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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Studs and Duds: Championship Games

Mon Jan 29 8:39am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

McCaffrey comes up big again


That was a fun weekend of games. Both came down to the wire, making for some great entertainment. The Chiefs/Ravens game didn’t have many big fantasy performances, though, which was a bit of a downer. Now the NFC game had a lot more offensive fireworks. That game had plenty of fantasy production, helping make up for the first one. Hopefully, you scored a lot of fantasy points this week and are looking good to win your league.

Chiefs 17, Ravens 10

Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. He might not have enjoyed his best regular season but Kelce is coming up huge in the playoffs. He was vintage Kelce in this one. Kelce has 11 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. This was his third game of the season with double-digit receptions

Fantasy Dud: Both Ravens running backs. Gus Edwards had just three carries for 20 yards while Justice Hill ran three times for three yard. And neither did much in the passing game. Hill had four receptions for 34 yards, and Edwards caught a pass for 16 yards. It was a disappointing showing for both backs, especially if you consider how well the Ravens ran the ball all season.

Game Notes: Mark Andrews returned from his broken leg and had two receptions for 15 yards. Andrews didn’t do much in this game, but was able to play and played a good number of snaps in his first game back. He’ll be just fine for 2024.

Zay Flowers had good numbers but made a couple crucial mistakes, including losing a fumble at the goal line. He did have five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown despite the mistakes.

Isiah Pacheco found the end zone for the seventh straight game he has played. He ran 24 times for 68 yards and a touchdown.

49ers 34, Lions 31

Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey didn’t have one of his huge yardage games, but scored two more touchdowns and still produced good total yardage numbers. McCaffrey ran 20 times for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He also had four receptions for 42 yards, giving him 132 total yards and two scores

Fantasy Dud: George Kittle. Kittle was really held in checking, finishing with two receptions for 27 yards. It was a poor showing in a game that had a lot of offense. You just expected better from the elite fantasy tight end.

Game Notes: Deebo Samuel was able to play with his shoulder injury and led the 49ers in receiving. He had eight receptions for 89 yards and didn’t seem slowed by the injury at all.

The Lions had big rushing totals. David Montgomery led the way, rushing 15 times for 93 yards and a touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs ran 12 times for 45 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs did lose a key fumble in the game, though.

Jameson Williams had three touches but two went for touchdowns. Williams had a carry for a 42-yard touchdown. And he also had two receptions for 25 yards and another touchdown.

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
Demarcus Robinson Sep 21 9:00am ET
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is in line for a bigger role with Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) sidelined. Robinson has been relatively quiet so far this season through two games with six catches for 92 yards. The opportunity is there for Robinson to lead the wide receiver group in targets with the heavily-targeted top receiver duo out. He showed flashes last year as the team's third option but it remains to be seen how he will handle the increased attention from opposing defenses as one of the top threats on the outside. Expect Sean McVay and his staff to get Robinson some early looks in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers to get into a rhythm. Someone has to catch passes for the Rams and Robinson should help fulfill that role. He is a borderline flex play in deep leagues and should be treated as a WR4 this week.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 21 9:00am ET
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has yet to get going this season with five catches for 59 yards in the first two games. He saw just two targets in Week 2 when the Rams were blown out at Arizona. He could be more involved in the game plan with Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) out but it is tough to trust him until he shows a bit more. The tight-end landscape is tough to navigate in fantasy at the moment but it might be best to look for other options at the position. The week 3 matchup against San Francisco isn't great as the 49ers have allowed just 2.4 fantasy points to the tight end position through two games this season. It's best to leave Parkinson on the bench this week.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Sep 21 8:50am ET
Tyler Johnson

Coming off a disappointing performance at Arizona in Week 2, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson is a decent bet to bounce back in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. A popular waiver-wire target after a breakout Week 1 performance at Detroit, Johnson produced a dud in Week 2. But it was largely a game to forget for the Rams as a team. With more time to game plan knowing coming into the game that Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) are out, expect Sean McVay and his staff to find ways to get Johnson the ball in this one. The Minnesota product has shown the ability to make big plays and he is one of the main healthy threats at the position now for the Rams. Through two games this season, the 49ers have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers. With many fantasy managers moving off of Johnson after last week, he is a sneaky flex play in deep leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 21 8:40am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has been the workhorse so far in the team's backfield through two weeks. With a banged-up wide receiver group with Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) out, look for a heavy workload for Williams in Week 3 against San Francisco. We've seen little of Blake Corum so far this season meaning it's been the Williams show for the Rams so far. Despite a test in Week 3 from the 49ers' solid defense, the Notre Dame product could be in line for a big day. He hasn't been very efficient so far with 2.5 yards per carry but he has scored a TD in each of the first two games and has shown some involvement in the passing game. Expect Williams to find the end zone again this week and continue to produce for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Sep 21 8:40am ET
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum should not be on the fantasy radar yet and that will again be the case in Week 3 against the 49ers. The Michigan rookie was more involved in Week 2 at Arizona but that was largely because the Rams were getting blown out by the Cardinals. He saw eight carries for 28 yards and did not catch a pass out of the backfield. The Rams could shift to a more run-heavy approach with Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) sidelined. That could mean more touches for Corum as he spells Kyren Williams. But until Corum proves to be featured more in this offense, he should be rostered only as a handcuff for Williams. There is plenty of talent there with Corum but the opportunity is not there at the moment.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 21 8:30am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a decimated wide receiver corps with Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) both out. His top options to throw to on the outside are now Tyler Johnson, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell. Stafford had a good Week 1 at Detroit largely because of a big performance from Kupp. Without Kupp for most of Week 2, he struggled at Arizona. Sean McVay and the Rams' coaching staff will have time to come up with a game plan for Stafford and his current receiver group against San Francisco in Week 3 but the offensive focus might rely heavily on running back Kyren Williams. Through two games this season, the 49ers have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks but it is tough to trust Stafford without his top two targets. Look for other options this week at the position.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Sep 21 6:10am ET
Blake Grupe

New Orleans kicker Blake Grupe has a lot working in his favor in his first NFL season. The undrafted rookie has the benefit of playing in a dome, for starters. And with Klint Kubiak now running the offense, the team is suddenly a powerhouse in the making meaning Grupe is flush with opportunities to put points on the board. His pro debut was stellar, nailing five extra points and four field goals - two from more than 50 yards out. Last week, he banged home another field goal and hit five of his six extra point tries. The Saints get the Eagles in Week 3 in what is expected to be one of the highest-scoring games of the week. Grupe makes for a great streaming option if he isn't on your roster already.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Sep 21 6:10am ET
Saquon Barkley

The New Orleans Saints' D/ST picked up where they left off last season. In 2023, the team was among the league leaders in takeaways with 29 and so far in 2024, the team is tied for second with five (four interceptions and one fumble recovered). Likewise, the defense has given up just two touchdowns so far, a season after it allowed the sixth-fewest points to opposing offenses. While their Week 1 massacre of the Carolina Panthers was to be expected, it was somewhat surprising to see the Saints limit the Cowboys to 19 points last Sunday. New Orleans will face another test in Week 3 when the Philadelphia Eagles come to town. Wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) has been ruled out but Saquon Barkley has been out of his mind to start the season. The Saints will be challenged by one of the better offensive lines in the league, limiting their ability to add on to the seven sacks that have contributed to their early fantasy success. Fantasy managers could do a lot worse than New Orleans in Week 3 but streamers should look for a more advantageous matchup.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Sep 21 6:00am ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is off to the start that everyone was expecting for teammate Chris Olave. Through the first two games of the season, Shaheed has seven catches for 169 yards and two touchdowns and is leading the league in both yards per route run and fantasy points per route run. In Week 3, the Saints face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in what is expected to be a shootout. The Eagles allowed a touchdown to two different wide receivers in both of their games to start the season and last week teammates Drake London and Darnell Mooney both scored more than 17 fantasy points. Even though Olave is at the top of New Orleans' depth chart, Shaheed will still eat against a vulnerable secondary. He has thrived against zone coverage so far, which the Eagles use a majority of the time. Plug Shaheed in as a WR3/flex option on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Sep 21 6:00am ET
Juwan Johnson

