NFL $2k+ Divisional Playoffs Line-Up
Wild Card round provided some unexpected results in daily fantasy sports, including Thomas Rawls who carried Seattle to a win over Detroit. With another four games on the card this week, expect another host of surprises in a weekend filled with three highly-anticipated matchups, plus Houston’s visit to New England. For Draftstars’ NFL $2k Playoffs contest, which match-ups will benefit your side?
Here is a team you may consider for the NFL $2k+ Divisional Playoffs competition
Quarterback
Tom Brady ($17,000)
Of all quarterbacks in the divisional round, Brady has undoubtedly the best matchup. While he comes up against the league’s number one ranked defence, the Patriots are heavily backed to beat Houston by a considerable margin. If the Texans do struggle, Brady and the New England offense will have more time on the field, giving perhaps the best quarterback of all time a great chance of going big.
Running Back
Ezekiel Elliott ($14,750)
Elliott has been the best running back this season, and while his success hasn’t always translated to fantasy, he again is one of the more trusted options in the divisional round. With the Cowboys making their return to the playoffs this season, with an offence built around Elliott, it’s likely the team will look to slow down the game by giving Elliott the ball. In his previous matchup against Green Bay earlier this season, Elliott ran for 157 yards from 28 carries, totalling 19.40 points that game.
Running Back
LeGarrette Blount ($11,600)
Aside from Elliott and Le’Veon Bell, Blount is the best running back option this week. He is cheaper than both Davonta Freeman and Thomas Rawls and has been as consistent as the former throughout this season. With a league high 18 rushing touchdowns in the regular season, Blount is having a career year, and ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans in Week 3.
Wide Receiver
Julio Jones ($14,550)
Jones is the third most expensive receiver option this week, and for good reason too. While many may shy away given he’ll line up against Richard Sherman and the Seahawks secondary, Jones has encouraging history against this week’s opponents. In Week 6, he caught seven receptions for 139 and a touchdown. His 26.90 points were the second highest tally of the season, and if Atlanta are to win this playoff game, a similar level of production will be needed.
Wide Receiver
Dez Bryant ($11,750)
Prior to being rested in Week 17, Bryant averaged 7.5 targets per game as by far the Cowboys’ top receiver. Green Bay managed to double team Odell Beckham Jr last week, but may struggle to do so against Bryant this week given Dallas’ explosive run game. With a matchup against Ladarius Gunter on the cards, Bryant could explode against a defence which has allowed over 20 touchdowns to receivers this season.
Tight End
Travis Kelce ($11,750)
Travis Kelce is the best tight end this week, and in the Chief’s passing game, remains Alex Smith’s preferred option. Unlike other tight end options, Kelce often records high yardage gains on his receptions and doesn’t rely on touchdowns to improve his scores. To finish the regular season, Kelce produced over 100 yards receiving in six of his final eight games.
Flex
Terrance Williams ($7,450)
Plugging Williams in this week is a risky move, but considering Green Bay leak touchdowns on defence, it may pay dividends. The Packers have allowed 21 touchdowns to opposition receivers this year and Williams will face a favourable matchup as the Cowboys’ second receiver against a flaky defence. Earlier this year, Williams found success against Green Bay, totalling 75 yards and a touchdown during that game.
Flex
Paul Richardson ($5,000)
The unlikeliest of playoff heroes, Richardson put on a clinic in Seattle’s Wild Card matchup against Detroit, hauling in three miraculous catches and a touchdown for a total of 13.80 points. Given his aerial display in the win, Richardson may be the postseason spark the Seahawks need, and could see more targets come his way against Atlanta.
Defense
Pittsburgh Steelers ($6,050)
Pittsburgh’s rise to the top of the AFC North has been as much due to their vastly improved defence as it has been due to their talented offense. In two of their last three games, the Steelers have scored 17.00 fantasy points, and have recorded eight interceptions and 12 sacks during their last five games. Most defences playing this week stack up similarly, yet Pittsburgh remain a safe option.
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 Seahawks and the Falcons, followed by the New England and Houston clash at midday. Monday’s action starts at 5am AEDT with Kansas City and Pittsburgh, before the Cowboys and the Packers close out a massive Divisional Playoffs weekend