It’s fantasy playoff time and you would think that you would lean on the stars that got you here… Though things are never quite so simple, are they? Who has a difficult matchup that makes you think twice? Who are the streamers/sleepers to consider? Let’s take a look:
- Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers – vs. Carolina
- Deshaun Watson – Houston Texans – at Indianapolis
- Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens – vs. Jacksonville
- Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs – at New Orleans
- Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills – at Denver
- Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals – vs. Philadelphia
- Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks – at Washington
- Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans – vs. Detroit
- Taysom Hill – New Orleans Saints – vs. Kansas City
- Jared Goff – Los Angeles Rams – vs. New York Jets
- Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers – at Las Vegas
- Kirk Cousins – Minnesota Vikings – vs. Chicago
- Philip Rivers – Indianapolis Colts – vs. Houston
- Tom Brady – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – at Atlanta
- Derek Carr – Las Vegas Raiders – vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers – at Cincinnati
- Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons – vs. Tampa Bay
- Baker Mayfield – Cleveland Browns – at New York Giants
- Teddy Bridgewater – Carolina Panthers – at Green Bay
- Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles – at Arizona
- Mitchell Trubisky – Chicago Bears – at Minnesota
- Daniel Jones – New York Giants – vs. Cleveland
- Gardner Minshew – Jacksonville Jaguars – at Baltimore
- Drew Lock – Denver Broncos – vs. Buffalo
- Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins – vs. New England
Thoughts:
- While the Colts have generally been viewed as one of the better defenses this season, over the past four weeks they’ve allowed 9 TD to opposing QB (6 passing and 3 rushing). Just a few weeks ago Watson threw for 341 yards against them, and even with the questions in the receiving corps he should be able to produce. He also rushed for a TD against them, something he could do once again. Fire him up as a Top 5 option in all formats.
- It’s easy to love Russell Wilson, but over his past five games he hasn’t thrown more than 263 yards. Granted part of that was being rested in the fourth quarter against the Jets (206 yards, 4 TD, INT), but in the four games prior he had 4 TD vs. 3 INT. Without the benefit of the weak Jets’ defense, can he produce against a much tougher Washington secondary (they’ve allowed the 9th fewest points per week to opposing QB)? He’s still a QB1, but he needs to be downgraded.
- Over the past two weeks Ryan Tannehill has drawn two of the worst defenses in the league (Jacksonville and Cleveland), combining for 6 TD vs. 1 INT and 601 yards. Things should continue to roll against the Lions, who have allowed the 7th most points per week to opposing QB. He’s got to be considered a QB1 this week, with the only “problem” being that he could lose opportunities to a run heavy approach.
- It’s Jared Goff’s turn to pick on the abysmal Jets’ secondary (over the past four weeks they’ve allowed 12 TD vs. 2 INT, the only team to allow more than 10 passing TD over this span). If you need a streaming option this week, he’s your man.
- For now we have Taysom Hill listed as a QB1, but there has been talk of Drew Brees making his return. Obviously we’ll have to monitor the news, just in case, but if Hill is starting he’s a viable option in all formats thanks to his ability to run (4 rushing TD) and the potential for a shootout.
Sources – NFL.com, ESPN
Hey Prof – I’m in playoffs in my three leagues. 10 team PPR/Flex. My starters at QB are, Taysom Hill, Russell Wilson and Justin Herbert. My backup QB in all three leagues is Kirk Cousins. Would it be a sneaky good Add/Drop to Drop: Cousins / Add: Hurts in all leagues or the league with Taysom Hill only? I think it’s sort of a “known” with Cousins vs. “Could Be” with Hurts. Your Thoughts? Thanks
I’m not sure I’d call it sneaky good, because I don’t imagine I’d use him
Hi Professor.
Justin Herbert or Taysom Hill? Keenan Allen may not go. Drew Brees reports are he is practicing.
Thanks.
I’m going Herbert
Now that Brees is a GO for Sunday. Would you play him over Wilson? Full PPR.
I could see the argument, but I could also imagine Hill having earned a bigger role