Lineup Prep: Championship Games

Wed Jan 24 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Gibbs can produce big this week


Last week was sure entertaining. Let’s hope the games this week are just as good. I sure think it is possible. The matchups seems pretty even to me. I know the 49ers are pretty good favorites against the Lions at home, but I think Detroit can keep it close. And the Chiefs/Ravens game is setup to be fantastic. These teams are both rolling right now. We get to see two of the greatest quarterbacks in football battle it out to make the Super Bowl. This should be fun.

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

Those were some games last week. It was fun to watch, especially that Chiefs/Bills game. You have to feel for Josh Allen. He had a great run in the playoffs, but just can’t get over that Kansas City hump. It was there for the taking last week for Allen, but his field goal kicker let him down. I still think Allen is an elite level quarterback than can win the big game. It will come for him sooner than later. He is just running into a buzz saw with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs right now.

I don’t think Brock Purdy silenced the doubters after last week’s game. He was not great until that last game-winning drive. He still looked a little shaky to me most of that game. And the loss of Deebo Samuel could be huge for him and the offense. Samuel seems to be a calming influence for Purdy. I am interested to see him play this week. This could be make or break for him.

Aaron Jones sure is a difference maker when healthy. He was unbelievable for the Packers down the stretch, having five straight 100-yard rushing games. The issue is Jones is hard to trust because of his injury history and age. He is 29 years old and missed five games each of the last two seasons and played a full season just once the last five years. I love his talent, but have a hard time taking him on draft day - even after his huge finish to this season.

I’m happy for Baker Mayfield. He seems to have found a home after a rocky start to his career. He was terrific for the Bucs with that great group of receivers. And he almost played that team into the NFC Championship game last week, throwing three more touchdown passes. I don’t see the Bucs letting him loose and I think he could be a top-10 fantasy quarterback once again next season in Tampa. I don’t think it was a fluke this year.

I am really hoping the Texans make a run at Saquon Barkley this offseason. Could you imagine him in that offense? I think he would be a great fit and a huge spark for that running game in Houston. I think this would just be an ideal landing spot for Barkley when it comes to his fantasy value. Let’s make this happen!

The Ravens have a great team and are the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but can you imagine that offense with a healthy JK Dobbins or Keaton Mitchell all season. Both these backs are difference makers in my eyes and big upgrades over what they are using right now. I still think Dobbins can be a star in this league. Just something to keep in mind next season when these guys are back playing.

I like the Titans hire of Brian Callahan as their next head coach. He should be a positive for that offense, especially quarterback Will Levis. Hopefully, he can take this offense to a new level and give us a bunch of fantasy relevant players. Callahan is a bright, young offensive mind that has been integral in the development of Joe Burrow. Let’s hope he can do the same for Levis.

News and Notes: The Lions signed tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad on Monday. Ertz gives the Lions depth at the position after an injury to Brock Wright.

HOT PLAYS

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. With Deebo Samuel very iffy to play, Aiyuk should be the top target at receiver for the 49ers this week. He didn’t do much last week, but was targeted six times in the game, which was encouraging. He gets a much better matchup this week against the Lions, a team that has allowed five straight 300-yard passing games. Aiyuk can have a big showing in this matchup.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions. Gibbs had a big game last week, topping 100 total yards while scoring a touchdown. He has touchdowns each of the first two playoff games for the Lions. He has 16-plus fantasy points each of those games. Gibbs is playing well and should be heavily involved in the offense again this week. The 49ers have been great against the run much of the year, but shown some issues stopping the run lately. San Francisco allowed 136-rushing yards last week and given up 100-plus rushing yards four of five games.

COLD PLAYS 

Jared Goff, QB, Lions. Goff had a great overall season, but his fantasy numbers haven’t been too off the charts. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three of five games. He is getting his yards, but the Lions tend to run the ball in more for scores than pass. He might be an iffy fantasy play this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to quarterback during the regular season.

Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens. Edwards has failed to score each of his last two games, giving him really poor fantasy numbers. He has fewer than six fantasy points each of his last two games, failing to hit 50-rushing yards each of those games. Edwards could have a similar showing this week against the Chiefs, a team that allowed the 10th fewest fantasy points to running backs. Kansas City allowed just 10-rushing touchdowns all season.

SLEEPERS

Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens. Bateman had three receptions for 39 yards on three targets last week. He had a solid game but failed to hit double-digit fantasy points once again. The good news is he got his looks once again. The Chiefs have a very good pass defense, but Bateman could have more favorable coverages than Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham. Those guys should draw the tougher assignments, leaving Bateman a chance to make some big plays in the passing game. He could surprise this week.

Justice Hill, RB, Ravens. Hill led the Ravens in rushing last week, including rushing attempts. He got more work than starter Gus Edwards. Hill had 15 touches for 77 total yards. He could be setup for a similar workload in what could be a high-scoring fantasy teams. This means Hill could have a big fantasy showing. At this point, we might trust Hill more than Edwards, who is a more touchdown dependent player.

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/Ravens, Lions/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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Gardner Minshew II Sep 26 1:30pm ET
Gardner Minshew II

ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks the next quarterback to be benched in the NFL could be Las Vegas Raiders QB Gardner Minshew II. When Minshew won the training camp battle at the position over Aidan O'Connell, it felt like you couldn't rule out the possibility of the two signal-callers flip-flopping back and forth all year. Head coach Antonio Pierce is sticking with Minshew after the embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, but Pierce certainly wasn't happy after that loss. Minshew is 24th in QBR (44.1) through the first three weeks of the season. It hasn't all been Minshew's fault, but the Raiders could make the move to O'Connell sooner than later just to shake things up. Minshew's Week 2 upset over the Baltimore Ravens likely bought him at least another week. Some with the Raiders thought O'Connell had a slight edge coming out of offseason workouts over Minshew.

From RotoBaller

Allen Robinson Sep 26 1:20pm ET
Allen Robinson

The Detroit Lions signed veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson II to their active roster on Thursday. Robinson joins Tim Patrick in being elevated from the practice squad to the active roster this week to give the team more insurance at the receiver position behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond and Isaiah Williams (abdomen). In the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Patrick was on the field more than Robinson and caught his only target for an eight-yard gain. Robinson, meanwhile, only played one offensive snap and wasn't targeted. The 31-year-old is strictly receiver depth in Detroit right now and should remain on the waiver wire in all fantasy formats. Last year in 17 starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Robinson managed 34 receptions on 49 targets for only 280 yards and no touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 26 1:20pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has completed just 52.8% of his passes for 560 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the first three weeks in 2024, all losses. Lawrence's completion percentage ranks 31st in the NFL behind Panthers QB Bryce Young (55.4%) and just ahead of Colts QB Anthony Richardson (49.3%). Head coach Doug Pederson said Lawrence could be pressing a bit too much to try and make big plays for a struggling offense, but he remains confident his QB can turn it around. Lawrence doesn't think he's pressing but instead said he has gotten "undisciplined with my eyes" and his "feet have gotten sloppy." The 24-year-old former first overall pick has also looked rushed at times. He'll enter a Week 4 divisional matchup looking to get the Jags their first win, and he'll be an obvious QB2 with his fantasy stock falling after a rough start to the year.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 26 1:10pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) isn't practicing on Thursday but said he will be ready to play on Sunday in Week 4 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. Irving was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, so a downgrade to a DNP isn't exactly ideal. How much the 22-year-old does in practice on Friday will ultimately decide whether he's listed as questionable on the final Week 4 injury report. Irving has been the more elusive and more efficient backfield option for the Bucs so far through three weeks over Rachaad White, but Irving's injury could complicate things this weekend. In the Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos, Irving had nine carries for a team-high 70 yards and also caught three passes for 14 yards. He's a worth bench stash in fantasy for now, even if you don't have White rostered.

