The playoffs are here and we are treated to a 'Super Wildcard Weekend' thanks to the addition of a seventh team in each of the conference tournaments. This time of year there is strategy involved with playing to team's strengths. We know the Tennessee Titans leaned heavily on Derrick Henry this season as he bashed through opposing defensive fronts for a 2,000-yard season. And, in Buffalo the Bills will host their first playoff game in 24 years (and look for their first playoff win in that same time frame) against a scrappy Indianapolis Colts squad led by Philip Rivers. This is where you can plug a Wild Card round hero into your DFS lineups, so let's take a look at this week's value plays.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB - Pittsburgh Steelers (DK: $6,100 / FD: $7,500)
This seems like a soft matchup for Roethlisberger and I'm not sure enough people are talking about him as a DFS option this week. The Cleveland Browns made it to the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, but while they have a stout running game, it's the defense that concerns me. The Browns are giving up 20.6 FP/G to QB's (T-7th-most in NFL) and I don't see a defensive back on their roster that can match up with any of their big three wideouts. Mason Rudolph threw for 309 yards on the Browns last week and they narrowly won the game to sneak in the back door of the playoffs; I think Big Ben can carve up this secondary on Sunday night.
J.K. Dobbins, RB - Baltimore Ravens (DK: $6,600 / FD: $6,800)
I've written a lot about Dobbins the past few weeks in this article, but I can't help myself as he continues to be underpriced. That's likely because Gus Edwards has the ability to play the role of touchdown vulture at the goal line in this offense -- he has six on the year -- but, it's a great matchup against the Titans this week. This game has the highest over/under of the weekend at 54.5 and it's easy to see why. The Titans are giving up 27.4 P/G (9th-most in NFL) and what's worse is they've allowed 277.4 PYDS/G (4th-most in NFL). The Ravens come into this game leading the league in rushing with 191.9 YDS/G and should be able to exploit the Titans' mid-tier rush defense. I like Dobbins to have a big day.
J.D. McKissic, RB - Washington Football Team (DK: $4,900 / FD: $5,400)
I just can't see a scenario in which the Football Team holds a lead for any extended period of team and can lean on Antonio Gibson against a tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive front. Alex Smith will likely have to throw a little bit more than he would like to in this game and as a result, McKissic could see added work. He enters this game with at least five targets in each of his last three games while finding the end zone twice. Interestingly enough, the Bucs have given up the most receptions to RB's this season (101) and allowed the 9th-most receiving yards (671).
Chase Claypool, WR - Pittsburgh Steelers (DK: $5,200 / FD: $6,100)
There might be some value in picking Claypool this week as many DFS players might load up on Diontae Johnson or JuJu Smith-Schuster instead. Claypool has seen at least six targets in four straight games, and has at least 50 receiving yards in his last three contests -- he just needs to find the end zone. The good news? In two games against the Browns this year, he scored twice and finished with at least 70 receiving yards.
John Brown, WR - Buffalo Bills (DK: $4,700 / FD: $5,700)
There is no denying the Bills have a potent passing attack, led by Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. But, one wideout that may fly under the radar this week is Brown, who has game breaking speed that can be used to his advantage against the Colts' secondary. The Colts gave up a league leading 29 completions on passes that traveled 21+ yards down field this year (per sharpfootballstats.com). Last week, Brown returned from injury, hauling in four passes for 72 yards and a TD. Look for him to beat the Colts' safeties over the top this week for at least one big gain.
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