Aaron Rodgers saw a slight decrease in salary despite his strong Week 17 performance
Let’s take a look at notable salary changes as we head into Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs.
Check out our Salary Changes Tool to monitor risers and fallers week-to-week
Quarterbacks
Connor Cook (OAK): $6,100 @ HOU (+$1,100)
With the Matt McGloin injured, Cook is poised to start for the Raiders this weekend. In relief of McGloin last week, Cook threw for 150 yards and a touchdown, but he will likely find tough sledding this weekend. The Texans have allowed an average of 197 passing yards and one touchdown per game over the last four weeks, and I expect the rookie to struggle in what should be a hostile environment.
Aaron Rodgers (GB): $8,600 vs. NYG (-$200)
Rodgers produced 34.2 FDP in Week 17 at Detroit, yet his price slipped heading into this week’s playoff showdown against the Giants. While this is certainly a tough matchup, there’s no denying Rodgers should be on point again this week, especially at home. To further complicate matters for the Giants, Janoris Jenkins is dealing with a back injury, which would only enhance the matchup for Rodgers.
Running Backs
Zach Zenner (DET): $6,200 @ SEA (+$1,700)
Zenner is coming off of a 19 FDP outing against the Packers, and despite an incredibly difficult matchup looming this week, FanDuel decided to raise Zenner’s price the most among all running backs. The Seahawks are a tough draw for opposing running backs, although they have allowed seven rushing touchdowns over the last four weeks. Still, touchdowns are unpredictable, and the Lions could have a tough time generating any offense to give Zenner a shot to score.
Thomas Rawls (SEA): $7,100 vs. DET (-$300)
I would have really liked to have seen Rawls’ price drop more, especially given the fact that he has failed to score more than 10 FDP in seven out of the nine games in which he’s played. He has had a disappointing sophomore campaign, but he does draw a decent matchup this week, so maybe he will get things going. The Lions have allowed 131 rushing yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game over the last four weeks, so I don’t mind taking a flier on Rawls this weekend.
Wide Receivers
Antonio Brown (PIT): $9,100 vs. MIA (+$600)
Despite not playing in Week 17, Brown’s price jumped the most among all receivers, which is likely due to the upcoming opponent. The Dolphins have allowed six touchdowns to opposing receivers over the last four weeks and 254 passing yards per game overall. While Le’Veon Bell has really taken the reins in this offense, Brown is no slouch, and he is a top target despite the price increase.
Doug Baldwin (SEA): $6,900 vs. DET (-$200)
Baldwin has been a volatile asset to own recently, but he could find an easier go of it this week. The Lions have allowed nine touchdowns to receivers over the last four weeks, and I think the Seahawks will look to continue that trend. While his floor is certainly low, Baldwin still has plenty of upside this week.
Tight Ends
C.J. Fiedorowicz (HOU): $5,300 vs. OAK (+$500)
Fiedorowicz has failed to score more than 10 FDP in five straight games, yet his price jumped the most among all tight ends this week. The Raiders have allowed two touchdowns to tight ends over the last four weeks, despite ranking 25th in fantasy points allowed per game on the season. He seemed to have a better rapport with Brock Osweiler at quarterback, who will be back under center this weekend.
Eric Ebron (DET): $5,700 @ SEA (-$100)
Ebron continues to see healthy volume within the Detroit offense, but he’s not racking up the yards, and the tight end hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1. He likely won’t find things to be any easier this week against a stingy Seattle defense, making Ebron nothing more than a desperation GPP flier this weekend.
Adam Sutton is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Adam, follow him @DraftStars_Adam. You can find more of Adam’s work at DraftStars.net.