From RotoBaller

Dan Campbell Sep 26 1:10pm ET
Dan Campbell

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that center Frank Ragnow (pectoral) will not play on Monday night in Week 4 versus the visiting Seattle Seahawks. The team has a lot more football left to play this year and want their Pro Bowl center for the long haul. It's pretty much a no-brainer move, too, with the Lions bye coming in Week 5. The 28-year-old center suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals and may not be ready to go when the team returns to action in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, either. Not having Ragnow this Monday night will be a big blow to the Lions offense as they go up against what has been an underrated Seattle defense. Michael Niese is expected to take over for Ragnow as the team's starting center in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Sep 26 12:10pm ET
C.J. Stroud

The schedule has opened up for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will face the floundering Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year ranks a middling 15th among fantasy quarterbacks after back-to-back muted offensive days against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags offer a possible reprieve. Jacksonville ranks 30th among NFL defenses in yards allowed, 25th in completions allowed, 22nd in pressures, and 32nd in yards after the catch. Even with the Houston running game possibly limited by injuries, Stroud is a QB1 option who can be started with confidence against a struggling defense at home.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Through three weeks, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been arguably the biggest underachievers in the NFL, which is great news for fantasy managers who own the Houston Texans' defense/special teams. Aside from the seemingly good matchup, the Texans have been able to disrupt quarterbacks, ranking fourth in the NFL in sacks, sixth in pressure percentage and tied for seventh in interceptions. Jacksonville and struggling quarterback Trevor Lawrence have not cracked 17 points and are coming off a total dud on Monday Night Football against Buffalo. Given the circumstances of this matchup Houston playing at home, fairly healthy, and the Jags in turmoil the Texans are a startable option in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Dalton Schultz

The frustrating tight-end landscape this season certainly has extended to Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans. The 28-year-old ranks a woeful 34th among fantasy tight ends through three weeks, nowhere near the production expected for a player drafted to be a possible starter. However, things could be looking up for the Stanford man, who faces his best matchup of the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars coming to Houston in Week 4. The Texans have played back-to-back tough offensive games against Chicago and Minnesota, but the Jags have allowed an NFL-worst 497 yards after the catch. Schultz is a low-end TE1, high-end TE2 play who could benefit if Houston has a big passing day.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Since being traded to the Houston Texans, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been the second option to fellow wide receiver Nico Collins. Even so, the 30-year-old still has seen an average of eight targets per game and clocks in as the 10th overall receiver in PPR formats through three weeks. With a favorable matchup against Jacksonville in Week 4, the Maryland product continues to be a steady flex option. The Jaguars have allowed nearly 500 yards after the catch in just three games, which ranks dead last in the NFL. If Houston's passing offense can keep the trend going, Diggs figures to be part of the action.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 26 12:00pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins should continue to be among the NFL's elite when his team plays host to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The fourth-year pro leads the league with 338 receiving yards in just three weeks, 50 more yards than any other pass catcher in football. So far, the low point of Collins' season was four catches for 86 yards on 10 targets, four of which were in the red zone. Next up is Jacksonville, which has allowed more yards after the catch than any team in the NFL. The Michigan product is entering his prime, plays on a capable offense, and has an enticing matchup, making him a clear WR1 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Sep 26 10:50am ET
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard had his best game of the year in Week 3 with Andy Dalton under center. In the team's win over the Raiders, Hubbard carried 21 times for 114 yards and caught five passes for 55 yards with a receiving touchdown. With a favorable game script for the first time this season, Hubbard turned in a dominant fantasy day. The versatile running back popped up on the injury report as a limited practice participant on Wednesday but it was listed as non-football related/rest. Without knowing the flow of the game this week, it is tough to predict 26 touches for Hubbard but he is dominating touches in the Panthers' backfield at the moment and fantasy managers will want to ride his hot hand in the Week 4 matchup against the Bengals. Hubbard looks like a really solid RB2 this week with a lot of upside in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Sep 26 10:40am ET
Andy Dalton

Coming off an excellent performance against the Raiders, Carolina Panthers Andy Dalton looks like a good play in Week 4 against Cincinnati. Dalton's former team, the Bengals, just gave up a big quarterback performance to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders. Dalton was 26-of-37 passing for 319 yards and three touchdowns in his Week 3 start after taking over for Bryce Young. He will be without one of his top weapons in Adam Thielen (hamstring) who was placed on IR. Still, Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, and Jonathan Mingo should be able to pick up the slack in a favorable matchup. The Red Rifle popped up on the Panthers' first injury report of the week with an ankle issue but was listed as a full participant on Wednesday. Dalton looks like a potential starting fantasy quarterback this week depending on roster construction at the position. He finished as the QB6 in Week 3 and a similar performance this week is not out of the question.

From RotoBaller

Zach Cunningham Sep 26 1:13am ET
Zach Cunningham

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent LB Zach Cunningham (Raiders) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

From TheHuddle

Dalton Schultz Sep 26 12:40am ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to the team's PR department. It's worth noting that the lingering ankle issue impacted Schultz's practice status last week, too, but that didn't stop him from playing a season-high 96 percent of snaps on Sunday afternoon. He now has a modest seven catches, 48 yards, and zero touchdowns through three games this season. His reduced productivity could be the result of an offense that has become even more crowded following the offseason addition of Stefon Diggs. For now, Schultz is a mid-to-low fantasy TE2.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Badie Sep 26 12:30am ET
Tyler Badie

The Denver Broncos have signed running back Tyler Badie to their 53-man roster, according to Mike Klis of 9News. Badie, a third-year player out of the University of Missouri, had earned back-to-back elevations from the practice squad for Weeks 2 and 3. Now, after rushing nine times for 70 yards in last Sunday's contest, the 24-year-old has officially graduated from the practice squad to the active roster. He still figures to operate behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, but given that both of those backs have struggled with efficiency and production this year, there could be some extra opportunities for Badie to prove himself within the next few weeks. He lacks fantasy appeal at the moment but remains a player to monitor.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Sep 26 12:30am ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive. The veteran has been inconsistent in fantasy football this season, catching eight passes for 109 yards in Week 2 but then disappearing for just two catches and nine yards in Week 3. His fantasy value directly correlates to the state of the Patriots' offense, which isn't very good right now. New England's unfavorable offensive outlook makes all of their skill players, including Henry, tough to trust from a fantasy football perspective. On the injury front, the good news is that players who are limited on Wednesday have a solid chance to practice in full before the practice week ends. We should know more about Henry's status by Friday afternoon, but as of now, he's trending toward playing against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Sep 26 12:20am ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (chest) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to John Hendrix of Sports Illustrated. Hill appears to be making significant progress after missing Week 3 due to injury. The veteran playmaker's full participation in practice suggests that he's on track to play against the Atlanta Falcons without any limitations this coming Sunday, barring a setback. Hill didn't deliver enough production to make him a top fantasy option through the first two weeks of the season, but his role as the Saints' Swiss army knife still gives him some fantasy appeal going forward. He should be treated as a mid-range TE2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 26 12:20am ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has emerged as the team's best player at the position "and it hasn't been close," according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Amidst speculation that Keon Coleman or Curtis Samuel would climb to the top of the depth chart, it's actually Shakir who has made the best impression so far. He has become Josh Allen's go-to receiver, catching all 14 of his targets for 168 yards and two touchdowns through three weeks. He's already the overall WR17 in PPR leagues, cementing himself as a strong weekly option for fantasy managers. He should continue to be trusted heading into Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 25 10:40pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was a non-participant in the team's first practice of the week. It's not exactly a surprise after head coach Mike Tomlin reported Tuesday that he's "unsure" whether Warren would suit up for their Week 4 matchup. The news comes after the 25-year-old was scheduled for an MRI on his ailing knee on Monday. Presumably, he picked up the injury during Pittsburgh's 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. However, exactly when it occurred is unknown. Tomlin is the one who pulled the former undrafted free agent from the contest and remarked on him during his post-game presser, stating, "It didn't look like he was running smoothly." The Oklahoma State product has been vastly out-touched by his counterpart Najee Harris thus far, and the latter should expect an increased workload this Sunday when the team heads to Indianapolis with Cordarrelle Patterson to mix in as the primary change-of-pace back.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Sep 25 10:33pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins has completed 11 of his 22 passes when under pressure this season, and his passer rating drops from 116.1 to 43.1 with three interceptions.

Fantasy Spin: He is working his way back from an Achilles injury, and decreased mobility in the pocket could certainly be a side effect. Cousins may improve as the season goes on, but for now, he should be viewed as a QB2.

From TheHuddle