Guest of the League
Graceland Est. 2022
FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Lineup Prep: Championship Games

Wed Jan 24 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Gibbs can produce big this week


Last week was sure entertaining. Let’s hope the games this week are just as good. I sure think it is possible. The matchups seems pretty even to me. I know the 49ers are pretty good favorites against the Lions at home, but I think Detroit can keep it close. And the Chiefs/Ravens game is setup to be fantastic. These teams are both rolling right now. We get to see two of the greatest quarterbacks in football battle it out to make the Super Bowl. This should be fun.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . 

Those were some games last week. It was fun to watch, especially that Chiefs/Bills game. You have to feel for Josh Allen. He had a great run in the playoffs, but just can’t get over that Kansas City hump. It was there for the taking last week for Allen, but his field goal kicker let him down. I still think Allen is an elite level quarterback than can win the big game. It will come for him sooner than later. He is just running into a buzz saw with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs right now.

I don’t think Brock Purdy silenced the doubters after last week’s game. He was not great until that last game-winning drive. He still looked a little shaky to me most of that game. And the loss of Deebo Samuel could be huge for him and the offense. Samuel seems to be a calming influence for Purdy. I am interested to see him play this week. This could be make or break for him.

Aaron Jones sure is a difference maker when healthy. He was unbelievable for the Packers down the stretch, having five straight 100-yard rushing games. The issue is Jones is hard to trust because of his injury history and age. He is 29 years old and missed five games each of the last two seasons and played a full season just once the last five years. I love his talent, but have a hard time taking him on draft day - even after his huge finish to this season.

I’m happy for Baker Mayfield. He seems to have found a home after a rocky start to his career. He was terrific for the Bucs with that great group of receivers. And he almost played that team into the NFC Championship game last week, throwing three more touchdown passes. I don’t see the Bucs letting him loose and I think he could be a top-10 fantasy quarterback once again next season in Tampa. I don’t think it was a fluke this year.

I am really hoping the Texans make a run at Saquon Barkley this offseason. Could you imagine him in that offense? I think he would be a great fit and a huge spark for that running game in Houston. I think this would just be an ideal landing spot for Barkley when it comes to his fantasy value. Let’s make this happen!

The Ravens have a great team and are the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but can you imagine that offense with a healthy JK Dobbins or Keaton Mitchell all season. Both these backs are difference makers in my eyes and big upgrades over what they are using right now. I still think Dobbins can be a star in this league. Just something to keep in mind next season when these guys are back playing.

I like the Titans hire of Brian Callahan as their next head coach. He should be a positive for that offense, especially quarterback Will Levis. Hopefully, he can take this offense to a new level and give us a bunch of fantasy relevant players. Callahan is a bright, young offensive mind that has been integral in the development of Joe Burrow. Let’s hope he can do the same for Levis.

News and Notes: The Lions signed tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad on Monday. Ertz gives the Lions depth at the position after an injury to Brock Wright.

HOT PLAYS

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. With Deebo Samuel very iffy to play, Aiyuk should be the top target at receiver for the 49ers this week. He didn’t do much last week, but was targeted six times in the game, which was encouraging. He gets a much better matchup this week against the Lions, a team that has allowed five straight 300-yard passing games. Aiyuk can have a big showing in this matchup.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions. Gibbs had a big game last week, topping 100 total yards while scoring a touchdown. He has touchdowns each of the first two playoff games for the Lions. He has 16-plus fantasy points each of those games. Gibbs is playing well and should be heavily involved in the offense again this week. The 49ers have been great against the run much of the year, but shown some issues stopping the run lately. San Francisco allowed 136-rushing yards last week and given up 100-plus rushing yards four of five games.

COLD PLAYS 

Jared Goff, QB, Lions. Goff had a great overall season, but his fantasy numbers haven’t been too off the charts. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three of five games. He is getting his yards, but the Lions tend to run the ball in more for scores than pass. He might be an iffy fantasy play this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to quarterback during the regular season.

Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens. Edwards has failed to score each of his last two games, giving him really poor fantasy numbers. He has fewer than six fantasy points each of his last two games, failing to hit 50-rushing yards each of those games. Edwards could have a similar showing this week against the Chiefs, a team that allowed the 10th fewest fantasy points to running backs. Kansas City allowed just 10-rushing touchdowns all season.

SLEEPERS

Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens. Bateman had three receptions for 39 yards on three targets last week. He had a solid game but failed to hit double-digit fantasy points once again. The good news is he got his looks once again. The Chiefs have a very good pass defense, but Bateman could have more favorable coverages than Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham. Those guys should draw the tougher assignments, leaving Bateman a chance to make some big plays in the passing game. He could surprise this week.

Justice Hill, RB, Ravens. Hill led the Ravens in rushing last week, including rushing attempts. He got more work than starter Gus Edwards. Hill had 15 touches for 77 total yards. He could be setup for a similar workload in what could be a high-scoring fantasy teams. This means Hill could have a big fantasy showing. At this point, we might trust Hill more than Edwards, who is a more touchdown dependent player.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Chiefs/Ravens, Lions/49ers.

Low Scoring Games: None.

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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Taysom Hill Sep 20 3:00pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) is currently considered as questionable ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran tight end sat out of Wednesday's practice, but was able to get through a session on Thursday. He was limited on Friday and as a result will be tagged as questionable for this weekend. If healthy, Hill is a boom-or-bust TE2 otherwise Juwan Johnson figures to see more chances. Johnson is a desperation option in deep leagues if Hill is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 20 2:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. The Vikings are calling him as day-to-day, but this is now the second week in a row that Addison has missed. It's uncertain when Addison will get back on the field after not practicing all week. In his absence, Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor will be the primary passing options for this offense. Jefferson is a must-start while Nailor is worth a look in deep leagues after a 54-yard performance in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 20 2:50pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is cleared to play ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. The superstar wideout was limited in practice on Wednesday with a quad injury, but he guaranteed on Thursday that he'd suit up this weekend. It looks like Jefferson was right, as he doesn't carry an injury designation into this game. He'll continue to be the focal point on offense with Jordan Addison (ankle) ruled out for this game. Jefferson finished with 133 yards and a touchdown last week, so fantasy managers can continue counting on him as an elite fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 20 2:40pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie wideout played through a knee issue last week, but Odunze appears to be fine now. He's set for an increased workload with fellow wideout Keenan Allen (heel) ruled out for this game. Odunze has three receptions for 44 yards through two games. The Bears can't seem to move the ball right now, which makes Odunze a tough fantasy play. He should be considered a shaky flex option for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Sep 20 2:30pm ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 29-year-old did not have much involvement last week, kicking just one short field goal and converting two extra points. Better days are ahead for the Eagles kicker and it could start this week against New Orleans. The Saints have held opponents out of the end zone well through two weeks, but have allowed five field goals, tied for 11th-most in the league through two weeks. Fantasy managers can continue to roll out Elliott with confidence in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 20 2:30pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran wideout will now miss his second game in a row due to a lingering heel issue. This is obviously frustrating for fantasy managers as the 32-year-old had plenty of hype surrounding him to begin the season. His absence should mean an increased workload for both Rome Odunze and DeAndre Carter. Both players are sneaking their way onto the fantasy radar with the Bears shorthanded on offense.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 20 2:20pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt won't be available for the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. This doesn't come as much of a surprise after Hunt was signed by the team earlier this week. Hunt was a free agent until this point, so he'll need some time to get ready for football. In the meantime, Carson Steele figures to get increased chances as well as Samaje Perine. Keaontay Ingram was signed from the practice squad to the active roster, so he figures to be serve as extra depth. Fantasy managers are probably best off avoiding this situation for the moment, but Steele is probably the best of the trio for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 20 2:10pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 29-year-old was not heavily involved last week but saw usage during the team's final drive and has the chance to see more targets in Week 3 with A.J. Brown (hamstring) likely out for another game. The good news; Goedert played 97% of the snaps last week and is at the top of the league compared to others at the position in snaps played. He should have a safe floor this week against a Saints defense that ranks middle of the pack against the tight end position through two weeks. Unless you have an obviously better option, you can continue to roll with Goedert in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Sep 20 2:00pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 25-year-old did a fine job filling in as the No. 1 receiving option last week against the Atlanta Falcons as A.J. Brown (hamstring) was out. Smith caught seven of 10 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in the contest and is in line for a similar target share this week against the Saints with Brown expected to miss once again. New Orleans' defense has been great through two weeks, but they are not unstoppable through the air. They have allowed the 14th-most passing yards this year and allowed CeeDee Lamb to gain 90 yards on just four receptions last week. Chunk plays are Smith's specialty, and he has the chance to have them in what should be a competitive game Sunday. Consider the Eagles' young receiver a top-tier WR2 with top-12 upside in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 20 2:00pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson will face off against the Saints in New Orleans in Week 3. The former Washington Commander had his chance to get more involved last week against Atlanta with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out but saw just one target and was outplayed by Britain Covey. That was also with Dotson on the field for 79% of the snaps. He has not clicked with quarterback Jalen Hurts just yet and should not be considered a fantasy option in any capacity this week against New Orleans, even with Brown expected to miss his second game in a row. He is better left on waivers in redraft leagues and on benches in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 20 2:00pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) was seen practicing on Friday in the portion open to the media. White injured his groin in the Week 2 victory over the Detroit Lions and was able to put in limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. Unless he was a full participant in Friday's session, White could be listed as questionable heading into Sunday's contest against the visiting Denver Broncos, but all signs point to him being available to play. If the 25-year-old is active, he'll be looking for more production in a good matchup against the 0-2 Broncos after averaging just 2.0 yards per carry on 25 rushing attempts through the first two weeks of the season. White is lining up as an RB2 for fantasy managers against a Broncos run D that was pretty suspect last year. If White is limited at all, it would mean more work for backup Bucky Irving.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Sep 20 2:00pm ET
Britain Covey

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 27-year-old saw his usage increase last week with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out and outproduced Jahan Dotson. Covey had six grabs with only 32% of snaps played, while Dotson saw one target with 79% of snaps played. While it was nice to see the primarily special team player get some run last week, it is tough to trust anyone outside of DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert against the Saints' defense in Week 3 for fantasy purposes. Managers should keep an eye on Covey in dynasty formats, but he is best left on the waiver wire or bench in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has picked up right where he left off at the end of 2023. Currently ranked as the fourth-best tight end in fantasy, McBride is poised to remain a top option as the season progresses. He has emerged as Kyler Murray's go-to security blanket, leading all Cardinals in targets with 15, which is also third among all tight ends through two weeks. While McBride's Week 2 touchdown came via a fumble recovery, his involvement in the offense remains strong. In Week 3, the Cardinals face the Lions in what should be a favorable matchup for McBride. With Detroit's elite pass rush generating quick pressure, Murray will likely check down to McBride frequently to counter the rush. Additionally, he will be matched up against Lions safety Brian Branch, giving him a significant size advantage. Expect the Cardinals to lean heavily on McBride again, making him a strong candidate to finish as the top tight end in fantasy this week. He's a must-start in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is questionable for the Week 3 contest against the visiting Green Bay Packers, but he's expected to be ready to roll on Sunday. Spears didn't practice on Wednesday before returning as a limited participant in Thursday's session, putting him on track to play this weekend. The 23-year-old could have a smaller role in a backfield tandem with Tony Pollard against Green Bay, though, which will make Spears a riskier RB3/flex play in deeper fantasy leagues. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz continues to say that the team prefers to have an even timeshare split in their backfield with Pollard and Spears. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 season, Spears has been the No. 2 behind Pollard, playing 45% of the snaps in Week 1 and 33% in Week 2. He has only 10 carries for 41 yards and has caught six passes for 22 yards.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will take on the Saints in New Orleans in Week 3. The 27-year-old was a focal point of the offense again last week against the Atlanta Falcons, especially with A.J. Brown (hamstring) inactive. Barkley put up 116 yards of total offense and was a top-12 RB in most fantasy formats, but did have a costly drop at the end of the game that gave the Falcons the chance to come back and win the game. He will look to make up for that mistake against a Saints defense that has allowed the second-fewest yards on the ground through two weeks. However, they have played the tandems of Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders in Week 1 and old man Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle in Week 2. None of these players come close to the caliber of the back that Barkley is, so there is no reason to consider the Eagles' workhorse back as anything but an RB1 in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

It's looking like Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) is going to miss a second straight game after he wasn't seen on the practice field on Friday. Although Addison's ankle injury isn't believed to be too serious, the Vikings are playing it smart with the second-year wideout. The 22-year-old was inactive for the Week 2 win over the San Francisco 49ers and doesn't look likely to suit up this Sunday in a showdown against the 2-0 Houston Texans. The Vikings have yet to release their final Friday injury report or rule Addison out officially, though. Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is also banged up but fully expects to play against Houston. If Addison is ruled out for the second straight week, popular waiver-wire pickup Jalen Nailor will operate as the WR2 for the Vikes again and could be used as a flex play in deeper fantasy leagues this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 20 1:40pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is practicing on Friday for the third straight day, although USA Today's Ryan Wood says that he'll surely be limited. However, the fact that Love has practiced all week means he's given himself a realistic chance to return in Week 3 on the road against the Tennessee Titans. Love sprained his MCL in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and missed the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old will likely be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, so fantasy managers will probably have to check back on Sunday morning to see if he's actually active before officially throwing him back into their starting lineups. Love has looked good moving around in practice this week, but it's fair to wonder if his mobility will be compromised if he returns this Sunday after missing just one week.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 20 1:40pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) and running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) have both been ruled out for the Week 3 contest this Sunday in Tennessee against the Titans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier this week that it was unlikely that Njoku would return this weekend after spraining his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Fantasy managers will need to keep the 28-year-old on their benches for at least another week. Jordan Akins caught his only target for a 10-yard gain in last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers should be able to find better TE2 streamers in Week 3. Strong pulled his hammy against the Jaguars and missed practice all week. With the 25-year-old sidelined, D'Onta Foreman could have a bigger role again as the change-of-pace back behind starter Jerome Ford.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 20 1:40pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will go on the road to take on the red-hot New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 26-year-old failed to secure a win for the Eagles last week against the Atlanta Falcons, but had a solid performance on the field without his top weapon A.J. Brown (hamstring), and finally started to run the ball like the player who was challenging for an MVP a few years ago. Brown has not been ruled out, but has not practiced all week and is expected to miss his second game in a row. With that said, because of Hurts' ability to run the ball, he remains a top-tier fantasy option against a Saints defense that has racked up five turnovers and has allowed just one passing touchdown through the first two weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 20 1:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins will face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in a Week 3 road matchup. Miami's defense has been decent through two weeks regarding yardage allowed -- letting up the fifth-fewest yards through the air (278) and the fourth-fewest total yards in the league (514). However, they're allowing the fifteenth-most yards per play (5.4) and have racked up just one takeaway through two weeks. There was some sleeper appeal here when the team was projected to lead in games. Those scenarios may be more challenging to come by, though, with quarterback Skylar Thompson under center and Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve. Fantasy managers can safely avoid the Dolphins' DST this week, as they're RotoBaller's DEF25.

From RotoBaller