Welcome back, RotoBallers! We had another great weekend of playoff football. Is it just me, or have these playoffs been astronomically better than past years? That's even coming from someone who doesn't have a team in the playoffs this season. Last week, the Patriots made easy work of the Texans without Nico Collins, and the Broncos came up clutch in OT to seal a trip to the conference round, but in the end, Bo Nix came up with a broken ankle.
For tonight's game, we have another cold-weather game as it's projected to be in the teens in Denver. The New England Patriots (14-3) travel to Denver as 4.5-point favorites to take on the Broncos (14-3). Without Nix, this is going to make for a tough game for them. They will need their elite defense to come through big time and set up backup QB Jarrett Stidham for success, or we could be looking at another Super Bowl trip for the Patriots.
In this article, I will share my Conference Championship Weekend Sunday daily fantasy football lineup picks for the Patriots vs. Broncos on January 25, 2026. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings and FanDuel. Be sure also to check out our weekly NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you win big!
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MVP/Captain - NFL DFS Lineup Picks
Rhamondre Stevenson - RB, NE ($15K DK/$18.6K FD)
The Patriots' running game has been a bit lackluster in the playoffs, and they have another tough matchup against the Broncos. That being said, we saw James Cook and Josh Allen run circles around them last week. This is a spot that we could get away from the rest of the crowd, as I think a lot of people will be on Drake Maye in the Captain spot.
Week 18 Offensive Player of the Week: @dreeday32 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EdGqBWpbx6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 7, 2026
Rhamondre Stevenson has been the clear lead back for the Patriots during the playoffs, seeing 10 and 16 carries compared to TreVeyon Henderson's 12 and nine. Stevenson has also been much more efficient with his carries, averaging 4.73 yards per carry compared to Henderson's 2.4.
Stevenson's involvement in the passing game adds to his game that Henderson hasn't been able to match. At this point in the season, it looks like the Patriots will continue to lean on the veteran back to lead them in the playoffs.
Jarrett Stidham - QB, DEN ($13.5K DK/$15.9K FD)
On the other side of the field, I can't believe I'm recommending the backup QB here, but you have to think about it like this. If the Broncos want to have even the slightest chance in this game, they will need to throw the ball early and often. The Patriots have been stout against the run game all season long, giving up the second-fewest rushing yards and third-fewest rushing TDs to RBs this season.
There are a lot of backup QBs who don't have the advantage that Stidham is going to have in this game. He has worked behind two of the best coaches ever and was a backup to one of the best QBs of all time. I don't think the Broncos have much of a chance in this one, but Stidham has all the tools to make something happen. Don't count him out too quickly.
Other Captains: Drake Maye
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Flex Plays - NFL DFS Lineup Picks
Hunter Henry - TE, NE ($7.8K DK/$7.4K FD)
Hunter Henry has been a massive asset for Maye this season, and he is getting one of the better matchups on the slate. The Broncos have struggled to contain TEs this season, including a massive game from Dalton Kincaid in last week's win over the Bills. Kincaid finished with 83 yards on six receptions and a touchdown. They are giving up the sixth-most receiving yards to opposing TEs this season.
Henry also sits atop the team's red-zone target% at a 33.3%. He has four touchdowns in the last eight weeks of play. I think Henry is going to be a big reason this Patriots team controls this game. He had a pretty dull week last week against the Texans, but I do expect him to bounce back here in a much better matchup.
New England Defense ($5.4K DK/$7K FD)
Overall, this game could end up being very defensive-heavy. On top of that, the Pats defense is going against a backup QB. It has been lights out in the last three weeks, scoring 10+ fantasy points, including a big 20-point score last week. This Patriots defense has been elite this season, giving up 25+ points only once and 20+ only eight times.
The Patriots have the clear advantage here with Stidham at QB. They need to attack early and often so that he doesn't get settled in. Obviously, with me recommending Stidham earlier, this wouldn't be an option to put alongside him.
Other Flex Options: Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Wil Lutz
Value Plays - NFL DFS Lineup Picks
Marvin Mims Jr. - WR, DEN ($6.2K DK/$7.8K FD)
Marvin Mims Jr. is a bit more expensive than I would like to take him at, but with Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin dealing with injuries, it could lead to Mims seeing an increase in snaps. He saw a 65% snap share last week alongside fellow WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey, and if both Franklin and Bryant are out, it makes for a legit option and better value.
MARVIN MIMS JR. FOR THE LEAD
BUFvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/KxgLMR7wvr— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2026
Mims is the safer option and has been a favorite target for this Broncos team. He caught all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown in last week's win against the Bills. The Patriots are giving up the 10th-most receiving TDs to opposing WRs this season. As long as Stidham can get it to Mims, this makes for a good spot.
Kyle Williams - WR, NE ($3K DK/$3.2K FD)
Here is my shot in the dark for the day. Kyle Williams has had an up-and-down season and truly hasn't had much of a solidified role in the offense. That being said, he is a serious deep threat, and all it could take is one big throw for a touchdown that lands him in some elite value territory. He has three touchdowns on the season and was targeted three times last week, although he was unable to bring any of them in.
He played 34% of snaps in last week's win over the Texans, which was good for the third highest on the team. At his price, he is worth a shot in some lineups where you need some extra cheap guys.
Other Value Options: Lil'Jordan Humphrey
Note: If J.K. Dobbins becomes available, he immediately becomes one of the best values on the slate at the bare minimum salary.
Sample NFL DFS Lineup
Here is a lineup option I like for Sunday's slate on FanDuel. Note that sample lineups are not intended to be used in contests by readers, but instead to show the type of roster construction that I am considering when building my lineups.
More DFS Analysis and Lineup Picks
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