Divisional Round Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings
We rank every quarterback for the Divisional Round and explain who to start, who to sit and why.
The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is just a couple days away. It's time to start ranking fantasy football options for the week, and we'll begin with the quarterback position.
Check back later for rankings at the running back, wide receiver and tight end spots.
Use the FantasySP start/sit tool to help determine the best options for the Divisional Round.
1. Josh Allen
Allen is banged up going into the Divisional Round, so hopefully he's able to play through his ailments and they don't impact him too much.
He's too good of a fantasy asset to not take in the top spot, regardless of the matchup. Allen's test against the Broncos is tough, as Denver allows just 14 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The teams have not met this season.
He was great last week against Jacksonville, which was an average matchup. Even in tough matchups, Allen is not one to worry about. Expect big things out of the dual-threat quarterback.
Stafford has the best fantasy matchup of the week for a quarterback, getting the Bears.
Chicago allows 19 fantasy points per game, and was torched by Jordan Love last week. The teams have not faced off yet this season.
Stafford was stellar last week against the Panthers, who are a much tougher matchup on paper. He's delivered week after week this season, which makes him that much easier to trust.
Expect big things from the Rams' offense and Stafford in the Divisional Round.
3. Drake Maye
Maye gets the No. 3 ranking going into a brutal matchup against the Texans.
Houston only allowed 13 fantasy points per game during the regular season. They locked up the Steelers' offense in the Wild Card Round. Maye and the Pats have not faced the Steelers this season either.
The Chargers were a similarly tough matchup, and Maye had 268 passing yards, a score and a pick against them in the first round. Maye had 66 rushing yards as well, but also fumbled once.
Maye has delivered all season, so despite the tougher test, I'm going to keep trusting him. That's why he gets the No. 3 ranking.
4. Brock Purdy
Purdy slides to the No. 4 ranking heading into another test against the Seahawks.
Seattle is another tough test on a fantasy QB, allowing just 14 fantasy points per contest this season. Purdy fared better against Seattle back in week 1, but struggled against the Seahawks in week 18.
In week 1, Purdy threw for 277 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed for 17 yards. In week 18, Purdy had just 127 passing yards, no touchdowns and an interception, while rushing for 21 yards.
Purdy fared pretty well last week, even while throwing two interceptions. Things will be tough against Seattle, especially down George Kittle, who is out with a torn Achilles, but I'd still trust Purdy to put together a good fantasy outing.
Williams gets my No. 5 ranking for the next round of the postseason.
His matchup against the Rams is just below average, with LA allowing 16 fantasy points per contest.
Williams wasn't super efficient in the opening round, but with a big second half (especially fourth quarter) he ended up with a big fantasy day. It's tough to trust Williams with some of his inconsistencies, but in a decent matchup, he's a fine option for the upcoming round.
6. Bo Nix
Nix gets my No. 6 ranking heading into a tough test against the Bills.
Buffalo is allowing 13 fantasy points per game on the season. Nix has faced his fair share of tough matchups this season, and he delivered enough to trust at this ranking.
Getting last week off was a chance for Nix and the Broncos to rest, but it also can lead to some rustiness in the first game back. That's why he ranks where he does for me this week.
7. Sam Darnold
Darnold gets the No. 7 spot in my book going into a battle with the Niners.
San Fran is a slightly above-average matchup, allowing 17 fantasy points per contest. In week 1, Darnold threw for 150 yards, rushed for 14, didn't have a touchdown and lost a fumble. In week 18, Darnold had 198 passing yards, nine rushing yards, but again no touchdowns - just no turnovers.
So while the matchup is good on paper, Darnold hasn't delivered much in it, and that plays a big role in why I'm ranking him where I am. He's just tough to trust, so look elsewhere for a fantasy QB if you can.
8. C.J. Stroud
Stroud is my last-ranked fantasy QB for the Divisional Round as he prepares for the Patriots.
New England is a below-average matchup, giving up 15 fantasy points per game this season.
Stroud did enough to help the Texans past the Steelers in the first round, but he didn't play that well. He threw for 250 yards, but it took 32 passing attempts, and he had just one touchdown and a pick. Stroud was sacked three times, didn't add any rushing yards and fumbled five times (losing two).
He's just too risky to trust in such a big game. I have him ranked last for a reason.
