Lineup Prep: Super Bowl

Wed Feb 8 11:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Pacheco is playing at high level


It is hard to believe, but the last game of the season is this week. It has been a great season, so let’s hope it ends on a high note. The matchup certainly is a good one. I’m excited about the game and ready for the weekend of Super Bowl activities.

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

Is there a better day of the year than Super Bowl Sunday? I’m not so sure. The food. The friends. The football. What more could you ask for? I am firing up my smoker early Sunday morning like a kid on Christmas. I’ll be up early, getting ready for the big game. And you can’t forget about the commercials, which are always entertaining. This day has it all. Bring it on!

As for the game, this is a tough one to pick. I really think you can make a strong case for either team. For me, I am going to pick the Chiefs. I like the experience factor of being in the game before for the Chiefs. Plus, I think the Chiefs were tested more during the playoffs this year, which should help the Chiefs in this game. So I like Patrick Mahomes and company to come out on top Sunday. It will be a close game with the Chiefs pulling out a 31-28 victory.

I do think Tom Brady is done. I don’t think he comes back from this retirement announcement. It finally seems official. And he goes out as he best quarterback of all time. Love him or hate him, the guy had an amazing career. The numbers and Super Bowl wins don’t lie. There might not be another one like him ever. Thanks for the amazing ride Mr. Brady. 

It is interesting to see the news break that the Chargers are likely to release both Keenan Allen and Gerald Everett this offseason. Allen has been a mainstay in the Chargers passing game for several seasons, but has shown signs of decline in recent years and injuries are a concern. The Chargers will need to find a replacement, though. My guess is they do this through the draft, so keep an eye on that this offseason. Either way, there are going to be some new faces in Los Angeles to help the Chargers passing game. 

The Vikings made a strong hire to help revamp the defense, hiring Brian Flores to take over as defensive coordinator. He has a strong track record and plenty of success. This could help the Vikings take their team to a new level. The offense is already top notch. If the defense can get it going, watch out for the Vikings next year. This team could be really dangerous. 

The Lamar Jackson saga in Baltimore is going to be really interesting to watch. The early reports are the two sides could be 100 million dollars apart in contract talks. This is quite a difference. And it really seems like Jackson isn’t going to cave. I’m still not sure that Jackson ends up back in Baltimore despite the Ravens saying they aren't going to let him go. This is definitely a situation to watch. 

News and Notes: Receiver A.J. Green announced his retirement on Monday. Green had a great career, especially during his playing days with the Bengals. . . . .The Colts acquired the Bills' fifth-round pick to satisfy the conditional draft pick requirement in the Nyheim Hines trade from earlier this season.

HOT PLAYS

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has been very consistent down the stretch as the starter for the Chiefs. He has double-digit fantasy points five straight games and nine of 10 games. And it was really encouraging to see him get so much work in the passing game his last game, catching a season-high five passes for 59 yards. Pacheco could get a lot of work in the passing game once again this week with the Chiefs having injuries at receiver. Plus, he could do some damage on the ground against the Eagles. Philadelphia has allowed 115-plus rushing yards six of their last seven games. 

DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles. Smith has emerged as an elite fantasy receiver this year. He has been very good down the stretch. He was quiet his last game, but has at least 13 fantasy points seven of his last eight games. He has double-digit targets three of five games. Smith is getting his work and producing. Expect more of the same this week against a Chiefs secondary that can be leaky. The Chiefs have allowed the eighth most fantasy points to receivers during the regular season. 

COLD PLAYS 

Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles. Goedert has been fine since returning from injury in Week 16, but not off the charts by any means. He has fewer than 50 yards three of four games. He also has fewer than double-digit fantasy points three of five games. Goedert is a little erratic right now and it could be more of the same this week against the Chiefs. Goedert is an iffy play in this matchup. 

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs. McKinnon had a great finish to his regular season, but done very little in the playoffs. He has fewer than four fantasy points each of his playoff games. He has 15 carries for just 26 yards and just two receptions. His lack of work in the passing game is the big concern. McKinnon is a hard player to trust for fantasy teams after his last two playoff games. 

SLEEPERS

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. The Chiefs have all sorts of injuries at receiver, so Moore could play a bigger role in the Super Bowl. He had a season-high seven targets his last game, so the potential is certainly there for big things in this offense if he gets the looks. Moore could be a worth a look for fantasy teams in an expanded role. 

