NFL, Fantasy, Team News / Analysis, Player News / Analysis, Rumors, Andre Johnson, Tom Brady , Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, Fantasy Football, Demaryius Thomas, Rob Gronkowski, NFL Playoffs, Fantasy Playoffs, Wild Card Round
Quarterback
Tom Brady (NE): Brady isn't playing in the first round, but you'll be guaranteed a 2x bonus for the Divisional Round in New England, when he'll likely face either the struggling Texans, or a Ravens team that has been very mediocre on the road this season. The most popular quarterback on NFL.com is Aaron Rodgers, and while I think I like him to beat the Vikings this week, he did just lose to them less than a week ago, and would face the 49ers in San Francisco if the Packers advanced. Right now, I like the Patriots chances of going farther in the playoffs and Brady putting up huge numbers along the way.
Running Backs
Adrian Peterson (MIN): The Vikings will likely have a hard time making it past the Packers, but I think it's safe to roll the dice on Peterson anyway, as he racked up 409 rushing yards and three total touchdowns in two games against Green Bay this season. If the Vikings do advance, they'll face the 49ers, who haven't been the same against the run since losing Justin Smith, whose status is very unsure for the Divisional Round.
Marshawn Lynch (SEA): Lynch was given the task of carrying the Seahawks' offense to the playoffs this year, and he succeeded, piling up 99.4 rushing yards per game and scoring 12 total touchdowns. He'll face a Redskins team that is average against the run on a per carry basis, and the Seahawks have a solid shot at beating them. If they advance, they'll either play the Falcons (29th in opponent yards per carry) or the 49ers (Lynch ran for 111 yards and two total touchdowns against them two weeks ago).
Wide Receivers
Andre Johnson (HOU): Johnson got out to a bit of a disappointing start this season, but finished on an absolute tear, reaching 95+ receiving yards in six of his final seven games. The Bengals boast a strong pass defense, but no one has really been able to stop Johnson over the past two months. With the Texans favored in this matchup, you could be in for a 2x bonus in the Divisional Round by grabbing one of the game's elite receivers this week.
