Lineup Prep: Divisional Round

Wed Jan 17 9:40am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

LaPorta is getting healthier


Here is to hoping that the playoff games are better this weekend. For the most part, the games last week just weren’t very good unless you were a fans of those teams. I’m hoping for some barn burners this week, going down to the last drive. It will make for a lot better viewing.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

I like a snow/cold game as much as anyone, but it does kind of stink for the teams involved when playing in the playoffs. You play all season in pretty normal conditions, but have to deal with brutal conditions when the playoffs hit. Again, I love to watch a snow game, but it probably would be better for the playoffs if teams didn’t have to deal with the awful winter weather. Oh well.

The Josh Allen experience is truly wild. He can drive you crazy with the turnovers and mistakes, but when he is playing well, Allen is really the best in the game. He showed that last week. Allen is just so tough defend, especially when he is running the ball more. The Bills kind of took that out of the game plan early in the season, but brought it back more after changing offensive coordinators. The change in philosophy has been a huge spark to the Bills offense.

I’m really excited about Jameson Williams next season. The Lions are starting to use him a lot more in normal routes than just as a deep threat. He is showing his ability as a route runner lately. Williams has a chance for a breakout season as long as he is healthy and playing. The big issue for Williams to start his career is just staying on the field. The ability is there for huge things. I’m ready to see what he can do next year.

It will be interesting to see what the Vikings do with their quarterback position this offseason. I almost think Kirk Cousins will be back and the team will draft a quarterback to learn from him. That might make the most sense and keep star receiver Justin Jefferson happy. This is one situation I’m going to keep a really close eye on this offseason because it has a lot of fantasy implications.

If I’m the Bears, I’m trading that No. 1 overall pick and loading up on more draft picks to surround Justin Fields with better talent. I know Caleb Williams is a stud and could be a fantastic pro, but Fields is no slouch. He made strides this year, especially late in the season. I think the franchise would do better to take advantage of the hype surround Williams and get a huge haul in a trade.

I don’t see Bill Belichick going to a team that doesn’t already have a franchise quarterback. You hear him interviewing with Atlanta, but that situation just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. I think he is going to go to a team that already has a top quarterback, so he doesn’t have to deal with the issues he had with the Patriots after losing Tom Brady.

And speaking of coaches, you have to wonder what is going to happen in Dallas after their stunning early-round exit in the playoffs. Mike McCarthy has been great during the regular season, but owner Jerry Jones doesn’t care about regular season wins. Jones wants Super Bowl titles. I would not be surprised if McCarthy is relieved of his job in the coming days.

I really thought the Browns operated better with Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback this season than Deshaun Watson. Flacco gave that passing game a spark and it produced huge numbers on a weekly basis. You have to think the Browns are really regretting going all in on Watson as their franchise quarterback. He certainly has not played near his past levels. The Browns really overpaid for Watson and could be feeling it for years to come.

News and Notes: The Bills released running back Leonard Fournette from the practice squad on Tuesday.

HOT PLAYS

Sam LaPorta, TE, Lions. LaPorta was able to play last week and didn’t look quite 100 percent, but still found the end zone. He has double-digit fantasy points three straight games and scores two straight. He should be even healthier this week, meaning his production could be even better. Plus, he has a great matchup against a bad Bucs pass defense. The Bucs allowed the second most fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers. McCaffrey is always a must start and hot play, but especially this week. He gets a Packers defense that is the worst out of all the remaining playoff teams against the run. Green Bay was 28th against the run in the regular season and allowed the 13th most fantasy points to running backs. Green Bay allowed 200-plus rushing yards four times this season. We think McCaffrey is going to have a monster showing in this one, possibly pushing 200-plus total yards and 30 fantasy points.

Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens. Flowers had a breakout season as the top target at receiver the Ravens. He played really well late in the season, having 20-plus fantasy points three of five games. He has scores four of five games. Flowers keeps getting it done on a weekly basis. Look for more success this week against the Texans in what should be a high-scoring game. The Texans have allowed 265-plus passing yards three of six games.

COLD PLAYS 

Devin Singletary, RB, Texans. Singletary had a solid season, emerging as the starter for the Texans. He has scores two straight games and has been consistent for the Texans, especially the second half of the season. Singletary has a really tough matchup to keep up his solid play this week, though, playing the Ravens. Baltimore was 14th against the run during the regular season, allowing 109.4-rushing yards per game. Houston might need to rely on C.J. Stroud and the passing game moire than Singletary if they hope to have much offensive success.

David Montgomery, RB, Lions. Montgomery found the end zone again last week, giving him four straight games with a touchdown. He still hasn’t topped 65-rushing yards in any of those games and has just three catches during that stretch. He might be a scary play this week against a Bucs defense that allowed just 10-rushing touchdowns all season. The Bucs allowed the third fewest fantasy points to running backs during the regular season and were fifth overall against the run.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. It is so hard to bet against Patrick Mahomes, but his numbers down the stretch haven’t been great for fantasy owners. He has just one touchdown each of his last three games. He has been pretty mediocre for fantasy teams. It might be more of the same this week against the Bills on the road. Buffalo has really played better defense down the stretch and allowed the sixth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks during the regular season.

SLEEPERS

Baker Mayfield, QB, Bucs. Mayfield had a great opener in the playoffs, hitting the 300-yard mark while scoring three touchdowns. Mayfield has multiple touchdowns five of six games. He has three three-touchdown games during that stretch. He has a great matchup against the Lions, a team that allowed the third most fantasy points to quarterback during the regular season. Look for Mayfield to keep it going this week.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Packers. Wicks scored another touchdown last week, giving him scores three straight games. He keeps finding the end zone, making him a top red-zone target for the Packers. He could score again this week in a game the Packers are likely throwing often and playing from behind. This could lead to even more targets for Wicks. He could be a sneaky play for fantasy owners.

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills. Shakir scored his third touchdown of the season last week. He has 12-plus fantasy points two straight games. He has at least three catches four consecutive games. Shakir is getting more work with Gabe Davis out and playing well in an expanded role. Shakir has a chance for another solid game this week in what should be a high-scoring game with the Chiefs.

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: Packers/49ers, Bucs/Lions.

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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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 10

Player Notes
Travis Etienne Nov 9 10:30am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. will look to take back control of the backfield in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings. He was questionable earlier in the week due to a hamstring injury but is no longer on the injury report after Friday's practice. Etienne Jr. only earned 31% of the snaps and five touches last week after missing the previous two games. He came into the season as the clear lead back, but due to a combination of underwhelming play and the emergence of backup Tank Bigsby, the backfield situation in Jacksonville is now at best an even split. However, with Trevor Lawrence and the receiving core banged up, both Etienne Jr. and Bigsby could be more involved than usual against the Vikings. Etienne Jr. should be viewed as a solid flex option in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Nov 9 10:20am ET
Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones seems likely to start this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence is dealing with a left shoulder injury from last week's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles and practiced in a limited fashion all week. The former first round pick of the New England Patriots has a decent matchup against the Vikings, who have been hit or miss against offenses in fantasy so far. Brian Flores, who also happens to be a former New England Patriot, loves to blitz, which can be difficult for quarterbacks who aren't ready for it, but can also mean great fantasy games for those who are ready for it. Fantasy owners should definitely hold off on starting Jones unless they are desperate given Week 10 would be his first start of the season.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 9 9:30am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is officially questionable to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He had been listed as a limited participant during all three days of practice this week. Thomas has exceeded expectations in his rookie season, catching 35 passes for 595 yards and five touchdowns through nine games. He ranks as the overall WR10 in terms of fantasy points this season, which is an impressive feat for someone catching passes in a 2-7 offense. Fantasy managers will hope that the LSU product suits up this week. He's a solid WR2 option despite a matchup against the Vikings' strong defense.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Nov 9 9:30am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is officially questionable to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He had been listed as a limited participant in practice all week long. Davis picked up the shoulder issue in Week 9, ultimately exiting the game early and finishing without a catch. In total, through nine games this year, he has 18 receptions for 217 yards and two touchdowns. That comes out to an average of just two catches and 24 receiving yards per game, which is certainly not good enough to keep him on the fantasy radar. Even with fellow receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) done for the year, Davis' role is unappealing. He can be dropped in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Nov 9 9:20am ET
Chris Olave

The New Orleans Saints will place wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) on injured reserve Saturday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Olave has suffered two concussions this season and four throughout his young career, prompting him to meet with specialists and potentially re-evaluate his future in the NFL. The Saints do expect Olave will return to the field this season, but his placement on IR rules him out for a minimum of four games. New Orleans has already lost Rashid Shaheed (knee) for the rest of the season, so Olave being sidelined once again will create significant opportunities for depth receivers like Cedrick Wilson Jr., Mason Tipton, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Nov 9 9:20am ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (right ankle) logged a full practice on Friday and has been removed from the team's final injury report. As a result, he will play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Moody has been sidelined since the end of Week 5, at which point he had gone 12-for-12 on extra points and 13-for-14 on field goals through five games. He earns significant volume as a result of the 49ers' strong offense, pairing his high usage with Moody's fantastic accuracy. The 24-year-old finds himself among the top 12 fantasy kickers for Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Nov 9 9:20am ET
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (shoulder, knee) logged a full practice on Friday. He had previously been listed as a limited participant. Friday's upgrade in practice status prompted the Chiefs to remove Hardman from the injury report, which means he'll suit up this week versus the Denver Broncos. The 26-year-old has filled a depth role this year, catching just nine of 10 targets for 75 yards. His involvement is expected to stay roughly the same in Week 10, keeping him firmly off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Nov 9 9:10am ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen saw just four carries for nine yards in a Week 9 win over the Houston Texans. Allen will look to bounce back in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The Cardinals represent a nice matchup for Allen as they are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game over the season. That being said, Allen has seen his opportunities cut since the Jets fired Robert Saleh following Week 5. While he remains a priority handcuff in case Breece Hall gets hurt, Allen should not be in starting lineups in fantasy heading into the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 9 9:10am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been one of the NFL's most productive running back in terms of scoring touchdowns lately. He has found the end zone four times over the last two games. Despite his clear productivity around the goal line, Stevenson has struggled in other areas, including efficiency; he has just 2.1 yards per carry over his last two games. In total, over the last two weeks, he has 30 carries for 64 yards on the ground, eight catches for 55 yards through the air, and the four touchdowns. He'll look to keep his scoring streak going this week against the Chicago Bears, who have allowed the 13th-most rushing yards and 10th-most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs this year. Given that Chicago has a strong secondary, we could see the Patriots lean on the run this week even if they're playing from behind. With decent volume, Stevenson could be a solid low-end RB2, but he'll still need to show good efficiency, scoring tendencies, and pass-catching work.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 9 9:00am ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams broke out in his third game with his new team, catching seven of 11 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. He will look to keep it going in Week 10's road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has been average against wide receivers this season, allowing the 14th-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, the targets have consolidated around Adams and Garrett Wilson of late and that should continue to be the case with Allen Lazard (chest) on injured reserve and Mike Williams now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Treat Adams as a mid-range WR1 in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Nov 9 8:40am ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has been on a tear of late as he has gotten to at least 100 receiving yards in three of his past five games while notching four touchdowns over that span. Wilson will look to keep it going in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The Cardinals have been a decent matchup for receivers as they are allowing the 14th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. The target share has really consolidated around Wilson and Davante Adams of late and that should continue to be the case in Week 10 with Mike Williams traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Allen Lazard (chest) on injured reserve. Treat Wilson as a top-six fantasy wideout this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 9 8:20am ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee, hamstring) is coming off one of his best games of the season as he threw for three touchdowns in a win over the Houston Texans last week. Rodgers has a chance to stay hot against the Arizona Cardinals on the road in Week 10. The Cardinals represent a good matchup for Rodgers as they are allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. Rodgers settles in as a high-end QB2 in fantasy heading into Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Nov 9 8:20am ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall ran for 74 yards in a win over the Houston Texans in Week 9. He will now look to break a two-game scoreless streak in Week 10's road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have been generous to opposing running backs as they are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Hall has been the Jets' bell cow since they changed head coaches last month and should continue to dominate the backfield touches in a favorable matchup, making him a high-end RB1 in fantasy in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Nov 9 8:10am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce hauled in three passes for 41 yards in Week 9 after totaling three catches for 36 yards over the prior three weeks. With fellow wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. set to miss this week's game, Pierce could see an uptick in targets. If the 6-foot-3 wideout can convert a target or two into receptions, it could be a big day for the speedy receiver. So far this year, Pierce has earned only 12.84% target share compared to Pittman's 22.18%, yet Pierce commands 26.97% of the team's air yards compared to Pittman's 24.91%. That is because most of Pierce's targets are deep shots, having a whopping 22.60 average depth of target (aDOT) compared to an aDOT of 12.08 for Pittman. Still, the Colts offense struggled last week even with a so-called upgrade at quarterback with Joe Flacco under center instead of Anthony Richardson, and it could have a difficult day against a decent Bills pass defense. If the Colts rely on the ground game, as the Bills have allowed the second-most fantasy points to RBs, then the receivers may not stand to get much of boost in Pittman's absence. Pierce is still more of a boom/bust WR5 this week, with perhaps a better shot than recent weeks of catching a long one.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Nov 9 7:50am ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle, wrist) came off the injury report Friday and will play against the New York Giants in Week 10. Over the last month, Sanders has been the Panthers' most reliable target, averaging four receptions for 51 yards per game during that stretch. Unfortunately, the rookie has yet to find the end zone in his NFL career, which has hurt his production numbers, but that milestone should indeed be crossed soon. The Giants defend tight ends surprisingly well, ranking third in the league in points allowed against the position. With tight end Tommy Tremble (back) questionable, Sanders should see the majority of snaps once again. He is ranked as TE21 by RotoBaller for this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Eddy Pineiro Nov 9 7:50am ET
Eddy Pineiro

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro has been in fantasy purgatory for most of his 2024 campaign amid immense struggles for Carolina's offense. The team has flip-flopped quarterbacks, traded away receivers, and consistently failed to put him in a position to kick the ball. They did, however, show some improvement in Week 9 as Pineiro made a 48-yarder to go along with two extra points. He should still be wholly avoided for fantasy purposes, but there are definite signs of life for the placekicker in Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Nov 9 7:40am ET
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is coming off his best performance of the season against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. Young finished that game with 171 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a 61% completion rate. He also orchestrated a game-winning drive to secure Carolina's second win of the season. In Week 10, he'll travel to Germany to face a feeble New York Giants team who've lost four straight. Young has utilized some emerging targets in the Panthers' offense, such as tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Still, as a QB fighting for his starting job every week, the second-year quarterback remains a low-end QB2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Nov 9 7:40am ET
Chuba Hubbard

Earlier this week, running back Chuba Hubbard agreed to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers. Hubbard will look to keep things rolling against the New York Giants on Sunday. Hubbard has been one of the few bright spots for Carolina, ranking as RB7 in half-PPR scoring entering Week 10. He has absorbed all backfield work from running back Miles Sanders, who sees fewer and fewer touches. While rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is questionable for this German matchup against the Giants, there is no reason to expect a lighter workload for Hubbard, who sealed the team's Week 9 victory with a 16-yard touchdown run. He should be a safe RB2 in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Nov 9 7:40am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette has scored a touchdown in two straight weeks, both coming in red zone targets. The Panthers rookie wideout will look to find the end zone again in the Germany game against the New York Giants. All four of Legette's scores this season have been from inside the 20-yard line, as his 6-foot-2, 227-pound frame has become his greatest advantage. While his down-to-down consistency still leaves more to be desired, Legette did hang on for a crucial 26-yard completion over the middle in the Panthers' game-winning drive in Week 9. Facing an unimpressive New York Giants defense in Week 10, he should have opportunities to build on his chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. Still, a WR3 for now, the rookie from South Carolina relies on scores for production.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Nov 9 7:40am ET
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers undrafted rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker will start in the team's Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. Coker has been the surprise of the season for Carolina, with 14 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown over his last six games. With wide receiver Jonathan Mingo traded to Dallas earlier this week, that could be a signal that Carolina brass believe in the kid from Holy Cross and want to see him with more snaps. In the last two weeks, Coker has combined for six receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. While not a steady starting option, he could be a streaming player in deep-leagues against the Giants in Week 10.

From RotoBaller