The NFL playoffs kick off this weekend with four games on the docket. Whichever slate you choose to play whether it is a two-gamer on Saturday and Sunday or the full four-game over the weekend, we will need to identify some lower owned stacks to provide leverage on the field with so few options. While no stack or player will carry minuscule ownership on a small slate, I’ll try to identify a few stacks and players that should be less popular but still have GPP winning upside.
So, with that let’s stack’em up for Wild Card Weekend…
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Stacking Options
QB Josh Allen (BUF): $7,800 / WR John Brown (BUF): $6,500
All of the talk of the return of J.J. Watt this week and what he means to the Texans defense could lower ownership on the Bills players despite a matchup that is still very favorable for the passing game. The Texans have allowed 281 passing yards (29th) and 2.1 touchdown passes (27th) per game this season which included Watt playing for the first eight weeks. The Texans have also allowed opposing quarterbacks to do some damage on the ground this season which plays into Josh Allen’s game nicely. John Brown’s production has been modest in recent weeks, but the Bills have played a string of good defensive teams and secondaries, which the Texans are not. As for a bring it back player on the Texans, consider a cheaper option like Kenny Stills over DeAndre Hopkins who will likely be more popular but has a tough matchup against Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White.
Bring it back with: Kenny Stills (HOU): $5,800
QB Kirk Cousins (MIN): $7,600 / WR Adam Thielen (MIN): $6,200
The Saints side of the ball will be very popular this week with the Saints at home as a touchdown favorite in the game with the highest Vegas total on the slate. So, let’s pivot to the other side with a Vikings stack as they try to keep up with the Saints’ high-powered offense. The Saints defense has allowed 279 passing yards (25th) and 1.8 touchdown passes (23rd) per game over the last five weeks. In games where Cousins has been forced to pass the ball at least 34 times, he has averaged 19.7 FanDuel points per game which is three points higher than his season average. Look to pair Cousins with Adam Thielen who should be under-owned due to his recent injury and lack of production since his return. However, with Stefon Diggs battling with the Saints top defensive back, Marshon Lattimore, Thielen should get a heavy volume of targets in a better matchup. Don’t get too cute on the bring it back option and just use either Michael Thomas and/or Alvin Kamara.
Bring it back with: Michael Thomas (NO): $8,900
RB Sony Michel (NE): $6,700 / DEF Patriots: $4,600
Michel has at least 18 carries in each of his last three games while gaining at least 74 yards in each outing and finding paydirt once. The Patriots are a home favorite which should indicate they are working with a lead in this game which is required for Michel to have a big day. Michel came alive in the postseason last year averaging 23.7 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns per game in the three games, so don’t be surprised if the Patriots look to duplicate that formula this postseason. Pair Michel with the Patriots D/ST which is capable of big plays on defense and special teams.
Low-Owned Stud
Derrick Henry (RB – TEN): $9,300
Despite dominating the league down the stretch on the way to a rushing title, Henry should come in with lower ownership than other back on this slate due to his elevated salary and as an underdog in a tough road matchup against a stout Patriots defense. While those are obviously all negatives to rostering Henry, he is still one of the only backs on this slate who is likely to get over 20 carries and will be fed the rock repeatedly at the goal line to give him multiple touchdown upside.
Low-Owned Fliers
- Carlos Hyde (RB – HOU): $6,400
- Marshawn Lynch (RB – SEA): $5,900
- Latavius Murray (RB – NO): $5,700
- DK Metcalf (WR – SEA): $6,200
- David Moore (WR – SEA): $5,100
- Keke Coutee (WR – HOU): $5,100
- Jonnu Smith (TE – TEN): $5,800
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Brad Richter is a featured writer at FantasyPros and a contributor at DailyOverlay. For more from Brad, you can view his archive or follow him @RotoPilot.
