Guest of the League
Sunday Night Grillmaster Est. 2023
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Fantasy Quarterback Preview

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Jun 10 10:40am CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) was held out completely from Thursday's organized team activities due to what he described as "a little soreness" in his surgically repaired right shoulder. "It's nothing to worry about," Richardson said. "I've dealt with this before. Normally, I just ice up and just go back at it again." The Colts aren't going to push the second-year signal-caller after he had season-ending AC joint surgery back in October, and Richardson dismissed any notion that he suffered a setback in his rehab. He said the Colts were actually "surprised" that Thursday was the first day he sat out due to soreness because it's been "smooth sailing" otherwise. Despite having played in only four games in the NFL, Richardson has enticing high-end QB1 upside in fantasy. Richardson should be a full-go in training camp this summer.

From RotoBaller

Evan Hull Jun 10 10:40am CT
Evan Hull

Indianapolis Colts running back Evan Hull (knee) played in just one game and eight offensive snaps in his rookie season in 2023 before suffering a season-ending knee injury in which he tore his left MCL. "It was a root tear, so it was a little different than your typical tear in the body, which would be more of a six- to eight-week type of thing that we see typically," Hull said. The former third-rounder was cleared to resume all football activities a few weeks after offseason organized team activities begin, and he's been competing alongside Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson as the Colts evaluate who will serve as the primary back to Jonathan Taylor in 2024. Sermon is probably the favorite for the No. 2 backfield job, but Hull could see some third-down work in his second season in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Jun 10 10:40am CT
Rashee Rice

Speaking to reporters on Saturday for the first time since his tumultuous offseason, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice said his focus is to "mature and continue to grow." The 24-year-old second-year wideout was arrested in April following a multiple-vehicle crash in Dallas, and he's also a suspect in a separate incident in an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub in May. "I've learned so much from that," Rice said. "All I can do is mature and continue to grow from that. This is a step in a better direction for me." He has taken part in all offseason practices with the Chiefs but is likely to face a suspension from the league to begin the 2024 season, which is obviously a hit to his fantasy value. In his rookie campaign, Rice became one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite targets, finishing with 79 receptions on 102 targets for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Jun 10 10:40am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said that he's looking to "just be better than last year" as an encore to his Pro Bowl season in 2023, and he's also excited about new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's scheme. "It is juicy," Njoku said of Cleveland's offense. "I am not going to say anything else. Leave it at that. But I'm really excited for this year." The 27-year-old former 29th overall pick in 2017 out of Miami, Njoku set career-highs across the board last year and finished with a team-high 81 catches on 123 targets for 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games, while playing with five different quarterbacks. Dorsey will be Njoku's fifth offensive coordinator in eight seasons in Cleveland. Most of Njoku's production last year came late with veteran Joe Flacco, but still, he's firmly on the TE1 map in 2024 and has been extremely durable in his career.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Jun 10 10:40am CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud gave wide receiver Nico Collins some high praise at this week's mandatory minicamp, comparing him to Hall of Famer and former Texan Andre Johnson. "[Collins is] a generational talent. He's like our age's Andre Johnson, in my opinion," Stroud said. "Just how fast he is, how he gets in and out of his braces, releases, how strong he is. I think last year was just a preview of what's to come for him." Collins had a career year in 2023, going for 1,297 receiving yards on 80 receptions (109 targets) and eight touchdowns in 15 regular season games (10 starts). The 1,297 yards rank eighth in the team's single-season record books, and his eight touchdowns are tied for fifth. The Texans rewarded Collins with a three-year, $72.5 million extension, but he could have a tough time replicating those numbers in 2024 with Stefon Diggs now in town in Houston.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Jun 10 10:40am CT
Darren Waller

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller announced his retirement on Sunday. There was talk about this, so the news isn't surprising to many. The 2015 sixth-round pick spent his first two seasons in Baltimore before spending five seasons with Oakland/Las Vegas. It was with the Raiders where he made a name for himself, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and becoming widely known as one of the NFL's top tight ends. Unfortunately, Waller battled injuries over the years, and he finished his final season in the league with the Giants by amassing only 552 yards and a touchdown off 52 catches. But with Waller now out of the equation, Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson are the favorites to fill the void at the position moving ahead, with both men likely battling throughout training camp for the right to sit atop the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Gerald Everett Jun 10 10:40am CT
Gerald Everett

According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, free agent tight end Mercedes Lewis will visit with the Bears on Monday. If all goes according to plan, he will sign a new contract. The veteran has spent time with the Jaguars and Packers before spending 2023 with Chicago, where he amassed just four catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. This will be season No. 19 for Lewis, assuming he signs. However, the Bears have Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett on the roster, so Lewis isn't expected to find a spot on many fantasy rosters during the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Steven Nelson Jun 9 6:53pm CT
Steven Nelson

Free-agent CB Steven Nelson (Texans) has announced his retirement from professional football. He did receive interest from the Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins this offseason but has decided to retire, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

Ty Chandler Jun 9 6:13pm CT
Ty Chandler

Dynasty | Early reports are indicating the Vikings are planning on using both Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler extensively this season. Dynasty Analysis: Well, this isn't fun. Off-season reports don't mean much but dynasty managers who are leaning on Jones to be a featured option for the Vikings next season may be disappointed. It shouldn't be a shock as Chandler has looked good in spurts. Jones is also on a short-term deal and largely disappointed last season despite a monster playoff game against Dallas. Chandler may end up being a bargain this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sterling Shepard Jun 9 6:13pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Dynasty | The Tampa Bay Bucs have signed wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Dynasty Analysis: It's a feel-good story for Shepard but hardly a needle mover in dynasty leagues. Shepard could prove serviceable down the line should he make the team but that's no guarantee. Injuries have really affected his play over the past few years and he's not nearly the player he once was. Dynasty managers should simply keep him on their watch lists at the moment as he isn't roster worthy, despite finding a new home.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Alvin Kamara Jun 9 6:03pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara is expected to participate in the mandatory minicamp this upcoming week, according to head coach Dennis Allen. Kamara did not report for the voluntary workouts this offseason.

Fantasy Spin: Kamara should be the main running back for the Saints again this season and should see plenty of touches each game. He should be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues this upcoming season.

From TheHuddle

Darren Waller Jun 9 2:53pm CT
Darren Waller

New York Giants TE Darren Waller informed the team of his retirement from the NFL, according to sources Sunday, June 9.

Fantasy Spin: A move that was widely expected, the Giants will save $11.6 million against the salary cap. This opens up a chance for Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson to take the starting role in the offense. For now, they can be considered potential streaming options in the right matchup.

From TheHuddle

Marcedes Lewis Jun 9 2:43pm CT
Marcedes Lewis

Free-agent TE Marcedes Lewis (Bears) intends to re-sign with the Chicago Bears following a meeting Monday, June 10, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

JuJu Smith-Schuster Jun 9 10:33am CT
JuJu Smith-Schuster

New England Patriots WRs Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn and Ja'Lynn Polk appear to be locks to make the team's 53-man roster at the beginning of the regular season, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. A handful of other receivers, such as Kayshon Boutte, Jalen Reagor, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton are battling for one or two roster spots.

Fantasy Spin: Another roster spot could open up for a wide receiver if Bourne, who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, begins the 2024 season on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Douglas, Osborn and Baker are worthy of consideration as late-round fliers in fantasy drafts but none should be viewed as a weekly starting option.

From TheHuddle

Nazeeh Johnson Jun 9 10:30am CT
Nazeeh Johnson

Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (knee) is taking part in offseason organized team activities and recorded a red-zone pass breakup during 11-on-11 drills on Friday. In addition, cornerback Joshua Williams picked a pass off in the red zone. Johnson missed all of last year due to a torn ACL but appears to be on track to be ready for training camp, the preseason and the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old defensive back was a seventh-round selection by the Chiefs in 2022 out of Marshall. In his rookie campaign, he played in 11 games (no starts) and recorded just eight tackles (five solo). As long as he doesn't suffer a setback with his surgically repaired knee, Johnson will be competing for a depth role in KC's secondary this summer.

From RotoBaller

DeMeco Ryans Jun 9 10:30am CT
DeMeco Ryans

Houston Texans center Juice Scruggs "is looking great" at organized team activities this offseason, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. Scruggs has worked diligently this offseason to prepare for the 2024 campaign and looks visibly bigger, stronger and more mobile. He's a natural center and is a projected starter for the defending AFC South champions. The 24-year-old former second-rounder last year out of Penn State overcame a slow-healing hamstring injury and started to establish his presence at the line of scrimmage in seven games (six starts). Since an injury to Tytus Howard last year, Scruggs became a starter, including playoff games against the Browns and Ravens, and was a reliable presence on the left side of the line.

From RotoBaller

Xavien Howard Jun 9 10:30am CT
Xavien Howard

Former Miami Dolphins star cornerback Xavien Howard sent a male teenager a sexually explicit photograph of the teen's mother because she refused to get an abortion, a new court filing alleges. The allegation was made on Thursday in a lawsuit filed last year by a woman who is not the teenager's mother. The woman is accusing Howard of secretly recording them having sex and sharing the recordings with others. She said Howard also shared, without her consent, sex tapes she had agreed to make. Howard, 30, was released by Miami this offseason in a money-saving move and he remains a free agent. He is denying the claims, according to his attorney, Ted Craig. It remains to be seen if Howard will face any kind of suspension from the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Nate Sudfeld Jun 8 9:03pm CT
Nate Sudfeld

Detroit Lions QB Hendon Hooker needs to 'take a step up' to secure the backup quarterback job from QB Nate Sudfeld, according to head coach Dan Campbell. 'We need to feel like by the end of camp this guy can run this offense,' Campbell said.

From TheHuddle

Von Miller Jun 8 8:43pm CT
Von Miller

Buffalo Bills LB Von Miller (knee) has been practicing without a knee brace for the first time since suffering a right knee injury in 2022. 'I have continued to grind and continued to work on my knee,' Miller said. 'Everything revolves around my health and how my knee is feeling.'

From TheHuddle

BJ Thompson Jun 8 10:30am CT
BJ Thompson

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman BJ Thompson is in stable condition after suffering cardiac arrest during Thursday's practice. The 25-year-old was taken to the hospital by ambulance on Thursday morning. He was unconscious for an extended period, but Chiefs head trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters on Friday that he is now alert, awake, and recovering well. It's a scary development, but it sounds like his condition is improving and he will be okay. The 2023 fifth-round pick appeared in one game for Kansas City last season, racking up two tackles in the late-season win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller