Lineup Prep: Divisional Round

Wed Jan 17 9:40am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

LaPorta is getting healthier


Here is to hoping that the playoff games are better this weekend. For the most part, the games last week just weren’t very good unless you were a fans of those teams. I’m hoping for some barn burners this week, going down to the last drive. It will make for a lot better viewing.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

I like a snow/cold game as much as anyone, but it does kind of stink for the teams involved when playing in the playoffs. You play all season in pretty normal conditions, but have to deal with brutal conditions when the playoffs hit. Again, I love to watch a snow game, but it probably would be better for the playoffs if teams didn’t have to deal with the awful winter weather. Oh well.

The Josh Allen experience is truly wild. He can drive you crazy with the turnovers and mistakes, but when he is playing well, Allen is really the best in the game. He showed that last week. Allen is just so tough defend, especially when he is running the ball more. The Bills kind of took that out of the game plan early in the season, but brought it back more after changing offensive coordinators. The change in philosophy has been a huge spark to the Bills offense.

I’m really excited about Jameson Williams next season. The Lions are starting to use him a lot more in normal routes than just as a deep threat. He is showing his ability as a route runner lately. Williams has a chance for a breakout season as long as he is healthy and playing. The big issue for Williams to start his career is just staying on the field. The ability is there for huge things. I’m ready to see what he can do next year.

It will be interesting to see what the Vikings do with their quarterback position this offseason. I almost think Kirk Cousins will be back and the team will draft a quarterback to learn from him. That might make the most sense and keep star receiver Justin Jefferson happy. This is one situation I’m going to keep a really close eye on this offseason because it has a lot of fantasy implications.

If I’m the Bears, I’m trading that No. 1 overall pick and loading up on more draft picks to surround Justin Fields with better talent. I know Caleb Williams is a stud and could be a fantastic pro, but Fields is no slouch. He made strides this year, especially late in the season. I think the franchise would do better to take advantage of the hype surround Williams and get a huge haul in a trade.

I don’t see Bill Belichick going to a team that doesn’t already have a franchise quarterback. You hear him interviewing with Atlanta, but that situation just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. I think he is going to go to a team that already has a top quarterback, so he doesn’t have to deal with the issues he had with the Patriots after losing Tom Brady.

And speaking of coaches, you have to wonder what is going to happen in Dallas after their stunning early-round exit in the playoffs. Mike McCarthy has been great during the regular season, but owner Jerry Jones doesn’t care about regular season wins. Jones wants Super Bowl titles. I would not be surprised if McCarthy is relieved of his job in the coming days.

I really thought the Browns operated better with Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback this season than Deshaun Watson. Flacco gave that passing game a spark and it produced huge numbers on a weekly basis. You have to think the Browns are really regretting going all in on Watson as their franchise quarterback. He certainly has not played near his past levels. The Browns really overpaid for Watson and could be feeling it for years to come.

News and Notes: The Bills released running back Leonard Fournette from the practice squad on Tuesday.

HOT PLAYS

Sam LaPorta, TE, Lions. LaPorta was able to play last week and didn’t look quite 100 percent, but still found the end zone. He has double-digit fantasy points three straight games and scores two straight. He should be even healthier this week, meaning his production could be even better. Plus, he has a great matchup against a bad Bucs pass defense. The Bucs allowed the second most fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers. McCaffrey is always a must start and hot play, but especially this week. He gets a Packers defense that is the worst out of all the remaining playoff teams against the run. Green Bay was 28th against the run in the regular season and allowed the 13th most fantasy points to running backs. Green Bay allowed 200-plus rushing yards four times this season. We think McCaffrey is going to have a monster showing in this one, possibly pushing 200-plus total yards and 30 fantasy points.

Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens. Flowers had a breakout season as the top target at receiver the Ravens. He played really well late in the season, having 20-plus fantasy points three of five games. He has scores four of five games. Flowers keeps getting it done on a weekly basis. Look for more success this week against the Texans in what should be a high-scoring game. The Texans have allowed 265-plus passing yards three of six games.

COLD PLAYS 

Devin Singletary, RB, Texans. Singletary had a solid season, emerging as the starter for the Texans. He has scores two straight games and has been consistent for the Texans, especially the second half of the season. Singletary has a really tough matchup to keep up his solid play this week, though, playing the Ravens. Baltimore was 14th against the run during the regular season, allowing 109.4-rushing yards per game. Houston might need to rely on C.J. Stroud and the passing game moire than Singletary if they hope to have much offensive success.

David Montgomery, RB, Lions. Montgomery found the end zone again last week, giving him four straight games with a touchdown. He still hasn’t topped 65-rushing yards in any of those games and has just three catches during that stretch. He might be a scary play this week against a Bucs defense that allowed just 10-rushing touchdowns all season. The Bucs allowed the third fewest fantasy points to running backs during the regular season and were fifth overall against the run.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. It is so hard to bet against Patrick Mahomes, but his numbers down the stretch haven’t been great for fantasy owners. He has just one touchdown each of his last three games. He has been pretty mediocre for fantasy teams. It might be more of the same this week against the Bills on the road. Buffalo has really played better defense down the stretch and allowed the sixth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks during the regular season.

SLEEPERS

Baker Mayfield, QB, Bucs. Mayfield had a great opener in the playoffs, hitting the 300-yard mark while scoring three touchdowns. Mayfield has multiple touchdowns five of six games. He has three three-touchdown games during that stretch. He has a great matchup against the Lions, a team that allowed the third most fantasy points to quarterback during the regular season. Look for Mayfield to keep it going this week.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Packers. Wicks scored another touchdown last week, giving him scores three straight games. He keeps finding the end zone, making him a top red-zone target for the Packers. He could score again this week in a game the Packers are likely throwing often and playing from behind. This could lead to even more targets for Wicks. He could be a sneaky play for fantasy owners.

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills. Shakir scored his third touchdown of the season last week. He has 12-plus fantasy points two straight games. He has at least three catches four consecutive games. Shakir is getting more work with Gabe Davis out and playing well in an expanded role. Shakir has a chance for another solid game this week in what should be a high-scoring game with the Chiefs.

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: Packers/49ers, Bucs/Lions.

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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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Bucky Irving Nov 20 11:00am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was at practice again on Thursday as the team gears up for its Sunday night road matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. Irving returned to practice in Week 11, although he was unable to suit up for their loss to the Bills after a week's worth of limited sessions. Tampa Bay has played it slow with the 23-year-old, but it would appear he's on track to at least have a shot at playing this weekend. Fantasy managers will have to keep a watchful eye on this situation, as if he's forced to sit for a seventh straight game, backfield mate Sean Tucker would be an intriguing play considering his efficiency over the previous three weeks. We'll know more about Irving's Week 12 designation following practice on Friday.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Nov 20 10:50am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is on the WR3/flex radar for Week 12's home outing with the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. The University of Cincinnati product posted his first touchdown since Week 3 in Monday night's 33-16 loss to the Cowboys, reeling in 4-of-8 targets for 47 yards, while quarterback Geno Smith struggled against the Dallas defense. Smith's inconsistencies have hindered Las Vegas' attack, although Tucker has remained involved as the clear-cut second option behind tight end Brock Bowers in the passing game. Cleveland's defense isn't the most favorable of matchups, but Tucker's floor has risen modestly since the departure of ex-teammate Jakobi Meyers. Additionally, he's always just one big play away from a viable fantasy performance. Tucker is RotoBaller's PPR WR33 ahead of Sunday's clash.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Nov 20 10:40am CT
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins is on the rise ahead of his Week 12 meeting with the visiting Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Higgins hasn't exactly had a breakout performance yet in his rookie campaign. However, signs point to him ascending the WR hierarchy in Houston. Since Week 8, the Iowa State alum has played more snaps than third-year pro Xavier Hutchinson in all but one outing, signaling a shift from earlier in the season. In fact, he's run the most plays of any Houston wideout in that time frame, posting at least four catches and seven targets in three of four games. Higgins could still exhibit some inefficiencies as he continues to adjust to life in the NFL. With that said, he's evolved into the clear third option in an offense that attempts a pass at the ninth-highest rate (59.91%).

