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FFL: Week 3 | 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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Player Notes
Tua Tagovailoa Sep 20 11:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence doesn't have any turnovers this season, but the Jacksonville Jaguars offense is struggling in 2024. The Jaguars haven't topped 17 points and they've averaged about 26 minutes of possession per game. Lawrence has been sacked seven times and is completing just over half of his pass attempts. Travis Etienne Jr. is averaging fewer than four yards per carry. The Bills' defense dominated the high-powered Miami offense in Week 2 (even when Tua Tagovailoa was in the game) and have forced four turnovers this season. Look for Lawrence to commit his first turnover of the season and the Bills to finish as a top-12 DST in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 20 11:30pm ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has looked every bit the part of a WR1 in 2024 but is yet to score as a top-24 fantasy option in half-PPR formats. He'll hope to change that at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. This is projected to be a low-scoring, run-heavy affair, but if both defenses continue to defend the run as well as they have through two weeks, shots will need to be taken downfield. Pickens is not only the clear favorite target of quarterback Justin Fields but also the premier vertical threat in Pittsburgh. Although the third-year pro could disappoint if the Steelers struggle to move the ball, he offers plenty of upside as a WR2 or flex option in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Sep 20 11:20pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, yet he's been the only kicker to miss more than one field after the first two games of the season. Both misses were 50+ yards, but that's where he's normally the most automatic. While he missed another one in Week 2, his volume saved his fantasy week as he went 3-for-4 in field goals and 2-for-2 in extra points. His Week 3 matchup, the Dallas Cowboys, is ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers as they've given up an average of 7.5 points so far. The Ravens' confidence in Tucker still hasn't wavered, so he should see plenty of opportunities to kick field goals from deep, but his "Automatuck" nickname may be on the way out the door.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Sep 20 11:10pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely came crashing down in Week 2 after a huge effort in Week 1 made him one of the hottest waiver wire additions in all of fantasy football. The Coastal Carolina product went from 12 targets and nine receptions against the Kansas City Chiefs to three targets and two receptions against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. After posting a TE1 finish in half-PPR formats, he fell right down to TE21. Likely's success comes down to matchups, game script, and whether or not Mark Andrews is getting heavily game-planned against. The Dallas Cowboys present a tougher matchup for the passing game, but they showed some holes and weaknesses against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Likely only saw an 8.9% target share in Week 2 which is something fantasy managers can't rely on, and that moves him down the list and onto the bench.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 20 11:10pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has seen plenty of work through two weeks and will hope to score his first touchdown of the campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Both teams rank top-three in the NFL in rush play percentage and bottom-three in points allowed, which explains why this contest is projected to be the lowest-scoring of the week. That said, Pittsburgh should lean on Harris and the running game, even against a Chargers defense that has surrendered the fifth-fewest yards on the ground thus far this season. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren will likely see an expanded role, but fantasy managers should not shy away from starting Harris as a low-end RB2 or flex option on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Sep 20 11:10pm ET
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill remains the go-to option in the backfield when it comes to passing downs. In two games, he's seen five carries for 25 yards compared to eight receptions on 10 targets for 62 yards. The only fantasy value that Hill currently has is in PPR formats and games turn into good, old-fashioned shootouts. Hill could potentially start in a flex spot for fantasy managers in very deep leagues after the Dallas Cowboys were gashed both on the ground and through the air by Alvin Kamara in Week 2. There are likely to be running lanes and flats open for Hill to find, but Derrick Henry will be the first one to get a crack at those opportunities. Hill is better left on the bench as he barely comes into the RB3 conversation.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 20 11:00pm ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has been a shell of his former self when it comes to notching fantasy points. He clocks in as the TE16 in half-PPR formats while his teammate, Isaiah Likely, sits at TE1 due to his huge output in Week 1. The veteran saw a bit more work in Week 2 and continues to get separation while getting targeted during 19% of his routes run. Athletically and physically it doesn't appear that he's lost a step, so his big games seem to be on the way at some point. The problem is Lamar Jackson doesn't seem to be able to feed more than one pass-catcher per game. He'll go up against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, however, who did give up seven receptions for 71 yards to the Browns' tight ends in Week 1. Despite a lackluster week against the Raiders, Andrews still finished TE11 and could see a bigger target share in Week 3 to get the team back on the winning track.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Sep 20 10:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry hasn't hit the ceiling that many expected yet, but he's remained consistent thus far and has found the end zone at least once in each game. He looked a lot better in Week 2 compared to Week 1 and received five more carries on top of it. In Week 3, the Ravens take on the Dallas Cowboys who just gave up 115 yards and three touchdowns to Alvin Kamara and a total of 190 yards on the ground with four scores. The biggest roadblock for Henry, at this point, has been the team's play-calling decisions. As long as the veteran is in the game and getting 18 or more carries, he should be able to finish in RB1 territory. As it currently stands, Henry is the RB18 in half-PPR formats, but he should see that number rise with more time in this offense.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Sep 20 10:40pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has been Lamar Jackson's favorite target of the season through two games, and that's not likely to change any time soon. The offensive game plan has manufactured plenty of touches for Flowers, but there haven't been many big plays just yet. He scored his first touchdown against the Raiders in Week 2 and has received 21 targets thus far. In this Week 3 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, however, he'll go up against a tougher defensive unit with some capable defensive backs. Right now, the Cowboys are on the stingier side when it comes to fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers as they come in at 18th. With the run game hurting the Cowboys the most, the Ravens may move to more of a ground game if they aren't too far behind, which would leave Flowers around the WR2/flex area in half-PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will be a QB2 in Week 3 but he could be started if you find yourself in a pinch. Smith has scored at least 17.88 fantasy points in both games this season. If you are in a tough spot with an injured Jordan Love (knee) or Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), then Smith is a fine spot start this weekend against a beatable Miami Dolphins defense. Expect Smith to score around his usual 18 points in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba should be a solid fantasy asset in Week 3. His huge breakout game in Week 2 inspires confidence that this new Seahawks regime is committed to getting him the ball. While one week should not fully change your opinion on Smith-Njigba, his 16 targets to Tyler Lockett's two is encouraging moving forward. Outside of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins do not have a scary secondary. If the Seahawks even give Smith-Njigba half the volume he had in Week 2 then he will be a solid start.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains one of the best fantasy quarterbacks despite leading the team to a 0-2 record so far. The two-time MVP will take a team in desperation mode to face off against the Dallas Cowboys who are fresh off of a blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys are currently 11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and one of the worst against the run thus far. Jackson had a down week against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 and still finished as the QB9. Overall, he's sitting at QB6 and will look to guide the team to their first win of the season. Fantasy managers can continue to confidently deploy him in their lineups, as he remains in QB1 territory until further notice.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is a mid-range RB2 once again this week. With starting running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) slated to miss his second straight game, Charbonnet is in line for another massive workload. Charbonnet has been pretty ineffective as a runner. He is only averaging 2.3 yards per carry this season. However, Charbonnet has been very involved in the passing game. He has caught seven passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. Most of Charbonnet's value is coming from touchdowns or receptions. He may have another inefficient day on the ground, but he should have a solid floor to do his receptions. The Seahawks should also find themselves near the goal line in this game which would afford Charbonnet easy chances to score. Charbonnet had 19 opportunities in Week 2. Any running back seeing that kind of volume is a lineup lock.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has converted three field goals on the season and kicked four extra points in each of the first two games. That wouldn't be terrible in most seasons. In 2024, we're witnessing a record number of field goals. 73 field goals were made in Week 2. Bass accounted for just one. The Buffalo offense is great and has little issue getting into the red zone. But they're also converting most of their trips into touchdowns. The Jacksonville defense is average at best, meaning Josh Allen and Co. shouldn't have issues staying on the field. The Bills also worked out two kickers earlier this week. Find one of the many kickers scoring double-digit fantasy points to start instead of Bass.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was a full participant in practice on Friday. After logging limited practices earlier in the week, Lockett appears good to go in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. Lockett had a solid Week 1 on his way to six receptions for 77 yards. However, Lockett took a back seat to wide receivers DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 2. Week 3 should provide more concrete insight into the target share of the Seahawks' talented trio of wide receivers. If Week 2 was any indication, Lockett may only be a low-end flex play moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Mike McDaniel Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Mike McDaniel

