Fantasy Billboard: Giddy Up! and Whoa Down! for championship weekend
Watching NFL games at Mulligan’s in Farmingdale N.J, I am guaranteed to meet some truly friendly folks. I had a few laughs with Chris and Chris from Howell, N.J. I asked if they played Fantasy Football. Chris, wearing an Eagles shirt, said his 10-year-old son Jonathan won his league with an awesome team name: Jalen Hurts My Feelings. Congrats to young Jonathan and his excellent taste in QBs! As we keep Fantasy Football going during the NFL playoffs, now is the best time to enlist the aid of FantasyGuru.com. Get a Daily News special 30% off by entering the code NEW30 for instant savings. Let’s look at our Giddy Ups! and Whoa Downs! for the Conference Championship Round.
GIDDY UP!
Jalen Hurts, QB — Hurts was quietly efficient last week, passing for just 154 yards and two TDs while rushing for 34 yards and another TD. The 49ers have a great defense, but Hurts will be the second-highest-scoring Fantasy QB on Champ Weekend.
Joe Burrow, QB — Joe Cool was like a cat toying with a ball of yarn in Buffalo. He unraveled the Bills’ D and tore them apart. I don’t see the Chiefs faring much better. Burrow has 982 yards and eight TDs in his last three games against K.C.
Elijah Mitchell, RB — Don’t underestimate Mitchell’s value to the 49ers. He had more carries and rushing yards than a limping Christian McCaffrey against Dallas. The Eagles have given up an average of 5.6 yards per carry in their last three games. Mitchell will get plenty of work on Sunday.
Jerick McKinnon, RB — Lost in the Buffalo massacre by the Bengals was Devin Singletary’s five receptions for 38 yards. That’s right up McKinnon’s alley. Getting him involved keeps the Bengal blitz at bay and slows their pass rush. McKinnon was red-hot to end the season. Fire him up again.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR — I don’t know what a catch is anymore in the NFL. Chase should have had an additional TD last week, but it was reversed because the ball moved a bit in his hands as he fell. Hey NFL, I have a suggestion. If the receiver doesn’t drop the ball, it’s a catch!
George Kittle, TE — When he wasn’t mugging for the SkyCam, Kittle was mugging the Cowboys for 95 yards. He is Purdy’s security blanket and will be featured in the 49er game plan in Philly.
Travis Kelce, TE — Kelce had a ridiculous 14 receptions for 98 yards and two TDs against the Jags. He will be the leading receiver once again for the Chiefs.
WHOA DOWN!
Patrick Mahomes, QB — I don’t doubt that Mahomes will suit up against the Bengals. But high ankle sprains are painful and debilitating. Any QB will tell you it’s the legs that help drive a thrown ball accurately. He’s a liability to not finish the game, and that’s too risky for DFS.
Brock Purdy, QB — The rookie has yet to lose an NFL game. But as predicted last week, he had one of the lowest Fantasy point totals (8.8) for QBs. Only the Giants’ Daniel Jones had fewer (6.8). The 49ers will rely on the ground game and short, safe passes against the Eagles, limiting Purdy’s upside.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB — Don’t chase the points. Gainwell ran through holes the size of the Grand Canyon against the Giants for 112 yards and a TD. The 49ers will offer no such chasms. The most ground they gave up to any RB all year was 69 yards.
Joe Mixon, RB — Mixon had a great outing last week, notching just his second 100-yard game of the year. His best effort against the Chiefs was 88 yards in last year’s playoff game. That looks about right.
Tyler Boyd, WR — Boyd seems to be the forgotten man in the Bengals arsenal with just four total receptions his last two playoff games. Look elsewhere.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR — JuJu continued his dismal season with two catches for 29 yards last week. If you have to use a K.C. wideout, opt for ex-Giant Kadarius Toney.
Hayden Hurst, TE — Hurst scored his first TD since Week 5 against the Bills. Last time out against K.C. he had two catches for 12 yards. I’d rather start Goedert vs. San Fran.
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