We have reached the first round of the NFL playoffs, and there’s no better time to compete in DFS tournaments. Saturday’s matchups include the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Las Vegas Raiders and the Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots. If you’re competing in NFL DFS competitions today, our recommended fantasy football picks reflect the most likely game scripts for these playoff contests. This DFS lineup is based on FanDuel pricing.
Top NFL DFS picks for the Saturday playoffs | QB and RBs
This lineup’s quarterback and running backs assume a strong offensive performance for the Bengals and a Raiders opponent utilizing one of its best weapons to keep up. Our focus is on optimizing elite potential, knowing that landing two exceptional RBs and a dominant QB could catalyze this lineup into a big winner.
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals ($7,100)
The last time we recommended Joe Burrow in DFS, he was coming off a rough stretch with only 6 passing TDs in his previous six games. Subsequently, he went bonkers in the first of two contests (in which he produced 992 total yards and 8 touchdowns during that two-game stretch).
No NFL QB has more momentum heading into the postseason. Although Las Vegas has been solid against the pass, the other slate today (Bills vs. Patriots) features even tougher pass defenses. Burrow is the safest bet for great numbers.
Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals ($8,500)
One of the most underrated and underappreciated fantasy running backs this season, Joe Mixon finally demonstrated why he’s Cincinnati’s franchise back. The Raiders are yielding the third-most backfield fantasy points in the league (27.6 per game). Keep an eye on Mixon’s passing-game usage; while he has a healthy 42 catches, 13 have come in the last two weeks. If he can keep this up Saturday, he could be in for a monster outing.
Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders ($7,200)
If you believe the Bengals game will be a blowout, then Josh Jacobs isn’t worth the risk. But if it will be just competitive enough to keep Vegas running the ball, fire up Jacobs as a 14-plus-point option.
The Bengals have given up the 12th most fantasy points to opposing fantasy backfields, including the fifth-most RB receptions and sixth-most RB receiving yards. Jacobs has the NFL’s fifth-most RB receptions. It all adds up to a must-start situation.
Top NFL DFS picks for the Saturday playoffs | WRs
This lineup’s wide receivers include a WR stack and an undervalued dart throw. How confident are we that these three wideouts will help you win?
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals ($8,200)
Of course. Anyone who can produce like Ja’Marr Chase needs to be in DFS lineups. It’s not that Chase is automatic. Remember that relative lull from Weeks 8-13, when he averaged only 4 catches for 41 yards? That could happen at any time in an offense with multiple high-end weapons. For now, roll with Chase not because of his modest floor but because of his mammoth ceiling.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals ($6,900)
There was a time when fantasy experts were crowning Tee Higgins as Cincinnati’s No. 1 wideout. The fact is, this team has two elite receivers, and we never know which one will hit. But the beauty of stacking Chase and Higgins is that we’ve seen them both play big in the same game (see: Weeks 15 and 17).
Zay Jones, WR, Las Vegas Raiders ($5,300)
He’s too cheap to ignore. Some might believe (correctly) that as Darren Waller reacclimates, he’ll cut into Zay Jones’ upside. That might be the case.
But keep in mind that Jones earned an 89% snap share in Week 18 — his highest percentage since Week 9. And it happened with Waller on the field 78% of the time. So yes, Jones still has a role to play as a top-three receiver for Derek Carr.
Top NFL DFS picks for the Saturday playoffs | TE, Flex, D/ST
We have only $16,100 remaining in this top-heavy DFS lineup. What’s the optimal combination for these final three slots? Hint — a lot of Bills, and we’re not talking about former Red Sox relief pitcher Bill Lee.
Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills ($5,900)
Dawson Knox is the second-priciest DFS TE in today’s slate, $300 behind Waller. If you believe Waller will return to elite form, you could downgrade Zay Jones for teammate Bryan Edwards or swap out Cole Beasley (below) for Gabriel Davis.
But I’m sticking with Knox, who has shown a knack for reaching the end zone (sometimes breaking tackles along the way). He scored in Buffalo’s previous meeting with New England. As someone who’s almost always on the field when Josh Allen is on the field, take a chance on Knox despite the tough matchup.
Cole Beasley, Flex, Buffalo Bills ($5,500)
There’s nothing wrong with starting the cheaper Davis here. I’m a little concerned, though, with his 3 catches on 14 targets in Week 18. Beasley’s had double-digit targets five times this season and owns a commendable 73% catch rate.
While perhaps lacking Davis’ ceiling, as a great possession receiver against a stout defense, Beasley is a good bet for 6+ targets. As a stack with Knox, collectively, these two could net 20+ points if things break right.
Buffalo Bills, D/ST ($4,500)
The most expensive D/ST in this slate is also arguably the best. Mac Jones looked like a rookie in Week 18 in Miami, and he’s fared quite poorly in both games against the Bills (though, in fairness, he only attempted 3 passes in awful weather in their first matchup).
Buffalo will have a tough assignment limiting Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. However, they should keep New England under 17 points. Simply put, they’re pretty safe.