Guest of the League
The Jedi Council Est. 2020
Dynasty $250 - FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Monday Night DFS Pickem Plays

Player Notes
Jordan Addison Sep 23 6:20pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said the team is "optimistic" about wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) heading into a Week 4 divisional showdown at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Addison hasn't played since injuring his ankle in the third quarter in the season-opening win over the New York Giants on Sept. 8. The 22-year-old second-year pass-catcher hasn't actually practiced since spraining his ankle in Week 1, so he'll need to get back on the field first this week to have a shot at returning in Week 4. Both Jailen Nailor and Brandon Powell have seen more work behind WR1 Justin Jefferson the last two weeks with Addison sidelined, but it has been Nailor that has been more productive. Nailor has been a popular waiver-wire pickup the last two weeks and has found the end zone in each of the first three weeks of the 2024 season.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 23 6:10pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) will not make it back in time for the Week 4 contest this Sunday at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. Kupp injured his ankle in the Week 2 loss against the Arizona Cardinals and didn't play in the Week 3 victory over the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. The 31-year-old avoided a stint on Injured Reserve, unlike teammate Puka Nacua (knee), but Kupp will miss his second straight game this weekend. Fantasy managers and the Rams can only hope that he has a shot to suit up in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers, but with LA's bye coming in Week 6, it's possible we don't see him again until Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kupp was looking more like his All-Pro self in 2021 before hurting his ankle, so hopefully he can return sooner than later. Tutu Atwell led LA with four catches and 93 yards in the Week 3 win.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 23 6:10pm ET
Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday that quarterback Sam Darnold (knee) suffered a left-knee bruise in the Week 3 win over the Houston Texans, but he's not expected to miss any time. Don't be surprised to see Darnold on the team's Week 4 injury report, but it sounds as though he's fully expected to play this Sunday when the team travels to Lambeau Field to face the division-rival Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old came out for a play in the third quarter of the 34-7 blowout win over Houston. The former first-round pick heads into Week 4 with a league-leading eight touchdown passes while completing 67.9% of his pass attempts for 657 yards in three games despite not having receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) for two games. Going into this weekend's game on the road, Darnold should be considered a high-end QB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Sep 23 3:10pm ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney caught all eight of his targets for 66 yards in the team's 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Mooney led the team in catches on Sunday night, recording two more than Drake London on one fewer target and gaining one fewer yard. The 26-year-old kicked off the game's opening drive with back-to-back receptions for 35 yards on Atlanta's first two plays from scrimmage. He hauled in another short pass late in the first quarter before being held in check for the remainder of the first half. It was a valuable outing for the former Bear, though it's unlikely he was started in many fantasy leagues. He's the clear No. 2 option at wide receiver for the Falcons despite playing one fewer snap than Ray-Ray McCloud III's 58 in Week 3, and holds some WR3 value with upside while getting consistent targets. With Atlanta potentially down two offensive linemen, they may increase their pass rate when the team hosts their rival New Orleans Saints at home in a tough Week 4 matchup.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Sep 23 2:50pm ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson took 16 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, he reeled in both of his targets for 21 yards through the air. It was tough sledding for the second-year back on a day when the Falcons lost two starting offensive linemen. Center Drew Dalman (ankle) and right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) were both ruled out in this one after suffering injuries in the first half. Robinson salvaged his fantasy day when he converted a one-yard score with under six minutes left in the first half. The former Longhorn began the day on a solid note, with three of his first four carries going for five or more yards. However, many of his remaining carries were stonewalled by a Chiefs' D that has fared better against rushing attacks than they have in the passing game in 2024. He was most notably stuffed on 4th-and-inches with Atlanta attempting to take the lead in the waning seconds of regulation. Robinson will likely retain his weekly RB1 status, but the injuries to the offensive line are slightly concerning regarding his rushing output. The Falcons will host a tough Saints team at home in Week 4 as the team will look to even up their record at 2-2.

From RotoBaller

Drake London Sep 23 2:40pm ET
Drake London

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London hauled in 6-of-9 targets for 67 yards and a touchdown in the team's 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The USC product started the game hot, catching his touchdown to cap off Atlanta's opening drive of the game. It was a 14-yard pass to a wide-open London in the corner of the end zone on a slick play design that ultimately broke Kansas City's coverage. However, the third-year wideout was held to just two receptions and 24 yards through the first three quarters. He would eventually save his fantasy day, racking up another four catches in the fourth quarter with the Falcons playing from behind. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was the only pass-catcher to outpace him in receptions (8). The former Trojan now has back-to-back games with six receptions and should continue to provide solid fantasy value with Atlanta's offense rounding into form. He'll have a difficult matchup in Week 4 when the Falcons host their division-rival Saints at home.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Sep 23 2:20pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 20-of-29 attempts for 230 yards in Sunday night's 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He tossed one touchdown and interception and lost one yard on his lone rush attempt. Cousins and the Falcons' offense battled throughout the contest to try and make it a game, but they came up just short. Atlanta was down five with just over four minutes left to go in regulation when Cousins targeted tight end Kyle Pitts in the end zone on 3rd-and-5 deep inside Chiefs territory. Pitts had KC safety Bryan Cook draped all over him, and there appeared to be heavy contact on the play, although no flag had been called. Atlanta would turn it over on downs; however, they did have another chance inside the Chiefs' 20-yard-line with under a minute to go but were stuffed for a loss on 4th-and-inches. That would eventually ice the game for the reigning Super Bowl champs. There will be better days ahead for the long-time Viking. He and the Falcons will look to get back in the win column in Week 4 when the team hosts a tough New Orleans Saints squad.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 23 1:40pm ET
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett's foot injury is day-to-day, while offensive guard Wyatt Teller (knee) could land on Injured Reserve after suffering a knee injury in the Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. Garrett missed practice time last week but didn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's contest against the Giants before suffering multiple injuries to his foot/leg. The 28-year-old had an MRI exam on Monday, which apparently didn't show anything significant enough to rule him out for Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He played a season-low 59% of the defensive snaps in Week 3 and could be limited moving forward if he continues to play through his injuries, making him more boom/bust in IDP fantasy lineups. After finishing with sacks in each of the first two games, Garrett had just one solo tackle against the G-Men.

From RotoBaller

Tim Boyle Sep 23 1:40pm ET
Tim Boyle

Tennessee Titans cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (groin) suffered a groin injury in the Week 3 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday that could land him on Injured Reserve. If Awuzie is forced to IR, it would cost him at least the next four games. The Titans have their bye in Week 5, so the earliest Awuzie could return if they place him on IR this week would be for a Week 9 contest against the New England Patriots. The 29-year-old is in his first season with Tennessee and has recorded four tackles (three solo) in his first three games in 2024. The 0-3 Titans are going to be a bit more vulnerable in their secondary with Awuzie injured as they prepare for a Week 4 matchup on the road at Hard Rock Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, who might be forced to start third-string quarterback Tim Boyle. Expect Jarvis Brownlee and Darrell Baker to get more opportunities with Awuzie set to miss time.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 23 1:30pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that rookie running back Bucky Irving has earned more offensive snaps going forward. Although primary back Rachaad White saw 74% of the offensive snaps to Irving's 32% in the Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos, Irving was the better back, rushing nine times 70 yards while catching all three of his targets for 14 yards. Meanwhile, White had only six carries for a measly 17 yards on the ground. The 22-year-old Irving broke off a big 32-yard chunk gain on the ground and looked much more elusive and quick with the ball in his hands than White did. It's bad news for White's fantasy managers going forward, although it would be wise to try and pick Irving up off the waiver wire this week, as he could take over lead-back duties sooner than later. Irving is currently rostered in 35% of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 23 1:30pm ET
Anthony Richardson

On Sunday, the Chicago Bears' defense and special teams performed well, keeping the team competitive despite a tough matchup. The Bears intercepted Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson twice, both on passes thrown directly to their defenders. While these interceptions were beneficial, the pass defense struggled at times, allowing several big plays, including a 44-yard completion to Alec Pierce over cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Overall, the Bears limited Richardson to 167 yards with a 50 percent completion rate, but the explosive plays they allowed led to touchdown runs by Jonathan Taylor and Trey Sermon. Taylor, known for his patience as he waits behind the line before bursting through openings, proved challenging to contain. Although the Bears made him earn his yards, they still allowed him to rack up 110 yards at an average of 4.8 yards per carry, including a 29-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The Bears did manage to keep Richardson in check on the ground, limiting him to just 24 yards on eight carries, but Taylor's contributions were enough to secure a win for Indianapolis. The Bears will face another tough matchup next week against the Los Angeles Rams, but they are a must start.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 23 1:20pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said "we'll see" whether tight end David Njoku (ankle) will be available to play in a Week 4 tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Browns and fantasy managers will have a better idea of Njoku's status when they resume practicing on Wednesday. Njoku suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and has missed the last two games as a result. With Njoku sidelined the last two games, Jordan Akins has stepped in as the primary pass-catching TE but has gone for just five receptions on eight targets for 39 yards and no touchdowns. Quarterback Deshaun Watson relied heavily on receiver Amari Cooper in the Week 3 loss to the New York Giants, targeting him 12 times, leading to seven catches, 86 yards and two touchdowns. Njoku will be in play as a low-end TE1 option for fantasy managers if he returns to play in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Sep 23 1:20pm ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet finally had the breakout game many had anticipated in the 2024 season. After totaling just five receptions for 31 yards in the first two games, Kmet became one of Caleb Williams' primary targets in Week 3. He matched his career high with ten receptions for 97 yards and scored a touchdown that cut Chicago's deficit to one score, giving them a chance to win, though the offense didn't get the ball back in time. Kmet's usage has dramatically increased over the past two games, significantly impacting the passing game. With Keenan Allen (heel) out, seeing Kmet step up and receive more targets was encouraging. While it's unlikely the Bears will continue to throw the ball 50 times per game, it's promising to see Kmet integrated into the game plan. He will look to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to have a career performance.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 23 1:10pm ET
Sam LaPorta

Tests on Monday morning confirmed that Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) suffered a low-ankle sprain in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals, according to a source. It's relative good news for the Lions' star tight end, although it's not guaranteed that he'll be able to play in Week 4 versus the visiting Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. We'll have a better idea of LaPorta's status once the Lions resume practicing again on Thursday, but if LaPorta is up in the air to play on Monday, it will make fantasy managers' decisions much more difficult this week. After being the top fantasy TE in his rookie season in 2023, the 23-year-old has disappointed through three weeks in Year 2, catching eight of 10 targets for 94 yards and no scores. Brock Wright had four catches for 34 yards on Sunday and would have an expanded role in Week 4 against Seattle if LaPorta is limited or out.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 23 1:10pm ET
Justin Herbert

X-rays came back negative on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle), who aggravated his right high-ankle sprain and left Sunday's Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers early, according to a source. Herbert will continue to be monitored throughout the week leading up to the Week 4 divisional showdown versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Before Taylor Heinicke replaced him, Herbert went 12-for-18 for 125 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions while taking two sacks in the 20-10 loss. Herbert was seen in a walking boot after the game, so his status for Week 4 is murky, at best. Even if the 26-year-old toughs it out and plays against the Chiefs, he won't be a recommended starter in single-QB leagues. Heinicke completed both of his pass attempts for 24 yards but also took three sacks in his first action with the Bolts. Expect LA to go with a run-heavy game script in Week 4 if Herbert is unavailable.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Sep 23 12:20pm ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a solid outing in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He made several impressive plays but came close to an even bigger performance. Moore finished with eight receptions for 78 yards, including a Hail Mary attempt that fell just one yard short of a touchdown. He ranked third on the team in both receiving yards and targets, trailing Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet, as Caleb Williams threw for 363 yards. The Bears also attempted to involve Moore in the rushing game against the Colts' weak defense, but his carry resulted in a loss. With Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, seeing Moore receive more targets was encouraging. He has emerged as Williams' primary read, accumulating 28 targets over three games, and this volume could translate into increased production as the rookie quarterback settles in. Moore will look to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to shine.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 23 12:20pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a standout performance in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded six receptions for 112 yards and scored his first touchdown. While tight end Cole Kmet (10 catches) and receiver DJ Moore (8 catches) had more receptions, Odunze still topped the team in receiving yards. His 11 targets were more than he received in the first two games combined, highlighting his growing role in the Bears' offense. Against the Colts, Odunze demonstrated the skills that made him a top-10 draft pick, running precise routes, showcasing impressive speed, and displaying excellent ball-tracking ability. The Bears also attempted to utilize him in the rushing game against the Colts' weak defense, but his rushing attempt gained minimal yards. With Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, it was encouraging to see Odunze step up. He will aim to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to look like prime Jerry Rice.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 23 12:13pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Dynasty | Chefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had 12 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: And the beat goes on. At this point, Rice's three-game total of 288 receiving yards is good for second in the NFL and his targets rank third. In other words, Rice has taken over Travis Kelce's spot as the top weapon for Patrick Mahomes and has made every other receiver a secondary option. While there are concerns about a possible suspension, it's not going to stop Rice's ascension in dynasty rankings.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Samaje Perine Sep 23 12:13pm ET
Samaje Perine

Dynasty | Chiefs running back Carson Steele had 72 rushing yards, one catch, and two receiving yards in a win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: Steele's audition as the new starter for the Chiefs went just fine as he churned out some tough yards all night. Even better, he out-touched Samaje Perine 18-9. While the lack of a touchdown capped his fantasy night, Steele did nothing to make Kansas City believe he couldn't at least hold the fort for a bit. The key to Steele's short-term value is going to hinge on what the Chiefs decide to do with the newly signed Kareem Hunt. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Rashee Rice Sep 23 12:13pm ET
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had two catches for 17 yards in the Chiefs win against the Falcons. Dynasty Analysis: He added 13 rushing yards on three carries. After his two-touchdown debut, Worthy now has two straight weeks with exactly two catches for 17 yards, each of them more disappointing than the last. At this point, the Chiefs offense is running through Rashee Rice and Worthy is being used as a situational deep threat or a running option. There will be better days ahead, but it really is looking like more of a development year for Worthy than anything else.

From Dynasty League Fantasy