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NFL Playoffs League - FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 3

Studs and Duds: Divisional Round

Mon Jan 22 9:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
D.J. Moore Sep 23 12:20pm ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a solid outing in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He made several impressive plays but came close to an even bigger performance. Moore finished with eight receptions for 78 yards, including a Hail Mary attempt that fell just one yard short of a touchdown. He ranked third on the team in both receiving yards and targets, trailing Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet, as Caleb Williams threw for 363 yards. The Bears also attempted to involve Moore in the rushing game against the Colts' weak defense, but his carry resulted in a loss. With Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, seeing Moore receive more targets was encouraging. He has emerged as Williams' primary read, accumulating 28 targets over three games, and this volume could translate into increased production as the rookie quarterback settles in. Moore will look to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to shine.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 23 12:20pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a standout performance in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded six receptions for 112 yards and scored his first touchdown. While tight end Cole Kmet (10 catches) and receiver DJ Moore (8 catches) had more receptions, Odunze still topped the team in receiving yards. His 11 targets were more than he received in the first two games combined, highlighting his growing role in the Bears' offense. Against the Colts, Odunze demonstrated the skills that made him a top-10 draft pick, running precise routes, showcasing impressive speed, and displaying excellent ball-tracking ability. The Bears also attempted to utilize him in the rushing game against the Colts' weak defense, but his rushing attempt gained minimal yards. With Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, it was encouraging to see Odunze step up. He will aim to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to look like prime Jerry Rice.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 23 12:13pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Dynasty | Chefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had 12 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: And the beat goes on. At this point, Rice's three-game total of 288 receiving yards is good for second in the NFL and his targets rank third. In other words, Rice has taken over Travis Kelce's spot as the top weapon for Patrick Mahomes and has made every other receiver a secondary option. While there are concerns about a possible suspension, it's not going to stop Rice's ascension in dynasty rankings.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Samaje Perine Sep 23 12:13pm ET
Samaje Perine

Dynasty | Chiefs running back Carson Steele had 72 rushing yards, one catch, and two receiving yards in a win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Steele's audition as the new starter for the Chiefs went just fine as he churned out some tough yards all night. Even better, he out-touched Samaje Perine 18-9. While the lack of a touchdown capped his fantasy night, Steele did nothing to make Kansas City believe he couldn't at least hold the fort for a bit. The key to Steele's short-term value is going to hinge on what the Chiefs decide to do with the newly signed Kareem Hunt. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Rashee Rice Sep 23 12:13pm ET
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had two catches for 17 yards in the Chiefs win against the Falcons. Dynasty Analysis: He added 13 rushing yards on three carries. After his two-touchdown debut, Worthy now has two straight weeks with exactly two catches for 17 yards, each of them more disappointing than the last. At this point, the Chiefs offense is running through Rashee Rice and Worthy is being used as a situational deep threat or a running option. There will be better days ahead, but it really is looking like more of a development year for Worthy than anything else.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Bryce Young Sep 23 12:10pm ET
Bryce Young

The Las Vegas Raiders DST was a massive bust for fantasy managers in the Week 3 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Going up against a seemingly weak Panthers offense in disarray after the benching of quarterback Bryce Young, they were a very popular streamer heading into Week 3. Still, they were embarrassed by Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton, who threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. The Red Rifle diced up the silver and black brigade, ripping off a nine-play, 70-yard drive and never looking back. The Raiders allowed the first game by a quarterback of 300+ passing yards and three or more TDs to Dalton. The entire Raiders squad has been marked by inconsistency this season, and it would not be easy to know when to start them in fantasy. The Raiders DST will look to rebound against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Sep 23 12:00pm ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson had another bust of an effort in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Carlson was 2-for-2 on extra points but missed his only field goal attempt, hooking a 57-yard attempt wide left. While missing very long field goals isn't the worst thing a kicker can do, he is on an inconsistent offense, and given the lack of good QB and RB play in Las Vegas, that's likely to continue. The 29-year-old is still a good player in real-life football, but there are many better options for fantasy. Opportunities are the most crucial thing for kickers, and even less accurate kickers are much more fantasy-relevant if they consistently get more attempts. Carlson is not on the fantasy radar against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Sep 23 12:00pm ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White put up another horrendous stat line for fantasy managers, taking 10 carries for 34 yards and logging zero receptions in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. White failed to impress again and looks like a massive bust at his ADP in fantasy drafts this year. To make matters worse, fellow RB Alexander Mattison scored a touchdown on a goal-line carry, filling in a role for the Raiders that many expected White to have. The 25-year-old logged 14 snaps and was outsnapped by Mattison (28) and Ameer Abdullah (22). "Zeus" hasn't looked anything like a Greek god this season and is mired in a committee with Mattison, who seems like the clear pass-catching back anyway. White is not startable in any leagues yet. He has virtually no PPR upside and has just 3.2 yards per carry on the season with zero touchdowns. White is a borderline flex play at best against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Sep 23 11:50am ET
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison continues to lead the team's backfield in fantasy scoring, logging three carries for seven yards and a touchdown while catching three passes for 33 yards in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. While the Raiders backfield is hideous for fantasy, Mattison is the clear higher-upside player, outperforming "lead" back Zamir White yet again. Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce stated before the game that White should have 20+ touches, but again, that's failed to come to fruition. White hasn't played well, and while Mattison averages a glacial 2.3 yards per carry, the receiving upside is nice for deeper PPR leagues. Mattison is worth a start in 14+ team PPR leagues with deeper rosters but is also a bust candidate any given week and is mainly touchdown-dependent flex in the Week 4 matchup versus the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 23 11:50am ET
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had another tough outing in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He managed just 20 yards on 13 carries, resulting in a zero percent success rate and two receptions for 22 yards. In contrast, the Green Bay Packers dominated the Colts' defense in Week 2, effectively running the ball to support backup quarterback Malik Willis. The Bears had hoped to replicate that success on Sunday but struggled against the Colts' weak rushing defense. Their plan to rely on the run game to help quarterback Caleb Williams find his rhythm quickly fell apart due to their inability to gain ground. As a result, Williams threw a staggering 52 times during the game. It also seemed the Bears intended to give more work to Roschon Johnson, who outperformed Khalil Herbert, rushing for 30 yards on eight carries compared to Herbert's nine yards on four carries. Johnson also led all running backs with four receptions for 32 yards. With poor offensive line play and the increased usage of his backups, it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify starting Swift in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 23 11:30am ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had his best fantasy performance of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the team's loss, the No. 1 overall pick completed 33 of 52 passes for 363 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. While his stats were impressive for fantasy leagues, Williams and the Bears' offense faced significant challenges throughout the game. They trailed 21-9 midway through the fourth quarter and only began to find some rhythm in the passing game when the Colts fell back to defend against big plays. In addition to his two interceptions, Williams was also stripped of the ball on a late sack. His first interception came on a rhythm throw that lacked timing; he attempted to hit Carter on a curl route, but cornerback Jaylon Jones intercepted it. For the second interception, Williams tried to throw to Odunze, taking advantage of a defender's turned back, but the corner deflected the pass, leading to another interception by Jones. Williams acknowledged feeling rookie Laiatu Latu closing in regarding the strip sack but wanted to make subtle movements to avoid him, anticipating Odunze would break open behind the linebackers. Unfortunately, Latu reached him faster than expected and knocked the ball loose. Williams understands the need to reduce turnovers but views the offensive output as a positive development as the Bears seek to establish their identity. It was encouraging to see him take a step forward and engage many of his playmakers. The Bears will aim to build on this momentum next week when they face a vulnerable Rams team in Chicago.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Sep 23 11:10am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers caught seven passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He hauled in his first touchdown of the season on a short route, catching the pass and breaking two tackles to make it into the end zone. Meyers was targeted nine times, tying fellow Raiders WRs Tre Tucker and Davante Adams for the team lead. The former New England Patriot is shaping up to be an inconsistent option based on game script and the whims of QB Gardner Minshew II, though it's encouraging that his targets have increased every game, from three in Week 1 to five in Week 2. Meyers' touchdown was nice for fantasy managers, but it didn't come until the Raiders were down by 26 in the fourth quarter. He also caught a two-point conversion. The 27-year-old then had five targets late in the fourth from Aidan O'Connell. Meyers is a boom-or-bust WR3/FLEX option in deep leagues against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Sep 23 11:00am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker logged the biggest game of his career and led the team in receiving yards. Tucker caught seven of nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. He was involved early, catching a deep shot from QB Gardner Minshew II for 54 yards in the first quarter. Tucker has been an intriguing deep threat and could be on the path to fantasy relevance in deeper leagues. The 23-year-old still has to compete with wide receivers Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and tight end Brock Bowers for targets, but the Raiders would be well served to get him more involved. Tucker has ridiculous speed, brings a vertical element to the offense, and flashes big-play ability in his rookie season. While Tucker isn't startable outside of deep leagues, he could be worth a bench stash and will look to build on Sunday's performance in the Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 23 10:50am ET
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams followed up his massive game in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens with an absolute dud against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. Adams was targeted nine times by QB Gardner Minshew II but caught only four passes for 40 yards and no touchdowns. That's an excellent target volume, but Adams could put up some duds without better quarterback play. After three straight seasons of dominance, Adams could be headed for another year similar to 2023, marked equally by big games as it is by inconsistency. Minshew Mania might not be much of an upgrade over backup QB Aidan O'Connell for Adams. He's still a must-start at WR in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, but fantasy managers should be prepared for a roller coaster ride.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Sep 23 10:40am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had his least productive game of the 2024 season, being targeted just four times and catching three passes for 41 yards in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. It was a negative game script for Bowers. The wide receivers were much more involved in the passing game, likely due to the score getting out of hand quickly. The Raiders were losing 21-7 at the half, and Bowers hasn't been a serious deep threat yet. In closer games, he's likely to have games more like his Week 1 and 2 efforts, where he logged more targets, receptions, and yards. Bowers is still a must-start. He's a rare bright spot in a dismal tight end landscape and still leads the position group in receptions while being second in yards. The Raiders face the Browns, Broncos, and Steelers in their next three games, which should be closer so Bowers could quickly rebound.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Sep 23 10:30am ET
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II struggled to be a difference-maker for his team in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Panthers. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Sunday's defeat. Minshew didn't throw a touchdown pass until the Raiders were down by 26 points. Though the soft Panthers defense presented an opportunity for Minshew Mania to come through again, it just wasn't his day. He was completely outplayed by opposing QB Andy Dalton. Minshew's magic seemed to run out while the Red Rifle was locked, loaded and fired everywhere in what was supposed to be an easy game against a floundering team with a lousy defense. The Raiders were embarrassed, and their signal-caller threw an interception during his comeback attempt and was eventually replaced by QB Aidan O'Connell. Minshew will remain unstartable in single quarterback leagues moving forward. While O'Connell finished the game, Minshew is expected to start in the Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

From RotoBaller

Brock Wright Sep 23 10:00am ET
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright saw some added opportunities on Sunday after his counterpart Sam LaPorta (ankle) suffered an ankle injury. During the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Wright saw the second-most targets with five and posted four receptions for 34 yards. LaPorta was able to return in this game but was noticeably affected by the injury. If LaPorta isn't able to fully recover by the Week 4 slate against the Seattle Seahawks, Wright would be the next in line to get starter's opportunities. He doesn't hold nearly the same potential as LaPorta but could be in line for a spot start. Despite not scoring a touchdown, Wright registered a TE12 finish in half-PPR formats before the Monday Night Football games.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 23 9:30am ET
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams posted his worst performance of the young season as he wasn't nearly as involved in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals as he was in the first two games. The former 12th-overall pick only saw three targets and one carry which turned into one reception for nine yards and a loss of seven yards on the ground. The ground game was a much bigger focus in this game as they handed the ball off 43 times compared to 23 passing attempts. Detroit was also in the lead for much of this game, so the receivers weren't getting involved as much in general. Williams will look ahead to a primetime matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Sep 23 9:20am ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff hasn't had the greatest start to the season as he continues to hover around the QB2 territory each week. He did, however, lead the Lions to their second win of the season behind 199 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 18-for-23 throwing. He also took two sacks on top of three carries for six yards. Right now, Goff has thrown one more interception than touchdowns (4-to-3), and he's averaging 241 yards per game. Detroit's offense has been split almost perfectly down the middle so far as they've had a total of 101 rushing attempts compared to 107 passing attempts. Goff saw a lot of touchdowns come from red zone targets to Sam LaPorta, but there haven't been many of those to start the year. Goff will look to post a big-time performance in a primetime game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 23 9:10am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns with a thumb injury but was able to return later on. He underwent some X-rays after the game and they came back negative for any fractures. He finished the game with one reception for seven yards on two targets. Through three games so far, Slayton has accrued 10 targets, seven receptions, and 66 yards with one fumble. He's tied for third on the team in terms of targets with running back Devin Singletary and has significantly fewer targets than both Wan'Dale Robinson and Malik Nabers. The Giants offense is one of the harder units to trust in fantasy, outside of Nabers, even in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller