Studs and Duds: Divisional Round
Mon Jan 22 9:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Kelce comes up big for Chiefs
Well, that was a lot better. The games were really good this weekend. Even the first one that ended up pretty lopsided. It was still good for the half. The rest of the games were really entertaining, though. Most of them were really back and forth, and could have gone to either team in the end. It made for some great entertainment. And the fantasy numbers weren’t too bad, either. There were some really big games this weekend. Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of some of those big games on all your playoff fantasy teams.
Ravens 34, Texans 10
Fantasy Stud: Lamar Jackson. Jackson proved why he is the front runner for MVP this year. He had a great game, going 16-of-22 for 152 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He also led the team in rushing, hitting the 100-yard mark. Jackson ran 11 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson scored 37.6 fantasy points. He has 35-plus fantasy points three of five games
Fantasy Dud: C.J. Stroud. The Ravens did a great job of holding the impressive rookie in check. He did not score a touchdown in the game and failed to hit 200-passing yards. Stroud was 19-of-33 for 175 yards without a score or turnover. He still had a monster rookie season and is going to be one of the best fantasy quarterbacks for years to come.
Game Notes: Justice Hill had 13 carries for 66 yards, leading the Ravens in rushing for ar running back. He also caught two passes for 11 yards, finishing with 77 total yards.
Dalvin Cook made his Ravens debut and ran eight times for 23 yards. He got nearly all his work with the Ravens up big late in the game.
49ers 24, Packers 21
Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey had his usual huge fantasy game. He ran 17 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns. He also had seven receptions for 30 yards. McCaffrey had 31.8 fantasy points. This was his fourth game this season with 30-plus fantasy points. McCaffrey just keeps posting huge numbers on a weekly basis
Fantasy Dud: Brandon Aiyuk. With Deebo Samuel sidelined much of the game, you thought Aiyuk might get a little more work. Well, that didn’t happen. Aiyuk was a disappointment to fantasy teams, catching just three passes for 32 yards. It was a down game for the star receiver.
Game Notes: Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder early in the game and was unable to return. He had two receptions for 24 yards. This is an injury to watch going forward. Samuel is a huge part of the 49ers offense.
Aaron Jones hit the 100-yard rushing mark. He had 18 carries for 108 yards. Jones finishes the season with five straight 100-yard games.
Lions 31, Bucs 23
Fantasy Stud: Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had a big game rushing and receiving, showing his dual threat ability. He ran nine times for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for 40 yards, giving him 114 total yards and a score. Gibbs outproduced starter David Montgomery running the ball despite having one less carry.
Fantasy Dud: Chris Godwin. Godwin had one of his down games this week, catching four passes for 40 yards. He was up and down all season, so this shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Godwin still had a fine season but here is to hoping he can produce more consistent numbers next year.
Game Notes: Mike Evans had eight receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. This was his fourth 100-yard game of the season. Evans had a huge season and shows few signs of slowing down.
Jared Goff continued his great play in the playoffs, going 30-of-43 for 287 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He has 275-plus passing yards each of his two playoff games without a turnover.
Chiefs 27, Bills 24
Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. Kelce showed he can still play a big role in the playoffs. He had five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. This was his first two-touchdown game of the entire season. It was the fourth time he topped 20 fantasy points in a game, though. Kelce scored 24.5 fantasy points in this one.
Fantasy Dud: Stefon Diggs. Diggs was held in check once again, catching three passes for just 21 yards. It was kind of the theme of the second half of his season. Diggs really disappeared down the stretch, causing some concern for next season.
Game Notes: Josh Allen was huge in defeat, especially as a runner. He ran 12 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He also was 26-of-39 for 186 yards and a touchdown.
Isiah Pacheco had a solid game, rushing 15 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. He had a catch for 14 yards, giving him 111 total yards.
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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- Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms sacked at 'NFL Today'
- WR Jarvis Landry attempts NFL return in Jacksonville
- Cowboys bring back RB Ezekiel Elliott
- Texans WR Tank Dell wounded in shooting, out of hospital
- Commanders sign former Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman
- Eagles giving former 1st-round WR John Ross tryout
- Bills sign reinstated WR Quintez Cephus
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- Chiefs: Speedster WR worthy of early draft pick
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie QB Landing Spots
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie Mock Draft
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Draft Winners and Losers
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Depth Charts
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Running Back Depth Charts
The Paur Report
Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed running back Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal. Dynasty Analysis: Elliott spent his first seven seasons with the Cowboys before a rather unimpressive 2023 campaign with New England. He'll likely compete with Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman to form some kind of committee that could be effective in reality but a mess in fantasy. Elliott simply isn't the same player he once was and while this move makes him roster-worthy again, expectations should be realistic.
