Divisional Round Busts? Players To Consider Avoiding In DFS

January 10, 2020

Keith Hernandez analyzes NFL players to consider sitting or benching for the Divisional Round. These are his top potential fantasy football lineup busts to avoid starting.

And then there were eight... Eight teams remain for the right to play in Super Bowl LIV in Miami on Feb. 2. We'll get one step closer to finding out who those teams will be after this weekend's matchups, which will consist of Vikings-49ers and Titans-Ravens on Saturday, followed by Texans-Chiefs and Seahawks-Packers on Sunday. If the Divisional Round is anything close to last week's wild wild-card round, we're in store for some more exciting games.

Three of the four victors last week were the road teams, proving that we should continue to expect the unexpected in the playoffs. The Titans stunned the Patriots at home and perhaps put an end to the dynasty that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady helped build in New England. In the NFC, the Vikings went into the Superdome and upset the Saints on the final play. Which top seeds might be in danger of a similar upset, and which fantasy studs might fall flat?

Below are six potential DFS busts for the Divisional Round of the 2020 playoffs.

Potential Quarterback Busts for Divisional Round

Russell Wilson - Seattle Seahawks @ Packers

Wilson completed only 18 passes in the road win over the Eagles last week, but he managed to throw for 325 yards and one touchdown on 30 attempts. As the fourth highest-priced QB at DraftKings this weekend ($6,600) there is volatility here in a run-first offense and against a Packers Defense that allowed the sixth fewest fantasy points per game (17.9) to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Seattle is a team built to win on the road, but winning a second straight away game in the postseason won't be easy, especially at Lambeau Field, a place where Seattle hasn't won in ages in the regular season or the postseason. Poor weather conditions are also expected on Sunday, which won't make airing the ball out any easier.

Others: Deshaun Watson (@ Chiefs)

Potential Running Back Busts for Divisional Round

Mark Ingram - Baltimore Ravens Vs. Titans

The Titans Defense shouldn't strike fear into the Baltimore offense despite holding the Patriots to 13 points in the wild-card round. Ingram had a 1,000-yard season and scored 15 total touchdowns (10 rushing, five receiving) in his first year with the Ravens, but he's a DFS bust candidate because he's expensive ($6,700 at DK) and he hasn't played since Week 16. He also suffered a slight setback with his calf in practice this week, which has him questionable for Saturday. If Ingram plays, he could be spelled by Gus Edwards and Justice Hill more often.

Aaron Jones - Green Bay Packers Vs. Seahawks

Offense may be hard to come by in Green Bay if the two teams are playing during a potential snowstorm. The Packers offense has been pretty stagnant at times in 2019 as well, despite the fact that Jones scored a total of 19 touchdowns (16 rushing, three receiving). He also had three 100-yard rushing games and five scores in the last four games. However, Jamaal Williams (shoulder) will be back in the fold and could steal valuable touches away from the third highest-priced RB at DraftKings ($7,400).

Others: Derrick Henry (@ Ravens), Raheem Mostert (Vs. Vikings)

Potential Wide Receiver Busts for Divisional Round

DeAndre Hopkins - Houston Texans @ Chiefs

Losing safety Juan Thornhill won't make matters easier for KC as they attempt to make a Super Bowl run, but the Chiefs secondary and defense overall stiffened in the second half of the season. They allowed the second fewest fantasy points per game (16.7) to wideouts over the course of the season. Hopkins would benefit if Will Fuller (groin) returns, but he was headed for a disappointment in the wild-card round before the fourth quarter and overtime happened. He's also the third most expensive receiver in DFS at DraftKings ($7,400).

Adam Thielen - Minnesota Vikings @ 49ers

He's expected to play despite a questionable tag for an ankle injury suffered in practice this week. Even though Thielen returned to a 7-129-0 line in the wild-card upset over the Saints, he's mostly been a disappointment in an injury-marred 2019 season that saw him play in just 10 regular season games. Before his 100-yard performance to open the playoffs, Thielen had three catches for 27 yards in the final three regular season contests combined. He's also going up against a Niners secondary that was one of the stingiest in allowing air yardage this year.

Others: A.J. Brown (@ Ravens), Emmanuel Sanders (Vs. Vikings)

Potential Tight End Busts for Divisional Round

George Kittle - San Francisco 49ers Vs. Vikings

Kittle, who stands at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, could be the next Gronk in terms of his all-around athleticism on the football field. He's arguably San Fran's top pass-catcher as well. If this game becomes a shootout, all bets are off, but don't overlook the fact that Minnesota's defense allowed the second fewest fantasy points per game (5.3) to the tight end position over the course of the year. If the 49ers get out to a comfortable lead and their nasty defense dominates, Kittle could be used more for his excellent blocking skills than his receiving chops.

Others: Mark Andrews (Vs. Titans)

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