As we enter the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs, the pressure is on for the eight remaining teams. With players like Derrick Henry and Leonard Fournette returning, we’ll analyze the fantasy implications in each game. We’ve got you covered with optimal plays for the Saturday-only, Sunday-only, and full weekend slate. This article will outline the Divisional Round NFL DFS picks with core players at each position to hammer into your FanDuel lineups.
NFL DFS Picks for Divisional Round
Quarterbacks
Josh Allen ($8,800)
The Bills vs. Chiefs game will be the game to prioritize this weekend with its massive 54.0 point total. Both teams posted 40+ points in the wild card round, headlined by a career performance by Josh Allen. Allen sported a ridiculous 157.6 QB rating, throwing for 5 touchdowns against a strong Patriots defensive unit. He will look to keep the momentum going in what should be a shootout against a Patrick Mahomes-led offense. Thus, Allen is in a good position to return value against a Chiefs defense that allows the seventh-most passing yards per game.
Joe Burrow ($7,700)
Joe Burrow could have another opportunity for a big week against the Titans this weekend. While they controlled the game against the Raiders last week, the Bengals may elect for a pass-heavy approach against Tennessee. The Titans have the second-best run defense in the league, so look for Burrow to attack through the air. With the slow pace of the Packers Vs. 49ers game, Burrow is my standout quarterback on the Saturday-only slate. Plug him alongside any combination of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and C.J. Uzomah.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Patrick Mahomes ($8,500), Matthew Stafford ($7,400)
Running Backs
Derrick Henry ($9,000)
Derrick Henry will likely make his much-anticipated return from injury against the Bengals this week. At a discounted $9,000 salary, the only real concern for Henry is his expected workload. Word around the league is that the Titans are ready to fire him up for 20+ carries in this high leverage game. With so many discount options at wide receiver, I don’t mind paying up to fit Henry in the lineup. If he pops off, you’re not gonna want to be the one who faded him.
Eli Mitchell ($7,300)
Eli Mitchell has 20+ carries in 6 straight games as the 49ers lead running back. This week’s matchup against the Packers is not an ideal fantasy environment, as both teams rank in the bottom 4 in the pace of play. The 49ers love to control the clock, and that starts with feeding Mitchell the ball. Pairing this with Green Bay’s weak run defense could lead to a huge day for Mitchell on the ground. At just $7,300, he is one of the top point-per-dollar running backs all weekend.
Cam Akers ($5,700)
Cam Akers shined last weekend in just his second game back from his Achilles injury. Akers carried the ball 17 times and showed no signs of rust in the win against the Cardinals. His workload can only grow from here on out but expect Sony Michel to stay somewhat involved. At just $5,700, Akers is the best value play of the weekend. Even in a tough matchup against the Buccaneers front seven, he should see enough volume to return on value.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Aaron Jones ($7,500), Devin Singletary ($7,200), Leonard Fournette ($7,000)
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams ($8,700)
Davante Adams will make his 2021-22 playoff debut this Saturday against the 49ers. In my opinion, he is a MUST-own player this week in all formats. The 49ers secondary will struggle to gameplan for Adams as he moves all over the formation. With deep threat Marquez Valdez-Scantling doubtful this week, Adams and Lazard should both see an uptick in volume. Stats show that Adams sees a significant increase in deep targets with Valdez-Scantling out of the lineup. Look for him to repeat his Week 3 performance against the 49ers when he torched them for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Tee Higgins ($6,400)
Tee Higgins completely flopped last weekend recording just 1 catch for 15 yards against the Raiders. While Ja’Marr Chase continues to shine, Higgins took a backseat once again. As a result, his salary has fallen from $6,900 to $6,400 in the span of a week. With Chase likely shadowed by former teammate Kristian Fulton, Higgins has an opportunity to break out against subpar cornerbacks. While any Bengals receiver can go off in any given game, I have my money on Higgins and Boyd this week.
Julio Jones ($5,600)
Much like Tee Higgins, Julio Jones get’s an exploitable matchup with his wide receiver counterpart dealing with shadow coverage. While A.J. Brown is still a strong option against cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, Jones will have a much easier task against Eli Apple. Both receivers can be upgraded as the Bengals allowed the sixth-most receiving yards as a unit. Jones is only $5,600 and is a perfect salary relief play for those fading A.J. Brown.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Cooper Kupp ($9,500), Tyreek Hill ($8,200), A.J. Brown ($7,600), Tyler Boyd ($5,800), Brandon Aiyuk ($5,900)
Tight Ends
George Kittle ($6,400)
George Kittle has been disappointing to say the least, recording less than 4 targets in 3 of his last 4 games. While Jimmy Garoppolo’s thumb injury is a concern for all 49ers receivers, Kittle should have the easiest route to success. With Jaire Alexander returning for the Packers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel could see a lower target volume. Kittle has a very appealing salary tag of $6,400, making him a standout in a dry tight-end pool.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Rob Gronkowski ($7,100), Tyler Higbee ($5,400)
