Picking quarterbacks in the DFS playoffs is difficult, as teams
who make the playoffs typically have strong defenses. In the case
of the wild card weekend, the two quarterbacks who take on defenses
that rank in the top 15 in points allowed are Russell Wilson against
Philadelphia, and Josh Allen against Houston. While I think Allen
has more upside and a chance to deliver a monster game, Wilson’s
matchup against the Eagles appears to be more of a safer play.
Drew Brees at home is also worthy of consideration.
Other option to consider - Drew
Brees vs. Minnesota
Josh Allen is capable of posting 30-point games when he utilizes
his legs and not just his arm. However, he is also capable of
turning the ball over and killing your DFS lineup. That boom or
bust characteristic, mixed with a matchup against the worst defense
in the wild card round, makes Allen an attractive GPP play.
Other option to consider - Kirk
Cousins @ New Orleans
It may sound like an interesting contrarian play, with Mike Vrabel
going back to Foxboro to play his old coach. The Pats just got
beat at home against Miami, Tom Brady is old and over the hill,
and the Pats have nobody on offense. Until I see it with my own
eyes, I will bet against anyone going into Foxboro to take on
the Pats in the playoffs, even someone as hot right now as Ryan
Tannehill.
Kamara is one of the biggest busts in season-long fantasy after
finishing the regular season with six total touchdowns just one
year after posting 18 TDs. Owners may be hesitant to play him,
but Kamara has been a beast over the past two weeks with four
rushing touchdowns in two games. While it can be hard to run on
the Vikings, they can be beat with receptions out of the backfield
to running backs, and Kamara is going to be a significant factor
catching passes this weekend.
Other option to consider - Dalvin
Cook @ New Orleans
Singletary has been quiet in his last two games with fewer than
ten fantasy points. But you need to remember those games were
against the Pats and the Steelers, two of the better teams in
the league at stopping the run. Houston is terrible against the
run, and Singletary should be heavily used in both the ground
and passing game. The return of J.J. Watt does give me some pause,
but I still think the rookie is going to come through with a good
game.
Other option to consider - Boston
Scott vs. Seattle
Henry finished strong last week with 211 rushing yards and three
touchdowns to secure a playoff spot for Tennessee and win the
rushing title. It was an impressive game, and Henry has been nothing
short of spectacular this year, but I am not willing to pay over
8k for any running back going against New England, especially
in a playoff game at Foxboro.
Thomas has been head and shoulders above all fantasy wide receivers
this season with a whopping six games of over 30 fantasy points.
In a full PPR format, he is worth every penny, especially this
week against a Minnesota team that gave up the 8th-most points
to wide receivers. Good cornerbacks can’t stay with Thomas,
and an over the hill corner like Xavier Rhodes will have his hands
full.
Other option to consider - Tyler
Lockett @ Philadelphia
This pick will take a leap of faith, but consider my logic on
before you dismiss Thielen this week. Of all the games over the
wild card weekend, the Saints/Vikings game has the highest over-under
and could be a high scoring game. The Saints may opt to keep Marshawn
Lattimore on Stefon Diggs instead of Thielen based on the latter’s
struggles as of late and the fact that Thielen has been limited
most of the year with a hamstring injury. Thielen has the skill
set to be a monster; he just needed the right situation. This
win or go home game against New Orleans could be the one.
Other option to consider – D.K.
Metcalf @ Philadelphia
In keeping with my theme of avoiding Titans, I am not betting
on a rookie wide receiver going against Stephon Gilmore and Bill
Belichick in the playoffs. Sure, Brown could bust a long one,
but I don’t want to risk it based on some of the other solid
options at wide receiver.
Only Tyler Higbee has averaged more fantasy points at the tight
end position than Jared Cook over the past five games, and that
includes a game in which Cook left in the first quarter with a
head injury against the 49ers. Cook is the red zone threat for
the Saints and could be a monster in this game if the Vikings
try to double Michael Thomas. Although Minnesota has been stout
against tight ends this season, I still think Cook comes through
with a big game this Wild Card weekend.
Outside of the tight ends for the Eagles and Jared Cook, I am
not a fan of any of the tight ends playing this weekend. If you
are looking for a low-cost tight end who could be a coin flip
for a touchdown, Watson against the Titans could pay off. Watson
has been MIA this season and not worthy of a play, but Tennessee
does give up the 8th-most points to tight ends, and he could be
more involved this week.
New Orleans can be beaten in the passing game, but they have
been more vulnerable to wide receivers than tight ends. Rudolph
has terrible as of late, and he is just as likely to goose you
as he is to score a touchdown.
Defense & Special Teams
High Priced Option Worthy of the Cost: Patriots
$3,400 vs. Titans
Well Priced with Upside: Eagles ($2,800) vs. Seahawks
