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 jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
The Las Vegas Raiders are interested in talking with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh about their head-coach position, according to sources. Saleh was fired by the Jets after just five weeks in 2024 and currently is not employed by a team. Saleh is generating a little bit of head-coaching buzz this cycle, and the San Francisco 49ers are also interested in bringing him back as their defensive coordinator. The 45-year-old began coaching in the NFL as a defensive intern in 2005 with the Houston Texans before becoming the Seattle Seahawks' defensive quality control coach in 2011. He spent three years as linebackers coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars become becoming the Niners' D coordinator in 2017. In four seasons as the Jets' head coach, Saleh struggled to a 20-36 record and did not make the postseason.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans requested an interview with Indianapolis Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds for their general manager job, according to a source. The Titans are in search of a new GM this offseason after surprisingly firing previous GM Ran Carthon earlier this week but retaining head coach Brian Callahan. Dodds has been in Indy's front office with GM Chris Ballard since the 2017 season. He has 21 years of experience in the league with various positions that have included scouting and personnel departments before rising to the assistant GM position with the Colts. In addition to the Colts, Dodds has worked with the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks. With the Titans focusing specifically on a GM with vast personnel experience, Dodds certainly fits the bill. Tennessee will have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders requested permission to interview Baltimore Ravens head coach Todd Monken for their head-coaching job, according to a source. Given his success with quarterback Lamar Jackson each of the last two seasons, it's no surprise that Monken has become one of the hottest head-coaching candidates in the NFL this cycle. The Raiders are looking for yet another head coach following their axing of Antonio Pierce after only one season as the full-time head coach. In addition to the Raiders, the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are also looking at Monken, who has 10 seasons of NFL coaching experience. He was also the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator from 2016-18 and the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator in 2019. Monken helped win back-to-back national championships at the University of Georgia running the Bulldogs' offense from 2020-22 as well.
From RotoBaller
Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Justin Bethel announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday after spending 12 seasons in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. Bethel was originally selected in the sixth round by the Cardinals in 2012 out of Presbyterian. The first six years of his NFL came in the desert, where Bethel was named to all three of his Pro Bowls in a three-year span from 2013-15. The 34-year-old veteran didn't play a single game in 2024 and had only 19 tackles (15 solo), half a sack and one pass breakup in 17 games (one start) for the Dolphins in 2023. Bethel wraps up his 12-year NFL career with 282 total tackles (235 solo), half a sack, five interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 25 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries in 193 games (15 starts).
From RotoBaller
The New England Patriots requested an interview with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for their head-coaching position, according to sources. Glenn played for former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in the 1990s and is well-respected in the building in Boston. Along with fellow Lions assistant coach Ben Johnson, Glenn is one of the most popular head-coaching candidates this cycle and has now been requested by all six NFL teams with head-coach openings this offseason. Former Tennessee Titans head coach and former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel is considered the favorite for the Patriots job, but Glenn could easily be a finalist in New England. The 52-year-old Glenn has been Detroit's defensive coordinator since Dan Campbell became the head coach in 2021. He could be the favorite to become the New Orleans Saints' next head coach.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) was a full participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Winfield looks to be on track to returning for the postseason to take on the Washington Commanders on Sunday night in the wild-card round after he missed the final four games of the regular season due to his knee injury. Getting the All-Pro safety back for the start of the playoffs would be huge for a Buccaneers secondary that has been friendly to opposing receivers for most of the year. While Winfield is a must-start in IDP formats whenever he's healthy, fantasy managers setting DFS lineups during wild-card weekend should still fade the Buccaneers defense/special teams unit against the Commanders and impressive rookie QB Jayden Daniels. The Bucs defense finished 21st in the league in overall fantasy points through 18 weeks.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders veteran wide receiver Jamison Crowder (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice as the team begins preparing to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road at Raymond James Stadium for the wild-card playoff game on Sunday night. Crowder returned from a stint on Injured Reserve in Week 15 but played only 20 offensive snaps and wasn't targeted at all in the Week 18 win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in the regular-season finale. The 31-year-old was likely being rested last weekend so that he'll be ready to go for the start of the playoffs, but even when fully healthy, Crowder has been a non-factor in Washington's offense this year. In his second year in D.C., Crowder has only nine receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns in six games, making him a low-upside dart throw for DFS playoff lineups.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that the team plans to designate defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) as a post-June 1 cut for salary-cap purposes. However, the 49ers also have interest in bringing Hargrave back on a new deal for the 2025 season. The 31-year-old is two years into a four-year deal that he signed in March of 2023, but he played in only three games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending torn triceps muscle. The former third-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2016 NFL draft out of South Carolina State had seven sacks and made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career in his first year in the Bay Area in 2023, but this season was obviously a big disappointment because of his injury. In his three games, Hargrave had seven tackles (four solo) and one sack.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (finger) is listed on this week's injury report with a finger injury but was able to give it a full-go in practice on Wednesday. It's something to keep an eye on the rest of the week, but barring a setback, McMillan should be good to go for Sunday night's wild-card playoff battle against the visiting Washington Commanders. The 23-year-old third-round selection out of Washington came on like gangbusters to close out his rookie campaign in the regular season, catching 24 of 31 targets for 316 yards and seven touchdowns in the last five contests. McMillan is the No. 2 behind future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, but there are enough looks to go around in Tampa's pass-happy offense for the rookie to be considered on the WR1/2 borderline for DFS playoff lineups this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (knee) logged a limited session to kick off the week ahead of Sunday's matchup with the visiting Washington Commanders. The veteran evidently picked up a knee injury in Week 18's 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints, though he did not miss any snaps. There's been no further report on David, suggesting he should not be in danger of missing Tampa Bay's Wild Card contest. The 34-year-old led the Bucs in total tackles with 122 in 2024, marking the twelfth time in 14 seasons that he's eclipsed 100 tackles. Additionally, the Miami native led every Tampa Bay defender in snaps (1,078) -- 20 more than the next closest athlete. While it seems that he won't be inactive on Sunday, it's worth monitoring his practice status over the next 48 hours. In the unlikely event that David cannot suit up, fellow linebacker J.J. Russell figures to see an uptick in snaps.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers placekicker Chris Boswell (illness) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. The 33-year-old could log a full session on Tuesday but evidently caught something overnight and was unavailable a day later. It's been an incredible season for the veteran -- drilling all 35 extra-point tries while failing to connect on only three field goals. He led the league with 158 points. While Boswell will get another shot at practice time on Thursday ahead of their Wild Card clash with the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, it's mildly concerning for the Steelers. Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (illness) is also under the weather and has been a DNP the whole week thus far, so hopefully, it doesn't spread further. Heyward reportedly has the flu, while Boswell's illness has not yet been reported.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (thumb) was a limited participant in Wednesday's team practice. Both he and starting quarterback Jordan Love (elbow) picked up injuries in last Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears, and both kicked off the week with a limited session. Despite being listed as limited, the sentiment surrounding the QBs seems optimistic. Willis never exited the team's meeting with the Bears in spite of being shaken up, and head coach Matt LaFleur noted that Love could have reentered the game if necessary. However, fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on the signal callers' practice participation leading up to their road tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. While Love and Willis are expected to be fine, Sean Clifford would be the next man up if the Packers faced a worst-case scenario.
From RotoBaller
Per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (appendix, hamstring) has been transferred to injured reserve, and his season is officially over. The 24-year-old was moved to injured reserve from the reserve/non-football illness list after recovering from appendicitis but still experiencing issues with his hamstring. It's a lost season for the rookie, who appeared in one game -- Week 2 in the team's win over the Indianapolis Colts -- playing ten snaps. Lloyd injured his hamstring in the preseason but was healthy enough to be active for their meeting with the Colts. However, he'd suffer a severe ankle sprain that would keep him out of action -- and on IR -- for seven weeks. Upon his return to team activities, he re-aggravated the hamstring injury suffered in the summer but would need immediate surgery on his appendix. Though he could recover from his surgery, the hamstring ailment is still an issue. The Packers plan to send the first-year pro to the same institute that wideout Christian Watson (knee) attended last offseason in an effort to quell the hamstring issues he had since his rookie season. While Watson just had his year cut short by a knee injury, he did not miss a single contest because of his hamstring in 2024. We'll see Lloyd again in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running backs J.K. Dobbins (ankle) and Gus Edwards (ankle) were both limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Wednesday. Barring a setback on Thursday, Dobbins should be active for Saturday's wild-card playoff tilt in Houston against the Texans as the Chargers' lead back. Edwards, meanwhile, might need to upgrade to a full practice on Thursday to avoid a questionable tag going into Saturday after he missed the final two games of the regular season. Both backs have dealt with injuries in 2024, but the 26-year-old Dobbins has been much more productive as LA's primary backfield option when they've both been healthy at the same time. Against a Texans defense that has allowed the third-fewest half-PPR points per game to RBs this year, Dobbins checks in as a low-end RB1 for fantasy managers in the first week of the postseason.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (thigh, illness) was downgraded to a non-participant in practice on Wednesday after he was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. Hopefully for the Chargers, Johnston's absence on Wednesday was because he wasn't feeling well and not because of his thigh injury. The 23-year-old's practice status on Thursday will go a long way towards determining whether he'll be able to play on Saturday against the hosting Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs. With Joshua Palmer (foot) missing the Week 18 regular-season finale and not practicing yet this week, the Chargers' receiving corps behind rookie Ladd McConkey could be down to DJ Chark and Derius Davis. If Johnston ends up playing, he will have considerable upside as a WR2 in fantasy against a porous Texans secondary.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Brown battled through a minor knee injury late in the season and was held out of the Week 18 win over the New York Giants as a precaution so that he'd be ready to roll for the wild-card round of the playoffs. Both Brown and DeVonta Smith, who was also held out in Week 18 due to a minor wrist injury, should be ready for Sunday's playoff contest against the visiting Green Bay Packers. In Weeks 16 and 17, the 27-year-old Brown caught 11 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns after the Eagles made their lackluster passing attack a point of emphasis. Brown caught five of 10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in the season opener in the 34-29 win over the Packers and should be considered a high-end WR1 for the rematch with Green Bay this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (wrist) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report after putting in a full practice session. Smith didn't practice at all last week before being held out of the Week 18 win over the division-rival New York Giants in the regular-season finale as a precaution due to a minor wrist injury he had been dealing with. With extra time to rest up, it appears the 26-year-old will be ready to rock for this Sunday's wild-card playoff game against the visiting Green Bay Packers. The bigger question mark is whether quarterback Jalen Hurts will clear the concussion protocol by Sunday. If Hurts is ready to go, Smith should be considered a low-end WR1 for DFS fantasy lineups as more of a boom/bust fantasy option as second fiddle to A.J. Brown. In the Week 1 win over the Packers, Smith caught seven of eight targets for 84 yards.
From RotoBaller
The Chicago Bears interviewed Mike Vrabel for their vacant head-coach position on Wednesday. Vrabel most recently was a coaching and personnel consultant with the Browns in 2024. Prior to that role, Vrabel coached the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. During his time as the Titans' head coach, Vrabel amassed a record of 54-45. He led the Titans to three playoff appearances including a trip to the AFC Championship game in 2019. Vrabel is widely regarded as an excellent head coaching candidate. The Bears are desperately in need of stability from top to bottom as an organization. After starting 2024 4-2, the Bears proceeded to lose ten straight games before winning their season finale against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears' poor season resulted in the firing of former head coach Matt Eberflus after a bad Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions. The Bears have a promising young quarterback in Caleb Williams who could benefit from a mentor like Vrabel. However, Vrabel will have his fair share of suitors throughout the head coaching hiring cycle.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot/knee) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Shepard was listed on the practice report for a hamstring injury last week so his presence with a new injury this week is slightly worrisome for Bucs fans. Shepard has had a nice season for the Bucs. He has operated primarily as the No. 3 wide receiver due to injuries to both Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (finger) for much of the season. McMillan and Mike Evans (rest) are currently the top two options in this passing offense. However, Shepard plays an important role as a chain mover when called upon. He recorded 32 receptions for 334 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He has been solid all around for a Buccaneers team with a legitimate shot at making a playoff run this season. His status will need to be monitored heading into the weekend. The Bucs will need all the help they can get against a young and hungry Washington Commanders team on Sunday night.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Jackson was also a full participant on Tuesday. His practice participation is encouraging for Eagles fans considering he has not played since Week 17. Jackson has been a reliable second cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr. He recorded eight passes defensed and a team-leading five interceptions this season. The Steelers have struggled to defend the pass without Jackson over the last couple of weeks. He appears to be tracking to play this weekend which would be a huge boost to the secondary. With Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) reportedly a long shot to play this weekend, getting Jackson back in the lineup will be that much more important for the Steelers.
From RotoBaller