Studs and Duds: Divisional Round

Mon Jan 22 9:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Kelce comes up big for Chiefs


Well, that was a lot better. The games were really good this weekend. Even the first one that ended up pretty lopsided. It was still good for the half. The rest of the games were really entertaining, though. Most of them were really back and forth, and could have gone to either team in the end. It made for some great entertainment. And the fantasy numbers weren’t too bad, either. There were some really big games this weekend. Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of some of those big games on all your playoff fantasy teams.

Ravens 34, Texans 10

Fantasy Stud: Lamar Jackson. Jackson proved why he is the front runner for MVP this year. He had a great game, going 16-of-22 for 152 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He also led the team in rushing, hitting the 100-yard mark. Jackson ran 11 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson scored 37.6 fantasy points. He has 35-plus fantasy points three of five games

Fantasy Dud: C.J. Stroud. The Ravens did a great job of holding the impressive rookie in check. He did not score a touchdown in the game and failed to hit 200-passing yards. Stroud was 19-of-33 for 175 yards without a score or turnover. He still had a monster rookie season and is going to be one of the best fantasy quarterbacks for years to come.

Game Notes: Justice Hill had 13 carries for 66 yards, leading the Ravens in rushing for ar running back. He also caught two passes for 11 yards, finishing with 77 total yards.

Dalvin Cook made his Ravens debut and ran eight times for 23 yards. He got nearly all his work with the Ravens up big late in the game.

49ers 24, Packers 21

Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey had his usual huge fantasy game. He ran 17 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns. He also had seven receptions for 30 yards. McCaffrey had 31.8 fantasy points. This was his fourth game this season with 30-plus fantasy points. McCaffrey just keeps posting huge numbers on a weekly basis

Fantasy Dud: Brandon Aiyuk. With Deebo Samuel sidelined much of the game, you thought Aiyuk might get a little more work. Well, that didn’t happen. Aiyuk was a disappointment to fantasy teams, catching just three passes for 32 yards. It was a down game for the star receiver.

Game Notes: Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder early in the game and was unable to return. He had two receptions for 24 yards. This is an injury to watch going forward. Samuel is a huge part of the 49ers offense.

Aaron Jones hit the 100-yard rushing mark. He had 18 carries for 108 yards. Jones finishes the season with five straight 100-yard games.

Lions 31, Bucs 23

Fantasy Stud: Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had a big game rushing and receiving, showing his dual threat ability. He ran nine times for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for 40 yards, giving him 114 total yards and a score. Gibbs outproduced starter David Montgomery running the ball despite having one less carry.
  
Fantasy Dud: Chris Godwin. Godwin had one of his down games this week, catching four passes for 40 yards. He was up and down all season, so this shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Godwin still had a fine season but here is to hoping he can produce more consistent numbers next year.

Game Notes: Mike Evans had eight receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. This was his fourth 100-yard game of the season. Evans had a huge season and shows few signs of slowing down.

Jared Goff continued his great play in the playoffs, going 30-of-43 for 287 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He has 275-plus passing yards each of his two playoff games without a turnover.

Chiefs 27, Bills 24

Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. Kelce showed he can still play a big role in the playoffs. He had five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. This was his first two-touchdown game of the entire season. It was the fourth time he topped 20 fantasy points in a game, though. Kelce scored 24.5 fantasy points in this one.
  
Fantasy Dud: Stefon Diggs. Diggs was held in check once again, catching three passes for just 21 yards. It was kind of the theme of the second half of his season. Diggs really disappeared down the stretch, causing some concern for next season.

Game Notes: Josh Allen was huge in defeat, especially as a runner. He ran 12 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He also was 26-of-39 for 186 yards and a touchdown.

Isiah Pacheco had a solid game, rushing 15 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. He had a catch for 14 yards, giving him 111 total yards.

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 14

Player Notes
Chigoziem Okonkwo Dec 6 4:20pm CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo hasn't emerged as a consistent fantasy option in his fourth season, recording 39 receptions for 406 yards on 51 targets, and is still looking for his first touchdown through 12 games. Okonkwo has been sharing snaps with rookie tight end Gunnar Helm, who ran more routes than Okonkwo for the first game this season in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even in a Titans offense that has arguably the worst wide receiver group in the league with Calvin Ridley (leg) out for the season, Okonkwo hasn't emerged as a go-to target for rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. The 26-year-old tight end carries limited upside headed into Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns and should be viewed as a TE3 option.

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Tre Tucker Dec 6 4:20pm CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker has recorded three receptions or fewer in four of the past five games since Brock Bowers returned in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tucker has operated as the Raiders' primary wide receiver, but the production has been limited. The 24-year-old had an intriguing two-game stretch in Weeks 11 and 12, totaling seven receptions (18 targets) for 75 yards and scoring his first touchdown since Week 3. Tucker has recorded at least two receptions in every game this season and remains a viable fantasy option in deep leagues due to his volume of routes. He faces a tough matchup in Week 14 against an elite Denver Broncos secondary that held him to two catches for 28 yards in their Week 10 meeting. Tucker is tough to trust as anything more than a low-end flex option in a struggling Raiders offense.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Dec 6 4:10pm CT
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has displayed his receiving ability in recent weeks, recording at least six receptions in three straight games. Jeanty has struggled to be efficient as a runner all season due to the Raiders' poor offensive line, but he's still found ways to deliver for fantasy managers. Since Week 9, the rookie first-rounder has recorded 70 carries for 190 yards and a touchdown to go with 28 receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns on 34 targets. His 28 receptions during that span trail only Christian McCaffrey, and he ranks as the RB10 in that stretch with 16.3 PPR points per game. Jeanty will look to stay productive as a receiver in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos' stout defense. The rookie totaled 19 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown with three receptions (three targets) for five yards against them in Week 10, and he profiles as an upside RB2 in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 6 3:40pm CT
Jayden Reed

The Green Bay Packers activated wide receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) off injured reserve ahead of Sunday's matchup against the division rival Chicago Bears. Reed will play in Week 14 for the first time since suffering a fractured collarbone in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders. The 25-year-old wideout also entered the season dealing with a Jones fracture, but he appears to have recovered from both injuries and is good to go for Sunday. Reed has served as a dynamic weapon for the Packers since entering the league in 2023. He led Green Bay in nearly every receiving category last season, recording 55 receptions for 857 yards and six touchdowns on 75 targets, while also adding 20 carries for 163 yards and one touchdown as a runner. Reed has the talent to assert himself as Green Bay's No. 1 option even in a crowded pass-catching room. He could be eased back into action on Sunday against the Bears, and should be viewed as a low-end WR3/flex option.

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Quentin Johnston Dec 6 3:40pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is coming off a three-reception, 23-yard, one-touchdown game against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the passing attack still heavily depended on quick, short passes to compensate for issues along the offensive line. Johnston will face a tough matchup against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who ranks 10th in allowing the fewest fantasy points per route. Additionally, the Eagles' pass defense ranks 24th in fantasy points allowed per dropback when in zone coverage. Johnston has struggled against zone, with a 14% target rate and 1.16 yards per route run. He is officially off the injury report after dealing with a shoulder injury, but the tough matchup, combined with the expected run-heavy game and uncertainty at quarterback, suggests he will continue to be a boom-or-bust low-end WR3, heavily reliant on scoring a touchdown.

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Justin Herbert Dec 6 3:40pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden faces a tough Week 14 challenge after the passing offense stalled following Justin Herbert's hand injury, leading to just one catch for 27 yards on two targets last week. Crucially, Gadsden failed to see a red-zone target for the second consecutive game after seeing 10 in the previous five. The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles is extremely challenging, as their defense ranks among the top three against tight ends, allowing only three touchdowns all season and just nine PPR points per game to the position. RotoBaller ranks Gadsden as TE14 this week, especially with Justin Herbert (hand) listed as questionable. While the rookie has shown promise, the combination of the restructured, short-area passing offense and one of the league's toughest tight end defenses means Gadsden should be considered a high-end TE2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Dec 6 3:40pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker remains a reliable option despite facing a Week 14 matchup that is expected to be one of the lowest-scoring games of the week. Dicker went 1-for-1 on field goals, hitting a 56-yarder, and was perfect on extra points last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. The drop from his usual top-three ranking to K11 reflects the conservative game projections against a strong Philadelphia Eagles defense and the uncertainty at quarterback, as Justin Herbert (hand) is listed as questionable. However, the game flow is expected to be run-heavy and competitive, which often leads to stalled drives and more field-goal opportunities. Considering Dicker's consistency and leg strength, fantasy managers should still view him as a dependable low-end K1 who is likely to get enough scoring opportunities throughout the game.

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Chase Brown Dec 6 3:20pm CT
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is coming off a strong showing, finishing with 15 attempts for 78 yards in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. With Tee Higgins (concussion) sidelined for that one, Brown was more involved on the receiving end, catching all seven targets for 35 yards. Samaje Perine was more included than usual on the offensive end, amassing 39 yards off 14 carries. However, he averaged an ugly 2.8 yards per carry. Higgins' return for Sunday's meeting with the Buffalo Bills could mean Brown won't see as many receiving opportunities, although that still may not matter, considering he is usually involved as a pass-catcher. With that said, Perine's uptick in work in Week 13 isn't a reason to panic. Fantasy managers should keep Brown rolling in any format, with a slight bump for those starting him in PPR setups.

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Evan McPherson Dec 6 3:20pm CT
Evan McPherson

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson got off to a slow start early in the 2025 campaign. However, he's been productive over the last month or so, and he finished the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens by draining all six of his attempts, a career-high. The 26-year-old is back to being one of the top kickers in the National Football League. McPherson has an excellent chance to keep things going in a predicted high-scoring clash with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. He may need to be more involved if it ends up snowing more in Buffalo than initially anticipated.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Dec 6 3:20pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey remains the most reliable target in the passing game heading into Week 14 against the Philadelphia Eagles, posting a 4-39-1 stat line on six targets last week. McConkey is quarterback Justin Herbert's go-to guy under pressure, commanding a team-high 20% target share and a 34% first-read rate. The Eagles have a top-10 secondary, and with Herbert (hand) questionable, the Bolts are expected to adopt a run-heavy game plan, likely decreasing overall passing volume. If Herbert is ruled out and Trey Lance starts, all receivers face a significant downgrade. RotoBaller ranks McConkey as WR17 this week. Given his reliable connection with Herbert in high-pressure situations, he can be considered a low-end WR2 even with the expected decrease in passing attempts. Temper expectations and production if Herbert is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Dec 6 3:20pm CT
Keenan Allen

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen continues to see a decrease in usage, following a performance of four receptions for 30 yards on five targets against the Las Vegas Raiders, averaging just 7.5 yards per catch. His longest reception was only 10 yards, and his limited opportunities are further emphasized by having only one red-zone target in his last five games. Allen faces a tough Philadelphia Eagles secondary in a game expected to be run-heavy, regardless of whether Justin Herbert (hand) or backup Trey Lance is under center. If Lance starts, a drop in production from all receivers is anticipated. RotoBaller ranks Allen as WR39 this week. While he remains a dependable option for chain-moving targets, the combination of his decreasing usage, limited red zone chances, and smaller aDOT makes Allen a risky low-end WR4 with little upside.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is about to face a major change in his workload after a strong performance last week, where he had 25 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. The ground game was heavily relied on after quarterback Justin Herbert fractured his hand, but rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) has been activated from IR and is expected to return this week, with Hassan Haskins (hamstring) also practicing. Vidal now must compete again in a crowded backfield. The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles looks promising, as they are a middle-ranked rush defense that was just run over for 281 yards on the ground by the Chicago Bears, and the likely absence of defensive tackle Jalen Carter further helps Vidal's case. RotoBaller projects Vidal as RB34 for this week. Due to the uncertain workload split with Hampton's return, Vidal should be considered a risky low-end RB3, as he is not assured of the majority of carries he had last week.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton has been activated off IR and is set to return to the field for Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing seven games with a fractured ankle. Before the injury, Hampton was impressive, averaging 4.8 YPC across five games. The matchup is favorable, as the Eagles' rush defense was just gashed for 281 yards and may be without defensive tackle Jalen Carter. With quarterback Justin Herbert questionable, this game is likely to be a run-heavy contest favored by Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman. However, with Kimani Vidal having impressed and Hassan Haskins (hamstring) also in the mix, the Chargers are likely to ease Hampton back in and limit his carries. He should not be relied upon as a bell-cow in his first game back and is best viewed as a low-end RB2 due to the uncertainty around his workload.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Fortunately, he was a full participant in the following two sessions and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's meeting with the Buffalo Bills. The wideout had been on a roll heading into the Week 12 loss to the Patriots, catching at least one touchdown in his previous four appearances. However, after taking a hit during that contests, he didn't suit up for the Week 13 win over the Ravens. With Joe Burrow recently back on the field after missing over two months, Higgins will have one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League at his disposal. Hopefully, that will remain the case moving ahead. Although Higgins can be streaky, his ceiling may be a bit higher in Week 14, considering Sunday's contest is anticipated to feature plenty of scoring from both sides. Get the 2020 No. 33 overall pick back in the lineup in all fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Trey Lance Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Trey Lance

