This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide picks and values for your FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, one FLEX spot, a kicker and a defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
FantasyDraft is running three headline contests this weekend:
- NFL $25K Playoff Challenge, $25 entry fee
- NFL $10K Wild Card, $10 entry fee
- NFL $5K Still In It, $5 entry fee
Without further ado, here are our fantasy football values and picks for Wild Card Weekend on FantasyDraft. With this weekend being a four-game slate, we'll outline one player at each skill position with analysis of why that player is the best choice on FantasyDraft.
Quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh, $16,100
Of the eight quarterbacks to choose from this weekend, Big Ben is the best choice on FantasyDraft. The big three splits on FantasyDraft's player page all favor Roethlisberger this weekend.
At home this season, Roethlisberger is averaging over 29 fantasy points per game. In Roethlisberger's last game against the Ravens, he threw for 340 yards and six touchdowns.
With Le'Veon Bell (knee) questionable for this weekend's game, the Steelers will rely more on their passing game against a Ravens secondary that has struggled when facing quality opponents this season.
In five games against Cleveland, Houston, Jacksonville and Tennessee, the Ravens secondary allowed just two passing touchdowns. In games against the Steelers, Panthers, Colts, Saints, and Chargers, Baltimore allowed 19 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks.
The difference in the two sets is Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, Blake Bortles, and Zach Mettenberger against Roethlisberger, Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers. The argument can be made that the Ravens are able to stop sub-par quarterbacks, but they have struggled when facing top-tier passing offenses. Pick Roethlisberger with confidence this weekend.
Running Back
Reggie Bush, Detroit, $10,900
Bush was a forgotten asset to the Lions offense this season, but he has caught nine passes in his last two games and accrued 21.8 fantasy points against the Bears in Week 16. With the Cowboys likely focusing on Calvin Johnson, look for Matthew Stafford to dump the ball off to his running backs. Bush is always a threat in the passing game, and he'll be a solid GPP option this weekend in FantasyDraft's PPR format.
Note:
If Bell does sit out for the Steelers, his replacement will be a decent option. If Dri Archer is named the starter, he'll be an option at wide receiver, as he is eligible at that position this weekend. If Ben Tate starts, he will likely be the minimum price on FantasyDraft if added to the player pool.
Wide Receiver
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh, $15,700
Brown is the most expensive receiver on FantasyDraft this weekend, but he is also the most consistent player in fantasy football. In every single game this season, he has reached double-digit fantasy points. His lowest output was 13.4 points (twice), and in two games against the Ravens he scored 34.4 and 17.0, respectively. In those two games against Baltimore, Brown totaled 18 catches for 234 yards and a touchdown. With Bell likely out, Brown could see even more targets than usual, which would lead to an increase in production. Brown is among the NFL leaders in fantasy points per target, and since the Steelers will be throwing the ball more (74 pass attempts in the two games against the Ravens), Brown will be heavily used again.
Brown moves all over the formation, which means he will see one of the four Ravens corners who have allowed a passer rating of 93 or higher in coverage this season. In addition, when Brown is in the slot he will see some Matt Elam, who has given up 30 catches on 40 targets for 315 yards and two touchdowns in coverage this season.
Tight End
Greg Olsen, Carolina, $13,000
With a small slate and no Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, or Julius Thomas, there are slim pickings at tight end. But Olsen is easily the top option at the position if you can afford him. The Cardinals have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, and middle linebacker Larry Foote remains putrid in coverage. So far this year, Foote has allowed 49 catches on 60 targets for 550 yards and three touchdowns in coverage. Olsen leads all tight ends in this slate in targets and he has an excellent matchup. He is expensive, but Olsen is worth paying a premium for this weekend on FantasyDraft.
Good luck this week, and do not forget to join the fun at FantasyDraft and sign up today.
