Studs and Duds: Wild Card Weekend

Tue Jan 18 9:04am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Allen has monster performance


Well, that wasn’t too exciting this weekend. I had higher hopes for the games, but for the most part, the games were not very good. There was just one game decided by less than seven points. And even that game wasn’t very close for much of the game. Here is to hoping things are more competitive this coming week.

Bengals 26, Raiders 19

Fantasy Stud: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase led the way at receiver for the Bengals once again. He caught nine passes for 116 yards. He also ran three times for 23 yards, giving him 139 total yards. Chase has 100-yard games two of his last three. He had a monster rookie season and looks to be a fantasy star for years to come, especially after coming up so big in his first playoff game.

Fantasy Dud: Tee Higgins. Higgins was the Bengals receiver that disappeared in this one. He had just a catch for 10 yards. Higgins was limited in practice all week because of a foot injury, so maybe this had something to do with his down game. He had a some monster games down the stretch, so this disappearing act was a bit of a surprise for fantasy owners.

Game Notes: C.J. Uzomah had a big game, catching six passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. This was his highest reception total of the season and the first time he scored since Week 7.

Darren Waller was a big part of the passing game, finished with seven receptions for 76 yards. He finally looked healthy and was a big contributor for the Raiders once again.

Bills 47, Patriots 17

Fantasy Stud: Josh Allen. Allen had a monster performance, going 21-of-25 for 308 yards and five touchdowns without a turnover. He also ran six times for 66 yards. Allen was unstoppable and the Patriots had no answer for him. He moved the offense up and down the field all night. If Allen can continue his strong play, he might be the first quarterback off the board in fantasy drafts in 2022.

Fantasy Dud: Damien Harris. Harris had nine carries for 30 yards and caught a pass for seven yards. He didn’t get the work with the Patriots down big in a hurry. He had 100-yard games each of his first two games against the Bills this year, so there were higher hopes for Harris in the playoff opener.

Game Notes: Dawson Knox was the top target for the Bills, catching five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. His yardage total was his second highest of the season. This was his third multiple touchdown game.

Kendrick Bourne was one of the few bright spots for the Patriots. He had seven receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Bourne had 75-plus yards two of his last three games.

Bucs 31, Eagles 15

Fantasy Stud: Mike Evans. Evans had a big game as the top option in the Bucs passing attack. He had nine receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. It was his first 100-yard game since Week 5 of the season. He has been finding the end zone on a regular basis, though, scoring 15 touchdowns now on the season.

Fantasy Dud: Miles Sanders. Sanders returned from his broken hand but had little room to run against a good Bucs rush defense. He had seven carries for just 16 yards, averaging just 2.3 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 12 yards. Sanders had an uneven season but finished well, which should help his chances to be the starter to open next year.

Game Notes: Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Giovani Bernard split the work at running back for the Bucs. Vaughn had 17 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown. Bernard ran 13 times for 44 yards and a touchdown. Bernard was heavily involved in the passing game, catching five passes for 39 yards.

Dallas Goedert was the top target for the Eagles, having six receptions for 92 yards. Goedert had 70-plus yards four of his last five games.

49ers 23, Cowboys 17

Fantasy Stud: Deebo Samuel. Samuel continues to be a huge part of the 49ers offense in a variety of ways. He had three receptions for 38 yards and ran 10 times for 72 yards and a touchdown. He had 110 total yards and a score. Samuel has 20 or more fantasy points three of four games.

Fantasy Dud: CeeDee Lamb. Lamb caught just a pass for 21 yards in game the Cowboys threw the ball 44 times. You just expect Lamb to be more involved in the offense. Lamb had fewer than 66 yards six straight games to end his season. He didn’t have quite the breakout season most expected this year.

Game Notes: Ezekiel Elliott had his struggles on the ground once again. He had 12 carries for just 31 yards, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry. You have to wonder what the Cowboys will do with Elliott next season after another disappointing year.

Elijah Mitchell finished just four yards shy of a 100-yard performance. He ran 27 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell has at least 85-rushing yards three straight games.

Chiefs 42, Steelers 21

Fantasy Stud: Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes was his usual electrifying self in this game, going 30-of-39 for 404 yards and five touchdowns with an interception. He also ran three times for 29 yards, giving him 42.1 fantasy points. This was a season high in fantasy points for Mahomes. He is playing his best football at a good time for the Chiefs.

Fantasy Dud: Najee Harris. The Chiefs completely shut down Harris. He ran 12 times for just 29 yards and caught two passes for a negative yard. Harris also lost a fumble, scoring just 4.9 fantasy points. Harris had a big rookie year but slowed down a little late in the year, having fewer than double-digit fantasy points three of five games.

Game Notes: Jerick McKinnon got nearly all the work at running back and produced very well in a lead role. He had 12 carries for 61 yards. McKinnon also had six receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Ben Roethlisberger had a decent game in his last game in the NFL. He was 29-of-44 for 215 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover.

Rams 34, Cardinals 11

Fantasy Stud: Odell Beckham. Beckham has been revitalized with his move to the Rams. He had four receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a 40-yard pass in the game. Beckham has scores three of four games and six of eight. He has been a dependable target for the Rams and a top red-zone threat.

Fantasy Dud: Kyler Murray. Murray was awful, looking nervous in his first ever playoff game. He was 19-of-34 for 137 yards with two interceptions. Murray threw an awful interception near his own goal line, leading to a Rams touchdown. He looked flustered the entire game and made next to no plays down the field. You just expected better from Murray, who looked completely lost much of the game.

Game Notes: Cam Akers looked really good in an expanded role, leading the Rams backs in touches. Akers ran 17 times for 55 yards and caught a pass for 40 yards. He seems completely back to full strength from his torn Achilles.

A.J. Green didn’t have a catch in this game. Christian Kirk led the way at receiver for the Cardinals, finishing with six receptions for 51 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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report
Player Notes
Zach Wilson Apr 19 3:30pm CT
Zach Wilson

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has not reported to voluntary workouts this offseason, according to general manager Joe Douglas. The team has reportedly been trying to trade the former No. 2 overall pick, but trade talks have been at a standstill. With Tyrod Taylor backing up Aaron Rodgers this season, the Wilson project is likely over in New York. The 24-year-old has completed 57% of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions through his first 34 NFL games. A change of scenery would likely be a positive thing for the young signal-caller and the organization, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Apr 19 3:20pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed offensive lineman Tyler Shatley, the team announced on X on Friday. The former Clemson Tiger joined the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2014, and he has spent his entire 10-year career with the organization. He has 145 game appearances in his career, including 51 starts (six in 2023). Although he is not expected to compete for a starting role to begin the 2024 season, he brings depth to an offensive line that needs to do a much better job of protecting Trevor Lawrence this season. Shatley has experience at guard and center, making him a versatile veteran up front.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Apr 19 2:10pm CT
Jayden Daniels

On The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said "it's been tracking for LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels to go at No. 2" to the Washington Commanders. However, no final decision has been made yet, and Schefter reports that Daniels has had an interest in being other places besides D.C. Daniels appears to be the Commanders' preference at No. 2 overall in next week's draft, but perhaps something changes now if they don't think he'll be fully committed to playing for their organization. General manager Adam Peters said on Thursday that it's pretty much a done deal that Washington won't trade out of the No. 2 pick, but his nugget from Schefter could change some things. In the end, Schefter still thinks Daniels is the favorite to go second overall to the Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Apr 19 1:30pm CT
Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers want to make the 2024 draft about a larger point, rather than anything as granular as finding weapons for quarterback Bryce Young after he struggled mightily in his rookie season in 2023. "I think it's not about surrounding Bryce with great players; it's about building a great team, and then Bryce can just do his part of it," new head coach Dave Canales said. Even if the Panthers aren't specifically just looking to add weapons for Young, they'll surely need to bolster what was a terrible offensive line and running game. Carolina already traded for receiver Diontae Johnson this offseason and spent some money to upgrade the O-line. "It's not about getting playmakers for Bryce, it's about getting playmakers for our team," general manager Dan Morgan said.

From RotoBaller

Andrew Ogletree Apr 19 1:20pm CT
Andrew Ogletree

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that tight end Chris Ballard is off the NFL commissioner's exempt list and is back with the team during offseason workouts. Ogletree was recently cleared of domestic-violence charges following his arrest last December. Ogletree was put on the commissioner's exempt list on Dec. 30. The 25-year-old caught nine of his 21 targets for 147 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games (nine starts) in 2023 in what was essentially his rookie season after he didn't play at all in 2022 after being drafted in the sixth round (192nd overall) in 2022 out of Youngstown State due to a torn ACL he suffered in the preseason. Ogletree will be off the fantasy radar as tight end depth behind Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Apr 19 1:10pm CT
Courtland Sutton

The Denver Broncos don't sound too concerned with wide receiver Courtland Sutton missing the start of the team's voluntary offseason workouts earlier this week. "It's 100 percent voluntary. It's the first week of the offseason program. Sean has talked to Courtland; I've talked to Courtland. He's in a good place, and I'll just leave it at that," general manager George Paton said. Sutton reportedly didn't show up because he wants a new contract, especially after scoring a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2023. The 28-year-old has two years left on his current deal, but only $2 million is guaranteed. We have a ways to go before this comes an official holdout, but fantasy managers should expect plenty of regression in the TD department. Sutton should see plenty of targets with Jerry Jeudy now gone, but the QB situation in Denver is one of the worst in the league.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Apr 19 1:10pm CT
D.J. Chark

Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr., one of the top free-agent receivers available with less than a week until the NFL draft, spent Thursday on a visit with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to a source. The Chargers may draft a receiver as early as the fifth overall pick next Thursday night, but they still need starters and Chark could be an option to help build depth at the position now that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both gone. The 27-year-old Chark had a 1,000-yard season with the Jaguars in 20219 and scored eight touchdowns, but injuries and inconsistency have limited him in four years since and he hasn't been reliable for fantasy managers. Chark might be intriguing as a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts if he were to land in LA, but it would also depend on what the Chargers do at the position in the upcoming draft.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Apr 19 12:13pm CT
Zay Flowers

Dynasty | Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers will not be charged. Dynasty Analysis: Flowers was under investigation for domestic violence but it seems there was insufficient evidence to charge him. While dynasty owners can file this away and move forward, there should also be some caution in having Flowers on your roster, just in case this isn't an isolated incident. Regardless, Flowers will enter next season with a relatively high upside and his ADP won't change at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Brock Bowers Apr 19 12:13pm CT
Brock Bowers

Dynasty | Giants tight end Darren Waller is still mulling retirement. Dynasty Analysis: Waller has dealt with a lot of injuries over his career and it seems as if he's really considering calling it quits. The Giants are reportedly giving him a lot of time to consider his options and not forcing a decision, though it's quite certain they'd like to know prior to next week's NFL Draft as his loss could actually make Brock Bowers a consideration with their pick in the top ten. Regardless, it looks like Waller is certainly towards the end of his career and dynasty managers need to start making plans to be without him in the near future, possibly as soon as this year.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Kerby Joseph Apr 18 9:20pm CT
Kerby Joseph

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (arm) will not be cleared to practice until training camp this summer while he recovers from an arm injury. Joseph suffered the arm injury during the NFC Championship game loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and it's going to keep him out of workouts this spring. But as long as the 23-year-old doesn't suffer a setback when he gets back on the field in training camp, he should be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season and will operate as Detroit's starting free safety. The former third-rounder in 2022 out of Illinois has recorded 164 tackles (124 solo), eight interceptions, 19 passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 32 games (29 starts) in his first two years in the NFL. When healthy, Joseph is on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues for depth at the DB position.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Apr 18 9:10pm CT
Russell Wilson

Since releasing quarterback Russell Wilson in March, the Denver Broncos haven't added any other QB behind Jarrett Stidham, so they have a clear need at the position heading into the first round of the NFL draft next Thursday. It's a position that has seen 13 different players make a start since Peyton Manning retired after the Super Bowl-winning 2015 season. The Broncos are open to trading up within the first round to select a rookie signal-caller, but there has to be an actual path to taking a QB that the Broncos think they can drop into their offense in 2024. And it's going to take additional draft capital for the Broncos to move up into the top five, something they don't have much of after using high draft picks to acquire Wilson and head coach Sean Payton. General manager George Paton said "forcing" a pick for a QB could leave the Broncos in a tough situation again next year, but they remain open to all ideas.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Apr 18 9:00pm CT
Darren Waller

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said on Thursday that he hasn't given tight end Darren Waller a deadline on his retirement decision this offseason. "Hopefully he's going to make a decision in the short term, but we're giving him time and space to make a decision on what he wants to do," Schoen said. Waller said in early March that he'd have a decision soon, but that hasn't come to fruition for the 31-year-old. A hamstring injury limited him to 12 games in 2023, and he finished with 52 catches for 552 yards and one touchdown. Waller is no longer in the prime of his career like he was with the Las Vegas Raiders and will be a pretty big injury risk as a low-end TE1 in fantasy if he decides to return for another season in 2024.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 18 8:50pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said that recently signed running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), who is coming back from a torn Achilles, "should be" ready for training camp at the end of July. Hortiz also said the Dobbins signing is not likely to change the team's draft approach at running back. "You don't want to turn away from a good player because you've signed someone," Hortiz said. The Bolts lost do-it-all back Austin Ekeler to free agency this offseason, but they also picked up Gus Edwards in free agency, and he should fit new offensive coordinator Greg Roman's and head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive system extremely well. The 25-year-old Dobbins has played in just nine regular-season games the last two seasons combined due to devastating lower-body injuries, so it's fair to wonder how much he has left moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Apr 18 8:40pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said that he and the team continue to work on a long-term contract extension, but he also said "it's not really the focus right now." General manager Trent Baalke confirmed that the team was talking about an extension with Lawrence. "We're working, but you can't force this stuff." Lawrence is entering the final year of his four-year rookie deal and is eligible to have his fifth-year option picked up, with the deadline coming on May 2. If the two sides don't work anything out by then, Jacksonville will surely pick up the option for the 2025 season and continue to work on an extension. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2021 out of Clemson took a slight step back from his Pro Bowl season in 2022 but was still a top-10 fantasy QB despite battling through an injury in the second half of 2023.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Apr 18 3:50pm CT
Anthony Richardson

In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, NFL insider Peter Schrager said the Indianapolis Colts could be active in moving up for a top wide receiver in the 2024 NFL draft. "I think there's a chance the Colts move up for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze," Schrager said. He believes the Cardinals will pick Harrison Jr. if they don't trade down from the No. 4 pick, but he could be in play for the Colts otherwise. While Indianapolis already has stud wideout Michael Pittman Jr. on the roster, they are lacking a true No. 2 wide receiver and need to surround sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson with high-end weapons. Ultimately, the Colts are likely not a great landing spot for a top receiver because Pittman is already there, Richardson's rushing skill set limits the passing volume, and the team is incentivized to use Jonathan Taylor after extending his contract last year. However, it would be a big boost for Richardson, who has top-five QB upside in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 18 3:40pm CT
Drake Maye

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters said the team is "real close" to finalizing their decision of who they will select on Thursday when the 2024 NFL draft begins and confirmed they will not trade out of the No. 2 overall pick. The Commanders desperately need a franchise quarterback, and they are presumably deciding between LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye. The 21-year-old Maye is viewed as more of a project with a sky-high ceiling, while Daniels, last year's Heisman Trophy winner, is 23 years old and ready to contribute right away. Either quarterback will have plenty of fantasy football intrigue in Washington, as both have plenty of mobility and could be throwing passes to Terry McLaurin in their rookie season.

From RotoBaller

Shaka Toney Apr 18 3:30pm CT
Shaka Toney

The NFL reinstated Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney and free agents C.J. Moore, Rashod Berry, Quintez Cephus, and Demetrius Taylor on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The five players were suspended for the entire 2023 campaign for violating the league's gambling policy. Toney is the only player who remained on an NFL roster following the suspension, and it could be tough for the other four players to find landing spots considering their actions from last offseason. With major sports leagues trying to crack down on any suspicious gambling activity, this will be a situation worth monitoring over the next few years.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Apr 18 3:10pm CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers was allegedly involved in a domestic investigation in February, leading to uncertainty surrounding his status on the field in 2024. On Thursday, the NFL announced there was insufficient evidence that Flowers engaged in any activity that violated the league's personal conduct policy. That said, there will be no action taken by the NFL, and Flowers is free to participate in all team activities. The 23-year-old is on track to contribute in 2024 after a 77-catch, 858-yard, five-touchdown rookie campaign. Although he did a lot of his damage with Mark Andrews (ankle) out of action, the former Boston College star has plenty of ability and should push to compile WR2 numbers in his sophomore campaign.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Apr 18 2:00pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters may not be looking to trade out of the No. 2 overall pick in the first round of next week's NFL draft. "We feel great about staying at No. 2. Don't see a lot of scenarios where we trade down," Peters said. This shouldn't be a big surprise after Washington dealt last year's starter, Sam Howell, to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. As of right now, veteran Marcus Mariota is atop the QB depth chart in D.C., but the Commanders will most likely take either LSU's Jayden Daniels or North Carolina's Drake Maye with the second overall pick next Thursday night if another club like the Minnesota Vikings doesn't made an offer that the Commanders can't refuse to move up into the No. 2 spot.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Apr 18 1:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

The Minnesota Vikings brass is scheduled to meet with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels for dinner on Thursday night in Baton Rouge, according to agent Ron Butler. Daniels is widely expected to come off the board in the top three picks of next week's NFL draft, so if the Vikings are going to land the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, they would need to trade up within the first round. Minnesota acquired the No. 23 overall pick in a trade this spring with the Houston Texans, so they now hold two first-round selections at Nos. 11 and 23. The Vikings are clearly in the market for a signal-caller after Kirk Cousins left in free agency and signed with the Atlanta Falcons, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the team trade up within the first five picks to select Daniels or another QB prospect.

From RotoBaller