1. The Ravens need a RB
When three RBs split rushing work in an AFC Divisional game, and then combine for only 6 attempts in the AFC Championship, you know you don’t have your guy. JK Dobbins will be a free agent coming off an Achilles injury, so Ravens will have a hole to fill. Look for them to be interested in a dual-threat RB this off-season to fit OC Todd Monken’s scheme.
2. The Ravens need another WR
If the Ravens truly want to go through the air with Monken as OC, they need a complement to Zay Flowers at WR. OBJ and Rashod Bateman have been rotational players, and my guess is that OBJ is likely to move on in free agency. Spending big on a veteran free agent like Tee Higgins could be what this offense needs to get over the hump.
3. James Cook has RB1 upside in 2024
Cook is already being drafted as the RB12 in 2024 best ball drafts, and I understand why. He had 18 rushing attempts in each of his two playoff games, and was targeted on 26% of his routes - for context, only 4 RBs were targeted at a higher rate during the 2023 season. That’s RB1 type of opportunity, even without goal line attempts.
4. The Bills need a WR
Gabe Davis hasn’t proved to be an effective WR2, so my guess is that the Bills let him walk in free agency. 3/21 and 7/52 in two playoff agmes isn’t going to cut it from Stefon Diggs. The Bills need to target a WR as early as the first round in addition to free agency, especially to prepare for the event that Diggs’ 2nd half slide is indicative of more than just a slump.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs needs more work
I’d assume Gibbs will get more of the share in 2024, but I also assumed he’d get more work when it mattered most in the playoffs. 36% of the rushing attempts and 39% route participation isn’t going to cut it on a large sample size. His 3 TDs while Montgomery received 89% of the goal line work in 3 games isn’t sustainable either. He’s the RB4 off the board right now in 2024 best ball drafts.
6. Nico Collins is an alpha
If any of your league mates think Nico Collins’ late-season and playoff performances were solely due to Tank Dell being off the field, I’d suggest doing what you can to take him off their hands. 35% target share and 49% air yards share in their two playoff games fits a high-end WR1 profile. Tied to CJ Stroud next year across another very good WR in Tank Dell, the sky is the limit for Collins.
7. Trust in Pacheco
The Chiefs have relied heavily on Isiah Pacheco during the playoffs. He was on the field for at least 70% of snaps in each game, and averaged a little more than 23 touches/game. He was the overall RB10 in PPR points/game this year, and is currently the RB10 off the board in early 2024 best ball drafts. Very likely Pacheco is their guy once again next season.
8. Rashee Rice getting peppered
The Chiefs still desperately need a perimeter WR, but Rice has shown that he can be a big part of this offense despite any additions to it. 22% target share in 4 games with two of them at 25%+. Year 2 can be even bigger after leading all WRs in yards after catch per reception this year. Mahomes missed Rice on what would’ve been a game-winning TD in regulation, but moot point now.
9. Travis Kelce may have something left
Kelce will be 35 next season, but averaging 89 yards/game in their four playoff games has to keep him on the high end of the fantasy spectrum. He’s coming back for the 3-peat after averaging 28% target share during the playoffs compared to only 21% during the regular season.
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