NFL $3k+ Wild Card Playoffs Line-Up
The first week of the NFL playoffs have arrived and while eight teams are eager to make their mark in the postseason, another week of Drafstars action rolls on. With a Lombardi Trophy as a potential reward, expect players to step up their performances to get their team over the line and survive another day.
Here is a team you may consider for the NFL $3k+ Wild Card Playoffs competition
Quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger ($16,950)
Of all the quarterbacks featuring in Wild Card week, Big Ben has perhaps the most enticing matchup. He faces Miami, who rank 28th in the league for pass defence and have given up the fourth-most points to the quarterback position this season. After being rested in the Steelers’ final game of the season, Roethlisberger is in a prime position to post big numbers as he looks to add a third Super Bowl ring to his trophy cabinet.
Running Back
Lamar Miller ($12,050)
Heading into the playoffs, Houston have faced a number of challenges on offense, particularly at the quarterback position. It has been announced that Brock Osweiler will return to the starting role, but with limited first team reps and a host of coaches with minimal trust in Osweiler, the Texans will rely on Miller, who has spent the last two games on the sidelines, to carry the bulk of the load. Having already produced over 1000 rushing yards on the season, most of which came with Osweiler at quarterback, Miller could see big numbers again this week.
Running Back
Jay Ajayi ($10,750)
In a similar sense to Miller, Ajayi has already been the cornerstone of the Miami offense this season and will only see an increase in productivity given their struggles at quarterback. He already have three games above 200 rushing yards, one of which came against his opponent this week, Pittsburgh.
Wide Receiver
Jordy Nelson ($15,700)
A year removed from his ACL tear, Nelson has returned back to his best and is the league’s best redzone receiver. He has been integral in Green Bay’s running of the table toward the playoffs and despite a tough matchup against New York’s secondary, he has been exceptional at home this season, regardless of the match-up. It’s likely only one of Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr and Nelson will be in your team, and Nelson presents greater value.
Wide Receiver
Doug Baldwin ($15,400)
Baldwin has perhaps the best matchup of any top tier wide receiver this week against Detroit’s secondary. Lining up in the slot position 73% of his snaps this season, Baldwin will attract either of Asa Jackson or Don Carey, who combined, have seen less than 170 snaps of football this season. Already with over 1100 yards on the season, Baldwin will have a day against Detroit.
Tight End
Ladarius Green ($8.800)
Miami has given up the seventh-most fantasy points and 10 touchdowns to the tight end position this season meaning either of Green or Jesse James could find enough space this week to have an impact. He didn’t feature in Week 17 with a concussion, however should play this week yet still comes with risk given he works in a tight end committee with James.
Flex
C.J. Fiedorowicz ($6,000)
With Osweiler back under centre, Fiedorowicz returns to relevance as a cheaper option against the Raiders. He has seen at least seven targets in his last four games and faces an Oakland defence which have conceded the ninth-most points to the tight end position this year, as well as a score to tight ends in two of their past three games.
Flex
Victor Cruz ($6,350)
Cruz has regressed slowly as the season has worn on, and is a low-end option in Draftstars, however a 12-target game a fortnight ago suggests there is still something left for the veteran receiver. In most of his routes, Cruz will face Damarious Randall on defence, who ranks among the best coverage cornerbacks in the league to score fantasy points against. Randall has also allowed an equal league high eight touchdowns in coverage this year.
Defense
Seattle Seahawks ($6,500)
Of all defences this week, the Seahawks are the best chance to shut out the Lions at home. With a losing streak running for three weeks, Detroit have struggled to score points and close out games – something which they had perfected early in the season. With a third Super Bowl appearance in four years on the line, expect Seattle and their defence to dictate the game.
The Lineup
QB: Ben Roethlisberger ($16,950)
RB: Lamar Miller ($12,050)
RB: Jay Ajayi ($10,750)
WR: Jordy Nelson ($15,700)
WR: Doug Baldwin ($15,400)
TE: Ladarius Green ($8,800)
FX: C.J. Fiedorowicz ($6,500)
FX: Victor Cruz ($6,350)
DEF: Seattle Seahawks ($6,500)
Cash Remaining: $1000
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NFL SCORING SYSTEM:
OFFENSE
Pass TD = 4 pts
1 Pass Yard = 0.04 pts
Interception = -1 pts
1 Rush Yard = 0.1 pts
Rush TD = 6 pts
1 Receiving Yard = 0.1pts
Reception TD = 6 pts
Reception = 1pt
Return TD = 6 pts
2 pt Conversion = 2pts
Lost Fumble = -2pts
DEFENSE
Sack = 1 pt
Interception = 2 pts
Fumble Recovery = 2 pts
Touchdown = 6 pts
Safety = 2 pts
Blocked Kick = 2 pts
Kickoff/PR Touchdown = 6 pts
Points allowed – 0 = 10 pts
Points allowed – 1-6 = 7 pts
Points allowed – 7-13 = 4 pts
Points allowed – 14-20 = 1 pt
Points allowed – 21-27 = 0 pts
Points allowed – 28-34 = -1 pt
Points allowed – 35+ = -4 pts
Catch all the NFL action live on ESPN Channel 508 from 8am AEDT on Sunday with the Raiders and the Texans, followed by the Detroit and Seattle clash at midday. Monday’s action starts at 5am AEDT with Miami and Pittsburgh, before the Giants and the Packers close out a massive Wildcard weekend