Guest of the League
Moneyball Est. 2019
Dynasty $500 - 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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Monday Night DFS Pickem Plays

Player Notes
Mark Andrews Sep 24 1:10am ET
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has warned Mark Andrews' managers that they're in a turbulent ride. Andrews has been a source of frustration for fantasy owners, and Harbaugh indicated that this situation is unlikely to improve soon. He mentioned that the tight end position will see rotation, and snap counts will vary according to the team's game strategy. Last week, Andrews was on the field for only 33 percent of the snaps due to the Ravens utilizing "heavy" personnel packages. Given Harbaugh's comments, it will be challenging to depend on Andrews for consistent production week after week. A tight end participating in just a third of the snaps isn't positioned to deliver major stats in fantasy leagues. While Andrews' managers shouldn't feel the need to drop him outright, it makes sense to consider benching him until there's more clarity regarding the tight-end rotation. The challenge lies in discovering any viable alternatives in the current tight-end nightmare.

From RotoBaller

Zac Taylor Sep 24 12:50am ET
Zac Taylor

Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Trent Brown (knee) exited Monday night's game with a knee injury. He was seen in the locker room with a full brace on his right leg and using crutches after the game. Brown went down during a pass protection play in the second quarter, immediately grabbing his right knee before being carted off the field. His fellow offensive linemen helped him onto the cart, offering their best wishes as he was taken to the X-ray room with 6:25 left in the half. The veteran was making his third start of the season after signing a one-year contract worth up to $4.75 million during the offseason, following three years with the New England Patriots. When asked about Brown's condition in the postgame press conference, Bengals coach Zac Taylor remarked, "It doesn't look good." Rookie Amarius Mims, who had just taken his first NFL snap six plays earlier during a field goal drive, stepped in to replace Brown. Mims, the team's first-round pick this year, is expected to step up effectively. Before his preseason injury, he was tentatively set to be the starting right tackle, and now that he's healthy, he's ready to fulfill the expectations that come with his draft status.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Sep 24 12:30am ET
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis rushed seven times for 22 yards and a touchdown in the team's 47-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also caught one pass for one yard. Davis' first NFL touchdown came with just over four minutes remaining in the game to put the Bills ahead by 37 points. With the victory in hand, Josh Allen and other starters had already moved to the bench. With a healthy James Cook and Ty Johnson filling in on third downs, Davis isn't anything more than a complementary running back in the Buffalo offense. Fantasy managers should view him as insurance in case Cook gets injured.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 24 12:20am ET
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman saw just one target on Monday Night Football, but he made the most of it. The rookie scored his first NFL touchdown on a 24-yard catch midway through the second quarter. That was Josh Allen's second passing touchdown of the night and the Bills' third score overall. By halftime, the Bills built a 27-point lead, and Coleman did not need to be involved any further to secure the victory. James Cook, Khalil Shakir, and Dalton Kincaid are ahead of Coleman in the offensive pecking order, keeping Coleman as a boom/bust wide receiver in Week 4 against Baltimore.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 24 12:20am ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught three passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in the team's 47-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Josh Allen kept a first-quarter play alive with his legs and found Kincaid in the back of the endzone for a six-yard score. Earlier on that drive, Allen connected with Kincaid on a 28-yard gain. The reception total is still on the lower side, but the Bills barely threw in the second half with a 27-point lead that eventually ballooned to 37. With the touchdown, Kincaid finished as a top-five fantasy football tight end in Week 3. He'll hope to keep that status in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 24 12:10am ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 263 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also added 44 yards on the ground on six carries. A large chunk of his production, including all of his touchdowns, came in the first half. The Bills jumped out to a 27-point halftime lead, scoring a touchdown on all five of their drives in the first half. Allen found Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Ty Johnson for his touchdown passes. Even with the blowout, Allen finished as the QB1 for the week. The Bills travel to Baltimore in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 24 12:10am ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed the football 11 times for 39 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches for 48 yards in the team's 47-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bills opened the game throwing more often than running, although Cook finished the first drive with his touchdown. Due to another blowout win, Cook only touched the ball once in the fourth quarter. Cook's 87 total yards were his fewest of the young season, but he still managed to end the week as an RB1 in PPR formats. With his work on the ground and through the air, the soon-to-be 25-year-old will remain an RB1 against a tough Baltimore defense in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 24 12:10am ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught all six of his targets for 72 yards and a touchdown in a blowout victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Josh Allen looked for the slot receiver early in the game and later connected with him on a 27-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown on the Bills' fourth drive. All of Shakir's production came in the first half. With a 27-point halftime lead, the Bills didn't need to throw much in the second half. Shakir has cemented himself as Allen's top option in the passing game and will be a WR3 when the Bills travel to Baltimore in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Sep 23 11:50pm ET
Luke McCaffrey

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey bounced back in a big way on Monday night. After catching three passes for 18 yards in his NFL debut, the Rice product was held out of the box score last weekend. However, on Monday, McCaffrey caught all three of his targets for 44 yards, good for second-most among Washington pass catchers. His best play of the night came on a fourth down where Washington needed just two yards but the 23-year-old went on to pick up 30 and set up their first score of the evening. This was an excellent rebound game for the young wideout as he continues establishing himself as the No.2 receiver in this offense. For now, McCaffrey remains an excellent stash candidate and is a name to keep a close eye on going forward as he continues to build a connection with his fellow rookie QB.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Sep 23 11:40pm ET
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss played well in Monday's loss to the Commanders. The 26-year-old finished the night with 12 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown, finding the end zone off a one-yard carry late in the contest. He also got involved as a pass-catcher, bringing in five of his six targets for 39 yards. While Chase Brown was more involved than in the first two games of the season, ending with seven touches for 62 yards, it's clear Moss is the preferred option out of the backfield. With two touchdowns in the Bengals' first three games of the 2024-25 campaign, Moss remains a starting fantasy option in Week 4 versus the Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 23 11:40pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels flirted with perfection on Monday night as he went 21-for-23 with 254 passing yards and two scores. He added 40 yards and a score on 11 carries on the ground. After earning his first professional victory last week against the Giants, the former number-two overall pick took a significant step forward this evening. Daniels was poised in the pocket all night and had his best game as a passer. After Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler punched in the first two scores on the ground, Daniels took the rest of the game into his own hands as he ran in a score before halftime and threw two passing scores in the second half, including his first-ever passing score that came from the one-yard line to lineman Trent Scott. Later in the fourth, Daniels would throw the eventual game-winning score to his No.1 wideout Terry McLaurin from 27 yards out. Fantasy managers should view the former LSU Tiger as a QB1 going forward, as not only did he flash the elite upside as a runner, but he was beginning to settle in as a passer. He is a must-start next week as he travels to the desert to face the Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Sep 23 11:40pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. ran for 33 yards and a score on 16 carries in their victory on Monday evening against the Cincinnati Bengals. He caught his lone target for four yards through the air. After posting a career-high in rushing yards last week, Robinson saw a steep drop in production but finished with a solid fantasy game, thanks to the goal line score in the first quarter. Jayden Daniels took a significant step in his development this evening as he threw for his first and second career touchdown passes while only logging two incompletions, which took some work off Robinson. Fantasy managers should still expect Robinson to be a serviceable RB2 on an offense that continues to improve weekly. He is a solid start in all formats against the Arizona Cardinals next week.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Sep 23 11:40pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin led the team in receiving with 100 yards and a score. He caught four of his six targets. After tallying only 39 receiving yards through the opening two weeks, McLaurin had a much-needed breakout game on Monday night. This was highlighted by an impressive 27-yard TD catch, which eventually became the game-winner. Quarterback Jayden Daniels took a significant step forward in his development as a passer on Monday, which suggests that McLaurin could be in store for even bigger games going forward. He is a must-start WR2 next weekend as he will face the Arizona Cardinals in what should be another high-scoring affair.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Sep 23 11:40pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz led the team with five receptions in their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. The veteran tight end was given many looks during crunch time and was Jayden Daniel's safety net in the middle of the field. The 33-year-old has emerged as the No.2 pass-catcher in the first three weeks in this offense and has seen at least four targets in every game. Ertz should be viewed as a safe low-end TE1 going forward as he has built a strong connection with his rookie QB and should always be in line for consistent targets given the uncertainty at wide receiver behind Terry McLaurin. Ertz should be a priority waiver-add if you need a tight end and should be started in all standard formats next week in Arizona.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Sep 23 11:40pm ET
