Lineup Prep: Championship Games
Wed Jan 24 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Gibbs can produce big this week
Last week was sure entertaining. Let’s hope the games this week are just as good. I sure think it is possible. The matchups seems pretty even to me. I know the 49ers are pretty good favorites against the Lions at home, but I think Detroit can keep it close. And the Chiefs/Ravens game is setup to be fantastic. These teams are both rolling right now. We get to see two of the greatest quarterbacks in football battle it out to make the Super Bowl. This should be fun.
Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .
Those were some games last week. It was fun to watch, especially that Chiefs/Bills game. You have to feel for Josh Allen. He had a great run in the playoffs, but just can’t get over that Kansas City hump. It was there for the taking last week for Allen, but his field goal kicker let him down. I still think Allen is an elite level quarterback than can win the big game. It will come for him sooner than later. He is just running into a buzz saw with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs right now.
I don’t think Brock Purdy silenced the doubters after last week’s game. He was not great until that last game-winning drive. He still looked a little shaky to me most of that game. And the loss of Deebo Samuel could be huge for him and the offense. Samuel seems to be a calming influence for Purdy. I am interested to see him play this week. This could be make or break for him.
Aaron Jones sure is a difference maker when healthy. He was unbelievable for the Packers down the stretch, having five straight 100-yard rushing games. The issue is Jones is hard to trust because of his injury history and age. He is 29 years old and missed five games each of the last two seasons and played a full season just once the last five years. I love his talent, but have a hard time taking him on draft day - even after his huge finish to this season.
I’m happy for Baker Mayfield. He seems to have found a home after a rocky start to his career. He was terrific for the Bucs with that great group of receivers. And he almost played that team into the NFC Championship game last week, throwing three more touchdown passes. I don’t see the Bucs letting him loose and I think he could be a top-10 fantasy quarterback once again next season in Tampa. I don’t think it was a fluke this year.
I am really hoping the Texans make a run at Saquon Barkley this offseason. Could you imagine him in that offense? I think he would be a great fit and a huge spark for that running game in Houston. I think this would just be an ideal landing spot for Barkley when it comes to his fantasy value. Let’s make this happen!
The Ravens have a great team and are the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but can you imagine that offense with a healthy JK Dobbins or Keaton Mitchell all season. Both these backs are difference makers in my eyes and big upgrades over what they are using right now. I still think Dobbins can be a star in this league. Just something to keep in mind next season when these guys are back playing.
I like the Titans hire of Brian Callahan as their next head coach. He should be a positive for that offense, especially quarterback Will Levis. Hopefully, he can take this offense to a new level and give us a bunch of fantasy relevant players. Callahan is a bright, young offensive mind that has been integral in the development of Joe Burrow. Let’s hope he can do the same for Levis.
News and Notes: The Lions signed tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad on Monday. Ertz gives the Lions depth at the position after an injury to Brock Wright.
HOT PLAYS
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. With Deebo Samuel very iffy to play, Aiyuk should be the top target at receiver for the 49ers this week. He didn’t do much last week, but was targeted six times in the game, which was encouraging. He gets a much better matchup this week against the Lions, a team that has allowed five straight 300-yard passing games. Aiyuk can have a big showing in this matchup.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions. Gibbs had a big game last week, topping 100 total yards while scoring a touchdown. He has touchdowns each of the first two playoff games for the Lions. He has 16-plus fantasy points each of those games. Gibbs is playing well and should be heavily involved in the offense again this week. The 49ers have been great against the run much of the year, but shown some issues stopping the run lately. San Francisco allowed 136-rushing yards last week and given up 100-plus rushing yards four of five games.
COLD PLAYS
Jared Goff, QB, Lions. Goff had a great overall season, but his fantasy numbers haven’t been too off the charts. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three of five games. He is getting his yards, but the Lions tend to run the ball in more for scores than pass. He might be an iffy fantasy play this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to quarterback during the regular season.
Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens. Edwards has failed to score each of his last two games, giving him really poor fantasy numbers. He has fewer than six fantasy points each of his last two games, failing to hit 50-rushing yards each of those games. Edwards could have a similar showing this week against the Chiefs, a team that allowed the 10th fewest fantasy points to running backs. Kansas City allowed just 10-rushing touchdowns all season.
SLEEPERS
Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens. Bateman had three receptions for 39 yards on three targets last week. He had a solid game but failed to hit double-digit fantasy points once again. The good news is he got his looks once again. The Chiefs have a very good pass defense, but Bateman could have more favorable coverages than Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham. Those guys should draw the tougher assignments, leaving Bateman a chance to make some big plays in the passing game. He could surprise this week.
Justice Hill, RB, Ravens. Hill led the Ravens in rushing last week, including rushing attempts. He got more work than starter Gus Edwards. Hill had 15 touches for 77 total yards. He could be setup for a similar workload in what could be a high-scoring fantasy teams. This means Hill could have a big fantasy showing. At this point, we might trust Hill more than Edwards, who is a more touchdown dependent player.
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/Ravens, Lions/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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- Jags coach on Trevor Lawrence extension: Sooner the better
- Legendary Raiders C Jim Otto dies at 86
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- Fanatics sues Marvin Harrison Jr.
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- Cowboys, Texans road favorites Week 1
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings PPR
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings Standard
The Paur Report
Free-agent wide receiver Matt Landers has signed with the Cleveland Browns, the team announced on Tuesday. Landers went undrafted in the class of 2023 last year after two seasons at Georgia, one season at Toledo, and one season at Arkansas. The 24-year-old failed to make an impact at Georgia but racked up 47 receptions for 901 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season for the Razorbacks. At 6'4", Landers has sub-4.4 speed and solid burst, but he could not stick on the Seattle Seahawks or Carolina Panthers' roster last season. He's likely a longshot to make Cleveland's roster, but the team continues to collect wide receiver flyers in hopes of finding an adequate WR2 behind Amari Cooper.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has generated significant optimism throughout the beginning of OTAs. According to David Lombardi of The Athletic, Pearsall "looked good, caught several passes, and generated some real separation" during 7-on-7 work Tuesday. A first-round pick out of the University of Florida, Pearsall primarily caught passes from No. 1 quarterback Brock Purdy on Tuesday, suggesting the rookie could at least have some sort of role on offense in 2024. Fantasy managers can take a flier on him in dynasty leagues, but he's just too hard to trust in redraft formats at the moment.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington has quickly caught the attention of The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue, she wrote in an article on Tuesday. Rodrigue acknowledged that "it's a sample size without pads on," but she has been impressed by Whittington's play energy away from the ball despite contact being limited. The University of Texas receiver was selected in the sixth round of last month's draft, joining a very talented Rams receiving core. He won't be able to compete with the likes of Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua for a large target share, but it sounds like Whittington has still turned some heads and could be headed for a somewhat significant role in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said it's a "possibility" that cornerback Sauce Gardner will travel with the opposing team's No. 1 wide receiver this year. It wouldn't be an exclusive setup, though, but it could happen more than it did last year. Gardner has quickly become of the better lock-down corners in the NFL after being taken with the fourth overall pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati. The 23-year-old was a first-team All-Pro in each of the last two years and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. As such, opposing quarterbacks rarely chose to test him last year. He finished the 2023 campaign with 57 tackles (41 solo) and 11 passes defensed without an interception. Matching him up against more WR1s could give him more action in his third NFL season.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (pectoral) and offensive lineman Zach Tom (pectoral) are both dealing with pectoral injuries, and head coach Matt LaFleur said on Tuesday that both players will be out until at least the start of training camp. Neither Kraft nor Tom took part in organized team activities on Tuesday. Both Kraft and Tom were key contributors in 2023 for the Packers, with Kraft catching 31 of his 40 targets for 355 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (eight starts) in his rookie season. The 23-year-old had his arm in a sling on Tuesday and will miss valuable offseason reps heading into his second season in 2024. When Kraft returns to full health, he'll likely play second fiddle to Luke Musgrave, which makes him one to avoid in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons was not at organized team activities on Monday but said that he will be back for in-house and national media responsibilities next Tuesday, May 28, and for mandatory minicamp next month. This week's workouts are voluntary, and Parsons is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, so without a long-term contract extension, he's going to train on his own for now. As things stand now, it doesn't sound like the 24-year-old defensive star is contemplating a holdout this summer. Parsons has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three NFL seasons and was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. As long as he's healthy, Parsons is one of the most productive pass-rushers for IDP fantasy managers. He has 40.5 sacks in just three seasons with Dallas.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley (back) was on the practice field during organized team activities on Tuesday and was moving around well. Head coach Brian Callahan said the group of trainers is working with Farley to get him in a position to help the team this fall. A back injury caused Farley to miss the entire 2023 season, but the Titans are hoping to have him available in their secondary this year. The 25-year-old former 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft out of Virginia Tech has been a first-round bust so far for the Titans, as he's only played 12 games and made two starts in his first three years in the league. If he makes it to training camp this summer without any setbacks with his back, Farley figures to compete for the slot cornerback role.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Will Levis (foot) looked confident in organized team activities on Tuesday during 7-on-7 periods, going 7-for-10 on the day. Levis dealt with a foot injury late in his rookie season in 2023, but it was never considered a serious injury, and he looks to be 100 percent healthy for offseason workouts as he heads into his sophomore campaign in 2024. The former second-rounder last year out of Kentucky had his fair share of struggles in his first year in the NFL in a run-first offense, but under a new coaching staff that should place a much bigger emphasis on the air attack and with plenty of new weapons in the passing game, Levis remains one of the more intriguing young QBs with upside. He's more attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues still, but he should also be in play as a QB2 with upside in superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert already appears to be developing a nice connection with rookie second-round wide receiver Ladd McConkey. McConkey played both inside and outside at organized team activities on Monday, with the majority of his snaps with the first-team offense coming out of the slot. All of the Bolts' offseason moves have led to Herbert's fantasy stock taking a pretty big hit as a QB1. The Chargers are expected to be a much more run-heavy offense under head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and Herbert also lost both top receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The 26-year-old signal-caller could still have big performances, especially if LA's offensive line provides more protection, but it's hard to argue that he'll have as much high-end upside in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury, but head coach Matt LaFleur said he won't be out for long. Jacobs was heavily limited during organized team activities on Tuesday. It's not exactly what Packers fans want to hear from their new RB during offseason workouts, but it's still early in the offseason, and Jacobs should be fine for the start of training camp at the end of July as long as he doesn't aggravate the injury. The 26-year-old's absence will give intriguing rookie third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd some more repetitions this week, as well as AJ Dillon, who re-signed this offseason. Jacobs is fully expected to be the Packers' primary RB1 in 2024, but he's most likely going to face much more competition for touches in his new digs than he did in Sin City with the Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields said he's "definitely competing... Russell Wilson knows that. We're competing against each other every day." I definitely don't have the mindset of me just sitting all year." Head coach Mike Tomlin said the veteran Wilson will be in pole position to start under center in Week 1 this fall. However, Fields could certainly find himself starting for the Steelers sooner than later in 2024 if Wilson looks more like he did in a disastrous first year for the Denver Broncos in 2022. Because of the fact that Fields is fully expected to be holding a clipboard on the sidelines to begin the season, it will be hard to recommend him as anything more than a QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues with high-end upside if he ends up winning the starting job eventually. The 25-year-old former Bears QB will be a free agent after the 2024 season after having his fifth-year option declined.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that running back Kyren Williams (foot) is dealing with a "foot issue" and won't take part in the team's offseason program this spring. However, McVay also said that Williams will be back on the field for training camp this summer. "It's nothing to worry about. He'll be ready to go for training camp, but there's a little issue when he was training, and [I'll] kind of just leave it at that. But nothing to be concerned about," McVay said. The 23-year-old injured his foot during offseason training, but for now, it doesn't seem too serious. It will be worth monitoring in training camp, though, especially since Williams' fantasy stock already took a hit on draft day when LA took Blake Corum in the third round. Williams will still be atop the RB depth chart in 2024 after his first 1,000-yard rushing season in 2023, but Corum is a clear threat to his RB1 upside.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers WR Alex McGough (undisclosed) left the voluntary workout Tuesday, May 21, because of an apparent injury.
From TheHuddle
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields said he expects to compete with QB Russell Wilson for the starting quarterback job during training camp.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson will open camp as the leading candidate for the job, but the team said Fields will have the chance to earn the job. Both should be upgrades over Kenny Pickett, but neither will be more than No. 2 fantasy quarterbacks to start the season.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has not been participating in the voluntary workouts this offseason, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Fantasy Spin: McCaffrey likely will report for the mandatory minicamp and training camp but does not need to be at all of the workouts. He will continue to be an important part of the 49ers offense and is a must-start option in all leagues.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills LB Matt Milano (leg) is on schedule with his recover and will be a full participant in practice at some point during training camp.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (ankle) will be limited during the organized team activities because of an injury but should be a full participant when training camp starts, according to head coach Raheem Morris.
Fantasy Spin: It seems like Robinson is dealing with a minor injury and should recover in a few weeks. He will be working with a new offensive coordinator this upcoming season and should have a major role in the scheme. He will be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett has been with the team this offseason and is battling for the QB3 job behind Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo. The organization will have to decide whether or not to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster, but Bennett could act as the emergency quarterback in 2024 if he beats out Dresser Winn. That said, Garoppolo will miss the first two games of the new season after violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs, so Bennett could be the QB2 early on. General manager Les Snead said Bennett was an "exhausted human being" last year after an action-packed college career that included stops at the junior college level and winning two consecutive national championships at Georgia. This helps explain his absence as a rookie in 2023. The 26-year-old is unlikely to make noise in fantasy football this season barring injury, but he could remain a deep dynasty league stash in Superflex or two-QB formats.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk, RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Jauan Jennings were not present for the second day of organized team activities on Tuesday, May 21.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints utility player Taysom Hill could have a significant role in 2024 under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, according to Saints reporter Jeff Duncan. The veteran has acted as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, return man, and special teams ace in his seven-year career with New Orleans. Overall, he has posted 2,348 passing yards, 2,159 rushing yards, 756 receiving yards, 447 return yards, and 49 total touchdowns. Due to his tight end eligibility in lineups, he remains on the fantasy football radar, especially after this report. Hill has posted top-10 half-PPR finishes among tight ends in each of the last two seasons, and he could be primed to do it again in 2024.
From RotoBaller
