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.
Los Angeles Rams running back Boston Scott rushed 11 times for 34 yards in the team's final preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. He was targeted once in the passing game but did not record a catch. Scott wasn't very efficient on his touches as he closed out his preseason. He is competing with Zach Evans for a backup role behind Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum. There wasn't much to see here as the Rams struggled to move the ball on offense as they went deep into their depth chart in the last preseason tuneup. Although Evans scored twice, neither Scott nor Evans really separated themselves in the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans led the team's backfield with 14 carries for 45 yards and two rushing touchdowns in Saturday's preseason finale against the Houston Texans. Evans scored on runs of 4 and 3 yards. It wasn't an extremely efficient game for Evans, but he was able to find the end zone twice and out-rushed his competition in Boston Scott (11 carries for 34 yards). Evans and Scott are competing for a backup role behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field goal attempt in a 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in preseason action on Saturday. Hopkins made his preseason debut in the game, booting a 37-yarder before calling it a night and letting Lucas Havrisik take over kicking duties. Hopkins was dealing with an undisclosed injury earlier in training camp, so his availability on Saturday is a good sign that he will be ready for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran kicker was productive for the Browns last season, hitting 33 of his 36 field goals and adding 24 extra points but he's probably not worth considering as a top-12 fantasy kicker for the upcoming season.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II had a big night in his team's 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in preseason action on Saturday. Woods caught five of his nine targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the contest. The veteran wideout did his damage in the second half, catching both of his touchdowns from Tyler Huntley after halftime as he made a final push for a roster spot on Saturday. Woods wound up catching seven passes for 75 yards and two scores in preseason action for the Browns this year. If he doesn't make the Browns' final roster he could be a candidate to be added to the team's practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jamari Thrash turned in a big performance in his team's 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in preseason action on Saturday. Thrash caught four of his six targets for 73 yards and a touchdown in the preseason finale. The rookie wideout's touchdown catch came on a 46-yard bomb from Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the second quarter. Thrash, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft, wraps up his first preseason with 10 catches for 141 yards and one touchdown. While he will open the season buried on the team's depth chart, Thrash could see some meaningful snaps for the Browns this season if there are injuries in front of him. He's worth a stash on taxi squads in deep dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford carried the ball three times for 11 yards in his team's 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the preseason finale on Saturday. Ford got the start and played with the rest of the offensive starters on the Browns' first two drives of the game before calling it a night. The veteran running back appears slated for a feature role in the Cleveland offense this season, especially with Nick Chubb (knee) unlikely to be ready to return from a knee injury in time for Week 1. Ford showed chops in the passing game and a nose for the end zone in 2023 and can be trusted as an RB3 in fantasy drafts as he should have a role in the offense even when Chubb does return.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught one of his two targets for seven yards and added a one-yard rush in his team's 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in preseason action on Saturday. Moore got the start and played with the first team in what was his first taste of preseason action. With both Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy inactive, Moore operated as the team's top receiver for the first two drives of the game before calling it a night. The addition of Jeudy to the Cleveland offense will cut into Moore's production this season, making it tough to roster him in redraft formats.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston got the start in his team's 37-33 preseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Winston played on the Browns' first two offensive drives, completing six of his nine passes for 63 yards while adding a six-yard run before taking a seat for the remainder of the evening. Winston will break camp as Cleveland's No. 2 quarterback, an important role for the Browns with questions still surrounding the health of Deshaun Watson's shoulder. While Winston doesn't need to be drafted in redraft leagues, he should at least be rostered in all dynasty superflex formats. With the preseason games concluded, the Browns will now gear up to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyler Huntley was productive in his team's preseason finale on Saturday. Huntley completed 17 of his 22 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns while adding two carries for 14 yards in a 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran signal-caller played the entire second half of the game, tossing two touchdowns to Michael Woods II and a third to James Proche. Huntley has been battling with Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the No.3 QB job throughout camp. The Browns have reportedly been floating Thompson-Robinson's name in potential trades, a sign that they feel comfortable with what they have seen from Huntley in the preseason.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander caught all four of his targets for 60 yards in the preseason game on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alexander caught two passes from Jake Fromm, who only completed six passes during the contest on Saturday, and two passes from Hendon Hooker. One of the passes from Hooker included a 29-yard bomb. After two good consecutive showings, Alexander could prove to be a dynasty stash and may have a role in this offense if the Lions need someone to come off the bench this season.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jake Funk led the backfield with 10 carries for 40 yards in the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The 26-year-old also caught one of his four targets for a two-yard touchdown. Considering Funk only has four carries in his professional career and had an underwhelming first two preseason games, this big showing could help determine his future on this Lions team. Funk is not currently listed on the Lions depth chart and may not make the 53-man roster, but it could be a wildcard and a player to keep on your watchlist.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Dante Miller led the team in rushing attempts in Saturday's loss to the Jets with 14. Miller's 45 rushing yards would have led the team had it not been for quarterback Tommy Devito's 48-yard day. With the Giants' regulars sitting in the preseason finale, the undrafted rookie out of South Carolina had plenty of runway to make his case for a roster spot ahead of Tuesday's cuts. Miller is regarded for his speed but nearly all of his handoffs were between the tackles and the Giants' o-line could not open anything up for him. Miller has been lauded for his effort in camp, though even if he makes the roster he will be buried on the depth chart and offers no immediate fantasy value.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Joshua Kelley gained 40 yards on eight carries and caught two of his three targets to net an additional yard through the air in Saturday's loss to the Jets. Kelley gained 19 yards on his first carry, benefitting from some timely blocks and showcasing his agility to make would-be tacklers miss. Kelley was nearly on the receiving end of a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but the attempt was swatted down at the line of scrimmage. The score would have been a nice way to end the preseason for the fifth-year veteran as he is not a lock to make the Giants' final roster. Teams are required to cut down to 53 players on Tuesday. Even if Kelley is included, he will be buried on the depth chart and not viable in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito was called on to go the distance in Saturday's preseason finale. DeVito went 14-for-27 but gained only 103 yards through the air and took five rushes 48 yards in the loss to the Jets. All game long DeVito had to contend with an aggressive pass rush and with all of the Giants' starters sitting, the pocket was quick to break down and the Giants' down roster receivers could not get open. The result was DeVito getting sacked eight times, the last one derailing his two-minute drill at the end of the game. It was a mediocre day for the quarterback trying to prove his worth before rosters are cut to 53 players on Tuesday. Drew Lock's ailing hip might improve DeVito's odds but even if he makes the team he will have no fantasy value behind Lock and starter Daniel Jones.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III made notable plays in the team's final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, recording two catches for 21 yards. However, his numbers were lower than last week when he had six receptions for 68 yards and his first professional touchdown against the New York Giants; Metchie III's performance was still impressive. He is competing with Xavier Hutchinson, Ben Skowronek, and Steven Sims for a roster spot, while injured receiver Noah Brown, when healthy, is also a key contender. With only a few spots likely remaining, Metchie III's strong preseason performance suggests he could secure a place on the main roster or land on the practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers showcased his skills in the team's final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. He led the Texans' rushing attack with 53 yards on seven carries, averaging 7.6 yards per run. Akers also added three receptions for 19 yards, highlighting his versatility. Acquired to provide depth after starter Joe Mixon's preseason injury, Akers seems poised to secure the third-string running back spot, especially since backup Dameon Pierce did not see any action. Having played in a similar offensive system with the Rams, Akers may be well-suited for Bobby Slowik's zone-heavy scheme. Monitoring who becomes the backup if Mixon is sidelined could be crucial, as the starting running back for the Texans will likely hold significant fantasy value.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson stood out in the team's final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, recording four catches for 34 yards. He's among the receivers vying for roster spots alongside John Metchie III, Ben Skowronek, and Steven Sims. Noah Brown, currently sidelined with an injury, is also a key consideration when healthy. Hutchinson has been impressive this preseason, totaling 12 receptions for 114 yards and adding 27 rushing yards. With the Texans' roster featuring several smaller receivers like Dell, Metchie, and Diggs, Hutchinson offers a valuable outside option. Given his strong performances and potential, it will be challenging for the team to leave him off the final roster.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum started the final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams but was injured during the match. Keenum appeared to hurt his arm while following through on a throw. He completed 4 of 8 passes for 32 yards. He narrowly avoided an interception on a misfire with wide receiver John Metchie III, who was open, before being replaced by fourth-string quarterback Tim Boyle. Boyle performed well, completing 9 of 13 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown to fullback Troy Hairston in the first half at NRG Stadium. Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud did not play as he prepares for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on September 8. Davis Mills has secured the backup role and is set to be Stroud's primary backup. With Keenum now waiting to see if he or Boyle will be chosen as the third-string quarterback, Keenum may have the edge given his quasi-coach role in C.J. Stroud's development.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback Tim Boyle stepped up effectively in relief during the team's final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. Boyle took over after the starter Case Keenum was injured. He showcased his skills, leading the Texans to a 17-15 victory. Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud was rested for the game as he prepares for the September 8 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Davis Mills has secured the backup role behind Stroud. Boyle, who previously filled in for Zach Wilson with the New York Jets, threw for 142 yards and two touchdowns in the game. As the Texans finalize their roster, Boyle will be vying with Keenum for the third-string quarterback spot.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard carried the ball three times for 15 yards in the team's preseason win against the Buffalo Bills. Hubbard saw his first preseason action along with all of Carolina's starters, indicating that he has likely locked up the RB1 role for the Panthers this season. While he will serve as the main back to begin this season, Carolina's backfield remains split between him, Miles Sanders and rookie Jonathan Brooks (knee) who is working his way back from injury. A split backfield in what was a below-average rushing attack last season isn't the most ideal for fantasy purposes, and Hubbard can be viewed as a RB3/4 accordingly.
From RotoBaller