Studs and Duds: Divisional Round

Mon Jan 24 10:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Davis scores four touchdowns


Well, that might have been the greatest playoff weekend ever. Wow. Those were some games and more than made up for the duds of the previous weekend. There were plenty of high scoring fantasy players as well, which was another plus of the weekend. Hopefully, you were able to enjoy the games and win your fantasy contests.

Bengals 19, Titans 16

Fantasy Stud: Joe Mixon. Mixon didn’t run for a ton of yards but got plenty of work and lots of targets in the passing game, leading to big fantasy numbers. Mixon ran 14 times for 54 yards and a touchdown, and caught six passes for 51 yards. He had 105 total yards, scoring 22.5 fantasy points. Mixon has gotten more work in the passing game late in the season, having at least six receptions three of four games. His added work in the passing game really gives his fantasy value a boost.

Fantasy Dud: Joe Burrow. His team won but Burrow wasn’t much help to his fantasy owners. He did top 300-passing yards but didn’t score a touchdown. Burrow was 28-of-37 for 348 yards with an interception. He really played well despite his lack of scores because he was under siege throughout the game, getting sacked nine times. Burrow had just 16.9 fantasy points, though, which was disappointing. 

Game Notes: Derrick Henry returned from his foot injury and got about as much work as normal. He had 20 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. Henry looked healthy and ran pretty well, especially if you consider this was his first game in a long time.

A.J. Brown was heavily targeted once again, getting five receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. Brown had 140-plus yards two of his last four games.

49ers 13, Packers 10

Fantasy Stud: Aaron Jones. There was not much offense in this game, but Jones was huge for all his fantasy owners. He led the Packers in receiving, catching nine passes for 129 yards. He also ran 12 times for 41 yards, finishing with170 total yards. Jones had another good season for the Packers but it will be interesting to see what the Packers do with him this offseason with A.J. Dillon emerging as legit starter.

Fantasy Dud: Aaron Rodgers. There were a lot of duds in this poor offensive game, but we’ll give the honors to what many consider the MVP of the league. Rodgers failed to score a touchdown in the Packers stunning defeat, going 20-of-29 for 225 yard without a touchdown or interception. Rodgers is going to be the talk of the offseason, seeing where he lands for 2022. He’ll have plenty of suitors, including the Packers.

Game Notes: A.J. Dillon injured his chest in this game and was unable to return to action. He did find the end zone before getting hurt. He ran seven times for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Jimmy Garoppolo had a rough game despite the 49ers winning. He had a lot of struggles, especially making plays down the field. He was 11-of-19 for 131 yards with an interception. The good thing for Garoppolo is the 49ers won the game.

Rams 30, Bucs 27

Fantasy Stud: Leonard Fournette. Fournette had a big performance in his first game back from a hamstring injury. He got most of the work at running back for Tampa and played well. He ran 13 times for 51 yards and two touchdowns. Fournette also had nine receptions for 56 yards. He topped 30 fantasy points in the game. Fournette had a big season as the Bucs starter and looks to have the job again next year.

Fantasy Dud: Cam Akers. Akers dominated the work at running back for the Rams, but didn’t do much with a lot of touches. He ran 24 times for just 48 yards. He caught three passes for 20 yards. He also lost to fumbles in the game, including one late that led to the Bucs tying the game. Akers had a rough game but should be the lead back for the Rams for years to come. He has a lot of talent and can play at a high level in that role.

Game Notes: Cooper Kupp had one of his usual big games. He caught nine passes fro 183 yards and a touchdown. Kupp has 12 100-yard games this year.

Mike Evans had his second straight 100-yard game. He had eight receptions for 119 yards and touchdown. He had 17 receptions in his two playoff games this year.

Chiefs 42, Bills 36

Fantasy Stud: Gabriel Davis. Davis had the best game of his career. He had one of the best all-time playoff games for a receiver. Davis had eight receptions for 201 yards and four touchdowns. It was the type of game that can change the career path for Davis. He could be a huge part of this passing game going forward, playing alongside Stefon Diggs.

Fantasy Dud: Stefon Diggs. The Chiefs did a really good job of containing Diggs. He had three catches for seven yards. This was his first game all season with fewer than 10 yards. You just expect better from the Bills top target in the passing game. He remains one of the best in the game, though, despite this down showing.

Game Notes: Both starting quarterback had four touchdowns in this game. Josh Allen was 27-of-37 for 329 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. Allen also led the team in rushing, running 11 times for 68 yards. Patrick Mahomes was 33-of-44 for 378 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Like Allen, Mahomes also led his team in rushing, running seven times for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire returned from his shoulder injury and played well. He ran seven times for 60 yards and caught a pass for nine yards. He didn’t get a huge workload, but about split the work with Jerick McKinnon.

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
Jim Harbaugh Apr 24 4:00pm CT
Jim Harbaugh

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to undergo a rebuilding phase following the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh and the departures of longtime offensive weapons Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. L.A. has been rumored to be a top landing spot for Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison or LSU wideout Malik Nabers, but Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report suggests they are likely to pick an offensive tackle if they stay at pick No. 5. Notre Dame's Joe Alt is expected to be the first player at the position off the board. Alt has been mocked to the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 7 for much of the offseason, so the Chargers picking the 2023 first-team All-American would shake things up drastically. The Chargers have a lot of options with teams potentially trying to move up for a quarterback, so they are one of the key teams to monitor in the first round on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 24 3:40pm CT
Drake Maye

The New York Giants are in an interesting predicament at the quarterback spot. The organization signed Daniel Jones (knee) to a four-year, $160 million deal last offseason, but he didn't play well in 2023, and he is coming off a torn ACL. There has been plenty of buzz surrounding New York selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that they could pass on a quarterback if North Carolina's Drake Maye isn't available at pick No. 6. "Most teams believe if Maye is off the board, the Giants' most likely scenario is to go wide receiver to land a player who can help an offense that was last in the league in yards after the catch in 2023," Russini wrote. If the reports are true, look for New York to target LSU's Malik Nabers in that draft slot. That said, Washington's Rome Odunze is likely in consideration as well.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Apr 24 3:30pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has seemingly been rising draft boards this offseason, and NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that he could enter the discussion to be one of the first four quarterbacks off the board. "It's been assumed the top four QBs are Williams, Daniels, Maye, and McCarthy," Russini wrote "But don't be surprised if Penix enters the discussion come Thursday." Penix, who will be 24 years old during his rookie season, had a monster two-year stretch with Washington after four injury-riddled campaigns at Indiana. In 2022 and 2023, combined, the lefty posted 9,544 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns, and 67 interceptions. He ran between a 4.51 and 4.57 forty-yard dash at the Huskies' Pro Day, so his 226 career rushing yards might not demonstrate his full rushing ability.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Apr 24 3:20pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a monster 2023 season, throwing for 4,575 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He led Detroit to the No. 3 seed in the NFC and the organization won two playoff games in a single postseason for the first time since 1957. On Wednesday, the team signed Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell to high-dollar four-year contract extensions, but Goff is reportedly not close to agreeing to a new long-term deal. According to Adam Schefter, no new deal is "imminent" as of now. This will be an interesting development to watch play out, as the former Los Angeles Rams No. 1 overall pick is entering the final year of his contract in the Motor City and could become a free agent next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Apr 24 3:13pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Dynasty | The Lions have signed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: The contract is basically a four-year, $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed, the most ever for a wide receiver in NFL history. It's a huge haul for St. Brown, who has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NFL. After his 119/1,515/10 season last year, the Lions were going to either pay him or risk losing him after his rookie deal expired. They've clearly chosen to build around him and he should be firmly cemented as a WR1 in dynasty moving forward. St. Brown is an easy target for any team looking for a premier centerpiece to their dynasty team as the best could truly be yet to come.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Russell Wilson Apr 24 3:13pm CT
Russell Wilson

Dynasty | The Steelers are not expected to pick up the fifth-year option on the contract of Justin Fields. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't much of a surprise as the Steelers would be on the hook for $25 million in his fifth year and don't even know if they want him as their long-term starter at this point. Pittsburgh is likely going to go into the season with Russell Wilson as their starter but also quietly evaluating Fields to be a possible successor. We'll see what happens but Fields looks like a player who could be a sneaky buy in the next few months leading up to the season as his ADP has tanked.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Justin Jefferson Apr 24 3:13pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty | The Bengals are picking up the fifth year option on the contract of Ja'Marr Chase. Dynasty Analysis: Consider this a placeholder as Cincinnati now needs to prepare to make Chase the highest paid receiver in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown has set the market with a four-year, $120 million extension ($77 million guaranteed), so the Bengals are going to need to assemble a few armored cars here soon. Chase and Justin Jefferson should both be set to sign historic deals and while the option being picked up buys the Bengals one more season, dynasty managers shouldn't worry about him hitting free agency any time soon. Chase remains a bona fide candidate for the top overall selection in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

J.J. McCarthy Apr 24 2:00pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning recently talked with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and said the Broncos are interested in him with the 2024 NFL draft beginning on Thursday night. "I know Denver is very interested in him and it sounded like a place he'd love to come to but it's a little bit out of his control," Manning told Denver Sports over the air. McCarthy played in a pro-style offense at Michigan and led the Wolverines to the national championship earlier this year. He wasn't allowed to throw the ball that much in college, but he really impressed at his pro day and has been rising up draft boards ever since. McCarthy is a candidate to go in the first five picks on Thursday night, although it seems unlikely that Denver has the ammunition to pull off a trade up into the top five this year to select McCarthy, especially after trading for Zach Wilson on Tuesday.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Apr 24 1:40pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell agreed to terms on a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Lions on Wednesday that makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. The deal also includes $85 million guaranteed. The Lions were active in keeping several key contributors of their offense around for the long term, as they also gave receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year extension that makes him the highest-paid wideout in the league for the time being. Sewell, who was drafted seventh overall in 2021 out of Oregon, has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two years and was a first-time All-Pro in 2023. The 23-year-old has been a big reason for the Lions' resurgence in the last two years.

From RotoBaller

Xavien Howard Apr 24 1:40pm CT
Xavien Howard

Free-agent cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) was fully cleared for football activities earlier in April, his doctor informed teams in a letter. Howard is currently a free agent and battled a foot injury last year that limited him to 13 games with the Miami Dolphins. In those 13 games, he had 45 tackles (36 solo), an interception and 12 passes defended. Now that the 30-year-old defensive back appears to be fully healthy, he should be able to sign with another team in advance of the 2024 season this fall. The four-time Pro Bowler was a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 2016 out of Baylor and has a total of 331 tackles (258 solo), two sacks, eight tackles for loss, 29 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 95 passes defended, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries (two returned for TDs) in his eight years in Miami.

From RotoBaller

Alex Highsmith Apr 24 1:30pm CT
Alex Highsmith

The Pittsburgh Steelers did a simple restructure of the salary of pass-rusher Alex Highsmith's contract on Wednesday to create more than $7 million in salary cap space, according to a source. The Steelers will convert a portion of Highsmith's base salary in 2024 into a signing bonus. The 26-year-old former third-round pick in 2020 out of Charlotte has put up 21.5 sacks in the last two years and had 57 tackles (34 solo), seven sacks, eight tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and two forced fumbles in 17 regular-season starts in 2023 in his fourth year in the league. Along with All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt, Highsmith is a key member of the Steelers' defense moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Apr 24 1:20pm CT
Rashod Bateman

The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Rashod Bateman to an undisclosed contract extension on Wednesday that ties him to the team through the 2026 season. Bateman was able to stay healthy in 2023, but he was overshadowed by rookie first-rounder Zay Flowers and finished with a disappointing 32 catches for 367 yards and just one touchdown on 56 targets in 16 regular-season games (12 starts) in his third year in the league. The 24-year-old former 27th overall pick in 2021 out of Minnesota hasn't lived up to his first-round billing and has found the end zone just four times in three years. The Ravens continue to say that Bateman is going to have a bigger role in the passing attack in 2024, but fantasy managers will want to see it before they believe it.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Apr 24 1:20pm CT
Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't expected to pick up quarterback Justin Fields' $25 million fifth-year option, according to league sources. The Steelers acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears last month for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. Fields and Russell Wilson will now both be entering the last year of their contracts in 2024. Wilson is fully expected to open the 2024 campaign as the starter under center for Pittsburgh, but if he falters, Fields will get a shot to prove that he belongs with the Steelers beyond this season. The 25-year-old showed some improvement late last year with Chicago, but it wasn't enough to keep him as the franchise signal-caller in the eyes of Bears brass. Fields' fantasy stock is obviously way down entering next season, but he could become a high-upside waiver-wire pickup if Wilson is benched.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Apr 24 1:10pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

The Detroit Lions agreed to a four-year contract extension with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on Wednesday that is worth $120 million with $77 million guaranteed. The deal makes St. Brown the highest-paid receiver in the league and ties him with Miami's Tyreek Hill in average annual value ($30 million). The 24-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2021 out of USC has been an excellent value for Detroit. He's made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons and put up career-highs in catches (119), targets (164), receiving yards (1,515) and touchdowns (10) in 16 regular-season games in his third year in the NFL in 2024. With Quarterback Jared Goff still peppering St. Brown with targets in 2024, he'll continue to serve as a high-end WR1 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Apr 24 1:10pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

The Cincinnati Bengals exercised the fifth-year option for wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on Wednesday, as expected. Chase is now officially locked up through the 2025 season. The 24-year-old former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of LSU has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons in the NFL and set a career-high with 100 catches on 145 targets for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games in 2023, despite the fact that quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) missed considerable time with a season-ending injury. Chase's seven touchdowns in 2023 were a career-low, but he should bounce back in that department in 2024 as long as Burrow can stay healthy all year. Chase's fantasy arrow continues to point up and he should be considered a top-tier WR1.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Apr 23 4:00pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been in trade rumors ever since the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. Although general manager John Lynch has seemingly tried to shut down trade rumors, NFL insider Michael Silver said a potential trade is still "very much in play." "To this point, the 49ers have asked for a 2024 first-round pick," Silver wrote. An executive for another team reportedly said the asking price is too high, while another league general manager said he believes the 49ers might ultimately accept a second-round selection. Aiyuk's camp is reportedly asking for an average salary of around $25 million, a price that San Francisco has been unwilling to offer. The 26-year-old could be a true No. 1 wide receiver for another organization, but the target competition on the 49ers roster has made it more difficult for him to be a consistent producer.

From RotoBaller

Sean Payton Apr 23 3:40pm CT
Sean Payton

The NFL announced on Tuesday that their review into potential tampering from the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons is ongoing and will not conclude this week. That said, any potential punishments will come after the 2024 NFL Draft and will not affect this year's draft order. The Falcons are being investigated for allegedly making contact with quarterback Kirk Cousins before they were allowed to, while the Eagles are facing similar circumstances with running back Saquon Barkley. The Miami Dolphins lost their 2023 first-round pick over attempts to acquire quarterback Tom Brady and coach Sean Payton in 2019 while they were active members of other organizations. That said, Atlanta and Philadelphia could be handed similar punishments in future drafts if they are found to have engaged in illegal tampering.

From RotoBaller

Logan Woodside Apr 23 3:30pm CT
Logan Woodside

Free-agent quarterback Logan Woodside signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, the team announced on X. The former Toledo signal-caller was selected by the Bengals in the 2018 NFL Draft, but he was waived before his rookie season began. He then signed with the Tennessee Titans but lasted just a few weeks with the organization before spending time with the San Antonio Commanders of the AAF. He made his way back to the NFL with Tennessee for three and half years before one and a half years with the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old has completed just four passes for 34 yards in his professional career, so it'd be a surprise if he beat out Jake Browning for the QB2 job behind Joe Burrow.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Surtain II Apr 23 3:20pm CT
Patrick Surtain II

The Denver Broncos have picked up the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, meaning he will remain under contract through the 2025 NFL season. Since being selected by Denver with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Surtain has earned two trips to the Pro Bowl and one first-team All-Pro honor. In 50 career games, he has racked up 187 tackles (150 solo), one forced fumble, seven interceptions, and 36 pass deflections. The Broncos are in an interesting time for the organization with Sean Payton at the helm, and the roster needs major reinforcements. However, they have their true No. 1 cornerback locked in for at least the next two seasons.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Rodgers Apr 23 2:00pm CT
Isaiah Rodgers

The NFL reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. from his year-long suspension on Tuesday for violating the league's policy on gambling. Rodgers was with the Indianapolis Colts when he was suspended on June 29 but was released by the team later that day and signed with the Eagles in August. Rodgers said bets were made from his account for people who lived in Florida, where online sports betting at that time remained illegal. At the time of his suspension, Rodgers had placed more than 100 bets, including some on Colts' games. In his three seasons in Indy, Rodgers had three interceptions and 10 passes defensed while also playing on special teams as a kick and punt returner. The Eagles are hoping he can provide them with some secondary depth after their defense last year was highly disappointing.

From RotoBaller