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles. Gainwell did not have double-digit carries the entire regular season, but has reached that mark in each of the Eagles playoff games. He has 26 carries his last two games, getting a lot more work in the Eagles offense. Gainwell has at least nine fantasy points his last two games. The Eagles obviously like the way he is playing, so don’t be surprised if he gets double-digit touches once again. And if he gets those touches, he can help fantasy teams. 

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: Eagles/Chiefs.

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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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Darius Slayton Nov 21 3:10pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) will not carry an injury designation into his team's Week 12 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Slayton was sidelined for New York's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but he will make his return in Week 12 against Detroit. Across eight games this season, the 28-year-old has recorded 23 catches for 343 yards on 34 targets. Slayton was playing some of his best football before getting hurt, recording nine catches for 151 yards on 11 targets across Weeks 9 and 10. He'll be catching passes from veteran quarterback Jameis Winston on Sunday, who is making his second straight start for the Giants with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) still sidelined. Slayton profiles as a low-end WR4/flex option for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Nov 21 3:10pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 12 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs suffered a knee contusion that forced him to exit early from his team's Week 11 win over the New York Giants and has been limited in practice this week as a result. The 27-year-old has recorded 885 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 197 touches across 10 games this season and profiles as a must-start fantasy running back against Minnesota if he's cleared to play. If Jacobs were out, Packers running back Emanuel Wilson would likely get the majority of Green Bay's backfield touches in Week 12. Third-year back Chris Brooks could factor into the mix as well. Wilson has recorded 289 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 64 touches so far this season and would profile as a low-end fantasy RB2 if Jacobs is inactive against Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 21 3:00pm CT
Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Daniel Jones (leg) is "good-to-go" for his team's Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Steichen also clarified that Jones' injury is actually to his fibula after it was initially reported as a calf issue, per James Boyd of The Athletic. Either way, Jones was able to practice in full on Friday after being limited on Thursday and will be active against Kansas City. Jones has played well in his first season in Indianapolis, completing 69.9% of his pass attempts for 2,659 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 10 games. He's also added 143 yards and five touchdowns as a rusher. However, Jones has been particularly turnover-prone of late, recording four interceptions and six fumbles (three lost) over his last two games. That could be an issue in a tough road matchup against Kansas City, particularly if his mobility is limited in any way. Jones profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Nov 21 3:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden ranks as the TE12 in half-PPR fantasy points per game through the first nine games of his NFL career. Gadsden has developed strong chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert and has 37 catches on 49 targets for 507 yards and two touchdowns going into the team's Week 12 bye. However, the 22-year-old hasn't scored since Oct. 19. Gadsden has cooled off a bit since back-to-back weeks of finding the end zone in Weeks 7 and 8, but he's had at least five targets in a game since all the way back in Week 5. The primary concern for Gadsden's fantasy managers going forward is the Chargers' banged-up offensive line, which might give quarterback Justin Herbert very little time to throw the football in the final stretch of the season against some tough opponents. The fifth-rounder could return with a bang in Week 13 against the Raiders, so fantasy managers shouldn't give up hope just yet.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Butker Nov 21 3:00pm CT
Harrison Butker

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Week 12. Butker has struggled this season, and his struggles continued last week against the Denver Broncos. Butker knocked through both of his field goal attempts, but missed one of his two extra-point attempts in Week 11. Butker has an 84.2% field goal percentage and 85.7% extra-point percentage this season, both marks rank outside the top-20 at the position. That said, Butker should be involved in a shootout against Indianapolis this week. The Colts offense has the most yards and points scored this season, which means the Chiefs will need to put a lot of points on the board to keep up. Butker should get a piece of the action and could provide value at the kicker position. Butker is ranked K9 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him worthy of a start in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dillon Gabriel Nov 21 2:50pm CT
Dillon Gabriel

