Studs and Duds: Divisional Round
Mon Jan 22 9:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Kelce comes up big for Chiefs
Well, that was a lot better. The games were really good this weekend. Even the first one that ended up pretty lopsided. It was still good for the half. The rest of the games were really entertaining, though. Most of them were really back and forth, and could have gone to either team in the end. It made for some great entertainment. And the fantasy numbers weren’t too bad, either. There were some really big games this weekend. Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of some of those big games on all your playoff fantasy teams.
Ravens 34, Texans 10
Fantasy Stud: Lamar Jackson. Jackson proved why he is the front runner for MVP this year. He had a great game, going 16-of-22 for 152 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He also led the team in rushing, hitting the 100-yard mark. Jackson ran 11 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson scored 37.6 fantasy points. He has 35-plus fantasy points three of five games
Fantasy Dud: C.J. Stroud. The Ravens did a great job of holding the impressive rookie in check. He did not score a touchdown in the game and failed to hit 200-passing yards. Stroud was 19-of-33 for 175 yards without a score or turnover. He still had a monster rookie season and is going to be one of the best fantasy quarterbacks for years to come.
Game Notes: Justice Hill had 13 carries for 66 yards, leading the Ravens in rushing for ar running back. He also caught two passes for 11 yards, finishing with 77 total yards.
Dalvin Cook made his Ravens debut and ran eight times for 23 yards. He got nearly all his work with the Ravens up big late in the game.
49ers 24, Packers 21
Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey had his usual huge fantasy game. He ran 17 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns. He also had seven receptions for 30 yards. McCaffrey had 31.8 fantasy points. This was his fourth game this season with 30-plus fantasy points. McCaffrey just keeps posting huge numbers on a weekly basis
Fantasy Dud: Brandon Aiyuk. With Deebo Samuel sidelined much of the game, you thought Aiyuk might get a little more work. Well, that didn’t happen. Aiyuk was a disappointment to fantasy teams, catching just three passes for 32 yards. It was a down game for the star receiver.
Game Notes: Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder early in the game and was unable to return. He had two receptions for 24 yards. This is an injury to watch going forward. Samuel is a huge part of the 49ers offense.
Aaron Jones hit the 100-yard rushing mark. He had 18 carries for 108 yards. Jones finishes the season with five straight 100-yard games.
Lions 31, Bucs 23
Fantasy Stud: Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had a big game rushing and receiving, showing his dual threat ability. He ran nine times for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for 40 yards, giving him 114 total yards and a score. Gibbs outproduced starter David Montgomery running the ball despite having one less carry.
Fantasy Dud: Chris Godwin. Godwin had one of his down games this week, catching four passes for 40 yards. He was up and down all season, so this shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Godwin still had a fine season but here is to hoping he can produce more consistent numbers next year.
Game Notes: Mike Evans had eight receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. This was his fourth 100-yard game of the season. Evans had a huge season and shows few signs of slowing down.
Jared Goff continued his great play in the playoffs, going 30-of-43 for 287 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He has 275-plus passing yards each of his two playoff games without a turnover.
Chiefs 27, Bills 24
Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. Kelce showed he can still play a big role in the playoffs. He had five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. This was his first two-touchdown game of the entire season. It was the fourth time he topped 20 fantasy points in a game, though. Kelce scored 24.5 fantasy points in this one.
Fantasy Dud: Stefon Diggs. Diggs was held in check once again, catching three passes for just 21 yards. It was kind of the theme of the second half of his season. Diggs really disappeared down the stretch, causing some concern for next season.
Game Notes: Josh Allen was huge in defeat, especially as a runner. He ran 12 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He also was 26-of-39 for 186 yards and a touchdown.
Isiah Pacheco had a solid game, rushing 15 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. He had a catch for 14 yards, giving him 111 total yards.
