How best to prep for NFL’s Wild Card weekend

I attended the final game at Highmark Stadium last week, watching the Bills’ backups destroy what was left of the Jets starters in 18-degree weather. From my frozen vantage point in the stands, I kept thinking that the Jets should change their name to the Tanks. Losing 35-8 to Buffalo’s linebackers, I’ve never seen an NFL team turn around like that in my life.

The regular season is over, but the fantasy football fun for diehards continues in the Guillotine Leagues. Make sure you recruit an equal number of players from both conferences. In this battle of attrition, the best strategy is to choose among the teams you think will advance. I’m confident that (in order) the Rams, Eagles, Seahawks, and Bills win their opening games and beyond, so it makes sense to stack the players on these lists. Remember that the No. 1 seeds, Seattle and Denver, have a bye this week. Good luck in the “season after season” of fantasy football.

CALL OF THE WILD!

Quarterback Matthew Stafford for the Panthers — With an 8-9 record, the Panthers reached the playoffs by the skin of their fangs and are deservedly the biggest underdog of the week. Stafford should have 250 yards and 2 touchdowns before the night is over.

QB Josh Allen at Jaguars — Since Week 14, the Jags have beaten lesser QBs Brandon Allen, Brady Cook, Leonard Riley and Philip Rivers, all of whom have thrown for a total of 2 TD passes. But they were scored for an average of 310 yards and 2 touchdowns by Bo Nix, Jacoby Brissett, Geno Smith and Davis Mills. My money is on Allen scoring three times and racking up over 275 total yards.

RB Saquon Barkley vs. 49ers — The Seahawks swept the 49ers for 171 rushing yards and a touchdown last week. This is good news for Barkley, who is shining in the playoffs. The Eagles will lean on him to keep McCaffrey and company on the sidelines.

RB Josh Jacobs at Bears — The Packers will play away from Chicago by feeding Jacobs on 20 carries. This makes sense since the Bears are giving up nearly five yards per carry. Jacobs hit them for 86 yards and a touchdown in the regular season.

WR Puka Nacua to Panthers — The WR1 in fantasy this year, Puka gets the easiest matchup of the week. Plus, the Rams are expected to advance, perhaps to the Super Bowl, so Puka checks a lot of boxes in guillotine leagues.

WR Nico Collins to Steelers — The Pittsburgh secondary experienced numerous mental lapses allowing Ravens WR Zay Flowers to slip behind them for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns last week. Collins’ potential to finish the weekend as a Top 4 WR is very strong.

TE Dalton Kincaid at Jaguars — The Jags have only faced three quality TEs all season: McBride, Bowers and Kelce. They combined for 21 receptions, 267 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kincaid is expected to lead the Bills in receiving.

WILD BLUE THERE!

QB Bryce Young vs. Rams — Young is arguably the least of all playoff QBs. He has been held to fewer than 200 passing yards in 12 of his 17 games. The Rams secondary is obtainable, but I think Young gets the fewest QB points of the weekend.

QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Texans — Rodgers was thrilled when Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed the FG to propel the Steelers into the playoffs. He’ll think about that feeling again when he faces Houston’s ferocious pass rush Monday night.

RB Omarion Hampton at Patriots — The Pats run defense has been leaky lately, giving up 100-yard games to RBs in their last three significant games (James Cook, Derrick Henry, Breece Hall). But after an ankle injury and splitting time with backfield partner Vidal, Hampton’s appeal is limited.

RB Kyle Monangai vs. Packers — The rookie RB will participate in his first playoff game. It remains to be seen whether his already limited playing time (around 45%) will be further reduced in favor of veteran D’Andre Swift.

WR Khalil Shakir at Jaguars — In the Bills’ “everyone eats” offense, Shakir is practically starving, averaging fewer than 10 fantasy points in his last five games.

WR Romeo Doubs for the Bears — Romeo received a reception in his last two outings against the Bears. ‘Nuff said.

TE Brenton Strange vs. Bills — Strange gets a Buffalo defense that has given up the fewest points to TEs this year. With WRs Meyers, Thomas Jr. and Washington at quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s disposal, Strange will be an afterthought.

PLAYBACK PREDICTIONS

Vrabel is 3-5 in the playoffs. The biggest surprise of the weekend. Chargers 26, Patriots 24

Allen does it in Jacksonville. Bills 31, Jaguars 28

Rodgers’ last game? Texans 24, Steelers 20

Green Bay’s defense disappoints in prime time. Bears 31, Packers 28

Well rested, Philly wins the day. Eagles 30, 49ers 26

This game will not be close. Rams 35, Panthers 17

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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.