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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
Deshaun Watson Sep 21 1:20am ET
Deshaun Watson

The New York Giants defense/special teams enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns fresh off a Week 2 showing where they did not allow a touchdown but let up seven field goals for a total of 21 points against the Washington Commanders. Facing the Browns' offense, which ranks 27th after two weeks with an average of 263.5 total yards per game, the Giants defense is primed for a productive fantasy outing. Quarterback Deshaun Watson's shaky 154.5 yards-per-game average provides the Giants ample opportunity to disrupt the passing game. While it is probably best to keep the Giants defense on the waiver wire, they could surprise in what could be a grind-it-out contest.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 21 1:10am ET
Brock Purdy

In Week 3, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy takes the team's 1-1 record into their first divisional game of 2024 in Los Angeles against the Rams in their home opener. Purdy didn't light up the fantasy scoreboard last Sunday in Minnesota by any stretch, throwing for only one touchdown, tossing an interception, and losing a fumble. However, he did throw for 319 yards. It was probably even more frustrating and painful for Purdy himself though, being sacked a career-high six times. Purdy is stuck on one touchdown through two weeks, but on the bright side, he is surprisingly leading the NFL in passing yards per game. The Rams are coming off a 41-10 road drubbing at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals, a game in which Kyler Murray threw for 226 yards and three passing touchdowns. Before that though, they kept Lions QB Jared Goff to 217 yards, one touchdown, and a pick in Detroit. Purdy will be without Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and probably George Kittle (hamstring) in this one, not to mention Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) who isn't expected to return for several more weeks. Even if Los Angeles' pass defense is as vulnerable as they looked last week, these injuries throw cold water on the matchup advantage. Put Purdy on the QB1/2 border with a slight boost if Kittle plays.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Sep 21 1:00am ET
CeeDee Lamb

The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams have shown the ability to create turnovers and grab a couple of sacks, but they haven't been able to limit yards and points scored like last season. This defense has given up an average of 26.5 points and 306.5 total yards. They've been able to eat up opposing ground games, but they're the eighth easiest matchup for opposing receivers as they've given up 32.8 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats. The Dallas Cowboys have the potential to explode through the air since they boast one of the top receivers in the game in CeeDee Lamb. With how weak the Cowboys' ground game has been, it looks like they'll need to air out early and often. The Ravens' defense doesn't quite give fantasy managers the peace of mind they once did, but they are a startable fantasy asset in Week 3 despite being on the riskier side.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 21 1:00am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson heads into Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns with a bump in the road, coming off a poor Week 2 performance where he caught only two of his four targets for 18 yards. Robinson's role as a short-area target gives him a decent floor in PPR formats (as a flex in deeper leagues), but the matchup is tough. The Browns have allowed just 199 passing yards per game in 2024, and Malik Nabers seems to be hogging all of the targets (18 in Week 2). Still, Robinson's quickness could exploit Cleveland's vulnerability to slot receivers, and with the Giants likely playing from behind, he may see an uptick in volume. Consider him a fringe WR3/flex option with potential in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Sep 21 1:00am ET
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns with an opportunity to deliver fantasy value after being picked up off the Detroit Lions practice squad. At this time, Joseph might not even be the kicker that dresses against the Browns as he is competing with Jude McAtamney, who is also on the practice roster. The veteran has played 67 regular-season games for three teams with an 82.6 field goal percentage and a long of 61 yards. Keep an eye on who will be dressed for Sunday's matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 21 1:00am ET
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow, calf) didn't practice on Friday. That's three straight absences for the wideout, who is now considered questionable for Sunday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 24-year-old was in line to be the top wideout in Los Angeles entering the 2024-25 campaign. However, he's caught just four of his six targets for 34 yards in the Bolts' first two contests. With that in mind, Palmer isn't an ideal fantasy option in any fantasy format for Week 3 if he's active. That's not expected to change anytime soon, especially with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey playing as well as anyone could hope.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 21 12:50am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns fresh off a quiet Week 2 performance where he posted just three receptions for 33 yards. Slayton's deep-threat ability can be explosive, and he'll face a Browns defense that has allowed 12.1 yards per reception to receivers through two weeks. Slayton's target share has been modest (10.5% of the team's passing attempts), but there's some sneaky upside here. Expect Slayton to be a high-risk option that is best left on waivers unless managers are desperate for a flex play.

From RotoBaller

Hayden Hurst Sep 21 12:50am ET
Hayden Hurst

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he logged a full session on Friday and was removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite playing more snaps than Will Dissly through the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign, the latter has been more productive. Still, neither play will find a home in fantasy lineups for Week 3 due to their lack of statistical output. That will be even more true if Justin Herbert (ankle), who is questionable, isn't active.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Sep 21 12:40am ET
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns after a performance he would like to forget in Week 2, where he posted 0 receptions on 0 targets against the Washington Commanders. Cleveland has allowed an average of only 8.65 fantasy points per game to tight ends through the first two weeks. At this point, Johnson should not be considered for anyone's roster, but managers should keep an eye on him as he is still the team's starting TE, and the Giants have committed to him there.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Sep 21 12:40am ET
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (calf) was limited during Friday's practice session and is questionable for Monday's game versus Washington. The 28-year-old had a touchdown called back in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. However, he made amends by catching seven of his nine targets for 91 yards in the narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. With many tight ends around the National Football League struggling, Gesicki has gained streaming appeal in 12-team formats. Yet, his status for Week 3 may not be revealed until Monday night, well after nearly every contest on the slate has been played. As a result, fantasy managers may want to consider an alternative for Week 3. If anything, Drew Sample and Erick All Jr. are likely available on the waiver wire. Still, both men aren't expected to do much versus the Washington Commanders, especially if Tee Higgins (hamstring) is back in the lineup after missing the Bengals' previous two contests.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dulcich Sep 21 12:30am ET
Greg Dulcich

