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
Jerome Ford May 1 3:40pm CT
Jerome Ford

In a media availability this week, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke on the team's current running back situation. "I think Jerome [Ford] has done a nice job. He had some really, really, really big moments for our football team and he made big plays for us when we needed it." Stefanski said. "So, excited about that." The Cleveland Browns appear to have a crowded running back room heading into 2024, as Nick Chubb (knee), Ford, and D'Onta Foreman have all had their moments over the last two seasons. Of course, Chubb is recovering from a major knee injury that he suffered in Week 2 of last season, so he could be eased into action to begin the new campaign. "With Nick [Chubb], obviously, we'll continue to let him rehab, and when he's ready and the doctors tell me he's ready, he goes." Stefanski said," Until then, we like the guys we have." There will be plenty of updates on this situation as we inch closer to fantasy football season, but for now, his comments regarding Ford are promising. The Cincinnati product rushed 204 times for 813 yards and four touchdowns last year to go along with 44 receptions for 319 yards and five scores. Regardless of Chubb's status, Ford should at least be involved in the receiving game in his third NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Tyrann Mathieu May 1 3:20pm CT
Tyrann Mathieu

The New Orleans Saints signed free-agent cornerback Will Harris on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. Harris spent the first five seasons of his professional career with the Detroit Lions after being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Through the first 81 games (40 starts) of his career, Harris has racked up 246 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and 14 pass deflections. Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor, and second-round rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry form a strong two-deep depth chart at cornerback, but Harrison also has experience as a safety. He could be a primary backup for Jordan Howden or Tyrann Mathieu if he makes the team's 53-man roster.

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Keon Coleman May 1 2:00pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that quarterback Josh Allen really liked wide receiver Keon Coleman before the team selected him in the second round of this year's draft at No. 33 overall. Coleman said that after he was drafted, Allen texted him to say, "You're the guy that I wanted." The 20-year-old big-bodied wideout from Florida State was as impressive as any of the team's top pass-catchers in this year's draft with his ability to make tough, contested catches down the field. That will be useful when working with Allen and his gunslinging ways, but Coleman's weakness is that he doesn't generate much separation from defensive backs. Outside of his 11 touchdowns in 2023, Coleman had just 7.3 yards per target and isn't a burner. Despite his weaknesses, he should have plenty of opportunity in Buffalo in his rookie season.

From RotoBaller

Zach Wilson May 1 1:20pm CT
Zach Wilson

The Denver Broncos have informed quarterback Zach Wilson and his representatives that they won't pick up his fifth-year option, according to sources. The Broncos acquired the New York Jets' former second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft early last week and then selected QB Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in this year's draft. Wilson's option would have been for a guaranteed $22.408 million in 2025. The Jets will pay a significant portion of Wilson's $1.055 million base salary in 2024, and he's now headed for free agency next spring. Wilson, Nix and Jarrett Stidham, who started the final two games in 2023 when the team benched Russell Wilson, will compete for the starting job in Denver in training camp this summer. It's a fresh start for Wilson, but he has not looked like a starter in his first three years in the league with a 57% completion rate, 25 interceptions and 23 touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk May 1 1:10pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

The San Francisco 49ers were engaged in trade talks involving wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel leading up to the draft, but the team elected not to trade either of their star receivers, with all signs pointing toward both being on the 2024 roster. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the assumption was that he'd be the odd man out after the team paid Samuel and other star players. Samuel still has two years left on the deal he signed before the 2022 season. San Fran has been to at least the NFC Championship game in four of the last five seasons, and losing Aiyuk or Samuel would almost certainly make the team worse in 2024. The 49ers can afford to keep both this year, but an Aiyuk extension would likely reduce his $14.124 million salary cap number for 2024. Samuel's fantasy value would have likely taken a hit with a move out of the Bay Area.

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Anthony Richardson May 1 1:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts posted a video of quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) throwing at offseason spring practices, and he appears to be fully healthy after needing season-ending shoulder surgery in his rookie season in 2023. The 21-year-old is expected to be ready to take part in organized team activities in May and June, although the Colts could choose to ease him in. The former fourth overall pick last year out of Florida played in just four games in 2023 due to a head injury and his shoulder ailment, but he flashed high-end QB1 upside in that small sample size by throwing for 577 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while also picking up 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns. There's obvious injury risk involved because of his propensity to take off and run, but fantasy managers can't deny the upside.

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Zaven Collins Apr 30 8:00pm CT
Zaven Collins

The Arizona Cardinals have chosen not to pick up defensive end Zaven Collins' fifth-year option, according to general manager Monti Ossenfort. With the move, Collins will be in the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 and will become a free agent next March. It's a surprising move after the 24-year-old former 16th overall pick has recorded 166 tackles (103 solo), 5.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 12 passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 50 games (39 starts) in his three years in the NFL. Collins isn't exactly on the IDP fantasy radar as a defensive lineman because of his lack of sacks, but he should continue to be a starting edge defender for Arizona in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Apr 30 7:50pm CT
Trey Benson

The Arizona Cardinals took running back Trey Benson in the third round of this year's NFL draft, and it's unlikely that he will take over lead-back duties from James Conner this year, even though Conner hasn't shown that he's up to bell-cow duties in the NFL. Mainly because of injuries, Conner has posted between 200 and 250 touches in each of the last four seasons with the Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers, never playing in more than 15 games. Conner has been a pretty big injury risk for fantasy managers, but when he's been on the field, he's been impressive. The 28-year-old had 5.1 yards per touch in 2023. However, with Benson now in the fold, Arizona's backfield could easily evolve into a platoon situation that turns both Conner and Benson into solid RB2 candidates.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Apr 30 7:40pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

The Green Bay Packers selected former USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, and The Athletic's Matt Schneidman writes that he could compete for the backup to new feature back Josh Jacobs in 2024. The Packers re-signed AJ Dillon this offseason, but he might not be a lock to make the final roster. The Athletic's Dane Brugler doesn't think Lloyd has the profile of a high-volume back, but he has the ability to spark an offense with his mix of patience, burst and promise as a pass-catcher. Green Bay may want to take some of the load off Jacobs -- in five seasons with the Raiders, Jacobs ranked second in the NFL in carries and rushing yards since 2019. Lloyd will at least compete with 2023 undrafted RB Emanuel Wilson for the No. 3 job.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Apr 30 7:20pm CT
Bo Nix

The Denver Broncos surprisingly took quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, adding to a QB room that already included Jarrett Stidham and former first-rounder Zach Wilson. The Broncos were in no rush to name Nix the starter last week after drafting him, and he hasn't even thrown his first pass in rookie minicamp. Neither Stidham nor Wilson have had much experience or success at the NFL level, but it's clear that Denver won't rush Nix if he's not ready. With that said, the former Oregon signal-caller has every chance to win the job in his rookie season in 2024. The best bet going into Week 1 this fall is that either Stidham or Wilson will open the year as the team's starter under center, giving Nix time to develop and learn. Nix won't be a realistic option in 2024 redraft fantasy leagues, nor will Stidham/Wilson, outside of superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Boston Scott Apr 30 7:10pm CT
Boston Scott

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott reached an agreement on an undisclosed one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, according to sources. The Rams backfield now boasts Kyren Williams, rookie third-rounder Blake Corum, Scott and others. In addition to those three, LA also has Ronnie Rivers and Zach Evans as backfield depth. The 29-year-old Scott was mostly a complementary third-down, pass-catching back in his six years with the Eagles but was never a big part of the offense. The former sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2018 out of Louisiana Tech has never gone over 374 rushing yards in a single season, and his seven-touchdown campaign in 2021 was an outlier. Barring injuries, Williams and Corum figure to see most of the Rams' backfield touches in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Frank Gore Jr. Apr 30 3:50pm CT
Frank Gore Jr.

The Buffalo Bills signed undrafted free-agent running back Frank Gore Jr., according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. The son of a five-time Pro Bowler and potential Hall of Famer, Gore Jr. spent four seasons at Southern Miss and compiled 4,022 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, 692 receiving yards, and four receiving scores in 47 career games. He was projected to be a late-round pick by many analysts, but he was not one of the 15 ball carriers selected on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft. With James Cook and fourth-round rookie Ray Davis all but guaranteed roster spots, Gore Jr. will likely need to beat out Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans to have a chance at making the 53-man roster.

From RotoBaller

Cody Schrader Apr 30 3:40pm CT
Cody Schrader

Undrafted free-agent running back Cody Schrader signed a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to take part in their rookie minicamp, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at the Division II level at Truman State in 2018 but saw limited action until his 2021 campaign. During that season, he rushed 300 times for 2,074 yards and 25 touchdowns. He then transferred to Missouri as a walk-on and vastly exceeded expectations. In two seasons in Columbia, he racked up 2,372 rushing yards, 328 receiving yards, and 23 total touchdowns. Although he's likely a longshot to make the Niners' 53-man roster, the 2023 unanimous All-American has experience with being overlooked and counted out, so it will be interesting to see if he can make an impact in the NFL for one of the 32 franchises.

From RotoBaller

Brian Allen Apr 30 3:30pm CT
Brian Allen

The Cleveland Browns signed veteran center Brian Allen, according to his agency. The 28-year-old was selected with the No. 111 overall pick (fourth round) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2018 NFL Draft and played in 50 games (32 starts) for the organization. However, his role in L.A. faded over the last two seasons, as he started just seven games in 2022 due to injuries and did not log a start in 2023 after losing the position battle to Coleman Shelton. He'll likely compete with third-year center Dawson Deaton for the backup center job behind Ethan Pocic in Cleveland this year.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Apr 30 3:20pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

The Baltimore Ravens have picked up the fifth-year option on linebacker Odafe Oweh, the team announced on X. The No. 31 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is now under contract with Baltimore through the 2025 season. Though Oweh's first 45 NFL games, he has racked up 99 tackles (73 solo), 13 sacks, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one pass deflection, and 14.5 run stuffs. The former Penn State Nittany Lion hasn't been a star since entering the league, but he's a productive rotational pass rusher on a strong defense. He might see more action this year after the departure of Jadeveon Clowney.

From RotoBaller

Chris Harris Apr 30 3:20pm CT
Chris Harris

Longtime NFL defensive back Chris Harris Jr. is retiring after 12 seasons. The 34-year-old was originally undrafted out of Kansas in the class of 2011 and played nine years with the Denver Broncos, two years with the Los Angeles Chargers, and one year with the New Orleans Saints. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection compiled 621 tackles, six sacks, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 22 interceptions, and 101 pass deflections in 172 career games. He started opposite Aqib Talib for the legendary 2015 Broncos' defense that won Super Bowl 50 in Peyton Manning's final year in the NFL. Harris is not a Hall of Fame candidate on paper, but he enjoyed a spectacular career, especially considering he went undrafted.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Apr 30 1:40pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

With San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings on the roster, The Athletic's Matt Barrows and David Lombardi write that it's hard to envision rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall having a bi role in his rookie campaign in 2024. Pearsall can also return punts, but so does veteran Trent Taylor and fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing, so Pearsall will have to beat them both out to return punts this year. However, if there are any injuries to Aiyuk, Samuel or Jennings, Pearsall could be a major factor in San Fran's offense. The selection of the young receiver late in the first round seemed to be more of a pick for 2025 than for this year. Pearsall will probably need a year to adjust to the demands of the position, so he'll merely be a late-round flier for fantasy managers in rookie-only dynasty drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Apr 30 1:20pm CT
Joey Slye

The Jacksonville Jaguars released kicker Joey Slye on Tuesday. The Jaguars signed Slye in free agency in March, but he's now a free agent after the team selected kicker Cam Little in the sixth round of this year's NFL draft. Little and Riley Patterson figure to compete for the starting kicking duties in Jacksonville this summer in training camp. The 28-year-old Slye will now look for work elsewhere after making 79.2 percent of his 24 field-goal attempts over 17 games with the Washington Commanders in 2023. He also made 32 of his 35 extra-point attempts. For his career, Slye has made 82.3 percent of his field-goal attempts while making 88.5 percent of his extra points in five NFL seasons with the Commanders, Panthers, Texans and 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Apr 30 1:20pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said that head coach Mike McDaniel had been bugging him to draft Virginia wide receiver Malik Washington for multiple rounds. "Your rookie year can be very productive if you're a pro, which I know you can be immediately because you're going to have the opportunity," McDaniel told Washington. The Dolphins ultimately took the wideout in the sixth round of this year's NFL draft at 184th overall. Washington caught 111 passes for 1,384 yards and nine touchdowns in his only season with Virginia in 2023. He could have an immediate role for Miami in his rookie year, and his after-the-catch ability make him intriguing in the Dolphins' explosive offense. However, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle commanding most of the looks from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it's hard to envision Washington making a big rookie-year impact in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 30 1:10pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles), who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in 2023 while with the Baltimore Ravens, said he's "100 percent now." Dobbins had 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries for the Ravens in his rookie year. But since then, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2021, played in just eight games in 2022 with another knee injury and missed all of last year with his Achilles tear. He'll be joining former Ravens RB Gus Edwards and offensive coordinator Greg Roman in LA in 2024. The familiarity with Roman is definitely good for Dobbins as he attempts to return from yet another devastating injury, but the presence of Edwards and Dobbins' extensive injury history will make him a pretty big fantasy risk with the Bolts. At best, the 25-year-old will probably be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller