Fantasy Football News

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir is a top fantasy option heading into Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. Shakir has been quite productive through two playoff games, catching 12 of his 13 targets for 128 yards through the air. While his next opponent, the Chiefs, are dominant on defense, they have a glaring weakness when defending slot receivers like Shakir. In fact, Kansas City allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to slot receivers from Weeks 12 through 17. That bodes incredibly well for Shakir, who logged the eighth-most slot snaps among all NFL receivers during the 2024 regular season. The 24-year-old is no stranger to having his way against Kansas City, either. When the Bills hosted the Chiefs back in Week 11, he converted 12 targets (a season-high) into eight receptions for 70 yards. Even without being a major touchdown threat, the third-year receiver is a top fantasy option given his usage within the Bills' offense and a very favorable matchup coming up. Fantasy managers and bettors should be excited about this week's outlook for Shakir, who is a strong candidate to lead the Bills in scrimmage yards.

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson remains an unreliable fantasy option ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson has consistently operated as the No. 2 running back behind James Cook, and he has also lost plenty of opportunities to rookie Ray Davis. Outside of an impressive Wild Card Weekend in which Johnson caught a touchdown pass and posted his season-high for rushing yards, the veteran running back has been tough to trust in fantasy football. This week won't be any different. In fact, Johnson's job could get even harder as he takes on a dominant Kansas City run defense. The Chiefs have been lethal against running backs this year, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards, fifth-fewest catches, and fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position during the 2024 regular season. Furthermore, they didn't surrender a single receiving touchdown to running backs. Johnson makes his biggest impact when he can capitalize on a defense's mistakes, such as two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos when he made a phenomenal touchdown catch in the back of the end zone. Against a stout, well-coached Chiefs defense, that won't be easy to do. Fantasy managers and bettors may want to look elsewhere for production at the running back position, though your options are certainly slim with just four teams left in the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis is an unreliable fantasy option heading into Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. Splitting the backup role with Ty Johnson has been hard enough for Davis this year. Now, he has to split the backup role while also facing off against one of the NFL's best run defenses. The Chiefs have been lethal against running backs this year, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards, fifth-fewest catches, and fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position during the 2024 regular season. Furthermore, they didn't surrender a single receiving touchdown to running backs. In Bills-Chiefs during Week 11, Davis was highly efficient, tallying just 11 rushing yards on five carries. With Cook in the lead-back role and Johnson serving as a key weapon for Josh Allen in the passing game, Davis needs to make the most of his limited opportunities in Buffalo's backfield. That won't be easy this week against the Chiefs. Cook remains the top Bills running back in fantasy football, and Johnson currently ranks ahead of Davis, too.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is seeking revenge against the Kansas City Chiefs after they bottled him up during the regular season. When Cook faced the Chiefs back in Week 11, he rushed just nine times for 20 yards. He did catch five passes in that contest, but they amounted to just seven total receiving yards. That was Cook's worst game of the season, so he'll certainly be looking for revenge when the Bills head to Kansas City for the AFC Championship on Sunday. However, delivering a big game won't be easy. The Chiefs have been lethal against running backs this year, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards, fifth-fewest catches, and fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position during the 2024 regular season. Furthermore, they didn't surrender a single receiving touchdown to running backs. The Chiefs' run defense did falter a little last week, allowing 88 yards on 18 carries to Joe Mixon, but that may have been an outlier. Cook remains this week's No. 2 fantasy running back behind Saquon Barkley, but his matchup against Kansas City drastically reduces his floor.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen remains a high-upside play entering Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. The MVP candidate didn't have to do much against the Baltimore Ravens last week, throwing for just 127 yards while rushing for 20 more. However, he did score twice, and more importantly, he helped the Bills punch their ticket to the AFC Championship. He'll likely be asked to do more this week against the Chiefs, who have taken down just about every opponent in their path this year. Of course, Allen is up to the task. When he faced the Chiefs back in Week 11, he totaled 262 passing yards, 55 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. As well as Kansas City has played, their defense has been susceptible to big games from opposing quarterbacks. In fact, the Chiefs allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and 14th-most fantasy points to the position during the regular season. Given that Allen rushed for 531 yards through 16 regular-season games, he should remain a threat both on the ground and through the air this Sunday. Every Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes matchup has a flair for the dramatic, and this year's AFC Championship should be no different. Expect Buffalo's QB to put up major production, helping out his fantasy managers and bettors as the playoffs carry on.

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott prepares for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders with mixed results this postseason. Elliott has been perfect on field goals in the playoffs, going six for six, but has struggled with extra points, making just two of five attempts. Elliott's regular-season performance was below his usual standard, with a field goal percentage of 77.8%, including a concerning one of seven from 50+ yards. While he has drilled the most critical kicks when it mattered most, his extra-point struggles could loom large in what's expected to be a tightly contested game. As the Eagles aim for a Super Bowl berth, Elliott's ability to deliver under the brightest lights will be crucial for Philadelphia's success.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith heads into Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders as one of the team's most reliable weapons. Smith now leads the Eagles this season in receptions (76) and receiving touchdowns (8), proving to be a crucial target for Jalen Hurts in the passing game. While the Eagles have leaned heavily on Saquon Barkley's dominant ground game in the postseason, Smith remains a key option when the offense looks to the air. His ability to make big catches in critical moments will be pivotal if Philadelphia diversifies their attack to keep Washington's defense off balance. With his consistent production all season, Smith is poised to make a big impact in this high-stakes matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley enters Sunday's NFC Championship matchup against the Washington Commanders with a history of dominance. In 11 career games against Washington, Barkley has averaged 137.5 scrimmage yards per game, the most by any player against any opponent in the Super Bowl Era (min. 10 games). This season, he torched the Commanders in two matchups, totaling 296 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. The Commanders' defense has struggled mightily against the run, ranking 30th in rushing yards allowed per game (137.5) during the regular season. They've also given up 5.4 yards per carry and three rushing touchdowns in the playoffs. With Barkley logging 20+ touches in nine of his last ten games, expect the Eagles to lean heavily on their star running back once again.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Byron Young (hamstring) has again been ruled out for his team's Conference Championship tilt with the Washington Commanders. The 24-year-old practiced as a full participant this week -- a trend he's continued for a few weeks now -- but still isn't healthy enough to go since injuring his hamstring in late October. Fellow defensive linemen Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis will continue to work in behind Milton Williams and Jalen Carter. As it stands, Young has yet to log a snap for the Eagles in 2024 while battling through knee and hamstring issues. He'll wait at least one more week before making his debut.

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Friday that they signed free-agent wide receiver Ajou Ajou to a Reserve/Futures deal. Ajou will head to the NFL after spending the 2024 season playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, where he caught 20 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games. The 6-foot-3, 218-pounder was taken by the Roughriders in the seventh round of this year's CFL draft after playing collegiately at Garden City Community College, Clemson and South Florida. He had eight catches for 114 yards and a touchdown in 22 games at Clemson and 17 catches for 186 yards and two scores in his seven games at community college. Ajou played in just one game at South Florida. He will now continue his development in the NFL with the Colts but will be a long shot to make the active roster out of training camp this summer.

The Houston Texans announced on Friday that they signed free-agent wide receiver Kearis Jackson and offensive guard Jerome Carvin to Reserve/Futures deals. Jackson, 25, was a former undrafted free agent out of Georgia who made his NFL debut in 2023 with the Tennessee Titans. He only appeared in two games and only appeared on special teams, returning six punts for 48 yards. Jackson was with the New York Giants' practice squad this year but wasn't active for any regular-season games. He will now join the Texans this offseason and hope to stick through training camp this summer as a return specialist. Carvin, 24, worked out for Houston back in October of 2023 but will now join the team. The Tennessee alumni has never appeared in an NFL game.

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead indicated that the team might be open to working out a long-term contract extension with running back Kyren Williams this offseason after he had another strong year in 2024. Williams accounted for almost 81% of the Rams' rushing attempts out of the backfield this year and ran the ball 316 times for a career-high 1,299 yards and a career-high 14 rushing touchdowns while adding a career-high 34 catches (40 targets) for another 182 yards and two scores through the air in 16 regular-season games. He'll be heading into the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, which makes him eligible for a contract extension this offseason. The 24-year-old has gone for 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last two years and is the first Rams RB since Todd Gurley to score 14 rushing TDs in a single season. Williams will be a strong RB1 choice for fantasy managers in 2025.

Washington Commanders tight ends John Bates (shoulder) and Ben Sinnott (shoulder) were both removed from Friday's final injury report and will be available on Sunday for the NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Zach Ertz (rib) will also be active after practicing in full on Thursday and Friday, so neither Bates nor Sinnott are realistic DFS options for fantasy managers this weekend. The 27-year-old Bates has played through a shoulder injury in both postseason games but has only one catch on three targets for 20 yards to show for it. He had eight grabs on 13 targets for 84 yards and no scores in 17 regular-season games (six starts). Sinnott, meanwhile, has not even been targeted in two playoff games and caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and one touchdown in his first 17 NFL games during the regular season.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (neck) has been ruled out for the NFC Championship game on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders, while center/guard Cam Jurgens (back) is listed as questionable. Covey was limited in practice all week but will not return from Injured Reserve. However, the 27-year-old could be ready to play in a few weeks if the Eagles are victorious this weekend and advance to the Super Bowl. Covey isn't fantasy relevant when active, as he caught only seven of eight targets for 34 yards and no touchdowns in five regular-season games in 2024 in his second year in the league. The 25-year-old Jurgens missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was limited on Friday, giving him a chance to play. If he's inactive on Sunday, expect Nick Gates to start under center for the Eagles.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee, illness, rest) practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and was removed from the final injury report. He will play on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Washington Commanders and will be hoping to do some damage after barely being heard from in the first two postseason games. Even though the 27-year-old has just three catches on 10 targets for 24 yards and no touchdowns in playoff wins against the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams, Brown will have some of the most upside on Championship weekend at the receiver position. In the last meeting against the Commanders on Dec. 22, he had eight catches for 97 yards and a score on a season-high 15 targets. And in the first meeting on Nov. 14, he caught five of eight targets for 65 yards. Brown has high-end WR1 upside for DFS lineups.

The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan reports that New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) recently had surgery for a high-ankle sprain that was initially misdiagnosed earlier this season. Dugger had tightrope surgery on Jan. 9 to re-stabilize his right ankle that progressively worsened during the 2024 season. He was initially diagnosed with a mild sprain in late September and he was later told he was dealing with a bone bruise. Dugger's ankle injury led to a career-high 13 missed tackles while he also graded out as the third-worst safety in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. Normally a starting-caliber defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues, Dugger didn't even register in the top 50 at his position in overall points by the end of the year. With better health in 2025, though, Dugger could easily bounce back for a Pats D under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez is a risky play in DFS competitions this weekend facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, during their upset victory over the Detroit Lions, Gonzalez went 1-for-2 on attempts and a perfect 6-for-6 on extra points. Since taking over the starting duties for Austin Seibert (groin), Gonzalez has gone 9-for-12 on field goals and 27-for-27 on extra points. Given that the Eagles have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers this season makes Gonzalez a risky streaming option that carries little upside.

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (rib) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz opened the week as a non-participant but logged two consecutive full sessions on Thursday and Friday. Last weekend, in their upset victory over the Detroit Lions, Ertz caught all five of his targets for 28 yards and a score. This was a nice bounce back following his two-catch, 23-yard showing in the wild-card round. Since Week 11, the 34-year-old has been a force in the red zone, catching seven TDs across this nine-game stretch. DFS players should view Ertz as a touchdown-dependent TE1 this weekend, as he does all of his damage in the red zone.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (hip) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Zaccheaus opened the week as a limited participant but was able to log a full session on Friday to avoid a designation. During the playoffs, Zaccheaus has taken a step back as Dyami Brown has grown into the No.2 WR role. As a result, Zacchaeus has caught just three passes for 19 yards. However, during the final three weeks of the regular season, Zaccheaus averaged 68.7 yards per game with three touchdowns. With the Commanders entering this game as underdogs, they may find themselves trailing at times, which could set up a positive game script for the slot receiver. He is a WR3 at a value price in DFS on Sunday.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown looks to continue his playoff breakout in the NFC title game against the Philadelphia Eagles. During the first two rounds of the playoffs, Brown has emerged as an integral part of the offense, as he has seen 6.5 targets per game. During this stretch, he has tallied 93.5 yards per game with one touchdown. During the regular season, Brown only averaged 19.3 yards per game with just one touchdown. Given his current play, Brown should still be viewed as a reliable WR3 with upside in all DFS competitions this weekend despite facing a tough Philadelphia secondary that has allowed the eighth-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.