Welcome to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. When picking fantasy players this deep in the postseason, one thing becomes most apparent — these are all terrific players. Well of course they are. How else could their respective teams have gotten this far? Now it’s not so much a science of picking “who’s the best,” but a science of picking “who’s not going to fall flat on his face.” Therefore, don’t reach for a sleeper. Start the studs and expect a decent return. There’s no tomorrow for these teams. Let’s dive into who’s ready for the moment.
MOVIN’ ON UP!
QB Josh Allen at Broncos — The Broncos faced Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love in Weeks 15-16 and gave up 275 yards passing per game and five TDs. Josh is faster than a speeding linebacker, more powerful than a defensive lineman, and able to leap tall safeties in a single bound. A Superman on a “Super” mission, he will find a way to put up three TDs on Denver.
QB Caleb Williams vs. Rams — The Rams have given up 30-plus points in three of their last four games, giving up multiple TDs to quarterbacks along the way. This bodes well for Caleb, who has thrown for two TD passes six games in a row.
RB Christian McCaffrey at Seahawks — If you’re going to spend DFS money on a running back, crack open your piggy bank and put it all on the playoff savvy McCaffrey. Without TE George Kittle, CMC will have more receptions than usual. He’s my No. 1 RB of the week.
RB RJ Harvey vs. Bills — Raise your hand if you think Jacksonville should have run the ball more on Buffalo (everyone’s hand should be up). Averaging eight yards per carry, the Jaguars confoundingly leaned on their passing game. Sean Payton will not make the same mistake. It’s up to the Bills to stop Harvey from running wild around the edges for long gains.
WR Puka Nacua at Bears — I have yet to see a defense that could stop Nacua, and I’m not sure one exists. The only thing that might limit the Rams’ efficient passing game is the bitterly cold Chicago weather, and the kind of cold that turns WR hands into stone.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. 49ers — Fun fact: JSN has never scored a TD against the 49ers. For the Seahawks to win, that must change. He’s caught 25 passes for 318 yards in his last three games against San Fran, and this offense runs through him. It’s the JSN show, and he needs to finish the episode in the end zone.
TE Hunter Henry vs. Texans — I don’t understand why Aaron Rodgers ignored his tight ends against Houston, a defense that had allowed four TE touchdowns in their last four games. Sometimes the smartest playoff strategy is throwing to the big guy five yards away and living to see another down.
DOWN AND OUT!
QB C.J. Stroud at Patriots — It’s hard to fade any quarterback this weekend, but if I’m ranking them, Stroud lands at the bottom. The Patriots have proven to be a tough out at home, and Stroud’s best weapon Nico Collins (concussion, check status) might not be available.
RBs Kenneth Walker III/Zach Charbonnet vs. 49ers — Pick your poison: Kenneth the Menneth or Box Wine. One of these frustrating backs could have a good day. Which one will it be this week? I’m no psychic. I give up trying to guess, and you should too.
RB TreVeyon Henderson vs. Texans — I don’t want to start a running back against Houston. Henderson should have more success than backfield mate Rhamondre “The Giant” Stevenson, but that’s not saying much. Houston is only giving up 3.7 yards per carry with just five rushing TDs to RBs in their last 13 games.
WR Christian Kirk at Patriots — Mike Francesa describes maddening players as “the little girl with the curl in her forehead” — smiling, talented and destined to disappoint at the worst possible time. That’s Kirk in a nutshell. He was great last week after Nico Collins exited, but if someone’s breaking your fantasy heart when it matters most, it’s Christian “Curley” Kirk.
WR Cooper Kupp vs. 49ers — Even against the suspect 49ers secondary, I have no interest in Kupp. He averages less than three catches a game. Hard pass.
TE Evan Engram vs. Bills — The Bills are the second-best defense against TEs this year. Play the odds against Barner. It’s not complicated.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Buffalo is stampeding right now and won’t be stopped. Bills 26, Broncos 21
No Kittle and a depleted defense lead to a Seattle victory. Seahawks 28, 49ers 24
I believe in the Texans’ toughness. New England… not so much. Texans 21, Patriots 20
Too cold for Californians. Da Bears (and Chicago weather) win. Bears 30, Rams 24
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.
