For the first time in a two-week span, we have a pair of games being played on back-to-back days. This allows for a high number of combinations to consider for roster construction and contests to enter.
Surprisingly, despite the low number of games for this weekend, we found a relatively large – and differing – pool of players to use in our lineups. While we would generally prefer some level of overlap, a wide range of targets suggests that we don’t need to hone in a specific set of players and, thus, can be creative with setting our rosters.
Based on our expected Wild Card Round DFS game flow analysis performed earlier, we can carry our thoughts into actual lineup positions. The long list of players that fit the requirements set forth by the projected flow of the game was cut dramatically by the requirements set forth by salaries.
Below are Sporfolio’s DFS Wild Card Round Plays:
Quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger – The quarterback of the team with the best statistical odds to win on Wild Card Weekend also goes against a defense that has failed to show up, at time. Add in the fact that he is fully rested and enters the postseason finally healthy, and Ben Roethlisberger becomes one of the best plays of the weekend. The Dolphins do have the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, but it actually bodes well for Roethlisberger if Miami keeps the game close, since the Steelers will need to rely on their quarterback – and his talented weapons – to pull out the win at home.
Brock Osweiler – This was not a typographical error. In a weekend that includes Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, and Eli Manning, we are choosing Brock Osweiler as one of the top quarterback plays of the weekend. In fairness, how could we not? He has an ideal matchup at home against a Raiders defense that has allowed the most net-yards-per-pass-attempt in the league. He also has an incredibly talented wide receiver at his disposal – more on him later – and may be running out of chances to prove that he belongs as a starting quarterback in the NFL – if the Texans win on Saturday, they will likely go to New England as a sacrificial lamb, next week. The time is now to buy into Osweiler. Then sell him immediately after the game.