Win your fantasy football playoffs with expert strategy and player advice
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Quarterback: Joe Burrow
- Running Back: Christian McCaffrey
- Running Back: Joe Mixon
- Wide Receiver: Jamar Chase
- Wide Receiver: AJ Brown
- Tight End: Travis Kelsey
- Kicker: Harrison Butker
- Defense/Special Teams: Philadelphia Eagles
- Conclusion
Article:
Introduction
Welcome back to the Fantasy Pros YouTube channel! In this video, we will be discussing my top eight players to draft for round three of nfl.com's fantasy football playoff challenge. I have carefully selected one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one defense/special team, and one kicker who I believe will give you the best chance of success in your fantasy football playoffs. So without further ado, let's dive into the list and analyze each player's potential.
Quarterback: Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals is my top pick for the quarterback position this week. He is facing the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fifth most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks since Week 10. Furthermore, the Chiefs' defense has struggled in the Red Zone all season, ranking 31st in Red Zone scoring touchdown rate. Burrow has already faced the Chiefs earlier this season and had an impressive performance, throwing for 286 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 46 yards and scored, resulting in a 30+ fantasy point outing. Burrow's firepower combined with the favorable matchup makes him an excellent choice for round three.
Running Back: Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey from the San Francisco 49ers is a must-own running back in the fantasy football playoff challenge. Despite dealing with an alien calf injury, McCaffrey has been a dominant force on the field. Even though Elijah Mitchell has had some carries, McCaffrey still boasts a 31% target share over the last three weeks. The Philadelphia Eagles' defense ranks 24th in defending running backs in the passing game and struggles against receptions and targets. With McCaffrey's dual-threat abilities, he is poised to be an RB1 for this week's matchups.
Running Back: Joe Mixon
If you have Joe Burrow as your quarterback, it only makes sense to pair him with his teammate Joe Mixon. Mixon has been a reliable and consistent running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. In his previous game against the Buffalo Bills, Mixon rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown, displaying his powerful running style. The Chiefs' defense has allowed over 100 rushing yards to opposing teams, making it a favorable matchup for Mixon. Additionally, the Chiefs struggle against running backs in the passing game, allowing the most receptions to the position per game at six. With Mixon's versatility, he has the potential for a massive fantasy outing.
Wide Receiver: Jamar Chase
Jamar Chase, also from the Cincinnati Bengals, is a must-start wide receiver for this round. Since Week 13, Chase has owned a 32% target share, averaging nearly eight receptions, 84 receiving yards, and over 11 targets per game. He performs exceptionally well against man coverage, which the Chiefs predominantly deploy. With a whopping 39% target share, 33% target rate per route run, and 52% air yard share since coming back from injury, Chase is a force to be reckoned with. The Chiefs' secondary has struggled against number one wide receivers all season, making Chase an excellent choice for a high-scoring game.
Wide Receiver: AJ Brown
Another great option for the wide receiver position is AJ Brown from the Tennessee Titans. Both Brown and Devonta Smith have seen similar usage in the past few weeks. However, Brown has been the go-to wide receiver for Jalen Hurts in previous games, accumulating an absurd 35% target share and a 55% air yard share. This demonstrates Brown's deep threat capabilities. The San Francisco 49ers' defense has struggled against deep passes, allowing the fourth most targets and fifth most receiving yards to opposing number one wide receivers this season. With his role as the team's primary deep threat, Brown has a high ceiling for this round.
Tight End: Travis Kelsey
Travis Kelsey from the Kansas City Chiefs is the top pick for the tight end position. The Bengals have allowed the most targets to tight ends, making it a favorable matchup for Kelsey. In his previous game, Kelsey had a jaw-dropping performance with 17 targets, 14 catches, 98 receiving yards, and a 49% target share. As one of Patrick Mahomes' primary underneath options, Kelsey is expected to receive significant volume once again. Considering the success of Buffalo Bills' tight end, Dawson Knox, against the Bengals' defense, Kelsey has a great opportunity to put up impressive numbers in round three.
