NFL Divisional Round Fantasy Picks: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Rams vs Buccaneers in NFL Playoffs

The NFL's slate of Divisional Round matchups includes an NFC showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. FanDuel Sportsbook is favoring the Buccaneers as the 3-point home favorites.

If you need some help with your fantasy lineups, here's some start 'em, sit 'em advice for this NFC Divisional Round showdown.

Odell Beckham Jr. Fantasy

Start Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Los Angeles Rams: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was nothing short of dominant against the Arizona Cardinals last weekend. The eighth-year pro hauled in all 4 of his targets for 54 yards and 1 touchdown, while also throwing a pass for 40 yards. Beckham simply cannot stop scoring as a Ram. He has reached the end zone six times across eight starts in LA and has seen six red zone targets over the last four weeks. The Buccaneers' pass defense has been improving, yet it still allowed the fourth-most receptions to opposing WRs this season (235). Beckham should be able to find the open gaps on Sunday.

Tom Brady Fantasy

Start Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It shouldn't come as a shock that quarterback Tom Brady looked unbeatable in another NFL playoff game. The 44-year-old picked apart the Philadelphia Eagles to the tune of 271 passing yards and 2 touchdowns (0 interceptions). He is now set to face a Rams defense that he torched back in Week 3 for 432 yards. Yes, he did throw the ball a season-high 55 times in that game. However, head coach Bruce Arians should keep leaning on the pass against a Rams' defense that posted the fifth-best rush defense DVOA rating in the NFL. That bodes well for Brady in fantasy.

Sony Michel Fantasy

Sit Sony Michel, RB, Los Angeles Rams: It's tough to find someone worth sitting on the Rams' offense given it is running like a well-oiled machine as of late. When it comes down to it, Sony Michel is the No. 2 running back on this team, though. He played in 40% of the offensive snaps during the Wild Card Round and saw 13 carries. Meanwhile, Cam Akers saw 17 carries and played in 53% of the offensive snaps. It's worth noting that the Buccaneers have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game this season (92.7). Michel doesn't play any kind of role in the passing attack with Akers back and that leaves him with very little upside against Tampa Bay.

Tyler Johnson Fantasy

Sit Tyler Johnson, Wr, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: There is not a wide receiver on Tampa Bay worth targeting in fantasy football outside of Mike Evans. Second-year pro Tyler Johnson finished with the second-most targets amongst TB WRs against the Eagles (3), but finished the game with only 30 receiving yards. In fact, Johnson hasn't surpassed 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 8. The Rams have been stout against opposing WRs, giving up just 10 receiving touchdowns to the position overall (T-No. 2 in NFL). That leaves little room for Johnson to have a big game. Look for Brady to prioritize getting Evans and Rob Gronkowksi the ball as much as possible.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. 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 their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.