January 14, 2016

Matt Harman analyzes NFL Divisional Round matchups (NFC) and DFS lineup sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel in Week 19. These players can win your daily fantasy football leagues.

As we enter into the NFC divisional round playoffs this weekend, with Arizona vs. Green Bay and Seattle vs Carolina, 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 NFC divisional round.

Divisional Round DFS Matchup Picks (NFC)

David Johnson (RB, ARI)

Out of all the NFC matchups, I think that David Johnson will be the best running back.  Out of the defenses remaining in the NFC, the Packers have given up the most points to opposing RBs. When Johnson faced the Packers in Week 16, he showed his value in both the running and receiving game (39 rushing yards, 88 receiving yards and 1 TD).  I am expecting a similar performance this weekend.

Michael Floyd (WR, ARI)

It seems that in 2015 the light bulb finally turned on for Michael Floyd.  Since Week 8 he's shown more productive results than previous years, including five games 100+ receiving yards. Since that time, Floyd has essentially emerged as the #1 receiving threat for the Cardinals. When the Packers faced Floyd in Week 16 they struggled to defend him. I imagine this week they will struggle again.

Carson Palmer (QB, ARI)

This may sound crazy, but I'm picking Palmer as my top NFC quarterback this week. Throughout the year, Palmer has been very consistent with at least 200+ passing yards per game (in 14 of 16 games). The Packers' receiving defense is mediocre, and I expect that Palmer will continue to play at a high level again this week in a high scoring game.

Divisional Round DFS Sleepers (NFC)

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

Christine Michael (RB, SEA)

The biggest "flaw" with the Carolina defense is their rushing defense. On the season, Carolina has given up the 10th most points to opposing running backs. As of now, the biggest question is if Marshawn Lynch plays or not. Currently it's still an unknown, but if Lynch does not play then Michael is the next man up. As we know, Seattle likes to run the ball a lot - and if Lynch is not playing, then Michael should be in line for a solid game.

Greg Olsen (TE, CAR)

In the last four games of the season, Olsen totaled 187 yards (47 yards/game) with only one touchdown. During the regular season, the Seahawks gave up the 11th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. When the Panthers played the Seahawks earlier this season, Olsen posted his second best game of the season (131 yards and 1 TD). He is due to have a productive game, and this matchup is one that he should be able to exploit.

James Starks (RB, GB)

I am expecting a high scoring game between the Packers and Cardinals. If the matchup goes like Week 16 of the regular season, I suspect that the Packers will have to go to the air more. One of Starks' strengths is his receiving abilities out of the backfield, and it's likely that if the Packers get behind they will utilize Starks in short passing routes. Let's not forget that last week Starks and Lacy split carries evenly at 12 a piece, showing that Starks will get equal or more touches than Lacy this weekend. I like him as a DFS lineup sleeper.

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