Lineup Prep: Championship Games
Wed Jan 24 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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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The Paur Report
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3
Because he was frustrated with his standing on the depth chart, New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt requested a trade over the summer, according to multiple team sources. Hyatt played 15 offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and 11 snaps in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. He has had one target, which he dropped in the fourth quarter in Week 1. The former third-rounder in 2023 spent most of the summer as the No. 2 wideout behind rookie Malik Nabers, but Hyatt fell behind Darius Slayton on the depth chart in late August. At this point, the Giants think Slayton, a proven veteran, is the better option. Although he's not a big part of the offense currently, the Giants don't have any plans to trade Hyatt. The 22-year-old had 23 catches for 373 yards (16.2 yards per catch) in 2023. For now, Hyatt is off the fantasy radar in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders can be avoided by fantasy managers ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Sanders has missed just one kick on the season -- a 42-yarder he pushed wide-left in Week 1 -- and has drilled all three of his extra-point attempts. Still, he isn't a recommended option this Sunday. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) placed on injured reserve, it's difficult to project Miami as many scoring opportunities for the offense led by Skylar Thompson. The Dolphins' skill players should keep the 28-year-old place-kicker in contention for a few weekly points, but he can only be relied on once the Fins prove they can still be an effective offensive unit with Thompson under center. Sanders is RotoBaller's K25 ahead of Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back, calf) is dealing with back and calf injuries, but the Colts don't think he's in danger of missing the Week 3 contest against the Chicago Bears. Pittman wasn't listed on the Week 3 injury report on Wednesday or Thursday, but it sounds like he could pop up on Friday's final report. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Pittman's status. There's a chance he could be considered questionable, but as of right now, it sounds like the Colts plan on having him available. Josh Downs, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in August, has practiced in full all week and is on track to make his 2024 debut this Sunday, which will give Indy some more receiving insurance if Pittman isn't 100%. Pittman's fantasy stock has fallen after catching seven passes for 52 scoreless yards through two weeks in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) were not at practice on Friday, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. With both running backs in danger of potentially missing Sunday's game, Cam Akers could get the starting nod. Akers replaced Mixon last weekend when he exited the game due to an ankle injury. On seven carries, Akers tallied 32 yards and caught his lone target for three yards. However, he did lose a fumble. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Houston injury report later on Friday, as it should provide more clarity on the situation. If Akers does suit up as the No.1 RB for Houston on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end RB2 simply due to the volume he is expected to see.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders are looking for more ways to get top wide receiver Terry McLaurin involved heading into their Week 3 matchup on Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. "We got to find a way to get Terry more involved. That's on me. He's a fantastic player," offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said of McLaurin's 39 receiving yards through the first two weeks of the season. The 29-year-old did have six receptions in the Week 2 win over the division-rival New York Giants, but it led to just 22 receiving yards. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn't been looking very far down the field in the early going and has preferred to tuck the ball and run when he's unsure of things. Unless the Commanders start looking down the field more or McLaurin can start improving his yards-after-the catch production, he could remain a frustrating WR3/flex play for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension with the team on Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The 26-year-old has gradually grown into a more significant role in the Baltimore offense every season and is currently on pace to set a new career-high in targets and receptions out of the backfield. So far this season, Hill has logged eight more snaps than Derrick Henry and caught eight of his 10 targets for 62 receiving yards. He has added 25 yards on the ground on five attempts. Fantasy managers in PPR formats should view Hill as a low-end flex play given his role as a pass-catcher in the Baltimore offense going forward. However, in standard formats, Hill is best left on the waiver wire given the few rushing attempts he sees.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith holds some sleeper appeal ahead of the team's Week 3 road tilt against the Seattle Seahawks. Smith caught 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards in Miami's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 and could again be in store for an elevated role in the offense. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) hitting injured reserve, Skylar Thompson will stand in as the Dolphins' signal caller. Thompson saw a ton of time in the preseason and regularly worked the short area of the field -- funneling most of his targets to the running backs and tight ends. However, this information comes with a grain of salt as Braxton Berrios and River Cracraft (upper-body) are the main wideouts who saw snaps with Thompson in August's action. The 29-year-old veteran is in streaming consideration for now, and RotoBaller's TE19 for the Week 3 matchup.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) will not play on Sunday, according to Brianna Dix of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winfield Jr. suffered a foot injury in the season opener and did not play in their Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old did not participate in any practices this week and will hope to be ready for Week 4 when the Buccaneers play host to the Philadelphia Eagles. In the opening week, Winfield tallied seven tackles. Christian Izien should be expected to start his second-straight game and looks to build off a strong outing last week, where he recorded five solo tackles and an interception.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will be an RB1 in his Week 3 road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Expect him to rack up another significant touch total this Sunday, with the team turning to quarterback Skylar Thompson. Achane handled the rock 29 times last week, amassing 168 total yards and a receiving score as the offense's centerpiece in a 31-10 loss against the Bills. It's unlikely he challenges 30 touches weekly, but Miami could lean on its RBs moving forward with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) set to miss at least the next four games. For this week, at least, it appears they'll again be without veteran Raheem Mostert, so expect backups Jaylen Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. to mix in for work behind the 22-year-old. The two handled seven total touches in Week 2. Achane is RotoBaller's PPR RB6 this week.