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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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Josh Downs Sep 19 8:20pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said earlier this week that he expects to make his 2024 season debut this Sunday in Week 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium against the visiting Chicago Bears. Downs put in a second straight day of full practice on Thursday, meaning he's well on his way to suiting up for the first time this year. A high-ankle sprain that he suffered last month in training camp kept Downs out for the first two games of the season. The Colts could ease him back into the offense, but those that have plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire the last couple of weeks can't be too stoked that Downs is on the verge of a return. If he's active in Week 3, he'll make for a risky flex option in fantasy lineups, but eventually, Downs is expected to be Indy's WR2 behind Michael Pittman Jr. after he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Sep 19 8:20pm ET
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (quadriceps) did not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, but he's now on track to play in Week 3 versus the Chicago Bears on Sunday after returning to a full practice participant on Thursday. Gay had surgery for a sports hernia right before the start of the regular season and was unable to kick in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. He returned for the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers, though, making one of his two field-goal tries and converting his only extra-point attempt. Barring a setback with his quad muscle, the 30-year-old veteran should be active this weekend against a strong Bears defense. The Bears defense has actually been a top-12 fantasy matchup for opposing kickers through two weeks, but after Indy's offense was shut down in Green Bay last week, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid a banged-up Gay.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 19 8:10pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) was able to practice in full on Thursday after he was listed as a limited participant for the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Even though Schultz is on the Week 3 injury report, his return to a full practice on Thursday should pave the way for him to be active this Sunday to take on the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings. There are a lot of mouths to feed through the air in this Houston offense, and Schultz has only garnered six targets through two games, hauling in five of them for 37 yards and no touchdowns. The slow start has pushed him down to TE2 territory in fantasy, but the Week 3 matchup against the Vikings could put him in play to have his best game of the early 2024 campaign. The Vikings defense has allowed the fifth-most half-PPR fantasy points to the tight end position through two games.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 19 8:10pm ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) put in his second straight day of limited practice this week on Thursday after he was held out of last Thursday night's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills on a short week. In addition, RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (oblique) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was limited on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Mostert has apparently improved since last week, but he could still be questionable for the Week 3 game at Lumen Field against the Seattle Seahawks. In the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mostert played 44% of the offensive snaps behind De'Von Achane and had only six carries for a measly nine rushing yards while catching two passes for 10 yards. Miami is going to rotate their backs in 2024, but it's clear that Achane is the favorite to lead in touches, and he also has the most upside of any Dolphins back. Mostert heads into Week 3 as a shaky fantasy RB.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 19 8:00pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight ends Noah Fant (toe) and Pharaoh Brown (foot) were both listed as limited in Thursday's practice for the second straight day this week as they prepare to face off against the visiting Miami Dolphins in Week 3 at Lumen Field. Fant can't seem to shake his toe injury early this year, but it hasn't kept him from playing through the season's first two weeks. The 26-year-old has played at least 75% of the offensive snaps in coordinator Ryan Grubb's new offense, but it's led to only three catches on seven targets for 25 yards and no touchdowns in two weeks. He continues to be the fourth option for quarterback Geno Smith behind receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, leaving him very little fantasy upside. Fant should be fine to suit up this weekend against Miami, where he should be considered a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 19 7:50pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

A day after sitting out of the first practice of the week, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) practiced in full on Thursday. As long as Metcalf doesn't suffer a setback with his hand on Friday, he should be good to go to play in Week 3 versus the Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field. The Dolphins defense has been pretty solid against opposing wideouts so far this year, but Metcalf should be considered a must-start in fantasy as long as he's active this Sunday. The 26-year-old pass-catcher was quiet in the season-opening win over the Denver Broncos with three catches for 29 yards before going off for 10 receptions (14 targets) for 129 yards and his first score of 2024 in last week's overtime victory over the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 19 7:50pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Lockett has been on the team's injury report all year so far due to an injury that he's been managing since the middle of August. It hasn't caused the 31-year-old veteran to miss either of the first two weeks of the season, and he shouldn't be in danger of sitting out in Week 3 versus the visiting Miami Dolphins. He played only 54% of the offensive snaps in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos but saw that number boost up to 81% in the Week 2 win over the New England Patriots. Despite the increase in snaps last weekend, Lockett caught just two passes for 15 yards while being overshadowed by both DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lockett could have more bust performances like that in 2024 as a WR4/flex if both Metcalf and Smith-Njigba stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 19 7:40pm ET
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett (foot) missed his second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Garrett said he didn't "feel great" after injuring his foot in the team's Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, and now that he's missed the first two practices of the week, fantasy managers in IDP leagues should be worried that he may not play this Sunday in a great matchup against the New York Giants. If the 28-year-old pass-rusher returns to practice on Friday, he'll give himself a chance to suit up in Week 3. It's expected that Garrett will end up playing through his foot injury, even if he's not completely at 100 percent health. It's hard to recommend benching one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL if he's active, but Garrett may not be able to play his normal number of defensive snaps if he's active this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 19 7:30pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) wasn't with the rest of the team's RBs during early warm-ups before practice on Thursday, but he did some running off to the side again before heading indoors as practice began. It sounds as though Walker will be listed as a non-participant in practice for the second day in a row after sitting out of the team's Week 2 win over the New England Patriots last Sunday. The 23-year-old will need to get in at least a limited practice on Friday to have any shot at returning for Week 3 versus the Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field. As of right now, fantasy managers should keep Walker on their benches. Although backup Zach Charbonnet did find the end zone last week, the 23-year-old averaged just 2.7 yards per carry and picked up 38 yards on 14 attempts while catching five passes for an additional 31 yards. He'll have RB2 upside again if Walker is out.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 19 7:30pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day this week. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said already this week that it's unlikely that Njoku will return in Week 3 to face the New York Giants, so it's not much of a surprise that Njoku has yet to practice this week. Fantasy managers should be fully prepared to be without Njoku against this weekend. The 28-year-old suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and could ended up missing more time beyond this weekend. Still, he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats for now. In the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars without Njoku, Jordan Akins was only targeted once and caught it for a 10-yard gain. Meanwhile, receiver Elijah Moore drew a team-high eight targets and came away with six receptions for 44 yards. Akins is, at best, a touchdown-dependent TE2 sleeper this week.

From RotoBaller

Jamien Sherwood Sep 19 7:20pm ET
Jamien Sherwood

The New York Jets ruled linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) out for the Thursday night divisional showdown to kick off Week 3 against the New England Patriots. Mosley came into Thursday's contest with a questionable tag after not practicing on Wednesday, but he will sit this one out and try to get healthy for a Week 4 tilt against the Denver Broncos. The 32-year-old suffered a sprained right big toe in the Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans. His absence on Thursday will mean that linebacker Jamien Sherwood will likely step into a starting role in the middle of New York's defense. It's a downgrade for the Jets' defense to be sure, but against a Patriots offense that isn't scaring anyone, their defense/special teams unit should still be considered a must-start in Week 3. The Patriots have averaged only 18.0 points per game through the first two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 19 7:00pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) was limited for the second straight day in practice this week on Thursday. Odunze picked up a knee injury in the Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans but managed to suit up for last Sunday night's loss to the Houston Texans in a game in which Keenan Allen (heel) did not play. Odunze failed to capitalize with Allen out, though, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggling again. The 22-year-old wideout caught two of five targets for 33 yards and has just three receptions on nine targets for 44 yards in his first two NFL contests. Odunze's fantasy value for Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts hinges on whether Allen, who has yet to practice this week, is able to return. If Allen misses a second straight contest, Odunze will be a boom/bust WR4/flex play for fantasy managers as the WR2 in Chicago behind DJ Moore.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 19 6:40pm ET
Rachaad White

For the second straight day, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) had his practice repetitions limited on Thursday after he picked up a groin injury in the Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions. White finished last Sunday's contest with only 10 carries for 18 yards while catching his only target for a five-yard gain. Fantasy managers haven't liked what they've seen from him through two weeks, as White is averaging a paltry 2.0 yards per carry with 49 total rushing yards on 25 carries. He's added seven receptions for 80 yards, though. The good news is that the 25-year-old should be fine to play in Week 3 at home against the Denver Broncos, a defense that has allowed the 11th-most half-PPR fantasy points to RBs per game through two weeks. If White is given the green light to play this Sunday, which he should, he will be in play as an RB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 19 6:30pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf) was able to practice on a limited basis on Thursday after he picked up a DNP during the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Reed's participation level in Friday's practice could go a long way in determining whether he'll be able to play in Week 3 on the road against the Tennessee Titans. The 24-year-old's fantasy value for the week not only hinges on his health, but also on whether quarterback Jordan Love (knee) can return from an MCL sprain he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Love is expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday. With Malik Willis running the offense in the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Reed caught both of his targets for nine yards and carried the ball twice for 37 yards. Fantasy managers will most likely want to keep Reed benched if he's active on Sunday and Love misses a second straight game.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 19 6:30pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (back) put in a second straight day of limited practice on Thursday as the team prepares for their Week 3 road matchup in Tennessee against the Titans. Thursday is the fifth straight day that Jacobs has been limited in practice, dating back to last week. The 26-year-old suited up for the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts and was heavily utilized with quarterback Jordan Love (knee) out, as he rushed the ball 32 times for 151 yards in a 16-10 victory. He should be fine to play this Sunday against the Titans, and if Love is held out for the second straight game, Jacobs figures to see another big workload out of the backfield as the Packers look to control the game and take pressure off backup QB Malik Willis. Barring something unforeseen happening with Jacobs' availability for Week 3, he should be locked into all starting lineups as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 19 6:20pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) sat out of practice on Thursday for the second straight day after missing the Week 2 victory over the San Francisco 49ers due to a minor right ankle injury that he picked up in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants. At the very least, Addison is likely heading for a questionable tag for Sunday's contest against the 2-0 Houston Texans if he's able to get in some form of practice on Friday. Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is also on the Week 3 injury report but fully expects to play. If the 22-year-old Addison is limited or out this weekend, Jalen Nailor would once again have flex appeal for fantasy managers in what could be an offensive contest. The 25-year-old Nailor has been a popular waiver-wire pickup this week with both Addison and Jefferson banged up. He's scored twice already this year and caught three passes for 54 yards and a TD in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Sep 19 6:20pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) was able to practice in full on Thursday after being limited to start the week on Wednesday. Unless Jones has a setback with his hip during Friday's practice, he should be ready to suit up for the Week 3 matchup against the 2-0 Houston Texans. Through his first two games in his first year in Minnesota, Jones has averaged a healthy 5.5 yards per carry on 23 rushing attempts, gaining 126 yards with one touchdown. He's added seven receptions for 51 yards through the air. The Vikings are going to continue to spell the 29-year-old with backup Ty Chandler, making him more of a touchdown-dependent RB2 for fantasy managers. Jones faces a tough matchup against Houston this week, too, with the Texans having allowed the third-fewest half-PPR fantasy points to opposing RBs in the first two weeks.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 19 6:10pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) missed his second straight practice of the week on Thursday. Brown suffered a hamstring injury in practice last Friday and was held out of the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. It's an injury that Brown expects to keep him out for multiple games, so fantasy managers should have already been planning not to have the talented pass-catcher for this Sunday's showdown against the New Orleans Saints. Without Brown on Monday night, receiver DeVonta Smith led the Eagles with seven receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. Brittain Covey also benefitted with six receptions, but it amounted to only 23 yards. As long as Brown remains out, expect Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert and running back Saquon Barkley to be targeted more through the air by quarterback Jalen Hurts.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 19 6:10pm ET
Justin Jefferson

When asked if he plans to play in Week 3 on Sunday against the Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) said, "Yeah, for sure." Jefferson said his quadriceps muscle feels "great" and he's working daily with the medical staff to make sure it feels "fantastic" by Sunday. The All-Pro wideout was listed as limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day. The 25-year-old bruised his right quad in the Week 2 win over the San Francisco 49ers but still managed to go for four catches (seven targets) for 133 yards and his second touchdown of the season. Jefferson has only seen 13 total targets from quarterback Sam Darnold through two weeks, but the efficiency has been amazing, and he'll remain a must-start, elite WR1 for fantasy managers as long as he's active this Sunday in what could be shootout against the Texans.

From RotoBaller

Brevin Jordan Sep 19 5:00pm ET
Brevin Jordan

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (knee) suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The 24-year-old will now set his sights on a long recovery process to prepare him for the 2025 season. The former fifth-round selection set a career-high in yards last season with 219. However, Jordan caught just one pass in each of the first two games of the season and was deployed as the No.2 tight end behind Dalton Schultz. Fantasy managers should now expect Schultz to see the lion's share of opportunities at the tight end spot in Houston, while Cade Stover should move up to the No.2 spot and see an increase in work.

From RotoBaller