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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Player Notes
Austin Ekeler Dec 4 12:53am ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (neck, concussion) told 106.7 The Fan during his weekly radio appearance on Tuesday, Dec. 3, that he is still dealing with concussion symptoms and experiencing neck pain from the Week 12 hit that led to him being placed on the Reserve/Injured list.

Fantasy Spin: Ekeler noted he has yet to pass concussion protocol but expects to do so soon and is generally positive about the progress he has made since the hit. He is done for the fantasy season but could return for Week 18 or the first game of the playoffs if the Commanders make it that far. It is probably not a coincidence that Brian Robinson's two best fantasy efforts have come in the two games Ekeler has missed, so his fantasy managers should start him with more confidence than usual the rest of the way.

From TheHuddle

Caleb Williams Dec 3 11:10pm ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, who has been promoted to offensive coordinator and now head coach this season, will be considered among the candidates for the permanent job in January, according to two team sources. The Bears also hope to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who interviewed for Chicago's offensive-coordinator position last offseason before they gave the job to Shane Waldron. Brown's role in the development of first overall pick Caleb Williams has been noticeable. Since Brown took over Waldron's job in Chicago on Nov. 12, Williams has five touchdown passes the last two games after nothing throwing one in the previous four contests. The young QB also hasn't thrown a pick in 232 pass attempts, which is the longest streak by a rookie in NFL history.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 3 11:00pm ET
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said "absolutely not" when asked if the team was considering replacing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik as the play-caller. Caserio also said that he thinks Slowik is a "great coach." Quarterback C.J. Stroud has regressed in his sophomore season under Slowik, and the Texans offense in general has looked sluggish in recent weeks. Houston has just one win all year against team with a winning record and will be fighting for a postseason spot down the stretch despite starting the year 5-1. Stroud specifically has really struggled under pressure and has seen his accuracy decline from what was a very impressive rookie season. The Texans' offense currently ranks 20th in EPA per play, which will need to improve drastically. The good news is Houston will look to work on their offensive inefficiencies on bye this week.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Dec 3 10:40pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he's still dealing with concussion symptoms from the team's Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Ekeler does not remember walking off the field until getting into an ambulance to take a trip to the hospital. It's similar memory loss that he experienced after a Week 3 concussion he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to his concussion symptoms, he has neck pain, which led to the team putting him on Injured Reserve. Ekeler has yet to pass the concussion protocol but hopes to clear that hurdle soon and is staying positive through his recovery. With Ekeler not eligible to come off IR until the Week 18 regular-season finale, he effectively becomes useless to fantasy managers that have their championship matchups in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Sincere McCormick Dec 3 10:00pm ET
Sincere McCormick

Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick has been signed off the practice squad on Tuesday. The undrafted back couldn't be sent back to the practice squad after being elevated three times. The Raiders are banged up with Alexander Mattison (quad) and Zamir White (quad) missing each of the last two games. That being said, the Raiders decided to sign McCormick to the 53-man roster. He has been operating as the No. 2 back over the last two games. He rushed 12 times for 64 yards during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He figures to get a decent look down the stretch of the season with the Raiders not playing for much right now.

From RotoBaller

DJ Turner Dec 3 10:00pm ET
DJ Turner

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (knee) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. Turner suffered a knee injury during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The severity of the knee is unknown, but it appears to be enough to force Turner to miss the next four games. The 27-year-old has put together a fairly quiet season with 16 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. His absence should mean that Terrace Marshall Jr. gets more snaps on offense. However, Marshall probably won't see enough playing time to warrant rostering in any fantasy formats. Tre Tucker could benefit with a few more targets, but he has been boom-or-bust this season.

From RotoBaller

Carlton Davis Dec 3 9:40pm ET
Carlton Davis

Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis III (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is good news to see Davis getting upgraded to full in practice ahead of Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. It appears Davis is on track to return from his one-game absence after suffering a knee injury during the Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Davis has been an important piece to the secondary with 51 tackles, 10 passes defended, and two interceptions this season. Davis should be ready to go, barring any setbacks ahead of Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Dec 3 9:30pm ET
Riley Patterson

Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Patterson was added to the roster as insurance in case Younghoe Koo (hip) was unable to play. Koo ended up being able to play through the issue and appears to be fine going forward. That being said, the Falcons have decided to release Patterson on Tuesday. This does make sense considering there really is no need to keep another kicker on the roster with Koo healthy. Patterson has only played in one game this season and made all three of his extra point attempts during his lone game with the New York Jets. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as the 25-year-old should be able to find another spot.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Dec 3 9:20pm ET
Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) was a limited participant once again during Tuesday's practice. This is now back-to-back limited sessions for Alexander ahead of Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions. Alexander has missed three of the last four games due to a partially torn PCL. Despite that, Alexander appears to have a chance at playing in this important divisional contest. The All-Pro defensive back would give this defense and especially this secondary a huge lift. His participation during Wednesday's practice will go a long way to determining his status for Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

Azeez Al-Shaair Dec 3 8:17pm ET
Azeez Al-Shaair

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is being suspended three games for his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) in the Week 13 win on Sunday. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game after the hit on Lawrence, who was giving himself up on a slide in the middle of the field before Al-Shaair came in hard with a forearm to his helmet that left him concussed. Lawrence stayed on the ground before eventually being carted off, and he could miss the rest of the season because of his head injury. The 27-year-old Al-Shaair was also fined back in Week 2 for punching Bears running back Roschon Johnson, so it's not his first offense in 2024. He also had a late hit on Titans RB Tony Pollard out of bounds in Week 12. Al-Shaair is appealing the suspension, but if it is upheld, he won't be eligible to return until Week 18 against the Titans. Houston is on their bye in Week 14.

Christian McCaffrey Dec 3 7:43pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Fantasy Spin: This was the expected move, and it's likely McCaffrey will miss the rest of the season. With Jordan Mason (ankle) also expected to land on IR, Isaac Guerendo will take the reins as San Fran's lead back and is a must-add player this week. The rookie has proven to be an explosive weapon in limited work and could be a solid RB2.

From TheHuddle

Dallas Goedert Dec 3 7:13pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) is considered week-to-week and could go on injured reserve but the injury isn't season-ending, per source on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Fantasy Spin: If placed on injured reserve, Goedert would be eligible to come back by Week 18, although that doesn't do much good for fantasy owners. At the very least, it looks like Goedert is going to miss time, which means Grant Calcaterra will get more run, and it's possible C.J. Uzomah, who is on the practice squad, will get some playing time. However, neither is a suggested lineup option.

From TheHuddle

Brandin Cooks Dec 3 7:10pm ET
Brandin Cooks

The Athletic's Saad Yousuf does not believe that veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will return to the team in 2025. Cooks is a strong presence in the locker room, but his production the last two seasons has fallen short of expectations as the No. 2 behind CeeDee Lamb. If the Cowboys also feel the same way about Cooks' future, they could give more playing time to rookie Ryan Flournoy and recent acquisition Jonathan Mingo for the rest of the season. Dallas sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Carolina Panthers for Mingo and might want to get a head start on evaluating him for their 2025 roster. The 31-year-old Cooks has six 1,000-yard seasons in his 11 NFL seasons, but he's slowed down the last two years in Dallas and has also played in only five games in 2024 due to injury. If the Cowboys move on from Cooks after this year, they could look to replace him with another veteran pass-catcher.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 3 6:50pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (calf) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Tuesday for the second straight day this week. There's been no indication that Jacobs' calf injury will put him in danger of sitting out of Thursday's divisional clash against the Detroit Lions, but we'll have a more clear picture after Green Bay releases their final injury report for the week on Wednesday. As of now, fantasy managers should plan on keeping the 26-year-old lead back in their starting lineups for Week 14 action. In his first year with the Packers, Jacobs has been money for fantasy managers as an RB1 with 192.2 total half-PPR points, which ranks him as the RB7 heading into Thursday's game against Detroit. The two-time Pro Bowler has at least 15 touches in each of the team's last eight games, and although the Lions aren't the greatest matchup, Jacobs did go for 95 yards against them back on Nov. 3.

From RotoBaller

John Ross Dec 3 6:40pm ET
John Ross

The Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday released veteran wide receiver John Ross (undisclosed) from their practice squad. Ross was active for one game with the Eagles this year and caught one of his two targets for a six-yard pickup and had been on the practice-squad injured list due to an undisclosed ailment since Oct. 21. The 29-year-old speedster will now go back on the open market and he's unlikely to sign with another team with only five weeks remaining in the 2024 season. The former ninth overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2017 out of Washington played in 10 games (one start) with the New York Giants back in 2021 and had 11 receptions on 20 targets for 224 yards and one touchdown. Ross did have seven scores in his second season in 2018 with Cincy and had a career-high 506 receiving yards the following year, but that was the extent of his production in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Mike Edwards Dec 3 6:40pm ET
Mike Edwards

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, according to a source, and is expected to be out for a week. Edwards suffered the injury in the Week 13 overtime win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers and is now likely to miss the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old defensive back will get treatment with his eyes set on returning for a Week 15 tilt versus the Los Angeles Chargers. With Edwards' injury in mind, Tampa added Kaevon Merriweather off the Detroit Lions' practice squad on Tuesday. Christian Izien is expected to start at safety alongside All-Pro Antoine Winfield in the Bucs' secondary this Sunday if Edwards is indeed ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Israel Abanikanda Dec 3 6:30pm ET
Israel Abanikanda

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday and also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad, according to a source. In corresponding moves, the Niners officially placed both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve, meaning they'll be out for at least the next four games. CMC has a PCL sprain and will need six weeks to recover, so his season is essentially over unless the Niners make a run to get into the playoffs. Abanikanda didn't play in a single game for the Jets this year but could serve as the team's No. 3 down the stretch behind rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. Vaughn also hasn't seen the field in 2024 after averaging 3.7 yards a carry in four previous seasons with Tampa. They can both stay on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Dec 3 6:30pm ET
Josh Reynolds

The Denver Broncos waived wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hand) on Tuesday as they head into their bye week, according to the team. Reynolds has been on Injured Reserve since Week 5 and had his 21-day practice window opened ahead of the team's Week 11 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He has been practicing over the last three weeks and looked ready to return from his hand injury, but now he'll be on the open market and will be looking to latch on with another team with the 2024 campaign in the home stretch. Before his injury, Reynolds caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown in five games in Denver, back when rookie quarterback Bo Nix was struggling to move the offense consistently. With Reynolds now out of the picture for the rest of the year, it's good news for rookies Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. and Lil'Jordan Humphrey behind WR1 Courtland Sutton.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Dec 3 6:10pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers officially placed running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, which means he'll be forced to miss at least the next four games. However, McCaffrey suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills and is expected to need at least six weeks of recovery time. It means that unless the 49ers pick things up and make a run to the postseason, CMC's injury-plagued 2024 campaign will come to an end. Jordan Mason (ankle) is also on IR with a high-ankle sprain, which will force rookie Isaac Guerendo into the team's lead-back role for at least the next four weeks. With CMC officially on IR, fantasy managers can drop him in redraft leagues. The 28-year-old was a huge bust for fantasy managers this year. He didn't make his season debut until Week 10 due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis and ended up playing in just four games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Deon Cain Dec 3 5:43pm ET
Deon Cain

Buffalo Bills WR Deon Cain was released from the practice squad Tuesday, Dec. 3.

From TheHuddle