I will go ahead and give my must have Playoff Fantasy Football Rankings for the Week, as these are projected at the best value on Fanduel. This way you can get yourself in position to win Cash games or small tournaments with these picks.
#1 QB: Drew Brees
Upside: Brees has all of the tools and weapons to go about destroying his competition. Could be a blowout.
Downside: His Fantasy Points per game is not as much as a couple other QB’s we’ll cover. He is also playing a decent Carolina Defense. However, they could very well be without 3 of their starters, 1 of whom is Thomas Davis, the veteran linebacker so good in coverage, the Saints RB’s should easily get free in the passing game.
#2 QB: Alex Smith
Upside: Smith should in no way play down to his competition, as the Titans are not really one of the stronger defenses in the league, just outside the top half in overall defense in fantasy. Allows points to the QB. Smith has been solid all season and averages plenty of points per game.
Downside: Smith did not build any recent momentum for the playoff due to sitting out week 17. Hopefully this does not affect the offense.
#1 RB: Leonard Fournette
Upside: Fournette has the dream matchup vs. a worst defense in the league against RB position in fantasy, believe it or not, the Bills. what more could you ask from. He could very well dominate, making it hard for the Bills.
Downside: Injuries bugging him although not showing up on the injury report thus far this week.
#2 RB: Todd Gurley
Upside: Gurley has been the best RB in fantasy by far this year, and the Rams will of course rely on him for this wild card game. Don’t overcomplicate things by not rostering him unless you simply cannot afford him.
Downside: Playing one of the best Defenses in fantasy, Atlanta, 7th vs. RB’s and 10 overall. This does not matter to matchup proof RB’s such as Gurley. Also there are other good options to consider to save yourself that salary.
#3 RB: Devonte Freeman
Upside: Playing another dream matchup vs. the Rams who are 31st vs. RB’s in fantasy. Freeman has picked his game up in recent weeks to re-emerge as a fantasy stud.
Downside: If you compare him to the next guy, per the same snap percentage he does not get enough touches.
Update as of 1/4/17:
Freeman is limited by a knee injury this week in practice. Make sure to include Tevin Coleman who should be a very good value play and has scored around 15 Fantasy Points per the last meeting with Rams. You may want to start him even if reports say Freeman is ok.
#4 Mark Ingram/Alvin Kamara
Upside: With wonderful options here, as more of a tournament type play, these 2 provide valuable upside in a matchup that includes some hurt players in the defense of Carolina. They simply cannot match up against both of these Studs. Whats amazing is even though they don’t quite get enough rushing attempts, they both get plenty of targets.
Downside: Besides the matchup already mentioned, not much downside at all. Also the depth chart recently indicates that Kamar is #1. Don’t let this have you shy away from Ingram. He will be used a lot.
To stop for a moment and mention, you get get overall rankings for the rest of season for playoff teams here at SI more for rest of post season league advice if playing in such a league.
To get the Fantasy studs list with access, specifically for best plays at Fanduel or DraftKings Visit the DraftDashboard, my #1 Fantasy Sports Tool
#1WR Michael Thomas
Upside: Thomas is the consistent stud of the season, besides Antonio Brown. He is the best downfield target for Brees, since Marques Coleston, who was used heavily in the playoffs in prior years.
Downside: His season long upside has been limited, similar to Julio Jones, but no WR has had great upside this year besides Brown. Thomas is the best you can get.
#2 WR Tyreek Hill
Hill is a must start simply for his floor in most weeks being 8 or 9 points on FD almost guaranteed. No real downside.
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Here is a video for some sleepers to consider, which would prove to be very valuable to your winning in Wild Card Week.