Wed Feb 7 8:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Pacheco is playing at high level
Not sure about you, but there is not a better weekend in sports than Super Bowl weekend. It is as good as it gets. Just everything involved with it is so much fun. I am so looking forward to it all this weekend. Let’s hope it is a good game and lives up to the hype. Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .
I will give you my pick for the game right off the bat. I think it will be a close game, but look for the Chiefs to squeak it out. I think the experience factor plays a difference here in the end, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding during the playoffs and think he has a huge advantage over Brock Purdy. Plus, the Chiefs defense has been outstanding lately, completely shutting down the opponent. I don’t see them shutting down the 49ers high-powered offense, but think they will cause Purdy problems. I’m going with a Chiefs 31-27 victory.
If you still don’t have any fantasy teams alive in the playoffs, consider playing our fun pickem contests. We have tons of options available to play with for the Super Bowl. I wanted to give you a few of my favorite pickem plays for the big game. Give me Travis Kelce more than 70.5-receiving yards. Kelce has 71-plus yards all three of his playoff games and is coming off arguably his best game of the season. And the 49ers struggled to stop the tight end last week, seeing Sam LaPorta rack up the receptions and yards. I also like Brandon Aiyuk less than 61.5-receiving yards. Aiyuk has failed to hit that mark two of three games and has just three catches each of his last three games. Lastly, I like Deebo Samuel more than 79.5-rushing and receiving yards. Samuel had 11 touches his last game and was a huge part of the offense. I look for the 49ers to get him involved early and often, giving him good potential to rack up some total yards.
I’m not sure how I feel about the Commanders hiring of Kliff Kingsbury. His offenses were fine in Arizona, but not as explosive as many thought and he struggled some using Caleb Williams last year at USC. I think the Commanders would have been better served keeping Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator. I thought he did a great job with the offense last year in Washington all things considered. I’m not convinced Kingsbury is going to be an upgrade.
On a different subject, can we stop teasing and showing parts of the Super Bowl commercials before the game? I mean part of the fun of the game is the commercials. They are always entertaining and a part of the event. But now, you see parts of the commercials before the game, ruining the surprise. C’mon people. Let’s stop this tradition right now.
We had our first TFC draft of the 2024 season last night. And in a surprise move, the first pick of the draft was Breece Hall. And we also saw Sam LaPorta get picked before Travis Kelce. It is always interesting to see how these early drafts shake out. A lot is going to change between now and the start of next season, but trends are starting now. In this draft, four running backs were picked in the first round compared to eight receivers. And the quarterback position looks as deep as ever with guys like Jordan Love getting picked in Round 11. Brock Purdy and Kirk Cousins also went very late.
News and Notes: The Chargers hired Greg Roman as their new offensive coordinator. Roman tends to be more run heavy when it comes to play calling. . . . .Former Texans and Patriots running back Rex Burkhead announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.
HOT PLAYS
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has taken his game to new heights during the Chiefs playoff run. He has at least 15 fantasy points four straight games and found the end zone seven consecutive games. He even has 20-plus carries two of three games, getting a big workload in the Chiefs offense. Expect more of the same this week from Pacheco. The 49ers allowed 182-rushing yards to the Lions their last game and allowed 135-plus rushing yards each of their two playoff games.
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs. Kelce has looked like a different player during these playoffs than the regular season. He had 11 receptions his last game and at least five catches all three playoff games. He has 14-plus fantasy points all three games. He has really elevated his game after a ho-hum second half of the season. Look for him to be the focal point of the Chiefs passing game once again this week. And San Francisco couldn’t contain Sam LaPorta in the Championship game, allowing him to get nine receptions for 97 yards. The Packers tight ends had six receptions and a touchdown in the 49ers other playoff game.
COLD PLAYS
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. Aiyuk did score a touchdown his last game, which was a big positive, but he had just three receptions. He has just three cathodes three straight games. He has were than 40 yards two of three. And with the Chiefs secondary clamping down on receivers right not, it could be more of the same for Aiyuk this week. He could be held in check once again.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs. McKinnon is expected to make his long-awaited return this week, returning from a groin injury. He has not played since Week 15. Just remember he has not reached double-digit touches in a single game this year. Pacheco is the lead back in this offense and will get most of the work at running back. McKinnon played great during the Chiefs playoff run last season, but this is a new year. Plus, McKinnon has not played in several weeks, so you have to wonder how much he is even on the field. He will be a big risk to use for fantasy owners.
SLEEPERS
Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. There are always surprise players in the Super Bowl, so why not Jennings. He could draw the most favorable matchups in coverage for the 49ers receiver options. And he has looked good in the playoffs, having six receptions for 69 yards in two games. He played 42 percent of the snaps last week - even with Deebo Samuel back in the lineup. Jennings might get a big play or two in this one, making him an intriguing fantasy play.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Chiefs. Valdes-Scantling had the game-clinching reception in the Championship game, making a sliding catch on third down to clinch the game. He finished with two receptions for 38 yards. But he played a season-high 83 percent of the snaps in that game, which is encouraging. If he is on the field that much again this week, his reception and yardage totals could rise in what might be a high-scoring game.
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/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.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune will start the team's preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, indicating that he has a lead over Desmond Ridder for the backup QB spot behind Kyler Murray. Ridder was dealt to the Cardinals in March in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore, but he's fighting for a roster spot if the team does not keep three quarterbacks. Tune, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, threw for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in one start last year. Fantasy managers in Superflex or two-QB leagues should monitor the backup competitions around the league, as any QB2 could become a starter and enter the fantasy football radar if injuries take place.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks has been drawing positive reviews this offseason, and his success has continued into training camp. According to Calvin Watkins of Dallas News, Brooks has been "outstanding." Brooks was selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of South Carolina and played in seven games as a rookie, collecting six receptions for 64 yards. Following the departure of Michael Gallup, the team's WR3 role is open behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. If Brooks beats out Jalen Tolbert, he will be worth rostering in deep fantasy football leagues. For now, he's at least an interesting late-round dart throw in best ball formats.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams has not been at training camp this offseason, and he remains away from the team just a few weeks away from the season-opening game against the New York Jets. Williams is seeking a revised contract, and Kyle Shanahan is hopeful the two sides will strike an agreement soon. "I've had some contact with him. It's been good talking to him," Shanahan said. "We're negotiating hard. Hopefully, it's getting close." The 31-year-old is an 11-time Pro Bowler and has been named a first-team All-Pro in each of the last three seasons. The 49ers offense would likely take a hit if the future Hall of Famer isn't on the field, so surely, the organization will do everything possible to get him on the field in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders are releasing kicker Riley Patterson following the trade for former Cleveland Browns kicker Cade York, according to John Keim of ESPN. Patterson has spent time with six NFL organizations since going undrafted out of Memphis in 2021. He's seen regular-season action with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns, and has made 59 of his 67 field goal attempts through the first 39 contests of his career. Patterson's 88.1% career field goal percentage is above the league's average, so it would not be surprising if he lands another opportunity this season.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are releasing defensive end/outside linebacker Randy Gregory after he never reported to training camp this offseason. The 31-year-old fully repaid his $1.3 million roster bonus before his release. Gregory, a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has appeared in 60 games for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers and has compiled 106 tackles, 22 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles. The Nebraska product has been somewhat productive during his six-year NFL career, but he's been tough to depend on lately.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns are trading kicker Cade York to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The Commanders have reportedly struggled with the kicker position during camp, so York is being brought in to help alleviate that issue. York was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of LSU, and he went 24-of-32 on field goal tries during his rookie campaign. The Browns released him following his rookie season, and he spent time with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants before ultimately landing with the Browns again this offseason. The Commanders released Riley Patterson in a corresponding move, so York should have a clear path to starting placekicking duties.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons All-Pro cornerback A.J. Terrell agreed to a four-year, $81 million contract extension that includes $65.8 million guaranteed, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson has racked up 247 tackles, one sack, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 43 passes defended in his first 61 pro games. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2021. Terrell now becomes the second-highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, and the Falcons lock down a key defensive piece to go along with Pro Bowl safeties Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons.
New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye appears to have won the competition with Chad Ryland for starting kicking duties to begin the 2024 regular season. Slye hit all four of his kicks at training camp practice on Wednesday from 33,41,47 and 50 yards out. Meanwhile, Ryland hit his 33-yarder and then missed his next three kicks. For most of camp, Slye was clearly the better kicker from distance, but now he's proving to be better from intermediate range as well. Two of Ryland's misses weren't close, and his third miss was a doink off the right upright. It remains to be seen if Ryland or another kicker is kept around on the practice squad as a second option if Slye struggles early on in 2024. The 28-year-old Slye has a strong leg but has made just 82.3% of his 32 field-goal attempts in five NFL seasons and will be kicking for an offense that could have a rookie QB starting as early as Week 1.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (hip) made his return to training camp practice on Wednesday after sitting out last weekend's preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday with hip soreness. In addition to Mason, the Niners also got Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) back at practice this week, leaving just Christian McCaffrey (calf) sitting out. McCaffrey has been working out on side fields and remains on track to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener, so the 25-year-old Mason will be competing with Mitchell for the RB2 role in the final two weeks of camp. It's unclear how many RBs the Niners will carry on the initial 53-man roster, but Mason's special teams contributions could be the deciding factor. The power runner has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his two NFL seasons but is mostly just a dynasty/keeper stash until he has a more clear role.