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back former Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. This has been a developing story in recent weeks, and after Dallas did not pick a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, their former first-round pick is back with America's Team. In seven seasons with Dallas, Elliott rushed 1,881 times for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns. The team let him walk last offseason and elevated Tony Pollard to the RB1 role, but Pollard was underwhelming and left for the Tennessee Titans during free agency this year. Although Zeke averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season, he could have RB2 value back in Dallas in one of the best offenses in the NFL. Assuming the Cowboys don't add more legitimate competition to the backfield, he should start, and Rico Dowdle should be viewed as a high-end fantasy handcuff in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills have signed UDFA running back Frank Gore Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Gore fell out of the 2024 NFL Draft but landed on his feet with the Buffalo Bills quickly after. He'll likely compete with Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans and a few other runners for a spot behind James Cook and presumptive RB2 Ray Davis. Still, the draft capitlal just isn't there to keep him as anything more than a watch list candidate at the moment.
Dynasty | Adding speed on the perimeter with the addition of WR Tez Walker should soften coverage for Flowers. Dynasty Analysis: On paper, Rashod Bateman is the winner of the Baltimore Ravens' draft as they still haven't searched for his replacement. But the bigger development is the field-stretching abilities of fourth round pick Tez Walker, which would give everyone in the offense some additional breathing room. Top wide receiver Zay Flowers gets the largest increase in high quality targets, which could elevate him from his WR21 DLF ranking into the high end WR2 range... if all goes to plan.
Free-agent WR Jarvis Landry (Browns) is expected to work out at the Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie camp.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent RB Ezekiel Elliott (Patriots) agreed to a undisclosed deal with the Dallas Cowboys Monday, April 29.
Fantasy Spin: Zeke figures to get short-yardage and goal line work, pegging him as an RB3 in fantasy.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | Johnny Wilson was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles Dynasty Analysis: Wilson fell all the way down to the sixth round before being taken by the Eagles as the 27th receiver overall. It was a pretty disappointing result for Wilson, whose NFL Draft Combine performance proved to be disastrous. It's hard to say what his future will be but a move to tight end may be best for his career. Regardless, Wilson looks like a late-round dart throw who at least landed on a team known for being creative with players.
Dynasty | The Los Angeles Chargers drafted USC wide receiver Brenden Rice in the 7th round of the 2024 NFL Draft Dynasty Analysis: Rice dropped all the way down to the seventh round before being taken by the Los Angeles Chargers. It was a tough turn of events as he'll have an uphill climb for a roster spot. He's easy to root for as the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice but it's hard to see him making an impact in the NFL any time soon. Rice is a watch list candidate or late round dart throw in rookie drafts at the moment.
Dynasty | The Tennessee Titans signed undrafted Washington running back Dillon Johnson. Dynasty Analysis: The questions regarding Johnson's speed and athletic profile proved to be too significant for him to be drafted. Instead, he signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans and will attempt the make the roster as a UDFA. Johnson likely chose a solid spot to attempt just that as the Titans aren't exactly stacked at running back. Still, the fact he dropped all the way out of the draft leaves him as a player to simply keep on watch lists.
Dynasty | The New England Patriots drafted Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Bell was drafted by the Patriots all the way down in the seventh round. He was likely knocked by most scouts because of his size, so he'll need to prove he has the physicality to make it. Unfortunately, the odds are long for Bell as a late round pick so he'll need to make a splash quickly. Keep an eye on him this off-season.
Dynasty | The Green Bay Packers drafted Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt. Dynasty Analysis: Pratt was a hot name going into the draft but fell all the way down to final round before being taken by the Packers. WIth Jordan Love established as the starter, Pratt could challenge for the backup spot eventually. However, the drop in the 2024 NFL Draft leaves him as a little more than a late round flier or player to watch this Spring and Summer.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was treated and released with a minor gunshot wound Sunday. Dynasty Analysis: Dynasty managers likely lost their minds when they saw headlines today that said, "Tank Dell has been shot." In the end, Dell was one of up to ten people who were wounded after gunshots were fired at a social gathering. It's a scary situation but one that looks to be free of anything worse. Dell is on his way back from a nasty leg injury from last year and remains a high upside player - this certainly won't change that.
The Washington Commanders have signed undrafted running back MIchael Wiley. The Arizona product has put together a fairly strong college career. He has nearly 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 28 touchdowns during his time at Arizona. He's not exactly a workhorse back with only one season with 100-plus rushing attempts. Despite that, Wiley can still make an impact at the pro level. He'll have an uphill battle during camp, but the Commanders don't have many of reliable backs.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have signed quarterback Sam Hartman on Sunday. The Notre Dame signal-caller went undrafted during this weekend's NFL draft. There were rumors of Hartman going to the Chicago Bears, but instead Hartman will head to Washington. The six-year prospect finished his college career with Notre Dame after playing mostly at Wake Forest. Hartman threw for 2,689 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions during his last year in college. He should get a legitimate chance to compete for the backup gig with veteran Marcus Mariota in camp. It seems likely that Jaylen Daniels has the starting quarterback gig locked up heading into camp.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (leg) suffered a gunshot wound on Sunday morning after a 16-year-old suspect opened fire during a physical altercation at a private event in Sanford, Florida. Dell, who was at the event but not involved, suffered a "minor wound," with the team reporting the wideout is in "good spirits" and has been released from the hospital. Others were injured during the incident. Fortunately, no one suffered life-threatening injuries. As far as the gunman, he was arrested and charged with several crimes, including attempted homicide, before being transported to a juvenile detention facility. The 24-year-old is currently working his way back from a broken leg suffered at the end of last season and should remain on schedule to return for the 2024-25 campaign, barring any setbacks related to the incident.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson was drafted with Darren Waller's potential retirement in mind, according to general manager Joe Schoen on Saturday, April 27. 'We had to take that into account for sure,' Schoen said.
Fantasy Spin: Waller has been largely frustrating for fantasy due to constant injuries. His future in the NFL is still unclear. Johnson is an intriguing flier for dynasty purposes, but it may be a while before he carves out a role big enough to be usable for fantasy managers.
From TheHuddle
Despite taking quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in this year's NFL draft on Thursday night, the New England Patriots selected Tennessee QB Joe Milton III in the sixth round on Saturday at pick No. 193. The 6-foot-5, 246-pounder said all of his talks with the Patriots have been about playing quarterback, even though some draft analysts have wondered if teams would consider making him a tight end because of his size. "That will never happen," Milton said. The Pats now have five QBs on their roster, led by veteran Jacoby Brissett. After Brissett and Maye, they have Bailey Zappe, Nathan Rourke and Milton. It's the second time in Patriots history that they took two QBs in a draft, with the other coming in 1983 when they took both Tony Eason and Tom Ramsey. They were also the fourth team since 2000 to take a QB after also taking one in the first round.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR John Ross (Chiefs) will participate in the Philadelphia Eagles rookie minicamp, according to sources Sunday, April 28.
From TheHuddle
Despite taking a brief pause in contract negotiations during NFL draft weekend, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team and wide receiver Justin Jefferson continue to make progress. "We continue to have great dialogue with their representatives," Adofo-Mensah said. "The process is still ongoing. We did say, 'Hey, [let's pause] a couple days.' The draft's coming. They have players they represent. We have our process." The two sides have been discussing a new deal for more than a year, with the GM saying previously they got "unbelievably close" to a deal last summer. Despite going on Injured Reserve in 2023 with a hamstring injury, Jefferson still went over 1,000 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns. Sooner than later, he's going to become the league's highest-paid wideout.
From RotoBaller
Despite the Atlanta Falcons shockingly taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night, veteran QB Kirk Cousins' position as the team's starting signal-caller of the foreseeable future has not changed, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Minnesota signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed, in free agency in March. Morris said Cousins doesn't have to look over his shoulder, and that there is no QB controversy at all. Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, said there was frustration and confusion coming from his camp because the team didn't use their first-round pick to improve the team in 2024. Cousins will be Atlanta's starter in 2024, but perhaps the Falcons are just giving themselves some extra insurance with Cousins coming off an Achilles tear.
From RotoBaller
