Mastering Your Fantasy Football Playoffs | A Blueprint for Victory

As the fantasy football playoffs loom, it’s time to prepare for the championship run you’ve been dreaming of. If you find yourself in the enviable position of boasting a 6-2, 7-1, or a pristine 8-0 record, you’re on the cusp of something great. While the regular season still demands your attention, a keen manager knows early preparation is the key to securing that elusive title. This is your guide to staying ahead of the curve and becoming the fantasy football champion you’re destined to be.

Quarterback Brilliance

Six NFL teams have generously given quarterbacks 20 or more fantasy points per game. When you see these teams on your playoff schedule, it’s time to move.

Zach Wilson: The Underdog Sensation: New York Jets QB Zach Wilson might not be a household name, but he’s rising. With a mere 9% roster rate on Sleeper, he’s ready to make a splash. In the fantasy playoffs, he faces the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Football Team, two squads notorious for surrendering points to quarterbacks.

Russell Wilson’s Rocky Mountain Ascent: Russell Wilson is only rostered in 44% of leagues on Sleeper, this makes him a prime target for savvy managers. Come championship Sunday, he’ll be battling the LA Chargers, setting the stage for a potential fantasy football masterpiece.

Kyler Murray’s Resurgence: Should Arizona Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray return in peak form, he’s a league-winner waiting to happen. With a favorable playoff schedule against the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles, Murray’s potential is undeniable. Astonishingly, he remains available in over 40% of leagues on Sleeper.

Running Back Dominance

Five teams have been accommodating running backs with open arms, allowing a generous 20+ fantasy points per game. Here’s how to take full advantage:

Austin Ekeler: The Playoff Hero: If you’re fortunate enough to possess Austin Ekeler, hold onto him like your fantasy football life depends on it. Despite early-season injuries, Ekeler is back with a vengeance. In the first round of the fantasy playoffs, he’ll go toe-to-toe with the Las Vegas Raiders, a team renowned for generosity, allowing an average of 21.5 fantasy points per game to running backs. But here’s the clincher–picture championship Sunday, where Ekeler and the Chargers face off against the Denver Broncos, a team sporting one of the feeblest run defenses in the league. This duo is your golden ticket to a fantasy football throne, so ignore any tempting trade offers. Ekeler is the embodiment of a league-winner.

Bijan Robinson: The Star Ready To Shine: While Bijan Robinson may be flying slightly under the radar, don’t underestimate his potential. His time to shine is approaching, and he recently showcased his talent with a touchdown. What makes him even more enticing is his dream fantasy playoff schedule, pitting him against the Carolina Panthers in the first round and the Indianapolis Colts in the second. Even when he faces the formidable Jacksonville Jaguars on championship Sunday, don’t hesitate to start him. He’s a genuine star in the making.

Saquon Barkley: Timing the Parting: While it’s never easy to part ways with a talent like Saquon Barkley, the fantasy football world revolves around seizing opportunities. This could be the perfect time to sell high on Barkley. Saquon is coming off an impressive showing, and you might be tempted to ride his wave. After all, he’s set to explode in this week’s matchup against the Raiders. But remember, it’s not about his current brilliance; it’s about the future. The New York Giants’ offense has yet to show any signs of improvement, and even Saquon’s superhuman abilities can only do so much. With matchups against the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams in the fantasy playoffs, the path ahead is laden with pitfalls. The Saints rank fifth, the Eagles first, and the Rams tenth in least points allowed to running backs. It’s a treacherous journey that even a player of Barkley’s caliber might struggle to navigate. So, while it’s painful to entertain the thought of parting with Saquon, timing is everything in fantasy football. Sell high after this week’s Raiders matchup, and you may secure a valuable asset to help you conquer the impending challenges of the playoffs.

Wide Receiver Mastery

Four teams have been generous hosts for wide receivers, allowing 25+ fantasy points per game. It’s your moment to shine:

Seahawks’ WRs: Unleash the Beasts: It’s time to target the Seattle Seahawks’ outside receivers. They’re poised for a fantastic playoff run, facing the Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Philly and Pittsburgh rank 4th and 5th in points allowed to outside wide receivers.

Amari Cooper: The Inevitable Trade: The fantasy outlook for Amari Cooper is gloomy. The Cleveland Browns’ QB situation is uncertain, and Cooper’s playoff schedule is nightmarish. In the second round, he encounters the Houston Texans, who have surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. And to add insult to injury, championship Sunday sees Cooper facing the New York Jets, a team notorious for shutting down wide receivers this season, allowing the most minor fantasy points to WR this season.

Navigating the Tight End Quandary

Tight ends are a unique challenge in the world of fantasy football. If you’re lucky enough to have Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, or Mark Andrews, you’re in a comfortable position. However, if you’re juggling Dalton Kincaid or Dallas Goedert, close monitoring is essential. For owners of Darren Waller or TJ Hockenson, consider alternatives.

For those in search of tight-end solutions, consider these alternatives:

Trey McBride: Currently available in 41% of leagues on Sleeper.
Jake Ferguson: Up for grabs in 33% of leagues on Sleeper.
Tyler Conklin: Rostered in just 13% of leagues on Sleeper.

With these options in your arsenal, you’re primed for the most crucial phase of the fantasy football season. Best of luck, and may your fantasy football dreams turn into reality.