Chris Boswell may be the difference between finishing in the money and losing everything
Welcome to the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. Since we have a small, four-game slate, I am only going to focus on a tournament lineup.
On small slates like this, it is a great opportunity to throw multiple lineups into some multi-entry tournaments. Let’s go ahead and take a look at my Draftpot Fan Mode tournament lineup for this weekend.
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Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers (GB) – at WAS
Rodgers is my favorite tournament option at the quarterback position since most people will likely be using Ben Roethlisberger, and the weather in Minnesota worries me for Russell Wilson. Rodgers has been great in his postseason career, with a 101.0 quarterback rating and a 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio. He should have no problem tearing apart the Redskins’ defense, which has been awful against the pass this season.
Running Back
Adrian Peterson (MIN) – vs. SEA
When the Vikings played the Seahawks back in Week 13, the game flow was not at all favorable for Peterson. With the Vikings’ defense now healthy, I expect the game to be closer this time around, which means Peterson should see more than eight carries.
Keep an eye on his injury status as he’s currently listed as questionable with a back injury. If he is unable to go, pivot to Charcandrick West.
Marshawn Lynch (SEA) – at MIN
Editor’s note: Lynch has been downgraded to OUT for Sunday’s game. Please view our free Lineup Optimizer for alternatives.
Lynch is set to return this weekend and, according to Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, he should see a full workload. Both teams will likely lean on the run in this game since the temperature will be well below freezing on Sunday.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Green (CIN) – vs. PIT
Green is by far my favorite player on this slate. The Steelers’ secondary has been awful this season, and Green has racked up 17 receptions, 250 yards and two touchdowns in two meetings with the Steelers during the regular season. There is no reason to believe that the Steelers will somehow be able to limit him this time.
Martavis Bryant (PIT) – at CIN
With most people using Antonio Brown, Bryant could be a great contrarian play this weekend. Bryant will likely be low owned and he should see a lot of cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who ranks 111th among cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus.
Randall Cobb (GB) – at WAS
Randall Cobb did not live up to his expectations this season. However, he is in a great position to redeem himself this weekend against the Redskins. The Redskins were awful against the pass this season, allowing the fourth-most touchdowns to wide receivers.
Tight End
Jordan Reed (WAS) – vs. GB
Reed is a chalky pick. However, he is head and shoulders above every other option at the position this weekend. It’s not a good strategy to fade the best option at his position on a small slate, even if that option is going to be highly owned.
Reed was excellent in the regular season down the stretch, scoring five touchdowns in his last four games. Fade him at your own risk.
Flex
Jeremy Hill (CIN) vs. PIT
Hill’s workload was streaky in the regular season. However, his workload has been trending in the right direction over the last few weeks, with at least 16 carries in all three games that McCarron has started. That trend should continue, making him a solid tournament option this weekend.
DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) – vs. KC
If the Texans are going to do any damage this weekend against the Chiefs, it is going to be through the air. The Chiefs’ defense has been stout against the run, and the Texans’ run game has been subpar this season. Hopkins should see all of the targets that he can handle, giving him tremendous upside against the Chiefs.
Defense/Special Teams
Houston Texans vs. KC
The Texans’ defense will likely fly under the radar with most people flocking towards the Seahawks and the Chiefs. The Texans’ defense has played great lately, though, racking up nine takeaways, 12 sacks, two defensive touchdowns and only allowing a total of 22 points over their last three games.
Kicker
Chris Boswell (PIT) – at CIN
I could be wrong, but I imagine that many people will foolishly use Steven Hauschka since he was the best kicker on this slate during the regular season. I strongly advise to avoid him since temperatures in Minnesota will be approaching zero degrees.
Instead, I recommend pivoting to Chris Boswell. Boswell was one of the best fantasy kickers this season, and should get enough opportunities to put up some points this weekend.
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Kaz Kalita is a correspondent at FantasyPros. You can find more of Kaz’s work at DraftStars.net, and you can follow him draftstars_kaz.
