For most fantasy football leagues the regular season is over and the playoffs are finally here.
My philosophy during the playoffs is simple: play the guys who got you there. If they’re not good enough to help you move on then you didn’t deserve to move on.
The worst thing you can do this time of year is sit a regular for a bench guy because of a matchup. Funny stuff happens this time of year and you can’t predict who’s going to have a good game, even if the team they’re playing is horrible.
The best example going into this weekend is Tony Romo and Matt Cassel. For any owner who may own both of these guys it may be tempting to sit Romo and play Cassel based on their matchups. Romo is going up against a Steelers defense that ranks No. 1 in the NFL in passing yards against and sacks. Then you have Cassel, who faces the putrid Seahawks pass defense, which is allowing more than 265 yards through the air per game.
But you can’t go strictly on matchups this time of year; there’s just too many variables, including weather, health and other intangibles, like motivation, streaks and suspensions. For example, Cassel’s favorite receiver Wes Welker is a bit dinged up after vicious hit this past Sunday and the Patriots will be flying cross country for their game. Those two factors could affect his numbers profoundly.
So don’t sit Romo for Cassel … unless it snows in Pittsburgh, which leads into the first category I’ll break down this week:
Weather
Well the forecast for Pittsburgh is snow, which means if you own a player on the Steelers or Cowboys you have to realistically think about benching them if it’s really bad. Snow in Pittsburgh in Week 11 limited the Steelers and Chargers to one TD each. There’s also snow in the forecast for New York (Giants) and heavy rains for Seattle on Sunday. With all of these games, check before kickoff and if it’s really bad consider going with a backup. Of course Pittsburgh/Dallas and Seattle/New England are both afternoon games so that doesn’t help much.
Health
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger tweaked his knee in practice Wednesday, but said he’s fine. That’s not a good sign, though. If it’s snowy on Sunday, go with somebody else. … The Rams’ Steven Jackson sounds like he’s 100 percent healthy and out to prove it to the coaching staff. … The bullet hole in Plaxico Burress’ right thigh should open up opportunities for the Giants’ Domenik Hixon to make an impact against Philly. … Redskins RB Clinton Portis is “very sore,” and his matchup against a stout Baltimore defense makes playing him a very tough decision. If he’s a game-time decision I’d sit him. … Already missing Bob Sanders, the Colts’ defense got even weaker with the loss of Gary Brackett, making the Bengals’ Cedric Benson an OK play if you’re desperate. … Texans QB Matt Schaub says he’s ready to go, which should mean improved production from TE Owen Daniels. … Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis is likely going on IR, so Bears TE Greg Olsen and WR Devin Hester aren’t bad plays. … The season-ending injury to Browns quarterback Derek Anderson earns wide receiver Braylon Edwards a spot on the bench. … Bills quarterback Trent Edwards says he’s sore, but will likely play against Miami in Toronto. You should only play him if you’re desperate.
Intangibles
The suspension of the Saints’ Deuce McAllister should open up opportunities for Pierre Thomas on Sunday. … Teams in the NFC South are 8-0 this season when playing a division foe at home. Expect that to continue as Saints and Panthers both win big. … Kansas City hasn’t won in Denver since 2000. Expect that trend to continue, so feel free to play your Broncos — as long as it’s not a blizzard, of course.
On the Web
Check out Aaron Swaney’s blog at www.heraldnet.com/realitybites for full rankings by position.
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