The NFL Playoffs are here! If you’re not quite ready to leave the thrill of the fantasy chase behind (no pun intended), there are still daily contests to be played, as well as playoff fantasy leagues. I’ve released my playoff league rankings and will be updating my weekly rankings throughout the playoffs. We’ll also be previewing each individual game’s fantasy prospects. While rematches have been the theme of the weekend, tonight’s contest is a literal rematch from last week. The AFC Wild Card Sunday Night game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens is the third divisional matchup of the Wild Card round. The game airs on NBC at 8:15 pm EST this Sunday, January 15.

Note: All point totals and rankings are PPR unless otherwise noted. DFS values are DraftKings Classic ranks. Odds and betting information are courtesy Quarter4.

AFC Wild Card Sunday Night Game Preview: Ravens’ Offense

Unfortunately for the Ravens, fantasy managers, and football fans in general, Baltimore is without Lamar Jackson (QB14). Jackson himself has said his injured knee is just not stable enough to play on at the moment. With the litany of wide receiver injuries this team has suffered through this season as well, there’s precious little to be excited about offensively in Baltimore. Jackson’s absence has meant the almost total disappearance of Mark Andrews (TE4) as a fantasy weapon and has allowed teams to concentrate on stopping the run. That’s what tends to happen when there’s no threat of the pass.

Fantasy Playoff League Outlook

Hopefully, you didn’t end up with an entire unkindness of Ravens on your playoff fantasy roster, because “unkind” will be the kindest thing you’ll be able to say about them. Neither Tyler Huntley nor Anthony Brown offer much threat to opposing defenses at quarterback. That’s doubly true for the majority of the Ravens’ pass catchers outside of Mark Andrews. But when you’re the only threat, you’re the main focus of the defense. I can make a case for J.K. Dobbins (RB55) to have a big enough game behind the Ravens’ number 2-ranked offensive line to warrant a roster spot, but that’s about it. Three-and-out will be a common theme in Cincinnati Sunday night, but one-and-out is more apt for the Ravens’ playoff chances.

DFS Outlook

Accordingly, I’m not high on anyone outside of Dobbins ($5,700) in DFS. Baltimore’s top “weapons” (we use that term loosely) at receiver are Demarcus Robinson ($3,500) and retread Sammy Watkins ($3,300). Ouch. Mark Andrews is a wonderful tight end on the field, but not on your DFS roster at $5,200 this week. That money is better spent elsewhere. Like, say, across the field from the Ravens tonight. You can plug in Dobbins as your RB2 or FLEX. Otherwise, stay away.

AFC Wild Card Sunday Night Game Preview: Bengals’ Offense

The Cincinnati Bengals admittedly got the short end of the administrative fallout from the Damar Hamlin situation. However, they did take care of business last week and eliminated any coin-flip scenarios. I expect nothing less this week. The Bengals are clearly the better team, and Joe Burrow (QB4) is playing as well as any quarterback in the league. This game shouldn’t be in doubt, and there should be orange and black points-a-plenty.

Fantasy Playoff League Outlook

I like the Bengals to possibly make a run to the AFC Championship Game. With the high-powered offensive attack they wield, that translates to lots of fantasy points in your playoff leagues. I look for Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase (WR10), and Tee Higgins (WR19) to all be top-tier number one options at their positions when it all shakes out. Joe Mixon (RB10) has been an inefficient enigma on the ground this season, but he scores fantasy points. Three games of him puts him in the running for a top-three finish among playoff fantasy league running backs. Hayden Hurst (TE20), Evan McPherson (K16), and the Bengals’ DST (DST7) all offer great opportunities at their positions as well. If you found yourself flush with Bengals, you can feel good about life.

DFS Outlook

Cincinnati offers a ton of DFS opportunity as well. Burrow ($6,900) is $1,000 cheaper than Josh Allen, but offers just as much point upside. If you take him, you can stack him with any of his top-three wideout options for nice return. Chase ($8,100) is expensive, but caught 15 balls in two games against Baltimore this season. Tyler Boyd ($4,000) offers a cheap but risky option as a WR3. Higgins ($6,200) might be a little steep, but should be fully healthy and has had some nice game totals this season. Hurst ($3,100) is a low-cost option at tight end. He caught 10 balls in two games against Baltimore this season. He also scored one of his two touchdowns in the first game against the Ravens. Cincinnati’s DST is the week’s most expensive. Go with Buffalo for similar production at lower cost.

Betting Lines (Courtesy of Quarter4):

Favorite: Bengals (-7)

Over/Under: 43.5

Notable Props: Ja’Marr Chase receptions (7.4); Justin Tucker field goals made (1.8); Joe Burrow passing yards (255.5); J.K. Dobbins rush yards (75.2)

Best of Luck!

Here’s hoping your playoff fantasy contests go well and you get to live the lesser dream for awhile. Remember to check Belly Up Fantasy Sports for more fantasy analysis and entertaining insight. Rankings, game previews, and betting advice will help you cash in this postseason! As always, more great NFL coverage is available on the main Belly Up site, as well as fun, informative content on the Belly Up Podcast Network. Got something to say? Leave a comment below, follow me on Twitter @SttChaseFFB, and catch me on the Belly Up Fantasy Live podcast each week.