Lineup Prep: Divisional Round
Wed Jan 17 9:40am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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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- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (concussion) injured vs. Patriots
- Patriots LT Will Campbell (leg) carted off field vs. Bengals
- Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee) out vs. Vikings
- Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) out against Bears; Mason Rudolph to start
- Bears place standout LB Tremaine Edmunds (groin) on IR
- Shedeur Sanders' first start spawns prop markets
- Cowboys waive CB Kaiir Elam, add RB Malik Davis
- Eagles C Cam Jurgens to play vs. Cowboys
- Rams LB Nate Landman reaches 3-year, $22.5M extension
- Colts activate S Charvarius Ward from IR
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow won't return Sunday vs. Patriots
- 49ers void Brandon Aiyuk's 2026 guarantees
- Retirement era? Chiefs TE Travis Kelce not talking '26
- Falcons rule out Drake London (knee), Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) vs. Saints
- Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist) questionable vs. Bears on Sunday
- Bucs WR Chris Godwin 'trending towards playing'
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow questionable to play Sunday vs. New England
- Packers open 21-day practice window for WR Jayden Reed
- Lions TE Sam LaPorta (back) likely out for season
- Week 12 NFL Capsules
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 12: Dak Prescott, Michael Wilson, and More Tough Calls
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 11 Players to Stash: Grab ’em Before They’re Hot
- Fantasy Life: 4 Tricky RB Decisions for the Week 12 Slate
- Fantasy Life: Drake Maye Breakout is Beyond Fantasy Football
- Fantasy Life: Week 12 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Shedeur Sanders, Rhamondre Stevenson and More
- Fantasy Life: Your Fantasy Football Week 12 Prep Guide
- Fantasy Life: Week 12 Late-Week Streamers: Andrei Iosivas, Luther Burden and More
- Fantasy Life: Week 12 Fantasy Football Injury Report: Joe Burrow, Josh Jacobs Will Sit, Will Others Play?
The Paur Report
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught just two of three targets for 20 yards during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His underwhelming performance was likely the result of Drake Maye funneling a large portion of his pass attempts to the tight end position. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper combined for 10 catches, 154 yards, and one touchdown against a Bengals defense notorious for getting exposed by tight ends. Diggs saw his streak of five double-digit fantasy performances (PPR) come to an end on Sunday afternoon, but he's still a mid-range WR2 in terms of scoring this year. He should continue to be started in most leagues ahead of Week 13 against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 22 of his 35 pass attempts for 294 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also rushed for 22 yards and took a sack. Maye wasn't able to rack up high-end fantasy scoring, but his significant yardage total and strong final three quarters helped New England cruise to its ninth consecutive victory. The Patriots are the first team to 10 wins and have sole possession of first place in the entire NFL, largely thanks to Maye's spectacular season. Even though Sunday's outing didn't set the world on fire, his track record indicates that he should have no trouble bouncing back as a strong QB1 option against a subpar Giants defense in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson had 28 carries for 107 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He also caught each of his two targets for an additional 18 receiving yards. Wilson was very impressive was handling a large workload on Sunday. With Josh Jacobs (knee) sidelined, he accounted for 78% of the backfield's rushing attempts. The 26-year-old's ability to be efficient while handling heavy volume should earn him more opportunities going forward, even if Jacobs returns to action next week. The Packers face the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, giving Jacobs four days to recover. If the veteran back suits up, Wilson could still carve out standalone value as an RB3/flex. If Jacobs misses a second consecutive game, though, the Fort Valley State product could jump to the high-end RB2 tier against Detroit.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Cleveland Browns. He exited during the first half and was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the game with one catch for 14 yards. Mayer impressed earlier this season while filling in for the injured Brock Bowers, but ever since Bowers returned, Mayer has not been a fantasy scoring threat. Ian Thomas will step up as Vegas' No. 2 tight end behind Bowers.