We’re finally at the first week of the NFL Playoffs; what a time of the year. As the Titans and Packers claim their free passes to the divisional round, the other 12 playoff teams will fight for their lives. With main slates on Saturday and Sunday, we’ll provide you with the best DFS plays for the weekend. This article will outline the Wild Card Weekend NFL DFS picks with core players at each position to hammer into your FanDuel lineups.
NFL DFS Picks for Wild Card Weekend
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes ($8,700)
After a regular season filled with ups and downs, Patrick Mahomes is back in form for the NFL playoffs. Mahomes is a guy with eye-opening stats in his eight career playoff games. He’s averaging 290.5 passing yards per game to go along with a passer rating of 100.4. Mahomes will have his full arsenal of weapons minus Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the matchup against the Steelers. With multiple playoff games facing weather concerns, Mahomes is one of the safer play at quarterback this week. Stack the Chiefs offense with Darrell Williams ($6,600), Tyreek Hill ($8,000), and Travis Kelce ($7,500).
Joe Burrow ($7,800)
Joe Burrow has been red hot over the past two weeks, throwing for a ridiculous 485.5 passing yards and four touchdowns per game. He will make his NFL playoff debut this Saturday against Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders will be playing on short rest, after playing in a long overtime game on Sunday night. This can be advantageous for Burrow, as the fatigue of the Raiders’ defense could play a part on Saturday. His environment is ideal as the Bengals have the second-highest implied team total of 27.0 points. Burrow is also easily stackable with receivers Ja’Marr Chase ($8,200) and Tee Higgins ($6,900), as well as tight end C.J. Uzomah ($5,200).
Other NFL DFS Picks: Dak Prescott ($8,000), Derek Carr ($6,800)
Running Backs
Leonard Fournette ($7,300)
After a three-game absence, Leonard Fournette is now a game-time call this week against the Eagles. The Buccaneers are in desperate need of playmakers now that Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown are gone. The weather conditions of the Buccaneers vs. Eagles game is worth noting as they’ll expect to suit up in rain and high winds. If Fournette suits up, expect him to work in a run-heavy offensive game plan. At just $7,300, he is an optimal play on the Sunday main slate.
Darrell Williams ($6,600)
Darrell Williams is expected to handle lead back duties for the Chiefs once again with Clyde Edwards-Helaire listed as out this week. Williams is listed as questionable with a toe injury although Andy Reid hinted at him suiting up this Sunday. If he plays, he’ll play against a Steelers defense that ranks dead-last in run defense. Throughout the regular season, the Steelers have allowed a whopping 146.06 rushing yards per game to opposing teams. The Chiefs are also favored by -13.0 points, as game flow looks to boost Williams’ fantasy ceiling. He will be a chalky value play at a salary of just $6,600.
Other NFL DFS Options: Eli Mitchell ($7,400), Josh Jacobs ($7,200), Devin Singletary ($6,900), Rhamondre Stevenson ($5,200)
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Wide Receivers
Deebo Samuel ($8,700)
Deebo Samuel continues to dominate on the 49ers in his utility role. He did it all against the Rams last week, tallying 95 receiving yards, rushing for 45 yards, and even throwing a passing touchdown. His effort sent the 49ers to the playoffs this week. The 49ers-Cowboys game will be prioritized in DFS this weekend as the game holds a 51.0 point game total. Look to get exposure to both offenses with Deebo Samuel leading the pack.
Tee Higgins ($6,900)
As people flock to Ja’Marr Chase ($8,200) after his massive game against the Chiefs, I’ll take the value from his teammate Tee Higgins. Higgins holds a target share of 23.5%, just slightly lower than Chase’s 24.4% mark. At $1,300 cheaper Higgins is my preferred play as a stacking option with Joe Burrow. He has also flashed tournament-winning upside (Week 16 vs. Ravens) and could see more volume with defenses focused on Chase. Lock him or Chase (or both) for Saturday slate lineups to receive ideal exposure to this game.
Breshad Perriman ($5,200)
With the unfortunate events hampering the Buccaneers receiving core, Breshad Perriman steps into a starting role opposite Mike Evans. With Mike Evans shadowed by cornerback Darius Slay this Sunday, Tom Brady may have to look to his other receivers. The weather conditions could be concerning for the Tampa Bay passing attack but Perriman should get an opportunity nonetheless. He makes for an intriguing GPP option at an extremely low $5,200 salary.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Ja’Marr Chase ($8,200), Tyreek Hill ($8,000), CeeDee Lamb ($7,300), Diontae Johnson ($7,200), Brandon Aiyuk ($6,100), Zay Jones ($5,300)
Tight Ends
Darren Waller ($6,300)
Darren Waller is my top tight end play of the week with a discounted $6,300 salary. The elite tight end isn’t carrying an injury designation into his game against the Bengals this Saturday. Derek Carr has failed to get Waller involved in recent weeks but this could change against a Cincinnati defense that allows the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends. While there are plenty of elite tight ends playing this weekend, Waller’s salary is too low to pass up on.
Other NFL DFS Picks: Travis Kelce ($7,500), George Kittle ($6,500), Dallas Goedert ($5,900)