The New Orleans Saints tight end group is missing out on all the fun. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has turned the team's offense into a hyper-efficient machine, though scoring at will seems to be reducing opportunities for the bit players. As such, fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from Juwan Johnson on Sunday, despite Taysom Hill (chest) being listed as questionable for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Likewise for Foster Moreau, who is seeing a greater snap share than Johnson, albeit to serve mainly as a blocker. Johnson did score a touchdown in Week 1 but didn't see a target at all in the Saints' Week 2 blowout of the Dallas Cowboys. Even though the matchup is expected to be a high-scoring affair, Johnson's utilization is too uncertain to make him startable in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 21 5:50am ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is still waiting for his first big game of the year. He opened the season with a dud and then followed it with a modest four-catch, 81-yard effort in Week 2 that would have looked much better had he not been stopped just short of the end zone. To be fair to Olave, game scripts have not been conducive to a voluminous passing attack as each of the Saints' first two games have been blowout victories. Things can change as soon as this week when the Philadelphia Eagles head to New Orleans. The matchup has one of the highest expected point totals on Sunday's slate and if the game does devolve into a shootout, then Olave should see more, and more lucrative, opportunities. The Eagles, who are giving up 16.7 yards per catch to opposing wide receivers, will have to work hard to contain Olave, who has the third-best average separation score in the league. Lock Olave into starting lineups in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Sep 21 5:40am ET
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams was tasked with mop-up duty in the team's blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. In his limited action, he picked up 39 yards on eight carries. Stuck behind Alvin Kamara on the depth chart, Williams has yet to truly cash in the way his teammates have with Klint Kubiak now running the Saints' offense. In Week 3, New Orleans hosts the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to opposing running backs in 2024. It is worth noting that the Eagles have allowed 50 rushing yards per game to their previous opponents' second-string backs through the first two weeks of the season. Williams may not have much flex appeal but could make for a decent dart throw in DFS that could pay off if he finds the end zone as he did in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 21 5:30am ET
Anthony Richardson

The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams are set to build on their impressive showing in Week 2 as they take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. Their dominant performance has been the key reason the Bears are still strong after two weeks, playing a crucial role in the victory over the Titans and benefiting from solid special teams contributions. The Colts, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, face a challenging matchup. Richardson is currently one of the most boom-or-bust quarterbacks in the league, tied for the most interceptions in the NFL with four. The Bears feature one of the top secondaries in the NFL, complemented by solid linebacker play, which poses a significant challenge for the young signal-caller. Although Richardson had a standout performance in Week 1 against the Texans, his last game saw him throw three interceptions, indicating a need for improvement, particularly with more consistent receiving options. Despite the absence of Josh Downs, the Colts' offense has remained functional, with Alec Pierce stepping up as a reliable No. 2 receiver alongside Michael Pittman Jr., and Jonathan Taylor is always a threat to dominate games with his rushing ability. The Bears' defense has excelled in the second half, allowing just three points per game in the final two quarters against the Titans and Texans, but they must improve their first-half performance. Nevertheless, they limit opponents to 18.0 points per game, ranking sixth in the league. If the Bears can maintain their game plan and keep everything in front of them, they could make it a long day for Richardson and the Colts. Start the Bears with confidence as a solid defensive option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 21 5:30am ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara went off in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, scoring four touchdowns and gaining 180 scrimmage yards. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has breathed new life into the Saints' stale offense, transforming them into one of the most efficient attacks in the NFL. Two weeks is a small sample but the Saints' lead running back is looking like his old self again, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and is tied for the league's most rushes of 10 or more yards. In Week 3, Kamara faces a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has allowed a league-worst 6.4 yards per carry and gave up 122 total yards to Bijan Robinson last week. Kamara is undoubtedly a must-start on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 21 5:20am ET
Derek Carr

