Guest of the League
Fantasy Championship 4/11 9:00pm ET #1
Championship $300 - FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Lineup Prep: Championship Games

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

Related photo caption below

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Jalen McMillan Sep 27 1:30pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) picked up an injury during Friday's practice session, according to head coach Todd Bowles. His availability for Week 4 is uncertain, but it's never a good sign when a player suffers an injury this late in the week. The Bucs will likely wait and see how McMillan feels over the next few days before they make a final decision. The third-round rookie has been quiet early in the season, but could see an increased role with Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) both on the injury report. McMillan will be off the fantasy radar, assuming both wideouts are available to play this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Sep 27 1:20pm CT
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (ankle) could end up missing some time after suffering an injury during Thursday's win over the New York Giants. The superstar pass rusher has reportedly suffered a high-ankle sprain. The organization hasn't yet given a timetable for Parsons, but it wouldn't be shocking if he does miss time. Luckily, the Cowboys do have 10 days off before they play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. Parsons has been off to a slow start with only 14 tackles and one sack through the first four games. However, his absence would be a significant blow to this defense going forward.

From RotoBaller

Marshawn Kneeland Sep 27 1:20pm CT
Marshawn Kneeland

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) could be in danger of missing some time after suffering an injury during Thursday's game against the New York Giants. This is bad timing for the Cowboys with Micah Parsons (ankle) also picking up an injury during that game. The team hasn't given a timetable for Parsons, but they expect Lawrence to miss multiple weeks due to a foot injury. Not good news considering Lawrence has been a solid contributor for the Cowboys. He has 14 tackles, three sacks, and four tackles for loss through four games. Chauncey Golston or Marshawn Kneeland are next in line to see increased snaps with Lawrence likely out a few weeks.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Sep 27 1:00pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is listed as questionable to face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday in Week 4. Johnson popped up on the Week 4 injury report after missing practice on Thursday, but he was able to return to the practice field on Friday, giving him a shot to play this weekend. Johnson's status looms even larger after Carolina placed fellow wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) on Injured Reserve earlier this week. If Johnson is limited or out in Week 4, that takes out the Panthers' top two receiving options for veteran Andy Dalton. Even if Johnson suits up on Sunday, rookie Xavier Legette should be in for an expanded role, making him worth a look as a WR4/flex play in deeper fantasy leagues against a Bengals defense that isn't scaring anyone. Jonathan Mingo would serve as Carolina's No. 2 WR if Johnson isn't given the green light.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 27 12:40pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was seen at practice on Friday and is trending toward playing in Week 4 on Sunday versus the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Collins was added to the Week 4 injury report after putting in a limited practice on Thursday. Fantasy managers should check back to see what Collins' official status is for the weekend, but even if he's questionable, it appears that he's on the right side of questionable after not missing any practice time this week. The 25-year-old pass-catcher should be in all starting fantasy lineups against a porous Jags defense if he's active, especially with fellow wideout Tank Dell (chest) unlikely to play. Collins went over 100 yards receiving in each of the first two weeks despite the addition of Stefon Diggs in the offseason, and he currently leads the league with 112.7 yards per game.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 27 12:30pm CT
Jordan Addison

After missing the last two games with an ankle injury, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) plans to play in a big Week 4 divisional game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. After a second straight day of limited practice on Thursday, Addison said that he's "ready to go" and expects to play on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to check Minnesota's final injury report on Friday, but all signs are pointing towards Addison making his return this weekend, which is certainly good news for the 3-0 Vikings. It's bad news for anyone that has plucked Jalen Nailor off the waiver wire in recent weeks, though, after he has scored a touchdown in each of the team's first three games of 2024. Addison, who had 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, caught just three of four targets for 35 yards in the season-opening win over the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Sep 27 12:30pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice that was open to the media. Dell also missed the first two practices of the week and is considered unlikely to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Dell also injured his hand/wrist at the end of the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the good news is that none of his injuries are considered long-term. Check back later for Houston's final injury designations, but fantasy managers should be moving Dell to their benches for the week. Nico Collins (hamstring) also popped up on the injury report this week, but he appears to be fine to play. Both Collins and Stefon Diggs will have higher ceilings and floors this week if Dell is officially ruled out, as will struggling tight end Dalton Schultz. Dell has been the clear WR3 this year and has nine catches for 99 yards through three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 27 12:20pm CT
Sam LaPorta