Kicker: Harrison Butker
Harrison Butker from the Kansas City Chiefs is an excellent choice for the kicker position. Among the remaining playoff teams, the Cincinnati Bengals have allowed the fifth-most field goals on defense this season. Playing on the road and with the Bengals' top-tier red zone defense, the Chiefs might rely on Butker's leg to convert more points. With a high probability of field goal attempts, Butker can rack up points for your fantasy team.
Defense/Special Teams: Philadelphia Eagles
For the defense/special teams position, the Philadelphia Eagles are the top choice. Facing Brock Purdy, who is the least experienced and skilled quarterback among the final four teams, the Eagles' elite front is expected to dominate. The San Francisco 49ers' offensive line is at a disadvantage, and Purdy will likely face immense pressure. This could lead to mistakes and scoring opportunities for the Philadelphia DST. With the potential for sacks, turnovers, and defensive touchdowns, the Eagles' defense is a solid pick for round three.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the optimal lineup for round three of nfl.com's fantasy football playoff challenge consists of a strong combination of players who have demonstrated exceptional skills and have favorable matchups. Joe Burrow, Christian McCaffrey, Joe Mixon, Jamar Chase, AJ Brown, Travis Kelsey, Harrison Butker, and the Philadelphia Eagles' defense are all excellent options to maximize your chances of success in the playoffs. Good luck to everyone in the Conference Championship weekend!
Highlights:
- Joe Burrow is my top pick at the quarterback position.
- Christian McCaffrey is a must-own running back despite his injury.
- Joe Mixon is a reliable running back with massive touchdown upside.
- Jamar Chase and AJ Brown are top choices for the wide receiver position.
- Travis Kelsey is the best tight end option.
- Harrison Butker is a reliable kicker for round three.
- The Philadelphia Eagles' defense is the optimal choice for defense/special teams.
FAQ:
Q: Why is Joe Burrow the top pick at the quarterback position?
A: Joe Burrow has a superior matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have struggled against quarterbacks all season. He has a proven track record against the Chiefs and offers undeniable swagger.
Q: Why is Christian McCaffrey still a top running back despite his injury?
A: Even with his injury, Christian McCaffrey has been a dominant force on the field. He still possesses a significant target share and has the ability to excel in both the rushing and passing game.
Q: Why is Joe Mixon a good choice at running back?
A: Joe Mixon has been a reliable and consistent running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs' run defense and has the potential for massive touchdown upside.
Q: What makes Jamar Chase a must-start wide receiver?
A: Jamar Chase has been a standout performer since coming back from injury. He owns a significant target share and has excelled against man coverage. The Chiefs' defense has struggled against number one wide receivers, making Chase an excellent choice.
Q: Why is AJ Brown a good pick at wide receiver?
A: AJ Brown has been Jalen Hurts' go-to wide receiver in previous games. He has an impressive target share and is the team's primary deep threat. The San Francisco 49ers' defense struggles against deep passes, making Brown a strong contender.
Q: Why is Travis Kelsey the top pick at tight end?
A: Travis Kelsey has a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have struggled against tight ends all season. He has shown incredible performance in his previous game and is a primary option for Patrick Mahomes.
Q: Why is Harrison Butker a reliable choice at kicker?
A: Among the remaining playoff teams, the Cincinnati Bengals have allowed the fifth-most field goals on defense. The Chiefs may rely on Butker's leg to convert more points due to the Bengals' strong red zone defense.
Q: Why is the Philadelphia Eagles' defense the optimal pick?
A: Facing Brock Purdy, who is the least experienced and skilled quarterback among the final four teams, the Philadelphia Eagles' defense is expected to dominate. The San Francisco 49ers' offensive line is at a disadvantage, presenting scoring opportunities for the Eagles' defense.