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.
The Invitational Live Stream
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) did some stationary throwing on Saturday before the team's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Rams without really pushing off on his right foot. Herbert shed his walking boot right at the two-week mark last Thursday as he recovers from plantar fasciitis in his foot. The Chargers haven't been too worried that the 26-year-old won't be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, but he is missing a bunch of valuable reps with the rest of the starting offense in training camp and the preseason. Herbert could be dealing with pain in his foot early on in 2024, but he's likely to play through it. His fantasy stock was already trending down this offseason after losing all three of his favorite targets from last year in Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler. Herbert should now be considered more of a QB2.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) and quarterback C.J. Beathard (groin) won't play in the preseason finale this Friday against the Atlanta Falcons on the road. Kirk missed practice last week due to what is considered a mild calf injury, so the team is playing it safe with him so that he'll be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Beathard suffered a groin injury in Saturday's preseason contest. With Kirk out again this week, Gabe Davis and rookie first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. will see more reps, as well as Parker Washington, Devin Duvernay and rookie Joshua Cephus. When healthy, the 27-year-old Kirk will be looking to bounce back in 2024 after an injury-plagued 2023. He faces competition for targets from Davis and Thomas, but if healthy, he's a solid WR3/flex target in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sit their starters in the preseason finale this Thursday against the Chicago Bears. "I'll probably sit the starters, the way it looks right now," head coach Andy Reid said. It means that we won't see quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company again until the season kicks off on Thursday night in early September against the Baltimore Ravens. In the first two preseason contests, Mahomes went 11-for-18 for 120 yards passing. The 28-year-old two-time MVP is likely to be without receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) in Week 1, meaning he'll likely lean more on tight end Travis Kelce and rookie first-round wideout Xavier Worthy. Mahomes remains an elite QB1 in fantasy, but without Brown and against a tough Ravens squad, he won't be the most popular DFS play to kick off the regular season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) told Jets reporters that he expects to take team reps in training camp practice next week. Williams didn't take too long to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list in camp this summer, but he has yet to mix in with the rest of the team on the practice field as he recovers from a torn left ACL that he suffered in Week 3 of 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers. With time running out before the start of the 2024 regular season, though, it's possible that Williams isn't given a full workload if he's active for the Week 1 opener in early September. Because of his recovery from ACL and the fact he might not be ready to go early on, Williams' price will be reduced on draft day in fantasy. But when healthy, he's fully expected to be the No. 2 wideout behind Garrett Wilson and could be a nice value pick for fantasy managers as a big-play threat.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (hamstring) is dressed and going through individual drills for the start of the team's training camp practice on Monday. Stafford had to leave a join practice early against the Dallas Cowboys last week due to hamstring tightness and didn't practice the rest of the week or play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Sean McVay had already said he wasn't worried about Stafford missing the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions, and his return to practice this week all but confirms that. In addition to Stafford, offensive guard Jonah Jackson (shoulder) returned to practice on Monday after dealing with a bruised scapula. The 36-year-old Stafford isn't going to play in the preseason finale this weekend against the Houston Texans on Aug. 24, but he should be fine for Week 1 against Detroit, where he'll be a midrange QB2 for fantasy.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders officially named No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels as their starting quarterback on Monday, according to head coach Dan Quinn. What had been expected all along is finally official, and Daniels will make his NFL regular-season debut in the Week 1 opener on Sept. 8 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 23-year-old former LSU star has looked good in his two preseason performances and went 10-for-12 for 78 yards while running for 13 yards on two carries in Saturday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Daniels has looked like a seasoned veteran while running the offense in training camp heading into his first NFL season, and his dual-threat abilities at the position will give him quite a bit of fantasy upside right away. His receiving corps beyond Terry McLaurin is a little suspect, but Washington's backfield should help take plenty of pressure off him. Daniels will be a high-end QB2 target with QB1 upside in the right matchups in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft (upper-body) is sidelined with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss some time in the regular season. Cracraft had a strong summer in his third season with Miami and seemed likely to start as the third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, especially with Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) still on the PUP list. However, Cracraft's injury raises the possibility that he could be placed on injured reserve when the Dolphins finalize their 53-man roster. By August 27, the Dolphins will have three options for handling Cracraft: keep him on the 53-man roster until he recovers, initially include him on the roster and then place him on IR on August 28, or put him on IR immediately, which would count as one of the two IR moves allowed on cutdown day under new NFL rules. This situation simplifies the roster decisions and opens up a spot for Erik Ezukanma, who had an impressive preseason debut against Washington. If the Dolphins keep six wide receivers, Ezukanma could join Hill, Waddle, Beckham, Braxton Berrios, and rookie Malik Washington, who will secure a spot on the roster. With these receiver injuries, Hill and Waddle will likely see even more targets, boosting Hill's value as the top overall pick in redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are parting ways with quarterback Max Duggan. Following Justin Herbert's (plantar fascia) diagnosis of a plantar fascia injury in his right foot on August 1, the Chargers now have two healthy quarterbacks on their roster: Easton Stick and Luis Perez. Duggan was drafted by Los Angeles in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the prior regime before Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach on January 24. Throughout his rookie year, Duggan alternated between the practice squad and the active roster but did not see any regular-season action. He spent all four years at TCU and ended up third on the school's all-time passing list. Duggan was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy after his standout 2022 season, where he threw for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns over 15 games and led the Horned Frogs to the College Football Playoff National Championship, though they lost to Georgia. In the preseason opener, Duggan was 4-of-7 for 41 yards but did not play in the Chargers' game against the Rams on Saturday. With Herbert's injury potentially affecting his performance throughout the season, the diminishing quarterback options for the Chargers are becoming a significant concern.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. following an injury to Chris Brooks (concussion), who has entered concussion protocol after Saturday's game against the Washington Commanders. The Dolphins struggle for healthy running back depth beyond Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. They even had a wide receiver filling in at running back for much of the second half, with Jaylen Wright (undisclosed) also held out due to injury. McFarland, 26, joins Miami, hoping to finally establish himself in the NFL. Drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Maryland, McFarland was known for his speed and agility. His rookie season was his most productive, with 33 carries for 113 yards and six receptions for 54 yards. However, his subsequent seasons were marred by injuries, limiting his production and keeping him on injured reserve for significant time. McFarland's tenure with the Steelers included a stint on injured reserve at the start of the 2021 season and another knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season. Now, with the Dolphins, McFarland can prove himself again.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Sean Clifford was outplayed by third-stringer Michael Pratt during Sunday's preseason game. Clifford finished 6/10 for 43 yards and an interception. Pratt fared slightly better going 10/16 for 52 yards. The Packers could not get anything going on offense without their starters. The offense did not score and the team scored two points as a whole. The quarterbacks combined for a yards-per-completion average of 3.7. Clifford was the Packers' backup quarterback in 2023. He recorded one completion for 37 yards in two games played. The Packers drafted Pratt in the seventh-round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Both players had solid performances during the first week of the preseason. As such, it remains to be seen who will ultimately win the backup job.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton recorded two receptions for 10 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Broncos. The Packers quarterbacks threw for a total of 95 yards with a 3.7 yards per completion average. Sunday's game was a game to forget for the Packers offense. Melton played a legitimate role for the team in 2023. Once he was activated to the active roster in November, Melton recorded 16 grabs for 218 yards and a touchdown in only five games played. Melton may be fighting for a roster spot with the Packers despite playing in both playoff games in 2023. Melton is currently listed as the Packers' No. 5 wide receiver.
From RotoBaller
Former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy has announced his retirement and will join NBC Sports for its Big Ten college football coverage. McCoy, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist during his college career at Texas, set an NCAA Division I record with 45 career wins as a four-year starter from 2006 to 2009. He led the Longhorns to the BCS National Championship game in 2010, capping off a perfect 12-0 regular season with a Big 12 title. Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, McCoy amassed an 11-25 record over his 36 NFL starts. His final NFL stint was with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, where he played in two preseason games before being released due to elbow issues. Over his career, McCoy also played for the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Cleveland Browns, finishing with 7,975 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in 56 games.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers second-year wide receiver Malik Heath had another solid preseason outing with three catches for 22 yards. Heath now has five catches for 44 yards this preseason. Heath is buried on the depth chart and is likely fighting for a roster spot as a special-teamer. He recorded 15 grabs for 125 yards and a touchdown during his rookie season with the Packers in 2023. Heath is a big-bodied wide receiver who could provide solid depth behind the Packers' main wide receivers should he make the team. His familiarity with the team could give him a solid chance at a roster spot when final cuts arrive.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers No. 4 running back Emanuel Wilson continues to receive a substantial workload during the preseason. Wilson finished Sunday's game against the Broncos with 13 carries for 41 yards and one reception for 11 yards. The Packers could not get much going on offense and primarily played their backups. However, with No. 3 Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) still out, Wilson continues to receive chances to show his skillset and show he belongs on the roster. The second-year back finished his rookie season with 14 carries for 85 yards a season ago with the Packers.
From RotoBaller
According to a report, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is poised to be named the team's starter soon. Nix has delivered impressive performances in his first two preseason games, completing 23 of 30 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns, a 76.7% completion rate, and a standout 116.7 QB rating. Despite his strong showing, head coach Sean Payton has yet to name him the Week 1 starter officially. "Listen, he's played well," Payton said Sunday. "I'm not announcing any starting quarterback tonight. I'll let you guys know when the time comes, but I thought he played well." While Payton may be hesitant to make a formal announcement, it's clear to Broncos faithful that Nix's poise, control, and confidence make him the likely choice. Although Nix may not have significant fantasy value himself, his performance boosts the Broncos' offense and optimism for the team's skill players.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill played early on in Sunday's preseason loss to San Francisco, lining up all over the field per usual. Hill plunged in a goal-line touchdown early while lining up as a running back. He carried the ball five times for 21 yards on the night with Alvin Kamara (back) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) absent, showing he could once again be a factor in fantasy football in 2024. Hill's last shot at preseason action will come Sunday against Tennessee.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' veteran running back Jamaal Williams drew the start in Week 2's preseason loss against the San Francisco 49ers with Alvin Kamara (back) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) sitting out. Williams rushed five times for 32 yards, breaking off a long run of 15 yards. He also caught his lone target for a two-yard gain. After a disappointing season in 2023, Williams will look to bounce back in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's new system. He remains a late-round flier and will likely go undrafted in most fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' running back James Robinson was active in Sunday's preseason loss as he fights for a roster spot. The veteran journeyman carried the ball five times for 27 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards. He also saw some work on special teams as a return man. Robinson has been unable to stick on a roster ever since he was traded from Jacksonville in 2022, and it will be an uphill climb for him to make the Saints' 53-man roster unless he impresses on special teams.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' receiver Chris Olave started in the preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers, drawing targets early on from quarterback Derek Carr. On four targets, Olave caught three balls for 26 yards. The third-year professional appears set for a massive target share this season as evidenced through the first two preseason games along with the lack of talent around him. While his ceiling this season is only as high as Klint Kubiak can take the New Orleans offense, Olave should have a safe floor week-to-week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints' quarterback Derek Carr started the Week 2 preseason game and ended up playing a little over a quarter. Carr orchestrated a touchdown drive early in the second quarter that was capped off with a Taysom Hill rushing touchdown. The veteran completed seven of nine passing attempts for 47 yards on the day. New Orleans' preseason finale will be next Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, and it remains unclear as to whether the starters will suit up for a third straight week or not.
From RotoBaller