The playoffs are finally here! Some of us made it, some of us didn’t. Some of our stories are heart wrenching and others are non-descript.
One of my stories of glory occurred four years ago. It was my second year in this particular league and in order for me to make the playoffs as a sixth seed, I was in ninth place prior to the playoffs, I needed this to happen:
- Two teams to lose
- And the teams that won had to win by a slight margin
- I had to win my game by at least 20 points.
As you can guess, the stars aligned and I was delivered to post season serenity and I have my midseason trade for Marshawn Lynch to thank for my rally. After inserting myself into the playoffs, I made a New York Giants-like run (circa 2007) into the championship game and crushed each opponent on the way. Altogether my team looked like a Frankenstein classic. Here is a glimpse of that Super Bowl winning roster (Forgive some of the names, it was 2011):
Matt Ryan
Tim Tebow
Brandon Marshall
Marques Colston
Laurent Robinson
Marshawn Lynch
Ryan Matthews
LeGarrette Blount
Lance Ball
Kahlil Bell
Aaron Hernandez
Not pretty, but when you want to win, you’ve got to piece together a team that will win. It’s not about the name or the glamour; it’s about the guts and who you’re willing to start. With that in mind, let’s get to the wire and look for some of these no-namers to save your Fantasy Football hopes and dreams in the playoffs.
Tune-up Tuesdays: Playoffs Edition
Johnny Manziel, CLE QB- I think you saw this pick coming. Johnny “Man-Child” Manziel is a despicable and detestable character to most of us older folk, but when it comes to Fantasy Football, he’s bound to string together a series of fantasy games. I’m not sure how pretty the “actual” play will be, but with his dynamic ability to slink out of the pocket, tuck it, and run, he should be lighting up (insert team name) scoreboard. Granted, this is if he gets the nod against the Colts this week.
Marqise Lee, JAC WR- Someone has to catch the ball in Jacksonville, and it seems that Lee is finally to get his groove. Since the bye, he’s collected 13 targets, 127 yards and a touchdown in those two games. This week’s matchup against the Texans is favorable as they have given up the most FPPG to wide receivers so far this year. Jaguars also face the Titans in week 16.
Jarvis Landry, MIA WR- I meant to include Landry last week, but somehow he slipped from my focus. Two week earlier I lost a game because my opponent was gutsy enough to play the Dolphin rookie. His target total in the past four weeks have been astounding (37) and is a legitimate flex start in PPR leagues.
Pierre Thomas, NO RB- Surprisingly still available in over half of Yahoo leagues, the PT Bruiser is an excellent PPR option. His next three games are against CAR, CHI, and ATL. They all bleed points to the running back, especially to those in the passing game. Not a bad flex play if you need him.
Jonathan Stewart, CAR RB- Stewart came back and utilized his workload to his favor as he piled up 83 yards on 12 carries against a struggling Minnesota run defense. What makes him further appealing is that he faces the Saints who are allowing the seventh most points to running backs. DeAngelo William is doubtful to play in the contest at the Superdome. Start em’ if you got em’.
Buyer Beware:
Colt McCoy, WAS QB- I’m not prepared to go all in on a Quarterback who has struggled as a starter all over the NFL. McCoy had a monster game because he had to keep up with the feverish Andrew Luck. I’d have to see another week of McCoy slinging that “thing” around before I can stamp a revival on the sudden reprisal of QB play.
Donte Moncrief, IND WR- Four targets, three receptions. Yes they went for 134 yards and two touchdowns, but that can be so misleading when you have such a small amount of passes tossed your way. I’d certainly bring him on my team, but I’d have to be pretty desperate to start him. Sometimes it’s better to take the guy before your opponent does.
Davante Adams, GB WR – Another rookie that I won’t be starting anytime soon. Besides his six reception game last week, he’s only caught four balls in the three prior games. He is worth monitoring, but I can’t condone the nod in any position this year.
Marion Grice, ARI RB- This is contingent on the status of Andre Ellington, but the Cardinals have already committed that Grice would maintain starting duties. He out touched Stepfan Taylor on both rushing and receiving, but wasn’t anything spectacular. The matchups aren’t great heading into the championship games (KC, STL, SEA), so I’d steer clear if you’re not in the position to have to pick and choose.
Long Shot:
Anthony Fasano, KC TE- If you want to blow some minds this year, start Fasano. His target volume is less than ideal, but for the past five games he has literally caught everything thrown his way, and in three of those games he took a pass to the house. It is awfully risky, but Fasano is a wonderful redzone target.
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