Charlie Brady
Road To The Super Bowl - You're Fantasy Football Playoff’s
If you have made the playoffs in your league this year, than I’m sure you’re excited. This means that you get to play another week in this short season of fantasy football. Remembering the trials and tribulations it took to get there!
As you prepare for your playoffs, searching endlessly to make the most educated decisions for your line up. Think of players that will help you, not only this week but next week and hopefully your Super bowl!
Let’s look at some players that my hurt and help you in your playoffs.
Quarterbacks
Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, Carson Palmer - Now these quarterbacks have done their best to get you where you are in your league. However if your league playoffs start next week they may not be there for you in the Super Bowl.
Having a stud back up QB is crucial in this situation. There may be some good QB’s on the waiver wire depending on the size of your league. Alex Smith comes to mind. Throwing 7 TD’s in the last 3 games. The Niners offense has morphed into a passing game as of late. If Vince Young has not been grabbed in your league yet you may want to grab him now! Young is on a mission to prove that he belongs in the NFL! Chad Henne threw for 335 yds, 2 TDs and 1 INT last week against New England. With the absents of Ronnie Brown, the Dolphins may find themselves in more passing situations.
If you have Drew Brees, Brent Favre, or Phillip Rivers – You may be in a great position. With the Vikings trailing the Saints by a game, they will be in hot pursuit to get home field position throughout the playoffs. Phillip Rivers is up one game with the Broncos on his heels. So Phillips must stay crisp to keep ahead of the bucking Broncos.
Running Backs
Steven Jackson, Kevin Smith, and Carnell Williams – What do they all have in common? A losing record! The coaches may reduce the amount of carries and playing time to keep them healthy. What’s the sense, right!
Maurice Jones-Drew, Ricky Williams, Thomas Jones – These Running backs may be keys to getting you to the big dance. Maurice Jones-Drew is 4th in rushing TD’s and is on a team that has quietly found themselves back in the hunt for the playoffs. Ricky Williams is now the main back in Miami and is running like it, averaging 5.3 yards a carry and 11 TD’s. With the Dolphins passing more lately, look for Williams to be a key check down for Henne. Thomas Jones is going to need to carry the Jets for them to have a chance for a Playoff spot. With the injury to Sanchez look for Jones to play an even bigger role.
Wide Receivers
Marques Colston, Roy Williams, DeSean Jackson – These Wide Receivers have been exceptional or have had high expectations. Marques Colston was the big target for Brees, but his numbers have fizzled out lately because Brees can pass to any of his receivers and feel comfortable. With Robert Meachem being targeted more this may reduce the big plays for Colston. Roy Williams was suppose to be a Stud this year and was more like a Dud. Can you blame his lack of production on him or the inconsistency of Tony Romo? Either way, he has been too unpredictable and you wouldn’t want your season resting on his shoulders. With the recent concussion to DeSean Jackson, this has left many with concerns for the rest of the season. Go get a good back up now don’t wait. Another good hit could knock him out for the remainder of your season!
Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson – These receivers are a must play every week! If your team has been riding their coat tails then continue to ride. Larry Fitzgerald is a clutch player and looks to have an easy schedule for the rest of the season. Note: Fitzgerald is playing St. Louis in most leagues Super Bowls! Randy Moss and the New England Patriots are fighting to keep the lead in their conference, so let’s think, Brady – Moss? Sure Bet! Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans haven’t had much go their way this year, losing several close games. Andre Johnson faces the Dolphins in many league Super Bowls. If your league is the last week of the season. Johnson then faces the Patriots, both teams fighting for the playoffs. No letting up there!
Tight Ends
Greg Olsen, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez – With the inconstant play from both Jay Cutler and Tony Romo this may make Olsen and Witten a gable for your road to the Super Bowl. Olsen and Witten are the go to guys for both Quarterbacks but at this time of the year you really do want to take chances. The turf-toe injury to Matt Ryan may affect the looks that Gonzalez gets from back up Chris Redman. Continue to monitor Ryan’s injury.
Vernon Davis, Visanthe Shiancoe, Brent Celek – The hottest tight ends fantasy football right now. Vernon Davis is going to get you points even if the Niners are in the playoff hunt or not. Singletary is not going to let his team give up. They will be playing for pride and something positive to carry over to next season. Like we stated in the Quarterback section Favre is on fire fighting for home field advantage. Visanthe Shiancoe is a good play from here on out. Brent Celek has come out of nowhere this year! Celek leads the Eagles in catches and TDs
Kickers
Kickers are extra points that could be the difference between a win and a loss. If you have a solid kicker, then stay with him. If not good luck! Kickers to keep are Ryan Longwell, Mason Crosby, Nate Kaeding, David Akers, and Joe Nedney. These kickers have been consistent and this should continue.
Defense
Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers.
These defenses are the top in the league and are all fighting for a playoff spots. The Titans may have a slight chance for the playoffs. That all rest in the shoulders of their defense.
Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers.
These defenses were strong earlier this season but have all been exposed. The coaches from the opposing teams seem to have found loop holes in their schemes and plan to exploit them the rest of the season.
Good Luck on you're road to the Super Bowl!