In what could be the standout game of the wild card round, the Buffalo Bills head to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars in the playoffs. The Bills are slight favorites, just 1.5 points ahead, and the total points line is notably high at 52.5, marking a six-point difference.
In their last seven games, the Jaguars’ defense has gone up against a variety of quarterbacks including Cam Ward (who’s injured), Brandon Allen, Philip Rivers, and others. While Nix and Brissett managed to throw for over 300 yards, they were mostly contained otherwise. It is worth mentioning that Geno Smith and Davis Mills performed well against them, while Joe Burrow faced injury in Week 2. Although the Jaguars’ defense is solid, they haven’t faced many elite quarterbacks recently.
Now, let’s highlight some top DFS plays for this wild-card game.
Josh Allen, QB, Bills (FLEX $13,400, CPT $20,100)
Allen is a popular pick for the captain spot, largely due to his knack for rushing touchdowns amidst the Jaguars’ strong defense against running backs. If the Bills hope to advance in the playoffs, they will rely heavily on Allen’s scoring abilities.
He does have some injury concerns going into this match, but he rested in Week 18. It might not make him 100% healthy, but I believe he’ll give his all in this game. Among all players, Allen likely has the highest fantasy potential. If he can hit those four or five touchdowns like he often does, he’s essential for any winning lineup.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars (FLEX $12,400, CPT $18,600)
Lawrence has been improving notably as the season progressed, contributing both through the air and on the ground. His rushing ability positions him well for the captain role, and his fantasy output has certainly climbed compared to earlier in the season. With four rushing touchdowns in the last four games, and a total of nine this season, it’s clear both quarterbacks have a lot to offer.
Parker Washington, WR, Jaguars (FLEX $10,400, CPT $15,600)
I chose Washington over Travis Etienne, mainly because the Bills are missing cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Running might be easier for the Bills, but Washington has been heavily targeted lately, with 9, 10, and 10 looks in his last three games, converting those opportunities into fantasy points of 17.2, 18, and 26.5. While Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Brenton Strange are also noteworthy targets, it’s hard to ignore how well Washington has been performing, especially with the Bills struggling in pass coverage.
Brenton Strange, TE, Jaguars (FLEX $7,000, CPT $10,500)
Strange has been a reliable fantasy contributor lately, scoring twice in his last three games. He still needs that touchdown to be truly impactful, but he’s managed over 50 receiving yards in his past two outings.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Bills (FLEX $7,400, CPT $11,000)
Kincaid is pushing through an injury but played well in his last game and should be on the field this weekend. He’s developed great chemistry with Josh Allen throughout the season. While injuries have hindered his recent output, I think the team has been working to get Kincaid right for the playoffs, which bodes well for his performance.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Bills (FLEX $5,800, CPT $8,700)
The Bills are still searching for a reliable deep threat, and Cooks showed his potential by catching 4 out of 6 passes for 101 yards in Week 17 against the Eagles. Given that he rested in Week 18, he seems to be in a good position to make an impact in the first round of the playoffs.
