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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
Malik Willis Sep 20 6:20pm ET
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis is likely to get another start this week as the Packers head to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. With Jordan Love (knee) officially questionable on the Packers' injury report, the door is open for Love, but realistically, Willis is a pretty solid favorite to start and play in Week 3. Willis' first start with the Packers against the Colts in Week 2 was carefully managed as he completed 12-of-14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown, while also adding 41 rushing yards. Head coach Matt LaFleur didn't ask Willis to do too much, but Willis didn't turn the ball over and let the run game do the heavy lifting. The Packers likely mimic the same approach in Week 3 as Green Bay should run the ball with heavy volume and use the pass as a change of pace. Consider Willis a low-end QB2 and a weaker streaming candidate in fantasy this week against Tennessee.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bosa Sep 20 6:20pm ET
Nick Bosa

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (rib) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (hamstring, knee) are both listed as questionable to face the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 action on Sunday. Bosa was not on the first injury report of the week, suggesting he picked up his rib injury during practice on Thursday. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues need to have a backup plan ready in case Bosa is ruled out on Sunday, and it makes things more difficult that the Niners-Rams don't kick off until the later window this weekend. Through the first two weeks in 2024, the All-Pro pass-rusher has seven tackles (five solo) and two sacks for a vaunted Niners D. If Bosa is active, he needs to be in all starting IDP lineups while going up against a banged-up Rams offensive line and offense that is without top receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee).

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Sep 20 6:10pm ET
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson has been a top-12 fantasy kicker in his first two starts in the NFL, but can he make it a third straight? He'll head with the Packers to Tennessee to play the Titans in Week 3 and has put up 11 and 12 fantasy points against the Eagles and Colts. He's made three field goals in both starts, while also missing one field goal. Narveson has not missed an extra point attempt this season and the Packers could be a sneaky offense to get him into field goal position to knock a couple field goals through. The outlook for the Packers looks much better if Jordan Love (knee) can shake his questionable tag and play in Week 3, but even if the starter is Malik Willis, Narveson should be at worst a streaming option at kicker. Just know the floor for Narveson is very low if the wheels fall off for either quarterback.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 20 6:10pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is officially listed as doubtful to play in Week 3 on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams after missing practice the last two days. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is on Injured Reserve, and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has been ruled out as well, so the Niners' offense is extremely banged up early in the year. It's bad news for fantasy managers that have been rolling with quarterback Brock Purdy as their QB1. With Kittle unlikely to play on Sunday, look for both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings to handle as many targets as they can. Eric Saubert is expected to be the team's starting TE with Kittle out, although he's not a recommended fantasy streamer, as Jake Tonges could also be involved as a pass-catcher. Hopefully Kittle will be ready to return in Week 4 at home against the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 20 6:10pm ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has officially been ruled out for the Week 3 game this Sunday versus the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on the road. It doesn't come as much of a surprise after Samuel was unable to practice all week after suffering a calf injury in the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old is expected to miss multiple weeks, so fantasy managers can't assume that he'll be back for a Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is on Injured Reserve, and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is doubtful to play this weekend, which leaves Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings as the Niners' top two pass-catchers. Without CMC, Samuel and Kittle, fantasy managers need to be downgrading quarterback Brock Purdy to QB2 territory against LA.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 20 6:00pm ET
Anthony Richardson

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit travels to Tennessee to face the Titans in Week 3, and the Packers should be in line for a solid day from their D/ST unit in fantasy. Green Bay kept Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts in check as they gave up just 10 points, forced three interceptions and sacked him once. They go from Richardson to Will Levis, who we know is prone to making mistakes with the football. Levis has given up seven sacks and thrown three interceptions in two games, so the floor for the Packers is very high. When looking at defensive matchups, the Packers are in a good spot this week, where they end up in the periphery of the top 12 options in fantasy. They're a solid option this week if you don't have a tippy-top option at the position.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 20 5:50pm ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis will take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season. Both of Levis' first two games to start the year have been overshadowed by two embarrassing and costly turnovers, but the 2nd-year QB has shown glimpses of why he was almost a top-10 pick once upon a time. The Titans have played two great defenses thus far, especially in the secondary, so it's not surprising that it's been a slow start for the Kentucky product. Week 3 doesn't look a whole lot easier with the Green Bay Packers coming to town, a team that boasts a lot of talent on defense. With Malik Willis likely starting at QB for Green Bay, the Titans will likely not need to score a ton of points to win on Sunday and the game plan should feature a heavy dose of running back Tony Pollard. Levis is only a low-end QB2 for this upcoming matchup against a stout defense.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 20 5:50pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard faces the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. While the Titans' coaching staff keeps implying that Tyjae Spears will get more touches, Pollard continues to dominate the backfield work for Tennessee. The former Cowboy has received 25 more touches than Spears through two weeks and has also been more efficient with these opportunities. With Spears potentially sitting out or at the very least limited with an ankle injury this week, Pollard is an absolute smash play that should see a ton of volume against a run defense that has been gashed in both games to start the year. Fantasy managers should start Pollard with confidence this week.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 20 5:50pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley is up against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 NFL action. The former Alabama star broke out in a big way last week, scoring 24.7 points - good for a WR6 finish against one of the league's best secondaries. It's clear that Ridley still has major juice, and might be heading into matchup-proof territory if he can produce against another tough defensive unit that features Jaire Alexander, another stud cornerback. This passing offense is very inconsistent right now with quarterback Will Levis playing sporadically, but Ridley is far and away the top option on this team and should see another smattering of targets this coming week. Ridley checks in as a mid-tier WR2.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 20 5:50pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins takes on the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. It's been a forgettable start to the year for the veteran wideout, who has logged only two catches for seventeen yards through the first couple of games. The snap counts and target volume indicate that Hopkins is still potentially hampered from a torn MCL suffered in July, but regardless, the production is a concern. With the Titans passing offense in flux and Calvin Ridley being the alpha WR at the moment, it's hard to justify starting Hopkins in any format. The former All-Pro is better left on benches until he looks fully back to normal.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 20 5:50pm ET
Jordan Love

The Tennessee Titans defense/special teams will attempt to hold serve against the Green Bay Packers offense in Week 3. Tennessee ranks #1 in the league in total yards allowed through two weeks, but is only the 20th ranked fantasy defense due to the lack of turnovers forced. The unit has only accounted for one turnover, which has limited their ability to score fantasy points. The fantasy viability of this defense almost solely hinges on the health of quarterback Jordan Love, who is currently dealing with a sprained MCL. If Love is unable to go, former Titans quarterback Malik Willis will be under center, which should have the Titans D/ST licking their chops. Willis has been a mistake-prone, ineffective player during his short career, which should give the Titans plenty of opportunities to create turnovers in this one. If Love does in fact play, this unit remains a decent stream, but will not be nearly as attractive an option.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Sep 20 5:10pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) is off the injury report and is set to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old wideout did not practice on Wednesday due to a hand injury but returned as a full participant on Thursday. He now enters the weekend without an injury designation. Fantasy managers should expect Metcalf to serve as the No.1 option for Geno Smith this weekend. After catching only three passes in the opening week, Metcalf caught ten passes for 129 yards and a score against the New England Patriots last week. Fantasy managers should view Metcalf as a high-end WR2 this weekend and should be locked into all starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 20 5:00pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game on Friday's injury report, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. The Michigan State product suffered an oblique injury in the opening week and could not suit up in last week's game. Fantasy managers should expect Zach Charbonnet to serve as the lead runner again for on Sunday. Charbonnet logged all but two snaps last weekend as he ran for 38 yards and a score on 14 carries and added 31 yards on five catches through the air. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable slotting Charbonnet in their lineup as a high-end RB2 as he will face the Miami Dolphins, who surrendered 28.5 PPR points to James Cook last week.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 20 4:50pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Kevin Bowen of 1075 The Fan. The wideout did not show any signs of an injury earlier in the week but appeared on Friday's injury report with a back injury. Pittman did not practice. This is not a good sign for the 26-year-old, as his status for Sunday's game is now in danger. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any news regarding the USC product's status over the weekend. Pittman has had a slow start to the 2024 season, catching only seven passes across the first two weeks for a mere 52 yards. If Pittman does not suit up, fantasy managers should expect Josh Downs (who is making his 2024 debut) to see an increase in work on Sunday, as well as Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 20 4:50pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is off Friday's injury report and set to return on Sunday when the Cowboys play host to the Baltimore Ravens. Ferguson was held out of last week's game due to an MCL sprain. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable putting Ferguson back in their lineup, as he recorded two limited practice sessions earlier this week and a full session on Friday. In the season-opener, the 25-year-old caught three of his five targets for a mere 15 yards. However, the young tight end emerged as the No.2 pass-catching option in the Dallas offense by tallying 761 yards and five scores on 71 receptions. Ferguson should be viewed as a low-end TE1 going forward, given the stable volume he should see weekly.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Sep 20 4:40pm ET
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. Butker split the uprights to seal the Chiefs victory in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs could rely more on their star kicker with the loss of a primary weapon on offense. Kansas City placed running back Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve earlier this week, and he should be out for an extended period with a broken leg. If the Chiefs offense becomes less effective in the red zone, Butker could be asked to kick even more field goals for the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Chiefs kicker has not missed a kick this season, nailing four field goals and five extra-point attempts. Butker will look to stay perfect this week on the road in Atlanta. Butker is a must-start kicker.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 20 4:40pm ET
Lamar Jackson

The Kansas City Chiefs defense/special teams will take on the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 3. The Chiefs defense has been a bit disappointing to start the season, given the high expectations most have for the unit. In the first two games this season, Kansas City has allowed 20 or more points twice and recorded zero interceptions. The Baltimore Ravens were a tough matchup in Week 1 with MVP Lamar Jackson at the helm of their offense, but the Chiefs faltered in Week 2 against a Bengals offense that scored 10 points the week prior. If the Chiefs defense did not score their touchdown in Week 2, they would likely rank within the bottom five amongst fantasy defenses. Kansas City will take on the Falcons this week, who just had a fourth quarter comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. If the Falcons are beginning to find their groove offensively, the Chiefs could have a tough time against this unit. Atlanta also has excellent offensive weapons, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Kirk Cousins. While Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best defensive coordinators in football, I would prefer to start a different defense in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 20 4:40pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was a full participant during Friday's practice and did not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game. The sophomore wideout was a full participant in practice all week and is set to make his 2024 debut against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Downs was sidelined during the first two weeks of the campaign due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered in August. Last season, Downs enjoyed a solid rookie campaign where he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two scores. Fantasy managers should expect Downs to be one of the top three options in a crowded wide receiver room comprising Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 20 4:30pm ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has two rushing touchdowns through two games, maintaining an RB2 status against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. Etienne Jr. was drafted as a borderline RB1 but hasn't quite lived up to those standards. However, this Monday night matchup on the road is a potential bounce-back game for the Clemson product, given the Bills rank second worst against RBs in fantasy through two games. The passing defense has been great, but the run defense looked vulnerable against James Conner and De'Von Achane. The Jaguars offense overall has struggled, but Etienne Jr. has shown a high floor with his rushing touchdowns and solid volume. The Jaguars could emphasize the running game even more against the Bills, especially if Tank Bigsby returns from injury. The 25-year-old RB is still a good start despite not meeting expectations to start the season in what should be a plus matchup.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 20 4:30pm ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. Rice has been the most involved Chiefs pass catcher through the first two weeks of the season, and there is no reason to believe that will change moving forward. The second-year receiver has routinely been successful on in-breaking routes closer to the line of scrimmage, but last week, he demonstrated his ability to win down the field. Mahomes and Rice connected on a 44-yard touchdown reception when Rice was matched up one-on-one. If Rice can win consistently at multiple levels, his ceiling will be even higher, considering his safe floor in PPR formats. The 24-year-old will face off against the Atlanta defense, which has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game. Their passing yards per game allowed number may be skewed, given that they have given up the sixth-most rushing yards per game. If the Falcons offense has turned a corner, the Chiefs offense may need to throw more than they have to begin the season. With the loss of Isiah Pacheco to injured reserve, Rice could see an even higher volume of targets moving forward. The Chiefs wide receiver is a rock-solid start in this matchup.

From RotoBaller