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Wild Card Sunday NFL Matchups Analysis - Start/Sit

Welcome back, RotoBallers! Below you will find part two of our Wild Card NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Pierre Camus (@pfunk00) breaks down the Sunday games of the Wild Card matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21).

Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL match-ups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive BOTH our full season NFL and NBA Premium Passes for free, a $119.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium Passes.

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!

 

Dolphins @ Steelers - Sunday 1/8 @ 1:05 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Le'Veon Bell (RB, PIT) - There's little reason not to love the player who obliterated all others over the final quarter of the season. Bell only played one game this season in which he didn't reach 100 total yards, barely achieving the feat against Miami in Week 6 with 108. He got stronger as the year went on, averaging over five yards per carry in the second half. His involvement in the passing game keeps his floor among the highest in the league. Bell averaged 6.3 receptions and 51.3 receiving yards per game, making him the top RB in PPR formats.

Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT) - Miami's defense loosened up over the course of the season to the point they allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Big Ben had a lousy game the first time around versus Suh and company (189 yards, one TD, two INT), but you may recall that as the week he injured his knee. He will likely get redemption this game, but it's not clear to what extent he'll help fantasy owners. He hasn't gone over 300 passing yards since Week 10 and finished the season with a 6/6 TD/INT rate in the last four games he played. Given some of the tough matchups and number of backup QBs playing this weekend, Big Ben may be one of the top three QB plays by default.

Jarvis Landry (WR, MIA) - The most dependable player in Miami's offense should see a majority of the targets in this game. He caught seven of his team-high nine targets for 71 yards in Week 6 versus Pittsburgh, leading all receivers in that game. He has thrived with Moore at QB, scoring twice in the last three games and averaging 71 yards in those games. He may not have a tremendous ceiling against a very good defense, but he is a safe enough WR2.

Matchups We Hate

Matt Moore (QB, MIA) - There's still an outside chance Ryan Tannehill plays if he can get in a full practice on Friday, but that remains a risky proposition. Otherwise, backup Matt Moore will start his fourth game of the year. No offense to the veteran, but he may be overmatched in this game. While he has been mostly efficient, throwing for eight TD and 3 INT while completing 63% of his passes, he'll be facing the Steelers in a cold weather game. Pittsburgh's defense didn't allow an opponent to pass for 250 yards in the last seven games of the year. Moore has no playoff experience in his nine-year career and this is one of the worst environments to make a debut.

DeVante Parker (WR, MIA) - In the first game between these two, Parker came away with just 28 yards. He has been up and down throughout the season, but it has been mostly down in the latter half. His five receptions in Week 17 were his most since Week 11. He has found the end zone three times in that time frame, but that's unlikely to happen here. The Steelers are the only defense other than the Broncos to hold opposing wide receivers under 10 TD all season. With the exception of a 106-yard game against the Patriots in Week 1, Parker did most of his damage against lesser opponents such as Buffalo, Cleveland, San Diego and L.A. Don't anticipate Ross Cockrell or William Gay letting the lanky receiver break free very often.

Cobi Hamilton (WR, PIT) - The Steelers are going to be without Sammie Coates and Markus Wheaton throughout the playoffs, but that doesn't give Hamilton the same type of value. Starting out of sheer necessity, Hamilton hasn't caught more than three passes all season and waited until overtime of Week 17 to notch his first game of 50 yards or more. That play also resulted in his second TD of his career. Steelers fans may remember that the first one came earlier this year against... Miami. The fact is that TD came in the final minute of a lopsided loss by the Steelers. It's a big stretch to think Hamilton will exceed 21.3 Y/G average in this contest.

Notable Players

Jay Ajayi (RB, MIA) - Which Ajayi will show up this game? In Week 6, Ajayi decimated the Steelers for 204 yards and two touchdowns in the first breakout game of his NFL career. That game, along with the rest of his torrid mid-season four game stretch, came with a healthy offensive line and Ryan Tannehill at QB. Ever since Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey was ruled out for the season, Ajayi has struggled to make big plays, with the exception of one game against Buffalo. That first contest against the Steelers took place in Miami, where the Dolphins were 6-2 on the season. The Steelers were also 6-2 at home and will be the hosts this weekend. The advantage in late-season performance should go to the Steel Curtain defense, but Ajayi still has a decent shot to find the end zone.

 

Giants @ Packers - Sunday 1/8 @ 4:40 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB) - Rodgers' recent numbers when facing the Giants can be thrown out the window, since this defense in no way resembles the one of the last few years. Rodgers was adequate in Week 5 when the Giants came to town, throwing for 259 yards, two scores and two picks. That was before the Pack decided to run the table and Rodgers turned back into an MVP candidate. It's fair to think that Rodgers won't have his best game, since the Giants rank second defensively in touchdowns allowed and held QBs to a 15/17 TD/INT rate. But this is Aaron Rodgers playing at one of the highest levels of his career. He should be a notch just below Eli and Big Ben in terms of fantasy value this weekend.

Eli Manning (QB, NYG) - The playoffs are Eli time, right? He has an 8-3 career playoff record and ran the table with four straight wins in 2011, the last time the Giants were in the postseason. He posted a 9/1 TD/INT rate that postseason, including three touchdowns and 330 yards in a blowout of the Packers. This Green Bay defense isn't any better defensively than the team from five years ago. They gave up more passing yards than any team in the league, finishing the season by allowing three straight 300-yard passing games. Manning didn't crack 200 yards against them in Week 5, but things were a bit different then. The Giants had no semblance of a running game (Orleans Darkwa and Bobby Rainey were sharing snaps), while the Packers still had Eddie Lacy to grind out yardage. The Packers will try to turn this into a shootout, which could work in Manning's favor. He is as unpredictable as any QB in the league, but this week the matchup should point him toward a big point total.

Odell Beckham (WR, NYG) - Beckham finished 2016 a bit down from the previous year, settling for a mere 1,367 receiving yards and 10 TD. This will be Beckham's first playoff game, but we don't exactly see him as the nervous type. Ladarius Gunter will have his hands full all afternoon trying to stop ODB. Beckham put up his highest reception (31) and yard (408) totals in December, showing that he is ramping up for the playoffs. He scored a touchdown earlier this year against the Pack and is a good bet to do so again in the Wild Card game.

Matchups We Hate

Randall Cobb (WR, GB) - Janoris Jenkins should be a full-go for this game, which means Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie moves back to cover the slot position. DRC graded out as one of the top slot corners in the league this season, which is bad news even for a healthy Cobb. He missed the last two games of the regular season with an ankle injury and is questionable for this game. He did practice Wednesday and hopes to play, but may not be worth the risk. During the first three games of the Packers' winning streak, Cobb caught a total of 12 passes for 93 yards. At best, he is the third target option who will be blanketed by a tough defender this Sunday. It's advisable to take your chances elsewhere for a WR3.

Paul Perkins (RB, NYG) - Don't let recency bias fool you. His Week 17 showing (102 rush yards on 21 carries) was impressive, but Rashad Jennings also received 18 carries and was the back utilized near the goal-line. In a road playoff game, there's a good chance the Giants are going to lean on Jennings and use Perkins as a change-of-pace back. Moreover, this game has a good chance of turning into a high-scoring affair, which could neutralize the running game. The Giants have been able to win several games this season by shutting teams down on defense and pounding the ball with the running game rather than relying on Eli Manning to air it out. The Packers aren't likely to be shut down on offense. Any Giants running back is a risky play this game, but if you are on the fence, go with Jennings.

Notable Players

Jordy Nelson (WR, GB) - If anything, Nelson's knack for reaching the end zone makes him a viable option each week. A league-high 14 receiving touchdowns makes him a lock as a WR1. The prospect of being covered by Janoris Jenkins puts a bit of a damper on his value in daily leagues, but he did manage to score in Week 5 against the Giants despite catching just four of 13 targets that day. With so few options available in the four-game slate this weekend, Nelson could still be worth the price in a stars-and-scrubs lineup.


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Pat Freiermuth

Steelers Restructure Pat Freiermuth's Contract
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
Jordan Mason

a Short-Term Dynasty Depth Piece
Dontayvion Wicks

Can Dontayvion Wicks Stand Out in Another Crowded Offense?
Chuba Hubbard

Dynasty Value Back on the Rise
Juwan Johnson

an Overlooked Buy Candidate for Contending Dynasty Managers
Kimani Vidal

Easily Acquirable as a High-Value Insurance Back
Evan Mobley

Tallies Series-High 24 Points on Saturday
Donovan Mitchell

Struggles at the Line Saturday
Karl-Anthony Towns

Continues Playmaking Surge on Saturday
OG Anunoby

Delivers Clean Shooting Line Saturday
Mikal Bridges

Fills Box Score in Game 3 Win
Jalen Brunson

Pushes Knicks Closer to NBA Finals
Orlando Magic

Magic Interview Jeff Van Gundy for Head-Coaching Position
Phillip Danault

Extends Point Streak to Three Games
Josh Anderson

Nets Two Goals in Painful Loss
Jalen Chatfield

Delivers Two Assists in Crucial Win
Mark Jankowski

Contributes Two Assists in Game 2 Victory
Eric Robinson

Scores in Second Consecutive Game
Nikolaj Ehlers

Tallies Two Goals as Hurricanes Bounce Back Saturday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Magic Reportedly Have Giannis Antetokounmpo on Their Radar
Ajay Mitchell

Won't Play Sunday
Dylan Harper

Not on Injury Report for Game 4
De'Aaron Fox

Off the Injury Report Ahead of Game 4
Jalen Williams

Questionable for Sunday Night
Ja'Tavion Sanders

a Dynasty Dart Throw With Potential Untapped Upside
Geno Smith

a Low-Cost Dynasty Add Who Still Comes with Risk
C.J. Stroud

Still a Capable and Undervalued Dynasty QB2
Bhayshul Tuten

More Big Plays in 2026 Could Transform Bhayshul Tuten into a Dynasty Steal
Joe Mixon

Is Joe Mixon's NFL Career Over?
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
RJ Harvey

to be Relegated to Third-Down Role After Rookie RB Addition?
Baker Mayfield

A Lot of Uncertainty Surrounding Baker Mayfield Going into Fourth Year in Tampa
Brian Robinson Jr.

a Must-Have Handcuff in Dynasty Leagues?
Sam LaPorta

Could be Excellent Buy-Low Candidate for Risk-Tolerant Managers
Jordyn Tyson

on a "Maintenance Plan" During Offseason Workouts
Kenneth Walker III

One of Dynasty's Biggest Risers for 2026
D'Andre Swift

an Underappreciated Dynasty Buy Candidate
Ray Davis

Still a Dynasty Stash Despite a Lack of Standalone Value
Travis Kelce

Now a Low-Cost Dynasty Rental
DJ Moore

a Reasonable Buy Candidate Now That Dynasty Market Has Cooled
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Devin Vassell

Posts 20 Points in Game 3 Loss
De'Aaron Fox

Struggles From Deep in Friday's Loss
Victor Wembanyama

Held to Four Rebounds in Game 3 Loss
Jaylin Williams

Catches Fire From Deep Friday
Jared McCain

Drops Playoff-High 24 Points in Game 3
Nazem Kadri

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Guides Thunder to 2-1 Series Lead
Ajay Mitchell

Does Not Return in Game 3 Win
Ross Colton

Nets Lone Avalanche Goal Friday Night
Rasmus Andersson

Extends Assist Streak to Four Games
Pavel Dorofeyev

Focuses on Playmaking in Friday's Win
Jack Eichel

Enjoys Multi-Point Outing in Game 2 Win Friday
Ivan Barbashev

Amasses Three Points as Golden Knights Grab 2-0 Series Lead
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Rudy Gobert

Earns Eighth All-Defensive First-Team Selection
Victor Wembanyama

Headlines 2025-26 All-Defensive First Team
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Keep Faith in Frederik Andersen
Devon Levi

Attracting Interest From Senators
Scott Wedgewood

Starting Game 2 Against Golden Knights
Ben Hutton

Scratched for Game 2 Against Avalanche
Mark Stone

Won't Play Friday
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
Cale Makar

Remains Out Friday
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Sebastian Aho

Picks Up an Assist in Series-Opening Loss
Seth Jarvis

Needs 33 Seconds to Score in Game 1 Loss
Jaccob Slavin

Struggles in Game 1 Against Canadiens
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
CFB

Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
CFB

Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
CFB

Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
CFB

UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
CFB

Ezavier Crowell has Immediate Opportunity at Alabama
CFB

Mark Bowman a Day 1 Impact Player for USC?
CFB

Bill Belichick Says Relationship with First North Carolina Team "Wasn't Great"
CFB

Kemario Taylor a Breakout Candidate at Quarterback
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss the Undisputed Top SEC Quarterback Entering 2026?
CFB

Rocco Becht The "Unifier" of Penn State's Roster
Jackson Holliday

Orioles Reinstate Jackson Holliday From Injured List on Monday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday
Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF