The regular season is over and we are now firmly within the playoff race in the NFL. However, with the playoffs comes a smaller slate of games, forcing our strategy to become different as we approach our lineup. The below information will help you attack the entire wild-card weekend slate and not just a specific day. With these smaller slates, we must remember others may also have our players, so picking the right stacking style becomes crucial to our success. Let’s break down our favorite stacks below.

Joe Burrow (QB – CIN) + Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)

The Bengals are getting hot at the right time and enter the playoffs facing their rival Baltimore Ravens, who limped into the dance. This game could be a blowout, with Vegas leaning towards a 9.5 spread at the moment this article is written. Vegas also believes in Joe Burrow being a focal point of the offense. His O/U for touchdown passes sits at 1.5 with a strong line of -200 and his passing yards also sit at 265.5. Burrow has the opportunity to exploit a defense that has allowed the most passing yards, the third most passing touchdowns, and tied for the fourth most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks this season.

Pairing Burrow with Ja’Marr Chase is my favorite combination on the weekend. Chase possesses elite size and ability, a combination that allows him to break the slate this weekend. With the Ravens allowing the fifth most receptions and yards to the wide receiver position, this matchup can be juicy for the Bengals’ offense.

Richie James (WR – NYG) + Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)

We need to get creative in these smaller slates to build leverage on the field. This stack allows us to attack the highest total points on the slate while dealing with zero weather implications due to the dome. Games, where Minnesota is the home team, have averaged over 50 points. A perfect example would be when these teams faced off in Week 16 for 51 points.

The way to attack the Vikings’ defense is by facing off against their slot coverage. In their last matchup, Richie James was able to produce for your lineup, as he finished with eight receptions and 90 yards. With his lower price point this week, he allows you to pay up elsewhere for players like Justin Jefferson.

Attaching Justin Jefferson is a no-brainer. He can smash the slate every week. Only a few people can receive double-digit targets, total 200 yards and score a touchdown the way Justin Jefferson can. Last time against these Giants, he finished with 12 receptions on 16 targets for 133 yards and one touchdown. A similar result is possible as teams lean into their stars more than before to help push them over the hump.

Brock Purdy (QB – SF) + George Kittle (TE – SF)

Lately, due to his price refusing to rise, we have leaned on Brock Purdy for salary relief and production. What we can look for from Purdy is 15.9, which is three times his salary. Since becoming the starter, he has yet to lead us to anything under 15 points (DraftKings scoring). He has a 13/3 (4.33) TD/INT ratio and now faces the Seattle Seahawks, who sport the 17th-best passing DVOA in the NFL. With how poorly the Seahawks cover running backs and tight ends, two of the most crucial positions for San Fran, Purdy can outperform his price tag.

Speaking of the Seahawks’ issues with tight ends, they now face one of the best in George Kittle. Like our wide receiver formula, he possesses the size and ability to turn a slate on its head. He has been on a tear recently, scoring no less than 12 points in his last four weeks. He has also produced seven touchdowns in that timeframe. Brock Purdy is a young inexperienced quarterback; he will need a safety valve to handle the NFL playoffs. Expect more of the same regarding the connection between Purdy and Kittle.

Remember to read all the research we provide here at FantasyPros, and if you need more help, you can reach out on Twitter at @jpep20. Good luck and enjoy Wild Card Weekend!