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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
DeVonta Smith Sep 20 2:00pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 25-year-old did a fine job filling in as the No. 1 receiving option last week against the Atlanta Falcons as A.J. Brown (hamstring) was out. Smith caught seven of 10 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in the contest and is in line for a similar target share this week against the Saints with Brown expected to miss once again. New Orleans' defense has been great through two weeks, but they are not unstoppable through the air. They have allowed the 14th-most passing yards this year and allowed CeeDee Lamb to gain 90 yards on just four receptions last week. Chunk plays are Smith's specialty, and he has the chance to have them in what should be a competitive game Sunday. Consider the Eagles' young receiver a top-tier WR2 with top-12 upside in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jahan Dotson Sep 20 2:00pm ET
Jahan Dotson

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson will face off against the Saints in New Orleans in Week 3. The former Washington Commander had his chance to get more involved last week against Atlanta with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out but saw just one target and was outplayed by Britain Covey. That was also with Dotson on the field for 79% of the snaps. He has not clicked with quarterback Jalen Hurts just yet and should not be considered a fantasy option in any capacity this week against New Orleans, even with Brown expected to miss his second game in a row. He is better left on waivers in redraft leagues and on benches in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 20 2:00pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) was seen practicing on Friday in the portion open to the media. White injured his groin in the Week 2 victory over the Detroit Lions and was able to put in limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. Unless he was a full participant in Friday's session, White could be listed as questionable heading into Sunday's contest against the visiting Denver Broncos, but all signs point to him being available to play. If the 25-year-old is active, he'll be looking for more production in a good matchup against the 0-2 Broncos after averaging just 2.0 yards per carry on 25 rushing attempts through the first two weeks of the season. White is lining up as an RB2 for fantasy managers against a Broncos run D that was pretty suspect last year. If White is limited at all, it would mean more work for backup Bucky Irving.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Sep 20 2:00pm ET
Britain Covey

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 27-year-old saw his usage increase last week with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out and outproduced Jahan Dotson. Covey had six grabs with only 32% of snaps played, while Dotson saw one target with 79% of snaps played. While it was nice to see the primarily special team player get some run last week, it is tough to trust anyone outside of DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert against the Saints' defense in Week 3 for fantasy purposes. Managers should keep an eye on Covey in dynasty formats, but he is best left on the waiver wire or bench in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has picked up right where he left off at the end of 2023. Currently ranked as the fourth-best tight end in fantasy, McBride is poised to remain a top option as the season progresses. He has emerged as Kyler Murray's go-to security blanket, leading all Cardinals in targets with 15, which is also third among all tight ends through two weeks. While McBride's Week 2 touchdown came via a fumble recovery, his involvement in the offense remains strong. In Week 3, the Cardinals face the Lions in what should be a favorable matchup for McBride. With Detroit's elite pass rush generating quick pressure, Murray will likely check down to McBride frequently to counter the rush. Additionally, he will be matched up against Lions safety Brian Branch, giving him a significant size advantage. Expect the Cardinals to lean heavily on McBride again, making him a strong candidate to finish as the top tight end in fantasy this week. He's a must-start in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is questionable for the Week 3 contest against the visiting Green Bay Packers, but he's expected to be ready to roll on Sunday. Spears didn't practice on Wednesday before returning as a limited participant in Thursday's session, putting him on track to play this weekend. The 23-year-old could have a smaller role in a backfield tandem with Tony Pollard against Green Bay, though, which will make Spears a riskier RB3/flex play in deeper fantasy leagues. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz continues to say that the team prefers to have an even timeshare split in their backfield with Pollard and Spears. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 season, Spears has been the No. 2 behind Pollard, playing 45% of the snaps in Week 1 and 33% in Week 2. He has only 10 carries for 41 yards and has caught six passes for 22 yards.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will take on the Saints in New Orleans in Week 3. The 27-year-old was a focal point of the offense again last week against the Atlanta Falcons, especially with A.J. Brown (hamstring) inactive. Barkley put up 116 yards of total offense and was a top-12 RB in most fantasy formats, but did have a costly drop at the end of the game that gave the Falcons the chance to come back and win the game. He will look to make up for that mistake against a Saints defense that has allowed the second-fewest yards on the ground through two weeks. However, they have played the tandems of Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders in Week 1 and old man Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle in Week 2. None of these players come close to the caliber of the back that Barkley is, so there is no reason to consider the Eagles' workhorse back as anything but an RB1 in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 20 1:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

