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Fantasy Playoffs Are Here
Time Out 12-9-20
ddc

So, you reached your league’s playoffs. Congratulations but do not get too complacent with just reaching it. After all, the goal is to win the whole thing. I have been playing fantasy football for over 15 years and I can honestly say that I have never missed a playoff berth. I have won multiple championships and in both of my leagues in 2020, the streak continues.

If this is your first trip to the postseason, I am glad to share some helpful tips to assist you in your championship quest. First, make sure you ride the hot hand. For example, if you put big names in your lineup over someone who has a favorable match-up and helped you get to where you are now, why bench them? A perfect example of this is I would sit Ezekiel Elliott in favor of guys like Antonio Gibson, Gio Bernard and Wayne Gallman. Next make sure you are aware of injuries and COVID-19 situations. Do your research, if a guy is questionable heading into a late game or even Monday night, make sure you have a plan B in place. Which leads me to my next point. Build your bench. Do not have it stacked with guys who are announced inactive. Bench points matter. Do not lose your match-up because your bench was not productive. Best way to do this is replace any inactive players with quarterbacks.

I also advise you to handcuff anyone in case one of your starters get hurt in the game. You do not want to get caught sleeping. Example, if you have Austin Ekeler, you better make sure that you can swoop up Joshua Kelley just in case.

I will leave you with this, perhaps the most important piece to any championship run. Know the weather. If it is snowing in the Midwest, you probably do not want to start your quarterback (unless you have Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers or maybe even Josh Allen) or kicker. Yes, kickers do make a difference. I would go out and get Daniel Carlson of the Las Vegas Raiders for your playoff run. The Raiders will be home all three weeks and playing indoors.

Good luck to all of you and enjoy yourselves. Do not be afraid to take risks if needed, but do not overthink any situation.

 

Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.