The 2024 NFL Draft presents a unique scenario where the first overall pick is edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State, setting off a chain reaction in the selections. This year's draft sees an unusual prioritization of defenders and running backs, as teams adjust their strategies according to positional needs and available talent.

The Tennessee Titans opted for Carter, while the Cleveland Browns selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at pick two. Other notable selections include the New York Giants drafting quarterback Cam Ward and the New England Patriots taking cornerback Will Johnson from Michigan.

The draft continues to unfold with teams focusing less on offensive tackles compared to the previous year. With picks like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders also making headlines, this draft class is shaping up to be competitive.

As the NFL season winds down, the Arizona Cardinals (7-8) are set to face the Los Angeles Rams (9-6) in a crucial NFC West matchup. With the Cardinals already out of playoff contention, they aim to spoil the Rams' postseason aspirations. This analysis provides insights into daily fantasy football (DFS) picks for the showdown, focusing on players from both teams.

Leading the picks is Kyler Murray, who has demonstrated solid performance this season, particularly against the Rams in their earlier encounter. His projected stats indicate a strong chance for him to contribute significantly in both passing and rushing categories. On the other hand, Kyren Williams has emerged as a key player for the Rams, showcasing his abilities against Arizona's struggling rushing defense.

The analysis also highlights other potential MVP candidates, including Matthew Stafford and various skill position players, providing a comprehensive view of the best DFS options. Flex plays feature players like Trey McBride and Stafford, while value plays spotlight budget-friendly options like Tyler Higbee and Michael Carter, who could yield significant returns.

This week’s picks aim to maximize fantasy points, leveraging advanced analytics to navigate the complexities of player matchups and team dynamics as the season approaches its conclusion.

As the holiday season approaches, this week's Backfield Report offers a condensed analysis of key running back performances from Week 16, crucial for fantasy football enthusiasts.

James Conner's knee injury opens the door for Michael Carter as a must-add player, while Bijan Robinson stands out as a reliable option for the Atlanta Falcons. Derrick Henry continues to dominate the Ravens' backfield, and James Cook's impressive game against the Patriots highlights his potential.

With various injuries affecting teams, players like Jerome Ford and Javonte Williams are emerging as vital fantasy assets. The report also notes the struggles of players like Kenneth Walker and Rachaad White, who face uncertain futures in their respective roles.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has not ruled out running backs James Conner and Trey Benson for this week's game, indicating they still have a chance to play. Should they be unavailable, Michael Carter is expected to take on a larger role in the offense.

The Cardinals are set to play on Saturday, providing fantasy owners ample time to make roster decisions regarding these players.

As Week 17 of the fantasy football season approaches, managers are faced with crucial decisions regarding waiver wire running backs to target. This article categorizes 17 running backs into three tiers, offering insights on their recent performances and potential roles in upcoming matchups.

Highlighted in Tier 1 are Kendre Miller from the New Orleans Saints and Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans, both of whom have seen increased workloads and could be pivotal for championship aspirations. The analysis extends to other players, including Trey Benson, Michael Carter, and Kareem Hunt, emphasizing their potential impact in fantasy lineups.

Additional tiers feature players like Tyler Allgeier from the Atlanta Falcons and Blake Corum of the Los Angeles Rams, who could serve as valuable assets depending on injury situations. The article also discusses dark horse candidates such as Ray Davis from the Buffalo Bills and Roschon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, who might emerge as key contributors in the final week.