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Janie's 2024 FF League Est. 2016
FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Lineup Prep: Championship Games

Wed Jan 24 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Tua Tagovailoa Sep 20 11:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence doesn't have any turnovers this season, but the Jacksonville Jaguars offense is struggling in 2024. The Jaguars haven't topped 17 points and they've averaged about 26 minutes of possession per game. Lawrence has been sacked seven times and is completing just over half of his pass attempts. Travis Etienne Jr. is averaging fewer than four yards per carry. The Bills' defense dominated the high-powered Miami offense in Week 2 (even when Tua Tagovailoa was in the game) and have forced four turnovers this season. Look for Lawrence to commit his first turnover of the season and the Bills to finish as a top-12 DST in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 20 11:30pm ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has looked every bit the part of a WR1 in 2024 but is yet to score as a top-24 fantasy option in half-PPR formats. He'll hope to change that at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. This is projected to be a low-scoring, run-heavy affair, but if both defenses continue to defend the run as well as they have through two weeks, shots will need to be taken downfield. Pickens is not only the clear favorite target of quarterback Justin Fields but also the premier vertical threat in Pittsburgh. Although the third-year pro could disappoint if the Steelers struggle to move the ball, he offers plenty of upside as a WR2 or flex option in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Justin Tucker Sep 20 11:20pm ET
Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker is one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, yet he's been the only kicker to miss more than one field after the first two games of the season. Both misses were 50+ yards, but that's where he's normally the most automatic. While he missed another one in Week 2, his volume saved his fantasy week as he went 3-for-4 in field goals and 2-for-2 in extra points. His Week 3 matchup, the Dallas Cowboys, is ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers as they've given up an average of 7.5 points so far. The Ravens' confidence in Tucker still hasn't wavered, so he should see plenty of opportunities to kick field goals from deep, but his "Automatuck" nickname may be on the way out the door.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Sep 20 11:10pm ET
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely came crashing down in Week 2 after a huge effort in Week 1 made him one of the hottest waiver wire additions in all of fantasy football. The Coastal Carolina product went from 12 targets and nine receptions against the Kansas City Chiefs to three targets and two receptions against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. After posting a TE1 finish in half-PPR formats, he fell right down to TE21. Likely's success comes down to matchups, game script, and whether or not Mark Andrews is getting heavily game-planned against. The Dallas Cowboys present a tougher matchup for the passing game, but they showed some holes and weaknesses against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Likely only saw an 8.9% target share in Week 2 which is something fantasy managers can't rely on, and that moves him down the list and onto the bench.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 20 11:10pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has seen plenty of work through two weeks and will hope to score his first touchdown of the campaign against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Both teams rank top-three in the NFL in rush play percentage and bottom-three in points allowed, which explains why this contest is projected to be the lowest-scoring of the week. That said, Pittsburgh should lean on Harris and the running game, even against a Chargers defense that has surrendered the fifth-fewest yards on the ground thus far this season. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren will likely see an expanded role, but fantasy managers should not shy away from starting Harris as a low-end RB2 or flex option on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Sep 20 11:10pm ET
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill remains the go-to option in the backfield when it comes to passing downs. In two games, he's seen five carries for 25 yards compared to eight receptions on 10 targets for 62 yards. The only fantasy value that Hill currently has is in PPR formats and games turn into good, old-fashioned shootouts. Hill could potentially start in a flex spot for fantasy managers in very deep leagues after the Dallas Cowboys were gashed both on the ground and through the air by Alvin Kamara in Week 2. There are likely to be running lanes and flats open for Hill to find, but Derrick Henry will be the first one to get a crack at those opportunities. Hill is better left on the bench as he barely comes into the RB3 conversation.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 20 11:00pm ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has been a shell of his former self when it comes to notching fantasy points. He clocks in as the TE16 in half-PPR formats while his teammate, Isaiah Likely, sits at TE1 due to his huge output in Week 1. The veteran saw a bit more work in Week 2 and continues to get separation while getting targeted during 19% of his routes run. Athletically and physically it doesn't appear that he's lost a step, so his big games seem to be on the way at some point. The problem is Lamar Jackson doesn't seem to be able to feed more than one pass-catcher per game. He'll go up against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3, however, who did give up seven receptions for 71 yards to the Browns' tight ends in Week 1. Despite a lackluster week against the Raiders, Andrews still finished TE11 and could see a bigger target share in Week 3 to get the team back on the winning track.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Henry Sep 20 10:40pm ET
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry hasn't hit the ceiling that many expected yet, but he's remained consistent thus far and has found the end zone at least once in each game. He looked a lot better in Week 2 compared to Week 1 and received five more carries on top of it. In Week 3, the Ravens take on the Dallas Cowboys who just gave up 115 yards and three touchdowns to Alvin Kamara and a total of 190 yards on the ground with four scores. The biggest roadblock for Henry, at this point, has been the team's play-calling decisions. As long as the veteran is in the game and getting 18 or more carries, he should be able to finish in RB1 territory. As it currently stands, Henry is the RB18 in half-PPR formats, but he should see that number rise with more time in this offense.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Sep 20 10:40pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has been Lamar Jackson's favorite target of the season through two games, and that's not likely to change any time soon. The offensive game plan has manufactured plenty of touches for Flowers, but there haven't been many big plays just yet. He scored his first touchdown against the Raiders in Week 2 and has received 21 targets thus far. In this Week 3 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, however, he'll go up against a tougher defensive unit with some capable defensive backs. Right now, the Cowboys are on the stingier side when it comes to fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers as they come in at 18th. With the run game hurting the Cowboys the most, the Ravens may move to more of a ground game if they aren't too far behind, which would leave Flowers around the WR2/flex area in half-PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will be a QB2 in Week 3 but he could be started if you find yourself in a pinch. Smith has scored at least 17.88 fantasy points in both games this season. If you are in a tough spot with an injured Jordan Love (knee) or Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), then Smith is a fine spot start this weekend against a beatable Miami Dolphins defense. Expect Smith to score around his usual 18 points in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba should be a solid fantasy asset in Week 3. His huge breakout game in Week 2 inspires confidence that this new Seahawks regime is committed to getting him the ball. While one week should not fully change your opinion on Smith-Njigba, his 16 targets to Tyler Lockett's two is encouraging moving forward. Outside of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins do not have a scary secondary. If the Seahawks even give Smith-Njigba half the volume he had in Week 2 then he will be a solid start.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains one of the best fantasy quarterbacks despite leading the team to a 0-2 record so far. The two-time MVP will take a team in desperation mode to face off against the Dallas Cowboys who are fresh off of a blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys are currently 11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and one of the worst against the run thus far. Jackson had a down week against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2 and still finished as the QB9. Overall, he's sitting at QB6 and will look to guide the team to their first win of the season. Fantasy managers can continue to confidently deploy him in their lineups, as he remains in QB1 territory until further notice.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Sep 20 10:30pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is a mid-range RB2 once again this week. With starting running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) slated to miss his second straight game, Charbonnet is in line for another massive workload. Charbonnet has been pretty ineffective as a runner. He is only averaging 2.3 yards per carry this season. However, Charbonnet has been very involved in the passing game. He has caught seven passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. Most of Charbonnet's value is coming from touchdowns or receptions. He may have another inefficient day on the ground, but he should have a solid floor to do his receptions. The Seahawks should also find themselves near the goal line in this game which would afford Charbonnet easy chances to score. Charbonnet had 19 opportunities in Week 2. Any running back seeing that kind of volume is a lineup lock.

From RotoBaller

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