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance is ready to step in if the questionable Justin Herbert (hand) is ruled out for the Week 14 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lance briefly filled in last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing one pass for nine yards and rushing four times for four yards. The Eagles have a middle-of-the-pack defense but rank in the top 10 for pressure rate. If the former first-round pick starts, his rushing ability will be his main route to fantasy value, as his career completion rate of 56.4% suggests he may struggle throwing the ball. If Herbert is out, Lance would be a low-end QB2 who would need to rely heavily on his legs against a vulnerable rush defense.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is listed as questionable for Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles after undergoing surgery to stabilize a fracture in his non-throwing (left) hand. Although he returned last week in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 15 of 20 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, the offense has already adjusted to his protection issues, reducing his average depth of target (aDOT) from 7.5 to 6.3 over the past three games. The Eagles' defense is average but boasts a top-10 pressure rate, which is a concern for a quarterback playing through pain, even if Philadelphia defensive tackle Jalen Carter might be out. With Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman known for favoring a run-heavy approach, the Chargers will likely rely on the ground game to protect their signal-caller. RotoBaller ranks Herbert as QB16 this week, making him a risky mid-range QB2 who should only be started by managers in superflex leagues or those in desperate need of a plug-and-play option.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned in the Week 13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The signal-caller had trouble completing his throws (24-for-46). However, he still tossed for 261 yards and two touchdowns. While Burrow only had eight yards off three carries, he looked good from a mobility standpoint, which was certainly refreshing for fantasy managers. With the Bengals coming off a much-needed victory, snapping a four-game skid, they will look to remain on the winning path by taking down the Bills in Week 14. Fortunately, Burrow will have Tee Higgins (concussion) back in the lineup after a one-game absence. The former LSU Tiger also likely got rid of any residual rust caused by the lengthy stint on the shelf. As such, he should (in theory) improve as it pertains to his completion percentage, considering he's historically been an accurate passer. Although the weather in Buffalo can be a concern at this point in the season, it doesn't appear as if it will be a significant issue. All things considered, Burrow is a must-start, especially with Sunday's contest projected to be the highest-scoring game of the Week.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase didn't find the end zone in the win over the Ravens in Week 13. However, the wideout still finished with seven catches for 110 yards while being targeted 14 times. Tee Higgins (concussion) wasn't available for that one, so Chase had to pick up most of the slack in Joe Burrow's first game in over two months. With Higgins back for the Week 14 showdown with the Buffalo Bills, the 25-year-old will presumably see less attention on the receiving end. Still, there should be more than enough opportunities for Chase to finish as a top fantasy producer in a contest that could feature plenty of offense from both sides, assuming the weather in Buffalo cooperates.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 6 2:30pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) is officially listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert is reportedly expected to play based on an earlier report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic, but he will be labeled as questionable heading into Monday night. The 27-year-old signal caller suffered a metacarpal fracture in his left hand during the Chargers' Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and underwent surgery this past Monday. Herbert has completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,842 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding 57 carries for a career high 353 rushing yards and one touchdown in 12 games this season. If Herbert suits up Monday night, he will rank as a mid-range QB2 in a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Dec 6 2:10pm CT
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor struggled in his first game back after missing a week with a hamstring injury, recording just one catch for five yards on five targets in his team's blowout Week 13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the bright side, Ayomanor has earned at least five targets in six straight games entering his Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. However, Ayomanor has been unable to turn the solid target volume into consistent production, recording 186 receiving yards and zero touchdowns over that six-game span. The 22-year-old's job won't get any easier in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Entering the week, Cleveland has allowed the third-fewest passing yards (2,327) in the NFL. Ayomanor's stable target share gives him a projectable floor, but he still profiles as a deep-league flex option at best in Week 14.

From RotoBaller