I hope everyone continues to be profitable playing NFL DFS even if the math says that’s impossible. Regardless, last week is in the past and we have a new week of action in front of us. I intend to help you make the Championship round of NFL DFS a week to remember as you finish in the green. With that being said, let us jump right into my top Championship round DFS picks. Now that we are in the postseason, it becomes a very different game. This week, we have four active teams, so the player pool is compressed, but the action will electrifying.
Each week, I will take a look at one option at each position that can be a nice piece in your lineup. Additionally, I will provide one stud and one value option to target along with one expected bust.
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NFL Championship Round DFS Picks
Quarterback
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens, $7,700
I know that Lamar Jackson is the most expensive quarterback on the slate, but he is worth the investment this week. There is a clear difference between Jackson at home (27.1 DK points) and on the road (18.9 DK points). Last week, Josh Allen rushed for two touchdowns against this same Kansas City Chiefs team. That fits perfectly with Jackson’s skill set as he rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Houston Texans.
For good measure, Jackson completed 16 of 22 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns last week as well. The Ravens offense will go as far as Jackson can take them, and what he does with his legs could be the difference.
Running Back
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens, $5,500
It is tough out there with running backs this week. With four teams left, it shouldn’t be surprising as some strong defenses are taking the field on Sunday. Gus Edwards is reasonably priced, and the main thing here is that we are hunting for a touchdown.
During the regular season, Edwards rushed for 13 touchdowns and 850 yards. While Jackson does take a lot of the rushing attempts away from Edwards and the Baltimore running backs, he is the lead back. The thought process is that both teams will look to control the tempo and flow of what will be a tightly contested game. Edwards should get double-digit targets and there is always a strong likelihood that he will find the end zone.
Wide Receiver
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers, $6,900
The Detroit Lions are simply not good against opponents’ passing games. Wide receivers have feasted against Detroit all season with the third most DK points.
Aiyuk had a great regular season with 78 catches for 1,374 yards and seven touchdowns and he looks to continue that on Sunday. He didn’t have the best start to the postseason catching just three of six targets for 32 yards. Weather conditions weren’t the best and neither was Brock Purdy’s performance, and things should be better on Sunday against Detroit. The fact that Deebo Samuel is not at 100% also helps here.
Tight End
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions, $5,400
I guess Sam LaPorta’s knee is right. After last week’s performance, that is the only possible explanation. It has been a great rookie season for LaPorta, and he continued that in the postseason.
LaPorta caught nine of 11 targets for 65 yards as he continues to be a large part of Detroit’s offense. With 11 touchdowns in the regular season, LaPorta has a nose for the end zone and he is an explosive option.
Defense
Detroit Lions, $2,600
This is a tough one. As we said earlier, four strong defenses are taking the field on Sunday, but there are also four strong offenses. The Detroit Lions are the cheapest option on the slate and that certainly attracts our attention.
While Aiyuk is a target due to the Lions’ struggles against opposing receivers, there is also minimal trust in Brock Purdy. The 49ers’ quarterback has struggled as of late, and Detroit does do a good job of getting to the quarterback. Last week, the Lions came up with two interceptions and four sacks which gave them 18 and 47, respectively, on the season. The game doesn’t figure to get out of hand offensively, and the Lions should generate a few points with their production.
DFS Stud
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs, $6,500
While there are some health concerns regarding Isiah Pacheco entering Sunday’s game, all indications are that he will be good to go on Sunday. He has become a large part of the Chiefs’ offense as their bellcow running back. Last week, Pacheco gained 97 yards on 15 carries while scoring a touchdown. Pacheco should have a similar role this week against Baltimore.
DFS Value
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers, $4,600
While Deebo Samuel intends to play on Sunday and his shoulder is more of a pain management situation, I don’t have a lot of faith here. Samuel tried and failed to go back into the game last week and it simply was not possible. That is how Jauan Jennings ended up five catches on six targets for 61 yards. Jennings plays a similar role to Samuel, and he is in position to capitalize on both the injuries and Detroit’s struggles in the passing game.
DFS Bust
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers, $9,000
While the Lions struggle against the passing game, they have also allowed the fewest DK points to opposing running backs this year. Christian McCaffrey did finish with 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns last week, but the situation was more hospitable than it will be this week.
In a week in which bargains are very hard to find, salary cap space is at a premium. This makes it that much more difficult to invest in McCaffrey.