On Saturday, the first NFC Wild Card game be played at 4:40 P.M. Eastern between the No. 6 Los Angeles Rams and the No. 3 Seattle Seahawks.
This will be the third meeting between the NFC West rivals, with the teams splitting their first two games. Seattle won 20-9 in Week 16 to clinch the division, while the Rams won 23-16 in Week 10.
It appears unlikely that quarterback Jared Goff will be available (broken right thumb), leaving John Wolford to make his second NFL start.
Whether you’re planning for daily fantasy lineups or player prop bets, there are a few offensive players to keep an eye on. Both teams have above-average defenses, so while it may be a low-scoring affair, there are a few players I’d target for this Wild Card contest.
Player to Watch: Tyler Lockett
The Rams defense is one of the best in the NFL, and as such, there aren’t many Seattle players of value to consider taking for a prop bet or in daily fantasy lineups.
On paper, the best chance the Seahawks have of moving the ball is through the air. It’s a two-person show at receiver with Lockett and DK Metcalf. Metcalf has cooled off since the tear that saw five 100-yard games in the first 11 games. He's been held below 62 yards in four straight.
My attention turns to Lockett, the target-leader in this offense, coming off a 14-target, 12-reception, two-touchdown game in Week 17.
As one of Russell Wilson’s favorites, Lockett has the volume and opportunity that sticks out when looking for a player prop. He’s my favorite choice on this Seattle offense to have a strong day against a very stiff Rams defense.
Player to Watch: Josh Reynolds
Reynolds has led the Rams pass-catchers in receiving against Seattle this year. In those two contests, he averaged seven receptions, 79.5 yards, and ten targets per game.
Reynolds is the Rams' third receiver, but he is on the field for about 75% of the game. He offers some intriguing value as an expected low over/under on yards and receptions in what is projected to be the lowest-scoring game of the weekend.
On the year, Reynolds has caught 52 balls for 618 yards and two touchdowns. A whopping 26% of his receiving production has come against Seattle. That’s a staggering percentage and a matchup to look for on Saturday.
Players to Watch: Tyler Higbee & Gerald Everett
Lumping the Rams' two tight ends together as prospects to score a touchdown this weekend makes for an intriguing prop bet. Everett has 61 targets on the year while Higbee has 60, and the two both play over 65% of the snaps in this Rams offense.
On the season, the Seahawks are allowing 54.4 yards per game to opposing tight ends. In the two games against Los Angeles, that number was 67 receiving yards.
One or both of these players should hit their over in yards or score a touchdown. They’re tied for third on the team in red zone targets.
.svg)
