Fantasy Focus- Fantasy Playoff Stategy
Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hand off the ball to running back Stevan Ridley (22) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 28-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Just when you think you can put your fantasy football to bed for another off season, don’t forget about fantasy football playoff edition! I’ve been in a few leagues and they are set up pretty similar. You get a roster of 12-14 players for the entire NFL playoffs. There are no adds or drops so your roster is frozen once the playoffs kick off, with scoring basically the same as regular season fantasy football. Whoever scores the most combined points through the Super Bowl wins. Its sounds easy but there is some strategy involved.
1. Predict the Entire Playoffs– The best way to set most of your roster is to set up brackets March Madness style and decide which teams you think are going to make it to the Super Bowl
2. Load Up Your Roster– I’ve finished 2nd (pays top 3 or 4) the past two years with this philosophy of filling up my roster with the two teams that I believe are going to make it to the Super Bowl. Last year when Billy Cundiff shanked the field goal to give the Patriots the AFC title, it was not only a blow to the city of Baltimore, but a ticket to a top 2 finish for my team because it was full of Patriot players.
3. Don’t forget to score points during Wild Card Weekend– With a roster of 12 to 14 you still have some flexibility. You have to get on the board during the Wild Card weekend festivities even if your bracket doesn’t have any team making it to New Orleans. There was a team with all Patriots last season that finished out of the money because they were too far behind after the Wild Card week by collecting no points. Plus recent history suggests a wild card team will get hot and run the table to New Orleans this season.
4. Try to find a Player No one else will have- Two years ago the winner that beat me out was the only person with James Starks on their roster. This season’s sleeper could be Dujuan Harris. If you go with the loading up a roster with a certain team if you can find the sleeper on the roster could be the difference between 1st and a 3rd!
Playoff fantasy leagues are fun especially when your favorite team is already on vacation! Good Luck and Win Some Cash!!