Studs and Duds: Wild Card Weekend

Tue Jan 17 8:39am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Prescott comes up big in playoffs


Most of the games were actually pretty competitive this weekend. All but two were one-score games in the end. This made for some good viewing for football fans. It also made for some big fantasy games. Several marquee players posted some really good fantasy numbers. Hopefully, these guys were on your fantasy playoff rosters. 

49ers 41, Seahawks 23

Fantasy Stud: DK Metcalf. His team lost, but Metcalf was huge in the game. He put all the fantasy owners that rostered him in a great spot to open the playoffs. Metcalf had 10 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns. He scored a season high in fantasy points, finishing with 35.6 points. It was a great showing, especially after doing next to nothing his previous two games. 

Fantasy Dud: Tyler Lockett. Lockett was held in check after posting good numbers his first two games against the 49ers. Lockett had six receptions for 39 yards. Lockett failed to reach double-digit fantasy points for just the fourth time all season. He still had a great overall season, posting much more consistent numbers for his standards. 

Game Notes: The big stage of the playoffs was not too big for rookie Brock Purdy. He was 18-of-30 for 332 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. He also ran in a score, giving him four total scores in the game. 

Deebo Samuel had a great showing, catching six passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. He also had three rushes for 32 yards, giving him 165 total yards.

Jaguars 31, Chargers 30

Fantasy Stud: Evan Engram. Engram remains red hot in the Jaguars passing game. He had seven receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. He continues to play a huge role in the passing game. Engram topped 20 fantasy points in the game for the second time this season. Engram has seven or more receptions four of six games.

Fantasy Dud: Josh Palmer. You would have thought Palmer would play a big role in the passing game with Mike Williams out. Well, that didn’t happen. It was tight end Gerald Everett that got more chances. Palmer had just two receptions for 31 yards. Palmer had a pretty good season overall, but fantasy owners will look for more consistency in 2023. 

Game Notes: Trevor Lawrence had a first half to forget, but somehow put that behind him and led his team to victory. He was 28-of-47 for 288 yards and four touchdowns with four interceptions. 

Touchdowns saved Austin Ekeler’s fantasy performance in this one. He ran 13 times for just 35 yards but found the end zone two times. He also caught just two passes for eight yards. 

Bills 34, Dolphins 31

Fantasy Stud: Gabe Davis. Davis continued his flare for the dramatic in the playoffs, catching six passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. He made some big plays and helped his team to victory. Davis was not as consistent as fantasy owners hoped during the regular season, but he might be a little more consistent this postseason if history repeats itself. 

Fantasy Dud: Jaylen Waddle. Waddle had a pretty quiet game, finishing with just three receptions for 44 yards. Waddle scored just 8.2 fantasy points, giving him that total two of his last three games. Waddle had a big season overall, though, and should be a top pick for fantasy teams once again in 2023. 

Game Notes: Josh Allen had a couple bad interceptions, but did finish with 352 yards and three touchdowns. He will need to clean up his play if the Bills hope to make a long playoff run.

James Cook had more carries than Devin Singletary. Cook ran 12 times for 39 yards and a touchdown. Singletary ran 10 times for 48 yards. 

Giants 31, Vikings 24

Fantasy Stud: Saquon Barkley. Barkley had a big game in his first playoff appearance. He ran nine times for 53 yards and two touchdowns. He also had five receptions for 56 yards. So he had 109 total yards and two scores, finishing with 27.9 fantasy points. Barkley continued his big season right into the playoffs. 

Fantasy Dud: Justin Jefferson. Jefferson did have seven receptions but didn’t top 50 yards. He had just 47 yards. Jefferson had a monster season but didn’t finish his season very well. Heh ad fewer than 50 yards three straight games to end the year. Even with that said, Jefferson should be in consideration for top overall fantasy pick next season. He had one of the best fantasy seasons in recent memories this year. 

Game Notes: Daniel Jones showed little nerves in his first playoff game, going 24-of-35 for 301 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He also led the team in rushing, running 17 times for 78 yards. 

T.J. Hockenson got a huge workload for the Vikings, catching 10 passes for 129 yards. It was his second game with double-digit receptions and third hitting the 100-yard mark. 

Bengals 24, Ravens 17

Fantasy Stud: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase had nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdowns. He scored 23.4 fantasy points, giving him 22-plus points two straight games. Chase also has touchdowns four of five games. If not for injuries, Chase would have posted monster numbers this year. He could make a run at first overall in fantasy receiver scoring if he keeps trending this way. 

Fantasy Dud: Joe Mixon. Mixon was really held in check, rushing 11 times for 39 yards. He also had three catches for 17 yards, giving him just 8.6 fantasy points. Mixon has been a little quiet lately, having fewer than 40-rushing yards three of four games. 

Game Notes: Tyler Huntley had a very costly fumble, which led to the game-winning score for the Bengals, but played a good game besides that. He was 17-of-29 for 226 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He also ran nine times for 54 yards. 

J.K. Dobbins topped 100 total yards in the game. He ran 13 times for 62 yards and caught four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. He had 105 total yards and a score. 

Cowboys 31, Bucs 14

Fantasy Stud: Dak Prescott. Prescott sure put his last game behind him, playing a near perfect game in this playoff opener. He was 25-of-33 for 305 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover. Prescott had a season high in fantasy points, scoring 39.7 points. It was just the second time all year he had more than 30 fantasy points in a game. 

Fantasy Dud: Leonard Fournette. Fournette had a really disappointing finish to his season, rushing five times for just 11 yards. But most disappointing was his one reception for six yards. Fournette was not utilized in the passing game often despite the Bucs playing from behind. Fournette had fewer than double-digit fantasy points three straight games to end his season. 

Game Notes: Tony Pollard had a much better showing than Ezekiel Elliott despite getting a similar workload. Pollard had 15 carries for 77 yards while Elliott ran 13 times for just 27 yards. 

Dalton Schultz had his third multiple touchdown game of the season. He had seven receptions for 95 yards and two scores. Schultz has 20-plus fantasy points two of three games.

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.

Player Notes
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

Terrel Bernard Apr 18 1:20pm CT
Terrel Bernard

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) said he feels very good health-wise after he missed the team's playoff lost against the Kansas City Chiefs due to an ankle injury. All signs point to Bernard being fully ready for training camp this summer and for the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. The 24-year-old was second in overall IDP fantasy points at the linebacker position in 2023, behind only Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun. In 17 regular-season games, Bernard racked up a career-high 143 tackles (84 solo), a career-high 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, three interceptions, five passes defended and three fumble recoveries. As long as he's healthy in 2024, Bernard is going to be in play as a weekly starting linebacker in IDP formats.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 18 1:10pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots director of scouting/lead executive Eliot Wolf said, "we are open for business" on trades in next week's NFL draft, whether it be for moving up or down. Wolf said the team's first pick (No. 3 overall) doesn't have to be a quarterback but believes there will be a QB available that will be worth picking at third overall. The Patriots are keeping things open, but it would be a surprise if they didn't stand pat with the third overall pick to take their next franchise signal-caller after trading Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. New England has already met with Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. If they stick at No. 3 and take a QB as everyone expects they will, the rookie QB will compete with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting job at training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Apr 18 1:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that running back Nick Chubb (knee) has started running on land within the last week and is progressing appropriately after he suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. The next few weeks and months will be big for Chubb's return in 2024. The 28-year-old is entering the third and final season of his current deal in Cleveland, but there remains no timetable for his return after such a significant injury in 2023. Chubb had multiple surgeries last fall to fix ACL, MCL and meniscus injuries to his left knee. We don't know right now if Chubb will be ready for Week 1, but the best guess is that if he is, he'll be eased back in alongside D'Onta Foreman, Nyheim Hines and Jerome Ford.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Apr 18 12:13am CT
Gus Edwards

Dynasty | The Chargers are signing running back JK Dobbins to a one-year deal. Dynasty Analysis: Once one of the most coveted running backs in all dynasty leagues, Dobbins' career has been shattered by injuries, including a torn Achilles that happened in week one last season. When healthy, Dobbins has been one of the most effective runners in the league. However, since being drafted in 2020, he has been able to suit up in only 24 career games. He'll conceivably pair up with Gus Edwards and could have some dynasty value again should Los Angeles fail to add to the depth chart through the upcoming NFL Draft.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Rashaad Penny Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Rashaad Penny

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly visited with unrestricted free-agent running back Rashaad Penny on Wednesday. Seattle is pretty familiar with Penny after taking him with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of San Diego State. The 28-year-old flashed moments of brilliance in the first five seasons with the Seahawks but just was never able to stay healthy enough to stay on the field for long stretches. Penny averaged 5.7 yards per carry with 1,918 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 337 carries in Seattle while also catching 27 passes for 222 yards and another score. He had his smallest role yet with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, carrying the ball 11 times for 33 yards in three regular-season games. A move back to Seattle would have Penny serving as backfield depth behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Wesco Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Trevon Wesco

The Cleveland Browns reportedly visited with Tennessee Titans undrafted free-agent tight end Trevon Wesco on Wednesday. Wesco was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round (121st overall) in 2019 out of West Virginia. The 28-year-old spent the first three years of his NFL career in New York before single-year stints with the Chicago Bears and Titans in each of the last two seasons. He has just nine receptions on 17 targets for 134 yards and no touchdowns in 69 games (23 starts) in his five-year NFL career. Wesco has made a career out of being a blocking-first tight, so he won't even be close to the fantasy radar if he lands in Cleveland as depth in the TE room behind David Njoku and alongside names like Jordan Akins, Giovanni Ricci and Zaire Mitchell-Paden.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 17 7:00pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) plans to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers according to his agent. Dobbins appeared in just one game in 2023 before he tore his Achilles and missed the remainder of the campaign. The veteran runner will be reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who called plays for the Baltimore Ravens during a portion of Dobbins' stint there. Signs indicate that new head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to operate a run-heavy offensive approach with the Chargers, which would be good news for Dobbins, provided he's healthy. Consider this a good landing spot for Dobbins, who will look to prove his health in hopes of landing a long-term deal next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Rashaad Penny Apr 17 5:33pm CT
Rashaad Penny

Free-agent RB Rashaad Penny (Eagles) recently met with the Seattle Seahawks.

From TheHuddle

Christian Kirksey Apr 17 4:13pm CT
Christian Kirksey

Cleveland Browns OT Justin Murray, WR Rashard Higgins and LB Christian Kirksey were placed on the Reserve/Retired list Wednesday, April 17.

From TheHuddle

Darius Slay Apr 17 3:50pm CT
Darius Slay

The Philadelphia Eagles concluded pre-draft visits with Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold and Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean this week. Philly is clearly interested in adding defensive back talent to its defense after allowing 252.7 passing yards per game last year (second-worst). The organization holds the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is right in the range where Arnold and DeJean could be selected. Arnold, a 2023 first-team All-American, racked up 20 pass deflections and six interceptions over the last two seasons. DeJean totaled 13 pass deflections and seven interceptions in his final two collegiate campaigns, and he averaged 13.1 yards per punt return. Both players are considered top cornerback prospects in this cycle, so Philadelphia would make a great landing spot for either one as James Bradberry (30 years old) and Darius Slay (33 years old) have likely seen their best days in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Apr 17 3:40pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has not yet reported to voluntary offseason workouts this week, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. The 27-year-old is seeking a contract extension after posting 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns last season. He led the team in receiving yards last year, and he has done so in four of the last five campaigns. He's due to make $6.2 million in 2024. Although Slayton is far from a fantasy football superstar, he's been productive at times -- making this a situation worth monitoring. He should be a top wideout target in New York's offense once again, though they might take a wideout in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt could take on a larger role.

From RotoBaller

Cam Brown Apr 17 3:30pm CT
Cam Brown

Free-agent linebacker Cam Brown is signing with the Miami Dolphins, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Brown spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants after being selected by the organization in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State. In his first 60 NFL games, the 26-year-old accumulated 35 tackles (24 solo) and two forced fumbles. He posted seven special teams tackles last season, which is where he will likely contribute for the Fins in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Apr 17 1:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. McMillan was a three-year starter in college and is projected to be a Day 2 selection in the upcoming NFL draft next week. The 22-year-old ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February and also has good size at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds. In his career with the Huskies, McMillan had 164 receptions for 2,143 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 38 games played. Even though Cincy still has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins around, they are expected to take a receiver in this year's draft. They have three Day 3 picks, including two third-round picks at Nos. 80 and 97.

From RotoBaller

Christian Wilkins Apr 17 1:30pm CT
Christian Wilkins

The Miami Dolphins will exercise the fifth-year option for linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), according to general manager Chris Grier. The former 18th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, Phillips has been an integral piece for the Dolphins defense since he entered the league three years ago. He set a Dolphins rookie record with 8.5 sacks in 2021 and had seven sacks in 2022 before playing in only eight games in 2023 because of an Achilles tear. Before his injury, he was on pace for a career-high 14 sacks. The Dolphins expect Phillips to make a full recovery for the start of the 2024 campaign. Miami can't afford for Phillips to regress after his injury after losing Christian Wilkins this offseason. If healthy in 2024, Phillips should be on the IDP fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller