Gridiron Experts

Fantasy Football Playoff Preview
Every fantasy football league is different, but most have a three game playoff bracket starting either week 14 or 15. Gridiron Experts will take a look at which players could make or break your fantasy playoff run. Last year, the New York Giants got hot at the right time, and it carried over into the playoffs. In fantasy football, players on teams fighting for playoff berths can make for great sleepers, and can sometimes make the difference against tough playoff matchups.

Most people look at match-ups, thinking that a game against the Detroit Lions or Oakland Raiders means huge fantasy numbers. The truth is a tough divisional match-up or a must-win game can sometimes result in bigger numbers, as both teams are geared up and playing for more important things than just padding their stats. A running back will always see carries, so never overlook a good match-up; conversely, quarterbacks and receivers don’t see a lot of action in a blow out win, as coaches tend to lean on a heavy running game to drain the clock. Expect teams like Tennessee and the NY Giants to allow back up players to see more carries and catches, as they will want to prepare for the playoffs around weeks 14 through 17.

Bring on the spoilers! While fans hang their heads as teams start to become eliminated from playoffs, star fantasy players take this opportunity to catch the eye of general managers for a pay raise or change of scenery. No one wants to get canned, and the final four weeks of the season for certain players can be the difference between coming back or getting the bags packed.

Players that might turn it on:

Aaron Rodgers and receiving core – The Packers are 1-2 since coming off their bye week, but played hard in losses to the Vikings and Titans. In fact, we had the Packers upsetting the mighty Titans, but an overtime coin flip lost that one for them. The main reason why Rodgers and Jennings could get hot in the next couple of weeks is the confidence that this “rookie” quarterback has developed; no one wants Favre back, and the comparisons have stopped. Rodgers can finally just play ball.

Matt Cassel- Each week this guy seems to improve, and with such a tight race in the AFC East every game will need Cassel to make plays. Moss was a monster last year but hasn’t been able to connect yet with his new QB; be patient, 81 could be the guy who wins you your fantasy pool. Matched up against ordinary secondaries in the final four weeks, expect the deep bomb pass to make an appearance.

The Cowboys – When healthy, this team has a pro bowl starting offense. The finger-thing is over, and in the next few weeks this team will rebound in the offensive department. The best part fantasy-wise is that the Cowboys defense is a joke, and every game could involve a shoot out

The Eagles – Don’t laugh, I know things look bleak, but this team has too much talent to go belly up. Andy and Donovan are in hot water but will work it out. This team went 3-0 to finish the season last year, even though they had little to no chance of making the playoffs.

Quinn and the Cleve – Brady Quinn has arrived, and has added new life to these fantasy players. Win or lose, players like Braylon Edwards, K2, and Jamal Lewis will continue to put up numbers.

Needs improvement:

LT and the Chargers – The holes are just not there for LT anymore, it may be this new style of offense that uses a one back system instead of a fullback. Last year LT had Lorenzo Neal creating space for him. If LT can get a handle on this new style, or if the coaching staff can find a lead blocker, LT could regain his power status, but until then he’s just going to kill people’s fantasy hopes.

Warner and the Cardinals – I know things are going well now, but if you have players on this team cross your fingers. The Cards and legendary for choking, and being in such a joke of division, this team might not be as great as you think. Why would they get into a shoot out if they can lock up the division? If Warner goes down, so does this team; I can see them starting Matt Leinart and resting Warner if Arizona clinches by week 15.

Matt Forte – I could be wrong, but Forte might hit the rookie wall soon.

Ben Roethlisberger – The final four teams the Steelers face are: Dallas, at Baltimore, at Tennessee, and Cleveland. I know I said not to bench a player based on one bad match-up, but this is four bad match-ups, and I just don’t have faith in that o-line.

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