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Fantasy Championship Slow 4hr IV
Championship $300 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Lineup Prep: Championship Games

Wed Jan 24 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Gibbs can produce big this week


Last week was sure entertaining. Let’s hope the games this week are just as good. I sure think it is possible. The matchups seems pretty even to me. I know the 49ers are pretty good favorites against the Lions at home, but I think Detroit can keep it close. And the Chiefs/Ravens game is setup to be fantastic. These teams are both rolling right now. We get to see two of the greatest quarterbacks in football battle it out to make the Super Bowl. This should be fun.

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

Those were some games last week. It was fun to watch, especially that Chiefs/Bills game. You have to feel for Josh Allen. He had a great run in the playoffs, but just can’t get over that Kansas City hump. It was there for the taking last week for Allen, but his field goal kicker let him down. I still think Allen is an elite level quarterback than can win the big game. It will come for him sooner than later. He is just running into a buzz saw with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs right now.

I don’t think Brock Purdy silenced the doubters after last week’s game. He was not great until that last game-winning drive. He still looked a little shaky to me most of that game. And the loss of Deebo Samuel could be huge for him and the offense. Samuel seems to be a calming influence for Purdy. I am interested to see him play this week. This could be make or break for him.

Aaron Jones sure is a difference maker when healthy. He was unbelievable for the Packers down the stretch, having five straight 100-yard rushing games. The issue is Jones is hard to trust because of his injury history and age. He is 29 years old and missed five games each of the last two seasons and played a full season just once the last five years. I love his talent, but have a hard time taking him on draft day - even after his huge finish to this season.

I’m happy for Baker Mayfield. He seems to have found a home after a rocky start to his career. He was terrific for the Bucs with that great group of receivers. And he almost played that team into the NFC Championship game last week, throwing three more touchdown passes. I don’t see the Bucs letting him loose and I think he could be a top-10 fantasy quarterback once again next season in Tampa. I don’t think it was a fluke this year.

I am really hoping the Texans make a run at Saquon Barkley this offseason. Could you imagine him in that offense? I think he would be a great fit and a huge spark for that running game in Houston. I think this would just be an ideal landing spot for Barkley when it comes to his fantasy value. Let’s make this happen!

The Ravens have a great team and are the favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but can you imagine that offense with a healthy JK Dobbins or Keaton Mitchell all season. Both these backs are difference makers in my eyes and big upgrades over what they are using right now. I still think Dobbins can be a star in this league. Just something to keep in mind next season when these guys are back playing.

I like the Titans hire of Brian Callahan as their next head coach. He should be a positive for that offense, especially quarterback Will Levis. Hopefully, he can take this offense to a new level and give us a bunch of fantasy relevant players. Callahan is a bright, young offensive mind that has been integral in the development of Joe Burrow. Let’s hope he can do the same for Levis.

News and Notes: The Lions signed tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad on Monday. Ertz gives the Lions depth at the position after an injury to Brock Wright.

HOT PLAYS

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. With Deebo Samuel very iffy to play, Aiyuk should be the top target at receiver for the 49ers this week. He didn’t do much last week, but was targeted six times in the game, which was encouraging. He gets a much better matchup this week against the Lions, a team that has allowed five straight 300-yard passing games. Aiyuk can have a big showing in this matchup.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Lions. Gibbs had a big game last week, topping 100 total yards while scoring a touchdown. He has touchdowns each of the first two playoff games for the Lions. He has 16-plus fantasy points each of those games. Gibbs is playing well and should be heavily involved in the offense again this week. The 49ers have been great against the run much of the year, but shown some issues stopping the run lately. San Francisco allowed 136-rushing yards last week and given up 100-plus rushing yards four of five games.

COLD PLAYS 

Jared Goff, QB, Lions. Goff had a great overall season, but his fantasy numbers haven’t been too off the charts. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three of five games. He is getting his yards, but the Lions tend to run the ball in more for scores than pass. He might be an iffy fantasy play this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to quarterback during the regular season.

Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens. Edwards has failed to score each of his last two games, giving him really poor fantasy numbers. He has fewer than six fantasy points each of his last two games, failing to hit 50-rushing yards each of those games. Edwards could have a similar showing this week against the Chiefs, a team that allowed the 10th fewest fantasy points to running backs. Kansas City allowed just 10-rushing touchdowns all season.

SLEEPERS

Rashod Bateman, WR, Ravens. Bateman had three receptions for 39 yards on three targets last week. He had a solid game but failed to hit double-digit fantasy points once again. The good news is he got his looks once again. The Chiefs have a very good pass defense, but Bateman could have more favorable coverages than Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham. Those guys should draw the tougher assignments, leaving Bateman a chance to make some big plays in the passing game. He could surprise this week.

Justice Hill, RB, Ravens. Hill led the Ravens in rushing last week, including rushing attempts. He got more work than starter Gus Edwards. Hill had 15 touches for 77 total yards. He could be setup for a similar workload in what could be a high-scoring fantasy teams. This means Hill could have a big fantasy showing. At this point, we might trust Hill more than Edwards, who is a more touchdown dependent player.

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: Chiefs/Ravens, Lions/49ers.

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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Player Notes
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

Dante Fowler Jun 8 10:30am CT
Dante Fowler

Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis hasn't had the impact the organization hoped for when he was selected with the No. 19 pick of the 2021 NFL draft out of Kentucky. He's appeared in 45 games over the last three seasons, collecting 269 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, six pass deflections, and 21.5 run stuffs. However, new head coach Dan Quinn is likely to start Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner on the inside in 2024, so Davis is getting the chance to earn playing time on the edge. "We're trying to really push him specifically on the versatility. So you'll see him working some with the defensive line, you'll see him working with [pass rush specialist] Ryan Kerrigan on the side, and we're adding parts to his game that maybe we didn't use and we're certainly trying to explore that." Davis is a talented player with physical tools, so there's a chance he could become a solid rotational pass rusher in what should be a much improved Washington defense this season. For now, Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, and Clelin Ferrell are likely the top three edge rushers on the depth chart. Heading into a contract year, Davis will have to show some upside to become an attractive free agent for the 2025 offseason.

From RotoBaller

Robert Tonyan Jun 8 10:30am CT
Robert Tonyan

Minnesota Vikings tight end Robert Tonyan is building chemistry with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy at OTAs, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. The 30-year-old signed a one-year, $1.23 million deal to join the team this offseason, and he could compete for snaps while T.J. Hockenson (knee) works his way back from a late-season ACL tear. Tonyan spent five seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one year with the Chicago Bears and racked up 148 receptions for 1,549 yards and 17 touchdowns in 85 games. He led all tight ends with 11 touchdowns in 2020. Although his one season of fantasy upside looks to be an outlier and a result of playing with Aaron Rodgers, he should be slightly on the fantasy radar in deep tight-end premium leagues. He figured to compete with Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and K'Neal Harry (recently moved to tight end) for early-season reps. Whoever earns the temporary TE1 job will likely have limited upside catching passes from Sam Darnold or McCarthy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Jun 8 10:30am CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (illness) was absent from practice this week due to an illness, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. It's unfortunate timing since the 25-year-old impressed in OTAs earlier this offseason, but absences have been a common theme. The 2022 sixth-round pick was limited to just six games last season with lower-body injuries and a concussion. Through his first 21 NFL games, he has hauled in just 12 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown. It'd be a surprise if he's on the fantasy football radar this year, as he's firmly behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the depth chart. He'll have to beat out Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield to start in three-wide sets, and even if he does, he'll have limited upside in an offense led by rookie J.J. McCarthy or veteran Sam Darnold.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Jun 8 10:30am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. agreed to and signed his rookie deal on Friday, the team announced on X. The LSU product was selected with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after posting 68 receptions for 1,177 yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns (led nation) in his final collegiate season. With Jacksonville losing Calvin Ridley this offseason, they're expecting the 21-year-old to eventually develop into a No. 1 wide receiver for Trevor Lawrence. While wideout Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram are likely to be Lawrence's preferred targets early in the 2024 campaign, Thomas Jr. could become a solid weekly flex option later in the season. He should be able to fend off Gabe Davis if he lives up to his status as a first-round pick.

From RotoBaller

Jeremy Ruckert Jun 8 10:30am CT
Jeremy Ruckert

New York Jets tight ends Jeremy Ruckert and Kenny Yeboah caught a combined 18 passes for 179 yards and no touchdowns last season, but Jets reporter Robby Sabo expects them both to be "heavily involved" in the offense behind starter Tyler Conklin. "The reason they sent Uzomah packing and did not add to the TE room is due to the Jets' comfort with both players," Sabo wrote. While Conklin should be the clear target leader at the position, Ruckert or Yeboah could earn targets early in the season while Mike Williams (knee) recovers from his early-season ACL tear and rookie Malachi Corley gets comfortable in the offense. While neither player is worth drafting in most formats, they've been impressive at OTAs and should be monitored in deep tight-end premium setups.

From RotoBaller

Will Shipley Jun 8 10:30am CT
Will Shipley

Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back Will Shipley was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft despite the team already having Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell on the roster. The Eagles weren't pegged as a team that could take a running back before the last few rounds, but the Clemson product was clearly on the radar. According to Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks, the 21-year-old is flashing as a receiver and could take reps from Gainwell in 2024. Shipley caught 85 passes for 602 yards and two touchdowns in three seasons as a Tiger, so his success as a pass-catcher in practice is not much of a surprise. He could be a high-end fantasy football handcuff in a great offense, especially since Barkley has missed eight games over the last three seasons and is entering his age-27 season this year.

From RotoBaller

Grant Calcaterra Jun 8 10:30am CT
Grant Calcaterra

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra is the current favorite to be the primary backup to Dallas Goedert, according to Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks. The 25-year-old has been behind Jack Stoll on the depth chart since entering the league in 2022 as a sixth-round pick, but Stoll is now with the New York Giants. Calcaterra will compete with Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and the newly-acquired C.J. Uzomah for reps in 12-personnel. While the third-year pro won't have much fantasy upside as long as Goedert stays healthy, it's worth noting offense coordinator Kellen Moore has often incorporated a second tight end in his offenses. With Moore running the Chargers offense in 2023, backup tight end Donald Parham Jr. caught 27 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns. Backup tight ends such as Jake Ferguson (2022) and Blake Jarwin (2019-2021) were active in the red zone during Moore's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Calcaterra, who has nine receptions in 30 career games, won't start the season on the fantasy radar, but he could become a top waiver-wire option during the 2024 campaign if Goedert misses any time.

From RotoBaller

Dylan Laube Jun 8 10:30am CT
Dylan Laube

Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube has been receiving high praise from the team's general manager Tom Telesco. The 24-year-old joined the Raiders this offseason after playing his college career at New Hampshire. Laube has a strong ability to catch passes, but has impressed the organization on special teams as well. The Raiders don't have a ton of depth with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison as the only two legitimate options in front of him. Laube could work his way into the mix, but fantasy managers shouldn't get too eager on draft day.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Jun 8 10:30am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving recently received praise from the team's offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The organization seems excited about Irving's speed and his ability to make people miss in space. The fourth-round pick should work his way into the mix early given the Bucs lack of depth at the position. Irving could be an interesting change-of-pace option for the Bucs this season. Rachaad White remains the lead back, but having someone like Irving on the roster should help ease White's workload.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Jun 8 9:00am CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said that "95 percent" of the offense being installed for the 2024 season is new under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore after the team's 1-6 finish last year. Head coach Nick Sirianni said Moore had previously described the offense as a hybrid scheme that incorporates concepts from Sirianni's and Moore's previous systems. The players are still adjusting to the new details, as the timing between Hurts and his playmakers has been hit or miss during offseason workouts. One noticeable change is the jump in motion plays after the Eagles were last in pre-snap motion in 2023. It's possible Hurts and the Eagles offense is still adjusting to Moore's play-calling early on in 2024, but it will be interesting to see how much everything changes. Regardless of the new offense, Hurts is a top-flight QB1 in fantasy in a loaded offense.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Jun 8 9:00am CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft, has a chance to be very special right away in his first year in the league in 2024. "He's got a chance to be that elite No. 1. A true 'X' receiver with run-after-the-catch ability," an unnamed executive said. However, the same executive said he also needs to "develop into a more nuanced route-runner." And his extreme competitiveness could lead to "some level of frustration exhibited in an obvious manner" if the Giants aren't winning. A Giants offensive assistant drew a parallel between Nabers and former wideout Odell Beckham Jr. "Nabers could be like Odell early. Throw him a hitch or a slant and he's gone. He's got that type of talent." It's unclear if Nabers can top OBJ's 91-1,305-12 line in 12 games as a rookie, but he's the team's unquestioned No. 1 wideout in his rookie campaign.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Jun 8 9:00am CT
Theo Johnson

If New York Giants tight end Darren Waller retires, as he's expected to do this offseason, rookie fourth-round tight end Theo Johnson will have a major opportunity for playing time. The G-Men have veterans who will log snaps in blocking roles, but Johnson should rival Daniel Bellinger for the most targets at the position in 2024. However, Johnson needs significant development for his production to match his athletic profile, and his production will most likely be inconsistent. "I don't think he's a dynamic athlete, but he's a good height/weight/speed prospect," an unnamed executive said. "He's just solid. Probably a solid No. 2 in the NFL, and they got him in the fourth round."

