4 NFL FanDuel Studs to Target in the Divisional Round

As is the case when playing any sport on FanDuel, it’s imperative to hit on the high-priced players in your lineup. They require a big chunk of your salary, and when paying up for a player, you shouldn’t have to worry about him letting down your lineup.

Heading into the second weekend of the NFL postseason, here are four studs who should prove to be worth their high price tag.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

FanDuel Price: $8,600
Projected Points: 24.1

On this Saturday-to-Sunday slate, there's only one game total higher than 50.0 points, and it's no surprise that the Kansas City Chiefs lead the way with an implied team total of a robust 30.25 points.

If there's one thing we know, the Chiefs certainly like to toss the rock. Their 1.60 pass-to-run ratio is 10th-highest in the league, and Patrick Mahomes is a pretty efficient passer. His 0.31 Passing Net Expected Points (NEP) per drop back is second to only Lamar Jackson in 2019 among quarterbacks with 150 or more drop backs.

Now, consider who he's facing as he's up against a Houston Texans defense -- which add J.J. Watt back into the fold last week -- that ranks 24th against the pass this season.

It's no surprise we have Mahomes slotted with the second-highest score of this weekend, so invest with confidence.

Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans

FanDuel Price: $9,600
Projected Points: 18.4

As the Tennessee Titans keep chugging along, it's a good bet that Derrick Henry will be heavily featured in the offensive attack. This week's Divisional Round should be no different.

After knocking off the mighty New England Patriots, Tennessee will try to turn the screws again -- this time against the 14-2 Baltimore Ravens.

While Baltimore's defense has been outstanding this year, one weak spot has been their rushing D. They ranked only 21st against the run, according to our per-play metrics, a far cry from their fourth-ranked pass defense.

In terms of rushing volume, this Baltimore defense has gotten beat up pretty good at times. They've allowed eight teams to rush for 100 or more yards against them. Expect another big day from Henry, who should see all the touches he can handle as long as the Titans keep the game close.

Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

FanDuel Price: $7,900
Projected Points: 17.7

As we mentioned in the Mahomes section, the Chiefs look to be in a smash spot this weekend, and it's an offense that likes to throw. That could mean for a breakout day for Tyreek Hill and the Chiefs' receiving corps.

Houston allowed the 12th-most FanDuel points per game to wideouts this year. With such a porous pass defense to attack, Hill could go off.

Hill himself roasted this secondary for 80 receiving yards and 2 scores, and he finished the season with a massive 38% air yards share, per AirYards.com. Expect a banner performance from the speedy wide receiver.

Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens

FanDuel Price: $6,800
Projected Points: 13.4

As we scope the tight end landscape for this weekend, there are three big players -- Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews) -- who are worth your consideration. By our projections, they are the only ones we have pegged for double-digit FanDuel points.

Let's focus on Andrews, although all three are quality plays this weekend.

Andrews' 98 targets and 22.3% target market share are by far best on the team, and while Baltimore sports a rush heavy attack (0.79 pass-to-run ratio), they are highly efficient when they do throw it. Their passing offense ranks as the league's best, per our metrics.

Now, peep the soft spot of the Tennessee defense, which tight ends. They've allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to the position (13.7 points per game), and the Ravens carry a juicy 28.00 point implied team total.

Andrews is a great stacking partner with Lamar Jackson, and he's the focal point of this passing game.

Matt Kupferle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Matt Kupferle also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username MKupferle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.