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (concussion) returned to practice on Friday but has still not fully cleared the league's concussion protocol, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Gabriel was forced to exit early from Cleveland's Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens after suffering a concussion and will miss the team's Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders as well. With Gabriel sidelined, fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first NFL start against Las Vegas. While a monster performance from Sanders could change things, Gabriel is expected to resume starting duties in Cleveland once cleared to return from his concussion. Given that he was able to return to practice in some capacity on Friday, Gabriel's return could come when the Browns will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Nov 21 2:50pm CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Kelce was the lone bright spot among the Chiefs pass catchers in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. The veteran tight end hauled in nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets in Week 11. Last week's totals set new season-highs in receptions and targets for Kelce, making it easily his best performance of the year. With fellow pass catcher Xavier Worthy officially questionable for Sunday's matchup, Kelce could have another ceiling performance against the Colts. The Indianapolis defense is one of the best matchups for tight ends, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Kelce is ranked TE4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a top-end option at the position this week. Kelce has had a resurgent 2025 season, and that should continue against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Nov 21 2:40pm CT
Aaron Jones

The Minnesota Vikings have been among the most unpredictable teams in the league this season, but running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) is off the injury report and set to get the majority of backfield work against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The former Green Bay draft pick is earning regular work in the Vikings' passing game with 12 targets in the past two weeks, and with 22 overall touches last week alone, he's been the team's preferred option over Jordan Mason. The Packers are a tough matchup, ranking third in yards per carry against and 12th against PPR running backs, but Jones has finished within the top 25 at his position three weeks in a row, even as the Vikings have struggled. While the overall circumstances aren't ideal, Jones has demonstrated a reliable enough fantasy floor that he can be considered in an RB3/flex role this week.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Mims Nov 21 2:40pm CT
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. probably finds himself on the waiver wire in most fantasy football leagues with the Broncos headed on their bye in Week 12. Mims caught six of seven targets for a season-high 85 yards in the team's miraculous comeback win over the New York Giants in Week 7, but then he suffered a concussion the following week against the Dallas Cowboys and missed Weeks 9 and 10. In his return to action in Sunday's big win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the 23-year-old played a season-low 24% of the offensive snaps and was not targeted at all. The former second-rounder still has plenty of big-play ability, but during his time away with a concussion, Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant became more involved on offense, and that could continue in Week 13 for a Sunday night contest against Washington. Until further notice, Mims is off the fantasy radar as Denver's WR4.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Nov 21 2:40pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 12 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, per Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune. Kamara has been listed as a limited practice participant all week as he battles a nagging ankle injury that has plagued him for much of the 2025 season. The 30-year-old had an encouraging game in his final outing before the Saints' Week 11 bye, recording 115 scrimmage yards on 25 touches against the Carolina Panthers. If he's unable to play in Week 12, rookie Devin Neal and Audric Estime would likely handle the backfield work for New Orleans against Atlanta on Sunday. Should Kamara be active, he profiles as a high-end fantasy RB2 and could be in for another big week against the reeling Falcons.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Nov 21 2:40pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy should be considered a volatile Superflex option when his team goes to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The former Michigan star's overall numbers are not pretty -- he's completed only 53% of his passing attempts and thrown eight interceptions in five games -- but the Vikings have continued to preach patience. The Packers rank third in yards per play allowed, which presents a difficult matchup, but McCarthy has saved his best for NFC North road games thus far, as six of his eight total touchdowns this season took place in victories at Chicago and at Detroit. Additionally, McCarthy has also shown rushing ability by compiling 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns on only 24 carries. Ultimately, however, McCarthy is on the road and has not played well lately, so managers will have to gauge their risk tolerance for playing the league's youngest starter as the fantasy playoffs approach.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Nov 21 2:40pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Brown had a serviceable performance in Week 11, catching four passes for 40 yards against the Denver Broncos. While he did not have a big game, Brown finished third on the team in receiving yards against a tough opponent. Fellow wide receiver Xavier Worthy got a full practice in on Friday but is officially listed as questionable, which could boost Brown's fantasy value. Brown could fill the field-stretching role while Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce compete for the short and intermediate targets against Indianapolis. The Colts defense is an advantageous matchup, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Brown is currently ranked WR64 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex candidate, but that ranking would climb dramatically if Worthy is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be avoided in most formats when his struggling offense goes on the road to play Green Bay in Week 12. The Vikings have counted on Nailor in big spots -- like a game-clinching catch at Detroit and a fourth-quarter touchdown against Baltimore -- but his overall volume, 3.7 targets per game, hasn't been enough to rely upon on a week-to-week basis. Additionally, the Vikings are having a hard time simply staying on the field. During the past three weeks, Minnesota has averaged 58 plays as quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled to acclimate to the NFL. With Nailor set to face a Green Bay defense that ranks ninth overall against half-PPR receivers, managers should look for a better option this week.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has fit the bill as a boom-or-bust WR3 this season, which should continue when Minnesota travels to Green Bay in Week 12. The third-year receiver has seen more famine than feast of late, which includes four straight weeks outside of the top 30 PPR receivers. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled without a doubt, but Addison also dropped two big passes last week, including a picture-perfect ball on a deep route that had a chance to score. Green Bay ranks 11th against PPR receivers and Minnesota is wavering, but Addison is talented, still earning enough targets (18 the past two weeks), and the Vikings' offense has enough pieces that some managers may be willing to stomach the risk of another bad week in hopes Addison will break the slump in a big way.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Mike Gesicki

The Cincinnati Bengals have activated tight end Mike Gesicki (pectoral) from Injured Reserve ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots, according to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Conway reports that Gesicki "will play a big role" against New England with Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase sidelined due to suspension. Gesicki has been out since Week 6 due to a pectoral injury. In six games before getting hurt, the 30-year-old tight end recorded eight catches for 61 yards on 16 targets. While his pre-injury production is underwhelming, Gesicki has had big games in previous seasons when the Bengals are missing wide receivers. Still, there's no guarantee that Gesicki will even supplant Noah Fant as Cincinnati's top pass-catching tight end. Gesicki remains tough for fantasy managers to trust in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings are going through a rough patch right now, but Justin Jefferson remains a WR1 candidate when the team travels to Green Bay in Week 12. The Vikings are averaging just 58 plays during their past three games with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, during which the offense has been a mess of drops, penalties, and bad throws. Through all of it, Jefferson still ranks 13th overall among PPR receivers, and he's still earned at least nine targets in seven straight games. Green Bay ranks ninth overall against half-PPR receivers, presenting a difficult matchup for an offense already struggling. But even as the Vikings appear committed to riding with McCarthy's ups and downs, Jefferson is still a superstar who should be in fantasy lineups come Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason should be left out of starting lineups in standard formats when his team travels to Green Bay in Week 12. Mason scored a touchdown in last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, but has seen his workload lessened since Aaron Jones Sr. returned from injured reserve. With Jones fully healthy the past two weeks, the former San Francisco 49er has played just 25% and 16% of Minnesota's offensive snaps, respectively, which considerably lowers his fantasy ceiling. Additionally, the matchup is not favorable, as Green Bay ranks third in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt allowed. Added to the Vikings' struggles in the passing game -- quarterback J.J. McCarthy is completing just 53% of passing attempts -- Mason's diminished role has him in RB4 territory for this week.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Rice struggled to find success against the vaunted Denver defense in last week's loss. Rice caught six passes for 38 yards on nine targets in Week 11. The good news is he finished second on the team in targets, and he should continue being a target hog this week against Indianapolis. The Colts defense has given up the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, meaning Rice could bounce back in a big way. With fellow receiver Xavier Worthy officially questionable for Sunday's contest, Rice could be relied upon even more in the passing game. The fact that the Colts offense has scored the most points this season bodes well for this becoming a shootout, and Rice would benefit. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, meaning that he's a locked-and-loaded WR1 in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Nov 21 2:20pm CT
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be regarded as a No. 2 kicker option in Week 12, which should keep him off the starting radar in most formats. The former Alabama standout has put together an excellent second season in Minnesota by making 19 of 21 field goal attempts and all 19 extra points, but the Vikings' offense has sputtered in the past two weeks. Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is completing just more than half of his passes and has thrown five interceptions in the past three games, which has naturally limited the offense. While tied to a struggling offense facing a road game against one of the NFL's better defenses, Reichard can be stashed in Week 12 with more favorable matchups on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Nov 21 2:20pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (ankle) is officially questionable to play in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts as he battles an ankle injury. However, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports that "all indications this week were that (Worthy) is trending in the right direction." Worthy was able to practice in full on Friday after starting the week as a non-participant in practice. Across eight games this season, the 22-year-old has recorded 27 receptions for 281 yards and one touchdown on 45 targets. It's been a particular struggle of late for Worthy, as he's recorded at least five catches or 50 receiving yards just once in his last five games. If active against Indianapolis, Worthy profiles as a low-end fantasy WR3 in Week 12.

From RotoBaller