Welcome to Divisional Round Weekend! Here are the top players at each position this weekend and details on how they can impact their team:
QB: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
The Texans run defense has been stout for the better part of this season, and it’s been their pass defense that’s let them down. However, last week against Los Angeles, the Texans defensive line had one of their best games, sacking Justin Herbert a ton and causing him to throw multiple interceptions. But now Houston must go on the road to Kansas City, where the weather’s going to be cold, and Patrick Mahomes is going to be able to throw to a bevy of receivers. Even though this hasn’t been one of Mahomes’s best statistical years, expect him to have a great game with about 280 yards and three touchdowns as Kansas City dismantles Houston.
QB: Jared Goff, Lions
There are a few things you can count on in the NFL and one of them is Jared Goff playing well at home. He always seems to have about 250 passing yards and multiple touchdowns. David Montgomery is expected to be back, which will allow for more play-action passing, especially to Jameson Williams, who could have a very big game, as the Washington defense will be more worried about Montgomery and Gibbs than they are about getting beaten deep. Look for Goff to get 250 and 2TDs as the Lions make the NFC championship game.
RB: Derrick Henry, Ravens
The way to beat the Buffalo Bills is to run the ball down their throats. There’s no better battering ram to do that with than Derrick Henry. The last time these two teams played, Henry had 199 yards rushing, and although he may not do that this week, he’s still going to have well over 100 yards and help control the time of possession. Put Henry down for 125+ yards and at least one touchdown.
RB: Saquon Barkley, Eagles
This game may come down to the Eagles’ offensive line against the Los Angeles Rams defensive line. The Rams DL had the advantage over Minnesota’s offensive line last week, but the Eagles offensive line is much tougher to play against. Moreover, it’s going to be frigidly cold in Philadelphia, and Saquon Barkley is a man possessed as he wants to get to the Super Bowl. The last time these two teams played Barkley had over 200 yards rushing, and it’s likely that he’ll have at least 150+ this week.
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions
One of the things that you love about St. Brown is how competitive he is. He knows the name of every single receiver that was taken ahead of him back when he was drafted. One of those receivers who was drafted ahead of him was Dyami Brown from the Commanders. Just that one bit of information alone should be enough to inspire St. Brown to have a terrific game. Lock him in for 8 receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown.
WR: Terry McLaurin, Commanders
The only way that Washington can keep this game close is if Jayden Daniels takes some big shots downfield to his wide receivers. His best receiver by far has been McLaurin, and he’s going to need to be terrific once again this weekend. Whether it’s catching a big pass or getting a pass interference call against the Lions secondary, McLaurin’s going to have to be heavily involved. If he doesn’t get at least 10 targets, Washington has very little chance to win. Look for him to finish this game with 16-18 fantasy points.
TE: Dallas Goedert, Eagles
Earlier in the season, the Rams were a pass funnel for opposing outside wide receivers, but recently, they’ve been giving up yardage in droves to opposing tight ends. Goedert is like Philadelphia’s secret weapon: Just last week alone, he carried two Packers with him to the end zone as he scored a touchdown. For some reason, it feels like Hurts has a lot of pressure when it comes to throwing to A.J. Brown, but he’s more relaxed when it comes to throwing to Goedert. Look for Goedert to go 6 receptions for 50 yards and a TD.
TE: Dalton Schultz, Texans
If Kansas City has had an Achilles heel on defense in the 2024 season, it’s been how they’ve played against opposing tight ends. All season long, they’ve struggled and let up a lot of yardage to opposing tight ends. Because of the lack of depth that Houston has at wide receiver, it makes total sense that Kansas City will attempt to double-cover Nico Collins, which should leave Schultz open in the middle of the field. If Houston wants to keep this game close, look for Schultz to get 5 receptions for 50 yards and a good chance for a touchdown.
