It’s that time again as the Fantasy Football Playoffs start for most leagues this weekend. With them beginning, it’s time to take a look at the key for any playoff team’s success, the match-ups. Match-ups can make or break any team, from the most stacked getting tossed in the first round, to that 6-7 team who backed into the last available slot and ended up sweeping the next three games to hold the crown (I speak from experience on the 6-7 one). Some prominent fantasy teams that are facing tough ones this upcoming weekend are Dallas (at Pit), Philly (at NYG), and the Giants (vs. Phi); while some teams with good match-ups are Indy (at Cin), Minnesota (at Det), Denver (vs. KC) and New England (at Sea). So, with any luck, you fall into some of those good ones this weekend (unless I’m playing you) and I wish the best of luck to everyone…you may be needing it.
On the bright side, it’s another week where my Hits beat out the Misses (4-2) but I’m slightly disturbed by missing 2 out of three starts. But hey, you can’t win them all, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could?
QB Matt Ryan (Atl): It’s hard to believe that Matt Ryan is a rookie with the poise, leadership and overall command he brings to each game. With that being said, you have to credit Atlanta’s coaching staff for taking an AFC-like approach with shaping their team...Good D, bruising running game, and smart quarterback play. Look for Ryan to find the endzone at least twice this weekend against the Saints.
RB Peyton Hillis (Den): Another rookie graces the Starts this weekend as it appears that Denver has found the reliable back it’s been looking for all season. If you believe coaches, then look for Hillis’s touches to steadily increase with each game as he adjusts to the rigors of the NFL. Oh yeah, he faces the 31st ranked run D in Kansas City, which has been really helpful to RB’s this season.
WR Reggie Wayne (Ind): The Indianapolis Colts avoided a costly loss last week with a 10-6 win over Cleveland, no thanks to an offense that only put up 3 points. Look for that to change as the Colts travel to Cincinnati, who are almost always good for a visiting team.
Other Notable Starts: QB Matt Cassel (at Sea), RB Chester Taylor (at Det) and WR Donald Driver (at Hou)
QB Tony Romo (Dal): It’s going to be the classic match-up this weekend as great offense meets great defense when Dallas heads to Pittsburgh this Sunday. After watching what the Steelers did to Matt Cassel and that lively New England O last week, I Look for Romo to be the next victim of the newest Steel Curtain. Throw in what’s sure to be a cold, blustery game, and that Dallas’s leading rusher, Marion Barber, may be a no-show, and I’d be looking elsewhere for QB help this week.
RB Willie Parker (Pit): Normally, Willie parker is a solid start, but since he’s been so injury prone this season, he’s seen the bulk of his carries go to back-up Mewelde Moore. Moore has been solid in replacement work for Parker, which is allowing the Steelers to slowly work Willie back into the O.
Other Notable Benches: QB Shaun Hill, RB Steven Jackson and WR Braylon Edwards
The Yohoo’s fell to 6-6-1 in what was a pretty much meaningless game for me. I was already locked into the playoffs and had no chance for a first round bye so if there was ever a week for my team to lay a stinker, then this past one was the one. Now, like I mentioned above, is the time to look closely at the match-ups you’ll have during the playoffs and, at least for round one, it looks like I’m set with some good ones. My team relies heavily on what the Colts do (which is why that 3 point performance against the Browns killed me last week), and the Colts face the Bengals this weekend, which is usually a good thing. My starting RB’s also have good match-ups as they face New Orleans and Kansas City respectively. Even my kicker looks gold as New England is going up against a weak Seattle team. So, as far as the match-ups go, I’m feeling pretty good about this upcoming playoff game. Wish me luck and tune in next week for the results!
Reason #5 of Why Fantasy Football is better than (Most) Women
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