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had a stellar showing in Monday's loss to the Commanders. With Tee Higgins (hamstring) back in the lineup, most assumed Iosivas would cool off after scoring twice in the Week 2 clash with the Chiefs. However, that didn't happen, with the wideout ending the evening by amassing five receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. It's reasonable to assume Higgins will get more involved in the Bengals' upcoming matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Still, Iosivas deserves at least a flex spot in fantasy lineups in Week 4 based on his last two performances.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 23 11:30pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) made his 2024-25 debut on Monday night versus the Commanders. The wideout missed the team's first two games because of a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, his presence didn't help, with the Bengals remaining without a win after three weeks. Higgins didn't look horrible on Monday night, catching three passes (six targets) for 39 yards. Understandably, fantasy managers were still hoping for more. But Higgins has a favorable matchup against the Panthers on the horizon in Week 4, so he warrants a spot in the starting lineup in any fantasy format.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 23 11:20pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught six of his seven targets for 118 yards in Monday's loss to the Commanders. The former LSU Tiger also had two touchdown grabs, finding the end zone off a 41-yard toss from Joe Burrow early in the first quarter before scoring again in the fourth. Unfortunately, the Bengals remain winless, with the team losing their third contest of the season. But the Cincinnati offense is clicking, with Chase finally having a potent fantasy outing after subpar showings in the last two games. As always, keep the 24-year-old in the starting lineup when the Bengals meet the Panthers in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 23 11:10pm ET
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had a stellar showing in Monday's meeting with the Washington Commanders. The signal-caller finished this one with 324 yards and three touchdowns off 29-for-38 passing. He added one carry for four yards. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, as the Bengals will now fall to 0-3 on the year. After a quality performance in Week 2 in the narrow loss to the Chiefs, Burrow kept it going, giving fantasy managers reason to remain optimistic heading into Week 4 versus former Bengals starter Andy Dalton and the Carolina Panthers. Keep Burrow rolling in all fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Sep 23 10:40pm ET
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales reiterated that veteran quarterback Andy Dalton is the starting QB after he led the team to their first win of the season over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 on Sunday. "Andy's our quarterback. He gives us our best chance to win," Canales said. Carolina decided to bench Bryce Young, the first overall pick in 2023, after two disastrous outings to begin his sophomore campaign. Dalton proceeded to go 26-for-37 for 319 yards with three touchdowns and no interception in a surprising 36-22 win over Vegas. The Red Rifle instantly made the Panthers' offense better in his first start of the year, and while Young is expected to start again at some point in 2024, this is Dalton's show for now. QB-needy fantasy managers in superflex leagues could do worse than Dalton in a pinch heading into Carolina's Week 4 meeting against his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Sep 23 10:40pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) won't return to Monday's meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran had only three touches. However, he ran for 35 yards and scored a touchdown off a 24-yard carry in the second quarter, adding two catches for 22 yards. Ekeler hasn't been the reliable fantasy option he was during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. But after finding the end zone on Monday night, fantasy managers will monitor his health more closely heading into the Commanders' Week 4 game versus the Arizona Cardinals. With Ekeler out of the equation, Jeremy McNichols should get the scraps left over by Brian Robinson Jr. for the remainder of Week 3.

From RotoBaller