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Welcome to the NFL GPP Pivots article, where we’ll be looking to uncover some sneaky-good DFS plays away from the popular lifts. These recommendations are usually risk/reward commodities meant to be used in large-field tournaments. Typically, blending these low-owned hidden gems with well-aligned staples contributes to a viable GPP strategy.
Keep in mind that the following player write-ups were constructed earlier in the week, and sometimes injury situations can alter the fantasy landscape. Monitoring our NFL News & Headlines Feed up until game time will keep you in the loop while giving you the subsequent DFS consequences of each information piece.
QUARTERBACK
Popular picks: Patrick Mahomes
GPP Pivot: Joe Burrow - Cincinnati (at Kansas City)
Looking towards Burrow isn’t exactly a deep tournament play on this two-game slate. However, it’s safe to say that the Cincinnati QB will be less popular in DFS than his counterpart, Mahomes, by a significant margin. Burrow is the only other QB on this slate who has a chance to sniff Mahomes upside (apologies to Matthew Stafford). This Bengals-Chiefs matchup has all the makings of a fast-paced shootout. Let’s not forget that Burrow went for 446-4-0 against the Chiefs earlier this month while Mahomes had 259-2-0 in that contest. It’s not likely Burrow outscores Mahomes again, but it’s not out of consideration either.
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RUNNING BACK
Popular Picks: Joe Mixon, Jerrick McKinnon, Elijah Mitchell
GPP Pivot: Cam Akers - LA Rams (vs. San Francisco)
It seems like everyone is smashing Cam Akers under his rushing yardage prop, which rests between 55-59 yards. I’m not here to criticize that wager, but let’s not forget that Akers has interesting upside with his current role. Akers played 81% of the Rams’ snaps last season, which translated to 27 touches compared to just three for fellow RB Sony Michel. Yes, he fumbled twice, but Sean McVay mentioned that he has absolute trust in Akers moving forward. If he’s seeing that level of volume, then there’s a chance he’ll come through with a rewarding stat-line in the NFC Championship. Keep Akers on your tournament radar.
WIDE RECEIVER
Popular Picks: Cooper Kupp, Ja’Marr Chase, Deebo Samuel, Odell Beckham Jr.
GPP Pivot: Tee Higgins - Cincinnati (at Kansas City)
Let’s spin the roulette wheel known as Cincinnati’s receiving corps. Ja’Marr Chase is the big-play guy, but he’ll be extremely popular despite holding an expensive salary. The rookie receiver has been boom-or-bust this season, and Higgins has picked up the slack when the latter strikes. After a woeful performance in the Wild Card Round, Higgins bounced back with a cool 7-96 line on nine targets last week. Like Chase, Higgins is also capable of monster breakout performances while pointing to his games against Baltimore (12-194-2), LA Chargers (9-138-1), and Pittsburgh (6-114-1)over the last two months.
GPP Pivot: Byron Pringle - Kansas City (vs. Cincinnati)
We are starting to dive deeper into tournament pivots here. There’s a chance Pringle will be more popular than usual this time around, as he has racked up 10 catches (14 targets), 66 yards, and three touchdowns in two playoff games. Yes, he’s scoring-dependent with low target depth. Still, he has seen at least seven targets in three straight games while becoming a legitimate part of this Kansas City offense. The Kansas City receivers outside of Tyreek Hill have been a revolving door this season, but it seems like Pringle has the upper hand at this point in the season.
TIGHT END
Popular Picks: Travis Kelce, George Kittle
GPP Pivot: C.J. Uzomah - Cincinnati (at Kansas City)
Truth be told, you can stack Burrow with two or three of his pass-catchers on Sunday. Uzomah is a periphery option within a Cincinnati stack, but there’s reason to keep an eye on him as a tournament bargain. Travis Kelce will be the most popular tight end on this slate while George Kittle and Tyler Higbee (bargain) will get some love at their respective salaries. Uzomah is not a fun fantasy pick, but his QB is, and Burrow could lead his tight end into fantasy upside once again. The Bengals’ TE has topped six catches and 60 yards in both playoff games, and he’s always a red-zone threat.