In Week 2, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr needed only 11 completions to rack up 243 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. He enters Week 3 ranked first or tied for first in yards per passing attempt, touchdown passes, completions of 40 or more yards, passer rating, and quarterback rating. Carr cracked 20 fantasy points in Weeks 1 and 2 and it is feasible he does the same again on Sunday. In Week 3, the Saints host the Philadelphia Eagles, who rank 27th in passing yards allowed and might miss starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (foot). So far in 2024, the Eagles have allowed at least 241 and two passing touchdowns in each of their first two games. Carr is a smash in superflex leagues and deserves a start in single-QB formats as he should put up QB1 numbers in what is expected to be one of the highest-scoring games of the week.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Sep 21 4:00am ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss began the 2024-25 campaign by running for 44 yards and a touchdown off nine carries in Week 1 versus the Pats. However, he had only 34 yards off 12 touches in the narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. While it's clear Moss is the preferred runner over Chase Brown, he's still hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint. With that in mind, the 26-year-old remains a flex option for the favorable matchup versus the Washington Commanders on Monday night, considering he has the clear edge over Brown for work out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Sep 21 3:50am ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas began the season by catching three passes for 26 yards in the Week 1 matchup with the Patriots. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available for that one, although Iosivas couldn't take advantage. With Higgins still sidelined in Week 2 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, the wideout had a stellar outing. He had only two catches. Yet, both resulted in a touchdown. While Higgins plans to play on Monday night versus the Commanders, his workload could be less than usual. As a result, Iosivas remains a flex option. However, his ceiling would be higher if Higgins isn't available.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 21 3:40am ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't a lock to suit up against the Pats in Week 1. Although he managed to get on the field, he fell below expectations, amassing six grabs for 62 yards. The former LSU Tiger didn't play much better in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, catching four of his five targets for 35 yards. Chase had a slow start to the 2023-24 campaign, so fantasy managers aren't surprised by his lack of output this season. But the Bengals offense appears to be returning to form after narrowly picking up the win over the defending champs. With that in mind, Chase has a favorable matchup on tap with the Commanders on Monday night, with Washington allowing more fantasy points to opposing wideouts than any team in the National Football League. Keep Chase starting in all formats, considering all of the ingredients are there for a big night, regardless if Tee Higgins (hamstring) is back in the mix.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 21 3:30am ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow struggled in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, throwing for 164 yards. But he turned things around in the narrow loss to the Chiefs, passing for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Cincinnati will host the Washington Commanders on Monday night, with the Bengals looking for their first victory of the 2024-25 campaign. After a serviceable fantasy outing in Week 2, Burrow deserves a spot in all fantasy lineups. His outlook will improve if Tee Higgins (hamstring) returns from his two-game absence. Fortunately, the wideout said he plans to suit up.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Sep 21 2:40am ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings will step into a starting role in Los Angeles as the team faces the Rams in Week 3. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound former seventh-rounder has spent his entire five-year career as a backup while toiling in fantasy football obscurity. With Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) ruled out, first-round pick Ricky Pearsall still recovering from a gunshot wound, and George Kittle (hamstring) doubtful, Jennings has one of the best opportunities of his career to make some noise. In Week 10 of 2023, with Samuel Sr. out but Kittle active, Jennings drew a career- and team-high nine targets but only turned them into five receptions for 54 yards. Although Brandon Aiyuk is the heavy favorite for volume, there could be more to go around against a reeling Rams pass defense that just allowed 266 yards receiving and three touchdowns to the Arizona Cardinals. San Francisco may also take the opportunity to mix in other backup receivers, as general manager John Lynch commented on a Friday morning radio show that they wanted to get rookie Jacob Cowing some opportunities. Jennings is on the fantasy radar but don't go crazy, he's a WR4 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller