On such a short slate in the playoffs we are always going to have trouble finding true “sleepers” but that’s a given. What we do want to find is value so we can put together a lineup without needing to play extremely risky punt plays. This wee we get both Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes at home is positive matchups. They will deservedly be chalk, but what about the cheaper options?
Every quarterback playing in the Divisional round has shown fantasy upside, with some being more consistent than others. So, any of these players has real potential to put up good fantasy numbers.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers ($6,500)
Rodgers is fifth in salary this week, with Ryan Tannehill, Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins behind him. He is $1,900 cheaper than Lamar Jackson and $1,000 cheaper than Patrick Mahomes. He’s topped 300 yards four times and just once over the last eight games. He hasn’t been consistent at all and his overall numbers are boosted by four huge games, with the rest being below average at best. He should be cheaper than he is but playing at home against a weak defense in the playoffs is a place where Rodgers can hit his upside.
The Seahawks have been middling against the pass this year and have given up the fifth-most completions and passing yards in the league, but haven’t let those yards convert into many passing touchdowns with just 19 allowed. Rodgers still can get it done, as shown by games like he had against Oakland when he threw for 429 yards, five touchdowns and ran for another touchdown. Rodgers is always a little better at home and this game should be close with an opportunity to turn into a shootout.
Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers ($5,600)
Garoppolo hasn’t done much of late to get our fantasy expectations too high, but the Vikings defense is coming off an intense game on Sunday where they likely left it all out on the field in over time and now they head to San Francisco to play on Saturday against a 49ers team that had a bye week to plan and rest. Kyle Shanahan is one of the few offensive minds that I feel confident backing with extra time to prepare and being at home doesn’t hurt. Only the Cardinals have allowed more receptions than the Viking this season and I expect the 49ers to spread the ball around while letting George Kittle work as the top target. Deebo Samuel, Emmanuel Sanders, Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida and Kittle are all players who can put up good yardage after the catch and the Vikings give up a ton of underneath receptions, which should help the 49ers game plan.