We saw some big-name quarterbacks fall last week, and that leaves the fantasy football rankings for the Divisional Round a bit in turmoil. How much should we be reading into sparkling Wild Card performances by the likes of C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love?
Is Baker Mayfield a safe bet given his form? What happens in Buffalo with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen sharing a field?
Those answers — and more — as I sift through tiering the remaining signal-callers and their fantasy value for this weekend.
Which QB Should You Start in Fantasy Football?
Of course, every league will offer tweaks (player limits per team, unique scoring bonuses, etc.), so use these as a guide more than anything. Or, hit me up on social media with your specific situation and I’ll advise as best I can!
MORE: Soppe’s Divisional Round Rankings — RB | WR | TE | DST | K
Before I get to the positional rankings, many fantasy managers may take part in rest-of-playoff formats and/or are just curious as to how I see the remainder of the postseason playing out. Naturally, projecting results is a big part in doing the rankings, so these picks factor into my rankings.
AFC Playoff Picks
- Saturday: Baltimore Ravens over Houston Texans
- Sunday: Kansas City Chiefs over Buffalo Bills
Conference Champion: Ravens
NFC Playoff Picks
Saturday: San Francisco 49ers over Green Bay Packers
Sunday: Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Detroit Lions
Conference Champion: 49ers
Fantasy Football QB Rankings
1) Lamar Jackson | BAL (vs. HOU)
2) Josh Allen | BUF (vs. KC)
3) Patrick Mahomes | KC (at BUF)
4) Jared Goff | DET (vs. TB)
5) Brock Purdy | SF (vs. GB)
6) Baker Mayfield | TB (at DET)
7) Jordan Love | GB (at SF)
8) C.J. Stroud | HOU (at BAL)
Top QB To Start in the Divisional Round
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET)
The top two stories of the postseason go head to head with Mayfield and Jared Goff squaring off. The former is in a good spot to succeed as a significant underdog.
When these teams played in Week 6, the script was pass-heavy for both teams in a game the Lions won 20-6.
- 81 total pass attempts
- 38 total rush attempts
- Zero runs gaining more than eight yards
- Chris Godwin/Mike Evans saw 45.9% of targets
- Amon-Ra St. Brown/Sam LaPorta saw 63.4% of targets
Is there really any reason to think that changes? The Bucs had the third-fewest explosive runs this season and face a Lions defense that allowed the third-fewest such plays.
It’s been clear all season long that Tampa Bay will go as far as this passing game can take them, a spot that opens up Mayfield to produce at an elite level –- just ask the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mayfield has thrown multiple touchdowns in five of his past six games, a trend I like him to continue with a 48.5-point total. Whether or not you think Mayfield can lead the Buccaneers to another upset is one thing, but he’s a good bet for strong fantasy production no matter how you see this game playing out!