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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Studs and Duds: Championship Games

Mon Jan 29 8:39am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

McCaffrey comes up big again


That was a fun weekend of games. Both came down to the wire, making for some great entertainment. The Chiefs/Ravens game didn’t have many big fantasy performances, though, which was a bit of a downer. Now the NFC game had a lot more offensive fireworks. That game had plenty of fantasy production, helping make up for the first one. Hopefully, you scored a lot of fantasy points this week and are looking good to win your league.

Chiefs 17, Ravens 10

Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. He might not have enjoyed his best regular season but Kelce is coming up huge in the playoffs. He was vintage Kelce in this one. Kelce has 11 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. This was his third game of the season with double-digit receptions

Fantasy Dud: Both Ravens running backs. Gus Edwards had just three carries for 20 yards while Justice Hill ran three times for three yard. And neither did much in the passing game. Hill had four receptions for 34 yards, and Edwards caught a pass for 16 yards. It was a disappointing showing for both backs, especially if you consider how well the Ravens ran the ball all season.

Game Notes: Mark Andrews returned from his broken leg and had two receptions for 15 yards. Andrews didn’t do much in this game, but was able to play and played a good number of snaps in his first game back. He’ll be just fine for 2024.

Zay Flowers had good numbers but made a couple crucial mistakes, including losing a fumble at the goal line. He did have five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown despite the mistakes.

Isiah Pacheco found the end zone for the seventh straight game he has played. He ran 24 times for 68 yards and a touchdown.

49ers 34, Lions 31

Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey didn’t have one of his huge yardage games, but scored two more touchdowns and still produced good total yardage numbers. McCaffrey ran 20 times for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He also had four receptions for 42 yards, giving him 132 total yards and two scores

Fantasy Dud: George Kittle. Kittle was really held in checking, finishing with two receptions for 27 yards. It was a poor showing in a game that had a lot of offense. You just expected better from the elite fantasy tight end.

Game Notes: Deebo Samuel was able to play with his shoulder injury and led the 49ers in receiving. He had eight receptions for 89 yards and didn’t seem slowed by the injury at all.

The Lions had big rushing totals. David Montgomery led the way, rushing 15 times for 93 yards and a touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs ran 12 times for 45 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs did lose a key fumble in the game, though.

Jameson Williams had three touches but two went for touchdowns. Williams had a carry for a 42-yard touchdown. And he also had two receptions for 25 yards and another touchdown.

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.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Jordan Love Sep 20 3:10pm ET
Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers are listing quarterback Jordan Love (knee) as questionable to play in Week 3 on Sunday on the road at the Tennessee Titans. When asked if Love has been medically cleared, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "We're working through that." Love suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and missed the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old did return to practice this week, albeit in a limited fashion, and it sounds like Green Bay will take the decision right up until kickoff on Sunday in the early slate of games. If Love does make his return, his mobility could be limited, giving him a lower ceiling and floor as a QB1 for fantasy managers. If Love doesn't get the green light this weekend, expect another run-heavy offensive approach with backup QB Malik Willis under center against his old team.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Sep 20 3:10pm ET
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle) is reportedly going to suit up for the Week 3 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The superstar defensive end was limited through the first few practices of the week. The Raiders haven't released their Friday practice designation, but head coach Antonio Pierce said that Crosby will play. This is great news for the Raiders defense as Crosby has 11 tackles and three sacks through two games.

From RotoBaller

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