Fantasy football playoffs are underway and hopefully, you’re reading this with a semifinal berth in hand. This week and next are crazy with COVID taking over rosters. As of this writing, Travis Kelce was added to the list, and Austin Ekeler was rumored to be on it, but now is not. With that said, best of luck to who is reading this with your upcoming matchups, and don’t be afraid to add a defense for the championship week in advance. These are ads that can simply make an impact. No need for stashing options at this point. Go win!
Running Backs
Duke Johnson, Miami Dolphins
The New York Jets made Duke Johnson look like a first-round fantasy pick on Sunday. The talk was Myles Gaskin, but Duke Johnson took over. He had 22 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a 20-yard reception on his only target. Duke is a nice play if you have a deep roster. Not sure if I would trust him in a normal flex with Gaskin there playing (who had ten carries Sunday), against the Saints. Gaskin was not cleared from Covid protocols until late in the week, so practice time, and possibly health, may have played a role in the game plan, but you have to consider that the result may impact next week's game plan as well.
Craig Reynolds, Detroit Lions
Another big week for Craig Reynolds, as he saw 26 carries for 112 yards, and caught his only target for five yards. Jamaal Williams is set to return this week, but it’s hard to think Reynolds will take a back seat. He is shaping up as a possible low-end RB2/Flex play this week against Atlanta.
Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers
With Austin Ekeler not 100% on Thursday night, Justin Jackson got a lot of playing time. He saw 13 carries 86 yards, and caught his only target for 13 yards. With the rumor of Austin Ekeler possibly on the COVID list (as of now he is not), Jackson becomes a must-add for anyone who rosters Austin Ekeler.
Jeff Wilson Jr, San Francisco 49ers
Jeff Wilson took over with Elijah Mitchell out. He carried the ball 21 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. He also caught both of his targets for nine yards. On a short week coming up on Thursday against the Titans, Elijah Mitchell may be rested another week, setting Wilson up for another start.
Ronald Jones, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Leonard Fournette on IR, Ronald Jones is in line to get the start for Tampa next week against the Panthers (and possibly the Jets the week after). Against the Saints, he carried eight times for 63 yards and caught both of his targets for eight yards. This becomes a must-add.
Ameer Abdullah, Carolina Panthers
With Chuba Hubbard starting for the Panthers, Ameer Abdullah is putting some work in for the offense. He carried only four times for seven yards, but also caught all four of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. Abdullah is a dart throw if you need a deep start, but he’s been seeing a role with CMC done for the season.
Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals
This is a pure add if you have Joe Mixon. Perine has been involved in the passing game of late as well. He rushed four times for 30 yards and caught both of his targets for 13 yards. It's the playoffs. Every roster spot should matter. Handcuff your studs.
Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
My preseason hype pick has finally taken off, and just in time for the playoffs. He has seen double-digit targets three weeks in a row now. On Sunday, he caught eight of eleven targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. He has seen 12,12, and 11 targets in the last three games. He is shaping up as a WR2/Flex play against Atlanta next week.
Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills
With Cole Beasley now out Sunday for COVID. Gabe Davis looks to build off his huge performance. He caught five of seven targets for 85 yards and two touchdowns and looks to keep up his hot streak against the New England Patriots.
Marquez Calloway, New Orleans Saints
Ok, I did not see this result coming. 9-0! Calloway had a great game catching six of nine passes for 112 yards. This was his most targeted game, and he gets a Miami next. Calloway lines up as a WR3 play next week.
Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Chris Godwin done for the season, and Mike Evans week to week, Tyler Johnson steps in with Antonio Brown as the top two wide receivers. He only caught four of seven targets for 41 yards, but expect him to be busy against Carolina next week.
Tight Ends
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
Cole Kmet has been all over the place this season, but with Travis Kelce now on Covid, and Darren Waller still injured, this may be your semifinal dart throw at Seattle. Kmet will get you anywhere from two to 14 points. Wide range, but worth a risk.
Albert Okwuegbunam, Denver Broncos
Noah Fant is the TE1 in Denver, but Albert has been eating into the target share of late. He caught three of four targets for 58 yards and scored a touchdown the week prior. He lines up to play the Raiders next week.