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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- Texans RB Joe Mixon (ankle) out vs. Vikings
- Jets RT Morgan Moses out 2-4 weeks
- Jaguars coach: TE Evan Engram 'probably' out vs. Bills
- Raiders DE Malcolm Koonce (knee) out for season
- Steelers RT Troy Fautanu (knee) out Sunday, likely longer
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) set to make season debut
- 49ers star TE George Kittle (hamstring) could sit out vs. Rams
- Bucs All-Pro S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) out for 2nd straight game
- Giants' Brian Burns (groin) questionable to face Browns
- Packers QB Jordan Love questionable, 'working through' medicals
- Texans RBs Joe Mixon doubtful, Dameon Pierce out vs. Vikings
- Vikings' Justin Jefferson cleared, Jordan Addison out vs. Texans
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) uncertain vs. Steelers
- Bears' Keenan Allen out vs. Colts; Rome Odunze in line to play
- Dolphins expect to be without RB Raheem Mostert again
- Browns rule out TE David Njoku, RB Pierre Strong vs. Giants
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The Paur Report
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off an incredibly productive Week 2 showing, running the ball 12 times for 103 yards. He also grabbed two of his four targets for another 32 yards in the air. He now gets ready for a Week 3 home matchup against the Chicago Bears. The Bears have been in the middle of the pack defending the run this season, allowing the 15th least fantasy points to RBs. Despite the average matchup, Taylor can make up for that with his high-end volume. Taylor has seen an 88.9% opportunity share this season, the fourth most amongst all backs. With all that in mind, Taylor is a strong start again in Week 3, and managers in all formats can target him as an RB1.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is coming off of a weak Week 2 showing, throwing for just 204 yards, one touchdown, and totaling three interceptions. He also ran the ball four times for 37 yards on the ground. He now gears up for a matchup with the Chicago Bears, a team allowing the sixth-least fantasy points to opposing QBs this season. While on paper the matchup isn't great, Richardson and the Colts' offense is expecting WR Josh Downs (ankle) back in action, a key piece for them in the receiving game last season. As always, Richardson's rushing upside makes him an elite fantasy quarterback week in and week out, and this week isn't the exception. While Richardson doesn't provide as safe of a floor as some of the other top-tier QB options with his low passing volume, he still makes for a strong start in all formats in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo has been one of the more reliable kicking options over the last few years. Koo looks to continue that in 2024 as he has yet to miss a kick through two weeks of the season. He connected on all three of his field goal attempts during last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He should continue to get chances if this offense can continue clicking like they did in Week 2. The Falcons should be able to move the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs who rank in the middle of the road in terms of defense. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable with Koo as their kicker for Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (hip) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The young back opened up the week as a limited participant, but it appears he's fully healthy now. The Falcons continue to use a run-heavy approach, which is good news for Allgeier. However, Bijan Robinson is the lead back and the primary option in the running game. Last week, Allgeier did rush nine times for 53 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He's averaging 6.2 yards per carry this season, which is great to see. However, the weekly volume is unknown and Allgeier is barely involved in the passing game. That being said, Allgeier is at best a boom-or-bust RB4 for Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is coming off a decent performance, but a game that could've been much bigger. Mooney and quarterback Kirk Cousins haven't quite been on the same page early in the season. Luckily, Mooney was able to salvage his value last week with a 41-yard touchdown. He hauled in three of his seven targets for 88 yards and a TD in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. The hope is that Mooney can build off that during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mooney is technically the No. 2 option on this offense, but they've struggled to move the ball through the air. Mooney does carry some flex appeal, but is more of a boom-or-bust deep league option.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Patrick is back on the active roster for the second week in a row. Last week, Patrick hauled in two of his four targets for 12 yards in the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 30-year-old can only be elevated one more time following Sunday's game, after which the Lions have to sign him to the active roster if he want him to play. Patrick might end up sticking on the team as depth, but probably won't have much of a role behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in this offense.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Vita Vea (knee) is currently listed as doubtful ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Vea missed the first two practice sessions of the week before getting in a limited session on Friday. The superstar tackle suffered a MCL sprain during the Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions. It sounds like the Pro Bowl nose tackle might be able to play through the issue, but we'll see if the Bucs decide to take the cautious approach instead. If Vea sits, Greg Gaines would likely be asked to step up and start against the Denver Broncos. The loss of Vea would be a significant blow to the Bucs defense that is already dealing with a handful of injuries.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder) is considered questionable ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Bigsby was limited in practice all week due to a lingering shoulder issue that he suffered last week. At first, Bigsby was considered active for Week 3, but now has been downgraded to questionable on the injury report. Bigsby rushed 12 times for 73 yards in the season opener, but saw little action in Week 2 due to his injury. Travis Etienne Jr. is the lead back, but it seems like the Jaguars do want to involve Bigsby as well. Bigsby will fall into the RB3 conversation if cleared for Monday's game.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys DE Carl Lawson and LB Nick Vigil were elevated from the practice squad for Week 3 on Saturday, Sept. 21.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers LB Bud Dupree (illness) is expected to play in Week 3, per source on Saturday, Sept. 21.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Kameron Johnson (ankle) and DT Vita Vea (knee) were downgraded to out for Week 3 on Saturday, Sept. 21. Also, WR Sterling Shepard and DL Mike Greene were elevated from the practice squad.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions WRs Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson were elevated from the practice squad for Week 3 on Saturday, Sept. 21.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) did not practice on Saturday, Sept. 21, and was ruled out for Week 3. Also, RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder), DB Darnell Savage (quadriceps) and WR Tim X. Jones were limited and are questionable, OT Cam Robinson (knee) was a full participant and has no designation, and DE Arik Armstead (rest) did not practice but carries no designation.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) did not practice once again on Saturday, Sept. 21, and has been ruled out for Week 3.
Fantasy Spin: No surprise here, as head coach Doug Pederson said earlier in the day that Engram wasn't expected to play. Engram's absence offers a slight bump to the Jags' top pass-catchers but Jacksonville doesn't have a viable starting option at tight end behind him.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran tight end left the Week 2 win over the Dallas Cowboys with a chest injury and spent time at a local hospital getting tests done. Thankfully, he avoided a significant injury. However, Hill was a limited participant in practice the past two days, making him a likely longshot to play against the Eagles. Juwan Johnson will see an uptick in targets and snaps, with Hill likely out of the lineup.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks OT George Fant (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Saturday, Sept. 21. Also, OG McClendon Curtis was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and LBs Patrick O'Connell and Tyus Bowser were elevated from the practice squad for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (chest) was downgraded from questionable to doubtful for Week 3 on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Fantasy Spin: It looks like fantasy owners won't have to decide whether or not to ride the Taysom Hill roller coaster this week. All other Saints tight ends can be avoided.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The star tight end showed up on the injury on Thursday, putting his status for the Week 3 contest in doubt. The injury couldn't have come at the worst time for the 49ers, with Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) missing this week's game. Brock Purdy now must lean heavily on Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Jordan Mason against Los Angeles. Fantasy players are left scrambling for a last-minute tight end replacement off the waiver wire. Unfortunately, Kittle's backup, Eric Saubert, isn't a variable replacement option in standard-size leagues.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) was downgraded from doubtful to out for Week 3 on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Fantasy Spin: Kittle popped up on the injury report during the week and was listed as doubtful before being ruled out. With Kittle and Deebo Samuel (calf) both sitting, Brandon Aiyuk is a borderline WR1 and Jauan Jennings is a high-end flex option. Kittle owners should look elsewhere for tight end help, as none of the 49ers' backups can be trusted in lineups.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts began the season by catching all three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown versus the Steelers. Unfortunately, he struggled in Week 2 against the Eagles, amassing three grabs for 20 yards. Fantasy managers had high hopes for Pitts coming into the 2024-25 campaign. However, the 23-year-old hasn't met expectations. With that in mind, most of the tight ends around the National Football League have struggled this season. Still, Pitts' upside is higher than most in Week 3, with a favorable matchup on tap versus a Chiefs defense that has allowed more fantasy points to opposing tight ends than any team this season. Keep the 2021 No. 4 overall pick starting in all fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
