👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


Boom or Bust DFS Lineup Picks: Wild Card Weekend

Welcome back, RotoBallers. In this article, I will cover five of my favorite boom or bust DFS plays for Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. These players can make or break your daily fantasy football lineups in the NFL's Wild Card weekend.

The Boom or Bust play is one of the most talked about aspects of fantasy football each week. Boom or Bust players can be used as lineup options in deeper leagues, when it appears you are a heavy underdog in your head-to-head matchup or even in Guaranteed Prize Pool Tournaments in DFS. Let's get rolling.

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive BOTH our full season NFL and NBA Premium Passes for free, a $119.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium Passes.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Quarterback

Matt Moore, Dolphins QB vs PIT

If you want a late round quarterback in your playoff fantasy draft or are looking for a cheap quarterback for the weekend, Moore might be someone you would consider. With eight touchdowns to three interceptions, Moore has played better than most expected after the Ryan Tannehill injury, but success has been a bit misleading as Moore has yet to eclipse 300 passing yards despite averaging 27.33 passes per game in his 3 starts.

In the wild card round, Moore faces a Steelers defense that has been stingy against quarterbacks, allowing the seventh fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. The Dolphins will likely try and use Jay Ajayi to exploit the Steelers run defense that has allowed the eighth most fantasy points to running backs this season. The Dolphins are the biggest underdog of the weekend, projected to lose by 10 with a team total of 18. Weather is expected to been in the teens in Pittsburgh, which will likely be a factor for Moore and the Dolphins offense that is used to playing in sunny Miami.

Verdict: Bust

 

Running Back

Latavius Murray, Raiders RB at HOU

The Raiders announced yesterday rookie quarterback Connor Cook will make his first career start in a road playoff game against the Houston Texans. Normally, when a team is starting a QB in this precarious of a situation, I tend to avoid the entire offense like the plague. However, given the lack of other options and the plus matchup for running backs, I think this is a solid spot for Murray.

With Cook in, the Raiders will likely be running as much as possible against a Houston defense that ranks in the top five in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks and wide receivers this season. If the Raiders are to have a chance at advancing, they will need to use Murray early and often. Additionally, in the “survivor” type playoff format, the Raiders aren't likely to go deep into the playoffs and put you in a situation where you'd want to use the Raiders again.

Verdict: Boom

 

Wide Receiver

Doug Baldwin, Seahawks WR vs DET

After two season of finishing as a top 11 PPR fantasy wide receiver, saying things like “Doug Baldwin is good” or “Doug Baldwin is a really good play this week” is hardly going out on a limb. However, often times he isn't referenced in the same frame as guys like Antonio Brown, Deandre Hopkins or Amari Cooper, even though he may have a better matchup than them this week.

The Seahawks lost Tyler Lockett late in the season, which means that they will be even more likely to pepper Baldwin with targets against a Lions defense that allowed the third most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Seahawks have a team total of 25 as -8 point home favorites which should help to equal a big day for Baldwin against the Lions secondary.

Verdict: Boom

 

Tight End

C.J. Fiedorowicz, Texans TE vs OAK

Jimmy Graham will likely be the choice for everyone and their monkey's uncle this weekend, but if are looking for an alternative option, look no further than C.J. Fiedorowicz. Fiedorowicz finished the season as the TE17 despite missing one game and not becoming involved in the offense until week 4. Since week 4, Fiedorowicz has scored eight PPR points or more in 10 of 12 games with six 10+ PPR point games.

Fiedorowicz may not provide the floor or ceiling that Jimmy Graham has, but he is significantly cheaper and he faces an Oakland defense that has been exploited by the tight end, allowing the eighth most fantasy points to the position. In the event Tom Savage plays, Fiedorowicz becomes a slightly less attractive play, but still a solid play whoever is under center.

Verdict: Boom

 

Hail Mary of the Week

In the Hail Mary of the Week, I will choose a Boom/Bust candidate who is available on the waiver wire or at the end of benches in most fantasy football leagues and could have a big week:

Zach Zenner, Lions RB at SEA

Zenner was one of the favorites among draftniks during the 2015 NFL draft season and toward the latter part of 2016, Zenner began to show why some of that hype may have been warranted. In his last two games, Zenner has 32 carries for 136 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Zenner has also been involved in the Lions passing game with 10 catches on 13 targets for 128 receiving yards in three games.

Zenner has emerged as the RB1 in the Lions offense with Riddick out and now he faces a Seattle defense that has been stout throughout the season, allowing the sixth fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Despite the poor road matchup, Zach Zenner still makes for a solid play this weekend because he will get the necessary volume to live up to his DFS price. In an eliminator style tournament, the Lions are not a team to threaten to go deep into playoffs, so using a running back who could get significant usage and likely won't cost you later in the playoffs is a great play.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Kenyon Sadiq

Is Kenyon Sadiq the Next Great Rookie Tight End?
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Cade Klubnik

Becoming Fan Favorite, in Play to Win Backup QB Job?
Michael Penix Jr.

Throwing During Offseason Program
Bryce Young

Panthers Will Continue to Discuss Extension With Bryce Young
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Michael Mayer

More Opportunities Coming for Michael Mayer?
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Mark Stone

Won't Play Tuesday
Carnell Tate

Is Carnell Tate Poised for Immediate Stardom in Tennessee?
Jeremiyah Love

Will Jeremiyah Love See a Limited Role in Arizona as a Rookie?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Dynasty Stock Fading Following NFL Draft
Bucky Irving

Not Yet Cleared to Participate in OTAs
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
Ajay Mitchell

Continues to Excel for Thunder
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Posts 35 Points in Series Clincher
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
Cade Cunningham

Struggles in Game 4 Loss
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
James Harden

Records 40th Postseason Double-Double
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
Donovan Mitchell

Ties NBA Playoff Record With 39 Second-Half Points
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Mark Jankowski

Signs Two-Year Extension With Hurricanes
Joel Kiviranta

Cleared to Play Monday
Josh Manson

Available for Game 4 Monday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Expected to Start Monday
Jonas Brodin

Won't Play Monday
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF