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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

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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Fantasy Position SOS

Player Notes
Jalen McMillan May 29 4:30pm ET
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan signed his rookie contract on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. The Washington alum was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and is set to compete with 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer for the No. 3 WR role behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. While sharing a field with Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk, McMillan caught 124 passes for 1,657 yards and 14 touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons. He outproduced Polk in 2022 but regressed and became the No. 3 receiver in 2023. Regardless, the 22-year-old flashed upside and earned Day 2 draft capital, so he could be a fantasy football sleeper at some point in his career. For now, he has limited upside in a crowded wide receiver group.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Buggs May 29 4:30pm ET
Isaiah Buggs

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs is facing two misdemeanor warrants issued by Tuscaloosa police for second-degree cruelty to dogs, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The 27-year-old is accused of leaving two dogs locked on his property without access to food or water. Needless to say, these are serious allegations and could put the veteran journeyman on the roster hot seat. Buggs entered the league as a sixth-round pick in 2019 and has totaled 89 tackles and two sacks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions. He signed with Kansas City's practice squad on January 4 but did not appear in one of their postseason games.

From RotoBaller

Jim Harbaugh May 29 4:20pm ET
Jim Harbaugh

Free-agent offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The former Raiders first-round pick in 2021 out of Alabama is set to join his fourth NFL team in as many years, but landing with an organization going through a rebuild could help him turn his career around. The 25-year-old won the 2020 Outland Trophy, which is given to college football's most outstanding interior lineman, and he was a first-team All-American while playing in the SEC. The Bolts are looking to become a physical football team under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, so it'll be interesting to see if Leatherwood can carve out a role in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings May 29 4:10pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $15.4 million that includes $10.5 million guaranteed on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jennings was a restricted free agent, but he'll remain with the organization ahead of the 2024 campaign. Jennings, who has been stuck in a crowded offense with Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, has put up just under 1,000 yards in his first three NFL seasons. However, he's viewed as one of the best blocking wide receivers in the NFL and was likely to be named Super Bowl LVIII MVP had the 49ers won following his two-touchdown game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The former Tennessee Volunteer is unlikely to be a weekly producer in fantasy football, though he'll have a better chance if one of Samuel or Aiyuk are traded. Jennings is likely to lose snaps to first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall if Samuel and Aiyuk stick around in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams May 29 3:00pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (foot) was seen doing an up-tempo workout on a side field with athletic trainers during organized team activities on Wednesday. Williams isn't going to take part in OTAs or mandatory minicamp next month, but the Rams fully expect him to return for training camp this summer. The 23-year-old is worth keeping an eye on this offseason after he broke his foot early in his rookie season in 2022. In addition to his foot injury, Williams faces much more competition going into the 2024 season from rookie third-rounder Blake Corum, who the Rams think has three-down capabilities. Williams will open the year as LA's top RB on the depth chart, but if he gets hurt or starts out slow, Corum could become a bigger part of the backfield sooner than later.

From RotoBaller

Malachi Corley May 29 2:50pm ET
Malachi Corley

New York Jets rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley (undisclosed) left organized team activities on Wednesday with a trainer with an undisclosed injury. Corley later returned but was walking with a limp and didn't have his helmet with him. It doesn't appear to be a very serious injury, but the Jets will probably play it safe and hold the 22-year-old out for the rest of the week after taking him with the first pick of the third round in this year's NFL draft out of Western Kentucky. How much Corley is involved in his first year in the league will depend a lot on how healthy and productive new wideout Mike Williams (knee) is after coming off a torn ACL in 2023. Even if Williams stays healthy, Corley will have the inside track to become the team's No. 3 receiver, although it still seems like more of a long shot that he'll be an every-week fantasy starter in redraft leagues in his rookie campaign.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams May 29 2:40pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) has been rehabbing, and head coach Robert Saleh said he is progressing and looks good. However, Saleh told reporters on Wednesday at organized team activities that he doesn't have a timeline on Williams' return to practice. Williams suffered a torn left ACL in Week 3 last year in his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers and then signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Jets in free agency this offseason. The 29-year-old big-bodied wideout could be ready to go for the Week 1 regular season opener, but he's currently missing valuable offseason repetitions with the Jets' first-team offense and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. When he's healthy, he figures to be the team's No. 2 wideout behind Garrett Wilson, which will give him plenty of touchdown appeal as long as both he and Rodgers can stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall May 29 2:30pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (undisclosed) is working in the rehab area during organized team activities this week. It's unclear what type of injury Hall is dealing with or when he suffered it, but it doesn't sound very serious and it shouldn't negatively impact his fantasy value as the 2024 season approaches this fall. If the 22-year-old RB1 is unable to take part in mandatory minicamp in June, it will then become a bigger issue. With Hall out this week, running backs Israel Abanikanda, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis should all see more work at OTAs, in addition to recent signee Tarik Cohen as he attempts to revive his career. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) returning, Hall's fantasy upside this year will be even higher with the offense expected to be more explosive.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette May 29 2:20pm ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers first-round rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring during organized team activities on Tuesday and is erring on the side of caution and sitting out of practice on Wednesday. It's not a major injury for the 32nd overall pick last month, but he's going to miss some valuable repetitions as he heads into his first NFL season. The 23-year-old should be good for mandatory minicamp in June and training camp at the end of July, and despite other additions to the position in the offseason, Legette should have an opportunity for a big role in his first NFL season as the Panthers look to improve drastically on offense from a year ago. However, with veteran Adam Thielen and newcomer Diontae Johnson likely ahead of him in the target pecking order, fantasy managers should prepare for Legette to be inconsistent in 2024 as a deep threat.

From RotoBaller

Tarik Cohen May 29 2:20pm ET
Tarik Cohen

The New York Jets signed free-agent running back Tarik Cohen to an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Cohen was one of the league's top return specialists and a receiving threat with the Chicago Bears before serious injuries derailed his career. He last played in the NFL in 2020 but will not attempt a comeback with the Jets. The Bears took the 28-year-old in the fourth round (119th overall) in 2017 out of North Carolina A&T. Cohen was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2018 as a kick returner, and he had 264 rushing attempts for 1,101 yards and five touchdowns in his four seasons in Chicago, adding 209 receptions for 1,575 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through the air. He spent most of last year on the Panthers' practice squad and is unlikely to make an impact for the Jets or for fantasy managers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill May 29 2:10pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints hybrid offensive player Taysom Hill was seen taking direct snaps out of the backfield at organized team activities on Tuesday while also working with the special teams unit. SI.com's John Hendrix wrote that seeing Hill in the backfield is starting to be a pretty exciting thing. He lined up as the running back in shotgun formation and took the run left for a nice gain. In addition to taking direct snaps out of the backfield, Hill also caught some passes from quarterback Derek Carr as a pass-catcher. It remains to be seen exactly how Hill will be used in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system, but he could be on the field often in a variety of roles. With tight end eligibility in fantasy, he will at least have value as a low-end TE1 with the possibility for more if he's more active as a ball-carrier out of the backfield in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill May 28 11:33pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill's unique skill set has been on full display during organized team activities, according to Matthew Paras of NOLA.com. For example, Hill took part in individual drills with the running backs last week and is working with the tight ends this week. 'It's been a lot of fun. It's weird to say after seven years of doing what I've been doing that I'm being asked to do things I've never done before. That is exciting to me and it's challenging, and I love to be challenged like that. I'm grateful for those guys creating unique and fun opportunities for me,' Hill said.

Fantasy Spin: According to Paras, Hill has yet to throw a ball once in a live setting this spring, but he has lined up at running back and fullback several times. Furthermore, head coach Dennis Allen apparently "entertained" a reporter's suggestion that Hill might be the Saints' version of Kyle Juszczyk in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's offense. While it is unlikely Hill will top last year's career year (114 touches for 692 yards), fantasy managers should expect him to remain a key complementary part of the offense again in 2024.

From TheHuddle

Nico Collins May 28 10:13pm ET
Nico Collins

Dynasty | The Texans have signed wide receiver Nico Collins to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: It's a three-year, $72.75 million extension that includes $52 million guaranteed. If there was any doubt about what Houston thought of Collins, this erases all of that as he gets a pretty tidy sum of money. Houston clearly thinks Collins and CJ Stroud have a special connection and Collins will now look to build on his 80/1,297/8 breakout season. As our WR21, there is still some runway for a value bump and he could actually be a "buy low" candidate should dynasty managers continue to believe his season can't be replicated with a healthy Tank Dell and newly added Stefon Diggs in the fold.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Eric Stokes May 28 8:30pm ET
Eric Stokes

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur thinks cornerback Eric Stokes (hamstring) is in a great place physically and mentally this offseason after he missed most of the last two years with injuries. LaFleur also said he thinks Stokes is "in the best shape" he's ever seen him in. "When you look at him physically, his body looks different. He's hitting some fast speeds out there at practice. I can tell mentally he feels like he's in a great place," LaFleur said. The former first-round pick in 2021 was great as a rookie but suffered foot and knee injuries in Week 9 in 2022 and missed the final eight games. The 25-year-old played in just three games in 2023 due to hamstring issues. It's no surprise the Packers declined their fifth-year option on Stokes, so he's now in a contract year in 2024 as he looks to stay healthy. If healthy, the speedster could start opposite Jaire Alexander.

From RotoBaller

Jarrett Stidham May 28 8:20pm ET
Jarrett Stidham

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham is embracing the team's three-man QB competition this offseason between himself, former first-round Zach Wilson and this year's first-rounder Bo Nix. "I'm not going to just sit down and let someone else walk on in here -- I'm going to work my butt off to get the job. I'm super excited about it," Stidham said. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $10 million deal prior to last season and could now be considered a mentor who could be an upset winner of the starting job this summer. Stidham, Wilson and Nix will get an equal split of the work during the offseason program, but we probably won't have a better sense of who is in the lead in the competition until training camp. Stidham has the advantage of knowing the offense from a season ago, but even if he's the starter in Week 1, he'll be on a short leash and will be a low-upside, low-end QB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Tony Jefferson May 28 8:20pm ET
Tony Jefferson

Former Baltimore Ravens star safety Tony Jefferson is coming out of retirement and plans to play in 2024, according to a source. Jefferson has stayed in shape, has been training on his own, and wants to play again. He intends to start talking to teams in the near future after spending last year with the Baltimore Ravens as a scouting intern. In his last year in the NFL in 2022 with the New York Giants, Jefferson played in only nine games (one start) and had 23 tackles (16 solo). The 32-year-old former undrafted free agent entered the league in 2013 with the Arizona Cardinals and spent four years in the desert before joining the Ravens from 2017-21. Jefferson hasn't played in more than nine games in a single season since 2018 but could provide some nice veteran depth for a team in need of secondary help.

From RotoBaller

Tanoh Kpassagnon May 28 7:53pm ET
Tanoh Kpassagnon

Updating a previous report, New Orleans Saints DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (Achilles) likely will not be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season but has a chance to play at some point during the season, according to head coach Dennis Allen.

From TheHuddle

Arik Armstead May 28 6:53pm ET
Arik Armstead

Jacksonville Jaguars DT Arik Armstead (undisclosed) and DT Roy Robertson-Harris (undisclosed) did not participate in the voluntary workout Tuesday, May 28, because of undisclosed injuries.

From TheHuddle

Ja'Marr Chase May 28 6:13pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Dynasty | Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is absent for OTAs. Dynasty Analysis: Chase is waiting for a lucrative long-term deal that will likely make him the highest paid receiver in the league (at least temporarily). The Bengals don't seem to be worried at the moment and dynasty managers shouldn't be, either. Chase is in the top three overall in terms of position players and there's no sense getting too concerned until Chase starts missing real practice time.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tee Higgins May 28 6:13pm ET
Tee Higgins

Dynasty | Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is sitting out voluntary OTAs. Dynasty Analysis: While the Bengals are saying they aren't concerned publicly, this holdout is a little more significant than that of Ja'Marr Chase. Higgins has been franchise tagged and it seems the team has little interest in negotiating a long-term deal. Higgins was more likely to be traded during the NFL Draft than now, but this is a situation to monitor. At this point, dynasty managers need to just hold on tight and see what happens.

From Dynasty League Fantasy