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Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Wild Card Weekend matchups. Joey Pollizze analyzes in-depth matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another start'em and sit'em piece as we look ahead to Wild Card Weekend! If you are new here, this matchups analysis and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em article will look at the best and worst matchups of the week.
Whether you are looking for some DFS plays this weekend or are playing in a fantasy football playoff challenge pool, this article can be a big help for you. This week, there will be six games to cover in this piece, and all 12 teams that made the playoffs will have plenty of viable fantasy starters during the first round of the playoffs.
So, let's dive into every Wild Card Weekend game and analyze the best starts and sits. This article will go through every player in every game to determine which players you should be starting in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
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Matchups Analysis - Saturday Games
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
Spread: LAC -2.5
Matchups We Love:
WR Nico Collins
The Chargers were one of the better defenses in the NFL this season. However, Nico Collins has a strong matchup on the outside against this secondary this week.
This Los Angeles defense has allowed some big fantasy games to Jakobi Meyers (27.3 PPR fantasy points), Jalen McMillan (18.5 PPR fantasy points), and Mike Evans (36.9 PPR fantasy points) in recent weeks. So, Collins should be in for a strong fantasy day.
Former Michigan WR Nico Collins is just the 3rd player in Houston Texans history to record back-to-back 1000+ receiving yard seasons #ProBlue pic.twitter.com/vd7rFW0ugN
— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) January 5, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
RB J.K. Dobbins
Since returning from injury in Week 17, J.K. Dobbins has scored in double figures in PPR formats in back-to-back games while seeing at least 20 touches in both weeks. But it might be tough to rely on him in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
The Texans have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and have allowed over 16 PPR fantasy points to only two running backs since Week 9.
Update: Dobbins is active.
RB Joe Mixon
After a strong start to the year, Joe Mixon has cooled off a little bit in fantasy. He hasn't scored over 11 PPR fantasy points in four straight games and has a tough matchup on Wild Card Weekend against the Chargers. Los Angeles has given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season while allowing only two running backs to score above 15 PPR fantasy points since Week 9.
Quentin Johnston had a career day last week, catching 13 passes for 168 yards. Those 13 catches, 186 receiving yards, and 31.6 PPR fantasy points were all career-highs. But Johnston will have a tougher matchup against Derek Stingley Jr. on the outside.
Stingley ranks third in catch rate allowed and second in coverage rating. The second-year wideout has also only totaled over 50 receiving yards just three times this season.
Update: Johnston is active for Saturday’s game due to a thigh/illness designation.
Dalton Schultz hasn't been a strong fantasy option for most of the year. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats just twice this season and has caught three passes or fewer in six of the past nine games. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in the first round of the playoffs against the Chargers. Los Angeles has allowed only two tight ends to score more than 10.5 PPR fantasy points since Week 5.
Other Matchups:
Justin Herbert put up strong fantasy numbers in recent weeks, scoring above 23 fantasy points in three straight games. Therefore, he'll be a solid quarterback option against the Texans this week. Herbert has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in four consecutive weeks, and this Houston secondary has allowed over 20 fantasy points to three different quarterbacks over the last five games.
QB C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud was one of the more disappointing fantasy quarterback options in the regular season. He finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback just once since Week 5 and ended the year as the QB18. So, Stroud might not be the strongest quarterback play in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
The good news for him, though, is that the Chargers have allowed over 19 fantasy points to five different quarterbacks over the past nine weeks.
It was great to see Ladd McConkey break out in the second half of the regular season. As a result, he will be a solid fantasy wide receiver option against the Texans this week. The rookie has scored over 14 PPR fantasy points in seven straight games while catching at least five passes in 10 of the past 11 contests.
TE Will Dissly
Will Dissly had some solid fantasy games this season, including last week against the Raiders. The veteran caught five passes for 42 yards and one touchdown en route to a 15.2 PPR fantasy point day. So, he could be a potential option in DFS contests this weekend. The Texans have allowed at least 9.5 PPR fantasy points to seven tight ends over the past eight weeks.
It remains to be seen if Joshua Palmer (heel) will play against the Texans. He didn't play in last week's win due to a heel injury and was seen in a walking boot after the team's Week 17 game against the Patriots. If Palmer plays, though, he will be a lower-end option. He has scored above 9.5 PPR fantasy points just once since Week 10.
Update: Palmer has been ruled out for Saturday’s game.
Injuries:
- Joshua Palmer (heel)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Spread: BAL -10
Matchups We Love:
TE Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews has been unstoppable for the Ravens, catching 11 touchdown passes over the past 12 games. Andrews has also scored in double figures in PPR formats in six straight contests.
So, he'll be a solid tight end option this week against a Steelers defense that has struggled to stop tight ends recently. Pittsburgh has allowed five different tight ends to score in double figures in PPR formats over the past five weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
Russell Wilson has not been a strong quarterback option in recent weeks. The veteran has averaged 15 fantasy points over the past eight games while failing to throw for over 220 yards in five straight weeks. Now, he goes up against a Ravens defense that allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks over the past month. So, Wilson will be a riskier play.
Although the Ravens beat the Steelers the last time these two teams played in Week 16, Pittsburgh has had Lamar Jackson's number in most of these divisional matchups. Jackson has scored under 19 fantasy points in five of his last six meetings against this defense. So, this is a tougher matchup for the two-time MVP. The Steelers have also allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Steelers RBs
It's likely best to stay away from both Steelers running backs (Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren) in this game.
The Ravens have given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the position, and opposing running backs are averaging only 3.45 yards per carry against this defense this season. Warren is likely the better play of two -- given his usage in the passing game, -- but it's hard to trust these running backs in fantasy this week.
Other Matchups:
On paper, this might seem like a tough matchup for Derrick Henry. The Steelers have given up the 10th-fewest fantasy points to the position this year, and opposing backs are averaging 4.1 yards per carry on the ground. But Henry will be a solid play against this front seven on Wild Card Weekend. The veteran rushed for 162 yards the last time he faced this defense back in Week 16.
Rashod Bateman has had some solid fantasy performances this season, which included 18.6 PPR fantasy points last week against the Browns. So, the Ravens playmaker does have some potential this week. Although Bateman has scored under 8.5 PPR fantasy points in both of his games against the Steelers this year, he could be a go-to option for Lamar Jackson with Zay Flowers (knee) set to miss the contest.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers left last week's contest early due to a knee injury, so his status for Wild Card Weekend is currently up in the air. If he plays, though, he'll be a high-floor option.
He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in five of his past six full games and just totaled 100 receiving yards against this Steelers secondary back in Week 16. Flowers, though, likely won't have a high ceiling against a tough Pittsburgh secondary.
Update: Flowers has been ruled out for Saturday’s game.
Since returning from injury in Week 17, George Pickens has not put up solid fantasy numbers. He has scored eight PPR fantasy points and one PPR fantasy point in his last two games. Now, he goes up against a Ravens secondary that has been much better. Baltimore allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts over the past month. So, Pickens might be hard to rely on this weekend.
Although Calvin Austin III scored negative fantasy points last week, the 25-year-old wideout can be a potential option against the Ravens. Austin has played above 65% of the team's offensive snaps in four straight games and has totaled at least four catches in three of the past four weeks. So, he's a potential dart throw in DFS contests in the first round of the playoffs.
Pat Freiermuth will be a solid tight end option this week against the Ravens. Freiermuth has caught at least seven passes in back-to-back games and has also scored in double figures in PPR formats in five of the past six weeks.
Even though he scored under 4.7 PPR fantasy points in both of his games against Baltimore this season, his 19 targets across the last two games are an encouraging sign heading into Wild Card Weekend.
Injuries:
- Zay Flowers (knee)
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Game
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Spread: BUF -9
Matchups We Love:
Khalil Shakir has been quiet in fantasy in recent weeks. After scoring in double figures in PPR formats in nine of the first 10 games of the season, Shakir has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three of his last five full games. However, the young wideout has a great matchup on Sunday against the Broncos. Denver has allowed the second-most fantasy points to slot wideouts since Week 12.
Matchups We Hate:
WR Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper did not play in last week's loss due to a personal matter. Assuming he plays this weekend, though, Cooper will be a riskier option in fantasy. He has played under 55% of the team's offensive snaps in every game with the Bills and could draw the Patrick Surtain II shadow in this game. Surtain has been the best cornerback this season, so the veteran might not see many opportunities in Sunday's contest.
Update: Cooper has rejoined the team and will play on Sunday.
Other Matchups:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix will continue to be a solid quarterback option in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Nix has scored over 19 fantasy points in five of the past seven games and has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in four straight weeks. The rookie will now go up against a Bills defense that has allowed over 18 fantasy points to the position in four of the past five games.
QB Josh Allen
Josh Allen finished the regular season as the QB2. He averaged 24.07 fantasy points per game and finished with over 20 fantasy points in 10 of the final 11 weeks of the fantasy season. So, he'll remain a strong quarterback play against the Broncos this weekend. Denver has allowed over 23 fantasy points to the position in three of the past five games, including two QB1 finishes.
Broncos RBs
Even though the Bills have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, it's hard to trust any of these backs this weekend. Javonte Williams has seen just 15 carries over the past four games, Audric Estime has scored in double figures in PPR formats just once this year, and Jaleel McLaughlin hasn't scored over 10 PPR fantasy points since Week 8.
McLaughlin is likely the best choice if I had to choose a running back to roll with from this backfield. He has totaled 30 touches over the past two games, including 16 carries in last week's win.
Update: Estime is inactive on Sunday. Tyler Badie is active and will see snaps.
RB James Cook
James Cook has been a touchdown machine for the Bills this season, scoring 18 total touchdowns. That helped him finish as the RB9 in PPR formats. Even though the Broncos allowed only 3.86 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season, Cook will remain a solid running back option this weekend. Denver has allowed at least 17 PPR fantasy points to four different running backs since Week 9.
WR Keon Coleman
It has been tough to trust Keon Coleman in fantasy for most of the year, especially as of late. He has caught just seven passes over the past four weeks and hasn't totaled more than 35 receiving yards in three straight games. Nonetheless, Coleman has some potential this weekend. He will likely be matched against Riley Moss on the outside, and Moss ranks 82nd in receiving yards allowed this season.
Courtland Sutton has been Bo Nix's go-to target in the passing game this season, and that shouldn't change in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Sutton has scored over 16 PPR fantasy points in seven of the past 10 games. This is also a solid matchup for the Broncos playmaker against a Bills defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts over the past month.
Marvin Mims Jr. has seen more usage in the passing game in recent weeks. He has seen at least five targets in three straight games and has scored four touchdowns over the past two contests. So, Mims could be an interesting DFS play this weekend. Although he has played under 50% of the team's offensive snaps in every game this season, his big-play potential makes him a possible option.
Dalton Kincaid was a disappointment in fantasy this year, as he finished as the TE26 in PPR formats. But he has some appeal this weekend against the Broncos. Kincaid has seen at least seven targets in two of his past three games, and Denver allowed Mike Gesicki to total 18.6 PPR fantasy points two weeks ago. Therefore, he'll come in as a middle-of-the-pack tight end play this week.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Game
Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: PHI -4.5
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love left last week's game early due to an elbow injury. Assuming he plays in the Wild Card round, Love will be a riskier fantasy option this weekend. The Eagles have given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season and have allowed only five quarterbacks to score over 18 fantasy points this season.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs has a tough matchup on deck against the Eagles.
Philadelphia has given up the second-fewest fantasy points to the position, and opposing running backs are averaging just under 4.1 yards per carry on the ground against them this season. So, it might be tough to trust Jacobs in fantasy this weekend. However, he can still be used in most fantasy contests, considering he has scored a touchdown in nine straight games.
Josh Jacobs finishes his debut season in Green Bay becoming the first Packer to rush for 1,300 yards in a season since Ahman Green in 2003.
He also finished with 15 Rushing TDs only 1 behind the league high. pic.twitter.com/vVdcvWW6wv
— Packerfan Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) January 6, 2025
WR Romeo Doubs
With Christian Watson (knee) out for the season, Romeo Doubs will surely see more opportunities in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Unfortunately, this matchup against the Eagles doesn't quite work in his favor. Philadelphia has given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Dontayvion Wicks will also have some appeal this week, but he's a riskier fantasy option in a tough matchup.
TE Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft is yet another Packers player who finds himself on the hate list this weekend. Not only has Kraft totaled under 10 PPR fantasy points in four straight games, but the Eagles have been one of the best teams at defending tight ends. Philadelphia has given up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. So, he'll be a riskier tight end play on Wild Card Weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts remains in the concussion protocol, but it would be a shock to see him miss this game. If he plays, Hurts will be a solid quarterback option this weekend.
Although the Packers have given up the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, this defense has allowed over 22 fantasy points to three different quarterbacks over the past six weeks. Hurts' rushing upside also makes him a nice play.
Update: Hurts has cleared concussion protocol.
Saquon Barkley is looking to pick up where he left off in the regular season, where he totaled a career-high 2,005 rush yards. He also rushed for a career-high 5.81 yards per carry. So, Barkley will continue to be a strong fantasy option. He totaled 33.2 PPR fantasy points against this Packers defense back in Week 1, and this Green Bay secondary allowed the third-most receptions to opposing running backs this season.
WR Jayden Reed
Jayden Reed is just not involved in the passing game anymore. He has seen more than six targets in a game just once this season and has caught three passes or fewer in seven of the past eight weeks. So, it's going to be tough to rely on him in most fantasy contests.
Although the Eagles have allowed over 14 PPR fantasy points to slot wideouts since Week 12, cornerback Cooper DeJean ranks first in yards per reception allowed.
WR A.J. Brown
The Eagles rested most of their starters last week, including A.J. Brown. As a result, Brown will be ready to go for the Wild Card round and will be a top fantasy option against the Packers.
Brown has scored over 22 PPR fantasy points in two of the past three games and has totaled at least 80 receiving yards in eight of 13 weeks. With Jaire Alexander (knee) out for this game, look for the star wideout to have a nice fantasy day.
Update: Despite dealing with a knee injury, Brown should be good enough to play on Sunday.
DeVonta Smith has had an inconsistent fantasy season, but things have turned around for him over the last few weeks. Smith has totaled over 13 PPR fantasy points in three of the past four games and totaled over 100 receiving yards in two of those contests.
So, he'll be a solid fantasy play this weekend against a Packers secondary that allowed over 17 PPR fantasy points to four different wideouts over the past two weeks.
Dallas Goedert returned to the field last week after missing the past four games due to a knee injury. With a game under his belt, Goedert should see close to a full snap share in the Wild Card round against the Packers. So, he can be a value play in some DFS contests this weekend. Green Bay has allowed over 10 PPR fantasy points to four different tight ends over the past seven weeks.
Injuries:
- Jalen Hurts (concussion)
- A.J. Brown (knee)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spread: TB -3
Matchups We Love:
Jayden Daniels was one of the best value picks in fantasy football drafts this summer, and he'll continue to be a strong quarterback option against the Buccaneers this week.
Tampa Bay has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season and allowed seven different quarterbacks to score over 23 fantasy points. Daniels also scored 28.2 fantasy points against this defense back in Week 1.
RB Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving has certainly taken over this Buccaneers backfield, as he has totaled at least 17 touches in each of his last six full games. During those six contests, Irving is averaging 5.86 yards per carry and 104.5 rush yards per game. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against a Commanders defense that has allowed 4.9 yards per carry on the ground in the regular season. So, the rookie is a strong start this weekend.
After a down week in Week 17 for Terry McLaurin, he bounced back last week by catching eight passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. Given that McLaurin has scored more than 20 PPR fantasy points in four of the past six games, he will be a strong fantasy option against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season.
Matchups We Hate:
Brian Robinson Jr. started off the year strong by scoring over 13 PPR fantasy points in seven of his first 10 games. However, Robinson hasn't reached that 13-point mark in four straight games.
Unfortunately, the 25-year-old running back might fail to reach that mark for a fifth consecutive week. The Buccaneers have allowed just 140 rush yards over the past four weeks and have given up just one 50-plus yard rusher since Week 10.
WR Mike Evans
There's a good chance that Mike Evans will go up against Marshon Lattimore on Sunday night -- assuming the cornerback plays. Lattimore didn't play in last week's finale due to a nagging hamstring injury, but the team remains optimistic.
If he plays, the Buccaneers wideout will be in for a long night. The Commanders' corner has had Evans' number in his career, which included a two-catch for 34-yard output earlier this year.
Other Matchups:
Baker Mayfield has been on another level in fantasy recently, scoring at least 21 fantasy points in five straight games.
Although the Commanders have not allowed a quarterback to score over 17 fantasy points since Week 12, Mayfield will still be a solid quarterback option this weekend. He has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in 12 of 17 games this season, which included four touchdowns back in Week 1 against this secondary.
RB Rachaad White
Last week was the first time in Rachaad White's career that he did not receive a touch in a game. As a result, he should not be an option in most contests this weekend. White has seen just nine carries over the past three games and played a season-low 27% of the team's offensive snaps a week ago.
Olamide Zaccheaus has seen more work in the passing game in recent weeks, so he can be a potential DFS play this weekend against the Buccaneers.
Zaccheaus has scored over 23 PPR fantasy points in two of the past three games while totaling over 50 receiving yards in three straight weeks. That makes him a sneaky option, considering the Buccaneers have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season.
WR Jalen McMillan
Jalen McMillan is on an absolute heater in fantasy right now. He has totaled over 16.5 PPR fantasy points in five straight games and has caught seven touchdown passes since Week 14. Therefore, the rookie is worth a look in all formats this weekend. With Mike Evans also likely shadowed by Marshon Lattimore in this game, McMillan should remain a nice fantasy option.
TE Cade Otton
If Cade Otton plays this week, it's going to be hard to trust him in most contests. He hasn't played in three straight games due to a knee injury and wasn't really a strong fantasy option before that injury. Otton has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in four of his past five games. On top of that, the Commanders have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.
Update: Cade Otton practiced in full on Thursday.
TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz will remain a solid tight end option in the NFL playoffs. Ertz has caught six touchdown passes over the last seven weeks and has caught at least five passes in four of the past seven games.
So, he'll be a value play against a Buccaneers defense that has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year. Tampa Bay also allowed at least 10 PPR fantasy points to three tight ends since Week 14.
Injuries:
- Cade Otton (knee)
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams
Spread: MIN -1.5
Matchups We Love:
No team blitzes more than the Vikings, but that might actually benefit Matthew Stafford in this game.
Stafford has always been one of the top quarterbacks against blitz-heavy teams, and we saw that earlier in the year against the Patriots. New England blitzed Stafford on over 60% of plays in that Week 11 game, and the veteran quarterback threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns. So, he'll be a solid option against Minnesota.
WR Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua has been the clear top target for Matthew Stafford in the passing game, and he'll have a great matchup on Monday night against the Vikings. Minnesota has given up the most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. As a result, Nacua is a strong start during Wild Card Weekend. The second-year playmaker has totaled over 17 PPR fantasy points in seven of the past eight games.
T.J. Hockenson and Sam Darnold haven't quite gotten on the same page just yet, as the tight end has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in four of the past six games.
The good news for Hockenson, though, is that he has seen at least six targets in three of the last four weeks and has a fantastic matchup against the Rams on Monday. Los Angeles has given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.
Matchups We Hate:
Kyren Williams has been a workhorse running back for the Rams all season. He has totaled at least 18 carries in 10 of 16 games. Unfortunately, Williams has a tougher matchup during Wild Card Weekend. Although Minnesota just allowed Jahmyr Gibbs to score 46 PPR fantasy points last week, the Vikings have allowed only five running backs to score above 14 PPR fantasy points in a game this season.
Other Matchups:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold really struggled last week against the Lions and threw for a season-low 166 passing yards. However, Darnold will be a fine quarterback option on Monday night against the Rams. The Vikings signal-caller has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in six of the past eight games, and Los Angeles has allowed nine passing touchdowns over the last five weeks.
RB Aaron Jones
Since allowing 255 rush yards and 46.2 PPR fantasy points to Saquon Barkley in Week 12, the Rams have done a good job against running backs in fantasy.
They haven't allowed over 16 PPR fantasy points to the position in six straight weeks and have only allowed nine rushing touchdowns all season. Given that Jones has averaged only 12.2 PPR fantasy points over the past three games, he's a slightly risky option this week.
WR Cooper Kupp
This matchup against the Vikings is a great one for Cooper Kupp. Minnesota has given up the most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season and the sixth-most fantasy points to slot wide receivers since Week 12. However, his recent stretch of games makes him a low-end option on Monday night. Kupp has caught just four passes over the last three games.
Justin Jefferson will continue to be a strong fantasy option during the opening round of the NFL playoffs. Jefferson has totaled over 17 PPR fantasy points in four of the past five games, and this Rams secondary doesn't have anyone that can match up with the All-Pro wide receiver.
Wideouts like Marvin Harrison Jr. (96 receiving yards) and Davante Adams (19.8 PPR fantasy points) had strong games against this defense recently.
Jordan Addison had a disappointing game last week, catching just one pass. However, Addison should be a solid play on Monday night against the Rams. He has seen at least eight targets in four of the past five games and has scored above 13 PPR fantasy points in five of the last eight weeks. So, expect a bounce-back performance from the young wideout.
TE Tyler Higbee
Tyler Higbee made his season debut in Week 16, and his snap share has increased in three straight games. Last week, Higbee caught five passes for 46 yards and one touchdown while playing 41% of the team's offensive snaps. So, the veteran tight end can be a potential value play in DFS contests. The Vikings just allowed seven catches to Sam LaPorta a week ago.
Injuries:
None
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