Chances are Tyreek Hill (5.6 Fantasy points), Derrick Henry (6.7), Deebo Samuel (4.9), and Cooper Kupp (0) ruined many a team’s fortunes in the first round of the Fantasy playoffs. But congrats if you managed to advance. A few points to consider as you prepare for Round 2: 1. Block your opponent’s roster needs with timely pickups. 2. Make sure your Sunday or Monday night players are in your flex spot. 3. You must have a sub on your roster for those night games just in case. In Week 14, Ladd McConkey was a late Sunday evening scratch, leaving many squads without a replacement. 4. Track the weather reports. Snow and 20 degrees in Chicago, Buffalo and Green Bay this week leads to slow gameplay and slippery conditions, especially for kickers.
GIDDY UP!
QB Baker Mayfield (at Cowboys) — The Bucs need to keep winning, and Baker (35 total TDs) will keep his foot on the gas in Dallas. A robust 48-point under/over promises a high scoring affair.
QB Joe Burrow (vs. Browns) — Do Bengal tigers eat brownies? Only if they’re from Cleveland. Burrow is riding a ridiculous 6-game streak of three TDs or more. He’ll continue to feast in the Cincy Jungle.
RB Bijan Robinson (vs. Giants) — The Giants limited Derrick Henry last week, but they forgot to shut down the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson (5 TD passes). Falcons’ rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., is no Lamar Jackson. Bijan will go off.
RB James Conner (at Panthers) — Carolina has given up almost 1,000 yards in their last six games, allowing 100 or more yards to five different RBs. Conner makes six.
WR Mike Evans (at Cowboys) — Evans holds the NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career with 10. He needs 251 yards over the last three games to extend the streak. Guess who gets the most passes Sunday night against the Cowpokes?
WR Cooper Kupp (at Jets) — Kupp played like a munchkin, giving his owners a donut last week. But the healthiest part of a donut is the middle, and that’s where I expect Kupp to act like a Bavarian against the Jets. Let’s get glazy!
TE Brenton Strange (at Raiders) — The second round pick out of Penn State had 11 receptions last week in Doug Peterson’s TE-friendly offense. Let it ride.
WHOA DOWN!
QB Justin Herbert (vs. Broncos) — Herbert (ankle, check status) has been a liability the last four weeks, averaging 15 Fantasy points a game in that span. Best not to start him Thursday night even if he decides to gut it out and play.
QB Tua Tagovailoa (vs. 49ers) — Tua threw 40 times in a losing effort against the inferior secondary of the Texans last week. I cannot recommend sitting him more strongly against the 49ers, who just shut down the prolific air attack of the Rams.
RB Joe Mixon (at Chiefs) — Mighty Joe has been mighty good this year. But he’s yet to top 65 rushing yards against K.C. in three career games. Start him but expect about 16 Fantasy points.
RB Breece Hall (vs. Rams) — Something smells rotten in the Meadowlands, and it’s not just the Jets’ record. Logging nine carries in Jacksonville matches Hall’s lowest output all year. Hey Woody! If he’s that injured (knee, check status), shut him down on this lost season.
WR Rashod Bateman (vs. Steelers) — Bateman was awesome last week (3/80/2 TDs), but the Steelers have had his number, limiting him to five receptions in their last four matchups.
WR Jerry Jeudy (vs. Bengals) — QB Jameis Winston resurrected Jerry’s career since Week 8 (50 receptions, 786 yards). But now Winston’s on the bench, replaced by the erratic Dorian Thompson-Robinson. DTR averages 3.7 yards per attempt. No joy for Jeudy.
TE Hunter Henry (at Bills) — Buffalo held George Kittle and Travis Kelce to a combined three catches for 15 yards before hemorrhaging 111 yards to Sam LaPorta last week. Buffalo will stampede Hunter.
Thursday Night Special: Denver is on a four-game winning streak and is the better team right now. The Chargers are reeling, losing three of their last four. Nix & Co. get revenge from their 23-16 Week 6 loss. Broncos 20, Chargers 14
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com. Catch Bill every Wednesday night at 6:45 on “This Week in Pro Football” on YouTube TV.
