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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Lineup Prep: Championship Games

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

Related photo caption below

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Ty Chandler Sep 20 3:40pm ET
Ty Chandler

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler showed some explosive playmaking ability in Week 2, as he turned 10 rushing attempts into 82 yards on the ground, with seven of those carries going for at least five yards. The third-year running back has had at least 10 touches each game for the Vikings so far this season and may be needed to maintain steady offensive production in Week 3 against a stout Houston Texans defense. His timeshare with Aaron Jones (hip) could pose some unpredictability for Chandler, though head coach Kevin O'Connell trusts his backup running back; the 26-year-old touches the ball on 55% of his offensive snaps, leading all Vikings rushers. If you're experiencing significant injuries on your team, you could do worse than Chandler as a flex this week.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Sep 20 3:40pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) had a disappointing Week 2, ending the game as the overall RB32 in 0.5 PPR. That finish was a little misleading, however, as he had a goal-line fumble that was ultimately an eight-point swing if he had scored instead of coughing up the ball. Still, the former Green Bay Packer running back was out-carried by backup Ty Chandler, who had 50 more yards on the ground on only one more attempt. Jones was limited in practice this week with a hip issue but practiced in full on Thursday and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Jones still gets the bulk of the passing work and played a robust 61% of the snaps on offense, leaving him as a viable RB2 with low-end RB1 upside.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Sep 20 3:40pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is officially doubtful to play in Week 3 on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, while Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has been ruled out for the second straight week after not practicing at all. Mixon also missed practice all week after injuring his ankle in the Sunday night win over the Chicago Bears in Week 2. Fantasy managers can now shift the 28-year-old to their benches this weekend and hope he's able to return next week to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. For those hurting at the RB position in fantasy, Cam Akers is an immediate add and will now have flex appeal as Houston's lead back on Sunday against the 2-0 Vikings. Akers took first-team reps this week during practice and would likely be spelled by Dare Ogunbowale with the Texans' backfield beat up at the moment.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 20 3:30pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold impressed in back-to-back weeks to open the NFL season. He will look to continue his success against the Houston Texans in Week 3. Despite the former first-round pick's reputation as an inconsistent turnover machine, he's led the Vikings to a surprising upset over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 en route to finishing as the overall QB4. Darnold will be without second-year wideout Jordan Addison (ankle) for the second game in a row, leaving the quarterback without the full wide receiving room at his disposal. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old quarterback will represent Houston's biggest passing challenge thus far and could be in line for another top-15 QB finish.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 20 3:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is practicing for the second straight day this week on Friday. Higgins injured his hamstring on Sept. 5 during preparation for the Week 1 season-opener and has been unavailable for the first two games of the season as a result. However, he returned to a limited practice on Thursday and appears to be moving closer to making his 2024 debut. Still, it's unclear if the 25-year-old's season debut will come on Monday night against the visiting Washington Commanders, and Cincy won't release their final injury report of the week until Saturday. When fully healthy, Higgins is Cincy's WR2 behind Ja'Marr Chase and is a big part of the passing attack. Because he's yet to play in 2024 and because the Bengals could ease him back into the fold if he's active on Monday night, Higgins is a pretty risky flex plan for fantasy managers in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Kayvon Thibodeaux Sep 20 3:30pm ET
Kayvon Thibodeaux

The New York Giants added outside linebacker Brian Burns (groin) to the injury report on Friday with a groin issue, and he's officially questionable to play this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Late-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good thing, so the G-Men could be without Burns this weekend. The Giants acquired the 26-year-old this offseason in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Burns has gotten off to a slow start in the Big Apple, totaling seven tackles (six solo) and one pass breakup in his first two games. If the Giants end up ruling Burns out on Sunday, Benton Whitley figures to see more defensive snaps on the edge as a pass-rusher to help out Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari in a good matchup against the Browns. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues need to have a backup option for Burns just in case.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 20 3:20pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) has been officially listed as questionable to play this Sunday in Week 3 on the road against the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert said on Friday that he suffered a high right-ankle sprain in the Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers, although he did return to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. High-ankle sprains can keep players out for multiple weeks, so although Herbert has a high tolerance for pain, he could seriously be in danger of sitting out this weekend, which would be really bad news for the Bolts offense as they look to go 3-0. If Herbert doesn't gain clearance to play, Easton Stick would likely be under center, and the Chargers would most likely lean even more on running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. A banged-up Herbert would be more of a low-end QB2 in fantasy if he's active on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 20 3:20pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) was officially ruled out for the Week 3 divisional contest this weekend against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Kupp injured his ankle in Week 2 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals and is a candidate to land on Injured Reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. It's extremely bad news for the Rams offense, which is already missing wideout Puka Nacua (knee), who is on the IR. For the foreseeable future, fantasy managers need to keep Kupp in an IR spot and hope he can return sooner than later. With both Kupp and Nacua sidelined, Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson will continue to serve in elevated starting roles, while Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington will also be battling for more targets in the passing game. Tight end Colby Parkinson disappointed last week, but he, too, should see more work moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Sep 20 3:20pm ET
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams rookie kicker Joshua Karty (groin) will be listed as questionable for the team's Week 3 contest this Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Sean McVay said he won't know whether Karty will be able to go this weekend until after Friday's practice. If Karty isn't cleared by the team to kick against the Niners, Tanner Brown would be the next man up for the Rams' kicking game. No matter what happens with LA's kicking situation on Sunday, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid it against a strong 49ers defense. On top of the bad matchup, the Rams are missing their top two pass-catchers in Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee). The 22-year-old Karty has made all three of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point opportunities this year in the first two games of his NFL career.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 20 3:10pm ET
Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers are listing quarterback Jordan Love (knee) as questionable to play in Week 3 on Sunday on the road at the Tennessee Titans. When asked if Love has been medically cleared, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "We're working through that." Love suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and missed the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old did return to practice this week, albeit in a limited fashion, and it sounds like Green Bay will take the decision right up until kickoff on Sunday in the early slate of games. If Love does make his return, his mobility could be limited, giving him a lower ceiling and floor as a QB1 for fantasy managers. If Love doesn't get the green light this weekend, expect another run-heavy offensive approach with backup QB Malik Willis under center against his old team.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Sep 20 3:10pm ET
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle) is reportedly going to suit up for the Week 3 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The superstar defensive end was limited through the first few practices of the week. The Raiders haven't released their Friday practice designation, but head coach Antonio Pierce said that Crosby will play. This is great news for the Raiders defense as Crosby has 11 tackles and three sacks through two games.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Sep 20 3:00pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) is currently considered as questionable ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran tight end sat out of Wednesday's practice, but was able to get through a session on Thursday. He was limited on Friday and as a result will be tagged as questionable for this weekend. If healthy, Hill is a boom-or-bust TE2 otherwise Juwan Johnson figures to see more chances. Johnson is a desperation option in deep leagues if Hill is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 20 2:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. The Vikings are calling him as day-to-day, but this is now the second week in a row that Addison has missed. It's uncertain when Addison will get back on the field after not practicing all week. In his absence, Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor will be the primary passing options for this offense. Jefferson is a must-start while Nailor is worth a look in deep leagues after a 54-yard performance in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 20 2:50pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is cleared to play ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. The superstar wideout was limited in practice on Wednesday with a quad injury, but he guaranteed on Thursday that he'd suit up this weekend. It looks like Jefferson was right, as he doesn't carry an injury designation into this game. He'll continue to be the focal point on offense with Jordan Addison (ankle) ruled out for this game. Jefferson finished with 133 yards and a touchdown last week, so fantasy managers can continue counting on him as an elite fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 20 2:40pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie wideout played through a knee issue last week, but Odunze appears to be fine now. He's set for an increased workload with fellow wideout Keenan Allen (heel) ruled out for this game. Odunze has three receptions for 44 yards through two games. The Bears can't seem to move the ball right now, which makes Odunze a tough fantasy play. He should be considered a shaky flex option for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Sep 20 2:30pm ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 29-year-old did not have much involvement last week, kicking just one short field goal and converting two extra points. Better days are ahead for the Eagles kicker and it could start this week against New Orleans. The Saints have held opponents out of the end zone well through two weeks, but have allowed five field goals, tied for 11th-most in the league through two weeks. Fantasy managers can continue to roll out Elliott with confidence in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 20 2:30pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran wideout will now miss his second game in a row due to a lingering heel issue. This is obviously frustrating for fantasy managers as the 32-year-old had plenty of hype surrounding him to begin the season. His absence should mean an increased workload for both Rome Odunze and DeAndre Carter. Both players are sneaking their way onto the fantasy radar with the Bears shorthanded on offense.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 20 2:20pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt won't be available for the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. This doesn't come as much of a surprise after Hunt was signed by the team earlier this week. Hunt was a free agent until this point, so he'll need some time to get ready for football. In the meantime, Carson Steele figures to get increased chances as well as Samaje Perine. Keaontay Ingram was signed from the practice squad to the active roster, so he figures to be serve as extra depth. Fantasy managers are probably best off avoiding this situation for the moment, but Steele is probably the best of the trio for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 20 2:10pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 29-year-old was not heavily involved last week but saw usage during the team's final drive and has the chance to see more targets in Week 3 with A.J. Brown (hamstring) likely out for another game. The good news; Goedert played 97% of the snaps last week and is at the top of the league compared to others at the position in snaps played. He should have a safe floor this week against a Saints defense that ranks middle of the pack against the tight end position through two weeks. Unless you have an obviously better option, you can continue to roll with Goedert in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Sep 20 2:00pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 25-year-old did a fine job filling in as the No. 1 receiving option last week against the Atlanta Falcons as A.J. Brown (hamstring) was out. Smith caught seven of 10 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in the contest and is in line for a similar target share this week against the Saints with Brown expected to miss once again. New Orleans' defense has been great through two weeks, but they are not unstoppable through the air. They have allowed the 14th-most passing yards this year and allowed CeeDee Lamb to gain 90 yards on just four receptions last week. Chunk plays are Smith's specialty, and he has the chance to have them in what should be a competitive game Sunday. Consider the Eagles' young receiver a top-tier WR2 with top-12 upside in Week 3.

From RotoBaller