RADIO
Whether due to their own play, the play of others, or injuries, players' stock increases and decreases on a weekly basis. Perhaps more than any other, the NFL is a league that experiences ups and downs at a rapid pace. With only two games, there’s no room for error and seemingly endless opportunities for improvement. The same goes for fantasy football, and managing rosters effectively is key to winning that championship.
Throughout the season, players get hot and see an increased role while others struggle and fight to stay relevant. In the playoffs, it is more about matchups and selecting the right players for your DFS lineup. In this weekly column, we’ll showcase those who have taken important steps forward and those who have taken steps back.
These are the key daily fantasy DFS risers and fallers heading into the Conference Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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DraftKings DFS Conference Round Risers
Tom Brady (QB, NE) - $7,700 on DraftKings
There are only four QBs left and one of them is Blake Bortles. That leaves us with Case Keenum vs. Nick Foles in a cold game with a low projected point total or the G.O.A.T. at home against the best defense in the league. Well, Ben Roethlisberger shredded the Jaguars last week while Brady put up some points of his own. Bortles actually isn't the worst option if you don't want to spend the money on Brady as the Jaguars project to be trailing, but Brady is far and away the best QB on the slate.
Leonard Fournette (RB, JAX) - $7,200 on DraftKings
$900 cheaper than Dion Lewis, but clearly the focal point of his offense, Leonard Fournette is the safest option for DFS lineups coming off his three touchdown performance while dealing with an ankle injury. He's going to play and although he's always at risk of aggravating his ankle, if he avoids reinjury, he's a lock for 25 touches. Regardless of game script, the Jaguars need him.
Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN) - $6,900 on DraftKings
The WR options are not good for the remainder of the playoffs. The top two options are both Vikings and they're projected for a low scoring defensive battle. Stefon Diggs finds himself here because he had the bigger game last week. However, admittedly, the majority of his points came on fluky play where he he ended up with about nine more fantasy points than he should've had. With that being said, Diggs looks the healthiest and most involved he's been since early in the season so he's a fine option amongst an unexciting group.
DraftKings DFS Conference Round Fallers
Nick Foles (QB, PHI) - $4,800 on DraftKings
Nick Foles is not even a contrarian play this week. There's no value in him. It's a bad matchup and he just doesn't throw many touchdowns anymore. If you want to go with a cheaper QB, Blake Bortles is just $200 more than Foles and far more likely to put up fantasy numbers. Foles faces a tough Vikings defense and plays for a team that wants to run. The Eagles have been trying to hide Foles as much as they can. He's certainly better than he gets credit for and he definitely won the Eagles the game last week, but he's more real life good than fantasy good.
Dion Lewis (RB, NE) - $8,100 on DraftKings
Dion Lewis had a great game last week. He's here because he's too expensive. Lewis is the most expensive RB by a pretty considerable margin ($900) and there are a number of reasons to avoid him this week. It's clear the Patriots have no interest in using him at the goal line. Without Rex Burkhead in the lineup, Lewis was pulled for the likes of James White and Brandon Bolden multiple times. Lewis had all of his potential touchdowns siphoned. Burkhead is expected back this week and I fully expect to see him immediately reinserted into the goal line role. Lewis will play well because he is good at football, but his fantasy numbers likely won't match his price.
Brandin Cooks (WR, NE) - $6,100 on DraftKings
Brandin Cooks' price dropped $900 from last week's number, but it's still not worth it. The Cooks and Brady connection just hasn't been there. They've just missed on so many plays this season. It makes you truly wonder how special Cooks could've been if a couple of those deep balls were on target or Cooks wasn't interfered with. I would surmise that Cooks probably left 200-300 yards and four or five touchdowns on the table. It was that many near misses. It happened again last week. I see no reason to expect a sudden change this week. Sure, Cooks always has the ability to blow up. He also hasn't had a useful fantasy game without a touchdown in months. Add in the fact that Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye are still the best cornerback duo in the league regardless of what Antonio Brown & co. did to them last week and Cooks is a clear avoid.
