Super Bowl LX is a mere two weeks away, but there’s still plenty to decide on the field. Sunday’s Conference Championship game matchups get started in Denver. In the AFC, second-seeded New England will hope to take down a Broncos squad missing quarterback Bo Nix. Later, NFC West rivals meet for the third time this season when the Seahawks host the Rams.
With just three games left on the NFL calendar this postseason, the time is now to set some DFS lineups. Still, that’s easier said than done with only two matchups on tap for Sunday. Here are three low-cost players to target before kickoff this weekend.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.75M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]
WR Pat Bryant, Denver Broncos vs. NE ($4,400)
Lost in the shuffle of a dramatic Broncos win last week was the play of Pat Bryant. The wide receiver snagged three catches for 32 yards in the first quarter alone. However, a concussion moments later ended his day before halftime. That level of production, while a small sample size, is difficult to ignore. The rookie has come on strong in recent weeks, emerging as a reliable pass catcher for Denver. He’s tallied at least four receptions in four of his last six appearances. That includes last weekend’s injury-shortened outing vs. Buffalo.
Going up against a stout Patriots defense is a challenge on its own. Doing so with backup Jarrett Stidham ($4,500) under center makes things even more difficult. Regardless, that also increases the likelihood that the Broncos find themselves trailing. Should that occur, they’ll need to throw the ball more than usual. It’s also worth noting that New England has surrendered 17 touchdowns to wide receivers. That’s tied for the seventh-highest mark in football. Even if Bryant doesn’t reach the end zone, he should remain productive this afternoon.
RB George Holani, Seattle Seahawks vs. LAR ($4,000)
In a devastating blow for the Seahawks, Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury last Saturday vs. San Francisco. As a result, Kenneth Walker III ($6,200) is expected to gobble up most of the touches for Seattle. Still, there’s room for more than one running back to produce tonight. If anyone else is going to get some carries, it’s likely George Holani. The second-year pro has done most of his work on special teams. Still, through 11 games he’s recorded 24 touches for 88 total yards and a touchdown.
That’s not much of a track record to go off of, but it’s something. No other healthy running back besides Walker has handled more than five carries for Seattle. The Rams are no pushovers up front; at this point in the postseason, nobody is. Still, there should be some room to operate in the run game. In addition, Los Angeles has given up the NFL’s fifth-most receiving yards (650) to opposing running backs. Given the lack of low-cost options at the position, Holani could be a worthwhile dart throw.
TE Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams at SEA ($3,500)
We’ll stay in the Pacific Northwest, where the Rams are hoping to pick up a road win. That won’t be easy against an elite Seahawks defense. This is a true battle of strength against strength; Seattle’s secondary vs. Los Angeles’ passing game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford ($6,300) has forged impressive connections with wideouts Puka Nacua ($9,000) and Davante Adams ($6,000). However, against a defense of this caliber, it’s unrealistic to expect both players to dominate. Should that occur, another target might emerge for LA.
The likeliest candidate would be Colby Parkinson. When healthy, the sixth-year pro has established himself as Los Angeles’ leading tight end. Through 15 games this season, the veteran has recorded 43 catches for 408 yards and eight touchdowns. If there’s any weakness on this Seahawks defense, its over the middle. Seattle is giving up the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Parkinson has tallied at least 11.0 fantasy points in three of his last four outings. A similar showing on Sunday would be a welcome sight for fantasy managers.