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) was not ruled out by his head coach, Nick Sirianni, on Friday morning, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The standout wide receiver suffered a hamstring injury last week and was held out of their Week 2 match against the Atlanta Falcons. Brown was expected to miss several weeks at the time, but seeing that he has not been ruled out for this weekend is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as the wideout will likely carry an injury designation over the weekend. In the season opener, Brown caught five of his ten targets for 119 yards and a score. If the 27-year-old misses his second-straight game, DeVonta Smith will be the No.1 target for Jalen Hurts once again on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle) is expected to play on Sunday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Machota reports that Dallas owner Jerry Jones spoke on 1053 The Fan and expressed high confidence that his star wideout will be available on Sunday when the Cowboys face the Baltimore Ravens. Lamb did not practice in practice on Wednesday and was a limited participant on Thursday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report just in case, but Lamb is trending in the right direction. Last week, the Oklahoma product caught four of his seven targets for 90 yards and a score and should be locked into all lineups as a high-end WR1 this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle will be tough to trust as a high-end fantasy option in Week 3 when the team takes on the Seattle Seahawks in a road matchup. He will look to build an affinity between himself and quarterback Skylar Thompson over the next few weeks with the news that Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been placed on injured reserve. Waddle -- like his teammate Tyreek Hill -- has the rare ability to turn any touch into points, so look for head coach Mike McDaniel to get his wideouts going early and often this Sunday. Still, expectations must be kept in check for him and the Miami offense. Seattle has allowed the second-fewest passing yards (257) through two weeks this season. However, they have yet to play a duo like Waddle and Hill. The Alabama product is RotoBaller's WR34 this week.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) remains in questionable status for Week 3. On Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that head coach Mike McDaniel stated he was "pessimistic" about Mostert's status on Sunday. While this did not rule the 32-year-old out for Sunday, it does not bode well for his potential status. Mostert missed their Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills due to a chest injury he sustained in their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Mostert's status during Friday's practice as it should provide more clarity on his viability for Sunday. If Mostert misses his second-straight game, fantasy managers should expect sophomore De'Von Achane to be the lead-back.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill garners discussion as a WR2 ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He and the other Dolphin wideouts will all get a demotion in the rankings, with quarterback Skylar Thompson set to lead the offense in Tua Tagovailoa's (concussion) stead. It's impossible to know what kind of rapport he and Hill have, as the two did not see action together this preseason despite Thompson seeing extended playing time. However, the 30-year-old speedster is still a threat to turn any pass into a house call. Expect head coach Mike McDaniel to put the veteran wideout in a spot to make his QB look good this weekend -- though, fantasy managers must temper expectations regarding him for the time being. Hill is RotoBaller's WR15 in Week 3 ahead of his road matchup.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett was given a vote of confidence from his head coach, Jerod Mayo, on Friday morning, according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Mayo expressed, "Jacoby is our quarterback until I say he's not our quarterback." This is a good sign for the 31-year-old veteran, as he was lifted from Thursday's game late in the game in favor of rookie Drake Maye. Brissett struggled against a tough New York defense on Thursday, throwing for just 98 yards and completing 12 of his 18 passes. Maye went 4-for-8 with 22 yards in his short-lived professional debut late in the fourth quarter. Fantasy managers in 1QB leagues should continue to leave Brissett on the waiver wire for the time being.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has been a popular waiver wire transaction this week. That is due to the fact the Bucs are heading into a matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. An offense that is led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. The young signal-caller has thrown zero touchdowns with four interceptions through two games. The defensive unit has done a solid job for Denver, but Nix and the offense look lost. That being said, the Bucs defense shouldn't have many problems trying to contain this offense. The Bucs are missing multiple a few players on defense, but they should still remain one of the better streaming options for Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson will not be a viable fantasy option when the team faces the Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 3. He will man the helm in Miami for at least the foreseeable future, with starter Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve. Thompson saw extended play this preseason and regularly hooked up with the tight ends and running backs in the passing game. However, not much can be gleaned from his rapport with the wideouts, as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle did not appear in preseason action. The Dolphins' offensive skill players will get a downgrade across the board, with the 27-year-old under-center. That's reflected in the 41-point combined-point total in their tilt against Seattle. The former Kansas State quarterback is not a suggestion outside of a desperation play in 2QB formats with passing numbers down league-wide thus far in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin is quietly putting together a strong start to the 2024 season. McLaughlin has yet to miss any kicks as he's a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals and 6-for-6 on extra point attempts heading into Week 3. The preseason struggles have gone away as McLaughlin looks like a viable option now. The Bucs have enough offensive firepower to continue giving McLaughlin work on a weekly basis. The Denver Broncos defense has done a nice job this season, but McLaughlin still remains a decent streaming option for fantasy managers looking for help.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been a weapon in fantasy football so far this season, as he has drilled 8-of-8 field goals and 4-of-4 extra points. Three of his made field goals have come from beyond 50 yards, and he currently ranks as the number one kicker in fantasy. Aubrey will look to remain perfect this week against Baltimore in a game that is projected to be high-scoring. Do not hesitate to insert him into your lineup this week.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys defense/special teams unit has been one of the most boom-bust units in fantasy over the past few seasons, and that is no different heading into Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. One week removed from getting shredded for 44 points against New Orleans, Dallas will look to rebound against Lamar Jackson's 0-2 Ravens team. Despite the winless start, Baltimore leads the league in total offensive yards through the first two games. In this potential shootout, avoid the Cowboys' defense in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
