Start ‘Em
Baker Mayfield
I had Baker on this list last week, and he made me look like an idiot, but I’m going to back him again on Sunday. The Cardinals have given up the most points to opposing QBs. They don’t have a pass rush, and their secondary is putrid. Mayfield should be good for at least 20 points.
Ryan Tannehill
I’m all aboard the Ryan Tannehill train. He has multiple touchdowns and a passer rating of over 130 in each of the last four weeks. And this Sunday, he gets a juicy matchup with the Texans. The Titans are going to wipe the floor with Houston at home, and Tannehill is going to be a big reason why.
Josh Jacobs/DeAndre Washington
If Jacobs returns, he’s an obvious must-start, and I love him against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to running backs. If he doesn’t, Jacobs’ backup, DeAndre Washington, should be starting in all fantasy leagues and is a fantastic DFS play. Keep an eye on Jacobs’ status come Sunday.
Chris Carson
With Rashaad Penny out for the season, Carson is going to be the bell-cow back for the Seahawks. That’s wonderful news for his fantasy owners, especially this week, as Seattle takes on Carolina, who just let Devonta Freeman look like his 2015-2016 self against them. The Panthers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs, and I expect that to continue on Sunday.
Odell Beckam Jr.Â
The Cardinals have allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, but this is more of a gut call. Odell hasn’t caught for 100 yards in 7 games, and something tells me he is fed up, and the Browns are going to try and make him happy this week. This is the game Beckam’s fantasy owners have been waiting for.
Davante Parker
Davante Parker has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners, and that should continue this week against the Giants, who have one of the worst secondaries in football. Most of the time, I would never advocate for starting Dolphins players in a playoff matchup, but they have shown some fight of late, and I expect that to continue against New York. He is coming off a concussion so be sure to monitor his status leading up to the contest.
Deebo Samuel
Samuel has come alive for the 49ers, and I think he’s one of the best-kept secrets in the league. San Francisco gets the Falcons this week, and you have to think Kyle Shanahan is going to want to put on a show against his former team. Look for Samuel to have a huge week.
Tyler Higbee
I had Higbee on my start ’em list last week, and if you listened, you reaped the rewards. The once struggling Rams offense has found something in their tight end, and because of that, they look more like they did in 2018. I don’t think it is a fluke, and I think McVay continues to utilize Higbee early and often. Don’t be afraid to start him in your playoff fantasy matchup.
Jared Cook
Jared Cook has become one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets. Unfortunately, he suffered a concussion last week, but before that, he had caught two balls for 64 yards and two touchdowns. If he’s healthy enough to play, he’s a must-start in all fantasy leagues.
Sit ‘Em
Dak Prescott
In your fantasy playoffs, you probably have to start Prescott. But if somehow you have a better option, use it. The Rams defense has transformed into possibly the best in football, featuring a lethal pass rush. The Cowboys offense has been awful of late, and I cannot see them turning that around against Los Angeles.
Matt Ryan
The 49ers have had a tough travel schedule as of late, which allowed Drew Brees to have a monster performance on Sunday. Now, they return home, and I’m expecting their defense to return to form. The Falcons have holes across their offensive line. That’s terrible news when facing San Francisco. Sit Matt Ryan.
Le’Veon Bell
He’s supposedly healthy again after suffering from the flu, but he should not be in any fantasy lineups. This game against the Ravens will get out of hand quickly, which should limit his touches. Not to mention, Baltimore has had one of the best defenses in the league over the last six weeks. Find a replacement for Bell. Do not let your fantasy playoff hopes lie on his shoulders.
Joe Mixon
Andy Dalton has helped Joe Mixon, who had his best game of the season last week but don’t get cute here. The Patriots have lost two in a row and still feature one of the league’s best defenses. I would sit Mixon this week and find a better option, even if it means searching the waiver wire this late in the season.
Devonta Freeman
Freeman finally had a quality day on the ground last week. However, don’t expect that to continue on the road against the 49ers. The Falcons haven’t been able to run the ball all season, and one week isn’t a sign of that changing. The Panthers are just that bad at defending the run. Meanwhile, San Francisco has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs, behind only the Patriots.
Adam Thielen
The Vikings are optimistic Thielen will finally return this week, but who knows how many snaps he will play, and he’s up against a Chargers secondary that is elite at defending wide receivers. This isn’t a guy you want in your lineup during the fantasy playoffs.
Tyler Boyd
Boyd is one of the Bengals few weapons on offense, so I don’t see Belichick allowing him to beat the Patriots. New England’s secondary is also only allowing 26.5 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, which is the best in the league. Maybe you have to start him, but I’d rather trust a receiver like Deebo Samuel this week by a longshot.