Studs and Duds: Divisional Round
Mon Jan 20 10:49am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Barkley has another huge game
The games were more entertaining this week, especially the Sunday games. There were a lot of exciting moments from the weekend. And we had some big fantasy performances as well, mainly at the running back spot. Two running backs topped 35 fantasy points. The passing games were held in check for the most part because of poor weather conditions in all the games that weren’t played in a dome. Hopefully, you were able to put up some points this week, taking advantage of those big-time running back performances.
Chiefs 23, Texans 14
Fantasy Stud: Travis Kelce. It typical Kelce fashion, he showed up huge in the playoffs once again. He had seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, continuing his dominating play in the postseason. You expect nothing less than Kelce at this point of the season.
Fantasy Dud: Isiah Pacheco. There were a lot of duds on both teams but Pacheco gets the honor. There was though his usage would go up now that the playoffs are here, becoming the clear top back for the Chiefs. Well, that narrative did not play out. Pacheco ran five times for just 18 yards and didn’t catch a pass. Kareem Hunt actually had more touches and was more productive, finishing with eight carries for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Game Notes: Joe Mixon was iffy to play because of an ankle injury but played and carried the offense much of the game. He ran 18 times for 88 yards and a touchdown. Mixon also caught two passes for 12 yards, giving him 100 total yards.
Patrick Mahomes failed to throw for 200 yards but made some big plays when it mattered. He was 16-of-25 for 177 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. Mahomes also ran seven times for 14 yards.
Commanders 45, Lions 31
Fantasy Stud: Jahmyr Gibbs. There were a lot of big-time performances in this game, but Gibbs was the brightest star of the group. He ran 14 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Gibbs also had six receptions for 70 yards, giving him 175 total yards. He scored 35.5 fantasy points, giving him at least 25 fantasy points five straight games.
Fantasy Dud: Jared Goff. Goff had his struggles in this one, turning the ball over four times. He was 23-of-40 or 313 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions and a lost fumble. He scored just 16.35 fantasy points. It was not the finish to his big season that Goff hoped.
Game Notes: Jayden Daniels had a fantastic showing in his biggest game as a pro, going 22-of-31 for 299 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. The moment never looks too big for the rookie quarterback.
Brian Robinson found the end zone for the first time since Week 13 and had his second multiple-touchdown game of the season. He ran 15 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
Eagles 28, Rams 22
Fantasy Stud: Saquon Barkley. Barkley had an absolutely huge performance, carrying the Eagles offense throughout the game. He ran 26 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 27 yards, giving him 232 total yards. He scored 39.2 fantasy points, which was his second highest total of the season. Barkley has six games this season with 30-plus fantasy points. Barkley is having one of the all-time great seasons for a fantasy running back.
Fantasy Dud: A.J. Brown. Brown was held in check in the tough weather conditions in Philadelphia. He had two receptions for 14 yards. He scored just 3.4 fantasy points. In two playoff games, Brown has three receptions for 24 yards on 10 targets. His start to the playoffs is really unexpected, especially if you consider his big numbers throughout the season.
Game Notes: Jalen Hurts was banged up in the game, suffering a knee injury. He was able to keep playing but clearly looked less than 100 percent. He was 15-of-20 for 128 yards without a touchdown or an interception. He did run seven times for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Cooper Kupp was more involved in the offense after several down games. He had five receptions for 61 yards. He topped double-digit fantasy points for the first time since Week 14.
Bills 27, Ravens 25
Fantasy Stud: Isaiah Likely. Likely was the leading receiver for the Ravens. He had four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. He scored 17.3 fantasy points. Likely had his highest fantasy point total since Week 1. Likely has at least three receptions three straight games. He got a little more work offensively after Zay Flowers went down with his knee injury.
Fantasy Dud: Josh Allen. Allen was held in check for his standards. The throwing conditions weren’t great, though, which impacted his numbers in the passing game. Allen was 16-of-22 but threw for just 127 yards. He ran for 20 yards and two scores. Allen finished with 20.35 fantasy points. This was one of his lowest fantasy point totals of the entire season. It wasn’t awful but you expected better from the star quarterback.
Game Notes: Derrick Henry found the end zone for the fourth straight game. He ran 16 times for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Mark Andrews had a game to forget. He did catch five passes for 61 yards but lost a key fumble and dropped the two-point conversion attempt to tie the game.
