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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Chris Olave Sep 21 4:50am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is still waiting for his first big game of the year. He opened the season with a dud and then followed it with a modest four-catch, 81-yard effort in Week 2 that would have looked much better had he not been stopped just short of the end zone. To be fair to Olave, game scripts have not been conducive to a voluminous passing attack as each of the Saints' first two games have been blowout victories. Things can change as soon as this week when the Philadelphia Eagles head to New Orleans. The matchup has one of the highest expected point totals on Sunday's slate and if the game does devolve into a shootout, then Olave should see more, and more lucrative, opportunities. The Eagles, who are giving up 16.7 yards per catch to opposing wide receivers, will have to work hard to contain Olave, who has the third-best average separation score in the league. Lock Olave into starting lineups in Week 3.

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Jamaal Williams Sep 21 4:40am CT
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams was tasked with mop-up duty in the team's blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. In his limited action, he picked up 39 yards on eight carries. Stuck behind Alvin Kamara on the depth chart, Williams has yet to truly cash in the way his teammates have with Klint Kubiak now running the Saints' offense. In Week 3, New Orleans hosts the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to opposing running backs in 2024. It is worth noting that the Eagles have allowed 50 rushing yards per game to their previous opponents' second-string backs through the first two weeks of the season. Williams may not have much flex appeal but could make for a decent dart throw in DFS that could pay off if he finds the end zone as he did in Week 1.

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Anthony Richardson Sep 21 4:30am CT
Anthony Richardson

The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams are set to build on their impressive showing in Week 2 as they take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. Their dominant performance has been the key reason the Bears are still strong after two weeks, playing a crucial role in the victory over the Titans and benefiting from solid special teams contributions. The Colts, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, face a challenging matchup. Richardson is currently one of the most boom-or-bust quarterbacks in the league, tied for the most interceptions in the NFL with four. The Bears feature one of the top secondaries in the NFL, complemented by solid linebacker play, which poses a significant challenge for the young signal-caller. Although Richardson had a standout performance in Week 1 against the Texans, his last game saw him throw three interceptions, indicating a need for improvement, particularly with more consistent receiving options. Despite the absence of Josh Downs, the Colts' offense has remained functional, with Alec Pierce stepping up as a reliable No. 2 receiver alongside Michael Pittman Jr., and Jonathan Taylor is always a threat to dominate games with his rushing ability. The Bears' defense has excelled in the second half, allowing just three points per game in the final two quarters against the Titans and Texans, but they must improve their first-half performance. Nevertheless, they limit opponents to 18.0 points per game, ranking sixth in the league. If the Bears can maintain their game plan and keep everything in front of them, they could make it a long day for Richardson and the Colts. Start the Bears with confidence as a solid defensive option in Week 3.

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Alvin Kamara Sep 21 4:30am CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara went off in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, scoring four touchdowns and gaining 180 scrimmage yards. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has breathed new life into the Saints' stale offense, transforming them into one of the most efficient attacks in the NFL. Two weeks is a small sample but the Saints' lead running back is looking like his old self again, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and is tied for the league's most rushes of 10 or more yards. In Week 3, Kamara faces a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has allowed a league-worst 6.4 yards per carry and gave up 122 total yards to Bijan Robinson last week. Kamara is undoubtedly a must-start on Sunday.

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Derek Carr Sep 21 4:20am CT
Derek Carr

In Week 2, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr needed only 11 completions to rack up 243 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. He enters Week 3 ranked first or tied for first in yards per passing attempt, touchdown passes, completions of 40 or more yards, passer rating, and quarterback rating. Carr cracked 20 fantasy points in Weeks 1 and 2 and it is feasible he does the same again on Sunday. In Week 3, the Saints host the Philadelphia Eagles, who rank 27th in passing yards allowed and might miss starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (foot). So far in 2024, the Eagles have allowed at least 241 and two passing touchdowns in each of their first two games. Carr is a smash in superflex leagues and deserves a start in single-QB formats as he should put up QB1 numbers in what is expected to be one of the highest-scoring games of the week.

