The NFL Divisonal Round is here, and it kicks off with the Texans taking on the Chiefs at 4:30 ET tomorrow. This weekly article will contain rankings for each position for PPR formats and give you a start/sit pick for each position for players participating in fantasy football for the playoffs. With so many options in this format, you are chasing a high floor and matchups in the divisional round. Let’s break down which players you can trust to deliver and who might disappoint you on the biggest stage.
Quarterbacks
Rankings
- Lamar Jackson (BAL)
- Josh Allen (BUF)
- Jayden Daniels (WAS)
- Jalen Hurts (PHI)
- Jared Goff (DET)
- Patrick Mahomes (KC)
- Matthew Stafford (LAR)
- C.J. Stroud (HOU)
Start of the Week
Jayden Daniels (WAS)
Jayden Daniels continues to impress, building on a stellar playoff debut against the Buccaneers in which he threw for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and added 36 rushing yards. During the regular season, Daniels established himself as a dual-threat quarterback, averaging 22.5 fantasy points per game and setting a rookie quarterback rushing record with 891 yards and six rushing touchdowns. This week, Daniels faces a Lions defense that struggled mightily against quarterbacks in the final four weeks of the regular season, allowing a league-high 27.52 fantasy points per game to the position. With at least 22 fantasy points in six straight full games, Daniels is poised for another massive performance in what could be a high-scoring affair.
Sit of the Week
C.J. Stroud (HOU)
C.J. Stroud had a solid outing against the Chargers last week, posting 282 passing yards, a touchdown, and 42 rushing yards, but his overall fantasy production has been inconsistent. In his last 12 games, Stroud has surpassed 18 fantasy points only twice, making him a risky option in this week’s Divisional Round matchup. The Chiefs defense, while middle-of-the-pack in allowing 16.95 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks during the regular season, has proven opportunistic with seven interceptions in their final four games. When these teams met in December, Stroud was held to under 60% passing, throwing two interceptions alongside two touchdown passes. Stroud should be avoided in everyone’s starting lineups heading into the divisional round.
Running Backs
Rankings
- Saquon Barkley (PHI)
- Derrick Henry (BAL)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)
- James Cook (BUF)
- Kyren Williams (LAR)
- Joe Mixon (HOU)
- Kareem Hunt (KC)
- Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS)
- Justice Hill (BAL)
- Ty Johnson (BUF)
- Austin Ekeler (WAS)
- Isiah Pacheco (KC)
Start of the Week
Saquon Barkley (PHI)
Saquon Barkley is a must-start this week as he faces one of the most favorable matchups in the playoffs. Coming off a dominant regular season where he led the league in rushing yards and fantasy points, Barkley has continued to shine, including a 119-yard performance on 25 carries last week. Despite limited opportunities inside the five-yard line—accounting for just 41.5% of those carries—his 13 rushing touchdowns are a testament to his efficiency and explosiveness. With the Eagles set to face tougher run defenses in subsequent rounds, this week presents a prime opportunity for Barkley to be slotted into your starting lineup. Expect him to deliver in a high-stakes environment as he looks to continue his playoff success.
Sit of the Week
Joe Mixon (HOU)
Joe Mixon faces an uphill battle this week against a stout Chiefs defense that has been the league’s toughest against running backs. While Mixon played a crucial role in the Texans’ Wild Card victory with 106 rushing yards and a late touchdown, replicating that success at Arrowhead will be a tall order. The Chiefs have allowed just 101.8 rushing yards per game this season, the fifth-fewest in the league, and limited running backs to 1,610 total yards and nine touchdowns all year. Additionally, Kansas City’s defense allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs, averaging only 16.24 points per game. With Mixon also entering the game as questionable due to limited practice, it’s wise to bench him in favor of a more favorable option this week.
Wide Receivers
Rankings
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)
- Puka Nacua (LAR)
- A.J. Brown (PHI)
- Nico Collins (HOU)
- Terry McLaurin (WAS)
- Jameson Williams (DET)
- Xavier Worthy (KC)
- Khalil Shakir (BUF)
- DeVonta Smith (PHI)
- Marquise Brown (KC)
- Rashod Bateman (BAL)
- DeAndre Hopkins (KC)
- Keon Coleman (BUF)
- Cooper Kupp (LAR)
- Olamide Zaccheaus (WAS)
- Amari Cooper (BUF)
- Dyami Brown (WAS)
- John Metchie III (HOU)
- Curtis Samuel (BUF)
- Tim Patrick (DET)
Start of the Week
Xavier Worthy (KC)
Xavier Worthy is set for a breakout performance as the Chiefs continue their dominance in the Divisional Round under Patrick Mahomes. The rookie speedster finished the regular season on a high note, scoring over 19 fantasy points in three consecutive games and finding the end zone in each of them. Worthy’s versatility in lining up across the formation, including the backfield, makes him a dynamic weapon against a Houston defense ranked 25th in passing defense DVOA. The Texans also allowed the second-most touchdowns to wide receivers and one of the highest average depths of target, providing a golden opportunity for Worthy’s big-play ability. With Mahomes at the helm and Worthy peaking at the right time, he’s an easy start in this crucial playoff matchup.
Sit of the Week
Cooper Kupp (LAR)
Cooper Kupp’s production has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks, making him a risky play against the Eagles. Over his last four games, Kupp has been relegated to a minimal role, earning just an 11% target share and failing to surpass six fantasy points in any contest. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua has taken over the primary receiver duties, commanding a massive 40% target share and thriving in the role Kupp once owned. Facing a tough Philadelphia defense that specializes in limiting big plays, Kupp’s intermediate and deep targets are unlikely to yield significant production. With single-digit fantasy points in five of his last six games, including a zero-point outing, it’s time to sit Kupp in favor of more reliable options.
Tight Ends
Rankings
- Travis Kelce (KC)
- Mark Andrews (BAL)
- Sam LaPorta (DET)
- Dallas Goedert (PHI)
- Zach Ertz (DET)
- Dalton Kincaid (BAL)
- Dalton Schultz (HOU)
- Tyler Higbee (LAR)
- Isaiah Likely (BAL)
- Noah Gray (KC)
Start of the Week
Mark Andrews (BAL)
Mark Andrews has been on a tear recently, emerging as one of the most consistent fantasy options at tight end. From Week 6 through Week 18, he totaled 166.8 fantasy points and 11 touchdowns, solidifying his place among the elite at the position. Andrews has been a focal point of the Ravens’ offense, commanding 4.6 targets per game and earning 18.5% of the team’s receiving market share over the last 12 games. His matchup against the Bills is highly favorable, as they have given up 18.2 fantasy points per game to tight ends since Week 14, ranking near the bottom in defending the position. With a nail biter in the cards, playing Andrews this week is a smart play.
Sit of the Week
Sam LaPorta (DET)
Sam LaPorta has become a reliable fantasy option during the second half of the year. Since Week 13, he’s earned an 18.9% target share and secured four touchdowns, showcasing his increasing role in the Lions’ offense. However, this week’s matchup against Washington poses a significant challenge, as the Commanders have held tight ends to just 9.88 fantasy points per game over the last four weeks. Despite his recent success, LaPorta’s ceiling is limited in a game where Detroit may need to spread the ball elsewhere. If you’re banking on Detroit making a long postseason run, it’s better to bench LaPorta this week and explore other tight end options.
Defenses
Rankings
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Los Angles Rams
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Washington Commanders
Kickers
Rankings
- Jake Bates (DET)
- Harrison Butker (KC)
- Justin Tucker (BAL)
- Tyler Bass (BUF)
- Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU)
- Zane Gonzalez (WAS)
- Jake Elliott (PHI)
- Joshua Karty (LAR)