👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Quarterback Targets for DFS and Playoff Leagues: Wild Card Round

If your regular season fantasy teams didn't perform as planned, no need to worry, you don't have to wait until next year for redemption. There are plenty of playoff leagues and daily fantasy leagues available which allow you to keep your competitive spirit sharp while at the same time possibly winning some money and/or bragging rights.

This article will aim to highlight playoff league targets and DFS plays for quarterbacks, players that you should consider targeting for your various fantasy football leagues and lineups. The quarterbacks will be split up into three tiers - from most desirable, to most desperate.

Instead of a FAAB amount, I will list DraftKings and FanDuel prices for those looking for value DFS plays beyond the obvious QBs.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Top Plays for Wild Card Round - Quarterbacks Targets and DFS

Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams - 90% owned ($6,700 DK, $8,500 FD)

Goff shapes up as a solid quarterback option heading into the Wild Card round of the playoffs. At the helm of one of the most explosive offenses in the league, Goff's offense has the highest implied point total on the slate as the Rams get set to square off against the Atlanta Falcons at home. Goff isn't cheap on daily sites as he's the most expensive QB on FanDuel and DraftKings, but he should deliver against a Falcons pass defense that ranked 19th in DVOA in the regular season. As far as raw point projections go, Goff is the top quarterback play this weekend.

Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 89% owned ($6,300 DK, $7,800 FD)

Outside of a mid-season lull, Smith has been an extremely consistent fantasy quarterback with a high floor who has occasionally flashed high upside. That puts him squarely in play for those looking at using him in daily contests this weekend. His salary overs some savings over Goff, but he has a similar amount of upside. The Chiefs aren't projected to score as many points as the Rams are, but they still have 26-point implied total, third-highest on the slate. Tennessee's pass defense has been an issue all season, ranking 24th in DVOA, while their stout seventh-ranked run defense could funnel additional passing attempts to Smith. Smith is fine for cash and GPPs this weekend.

Drew Brees, New Orleans - 100% owned ($6,400 DK, $8,100 FD)

An improved Saints defense combined with a dominant two-man running attack spearheaded by Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara has lowered Brees' ceiling but he remains a solid fantasy option on a slate with just eight quarterbacks to choose among. Add in the fact that Brees is playing at home, where he's been dominant over his career, and the future Hall Of Famer is squarely in play as a solid option this week. The risk we run is that the Saints continue to dominate on the ground, which will limit Brees' passing attempts. The Saints obviously know the division-rival Panthers well, which makes it hard to foresee how this game will shake out. He sets up better as a GPP option as there are better cash game plays on the slate.

 

Mid-Tier - Wild Card Round Quarterbacks and DFS Targets

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers - 98% owned ($6,500 DK, $8,300 FD)

Newton appears to be one of the safer quarterback options on the slate, although that is a bit of a stretch if you consider his recent performances. Over the last two weeks of the regular season, Newton averaged just 170 passing yards and posted a 1:4 TD/interception ratio. Neither of those games came against particularly imposing pass defenses as Newton took on the Falcons and Buccaneers over that span. What keeps Newton on the fantasy radar is his recent rushing production. The veteran signal caller has attempted at least 11 rushes in four straight games. The matchup with the division rival Saints isn't a great one for him and Newton posted just three total touchdowns and three interceptions in their previous two meetings this season. I'm only using Newton in GPPs this weekend as he doesn't have high enough of a floor to trust in cash games.

Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans - 77% owned ($5,500 DK, $7,200 FD)

Despite being a preseason breakout candidate, Mariota struggled through a disappointing third season in the NFL, passing for just 3,232 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Even though the young signal caller struggled, he is on the radar as a fantasy option this week considering his prime matchup against a leaky Chiefs pass defense. Kansas City was one of the most generous fantasy defenses in the league to opposing quarterbacks and has the second-worst defense of all the teams in the playoffs according to DVOA. Mariota is a fine option with some upside as a GPP play.

 

Bottom Tier - Wild Card Round Quarterbacks and DFS Targets

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons - 96% owned ($6,100 DK, $7,500 FD)

Ryan's struggles in 2017 leave me with little confidence in him in the opening round of the playoffs. The veteran quarterback passed for multiple touchdowns just five times in 2017 and never reached three passing scores in a single game. In all, it was a big letdown after Ryan posted a career season back in 2016. His Wild Card matchup against the Rams doesn't do much to instill confidence in Ryan as Los Angeles has been excellent against the pass this season, ranking third in pass defense DVOA. I suppose you could tab him in a GPP but I will be avoiding Ryan this weekend.

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars - 65% owned ($6,000 DK, $7,600 FD)

Bortles will suit up for his first playoff game against an underrated Buffalo Bills pass defense that has been bleeding points to opposing running games since trading run-stuffer Marcell Dareus to these very Jaguars. With Jacksonville possessing an elite defense and the Bills possibly being without star running back LeSean McCoy, this doesn't set up as a game where the Jaguars will need Bortles to do very much. He certainly flashed some upside over the final part of the regular season but he struggled over the final two games, tossing five interceptions and looking more like the Bortles we've become accustomed to over his career. He's just a GPP dart-throw this week.

Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills - 40% owned ($4,700 DK, $6,900 FD)

Taylor draws a brutal road playoff matchup against an elite Jacksonville secondary. The matchup is so bad that DraftKings has him cheaper than two backup quarterbacks, Derek Anderson and Patrick Mahomes. I'm not interested in going anywhere near Taylor in DFS cash games, but the Jaguars have shown some cracks in their armor lately, allowing multiple passing touchdown-games in two of their last four contests, which offers a glimmer of hope if you look hard enough. That being said, Taylor might be without star running back LeSean McCoy and he simply doesn't have the weapons in the passing game to overcome what has been one of the top defenses in the NFL all season. If you plan to use Taylor in a GPP, you are banking on rushing production from Taylor and will probably need a rushing touchdown from him to be happy with his final line in fantasy.

 

More Wild Card Weekend Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Can Maintain Fantasy Relevance When Teammate Returns
Chimere Dike

Trending Down Despite Solid Rookie Season?
Jameson Williams

Needs to Show More Consistency in Clearly Defined Role
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Raisel Iglesias

to be Activated on Tuesday
Orlando Magic

Jamahl Mosley Out as Magic Head Coach
Chase Brown

Stock Back on the Rise After Surviving Another Offseason
Scottie Barnes

Caps Season with Efficient Game 7 Showing
Donovan Mitchell

Finishes with 22 Points in Deciding Game
J.K. Dobbins

a Depreciating Dynasty Asset
Jarrett Allen

Leads Frontcourt Effort with 19 Rebounds
C.J. Stroud

Can C.J. Stroud End His Dynasty Slide?
Paolo Banchero

Carries Offense in Game 7 Defeat
Jalen Duren

Posts 15-15 Line in Game 7 Win
Parker Washington

Still Undervalued Despite Proven Upside
Rome Odunze

Could See his Dynasty Value Soar in Year 2 With Ben Johnson
Tobias Harris

Stays Hot with 30 Points in Win
Cade Cunningham

Shines as Pistons Advance to Semifinals
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Jakub Dobes

Backstops Canadiens to Game 7 Victory
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Quinn Hughes

Takes Over Postseason Scoring Lead With Three-Point Effort
Cale Makar

Shakes Off Injury to Collect Three Points in Game 1
Owen Tippett

a Game-Time Decision Monday
Logan Stanley

Practices Fully Sunday
Sam Carrick

Will Miss Second-Round Matchup
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Noah Ostlund

Expected to Miss Round 2
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote No. 1-Ranked Prospect Bryce Eldridge to MLB Roster
Jonas Brodin

Out for Games 1 and 2 Against Colorado
Joel Eriksson Ek

Will Miss First Two Games of Colorado Series
Joel Kiviranta

Remains Out of the Lineup Versus Minnesota
Anthony Volpe

Reinstated From Injured List, Optioned to Triple-A
Josh Manson

Out for Game 1 Against Minnesota
Carter Bryant

Iffy for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Joel Embiid

Considered Probable for Monday
Kyle Anderson

Available for Round 2 Opener
Ayo Dosunmu

Tagged as Questionable on Injury Report
Anthony Edwards

Listed as Questionable for Game 1 Against Spurs
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Unavailable for Start of Round 2, Considered Week-to-Week
Brandon Ingram

Won't Play in Game 7 Against Cavaliers
Ranger Suarez

Exits Sunday's Start With Hamstring Tightness
Agustín Ramírez

Marlins Demote Agustin Ramirez to Triple-A
Victor Hedman

Will Not Play Sunday Versus Montreal
Noah Dobson

Will Play Against Tampa Bay on Sunday
Marvin Mims Jr.

Path to Dynasty Relevance May Require a Change of Scenery
Tank Bigsby

Remains a High-End Dynasty Handcuff Running Back in Philadelphia
Ben Rice

Exits Sunday's Contest With Left-Hand Contusion
Hunter Henry

Long-Term Future in New England in Question After NFL Draft?
Matthew Golden

a Prime Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Heading into 2026
Kevin Huerter

is Out for Game 7
Jalen Coker

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Dak Prescott

Remains a Dynasty QB1 Heading into 2026
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Could be Done in Boston
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
Cal Raleigh

Considered Day-to-Day With Soreness in his Side
Brandon Ingram

is Downgraded to Doubtful for Game 7
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 7
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Joe Ryan

Exits Early From Start on Sunday Due to Elbow Soreness
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Reinstate Daniel Palencia From the Injured List on Sunday
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Place Ronald Acuna Jr. on Injured List With Strained Hamstring
Nick Lodolo

Expected to Make Season Debut on Friday
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb Being Undervalued?
Bijan Robinson

Could Just Be Entering His Dynasty Prime
Derrick White

Delivers All-Around Line in Game 7 Loss
Neemias Queta

Finishes with Double-Double in Playoff Loss
Malik Washington

Emerging as a Low-Cost Dynasty Buy in Miami
Diego Pavia

Ravens Non-Committal on Diego Pavia's Future
David Njoku

Visiting the Chargers on Monday
Patrick Mahomes

Expected to Participate in OTAs
Mike Reilly

Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Win
Logan Stankoven

Establishes New Franchise Record With Five-Game Goal Streak
Frederik Andersen

Records Second Postseason Shutout
Radko Gudas

Ducks Hope to See Radko Gudas Return During Second Round
Josh Manson

Day-to-Day Ahead of Game 1 Against Wild
Joel Kiviranta

Considered Day-to-Day
Joel Eriksson Ek

Questionable for Game 1 Against Avalanche
Cal Raleigh

Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits With Left-Hamstring Tightness
Owen Tippett

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Greg Dulcich

Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF