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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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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Khalil Shakir Sep 30 8:40am ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir secured four receptions for 62 yards in the team's 35-10 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. Shakir caught two quick passes midway through the first quarter but briefly left the game following his second catch. The training staff retaped Shakir's ankle and he was back on the field on Buffalo's next drive. Shakir was on the receiving end of Buffalo's biggest play of the day, a 52-yard catch on a prayer throw from Josh Allen. Shakir nearly scored on the play but got dragged down at the three-yard line. Even with a game script that called for more Buffalo pass attempts, the Bills couldn't generate much offense. Midway through the fourth quarter, Shakir and the rest of the Buffalo starters were done for the night. Shakir has cemented his status as Buffalo's top wide receiver and will be viewed as a WR3 when the Bills face the Texans in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 30 8:30am ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook carried the football nine times for 39 yards and caught one pass for nine yards in the team's blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It was the lowest touch total for Cook so far this season. Cook ran efficiently early in the game against a stout Baltimore run defense but didn't see many touches in the second half. The Bills found themselves down 18 points at halftime and turned to an aerial attack to attempt to come back. Buffalo's lone touchdown was scored by backup running back Ty Johnson from three yards out following a long completion by Khalil Shakir. Cook should see a rebound in Week 5 when the Bills travel to Houston.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 30 8:10am ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 16 of his 29 pass attempts for 180 yards and no touchdowns in the team's 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Allen added 21 yards on the ground on five attempts. It's the first game Allen has failed to find the endzone since Week 9 of the 2021 season. Like the prior two weeks, Allen was kept on the sideline for parts of the fourth quarterback due to a blowout. The Ravens jumped out to a quick lead and didn't allow the Bills to generate many big plays. Allen consistently worked in the short area of the field. The team's longest completion (52 yards) to Khalil Shakir was the product of a scramble drill. Fantasy managers should chalk up Allen's performance as a bad week and start him confidently against the Houston Texans in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Sep 30 6:30am ET
Deshaun Watson

The Las Vegas Raiders DST finally had their first decent game of the season against the struggling Cleveland Browns offense in Sunday's 20-16 win. The Raiders held the Browns to just 16 points, but they didn't allow them to gain 300 yards and compiled three sacks while intercepting quarterback Deshaun Watson once. The Raiders defense hasn't been very good this season, and the matchup helped. The Browns rank second to last in total yards per game, and the Raiders held them very close to their average yardage. Las Vegas still isn't worth starting, as they didn't even crack 10 points in standard scoring formats against one of the worst offenses in the league. However, the Raiders DST can be used as a streamer in Week 5 against a struggling Denver Broncos offense that mustered only 10 points in their Week 4 win over the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Sep 30 6:20am ET
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson shook off his Week 3 miss, drilling kicks from 32 and 54 yards out and adding two extra points in the Raiders' Week 4 win against the Cleveland Browns. He had 10 total points in Sunday's 20-16 win. The 29-year-old usually does well when afforded the opportunity to kick at least a few field goals, and the Raiders offense strung together enough drives to make that happen. Carlson is still an excellent kicker, but the Raiders offense hasn't shown many signs of improvement as the season continues. Carlson is a decent streaming option against bad teams, but any opposing team that can dominate time of possession or stymie the Raiders offense is a tough matchup for Carlson. He's not worth starting yet but is on the streaming radar in deep leagues against the Denver Broncos in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Sep 30 6:20am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White was given 17 carries and one target in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns but managed just 50 rushing yards. White failed to crack 3.0 yards per carry for the second time this season as the Browns were able to contain him and prevent big runs. He scored just 3.0 PPR fantasy points since he also lost a fumble. The 25-year-old continued his string of poor efficiency and low yardage totals and was again not fantasy-viable. White received considerable hype due to his workload toward the end of last season, but he's been inefficient when given high volume. Though the Raiders' offense wasn't outstanding as a whole on Sunday, White will look to rebound and is a borderline flex play in deep leagues against the Denver Broncos in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Sep 30 6:10am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers was targeted 10 times by quarterback Gardner Minshew II but could only haul in five for 49 yards in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He led the team in targets, though, and he's slid into the No. 1 wide receiver role in the absence of lead receiver Davante Adams (hamstring). The former New England Patriot will likely continue in this role until Adams returns. Minshew only threw 24 passes, meaning Meyers was targeted on nearly 42% of the quarterback's throws. This would be better for the 27-year-old if he were on a better offense, but the Raiders haven't been very explosive this season. Meyers has just one touchdown, and Minshew has thrown only three scores on the season, so it's hard to see Meyers being more than a WR3/FLEX option, and that's when Adams isn't playing. The Raiders and Meyers will face the tough Denver Broncos pass defense in Week 5, and even if Adams doesn't play, Meyers is a risky start.

From RotoBaller

Gardner Minshew II Sep 30 6:10am ET
Gardner Minshew II

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II was able to squeak out a win against the Cleveland Browns In Week 4 despite completing just 14 of 24 passes for 130 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. The game was primarily a defensive battle, with neither team surpassing 300 offensive yards. Minshew averaged less than four completed passes per quarter, but the Raiders' run-heavy approach could explain this. The Browns have a tough defense, so it's unsurprising that they mostly contained the Raiders' offense. He remains unstartable in single quarterback fantasy leagues, and his lack of volume generally holds back the fantasy value of his pass-catchers. The 28-year-old will face another tough test when the Raiders take on the Denver Broncos and their tough defense in Week 5, and we could see a similar game from Minshew then.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Sep 30 6:00am ET
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker had another nice game in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. Tucker showed his versatility with a three-yard rushing touchdown to go along with five receptions on six targets for 41 yards. He was expected to have a decent role with lead receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) out for Week 4, and he capitalized on his opportunities. The 23-year-old's been showcasing his blinding speed, and Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy should find more ways to get him involved. Sunday's win is a good sign for Tucker, who had 22.60 PPR points in Week 3. The Browns have a stout defense, so his good performance against them shows he's talented enough to earn more opportunities. Tucker will look to continue working with more touches in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. He may not have as big of a role if Adams returns, but he's at least worth stashing on benches for now.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Sep 30 6:00am ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was relatively quiet in Week 4, as he was targeted just three times, hauling in two passes for 19 yards, and handled one rush attempt for 12 yards in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. It was Bowers' worst game of the season despite the absence of lead receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and fellow tight end Michael Mayer (personal). The Browns have historically held opposing tight ends to low yardage and touchdown totals, and this trend continued Sunday. The Raiders rookie tight end didn't have the worst day ever, considering Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II only completed 14 passes. Bowers will face a tough Denver Broncos defense in Week 5 but is still a must-start tight end because of the lack of depth at the position. Bowers is highly talented, but as it was known before the season, his biggest obstacles are target competition and poor quarterback play.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Sep 30 6:00am ET
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison rushed for 60 yards on five rushing attempts in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He did have 10 more rushing yards than lead back Zamir White, outgaining him 60 to 50 in Week 4. Mattison punctuated his day with big runs of 24 and 16 yards. Interestingly, he was targeted just once and didn't record a catch on the day. The 26-year-old is usually more involved in the passing game, so, oddly, he was mostly kept out of it. He has not recorded a catch in the Raiders' wins this season but has nine receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in losses this season, so his receiving production is game-script dependent. Mattison has scored 16.2 and 13.4 PPR points in losses and 6.1 and 6.0 points in wins, so his scoring will likely depend on whether the Raiders are playing from behind for much of the game. Mattison is not worth starting outside of very deep leagues in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to his inconsistency and low floor.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Sep 30 5:40am ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed's day got off to a terrible start when he muffed a punt inside his own five-yard line less than four minutes into their Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta pounced on the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Saints in an early hole. That did not deter the team from turning to Shaheed thereafter. In Week 4, he saw a career-high 11 targets which led the team and resulted in eight catches (also a career-high) for 83 yards. He also handled two rushing attempts for 14 yards on the ground. Derek Carr looked Shaheed's way twice in the end zone late in the fourth quarter but both times delivered uncatchable balls. In Week 5, the Saints take on the Kansas City Chiefs whose lack of success in zone coverage might lead to more positive results for Shaheed, as long as he can avoid further miscues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 30 5:40am ET
Chris Olave

Wide receiver Chris Olave was targeted 10 times and had eight catches for 87 yards in the New Orleans Saints' Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, making it his third consecutive game with at least 80 receiving yards. Olave finished the game without a touchdown but did have two chances at a score. With just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, a scrambling Derek Carr put up a deep shot to Olave in the end zone but the ball carried the receiver out of bounds for no catch. On their next drive, Carr connected with Olave for a 16-yard pass but he was stopped on the Falcons' one-yard line, setting up an eventual Alvin Kamara touchdown. Olave will need to turn in another productive game in Week 5 for the Saints to stay in the game when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Sep 30 5:30am ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr completed 28 of 36 pass attempts for 239 yards in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This was the first time this year that he did not record a touchdown pass. Carr started the game with seven consecutive completions but had his streak snapped by a fluke pick-six in the second quarter. A ball tipped at the line arced high in the air giving Atlanta linebacker Troy Andersen time to settle under the ball and secure it before rumbling 47 yards for a score. The completions and attempts were season highs but without any scores or big plays to increase his yardage total, Carr failed to crack double-digit fantasy points for the second straight week. He may find it hard to do better in Week 5 when the Saints go to Kansas City to face the Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 30 5:30am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) had a quiet day, rushing for just 50 yards on 11 carries in a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans. He also added one catch for 10 yards. The 25-year-old briefly exited the first quarter of Sunday's game with a shoulder injury but was able to return. Etienne Jr. wasn't that involved in the running game or the passing game, as Tank Bigsby, similar to Week 1, outshined him. A big pull for fantasy managers to draft the Clemson product in the early rounds was his potential volume, but through four games, that just hasn't materialized. The Jaguars have been losing in most of their games, meaning more passing situations, and Bigsby is cutting into some of his work. In weeks where he doesn't score a touchdown, Etienne Jr. may struggle to prove his worth to fantasy managers going forward. While the Jaguars running back is still a good start in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, it is clear his upside is far lower than what fantasy managers expected heading into the season.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Sep 30 4:40am ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches on nine targets for 89 yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce was the primary beneficiary of a first-quarter injury to Rashee Rice. Rice was carted off the field, and Kelce became the top option for the Chiefs passing attack. Today, Kelce's yardage eclipsed the yardage he had gained in the first three games combined. Kelce will look to keep this momentum against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, so Kelce should remain productive. The loss of second-year receiver Rashee Rice will have a massive impact on the Chiefs offense moving forward, and Kelce should bring in most middle-of-the-field targets in Rice's absence. The Chiefs tight end is a must-start option against the Saints, and fantasy managers should be excited about his value going forward.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 30 4:40am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy broke free for a 54-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of this contest. The rookie's three catches and 73 receiving yards were both season-highs. Despite having at least one carry in the first three games, Worthy did not have a single opportunity out of the backfield this week. The Chiefs may have planned to bring Worthy along slowly, but those plans may need revision with Rashee Rice sustaining a potentially season-ending injury in the first quarter. Kansas City already lost Marquise Brown for the season, so losing Rashee Rice would presumably leave Worthy as the top option at the wide receiver position. Worthy will look to be more involved against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has given up the sixth-most passing yards to opposing offenses this season, so there is opportunity for Worthy in this matchup. The Chiefs rookie receiver should still be viewed as a flex option, but hopefully, he will gain a more significant role in the offense after Rice's injury.

From RotoBaller

Samaje Perine Sep 30 4:40am ET
Samaje Perine

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine had five carries for 14 yards and a touchdown in the 17-10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The veteran running back scored on a two-yard in the fourth quarter to give the Chiefs the lead. Perine had the second-most carries out of the backfield for Kansas City and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Despite his receiving prowess, Perine did not have a single target in this contest. Perine ceded receiving work to Kareem Hunt, who had three targets against the Chargers. With the addition of Kareem Hunt and the eventual return of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, there will not be enough touches to go around in the Kansas City backfield. Perine will try to hold onto his secondary role against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. If Steele redeems himself in the eyes of the coaches, Perine may be the odd back out. Despite the uncertainty at the position, the Saints are a good matchup for running backs. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses this season, so Perine should have decent running lanes. The Chiefs backfield is too crowded to know who to start, but there should be more clarity following next week's contest. Perine is a good stash candidate but is best left on benches until we know where he sits in the hierarchy.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 30 4:30am ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt made his season debut in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Hunt had 14 carries for 69 yards in the contest. The veteran back also brought in two of his three targets for 16 receiving yards. Although rookie Carson Steele was the starter in this game, a first-quarter fumble by Steele allowed Hunt to be the lead back. Hunt averaged 4.9 yards per carry and demonstrated his value as a pass catcher. Hunt will have another opportunity to control the Kansas City backfield against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints defense has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards this season, but they have also given up the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses. If Hunt is given the same opportunity next week, he should be a viable fantasy starter. Given the uncertainty of the situation, it isn't easy to project what Hunt's role will be moving forward, especially since Clyde Edwards-Helaire is set to return soon. If reports come out that Hunt will be the feature back for the Chiefs, he should rank as an RB2. Nevertheless, Hunt is a difficult start, given the one-game sample size.

From RotoBaller

Carson Steele Sep 30 4:30am ET
Carson Steele

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele had two carries for six yards in the 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Steele was the starter again this week, coming off a performance where he carried the ball 17 times, but things did not go his way in this one. Steele fumbled on his first carry of the game, which led to him only getting one more carry in this contest. The coaching staff plugged Kareem Hunt into Steele's place, and Hunt was efficient with his touches. Steele will try to get back in the good graces of his coaches against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Saints have allowed the fifth-most yards per carry to opposing offenses, so Steele should be productive with his touches. It remains to be seen if the team will roll with Hunt as the lead back or if they will give Steele another chance as the starter. The two Chiefs backs could split the workload, capping each other's value. The Chiefs should also be getting Clyde Edwards-Helaire back soon, which would further muddy the situation. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Kansas City backfield, trusting Steele in your starting lineup will be difficult.

From RotoBaller