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Who should I start for Wild Card Weekend? Fantasy football outlooks for Vikings D/ST, Rams D/ST, Will Reichard. Our expert fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks.
While the fantasy football regular season is over, playoff fantasy football has become popular over the past few years. Tonight’s playoff matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams should be fantasy-friendly.
Fantasy football is the best game in sports. Superstar quarterbacks and pass catchers get all the attention. However, they aren’t the only positions in fantasy football. Sometimes, picking the correct defense/special teams unit or kicker can win your fantasy matchup.
Should fantasy players start Vikings D/ST, Rams D/ST, or Will Reichard in tonight’s playoff matchup? Let’s dive into it.
Should I Start Vikings D/ST For Fantasy Football?
The Vikings D/ST was one of the top units in fantasy football this year. They finished the regular season as the D/ST2, averaging 8.9 fantasy points per game. Many thought the team’s defense would struggle this year. Yet, they had an outstanding season with Jonathan Greenard leading the unit.
WHAT A HIT!@JonGreenard7 and @blockayyy team up for the strip-sack and fumble recovery.#ProBowlVote
📺: @ABC pic.twitter.com/PqY4f8fDQr
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2024
Unfortunately, the Vikings D/ST struggled in the Week 8 loss to the Rams, totaling zero fantasy points and zero sacks. Fantasy players should avoid using them in any fantasy contest tonight.
Should I Start Rams D/ST For Fantasy Football?
Many expected the Rams D/ST to struggle without Aaron Donald. However, first-round pick Jared Verse made the Pro Bowl this season after dominating as a rookie. The Rams D/ST finished as the 11th-highest scoring unit, averaging 5.9 fantasy points per game.
A special talent.
Congrats to @JaredVerse1 on making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season! 👏 pic.twitter.com/iamF0JShJF
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 2, 2025
They had a solid performance in the Week 8 win over the Vikings, totaling three sacks, a safety, and seven fantasy points. Verse had half of the team’s sack total. While they aren’t an awful option for fantasy players, I would avoid starting the Rams D/ST.
Should I Start Will Reichard For Fantasy Football?
Kickers tend to struggle in their first year in the NFL. Yet, Reichard had a solid fantasy season. He was the K17 for the year, averaging 9.6 fantasy points per game. Unfortunately, the rookie missed four games because of injury.
Yet, Reichard was one of the league’s top kickers, especially from 50 yards away. He made eight of his 11 field goal attempts of 50 or more yards during the regular season (72.7%). The rookie kicker is a decent starting option for fantasy players against Los Angeles.
.@WillReichard connects from 50 going into the half pic.twitter.com/jo2kavEkvN
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 29, 2024
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