:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48575149/usa-today-9036453.0.jpg)
The Divisional round is upon us, we've got a few great games on a tight slate. My Texans stack from last week didn't pay off, but we're starting fresh here in round 2.
Quarterback
Carson Palmer $8,900
Palmer is going to be heavily owned this week as the Arizona Cardinals host the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay looked pretty good against a Washington team that had struggled against good competition all year. This week, though, Green Bay is overmatched. If you're willing to write off the Cardinals last game, and I am, you'll be looking to play several Cardinals this week. Palmer has all the upside you could hope for going against the 2nd weakest defense playing this weekend.
Peyton Manning $7,000
This is the ‘why not' pick of the weekend. Manning and the Broncos eked out a win to claim the #1 seed, and I am not picking Manning here because I think we might see 350 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, The Steelers defense can be had, and Manning could dink and dunk his way to a good performance at a bargain price. With the name-cache and the low price, I think Peyton will fairly highly owned, but if you want to save a nickel at quarterback, I'd roll with ole Pey-ton.
Running Back
David Johnson $8,500
For the 2nd leg of the running theme here this week, David Johnson is the running back with the clearest path to production on perhaps the best offense going. After being eased in, then taking over after a few injuries, the rookie has shown he is quite more than just a capable back. The Cardinals have garnered excellent production from their backfield all year, and I think that continues this week against the Pack.
James White $6,500
James White fits in to the story I am telling myself about the Patriots v Chiefs game. The Pats offensive line is in shambles, and Brady is suffering for it. The Pats can either try to pound the rock or run the screen game to slow down KC, and I'm putting my eggs in the dump-off basket. White is talented enough to take advantage of the opportunity if it materializes, and I think that's how this one is going to play out.
Wide Receiver
Emmanuel Sanders $7,700
Both Broncos wide-outs have great after the catch ability. With Sanders priced at a fairly reasonable $7,700, I like his chances to pay off his price. Pittsburgh has plenty of holes on defense, and even if we see just a few passes, Sanders is a threat to stack up some great yardage after the catch. The holdup here, like with my next pick, is that the guy opposite Sanders has just as likely a chance to go off and suck up all the yards.
John Brown $6,700
I won't talk you out of any Cardinals receiver this week, and that is the biggest problem for the big 3 in Arizona. I expect the Cardinals to be this week's top scoring team, but figuring out who will end up with that scoring production at the end of the game has been a crapshoot all year. I'll take my chance on John Brown because he's come through for me all year. Great analysis, I know.
Tight End
Greg Olsen $6,500
Going with Old Greg here. He's been steady all year, and the Panthers receiver corps is coming in to this one banged up. Olsen has that low ceiling and safe floor. This week, his price makes him the best option not name Rob Gronkowski.
Defense
Seattle Seahawks $4,700
It's tough to bet against the Panthers, but I can't get over how good the Seahawks looked closing out the season. The ‘Hawks are playing with house money now, all the pressure is on Carolina. Both the Panthers and the Seahawks are great teams this year, and I can't wait to watch this one. I expect both defenses to bring the wood, and I'm hoping Seattle can contain Newton and rack up a few sacks in a low scoring game for me.