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Wednesday that quarterback Aidan O'Connell won't play in the preseason finale on Friday against the San Francisco 49ers. The Raiders named Gardner Minshew II as their starting QB earlier this week, and the Raiders will hold both Minshew and O'Connell out of action this weekend, with Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman set to split the reps under center. The 25-year-old O'Connell will enter his second NFL season as the backup to Minshew, but if Minshew struggles early on, don't be surprised if Pierce gives O'Connell a shot. He went 5-5 as the starter in 2023 after the team moved on from Jimmy Garoppolo, throwing 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Ultimately, experience won out for Pierce, with Minshew having 37 career NFL starts under his belt. For now, O'Connell is merely a QB3/4 bench stash in superflex fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (stinger) is being held out of practice due to a stinger that Dillon suffered toward the end of last season. Per Matt LaFleur, Dillon being held out of practice is for precautionary reasons. With Dillon being held out and backfield mate MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) nursing an injury of his own, the Green Bay backfield has been hit hard with the injury bug. Dillon averaged just 3.4 yards per attempt in his worst season as a pro, with 613 rushing yards on 178 attempts. The role for Dillon is up in the air with Lloyd's injury and Josh Jacobs coming in to be the top running back for the Packers. It's a thin bet to expect Dillon to have a fantasy-friendly role in 2024 outside of injury, so keep him undrafted in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran tight end C.J. Uzomah on Wednesday. The Eagles signed Uzomah to a one-year pact in April and with the competition in camp, felt it necessary to cut the journeyman loose to free agency. Uzomah spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets after eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Playing sparingly for the Jets last season, Uzomah managed just eight receptions on 12 targets for 58 yards and a touchdown grab. The Eagles' depth chart at tight end comprises Dallas Goedert, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Grant Calcaterra.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has been a part of the top unit of wide receivers with Demario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk during practices. It's quite a leap for Thornton as he's shown out with so much wide receiver competition via the NFL Draft and in free agency. While K.J. Osborn and Kendrick Bourne will be a part of the wide receiver rotation, the third-year receiver Thornton has made a big splash following a disappointing sophomore season where he brought in just 13 receptions for 91 yards. While Thornton is somebody we're not drafting in fantasy football leagues, if he continues to surprise, we should take notice of the former 2022 second-rounder.
From RotoBaller
Alex Barth reports that New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker seems to have fallen out of the top receiver rotation for the Patriots. Selected in the fourth round of this past April's NFL Draft, Baker isn't making plays as regularly as he was at the start of training camp. Barth reports that "based on his practice reps, it doesn't look like he'll have a big role in the offense once the season starts." Given the shaky depth of the Patriots' receiver room, it looked like Baker could work his way into the regular rotation, but it's not looking that way now. Baker looks like he's on the outside looking in for regular work heading into Week 1, so you can leave him undrafted in seasonal fantasy formats. If an injury strikes, Baker could be somebody to watch.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye took a big step on Wednesday as he took his reps with the projected starting offense during padded practices and competitive drills at training camp. In any of the first 17 practices, Maye took zero reps with that projected starting unit. Maye did not throw a pass with that unit, but getting on the field with that grouping was the next step for his development. While it's looking more likely that veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett will begin the season as the Patriots' starting quarterback, the third-overall pick Maye should eventually take over at some point in 2024. For fantasy circles, Maye offers plenty of mobility and a strong arm, so he should be considered on the waiver wire once he's tabbed to start this season for New England.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Saints running back Kendre Miller's roster spot seems to be in doubt. Dynasty Analysis: Miller has been unable to practice most of camp and Head Coach Dennis Allen has repeatedly made comments about him being tough to evaluate when he's hurt. While it seems early for the Saints to give up on Miller, it's clear New Orleans is losing patience with their young running back and his roster spot certainly doesn't seem to be guaranteed at the moment. This is a story to watch as the Saints have precious little depth behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams.
Dynasty | Jerry Jones said Trey Lance has earned a roster spot. Dynasty Analysis: Lance has been solid in the preseason completing 40-of-64 passes for 339 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, while adding 78 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in two contests. He may not win the backup job over Cooper Rush but Jones is "guaranteeing" he makes the final roster. He may still be a trade target out there for a QB-needy team at some point in the season so dynasty owners should keep him on their short list if he isn't already rostered.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos have named Bo Nix their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. The Broncos promoted a "competition" between Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson but Nix was the heavy favorite after Denver jettisoned Russell Wilson. Sean Payton clearly has all his eggs in the Nix basket, so he was going to do all he could to make this a reality. Nix helped him out by having a solid preseason and looking like he has veteran poise already. Nix will be a QB2 to start but he's certainly in position for early success.
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said he doesn't think wide receiver Rashid Shaheed's (toe, foot) injury will keep him out for an extended period of time, and he's not dealing with turf toe. Shaheed's injury caused him to miss the second preseason game last weekend against the San Francisco 49ers. While the 25-year-old might not be able to play in the preseason finale this Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans, Allen's comments on Wednesday at least make it sound like he'll have a chance to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in two weeks. The former undrafted free agent from Weber State entered last year as the team's WR3 behind Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, but his involvement in the offense didn't really increase all that much after Thomas' season-ending ankle injury. Shaheed is still probably more useful to the Saints as an All-Pro kick returner, but he could also have a bigger role in the offense in 2024, making him a more palatable boom/bust WR4/5 wideout.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers WR Trent Taylor (undisclosed) and WR Danny Gray (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 21.
From TheHuddle