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Studs and Duds: Divisional Round

Mon Jan 22 9:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Tyler Bass Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass has converted three field goals on the season and kicked four extra points in each of the first two games. That wouldn't be terrible in most seasons. In 2024, we're witnessing a record number of field goals. 73 field goals were made in Week 2. Bass accounted for just one. The Buffalo offense is great and has little issue getting into the red zone. But they're also converting most of their trips into touchdowns. The Jacksonville defense is average at best, meaning Josh Allen and Co. shouldn't have issues staying on the field. The Bills also worked out two kickers earlier this week. Find one of the many kickers scoring double-digit fantasy points to start instead of Bass.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was a full participant in practice on Friday. After logging limited practices earlier in the week, Lockett appears good to go in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. Lockett had a solid Week 1 on his way to six receptions for 77 yards. However, Lockett took a back seat to wide receivers DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 2. Week 3 should provide more concrete insight into the target share of the Seahawks' talented trio of wide receivers. If Week 2 was any indication, Lockett may only be a low-end flex play moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Mike McDaniel Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Mike McDaniel

Usually, you try to avoid deploying a fantasy defense against the Miami Dolphins. However, with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) out, Skylar Thompson will be quarterbacking this offense. With a head coach like Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins should be able to effectively move the ball. Even so, there is no denying that the offense will not be nearly as effective as usual. The Seahawks D/ST has had a couple of good outings to start the season. They can safely be deployed as your starting D/ST in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers continues to excel in the kicking game. He has yet to miss a kick in 2024 and the Seahawks offense continues to be in scoring positions. With the passing offense starting to click, expect more of the same in Week 3. The Dolphins' defense is solid but nothing to fear. As such, Myers should have plenty more chances for extra points and field goals in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 20 10:20pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant should not be on the fantasy radar in Week 3. Fant only has three receptions on the season as the new-look Seahawks offense has focused on the running game and wide receivers. With the tight end position performing so poorly in 2024, many fantasy managers are turning to the waiver wire. Fant should not be considered to replace lost tight end value.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir leads the team in receptions and receiving yards and shouldn't slow down against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville has allowed the third-most receptions and yards to wide receivers through the first two weeks and is average defending the slot. The Bills have developed into a run-centric offense under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Earning most of the limited targets in the first two weeks, Shakir has the safest floor of the Buffalo wide receivers. Another double-digit PPR fantasy game is easily attainable. Shakir is a low-end WR3/flex candidate for lineups in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Davis Allen Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Davis Allen

Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen (back) has officially been ruled out ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. It will be the second consecutive game he has been unable to suit up. With Allen out, expect Colby Parkinson and Hunter Long to handle tight-end duties for Los Angeles. The 23-year-old has appeared in just six snaps this season, failing to haul in his lone target. If the former fifth-round pick can work his way back to health, he can carve out a role in LA's passing attack due to the sheer volume of critical Rams' pieces suffering injuries. The team has already been without Tyler Higbee and will now navigate the foreseeable future sans star wideout Cooper Kupp after losing Puka Nacua to early-season IR. For now, Allen is not a recommended option for fantasy, though he is someone whose return we should monitor.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Keon Coleman

Fantasy managers have seen the good and the bad from Buffalo Bills' rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman. He led the Bills in receptions, yards, and target share in Week 1. In Week 2, his only mark in the box score was one target. Coleman is behind Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid in the target pecking order. Plus, the Bills have shifted to a run-centric offense, so there are fewer targets to go around. That's the biggest reason Coleman was shut out against Miami. The Jacksonville secondary isn't anything to worry about, but if the Bills build a big lead again, Coleman won't be fantasy-relevant. Therefore, it's safer to leave the low-end WR4 on fantasy football benches this week.

From RotoBaller

Kenny McIntosh Sep 20 10:10pm ET
Kenny McIntosh

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh was a non-factor behind Zach Charbonnet in Week 2. While the Seahawks use Charbonnet behind Kenneth Walker III (oblique) when Walker is healthy, Week 2 indicated that Charbonnet will be a true workhorse back when Walker is injured. McIntosh may see a few snaps, but he will not see enough volume to merit a fantasy start.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 20 10:00pm ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen isn't throwing the football as often as he did in previous seasons, but his efficiency and rushing abilities keep him a top fantasy football option in Week 3. Allen is attempting 21 passes per game so far this season, the second lowest among starting quarterbacks. Reduced opportunity numbers (19 pass attempts, two carries) doomed fantasy managers in Week 2. Unfortunately, a matchup against a struggling Jacksonville offense may not help. Should the Bills jump out to another quick lead on Monday Night Football, the coaching staff could rely on James Cook and the running attack again. Still, it's unwise to pivot to another quarterback, knowing that Allen is capable of tallying four touchdowns in the blink of an eye.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 20 10:00pm ET
James Cook

It's doubtful that Buffalo Bills running back James Cook scores three touchdowns and wins AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week but he still is ranked as an RB1 heading into the team's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are allowing over 100 rushing yards per game. They're also struggling on offense. With a lead, the Bills could lean more on Cook. Regardless of the game script, he will continue to be the focal point of the Buffalo offense, registering over 70 yards on the ground in both contests while adding extra yardage in the passing game. Expect at least 15 touches from Cook on Monday Night Football and start him confidently as an RB1.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 20 10:00pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has disappointed fantasy managers so far in 2024 with just five catches for 44 yards through two games. There were signs of encouragement in the blowout victory over Miami in Week 2. Kincaid had better than a 20% target share as the Bills worked to involve the 2023 first-round pick. Unfortunately, the game turned into a blowout and he was unused for the majority of the second half. The Jacksonville offense has struggled to start the 2024 campaign. That could be worrisome for Kincaid's Week 3 outlook. If the game stays competitive, however, expect Kincaid to maintain a safe floor. Kincaid is ranked as a TE1 and should be started in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Brooks Sep 20 9:50pm ET
Jalen Brooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (ankle) is officially questionable for the team's Week 3 home tilt against the visiting Baltimore Ravens. The 24-year-old received the tag after popping up on the injury report Thursday, putting together back-to-back limited sessions ahead of the team's matchup. Through two games, Brooks has converted 2-of-4 targets for 28 yards on 41 total snaps. It's the fourth-most of any Cowboys wideout -- however, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and Brandin Cooks have all recorded 102 snaps or more. The second-year receiver is a more critical special teams player for Dallas as opposed to his offensive contributions. He can be firmly off fantasy manager's radars outside deep dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Sep 20 9:40pm ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton comes into the Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looking for his first score of the year after finding the end zone a career-high 10 times in 2023. Through two games in 2024, Sutton has a weak 31.3% catch rate while working with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, catching only five of his 16 targets for 64 yard while seeing Josh Reynolds lead the team in receiving yards. It doesn't help Sutton's cause this weekend that rookie Devaughn Vele (ribs), who caught all eight of his targets in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, is returning after a one-game absence. The 28-year-old finished fifth on the team in targets last Sunday against Pittsburgh and caught just one pass for 26 yards. It's still early, but Sutton doesn't appear to have great chemistry right now with the struggling Nix.

From RotoBaller

Tanner Hudson Sep 20 9:40pm ET
Tanner Hudson

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) officially did not practice Friday. After opening the week as a back-to-back non-participant, Hudson will have one more chance to get in a limited session on Saturday to help his case for suiting up Monday night when the team hosts the visiting Washington Commanders. He was one of four Bengals TEs to record a snap in Week 1 but has yet to suit up since. In the meantime, teammate Mike Gesicki showed out this past Sunday in Cincinnati's 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, hauling in 7-of-9 targets for 91 yards -- despite playing the fewest snaps of the active tight ends. Gesicki may have separated himself from Hudson, Drew Sample, and rookie Erick All Jr., but that is not guaranteed. Regardless, Hudson can be off fantasy manager's radars as the team's third TE.

From RotoBaller

Khari Blasingame Sep 20 9:30pm ET
Khari Blasingame

Chicago Bears full-back Khari Blasingame (hand/knee) has officially been ruled out ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the Colts in Indianapolis. Blasingame has not recorded a rush attempt or target through two weeks of the 2024 season and has played on just seven offensive snaps. However, the sixth-year veteran has racked up 14 snaps on special teams. He's not often featured and probably wouldn't factor much into Chicago's game plan, even if he was healthy. Blasingame is the only active full-back on Chicago's roster, so tight ends Gerald Everett and Marcedes Lewis may mix in to pick up the slack as needed. It's tough to trust the Bears' offense, but there's a chance they have a better game than anticipated against a porous Colts defense.

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Terry McLaurin Sep 20 9:30pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin will look to get on track on Monday Night Football when the Commanders travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. The Ohio State standout has caught just eight passes through the first two games for a mere 39 yards on 12 targets. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels relied more on his passing game last weekend against the Giants, which is a promising sign for McLaurin going forward. In addition, Commander offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury told the press on Friday that he will find a way to get his No. 1 wideout involved more. While his production has been nothing short of disappointing, knowing that he is the clear alpha among wide receivers, it is hard to bench McLaurin this week. In addition, due to how poorly the Washington defense has performed, quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals could put a lot of points on the board and could force the Commanders to abandon the run game relatively early. McLaurin is a solid WR3 with upside this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 20 9:30pm ET
Daniel Jones

The Cleveland Browns defense draws an excellent home matchup against the New York Giants in Week 3. Cleveland has plenty of upside against a Giants offense that is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to fantasy defenses through two weeks. Most of the fantasy production comes thanks to Daniel Jones, who has taken six sacks and thrown two interceptions already this season. The Browns are installed as 6.5-point home favorites in a game with a low 38.5-point over/under. This projects as a fantastic spot for the Cleveland defense heading into Week 3. Treat them as a top-three fantasy option this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 20 9:30pm ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown led all Washington wideouts with 56 yards last week in his Commanders debut and hopes to continue to emerge as the No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. It was impressive to see Brown lead all wideouts in yards last week while playing only 20 snaps, which was the lowest at the position. He pulled in all three of his targets, including an impressive 34-yard catch on the eventual game-winning drive. Last season in Houston, Brown served in a depth role behind Nico Collins and Tank Dell but was able to catch 33 passes for 567 yards and two scores. For now, Brown is a solid stash option in deeper leagues but should only be used as a sneaky play in DFS on Monday night given the uncertain volume.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Sep 20 9:30pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz led the Commanders with 62 yards (on four receptions) in their victory over the New York Giants last week. Ertz served as a go-to option for the rookie QB all afternoon and looks to reclaim that same role against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Commanders lack a proven No.2 pass catcher, allowing running back Austin Ekeler and Ertz to have productive fantasy games. Fantasy managers should expect Ertz to see a solid workload in a game where the Commanders will likely be trailing, as they are currently 7.5-point underdogs. Ertz may not have a lot of upside, but he does provide a safe floor at a position that is filled with several injuries to top options like George Kittle (hamstring), Evan Engram (hamstring), and David Njoku (ankle).

From RotoBaller