Wed Jan 8 10:56am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Daniels can score big this week
The regular season is over but your fantasy season doesn’t have to end. We have all sorts of fantasy games to play for the playoffs. And I’m not just saying this because I work for RealTime Fantasy Sports, but fantasy playoff games are so much fun. There is different strategy involved, making it a different game to play than the regular season. I highly recommend giving one a shot this year if you haven’t before. Here is a link to everything we have to offer.
Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
The coaching news is one to watch closely this offseason. It makes such a huge impact on fantasy value. I know I’m anxious to see how the new coaches shake out, especially where Ben Johnson lands. And I'm sure there will be some head-scratching moves as well. I’m already confused as to why the Cowboys don’t let Mike McCarthy at least interview for jobs with other teams. Do they really think he is that good of a coach? Interesting.
You have to love the finish to the season of Bryce Young. He looked like a different quarterback after returning to the lineup in Week 8. The Panthers have to be thrilled with what they saw for him down the stretch. He had 26-plus fantasy points three of his last six games, showing some big-time fantasy potential. And you can expect the Panthers to go hard after some new receiver talent this offseason, which will help Young even more.
A lot of players had great fantasy seasons but didn’t come up quite as big in the playoffs. I haven’t run the numbers yet to see who was rostered on the most championship teams on our site, but I’m guessing Jonathan Taylor, Brian Thomas, Jahmyr Gibbs and Tee Higgins were on a lot of championship teams. These guys had huge performances throughout the fantasy playoffs. They were league winners.
Remember, early in the year when owners were released Mark Andrews and saying he was washed. Well, he showed us that wasn’t the case. He finished the season sixth in fantasy tight end scoring. He didn’t have a double-digit fantasy game until Week 6. But his finish to the season was huge, having touchdowns six straight games to end the year. He was a top fantasy starter once again, finishing sixth overall in tight end scoring.
Ja’Marr Chase had an absolutely ridiculous fantasy season. He led all fantasy receivers in scoring, finishing with 403 points. The second place finisher at receiver had 317.70 points, meaning Chase had 85.3 points more. That is crazy. He averaged about five points per game more than the second place finisher at receiver. I’m not sure I ever remember a gap that big from first to second.
Brian Thomas is a receiver to watch going forward. He was fourth overall in fantasy receiver scoring and did so with poor quarterback play for much of the season. Imagine if he got top quarterback play throughout the year. He is a special player that is going to be a fantasy star for years to come. I was shocked to see him as a top-five receiver his rookie season in that offense. This rookie receiver class lived up to expectations for the most part with Malik Nabers finished sixth as well. So we had two rookies finish in the top 10 in fantasy receiver scoring.
News and Notes: The Chargers signed running back Ezekiel Elliott on Monday. Elliott adds some more depth to the position but it is uncertain if he will be active for their playoff game this weekend.
HOT PLAYS
Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders. Daniels just played a few series last week. But before that, he had been posting huge numbers. He had 30-plus fantasy points two straight and four of five games. His numbers have been off the charts. We look for more of the same this week against the Bucs. Tampa has really struggled to stop the pass, allowing the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Plus, Daniels scored 30 fantasy points against this same Bucs team in the season opener this year.
Puka Nacua, WR, Rams. Cooper Kupp has done next to nothing in recent games, but that isn’t the case for Nacua. He has double-digit receptions two of four and at least seven receptions all four of those games. His production has been off the charts lately. He missed six games for the season and still was just 10 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season. If he plays a full year, Nacua has 122 receptions for 1,530 yards and six touchdowns. Nacua should rack up the targets again this week against a really bad Vikings secondary. Minnesota allows the most fantasy points to receivers this season.
James Cook, RB, Bills. Cook has been a touchdown machine this season. He has 18 overall scores and found the end zone four straight and seven of eight games. He also has 100-yard rushing games three of his last six. Cook is having his best season as a pro. We look for more of the same this week against the Broncos. Denver is third overall against the run but you could see the Bills getting up in this game and running the clock out, giving Cook more carries than usual. We also like Cook’s chances to find the end zone for a fifth straight game.
COLD PLAYS
JK Dobbins, RB, Chargers. Dobbins has given the Chargers a big lift in the running game since his return in Week 17. He has two straight games with double-digit fantasy points and averages 79 total yards during that stretch. Dobbins had a great comeback season, his first with the Chargers. We worry about him this week against a great Texans rush defense. Houston allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs and ranks 11th overall against the run.
Jordan Love, QB, Packers. Love did not live up to fantasy expectations this season. He had fewer than 20 fantasy points five straight games to end his season. He had just one 300-yard game for the entire season. It would not surprise to see him fail to top 20 fantasy points again this week against the Eagles. He gets a really tough matchup on the road against a team that allows the third fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Philadelphia also is first overall against the pass, allowing just 174.2-passing yards per game.
