Guest of the League
Ultimate Fantasy Football Championship Est. 2011
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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Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Jun 3 3:00pm ET
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On the Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) said he's almost fully recovered from season-ending surgery on his right shoulder last year. "I'm at about 95% right now and it took me about four months to start throwing again," Richardson said. It took Richardson around four months before he could resume throwing and he's been taking part in organized team activities this offseason as he heads into his second year in the NFL. The 22-year-old former first-rounder isn't planning on changing the way he plays to avoid injuries as a runner and he says he's a lot more comfortable in head coach Shane Steichen's offense. Richardson has more injury risk than most QBs because of his propensity to take off and run with the football, but he also has high-end QB1 upside despite playing in only four games in 2023 before getting hurt.

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Trevor Lawrence Jun 3 2:40pm ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said he would love to have a contract extension in place before training camp begins at the end of July, but it's not going to be an issue for him if he doesn't get it. Lawrence's representatives and the Jaguars have been working on an extension for months, and the deal is expected to make him one of the highest-paid QBs in the NFL in terms of average annual salary. He's entering the final season of a fully-guaranteed, four-year deal worth $36,793,592 that he signed after being taken first overall in the 2021 draft. Lawrence's fifth-year option was picked up, which fully guarantees him $25.664 million in 2025. The 24-year-old said he's more concerned with continuing to develop in his third season in head coach Doug Pederson's offense than with his extension. With better health in 2024, Lawrence could easily take another step forward.

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Jelani Woods Jun 3 2:30pm ET
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Bijan Robinson Jun 3 2:20pm ET
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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (ankle) is taking part in organized team activities on Monday. It's great to see that Robinson is already recovered from a minor ankle injury that he suffered during OTAs in May. After being taken with the eighth overall pick in the first round in last year's draft out of Texas, Robinson carried the ball 214 times for 976 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and four touchdowns, adding 58 receptions on 86 targets for 487 yards and four touchdowns through the air in 17 games in his first year in the league. Tyler Allgeier remains in Atlanta's backfield, but the 22-year-old Robinson is the clear lead back and should be able to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in his sophomore campaign if he stays healthy in 2024, especially with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins taking over an offense that should look to prioritize getting the ball in the hands of its best playmakers more often.

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CeeDee Lamb Jun 3 2:10pm ET
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According to sources, contract talks between the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are expected to "speed up" beyond its previous pace since "there's at least a number" with the announcement of Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson's record-setting, non-quarterback contract extension on Monday. Jefferson inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Vikes. Lamb hasn't been in attendance at any of the team's voluntary organized team activities this offseason as he seeks a new contract, which he should get before the start of the 2024 regular season. The 25-year-old led the NFL with 135 receptions last year and went for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, making him an elite, high-end WR1 target for fantasy managers this fall.

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Gabriel Davis Jun 3 2:10pm ET
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Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) should be cleared for training camp this summer. The same can be said for defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee), who is also recovering from a knee injury this offseason. Davis signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Jaguars in March after spending the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old deep threat had at least six touchdowns in all four of his seasons in the league, but he's been extremely inconsistent and finished 2023 with 45 catches for 746 yards in 17 regular-season games. Davis will be locked in as a starter in a very capable Jacksonville offense, but he'll be competing for targets with Christian Kirk, first-rounder Brian Thomas and tight end Evan Engram and will likely continue to be a boom-or-bust fantasy asset at wide receiver.

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Justin Jefferson Jun 3 10:20am ET
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Darren Waller Jun 3 10:10am ET
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Aaron Rodgers Jun 2 11:23pm ET
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Fantasy Spin: After his first season with the Jets ended almost as soon as it began, Rodgers will return to an improved offensive line and supporting cast. At his age, a return to MVP form seems unlikely, but Rodgers should still be a high-end QB2.

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Sam Howell Jun 2 8:30pm ET
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Brandon McManus Jun 2 8:10pm ET
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Brandon McManus Jun 2 7:53pm ET
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Washington Commanders PK Brandon McManus was released on Sunday, June 2. The move comes in the wake of sexual assault allegations against the kicker.

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James Conner Jun 2 1:30pm ET
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Deuce Vaughn Jun 2 1:30pm ET
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From RotoBaller

John Ross Jun 2 1:20pm ET
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Former first-round wide receiver John Ross recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as he looks to revive his NFL career. Ross spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs last July before retiring. Before that, he set a then-NFL record with a 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the combine and was taken ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. He started just one game for Cincy in his rookie season and just 20 total, recording 51 catches for 733 yards and 10 touchdowns in four years. Ross last played in the NFL in 2021 with the Giants, catching 11 passes for 224 yards and one TD. "I haven't lost a step," Ross said. "I'm still the same guy. I feel like I'm better than what I was." The 28-year-old burner is intriguing in Philly's offense, but he'll most likely see most of his playing time on special teams as a kick returner.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Jun 2 11:53am ET
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Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner is entering the final year of his current contract and said that he would be interested in remaining with the team beyond the 2024 season.

Fantasy Spin: The 29-year-old Conner topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career in 2023 and was fourth in the NFL in average rushing yards per game (80). However, he could wind up sharing offensive snaps this year with RB Trey Benson if the rookie gets off to a strong start. For now, Conner can be viewed as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 fantasy option, while Benson is worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Dak Prescott Jun 2 11:13am ET
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Negotiations between the Dallas Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott on a contract extension have been described as 'passive' so far, although the team wants to get a deal done before he hits free agency in 2025, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.

Fantasy Spin: Prescott has played well over the last few seasons and should be even more motivated to play at a high level in the final year of his current deal. He can be viewed as a solid QB1 option in all fantasy formats.

From TheHuddle

Justin Jefferson Jun 1 9:40pm ET
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According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, speaking on ESPN's SportsCenter on Saturday morning, the Minnesota Vikings are "pretty motivated" to get a deal finalized with wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The 24-year-old has been a menace for opposing defenses since entering the league, amassing 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns. Understandably, he wants a lucrative extension, and while there hasn't been much movement on that front, it appears a deal could be reached in the "coming weeks," one that could be "market-altering." Although Jefferson no longer has Kirk Cousins slinging him the ball, the wideout should still be taken early in the first round in nearly every fantasy draft heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Jun 1 9:20pm ET
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According to Chris Roling of USA Today, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) looked "great" on "most of his throws" during the team's recent OTAs. The signal-caller, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury in a game against the Ravens in mid-November, also "added muscle to his frame." Without question, injuries have been Burrow's biggest issue since entering the National Football League as the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, if he can remain on the field, he could be a top-five fantasy quarterback, just like in 2022, when he threw for 4,475 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Fortunately, it appears Burrow is taking the steps necessary to ensure he stays healthy during the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Jun 1 1:40pm ET
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Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus called new running back D'Andre Swift "a weapon back" when asked why the team moved so quickly to sign him in free agency back in March to a three-year, $24 million deal. "You know we really needed that guy that can really operate on third down and even on first or second down and be a weapon in the deep part of the field and the short part of the field and take it the distance. And he's got a lot of gas," Eberflus said. Swift posted his first 1,000-yard season with the Eagles in 2023 and had career-bests in yards, carries (229), first downs (50) and yards per game (65.6). The Bears' offense now has a lot of dangerous weapons around rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but in fantasy, it may be hard for Swift to match his 2023 exploits with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson also demanding backfield touches.

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