RotoExperts.com delivers all the important player news with in-depth fantasy analysis for the Divisional Round.
Quarterbacks
- Joe Flacco (hip, quad) was not listed on the injury report and will start for the Ravens. He is still not a top starter for this week, though, as the Ravens will likely run the ball a lot. That scenario would limit Flacco's statistical upside, so use another quarterback in the NFL Playoff Challenge this week.
Running backs
- Marion Barber (knee) is listed as probable and should be active against the Vikings. He will share touches with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, however, and might be less effective for fantasy purposes. Use use another selection at the position.
- Thomas Jones (knee) was back at full practices by Thursday and will start against the Chargers. He'll continue to split carries with Shonn Greene, yet the veteran runner remains a solid starting option because he is a very consistent touchdown threat.
- Pierre Thomas (ribs) was a full participant in practices throughout the week. He is a respectable starting option for yardage purposes, but the uncertainty surrounding touches among the Saints running backs makes him a risk-reward pick in NFL Playoff Challenge this week.
Wide receivers
- Anquan Boldin (ankle) is questionable to face the Saints and could be a game-time decision. Even if he can make what now amounts to a surprise appearance, he might not be very effective. As a result, it makes sense to avoid him in playoff leagues. Steve Breaston and Early Doucet will continue to play prominent roles in the Arizona passing game with Boldin limited or out of action.
- Vincent Jackson (heel) is probable and will start against the Jets. He can be explosive at times, but the Darrelle Revis factor limits his fantasy appeal this week.
- Derrick Mason (hand) was a full participant in practices and will start in the Divisional Round. He is clearly the Ravens' best pass-catcher, but Baltimore will lean heavily on the run again this week. That limits Mason's value in postseason fantasy leagues.
- Lance Moore (ankle) is listed as probable to face the Cardinals. Still, he should not be expected to contribute much statistically. You can find better choices for the NFL.com Playoff Challenge.
- Reggie Wayne (knee) and Pierre Garcon (hand) were full participants in practices. Wayne is a must-start in fantasy playoff leagues, as he can expose some weaknesses in the Baltimore secondary. Garcon had cooled off a bit late in the regular season and is a risky start.
Tight ends
- Todd Heap (back) was a full participant in practices and will be active in Indianapolis. He is not a reliable fantasy player, though, and there are better picks available at the tight end position.
Kickers
- Neil Rackers (groin) was a full participant in practices and will be active in the Divisional Round. He is an adequate option in playoff fantasy leagues, but other kickers can be better options.
Offensive line/Defense
- Jared Gaither (ankle) might not be 100 percent, even though he was able to return to practices by Friday. Flacco's role could be scaled back again, and Gaither's status adds another minor bit of concern about the Baltimore passing game.
- Gerald Hayes (ankle) might not play against New Orleans. His absence certainly hurts the Cardinals run defense and is another reason to pick a different unit this week.
- Steve Hutchinson (shoulder) is listed as questionable to face the Cowboys, but was able to fully practice on Friday. His presence is a key component to Adrian Peterson's running success against Dallas.
- Pat Williams (elbow) and CB Antoine Winfield (foot) are both listed as probable to face Dallas. The Vikings remain one of the better defensive choices in the NFL Playoff Challenge.
Scott Engel is Managing Director and Senior NFL Editor at www.rotoexperts.com. RotoExperts was nominated for five Fantasy Sports Writers Association Awards and three Fantasy Sports Trade Association Awards in 2009.
