Studs and Duds: Divisional Round

Mon Jan 22 9:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Kelce comes up big for Chiefs


Well, that was a lot better. The games were really good this weekend. Even the first one that ended up pretty lopsided. It was still good for the half. The rest of the games were really entertaining, though. Most of them were really back and forth, and could have gone to either team in the end. It made for some great entertainment. And the fantasy numbers weren’t too bad, either. There were some really big games this weekend. Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of some of those big games on all your playoff fantasy teams.

Ravens 34, Texans 10

Fantasy Stud: Lamar Jackson. Jackson proved why he is the front runner for MVP this year. He had a great game, going 16-of-22 for 152 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He also led the team in rushing, hitting the 100-yard mark. Jackson ran 11 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson scored 37.6 fantasy points. He has 35-plus fantasy points three of five games

Fantasy Dud: C.J. Stroud. The Ravens did a great job of holding the impressive rookie in check. He did not score a touchdown in the game and failed to hit 200-passing yards. Stroud was 19-of-33 for 175 yards without a score or turnover. He still had a monster rookie season and is going to be one of the best fantasy quarterbacks for years to come.

Game Notes: Justice Hill had 13 carries for 66 yards, leading the Ravens in rushing for ar running back. He also caught two passes for 11 yards, finishing with 77 total yards.

Dalvin Cook made his Ravens debut and ran eight times for 23 yards. He got nearly all his work with the Ravens up big late in the game.

49ers 24, Packers 21

Fantasy Stud: Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey had his usual huge fantasy game. He ran 17 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns. He also had seven receptions for 30 yards. McCaffrey had 31.8 fantasy points. This was his fourth game this season with 30-plus fantasy points. McCaffrey just keeps posting huge numbers on a weekly basis

Fantasy Dud: Brandon Aiyuk. With Deebo Samuel sidelined much of the game, you thought Aiyuk might get a little more work. Well, that didn’t happen. Aiyuk was a disappointment to fantasy teams, catching just three passes for 32 yards. It was a down game for the star receiver.

Game Notes: Deebo Samuel injured his shoulder early in the game and was unable to return. He had two receptions for 24 yards. This is an injury to watch going forward. Samuel is a huge part of the 49ers offense.

Aaron Jones hit the 100-yard rushing mark. He had 18 carries for 108 yards. Jones finishes the season with five straight 100-yard games.

Lions 31, Bucs 23

Fantasy Stud: Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had a big game rushing and receiving, showing his dual threat ability. He ran nine times for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for 40 yards, giving him 114 total yards and a score. Gibbs outproduced starter David Montgomery running the ball despite having one less carry.
  
Fantasy Dud: Chris Godwin. Godwin had one of his down games this week, catching four passes for 40 yards. He was up and down all season, so this shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Godwin still had a fine season but here is to hoping he can produce more consistent numbers next year.

Game Notes: Mike Evans had eight receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. This was his fourth 100-yard game of the season. Evans had a huge season and shows few signs of slowing down.

Jared Goff continued his great play in the playoffs, going 30-of-43 for 287 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He has 275-plus passing yards each of his two playoff games without a turnover.

Chiefs 27, Bills 24

Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. Kelce showed he can still play a big role in the playoffs. He had five receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. This was his first two-touchdown game of the entire season. It was the fourth time he topped 20 fantasy points in a game, though. Kelce scored 24.5 fantasy points in this one.
  
Fantasy Dud: Stefon Diggs. Diggs was held in check once again, catching three passes for just 21 yards. It was kind of the theme of the second half of his season. Diggs really disappeared down the stretch, causing some concern for next season.

Game Notes: Josh Allen was huge in defeat, especially as a runner. He ran 12 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. He also was 26-of-39 for 186 yards and a touchdown.

Isiah Pacheco had a solid game, rushing 15 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. He had a catch for 14 yards, giving him 111 total 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.

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Player Notes
Jared Goff Dec 6 10:00am ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw the ball 41 times and allowed six different pass catchers to haul in at least five receptions each during the 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The veteran signal-caller finished the game with 283 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 32-for-41 throwing while adding four carries for seven yards on the ground. Two of his scores went to Tim Patrick which were his first two of the season. Goff will look to push this win streak to 12 against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Dec 6 10:00am ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery found the end zone again on Thursday during the three-point win over the Green Bay Packers. The red zone and goal line carries came in handy yet again as the bruiser back scored on a three-yard run to cap off the game's first drive. He finished with 14 carries for 51 yards to lead the backfield while chipping in with five receptions for 33 yards on five targets. The running back duo in Detroit has provided some big value as they both scored in this one. They'll look to share the wealth again in Week 15 against a red-hot Buffalo Bills squad.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Dec 6 9:50am ET
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (foot) underwent a season-ending surgery to address the foot injury he suffered on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys. According to Art Stapleton, the issue was a fifth metatarsal fracture and not a Lisfranc injury. This means the rookie finishes his first season with 29 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown on 43 targets through 12 appearances. There hasn't been a confirmed timetable for his return yet. That means Daniel Bellinger will be the starter to finish out the season.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Dec 6 1:00am ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft continued his fine fantasy season as he got into the end zone in the Packers' 34-31 loss to the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions in Week 14. Kraft caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Love in the third quarter; his only touchdown pass of the night. With only 20 passing attempts, there wasn't much volume to be had by the Packers' pass-catchers, but Kraft reeled 3-of-5 targets for 41 yards. Next up for the Packers is a date with the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15 where Kraft should be considered a low-end TE1 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Dec 6 1:00am ET
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks was solid but unspectacular in the Packers' 34-31 loss to the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions in Week 14. Wicks had extended playing time thanks to Romeo Doubs (concussion) being ruled out and was moderately productive, bringing in 4-of-5 targets for 49 receiving yards. Two of his receptions in back-to-back plays of 28 and 12 yards directly led to great field position where the Packers eventually settled for a game-tying field goal. The Packers will head west to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in Week 15 and if Doubs remains out, Wicks will be a low-end flex option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 6 12:50am ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson posted his second 100-yard game in the last four contests as the Packers lost 34-31 to the Detroit Lions. Watson led the Packers with seven targets and caught four passes for 114 yards, pacing the Packers on the receiving end of things. After losing a fumble at the end of the first quarter, Watson made a few long catches, including a 59-yard reception in the third quarter. With Romeo Doubs (concussion) out for Week 14, Watson got some extended playing time and took advantage with a big game on not a ton of volume. Depending on the health of Doubs, Watson will once again be a boom-or-bust fantasy flex when the Packers head west to Seattle to face the Seahawks in Week 15.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 6 12:40am ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs provided most of the Packers' scoring as he was a massive part of the Packers' game plan in their eventual 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions. Jacobs was solid on the ground, piling up 66 yards on the ground on 18 rushing attempts, but he scored three times to highlight Jacobs' stellar performance. Pacing the Packers' offense as the closer to three of their four touchdown drives, Jacobs plunged in a one-yard score in the second quarter, a six-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and a four-yard plunge. Jacobs almost had a fourth touchdown through the air as well, if not for an offensive pass interference penalty. Week 14 was Jacobs' second three-touchdown game in the last three games, so Jacobs is clearly a must-start fantasy option at running back heading into Week 15's tilt against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Dec 6 12:30am ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was a bit of a disappointment in the Packers' 34-31 last-second loss to the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions in Week 14. Love only had 20 pass attempts, completing 12-of-20 pass attempts for 206 yards and a single touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft in the beginning of the third quarter. On the ground, Love also added 23 yards on the ground, most of that coming from an eight-yard scramble in the first drive and then a 14-yard scramble in the second quarter. Without much in the way of passing volume, it would have taken extreme efficiency for Love to thrive from a fantasy perspective. He'll look to improve in Week 15, where he and the Packers will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Consider Love a back-end fantasy QB1 for that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 6 12:20am ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed was nowhere to be found in the Packers' 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 14. Coming into this matchup with the Lions, Reed was expected to have an excellent game against Detroit, who has been vulnerable as they have given up the most receiving yards to opposing slot wide receivers this season. All the Lions did was completely blank Reed from the stat sheet, as Reed only registered one target and reeled in zero catches on the night. Week 14's game was a disappointing outcome for Reed and the Packers, who only had only 24 dropbacks and just 20 pass attempts. The Packers will have a long week to think about this loss as they'll take on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, where Reed will be a volatile fantasy WR3 who will no doubt look to bounce back from this goose-egg.

From RotoBaller

Javon Bullard Dec 5 11:10pm ET
Javon Bullard

Green Bay Packers rookie safety Evan Williams (concussion) suffered a concussion on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival Detroit Lions and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. Williams suffered the concussion in the first half and will not be allowed to come back into the game in the second half. That will make things more difficult for the Packers' defense the rest of the way against one of the best offenses in football. Williams, who was a fourth-round pick this year, came into Thursday's game with 45 tackles (28 solo), an interception, three pass breakups and a forced fumble in his first 11 games (four starts). Javon Bullard will see more playing time for however long Williams remains out. The good news for Williams is he'll have extra time to try and clear the league's concussion protocol before Green Bay's next game on Dec. 15 against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Brodric Martin Dec 5 11:00pm ET
Brodric Martin

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (head) suffered a head injury on Thursday night against the division-rival Green Bay Packers and was taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion before eventually being ruled out for the rest of the contest in the second half. The Lions defense can ill-afford any more injuries to their defensive line. All-Pro pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) is already out for the year, and the Lions were also missing three other defensive linemen due to injury coming into the Week 14 game. For the rest of the game on Thursday evening, the Lions will be forced to test their depth with Brodric Martin and Myles Adams. The good news is McNeill will have extra time to recover before the Lions face the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 on Sunday, Dec. 15.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Dec 5 10:00pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) practiced in full during Thursday's session. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about Mayfield's status after back-to-back full practice sessions to begin the week. Mayfield briefly exited during last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. Afterwards, head coach Todd Bowles said Mayfield was dealing with some soreness, but it's going to take more than that to get him off the field. Fantasy managers should go ahead and plug in Mayfield as a QB1 for Sunday's plus matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Dec 5 9:50pm ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (Achilles) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. Mooney was back on the practice field here after sitting out on Wednesday due to rest purposes. The 27-year-old has been dealing with an Achilles issue, but it doesn't appear to be something that is going to hold him out of action. Fantasy managers should expect Mooney to be ready for the Week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Mooney has five receptions for 47 yards over his last two games. He should be considered a WR3 for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Josh Oliver Dec 5 9:40pm ET
Josh Oliver

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (ankle, wrist) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This is now back-to-back full practice sessions for Oliver ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Oliver appears to be on track to return from a two-game absence on Sunday. However, his fantasy value is likely going to be limited with T.J. Hockenson back in the fold. The expectation is that Oliver will serve as the No. 2 tight end, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect Oliver to be a viable fantasy option. He could see a few targets, but probably won't be enough to warrant keeping him rostered in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Dec 5 9:30pm ET
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (quad) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This is good news after Reichard was designated to return from the injured reserve on Wednesday. He has missed each of the last four games due to a strained quad. Reichard has been able to get in back-to-back full practice sessions which puts him in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. This season, Reichard has connected on 14-of-16 field goal attempts and all of his extra points tries. He'll be worth looking at as a streaming option, assuming he's active for Sunday's game.

From RotoBaller

Laviska Shenault Jr. Dec 5 9:20pm ET
Laviska Shenault Jr.

The Los Angeles Chargers added Laviska Shenault Jr. to their practice squad on Thursday. Shenault was waived by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, so it didn't take him long to find a new home. The former second-round pick was been quiet this season with five receptions for 36 yards in 11 games. He hasn't done much in the league since his first two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was likely just a move to add experienced depth to their roster. In a corresponding move, fellow wideout Dez Fitzpatrick has been cut from the practice squad. The former fourth-round pick has five receptions for 49 yards over the course of his first three professional seasons. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as depth going forward.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 5 7:30pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle, calf) was downgraded to a non-participant in Thursday's practice after being limited the day before. Not only is a mid-week downgrade bad news for Walker, but these are both new injuries for him this year after previous battling through an oblique ailment earlier in 2024. Fantasy managers that have the 24-year-old rostered should be looking to add Zach Charbonnet if he's available on the waiver wire just in case Walker cannot get the green light to play against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in the desert in Week 14. In the two game that Charbonnet started in Weeks 2 and 3 with Walker unavailable, he had 32 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns as Seattle's lead back. The volume increase alone would make Charbonnet at least an RB2 in fantasy if Walker is out this weekend.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Dec 5 7:30pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant for the team's practice on Thursday after he was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Metcalf recently missed some time with a knee injury, but it's his shoulder that is bothering him now. The 26-year-old missed the first two practices last week with his shoulder ailment but returned to practice on Friday and was active for the Week 13 win over the New York Jets, catching four of nine targets for 66 yards. Mid-week downgrades usually aren't good news, but fantasy managers should feel better about the fact that Metcalf missed two practices a week ago and still played. If he returns to practice on Friday, there's a good chance he'll have a shot to play on Sunday versus the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. If Metcalf can't play, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett would see more targets.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Dec 5 6:53pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 5.

Fantasy Spin: Stafford's injury should not limit his play this week against the Buffalo Bills. He has been playing well recently with eight touchdowns in his last three games and could be a low-end No. 1 quarterback in some deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Higbee Dec 5 6:53pm ET
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 5.

Fantasy Spin: Head coach Sean McVay indicated that Higbee likely will need more time before returning to the lineup, so fantasy players should not count on him playing this week.

From TheHuddle