Lineup Prep: Super Bowl
Wed Feb 7 8:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Pacheco is playing at high level
Not sure about you, but there is not a better weekend in sports than Super Bowl weekend. It is as good as it gets. Just everything involved with it is so much fun. I am so looking forward to it all this weekend. Let’s hope it is a good game and lives up to the hype. Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .
I will give you my pick for the game right off the bat. I think it will be a close game, but look for the Chiefs to squeak it out. I think the experience factor plays a difference here in the end, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding during the playoffs and think he has a huge advantage over Brock Purdy. Plus, the Chiefs defense has been outstanding lately, completely shutting down the opponent. I don’t see them shutting down the 49ers high-powered offense, but think they will cause Purdy problems. I’m going with a Chiefs 31-27 victory.
If you still don’t have any fantasy teams alive in the playoffs, consider playing our fun pickem contests. We have tons of options available to play with for the Super Bowl. I wanted to give you a few of my favorite pickem plays for the big game. Give me Travis Kelce more than 70.5-receiving yards. Kelce has 71-plus yards all three of his playoff games and is coming off arguably his best game of the season. And the 49ers struggled to stop the tight end last week, seeing Sam LaPorta rack up the receptions and yards. I also like Brandon Aiyuk less than 61.5-receiving yards. Aiyuk has failed to hit that mark two of three games and has just three catches each of his last three games. Lastly, I like Deebo Samuel more than 79.5-rushing and receiving yards. Samuel had 11 touches his last game and was a huge part of the offense. I look for the 49ers to get him involved early and often, giving him good potential to rack up some total yards.
I’m not sure how I feel about the Commanders hiring of Kliff Kingsbury. His offenses were fine in Arizona, but not as explosive as many thought and he struggled some using Caleb Williams last year at USC. I think the Commanders would have been better served keeping Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator. I thought he did a great job with the offense last year in Washington all things considered. I’m not convinced Kingsbury is going to be an upgrade.
On a different subject, can we stop teasing and showing parts of the Super Bowl commercials before the game? I mean part of the fun of the game is the commercials. They are always entertaining and a part of the event. But now, you see parts of the commercials before the game, ruining the surprise. C’mon people. Let’s stop this tradition right now.
We had our first TFC draft of the 2024 season last night. And in a surprise move, the first pick of the draft was Breece Hall. And we also saw Sam LaPorta get picked before Travis Kelce. It is always interesting to see how these early drafts shake out. A lot is going to change between now and the start of next season, but trends are starting now. In this draft, four running backs were picked in the first round compared to eight receivers. And the quarterback position looks as deep as ever with guys like Jordan Love getting picked in Round 11. Brock Purdy and Kirk Cousins also went very late.
News and Notes: The Chargers hired Greg Roman as their new offensive coordinator. Roman tends to be more run heavy when it comes to play calling. . . . .Former Texans and Patriots running back Rex Burkhead announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.
HOT PLAYS
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has taken his game to new heights during the Chiefs playoff run. He has at least 15 fantasy points four straight games and found the end zone seven consecutive games. He even has 20-plus carries two of three games, getting a big workload in the Chiefs offense. Expect more of the same this week from Pacheco. The 49ers allowed 182-rushing yards to the Lions their last game and allowed 135-plus rushing yards each of their two playoff games.
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs. Kelce has looked like a different player during these playoffs than the regular season. He had 11 receptions his last game and at least five catches all three playoff games. He has 14-plus fantasy points all three games. He has really elevated his game after a ho-hum second half of the season. Look for him to be the focal point of the Chiefs passing game once again this week. And San Francisco couldn’t contain Sam LaPorta in the Championship game, allowing him to get nine receptions for 97 yards. The Packers tight ends had six receptions and a touchdown in the 49ers other playoff game.
COLD PLAYS
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. Aiyuk did score a touchdown his last game, which was a big positive, but he had just three receptions. He has just three cathodes three straight games. He has were than 40 yards two of three. And with the Chiefs secondary clamping down on receivers right not, it could be more of the same for Aiyuk this week. He could be held in check once again.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs. McKinnon is expected to make his long-awaited return this week, returning from a groin injury. He has not played since Week 15. Just remember he has not reached double-digit touches in a single game this year. Pacheco is the lead back in this offense and will get most of the work at running back. McKinnon played great during the Chiefs playoff run last season, but this is a new year. Plus, McKinnon has not played in several weeks, so you have to wonder how much he is even on the field. He will be a big risk to use for fantasy owners.