Devonta Smith, WR, Eagles. Smith had an up and down season. He has 100-yard games two of the last four he has played but fewer than 55-receiving yards those other two games. It has been like that all season for Smith, putting his fantasy owners on a roller coaster. We like him to have one of those down games this week against the Packers. Green Bay allows the fifth fewest fantasy points to receivers and ranks 13th overall against the pass.
SLEEPERS
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Broncos. McLaughin has 26 carries his last two games, getting the most work of the Broncos backs. He is the one to trust right now in this offense. Plus, he is the best pass-catching back of the lot, giving him more playing time on passing downs. You could see the Broncos getting down in their game this week against the Bills, leading to more chances for McLaughlin in the passing game. Plus, when the game is close, the Broncos could run often against a Bills rush defense that allows the third most fantasy points to running backs.
Zach Ertz, TE, Commanders. Ertz has touchdowns two straight games and topped 17 fantasy points each of those games. He really is the second best option in the Commanders passing game right now. He gets his weekly work. You have to like his chances for another score this week against a leaky Bucs pass defense. Tampa is 29th overall against the pass and allows the eighth most fantasy points to tight ends.
Calvin Austin, WR, Steelers. Austin was a bust last week but had at least four receptions three straight games before last week. He had four receptions for 65 yards his last time out against the Ravens. You could see the Steelers playing from behind in this game, having to throw often. And with George Pickens struggling to make plays, Austin could be a sneaky play for fantasy owners, getting more targets. Plus, the Ravens allow the fifth most fantasy points to receivers this season.
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: Packers/Eagles, Commanders/Bucs, Vikings/Rams.
Low Scoring Games: Chargers/Texans.
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.
Free-agent running back Miles Sanders plans to sign an undisclosed one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, sources tell ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Sanders heads to Dallas for the 2025 season after a disappointing two-year run with the Carolina Panthers in which he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry on 184 rushing attempts for 637 yards and three rushing touchdowns in 27 games (seven starts), adding 51 receptions (71 targets) for another 302 yards and a TD through the air. The 27-year-old lost the lead-back role to Chuba Hubbard in 2023 and played in just 11 games (two starts) in 2024 due to injury. Sanders could have a shot to see a bigger workload for the Cowboys after last year's lead back, Rico Dowdle, joined the Panthers in free agency. However, Dallas also brought in former Broncos RB Javonte Williams and could add to the position in what is a deep draft class. At best, Sanders will likely be involved in a committee.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt write that New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson will be the no-doubt No. 1 target in this offense in 2025 and should have a big season as he reunites with quarterback Justin Fields, who he played with in college at Ohio State. As a freshman for the Buckeyes in 2020 with Fields at QB, Wilson caught 50 passes for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. Fields' ability to run the football should make life easier on running back Breece Hall. Not only does Wilson have prior history and chemistry with Fields, but the primary thing that will make Wilson's fantasy ceiling higher in 2025 is the fact that receiver Davante Adams is out of town. Fields can definitely stand to improve as a passer, but even if he doesn't, Wilson should eat and be a surefire WR1 target in fantasy drafts this fall.
From RotoBaller
Despite reports that have connected free-agent wide receiver Cooper Kupp to the Jacksonville Jaguars, sources have told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz that the Jaguars are not interested. Sources also tell Schultz that the sense around the NFL is that the former Los Angeles Rams wideout doesn't plan on having a drawn-out free-agent process and prefers to make his decision quickly. The 31-year-old veteran reportedly has interest from at least five teams, with the Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi saying that the New England Patriots are one of those teams. It's believed that Kupp prefers to stay on the West Coast, though, and a league source told Giardi that Kupp's current asking price is "insane" compared to where he's at in his career. The former third-rounder can still play a key role on offense, but serious lower-body injuries in recent seasons have sapped him of the elite athleticism that helped him earn the NFL's receiving Triple Crown in 2021.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions agreed to terms with veteran free-agent quarterback Kyle Allen on Thursday on an undisclosed deal, a source tells NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Allen will head back to the NFC after spending the 2024 campaign as the No. 3 signal-caller for the Pittsburgh Steelers behind both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The 29-year-old will now join a Lions quarterback room that already includes starter Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker and Jake Fromm. Allen will likely be competing with Hooker for the No. 2 role in training camp this summer. The former undrafted free agent is now on his sixth different team as he heads into his eighth NFL season. Allen began his career in 2018 with the Carolina Panthers and has completed 62.7% of his 705 career attempts for 4,753 yards, 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
From RotoBaller
The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that they have signed free-agent kicker Spencer Shrader to an undisclosed deal. Shrader will return to Indianapolis after making all three of his extra points in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. The 25-year-old also appeared in games with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs in his first year in the NFL in 2024, going a combined 5-for-5 on field-goal attempts (zero attempts from 50-plus yards) and 9-for-9 on extra-point tries. Shrader didn't miss a single kick, but it was also a small sample size. He was brought in to compete with veteran Matt Gay this summer after Gay made just 83.8 percent of his 37 field-goal attempts in his second year with the team. Whoever wins the competition should be left to the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers and backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke agreed to a one-year contract extension worth up to $6.2 million on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Heinicke will return to L.A. for a second season to back up starter Justin Herbert. In his first year with the Chargers in 2024, Heinicke only saw action in four games (no starts) and went only 3-for-5 for 28 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 31-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion has already played for five different NFL teams in his seven years in the league. His best year came in 2021 with the Washington Commanders, when he played in 16 games (15 starts) and threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Heinicke has started 29 games in his seven seasons, but he's unlikely to see much work again in 2025 behind Herbert, who is one of the toughest QBs in football.
