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
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts in Saturday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. Myers made tries from 29, 48, and 50 yards out. The only blemish on his stat line was the missed extra point that followed Easop Winston Jr.'s first-quarter touchdown. The Titans' margin of victory in the game? One point. Myers was perfect on extra-point attempts last season but this is the second try he has missed in as many weeks. The 33-year-old is Seattle's incumbent kicker, though another misfire in the preseason finale against the Browns on August 24 might prompt the team to look at other legs. Myers has been a useful fantasy asset in the past but is by no means automatic.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a strong performance in his second preseason game against the New York Giants, although the offense didn't score while he was on the field. Stroud led the Texans downfield on the opening drive effectively, but the team failed to convert a fourth down on the Giants' 6-yard line. Stroud showcased impressive command and appeared to be in midseason form. The Texans' strategy this year seems to focus heavily on the passing game, as they passed ten times and rushed only four times in the first quarter with starters. This approach bodes well for Stroud's fantasy prospects, indicating significant passing volume. Stroud finished the game 7-of-10 for 88 yards. If he's done for the preseason, his overall stats will be 9-of-14 for 129 yards and one touchdown. Stroud has a solid opportunity to be a top-five fantasy quarterback this year, but his lack of rushing may limit his overall ceiling.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. caught three of his four targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. The score was an absolute beauty. Barely a step ahead of cornerback Tre Avery, Winston looked over his shoulder as he crossed the goal line in time to snag a 23-yard arcing pass from Sam Howell for the touchdown. Winston also had a 15-yard reception with eight seconds left in the first half, advancing a drive that resulted in a field goal before the break. Winston is playing for a roster spot and, assuming he does make the cut, would be unlikely to challenge DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba for targets.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh led the team in carries and rushing yards in Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. The second-year back had eight attempts for 46 yards and caught both of his targets for 17 yards through the air. McIntosh is competing with George Holani and Kobe Lewis to be the Seahawks' third-string running back. Last week, Holani scored a touchdown and Lewis led the team with eight carries. Against Tennessee, the two combined for six carries and a gain of two yards. The usage on Saturday indicates McIntosh is ahead on the depth chart for now, though he will still be behind Kenneth Walker III and Zack Charbonnet when the regular season begins.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell went 11-for-14 for 153 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans. Howell looked shaky early on as the Titans blitzed aggressively out of the gate resulting in back-to-back three-and-outs. Howell actually fumbled while being sacked on the second drive but had the good fortune that a teammate was in position to fall on the ball. Howell recovered well on the team's third possession resulting in a touchdown to Easop Winston Jr. This was Howell's second start in as many preseason games for the Seahawks. Geno Smith (hip/knee) returned to practice last week and carried no designation coming into Saturday but ultimately sat. Howell will be backing up Smith to start the season but it was an encouraging effort after the early miscues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy led the Cowboys in catches in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He also scored a touchdown. Flournoy was targeted six times, also a team high, and made four catches for 23 yards. His touchdown came on a goal line pass from Trey Lance in the second quarter. Flournoy is buried on the depth chart, especially once CeeDee Lamb returns from his holdout, but he's shown signs of developing some offensive relevance in the future. He's worth keeping an eye on in keeper and dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Royce Freeman led the team in carries in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Freeman ran the ball seven times, gaining 32 yards with a long play of eight yards. He wasn't targeted in the passing game. Freeman tied with quarterback Trey Lance for the team lead in carries with seven, with several other backs getting five running plays each. Freeman is third at best on the depth chart for the Cowboys, behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, but there certainly could be a role for him if injuries were to pop up.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey kicked a 66-yard field goal in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Aubrey attempted two kicks, making both, one from 66 and the other from 54 yards out. He also made all three of his extra point attempts. Aubrey was the top scoring kicker in most fantasy formats last season, and all signs point to him once again being a top-five option at worst this year. He's worth being the first kicker off the board in most leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance tallied two touchdowns in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Lance attempted 23 passes, completing 15 of them for 151 yards and a touchdown. He added seven rush attempts for another 34 yards and another touchdown. Lance tied for the team lead in rushes and rushing yards, and he did not take a sack. He soundly outplayed Cooper Rush, and while both may ultimately make the team if Dallas chooses to carry three quarterbacks, Dak Prescott will clearly retain the starting job.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed five times for seven yards during Saturday's victory against the Washington Commanders. He was not targeted in the passing game. Mostert was Miami's first RB in and out-carried his counterpart De'Von Achane by three. The 32-year-old only played the first series with the starters, as that was the Dolphins' lone possession of the first quarter. Running room was tough to find on a day when Washington's defense stifled Miami's ground game. The only player to rush for more than ten yards Saturday was backup RB Chris Brooks, who ran for a long gain of 59 yards. However, he gained just four yards on his other four carries. It wasn't a great showing for Mostert, but it is clear that he is still the Dolphins' preferred first option out of the backfield -- particularly in short-yardage situations. He's being selected as the RB23 as per Yahoo!'s ADP -- 42 picks after Achane -- and remains a strong option in fantasy drafts with built-in upside if the backfield were to become solely his.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey made his first catch as an NFL player in a Chargers preseason loss to the Rams. McConkey did not play in the first Chargers preseason game, so Game 2 was his NFL debut. He was targeted just once and made his lone catch for a five yard gain. McConkey likely won't get a ton of run in the preseason given how big his offensive role is expected to be. As long as Justin Herbert (foot) is able to play, McConkey could be a PPR monster as early as Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado got a good amount of work in the Cardinals' second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Demercado led the running backs with 10 carries but for a paltry 24 yards. He also added one catch on his lone target for nine yards. The battle for the RB3 spot likely comes down to Demercado and Michael Carter, as the two traded third-down snaps with Demercado taking a slight 4-to-3 edge. Carter did take 4-of-5 two-minute drill snaps, however, per PFF's Nathan Jahnke. Demercado should go undrafted in fantasy drafts, but he was solidly useful for a spell last season when he was the lead back with James Conner hurt. With Conner and rookie Trey Benson in tow, Demercado becomes depth running back for Arizona who needs multiple injuries to be relevant in fantasy for 2024.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft caught both of his targets for 29 yards and one touchdown in Saturday night's 13-6 win against the Washington Commanders. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill getting the night off, Cracraft was in with the starters on Saturday. Although it was just one drive, he made it count. The journeyman wideout was the recipient of Tua Tagovailoa's first pass of the night -- a quick-hitter that Cracraft took 16 yards. He was also the recipient of Tagovailoa's last throw. This one took place on a 4th-and-1 inside the Commanders' 15-yard line -- a perfectly placed ball where only the tight end could get it in the back of the end zone. We likely see him suit up next Friday when the Dolphins travel to Tampa Bay to square up against the Buccaneers in their final dress rehearsal before the regular season. Cracraft is firmly entrenched behind Waddle, Hill, and Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) in the pass-catching pecking order. However, he would instantly become intriguing if, for whatever reason, one of the players mentioned above missed any time. He's the WR142 in Yahoo! ADP.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen led the team with eight carries in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, but he only produced 27 yards after tallying a team-high 54 yards on six carries in last weekend's preseason opener. Allen came second on the Jets with four targets on Saturday against the Panthers, bringing in two for an additional 12 yards despite the rough day on the ground, which saw his long gain go for a mere four yards. The 20-year-old rookie fourth-rounder still appears to be the favorite for No. 2 backfield duties behind workhorse starter Breece Hall, and the 235-pounder might even be able to carve out a definitive role as a power back in Year 1 to help lessen the load for Hall. For now, however, Allen is just an RB5/6 stash for fantasy managers this summer.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal led the Chargers backfield in their second preseason game. Vidal ran the ball 11 times for 49 yards, leading the team in both carries and yards. He was also targeted three times in the passing game, catching two for an additional eight yards. Vidal is behind at least Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins on the depth chart, but the sixth-round rookie has certainly shown some promise so far.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis picked up 14 yards on four carries in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Davis also caught his lone target for no gain in Saturday's victory over Carolina. The Jets chose the 22-year-old South Dakota State product in the fifth round of this past spring's NFL Draft to bolster their backfield depth following last year's losses of backups Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter. While he reeled in four passes for 33 yards in last week's preseason opener, Davis' impact in the receiving game figures to be minimal behind workhorse starter Breece Hall this season, and he looks to be no greater than the No. 3 option on the depth chart ahead of his final chance to make a case for a spot on New York's roster in next Saturday's preseason finale at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson led the team in targets and catches in a Week 2 preseason loss to the Rams. Patterson ran the ball four times for ten yards and was targeted five times in the passing game, making all five catches for 28 yards. No one else on the team had more than two catches in this game. Patterson has been operating in a role that will presumably be filled by J.K. Dobbins once the regular season begins, but he's looked solid enough to potentially earn a smaller role come Week 1.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley wasn't as involved in Saturday's preseason win over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, pulling in each of his two passes for 12 yards in the victory. A week after drawing a team-high five targets in last Saturday's preseason opener, Corley wasn't featured as much on Saturday against Carolina. The third-round rookie from Western Kentucky is looking to take over as New York's primary slot receiver alongside superstar wideout Garrett Wilson and veteran vertical threat Mike Williams in three-receiver sets in 2024, as second-year man Xavier Gipson hasn't done much to stand out during training camp and the preseason this summer. That role didn't bear much fantasy fruit, however, when Gipson and Randall Cobb shared slot snaps in New York last year, so Corley is just a WR5/6 stash in deep-league drafts.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones played well in a 20-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 210 yards and two passing touchdowns, one in each half. Jones was 11-for -18 in the first half and was relieved by C.J. Beathard to start the second half. Jones was inserted back into the game after Beathard took some hard hits and continued his solid play. The former Patriot has the draft capital and starting experience over Beathard, which seems to give him the edge for the backup to Trevor Lawrence. If Jones officially wins the job, he still has very little value in redraft leagues, but in dynasty, he is at least worth rostering, especially in two-quarterback formats. Any value as a fantasy starter is behind him, but Jones isn't fantasy-irrelevant just yet.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell led the team in receiving in a 20-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Trammell shined the most in a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, where he caught two passes for 49 yards, which accounted for all 49 yards on the drive, leading to a field goal as time expired. He finished with four catches for 75 yards and contributed a bit as a punt returner. Trammell is 26 years old and entering his fourth year in the league. His main value is on special teams, but he showed he could contribute as a receiver in this game. Trammell has a lot of talent in front of him before he can get on the field and provide fantasy value, but any receiving production he provides in preseason should help his odds of making the 53-man roster.
From RotoBaller