The first week of the fantasy football playoffs is underway, and team managers are making key decisions on their starting lineups. This period is often marked by a debate between relying on season-long performers or opting for players with favorable matchups.
Each week, three recommended starters at every position are highlighted, along with a waiver-wire option and a spotlight on one Atlanta Falcons player per section.
Among running backs, RJ Harvey faces the Green Bay Packers after back-to-back top-five finishes and remains central to Denver’s backfield workload. Woody Marks, now Houston’s primary running back since Week 10, is coming off a strong performance and will play against an Arizona defense that allows significant points to opposing backs. Aaron Jones Sr., who has struggled to find the end zone this season, could benefit from his receiving role when Green Bay visits Dallas.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is suggested as a waiver pickup due to his role as Washington’s goal-line back in a favorable matchup against the New York Giants.
For Atlanta, Bijan Robinson meets Tampa Bay. “The Buccaneers have been a difficult defense to run against, and they held Robinson to just 24 yards in Week 1. However, Robinson caught six passes for 100 yards and a touchdown in that game and could see similar action as a receiver on Thursday night.”
Wide receiver recommendations include Michael Wilson of Arizona at Houston after recent high target volume; Wan’Dale Robinson of the Giants facing Washington’s weak secondary; and Jauan Jennings of San Francisco against Tennessee following consistent touchdown production. Jayden Higgins is named as a waiver option for Houston’s matchup with Arizona.
With Drake London out for Atlanta this week, Darnell Mooney becomes their top receiving threat: “With Drake London officially ruled out for Thursday night, Mooney enters this matchup as Atlanta’s top receiver on paper. The returns have not been there yet this season, but Mooney did finish as a top 10 fantasy receiver in both of his games against Tampa Bay last year.”
At tight end, Harold Fannin Jr., Jake Ferguson (Dallas), and Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo) are highlighted based on recent performances and matchups. Isaiah Likely (Baltimore) is listed as the preferred waiver pickup after stepping up in previous meetings with Cincinnati.
Kyle Pitts draws attention for Atlanta: “Pitts is coming off his best two-game stretch since his rookie year, and caught two touchdowns the last time he played in Tampa Bay. Although he’s questionable for Thursday night, he should be heavily involved if he suits up.”
Quarterback picks include Lamar Jackson (Baltimore) at Cincinnati following a bounce-back performance; Jaxson Dart (Houston) against Washington; Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville) versus the Jets; and Tyler Shough (Houston) as an under-the-radar waiver choice after several top-12 finishes recently.
Kirk Cousins is featured for Atlanta: “Cousins finished as QB1 and QB3 for fantasy in his two games against the Buccaneers in 2024. Although he won’t have Drake London for this Thursday night matchup, there’s a little bit of a track record of success against Todd Bowles’ defense.”
The article aims to help fantasy managers navigate critical roster choices during playoff time while giving particular attention each week to relevant players from the Atlanta Falcons.