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught seven of his 10 targets for 115 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It's no secret that Cincinnati is the worst team in the NFL when it comes to defending opposing tight ends, and Henry capitalized on this favorable matchup. The veteran entered this week as the overall TE13 in PPR leagues, but he jumped all the way into the top five on Sunday afternoon. He's unlikely to replicate this outing next Thursday against the New York Giants, but he's still worth starting as a low-end TE1 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson rushed for 66 yards on 18 carries during Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. He also caught three of his four targets for an additional 15 receiving yards. There was some concern about Henderson's role with Rhamondre Stevenson returning from injury. While Stevenson did earn some touches, Henderson remained the primary running back. Now that he has the lead role all to himself, the rookie needs to turn his attention to improving his efficiency. He averaged 3.7 yards per carry on Sunday, just one game removed from averaging 3.3 yards per carry against the Jets. If he can improve his scoring or yardage efficiency, he can be an RB1 going forward. In the meantime, he ranks as more of a mid-range RB2 for Week 13 against the New York Giants.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) exited during the first half of Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had three carries for 11 rushing yards, plus two catches for an additional four receiving yards. The dual-threat back is just one game removed from a 14.5-point (PPR) showing, but he'll need to get back on the field this Sunday if he wants to replicate that performance. With Kamara sidelined and Kendre Miller (knee) on IR, Devin Neal will step up as the Saints' primary running back for the time being.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson caught nine of his 14 targets for 156 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 12 overtime loss against the Detroit Lions. Jameis Winston quarterbacked the Giants again this week, and his gunslinger style of play allowed the young receiver to rack up a whopping 156 yards through the air. The 24-year-old pass catcher has been quite impressive as the de facto No. 1 receiver in Malik Nabers' absence, ranking as the overall WR17 in the eight weeks since Nabers went down. Robinson's ceiling may decline a little next week when Jaxson Dart (concussion) returns under center, but Dart still has the passing skills needed to keep Robinson in the WR2 tier. He should continue to be started in most leagues as he takes on the New England Patriots in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston completed 18 of his 36 pass attempts for 366 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 12 win over the Detroit Lions. He also got involved in some trickery, adding a third touchdown on a 33-yard reception that was thrown to him by wide receiver Gunner Olszewski. Winston's turnover and low completion rate were unfortunate, but his high yardage and three total touchdowns made him a valuable fantasy option once again. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who were relying on him as a streamer, Winston will head back to the bench in Week 13 if Jaxson Dart (concussion) clears concussion protocol, as expected. The offense belongs to Dart once again, but at least we've seen that Winston can be a fringe top-12 fantasy quarterback if he ever gets thrust back into the starting role.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 15 carries for 219 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 12 overtime victory over the New York Giants. He also caught 11 of 12 targets for an additional 45 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The 23-year-old enjoyed one of the most memorable games of his young career, amassing more than 55 fantasy points in PPR leagues and helping Detroit secure an overtime victory. The highlights of Gibbs' games were a 49-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter and a 69-yard rushing touchdown in overtime. He will remain a spectacular high-end RB1 option against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught eight of his 10 targets for 167 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's Week 12 win against the Tennessee Titans. He also had a four-yard rush. The 23-year-old entered this week as the overall WR1 in PPR leagues, and he only widened the gap between himself and every other receiver with Sunday's explosion. The 23-year-old now has at least 20 fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last seven games, as well as nine of 11 games this season. It goes without saying that Smith-Njigba should be viewed as a must-start WR1 for Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that he expects quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) to play in next Sunday's Week 13 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Although Rodgers sat out this week's loss against the Chicago Bears, it sounds like his absence will last just one game. He was reportedly pushing to play against the Bears in Week 12, but the Steelers' medical personnel ultimately held him out. The veteran quarterback is 6-4 this season with 19 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions, ranking as the overall QB17 in fantasy football. Assuming he doesn't suffer any sort of setbacks within the next week, Rodgers should suit up against Buffalo, ranking as a mid-to-high QB2 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson finished Sunday with four catches on six targets for 48 receiving yards in a 23-6 loss at Green Bay. The superstar receiver once again was hampered by a horrible offensive performance overall, as Minnesota gained 145 total yards as a team. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy finished 12-for-19 passing for 89 with two interceptions as the Vikings managed to run only 45 total plays. Jefferson still led the team in receiving, but that didn't say much on a day in which Minnesota gained four yards in the second half. Fantasy managers will have to hope the Vikings can turn the corner, and quickly, as the team travels to Seattle in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (head) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. He has entered concussion protocol and is questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had caught three of his four targets for 25 receiving yards. Gray will be evaluated as medical personnel assess whether he's experiencing the symptoms of a concussion. If a concussion is confirmed, Gray would automatically be ruled out, and he'd likely miss Thursday's game against the Cowboys, too. In the meantime, Robert Tonyan will step up as the Chiefs' No. 2 tight end behind Travis Kelce.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. finished Sunday with 41 yards on nine carries and caught three of four targets for 19 yards as the Vikings lost convincingly, 23-6, on Sunday at Green Bay. Jones did well enough in his limited usage, but the Vikings ran only 45 plays and gained 145 total yards, which included a total of four yards in the second half. Minnesota surrendered five sacks, quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw two more interceptions without a touchdown, and the Vikings committed a special teams turnover that doomed the day. Fantasy managers still got something from Jones, even on an awful day, which is the closest thing to a silver lining the Vikings have at the moment. Minnesota will travel to Seattle in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison did not record a catch and saw only one target as the Vikings lost 23-6 on Sunday at Green Bay. The Minnesota offense reached a new low on Sunday by running only 44 plays for 145 yards, which included a brutal four total yards in the entire second half. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed 12 passes for 89 yards and threw two more interceptions without a touchdown. Addison was never a factor as Minnesota attempted to control the game on the ground, but fell behind and saw the Green Bay pass rush overwhelm the offensive line for five sacks. Managers have now seen a month straight of little performance from Addison, whose Vikings are at Seattle next week.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 12 contest against the New England Patriots. Higgins exited in the fourth quarter after his head hit the turf while attempting to catch a pass. He was taken to the locker room for evaluation and quickly ruled out. The 26-year-old finishes the game with six targets, five catches, and 31 receiving yards. Cincinnati finds itself very short-staffed on offense with Joe Burrow (foot) on IR, Ja'Marr Chase suspended, Tahj Brooks (concussion) ruled out, and now Higgins sidelined. Andrei Iosivas, Mitch Tinsley, and Charlie Jones will operate as the top wide receivers in Joe Flacco's offense for the remainder of Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring) exited during the second half of Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had one catch for 48 yards, as well as a 40-yard kick return. The 28-year-old hasn't carved out a consistent workload on offense this season, but he had certainly been making an impact in his limited opportunities on Sunday. Anthony Gould will earn more snaps as the Colts' No. 4 receiver with Dulin sidelined, and he'll likely step up as a returner on special teams, too.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy failed to reach 100 yards passing and threw his ninth and 10th interceptions of the season in a humbling loss on Sunday at Green Bay. In total, the second-year quarterback finished 12-for-19 for 87 yards with no touchdowns, and rushed for 10 yards on two carries. The Packers sacked McCarthy five times as the Vikings gained four total yards in the second half. It was the third consecutive rough outing for McCarthy, who is getting his first extended look as a starter. The Vikings attempted to control the game on the ground, but ran just 44 plays and gained 145 total yards. Fantasy managers in Superflex leagues will want to tread cautiously with McCarthy next week at Seattle.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (coach's decision) and running back Jaydon Blue (coach's decision) are healthy scratches for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players will be inactive. Tolbert had not previously missed a game this season, but his demotion is not necessarily a surprise, given that his snap share has been below 20% in each of the Cowboys' last three games. He has just 14 catches for 172 yards and one touchdown on offense, plus five kick returns on special teams. Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin should earn more opportunities in his absence. Meanwhile, Blue has been active for just four games during his rookie campaign, averaging 2.95 yards per carry. Dallas is carrying just two running backs (Javonte Williams and Malik Davis) into Sunday's game, as well as fullback Hunter Luepke.
From RotoBaller
