This article is part of our DraftKings NFL series.
Not to completely discount the two-game conference championship slate, but this weekend represents our last chance to play an NFL DFS game with a decent number of options. It looks like weather won't be much of an issue, though the same can't be said for injuries. Of course, tracking the relevant injuries isn't much of a challenge with only eight teams remaining, so let's get right into the the strongest plays for the divisional round of the playoffs:
Quarterback
Tom Brady, NE vs. KC ($7,400): The fun part of a loaded playoff field is that we should get to watch awesome football games, but this also means favorable matchups for quarterbacks are essentially non-existent. The only remaining team with a vulnerable pass defense is the Steelers, who are riddled by injuries for what will likely be a low-scoring game, which in turn raises serious concerns regarding Peyton Manning's volume. No quarterback truly stands out, but with Brady finally surrounded by a strong supporting case, the Patriots may opt for the pass-heavy, fast-paced attack that was so successful during the first part of the season. Even against an excellent Kansas City defense, Brady is the best bet to lead all quarterbacks in scoring, though an argument can also be made for pretty much anyone besides Alex Smith and Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder)/Landry Jones.
Other options: Cam Newton, CAR vs. SEA ($7,500); Russell Wilson, SEA at CAR ($6,800); Aaron Rodgers, GB at ARI ($6,700); Carson Palmer, ARI vs. GB ($6,500); Peyton Manning, DEN vs. PIT ($6,000)
Running Back
David Johnson, ARI vs. GB ($6,000): Johnson is a 100-percent lock to lead this slate in ownership rate, likely by a very wide margin. That does mean there's an argument for fading him in GPPs – it's just not an argument I'm buying (in any way, whatsoever). He's the one and only three-down workhorse remaining, as all of the other teams figure to deploy multiple running backs in significant roles. Johnson thus figures to have a strong game regardless of how his team fares, making him the obvious building block for all lineups. It's also worth noting that Green Bay is more vulnerable to the run than the pass, having allowed 4.5 yards per carry during the regular season. Differentiate elsewhere.
C.J. Anderson, DEN vs. PIT ($3,700): Limited by a foot injury for the first part of the season, Anderson overcame his slow start to average 4.5 yards per carry or better in eight of his final nine games. With Ronnie Hillman mostly looking mediocre over the same nine-game stretch, it won't be at all surprising if the split of touches tilts more in Anderson's favor during the playoffs. The Steelers may be more vulnerable to the pass than the run, but with the injury-marred Pittsburgh offense unlikely to have much success, I strongly suspect the Denver running game will lead the way after halftime.
Other options: James White, NE vs. KC ($5,200); Fitzgerald Toussaint, PIT at DEN ($4,200); James Starks, GB at ARI ($4,000); Steven Jackson, NE vs. KC ($3,300)
Wide Receiver
Doug Baldwin, SEA at CAR ($6,800): While this clash of dominant defenses doesn't hold much overall fantasy appeal, Baldwin's individual matchup is one of the best this weekend, as the Panthers won't have cornerbacks Charles Tillman (knee) and Bene Benwikere (leg) available for their playoff run. Carolina does still have stud cornerback Josh Norman, but the breakout superstar has almost strictly worked as an outside corner this season, whereas Baldwin primarily lines up in the slot. Even with the Panthers' elite linebacking corps providing support over the middle, Baldwin should have some opportunities to feast on 31-year-old cornerback Cortland Finnegan.
James Jones, GB at ARI ($4,600): The lone holdover from last week's recommendations, Jones has now reached 11 targets in three straight games, proving that he (rather than Randall Cobb) is the Packers' true No. 1 wide receiver. The only concern is that Jones might see a lot of coverage from Patrick Peterson, but it seems more likely that Cobb will be the one left to suffer on PP island, as Jared Abbrederis figures to handle a lot of the slot snaps in Davante Adams' (knee) absence. With cornerback/safety Tyrann Mathieu (knee) and outside linebacker Alex Okafor (toe) both out for the season, Arizona's defense isn't nearly as impressive as you might think. This game clearly has the most shootout potential of the four divisional round contests.
Other options: Julian Edelman, NE vs. KC ($7,100); Emmanuel Sanders, DEN vs. PIT ($5,800); John Brown, ARI vs. GB ($5,200); Tyler Lockett, SEA at CAR ($4,400); Jared Abbrederis, GB at ARI ($3,000)
Tight End
Travis Kelce, KC at NE ($5,100): With Jeremy Maclin (ankle) likely absent or very limited, Kelce is the No. 1 target for a team that will likely have to do a lot of throwing in what could be a fast-paced game. No doubt, the Chiefs will try to run the ball and bleed the clock, but if that plan fails and they fall behind, we should see a whole lot of Kelce. I want Baby Gronk in any lineup that has Tom Brady, which obviously means I'm also a fan of the Gronk-Baby Gronk combo that I've been so desperately wanting to use since the middle of last season. Of course, I wouldn't automatically stack Gronkowski with Brady in every lineup, as the Patriots actually have other receiving options, namely Julian Edelman and James White. The Chiefs have no such luxury.
Other options: Rob Gronkowski, NE vs. KC ($7,500); Greg Olsen, CAR vs. SEA ($6,900); Heath Miller, PIT at DEN ($3,200)
Team Defense/Special Teams
Denver Broncos vs. PIT ($3,900): Injuries will ultimately play some role in the strength of this recommendation, but with Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) reportedly nursing torn ligaments, there's just no way this game plays out like the instant classic from Week 15. If the Steelers do pull off the upset, it will be due to their underrated (but still unspectacular) defense, in combination with a Peyton Manning self-destruction.
Other options: Carolina Panthers vs. SEA ($3,700); Pittsburgh Steelers at DEN ($3,600)
