The emotional victory of the Los Angeles Rams and five additional lessons learned from the NFL playoffs’ wild-card round

The NFL Divisional Playoffs are one of the most exciting and high-stakes weekends of the season. With only eight teams remaining in the hunt for the championship, fantasy football owners are focused on making the right picks for their playoff fantasy football teams. As we dive into the Divisional Round of the 2024-2025 NFL season, there’s no better time for an all-star fantasy lineup than this crucial stage of the postseason.

In the high-pressure setting of the playoffs, every fantasy football manager is looking to maximize their points and make the right selections, especially in a “One and Done” format. For those unfamiliar, the “One and Done” format allows managers to choose a player for each playoff round but locks that player out for the remainder of the postseason. This strategy requires careful thought, not only in choosing the best players but also in considering the playoff matchups and the likelihood of advancing to the next round.

This article will break down an optimal Divisional Round Fantasy Football Playoff Lineup with insights from Fabs, a well-known fantasy football expert, providing recommendations based on player performance, matchups, and potential upside. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy player or new to the world of playoff fantasy football, these picks will guide you toward crafting a winning roster.

Quarterback: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, is a must-have for fantasy football owners during the NFL Divisional Round. The Bills are facing off against a tough opponent in the Ravens, but Allen’s combination of passing ability, mobility, and potential to rack up points on the ground makes him one of the most valuable quarterbacks in the playoffs.

Why Josh Allen?

Allen is the quintessential dual-threat quarterback. He can throw the ball deep, pick apart defenses with his strong arm, and scramble for yards when plays break down. His rushing ability gives him a higher floor compared to other quarterbacks who only rely on passing yards, making him a high-upside play in a “One and Done” format. In addition, the Bills’ offense is explosive, and Allen is the centerpiece, ensuring that he’ll get plenty of opportunities to produce fantasy points.

• Rushing Production: Allen’s ability to gain yards on the ground adds another dimension to his fantasy appeal. Expect him to contribute with at least 30-50 rushing yards, potentially scoring a rushing touchdown.
• High-Volume Passing: With a solid supporting cast of receivers including Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and Dawson Knox, Allen is primed for a high-volume passing game.
• Postseason Experience: Allen has already proven his mettle in the playoffs and will thrive under the pressure of a Divisional Round matchup.

Verdict: Allen’s ability to score through both the air and on the ground makes him the safest and highest-upside quarterback pick for the Divisional Round. He is poised for another strong performance in the postseason, and locking him in for this round is a great choice.

Running Back: Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a surprise run in the playoffs, and Travis Etienne has been a major part of that success. As the lead back in Jacksonville’s offense, Etienne is in a prime position to deliver big fantasy points in the Divisional Round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Why Travis Etienne?

Etienne has been an incredibly dynamic and explosive player for the Jaguars this season, consistently gaining yards both in the running and receiving game. He’s a great dual-threat back who can produce on early downs and contribute in the passing game, making him a valuable asset in fantasy football. His ability to break off long runs makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

• High Volume: Etienne is expected to get a large share of touches in this game, especially in a high-scoring contest against Kansas City. With the Jaguars potentially playing catch-up, expect Etienne to be heavily involved in the passing game, catching short passes out of the backfield.
• Game Script: The Jaguars may find themselves playing from behind, leading to more pass-catching opportunities for Etienne.
• Explosiveness: Etienne has the ability to break long runs and score touchdowns from anywhere on the field, making him a high-upside option for fantasy managers.

Verdict: Travis Etienne is one of the most undervalued players in the Divisional Round. His ability to gain yards both on the ground and through the air provides a high fantasy ceiling, and he will be a key factor in Jacksonville’s offensive game plan.

Wide Receiver: Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills)

Stefon Diggs is one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL, and his chemistry with quarterback Josh Allen is one of the most lethal in the league. As the Bills’ top target, Diggs is primed to deliver in the Divisional Round matchup against the Ravens.

Why Stefon Diggs?

Diggs is a volume receiver who consistently sees a high number of targets in crucial games. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch makes him an ideal fantasy option, especially in high-stakes playoff games. With Allen at quarterback, Diggs has a significant advantage against a Baltimore defense that may struggle to contain his route-running ability.

• Target Share: Diggs is the clear No. 1 target in Buffalo’s offense, and he’s one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL when it comes to receiving volume.
• Explosive Plays: He’s capable of making big plays downfield, and his ability to turn short catches into long gains gives him a high ceiling.
• Playoff Experience: Diggs has proven himself as a reliable playmaker in big moments, which makes him an even more valuable asset in the playoffs.

Verdict: Stefon Diggs is a must-start for fantasy managers looking to dominate the Divisional Round. His consistency and ability to create explosive plays make him a top-tier fantasy option.

Wide Receiver: A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles)

The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the most well-balanced teams in the league, and A.J. Brown has been a key factor in their offensive success. In their Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Brown has the potential to be a game-changer.

Why A.J. Brown?

Brown’s ability to be a physical and dominant receiver makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. With quarterback Jalen Hurts at the helm, Brown has developed a strong connection that leads to big plays downfield. The 49ers’ defense has been stellar all season, but they will have their hands full with Brown’s size, speed, and ability to win contested catches.

• Physicality: Brown’s size and strength make him difficult to cover, and he can beat defensive backs both deep and in the short-to-medium range.
• Volume: With Hurts healthy, Brown should see plenty of targets in a critical playoff game.
• Big-Play Threat: Brown is always a threat to make a big play, which is critical in fantasy football. His yards per catch and ability to score long touchdowns give him a high ceiling.

Verdict: A.J. Brown is a strong play for the Divisional Round. His ability to dominate the game and provide big fantasy points with long touchdowns makes him one of the top wide receivers to target.

Tight End: Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)

In the world of fantasy football, there are few tight ends as reliable and dominant as Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. With the Chiefs facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round, Kelce is set to have another monster performance.

Why Travis Kelce?

Kelce is one of the top fantasy players in the postseason year after year. He is the primary weapon in the Chiefs’ offense and consistently sees a high number of targets from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kelce’s ability to stretch the field, create mismatches with defenders, and score touchdowns makes him a must-have in playoff fantasy lineups.

• Target Share: Kelce is consistently the top target in Kansas City’s offense, especially in key situations.
• Red Zone Threat: Kelce is Mahomes’ go-to option in the red zone, making him a prime candidate for touchdowns.
• Consistency: Kelce has been one of the most reliable fantasy tight ends for years, and his performance in the playoffs is always dependable.

Verdict: Travis Kelce is a must-start in the Divisional Round. His combination of consistent targets, red zone usage, and ability to produce big plays makes him the top tight end for fantasy managers.

Flex: Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)

Christian McCaffrey is a fantasy football favorite, and for good reason. The San Francisco 49ers running back is a true dual-threat, capable of contributing both in the running game and the passing game. In the Divisional Round matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, McCaffrey will be a key part of the 49ers’ offense.

Why Christian McCaffrey?

McCaffrey’s ability to make plays in both the rushing and receiving game makes him an incredibly valuable asset in a fantasy playoff lineup. His versatility and high usage make him a top-tier fantasy option. Against a tough Eagles defense, McCaffrey will be leaned upon heavily to create offense for the 49ers.

• Dual-Threat Ability: McCaffrey can rack up yards both on the ground and through the air, giving him high upside in PPR formats.
• Volume: McCaffrey is expected to see a heavy workload, especially in a tight playoff game where every possession counts.
• Explosive Plays: McCaffrey’s ability to break off long runs and catch passes out of the backfield gives him a high ceiling in fantasy football.

Verdict: Christian McCaffrey is a solid flex play for the Divisional Round. His ability to contribute in multiple ways and his high usage rate make him a high-upside option for fantasy owners.