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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The Paur Report
Dynasty | The Carolina Panthers selected Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders with the first pick of the fourth round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: With unimpressive options like Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas on top of the depth chart, Sanders looks like a player with a quick path to a starting job. His athletic profile is off the charts and while his production at Texas left a lot to be desired, he has a huge upside. Sanders looks like a pretty pick around the end of round two or start of round three in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos drafted Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Franklin's draft stock plummeted after his poor off-season showing at the NFL Draft Combine and tape that showed he may really struggle against more physical corners. In the end, he was taken at the top of round four by the Denver Broncos. He'll be reunited with quarterback Bo Nix and could surprise if he can prove he's strong enough. Still, he's clearly dropped in rookie drafts and looks like a third round rookie pick at the moment after being the 17th receiver off the board.
Dynasty | WR Legette, TE Sanders added to Young's arsenal Dynasty Analysis: After adding WR Xavier Legette in the first round, the Panthers selected TE Ja'Tavion Sanders in the fourth round, giving QB Bryce Young yet another athletic receiving option. Young looks to bounce back from a rough rookie season, and new head coach Dave Canales is surrounding him with talent to expedite the turnaround. Even with Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen joining the rookies, the pass catching group still doesn't look like a finished product. But the upgrades from the likes of Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault, and Tommy Tremble give Young a much more positive outlook as he tries to improve on his QB17 DLF dynasty ranking.
Dynasty | The fourth round selection of tight end Theo Johnson upgrades the Giants' offense even further. Dynasty Analysis: Jones got his new top WR in the first round when the team drafted Malik Nabers, and replaced a possibly-retiring Darren Waller with TE Johnson in the fourth round. Widely regarded as one of the most athletic TEs in the draft, Johnson would immediately walk into the starting role if Waller were to retire. Either way, Jones continues to stockpile weaponry in his final attempt to live up to his 2019 6th overall draft pedigree. Jones is likely on his last leagues with the Giants, but they will give him every opportunity to succeed with the talent surrounding him. Jones' stock continues to rise, from dynasty QB26 prior to the draft, likely into high end QB2 range.
Dynasty | The Giants drafted Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Johnson was a bit of a surprise pick early in the fourth round by the New York Giants but it makes sense when you really think about it. New York has a gaping hole behind Darren Waller and he may end up retiring before the season. Johnson's production at Penn State wasn't amazing but that school has churned out some productive players at that position. In addition, his NFL Draft Combine numbers were off the charts and that bodes well. Johnson is a late round flier in rookie drafts but could move up should Waller decide to call it quits.
Dynasty | The New England Patriots drafted UCF wide receiver Javon Baker in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The New England Patriots had one of the worst looking depth charts at wide receiver in recent memory and addressed it aggressively in the NFL Draft by adding Ja'Lynn Polk and Baker, who was taken in the fourth round. If Drake Maye can develop quickly, there some real upside here with Baker, who is a big-time playmaker. He's going to be a late round flier pick but one with a really high ceiling and low floor. If you're feeling lucky about your dart throws, this might be one worth taking.
Dynasty | The Ravens drafted UNC wide receiver Devontez Walker in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The strange path to the NFL is finally over for Walker, who ended up being a fourth round pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Walker is truly an enigma as he looks absolutely elite at times and fairly pedestrian at others. His limited body of work makes him a difficult prospect to evaluate but the talent and genetic make-up is there with him. With Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the top two options at receiver, Walker could find some early success as well. In the end, he makes for a solid mid-round pick who could surprise.
Dynasty | The Miami Dolphins drafted Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Dynasty managers were clearly hoping Wright would land in a place like Dallas where he had a chance to start but alas, it didn't happen as he was taken by Miami in the fourth round. Wright fits the profile of a what Miami likes - crazy athletes. Unfortunately for Wright, he's going to be a gadget player early in his career as he's buried behind Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. Still, he has some long-term potential as a player who is extremely explosive. The landing spot is going to be a problem and Wright is looking like a late second or early third round rookie pick as a result.
Dynasty | The Tampa Bay Bucs drafted Oregon running back Bucky Irving in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Irving lasted until the fourth round before being taken by the Tampa Bay Bucs. It's an interesting landing spot as incumbent starter Rachaad White was good for long stretches last year but never consistent enough for anyone to believe he's the sure-fire long-term answer at the position. Irving should slot in behind White and offer some change-of-pace ability at first but could also be an injury or two away from relevance. He looks like a decent mid-roudn pick in rookie drafts as a result.
Dynasty | The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Clemson running back Will Shipley in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: It's a fun landing spot for Shipley as Philadelphia is a run-first team that also find a lot of creative ways to get their playmakers in space. He could push Saquon Barkley for some third-down work and could also prove to be a decent handcuff for Barkley should he pass some of the other runners on the depth chart. There are no guarantees with fourth round picks but Shipley looks like a mid-round player worth taking a chance on.
Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills drafted Kentucky running back Ray Davis in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Davis is one of the easiest players to root for in the entire draft and his dream of playing in the NFL is now a reality. Davis should slot in nicely behind James Cook and could quickly pass the likes of Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans on the depth chart. While he has little chance of taking a lot of work away from Cook early in his career, he looks like a solid handcuff at worst and could be an injury away from relevance. As such, Davis looks like a solid mid-round pick in a rookie draft.
Dynasty | The New York Jets drafted running back Braelon Allen in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Yikes. Dynasty managers were hoping Allen would land in a spot where he could have a chance to start. Instead, he's going to be a solid backup for Breece Hall moving forward. While he could be an injury away from a serious role, this is a tough development for his value. In the end, Allen ended up being the tenth running back taken in the draft and has nothing guaranteed as a late fourth round pick. Allen's rookie draft stock is going to take a tumble based on this landing spot and he looks like a mid-round pick at this point.
Dynasty | The 49ers drafted Arizona wide receiver Jacob Cowing with the last pick of the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The 49ers loaded up at the position, adding Cowing and Ricky Pearsall. Should San Francisco move on from Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk, they seem well prepared. It also seems like the worst kept secret in the league that they can't pay both of their dominant receivers to keep them long-term. As a result, it seems Cowing could have some sneaky value as a savvy slot receiver prospect. Dynasty managers may need to exhibit some patience here but Cowing could surprise as a late round rookie pick.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos drafted Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in round five of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Well, this is a fun landing spot. Estime's draft stock plummeted after he posted Dad-like athleticism numbers at the NFL Draft Combine. The Broncos aren't buying it as Estime has been a road-grader of a runner throughout his very productive career. With Javonte Williams failing to really impress throughout his young career, Estime is going to be a popular sleeper in rookie drafts. While far from a three-down option, he could provide some value and landed in a solid spot in Denver.
Dynasty | The New Orleans Saints drafted South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Dynasty Analysis: The Saints decided to take the plunge on Rattler, who tumbled mightily in the NFL Draft. There are few questions about his ability but many about his maturity and leadership. Still, the Saints aren't gambling much here with Rattler and could have themselves a steal if he can mature and learn behind Derek Carr. While he's guaranteed nothing moving forward, Rattler is an interesting dart throw late in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Cleveland Browns drafted wide receiver Jamari Thrash in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The former small school prospect made good on his move to Louisville last season and may have slid under the radar a bit in the NFL Draft. The Browns still have an unsettled depth chart at receiver behind Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore and Thrash could be a late bloomer. While managers would need to be patient with him, he could make for a solid dynasty sleeper.
Dynasty | The New York Jets drafted Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Travis could be the quarterback of the future if the cards fall right. A flat-out dominant performer at Florida State, his year was cut short by a devastating leg injury. There's a lot of developing for him to do but he could sit behind Aaron Rodgers for a couple of seasons and truly learn the position while getting himself fully healthy. Travis is a sleeper in superflex leagues for sure as Travis does have some real talent.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Michigan tight end AJ Barner with the No. 121 overall pick in the fourth round on Saturday in the 2024 NFL draft. Barner is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-6, but his lack of production in four seasons at Indiana and Michigan (64 catches, 610 yards, five touchdowns) leaves a lot to be desired as he moves to the next level. The 21-year-old also isn't extremely athletic, but he'll have some opportunity in Seattle to make a name for himself as he starts out behind Noah Fant and Pharaoh Brown on the tight end depth chart in his rookie season in 2024. Fantasy managers should only consider Barner as a developmental prospect in deep rookie-only drafts this fall.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins selected Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright to help beef up their RB room in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday at pick No. 120. Wright, who ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, adds even more blazing speed to Miami's backfield alongside Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. The 21-year-old isn't going to have much of a role in 2024 as long as both Mostert and Achane stay healthy, but it's a good long-term fit for those in dynasty/keeper leagues. Wright will see touches in his rookie season as the Dolphins look to manage the workloads of both Mostert and Achane, but it's not going to be enough to warrant attention in single-season leagues. He stands at 5-foot-11, 210 pounds.
From RotoBaller
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Iowa tight end Erick All with the No. 115 overall selection in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft on Saturday. All will join a tight end corps in Cincinnati that already includes newcomer Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample. All led Iowa in receiving yards (299) and touchdowns (three) last year despite missing half of the year due to a torn ACL. He also had spinal surgery in 2022, so there is a real injury concern with All at the next level. When he's healthy, though, he's an intriguing tight end prospect for a Bengals team that lacks any real big-name player at the position. Even if All is healthy in his rookie year in 2024, it's hard to envision him becoming a major player in an offense that already has plenty of mouths to feed.
From RotoBaller
