Wed Feb 5 9:59am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hard to bet against Mahomes
It is hard to believe but here we are in the last week of the season. Time sure does fly, right? Super Bowl Sunday is one of the greatest days of the year but also a sad one, seeing the football season come to an end for another year. The good news is it seems the offseason is shorter and shorter every year, so don’t get too down after the game this weekend. Football will be back before you know it. Enjoy the game, though.
Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
I think the Super Bowl is going to be a great one. These teams are pretty evenly matched in my view but I just think the Chiefs get it done once again. They just find ways to win and Patrick Mahomes is that “X” factor in my view. Mahomes makes big play after big play in the playoffs and I expect more of the same this weekend. I can see Mahomes running more than normal - much like he has all these playoffs. He makes the big play for his team when needed. I think the Chiefs do enough to win the game, coming out on top 28-24.
I can see why the Rams are planning to trade Cooper Kupp. He is not getting any younger and hasn’t produced quite the same in recent years. Injuries are always a concern for Kupp. I still think he has a few good years left, though, and could be a big fantasy factor once again, depending on his landing spot. I would love to see him land in Buffalo, making him Josh Allen’s top target in the passing game. That seems like a great fit for Kupp. We’ll see.
The draft should be interesting this year. There isn’t quite the quarterback class of last year, but plenty of needy teams for a franchise quarterback. This could drive up the price of some players that shouldn’t be drafted so high. Now the running back class is stacked in my view with a lot of top options. You could see running backs taken sooner than in recent seasons and make an immediate impact in fantasy circles. The receiver class is a little top heavy in my view and drops off in a hurry from the top options. Last season was stacked with a host of elite options but that isn’t nearly the case this year. It should be another fun draft. I know I’m looking forward to seeing it all shake out.
It would be nice if the NFL was more like the NBA, seeing some real movement in the trade market. This just doesn’t happen in the NFL. It sure is exciting when elite players are dealt, though. I would love it if the NFL trade deadline had more movement. It just doesn’t happen and I don’t see that changing. I think the best chance of blockbuster trades come around the NFL draft. Hopefully, that is the case this year.
One of the most interesting players in free agency this year is Sam Darnold. I’m really anxious to see where he lands and the deal he gets. He had a breakout season but fizzled down the stretch, leading to more question marks about him as a top NFL starter. If he moves to a team with fewer weapons than the Vikings, can he still be that elite starter? That is the big question. It will be fascinating to see what teams view him as this offseason.
Lastly, have a great Super Bowl Sunday. This is the last Lineup Prep until before Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season. It has been a great year and I appreciate everyone reading during the season. We have the best users on RTSports and I’m blessed to be part of this community.
HOT PLAYS
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. Mahomes might have been a little quiet during the regular season for his standards but is showing up in the playoffs once again. He had his highest scoring fantasy game of the season against the Bills, scoring 33.55 fantasy points. Mahomes had three total touchdowns and threw for 245 yards. He just comes up big in the big game, so look for more of the same this week for Mahomes.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles. Smith has been pretty quiet in the playoffs, having four receptions for 66 yards in two games on eight targets. He has been the third option most weeks in the passing game of late. That could change this week, though, playing a Chiefs team he has historically produced some huge games. For his career, Smith has at least 99 yards all three of his games against the Chiefs. He has two 100-yard games of those three. Don’t get too worried about his down production of late. Smith can get it going this week.
COLD PLAYS
Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs. Hunt seems to have moved ahead of Isiah Pacheco for now, playing 58 percent of the snaps last week compared to 29 percent for Pacheco in their last game. He is the fantasy back to use in the Kansas City offense for now. But even with that said, he isn't a top fantasy play. His touchdowns are the only thing driving up his fantasy value. If you take away his scores each of the last two games, his numbers are very mediocre. He has 25 carries for 110 yards and just two catchers for eight yards. We aren’t sure he finds the end zone this week against the Eagles, a team that allowed the second fewest fantasy points to running backs. This makes Hunt an iffy fantasy play.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Chiefs. Hopkins has just a catch for 11 yards on three targets in the Chiefs two playoff games. He is a hard player to trust right now. Hopkins has not topped 50 yards in a game since Week 13. It could be more of the same this week for Hopkins. He gets an Eagles team that allowed the eighth fewest fantasy points to receivers and was first overall against the pass during the regular season.
SLEEPERS
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Chiefs. There always seems to be a receiver that surprises in the Super Bowl. We think it might be Smith-Schuster this year. He played 58 percent of the snaps his last game, which was the third most for any receiver. He was on the field a lot and had two catches for 60 yards. If he can get that much playing time again this week, look for him to make a big play or two for the Chiefs.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles. Goedert has at least four receptions four straight games. He had seven receptions for 85 yards on eight targets and two rushes for 13 yards his last game against the Commanders. Goedert is getting his weekly chances since returning from injury in Week 18. We look for more of the same this week against the Chiefs, a team that allowed the sixth most fantasy points to tight ends 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: 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.
Despite the Chicago Bears being aggressive in acquiring offensive linemen this offseason, ESPN's Courtney Cronin isn't ruling out the team addressing their offensive line at No. 10 overall in this year's NFL draft, especially since incumbent starting left tackle Braxton Jones (ankle) is expected to be limited at the start of training camp this summer after having ankle surgery. It's unlikely that Kiran Amegadjie will be without legitimate competition at the position while Jones recovers. General manager Ryan Poles talked about "short-term versus long-term thinking" at the league meetings, potentially signaling Chicago will use their first-round pick on a left tackle to start grooming him for the future. After drafting quarterback Caleb Williams first overall last year, protecting him for the long term will be of utmost importance.
From RotoBaller
ESPN New York's Rich Cimini thinks the chances are good that the New York Jets go offense with the No. 7 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, taking either a plug-and-play right tackle like Missouri's Armand Membou or a much-needed aerial target for new quarterback Justin Fields like Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The Jets have holes on their offensive line and at receiver, as their only current dependable pass-catcher is Garrett Wilson. Receiver, right tackle and cornerback should be New York's primary focus on Days 1 and 2 of the draft. ESPN's Matt Miller says that there has been some chatter about the Jets potentially drafting a running back -- maybe Boise State's Ashton Jeanty if the Raiders pass on him at No. 6 -- but they definitely have more pressing needs.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jordan Reid writes that cornerback could be a position that the Las Vegas Raiders target early in this year's NFL draft, especially if they trade down from No. 6 overall. University of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron is an option for Vegas if they trade back, according to multiple league sources. ESPN's Ryan McFadden also wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders go with an offensive lineman or cornerback with their first-round selection. The most obvious pairing, though, is for the Raiders to take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up. Vegas could use another instant-impact offensive threat to pair with second-year tight end Brock Bowers, and new head coach Pete Carroll is no stranger to taking a RB in the first round -- Seattle took Rashaad Penny 27th overall in 2018. During Carroll's 14-year tenure in Seattle, he took six offensive players in the first round.
From RotoBaller
Although nothing is set in stone, ESPN's Matt Miller writes that there is an expectation that the Jacksonville Jaguars will take Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham with the No. 5 overall pick in this year's NFL draft. However, a scout recently told Miller not to rule out Jacksonville going with an offensive lineman with their first-round pick. New general manager James Gladstone comes from the Los Angeles Rams, who have used high picks to bolster the trenches on both sides of the line in recent seasons. ESPN's Michael DiRocco thinks a best-case scenario would be Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter being available when the Jaguars are on the clock, but that's unlikely to play out. Adding Hunter to an offense that already includes Brian Thomas Jr. would be extremely helpful as quarterback Trevor Lawrence looks to bounce back in 2025.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Matt Miller writes that Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou could be in play for the New England Patriots at No. 4 overall in this year's NFL draft, as they've done a lot of homework on him as they look to improve their offensive line in front of quarterback Drake Maye. Scouts have also said the Patriots would be happy with either Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter if they are available. ESPN's Mike Reiss believes New England would consider a trade down if both Hunter and Carter are off the board. "If somebody has an offer for us, I think we'd be willing to listen," head coach Mike Vrabel said. It sounds like the Pats are open to a variety of possibilities, including LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jordan Reid writes that there seems to be three potential outcomes for the New York Giants at No. 3 overall in this year's NFL draft, assuming the Tennessee Titans take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall. There three options are Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, and Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. The offseason additions of veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston give the Giants flexibility to add the best player available when they are on the clock, and general manager Joe Schoen stressed at the league meetings recently that the team would only go with a signal-caller "if the value was right." Carter could help a lethal pass-rush trio with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Hunter would give the G-Men intriguing possibilities on both offense and defense. As things currently stand, Sanders could be looking at all fall outside of the top three picks.
From RotoBaller
University of Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson visited with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday after visiting with the New York Giants on Wednesday, sources told The Bergen Record's Art Stapleton. The Bengals currently have the 49th and 81st overall picks in this year's NFL draft in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively, and it seems clear that they want to give Chase Brown help in the backfield via this year's draft. Cincy has brought in multiple RBs for visits during the pre-draft process, including Ohio State star Quinshon Judkins. They are scheduled to meet with Judkins' teammate, TreVeyon Henderson, as well. Johnson had a whopping 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024 and added 22 catches for 188 yards and two more TDs. If the Bengals like the 21-year-old enough, they may have to trade up in the draft to select him.
From RotoBaller
Per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter's (foot, shoulder) medical recheck in Indianapolis on Thursday showed that the stress reaction in his foot is healing. There has been improvement and no surgery will be needed. "It should be a non-factor with the teams at this point," Rosenhaus said. In addition to a foot injury he's recovering from, a shoulder injury also prevented him from working out at the scouting combine and his school's Pro Day. However, the 21-year-old defensive end plans to host a private workout for NFL teams later this month before the draft. The reigning Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year shouldn't have his draft stock affected by the two injuries, and there's still a chance he could go as high as No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland is expected to take either Carter or Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter at second overall.
From RotoBaller
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick said on Wednesday that he thinks Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' camp doesn't want him to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns or the other teams that have the top three picks in this year's NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans hold the top pick, but they are expected to take Miami QB Cam Ward. The Browns and New York Giants hold the second and third picks, respectively. There is momentum for the Browns to take Sanders' Colorado teammate and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall, leading to speculation of how far Sanders might fall in the top 10 later this month. If Sanders falls outside the top three picks, the Raiders at No. 6, the Saints at No. 9 and the Steelers at No. 21 could all be good landing spots for him. The Steelers are expected to sign Aaron Rodgers eventually, but Sanders would become their long-term plan at the position.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) posted an Instagram video this week of him working out in Browns gear with a message for the doubters. "Everyone don't think I can get back to where I was. But I know...I'm gonna be way better than before." Watson's time as a Brown has been forgettable, with injuries and off-field issues marring his tenure with the team, and we'll have to wait longer than expected to see him again. After re-rupturing his Achilles tendon in early January, the 29-year-old is slated to miss significant time in the 2025 campaign. The Clemson product was once on an early-career superstar trajectory with the Texans. However, he's yet to recapture even an iota of his former success since holding out with Houston in 2021. Whether Watson will be a viable fantasy asset again remains to be seen, and he'll have some work to do before getting another shot on the field. It wouldn't be surprising if we didn't see him return to action in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Haason Reddick told reporters that he's entering 2025 with a new mindset and is focused on what he can bring to his new team. "I know that everybody is worried about last year, but last year is last year, right?...just ready to put the past behind me and continue to move forward, and what better place to do it than here?" The 30-year-old was unproductive last season, limited to just ten games with the New York Jets following a training camp holdout. Reddick produced a career-low 14 tackles and one sack, a stark contrast to the 54.25 tackles and 12.63 sacks per year he averaged over the prior four seasons. Amid the controversy, it's possible the Bucs got a steal in the veteran's one-year $14 million deal. The Temple product could be in store for a resurgent season with Tampa Bay as they bolster their defensive front.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms with free-agent wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. on an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Marshall will not be anywhere near the fantasy radar as he looks to provide depth at the position behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The 24-year-old is coming off a 2024 season with the Las Vegas Raiders in which he had only three receptions on six targets for 41 yards and no touchdowns in seven games played (one start). The former second-round pick (59th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in 2021 out of LSU caught a combined 64 passes for 767 yards and just one touchdown on 110 targets in his three seasons with the Panthers from 2021-23. Marshall will be competing with the likes of Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson, among others, for a 53-man roster spot.
From RotoBaller
Former University of Texas wide receiver and current NFL draft prospect Isaiah Bond turned himself into Frisco (Texas) police on Thursday morning for a matter related to an outstanding warrant for sexual assault, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He posted bond and has already been released. The 20-year-old has been taking pre-draft visits with teams around the league and has been widely predicted to be a second- or third-round selection in this year's NFL draft at the end of April. He's coming off a junior year with the Longhorns in which he played second fiddle to Matthew Golden, who is expected to be a first-rounder, catching 34 passes for 540 yards and five touchdowns. Bond also rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown and is known for his speed. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine in February and also caught 65 passes for 888 yards and five TDs in two seasons at Alabama.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams are re-signing linebacker Troy Reeder to a one-year deal, according to FOX NFL reporter Eric Williams. Reeder began his career with the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Delaware in 2019 and spent three seasons with the team before one year with the Chargers and two years back with the Rams. Overall, the 30-year-old has racked up 310 tackles (180 solo), five sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and 13.5 run stuff in 89 career games. He appeared in just six names last year and logged 46 total tackles. Depending on what happens during the 2025 NFL Draft, Reeder will likely enter next season as the backup to Nate Landman at inside linebacker.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Matt Miller and scouts around the NFL, the Chicago Bears "love" Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty as a prospect and could be targeting the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up with the No. 10 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jeanty took the college football world by storm last season, posting 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns. However, Jeanty might not make it to Chicago if they stay put at No. 10, as the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 6 selection, are rumored to be interested in picking him there. Chicago has two second-round picks, so they could be aggressive in trading up. However, the team has other needs at defensive tackle and edge rusher, so the range of outcomes is wide in the first year under head coach Ben Johnson.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers are continuing to evaluate quarterback Bryce Young, and adding high-caliber pass-catchers around him will be critical in that process. However, the team ranked last in total yards allowed per game (404.5) last season and is expected to use most of its nine picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to address that side of the ball. According to Panthers reporter David Newton, seven of the nine picks being used on defense is a fair estimate, and it's almost a guarantee Carolina will use its first-round pick on a front-seven defender. Georgia edge rushers Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker are potential targets in the top 10 of this month's draft. In a weak overall wide receiver class, Carolina could wait until the later rounds to address that need.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and despite the need at quarterback after the failed Deshaun Watson experience, the team is expected to take either Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the early selection. However, ESPN's Jordan Reid speculates that Cleveland could either trade back into the first round to select or quarterback or address the position in Round 2 with the No. 33 overall selection. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders or Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart are potential targets if a trade-up occurs, while Alabama's Jalen Milroe or Louisville's Tyler Shough would make sense at the start of Day 2. For now, Kenny Pickett is penciled in as Cleveland's starter, but the team will almost certainly select a quarterback at some point in late April's draft.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants are hosting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton on a visit Thursday, according to NFL.com. The team is reportedly doing work on running back prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and Hampton is largely viewed as the RB2 in the class behind Boise State's Ashton Jeanty. That said, he is expected to be picked in the back half of the first round, so the Giants would likely need to trade back into Round 1 if they have a shot to land him. Hampton posted over 1,500 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in each of his last two collegiate seasons and could be a true workhorse at the next level. Tyrone Tracy Jr. impressed as a rookie for the G-Men, but the organization could be looking to add a true difference-maker at the position after losing Saquon Barkley last offseason.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans are overwhelmingly expected to pick Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward will give Tennessee its potential franchise quarterback, but the team still needs to address the wide receiver spot behind Calvin Ridley, who posted over 1,000 yards in his first year with the organization. According to ESPN's Matt Miller, Tennessee is expected to be aggressive in adding a wideout and could trade back into the first round to land Missouri's Luther Burden III or Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka. The two pass-catchers were all-conference performers in the SEC and Big Ten, respectively last season. That said, one or both wide receivers could be available with the Titans' No. 35 overall pick, so all options are on the table.
From RotoBaller
University of Baylor wide receiver Hal Presley visited with the Denver Broncos this week, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Presley isn't one of the bigger names in the receiver draft class this year, but the Broncos could look to target the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder in the later rounds of this year's draft as they look to add weapons on offense for impressive young quarterback Bo Nix. Presley finished his senior year with Baylor in 2024 with 31 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns. Denver currently has Courtland Sutton as their unquestioned WR1, but they could use additional depth at the position alongside Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin. The Broncos also added tight end Evan Engram in free agency, and he could end up being one of the most targeted pass-catchers in 2025.
From RotoBaller