SLEEPERS
Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. There are always surprise players in the Super Bowl, so why not Jennings. He could draw the most favorable matchups in coverage for the 49ers receiver options. And he has looked good in the playoffs, having six receptions for 69 yards in two games. He played 42 percent of the snaps last week - even with Deebo Samuel back in the lineup. Jennings might get a big play or two in this one, making him an intriguing fantasy play.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Chiefs. Valdes-Scantling had the game-clinching reception in the Championship game, making a sliding catch on third down to clinch the game. He finished with two receptions for 38 yards. But he played a season-high 83 percent of the snaps in that game, which is encouraging. If he is on the field that much again this week, his reception and yardage totals could rise in what might be a high-scoring game.
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/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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The Paur Report
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was a solid producer in the Packers' narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Jacobs only received nine carries but made the most of them with 51 yards rushing as the Packers needed to employ the passing game for most of the second half. On six targets from the returning Jordan Love, Jacobs added four receptions for 27 yards on the afternoon. Jacobs' lack of rushing involvement can easily be attributed to the game script as the Packers were down 28-7 at halftime before putting up a furious comeback attempt. With the Packers heading to the Pacific Time Zone to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5, fire up Jacobs as a low-end fantasy RB1 who should have much more involvement.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was carted to the locker room during the first quarter of Week 4 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Rice suffered the injury after taking friendly fire from quarterback Patrick Mahomes during a Chargers interception return. At the time of his departure, Rice had not been targeted. Mahomes still has plenty of pass-catchers at his disposal amidst Rice's absence, including tight end Travis Kelce. Wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, and JuJu Smith-Schuster are all candidates to earn extra opportunities in the passing game, too. From a big-picture perspective, fantasy managers should stay tuned for postgame updates on Rice's status, including information on the severity of the injury and a timetable for Rice's return.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs finished with a solidly productive five catches for 69 yards and a rushing touchdown in a 24-20 victory against Jacksonville on Sunday. The veteran receiver drew nine targets, but found the end zone in the first quarter on a trick play that went awry. Houston handed the ball to Diggs with the intention of having him throw a pass, but he bailed on the idea and weaved his way through the Jags' defense for a six-yard touchdown run instead. The former Buffalo Bill now has three total touchdowns on the season. He'll play his former squad in Week 5 when Buffalo visits Houston.
From RotoBaller
Another week, another impressive stat line from Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, who compiled 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown in a 24-20 victory against Jacksonville. The NFL's receiving yards leader was productive from the outset. Once again the target leader for Houston with a whopping 15, the former Michigan Wolverine caught a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first half for the Texans' second touchdown. Collins will look for yet another big performance when the Texans play host to the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans running back Cam Akers had the backfield mostly to himself on Sunday in a 24-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 53 yards on 13 carries without a touchdown or a catch. For the second straight week, the Texans were without starting running back Joe Mixon, thrusting the former L.A. Ram into spot duty. With the game on the line, however, running back Dare Ogunbowale drew the key target from quarterback C.J. Stroud, a one-yard touchdown inside the final minute. Akers likely will return to a backup role if Mixon returns in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led his team to a dramatic 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, finishing 27-of-40 for 345 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. The second-year quarterback completed a productive day with a one-yard touchdown connection to Dare Ogunbowale with 18 seconds to play. Houston had a scoreless second half until the nine-play, 64-yard touchdown drive that secured the win, though Stroud remained mistake-free throughout. The Houston quarterback will look for a second straight win next week against the Buffalo Bills.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) exited during the first quarter of Week 4 versus the San Francisco 49ers. He was taken to the locker room and is officially questionable to return. The Patriots already have one of the weakest, most inexperienced offensive lines in football, so losing Andrews, a 10-year veteran, is far from ideal. His injury is bad news for New England's playmakers, including quarterback Jacoby Brissett and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Nick Leverett, who played just two offensive snaps through the first three weeks, will now take over at center for the duration of Andrews' absence.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz hauled in three passes for 34 yards on five targets in his team's 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Frustratingly, Schultz was close to scoring the game-winning touchdown, but was brought down at the two-yard line before the Texans eventually scored. The former Dallas Cowboy has been the odd man out next to a talented receiving corps, sitting in fourth place on the team in targets. The tight end will look for better when Houston plays host to Buffalo in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert caught seven passes for 62 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He was targeted eight times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Goedert was the main option in the passing game since A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were unavailable and had a solid performance. He will still see a decent amount of targets when the receivers return to the lineup and can be a No. 1 tight end most weeks.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (neck) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered two tackles and one pass defended. Hendrickson is a key piece of the Bengals' defense, so losing him for any amount of time is bad news. In all likelihood, the Bengals' coaching staff will provide an update on his status in the aftermath of Sunday's game. In the event that he misses additional time, Joseph Ossai would be in line to earn more snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara rushed 19 times for 77 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, while adding seven receptions for 42 yards on nine targets.
Fantasy Spin: The 29-year-old has totaled 110 or more total scrimmage yards in each of his first four games, while totaling six scores (five rushing, one receiving). He has returned to RB1 fantasy status in all leagues this season. He'll look to keep up the good work in Week 5 at Kansas City on Monday night.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (abdomen) had six runs for 24 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving with an abdominal injury. He was not targeted in the pass game. Hill was unable to return after departing early.
Fantasy Spin: Hill was on his way to a pretty decent fantasy stat line due to the touchdowns. The extent of his injury is not certain. When more details become available, we'll pass along to try and help determine his status for Week 5 in Kansas City on Monday.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams rushed three times for 11 yards while adding two receptions for eight yards on two targets in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley rushed for 84 yards on 10 carries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. He also caught two passes for 32 yards during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Barkley did not receive a lot of touches this week because the team was trailing for most of the game but was still productive in his limited work. He will continue to be a big part of the offense for the Eagles and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr completed 28-of-36 passes for 239 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, while adding five rushing yards on three attempts.
Fantasy Spin: After a red-hot start to the season, posting at least three total touchdowns (five passing, one rushing) in the first two games, Carr has regressed to the mean. He has just one touchdown pass, two picks and just 381 passing yards across the past two games. After putting up QB1-type numbers in the first couple of weeks, Carr is back in QB2 fantasy territory. He'll look to get back on track in Week 5 at Kansas City on Monday Night Football.
From TheHuddle
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Taylor had registered 88 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards, and one touchdown. The Colts enjoyed a balanced offensive attack even after Joe Flacco came off the bench to replace Anthony Richardson (hip) on Sunday afternoon. The Colts are leaving the door open for Taylor to return in Week 4, but in the event that he remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect some sort of injury update from the coaching staff after the game. Trey Sermon will handle the bulk of touches out of the backfield until Taylor can return.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He is officially listed as doubtful to return. At the time of his departure, he had registered seven tackles, so his absence is tough news for Carolina's defensive core. To add insult to injury, the Panthers are also currently without Shaq Thompson (leg), who was carted to the locker room in Week 4. With both Jewell and Thompson currently sidelined, depth linebackers Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace will likely earn more defensive snaps.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints S Tyrann Mathieu (groin) suffered a groin injury during the Week 4 game and is considered questionable to return.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (leg) was carted to the locker room during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has not yet announced any sort of update or designation pertaining to the veteran's injury. At the time of his departure, he had recorded five tackles. Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace are candidates to earn more snaps for the duration of Thompson's absence.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars pass-rusher Josh Hines-Allen (head) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. He was quickly evaluated and ultimately diagnosed with a concussion. As a result, he has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered three tackles, including two quarterback hits. We will likely get an update on his status in the aftermath of the game, but Hines-Allen should be considered a longshot to play in Week 5 versus the Indianapolis Colts given the typical recovery time for a concussion in the NFL. Rookie Myles Cole could see more snaps until Hines-Allen is able to return to the mix.
From RotoBaller