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.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Studs and Duds: Championship Games
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Conference Championshi
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: TFC Champion is Crowned
- Bengals hire two defensive assistants for DC Al Golden
- Bucs WR Mike Evans, Giants rookie Malik Nabers get Pro Bowl nods
- Thomas Brown joining Patriots' coaching staff
- Super Bowl: Early line, MVP odds and general betting primer
- Declan Doyle in as OC as Bears make coaching moves
- Chiefs early 1.5-point favorites against Eagles in Super Bowl
- Seahawks hiring Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator
- Eagles C Cam Jurgens game-time decision vs. Commanders
- Jets decide on Darren Mougey as new GM
- Kelvin Sheppard replaces Aaron Glenn as Lions' DC
- Commanders DT Daron Payne (knee/thumb) ruled out vs. Eagles
- Commanders' success is 'killing' ex-owner Dan Snyder
- Rams GM open to extension for RB Kyren Williams
- Titans coach: QB Shedeur Sanders makes 'really good first impression'
- 49ers bring back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator
- Cowboys promote OC Brian Schottenheimer to head coach
- Patriots S Jabrill Peppers acquitted of assault, battery
- Jaguars announce hiring of Liam Coen as head coach
- Falcons add Mike Rutenberg, Nate Ollie to coaching staff
- Texans firing OC Bobby Slowik after two seasons
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Weekly Projections
- Fantasy Life: The Longest Two Weeks of the Year: Prelude to Super Bowl LIX
- Fantasy Life: Super Bowl Déjà Vu: Chiefs vs. Eagles
- Fantasy Life: Super Bowl LIX Early Betting Odds: Chiefs-Eagles Rematch
- Fantasy Life: NFL Conference Championships Recap: Chiefs vs Eagles, Part Deux
- Fantasy Life: Two Conference Championship Upsets We Need To Happen
- Fantasy Life: Two Championship Games, Endless Storylines and Best Bets
The Paur Report
TFC Champion is Crowned
- Studs and Duds: Championship Games
- Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Conference Championshi
- Injury Status: Championship Games
- Lineup Prep: Championship Games
- Studs and Duds: Divisional Round
- Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Divisional Round
- Injury Status: Divisional Round
- Lineup Prep: Divisional Round Games
According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the Las Vegas Raiders requested permission to interview Seattle Seahawks defensive passing-game coordinator and defensive-backs coach Karl Scott for their defensive-coordinator position, according to sources. Scott worked with Nick Saban at Alabama before joining Pete Carroll's coaching staff in Seattle in 2021. Carroll, who is set to be introduced as the Raiders' new head coach on Monday, worked with Scott in his last two seasons at the helm in Seattle. In addition to working at Alabama, Scott was the Minnesota Vikings' defensive-backs coach. He's an intriguing candidate, having worked three years under Saban, who is considered to be the best evaluator and developer of defensive-back talent in football history. The first order of business for the Raiders is determining if current DC Patrick Graham will stick around in Vegas under Carroll.
From RotoBaller
FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz reports that the New England Patriots are hiring former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone as their new offensive-line coach, according to sources. Marrone is a highly respected offensive-line coach around the league and will now be tasked with improving what was a bad unit in 2024 to better protect second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The 60-year-old coach was the head coach of the Bills from 2013-14 and the head coach of the Jaguars from 2016-20. Last year, he worked as a senior analyst for football strategy for Bill O'Brien at Boston College. He last worked in the NFL from 2022-23 with the New Orleans Saints as their offensive-line coach and is considered one of the brightest O-line coaches in the league. Marrone was the offensive-line coach for Nick Saban at Alabama in 2021.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Baltimore Ravens and offensive coordinator Todd Monken are finalizing a contract extension on Monday, according to sources. Under Monken during the 2024 season, the Ravens led the NFL in offense, and quarterback Lamar Jackson had his best statistical season of his career after winning the MVP award in 2023. Due to all of Baltimore's success on offense, Monken was a hot head-coaching candidate around the league, but he'll be sticking in Baltimore for the foreseeable future. Although the Ravens have not gotten over the hump yet in the playoffs with Jackson under center, nobody can deny that they haven't been one of the best offenses in the NFL the last two years under Monken. Baltimore led the league in 2024 in total yards per game (424.9) and finished third in points per game (30.5).
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the New England Patriots are hiring former Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown as their tight ends/passing-game coordinator on Monday, according to a source. Brown impressed new head coach Mike Vrabel in an offensive-coordinator interview and will now join his staff. He began the 2024 season in Chicago as the team's pass-game coordinator before being promoted to offensive coordinator and then interim head coach after the firings of Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus, respectively. Brown led the Bears to a 1-4 record down the stretch in the interim head coach role, with the team's lone victory coming against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showed improved under Brown, so the Patriots will be hoping Brown can now help in the development of young QB Drake Maye.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown delivered a massive bounce-back performance against the Washington Commanders, hauling in six receptions on eight targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. This marked Brown's best game since Week 15, showcasing his elite talent and reminding everyone of the dominant playmaker he is. Brown's ability to make plays was on full display, as he consistently found space and made critical catches. With the Eagles adopting a more balanced offensive attack in this game, Brown thrived and proved why he's one of the league's premier receivers. As the Eagles gear up for their Super Bowl matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Brown will be a key factor in their offensive game plan and poised for another standout performance.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith maintained his reliability against the Washington Commanders, securing four receptions for 45 yards. Though he hasn't found the end zone in these playoffs, Smith has been a steady target for Jalen Hurts, recording four catches in each postseason game this year. Smith's ability to make plays when called upon adds crucial balance to the Eagles offense, complementing the dominant ground game led by Saquon Barkley. His role as a dependable pass-catcher is pivotal, especially when opposing defenses focus on limiting A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert. As the Eagles head to the Super Bowl to face the Buffalo Bills, Smith will likely continue to play a key supporting role, providing Hurts with a consistent option in the passing attack.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert had another strong performance in the NFC Championship victory over the Washington Commanders. He led the team with seven receptions for 85 yardshis highest yardage output since Week 3 of the regular seasonand added two rushes for 13 yards. Throughout the playoffs, Goedert has been Jalen Hurts' most reliable passing option, averaging five receptions and 62.7 yards per game. His resurgence in the postseason highlights his ability to perform in critical moments, making him a vital part of the Eagles' offensive success. As the Eagles prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl, Goedert's versatility and ability to find openings in the defense will be key. Look for him to play another significant role in the biggest game of the season.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts shined in Sunday's NFC Championship victory over the Washington Commanders. Completing 20 of 28 passes (71.4%) for 246 yards and one passing touchdown, Hurts also added 10 carries for 16 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Hurts showcased his ability to lead a balanced offense, playing efficiently and making smart decisions throughout the game. His passing precision paired well with his signature "tush push" play, which proved unstoppable at the goal line. Hurts' leadership and dynamic playmaking helped the Eagles score a season-high 55 points. As Philadelphia prepares for the Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills, Hurts' versatility and postseason experience will be critical in securing the Eagles' second championship in franchise history.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dazzled in the NFC Championship, torching the Washington Commanders with 15 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns. Barkley has now averaged an astonishing 147.3 rushing yards per game in the postseason, solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the Eagles offense. Even with Philadelphia opening up the passing game more than in recent weeks, Barkley's production remained elite. His ability to gash defenses for big plays and find the end zone has been pivotal to the Eagles' playoff success, giving him five touchdowns this postseason. As the Eagles prepare for the Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills, Barkley's dominant ground game will be vital in their quest for a ring.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman caught just one of his four targets for 12 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie endured highs and lows this season, but most fans and fantasy managers would be quick to admit that they expected a little more out of Coleman during his rookie campaign. After all, he was the first pick in the second round of the draft, making him the Bills' highest wide receiver selection since 2014. Through 16 games between the regular season and playoffs, he caught just 32 of his 65 targets (49.2 percent) for 578 yards and four touchdowns. Coleman currently projects to be the Bills' No. 2 receiver alongside Khalil Shakir next year, but Buffalo may be tempted to bring in some star power at the position after coming up short in the playoffs once again.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel caught a four-yard touchdown pass during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Samuel's score came on his only reception, but he did have three total targets in the contest. The veteran occupied a depth role throughout the 2024 season, routinely operating behind players like Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins. He's under contract with Buffalo through 2026, but he could face some additional competition next year if the Bills pursue a wide receiver addition during free agency or the NFL Draft. As it stands, Samuel can be avoided in most fantasy football leagues.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper caught all four of his targets for 33 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Cooper hadn't totaled more than three catches in a single game since Dec. 8, so it was refreshing to see him get more involved on a steady basis Sunday. However, it wasn't quite enough as the Bills once again failed to take down the Chiefs in the playoffs. Cooper finishes his age-30 season with 50 catches, 588 yards, and four touchdowns split between 17 games with the Bills and Browns. He's slated to hit free agency this March, and a reunion with Buffalo seems unlikely given that he underwhelmed during the final stretch of the 2024 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid caught just two of his four targets for 13 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-year tight end had a costly drop as a pass from Josh Allen hit off his hands with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. While some of the blame could be placed on less-than-perfect ball placement from Allen, the bottom line is that Kincaid's drop resulted in a turnover on downs, giving the ball back to the Chiefs, who were able to run out the clock. The Utah product finishes his second year in the NFL with just 50 catches, 519 yards, and two touchdowns through 16 total games between the regular season and playoffs. The first-round pick has not yet lived up to his potential, and he'll likely rank outside the top 12 tight ends heading into 2025 fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins caught three of his four targets for 73 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran receiver's biggest play of the game came on a 34-yard touchdown strike from Josh Allen. While Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman were the top names in Buffalo's wide receiver corps this year, Hollins quietly put together a strong campaign. Not only did he register 482 receiving yards between the regular season and playoffs, but he also led the entire Bills roster with six receiving touchdowns. The 31-year-old is slated to hit unrestricted free agency in March, and Hollins' impressive 2024 campaign could encourage prospective teams to view him as a strong No. 3 wide receiver option moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught six of his seven targets for 46 yards during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The talented slot receiver led the team in targets and receptions during the defeat. Although Buffalo wasn't able to punch its ticket to Super Bowl LIX, Shakir played well. He has delivered solid results through two games against the Chiefs this year, dropping 14 catches and 116 yards on a Kansas City defense that is susceptible to big showings from slot receivers. In the coming months, there will be plenty of chatter about the Bills looking to add a true No. 1 receiver after numerous failed efforts to knock the Chiefs off their pedestal in the AFC. However, if Buffalo doesn't make a major splash at wide receiver, Shakir has shown that he's capable of handling a large dose of targets while ranking as a low-end WR2 in fantasy football. He remains an appealing option for managers ahead of 2025 fantasy drafts, barring a major shakeup within the Bills' depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushed 13 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He also caught all three of his targets for an additional 49 yards through the air. Given that Cook had just 2.2 yards per carry against the Chiefs back in Week 11, he bounced back in a huge way this Sunday. He was highly efficient on the ground, productive through the air, and carried the Bills to a pair of scores. Simply put, he kept Buffalo in the game until the final seconds. Cook totaled 19 touchdowns between the regular season and playoffs, establishing himself as a steady RB1 option for fantasy football. Even with Ray Davis pushing for more opportunities, Cook should continue to be viewed as a top-10 option at his position heading into 2025 fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 22 of his 34 pass attempts for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He also took two sacks and rushed 11 times for 39 yards on the ground. Finally, Allen fumbled three times, but he was fortunate that all three loose balls were scooped up by the Bills rather than a Chiefs defender. The MVP candidate played well in the contest, keeping his team in the game until the final seconds. However, it wasn't quite enough as the Chiefs picked up yet another playoff victory over Buffalo. Despite his season falling short of a Super Bowl berth, Allen has established himself as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks. He should continue to be viewed as a top option heading into 2025 fantasy football drafts.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a 55-23 blowout win in the NFC Championship game. Dynasty Analysis: Well, if there were any questions about Barkley, they've been answered this season. Barkley was again a monster in this one as he took his first carry 60 yards to the house and just added on from there. He's the most talented running back in the league and while his age may give some people a little pause in terms of his dynasty value, he's clearly worked his way back up into the round one conversation in dynasty league start-ups. He's simply that good.
Dynasty | Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 20-of-28 passes for 246 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, adding 16 rushing yards and three more touchdowns in a 55-23 wipeout of Washington in the NFC title game. Dynasty Analysis: The Eagles are proving to everyone that a run-first offense can still win games in the NFL. Oh, and it helps when you have an elite runner at quarterback and the best running back in the NFL. Hurts and Saquon Barkley combined for a whopping six rushing touchdowns in this one as the Eagles piled up the most points ever in a championship game. Hurts has certainly regained any value he lost early on in the year and could ascend even more with a big game in the Super Bowl.
Dynasty | Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught 11 passes for 104 yards in a loss in the NFC title game. Dynasty Analysis: Nearly left for dead at the beginning of the season, Ertz came on strong and had another great year. Today was incredible as he posted a whopping 16 targets. While clearly aging and no longer the threat he used to be, Ertz is still roster worthy and should be a solid TE2 next year as long as he doesn't decide to retire.
