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FanDuel Wild Card Round Picks

Top Plays for FanDuel Cash Games and Tournaments

Welcome to the postseason!

After a season full of breaking down cash and tournament picks, I’ll lean into the tournament side this postseason.

Head-to-head and 50/50 contests will bring tons of overlap. To a degree, tournaments will look similar -- but as always, that's where the big prize money will be made.

Good luck this weekend, and enjoy the action.

FanDuel Wild Card Quarterbacks

Jayden Daniels, Commanders ($8,400) at Buccaneers

Remember Daniels’ mid-season rib injury? 

While some brief turbulence followed, he’s still the QB5 in fantasy scoring since then. He’s hit 28 FD points in four of his past five games. 

The rookie was removed early from Week 18 due to leg soreness – nothing to be concerned with this weekend.

The Bucs enter banged up in the secondary, while they’ve faced the second-highest pass-rate over expected against this season. With Tampa expected to win this game, Daniels could also have the benefit of extra late-game throws/scrambles.

Also consider: Josh Allen, Bo Nix, Sam Darnold

FanDuel Wild Card Running Backs

Saquon Barkley, Eagles ($9,600) vs. Packers

Barkley is priced $200 cheaper than Derrick Henry. Perhaps that makes Henry lower-owned, but our projections – both baseline and ceiling – give the slight edge to the Eagle.

Barkley projects for an enormous workload, especially with Jalen Hurts coming off a concussion. On the year, Barkley notched 23.6 touches per game (vs. 20.2 for Henry).

Meanwhile, the Packers present a neutral fantasy matchup. They’re also seventh in rush defense DVOA; but way down at 24th in PFF’s rush defense grades. 

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers ($7,600) vs. Commanders

On strictly a value basis, Irving is the top RB play. But he also turns up tied for third among Wild Card RBs in ceiling projection.

Irving played a season-high 70% snap share in Week 18. His carry share (60%) marked his second-highest total over his past five games.

Clearly, he’s taken over this backfield. And he’s delivered with 15+ FD points in seven of his past eight. Washington sets up as a neutral fantasy matchup, but it’s easy to find 15+ touches for the rookie.

Also in my player pool: Derrick Henry, Kyren Williams, Joe Mixon, Jaylen Warren

FanDuel Wild Card Wide Receivers

Nico Collins, Texans ($8,500) vs. Chargers

If the Texans win on Saturday, it’s likely because of a big effort from Collins.

He rested for most of Week 18 but managed to snag all 5 targets for 38 yards and 1 score in a brief cameo. Collins remains one of the best scoring bets at the position, having garnered nearly one end zone target per game across 12 appearances.

On the year, he’s posted an elite 2.92 yards per route run.

The Chargers’ season-long numbers look strong on defense. But over the past six weeks, L.A. ranks outside the top-10 in points allowed, passing yards per game allowed, and sacks.

Ladd McConkey, Chargers ($7,500) at Texans

First off, I expect McConkey to see some of top CB Derek Stingley. As for a 100% shadow situation –  consider it unlikely, based on the Texans’ prior usage.

One thing’s clear: McConkey and Justin Herbert developed an excellent connection in 2024. The rookie tallied a 82-1,149-7 line on a 73.2% catch rate.

With J.K. Dobbins banged up, this offense could flow through McConkey – particularly if Houston’s able to put up points.

Jordan Addison, Vikings ($6,800) at Rams

I love Justin Jefferson…but he can be tough to fit in at $9.2K. Addison supplies a $2,400 discount and flashed a high-end ceiling prior to a Week 18 dud.

From Week 14-17, the second-year pro hit 8 targets and 5 catches in each game. Now he gets a Rams unit that’s 25th in pass defense DVOA; 23rd in PFF’s coverage grades.

Also in my player pool: Mike Evans, Puka Nacua, Jayden Reed, DeVonta Smith, Terry McLaurin, George Pickens, Jalen McMillan

FanDuel Wild Card Tight Ends

Mark Andrews, Ravens ($6,200) vs. Steelers

Among TEs, Andrews leads the slate in baseline and ceiling projection. He enters the postseason with TDs in six straight.

Scoring upside certainly remains against Pittsburgh. The Ravens will be without Zay Flowers, whose absence removes a 26% target share. Baltimore also carries the third-highest implied team total of the week (26.5).

Also in my player pool: Isaiah Likely, T.J. Hockenson, Zach Ertz

FanDuel Wild Card Defenses

Minnesota Vikings ($4,100) at Rams

The Vikings finished top-five as a fantasy defense. They slotted first in INTs, fourth in sacks, and ninth in pressure rate.

The Rams were able to rest for Week 18, but it’s notable that Matt Stafford’s play dipped over the final few games. Barring a resurgence from Cooper Kupp, this passing game looks weaker with only Puka Nacua supplying a major receiving threat.

Lastly: This game will now take place in a neutral location (Arizona). The Rams are 2.5-point underdogs, with just an OK implied team total of 22.75.

Also in my player pool: Rams, Chargers

Kevin English, Senior Analyst

Kevin brings 15 years of experience as a fantasy analyst and mid-stakes competitor across various formats (redraft, best ball, dynasty, DFS). His work has been featured on The Mercury News, Rotoworld, and FantasyPros.