Studs and Duds: Championship Games

Mon Jan 29 8:39am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

McCaffrey comes up big again


That was a fun weekend of games. Both came down to the wire, making for some great entertainment. The Chiefs/Ravens game didn’t have many big fantasy performances, though, which was a bit of a downer. Now the NFC game had a lot more offensive fireworks. That game had plenty of fantasy production, helping make up for the first one. Hopefully, you scored a lot of fantasy points this week and are looking good to win your league.

Chiefs 17, Ravens 10

Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. He might not have enjoyed his best regular season but Kelce is coming up huge in the playoffs. He was vintage Kelce in this one. Kelce has 11 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. This was his third game of the season with double-digit receptions

Fantasy Dud: Both Ravens running backs. Gus Edwards had just three carries for 20 yards while Justice Hill ran three times for three yard. And neither did much in the passing game. Hill had four receptions for 34 yards, and Edwards caught a pass for 16 yards. It was a disappointing showing for both backs, especially if you consider how well the Ravens ran the ball all season.

Game Notes: Mark Andrews returned from his broken leg and had two receptions for 15 yards. Andrews didn’t do much in this game, but was able to play and played a good number of snaps in his first game back. He’ll be just fine for 2024.

Zay Flowers had good numbers but made a couple crucial mistakes, including losing a fumble at the goal line. He did have five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown despite the mistakes.

Isiah Pacheco found the end zone for the seventh straight game he has played. He ran 24 times for 68 yards and a touchdown.

49ers 34, Lions 31

Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey didn’t have one of his huge yardage games, but scored two more touchdowns and still produced good total yardage numbers. McCaffrey ran 20 times for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He also had four receptions for 42 yards, giving him 132 total yards and two scores

Fantasy Dud: George Kittle. Kittle was really held in checking, finishing with two receptions for 27 yards. It was a poor showing in a game that had a lot of offense. You just expected better from the elite fantasy tight end.

Game Notes: Deebo Samuel was able to play with his shoulder injury and led the 49ers in receiving. He had eight receptions for 89 yards and didn’t seem slowed by the injury at all.

The Lions had big rushing totals. David Montgomery led the way, rushing 15 times for 93 yards and a touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs ran 12 times for 45 yards and a touchdown. Gibbs did lose a key fumble in the game, though.

Jameson Williams had three touches but two went for touchdowns. Williams had a carry for a 42-yard touchdown. And he also had two receptions for 25 yards and another touchdown.

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

First TFC Review

Player Notes
Zach Wilson May 1 1:20pm CT
Zach Wilson

The Denver Broncos have informed quarterback Zach Wilson and his representatives that they won't pick up his fifth-year option, according to sources. The Broncos acquired the New York Jets' former second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft early last week and then selected QB Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in this year's draft. Wilson's option would have been for a guaranteed $22.408 million in 2025. The Jets will pay a significant portion of Wilson's $1.055 million base salary in 2024, and he's now headed for free agency next spring. Wilson, Nix and Jarrett Stidham, who started the final two games in 2023 when the team benched Russell Wilson, will compete for the starting job in Denver in training camp this summer. It's a fresh start for Wilson, but he has not looked like a starter in his first three years in the league with a 57% completion rate, 25 interceptions and 23 touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk May 1 1:10pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

The San Francisco 49ers were engaged in trade talks involving wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel leading up to the draft, but the team elected not to trade either of their star receivers, with all signs pointing toward both being on the 2024 roster. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the assumption was that he'd be the odd man out after the team paid Samuel and other star players. Samuel still has two years left on the deal he signed before the 2022 season. San Fran has been to at least the NFC Championship game in four of the last five seasons, and losing Aiyuk or Samuel would almost certainly make the team worse in 2024. The 49ers can afford to keep both this year, but an Aiyuk extension would likely reduce his $14.124 million salary cap number for 2024. Samuel's fantasy value would have likely taken a hit with a move out of the Bay Area.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson May 1 1:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts posted a video of quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) throwing at offseason spring practices, and he appears to be fully healthy after needing season-ending shoulder surgery in his rookie season in 2023. The 21-year-old is expected to be ready to take part in organized team activities in May and June, although the Colts could choose to ease him in. The former fourth overall pick last year out of Florida played in just four games in 2023 due to a head injury and his shoulder ailment, but he flashed high-end QB1 upside in that small sample size by throwing for 577 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while also picking up 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns. There's obvious injury risk involved because of his propensity to take off and run, but fantasy managers can't deny the upside.

From RotoBaller

Zaven Collins Apr 30 8:00pm CT
Zaven Collins

The Arizona Cardinals have chosen not to pick up defensive end Zaven Collins' fifth-year option, according to general manager Monti Ossenfort. With the move, Collins will be in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 and will become a free agent next March. It's a surprising move after the 24-year-old former 16th overall pick has recorded 166 tackles (103 solo), 5.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 12 passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 50 games (39 starts) in his three years in the NFL. Collins isn't exactly on the IDP fantasy radar as a defensive lineman because of his lack of sacks, but he should continue to be a starting edge defender for Arizona in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Apr 30 7:50pm CT
Trey Benson

The Arizona Cardinals took running back Trey Benson in the third round of this year's NFL draft, and it's unlikely that he will take over lead-back duties from James Conner this year, even though Conner hasn't shown that he's up to bell-cow duties in the NFL. Mainly because of injuries, Conner has posted between 200 and 250 touches in each of the last four seasons with the Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers, never playing in more than 15 games. Conner has been a pretty big injury risk for fantasy managers, but when he's been on the field, he's been impressive. The 28-year-old had 5.1 yards per touch in 2023. However, with Benson now in the fold, Arizona's backfield could easily evolve into a platoon situation that turns both Conner and Benson into solid RB2 candidates.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Apr 30 7:40pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

The Green Bay Packers selected former USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, and The Athletic's Matt Schneidman writes that he could compete for the backup to new feature back Josh Jacobs in 2024. The Packers re-signed AJ Dillon this offseason, but he might not be a lock to make the final roster. The Athletic's Dane Brugler doesn't think Lloyd has the profile of a high-volume back, but he has the ability to spark an offense with his mix of patience, burst and promise as a pass-catcher. Green Bay may want to take some of the load off Jacobs -- in five seasons with the Raiders, Jacobs ranked second in the NFL in carries and rushing yards since 2019. Lloyd will at least compete with 2023 undrafted RB Emanuel Wilson for the No. 3 job.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Apr 30 7:20pm CT
Bo Nix

The Denver Broncos surprisingly took quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, adding to a QB room that already included Jarrett Stidham and former first-rounder Zach Wilson. The Broncos were in no rush to name Nix the starter last week after drafting him, and he hasn't even thrown his first pass in rookie minicamp. Neither Stidham nor Wilson have had much experience or success at the NFL level, but it's clear that Denver won't rush Nix if he's not ready. With that said, the former Oregon signal-caller has every chance to win the job in his rookie season in 2024. The best bet going into Week 1 this fall is that either Stidham or Wilson will open the year as the team's starter under center, giving Nix time to develop and learn. Nix won't be a realistic option in 2024 redraft fantasy leagues, nor will Stidham/Wilson, outside of superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Boston Scott Apr 30 7:10pm CT
Boston Scott

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott reached an agreement on an undisclosed one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, according to sources. The Rams backfield now boasts Kyren Williams, rookie third-rounder Blake Corum, Scott and others. In addition to those three, LA also has Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans as backfield depth. The 29-year-old Scott was mostly a complementary third-down, pass-catching back in his six years with the Eagles but was never a big part of the offense. The former sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2018 out of Louisiana Tech has never gone over 374 rushing yards in a single season, and his seven-touchdown campaign in 2021 was an outlier. Barring injuries, Williams and Corum figure to see most of the Rams' backfield touches in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Frank Gore Jr. Apr 30 3:50pm CT
Frank Gore Jr.