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Jun 8 9:00am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie fifth-round running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. will compete with 2023 fifth-rounder Eric Gray this year for the No. 2 role behind reliable veteran Devin Singletary. Tracy will likely rotate in relief of Singletary, at least initially, but there is more opportunity in New York's backfield now that Saquon Barkley isn't in town. His biggest contributions in his first year in the NFL could come as a returner. The 24-year-old was a two-year starter at Purdue and has clear pass-catching abilities after spending four seasons as a receiver at Iowa. Tracy is going to need to improve as a pure runner, though, if he's going to see enough volume in the NFL to matter to fantasy managers. For now, he's just one to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues as a multi-dimensional threat as a rusher, receiver, and special-teamer.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Jun 8 9:00am CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll praised new running back Devin Singletary regarding his knowledge of the offense heading into his first year with the team. "Devin's been a productive back when he was with me at Buffalo. He knows our system inside and out," Daboll said. Singletary signed a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the G-Men in free agency and is the clear lead back in New York now that Saquon Barkley is no longer around. The 26-year-old is familiar with Daboll's offensive concepts from their time together in Buffalo, but Singletary has never really operated as a true workhorse back, so fantasy managers should expect him to get plenty of help from Eric Gray and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Behind an offensive line that was atrocious in 2023 and with a quarterback coming off an ACL tear, Singletary is no sure thing, making him more of an RB3/flex target in drafts.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Jun 8 9:00am CT
J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings are taking it slow with rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy in offseason workouts to help him develop confidence. The Vikings want to allow him to try throws, make mistakes and learn. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and his staff think that's the best path to long-term success. Unsurprisingly, McCarthy was inconsistent in organized team activities this week, although Thursday's session was easily his best. The young signal-caller is practicing new concepts, throwing to new receivers and is using new footwork, so growing pains are to be expected. Veteran QB Sam Darnold has taken all of the first-team repetitions at OTAs and has shown good chemistry with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. All signs are pointing to Darnold starting the year under center, making McCarthy more of a dynasty/keeper league asset in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Jun 8 9:00am CT
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has looked calm, confident and prepared at the team's mandatory minicamp this week for what is likely to be another starting opportunity for him in the NFL to start the 2024 season. Darnold's consistency has stood out all week, and he's shown good chemistry with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He also took every first-team repetition over rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, who is being eased in while learning new concepts. "This is the best team he's been on. This is the best system for him. He's hopefully going to find the ceiling of his play this season for us," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said. The 27-year-old former first-rounder is going to need to play well to hold off McCarthy in 2024, but if he's the starter, Darnold will have QB2 appeal in superflex leagues given the talent that he's working with on offense.

From RotoBaller

Ty Chandler Jun 8 9:00am CT
Ty Chandler

The Athletic's Alec Lewis points out that Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is turning heads at mandatory minicamp this week, and that fans should keep an eye on him heading into the 2024 season. "I see us as having a one-two punch at running back (alongside Aaron Jones)," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said, "almost like they have in Detroit. I don't know if that's what's happening on the offensive side, but I know that we have two true No. 1 running backs. I'd buy stock in Ty Chandler if I could." Aaron Jones is the starter in Minnesota's backfield, but the 26-year-old Chandler should have an increased role off the bench after he started the last four games in 2023 and was very productive. Jones' history with injuries makes Chandler a very enticing handcuff pick in fantasy drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jun 7 10:20am CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Thursday that second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is dealing with some soreness in his surgically-repaired right shoulder. Steichen inferred that it wasn't a big deal, though, saying that Richardson could play in a game if needed. The 22-year-old made it through only four games in his rookie campaign in 2023 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, but the former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of Florida has been fully cleared this offseason and will be ready to go for the start of the regular season this fall. It's not out of the ordinary for a player in Richardson's situation to have some normal soreness during his recovery. Richardson is going to need to improve as a passer, but his elite rushing ability and physicality make give him high-end QB1 upside going into Year 2.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Jun 7 10:20am CT
Sterling Shepard

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms with veteran free-agent wide receiver Sterling Shepard on an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, according to a source. After eight seasons with the New York Giants after he was drafted in the second round in 2016 out of Oklahoma, Shepard will reunite with former Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher played in 15 games (two starts) in 2023, but he was on the field for a combined 10 games in 2021 and 2022 due to serious injuries, which have sapped his fantasy value heading into 2024. He caught 10 of his 22 targets in a limited role with New York last year for just 57 yards and a touchdown. With better health, Shepard could find himself with a bigger role, but he'll merely be competing for a depth role behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Trey Palmer.

From RotoBaller