The best way to cash on weekly fantasy football sites is to load up on as many stars with good matchups as possible. Due to budget restraints, however, fantasy players must sacrifice other positions to nab the stars they want. The NFL playoffs have arrived, limiting the available talent pool, so the “bargains” around this time are less plentiful. That’s why we will simply be pointing out great matchups, even if they’re more expensive than the players tend to be in these guides.

Quarterbacks

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers ($6,400): It’s scary to try and lean on someone who has been orchestrating such a pathetic offense of late, but looking at the available QBs, and the defenses they are playing, it doesn’t make sense to shy away from Rodgers.

Russell Wilson Dealing With Drama At The Worst Possible Time

Talent-wise he’s still the best QB available, talent-wise, in the Wildcard round of the playoffs, and most of the other pass defenses rank in the Top 10. The Redskins? They’re 19th in the NFL against the pass. If there’s any QB capable of pulling a huge game out of nowhere, it’s Rodgers.

2. A.J. McCarron, Bengals ($5,200): It’s possible Andy Dalton plays, making McCarron moot, but for now the Bengals are operating as if Mr. Katherine Webb will start. He hasn’t set the world on fire with his play, but he’s solid, and he will put up numbers as long as he’s feeding A.J. Green and TE Tyler Eifert. The Steelers’ defensive strength is stopping the run, but Cincy can do both. The Bengals will be a popular contrarian play in Vegas, and by extension that means you can probably rely on McCarron.

Nick Saban's Age Makes Him Unlikely To Succeed Tom Coughlin

Running Backs

1. Eddie Lacy, Packers ($4,500): Lacy was possibly the most maddening player in fantasy football this year, but it’s the playoffs now and the Packers will lean on their horses. Green Bay is at its best when it’s balanced, and that means giving Washington a steady dose of their hammer out of the backfield. The ‘Skins ranked just 22nd vs. the run this season, and the way their receivers struggle to get open, Lacy can count on 18-20 touches.

2. Christine Michael, Seahawks ($4,400): Marshawn Lynch is reportedly coming back, but he’s been out for several weeks now. If he’s available, he’ll likely start, but don’t count on him getting 20 carries out of the gate. His arrival will put an end to Bryce Brown’s relevance, but Michael will get touches, and has big play potential. At $4,400 he’s got high-upside, and great value.

3. Fitzgerald Toussaint, Steelers ($3,900): Starting RBs at less than $4,000 do not come often. Pay attention to DeAngelo Williams’ status throughout the week, but if he can’t go, Toussaint must be in your lineup somewhere, because he will allow you to load up at wide receiver and/or QB.

Wide Receivers

1. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks ($6,700): There’s no reason for Baldwin, at this point, to not be in the same price range as the DeAndre Hopkins-types. But at $6,700 he’s being offered to us as a gift from the Draft Kings gods, and you better hop on it. The Vikings’ aren’t a particularly weak matchup, but lately nothing has been able to slow down Russell Wilson and Baldwin.

2. Randall Cobb, Packers ($5,800): Cobb hasn’t reached 100 yards receiving since Week 2, and for all intents and purposes has been a bust this year. But this is about matchups, and the Redskins rank 28th in the league vs. No. 1 receivers. Make your jokes, but even Cobb should be able to get free against this secondary. Pair him up with Rodgers, and ride this formerly elite duo at a relatively low cost.

3. Ryan Grant, Redskins ($3,200): Looking for a sneaky play that very few players know about? Try out Grant as a WR3 for your team. The Packers’ are 19th against “other” receivers, typically meaning slot guys, and Cousins has to put up some kind of production this week in a home playoff game.

Tight Ends

1. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings ($3,500): The Seahawks have had issues all year with tight ends, so it makes sense to go with Rudolph if you need to scrimp somewhere. Seriously, the Seahawks for some reason are 26th vs. tight ends.

For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook