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Welcome to RotoBaller's daily fantasy football FanDuel lineup picks for Wild Card Weekend. In this article I will be taking you through the best FanDuel DFS value plays of the week for this upcoming Sunday.
These FanDuel lineup recommendations are based on matchups, recent performances, overall upside/talent levels, and other factors such as Vegas odds, home field advantage, and more.
Good luck with your FanDuel DFS lineups!
FanDuel Quarterbacks - Wild Card Weekend DFS Picks
Drew Brees (vs. CAR, $8,100)
Brees has had limited fantasy success this season thanks to limited volume and the Saints prolific running game. That will be tested this weekend as the Panthers have been a strong run defense for much of the season. It is worth noting that the Saints absolutely torched the Panthers run D in the regular season to the tune of 42 total fantasy points, but their track record suggests they will stand up to the challenge better with a second opportunity. If that’s the case, the Saints may turn to the passing game more often in a matchup that they should be able to exploit. That also makes Brees a nice stacking option with Michael Thomas (the top WR this week) and Ted Ginn. There is risk here as we haven’t seen Brees hit his ceiling often this season, but the spot is a good one for it to happen.
Also Consider: Matt Ryan (@LAR, $7,500)
FanDuel Running Backs - Wild Card Weekend DFS Picks
Leonard Fournette (vs. BUF, $8,100)
It’s a no brainer to go with Todd Gurley if possible this weekend, but pricing has tightened up so unless you’re inclined to punt TE or pay down in at least one wide receiver spot it may be difficult to squeeze him onto your roster. In that case, Fournette is my other go- to option. Much has been made of his ankle injury and inefficiency running the ball, but he is a massive part of the Jaguars offense and that won’t change just because the playoffs have started. In the past five weeks, Fournette has hauled in at least three passes, a bump in his fantasy value that hasn’t been noted frequently and his rushing workload shouldn't be in question.
Devonta Freeman (@LAR, $7,000)
Freeman has had some hiccups since his return from injury to close the season but has found a way to produce in most cases. On the Wild Card weekend slate, he represents the lowest priced viable RB1 option making him likely to be chalky, but for good reason. Though there were some early week questions as to his availability, his injury tag was removed as of Thursday so he should be ready to roll for this weekend's matchup.
FanDuel Wide Receivers - Wild Card Weekend DFS Picks
Cooper Kupp (vs. ATL, $6,600)
It has become difficult to differentiate Rams receivers of late, however matchups dictate which of Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, and Kupp should have the advantage this weekend. As you can presume from the pick, Kupp’s matchup is most favorable as he is likely to match up primarily against Brian Poole who has allowed 1.75 yards per route covered this season. He is also the cheapest of the Rams receivers, if only by $100.
Allen Hurns vs. (BUF, $5,400)
The young Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers have made an impression over the past few weeks, but the team appears to be getting healthier at the position and should put Allen Hurns in the best position to succeed this weekend. He returned to the field in Week 17 against the Titans, and despite a modest yardage total, appeared to be healthy. He returned to his usual snap share, logging a rate of 81%. This week, he should be in a favorable matchup against Leonard Johnson, who has allowed 1.66 yards per route covered and is five inches shorter than Hurns. These types of slates often take an under the radar player to excel in,and Hurns should offer that opportunity.
FanDuel Tight End - Wild Card Weekend DFS Pick
Greg Olsen (@NO $6,500)
Olsen has not been producing anywhere near his normal level and may go overlooked this week as a result. On top of that, he is facing a strong Saints secondary that has been stingy against tight ends for much of the season. However, that overlooks a few key factors that put Olsen in a better position than it originally appears. Kenny Vaccaro was placed on IR two weeks ago, making Vonn Bell primarily responsible for covering Olsen this week. In coverage this year, Bell has allowed 1.01 yards per route covered, the second highest mark on the slate for tight end matchups. Importantly, Olsen has seen consistent targets over the past three weeks, seeing 12, 6, and 9 respectively. While it would be nice to Olsen’s price dip a bit more, this combination of factors makes Olsen an intriguing option on wild card weekend.
FanDuel Defense - Week 17 DFS Pick
Kansas City Chiefs (vs. TEN $4,800)
Jacksonville is clearly an elite defense and if the Bills are without LeSean McCoy they become even more attractive but the Chiefs are in a great spot as they have allowed under 17 points per game at home this season. Additionally, the Titans are the most turnover prone team in the playoffs and Marcus Mariota has just 5 touchdowns to 11 interceptions away from home this season.
