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FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Lineup Prep: Super Bowl

Wed Feb 7 8:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Pacheco is playing at high level


Not sure about you, but there is not a better weekend in sports than Super Bowl weekend. It is as good as it gets. Just everything involved with it is so much fun. I am so looking forward to it all this weekend. Let’s hope it is a good game and lives up to the hype. Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

I will give you my pick for the game right off the bat. I think it will be a close game, but look for the Chiefs to squeak it out. I think the experience factor plays a difference here in the end, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding during the playoffs and think he has a huge advantage over Brock Purdy. Plus, the Chiefs defense has been outstanding lately, completely shutting down the opponent. I don’t see them shutting down the 49ers high-powered offense, but think they will cause Purdy problems. I’m going with a Chiefs 31-27 victory.

If you still don’t have any fantasy teams alive in the playoffs, consider playing our fun pickem contests. We have tons of options available to play with for the Super Bowl. I wanted to give you a few of my favorite pickem plays for the big game. Give me Travis Kelce more than 70.5-receiving yards. Kelce has 71-plus yards all three of his playoff games and is coming off arguably his best game of the season. And the 49ers struggled to stop the tight end last week, seeing Sam LaPorta rack up the receptions and yards. I also like Brandon Aiyuk less than 61.5-receiving yards. Aiyuk has failed to hit that mark two of three games and has just three catches each of his last three games. Lastly, I like Deebo Samuel more than 79.5-rushing and receiving yards. Samuel had 11 touches his last game and was a huge part of the offense. I look for the 49ers to get him involved early and often, giving him good potential to rack up some total yards.

I’m not sure how I feel about the Commanders hiring of Kliff Kingsbury. His offenses were fine in Arizona, but not as explosive as many thought and he struggled some using Caleb Williams last year at USC. I think the Commanders would have been better served keeping Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator. I thought he did a great job with the offense last year in Washington all things considered. I’m not convinced Kingsbury is going to be an upgrade.

On a different subject, can we stop teasing and showing parts of the Super Bowl commercials before the game? I mean part of the fun of the game is the commercials. They are always entertaining and a part of the event. But now, you see parts of the commercials before the game, ruining the surprise. C’mon people. Let’s stop this tradition right now.

We had our first TFC draft of the 2024 season last night. And in a surprise move, the first pick of the draft was Breece Hall. And we also saw Sam LaPorta get picked before Travis Kelce. It is always interesting to see how these early drafts shake out. A lot is going to change between now and the start of next season, but trends are starting now. In this draft, four running backs were picked in the first round compared to eight receivers. And the quarterback position looks as deep as ever with guys like Jordan Love getting picked in Round 11. Brock Purdy and Kirk Cousins also went very late.

News and Notes: The Chargers hired Greg Roman as their new offensive coordinator. Roman tends to be more run heavy when it comes to play calling. . . . .Former Texans and Patriots running back Rex Burkhead announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday. 

HOT PLAYS

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has taken his game to new heights during the Chiefs playoff run. He has at least 15 fantasy points four straight games and found the end zone seven consecutive games. He even has 20-plus carries two of three games, getting a big workload in the Chiefs offense. Expect more of the same this week from Pacheco. The 49ers allowed 182-rushing yards to the Lions their last game and allowed 135-plus rushing yards each of their two playoff games.

Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs. Kelce has looked like a different player during these playoffs than the regular season. He had 11 receptions his last game and at least five catches all three playoff games. He has 14-plus fantasy points all three games. He has really elevated his game after a ho-hum second half of the season. Look for him to be the focal point of the Chiefs passing game once again this week. And San Francisco couldn’t contain Sam LaPorta in the Championship game, allowing him to get nine receptions for 97 yards. The Packers tight ends had six receptions and a touchdown in the 49ers other playoff game.

COLD PLAYS 

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. Aiyuk did score a touchdown his last game, which was a big positive, but he had just three receptions. He has just three cathodes three straight games. He has were than 40 yards two of three. And with the Chiefs secondary clamping down on receivers right not, it could be more of the same for Aiyuk this week. He could be held in check once again.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs. McKinnon is expected to make his long-awaited return this week, returning from a groin injury. He has not played since Week 15. Just remember he has not reached double-digit touches in a single game this year. Pacheco is the lead back in this offense and will get most of the work at running back. McKinnon played great during the Chiefs playoff run last season, but this is a new year. Plus, McKinnon has not played in several weeks, so you have to wonder how much he is even on the field. He will be a big risk to use for fantasy owners.

SLEEPERS

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. There are always surprise players in the Super Bowl, so why not Jennings. He could draw the most favorable matchups in coverage for the 49ers receiver options. And he has looked good in the playoffs, having six receptions for 69 yards in two games. He played 42 percent of the snaps last week - even with Deebo Samuel back in the lineup. Jennings might get a big play or two in this one, making him an intriguing fantasy play. 

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Chiefs. Valdes-Scantling had the game-clinching reception in the Championship game, making a sliding catch on third down to clinch the game. He finished with two receptions for 38 yards. But he played a season-high 83 percent of the snaps in that game, which is encouraging. If he is on the field that much again this week, his reception and yardage totals could rise in what might be a high-scoring game.

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/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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes
Aaron Jones Sep 22 8:50pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones filled the rushing and receiving box score against the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. The former Green Bay Packer rusher compiled 19 rushing attempts for 102 yards on the ground, with five receptions for 46 yards and a receiving touchdown. One week after splitting touches nearly evenly with fellow rusher Ty Chandler, Jones was trusted with almost four times as many opportunities as the Vikings relied on their new running back. The soon-to-be 30-year-old rusher gets his first crack against his old team as the Vikings will travel to play a suspect Packers rush defense in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 22 8:40pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold lit up the Houston Texans defense in Week 3, putting together another impressive game. The 27-year-old veteran completed 17 of his 28 pass attempts for 181 yards and four touchdowns, finding wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor, running back Aaron Jones, and tight end Johnny Mundt for scores. Darnold has been a pleasant find for fantasy managers who prefer streaming quarterbacks, as the former first-round pick has been a QB1 through three weeks. In an intriguing matchup, the Vikings will travel to play the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Darnold may be a viable streaming candidate moving forward until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 22 8:40pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 4-of-5 targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Waddle tied for the team lead in targets with fellow wideout Tyreek Hill and running back De'Von Achane, but the three combined for just 94 yards on ten receptions. Nine Dolphins caught at least one pass in Week 3, while Skylar Thompson (ribs) and Tim Boyle in relief continually settled for check-downs. The Fins put together just one scoring drive on 12 opportunities and have not yet scored a touchdown since the second quarter of their Week 2 loss to the Bills. Aside from eclipsing the 100-yard mark in Week 1, Waddle -- and the rest of Miami's offensive unit -- have largely been a disappointment. Thompson's injury status for the coming week is unknown, but if he is hurt long term, look for the team to acquire some veteran QB assistance. The Dolphins will host the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 22 8:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams unit scored in double digits once again in Week 3. The Seahawks faced a Miami Dolphins offense missing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Seahawks D/ST finished with six sacks and only allowed three points. The Dolphins' offense managed to make several trips into Seahawks territory, but the Seahawks' defense buckled down and kept them off the scoreboard numerous times. In 2024, the Seahawks' defense has clearly been positively affected by the addition of head coach Mike Macdonald. The defense is allowing the offense to continue to work out its kinks under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. This defense has a huge test in Week 4 against a talented Detroit Lions offense. If they can have a solid outing next week, then this may be a unit worth rostering every week moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Sam LaPorta

According to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) suffered a sprain during Sunday's win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old was carted to the locker room, so fantasy managers were expecting the worst. However, he returned to the field in the second half, although he was still visibly hobbled by the ailment. LaPorta has underperformed through the Lions' first three games of the year, catching only eight passes for 94 yards. The 2023 No. 34 overall pick shouldn't be considered a lock to suit up in Week 4 versus the Seahawks. Brock Wright, who finished Week 3 with four catches for 34 yards, would likely draw streaming interest if LaPorta isn't out there for that one. Fantasy managers should monitor things throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson caught two of three targets for a gain of eight yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. The former Washington Commander has done nothing of note in Philly up to this point and even with an increased chance for more looks due to A.J. Brown (hamstring) sitting out and DeVonta Smith (concussion) leaving early, Dotson did nothing in this game. The 24-year-old can be sent to the waiver wire and ignored even with the potential of Brown and Smith missing in Week 4 against the Buccaneers. Until Dotson shows us something, he can be ignored and benched in dynasty formats too.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 3-of-5 targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 24-3 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. It was another sub-par outing for the 30-year-old speedster, with the Dolphins getting stonewalled by the Seahawks. Since Hill popped off for 130 yards and a score on 7-of-12 receiving in Miami's season opener, he has yet to match any of those statistical marks cumulatively through the last two weeks. Quarterbacks Skylar Thompson (chest) and Tim Boyle spread the ball around in this one, as nine Dolphins caught at least one pass in the loss. Better days are ahead for Hill -- who led the team in yards and tied for the team lead in targets with De'Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. However, performances like the one he had in Week 1 will be more challenging to come by, with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) still shelved. Miami will host the visiting Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 22 8:20pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had another quiet outing on Sunday. Smith-Njigba caught three passes on three targets for 39 yards. After a huge breakout in Week 2, fantasy managers were hoping for an encore. What is most puzzling is that Smith-Njigba only had three targets after earning 16 in Week 2. The 16 targets in Week 2 signaled that the Seahawks were going to make a concerted effort to get him the ball moving forward. However, fantasy managers are back to square one in trying to figure out Smith-Njigba's fantasy value. Smith-Njigba will look to rebound in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett finished Week 3 with five receptions for 46 yards. It was a fine flex outing for Lockett who had a quiet day in Week 2. Lockett was Geno Smith's safety valve in this game. He caught several possession catches that either moved the chains or got the Seahawks out of trouble. Lockett and fellow wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba seem to be alternating solid outings. The fantasy value of each player has been difficult to predict. Lockett will look to stay fantasy-relevant once again next week. The Seahawks will need to throw to keep up with a talented Detroit Lions offense in Week 4. As such, Lockett should have plenty of opportunities to build on this outing but he remains a mid-range flex option moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert caught 10 of 11 targets for 170 yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) out for the second consecutive week, the 29-year-old was targeted early and often in this game. Even though he was unable to find the end zone, Goedert had the longest catch of his career, going 61 yards to inside the five-yard line to set up a Saquon Barkley touchdown. DeVonta Smith (concussion) also exited this game early, leaving Goedert the top target for Jalen Hurts this week and potentially next with both star wideouts are forced to sit. This will likely be the best fantasy performance of the season for the veteran tight end, but it solidifies him as a TE1 moving forward, especially if the Eagles receivers miss more time.

