With only two games left before the Super Bowl, DFS options will be limited during the conference championship games. We will need to hit on all of the key players for a chance at the big money in fantasy contests this Sunday.
Here are six players to keep an eye on/
Joe Burrow, Bengals QB ($6,600 on DraftKings, $7,500 on FanDuel)
Can Burrow follow Josh Allen’s lead? While the Chiefs survived one of the most thrilling games in the history of the NFL last Sunday, their porous pass defense was again exposed. Don’t forget that when these teams met in Week 17, Burrow torched Kansas City for 446 passing yards and four touchdowns.
Jerick McKinnon, Chiefs RB ($5,100 on DK, $6,200 on FD)
Although Clyde Edwards-Helaire made his return last week, McKinnon continued to see high usage. That proved particularly true in the passing game where he caught five of seven targets for 54 yards against the Bills. While CEH is likely to get more carries against the Bengals, McKinnon may end up as the higher fantasy scorer due to his value as a third-down, pass-catching back.
Cam Akers, Rams RB ($5,000 on DK, $6,200 on FD)
Akers proved to be a workhorse in the divisional game against the Buccaneers, rushing 24 times for 48 yards and catching three targets for 20 yards. It wasn’t a stellar effort, but Tampa Bay boasts one of the league’s toughest defenses. The sledding should be easier against the 49ers, but Akers’ two fumbles last week could be a concern, as coach Sean McVay could give Sony Michel more reps in the conference championship game.
Cooper Kupp, Rams WR ($8,800 on DK, $9,700 on FD)
It’s hard not to just auto-slot Kupp into your lineups, given his week-to-week monster numbers that saw him put up nearly 28 fantasy points per game on DraftKings this season. The possibility of Kupp blowing up lineups makes him hard to fade in the NFC conference championship game.
Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals WR ($6,700 on DK, $8,000 on FD)
Chase feels too cheap here, given the likely shootout in Kansas City and his role as Burrow’s top receiving weapon. As part of the monster Week 17 the Bengals enjoyed against the Chiefs, Chase caught 11 passes for 266 yards and three TDs. Lock him in again in the AFC conference championship game.
Tyler Higbee, Rams TE ($3,700 on DK, $5,500 on FD)
For salary savings, look to Higbee at the tight end position. He hasn’t put up bigger fantasy numbers due to a lack of touchdowns – just five on the year – but he’s active, with 68 receptions for 657 yards. He’s prone to see positive touchdown regression, and that could occur this Sunday.