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Zack Moss Sep 21 3:00am CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss began the 2024-25 campaign by running for 44 yards and a touchdown off nine carries in Week 1 versus the Pats. However, he had only 34 yards off 12 touches in the narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. While it's clear Moss is the preferred runner over Chase Brown, he's still hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint. With that in mind, the 26-year-old remains a flex option for the favorable matchup versus the Washington Commanders on Monday night, considering he has the clear edge over Brown for work out of the backfield.

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Andrei Iosivas Sep 21 2:50am CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas began the season by catching three passes for 26 yards in the Week 1 matchup with the Patriots. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available for that one, although Iosivas couldn't take advantage. With Higgins still sidelined in Week 2 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, the wideout had a stellar outing. He had only two catches. Yet, both resulted in a touchdown. While Higgins plans to play on Monday night versus the Commanders, his workload could be less than usual. As a result, Iosivas remains a flex option. However, his ceiling would be higher if Higgins isn't available.

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Ja'Marr Chase Sep 21 2:40am CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't a lock to suit up against the Pats in Week 1. Although he managed to get on the field, he fell below expectations, amassing six grabs for 62 yards. The former LSU Tiger didn't play much better in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, catching four of his five targets for 35 yards. Chase had a slow start to the 2023-24 campaign, so fantasy managers aren't surprised by his lack of output this season. But the Bengals offense appears to be returning to form after narrowly picking up the win over the defending champs. With that in mind, Chase has a favorable matchup on tap with the Commanders on Monday night, with Washington allowing more fantasy points to opposing wideouts than any team in the National Football League. Keep Chase starting in all formats, considering all of the ingredients are there for a big night, regardless if Tee Higgins (hamstring) is back in the mix.

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Joe Burrow Sep 21 2:30am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow struggled in the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, throwing for 164 yards. But he turned things around in the narrow loss to the Chiefs, passing for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Cincinnati will host the Washington Commanders on Monday night, with the Bengals looking for their first victory of the 2024-25 campaign. After a serviceable fantasy outing in Week 2, Burrow deserves a spot in all fantasy lineups. His outlook will improve if Tee Higgins (hamstring) returns from his two-game absence. Fortunately, the wideout said he plans to suit up.

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Jauan Jennings Sep 21 1:40am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings will step into a starting role in Los Angeles as the team faces the Rams in Week 3. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound former seventh-rounder has spent his entire five-year career as a backup while toiling in fantasy football obscurity. With Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) ruled out, first-round pick Ricky Pearsall still recovering from a gunshot wound, and George Kittle (hamstring) doubtful, Jennings has one of the best opportunities of his career to make some noise. In Week 10 of 2023, with Samuel Sr. out but Kittle active, Jennings drew a career- and team-high nine targets but only turned them into five receptions for 54 yards. Although Brandon Aiyuk is the heavy favorite for volume, there could be more to go around against a reeling Rams pass defense that just allowed 266 yards receiving and three touchdowns to the Arizona Cardinals. San Francisco may also take the opportunity to mix in other backup receivers, as general manager John Lynch commented on a Friday morning radio show that they wanted to get rookie Jacob Cowing some opportunities. Jennings is on the fantasy radar but don't go crazy, he's a WR4 on Sunday.

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Brandon Aiyuk Sep 21 1:10am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is in Los Angeles to face the Rams in the team's first divisional matchup of 2024 on Sunday. Predictably, Aiyuk has yet to offer much to fantasy managers in the early going after choosing to sit out virtually the entire preseason. In Week 2 in Minnesota, the former first-rounder caught four of five targets for 43 yards, which was an improvement from Week 1's two-for-five, 28-yard performance versus the Jets. He has yet to score a touchdown. San Francisco is going to need him in LA though, as Deebo Samuel (calf) has been ruled out and George Kittle (hamstring) is doubtful. This game is as good as any for Aiyuk to get it going, with the Rams being shredded by rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. last week for 29 half-PPR points. The stars seem to have aligned for Aiyuk to make his first splash this season, with the matchup and likely heavy target share intersecting with another week of rust being shaken off. Start him this week as a low/mid WR1.

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Cairo Santos Sep 21 1:10am CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a reliable fantasy choice for Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. Santos has quietly emerged as one of the NFL's top kickers, finishing last season tied for the second-most fantasy points at his position, behind only Brandon Aubrey. He kicked three field goals and an extra point in Week 1, followed by two 50-yard field goals and another extra point in Week 2. With a solid start to the season, totaling 24 fantasy points over his first two games, Santos is worth starting this week. The Colt's defense has allowed 20 field-goal conversions since last season, ranking second for the most points given up to visiting kickers. He should be rostered and started in all fantasy leagues.

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D'Andre Swift Sep 21 1:00am CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a viable Flex/RB3 option for Sunday's matchup against the struggling Indianapolis Colts, who have had a tough time defending against running backs this season. The Colts currently allow a league-worst average of 237 rushing yards per game. While the Packers' offense had limited success in the air against the Colts, they dominated on the ground, with Josh Jacobs rushing for 151 yards on 32 carries. Additionally, the Colts recently placed star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) on injured reserve, sidelining him for the next four weeks. Swift has averaged under three yards per carry this season, accumulating just 48 rushing yards across two games. If the Bears capitalize on Indianapolis's weak run defense, it could provide the spark needed to rejuvenate their offense. The silver lining for Swift is his significant early-season usage, with 67% of the snaps, 62% of the carries, 59% route participation, and an 11% target share. However, the Bears' offense has struggled overall, as Swift averages only 2.0 yards per carry on 24 rushes. He needs to elevate his performance to help the Bears gain momentum. Chicago must emphasize the run game through Swift, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, or Velus Jones Jr. If the offensive line fails to create holes against the league's worst run-stopping defense, it could indicate more severe issues up front than previously thought.

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D.J. Moore Sep 21 1:00am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore remains a reliable WR2 option for this week's promising matchup. Moore aims to bounce back from a slow start as the Bears' offense continues to seek its rhythm. Over the first two games, he has been targeted 18 times, recording a team-high 11 catches for 89 receiving yards. This game against the Colts offers his best chance at a breakout, especially after facing more formidable defenses like the Titans and Texans. The Colts rank sixth in the league for most fantasy points allowed to receivers, and their secondary has struggled. The Colts secondary has the second-worst expected points added per dropback against outside wide receivers, allowing a 75% catch rate and tons of receiving yards to wideouts. With fellow receiver Keenan Allen (heel) out again with an injury, Moore will likely see an uptick in targets. Despite the team's struggles, Moore's consistent target share and evident talent keep him positioned as a low-end WR2 for fantasy managers. As rookie quarterback Caleb Williams develops and the Bears' offense improves, Moore's production should increase. Moore will look to make the necessary adjustments and find the end zone as they travel to Indianapolis in Week 3.

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Rome Odunze Sep 21 1:00am CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze aims to turn around his quiet start to the season this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. His role has been particularly frustrating for fans, as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has yet to utilize his elite skill set fully. Odunze managed only two receptions against the Texans, with a missed opportunity in the end zone overshadowing his performance. However, his struggles aren't solely on him; finding a rhythm is challenging when he's not consistently targeted. Odunze will look to rebound against a vulnerable Colts passing defense. The Colts secondary has the second-worst expected points added per dropback against outside wide receivers, allowing a 75% catch rate and tons of receiving yards to wideouts. With fellow wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) not playing, Odunze could see an uptick in targets. However, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams averaging just 134 yards and no touchdowns through the air, there may not be enough volume to support even one wide receiver, let alone three. Unless fantasy managers are desperate and Allen is ruled out, Odunze should remain on fantasy benches this week.

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Cole Kmet Sep 21 1:00am CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is sharing snaps with Gerald Everett, who outperformed him in both playing time and route running during Week 2. Over the first two weeks of the season, Kmet has recorded five receptions on six targets for a mere 31 yards. After finishing last season with 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns, he hoped for a stronger start. However, as quarterback Caleb Williams adjusts and the Bears seek to improve as a team, Kmet will likely see more offense involvement moving forward. The main obstacle for Williams and the Bears is the pressure the defenses are applying to the young quarterback. To combat this and kickstart their offense, it would be beneficial to utilize the middle of the field more and incorporate Kmet into the game plan. Tight ends often act as a security blanket for inexperienced quarterbacks. As the Bears work to speed up Williams' processing time and ensure quick ball releases, using Kmet as a reliable target will be crucial. Meanwhile, veteran backup Gerald Everett garnered three targets last game and continues to impact Kmet's fantasy potential as the team prepares to face the Colts on Sunday. Kmet is a risky play in deeper leagues only.

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Caleb Williams Sep 21 12:50am CT
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option as he faces the high-scoring Indianapolis Colts. Williams aims to rebound from a challenging start to his rookie season, during which he has largely been ineffective in fantasy. The Bears have struggled to establish their offense, but the Colts' defense has shown weaknesses early in the season. Chicago's offensive line must improve its protection, especially after Williams was sacked seven times last week against the Texans. Adding to the Colts' vulnerabilities, they placed star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) on injured reserve, sidelining him for the next four weeks. While the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick still has time to turn things around, fantasy managers cannot wait, leading to a decline in rankings for both Williams and the entire Bears offense. So far, Williams has averaged just 134 passing yards per game without a touchdown, and the team has struggled overall, averaging only 3.0 yards per play, ranking last in the NFL by half a yard. It's advisable to look for another option in one-QB leagues, while Williams might offer some upside in two-QB or Superflex formats against a vulnerable Colts defense.

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Jordan Mason Sep 21 12:40am CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason has momentum coming into a Week 3 matchup versus the Rams in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon. The 49ers appear to have developed a gem in the undrafted 25-year-old who spent his last two years at Georgia Tech overshadowed by Jamyr Gibbs. Through two games Mason -- who goes by J.P. around the 49ers facility -- is the overall RB7 in half-PPR scoring. The Rams have struggled to stop the run in the young season, allowing the third-most half-PPR points to running backs. Last week, they let Arizona's James Connor go for 122 yards and a touchdown. Before that, in Detroit, David Montgomery and Gibbs combined for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Mason began the season in relative obscurity as Christian McCaffrey's backup but in the absence of CMC (Achilles), he has skyrocketed to high-end RB1 and must-start status in Week 3.

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Deshaun Watson Sep 21 12:20am CT
Deshaun Watson

The New York Giants defense/special teams enters Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns fresh off a Week 2 showing where they did not allow a touchdown but let up seven field goals for a total of 21 points against the Washington Commanders. Facing the Browns' offense, which ranks 27th after two weeks with an average of 263.5 total yards per game, the Giants defense is primed for a productive fantasy outing. Quarterback Deshaun Watson's shaky 154.5 yards-per-game average provides the Giants ample opportunity to disrupt the passing game. While it is probably best to keep the Giants defense on the waiver wire, they could surprise in what could be a grind-it-out contest.

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Brock Purdy Sep 21 12:10am CT
Brock Purdy

In Week 3, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy takes the team's 1-1 record into their first divisional game of 2024 in Los Angeles against the Rams in their home opener. Purdy didn't light up the fantasy scoreboard last Sunday in Minnesota by any stretch, throwing for only one touchdown, tossing an interception, and losing a fumble. However, he did throw for 319 yards. It was probably even more frustrating and painful for Purdy himself though, being sacked a career-high six times. Purdy is stuck on one touchdown through two weeks, but on the bright side, he is surprisingly leading the NFL in passing yards per game. The Rams are coming off a 41-10 road drubbing at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals, a game in which Kyler Murray threw for 226 yards and three passing touchdowns. Before that though, they kept Lions QB Jared Goff to 217 yards, one touchdown, and a pick in Detroit. Purdy will be without Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and probably George Kittle (hamstring) in this one, not to mention Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) who isn't expected to return for several more weeks. Even if Los Angeles' pass defense is as vulnerable as they looked last week, these injuries throw cold water on the matchup advantage. Put Purdy on the QB1/2 border with a slight boost if Kittle plays.

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