The Buffalo Bills signed undrafted free-agent running back Frank Gore Jr., according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. The son of a five-time Pro Bowler and potential Hall of Famer, Gore Jr. spent four seasons at Southern Miss and compiled 4,022 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, 692 receiving yards, and four receiving scores in 47 career games. He was projected to be a late-round pick by many analysts, but he was not one of the 15 ball carriers selected on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. With James Cook and fourth-round rookie Ray Davis all but guaranteed roster spots, Gore Jr. will likely need to beat out Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans to have a chance at making the 53-man roster.

From RotoBaller

Cody Schrader Apr 30 3:40pm CT
Cody Schrader

Undrafted free-agent running back Cody Schrader signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to take part in their rookie minicamp, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at the Division II level at Truman State in 2018 but saw limited action until his 2021 campaign. During that season, he rushed 300 times for 2,074 yards and 25 touchdowns. He then transferred to Missouri as a walk-on and vastly exceeded expectations. In two seasons in Columbia, he racked up 2,372 rushing yards, 328 receiving yards, and 23 total touchdowns. Although he's likely a longshot to make the Niners' 53-man roster, the 2023 unanimous All-American has experience with being overlooked and counted out, so it will be interesting to see if he can make an impact in the NFL for one of the 32 franchises.

From RotoBaller

Brian Allen Apr 30 3:30pm CT
Brian Allen

The Cleveland Browns signed veteran center Brian Allen, according to his agency. The 28-year-old was selected with the No. 111 overall pick (fourth round) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2018 NFL Draft and played in 50 games (32 starts) for the organization. However, his role in L.A. faded over the last two seasons, as he started just seven games in 2022 due to injuries and did not log a start in 2023 after losing the position battle to Coleman Shelton. He'll likely compete with third-year center Dawson Deaton for the backup center job behind Ethan Pocic in Cleveland this year.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Apr 30 3:20pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

The Baltimore Ravens have picked up the fifth-year option on linebacker Odafe Oweh, the team announced on X. The No. 31 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is now under contract with Baltimore through the 2025 season. Though Oweh's first 45 NFL games, he has racked up 99 tackles (73 solo), 13 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one pass deflection, and 14.5 run stuffs. The former Penn State Nittany Lion hasn't been a star since entering the league, but he's a productive rotational pass rusher on a strong defense. He might see more action this year after the departure of Jadeveon Clowney.

From RotoBaller

Chris Harris Apr 30 3:20pm CT
Chris Harris

Longtime NFL defensive back Chris Harris Jr. is retiring after 12 seasons. The 34-year-old was originally undrafted out of Kansas in the class of 2011 and played nine years with the Denver Broncos, two years with the Los Angeles Chargers, and one year with the New Orleans Saints. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection compiled 621 tackles, six sacks, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 22 interceptions, and 101 pass deflections in 172 career games. He started opposite Aqib Talib for the legendary 2015 Broncos' defense that won Super Bowl 50 in Peyton Manning's final year in the NFL. Harris is not a Hall of Fame candidate on paper, but he enjoyed a spectacular career, especially considering he went undrafted.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Apr 30 1:40pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

With San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings on the roster, The Athletic's Matt Barrows and David Lombardi write that it's hard to envision rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall having a bi role in his rookie campaign in 2024. Pearsall can also return punts, but so does veteran Trent Taylor and fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing, so Pearsall will have to beat them both out to return punts this year. However, if there are any injuries to Aiyuk, Samuel or Jennings, Pearsall could be a major factor in San Fran's offense. The selection of the young receiver late in the first round seemed to be more of a pick for 2025 than for this year. Pearsall will probably need a year to adjust to the demands of the position, so he'll merely be a late-round flier for fantasy managers in rookie-only dynasty drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Apr 30 1:20pm CT
Joey Slye

The Jacksonville Jaguars released kicker Joey Slye on Tuesday. The Jaguars signed Slye in free agency in March, but he's now a free agent after the team selected kicker Cam Little in the sixth round of this year's NFL draft. Little and Riley Patterson figure to compete for the starting kicking duties in Jacksonville this summer in training camp. The 28-year-old Slye will now look for work elsewhere after making 79.2 percent of his 24 field-goal attempts over 17 games with the Washington Commanders in 2023. He also made 32 of his 35 extra-point attempts. For his career, Slye has made 82.3 percent of his field-goal attempts while making 88.5 percent of his extra points in five NFL seasons with the Commanders, Panthers, Texans and 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Apr 30 1:20pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said that head coach Mike McDaniel had been bugging him to draft Virginia wide receiver Malik Washington for multiple rounds. "Your rookie year can be very productive if you're a pro, which I know you can be immediately because you're going to have the opportunity," McDaniel told Washington. The Dolphins ultimately took the wideout in the sixth round of this year's NFL draft at 184th overall. Washington caught 111 passes for 1,384 yards and nine touchdowns in his only season with Virginia in 2023. He could have an immediate role for Miami in his rookie year, and his after-the-catch ability make him intriguing in the Dolphins' explosive offense. However, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle commanding most of the looks from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it's hard to envision Washington making a big rookie-year impact in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 30 1:10pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in 2023 while with the Baltimore Ravens, said he's "100 percent now." Dobbins had 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries for the Ravens in his rookie year. But since then, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2021, played in just eight games in 2022 with another knee injury and missed all of last year with his Achilles tear. He'll be joining former Ravens RB Gus Edwards and offensive coordinator Greg Roman in LA in 2024. The familiarity with Roman is definitely good for Dobbins as he attempts to return from yet another devastating injury, but the presence of Edwards and Dobbins' extensive injury history will make him a pretty big fantasy risk with the Bolts. At best, the 25-year-old will probably be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Apr 30 1:10pm CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay sees similarities between rookie running back Blake Corum and Kyren Williams, which is part of the reason why the Rams took Corum in the third round of this year's NFL draft. McVay also said that Williams will be a "great mentor" for Corum as he enters the NFL. The 23-year-old Corum was a big reason why Michigan won the national championship this past season, and he finished his time for the Wolverines with 3,736 rushing yards on 675 carries for 58 total touchdowns. The 5-foot-8, 205-pounder is more of a pounder than a straight speed guy, but he should complement Williams well. Williams will remain the team's primary pass-catching back in 2024, but the addition of Corum to LA's backfield is ultimately bad news for his fantasy upside this fall after he broke out for managers in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Zay Jones Apr 30 9:30am CT
Zay Jones

The Jacksonville Jaguars released veteran wide receiver Zay Jones on Tuesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Despite the team selecting Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, this is somewhat of a surprising move. Jacksonville lost Calvin Ridley to the Titans this offseason, so depth behind Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Thomas Jr. is looking thin. However, it's worth noting veteran wide receiver Jarvis Landry is trying out for the Jaguars, so this could hint at his potential signing. After an 823-yard season in 2022, Jones battled injuries in 2023 and caught just 34 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Given the importance of the wideout spot in today's NFL, he should have a decent market for his services. The 29-year-old has hauled in 287 passes for 3,028 yards and 18 touchdowns in 104 career games.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Apr 30 4:13am CT
Davante Adams

Dynasty | The Raiders have signed free agent wide receiver Michael Gallup. Dynasty Analysis: Once a very highly thought of dynasty asset, Gallup has seemingly failed to fully recover from an ACL tear he had two years ago. His 34/418/2 season with Dallas last year failed to impress many and he had to wait until after the draft to get signed. Still, it's a decent landing spot and he'll attempt to carve out a role behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Gallups is far off the dynasty map and can stay on waiver wires, however.

From Dynasty League Fantasy