NFL Playoffs 2015: Vegas Odds, Top Fantasy Picks for Championship Sunday
They're almost here. The two games that will ultimately decide the Super Bowl participants are only a day away. For bettors and fantasy players, the fun is just starting ahead of the big games.
Vegas' odds have changed throughout the week as the games approach, with both home teams being favored by nearly a touchdown. In the fantasy realm, myriad players are set to break out in both matchups.
Both contests feature matchups from the regular season, so predicting fantasy stars are slightly easier. Before jumping into the fantasy standouts, here's a look at the full odds breakdown, courtesy of OddsShark.com.
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| Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks | Jan. 18 | 3:05 p.m. | Fox | SEA (-7.5) |
| Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots | Jan. 18 | 6:40 p.m. | CBS | NE (-6.5) |
Top Fantasy Picks
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks
There are several running backs that might be expected to shine this weekend, but Marshawn Lynch will be worth the price for a true RB1.
Lynch had a field day against the Packers in the season opener with 124 total yards and two touchdowns. He might not post the exact same numbers, but Lynch will find gaps against a Green Bay defense that hasn't improved much since that meeting.
Pro Football Focus notes one category where Lynch has posted a career high:
Despite that statistic, Lynch struggled in the first playoff game against the Carolina Panthers. Then again, he has rushed for an average of just 62.25 yards and has no touchdowns over the last four games.
Expect another huge game for Lynch against the Packers, even if the Seahawks don't come away with the Super Bowl berth. Along with Russell Wilson, Seattle will thrive on the ground in the NFC Championship.
Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts
There are two quarterbacks to choose from on the AFC side, but one has actually enjoyed slightly more fantasy success. While Andrew Luck hasn't been able to beat Tom Brady during his career, the Colts quarterback still posted great numbers in their last game.
Passing for 303 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception in the November matchup, Luck is primed for another great day. ESPN Stats & Info notes just how crucial Luck is to Indy's offense:
Over his last two games in the postseason, Luck has continued to be that catalyst for the Colts. He may have thrown for just one touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he balanced that with 376 passing yards.
Darrelle Revis believes Luck's recent success has the look of another familiar signal-caller, per Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com:
Even if the Patriots come out on top again, Luck will have a huge day for fantasy owners.
Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
Looking for a wide receiver to target that isn't already a huge star? Davante Adams' breakout game against the Dallas Cowboys wasn't a fluke, and he'll prove it against the Seahawks.
After compiling over 100 yards in his first playoff game, he'll once again be targeted by Aaron Rodgers if Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb is covered by Richard Sherman. Pete Damilatis of Pro Football Focus points out why Adams will be a significant part for the Packers:
It might be difficult to trust a rookie in a playoff situation, but Adams proved he can step up under pressure against Dallas. Tasked with being a reliable option against one of the best defenses in the NFL, look for Adams to have another solid performance on Sunday.
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