It's looking like Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) is going to miss a second straight game after he wasn't seen on the practice field on Friday. Although Addison's ankle injury isn't believed to be too serious, the Vikings are playing it smart with the second-year wideout. The 22-year-old was inactive for the Week 2 win over the San Francisco 49ers and doesn't look likely to suit up this Sunday in a showdown against the 2-0 Houston Texans. The Vikings have yet to release their final Friday injury report or rule Addison out officially, though. Justin Jefferson (quadriceps) is also banged up but fully expects to play against Houston. If Addison is ruled out for the second straight week, popular waiver-wire pickup Jalen Nailor will operate as the WR2 for the Vikes again and could be used as a flex play in deeper fantasy leagues this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 20 1:40pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is practicing on Friday for the third straight day, although USA Today's Ryan Wood says that he'll surely be limited. However, the fact that Love has practiced all week means he's given himself a realistic chance to return in Week 3 on the road against the Tennessee Titans. Love sprained his MCL in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and missed the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old will likely be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, so fantasy managers will probably have to check back on Sunday morning to see if he's actually active before officially throwing him back into their starting lineups. Love has looked good moving around in practice this week, but it's fair to wonder if his mobility will be compromised if he returns this Sunday after missing just one week.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 20 1:40pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) and running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) have both been ruled out for the Week 3 contest this Sunday in Tennessee against the Titans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said earlier this week that it was unlikely that Njoku would return this weekend after spraining his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Fantasy managers will need to keep the 28-year-old on their benches for at least another week. Jordan Akins caught his only target for a 10-yard gain in last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fantasy managers should be able to find better TE2 streamers in Week 3. Strong pulled his hammy against the Jaguars and missed practice all week. With the 25-year-old sidelined, D'Onta Foreman could have a bigger role again as the change-of-pace back behind starter Jerome Ford.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Sep 20 1:40pm ET
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will go on the road to take on the red-hot New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The 26-year-old failed to secure a win for the Eagles last week against the Atlanta Falcons, but had a solid performance on the field without his top weapon A.J. Brown (hamstring), and finally started to run the ball like the player who was challenging for an MVP a few years ago. Brown has not been ruled out, but has not practiced all week and is expected to miss his second game in a row. With that said, because of Hurts' ability to run the ball, he remains a top-tier fantasy option against a Saints defense that has racked up five turnovers and has allowed just one passing touchdown through the first two weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 20 1:30pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins will face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in a Week 3 road matchup. Miami's defense has been decent through two weeks regarding yardage allowed -- letting up the fifth-fewest yards through the air (278) and the fourth-fewest total yards in the league (514). However, they're allowing the fifteenth-most yards per play (5.4) and have racked up just one takeaway through two weeks. There was some sleeper appeal here when the team was projected to lead in games. Those scenarios may be more challenging to come by, though, with quarterback Skylar Thompson under center and Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve. Fantasy managers can safely avoid the Dolphins' DST this week, as they're RotoBaller's DEF25.

From RotoBaller

Jalin Hyatt Sep 20 1:20pm ET
Jalin Hyatt

Because he was frustrated with his standing on the depth chart, New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt requested a trade over the summer, according to multiple team sources. Hyatt played 15 offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and 11 snaps in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. He has had one target, which he dropped in the fourth quarter in Week 1. The former third-rounder in 2023 spent most of the summer as the No. 2 wideout behind rookie Malik Nabers, but Hyatt fell behind Darius Slayton on the depth chart in late August. At this point, the Giants think Slayton, a proven veteran, is the better option. Although he's not a big part of the offense currently, the Giants don't have any plans to trade Hyatt. The 22-year-old had 23 catches for 373 yards (16.2 yards per catch) in 2023. For now, Hyatt is off the fantasy radar in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Jason Sanders Sep 20 1:20pm ET
Jason Sanders

Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders can be avoided by fantasy managers ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Sanders has missed just one kick on the season -- a 42-yarder he pushed wide-left in Week 1 -- and has drilled all three of his extra-point attempts. Still, he isn't a recommended option this Sunday. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) placed on injured reserve, it's difficult to project Miami as many scoring opportunities for the offense led by Skylar Thompson. The Dolphins' skill players should keep the 28-year-old place-kicker in contention for a few weekly points, but he can only be relied on once the Fins prove they can still be an effective offensive unit with Thompson under center. Sanders is RotoBaller's K25 ahead of Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Sep 20 1:20pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back, calf) is dealing with back and calf injuries, but the Colts don't think he's in danger of missing the Week 3 contest against the Chicago Bears. Pittman wasn't listed on the Week 3 injury report on Wednesday or Thursday, but it sounds like he could pop up on Friday's final report. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Pittman's status. There's a chance he could be considered questionable, but as of right now, it sounds like the Colts plan on having him available. Josh Downs, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in August, has practiced in full all week and is on track to make his 2024 debut this Sunday, which will give Indy some more receiving insurance if Pittman isn't 100%. Pittman's fantasy stock has fallen after catching seven passes for 52 scoreless yards through two weeks in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Sep 20 1:10pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) were not at practice on Friday, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. With both running backs in danger of potentially missing Sunday's game, Cam Akers could get the starting nod. Akers replaced Mixon last weekend when he exited the game due to an ankle injury. On seven carries, Akers tallied 32 yards and caught his lone target for three yards. However, he did lose a fumble. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Houston injury report later on Friday, as it should provide more clarity on the situation. If Akers does suit up as the No.1 RB for Houston on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end RB2 simply due to the volume he is expected to see.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Sep 20 1:10pm ET
Terry McLaurin

The Washington Commanders are looking for more ways to get top wide receiver Terry McLaurin involved heading into their Week 3 matchup on Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. "We got to find a way to get Terry more involved. That's on me. He's a fantastic player," offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said of McLaurin's 39 receiving yards through the first two weeks of the season. The 29-year-old did have six receptions in the Week 2 win over the division-rival New York Giants, but it led to just 22 receiving yards. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn't been looking very far down the field in the early going and has preferred to tuck the ball and run when he's unsure of things. Unless the Commanders start looking down the field more or McLaurin can start improving his yards-after-the catch production, he could remain a frustrating WR3/flex play for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Justice Hill Sep 20 1:00pm ET
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension with the team on Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The 26-year-old has gradually grown into a more significant role in the Baltimore offense every season and is currently on pace to set a new career-high in targets and receptions out of the backfield. So far this season, Hill has logged eight more snaps than Derrick Henry and caught eight of his 10 targets for 62 receiving yards. He has added 25 yards on the ground on five attempts. Fantasy managers in PPR formats should view Hill as a low-end flex play given his role as a pass-catcher in the Baltimore offense going forward. However, in standard formats, Hill is best left on the waiver wire given the few rushing attempts he sees.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Sep 20 1:00pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith holds some sleeper appeal ahead of the team's Week 3 road tilt against the Seattle Seahawks. Smith caught 6-of-7 targets for 53 yards in Miami's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 and could again be in store for an elevated role in the offense. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) hitting injured reserve, Skylar Thompson will stand in as the Dolphins' signal caller. Thompson saw a ton of time in the preseason and regularly worked the short area of the field -- funneling most of his targets to the running backs and tight ends. However, this information comes with a grain of salt as Braxton Berrios and River Cracraft (upper-body) are the main wideouts who saw snaps with Thompson in August's action. The 29-year-old veteran is in streaming consideration for now, and RotoBaller's TE19 for the Week 3 matchup.

From RotoBaller

Antoine Winfield Jr. Sep 20 12:50pm ET
Antoine Winfield Jr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) will not play on Sunday, according to Brianna Dix of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winfield Jr. suffered a foot injury in the season opener and did not play in their Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old did not participate in any practices this week and will hope to be ready for Week 4 when the Buccaneers play host to the Philadelphia Eagles. In the opening week, Winfield tallied seven tackles. Christian Izien should be expected to start his second-straight game and looks to build off a strong outing last week, where he recorded five solo tackles and an interception.

From RotoBaller