Wild-card weekend in the NFL offers us four games for DFS purposes, split equally between Saturday and Sunday. There are a few injuries to keep abreast of as we head into the weekend, particularly the status of Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. Here are a few players to consider in this weekend’s matchups.
Quarterback
Josh Allen, Bills ($6,500 on DraftKings, $8,200 on FanDuel) – Allen hasn’t had a fantastic year, but he will likely be called upon a lot as the Bills take on the Texans on the road, where they are small underdogs. Playing from behind usually yields good DFS numbers for QBs, and Allen has shown he’s capable of scoring lots of DFS points when he’s on.
Running backs
Alvin Kamara, Saints ($7,400 on DK, $8,200 on FD) – Another player with a disappointing 2019 is Kamara, who’s scored just six touchdowns and rushed for just 797 yards on the year. But the playoffs are a different beast, and we can expect the Saints to lean heavily on their stud back. Expect No. 41 to get plenty of touches via both run and pass at home against the Vikings.
Carlos Hyde, Texans ($5,100 on DK, $6,700 on FD) – To pay up for Kamara, we need to pay down for someone else. Hyde is a good fit as the Texans expect to be playing from ahead, and will likely look to take the air out of the football late in the game Saturday.
Wide receivers
Adam Thielen, Vikings ($6,200 on DK, $6,200 on FD) – The All-Pro Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore will probably drape Stefon Diggs on Sunday, so look for Thielen to see more targets from Kirk Cousins. He could be in for a big day, as the Vikings will probably have to pass a lot against New Orleans.
Greg Ward, Eagles ($5,200 on DK, $5,600 on FD) – With the litany of injuries to the Eagles’ receivers – including Nelson Agholor’s knee, Miles Sanders’ ankle and Zach Ertz’s ribs – we have the chance to draft Ward, who looks to be a high-volume receiver at a very affordable price.
Tight end
Dallas Goedert, Eagles ($5,200 on DK, $6,700 on FD) – As of Friday morning, Ertz still hasn’t been cleared for contact in practice, which isn’t a great sign for him to play Sunday. It is the playoffs, however, and he may yet gut it out, but we can expect Goedert to see plenty of snaps, even if Ertz does play. If Ertz is out, you may also consider pivoting this pick to another Eagles tight end, Joshua Perkins, who is likely to see plenty of snaps in two tight-ends sets, and who is very low priced ($2,900 on DK and $5,500 on FD).
Defense
Patriots ($3,400 on DK, $4,900 on FD) – New England’s D has been maligned of late, especially after surrendering 27 points to the Dolphins last week. Plus, Tennessee is on a hot streak. Nonetheless, I have a feeling the Patriots are going to bring it when it really counts, as they always seem to do in the playoffs.
