Wed Jan 7 10:17am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Etienne could come up big
Just because the regular season is over doesn’t mean your fantasy season has to end. We have some unbelievable fantasy playoff contests here at RealTime Fantasy Sports. If you have never played in a playoff fantasy contest, I highly recommend giving one a try. There is so much strategy involved and it is a different way to play fantasy. Check out all our contests here: rtsports.com/playoffs. We have a variety of games and price points to fit all our fantasy needs.
And you can start your own playoff league as well and come up with any rules you would like with our playoff commish product: rtsports.com/playoff-commissioner. There are just numerous ways to keep playing fantasy football during the playoffs.
Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
I really feel like this playoff is the hardest to figure out in a long, long time. We just have so many new teams in the mix and some of the old favorites are out of the mix this year. I know I’m having a hard time coming up with all my fantasy playoff rosters because of this. For now, my prediction is a New England/Seattle Super Bowl. My confidence level is low with that pick, though. I like the path for the Patriots and feel they might be the most complete team on both sides of the ball for the AFC. Seattle is a wild card because of Sam Darnold but if can make some big plays in the playoffs, this team can make a run. The defense is so good and Seattle is pretty battle tested, beating most of the main competition to come out of the NFC already during the regular season. Plus, home-field advantage in Seattle is huge.
Like most, I was shocked with the Ravens parting ways with John Harbaugh. He was one of the last coaches I thought would get fired this offseason. He has been a mainstay with the Ravens for 18 seasons and guided them to a ton of success. He should have no trouble finding work again, though. I guess the Ravens just wanted a new voice at the helm. It does make some sense after some disappointing seasons in recent years. Maybe the message had become stale from Harbaugh. And I’m going to give the Ravens the benefit of the doubt here. Baltimore has a pretty top-notch organization from the top down, so I would expect them to find a good fit for the team going forward. But either way, this was some shocking news this week. Never a dull moment in the NFL.
There are going to be some tough players to rank next year. I have not started yet on my 2026 rankings like some but know I will struggle some with those initial rankings. Both Drake Maye and Trevor Lawrence were top five in quarterback scoring this year. Do you keep those guys near the top of the rankings next season? Tough call.
And where do you put Michael Wilson? He had an unbelievable season half to his season, moving him all the way to 11th overall in fantasy receiver scoring. Is he going to sustain that level of success with Marvin Harrison healthy and the Cardinals likely having a different quarterback or Kyler Murray back. I’m sure ranking Wilson will be polarizing for the fantasy community.
Lastly, Kyle Pitts finally moved back to fantasy relevance, ranking second overall in tight end scoring. Is this going to be the Kyle Pitts going forward or is he going to revert back to the inconsistent player from the past few years? Plus, Pitts could be with a new team next year, clouding things even more. These are just a handful of the tough ranking decisions for 2026. This is what makes it so much fun, though, right?
HOT PLAYS
Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars. Etienne hasn’t produced quite as well down the stretch as he did earlier in the season but the Jaguars are relying more on the pass now, having so much success throwing the ball. Etienne still has 16-plus fantasy points three of his last five games. He is more than capable of the big game. And the Bills have struggled to stop the run all season long. Buffalo allowed the eighth most fantasy points to running backs this season. The Bills allowed more than 200-rushing yards four different times this season. Etienne could have some big-time success in this one.
Dalton Schultz, TE, Texans. Schultz had one of his best seasons as a pro this year, posting much more consistent numbers. He has been especially good of late, having 11-plus fantasy points three of four games. Schultz has 70-plus yards two of those games. Look for him to make some big plays this week against the Steelers, a team that struggles to stop the tight end. Pittsburgh allowed the third most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Caleb Williams, QB, Bears. Williams had a breakout regular season and will look to carry that over to the playoffs. He gets a Packers team that he had multiple touchdowns against in each of the games he played them this year. Williams finished the season with 21-plus fantasy points three of his last four games. Look for more of the same this week against Green Bay, a team that was more leaky against the pass late in the year.
COLD PLAYS
Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers. Hampton was rested last week in the Chargers meaningless game but is expected back this week to serve as the lead back for the team. Hampton hasn’t had a ton of success running the ball since returning from injury in Week 14. He has less than 65-rushing yards three of four games. The only thing saving his fantasy value is he is finding the end zone on a pretty regular basis. We aren’t sure he scores this week against the Patriots, though. New England allowed the fifth fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jaguars. A move to Jacksonville was a great one for Meyers. He has emerged as the No. 1 receiver for Trevor Lawrence. He has cooled some lately, though, after a quick start to his Jacksonville career. He has less than 50 yards three straight games, failing to hit double-digit fantasy points in any of those games. It could be tough sledding again for him this week against the Bills, a team that allowed the fourth fewest fantasy points to receivers.
George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle returned last week from his ankle injury but was pretty quiet, catching five passes for 29 yards. It was his lowest yardage total since Week 7. Kittle gets another tough defense this week, playing Philadelphia. The Eagles have been dominant against the tight end, allowing the second fewest fantasy points to tight ends. You might want to temper your expectations for Kittle in this one.
SLEEPERS
C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans. Stroud has turned around his game the second half of the season, getting the Texans passing offense going. He has multiple touchdowns two straight games and three of four. With the Texans struggling to run the ball, look for Stroud to carry the offense this week against a bad Steelers secondary. Pittsburgh allowed some big plays to the Ravens passing attack last week and gave up the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Luther Burden, WR, Bears. Burden has become the go-to receiver for the Bears down the stretch. He has 11-plus fantasy points three of four games. He has 80-plus yards two of those games. He is making big plays on a weekly basis, showing his ability after the catch to make things happen. We like him to make a big play or two this week against the Packers. He had a solid four catches for 67 yards in his only game against the Packers in Week 14.
Blake Corum, RB, Rams. Corum has formed a nice one-two punch with Kyren Williams. He is getting consistent work in that role, having double-digit carries four of his last five games. He has 13-plus fantasy points four of six games. We like the Rams to run often this week against the Panthers, a team that is very good against the pass but can struggle to stop the run. Corum ran seven times for 81 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers in Week 13. Carolina has allowed at least 140-rushing yards three straight games and five of six.
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: Bills/Jaguars, Packers/Bears, Chargers/Patriots.
Low Scoring Games: Texans/Steelers.
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.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (toe) is dealing with turf toe, which makes his status for the next 1-2 weeks in serious doubt. While Fowler noted that the second-year running back is attempting to play through the injury, his status for this Sunday's contest against the Packers is in question. So far, the running back hasn't participated in practice, which already makes his path to being cleared this weekend challenging. The Rutgers product is also dealing with a thumb injury, as per the team's injury report. Monangai is coming off the best outing of his season, when he ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Jets. D'Andre Swift (hip/knee) is also on the injury report, but he practiced in limited capacity Thursday, suggesting he is still on track to suit up Sunday. If both Monangai and Swift can't play, Roschon Johnson would slide into the lead role and get the bulk of the opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) was on the practice field for the second straight day on Thursday, per Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Love suffered an ankle injury during Arizona's Week 4 loss to the New York Giants, but it appears as though he's trending toward being active for his team's Week 5 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Across the first four games of his NFL career, Love has recorded 259 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 66 touches. The 21-year-old opened the year splitting work fairly evenly with veteran Cardinals back Tyler Allgeier, but Love has seen his usage ramped up over the last two weeks. Assuming he's able to play in Week 5, Love profiles as a borderline top-12 fantasy running back in a favorable matchup against the struggling Lions defense.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) is listed as a non-participant in practice for the second straight day on Thursday, per the team's official injury report. Earlier reports indicated that Diggs was spotted back on the practice field, but it appears the veteran wideout was unable to log an official practice as he battles a hamstring injury. Diggs has been productive through four games so far in 2026, recording 18 catches for 170 yards and three touchdowns on 31 targets. Fellow veteran Washington wideout Terry McLaurin (hamstring) has also yet to practice this week due to a hamstring issue, so the Commanders could be without their top two pass-catchers in Week 5 against the New York Giants. If both Diggs and McLaurin are unavailable, rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams could be poised for a major workload increase on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (foot) was listed as a limited practice participant due to a foot injury for the second straight day on Thursday. The 26-year-old has been remarkably productive when on the field so far this season, recording 18 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets across three games. However, Flowers spent much of the first four weeks battling through a hamstring injury and now appears to be dealing with a new ailment. If Flowers is unable to play in Baltimore's Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (shoulder) would likely see a significant increase in targets. However, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is unlikely to play against the Falcons, creating major uncertainty for the overall health of the team's passing game. Between Jackson's potential absence and Flowers' shaky health, fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations for Flowers in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (foot) was limited in practice on Thursday with a foot injury, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Olave did not practice on Wednesday, which the team described as a rest day. However, it appears as though the 26-year-old could actually be dealing with an injury that may impact his availability for the Saints' Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Olave has been one of the most productive wide receivers in football so far this season, recording 35 catches for 491 yards and a touchdown on 48 targets across four games. He's recorded double-digit targets in every game and 100 receiving yards in three out of four contests. If Olave is unable to play against Minnesota, Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson could vault into must-start territory for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (hip, knee) returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Swift has played through injuries before this season, but his health isn't the only thing fantasy managers have to consider heading into Sunday's matchup with Green Bay. He lost a fumble in the third quarter against the Jets last week and didn't receive another touch, finishing with 58 rushing yards on 15 carries. Kyle Monangai wound up handling 30 attempts and scored twice. Swift still leads the backfield with 69 carries for 311 yards and three touchdowns through four games, and he's added 10 catches for 84 yards. Getting back on the practice field is encouraging. How Chicago divides the work after last week's game is a separate question, particularly with Monangai having made a strong case for more carries.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have waived rookie running back Kaytron Allen, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. A sixth-round pick out of Penn State, Allen recorded 12 carries for 41 yards across four games with Washington. The 23-year-old received some preseason buzz as a potential difference-maker in the Commanders' backfield, so it's a bit surprising to see the team move on from him this quickly. However, the Commanders have a bit of a logjam in their running back room after signing veteran back Austin Ekeler. Jacory Croskey-Merritt looks like the team's clear preferred option on early downs, while Ekeler and Rachaad White (shoulder) are capable pass-catchers and pass-blockers out of the backfield. As a result, Allen was left on the outside looking in. If Allen winds up going unclaimed on waivers, it's possible Washington could sign him back to its practice squad.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN. Addison missed practice on Wednesday with hamstring soreness, but it appears he is trending towards being active for Minnesota's Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Across four games this season, the 24-year-old has recorded 11 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets. Most of his production has come in the last two weeks, when star Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson (ankle) has been sidelined by an ankle injury. Jefferson could be in line to return for Minnesota in Week 5, which would definitely impact Addison's fantasy outlook. If Jefferson is unable to play, Addison profiles as a likely starter for fantasy managers in three-wide receiver league formats.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) was the only player on the team not present on Thursday during the media-viewing portion of practice, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Nailor suffered a concussion on Sunday in the loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, and he is looking unlikely to play this weekend when the team heads to New England to face the Patriots. He still has one more day to get back on the practice field, but as of right now, he is on the wrong side of questionable. The Raiders' offense has looked way better this year under veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, but it has not been because of Nailor at all. The 27-year-old pass-catcher has only five receptions for 52 yards and has yet to find the end zone in his first year in Sin City. Nailor had one catch apiece in Weeks 2 and 3 and put up a donut for his fantasy managers in Week 4 after suffering a concussion. Tre Tucker will have a higher ceiling as the team's WR1 if Nailor is inactive this weekend, and it would also force Cody White and Malik Benson into bigger roles behind star tight end Brock Bowers.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe) missed his second straight practice Thursday, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. The absence comes after Monangai handled a career-high 30 carries in Sunday's win over the Jets, rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Ben Johnson downplayed the thumb injury Wednesday, saying it wasn't a concern, but acknowledged Monangai was feeling the effects of the heavy workload. The toe issue is another matter, and there's been little indication of how much it's bothering him. Monangai had carried the ball exactly 10 times in each of Chicago's first three games before taking over much of the backfield work last Sunday. He has 324 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the season. Another missed practice puts some uncertainty around his availability against Green Bay, although Johnson has sounded optimistic about his recovery.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) was not spotted at Thursday's practice during the portion open to the media, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Hollins also missed the first practice of the week on Wednesday, so as of now, he is trending in the wrong direction to be available in Week 5 at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. Top wideout A.J. Brown (ankle) remains on Injured Reserve and will miss a fourth straight game this weekend, so the Patriots receiving room could be pretty thinned out against Vegas if Hollins cannot play. The 33-year-old Hollins has merely been a flex play in deeper fantasy leagues, even with Brown out, and he is still searching for his first touchdown of the year. In the three games without Brown, Hollins has caught 11 of his 15 targets for 158 yards. Romeo Doubs will have at least one more week as the top dog at WR for the Pats, and DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III will have bigger roles against the Raiders if Hollins does not play in Week 5.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys waived running back Emari Demercado on Thursday to make room for offensive lineman Tyler Smith, who was activated from injured reserve. Demercado had already fallen out of the backfield picture after receiving five carries for 15 yards in the first two games. He was inactive the past two weeks, with Tyler Goodson taking over the backup work behind Javonte Williams. Goodson has nine carries for 34 yards in those games, so the change had essentially happened before Thursday's roster move. Dallas claimed Demercado off waivers from Kansas City at the beginning of September, but his stay lasted just over a month. He had a bigger role during his three seasons with Arizona, totaling 819 rushing yards and 50 receptions for another 324 yards. Demercado is off the fantasy radar for now and will need to find another opportunity elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) missed another practice Thursday, according to C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald. The rookie hasn't practiced since injuring his right ankle against San Francisco in Week 2 and has already missed two games. Douglas made a strong first impression with five catches for 94 yards in his NFL debut against Las Vegas, but his season has been on hold since the injury. He has seven receptions for 113 yards through two appearances. Malik Washington has been Miami's most reliable receiver in Douglas' absence, catching five passes in each of the last two games. Fellow rookie Chris Bell had four catches for 67 yards against Kansas City in Week 3 before being held without a reception on three targets last Sunday. Douglas hasn't been ruled out against Cincinnati, but another missed practice leaves his Week 5 availability in question.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (groin, neck) was working on the rehab field Thursday, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. Higgins wasn't dressed for regular practice, having already sat out Wednesday's session. He suffered an adductor injury late in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, finishing that game with 11 catches for 157 yards on 16 targets before leaving. There's still a chance he plays against Miami in Week 5, but he hasn't been able to get back into team drills yet. Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) was back in uniform Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice, although he still needs to clear concussion protocol. Higgins has 25 receptions for 401 yards and one touchdown through four games. Cincinnati has its bye next week, and Friday's practice should provide a better indication of whether Higgins will be available Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said running back Omarion Hampton's decrease in snaps over the last two weeks is not because of a lack of faith, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "I don't see any change in terms of the depth chart at all. I felt I was underutilizing a strength. I can't make the statement more emphatic: it's not because I lost any faith in O at all," McDaniel said. After seeing 35 carries for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season, Hampton has had 24 rushing attempts for 101 yards and one touchdown over the last two weeks. The second-year back from North Carolina had a season-low nine carries for 45 yards in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but he was able to salvage his final fantasy line by scoring his third rushing touchdown. Hampton should lead L.A.'s backfield when all is said and done in 2026 if he stays healthy, but the presence of both Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal will keep him as more of a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex for fantasy lineups going into a Week 5 divisional tilt against the visiting Denver Broncos this Sunday.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (shoulder) was no longer wearing a red non-contact jersey at Thursday's practice, according to Art Stapleton. Skattebo wore the jersey Wednesday and was officially listed as limited, so the change is encouraging ahead of Sunday's matchup with Washington. It remains to be seen how much work he actually handled Thursday. The Giants have leaned heavily on Skattebo through four games, giving him at least 18 carries in three contests. He hasn't done much with that volume, averaging 3.5 yards per carry on 68 attempts, but has remained the clear lead back. Skattebo also has eight receptions for 67 yards this season. His workload has been a big part of his fantasy appeal despite the modest rushing numbers, making his shoulder worth monitoring. Thursday's official practice report should give a better indication of where things stand.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was seen getting some running in while working on a side field during the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to Tim McManus of ESPN. Smith did not suit up for the team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday. He could go down as a non-participant again in Thursday's practice, but it was at least a good sign to see him running around on the field. With that said, the team's WR1 might need to put in a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable tag going into the weekend. If Smith misses a second straight game in Week 5, receivers Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon will once again have elevated target shares. The Eagles could also be getting tight end Dallas Goedert back from a knee injury that has kept him out for the last couple of games. Smith is a must-start in fantasy leagues when he is active, and he has caught 19 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown in his first three games in 2026.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was seen practicing during the portion open to the media on Thursday, according to Art Stapleton of The North Jersey Bergen Record. Nabers might not be a full participant on the final report, but it is good news that he is practicing at all after he was listed as a non-participant for Wednesday's practice due to soreness in his surgically-repaired knee. The Giants are most likely just being extra cautious with their star wide receiver. Barring a serious setback on Friday, Nabers should be active as the Giants take on the division-rival Washington Commanders on the road on Sunday. The former first-rounder's overall fantasy ceiling took a hit early on this year when starting quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) was lost for the season, but he is still a must-start each week when he is healthy. In the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals, while working with veteran QB Jameis Winston, Nabers caught six of his seven targets for a season-high 112 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Check back on Nabers' status for Friday's final injury report to get a better idea of his availability this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) was among the players that ESPN's Tim McManus did not see during a brief portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. Barkley injured his hamstring in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams and is now very questionable to play in London on Sunday in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tank Bigsby (abdomen) is having core-muscle surgery and landed on Injured Reserve this week, so he will be out for at least four games. The Eagles' backfield depth is going to be tested if Barkley does not get cleared to play this weekend. Philly added veteran back Dameon Pierce to their active 53-man roster this week for extra depth, but if Barkley is inactive, it will likely be Will Shipley seeing most of the backfield work. Barkley sitting out on Sunday would put Shipley immediately into flex territory against the Jaguars. A second straight day of missed practice on Thursday would put Barkley on the wrong side of questionable for Week 5. If he is a true game-time decision, the good news is that fantasy managers will know early on Sunday whether he is active.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (head) is back at practice on Thursday as he continues to work his way through the league's concussion protocol, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Chase suffered a concussion in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and did not practice on Wednesday. His status for this weekend's game in Miami against the Dolphins is still up in the air, but his return to practice on Thursday at least gives him a chance to clear the NFL's concussion protocol by the weekend. Fellow wideout Tee Higgins (groin) is also on the Week 5 injury report and did not practice on Wednesday, so Cincy's receiving corps is banged up right now. Chase is a must-start in all traditional fantasy football leagues when he is active, but his status for Week 5 could be a game-time decision on Sunday. The five-time Pro Bowler has caught 21 of his 28 targets for 212 yards and three touchdowns through his first four games in 2026. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Chase's status for Friday's final injury report.
From RotoBaller