The playoffs are finally here, and even though we have a much smaller slate to choose from, we can still find DFS winners. The NFL DFS Wild Card weekend has a four-game slate with some interesting matchups on tap. We have some high flying offenses going up against some stacked defenses, and some first-time playoff appearances against some veteran, seasoned winners. Who will be in our DFS lineup? Find out here.
Must Start: Philidelphia Eagles RB Boston Scott 5,800$
Scott led Philadelphia’s backfield in touches last Sunday against the Giants, finishing with 19 carries for 54 rushing yards and three touchdowns. It pains me to have him here considering I am a Dallas fan, but you cannot ignore the success he has had in this offense. If you had asked me at the beginning of the season who I would have in my Wild Card lineup, Scott wouldn’t have even been in my top 50. Yet, here we are.
It is unclear if Miles Sanders will be playing in this game, he has a low ankle sprain. Joe Mixon suffered the same injury early in the season and was very ineffective upon his return. So even if Sanders plays, I don’t see it being for many snaps.
So, you will be getting a running back who led the Eagles in rushing and receiving in Week 17 for less than $6,000. It sounds like a steal. Ownership is likely to be low as well because the public has a perception of Seattle being good on defense. That just hasn’t been the case this year. Seattle’s defense is giving up 381.6 yards per game, which ranks 26th in the NFL. On top of that, Seattle just gave up three rushing touchdowns to the 49ers last week. If Philly wants to win this game, they will need to rely on Scott. Lock him in all your lineups!
Must Start #2: New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas, $9,300
Michael Thomas has been the epitome of reliable this season. He has put up big numbers all year. The fourth-year wide receiver set the single-season mark for receptions with 149 and finished with 1,725 receiving yards and nine scores. He now gets to face the Minnesota Vikings at home. The Saints will likely be looking to avenge their heartbreaking Minneapolis Miracle loss two years ago, and I can see this one having a lot of points.
Some people might be worried because of this Vikings secondary. But they are not the same secondary of old. Thomas’ catch rate so far this year is 80.5%. Vikings no.1 cornerback Xavier Rhodes is allowing a catch rate of 84.3%. Rhodes will be covering Thomas. It is going to be a nightmare for the once talented cornerback.
If that isn’t enough to convince you to put Thomas in all of your lineups, just look at what he has done at home. He has been sensational at home this season, recording 87 receptions, 1,027 yards and six touchdowns at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Insert him into your NFL DFS Wild Card Weekend lineups and be happy.
Value Play: Tennesee Titans TE Jonnu Smith $3,800
If you are going to be like me and pay up at WR this week, you will need a value play at tight end. Jonnu Smith is the perfect candidate. The New England Patriots have not been good covering tight ends this season, and Smith is coming on late in the year.
With the Titans likely to be down in this game, I can see Tannehill airing it out often. If that is the case, even against this elite Patriots defense at home, someone is going to have to catch the ball. Bill Belichick likes to take away your best weapon. For the Titans that will be Derrick Henry. That means that they will need to throw. If Jonnu gets in the endzone at least one time, he will bring value with this price point.
My NFL DFS Wild Card Weekend Lineup:
QB Drew Brees
RB Travis Homer
RB Boston Scott
WR Jacoby Meyers
Michael Thomas
DeAndre Hopkins
TE Jonnu Smith
FLEX Carlos Hyde
DST Tennesee Titans
I obviously decided to go cheap this week on RB. I find there is too much value on the board considering the slate of running backs this week isn’t the strongest. With two cheaper options, it allows me to have the two elite WRs, Thomas and Hopkins, who I can see putting up the most points. Pairing Brees and Thomas is a no brainer in this one.
I am also pleased to get Hyde into my lineup. He has quietly had a really good season, having put up 1100 yards on the ground. The Bills struggle against running backs, and I can see Hyde putting up enough yards to make his $5,100 price point easy to swallow!
