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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
Jonathan Taylor Sep 21 7:30pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off an incredibly productive Week 2 showing, running the ball 12 times for 103 yards. He also grabbed two of his four targets for another 32 yards in the air. He now gets ready for a Week 3 home matchup against the Chicago Bears. The Bears have been in the middle of the pack defending the run this season, allowing the 15th least fantasy points to RBs. Despite the average matchup, Taylor can make up for that with his high-end volume. Taylor has seen an 88.9% opportunity share this season, the fourth most amongst all backs. With all that in mind, Taylor is a strong start again in Week 3, and managers in all formats can target him as an RB1.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 21 7:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is coming off of a weak Week 2 showing, throwing for just 204 yards, one touchdown, and totaling three interceptions. He also ran the ball four times for 37 yards on the ground. He now gears up for a matchup with the Chicago Bears, a team allowing the sixth-least fantasy points to opposing QBs this season. While on paper the matchup isn't great, Richardson and the Colts' offense is expecting WR Josh Downs (ankle) back in action, a key piece for them in the receiving game last season. As always, Richardson's rushing upside makes him an elite fantasy quarterback week in and week out, and this week isn't the exception. While Richardson doesn't provide as safe of a floor as some of the other top-tier QB options with his low passing volume, he still makes for a strong start in all formats in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Sep 21 7:10pm ET
Younghoe Koo

Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo has been one of the more reliable kicking options over the last few years. Koo looks to continue that in 2024 as he has yet to miss a kick through two weeks of the season. He connected on all three of his field goal attempts during last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He should continue to get chances if this offense can continue clicking like they did in Week 2. The Falcons should be able to move the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs who rank in the middle of the road in terms of defense. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable with Koo as their kicker for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Sep 21 7:00pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (hip) has been cleared to play ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The young back opened up the week as a limited participant, but it appears he's fully healthy now. The Falcons continue to use a run-heavy approach, which is good news for Allgeier. However, Bijan Robinson is the lead back and the primary option in the running game. Last week, Allgeier did rush nine times for 53 yards in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He's averaging 6.2 yards per carry this season, which is great to see. However, the weekly volume is unknown and Allgeier is barely involved in the passing game. That being said, Allgeier is at best a boom-or-bust RB4 for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Sep 21 6:50pm ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is coming off a decent performance, but a game that could've been much bigger. Mooney and quarterback Kirk Cousins haven't quite been on the same page early in the season. Luckily, Mooney was able to salvage his value last week with a 41-yard touchdown. He hauled in three of his seven targets for 88 yards and a TD in the win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. The hope is that Mooney can build off that during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mooney is technically the No. 2 option on this offense, but they've struggled to move the ball through the air. Mooney does carry some flex appeal, but is more of a boom-or-bust deep league option.

From RotoBaller

Tim Patrick Sep 21 6:40pm ET
Tim Patrick

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Patrick is back on the active roster for the second week in a row. Last week, Patrick hauled in two of his four targets for 12 yards in the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 30-year-old can only be elevated one more time following Sunday's game, after which the Lions have to sign him to the active roster if he want him to play. Patrick might end up sticking on the team as depth, but probably won't have much of a role behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in this offense.

From RotoBaller

Greg Gaines Sep 21 6:30pm ET
Greg Gaines

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Vita Vea (knee) is currently listed as doubtful ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Vea missed the first two practice sessions of the week before getting in a limited session on Friday. The superstar tackle suffered a MCL sprain during the Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions. It sounds like the Pro Bowl nose tackle might be able to play through the issue, but we'll see if the Bucs decide to take the cautious approach instead. If Vea sits, Greg Gaines would likely be asked to step up and start against the Denver Broncos. The loss of Vea would be a significant blow to the Bucs defense that is already dealing with a handful of injuries.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Sep 21 6:20pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder) is considered questionable ahead of the Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Bigsby was limited in practice all week due to a lingering shoulder issue that he suffered last week. At first, Bigsby was considered active for Week 3, but now has been downgraded to questionable on the injury report. Bigsby rushed 12 times for 73 yards in the season opener, but saw little action in Week 2 due to his injury. Travis Etienne Jr. is the lead back, but it seems like the Jaguars do want to involve Bigsby as well. Bigsby will fall into the RB3 conversation if cleared for Monday's game.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Sep 21 4:50pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran tight end left the Week 2 win over the Dallas Cowboys with a chest injury and spent time at a local hospital getting tests done. Thankfully, he avoided a significant injury. However, Hill was a limited participant in practice the past two days, making him a likely longshot to play against the Eagles. Juwan Johnson will see an uptick in targets and snaps, with Hill likely out of the lineup.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 21 4:30pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The star tight end showed up on the injury on Thursday, putting his status for the Week 3 contest in doubt. The injury couldn't have come at the worst time for the 49ers, with Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) missing this week's game. Brock Purdy now must lean heavily on Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Jordan Mason against Los Angeles. Fantasy players are left scrambling for a last-minute tight end replacement off the waiver wire. Unfortunately, Kittle's backup, Eric Saubert, isn't a variable replacement option in standard-size leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Sep 21 3:40pm ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts began the season by catching all three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown versus the Steelers. Unfortunately, he struggled in Week 2 against the Eagles, amassing three grabs for 20 yards. Fantasy managers had high hopes for Pitts coming into the 2024-25 campaign. However, the 23-year-old hasn't met expectations. With that in mind, most of the tight ends around the National Football League have struggled this season. Still, Pitts' upside is higher than most in Week 3, with a favorable matchup on tap versus a Chiefs defense that has allowed more fantasy points to opposing tight ends than any team this season. Keep the 2021 No. 4 overall pick starting in all fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Sep 21 3:30pm ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody is in Los Angeles this week to face the Rams. The former third-round pick struggled with accuracy and field-goal opportunities in 2023 but has been productive in the young season. He currently sits in a three-way tie with New Orleans' Blake Grupe and Pittsburgh's Chris Boswell behind leader Brandon Aubrey for the second-most fantasy points per game among kickers due to a career day in Week 1, when he hit six of six field goal attempts. Even without Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf), Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), and probably George Kittle (hamstring), the 49ers offense figures to spend a good amount of time in Rams territory. The Rams' defense appears to be vulnerable after allowing four touchdowns and two field goals to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. Moody is a Top-3 option on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Sep 21 3:30pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has been decent in his first two games with his new team. He had a rough start to the season, throwing for 155 yards, one touchdown, and two picks versus the Steelers. However, the veteran signal-caller turned it around in the Week 2 meeting with the Eagles, tossing for 241 yards and two touchdowns while completing 69.0% of his attempts. Under normal circumstances, Cousins isn't always a lock to considered a starter in fantasy lineups from week to week. But with guys like Justin Herbert (ankle) and Jordan Love (knee) battling injuries, Cousins may be a safer option against a Chiefs defense that has struggled against opposing quarterbacks this season.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Sep 21 3:20pm ET
Baker Mayfield

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit sits in a tie for 13th in terms of fantasy points through the first two weeks of the 2024 season. They've allowed only 19.5 points per game and 277.5 points per game, which are both in the top half of the league. However, they've only generated four sacks and two turnovers, with most of their production coming in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, when they had the two turnovers and also two safeties. There should be plenty of better upside streaming options for fantasy managers in Week 3 as the Broncos travel to Tampa to take on a Buccaneers team that has only turned the ball over once through two weeks. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield has taken care of the football so far, although he did take five sacks in the Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions. Leave the Broncos D/ST on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Sep 21 3:20pm ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has underperformed through the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign, amassing 165 yards off 32 carries, adding nine catches (10 targets) for 68 yards. Even worse, the 2023 No. 8 overall pick is still without a touchdown this season. Without question, fantasy managers had expected more from Robinson. Still, he was taken early in nearly every fantasy draft for a reason, so he remains a must-start versus the Chiefs on Sunday night. While the Kansas City defense has been solid against opposing running backs this season, there is no way to justify keeping Robinson on fantasy benches.

From RotoBaller

Eric Saubert Sep 21 3:10pm ET
Eric Saubert

San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Saubert is expected to step in for George Kittle when the team is in Los Angeles to face the Rams in Week 3. Saubert, 30, spent time with six other teams before signing with San Francisco this offseason. In Week 2, Saubert saw his snaps increase as Kittle experienced cramping throughout the afternoon. The journeyman caught two of two targets for 26 yards in that one. Saubert has only two career touchdowns and has never eclipsed the five catches for 36 yards he put up as a member of the Denver Broncos in Week 5 of 2023 versus the Indianapolis Colts. If anyone can take statistical advantage of Kittle's absence, it could just as easily be fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who sometimes runs routes out the tight end position and has shown adequate ball skills and awareness for modest production in fantasy. Both Saubert and Jusczcyk could contribute in DFS if angling for a touchdown at rock-bottom prices, but one can surely do better in redraft formats regardless of league size.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Sep 21 3:00pm ET
Devin Singletary

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the New York Giants are "more likely to be selling than buying come early November." As a result, Graziano speculates that running back Devin Singletary could be on the way out. The 27-year-old is currently the clear-cut option at the position. He's been decent in the Giants' first two games of the 2024-25 campaign, logging 26 carries for 132 yards and one touchdown. Singletary has also averaged a respectable 5.1 yards per carry, adding five receptions for 15 yards. However, if the Giants continue to struggle after their winless start, the team could trade Singletary, who has a few years left on his current deal. With that in mind, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is worth stashing, with the rookie in line to take over as the No. 1 option out of the backfield if the Giants deal Singletary. Tracy hasn't done much for the Giants so far. But that could change in the months ahead.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 21 2:40pm ET
Joe Mixon

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) won't play in Sunday's game against the Vikings. The 28-year-old had a massive Week 1 performance versus the Colts. Unfortunately, he injured his ankle in Sunday night's clash with the Chicago Bears. The former Bengal was listed as doubtful, so the latest update won't surprise fantasy managers. However, with NFL Media's Ian Rapoport also reporting Mixon is "week-to-week," nobody can say for sure if he'll return when the Texans play the Jags in Week 4. For those fortunate to have claimed Cam Akers off the waiver wire, he's a must-start in any fantasy format. While there's a chance Dare Ogunbowale gets Akers' leftovers out of the backfield, he doesn't offer the same upside for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 21 2:30pm ET
Justin Herbert

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are optimistic quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) will be available for Sunday's game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. The signal-caller is battling a high-ankle sprain, which is never an easy injury for anyone. However, he's currently questionable, so there's still a chance he'll be out there after missing practice on Wednesday and Friday (and logging a limited session on Thursday). Herbert has played better than most expected through the first two contests of the 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick while completing 67.4% of his attempts. On the other hand, even if he's available, the injury could still impact his abilities on the field versus a capable Steelers defense. With that in mind, managers should consider another fantasy quarterback for Week 3. Herbert will test the ankle during warmups. But if he can't suit up, Easton Stick will presumably be under center. Unfortunately, Stick's presence may not be good news for Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Yet, it may mean more rushing chances for J.K. Dobbins.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Sep 21 2:10pm ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz should be on the waiver wire in all fantasy leagues, let alone anywhere near a starting lineup for Week 3 action. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 season, Lutz ranks as the No. 21 fantasy kicker despite being perfect on all of his kicks. He has made all five of his field-goal opportunities and is only extra-point attempt. The 30-year-old has been pretty reliable in his eight years in the NFL with an 85.5% success rate on his field-goal tries, but the problem is that Denver's offense is one of the worst in the league in the early going. They are averaging just 263 yards of total offense and 13 points a game with rookie quarterback Bo Nix under center. It's still early, so Nix and the Broncos' offense could improve as the season wears on, but based on what we've seen through the first two weeks, they just aren't giving Lutz enough tries to make him fantasy relevant.

From RotoBaller