From RotoBaller
Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is signing an undisclosed deal on Thursday with the Miami Dolphins, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Earlier in the day, former Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert signed with the Raiders in free agency. The 26-year-old Mattison joined the Raiders in 2024 after spending his first five years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. He eventually took over the lead-back role from a disappointing Zamir White and carried the ball 132 times for 420 yards and four touchdowns (a career-low 3.2 yards per tote) in 14 games (seven starts), adding a career-high 36 catches for 294 yards and another score. Mattison's move to Miami is a big downgrade, as he'll merely be competing for a change-of-pace role with Jaylen Wright behind unquestioned starter De'Von Achane. He'll be avoidable in most fantasy drafts this fall.
From RotoBaller
During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold drew praise from head coach Mike Macdonald. Per Nick Shook of NFL.com, Macdonald was "ecstatic" and gushing with praise over his new QB. "First of all, he's just a tremendous human being, a great leader," said the head coach. "We had a lot of people in our building that have the history with Sam...So, I'm really excited to get our relationship started." The history Macdonald refers to regards new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who has ties with Darnold from their time spent together in San Francisco in 2023. "Obviously, you know, working with Klint...I'm very familiar with the scheme," Darnold told reporters. The 27-year-old's familiarity with the offensive system -- a riff on the one he ran in Minnesota -- is what made him so attractive to the team. Despite a late-season meltdown, the USC product was superb in 2024. However, his new team does not sport the same arsenal of weaponry that he deployed with the Vikings. Wide receiver is a glaring need for Seattle, and they'll need to address that position so that Darnold can reach the heights he did a season ago.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Field Yates reports that the New York Giants hosted free-agent quarterback Joe Flacco at their facilities on Thursday. Flacco started six games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, compiling 1,761 yards and a 12:7 TD:INT ratio in eight total appearances. The news comes as New York also plans to host QB Russell Wilson on Friday. With Tommy DeVito as the only signal-caller on the roster, the Giants are casting a wide net in search of their next quarterback, and Aaron Rodgers is also linked to the team. New York is in an interesting situation, considering they hold the third pick in this year's draft and could also select a field general there. The Giants require a few more pieces than just a QB to become competitive, though. Still, they are doing their due diligence, exploring every potential avenue to improve their roster from a season ago.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chiefs have signed quarterback Gardner Minshew. Dynasty Analysis: Kansas City will pay Minshew to essentially hold a clipboard and work on his mustache next season because he has a below zero chance to steal anything meaningful from Patrick Mahomes. Still, this is a good signing as Minshew has always proven to be a capable backup and spot-starter when needed. He'll enter free agency next season and could even be a trade target next season if a team loses their starter. However, his dynasty allure has long since evaporated.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that free-agent wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. The amount has not yet been disclosed. The 27-year-old bounced around the NFC East over the prior two seasons, spending time with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. He will link up with his fourth team since joining the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Zaccheaus notched a career-high with 45 receptions on 63 targets last season while playing with rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels and serving as a punt returner for Washington. He projects to slot in as the Bears' third receiver, playing alongside incumbent starters DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Despite the change in scenery, the Virginia alum can be safely avoided sans deep best-ball formats.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent quarterback Gardner Minshew II reached a two-year agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news. The amount of the deal has yet to be disclosed. Just one season after the Las Vegas Raiders inked Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract, he'll join his fifth squad after being selected by Jacksonville in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. With the release of former Chief Carson Wentz, the 28-year-old Minshew will slot in as the backup to new starter Patrick Mahomes. The Washington State product never panned out consistently as a starter. Still, he's one of the better second-string options in the league and provides a skillset similar to Mahomes with his mobility. Kansas City has yet to make a groundbreaking acquisition in 2025, but they've picked up some essential depth pieces.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dolphins have signed running back Alexander Mattison. Dynasty Analysis: Raheem Mostert went from the Dolphins to the Raiders and Mattison has decided to do the opposite, moving to Miami from Las Vegas. A dynasty darling in 2023, Mattison failed miserably in his attempt to replace Dalvin Cook in Minnesota, lasting just one season (actually a half of a season) as the Vikings starter. He spent last year vulturing a few touchdowns in Las Vegas, but his career yards per carry of 3.2 was his worst yet and it really seems the more touches he gets, the less effective he's been. He won't have much of a role in Miami behind De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, but could provide some much-needed goal line or short yardage work. Mattison is getting increasingly tough to justify keeping on a dynasty roster.
Dynasty | The New York Jets have signed tight end Stone Smartt. Dynasty Analysis: Smartt had 16 catches for 208 scoreless yards for the Chargers last year and "boasts" a 31/380/1 line over his three year career in Los Angeles. However, many really do believe there's some untapped potential here and the Jets currently have a gaping hole at tight end. While dynasty managers aren't exactly running to their computers to put in waiver claims on him, there could be some intrigue here should the Jets fail to further address the position and, more importantly, let Tyler Conklin leave in free agency.
Dynasty | The Washington Commanders have re-signed wide receiver Noah Brown. Dynasty Analysis: The long-time Cowboy looked like a potential breakout player in Houston when he posted a total of 325 receiving yards in just two games in the middle of the 2023 season. Unbelievably, he has just 1,675 receiving yards in the other 85 games he's played in his career. He had just 35 catches for 453 yards last year with one single touchdown - the Hail Mary that beat the Bears and ignited the playoff run for the Commanders. Simply put, Brown has had a very interesting career. Unfortunately, it seems he's really more of a luxury than anything else and it's hard to see him carving out any kind of dynasty value. He should really be on waiver wires at this point, especially with both Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel soaking up targets in Washington.
The New York Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smartt was a restricted free agent this offseason but was not tendered by the Bolts, making him available to all teams. The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent came on strong late last year for L.A. and finished with career-highs in catches (16) and receiving yards (208) on 19 targets in 15 regular-season games (two starts), although he didn't find the end zone at all. Smartt could have an opportunity to build on his 2024 season in his new home in New York in 2025, as Tyler Conklin and Kenny Yeboah are currently unrestricted free agents. The only other TE on the Jets' current roster is Jeremy Ruckert. The Jets could still add to the position in free agency and the draft, but Smartt will be one to watch heading into training camp this summer.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have made yet another trade involving an offensive lineman, acquiring offensive guard Ed Ingram from the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Ingram, a second-rounder (59th overall) by Minnesota in 2022 out of LSU, will get a fresh start in Houston as they look to rebuild their offensive line in front of third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. The 26-year-old was benched midway through his third season with the Vikings in 2024 and finished with 16 regular-season games played (nine starts). It's a trade that makes sense for both teams, as the Vikings signed both offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency this week, while the Texans traded away left tackle Laremy Tunsil and guard Kenyon Green earlier this week.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers are signing defensive tackle Naquan Jones to a one-year contract, according to pro scouting director Mike McCartney. The Michigan State product spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, following three years with the Tennessee Titans. Overall, he has racked up 89 tackles (38 solo), 6.5 sacks, and four passes defended in 48 career games. The team also signed defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand on Thursday, signaling they are prioritizing adding depth to its defensive line after allowing 4.7 yards per carry a season ago.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders are re-signing veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Day, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. The 30-year-old is back with Washington on a one-year deal after totaling 24 tackles (12 solo), one pass deflection, and 5.5 run stuffs in 12 games a season ago. Day was a 2016 fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame by the Jacksonville Jaguars and has appeared in 85 games for six organizations. He played a significant role for Washington when Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who is now with the Minnesota Vikings, was forced to miss significant time last year due to a torn pectoral.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders are re-signing veteran wide receiver K.J. Osborn, according to team reporter John Keim. The 27-year-old was claimed off waivers by Washington in November following his release by the New England Patriots and appeared in one game for the Commanders. The 2020 fifth-round pick out of Miami by the Minnesota Vikings has collected 165 receptions for 1,902 yards and 16 touchdowns in 66 career games. Washington also re-signed wideout Noah Brown and traded for Pro Bowler Deebo Samuel Sr. this offseason, so it's tough to expect Osborn to have any fantasy value in 2025.
From RotoBaller