Sam Darnold, Backup QB, 49ers — Darnold was taken by the Jets as the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. Dubbed “the next Joe Namath,” he played more like “the next Browning Nagle.” Darnold had a distinguished career at USC, with a 20-4 record. In just two seasons, he threw for 7,229 yards and a staggering 57 TDs. The Jets swapped No. 1 picks to move up with Indianapolis, surrendering three second-round picks in the process. As if that wasn’t enough, the Jets gave Darnold a four-year deal worth $30.25 million fully guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus. All this without throwing his first NFL pass. Darnold struggled through a dismal rookie year, finishing with a 4-9 record. He lasted just two more seasons with the Jets, saddled with a horrendous offensive line and poor offensive talent around him. He was shipped to Carolina in 2021 for second, fourth and sixth round picks. He lasted two years in Carolina, playing well for another bad team, with an 8-9 record with 16 TDs and 16 INTs. In March of 2023, Darnold went back to his California roots and signed with the 49ers.

If Darnold must step in for Purdy, the 49ers would still have a chance to win the Super Bowl. In his lone 2023 appearance, Darnold impressively threw for 189 yards and a TD in a loss to the L.A. Rams. Kyle Shanahan is smart enough to keep a tight leash on Darnold, favoring the running game and short, controlled passes. The talent around him with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey is far superior to the Chiefs’ offensive weapons.

Blaine Gabbert, Backup QB, Chiefs — Mahomes isn’t the only QB with a Super Bowl ring in the game this week. His backup has one too. Gabbert played his college ball at the University of Missouri. He was a 2011 first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars (10th overall). At age 22, Gabbert became the youngest QB in NFL history to start 14 games, but it was the beginning of a vagabond existence. He lasted just three seasons in Jacksonville, compiling a 5-22 record.

Gabbert bounced around the league from San Francisco to Arizona to Tennessee before joining Tampa Bay in 2019. He separated his shoulder and spent the year on IR, but the Bucs retained him for the 2020 season. It was a fortuitous move as Gabbert would only throw 16 passes serving as Tom Brady’s backup but did walk away with a Super Bowl ring. Gabbert spent two more seasons in Tampa, throwing just 19 passes. Then he traveled to Kansas City, signing a one-year deal. He started the last game of this season, a 13-12 victory over the Chargers, throwing for 154 yards and no TDs.

If Mahomes goes down, so does all hope for Kansas City. Gabbert’s lifetime 14-35 NFL record speaks for itself. He’s only completed 40 passes since 2018. In his two appearances with the Chiefs this year, he had three interceptions and no TDs on 35 pass attempts. His QB rating is a comical 47.

Elijah Mitchell, Backup RB, 49ers — “Louisiana Lightning” played his college ball at the University of Louisiana at Lafeyette in the Sun Belt Conference. He averaged over six yards per carry, scoring 46 total TDs in a little over three years for the Ragin’ Cajuns. His collegiate effort was rewarded with the 49ers drafting him in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. Mitchell was outstanding as a rookie, breaking the 49ers single-season rookie rushing record with 963 yards.

His 2022 season was cut short with a sprained MCL in Week 1, followed by a torn MCL in Week 12. By then, the 49ers had acquired RB Christian McCaffrey.

Mitchell hasn’t played much this season, but of all the backups listed in this report, he is the best of the bunch. When featured, Mitchell had multiple games of over 100 yards. He took the 49ers deep into the playoffs in 2021, running for 149 yards and a TD over two games.

La’Mical Perine, Backup RB, Chiefs — Hot off his MVP 138-yard, three TD performance for the Florida Gators in the 2019 Orange Bowl, Perine was drafted by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. He struggled with a high-ankle sprain and a bout with COVID-19, ending his disappointing rookie year with 232 yards and two TDs. He rarely played in 2021, appearing in only four games, and was cut at season’s end.

There were practice squad stints with the Eagles and Dolphins in 2022 before joining the Chiefs’ practice squad in January 2023. He finally made his K.C. debut against the Chargers in the meaningless season ender for the Chiefs. He played reasonably well, rushing for 76 yards and catching three balls for 33 yards.

Perine excelled on the big stage in the Orange Bowl, but he has very little professional experience. If Isiah Pacheco was injured in this game, La’Mical could possibly see a 60-40 split with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but I’m not predicting much success against the 49ers’ stout run defense.

Charlie Woerner, Backup TE, 49ers — Probably the least known name on this list, Woerner attended the University of Georgia where he was known as one of the best blocking tight ends in the nation. That would explain his miniscule receiving statistics of 34 catches for 376 yards and a TD in four years as a Bulldog. Woerner was a 2020 sixth round pick of the 49ers.

It would be a disaster if Kittle exits the Super Bowl. Charlie has 11 receptions for 120 yards and no TDs in his three seasons with the 49ers. There’s a reason he’s known as a “blocking tight end.” The only other TE on the San Fran roster is Brayden Willis, a 2023 seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma. He caught 75 balls at OU but has not yet had a professional catch. I doubt it will come in the Super Bowl.

Noah Gray, Backup TE, Chiefs — Gray was a fifth-round selection out of Duke. The 6-3, 240 pounder had 51 receptions for 392 yards and was named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and second-team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation. Gray had two non-descript years for K.C. in 2021-22, but he upped his game in 2023. He caught 28 passes for 305 yards and two TDs playing in Kelce’s shadow.

Gray is a capable TE who’s in his third year of the system and has played well. He and Kelce both average almost 11 yards per reception, are similar in size, and sport a scruffy beard. The biggest discrepancy between the TEs is the 24-year-old Gray got married last summer and the 34-year-old Kelce is still in the dating scene with some gorgeous blonde rock star.

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Look for Fantasy Billboard every week in the Daily News during the NFL season and a separate column at FantasyGuru.com.

The Third Annual Fantasy Billboard Awards II

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams WR — The 2023 draft will be remembered for years to come with all its high-profile Fantasy stars. QBs Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud, RBs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, WRs Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison and TE Dalton Kincaid all put up huge numbers in their rookie years. But it was unknown fifth-rounder Nacua that set the NFL rookie single season records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486).

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB — Baker finished the 2023 season as the 10th highest scoring QB in Fantasy. It was a far cry from his 30-place finish in 2022. Picked off the trash heap by the Bucs, Baker led Tampa Bay to the NFC South division title on the back of his career-best 4,044 passing yards and  28 TD passes. He had two 300-yard games in the playoffs, taking the Bucs further in the tournament than his predecessor Tom Brady did last year.

WORST PICKUP

Mac Jones, New England Patriots QB — Jones went undrafted by most Fantasy teams but was a hot waiver pick up after his 316-yard, three TD opening day performance. The unfortunate few to acquire his services were rewarded with just nine more TD passes the rest of the season, and a permanent benching by the Patriots after Week 12. Could he be traded to the Jets in 2024 to backup Aaron Rodgers? You heard it here first.

FRA-GEE-LAY MAJOR AWARD

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns QB — Watson is more fra-gee-lay than a plastic leg lamp. He led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards in 2020, his last full year in Houston, but hasn’t come close to that success as a member of the Cleveland Browns. Ankle and shoulder injuries prevented him from playing in 10 games this year after missing 11 in 2022. When you add his 2021 suspension, Watson’s missed 38 games in the last three years.

BEST FANTASY TEAM NAME

The Wrath of Amon-Ra— After a Travis Etienne for Amon-Ra St. Brown trade I agreed to was reneged upon by a rapscallion fellow owner (and the commissioner allowed it), I changed my name from the “Buffalo Soldiers” to “The Wrath of Amon-Ra,” ran the table and won the league, which I have since quit.

SUPER BOWL GIDDY UPS AND WHOA DOWNS!

QBs Brock Purdy vs. Patrick Mahomes — The Chiefs and 49ers were neck-and-neck in average points allowed to QBs in 2023 (19). Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson did damage against the Chiefs with their legs (126 yards), and Purdy surprisingly put up 48 yards rushing against Detroit in the NFC Championship. He might need to run because the K.C. pass defense held opposing QBs to one TD pass or less in their last eight games. Purdy cannot win this match in a shootout. 215 yards and a TD for him. Mahomes should have two TDs in this game, but the yardage will be minimal at around 225.

RBs Christian McCaffrey vs. Isiah Pacheco — The Lions and the Packers averaged over five yards per carry in the 49ers’ last two playoff games. If Andy Reid shows patience, he can pound Pacheco for 20 carries and 100 yards. The Chiefs can be run on as well and I’m still surprised the Ravens only attempted six rushes in their championship match. McCaffrey will take advantage of a K.C. defense missing their excellent defensive tackle Charles Omenihu (knee-out). CMC will surpass 120 yards rushing and receiving with at least two TDs.

WRs Deebo Samuel/Brandon Aiyuk vs. Rashee Rice/Kadarius Toney — The 49ers have the better talent at WR, but the Chiefs have the better passer. Mahomes spreads the ball around so much, Chief WRs are not in play for me in DFS. The Chiefs yielded just their third 100-yard game to a receiver last week, and only their third TD in the last eight weeks. Samuel and Aiyuk should combine for 175 yards and a TD.

TEs George Kittle vs Travis Kelce — Kelce has a ridiculous 24 catches for 262 yards and 3 TDs in his last three games. Sam LaPorta had nine receptions for 97 yards against the 49ers in the NFC Championship, which bodes well for Kelce. San Fran will be lucky to keep him under 90 yards and a TD. Kittle is no slouch, but TEs have had limited success against K.C. and only caught four TDs on the season. Five catches for 60 yards for Kittle.

Fearless Prediction: 49ers 27, Chiefs 24

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The third Fantasy Billboard season is in the books. Thank you, it’s been a blast! Get 30% off the subscription from FantasyGuru.com, the finest source for Seasonal, DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) and Sports Gaming advice. Just go to FantasyGuru.com and enter the code NEW30 for instant savings.

Welcome to the Third Annual Fantasy Billboard Awards, recognizing the NFL players that brought our Fantasy Football teams glory, shame or surprise.

BILLBOARD BESTS

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills QB — Buffalo would be a 5-12 team without Allen. He should be the unquestioned NFL MVP, taking the Bills to their fourth consecutive AFC East championship. Allen led all QBs with 44 total TDs, 4,830 total yards and scored 80 more Fantasy points than his nearest competitor (Dak Prescott).

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers RB — No RB hits a hole faster than McCaffrey, and no RB scores more Fantasy points. He obliterated the rest of the RB field in Fantasy, scoring 477 points on 2,023 combined yards rushing and receiving, with 21 TDs.

CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys WR — Lamb put up Jerry Rice-like numbers, with 135 receptions, 1,749 yards and 12 TDs. His rapport with QB Dak Prescott was borderline psychic. Dak consistently knew where CeeDee would be on the field and invariably got him the ball.

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs TE — Kelce had a “down year,” but still led all TEs in receptions (93) and yards (984). The selfless beau of Taylor Swift relinquished his shot at 1,000 yards by sitting out the last game of the season. No need to get injured in a meaningless game when the Super Bowl is the goal.

BILLBOARD BUSTS

Pat Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs QB — Mahomes is a winner, and quite possibly the best QB since Tom Brady. But for Fantasy purposes, he disappointed. He threw for 18 less TDs and almost 1,000 fewer passing yards less than last year. That’s a huge decline. To put it in perspective, he scored 138 fewer Fantasy points than Josh Allen.

Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers RB — Ekeler picked the worst time possible to have a down season, in his contract year. He rushed for 287 fewer yards, 12 fewer TDs, and 56 fewer catches than he had in 2022. After finishing first in RB Fantasy scoring in 2022, he plummeted to 28th, behind the likes of Jerome Ford and Devin Singletary.

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals WR — Higgins ruined many a 2023 Fantasy draft. Taken in the third round on average, “Tee Hee” was a disaster, finishing as WR51. After two consecutive years of 74 catches and 1,000 yards, Higgins bottomed out with just 42 receptions for 656 yards.

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers TE — Freiermuth’s name closely resembles the name of a great chocolate chip cookie (Freihofer), but boy did this cookie crumble in 2023. Taken ahead of Sam LaPorta and Dalton Kincaid in most Fantasy drafts, Freiermuth ended the season 28th in TE scoring. Smart cookies will avoid drafting him next year.

BILLBOARD WAIVER WIRE GOLD

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB — Baker put up dreadful numbers for the Panthers and Rams last year, compiling a record of 2-8. It was no surprise that nobody drafted him in Fantasy. But the first pick of the 2018 draft was soon added to rosters as he put up the best numbers of his career (4,044 yards, 28 TD passes) for the Bucs in 2023.

Zack Moss, Indianapolis Colts RB — Moss went undrafted in most leagues even though starting RB Jonathan Taylor was expected to miss time. Moss has been an unimpressive plodder in his career, but he played like he was shot out of a cannon the first eight weeks of the season. Moss had six TDs and 615 yards rushing for intelligent owners that snatched him up.

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams WR — Puka’s real name is Makea. I didn’t know that. But I do know that the fifth round pick out of BYU had every team that plucked him off the waiver wire dancing for joy. Puka set the NFL rookie single season records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486), finishing as the WR4, better than All-Pro WRs Stefon Diggs and Mike Evans.

Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals TE — The Fantasy populace might be surprised to learn this was not McBride’s rookie year. He had a modest 2022 debut, catching 29 balls for 265 yards. But after Week 8 of 2023, he was the TE4 in Fantasy, snagging an impressive 81 passes for 825 yards. The waiver wire was kind to those that got McBride. TE is the hardest position to roster.

Next Week — Final thoughts on the 2023 Fantasy season and our Super Bowl Giddy Ups! and Whoa Downs!

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On to the Conference Championship Round of the NFL playoffs.

GIDDY UP!

Brock Purdy, QB — NFL quarterbacks don’t get thrown to the Lions, they throw ON the Lions. Baker Mayfield just tagged the Cats for 349 yards and three TDs. Even without WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder, check status), Purdy should turn Detroit fans into a bunch of sourpusses.

Lamar Jackson, QB — The Chiefs allow less than 200 passing yards per game. But they did give up 72 yards and two TDs on the ground to Buffalo’s Josh Allen. The Ravens know they must run in this game, and Jackson will again lead Baltimore in rushing.

Christian McCaffrey, RB — I will go against my rule of benching RBs against the Lions’ run defense. CMC is just too good. He has 690 yards rushing and receiving, with six TDs over his last five games. If he can’t run through the Lions’ den, he’ll find his way around it.

Isiah Pacheco, RB — Prior to last week’s match against the Texans, the Ravens gave up 100 yards to RBs three games in a row (McCaffrey, De’Von Achane and Najee Harris). A steady dose of Pacheco will be just what the doctor ordered to keep the Chiefs in the game.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR — St. Brown continues to be Fantasy gold. In his last 20 games, he’s had only one poor outing. Despite QB Jared Goff’s struggles on the road, the Sun God will be one of the few bright spots for Detroit this week.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR — Add Mike Evans (147 yards) to the list of WRs to torch the Lions in four games straight: Puka Nacua (181), Justin Jefferson (192), CeeDee Lamb (227). Aiyuk is the next incendiary to go off, especially if Deebo Samuel can’t go.

George Kittle, TE — Cade Otton of the Bucs put up five catches for 65 yards and a TD in Detroit. Kittle can do that and more. He will flirt with 100 yards and be the top scoring TE of the weekend.

WHOA DOWN!

Jared Goff, QB — In his playing days with the L.A. Rams, Goff faced the 49ers twice a year. In his last two games against them, he averaged less than 200 yards passing and one TD. Those numbers don’t portend a positive outcome in San Francisco.

Patrick Mahomes, QB — The Ravens don’t give up TD passes. They pitched a shutout against C.J. Stroud (twice), Matthew Stafford and Goff. They allowed one TD pass each by DeShaun Watson, Justin Herbert and Brock Purdy. Mahomes will be lucky to get two TDs in Baltimore.

Justice Hill, RB — Hill had 13 carries for 66 yards in the Divisional game, his highest totals on the season. But it looks more like an RB by committee week with Gus Edwards and Dalvin Cook, limiting all RB upside in the process.

David Montgomery, RB — The Lions are hurting on the offensive line. Guard Jonah Jackson is out, and elite center Frank Ragnow is battling knee and ankle sprains. This affects “Up the Middle Monty” more than receiving RB Jahmyr Gibbs against the 49ers.

Odell Beckham Jr., WR — OBJ disappeared as usual last week (one catch for 12 yards) and I expect more of the same against the standout Chiefs secondary. OBJ would be better off taking a sea cruise. (Sorry Giant fans).

Jameson Williams, WR — The Alabama speedster is used mostly as a deep threat decoy to clear out underneath for WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and TE Sam LaPorta. The 49ers allow the fewest yards per catch in the NFL. Williams is not blowing past anyone in San Fran this Sunday.

Kadarius Toney, Mecole Hardman Jr., Justin Watson, WRs — The Chiefs led the NFL in dropped passes this year (44). Baltimore will “soitenly” have a good laugh shutting down these three stooges. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.

Isaiah Likely, TE — Injured three-time Pro Bowl TE Mark Andrews practiced all week and has a shot to suit up against K.C. This would create a timeshare with Likely, limiting both TE outlooks. Be prepared to pivot to Sam LaPorta, George Kittle or Travis Kelce.

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On to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.

GIDDY UP!

Josh Allen, QB — Buffalo is a team on a mission, and finally gets to roam at a home playoff game against Kansas City. In Allen’s last four games vs. the Chiefs, he averaged over 300 yards passing, 60 yards rushing and three TDs.

Lamar Jackson, QB — Jackson is no Joe Flacco. Lamar has 11 TD passes in his last four games, with 1,060 yards. The Texans have faced lesser QBs of late besides Flacco (Zach Wilson, Will Levis, Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew) and will be shell-shocked by the multi-talented Jackson.

Christian McCaffrey, RB — This ranking comes with a caution. CMC missed his last game, albeit a meaningless one, with a calf strain. That can be a tricky injury. Keep an eye on the practice reports, but if healthy McCaffrey should be the best RB of the weekend.

Aaron Jones, RB — With four games of 111 or more yards, Jones looks like the perfect counterpunch to McCaffrey in the 49ers-Packers game. The 49ers can be run on, and if the Pack pulls off an upset, Jones will be a huge part of it.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR — There’s no better set-it-and-forget-it WR than the Sun God. The Deity of Sol gets 10 targets per game and has over 600 yards (and four TDs) in his last five outings.

Chris Godwin, WR — The Lions gave up copious yards to Puka Nacua (181), Justin Jefferson (192) and CeeDee Lamb (227) in their last three games. The wise guys prefer the Bucs’ Mike Evans to follow suit, but my money’s on Godwin. He has twelve more receptions and almost twice as many yards as Evans since Week 14.

Travis Kelce, TE — Taylor Swift is no Buffalo gal, but her beau Kelce is a Buffalo hunter. He’s always good for 90-plus yards and a TD against them, and the injuries to the Bills’ defense guarantees more Tay-Tay close-ups for Swifties to gush over on Sunday night.

WHOA DOWN!

Jared Goff, QB — The Lions have a penchant for running the ball into the end zone. Goff has seven one-TD pass games as evidence. The Bucs have held opposing QBs to one or no TDs 10 times on the season. Seems like a stalemate.

C.J. Stroud, QB — As phenomenal as Stroud has been, he’s padded his stats against some very inferior defenses (Broncos, Titans, Colts, Jaguars) leading up to his solid play in Cleveland last week. The Jets completely shut him down in Week 14 (91 passing yards, no TDs). I think the Ravens will do the same.

Rachaad White, RB — My season-long motto has been to avoid starting RBs against the Lions, who give up 3.5 yards per carry and just eight rushing TDs on the season. Detroit has yet to surrender a passing TD to an RB as well, limiting White’s upside.

Gus Edwards, RB — Gus is good for 60 yards and a TD regardless of who he’s facing. That won’t win you any games this weekend.

Odell Beckham Jr., WR — I’m tired of hearing how good the Ravens’ receiving corps is with OBJ. The man catches two balls per game and hasn’t been Fantasy-relevant since Eli Manning was throwing to him in Giants blue.

Romeo Doubs, WR — The Jekyll-Hyde season continues for Doubs. He was Dr. Jekyll when he had six catches for 151 yards and a TD in Dallas in the Wild Card round and Mr. Hyde with a 0/0/0 stat line the week prior against Chicago. He’ll play the Mr. Hyde side this time around because I think it’s teammate Jayden Reed’s turn to play the good Dr. Jekyll.

Dawson Knox, TE — Knox got his huge contract (four years, $52 million) before the season because the Bills never thought super-rookie TE Dalton Kincaid would fall into their laps in Round 1 of the 2023 draft. Knox has become an afterthought in Buffalo, and an expensive one at that.

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GIDDY UP!

Joe Flacco, QB — Can the old vet keep the magic alive in Cleveland? When Flacco faced the Texans in Week 16 he lit them up for 368 yards and three TDs. Don’t expect numbers like that again, but the Texans are a pass-funnel defense, and Flacco will benefit.

Matthew Stafford, QB — It’s impossible to run on the Lions, but the Rams won’t have to. In Week 16 and 18, journeyman QB Nick Mullens averaged 400 yards and two TDs against Detroit. It’s a smash spot for Stafford and his stellar WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

De’Von Achane, RB — Achane tore through the Bills’ D for 56 yards on eight carries and a TD in the first half, but only saw two carries in the last 30 minutes. That philosophy will not fly in frigid Kansas City this week. Achane proved he can succeed against stout run defenses, rushing for 107 yards against the Ravens in Week 17. He’ll need to repeat that effort against the Chiefs.

Amari Cooper, WR — The Browns kept Cooper out last week in their meaningless game against the Bengals to let his heel…um…heal. Like Flacco, Cooper torched the Texans’ secondary three short weeks ago for 265 yards and two TDs. Even if he did half as well this time around, it would be terrific for Cooper.

CeeDee Lamb, WR — Defenders flock to Lamb only to be fleeced for their efforts. He’s racked up 443 yards and four TDs in his last three games. The shear brilliance of Lamb will lead the Packers to slaughter.

Jayden Reed, WR — The Packers have their own version of CeeDee Lamb in Reed. He’s shown elite skill the last four games, averaging 21 Fantasy points per outing. QB Jordan Love will have to throw a lot, and Reed will get his fair share in Dallas.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR — The Rams gave up 106 yards and a TD to the Giants’ Darius Slayton two weeks ago. With all due respect to Slayton, it’s possible the uber-talented St. Brown could double those numbers this Sunday.

Dalton Kincaid, TE — Pass-catching TEs have fared well against the Steelers. Mark Andrews, Evan Engram, Trey McBride and David Njoku all had six receptions or more against them. Kincaid could repeat the seven catch, 84-yard effort he had against Miami last week.

WHOA DOWN!

Mason Rudolph, QB — Of the 14 QBs in the NFL playoffs, Mason is far and away the low man on the totem pole. It would not be surprising to see Kenny Pickett resurface in the second half in blustery Buffalo to try and stage a comeback for Pittsburgh.

Tua Tagovailoa, QB — Tua throws the football with a great deal of touch. That works in warm Miami, but in the single digits in Kansas City, he’ll need more zip than he possesses. He’ll have to rely on quick dump offs and hope his receivers can do some zipping through the Chiefs’ secondary.

Devin Singletary, RB — If the Texans are to upset the Browns, it won’t be achieved on the ground. Singletary will struggle running between the tackles and isn’t a threat as a receiver, averaging less than two catches a game.

Kyren Williams, RB — The spectacular Williams has six 100-yard efforts this year, which is six more than Detroit has given up, surrendering an average of just 60 yards per game. In the Lions’ den at Ford Field, Williams will be hard-pressed to find running room.