Usually, you try to avoid deploying a fantasy defense against the Miami Dolphins. However, with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) out, Skylar Thompson will be quarterbacking this offense. With a head coach like Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins should be able to effectively move the ball. Even so, there is no denying that the offense will not be nearly as effective as usual. The Seahawks D/ST has had a couple of good outings to start the season. They can safely be deployed as your starting D/ST in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers continues to excel in the kicking game. He has yet to miss a kick in 2024 and the Seahawks offense continues to be in scoring positions. With the passing offense starting to click, expect more of the same in Week 3. The Dolphins' defense is solid but nothing to fear. As such, Myers should have plenty more chances for extra points and field goals in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant should not be on the fantasy radar in Week 3. Fant only has three receptions on the season as the new-look Seahawks offense has focused on the running game and wide receivers. With the tight end position performing so poorly in 2024, many fantasy managers are turning to the waiver wire. Fant should not be considered to replace lost tight end value.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir leads the team in receptions and receiving yards and shouldn't slow down against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville has allowed the third-most receptions and yards to wide receivers through the first two weeks and is average defending the slot. The Bills have developed into a run-centric offense under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Earning most of the limited targets in the first two weeks, Shakir has the safest floor of the Buffalo wide receivers. Another double-digit PPR fantasy game is easily attainable. Shakir is a low-end WR3/flex candidate for lineups in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Davis Allen Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Davis Allen

Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (back) has officially been ruled out ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. It will be the second consecutive game he has been unable to suit up. With Allen out, expect Colby Parkinson and Hunter Long to handle tight-end duties for Los Angeles. The 23-year-old has appeared in just six snaps this season, failing to haul in his lone target. If the former fifth-round pick can work his way back to health, he can carve out a role in LA's passing attack due to the sheer volume of critical Rams' pieces suffering injuries. The team has already been without Tyler Higbee and will now navigate the foreseeable future sans star wideout Cooper Kupp after losing Puka Nacua to early-season IR. For now, Allen is not a recommended option for fantasy, though he is someone whose return we should monitor.

From RotoBaller