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (knee, ankle) no longer carries an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was limited during Wednesday's practice. However, the 24-year-old logged full sessions on Thursday and Friday. Dulcich began the 2024-25 campaign by amassing two catches for 12 yards in the Week 1 matchup with the Seahawks. While he was targeted eight times in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he ended the day with only three receptions for 16 yards. With that in mind, Dulcich doesn't warrant consideration in any fantasy format, especially with Bo Nix under center, with the rookie signal-caller throwing four picks and completing only 59.7% of his tosses in the Broncos' first two contests.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 21 12:20am ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) plans to play against the Washington Commanders on Monday night. The wideout has battled a hamstring injury, keeping him off the field for the Bengals' previous two contests. Fortunately, he's feeling better. "I feel great," said Higgins after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. "Obviously, unfortunate with the injury, sat out the first two weeks but finally ready to get my feet wet this season and ready to go." Under normal circumstances, Higgins is a starting fantasy receiver in any format. However, there's a chance he could see fewer snaps than usual. As a result, Andrei Iosivas, coming off a two-touchdown outing versus the Kansas City Chiefs, could remain involved. Still, Iosivas' fantasy outlook would have been more promising had Higgins been in line to miss Monday's contest. On the other hand, Higgins' anticipated return is good news for Joe Burrow all around.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Sep 21 12:20am ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has been incredibly reliable thus far this season but will face his toughest test yet in the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense has been stout through two weeks, surrendering the fewest points and second-fewest offensive yards in the NFL. Because this is expected to be a sluggish, low-scoring affair, it is difficult to project Boswell for a ton of involvement. Fantasy managers would be wise to look elsewhere for a starting option this week.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 21 12:10am ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start his fourth professional campaign and will hope to turn things around against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Although the Chargers have surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends through two weeks of the season, this contest isn't expected to offer much in the way of offensive firepower. That said, Freiermuth is tied for the team lead in receptions and has the second-most targets in Pittsburgh thus far this season, so his role in the offense should remain consistent. Given the landscape of the tight end position in fantasy right now, there are very few options that offer both a high ceiling and a safe floor. Freiermuth seems to have the latter, making him a fine yet uninspiring low-end TE1 or high-end TE2 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 21 12:10am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is already a must-start in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. Coming off a strong Week 2, where he posted 23.7 half-PPR points on 10 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown (his first career TD) versus Washington, Nabers is emerging as a go-to target for Daniel Jones (he had a whopping 18 targets sent his way). The Browns' secondary, while solid, has allowed 12.1 yards per reception to receivers through two weeks. Nabers is a big-play threat with a 32.9% target share, making him a high-upside start this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Sep 21 12:00am ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary enters a Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns with momentum after a solid Week 2 performance against the Washington Commanders, where he posted 16.2 half-PPR points on 95 rushing yards and a touchdown. Singletary's efficiency on the ground (5.9 YPC) will be tested against a Browns defense, allowing just 5 YPC through two games, ranking them in the top eight against the run. However, Cleveland has surrendered 229 rushing yards to the opposition in two weeks, showing they can be vulnerable. Expect Singletary to remain a viable flex option in deeper leagues, with his potential for red zone work giving him an edge if the Giants' offense can sustain drives.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 20 11:50pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was given 11 total opportunities in Week 2 and should continue to see his role expand in the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. This contest is expected to be slow-paced and low-scoring with both teams leaning heavily on the run. Warren isn't likely to receive more carries than backfield mate Najee Harris, but the former has been the more efficient and explosive runner with more consistent usage as a pass-catcher. On paper, this is a difficult matchup for Warren as the Chargers rank bottom-five in the league this season in rushing yards allowed. However, Los Angeles gave up plenty of production to fantasy running backs in 2023, especially those involved in the passing game. The 25-year-old Warren isn't the most exciting fantasy option this week but he should see enough work to warrant flex consideration.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 20 11:50pm ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns looking to build on his Week 2 performance, where he bounced back with 22.1 fantasy points against the Washington Commanders. Jones' dual-threat ability is always enticing, and last week, he rushed for 32 yards and threw two touchdowns, showcasing his fantasy upside. However, the Browns' defense has been stout, allowing just 6.4 yards per pass attempt per game in 2024. That said, Jones' rushing ability will be critical as Cleveland has struggled against the rush, giving up 5.1 yards per carry for a total of 229 rushing yards through two weeks. Expect Jones to finish as a low-end QB2 in Week 3, with his rushing upside elevating his fantasy floor.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 20 11:30pm ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has looked every bit the part of a WR1 in 2024 but is yet to score as a top-24 fantasy option in half-PPR formats. He'll hope to change that at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. This is projected to be a low-scoring, run-heavy affair, but if both defenses continue to defend the run as well as they have through two weeks, shots will need to be taken downfield. Pickens is not only the clear favorite target of quarterback Justin Fields but also the premier vertical threat in Pittsburgh. Although the third-year pro could disappoint if the Steelers struggle to move the ball, he offers plenty of upside as a WR2 or flex option in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Sep 20 11:20pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, yet he's been the only kicker to miss more than one field after the first two games of the season. Both misses were 50+ yards, but that's where he's normally the most automatic. While he missed another one in Week 2, his volume saved his fantasy week as he went 3-for-4 in field goals and 2-for-2 in extra points. His Week 3 matchup, the Dallas Cowboys, is ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers as they've given up an average of 7.5 points so far. The Ravens' confidence in Tucker still hasn't wavered, so he should see plenty of opportunities to kick field goals from deep, but his "Automatuck" nickname may be on the way out the door.

From RotoBaller