Yahoo Fantasy Forecast Wild Card fantasy preview + Prop Bets + DFS: The matchups, players and bets we LOVE this weekend
Jan 9, 2026
Joel Smyth, a fantasy football analyst known for his insights during playoff seasons, joins to break down the Wild Card Weekend. They dive into key matchups, highlighting the Rams’ and Panthers’ strategies and prop bets, while assessing the Bears’ run advantages over the Packers. The duo also analyzes the Bills vs. Jaguars defense and discusses Brock Purdy's upcoming performance against the Eagles. Finally, Smyth shares his top DFS lineup, featuring a Jalen Hurts stack and intriguing player picks for fantasy enthusiasts.
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Panthers Need Explosive Passing
- The Panthers must attack through the pass and target Jalen Coker and Tedric McMillan to have upset chances against the Rams.
- Carolina's run game has faded, so explosive passing plays are their best path to win.
Bet Coker's Receiving Yards
- Take Jalen Coker over 37.5 receiving yards because he's earned the Panthers' No.2 role and should see volume.
- Also consider Puka Nacua and tight-end heavy sets hurting Carolina's cover-over-middle weaknesses.
Bears Run And Rookie Targets Matter
- The Bears will emphasize the run against Green Bay's weakened front and snowy conditions, elevating Mononga and DeAndre Swift.
- Rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden are emerging as primary passing options in Chicago's zone-friendly offense.