Top Fantasy Options For NFL Playoffs
December 31, 2008 at 12:37 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Just because January is here, doesn’t mean that fantasy football is over. In fact, more and more fantasy owners are moving towards playing in the “second season,” forming leagues that duke it out during the NFL Playoffs.
Some leagues are set up via a draft, in which owners acquire players for the entire length of their team’s playoff run, while other leagues go draft-less, and simply allow owners to set a line-up each week based on who is playing. The latter makes things less complicated, and allows for nobody getting jipped due to an early elimination. For example, in draft leagues, owners that take Adrian Peterson may be in danger of losing him after one game if the Vikes lose to the Eagles in the wild card round.
In addition to adding a little fun and competitiveness onto the end of a solid NFL season, playing playoff fantasy can provide a serious advantage for the intense seasonal or dynasty owner. For example, during last year’s playoffs, players like Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan caught the attention of IDP owners with a very good game against the Chargers. WR Vincent Jackson lit up the Titans and Colts, and also had a very good outing against the Patriots, putting him on the map heading into 2008. Finnegan finished the 2008 regular season as one of the top ranked defensive backs, with 70 tackles, five interceptions and a sack. VJax had 59 catches for 1,098 yards and seven TDs in 2008. So, the questions are - who are the best options in this year’s playoffs? And whose solid play in this year’s playoffs may provide a bit of foreshadowing for 2009?
Well, first of all, the Baltimore Ravens have several intriguing options, as they face the Dolphins in the wild card round. Guys like Le’Ron McClain, Derrick Mason, Joe Flacco and Mark Clayton are interesting sleeper options against the Dolphins, while the play of rookie RB Ray Rice must be monitored. If Rice works his way into the line-up at some point and looks good doing it, then the 21 year old second round pick from Rutgers could give long term fantasy owners some hope heading into 2009. In terms of IDP options, nobody is more red hot and determined to make plays on the ball than 30 year old safety Ed Reed, who has eight interceptions in his last five games.
It’s also hard to ignore all offensive players in the Colts-Chargers match-up, as Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and the red hot Dallas Clark face the Chargers pitiful pass defense. Also, Joseph Addai could be healthy enough to make an impact on the ground. In that one, look for Quentin Jammer to absolutely rack up tackles. Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates are pretty much must-starts in what is sure to be a shootout, although we’re a little leery of LaDainian Tomlinson. Instead, look for Darren Sproles - who is due to become an unrestricted free agent this off-season - to make an impact.
In the NFC, the Falcons visit the Cards in the wild card round, in a match-up that should yield phenomenal playoff fantasy options in the form of Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston. In terms of a preview for next season, keep an eye on who gets more carries, Tim Hightower or Edgerrin James. While Edge won’t be back next season, Arizona’s faith - or lack of it - in Hightower, and his performance, could dictate his role heading into 2009.
This article is also featured on Athlon/Grogan’s Fantasy Football, your spot for Cheat Sheets updated daily, and Fantasy tools to manage your team all year long.
Are you curious to learn more about how to play in a dynasty league, or looking for Solid 2009 Dynasty Rankings? Are you dying to strategize with other intelligent fantasy football owners? Check out our Ultimate Strategist Package.
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