Studs and Duds: Championship Games
Mon Jan 29 8:39am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was already listed as doubtful for their Week 3 contest against the Miami Dolphins, but he's officially been deemed inactive. Zach Charbonnet will step in as the starting running back with Kenny McIntosh coming in as the backup. Charbonnet was the only member of the backfield to receive touches in their Week 2 win over the New England Patriots, and he registered 38 yards on 14 carries with five catches for 31 yards. Seattle will likely rely on the passing game once again. Walker's next chance to play will be Week 4 on the road against the Detroit Lions.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 3 versus the New Orleans Saints. He had an 11-yard reception and a fair catch prior to his departure. The speedy 27-year-old had merely been filling a depth receiver and special teams role for Philadelphia, so his departure doesn't have major fantasy implications.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions have declared WR Isaiah Williams, LB Alex Anzalone, DL James Houston, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., OT Giovanni Manu, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu and OT Colby Sorsdal inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The Baltimore Ravens have declared DE Adisa Isaac, S Beau Brade, CB T.J. Tampa, C Nick Samac, DL Brent Urban, WR Devontez Walker and OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The San Francisco 49ers have declared QB Joshua Dobbs, OG Ben Bartch, WR Deebo Samuel, LB Tatum Bethune, CB Darrell Luter Jr. and TE George Kittle inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) has officially been downgraded from questionable to out during their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He originally left in the first half with a hip issue and was tagged with a questionable status at the time. Bosa didn't register any tackles in this contest after accruing nine total tackles and 2.0 sacks through their first two games. Tuli Tuipulotu is next on the depth chart and has already posted four total tackles and two tackles for loss. He'll see more opportunities while Bud Dupree will likely get involved as well.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) has been declared inactive for the Week 3 game.
Fantasy Spin: De'Von Achane has taken over as the main running back for the Dolphins and will see most of the snaps at the position in Week 3. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hip) will not return to the Week 3 game because of his hip injury.
From TheHuddle
The Seattle Seahawks have declared LB Jerome Baker, OT Mike Jerrell, DT Myles Adams, C Olu Oluwatimi, LB Uchenna Nwosu and RB Kenneth Walker III inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Malik Washington, QB Tyler Huntley and LB Mohamed Kamara inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) left the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday with a groin injury, and the team has said he's doubtful to return. He registered one solo tackle before leaving in the second quarter. Nick Herbig will be the next man up while Payton Wilson may see some extra snaps to give the others a break at times. Highsmith has been a consistent piece to this defense after posting four solo tackles and a sack in Week 2, and six combined tackles in Week 1. This game has been more of a defensive struggle than a shootout, so Herbig should be able to register a solid game in relief of Highsmith. His status after this game will be something to monitor.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) has exited Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints with a knee issue in the second quarter. He registered one catch for 11 yards on his only target before leaving the game, but the team has officially said that he's questionable to return in this one. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) already out, the passing game will have to rely on DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and then a combination of Jahan Dotson and Parris Campbell. His status will be one to monitor because his absence would be another big hit for this receiver corps moving forward, and it would be quite the hit to Jalen Hurts' fantasy value as well.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (eye) exited Sunday's contest against the Chargers. He is questionable to return. The wideout has been quiet through the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign, amassing three catches (five targets) for 15 yards. While anyone on the Steelers offense is hard to trust, Jefferson's potential absence could allow Calvin Austin III to get more involved. At any rate, if Jefferson is ruled out, he'll finish Week 3 without a catch (or a target).
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin) suffered a groin injury during the Week 3 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 29-year-old had a sack in each of the Chargers' first two games of the 2024-25 campaign. However, considering he's had issues staying healthy over the years, the team could hold him out for the remainder of Week 3. If that's the case, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree might see more snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (lung) didn't suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was uncertain to play entering the contest after being hospitalized following the Week 2 meeting with the Cowboys with a chest injury. Fox's Jay Glazer shed more light on the issue, with the NFL insider reporting the 34-year-old has a bruised lung. Considering the delicate nature of this type of injury, it may take Hill a little longer to heal. With that in mind, fantasy managers will await an update ahead of the Saints' Week 4 game versus the Atlanta Falcons. In the meantime, Juwan Johnson could see a few more targets behind Foster Moreau. However, Johnson has limited value in multi-tight end setups.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hip) suffered a hip injury during the Week 3 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is officially inactive in Week 3 for the team's contest on the road against the Tennessee Titans. Love suffered a sprained left MCL in his knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and will now miss his second straight game as a result. The good news is that Love practiced all week and was questionable to play on Sunday against the Titans, so he stands to have a good chance to make his return in a big divisional clash next weekend at Lambeau Field versus the Minnesota Vikings. With Love out again on Sunday, backup Malik Willis will make his second straight start against his former team, the Titans. Expect another run-heavy game plan from Green Bay, making Josh Jacobs a must-start in fantasy against the 0-2 Titans. Willis should be considered a low-end QB2 for those in superflex leagues.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 3 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. The rookie had previously battled an ankle injury but was removed from the injury report on Friday. It seemed as though he was going to make his NFL debut this Sunday, but in the end, he's inactive despite being healthy. His debut will have to wait at least one more week. The Steelers enter their clash against the Steelers with just four wide receivers, of which George Pickens is the only one possessing fantasy relevance.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is officially inactive for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He has been designated as the Steelers' emergency third-string quarterback, making him eligible to play only if both Justin Fields and Kyle Allen get injured. Wilson had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. The veteran quarterback still has not yet made his Steelers debut thanks to this lingering calf issue. Even when Wilson becomes healthy enough to play again, Fields should remain Pittsburgh's QB1 until he gives head coach Mike Tomlin reasons to make a switch. This is good news for fantasy managers as Fields has more fantasy upside than Wilson, anyway.
From RotoBaller