After missing practice on Thursday, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) was back at practice on Thursday. LaPorta was likely a limited participant, but either way, the fact that he's back on the practice field is a great sign and will give him a chance to suit up in Week 4 on Monday night against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. However, if LaPorta is ultimately questionable and up in the air to play, it will present fantasy managers with a difficult decision with Detroit's game this week coming on Monday. The 23-year-old was carted to the locker room after injuring his ankle in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals but eventually returned. LaPorta has disappointed with only eight catches for 94 yards and no touchdowns in three games in 2024, but if he's on track to play, he needs to remain locked into all fantasy lineups. If LaPorta cannot play against Seattle, Brock Wright would again see a role boost.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 27 12:20pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said there are no concerns with rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps) for the Week 4 contest versus the Washington Commanders. Harrison was added to the injury report this week but was able to put in limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. It sounds like the 22-year-old was just getting a little extra rest this week and should be fine to suit up this Sunday. Harrison laid an egg in his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills but has been heavily involved the last two games, catching nine of 19 targets for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Fantasy managers surely would like to see more efficiency from the Harrison-Kyler Murray combination, but the fourth overall pick in this year's draft remains a must-start in fantasy lineups. Harrison could have another banner day against a suspect Commanders secondary in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 27 12:10pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has a chance to return in Week 4 against the New England Patriots a week earlier than expected, but a lot is riding on his practice status on Friday. Samuel did not practice on Wednesday before returning to a limited session on Thursday. "The best athletes seem to heal at a little better rate... The reason he's on the field is because he hit all the markers," general manager John Lynch said. Fantasy managers will want to check back for Samuel's official injury designation for the weekend. The 28-year-old will likely be questionable, at best, and even if he does suit up on Sunday, he could be on a pitch count. After initially injuring his calf, Samuel was expected to be out for two to three weeks. Jauan Jennings went off for 175 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with both Samuel and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Sep 27 12:10pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice open to the media. Smith also didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, so he's trending towards being ruled out for the Week 4 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after suffering a concussion on a cheap shot in the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints. Fantasy managers will want to check back for the 25-year-old's official status later in the day, but there's a good chance they won't have him available this weekend. A.J. Brown (hamstring) returned to practice on Friday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but it's still unknown if he'll play against Tampa. If both Brown and Smith are unable to go, tight end Dallas Goedert could be in line for another monster game.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 27 12:00pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson caught all seven of his targets for 49 yards in Thursday's victory over the New York Giants. This was another strong outing for the 25-year-old as he caught six of his 11 targets for 95 yards last week against the Baltimore Ravens. After missing the second game of the season due to an MCL sprain, the tight end has bounced back quite well and should be viewed as a safe TE1 going forward. Ferguson has established himself as the clear No.2 pass-catching option behind CeeDee Lamb and should see a consistent amount of targets on a weekly basis. Ferguson should be locked into all starting lineups next weekend even though he will face a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 27 11:50am CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was seen at Friday's practice, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. Mixon did not practice during the first two sessions earlier this week, so this could open the door for the 28-year-old to return to action this weekend. Mixon sat out last Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should provide clarity on Mixon's status heading into the weekend. If he were to miss his second straight game, fantasy managers should expect Cam Akers to lead the backfield once again against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as No.2 running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has not yet practiced this week.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 27 11:50am CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) returned to practice on Friday, according to Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice. The standout wide receiver has been sidelined over the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury. This is a great sign to see Brown back at practice and could open the door for him to return this weekend after his two-game absence. Fantasy managers should monitor the injury report later, as Brown will likely carry a designation into the weekend. The 27-year-old would be a welcome addition to the wide receiver room this weekend as No.2 wideout DeVonta Smith (concussion) has not yet practiced this week due to a concussion. If Brown is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1. If he misses his third-straight game, fantasy managers should expect tight end Dallas Goedert to serve as the 'go-to' option for Jalen Hurts.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Sep 27 11:40am CT
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle tallied a season-high 46 yards on 11 carries and added 15 yards and a score on one catch in Thursday's victory over the New York Giants. Dowdle found the end zone for the first time this season on a screen pass just inside the red zone. Dowdle was also given a majority of the running back snaps on Thursday as he saw 24 compared to Ezekiel Elliott's nine. Elliott saw only five attempts and tallied just 19 yards. Both running backs typically split opportunities over the opening games of the season, but it looks like Dowdle is beginning to establish himself as the leader of this backfield. Despite his modest output on the ground, fantasy managers should still view Dowdle as an RB3/flex play with upside heading into Week 5.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Sep 27 11:40am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb caught seven of his eight targets for 98 yards and a score on Thursday evening against the New York Giants. Lamb once again led the Dallas receiving room in total yards and targets but tied Jake Ferguson with a team-high in receptions. The 25-year-old broke free for an impressive 55-yard score in the second quarter. After catching just four passes last week, Lamb got himself back on track with a strong outing on Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to view the Oklahoma product as a high-end WR1 who has the chance to finish at the top of the position for the second straight season. Next week, he faces a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the fourth-lowest point totals to opposing wideouts but should remain locked into all starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Sep 27 11:30am CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott went 22-for-27 with 221 passing yards and two scores on Thursday evening en route to defeating the New York Giants. The 31-year-old's longest pass of the night came on a 55-yard TD pass to CeeDee Lamb. His other score came off a 15-yard pass to running back Rico Dowdle on a screen. Prescott locked onto his top two targets all game as both Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson caught seven passes each. After throwing for an impressive 379 yards last weekend, Prescott was more of a game manager on Thursday night and did not have to push the ball downfield too often. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Prescott as a QB1 going forward, even though he will face a tough Pittsburgh defense next weekend.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 27 11:20am CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is considered doubtful for Sunday's game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Engram injured his hamstring during warmups prior to their Week 2 matchup and has been sidelined since. The 30-year-old has not logged a practice yet this week which is not a promising sign for his status this weekend. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Friday's injury report as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. Engram caught a career-high 114 receptions last season and remains a safe TE1 when he is on the field. If Engram misses his third-straight game on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Brenton Strange to get the starting nod again. Strange has seen at least five targets in each of the past two games and could be a viable replacement option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 27 11:10am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) will miss his third straight game as he will not suit up this weekend when the Browns face the Las Vegas Raiders. The tight end suffered a high-ankle sprain in the season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys and has remained sidelined since. However, the 28-year-old returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday but is still not cleared to return to game action. Fantasy managers should monitor Njoku's status before their Week 5 match against the Washington Commanders. Fantasy managers should expect Jordan Akins to serve as the lead tight end again on Sunday. He could be a viable play in deeper formats, as he caught four of his seven targets last week.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 27 11:10am CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) will not play on Sunday due to a concussion, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. McBride entered concussion protocol following last weekend's game after he took a hard helmet-to-helmet hit. The Colorado State product did not practice this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 5 when the Cardinals face their division rival, the San Francisco 49ers. McBride has seen at least six targets in each of the first three games this season, with a high of nine in Week 2. Fantasy managers should closely monitor McBride's status next week. Elijah Higgins will now serve as the No.1 tight end in Arizona this weekend and could be a sneaky play in DFS and deeper formats as he faces the Washington Commanders who have one of the worst pass defenses in the sport.

From RotoBaller