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Dynasty $125 - 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
Matthew Stafford Jun 6 10:10am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is still seeking more guaranteed money in the final two years of his current deal, but despite that, he is expected to attend mandatory minicamp next week. Stafford has also been in attendance for voluntary workouts all offseason. He is signed through the 2026 season but only has $15 million guaranteed in the final two years of his deal and none beyond 2024. The 36-year-old veteran played in just nine games in 2022 due to injury but apparently wants to continue playing for at least the next three years. The former first overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 2009 out of Georgia played in 15 regular-season games last year and threw for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions to finish as the QB15 in fantasy. Stafford has plenty to work with in the passing attack with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, but he's going to need to be very efficient and stay healthy to be in play as even a low-end QB1.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Jun 6 10:10am CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy has agreed to terms to sign his rookie contract, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 21-year-old out of Texas saw his fantasy football stock skyrocket after posting an NFL-record 4.21 forty-yard dash and being drafted by Kansas City with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The speedster has intriguing upside playing with Patrick Mahomes, but injury risk could be present since he is under 170 pounds. Worthy already suffered a minor hamstring injury this offseason, which is concerning given the numerous wideouts that have missed games with lingering hamstring issues over the last few seasons. Nonetheless, he's a clear first-round pick in rookie drafts.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Jun 6 10:10am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (shoulder) is wearing a non-contact jersey at summer practices due to a shoulder injury he suffered in the weight room a few weeks ago. However, head coach Dennis Allen said the former first-round pick has been going through full practices anyway, so this minor ailment shouldn't cause much concern. The 23-year-old has been fantastic through his first two NFL seasons, securing 159 of his 257 targets for 2,165 yards and nine touchdowns in 31 games. While Derek Carr isn't viewed as a high-level quarterback, he's been good enough to support fantasy WR1s throughout his career. New Orleans failed to add significant target competition this offseason, meaning Olave remains a WR1 candidate in his third NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller

N'Keal Harry Jun 6 10:10am CT
N'Keal Harry

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver N'Keal Harry is reportedly up to 240 pounds in preparation for his attempted move to tight end. The 2019 first-round pick by the New England Patriots out of Arizona State has not found success at receiver through his first five NFL campaigns, and there have been a few success stories of players moving to tight end. Harry said heard "whispers" during his career about moving to tight end, but the Vikings were the first team to broach it with him with the idea. With T.J. Hockenson (knee) likely out of action to begin 2024 after a late-season ACL tear last year, it will be interesting to see if Harry can carve out a role in the new-look Vikings offense led by Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy. He's not on the fantasy radar in regular leagues, but deep-league dynasty fantasy managers could take a flyer on him.

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Talanoa Hufanga Jun 6 10:10am CT
Talanoa Hufanga

San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) said his goal is to be available in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 2021 fifth-round pick and 2022 Pro Bowl selection hopes he can return at some point in training camp later this summer to ramp up for regular-season action. August 19 will mark nine months since his right ACL tear, so there's a chance he will achieve his goal. That said, it's early in the offseason, so there will be plenty of updates on his status. Hufanga should start alongside second-year safety Ji'Ayir Brown as soon as he's fully cleared for action. The 24-year-old USC product has tallied 181 tackles, two sacks, seven interceptions, and 14 pass deflections through his first 42 games. In IDP leagues, he scored the fourth-most fantasy points among safeties in 2022.

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Chase Claypool Jun 6 10:10am CT
Chase Claypool

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chase Claypool has been the most consistent receiver through OTAs so far in Buffalo, according to Bills beat writer Matt Parrino. Claypool signed a one-year contract with the Bills earlier this month and is expected to have a depth role in the offense in 2024. However, the 25-year-old has performed well through the early part of OTAs and is making a strong case to not only make the 53-man roster but have a steady role in this offense. Currently, the Buffalo wide receiver room consists of Khalil Shakir, veterans Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Florida State rookie Keon Coleman, who was drafted with the 33rd overall pick this spring. This is a story to monitor over the course of the offseason, as Claypool could be an enticing late-round pick in deeper leagues if he earns a starting role in this offense.

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Jayden Daniels Jun 6 10:10am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has begun to build chemistry with the revamped offensive line in the nation's capital, especially with center Tyler Biadasz. Biadasz played under newly named Washington Head Coach Dan Quinn in Dallas and was one of the best centers available on the market in free agency this spring. Biadasz was brought in to help bolster a weak Commanders line that surrendered the second most sacks last season and finished with the sixth-fewest total rushing yards. Zach Selby, a senior writer for the Commanders reported that Daniels and Biadasz have begun to build a strong relationship and chemistry on the field during the early part of OTAs. This is a great sign for dynasty managers who selected the former LSU product early in their rookie drafts. By having a strong line in front of him, Daniels will be put on a great path to succeed in his rookie campaign and will have more time in the pocket to get the ball to the newly acquired Austin Ekeler and pro-bowl wideout Terry McLaurin.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Jun 6 10:10am CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) was seen with trainers on Wednesday during OTAs. Colts writer James Boyd of the Athletic said that trainers were looking at Richardson's shoulder throughout the day, but nobody seemed worried. As a result, Joe Flacco took the majority of first-team reps this afternoon. This should be seen as precautionary, as the former Florida Gator expressed last week on the Pat McAfee show that his shoulder was at "95 percent" as he has been recovering from a season-ending shoulder surgery he underwent last October. The 22-year-old will be a popular breakout pick in drafts later this summer, as he flashed elite upside in four games last season with 577 yards through the air and 136 yards on the ground with seven total scores. Richardson also has elite playmakers around him in Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, and second-round pick Adonai Mitchell which further boost his fantasy stock.

From RotoBaller

John Ross Jun 6 10:10am CT
John Ross

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver John Ross was getting first team reps on Wednesday in OTAs, according to Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks. The 28-year-old agreed to a one-year contract with the Eagles on May 23 and has already begun to have opportunities with the first team. The former Washington product was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals but has unfortunately been unable to perform in the NFL. He had a season-high of only 506 yards in 2019 and has yet to come close to that total over the past four seasons. He announced his retirement last summer but appears to be eyeing an NFL comeback. Currently, the Eagles wide receiver room is highlighted by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith but is lacking a consistent number three option. Ross could become a name to mention throughout training camp in July if he continues to earn opportunities with the starting staff.

From RotoBaller

Brevin Jordan Jun 6 10:10am CT
Brevin Jordan

Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan has been receiving praise from head coach DeMeco Ryans. Ryans told the media that Jordan is "playing fast and confidently and making some great catches." Jordan served as the backup tight end in Houston last season to Dalton Schultz and finished the campaign with 219 yards and two touchdowns on 17 catches. While this is a great sign for the 23-year-old in the long term, he still should be expected to retain a similar second-string role to Schultz in 2024. However, the former fifth-round pick has flashed at times with an eye-catching 7.6 average yards after the catch, which places him in the top-95th percentile among all tight ends, and he had an impressive 76-yard score in the wild-card game last season. Jordan could emerge as a fantasy-viable tight end if Schultz were to miss time, but for now, he has a difficult path to consistent playing time.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Jun 6 10:10am CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the third overall pick of this year's NFL draft, has been impressing offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt this offseason. "He's been impressive," Van Pelt said. Maye took snaps as the top backup in Tuesday's organized team activities after previously working as the No. 3 option. While Van Pelt has praised Maye early on, he's also preaching patience with the rookie. Maye has quickly adapted the footwork chances the coaches have taught him, allowing him to play more in rhythm. Van Pelt reiterated that veteran Jacoby Brissett remains the starter and has had an "exceptional spring" by showing "great command of the offense." The Pats are hoping Maye is the starter of the future, but all indications are that he'll begin the year holding a clipboard for Brissett on the sideline. "There is no timetable" for Maye to be the starter, Van Pelt said.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Jun 6 10:10am CT
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee), who has been rehabbing a knee injury that kept him out of six games last year, said he got the most repetitions of the offseason in Tuesday's organized team activities. After posting a career-best 58.1 receiving yards per game last year, Palmer's role is set to increase even more in 2024 now that both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen are out of town. However, he'll still be competing for targets with former first-rounder Quentin Johnston and second-round rookie Ladd McConkey, not to mention DJ Chark. The Bolts' offense is also transitioning to a run-first unit under head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, so Palmer is far from a lock to break out this year. However, the 24-year-old's big-play ability makes him enticing as WR depth.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Jun 6 10:10am CT
Garrett Wilson

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that the connection between New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and top wide receiver Garrett Wilson is growing during voluntary organized team activities this offseason. Wilson ran such a good route in practice on Tuesday that he wound up wide open in the middle of the field for an easy touchdown, and he had another catch on a pass from Rodgers in which he was able to adjust his body in mid-air to catch a pass that was thrown a little behind him. Wilson is "as advertised," according to new receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. "This kid can be whatever he wants to be. He has that it ... the sky is the limit for this kid." If Rodgers can stay healthy all year, Wilson will also have high-end WR1 value for fantasy managers in 2024. The former 10th overall pick has topped 1,000 yards in both his NFL seasons despite subpar QB play.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Jun 6 10:10am CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen has been one of the biggest standouts at organized team activities open to the media, especially because of his emergence as a legitimate option as a pass-catcher. Most of his catches had been coming on short throws out of the backfield until Tuesday, when he hauled in a deep 50/50 ball from Tyrod Taylor. He caught only 49 passes in his career at Wisconsin, but pass-catching should be a bigger part of his game at the next level, and he'll get plenty of passing-down reps because of his skills in pass protection. The 20-year-old is the clear front-runner for the No. 2 job as Breece Hall's direct backup in 2024, while fifth-rounder Isaiah Davis has also been getting a lot of work in the passing game. Israel Abanikanda seems to have fallen down the depth chart. Allen's stock is slowly rising in rookie-only drafts, especially for those that already have Hall.

From RotoBaller

Malachi Corley Jun 6 10:10am CT
Malachi Corley

New York Jets rookie third-round wide receiver Malachi Corley (lower body) was a full participant at practice at organized team activities on Tuesday after leaving practice early last week with an undisclosed lower-body injury. Corley made an impressive contested catch in team drills on a pass from veteran backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The 22-year-old's injury from last week obviously wasn't too serious, and Corley is now back in the fold at OTAs gaining valuable repetitions as he learns the Jets offense heading into his first NFL season. If Mike Williams (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL, is healthy, Corley will be the No. 3 option, at best, in New York's offense this year. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has taken a liking to Corley, though, which is a good first step for the youngster.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Davis Jun 6 10:10am CT
Isaiah Davis

SNY's Connor Hughes writes that the New York Jets seem to really like rookie fifth-round running back Isaiah Davis, who has gotten a ton of work with the first-team offense and quarterback Aaron Rodgers during organized team activities this week. Unfortunately for Davis, rookie fourth-rounder Braelon Allen has been one of the biggest standouts during OTAs because of his emergence as a pass-catcher despite his reputation as a bruising power back in college. Davis and Allen have gotten more reps thanks to a minor lower-body injury that has kept starter Breece Hall on the sidelines this offseason. As of right now, both Davis and Allen have pushed 2023 fifth-rounder Israel Abanikanda down the depth chart. Davis' dynasty stock is up, and he could eventually develop into a short-yardage option for the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Pierre Strong Jr. Jun 6 10:10am CT
Pierre Strong Jr.

Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (back) was participating in organized team activities on Wednesday. Strong appears to be recovered from a back injury that kept him out of the team's wild-card loss to the Houston Texans in the postseason. The 25-year-old was active for all 17 regular-season games in 2023 in his first year in Cleveland but only started one contest and had 63 rushing attempts for 21 yards and one touchdown while adding five receptions on eight targets for 47 yards through the air. Lead back Nick Chubb (knee) is recuperating from a gruesome knee injury and may not be ready to go by Week 1, but the Browns also added backfield depth this offseason in D'Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines. Even if Chubb isn't ready to go, Strong is merely going to be RB depth in Cleveland, and he's not a lock to make the roster out of training camp.

From RotoBaller

Cody Thompson Jun 6 10:10am CT
Cody Thompson

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cody Thompson on Wednesday to help replace Deven Thompkins (hamstring), who was placed on Injured Reserve this week. Thompson will be competing for a roster spot at training camp this summer and during the preseason after catching his only target for 10 yards in seven games played for the Seahawks in his second season in the NFL. The 28-year-old pass-catcher joined the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent out of Toledo in 2021 and was active for five games, but he didn't see a single target. Even if Thompson makes the roster heading into the 2024 regular season, he'll be buried on the receiver depth chart and is completely off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Jun 6 10:10am CT
Mecole Hardman

The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. on Thursday, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. The 26-year-old will return for his sixth season with the organization after catching the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl LVIII win over the San Francisco 49ers. While Hardman hasn't been a superstar since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he has caught the third-most touchdowns (16) from Patrick Mahomes, trailing only Travis Kelce (47) and Tyreek Hill (43). Mahomes and the Chiefs trusted him in a crucial moment in the Super Bowl, so he'll likely earn snaps in 2024. Given the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice's legal troubles, Kansas City has now drafted Xavier Worthy and brought back Hardman. Hardman has hauled in 166 passes for 2,212 yards and 16 touchdowns through his first 68 career games.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Jun 5 1:13pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

Dynasty | The 49ers have signed running back Christian McCaffrey to an extension. Dynasty Analysis: McCaffrey resets the running back market by getting a two-year deal for $38 million with $24 million guaranteed. It's easy money for McCaffrey, who is still the best running back in reality and fantasy. This deal likely keeps him with the 49ers through the duration of his effectiveness. The only concern with McCaffrey is his age as he's now 27 years old. While he hasn't shown many signs of decline, dynasty managers need to be a little cautious in building around him at this point. Regardless, he remains the best bet in fantasy football for contending teams on a week-to-week basis.

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