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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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Fantasy Position SOS

Player Notes
CeeDee Lamb Jun 4 10:30am ET
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has not been spotted for the team's mandatory minicamp, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Lamb was also absent for voluntary OTAs, but his absence from mandatory team activities subjects him to fines. The 25-year-old is seeking a contract extension. Wide receivers Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra. St Brown, and Jaylen Waddle all signed deals this offseason that come with an average salary of at least $28.25 million. Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith, Nico Collins, Michael Pittman Jr., and Calvin Ridley also signed high-dollar contracts. After Lamb caught a league-leading 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023, he's likely to surpass the 30 million dollar salary range when he is ultimately extended. His early absence this offseason is not ideal, but it should not concern fantasy managers about his 2024 season availability yet. Lamb is in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick in fantasy football this year, especially in PPR setups.

From RotoBaller

Logan Thomas Jun 4 10:03am ET
Logan Thomas

Dynasty | The 49ers have signed free agent tight end Logan Thomas. Dynasty Analysis: The one-year deal will give San Francisco some solid depth at the position and some insurance behind George Kittle. Thomas was solid last year in Washington where he posted a 55/496/4 line in 16 games but has never really established himself as an elite-level option after converting from quarterback years ago. Thomas has some back-end roster appeal because the 49ers do utilize multiple tight ends but it's hard to see him being anything close to a weekly starter if Kittle stays healthy.

Arik Armstead Jun 4 12:40am ET
Arik Armstead

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Monday that defensive lineman Arik Armstead (knee) should be cleared for the start of training camp in late July. Armstead had offseason surgery to fix a torn meniscus that Armstead played through during the team's run to the Super Bowl early this year. The 30-year-old veteran pass-rusher signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Jaguars in free agency after recording 27 tackles (15 solo), five sacks, four tackles for loss and 13 QB hits in 12 regular-season starts in his ninth and final year in San Francisco. In addition to his knee injury, Armstead also missed time in 2023 with a foot injury. Armstead only played in nine games in 2022 due to injuries, which could become more of an issue now that he's on the wrong side of 30.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Jun 4 12:30am ET
Bijan Robinson

During an interview at organized team activities on Monday, Atlanta Falcons second-year running back Bijan Robinson said the plan this year is to use him as a runner first, kind of "like how they use Christian (McCaffrey) down there in San Francisco," while still being creative with how they use him out of the backfield as a pass-catcher. It will be hard for Atlanta to be more run-heavy on offense than they were last year under head coach Arthur Smith, but the bottom line is that to no one's surprise, Robinson is going to be a focal point for the new offense run by Zac Robinson, a Sean McVay disciple. In an offense that should be able to sustain more drives with quarterback Kirk Cousins, Robinson has high-end RB1 upside going into his sophomore season after totaling 1,463 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns in his first year in the NFL in 2023.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Jun 4 12:30am ET
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end AJ Barner (hamstring) returned to organized team activities on Monday after sitting out of rookie minicamp and OTAs at the end of May with a hamstring injury. It's great news for the fourth-rounder, who can now start to get valuable on-field repetitions as he looks to learn a new offense and get up to speed before training camp starts at the end of July. The 22-year-old figures to be off the redraft fantasy radar in 2024 and should serve as depth at the position in Seattle behind Noah Fant and Pharaoh Brown. Barner is unlikely to play a significant role in his first year in the NFL and was seen on draft day as more of a project heading to the next level. He has an immense wing span and stands at 6-foot-6, but he accumulated only 610 yards and five touchdowns in 40 collegiate games at Indiana and Michigan.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Jun 3 9:10pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase isn't expected to be offered a contract extension in the near future. With Justin Jefferson agreeing to a market-altering deal on Monday, Chase and his next contract are the next hot topic of discussion. However, with the Bengals notoriously known for waiting before securing their stars with new deals, Chase may not get an offer on an extension until the summer of 2025. Without question, the former LSU Tiger is worthy of a massive payday. He's appeared in 45 games for the Bengals since being selected with the No. 5 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, accumulating 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. As such, Chase will be a first-round fantasy option heading into the 2024-25 campaign with or without a new contract. But he's battled injuries over the years, which fantasy managers may need to deal with throughout the season.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Renfrow Jun 3 8:50pm ET
Hunter Renfrow

According to Brad Stainbrook of the Orange and Brown Report, the Cleveland Browns aren't interested in signing free-agent wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. There was talk Cleveland would look to sign the wideout, considering his ties to quarterback Deshaun Watson. However, that isn't the case, although Stainbrook believes both sides could "revisit" things once training camp draws closer. Renfrow had logged five seasons with the Raiders after the team selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He appeared in 73 games for the club, amassing 269 catches for 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production declined in the last few seasons. At any rate, Renfrow might get some calls from teams around the National Football League over the summer. But he has a way to go before earning a spot on fantasy rosters.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Jun 3 8:43pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram has been impressive during offseason workouts, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

Fantasy Spin: Engram is coming off a career-high 963 yards this past season and should continue to have a big role in the passing game for the Jaguars. He should be a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues this upcoming season.

From TheHuddle

Logan Thomas Jun 3 8:30pm ET
Logan Thomas

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, free-agent tight end Logan Thomas agreed to a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The 32-year-old began his career by making stops in Buffalo and Detroit. However, he made a name for himself in Washington, where he amassed 184 grabs for 1,685 yards and 14 touchdowns in 52 appearances for the Commanders. While Thomas will be behind George Kittle (abdomen) on the depth chart, he could still get involved enough to warrant a spot on some fantasy rosters. Of course, Thomas' stock will rise higher during the season if Kittle goes down with an injury.

From RotoBaller

Tony Jefferson Jun 3 7:23pm ET
Tony Jefferson

Free-agent S Tony Jefferson (Giants) is scheduled to participate in the Los Angeles Chargers upcoming minicamp on a tryout basis, according to a source.

From TheHuddle

Logan Thomas Jun 3 7:03pm ET
Logan Thomas

Updating a previous report, free-agent TE Logan Thomas (Commanders) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers Monday, June 3, according to a source. Financial terms were not disclosed.

From TheHuddle

Logan Thomas Jun 3 6:33pm ET
Logan Thomas

Free-agent TE Logan Thomas (Commanders) agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers Monday, June 3, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

From TheHuddle

Arik Armstead Jun 3 6:23pm ET
Arik Armstead

Jacksonville Jaguars OT Anton Harrison (shoulder) and DT Arik Armstead (undisclosed) worked on the side during the voluntary workout Monday, June 3.

From TheHuddle

Darren Waller Jun 3 6:13pm ET
Darren Waller

Dynasty | Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to soon announce his retirement. Dynasty Analysis: Nothing is official as of yet but it certainly sounds like an announcement is imminent. The longer this mystery lasted, the more likely this was going to be the outcome. Waller has battled myriad injuries over the past few years and was only able to post a 52/552/1 season last year, his first (and likely only) with the Giants. Now 31, Waller's career will be remembered for two back-to-back monster seasons with little at the beginning or the end. Dynasty managers hoping for a late career resurgence will likely need to look elsewhere here soon.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Justin Jefferson Jun 3 6:13pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty | The Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Justin Jefferson have reached an agreement on a new contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: It's a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed. It also makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This extension will also set the bar for Ja'Marr Chase, who the Bengals are now going to have to make happy. Jefferson will now be locked in through the 2028 season and while he's one of the best receivers in the game, his dynasty value will still be tied to the development of JJ McCarthy. Jefferson remains one of the top two players in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Fletcher Cox Jun 3 5:13pm ET
Fletcher Cox

Philadelphia Eagles C Jason Kelce and DT Fletcher Cox were placed on the Reserve/Retired list Monday, June 3.

From TheHuddle

Evan Engram Jun 3 5:00pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has quietly been one of the best at his position in fantasy football over the last two seasons, and team reporter John Shipley said he has looked "fantastic" this summer at OTAs. The former first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2017 has found a great home with Jacksonville and catching passes from Trevor Lawrence. Over the last two years, he's hauled in 187 passes for 1,729 yards and eight touchdowns. He trails only Travis Kelce in receptions among tight ends since 2022, and his 114 receptions in 2023 rank second-most in a single season for tight ends all-time. After the departure of Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones, Engram should continue to be heavily targeted in 2024. Despite finishing as the TE2 (PPR) last season, he has an average draft position around the TE7 spot. He could provide immense value at cost.

From RotoBaller

Tony Jefferson Jun 3 4:40pm ET
Tony Jefferson

Veteran free-agent safety Tony Jefferson will try out for the Los Angeles Chargers roster during the team's upcoming minicamp, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. After nine NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants, Jefferson announced his retirement in May of 2023. He announced plans to attempt a comeback in May of 2024, and he'll look to crack L.A.'s roster this offseason. Although Jefferson has never made a Pro Bowl or been named to an All-Pro team, he's been a solid and productive player, racking up 491 tackles, 9.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 24 pass deflections in 113 career games. If he makes the offseason roster, he'll still have an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. If he does that, he'll likely be utilized as a depth safety and veteran leader for a rebuilding organization.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Jun 3 4:30pm ET
Elijah Moore

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore played 366 slot snaps (18th-most) in his first season with the organization, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is lining up in different spots this offseason. After flashing upside and posting 538 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie with the New York Jets, Moore has struggled to enter the fantasy radar over the next two seasons. In his last 33 games with New York and Cleveland, he's hauled in 96 passes for 1,086 yards and just three touchdowns. Amari Cooper should remain the clear No. 1 option in Cleveland's passing attack, and the team added Jerry Jeudy via trade with the Denver Broncos before free agency began. Second-year wideout Cedric Tillman and rookie wideout Jamari Thrash could also compete for snaps, so Moore becoming a more versatile pass-catcher will help his chances of staying on the field. While it's tough to completely give up on Moore in dynasty formats, it would be surprising if he becomes a weekly fantasy contributor in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Jun 3 4:20pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's also the son of a Hall of Fame receiver who dominated while catching passes from Peyton Manning in the early 2000s. However, his last name and draft status have not made him complacent, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. "He's extremely detailed. He does a lot of extra, probably too much," Gannon said. "I love extra work but you gotta be smart...you can't go seven days in a row." While Gannon is correct, Harrison Jr.'s work ethic is a great sign this early in his career. The 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner is expected to be a true No. 1 wide receiver from the jump, and fantasy managers are expecting a WR1 campaign in fantasy football as a rookie. Outside of tight end Trey McBride, his competition for targets is on the weaker side, so he should earn a respectable target share and provide spike weeks in 2024.

From RotoBaller