It seems like just yesterday that then-Colts head coach Jim Mora Sr. uttered those famous words in a press conference when the Colts had just lost to the 49ers. Well, I am sure none of you who are in the playoffs will be uttering such an outburst, considering that anyone who made their league playoffs are that much closer to winning their league title, bragging rights and maybe a little bit of dough.
As wacky as this season has been, I am actually very much alive in a couple leagues. Most playoffs start this week, so it’s gut check time for some and time for others who are out in the cold to relax. And honestly, that isn’t such a bad thing.
In the FoxSports — The Game league, I am currently in second place, but I have a playoff seed locked up if I can win in Week 14. And, boy, do I need that win. Am I nervous? Oh, heck yeah! A part of me doesn’t even want to make the playoffs, considering it’s another week of nervousness and anxiety. But for the rest of you, here are a couple tips to get you through that first week’s playoff push.
1. Analyze the matchups as closely as possible. Obviously this doesn’t pertain to guys like Peyton Manning or Chris Johnson. If you have those guys and they aren’t benched, plugged them in as usual. But if your last couple starting spots come down to two or three guys who are pretty close in stats, check the last couple of weeks and see how they did. Were they targeted more than usual? How many yards a game is the defense giving up to the player’s position? You can’t really go by name anymore because there are just too many variables to consider. Starting Jason Witten because he is “Jason Witten” doesn’t hold as much water as it used to.
2. Check the NFL records. This really won’t pertain to Week 14, but be weary of Weeks 15, 16 and 17. Are the Colts going to have home-field advantage locked up if they win Week 15? Then you may want to consider looking at other options. Nothing like playing Reggie Wayne only to learn he isn’t playing at all or he was pulled in the first quarter in a meaningless game. Checking the record is always important. Here is something to keep an eye on as well: Saints head coach Sean Payton said he will keep his starters in for the rest of the year if a perfect season is on the brink. That’s good news for owners of Drew Brees and Marques Colston. But a loss would mean you may have to consider a Robert Meachem if Payton sits his starters.
3. If you still can, make trades. Most leagues have a trading deadline that ended around Weeks 12 or 13. But if you have a plethora of studs at one position and need help in another, start throwing out those trades as fast as you can. If someone else is in the same boat as you, chances are they will eventually bite at one of your offers. I am in one head-to-head league that allows trades all the way up to Week 17. It keeps owners who need a slight edge interested, and it keeps the powerhouses interested by getting rid of dead weight but weight that could be of great value to your squad.
4. Continue to monitor the waiver wire. Even though it’s late in the season, you would be surprised at what kind of treasures are still waiting to be plucked off your waiver wire. This is more for owners who are in shallower leagues, since many teams’ waiver lists have probably already been picked dry. As sad as it is, major injuries still happen, so there could be a backup just waiting to be grabbed.
Hopefully, these tips will help you in the long run. Another big thing: Don’t get cute with your starting lineup. If you think a no-name is going to go off because the matchup is enticing, chances are he won’t do much. Browns running back Jerome Harrison had a juicy matchup against the Bills defense back in Week 5, and he put up a huge goose egg (eight carries, 21 yards).
And remember, if you are one of the unfortunate ones who end up getting knocked out, there is always next year. Sigh, there is always next year.
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