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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Lineup Prep: Super Bowl

Wed Feb 7 8:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

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Player Notes
Gabriel Davis Sep 24 9:10am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis saw six targets against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night but could only turn those into two catches for 18 yards. Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas, Jr., saw most of the targets for the Jaguars as they were routed by the Bills in Buffalo. Davis was unable to get loose against his former team in this one. Even at his most productive in Buffalo, Davis was a boom-or-bust fantasy option. The big-play threat has yet to break free for a long catch from Trevor Lawrence this season. With Kirk and Thomas ahead of him on the receiving pecking order and tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) likely to take targets away from him upon his return, Davis is best left on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 24 2:00am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught five of nine targets in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The rookie first-round receiver had a solid outing despite the blowout and looks like a high upside fantasy option in the future for patient fantasy managers. The Jaguars offense has struggled through three weeks, but BTJ has been solid despite that. In Week 1, BTJ caught a touchdown, in Week 2, he had 94 yards receiving, and in Week 3, he had his most targets and receptions so far. If the LSU product can put it all together, he could be in for a big game very soon. Given his baseline talent level, despite being a part of a rough offense, the rookie receiver should continue to serve as a high upside flex option going forward. BTJ and the Jaguars offense faces yet another tough defense in the Houston Texans in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 24 1:50am ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk was the team's best performer in an otherwise rough night in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Jaguars put up a stinker on Monday Night Football, but fantasy managers who kept faith in Kirk should be happy with an eight catch, 79 yard performance, especially in PPR leagues. That led the team in both categories, a drastic turn from his two catches for 29 yards in the first two games. Despite the good performance, it will still be hard to trust Kirk going forward giving how bad the Jaguars offense has looked so far. The matchups will also not get any easier over the next few weeks, so expectations should remain low for Kirk and the Jaguars offense. However, the former Arizona Cardinal could maintain a WR3 level in PPR leagues if he continues to earn targets. Kirk will look to build on this bounce back performance in Week 4 against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 24 1:40am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. was solid despite game script being against him in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Etienne Jr. didn't get a touchdown this week for the first time this season, but he put up a solid 68 yards rushing on 11 attempts as well as 17 yards on four receptions. The Clemson product has maintained an RB2 level so far this season, as given the Jaguars offense is struggling, his upside is limited. The Jaguars have faced three good defenses so far, but either way, the offense has not looked good at all. Etienne Jr. has been one of the few bright spots of the offense, and if it can manage to get going anytime soon, he may be in for a big game. For now, the 25-year-old back will struggle to stand out in fantasy, but will maintain a solid floor heading into a Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Sep 24 1:40am ET
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange only caught two passes, but one was for the team's only touchdown in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 17 yards receiving, catching two of his five targets. Taking over for Evan Engram once again, Strange was a little quieter from a yards perspective compared to last week, but the touchdown gave him a respectable fantasy output. The second-year tight end will likely move back to his original role of clear backup to Engram once the starter returns from injury, but for now, Strange is a solid starting option for teams in desperate need of tight end help, which seems to be most fantasy managers so far this season. As with most tight ends, Strange has a low floor but enough of a ceiling where he is a startable option as long as Engram is out. He will look to catch another touchdown in a Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 24 1:20am ET
Keon Coleman

Head coach Sean McDermott revealed that Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was benched for the first quarter due to punctuality issues. "This will serve as a learning opportunity for him," McDermott stated after the game. "It was a matter of being on time. He understands his responsibility to his teammates. We've addressed it, we support him, and now we move forward. I thought he played well tonight." Coleman made an impact after entering the game in the second quarter, scoring his first career touchdown and helping the Bills secure a decisive 47-10 victory. The 24-yard touchdown was his only target of the evening. Coleman participated in 19 out of 60 offensive snaps, which amounts to just 31.66%. However, heading into Week 3, he led all Bills wide receivers with 83 offensive snaps, outpacing the next closest receiver, Mack Hollins, by 16. Coleman also topped the team in routes run and was second in targets before his benching. With the Bills' offense performing at a high level, Coleman could be a solid flex option in favorable matchupsprovided he arrives on time, of course.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 24 1:20am ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence put up yet another underwhelming performance in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 178 passing yards, completing 21 of his 38 passing attempts. He threw one touchdown and one interception. The Jaguars offense just hasn't worked so far this season, and Lawrence has not looked great throughout. This is his second game with less than 200 yards passing, and he only has two touchdowns in three games. Even the potential rushing upside he has added during his career just hasn't materialized this season. The former number one pick is a player that can be dropped at this point in most leagues. His early schedule has been tough, but he isn't providing enough of a floor to be trusted at all to start in fantasy lineups. Lawrence has yet another tough road matchup in Week 4 when he faces the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 24 1:13am ET
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 21-of-23 passes for 254 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 39 rushing yards and another touchdown in a road win against the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: Uhh, what? Daniels set the rookie record for completion percentage in a game and looked calm, cool, and collected in the process. If there were any doubts about his transition to the NFL, they were answered tonight as Daniels routinely made play after play on the road against a team absolutely desperate for a win. Daniels looks like the player we thought Anthony Richardson could be last year and has the looks of a long-term QB1 already. The buying window has closed.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Zack Moss Sep 24 1:13am ET
Zack Moss

Dynasty | Bengals running back Zack Moss had 58 rushing yards, five catches, 39 receiving yards and a touchdown in a loss against the Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Moss again out-touched Chase Brown, this time 17-9. Unfortunately, Brown was solid himself so this is looking more and more like a 60/40 timeshare moving forward. Regardless, this was game Moss needed to have and he's looked like a solid addition for Cincinnati as they try to fill the shoes of Joe Mixon on the cheap. Moss will be a low-end RB2 moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Trevor Lawrence Sep 24 1:13am ET
Trevor Lawrence

Dynasty | Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed just 21-of-38 passes for 178 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a humiliating loss to the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: The Jaguars were cooked to the tune of a 47-10 score where they were outplayed in every aspect of the game. Lawrence himself looks out of synch and has no rhythm with his new receiving corps. With just two touchdown passes through three weeks, Lawrence is looking like a poor game manager and player expected to do way too much with way too little at the moment. He belongs on fantasy benches in what's looking like a lost season. Lawrence's dynasty value is also sinking as it's fair to wonder if he really is as good as many thought he was coming out of Clemson.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Keon Coleman Sep 24 1:13am ET
Keon Coleman

Dynasty | Bills rookie receiver Keon Coleman had a 24-yard touchdown catch in the Bills 47-10 demolition of Jacksonville. Dynasty Analysis: Unfortunately, it was Coleman's only target on the night. With just seven targets through three games, it's clear the BIlls are bringing him along slowly. Khalil Shakir is starting to establish himself as the top option and that's going to keep Coleman as a dynasty stash for the time being. While he doesn't belong near lineups at the moment, we can see the talent and dynasty managers are going to need to simply stay patient. Coleman could be a savvy manager's buy low at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

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