Wildcard Round Fantasy Rankings

In my previous article, I discussed Playoff Fantasy Leagues which require you to keep the same squad for the entire playoffs. Today, we’re going to discuss leagues where you can only use each player once (one-play leagues) and general rankings for the wildcard round only. As always, if you have any questions, comment below or message me on Instagram @TheFantasyFirstDown. You can also check out my full rankings at ffdfantasyfootball.com and you can find my long-form videos on the Fantasy First Down Youtube channel.

Quarterback Rankings

Note: * represents an underdog, ** represents a significant underdog

There’s no surprises in the quarterback rankings, with the usual studs in the top five but there is certainly some sleeper value to be found. Bo Nix has been very effective of late and will have to chase the Bills while I expect some more rushing from him than usual. Matthew Stafford meanwhile faces the juicy Vikings secondary, though he has struggled to regularly produce making him a risky option. My favorite one-use option is Jayden Daniels, who is likely playing his only game and gets an excellent matchup against the Buccaneers.

Running Back Rankings

Note: * represents an underdog, ** represents a significant underdog

There’s no surprises at the top of the rankings while Bucky Irving gets a smash matchup against the Commanders. There are rarely good running back matchups in the playoffs, but the Bills have really struggled to stop the run this season. That makes Jaleel McLaughlin a risky upside play in a deep one-play league. My preferred one-play options are Kyren Williams and Josh Jacobs while Joe Mixon is a very solid option too.

Wide Receiver Rankings

Note: * represents an underdog, ** represents a significant underdog

The wide receiver position is alarmingly shallow in this year’s playoffs meaning you’ll likely need to take some risks, regardless of your league type. Puka Nacua gets by far the best matchup in facing the Vikings and is a fantastic one-play option. Even Cooper Kupp is viable in deeper leagues where you need to risk leaving some guys for next week. Ladd McConkey and Terry McLaurin are both very good starts too and I would heavily consider them and Nico Collins over AJ Brown based on his injury risk this week. George Pickens and Marvin Mims are meanwhile solid deeper options in one-play leagues with plenty of upside.

Tight End Rankings

Note: * represents an underdog, ** represents a significant underdog

The vast majority of leagues would require you to start only one tight end each week meaning, if you drafted Travis Kelce or Sam LaPorta, you might need a streamer. If Zach Ertz or Pat Freiermuth are available, they’re my favorites, though I also think Tucker Kraft and Tyler Higbee have sneaky upside. Meanwhile in a one-play league, you can easily play out your starts, using Zach Ertz in Week 1, leaving you with any three of Mark Andrews, Kelce, LaPorta and TJ Hockenson.

DST and Kicker Rankings

There’s nothing to say here. Take the highest ranked player available to you, period.

Good luck this Wildcard Weekend! As always, if you have any questions, please comment below or if you need a quick answer, message me on Instagram @TheFantasyFirstDown.