RADIO
The Divisional Round is in the books, and now we shift our focus to the conference championship games and what value plays we can find on the main slate in DFS competitions.
In this weekly piece, I will examine some undervalued sneaky targets. By selecting these players, you will have more flexibility in other positions to secure a high-end player elsewhere in your lineup. No matter what competition you are playing in DFS, finding a budget player with a safe floor and room for upside is the recipe for success. I will include the DraftKings (DK) and FanDuel (FD) prices for each player in the main slate competition.
If you have any questions on how to navigate the slate and other fantasy sports questions, feel free to follow me on X @A_Smith_FS and send me a message. In addition, be sure to use code "SMITH" to get a 10% discount on any premium package.
Quarterback NFL DFS Value Plays - Championship Round
Patrick Mahomes, BUF at KC | DK: $6K, FD: $7.7K
Patrick Mahomes has had the worst statistical season of his career but still led the Chiefs to the top seed in the conference and an appearance in the AFC title game. However, after throwing 11 interceptions during the first 10 games of the season, Mahomes began to turn the corner in the back half.
Over the final six weeks of the regular season, Mahomes tallied 12 touchdowns and averaged over 275 total yards per game.
Even though Mahomes only threw for 177 yards during the victory over the Texans last weekend, he will need to do more facing a potent Buffalo offense. Expect the Chiefs to put the ball in the hands of their QB1 as they look to reach their third straight Super Bowl. He is a great value play as the cheapest QB on the slate.
Running Back NFL DFS Value Plays - Championship Round
Kareem Hunt, BUF at KC | DK: $5.4K, FD: $6K
Even though Isiah Pacheco got the starting nod last weekend, Kareem Hunt stole the show. The veteran tallied 44 yards and a score on eight rushing attempts, while Pacheco tallied just 18 yards on five carries.
Over the previous four games, Hunt has averaged a solid 4.0 yards per carry, while Pacheco has tallied a disappointing 2.8 yards per carry.
Kareem Hunt has a touchdown for Kansas City!
📺: #HOUvsKC on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/5X4xMhJc4n— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2025
Hunt faces a Buffalo defense that has allowed the fifth-most PPR points to opposing running backs, which puts him in a great position to outperform his salary.
Austin Ekeler, WAS at PHI | DK: $5.3K, FD: $5.6K
Austin Ekeler was a value play last weekend and lived up to that name as he scored 12.8 PPR points in the upset victory over the Detroit Lions. In that game, Ekeler tallied 47 yards on six carries and added 41 yards on four receptions.
Ekeler has seen at least four targets in each playoff game and has averaged an impressive 10.3 yards per catch throughout the entire season. Even though he is facing a tough Philadelphia defense, the 29-year-old should be able to continue to operate as the clear third-down back and carry an elite receiving upside, especially if the Commanders are trailing in this contest.
Wide Receiver NFL DFS Value Plays - Championship Round
Keon Coleman, BUF at KC | DK: $3.7K, FD: $4.9K
The rookie wideout has not been utilized much during the first two playoff games, but that may change this weekend. During the first two rounds, Keon Coleman has seen just four targets and caught two passes, both for five yards.
During the regular season, Coleman was the team's deep threat, as he posted an impressive 19.2 yards per reception. During his final seven games of the regular season, Coleman saw at least seven targets in four.
In a potential high-scoring affair, take a flier on the deep threat in the Buffalo offense.
Dyami Brown, WSH at PHI | DK: $4.4K, FD: $5.4K
Dyami Brown continued his playoff breakout as he tallied 98 yards on six receptions during the upset victory over the Detroit Lions. During the Wild Card round, Brown caught all five of his targets for 89 yards and a score. Over this stretch, he caught six passes that went for 20+ yards.
Dyami Brown really taking Amon Ra St Browns words personally.
“Everyone ahead of me was a mistake”
Dyami: four receptions, 94 yards
St Brown: two receptions, 41 yards
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) January 19, 2025
This was a stark comparison to the 19.3 yards he averaged per game during the regular season. Operating as the No. 2 wideout in an offense that continues to improve puts Brown in an excellent position to stay hot.
Olamide Zaccheaus, WSH at PHI | DK: $3.9K, FD: $5.2K
My final value play enjoyed an impressive conclusion to the regular season but has taken the backseat during the postseason. During Weeks 16 through 18, Olamide Zaccheaus averaged 68.7 yards per game and found the back of the end zone three times. However, he has caught just three passes for 19 yards during the playoffs.
With the Commanders opening up as six-point underdogs, they will likely be trailing during this game, which should provide Zaccheaus ample opportunities to succeed in the slot. The last time he faced this Philadelphia secondary, he tallied 70 yards and two scores.
Tight End NFL DFS Value Plays - Championship Round
Zach Ertz, WSH at PHI | DK: $4.3K, FD: $5.5K
Among the starting tight ends, Zach Ertz carries the lowest salary. After catching just two of his four targets for 23 yards in the Wild Card round, the veteran returned to form last weekend, catching all five for 28 yards and a score.
During the final seven games of the regular season, Ertz was Jayden Daniels' go-to option in the red zone. He scored six times and saw six targets from within the 5-yard line and seven within the 10-yard line.
If the Commanders continue to put points on the board, expect Ertz to do his damage in the red zone.
Dawson Knox, BUF at KC | DK: $2.6K, FD: $4.7K
Despite having a lower price than Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox has been deployed as the No. 1 tight end during the playoffs. Knox has logged 77 offensive snaps over the past two weeks, while Kincaid has seen just 58.
While both have seen the same amount of targets, Knox is a great value play, given how often he is on the field. Facing a Kansas City defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points to opposing tight ends could provide Knox with a breakout performance.
Defense/Special Teams - Championship Round
Washington Commanders, WSH at PHI | DK: $2.7K, FD: $3.6K
While the Commanders did not shut down the Detroit offense, they were opportunistic. They forced three interceptions and a fumble. They also tallied two sacks. One of these interceptions was returned for a touchdown.
Jared Goff THROWS A PICK-SIX TO QUAN MARTIN 😱
(via @Commanders)pic.twitter.com/k8CXJXSSYv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 19, 2025
While they have a tall task facing the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Hurts suffered a leg injury during last weekend's game and could be somewhat limited in this contest. If you want to save salary on defense, take a risk with the cheapest option coming off two upset victories.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