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Nov 20 10:20am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is an excellent start for fantasy managers this weekend when he lines up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Stafford has been incredible in 2025, having already eclipsed his touchdown totals from the previous three seasons. Since Week 4, the 37-year-old has racked up a 22:0 TD:INT ratio, and has averaged 22.4 fantasy points per contest (fourth-most). On Sunday, he'll get another chance to keep his hot streak alive against a Buccaneers' defense that's allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to QBs (19). While the veteran had a down performance in their win over Seattle last weekend, his outlook is back on the rise with wide receiver Davante Adams further removed from an oblique injury.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Nov 20 10:10am CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has come alive in the last three weeks. After a slow start to his eighth season in the NFL, Andrews has scored four touchdowns in his previous three games, averaging 12.9 half-PPR fantasy points per game. The clear correlation is the return of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who made his return in Week 9, where Andrews scored two touchdowns. As long as Jackson is the starting quarterback in Baltimore, Andrews will continue to find the endzone and produce fantasy matchup-altering performances. In the next two games, the Ravens face the Jets and the Bengals, who have allowed the most and second-most touchdowns to tight ends this season. While his lack of volume is concerning, Andrews will still be worth starting in fantasy due to his touchdown upside.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Nov 20 10:00am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has become a trustworthy option for fantasy managers this season. In eight games, Pierce has hauled in 28 of 52 targets for 585 yards and a touchdown, averaging 9.8 half-PPR points per game. As of late, Pierce has been dominant, leading the NFL in receiving yards (366) from Week 7 to Week 10. His connection with Daniel Jones has been on point this season, and the Colts' offensive performance has opened more big-play opportunities for the deep threat receiver. However, he faces a very tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fewest receiving yards to wide receivers in 2025. While a tough matchup causes a lot more risk, Pierce is worth starting as a WR3/FLEX play in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Nov 20 9:50am CT
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been facilitating as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. In five starts, Brissett has averaged over 300 passing yards per game with multiple touchdowns in all five starts. The veteran quarterback set the completions record in Week 11, with 47 completions in the 41-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Not only has Brissett been an elite producer lately, but players like Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Michael Wilson have also been reaping the benefits of his stellar play. Brissett and the Cardinals host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12, who have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game and the fourth-most passing touchdowns in 2025. Even with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendicitis) ruled out for Sunday, Brissett still carries QB2 value and will continue to supply big performances for McBride and Wilson.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Nov 20 9:40am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was the lead back in Week 11, handling 15 carries for 79 yards in the overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins. Rumors were swirling about Rodriguez taking over the backfield from rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and he was efficient in his first game as the lead back. Rodriguez played 45% of the snaps, while Croskey-Merritt and receiving back Jeremy McNichols played 26% of the snaps each. While the Commanders' offense has been lackluster to say the least, reinforcements are on the way, with Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Terry McLaurin (quad) nearing a return. If the offensive production improves, Rodriguez could be a sneaky producer for fantasy managers down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

RJ Harvey Nov 20 9:30am CT
RJ Harvey

Denver Broncos rookie running back R.J. Harvey could handle a workhorse role for the rest of the season. In his first game as the lead back, Harvey handled 11 carries for 30 yards, while adding 20 yards on three receptions through the air. His first game as the starter came against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been a top-five run defense in 2025. The exciting news about the 2025 second-round pick's fantasy outlook is that he dominated the snap share in Week 11. He played a season-high 62% of the snaps, while Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie played 13%. Coming out of the bye week, the Broncos will face the Washington Commanders, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. With a strong workload and a good schedule coming out of the bye week, Harvey is an ideal buy-low candidate for fantasy managers and could be a league winner down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Nov 20 9:20am CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton's practice window is expected to open after the Week 12 bye. Hampton (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Jim Harbaugh shared that Hampton's activation window could open after the bye, but he was uncertain about a return in Week 13. When Hampton returns, he could enter a timeshare with standout Kimani Vidal, who's been excellent as his replacement. Hampton was starting to pick up steam in his rookie season, averaging 121.3 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in his last three games when healthy. While a potential committee is in the works, and the Chargers' struggles with the offensive line, Hampton still offers elite upside once he returns.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Nov 20 9:10am CT
Dawson Knox

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox should not be relied upon in most formats when his team takes on the Houston Texans in Week 12, even with fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) ruled out for the game. As the team's top tight end option last week, Knox managed only one catch for 23 yards, bringing him to just 13 catches on the year. Additionally, the Texans have been among the very best pass defenses in the NFL so far this season. Houston ranks fourth overall against half-PPR tight ends, dampering an already modest outlook for Knox. The veteran will have some red-zone appeal, however, making him a low-end TE2 option in leagues that start more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Tyrell Shavers Nov 20 8:50am CT
Tyrell Shavers

Coming off the best game of his career, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers should be left on the bench in most formats when his team takes on the Houston Texans on Thursday. Shavers, mostly a special teamer to this point, broke out for four catches, 90 yards, and a touchdown last week against Tampa, and now the Bills' receiver room is in limbo this week. Khalil Shakir (personal) missed practice on Monday and Tuesday, while Keon Coleman was a healthy scratch last week after being late to a team meeting. If either or both were to be unavailable tonight, that would leave some combination of Shavers, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, and Mecole Hardman to fill in the gaps. Even so, Shavers has just 11 catches in 10 games overall, and Houston ranks No. 1 against PPR receivers, making him too risky to rely upon.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Nov 20 8:40am CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir enters a Week 12 matchup against the Houston in unknown territory after missing practice on both Monday and Tuesday for personal reasons. Assuming Shakir plays, he's a low-end WR3 option against Houston, the top-ranked defense against PPR wide receivers. The veteran is also coming off his worst game of the season, a performance in which he caught just one pass for negative three yards against Tampa Bay. Without knowing the full extent of the absence, managers will have to wait until Buffalo releases its list of inactives to make sure Shakir is playing. Luckily, as the first game of the week, there will be ample opportunity to pivot in another direction.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Nov 20 8:40am CT
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer can safely be left out of lineups in most formats when his team travels to Houston to play the Texans for Week 12's Thursday Night Football game. The former Los Angeles Charger has been a disappointment in his first season with Buffalo, during which he has logged only 16 receptions and is still looking for his first touchdown. This week, Palmer will have the added challenge of the single worst matchup in football: Houston ranks No. 1 against PPR wide receivers. Though the status of fellow receiver Khalil Shakir (personal) is unknown, and Keon Coleman is coming off a healthy scratch last week, Palmer hasn't had a big enough role to rely upon for fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 20 8:20am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Thursday morning that the club has not yet ruled out quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) from playing on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to Paul Dehner of The Athletic. Taylor, who appeared on a Cincinnati radio show, said he wasn't ready to say whether Burrow would be able to return from his injury. "I'm not there yet," he said. "One day at practice isn't going to lead to that decision yet." The superstar quarterback has missed most of the 2025 season due to the injury, but he fully practiced on Wednesday, giving hope that he may return sooner than initially believed. For fantasy managers who held out for the long haul, Burrow's return would represent a major lineup upgrade as the playoffs draw near.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Nov 20 4:50am CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III is set to face a tough Houston Texans' defense on Thursday night that has allowed just 87.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the NFL. It could be tough sledding for Cook on Thursday against a stout Texans defense, but he remains a must-start in Week 12. Cook is averaging 115.8 scrimmage yards per game and has produced eight touchdowns over 10 contests. The 26-year-old back is enjoying his best season, and the Bills are sure to feature Cook on Thursday. Look for another strong showing and RB1 potential for Cook this week. Despite the brutal matchup, Cook should be in all fantasy lineups and is ranked 11th among all running backs for Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Nov 20 4:40am CT
Matt Prater

Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater has continued to flash just enough potential in the team's high-powered offense to remain relevant in fantasy football. The 41-year-old will look to rack up double-digit points against the Houston Texans on Thursday night for the first time since Week 8. Prater has totaled just 13 points over his last three games. Meanwhile, the Texans are allowing just 5.1 points per game to opposing kickers, the lowest total in the league. With Josh Allen leading the way, expect the Bills to find the endzone multiple times, but Prater's value will come from field goal opportunities, which are shaky at best. Despite the tough matchup, Prater can be used as a streamer in Week 12 and is ranked 10th among all kickers in the latest RotoBaller rankings.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Nov 20 4:30am CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is coming off a monster performance in last Sunday's 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He threw for 317 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 40 yards on six rushing attempts and three more scores versus the Bucs. Allen will look to keep things rolling against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. Houston's defense is third-best in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game at 174, but Allen's ability to beat them with his feet gives him a high floor. The Texans' defense has held opponents to 20-or-fewer points in all but two matchups this season, to keep their struggling offense in ballgames. However, Allen's MVP-caliber season continues, and he remains a must-start and comes in as the second-ranked quarterback heading into Week 12 in the latest RotoBaller rankings.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Nov 20 12:20am CT
Mack Hollins

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has played well for the Patriots this season, catching 30 of 38 targets for 387 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. Hollins is fourth on the team in total routes run (217) and has emerged as a reliable option for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The 32-year-old has recorded 21 catches for 317 yards on 26 targets since Week 7. His 317 yards lead the team over that span, and he's been highly efficient with his opportunities. His 12.19 yards per target ranks fourth among wide receivers with at least 75 routes during that stretch. Hollins' snaps could go down a tick with Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) expected to return in Week 12 against the Bengals. However, Hollins should still maintain a healthy route share and keep him on the radar in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Brock Wright Nov 20 12:10am CT
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (ankle) immediately slotted in as a full-time player in Week 11, with Sam LaPorta (back) placed on Injured Reserve. Wright played 83.1% of the snaps and ran 59% of the routes, finishing with two catches for eight yards on a career high seven targets against the Eagles. The Lions' offense struggled collectively, with Jared Goff completing just 37.8% of his passes. Wright was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, so that will be something to monitor in the coming days. But it is positive to see Wright get the role and usage in LaPorta's absence, and he is set to be a consistent piece of one of the league's best offenses for the next handful of games. Assuming he plays in Week 12 against the Giants, Wright could be a streaming option for fantasy managers in need of a bye week replacement.

From RotoBaller