Fantasy Football Playoff Advice - The Matchup

Here we go! It's playoff time in the fantasy football world, and whether you've got your eyes on that huge pot, the Shiva Bowl, or those 9 months of bragging rights, it's time to step up! For now i'll stick to the big picture, since your lineups are locked and you're not deciding whether to play RG3 or Eli Manning tonight... and if you have to choose between Alfred Morris and either of NY's top receivers for your flex spot then your team's so good you've probably already sealed the win this week.

So here's my advice: Starting now you better scrutinize the matchup like it's the resume for your dream job because it's going to matter more than ever now. Consider this- you're deciding whether to play Matt Ryan at Carolina or Tony Romo at Cincinnati. Now on paper that looks pretty even, where Carolina is ranked 10th against QBs in fantasy points allowed and Cincinnati is up two spots at 8th. You may also have seen that Brady Quinn, yes BRADY QUINN a Chiefs quarterback, just put up 17 standard fantasy points on that Panthers secondary. Although that could also have been contributed to the certain invincibility that can spawn in the wake of a tragedy. Intangible factors aside, the Panthers secondary can definitely be exploited. The logical thought would be to choose Matt Ryan since he put up 369 and 3 TDs in their last encounter and the Falcons offense is far more reliable than that of the Cowboys (sorry Cowboys fans but even you would admit that).

This leads me to my point: the Falcons' offense has been too good. They have clinched a playoff berth, meaning they have no incentive to win the next game other than pride. This could lead to any number of precautionary moves, including but not limited to a benching or early exit from Matt Ryan. The Panthers possess only the same incentive to win as they are on the opposite end of the spectrum at out of the playoffs. Therefore, I predict a generally lousy game with the opportunity for a few highlight plays (more likely from the Panthers who will be striving prove their worth).

Now examine the matchup for Tony Romo. Tony Romo has been playing surprisingly well lately. Boasting back to back 25+ point performances. His matchup indicates a game worth watching. The Cowboys travel to Cincinnati to play a Bengals team which is also fighting for a spot in the playoffs. These teams will leave it all on the field to avoid being sent home early. Unlike Matt Ryan, Tony Romo will definitely remain on the field for the entirety of the game barring any injury (even with 5 pick games Jason Garrett has declined to replace him). It's also encouraging for Tony Romo owners how well receiver Dez Bryant and Tight End Jason Witten have been playing as of late. Where we used to see Bryant drop the opportune deep ball he has been making some incredible catches. Jason Witten, on the other hand, just has an incredible knack for getting open. Where Randall Cobb has been bailing out Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, Jason Witten has been that guy for the Cowboys. So this week my pick (and this rarely happens) goes to Tony Romo.

Other notable names negatively affected by this week's clinched playoff berths:
QBs: Matt Schaub, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady
RBs: Arian Foster
WRs: Andre Johnson, Roddy White, Julio Jones*, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd
TEs: Owen Daniels, Tony Gonzalez*, Aaron Hernandez*

* Particularly at risk due to prior injury, age, or other factors.

On the contrary, I believe running backs (Michael Turner/Jacquizz Rodgers, Knowshon Moreno, Stevan Ridley) may see an increased (steady atleast) work load for these teams as is typically the procedure when teams engage autopilot. I have Arian Foster on the list because he is such a valuable asset, and Houston may want to explore Justin Forsett's ability to handle the load.

Other notable names positively affected by the playoff fight:
QBs: Andy Dalton, Russell Wilson, Josh Freeman, Sam Bradford, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Tannehill, Jay Cutler, Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger (when he returns), Joe Flacco, Andrew Luck
RBs: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin, Steven Jackson, C.J. Spiller/Fred Jackson, Reggie Bush, Matt Forte, Ahmad Bradshaw, Ray Rice
WRs: A.J. Green, Sidney Rice/Golden Tate, Vincent Jackson/Mike Williams, Danny Amendola, Stevie Johnson, Brian Hartline, Brandon Marshall, Victor Cruz/Hakeem Nicks, Torrey Smith
TEs: Jermaine Gresham, Scott Chandler

It's also important to note that the highly lauded Texans D/ST may not be a must start until the playoffs begin (if your league is still active). This also applies to the Falcons D/ST, Patriots D/ST, Broncos D/ST.

Welcome! Introducing the Writer

Thus begins my blogging career, with a spontaneous creation. Fitting, I would hope, for most of my best work comes without a scheme or a warning. I would like to introduce to my readers to Fantasy Football Flow! This blog was created in response to an urge to express both my knowledge of the sport and its fantasy bedfellow, as well as a means to practice my writing, as its use has waned in these post-collegiate days. If you're only here to utilize or even criticize (both are welcome) my advice please refer to subsequent posts as this is merely an introduction to the writer and an invitation to explore my debut in the blogging world.

My name is Brett. I have been writing almost exclusively that which has been required by my educational curriculum, however, when enticed I have explored my creative side and have decided to probe my right brain once more. I reside in Southeastern Virginia, rendering me free of hometown prejudices, so I promise not to bash either your hometown or its team on a personal level. I won't divulge my favorite teams (yet) to maintain some neutrality. If you have any feedback please feel free to offer it. I'm a rookie here hopefully an RG3/Andrew Luck caliber rookie, but even they have been spotted seeking advice!

Thanks for reading,

Brett