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ADELMAN FANTASY II PLAYOFFS Est. 2012
NFL Playoffs League - FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 3

Lineup Prep: Championship Games

Wed Jan 24 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Gibbs can produce big this week


Last week was sure entertaining. Let’s hope the games this week are just as good. I sure think it is possible. The matchups seems pretty even to me. I know the 49ers are pretty good favorites against the Lions at home, but I think Detroit can keep it close. And the Chiefs/Ravens game is setup to be fantastic. These teams are both rolling right now. We get to see two of the greatest quarterbacks in football battle it out to make the Super Bowl. This should be fun.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . 

Those were some games last week. It was fun to watch, especially that Chiefs/Bills game. You have to feel for Josh Allen. He had a great run in the playoffs, but just can’t get over that Kansas City hump. It was there for the taking last week for Allen, but his field goal kicker let him down. I still think Allen is an elite level quarterback than can win the big game. It will come for him sooner than later. He is just running into a buzz saw with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs right now.

I don’t think Brock Purdy silenced the doubters after last week’s game. He was not great until that last game-winning drive. He still looked a little shaky to me most of that game. And the loss of Deebo Samuel could be huge for him and the offense. Samuel seems to be a calming influence for Purdy. I am interested to see him play this week. This could be make or break for him.

Aaron Jones sure is a difference maker when healthy. He was unbelievable for the Packers down the stretch, having five straight 100-yard rushing games. The issue is Jones is hard to trust because of his injury history and age. He is 29 years old and missed five games each of the last two seasons and played a full season just once the last five years. I love his talent, but have a hard time taking him on draft day - even after his huge finish to this season.

I’m happy for Baker Mayfield. He seems to have found a home after a rocky start to his career. He was terrific for the Bucs with that great group of receivers. And he almost played that team into the NFC Championship game last week, throwing three more touchdown passes. I don’t see the Bucs letting him loose and I think he could be a top-10 fantasy quarterback once again next season in Tampa. I don’t think it was a fluke this year.

I am really hoping the Texans make a run at Saquon Barkley this offseason. Could you imagine him in that offense? I think he would be a great fit and a huge spark for that running game in Houston. I think this would just be an ideal landing spot for Barkley when it comes to his fantasy value. Let’s make this happen!

The Ravens have a great team and are the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but can you imagine that offense with a healthy JK Dobbins or Keaton Mitchell all season. Both these backs are difference makers in my eyes and big upgrades over what they are using right now. I still think Dobbins can be a star in this league. Just something to keep in mind next season when these guys are back playing.

I like the Titans hire of Brian Callahan as their next head coach. He should be a positive for that offense, especially quarterback Will Levis. Hopefully, he can take this offense to a new level and give us a bunch of fantasy relevant players. Callahan is a bright, young offensive mind that has been integral in the development of Joe Burrow. Let’s hope he can do the same for Levis.

News and Notes: The Lions signed tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad on Monday. Ertz gives the Lions depth at the position after an injury to Brock Wright.

HOT PLAYS

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. With Deebo Samuel very iffy to play, Aiyuk should be the top target at receiver for the 49ers this week. He didn’t do much last week, but was targeted six times in the game, which was encouraging. He gets a much better matchup this week against the Lions, a team that has allowed five straight 300-yard passing games. Aiyuk can have a big showing in this matchup.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions. Gibbs had a big game last week, topping 100 total yards while scoring a touchdown. He has touchdowns each of the first two playoff games for the Lions. He has 16-plus fantasy points each of those games. Gibbs is playing well and should be heavily involved in the offense again this week. The 49ers have been great against the run much of the year, but shown some issues stopping the run lately. San Francisco allowed 136-rushing yards last week and given up 100-plus rushing yards four of five games.

COLD PLAYS 

Jared Goff, QB, Lions. Goff had a great overall season, but his fantasy numbers haven’t been too off the charts. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three of five games. He is getting his yards, but the Lions tend to run the ball in more for scores than pass. He might be an iffy fantasy play this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to quarterback during the regular season.

Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens. Edwards has failed to score each of his last two games, giving him really poor fantasy numbers. He has fewer than six fantasy points each of his last two games, failing to hit 50-rushing yards each of those games. Edwards could have a similar showing this week against the Chiefs, a team that allowed the 10th fewest fantasy points to running backs. Kansas City allowed just 10-rushing touchdowns all season.

SLEEPERS

Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens. Bateman had three receptions for 39 yards on three targets last week. He had a solid game but failed to hit double-digit fantasy points once again. The good news is he got his looks once again. The Chiefs have a very good pass defense, but Bateman could have more favorable coverages than Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham. Those guys should draw the tougher assignments, leaving Bateman a chance to make some big plays in the passing game. He could surprise this week.

Justice Hill, RB, Ravens. Hill led the Ravens in rushing last week, including rushing attempts. He got more work than starter Gus Edwards. Hill had 15 touches for 77 total yards. He could be setup for a similar workload in what could be a high-scoring fantasy teams. This means Hill could have a big fantasy showing. At this point, we might trust Hill more than Edwards, who is a more touchdown dependent player.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Chiefs/Ravens, Lions/49ers.

Low Scoring Games: None.

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
Trey Sermon Sep 23 1:10am ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon ran the ball two times for 16 yards and a touchdown in the team's win over the Chicago Bears. Sermon was out-touched by RB Jonathan Taylor 23-2, but he did receive a carry on the goal line, and he was able to punch in for a touchdown. It's clear that Taylor is the only fantasy-viable running back in this offense given the current splits in usage, but it is worth noting that Sermon has been the only back outside Taylor to see touches on the season. Fantasy managers with Taylor on their roster should look to ensure they are rostering Sermon in the event of injury. Aside from that, Sermon is off the radar in the team's upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 23 1:00am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught four of his five targets for 36 yards in the team's 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears. While Pittman has retained his elite target share in this offense, the team's lack of production through the air has continued to hurt his fantasy production. Pittman led the team in snaps with 47, was tied with WR Alec Pierce for most routes run with 20, and tied with WR Josh Downs for most targets with five. Pittman and the Colts now gear up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers in the young season. Given his lack of production thus far paired with a tougher matchup, fantasy managers can view Pittman as a WR3/4 option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jahmyr Gibbs Sep 23 1:00am ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 16 times for 83 yards during Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. He didn't catch a pass in the contest, but he did take a lateral from Amon-Ra St. Brown for an extra 20 yards into the end zone. He finished the day with over 100 scrimmage yards and the score, giving him 16-plus fantasy points in each of the Lions' three games this year (PPR scoring). Gibbs has been out-produced by David Montgomery so far, but both running backs have emerged as very strong fantasy options. The 22-year-old is a fringe RB1 heading into Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 23 1:00am ET
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown turned eight targets into seven catches for 75 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old has bounced back ever since a subpar Week 1 performance. In two games since then, he has 18 catches, 194 yards, one touchdown, and more than 43 fantasy points (PPR). Despite his role in a crowded offense, St. Brown should continue to be started as a strong WR1 option in all fantasy leagues ahead of Week 4 versus the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 23 1:00am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs grabbed three of his five targets for 22 yards in the team's 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears. This was Downs first game played this season, being sidelined for a few weeks with an ankle injury he suffered over the summer. Downs was implemented into a starting role in the matchup, replacing the spot where WR Adonai Mitchell had played for the first two games. Downs was also tied with Michael Pittman Jr. for most targets with five. While it is encouraging for fantasy managers to see Downs reclaim a starting role in his return from injury, he, alongside the other Colts' receivers, have all struggled to produce with the lack of volume in this passing offense. He'll gear up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that's allowed the eighth-fewest points to receivers this season. Fantasy managers in most formats can leave Downs on the bench in their upcoming matchup, with the exception of managers in deeper leagues in need of a flex option.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Sep 23 12:50am ET
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk once again disappointed in a 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. His final line amounted to five catches of 10 targets for 48 yards and no touchdowns. While technically an improvement from last week -- which was itself an improvement from Week 1 -- today's game had to sting for fantasy managers. Aiyuk's inefficiency juxtaposed with backup wideout Jauan Jennings' capture of all three receiving categories was frustrating, especially since we're almost a month removed from Aiyuk starting team workouts after a lengthy holdout. It's worth noting that Aiyuk's fantasy day -; and the 49ers' -; could have ended very differently had quarterback Brock Purdy seen him streaking down the middle wide-open behind the Rams' secondary in San Francisco's penultimate drive. Aiyuk's frustration was apparent when he was involved in a scuffle after San Francisco's last-gasp lateral play bounced off his hands near the Rams' sideline. There are no indications that any disciplinary action will follow. Perhaps Aiyuk will have renewed fire when the 49ers host the New England Patriots in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Sep 23 12:50am ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed 23 times for 105 yards and one touchdown during Week 3 versus the Arizona Cardinals. He also caught all three of his targets for an additional 17 yards through the air. Montgomery has looked incredible so far this season, totaling 285 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. He has found the end zone in each of the Lions' three games so far, producing even more fantasy points than fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs. As the Lions continue to emphasize winning games through the rushing attack, Montgomery remains a fringe RB1 option in fantasy football. He's a must-start running back for Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 23 12:40am ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan re-affirmed his commitment to Will Levis as the team's starting quarterback ahead of Week 4, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Levis' poor play and poor decision-making have been a major factor in the Titans' 0-3 start, but the organization is still holding out hope that the former second-round pick can turn things around. Through three games so far, Levis has 579 passing yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also has 86 rushing yards, 15 sacks, and three lost fumbles. Outside of the moderate rushing production, these are abysmal numbers from the 25-year-old. Perhaps he'll be able to bounce back next week against a declining Miami Dolphins team that is dealing with major offensive struggles amidst injuries to Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), Skylar Thompson (rib), and Raheem Mostert (chest).

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Sep 23 12:40am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught one of his two targets for 44 yards in the team's 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears. Pierce's 44-yard grab from QB Anthony Richardson came in the second quarter and was the team's longest play from scrimmage. The third-year receiver has been the most productive pass-catcher for the Colts this season but fell behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs in targets on Sunday. While Pierce has put together a string of productive games for Indy, the Colts' passing offense under Richardson remains inconsistent and underwhelming in terms of volume. The Colts now gear up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that's allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers this season. With his lack of a floor and a tougher matchup, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a WR3/Flex option next week.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 23 12:40am ET
Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) will undergo an MRI on Monday, he told David Newton of ESPN.com. Thielen exited in the second half of Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders after suffering an apparent hamstring injury while making a diving touchdown catch. The veteran flashed a strong rapport with Andy Dalton in their limited time together on Sunday afternoon, catching three passes for 40 yards and the touchdown. Thielen noted that he and the team will know more about his injury after Monday's MRI. If he's cleared to play in Week 4, he'd rank as a solid WR3/FLEX play in an offense that has suddenly shown signs of life with Dalton under center.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Sep 23 12:40am ET
Baker Mayfield

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit really outperformed expectations in the 26-7 Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. They held Tampa to just one touchdown on the day while creating two turnovers and seven sacks of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Safety Brandon Jones was the star of the day, picking off a pass in the first quarter and recovering a fumble late in the game, while Dondrea Tillman led the Broncos D with two sacks. Through Sunday's games, Denver's D/ST ranks second in Week 3 in fantasy points, behind only the Green Bay Packers D/ST. The Broncos defense doesn't have any big names, but they've been pretty solid through the first three weeks of the season. In Week 4, they'll be a deep-league streaming option, at best, against a New York Jets offense that looked much better in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 23 12:30am ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (knee) will undergo further evaluation on Monday, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The quarterback played through the injury on Sunday against the Houston Texans, throwing for 181 yards and four touchdowns. He has led the Vikings to an improbable 3-0 start and hopes to keep that momentum going into Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers. Based on his postgame comments, it doesn't sound like Darnold is too considered about his knee injury. However, he did mention that he's not sure yet whether it will limit him in practice this week. Fantasy managers invested in Darnold and the other Vikings playmakers should continue to monitor the quarterback's status when injury reports come out on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. If healthy and active, Darnold ranks as a low-end fantasy QB1.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 23 12:30am ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds surprisingly came into the Week 3 matchup on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a team-high 138 receiving yards on nine catches (13 targets) through the first two weeks. Reynolds wasn't able to maintain that momentum in Sunday's 26-7 win over the Bucs, though, as he caught both of his targets for 36 yards. His two targets ranked fifth on the team behind fellow wideouts Courtland Sutton, Lil'Jordan Humphrey and rookie Troy Franklin. The 29-year-old will continue to have a role all year in this offense as long as he remains healthy, but he will most likely battle for targets behind Sutton on a weekly basis with the likes of Humphrey and rookies Franklin and Devaughn Vele, who was a healthy scratch in Week 3. Reynolds is rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues and should stay on the waiver wire in Week 4 against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 23 12:30am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 10 of his 20 passes for 167 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in the team's 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears. Richardson also carried the ball eight times for 24 yards on the ground. This is now the second week in a row Richardson has struggled to move the ball through the air, and he hasn't been able to supplement that with his rushing ability. Although he did see multiple rushing attempts in the red zone, he could not convert any of them into touchdowns. One of his two interceptions came in the end zone on a three-yard target to WR Ashton Dulin. Although fantasy managers were aware of Richardson's limitations as a passer, his turnovers and underwhelming rushing numbers these past two weeks have made him a more challenging start in fantasy. He now gears up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the best defensive units in the league through three weeks. Fantasy managers can consider Richardson a middle-of-the-pack option in Week 4, and they might want to look towards a potential streaming option with a more favorable matchup if they can find one.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Sep 23 12:30am ET
Wil Lutz

Going into the Denver Broncos' Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in Week 3 after the offense averaged 13.0 points through the first two weeks, kicker Wil Lutz was a name to avoid for fantasy lineups at the position. When all was said and done on Sunday, though, Lutz ended up as the top fantasy kicker after making all four of his field-goal attempts (a long of 43 yards out) and both of his extra-point tries for 14 total points on the day. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 campaign, the 30-year-old veteran kicker is a perfect 9-for-9 on his field goals and has made all three of his extra-point opportunities. The Broncos' offense looked much improved under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in Tampa, but expect more struggles down the road, especially in a tough matchup in Week 4 against the New York Jets. Despite a strong Week 3, Lutz should be avoided versus Gang Green.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Sep 23 12:10am ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin found paydirt for the first time this season in the 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, but that was really the only notable thing about his day. Outside of the touchdown scamper, McLaughlin had five carries that went for only seven yards (1.4 yards per carry) while catching his only target for a seven-yard gain. His five carries matched that of Javonte Williams, but it was Tyler Badie leading this backfield with nine carries for 70 yards. Through the first two weeks, the 24-year-old was in a timeshare with Williams, with neither back standing out. It's bad news for both McLaughlin and Williams that Badie was thrown in there on Sunday to try and inject some life into the rushing attack. Heading into Week 4, McLaughlin is a bench stash, at best, in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Sep 23 12:10am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a nice bounce-back performance in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, even though he still has yet to find the end zone in 2024. After catching just one pass for 26 yards in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sutton led Denver in targets (11), receptions (seven) and receiving yards (68) in the 26-7 victory over the Buccaneers. It was nice to see the 28-year-old return to being the club's WR1 as rookie quarterback Bo Nix looked his way early and often. Hopefully, Sutton can build on this performance, but fantasy managers should expect more ups and downs as he continues to develop a rapport with his young QB. Sutton will need to maintain this kind of heavy volume to stay on the WR4/flex radar on a weekly basis. He'll have his work cut out for him in Week 4 against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Sep 23 12:10am ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ran the ball 23 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the team's 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears. Taylor also grabbed his lone target of the game for another 25 yards through the air. This was another huge performance for Taylor, as he was the focal point for this Colts offense. The 25-year-old continues to monopolize the Colts backfield, seeing 23 out of the 25 RB opportunities in the matchup. Pairing his usage behind this offensive line is a recipe for success for fantasy production, and Taylor put that on display in the team's win. The Colts offense continues to struggle through the air, and Taylor's production will remain the primary beneficiary. All that in mind, the Colts find themselves in a tough Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that's currently top-five in rushing yards allowed. Given his talent and usage, fantasy managers can still start Taylor as an RB1 option, but will have to bare in mind that his ceiling will be lower than in week's past.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 23 12:00am ET
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams is quickly losing hold of lead-back duties in the team's backfield after their 26-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Williams saw five carries for 12 yards (2.4 yards per tote) and lost a fumble while securing all four of his targets through the air for 29 yards. After his fumble, the 24-year-old had just three touches the rest of the game and saw Tyler Badie lead the team with nine carries for 70 yards. The Broncos' offense looked improved in Week 3 against the Bucs, but their ground attack of Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin remained stalled. If Williams doesn't pick things up soon, he could start to lose even more work to Badie and McLaughlin. A bounce-back in Week 4 against a stout New York Jets defense is unlikely. Fantasy managers have probably lost all faith in Williams as a viable RB3/flex play after Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 22 11:50pm ET
Bo Nix

While it was by no means an excellent performance, Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had the best game of his young career in the 26-7 victory on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday to pick up the first win of his career. Nix went 25-for-36 through the air for 216 yards while tying for the team lead with nine carries for 47 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He was able to avoid turning the ball over for the first time this year and looked much more comfortable throwing the ball into tight windows. Nix's rushing TD was his second of the year, but he has still yet to throw a touchdown pass through three games. The 24-year-old took a notable step forward in Week 3 and has shown his upside with his feet, but he still has a ways to go in his development and will be no better than a shaky low-end QB2 for a Week 4 date against a tough New York Jets defense.

From RotoBaller