,268 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in five games as a starter, ranking as QB4 in fantasy points per game (22.1) since Week 6. Flacco could wind up making one more start in Week 12 if Burrow is unable to play and the Bengals hold him out until he is fully cleared.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor should be well-rested coming out of his Week 11 bye. Taylor has been one of the top players in fantasy this season, racking up 17 all-purpose touchdowns in just 10 games. The star running back will look to stay hot in a Week 12 road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have been tough on running backs this season, allowing just the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, Taylor has been too dominant this season and will continue to see the bulk of the Colts' running-back touches. He settles in as a top-three fantasy running back heading into Week 12 in a game with a 50-point over/under.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) will not carry an injury designation into his team's Week 12 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Slayton was sidelined for New York's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but he will make his return in Week 12 against Detroit. Across eight games this season, the 28-year-old has recorded 23 catches for 343 yards on 34 targets. Slayton was playing some of his best football before getting hurt, recording nine catches for 151 yards on 11 targets across Weeks 9 and 10. He'll be catching passes from veteran quarterback Jameis Winston on Sunday, who is making his second straight start for the Giants with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) still sidelined. Slayton profiles as a low-end WR4/flex option for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs suffered a knee contusion that forced him to exit early from his team's Week 11 win over the New York Giants and has been limited in practice this week as a result. The 27-year-old has recorded 885 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 197 touches across 10 games this season and profiles as a must-start fantasy running back against Minnesota if he's cleared to play. If Jacobs were out, Packers running back Emanuel Wilson would likely get the majority of Green Bay's backfield touches in Week 12. Third-year back Chris Brooks could factor into the mix as well. Wilson has recorded 289 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 64 touches so far this season and would profile as a low-end fantasy RB2 if Jacobs is inactive against Minnesota.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Daniel Jones (leg) is "good-to-go" for his team's Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Steichen also clarified that Jones' injury is actually to his fibula after it was initially reported as a calf issue, per James Boyd of The Athletic. Either way, Jones was able to practice in full on Friday after being limited on Thursday and will be active against Kansas City. Jones has played well in his first season in Indianapolis, completing 69.9% of his pass attempts for 2,659 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 10 games. He's also added 143 yards and five touchdowns as a rusher. However, Jones has been particularly turnover-prone of late, recording four interceptions and six fumbles (three lost) over his last two games. That could be an issue in a tough road matchup against Kansas City, particularly if his mobility is limited in any way. Jones profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden ranks as the TE12 in half-PPR fantasy points per game through the first nine games of his NFL career. Gadsden has developed strong chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert and has 37 catches on 49 targets for 507 yards and two touchdowns going into the team's Week 12 bye. However, the 22-year-old hasn't scored since Oct. 19. Gadsden has cooled off a bit since back-to-back weeks of finding the end zone in Weeks 7 and 8, but he's had at least five targets in a game since all the way back in Week 5. The primary concern for Gadsden's fantasy managers going forward is the Chargers' banged-up offensive line, which might give quarterback Justin Herbert very little time to throw the football in the final stretch of the season against some tough opponents. The fifth-rounder could return with a bang in Week 13 against the Raiders, so fantasy managers shouldn't give up hope just yet.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Week 12. Butker has struggled this season, and his struggles continued last week against the Denver Broncos. Butker knocked through both of his field goal attempts, but missed one of his two extra-point attempts in Week 11. Butker has an 84.2% field goal percentage and 85.7% extra-point percentage this season, both marks rank outside the top-20 at the position. That said, Butker should be involved in a shootout against Indianapolis this week. The Colts offense has the most yards and points scored this season, which means the Chiefs will need to put a lot of points on the board to keep up. Butker should get a piece of the action and could provide value at the kicker position. Butker is ranked K9 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him worthy of a start in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (concussion) returned to practice on Friday but has still not fully cleared the league's concussion protocol, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Gabriel was forced to exit early from Cleveland's Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens after suffering a concussion and will miss the team's Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders as well. With Gabriel sidelined, fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start against Las Vegas. While a monster performance from Sanders could change things, Gabriel is expected to resume starting duties in Cleveland once cleared to return from his concussion. Given that he was able to return to practice in some capacity on Friday, Gabriel's return could come when the Browns will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Kelce was the lone bright spot among the Chiefs pass catchers in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. The veteran tight end hauled in nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets in Week 11. Last week's totals set new season-highs in receptions and targets for Kelce, making it easily his best performance of the year. With fellow pass catcher Xavier Worthy officially questionable for Sunday's matchup, Kelce could have another ceiling performance against the Colts. The Indianapolis defense is one of the best matchups for tight ends, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Kelce is ranked TE4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a top-end option at the position this week. Kelce has had a resurgent 2025 season, and that should continue against the Colts.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings have been among the most unpredictable teams in the league this season, but running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) is off the injury report and set to get the majority of backfield work against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The former Green Bay draft pick is earning regular work in the Vikings' passing game with 12 targets in the past two weeks, and with 22 overall touches last week alone, he's been the team's preferred option over Jordan Mason. The Packers are a tough matchup, ranking third in yards per carry against and 12th against PPR running backs, but Jones has finished within the top 25 at his position three weeks in a row, even as the Vikings have struggled. While the overall circumstances aren't ideal, Jones has demonstrated a reliable enough fantasy floor that he can be considered in an RB3/flex role this week.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. probably finds himself on the waiver wire in most fantasy football leagues with the Broncos headed on their bye in Week 12. Mims caught six of seven targets for a season-high 85 yards in the team's miraculous comeback win over the New York Giants in Week 7, but then he suffered a concussion the following week against the Dallas Cowboys and missed Weeks 9 and 10. In his return to action in Sunday's big win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the 23-year-old played a season-low 24% of the offensive snaps and was not targeted at all. The former second-rounder still has plenty of big-play ability, but during his time away with a concussion, Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant became more involved on offense, and that could continue in Week 13 for a Sunday night contest against Washington. Until further notice, Mims is off the fantasy radar as Denver's WR4.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 12 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, per Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune. Kamara has been listed as a limited practice participant all week as he battles a nagging ankle injury that has plagued him for much of the 2025 season. The 30-year-old had an encouraging game in his final outing before the Saints' Week 11 bye, recording 115 scrimmage yards on 25 touches against the Carolina Panthers. If he's unable to play in Week 12, rookie Devin Neal and Audric Estime would likely handle the backfield work for New Orleans against Atlanta on Sunday. Should Kamara be active, he profiles as a high-end fantasy RB2 and could be in for another big week against the reeling Falcons.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy should be considered a volatile Superflex option when his team goes to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The former Michigan star's overall numbers are not pretty -- he's completed only 53% of his passing attempts and thrown eight interceptions in five games -- but the Vikings have continued to preach patience. The Packers rank third in yards per play allowed, which presents a difficult matchup, but McCarthy has saved his best for NFC North road games thus far, as six of his eight total touchdowns this season took place in victories at Chicago and at Detroit. Additionally, McCarthy has also shown rushing ability by compiling 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns on only 24 carries. Ultimately, however, McCarthy is on the road and has not played well lately, so managers will have to gauge their risk tolerance for playing the league's youngest starter as the fantasy playoffs approach.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Brown had a serviceable performance in Week 11, catching four passes for 40 yards against the Denver Broncos. While he did not have a big game, Brown finished third on the team in receiving yards against a tough opponent. Fellow wide receiver Xavier Worthy got a full practice in on Friday but is officially listed as questionable, which could boost Brown's fantasy value. Brown could fill the field-stretching role while Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce compete for the short and intermediate targets against Indianapolis. The Colts defense is an advantageous matchup, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Brown is currently ranked WR64 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex candidate, but that ranking would climb dramatically if Worthy is ruled out.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be avoided in most formats when his struggling offense goes on the road to play Green Bay in Week 12. The Vikings have counted on Nailor in big spots -- like a game-clinching catch at Detroit and a fourth-quarter touchdown against Baltimore -- but his overall volume, 3.7 targets per game, hasn't been enough to rely upon on a week-to-week basis. Additionally, the Vikings are having a hard time simply staying on the field. During the past three weeks, Minnesota has averaged 58 plays as quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled to acclimate to the NFL. With Nailor set to face a Green Bay defense that ranks ninth overall against half-PPR receivers, managers should look for a better option this week.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has fit the bill as a boom-or-bust WR3 this season, which should continue when Minnesota travels to Green Bay in Week 12. The third-year receiver has seen more famine than feast of late, which includes four straight weeks outside of the top 30 PPR receivers. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled without a doubt, but Addison also dropped two big passes last week, including a picture-perfect ball on a deep route that had a chance to score. Green Bay ranks 11th against PPR receivers and Minnesota is wavering, but Addison is talented, still earning enough targets (18 the past two weeks), and the Vikings' offense has enough pieces that some managers may be willing to stomach the risk of another bad week in hopes Addison will break the slump in a big way.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals have activated tight end Mike Gesicki (pectoral) from Injured Reserve ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots, according to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Conway reports that Gesicki "will play a big role" against New England with Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase sidelined due to suspension. Gesicki has been out since Week 6 due to a pectoral injury. In six games before getting hurt, the 30-year-old tight end recorded eight catches for 61 yards on 16 targets. While his pre-injury production is underwhelming, Gesicki has had big games in previous seasons when the Bengals are missing wide receivers. Still, there's no guarantee that Gesicki will even supplant Noah Fant as Cincinnati's top pass-catching tight end. Gesicki remains tough for fantasy managers to trust in Week 12.
From RotoBaller