As we enter into the AFC divisional round playoffs this weekend, with Pittsburg vs. Denver and Kansas City vs. New England, I will be highlighting some players who are likely going to show up with big games for their teams.

To keep things interesting, I also will be mentioning a few players who are more under-the-radar and could perform well for daily fantasy football owners.

Here are some top DFS fantasy football plays for the AFC divisional round.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
• Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Divisional Round DFS Matchup Picks (AFC)

Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN)

My top recommendation in the AFC divisional round is Demaryius Thomas. He's clearly the number one wide receiver for the Broncos. This week he will be facing a Steelers defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Peyton Manning will be the quarterback, and his chemistry with Thomas has always been very strong. Based on these factors, Thomas should have a very good game this week.

Julian Edelman (WR, NE)

New England's offense has struggled since the loss of Edelman earlier this season. This week he returns and will be a 'full go' for Tom Brady and the Patriots. With Edelman back, I expect the Patriots offense will get back on track in a big way. On paper, Edelman has a tough match up versus a stout Chiefs defense - but I still expect him to be a top DFS play this week regardless.

Rob Gronkowski (TE, NE)

This goes without saying, but Gronkowski is the top tight end play in both conferences this week. With the return of Edelman, the Chiefs will have a tough time covering both Edelman and Gronk. The Kansas City defense versus opposing tight ends and wide receivers was solid this season (top five in both categories), but they have also benefitted due to their schedule. Gronk will be a real challenge for the Chiefs this week, and I like his chances of 80+ yards and a touchdown.

Divisional Round DFS Sleepers (AFC)

Here are some players that could be viewed as DFS sleepers this weekend, and could post solid games:

Spencer Ware (RB, KC)

Currently there are questions on Ware's health (sprained ankle), but I'm going to assume he's going to play anyway. Last week Ware dominated the offensive snaps over Charcandrick West (38 versus 18), which shows that Ware is the lead running back for the Chiefs.  In the past two weeks, Ware has totaled 143 yards rushing (4.5 yard per carry) and 2 touchdowns. Out of all the AFC running back matchups this week, the Patriots defense presents the best matchup. I like Ware as a sleeper for your DFS lineups.

Travis Kelce (TE, KC)

Last week Kelce posted a monster game when the Chiefs needed him the most. This week the Chiefs offense may be without their top receiving wideout in Jeremy Maclin. If Maclin does not suit up, Kelce would become the number one receiving threat for the Chiefs. The Patriots receiving defense this season did decent against opposing tight ends, but not so well against receivers. At this point I'm going to consider Maclin unlikely to play, and because of that I believe the Chiefs will be using Kelce as a key receiving option this weekend. 'Baby Gronk' could be in line for another big game this week.

Heath Miller (TE, PIT)

The biggest question for the Steelers coming into this weekend is whether Roethlisberger and Brown play. At this point, neither are a sure thing. If Brown does not suit up, I expect that Miller will receive more looks in the shorter routes that Brown usually gets. If Roethlisberger does play, his arm strength will probably not be what it normally is which would lead to shorter passes. If Roethlisberger does not play, I suspect Landry Jones will be given the reins and the game plan would be to leverage safer passing routes. This scenario should also benefit Miller's fantasy value. The Broncos defense is a tough matchup for everyone, but their biggest weakness is against opposing tight ends. At this point Miller is still a wait-and-see option, but his DFS outlook is looking bright.

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