Why Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud are must starts in fantasy playoffs
USAT's Joe Rivera and Jacob Camenker discuss which fantasy quarterbacks you should be starting in the playoffs this week.
Video Transcript
Let's talk some must-starts this week.
Let's start with Justin Herbert.
Who makes your must-start list?
Chargers eliminate the Chiefs this past weekend.
No more Chiefs, no more Patrick Mahomes.
Tough break for Chiefs fans, tough break for fantasy managers.
But Justin Herbert is a must-start.
Why is that?
Yeah, I really like his matchup against the Cowboys.
We're just talking about J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy played the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
He had 250 passing yards and 3 total touchdowns, and that's the type of stat line I could see.
Herbert posting in this matchup, because look, we all know Dallas's defense has been very good This year, they've allowed the most fantasy points per game to QBs.
Baker, Joe, and Justin Herbert, we know he's very talented.
We know the Chargers haven't leaned on him as much these last five weeks as he's kinda Battled that wrist injury, and they've shifted to more of a run-heavy approach.
But I think this is the game he gets back in the touchdown column with a couple of Passing scores.
And look, Chargers are playing for a lot, right now.
They're behind him.
In the AFC West standings, That they could hypothetically chase down the Broncos.
And if not, they're gonna want to get that 5th wild card or the 5th seed in the AFC to be the Top wild card there, have a shot to play Whoever wins the NFC, uh, the AFC North in all Likelihood.
CJ Stroud makes your must-start list.
I know he's a guy that we've seemingly avoided throughout the season, But he makes the most starts this week against playing against the Raiders.
So why does Stroud make your must-start list?
Yeah, Stroud's on here because he's one of the few quality quarterbacks who was available Coming into this week in more than 50% of Yahoo Fantasy Leagues.
So, anyone looking for a Patrick Mahomes replacement, you're probably looking at Stroud.
As your best possible option out there.
He has a great matchup this week.
Joe.
He's playing against the Raiders team that's Allowed 28.6 points.
Per game over the last 5 outings.
And Stroud and the Texans' offense have really rounded into form recently.
It is 3 starts since returning from a concussion; he's averaging 246.3 passing yards Per game.
It is his second 3-touchdown game this season.
Against the Cardinals, and the Cardinals' defense has been weak in recent weeks, But again, the Raiders aren't very good.
Defense either.
So, I think, again, the Texans are a team scrapping for one of those playoff spots.
Potentially have a shot to get back in their division race.
But they're gonna be hyper-motivated for this one, and you look at the Raiders, and you're Just saying, man, they're playing for next to nothing at this point.
So I think Stroud has a very high ceiling.
If you're looking for a guy to replace Patrick.
Mahomes, this is your guy.