Tyreek Hill, WR — The Chiefs do a great job on No. 1 WRs, holding Ja’Marr Chase, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen and A.J. Brown to four receptions or less. On a balky ankle (maybe Hill should cut back on the back-flip celebrations) and frigid temps, I’ll pass on Tyreek.

Sam LaPorta, TE — I wrote last week that the Lions should keep their players safely on the bench in their meaningless game against Minnesota. Instead, HC Dan “Gamble” Campbell foolishly played his starters and lost LaPorta to a hyper extended knee in the second quarter. LaPorta “has a chance” to play, but there’s no guarantee how effective he’ll be.

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GIDDY UP!

Josh Allen, QB — Josh was so off-target last Sunday he stirred up memories of past horrible Buffalo QBs J.P. Losman, Nate Peterman and E.J. Manuel. Yeesh! But with the playoffs and No. 2 seed on the line, not to mention injuries to Miami’s Bradley Chubb and Xavien Howard, Josh can right the ship and “squish the fish.”

C.J. Stroud, QB — Knocking the rust off his game after a two-week hiatus from a concussion, Stroud wasn’t asked to do much (213 yards, 1 TD). The Colts’ pass defense stats are inflated because they haven’t faced a decent QB since Matthew Stafford in Week 4. Giddy Up!

Aaron Jones, RB — Jones has always produced against the Bears, with 330 combined yards and four TDs in his last three games. QB Jordan Love is keeping defenses honest with the pass, which opens the running lanes for the resurging Jones.

Rachaad White, RB — The Panthers can’t stop the run, coughing up 277 yards and three TDs to RBs the last two outings. White has been terrific all year (sixth in RB Fantasy scoring) and will carry the Bucs on his back in their must-win game in Carolina.

CeeDee Lamb, WR — The Commanders boast the worst pass defense in the NFL. Lamb should do all his damage in the first half and might be on the bench if the Cowboys build a sizable lead. Best hope it’s a competitive match to keep Lamb in the game.

Stefon Diggs, WR — Diggs burned us against New England with 26 measly yards, but his day would have been saved had Josh Allen not overthrown him on a sure-fire 88-yard TD bomb. If Diggs doesn’t excel against a depleted Dolphins secondary, he should shuffle out of Buffalo.

Rashid Shaheed, WR — He needs a “Hail Mary” to score, and it’s a very risky play. But if you’re trying to catch lightning in a bottle, Shaheed might be your man. He’s had 18 or more Fantasy points in 30% of his games.

Dallas Goedert, TE — The Giants gave up seven receptions for seventy-one yards just two weeks ago to Goedert. He has the safest floor of any TE this Sunday.

WHOA DOWN!

Lamar Jackson, QB — The Ravens are locked into the top seed in the AFC. I don’t envision them exposing Jackson to injury in a meaningless game. Look for HC John Harbaugh to have a short leash if Jackson gets the start.

Jared Goff, QB — Dan Campbell says he’s playing all his starters against Minnesota. The HC is channeling his rage after the controversial loss to the Cowboys to “fuel” his team for the playoffs. Calm down coach. You’re guaranteed the third seed in the NFC. Keep Goff safely on the pine.

Chuba Hubbard, RB — Hubbard has averaged 12 Fantasy points per game the last four weeks against suspect run defenses. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have shut down RB stalwarts Bijan Robinson (34 yards), Aaron Jones (53 yards), Travis Etienne (12 yards) and Alvin Kamara (45 yards) over that same span. Twelve points might be the ceiling for Hubbard.

Melvin Gordon, RB — You would have to be desperate to add the 30-year-old journeyman at this crucial time of the season. Gordon will be a TD-dependent RB5 against a Steelers team that has given up one rushing TD since Week 13.

Demario Douglas, WR — Douglas is the Patriots’ best weapon. But the miniscule marvel does his damage between the 20s. He hasn’t scored all season, nor will he score against the Jets. Even though Gang Green gave up three TD receptions against Cleveland, none were by WRs.

Kyle Pitts, TE — Pitts has been a burr in my saddle since the Falcons drafted him. He hasn’t topped 15 Fantasy points in any one game this year, and the Falcons maddeningly do their best to keep him under wraps. Pitts had one catch in a must-win game last week in Chicago. I don’t get it.

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GIDDY UP!

Patrick Mahomes, QB — The images of Mahomes chewing out his linemen last week were unsightly. Mahomes is better than that. He’s also a better QB than Mason Rudolph, who put up 290 yards and two TDs against the Bengals. Mahomes is better than that, too.

Kyler Murray, QB — The Eagles have given up 31 TD passes, second most in the NFL. This projects Murray having his best game of the year, just in time for your Fantasy Championship game. He should run/pass for three TDs.

Ty Chandler, RB — I wrote last week to bench Chandler against the Lions (he had a dismal 7.7 Fantasy points) and start him for Sunday night’s match against the Packers. Green Bay has given up eight TDs to running backs in the last seven games. Ty one on with Chandler!

Austin Ekeler, RB — Play the matchups. History shows us that Ekeler has 22, 21 and 24 Fantasy points in his last three games against Denver, the NFL’s worst rushing defense. It also helps that this is Ekeler’s last chance to put up big stats in search of a lucrative 2024 contract.

Puka Nacua, WR — The Rookie of the Year favorite has over 400 receiving yards and three TDs in his last four games. Not too shabby. Nine WRs have scored 18 Fantasy points or more this year against the Giants’ secondary, and they might be physically and emotionally exhausted after their tough game against Philly on Christmas.

Stefon Diggs, WR — Death, taxes and Diggs scores TDs against the Patriots. Those things are certain. Diggs has a TD in three straight games against New England. Despite his recent swoon, be brave and trust him in your Championship lineup.

Isaiah Likely, TE — Doing his best Mark Andrews impersonation, Likely has been stellar averaging 65 yards per game. Miami hasn’t given up a TD since Week 7 to a TE, but I think Likely ends that drought.

WHOA DOWN!

Tua Tagovailoa, QB — You better watch out, you’ll probably cry. You’re going to pout; I’m telling you why. Tagovailoa is coming to Baltimore. The Ravens put coal in the 49ers’ stocking on Christmas, picking off five passes. Brock Purdy’s NFL MVP chances melted faster than a snowman in Miami.

Jared Goff, QB — Given Goff’s disparities throwing TDs at home (17) vs. away (10), I won’t risk my season on him in Dallas. The Cowboys held Tagovailoa, Josh Allen and Jaylen Hurts to two total TD passes their last three games.

Travis Etienne, RB — He started out gang busters on the season, but Etienne could be a season buster for your Fantasy team. The Panthers are not a great run defense, (Aaron Jones lit them up last week: 21/127), but Etienne hasn’t run for more than 56 yards since Week 8.

Tony Pollard, RB — Back-to-back games with eight and five Fantasy points does not bode well for Pollard’s chances against an impenetrable Detroit defense. The Lions held the Vikings to 16 rushing yards last week. Better hope Pollard catches some passes out of the backfield if you must start him.

Amari Cooper, WR — The Jets can make even the best receivers crash and burn. Cooper is coming off a career game (265 yards, two TDs), but the Jets have given up just four TD passes all year. Cooper will get his yards, but a TD seems unlikely.

Gabe Davis, WR — To the six or seven Fantasy owners brave (or desperate) enough to start Davis last week, congratulations. He was phenomenal. Now come back to reality and put Gabe back on the bench where he belongs.

Pat Freiermuth, TE — Freiermuth came off the IR just as Mark Andrews was put on IR, and many of Andrew’s owners scooped him up in great anticipation. Those dreams have faded as P. F. is no flyer, averaging 28 yards per game with no TDs.

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GIDDY UP!

Dak Prescott, QB — Do you think Dak is a bit miffed at all the naysayers after the Bills debacle? Press clippings exhorting “Same old Dak, same old Cowboys” can’t sit well with him. Dak will rebound in sunny Miami. The Dolphins haven’t beaten a team over .500 this season.

Baker Mayfield, QB — Baker is playing lights out with six TDs and 525 yards his last two games. He has the Bucs tied for first place in the NFC South and faces a Jaguars team that has imploded with three straight losses.

Isiah Pacheco, RB — If he’s recovered from his shoulder injury, you must play Pacheco. He has three TDs in his last two games against Las Vegas. The Chiefs held him out against the Pats last week with this AFC West showdown in mind. Giddy Up!

Breece Hall, RB — I know it will take incredible courage to put Hall in your lineup after his 12-yard effort in Miami. But the matchup is too juicy. Washington has given up a TD to a running back eight games in a row. Breece makes it nine.

Rashee Rice, WR — Rice went wild against the Raiders in Week 12 with 107 yards and a TD. He’s scored in three of his last four games, with 32 receptions. “Rice Krispies” will make Las Vegas defenders go Snap! Crackle! Pop!

Tee Higgins, WR — I’ve bet against Higgins all year, but in six career games against Pittsburgh, he has three 100-yard games. Combine that with a depleted Steeler secondary (Minkah Fitzpatrick is out and Domantae Kazee is suspended) and you can start Tee Hee with confidence.

Darren Waller, TE — Back after seven weeks from injury, Waller acquitted himself well (4/40 yards). QB Tommy DeVito should look to Waller early and often if the Giants hope to keep pace with the high scoring Eagles.

WHOA DOWN!

Tua Tagovailoa, QB — Without the services of Tyreek Hill (check status), Tua looks like an average QB.  But even if Hill plays, the Dolphins will try to emulate Buffalo’s game plan against Dallas by shoving their excellent running game down their throat.

C.J. Stroud, QB — If you survived the first round of the Fantasy playoffs without Stroud (out with a concussion), congratulations are in order. If he suits up this week, he’s in for another headache as the Browns come to town after smashing Justin Fields (19/40/166 yards).

Saquon Barkley, RB — Last week was supposed to be a yardage bonanza for Saquon in New Orleans. It was anything but a “big easy” as he struggled for 14 yards on nine carries. The Eagles are much better than the Saints on D. Look elsewhere if possible.

Ty Chandler, RB — After his surprisingly impressive rushing stats against the Bengals, (132 yards, one TD), I really want to start Ty against the Lions. But Detroit only gives up 57 yards per game on the ground. Bench Ty, and if you survive, fire him up against the Packers in your Champ game.

Drake London, WR — The Colts are stout against the pass, but the main reason I won’t start London this week is the volitivity of the Falcon’s lame passing attack. London has four Fantasy points or fewer in two of his last three games.

Terry McLaurin, WR — Is “Scary” Terry back? QB Jacoby Brissett came off the bench and rejuvenated the Commander passing game, helping McLaurin to 141 yards and a TD in the process. But starting McLaurin against the Jets? That’s too scary for me.

Gerald Everett, TE — Everett averages 4.5 receptions for 41 yards his last four games. He should do that easily against Buffalo Saturday night. But it’s not good enough to help you win in the playoffs. Be bold and pick up Hunter Henry against the Bronco’s 32-ranked defense against TEs.

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GIDDY UP!

Jared Goff, QB — Goff laid an egg the last two weeks, with just 374 yards and two TDs. But in his last two games on the indoor carpet at home, he had 568 and four TDs. Look for Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta to each snag a TD as the Lions right the ship.

Jordan Love, QB — The Giants held Love to his lowest Fantasy output on the season Monday night (14 points). A teed-off Love will take his anger out on the Buccaneers who just surrendered 32 Fantasy points (347 yards and two TDs) to the lowly Desmond Ridder.

Bijan Robinson, RB — The key to beating the Panthers is the ground game. Bijan averaged 5.6 yards per carry on opening day against them, adding a TD reception to boot. With three scores and 78 touches in his last four games, the Falcons are starting to use Bijan in the manner he deserves.

Joe Mixon, RB — Is it me or does Mixon seem to be running twice as hard since QB Joe Burrow got injured? He’s scored in consecutive outings and has three games in a row with more than 44 yards receiving, making him a PPR powerhouse for the Fantasy playoffs.

Zay Flowers, WR — December showers bring Zay Flowers. Playing in a monsoon in Baltimore couldn’t stop Zay from soaking in his second TD in as many weeks. The Jaguars are reeling, and the Ravens are looking to sew up the top seed in the AFC.

Cooper Kupp, WR — Just when we were losing faith in one of the NFL’s finest receivers, he goes off for 115 yards and a TD. Kupp has a cupcake matchup against the Washington Commanders, who have allowed multiple TD passes in 10 of 13 games.

Jake Ferguson, TE — Buffalo DBs keep receivers in front of them, not allowing the deep ball. This bodes well for Ferguson, who peppered the Eagles underneath for 72 yards last week.

WHOA DOWN!

Joe Flacco, QB — Grandpa Joe averaged 293 yards over his last five outings, with 10 TDs. But I just can’t trust him in my Fantasy playoffs. Da Bears held the Lions and Vikings to a combined 23 points the last two games, tallying six sacks and six INTs.

Desmond Ridder, QB — Ridder shredded the Bucs’ 28th ranked pass D for 32 Fantasy points. It’s a different story this week against Carolina on the road, the best pass D in the NFL. Last game against the Panthers, Ridder totaled 11 points. That’s more like it.

Austin Ekeler, RB — The bloom is off the rose for Ekeler and his prospects are even thornier without QB Justin Herbert in the lineup. In two games against the Raiders last year, Ekeler rushed for 35 yards both times with no TDs.

A.J. Dillon, RB — You might be tempted to start him at home against the Buccaneers, but with one TD to his name and a 2.3 yards per rush average over his last four games, Dillon should be nowhere near your Fantasy lineup.

Gabe Davis, WR — Apologists will tell you Gabe is a boom or bust WR. I say he’s a bum or bust WR. With three catch-less games in his last five, this bummer bust has proven his Fantasy floor is the basement.

Calvin Ridley, WR — Ridley totals fewer than 10 Fantasy points 50% of the time. He struggled against a Browns secondary (four catches on 13 targets, 9.3 Fantasy points) last week. The Ravens will prove just as formidable.

Cole Kmet, TE — Only two TEs (Mark Andrews, Evan Engram) have had more than seven Fantasy points in 14 games against Cleveland. Those are imposing odds.

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Get 30% off the subscription from FantasyGuru.com, the finest source for Seasonal, DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) and Sports Gaming advice. Just go to FantasyGuru.com and enter the code Rob30 for instant savings. Look for Fantasy Billboard every week in the Daily News and a separate column at FantasyGuru.com.