From RotoBaller

Johnny Wilson Sep 22 8:10pm ET
Johnny Wilson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson caught one of two targets for a gain of nine yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. The rookie saw his snap share rise this week with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out for the second consecutive week and DeVonta Smith (concussion) exiting early in this game. Wilson did little with his targets and had a penalty called on him that stalled a drive but could see his usage increase in Week 3 if the star receivers sit out against Tampa Bay. Offseason acquisition Jahan Dotson has done nothing to solidify a role and the Eagles will likely stick Wilson outside to allow him to use his long reach to his advantage. He is not a recommended start, but a name to monitor heading into Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 29 of 38 passes for 311 yards and one interception, adding eight carries for 25 yards and a lost fumble during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. Again, the turnovers happened fairly early for Philadelphia, but the 26-year-old was able to rally the offense in the second half and instead of losing in the final minutes like last week, the Eagles pulled out a win. Saquon Barkley had two touchdowns Sunday, and with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out and DeVonta Smith (concussion) leaving the game after a nasty collision, the passing attack ran through tight end Dallas Goedert, who tallies 170 yards receiving. This was not the best fantasy finish for Hurts by any means, but he will remain a QB1 heading into next week when the Eagles take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 22 8:00pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf caught another long touchdown pass in Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins. Metcalf got behind the defense and was wide open for a 71-yard score. Metcalf would finish the day with four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. He has now caught a long touchdown pass in two straight games. Although the Seahawks' passing offense was out of sync for much of Week 3, Metcalf was still able to capitalize on his opportunities. Metcalf now has over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in two straight games. The Seahawks are clearly committed to Metcalf as a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver which bodes well for his fantasy outlook as a high-end WR2 or low-end WR1 moving forward. He will look to continue this momentum in Week 4 against a vulnerable Detroit Lions secondary.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley took 17 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns, adding four receptions for nine yards during the team's 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints. After a costly drop that cost the Eagles a shot at sealing the win last week, the 27-year-old got involved heavily in the second half, taking a carry 65 yards in the fourth quarter for a touchdown to give Philadelphia its first lead of the day. The Eagles' defense then gave the lead back with only two minutes to go in the game. The final drive consisted of a huge play by tight end Dallas Goedert and a four-yard score for Barkley, taking the lead. The poorly timed drop last week against Atlanta is the only negative you can point to when looking at the former Giants performance through three weeks. Even in a stiff matchup with the Buccaneers' run defense next week, lock in Barkley as a top-three fantasy option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 22 8:00pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 11 times for 30 yards in the team's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday. He added 28 yards and three receptions on five targets. It was the 22-year-old's first outing this season without a touchdown and the fewest touches and total yardage for him in the young season. The Dolphins offense was stuck in neutral for most of the game, with neither Skylar Thompson (chest) nor Tim Boyle able to get any traction going against Seattle. Still, Achane saw the lion's share of the work out of the backfield, out-touching Jaylen Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. 14-to-5. The former Aggie is one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL, but this offense does not have the same juice sans Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). Miami will look to score its first touchdown in six quarters when they take on the Tennessee Titans at home in Week 4 on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 22 7:58pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Dynasty | Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had two catches for 44 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: Johnston now has three touchdowns in two games after having just two in his rookie season last year. While much of the off-season talk revolved around Ladd McConkey, it's been Johnston who has established himself as the better fantasy scoring threat through two weeks. He remains a bit of a dangerous start at the moment, but his start is a huge step forward for a player who many felt was already a bust.

J.K. Dobbins Sep 22 7:57pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

Dynasty | Chargers running back JK Dobbins had 44 rushing yards, three catches and ten receiving yards in a loss against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: While the scoring total for Dobbins today is disappointing, there is a big development hidden in the box score as Dobbins handled 18 touches while Gus Edwards had just three. At this point, it seems this is no longer a committee with the Chargers as Dobbins has simply taken over the backfield. This is a big development as Dobbins continues to be one of the biggest risers in terms of dynasty rankings over the first month of the season. In short, he finally looks healthy.

Stefon Diggs Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught ten passes for 94 yards in Houston's loss against the Vikings. Dynasty Analysis: This was a big day for Diggs, who led the Texans with 12 targets. While Nico Collins still had ten, the narrative that Collins is clearly the WR1 for the team may have been a little premature. With 20 catches through three games, Diggs will be a recommended play moving forward, despite a receiving room that seems pretty stacked.

Rome Odunze Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Rome Odunze

Dynasty | Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze had a career-high six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Colts. Dynasty Analysis: With Keenan Allen out this week, Odunze tied Cole Kmet for the team lead in targets with 11. He certainly made the most of them as he had his best day in the NFL by far. While Allen should be back soon, it's clear Odunze has the talent of a top-ten pick and has earned himself a pretty good target share moving forward. With an unpredictable rookie at the helm, this corps is going to be tough to count on moving forward, but Odunze looks like a solid dynasty hold right now.

Malik Willis Sep 22 7:57pm ET
Malik Willis

Dynasty | Packers quarterback Malik Willis completed 13-of-19 passes for 202 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions, while adding a team-high 73 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win against Tennessee. Dynasty Analysis: You have to wonder if the Titans brass was second guessing themselves as their former developmental quarterback was carving them up via a flawless game plan. Willis has some limitations but he has also proved he's more than capable of playing at a high level, at least in a short-term burst. Jordan Love should be back next week, but it seems clear the Packers may have found something in Willis. He should be rostered in any dynasty league that has more than 20 or so players on a roster.