Lineup Prep: Super Bowl

Wed Feb 7 8:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 10

Player Notes
Jake Bates Nov 8 7:10pm CT
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates projects as one of the top kicker options for Week 10's matchup against the Washington Commanders. Bates hasn't been quite as effective this season compared to last, however, making just nine of 13 attempts, but he has nailed all 30 of his extra points, which is the most in the league. His 69.2% field goal percentage ranks 31st out of 33 qualified kickers this season. The Lions attempt field goals at one of the lowest rates in the league, but Bates has still struggled to deliver in his limited opportunities. Bates should have plenty of opportunity for scoring in Week 10 against a Washington defense that hasn't shown itself capable of stopping anything recently.

From RotoBaller

Chase McLaughlin Nov 8 7:00pm CT
Chase McLaughlin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been reliable again this season, making 17 of his 21 field goal attempts and converting 16 of 17 extra points. His 81% field goal percentage ranks just below the league average of 83.6% and is a sizable step down from last season's career best mark of 93.8%, which was third best in the league. The 29-year-old has been money on kicks from 50 yards or longer this season, drilling all eight of his attempts. No other kicker has made more than six. The eight field goals from 50 yards or more are already one shy of his career best mark set back in 2022. McLaughlin has solid streaming value in Week 10 against New England, which is one of the highest projected totals of the week.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Nov 8 6:50pm CT
Mack Hollins

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins should lead the position group in snap share after Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was ruled out for Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hollins played 63 percent of the snaps last week against the Atlanta Falcons, which led the team. With that being said, leading the team in snaps doesn't necessarily equate to more volume. Hollins should continue to get on the field often, but Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas will likely be Drake Maye's favorite targets in the passing game, along with tight end Hunter Henry. Hollins has been held to two or fewer catches in five of his last six games, with the lone exception being a seven-catch breakout in Week 8. He certainly has upside, but we're a bit wary of starting him in fantasy football given the inconsistency of New England's receivers as a whole. Diggs is the only Patriots wide receiver who should be started with confidence.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Nov 8 6:50pm CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is a solid fantasy football option heading into Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Henry's production has varied week by week this year, and it seems like both his breakouts and duds have come with no particular rhyme or reason. Still, fantasy managers should be intrigued by his steady volume and his role atop the depth chart. With wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) ruled out, Henry could end up leading the team in targets and receptions on Sunday. Tampa Bay has surrendered the 11th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but they gave up five catches and 53 yards to Juwan Johnson in their most recent game. A similar (or better) stat line for Henry would certainly satisfy his fantasy managers. He ranks as a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end with a steady floor.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Williams Nov 8 6:40pm CT
Kyle Williams

New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams could handle additional volume after Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was ruled out for Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We saw Williams get more involved last week after Boutte exited against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie finished the game with a season-high (and, thus, career-high) 46 percent snap share, but he wasn't able to haul in his lone target. There's a strong chance that Williams plays more than half the snaps this week, but his exact volume is unclear. After all, he's still competing for targets with players like Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Hunter Henry, and Austin Hooper. Thus, while Williams should enjoy the greatest involvement of his young career, it's too early to lock him into fantasy lineups. He can be left on waivers in redraft leagues and stashed on the bench in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Robbie Chosen Nov 8 6:30pm CT
Robbie Chosen

The Washington Commanders elevated wide receiver Robbie Chosen from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Detroit Lions. Chosen signed with Washington's practice squad in early October as they dealt with and continue to deal with multiple injuries to their top wide receivers, with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin) missing significant time, and now Luke McCaffrey (shoulder) is set to miss the remainder of the season. The 32-year-old journeyman appeared in one game for Washington this season in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded a team-high four catches (four targets) for 36 yards. Chosen still has the vertical speed to threaten defenses deep, and could make a splash play or two in Week 10 against a Lions defense that has allowed the seventh most passing touchdowns this season (16).

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Nov 8 6:20pm CT
Michael Carter

The Arizona Cardinals promoted running back Michael Carter to the active roster from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Carter was cut by the Cardinals the week leading into their Week 9 matchup against the Cowboys, but was quickly signed back to the practice squad soon thereafter. The 26-year-old has fallen out of favor after operating as Arizona's lead back in Week 5 against the Titans, when he handled 18 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown to go with five catches (five targets) for 22 yards. Carter has since fallen behind Bam Knight and Emari Demercado in the pecking order for touches and didn't play a single snap in Week 9 versus Dallas. It appears to be trending toward a two-man backfield in Week 10 against Seattle, but things could change. Carter can likely be left on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Nov 8 6:00pm CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas continues to be an unreliable fantasy option heading into Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Douglas did catch four passes for 100 yards and a touchdown last weekend, he did so on a mere 24 percent snap share. Quite frankly, the 24-year-old capitalized on his opportunities when on the field. However, he has played fewer than one-third of the snaps in seven different games this year, and we haven't seen this type of explosive game from Douglas very often. He has just 18 catches, 262 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR55 in PPR leagues. Perhaps the biggest factor working in Douglas' favor is the absence of Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), but at the same time, that could lead to more opportunities for Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams than for Douglas. A matchup against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, also doesn't work in Douglas' favor. He certainly has upside after last week's game and after Boutte was ruled out, but he also has a low floor with two or fewer catches in six of his nine games this season.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Nov 8 6:00pm CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson hasn't seen much involvement in the offense in recent weeks. Last week, Wilson hauled in one of his two targets for four yards in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. It has been a bust of a season for Wilson outside of his 74-yard performance in Week 8. The 24-year-old seems to have decent potential, but doesn't see enough targets at the moment. He won't be a viable streaming option until the Steelers decide to get him more involved. Wilson is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, but isn't a recommended streaming option for Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Ty Johnson Nov 8 5:50pm CT
Ty Johnson

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson found the end zone for the first time this season during last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson rushed the ball twice for eight yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in both his targets for 12 yards through the air. There was some speculation that Johnson would see a larger role this weekend with James Cook (ankle) banged up. However, Cook won't carry an injury designation into the Week 10 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Johnson figures to resume his backup role which is only a few carries per game. That being said, Johnson should only be viewed as a touchdown-dependent option for Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Terrell Jennings Nov 8 5:50pm CT
Terrell Jennings

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings will likely remain involved in the team's offensive game plan after Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) was ruled out for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. TreVeyon Henderson will still lead the backfield, but Jennings should carve out a role, just like he did last week against the Atlanta Falcons when he played 25 percent of the snaps, touched the ball 12 times, and scored a touchdown. The trip to the end zone salvaged his fantasy performance, and he'd likely need to score again this week to have meaningful fantasy value. With a touchdown far from guaranteed, especially in the backup role, Jennings can be left on the bench in leagues with 14 or fewer teams.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Gainwell Nov 8 5:50pm CT
Kenneth Gainwell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell hasn't been able to make much of an impact lately. Last week, Gainwell rushed three times for -1 yards, while hauling in four of his five targets for 35 yards through the air in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. Gainwell has taken a backseat to Jaylen Warren in the backfield this season. The only time Gainwell had solid value was the week that Warren didn't play. Outside of that, Gainwell has seen minimal role on offense. Gainwell figures to see a handful of carries and a few targets in the receiving game. He won't carry viable fantasy value in Week 10 unless it's a high PPR league.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Nov 8 5:50pm CT
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has seen low volume while playing just over 50 percent of the snaps lately, but he has still been able to achieve fantasy relevance with a touchdown in each of his last two games. In addition to his two-game touchdown streak, he has double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in three consecutive contests. He'll look to build on both streaks during Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran wide receiver could see his target share and snap share both increase in Week 10 with Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) sidelined. Diggs ranks as a low-end WR2 against the Bucs, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Nov 8 5:30pm CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch has been a non-factor on offense throughout most of the season. Last week, Dortch wasn't targeted at all during their win over the Dallas Cowboys. He rushed the ball once, but hasn't finished with more than 10 receiving yards in a single game since Week 5. It's tough to imagine Dortch having much success right now given his place on the depth chart. The 27-year-old won't be a viable option for Week 10 with a majority of the Cardinals wideouts healthy.

From RotoBaller

Chad Ryland Nov 8 5:30pm CT
Chad Ryland

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland has been a sneaky solid option over the last few weeks. In fact, Ryland hasn't missed a kick since missing a 57-yard try against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. The 26-year-old has made five kicks in each of his last three games. Ryland is flying under the radar right now, but has been one of the more consistent kickers in the league this season. He's not a top option at his position, but is well worth a look as a streaming option for fantasy managers seeking a kicker for Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Younghoe Koo Nov 8 5:20pm CT
Younghoe Koo

New York Giants kicker Younghoe Koo has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Koo will take over the kicking duties this weekend for Graham Gano (neck) who has been ruled out for this game. Koo hasn't kicked since being released by the Atlanta Falcons following their Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Koo missed a late-game field goal and was released afterwards. The 31-year-old has a 85.8 field goal percentage throughout his NFL career. He figures to be a viable option for the Giants while Gano is out.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Nov 8 4:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has had an underwhelming year in his 13th season in the league, catching 31 of his 44 targets for 291 yards and four touchdowns in nine games. Ertz has dropped more passes and had procedural penalties than you would expect from a veteran player, but it's been that kind of season for Washington. The 34-year-old tight end is still a capable threat in the red zone and on third downs, but he offers zero ability after the catch. Ertz has seen a slight drop off in production with Marcus Mariota as the starter compared to Jayden Daniels (elbow), who will miss an extended period of time. In Daniels' five starts, Ertz has recorded 22 catches for 216 yards and all four of his touchdowns on 30 targets, compared to nine catches, 75 yards, and no touchdowns on 13 targets in Mariota's three starts. Ertz is ranked as RotoBaller's TE14 in PPR leagues for Week 10 against the Lions.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Nov 8 4:50pm CT
Matt Gay

Washington Commanders kicker Matt Gay has been mediocre this season, making 10 of his 14 field goal attempts and nailing all 20 extra points. Gay has struggled from attempts north of 50 yards for his career, and that's continued this season, with three of his four misses coming from attempts 50 yards or longer. The 31-year-old's 71.4% field goal percentage ranks 30th in the league out of 33 qualified kickers, well below the league average of 83.6%. Gay could be a decent option in Week 10 versus the Lions in one of the highest projected games of the week, but Washington's offense also has less juice with starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) out for multiple weeks.

From RotoBaller

Treylon Burks Nov 8 4:40pm CT
Treylon Burks

Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks made his team debut in Week 9's blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks, catching his lone target for 14 yards. The former first-rounder in 2022 signed to Washington's practice squad in mid-October and was forced into more playing time than expected in his first game after fellow wideout Luke McCaffrey injured his shoulder on the opening kickoff. Burks played 50.8% of Washington's offensive snaps last week and will likely see an expanded role in Week 10 against Detroit. The 25-year-old is a talented player with good size, speed, and YAC ability, but has battled multiple injuries so far in his young career. There is plenty of opportunity for him to emerge in Washington with a lack of established pass catchers. Burks has some appeal in deep formats in a favorable Week 10 matchup against a Lions defense that has allowed the sixth most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Nov 8 4:30pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson could move up in the pecking order for targets as the Packers host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. With the knee injury to tight end Tucker Kraft that ended his season, Watson could be the biggest beneficiary of Kraft being out of the lineup. Watson has four targets in each of his two games since returning from an ACL injury in Week 18 last year, but his workload has ramped up from 65% of routes per dropback in Week 8 to 75% in Week 9. With the litany of injuries surrounding the Packers' pass-catchers, somebody other than Romeo Doubs will have to take the initiative and earn more targets in this offense. With Watson now healthy, he seems like the best bet for that job right now for Green Bay. With the Packers hosting the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, consider Watson a flex option for fantasy, with the potential for much more.

From RotoBaller