👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Heroes and Zeroes - Divisional Round Fantasy Football Picks

I have to admit I'm a bit peeved that LeSean McCoy miraculously healed from his ankle injury in time to ruin my Marcus Murphy sleeper pick. Otherwise, I might have gone six-for-six on my Hero picks last week. Sure, Kareem Hunt didn't put up huge numbers, but he did score a touchdown to at least touch double-digit fantasy points. Hey, it was a lot better than going with Mark Ingram or Leonard Fournette. Still, when you can successfully identify players like Demarcus Robinson and Josh Hill as fantasy assets, it's a good week. FWIW, only Blake Bortles bucked the Zero tag I slapped on him for Wild Card weekend. Let's keep it rolling in the divisional round where I can smell some more upsets coming...

If you're here for some DFS advice, you've also come to the right place. While I won't get too detailed into prices and game types, I will recommend some viable tournament plays that could help you cash out, in a week where the choices are slim.

Now, let's get to my fantasy "heroes" and "zeroes" at each position for the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs. For a full set of rankings, look no further than our very own RotoBaller consensus weekly rankings.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Divisional Round Lineup Heroes

QUARTERBACK

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons - It's pretty hard to get excited about Matt Ryan these days. He threw just 20 touchdowns this season, didn't put up three scores in any single game, and exceeded the 300-yard mark four times. In other words, he went back to being Matt Ryan. In 2016, against a not-altogether-dissimilar Eagles team, he threw for 267 yards and one touchdown. The Eagles of 2017 had the fourth-best scoring defense in the league! Their pass defense was not quite as sharp, however, coming in 17th. This alone doesn't mean a big game is coming for Ryan, but game flow might work in his favor if the Falcons can't generate any action on the ground. Devonta Freeman hasn't looked right for a while and is averaging barely three yards per carry in the last three games, including the Wild Card win. By contrast, in his last six playoff games, Ryan has a 16:3 TD:INT ratio, which includes more than just last year's historic run. I can't say Ryan will approach Tom Brady this week, but given the tough matchups that Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger have and the inexperience of every other QB on the slate, Ryan might be the next best thing going.

RUNNING BACKS

Latavius Murray, Minnesota VikingsTo paraphrase myself, momentum is everything late in the season. Murray and the Vikings certainly have it. Here are the statlines from Murray's last three games: 61 carries, 256 yards, three TD with three receptions for 37 yards. By contract, backfield mate Jerick McKinnon: 28 carries, 110 yards, zero touchdowns and eight receptions for 123 yards. Murray has become the lead back and has owned the red zone role all year, nearly tripling McKinnon in carries where it matters most (47-17). If the Vikings fall behind early, it could force them to pass more than they'd like and involve McKinnon more, but with the way they beat New Orleans earlier this year and the level their defense is playing at, I don't foresee that happening.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rishard Matthews, Tennessee Titans - I could say that Julio Jones is a really good bet to get a ton of targets and will probably be the top-scoring WR, but that bit of information isn't likely to help much with lineup decisions. Instead, let's go a bit off the radar with Matthews as an WR2. New England gives up the third-most points per game to wide receivers. The Patriots are still sticking Malcolm Butler on the other team's top receiver, but that doesn't mean Matthews will get shutout. The Belichick gameplan is to take away what the other team does best. In this case, it's a power run game that creates play-action opportunities for Marcus Mariota. The Titans could be forced to drop back more often than they want if the running game gets clamped down and they are in a big hole in the second half. Matthews presents more upside than any other Titans receiver, so I'm betting he'll come down with the best receiving day.

TIGHT END

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles - Nick Foles has been derided quite a bit over the last couple of weeks, but it's not as if he morphed into Kordell Stewart all of a sudden. Despite being underdogs at home, Foles should get the ball into the hands of his most capable receivers, with Ertz being the primary target. In the two full games Foles started in Weeks 15-16, Ertz caught 15 of 23 targets for 137 yards and a touchdown. You may remember that Ertz ended 2016 on a hot streak as well, but didn't get the chance to make a playoff appearance. This time I'd bet on Ertz to top the TE charts, over even Gronk. At the very least, you can get similar production at a cheaper price point in daily leagues. Plus, if you're in a one-and-done player league, you may as well use your TE position on Ertz before the Eagles are eliminated early from the playoffs.  ;)-

 

Divisional Round Lineup Zeroes

QUARTERBACKS

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers - Really going out on a limb here, aren't I? If you don't think Big Ben will throw five picks against the Jags again, then I'm totally fine with that assessment. The problem is that I see him as the QB3 on the expert consensus for FantasyPros right now and am starting to wonder what some of the sharpest minds in the fantasy world are smoking. Home-field advantage means nothing; that five-pick game that almost caused Roethlisberger to retire mid-season was also played in Pittsburgh and that was with a 100% healthy Antonio Brown. Redemption is a fine theme for newspaper writers looking for a headline ahead of Sunday's game, but are you going to stake your fantasy playoff life on it? Reminder: Jacksonville has allowed 17 passing touchdowns in 17 games (including playoffs) while forcing 22 interceptions. Differentiation is fine if you're rolling out 20+ tournament lineups and want to throw Big Ben into one, but those of you who play in a pick 'em league with one QB shouldn't even consider the risk here.

RUNNING BACKS

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints - To show how far I'm going with this call, I made my bold prediction on this week's podcast that Ingram would be outscored by Corey Clement this weekend. Now, I'm not putting money on that prediction, but that's why we slap the "bold" in front of it. Ingram isn't just facing the top rush defense in the league, he's also slowly getting phased out for new superstar Alvin Kamara. Wild Card weekend marked the first time all season that Kamara outrushed Ingram (10-9) and it was Kamara getting the short touchdown via red zone carry late in the game. Coach Sean Payton has loved Kamara before he was even drafted by the team and Ingram has had his ups-and-downs through the years while the team constantly searches for a replacement. He may be favoring his new toy even more in a must-win playoff game, especially if the interior runs with Ingram fail early. The fact that New Orleans will be missing starting LG Andrus Peat (fibula, ankle) doesn't help his prospects either. I also believe Kamara will be more involved in the passing game, which makes Ingram a hard fade for me this week.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings - Diggs gets matched up with rookie Marshon Lattimore and it could be a shadow situation. It shouldn't be understated how much that could negatively impact Diggs' fantasy value. Lattimore graded out as the fourth-highest cornerback in 2017, according to ProFootballFocus. Diggs had a nice three-game scoring streak to end the season, but none came against teams with top-flight CBs (Cincy, Green Bay, Chicago). He will be touchdown-dependent, which isn't what you want out of a WR1 in the playoffs.

TIGHT END

Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers - It's a rough slate to choose from when Jesse James is the fifth-most expensive tight end. James gets one of the worst matchups at the position, going up against the Jaguars. Safety Barry Church has helped this unit limit opposing TEs to the fourth-fewest fantasy points allowed. The Steelers finished just ahead of them, allowing just two touchdowns to a tight end all year, but telling you to bench Marcedes Lewis would probably be a waste of time. After all, it's Brad Koyack you should be targeting, right?

 

More Divisional Round Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brock Bowers

Still a Top-15 Player in Dynasty Leagues Despite Injury-Plagued Season
Gavin Sheets

Goes Yard Twice, Including Walk-Off Round-Tripper
Washington Commanders

Commanders Host Omar Cooper Jr. for a Pre-Draft Visit
NFL

Makai Lemon to be a Top-20 Draft Pick This Year?
Corbin Carroll

Expected to Start on Saturday
Wyatt Langford

Forced From Friday's Game With Quad Tightness
Bijan Robinson

Falcons Pick Up Bijan Robinson's Fifth-Year Option
Kris Bubic

Dominates White Sox With 11 Strikeouts on Friday
Royce Lewis

Headed for Injured List
Mack Hollins

Can Mack Hollins Maintain a Starting Role in New England in 2026?
Clay Holmes

Removed With Hamstring Tightness
Malik Washington

Has Breakout Potential After Offseason Movement in Miami
Mike Gesicki

Is Mike Gesicki a Buy-Low Candidate After Down 2025?
Cristian Javier

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Jayden Reed

Poised for Larger Role in Green Bay Following Offseason Movement
Matthew Golden

Does Matthew Golden Have a Clear Path to a Starting Role in His Sophomore Season?
Jaylon Tyson

Rejoins Cavaliers Lineup as Starter
Klay Thompson

Misses Friday's Game Due to Illness
Kevin Huerter

Back in Action Friday
Sam Hauser

Cleared to Play Friday
Neemias Queta

Ready to Take on Pelicans
Derrick White

Good to Go Friday
Jaylen Brown

Active on Friday
Josh Giddey

Still Out Friday
Miles McBride

Exits Knicks Lineup Friday
Mitchell Robinson

Sidelined on Friday
Norman Powell

Won't Play Against Wizards
Tyler Herro

Out on Friday
Saddiq Bey

Herbert Jones Resting Friday
Immanuel Quickley

Unavailable Friday
Julius Randle

Misses Second Straight Game
Jayson Tatum

Won't Play Friday
Jackson Chourio

Still Not Cleared to Hit
Dontayvion Wicks

Eagles Acquiring Dontayvion Wicks From the Packers
Brent Rooker

A's Place Brent Rooker on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
J.T. Realmuto

Back in Friday's Lineup
Parker Meadows

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Broken Arm, Concussion
Seiya Suzuki

Back From the Injured List
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
DJ Giddens

an Easily Replaceable Insurance Back
Kenny Moore II

and Colts Seeking a Trade
Hunter Henry

Could Be Impacted by NFL Draft
AJ Barner

a Mispriced Dynasty Asset
Cedric Tillman

Nearing Cut Candidacy in Dynasty Leagues
Josh Jacobs

Has a Health-Related Production Dip Left Josh Jacobs Undervalued?
Sam Carrick

to Miss Start of Playoffs
Alex Lyon

Questionable for Start of Postseason
Dakota Joshua

Unlikely to Return This Season
John Gibson

Exits Thursday's Game Due to Neck Problem
Miro Heiskanen

Uncertain for Playoffs
Brandon Hagel

Expected to Return Before End of Regular Season
Roman Josi

Nursing Upper-Body Injury
Trey Murphy III

Unavailable Against Celtics
Dejounte Murray

Remains Out Friday
Zion Williamson

Won't Suit Up Friday
Jalen Williams

Out on Friday
Jarrett Allen

Won't Play Against Hawks
Moritz Seider

has Five-Point Game on Thursday
Xavier Legette

Trending Down Ahead of Year 3
Rashod Bateman

a Cut Candidate in All Dynasty Leagues?
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Can Ja'Tavion Sanders Break Through in the Panthers' Offense?
Cole Caufield

Reaches 50 Goals
Jayden Reed

Can Jayden Reed Bounce Back as a WR3/Flex in 2026?
Travis Hunter

to be Full-Time Cornerback, Part-Time Wide Receiver in 2026
Blake Coleman

Unavailable Thursday
Quinton Byfield

Cleared to Play Thursday
Thomas Chabot

Makes Surprise Return Thursday
Luke Hughes

to Miss Rest of Season
Stuart Skinner

Faces Devils Thursday
Nazem Kadri

to "Miss Some Games" With Finger Injury
Seth Jones

to Miss Rest of Season Due to Broken Foot
Corbin Carroll

Dealing With Hip Injury, Not Expected to Miss Much Time
Brent Rooker

Exits Early on Thursday Due to Apparent Injury
Zach Benson

Scores Twice in Comeback Victory
Logan Thompson

Shuts Out the Leafs
Zach Eflin

Undergoes Successful Elbow Surgery, Will Miss Remainder of 2026
Andrei Kuzmenko

to Be Re-Evaluated in 7-8 Days
Mason Appleton

Won't Play Thursday
Tony DeAngelo

Expected to Return Thursday
Cole Ragans

"Should be Good" for Next Start
Reynaldo López

Reynaldo Lopez Handed Seven-Game Suspension
Jorge Soler

Suspended Seven Games, Will Appeal
Cole Ragans

Diagnosed With Thumb Contusion
Cole Ragans

Leaves Early on Wednesday After Being Hit in the Hand
Jacob deGrom

Expects to Make his Next Start
Tyrrell Hatton

a Steady Option at The Masters
Justin Thomas

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Masters
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Option at the Masters
Nicolai Hojgaard

Carrying Momentum Into The Masters
Si Woo Kim

in Strong Form Heading to The Masters
Chris Gotterup

Ready to Make His Masters Debut
Patrick Reed

Brings Momentum to The Masters
Jon Rahm

Looks Poised for His Second Green Jacket
Adam Scott

Form Points to Him Competing at Masters
Jordan Spieth

Finding Consistency Heading to Masters
Hideki Matsuyama

Trending In Right Direction For Masters
Tommy Fleetwood

a Contender if his Putter Cooperates at The Masters
Collin Morikawa

Vegas has Lost Confidence in Collin Morikawa Ahead of Masters Tournament
Ludvig Aberg

One of the Top Plays For This Week's Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy

Set to Defend his Long-Awaited Masters Victory
Bryson DeChambeau

Looks to Finally Claim a Green Jacket
Patrick Cantlay

Needs Plenty to Go Right at Augusta
Harris English

Playing Solid Golf Heading to Masters
Sam Burns

Bouncing Back Nicely After Slow Start to 2026 Season
Corey Conners

Quietly Putting Together A Strong 2026 Season
Russell Henley

Looks to Bounce Back At Masters
Chris Duncan

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Renato Moicano

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tabatha Ricci

Gets Outgrappled
Virna Jandiroba

Bounces Back
Brendson Ribeiro

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Earns First-Round Submission Win
Rafael Estevam

Suffers His First Loss
Ethyn Ewing

Dominates At UFC Vegas 115
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF