:Playoff Stockwatch: Chiefs and 49ers Headed to Super Bowl LVIII, Fantasy Implications, and Player Trends
The stage is set for Super Bowl LVIII as the Chiefs and 49ers gear up for a rematch of the thrilling Super Bowl LIV, where Kansas City emerged victorious with a 31-20 win. This marks the eighth time in NFL history that teams are meeting again in the grand finale, and the Chiefs aim to secure back-to-back championships, a feat not achieved since the 2003-04 Patriots.
The 49ers, on the other hand, are in pursuit of their sixth Super Bowl triumph, aiming to join the Patriots and Steelers as the franchises with the most titles. Their last Super Bowl victory dates back to 1994, adding an extra layer of significance to this clash.
As we anticipate a flood of facts and insights leading up to the Super Bowl, let's take a moment to reflect on the Fantasy implications following the Championship Round with our playoff stockwatch.
Stock Up:
Travis Kelce:
In the AFC Championship Game against Baltimore, Kelce showcased his prowess with 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. Throughout the playoffs, the 34-year-old tight end has maintained a stellar performance, raising questions about his potential return for the 2024 season. If Kelce continues at this pace, he could once again contend for the top Fantasy tight end spot.
Zay Flowers:
Despite a loss against the Chiefs, Flowers shone with five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. His strong finish to the season, with consistent PPR points in five of the last seven games, positions him as a potential breakout star in 2024. With an expected sophomore campaign improvement, Flowers could emerge as Lamar Jackson's top target.
David Montgomery:
In the midst of the Jahmyr Gibbs hype, Montgomery's performance against the 49ers served as a reminder of his Fantasy value. Outplaying Gibbs with 15 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown, Montgomery looks set to maintain a significant role in the 2024 season. Despite Gibbs' potential, Montgomery remains a reliable Fantasy option.
Stock Down:
George Kittle:
Kittle faced a downturn in the victory against the Lions, recording only two catches for 27 yards. While still a top-tier Fantasy tight end, Kittle's points per game have declined each season since 2018. Heading into 2024 at the age of 31, it's uncertain whether he can expect a significant uptick in production. Fantasy managers should consider Kittle cautiously on Draft Day.
Lamar Jackson:
Criticism surrounds Jackson following the Ravens' loss, where he fell short of replicating his MVP-worthy regular-season performance. Despite a solid 2023 campaign, Jackson's Fantasy ranking slips to third among quarterbacks for 2024. Drafting him in Round 4 seems reasonable, acknowledging the competition at the position.
Jared Goff:
Goff's performance against San Francisco showcased his solid NFL quarterbacking, but Fantasy-wise, he remains unpredictable. With a mere 20.5 Fantasy points per game, Goff's outlook depends on Detroit's offensive coordinator situation. While a valuable No. 2 Fantasy quarterback, relying on Goff as a starter in 2024 might be a risky proposition.
As we eagerly await Super Bowl LVIII, the Fantasy landscape is evolving, and these stock trends provide valuable insights for the upcoming season.