Looking for those players who can see you into the playoff finals? Look no further.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield
Remember when the Browns were 2-6 and there was talk of Dorsey and co. possibly taking a Quarterback next year?
Someone definitely hanged that story on the locker room wall and the Oklahoma product has been on fire since. Fresh off a 3 touchdown road victory against Miami, Baker is finally finding his groove and hitting his uber-talented receiving corps.
The playoff schedule reads almost perfect for the Dawg Pound. Week 14 brings a home bout against hapless Cincinnati, with a leisurely trip to the leaky Arizona defence slotted in for the semi-finals.
Sadly the only blot on the schedule, Mayfield will most likely struggle at home to Baltimore in Championship week. Lamar’s team boast the 5th best defence against fantasy Quarterbacks. I’m sure even the most ardent Baker truthers may be tempted to pick up a second Quarterback to finish the season with glory.
Who you might ask? Continue reading…
Russell Wilson
Although now impossible with the fantasy trade deadline having come and gone, a Russell Wilson/Baker Mayfield Quarterback combination would likely make you a 2019 champion.
Whilst Cleveland anticipates a week 15 visit from the mean Baltimore franchise, Seattle host Arizona- the worst fantasy defence against Quarterbacks.
Danger Russ can finally enjoy having each of his talented receivers healthy, Rashaad Penny flashing his bell cow potential and a defence playing out of its skin.
The week 15 trip to Carolina may appear as a possible roadblock to victory. However Riverboat Ron and the gang are fresh from bleeding 311 yards and 3 touchdowns to Drew Brees and the Saints.
If you own Russell Wilson do not overthink it. You’re going to be fine.
Wildcard- Ryan Tannehill
In a style befitting the Titans’ strange season, Ryan Tannehill and his Nashville collective can brag about facing the 3rd and the 4th worst defenses against Quarterbacks- Oakland and Houston respectively.
Granted most owners would call you a madman for leaving your leaving your silverware hopes on the back of Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry and AJ Brown. But imagine the years of bragging and boasting knowing that Ryan Tannehill took your franchise to the promised land.
Running Backs
Dalvin Cook
Yes, smug Dalvin Cook owners we’re looking at you. Not only did you secure the number 2 fantasy Running Back, you secured the Florida State man AFTER major bust David Johnson. Don’t forget the small fact Cook has yet to put down less than 12 points this whole year.
If that wasn’t kudos enough you are able to enjoy the most ridiculous schedule imaginable.
Minnesota do not face a good defence for the entirety of their playoff schedule.
Seriously.
The meanest defence visiting the Vikings throughout weeks 14-16 are the Chargers. Yes, those Chargers. The 9th WORST defence against Quarterbacks.
Cook will be running all over Detroit in week 14 (2nd worst) and Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers (4th worst) in the championship final.
Quite simply, if you own Dalvin Cook then congratulations on your trophy. Should you face the third year in the knockout stages, I feel bad for you bro.
Josh Jacobs
Another year, another rookie Running Back sensation. A major factor in how surprisingly enjoyable the Oakland Raiders have been to watch this season, Jacobs currently sneaks into 9th place among all Running Backs on the year.
Jacobs will face a couple of visits from the below average Titans (12th worst) and the awful Jacksonville (3rd worst) run defences. Yep, those AFC South defences who just allowed a combined 334 yards from the Running Back position in their week 12 divisional matchup.
If that fails to get you excited, championship week sees the Raiders take a short trip down the coast to take on the Chargers. The injury hit Chargers defence allowing 27.1 yards per game to opposing Running Backs.
Jacob’s owners enjoy the rude for now, he’s going top 5 next year.
Wildcard – the Chicago backfield
The most annoying aspect of Matt Nagy’s reluctance to hand the run game to the talented rookie David Montgomery might just be Chicago’s fantasy playoff run.
A bell cow David Montgomery would be a glowing recommendation for weeks 14-16 if only he was the feature back. The Bears face Dallas (12th worst), Green Bay (4th worst) and a glorious week 16 finale hosting the absolute worst run defence in the National Football League- Kansas City.
Tarik Cohen is slowing becoming the gadget player his size and frame allow and Nagy has hinted at more involvement for their talented 3rd rounder. However until Montgomery truly becomes the workhorse (at that could still conceivably happen between now and week 14), Chicago’s dream run in becomes a sad ‘what could have been?’.
Wide Receivers
T.Y. Hilton
With an almost identical schedule to his fellow playoff-best wideout, Hilton just nudges his rival due to his week 14 matchup. Tampa Bay currently hold the worst record against fantasy Wide Receivers, gifting opposing teams 47.3 points per game on average.
Week 15 gets a touch tougher with a trip to the 12th worst New Orleans defence. Only a touch tougher mind you; the Saints were just gashed by Carolina’s D.J. Moore for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns.
That same D.J. Moore brings his defence to Indianapolis for the championship week 16 bout, with the Panthers sitting as the 5th worst defence against Wide Receivers this year.
In Carolina’s last 3 games they allowed Calvin Ridley 143 yards and a touchdown, handed Michael Thomas 101 yards and a touchdown and couldn’t stop Davante Adams accumulating 118 yards. The Panthers defence seem unable to lock down number one receivers. Hilton owners get ready, this is the moment you have been waiting for.
Tyler Lockett
Falling just shy of the near perfect slate the fantasy gods have handed T.Y. in Indianapolis, Tyler Lockett can however boast a potential MVP Quarterback as a bonus to the comfortable run-in.
Seattle travel to Los Angeles to take on a 13th worst Rams defence fresh off the Lamar Jackson show that spread out a combined 208 yards and 4 touchdowns to his various pass catchers. McCoy’s Rams hold the 4th worst record for opposition receptions at 154.
With Jalen Ramsey and the iffy Rams secondary out the way, Seattle can enjoy a trip to the aforementioned Carolina defence. Then a tasty week 16 visit from Arizona. The Cardinals are the 2nd worst fantasy defence against Wide Receivers. And they travel to Seattle. *Insert rubbing hands GIF*
Lockett owners can thank the former Kansas State man for taking them to the edge of glory. A dream playoff schedule and likely silverware now await you. All from a 4th round draft pick!
Wildcard – Deebo Samuel
Thought not quite on the level of their Super Bowl calibre defence, Jimmy G and the 49ers offense have been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks. We all love an offense who can turn it on as we reach the (real life) business end of the season, especially with the fantasy playoffs looming.
Many tipped Antonio Brown as a possible signing to boost San Francisco’s Superbowl hopes, such was their lack of a genuine stud field-stretcher. The front office did add veteran Emmanuel Sanders, a move that comes across as shrewd rather than blockbuster.
Luckily for Kyle Shanahan’s men rookie Deebo Samuel has stepped up. With flashes of becoming the number one wideout the San Francisco franchise crave. Samuel has been on fire the last few weeks, collecting 96 yards and a touchdown over the past 3 games.
Deebo and co. travel to New Orleans to take on the 12th worst defence against Wide Receivers in the super dome. Before visits from Atlanta (6th worst) and the aforementioned bleeding Rams.
There isn’t much more risk than leaving your championship hopes to a rookie. A rookie wideout at that. But with Jimmy G leading his team to the business end of the season, you could look an absolute genius allowing Samuel to bring that trophy home.
Tight End
Gerald Everett (Tyler Higbee if injured)
Tight End remains the toughest position to call during this years playoff season. DISCLAIMER: these are not the best fantasy matchups, rather the best players with the best matchups. Detroit and Chicago technically have the easiest schedule for Tight Ends. Yet I personally would not risk my whole season on Adam Shaheen or Jesse James.
Everett’s 2019 season has been a mixture of 2-3 point games. With a smattering of double digit performances here and there. His target share can rise and fall in line with which version of Jared Goff turns up, moving from 11 to a paltry 1 week by week.
As McVay plots a route to the real life playoffs, fantasy owners need to be aware of the schedule opening up for the South Alabama graduate.
Admittedly Everett’s week 16 is terrible. Not only will he have to contend with the best defence against Tight Ends. Everett will travel to San Francisco for the privilege.
Before that the Rams do take on Seattle in a mouth-watering battle against the 4th worst defence against Tight Ends. Week 15 sees the L.A. franchise face Dallas in Texas, the 8th worst defence.
Similar to Baker, Everett will likely take you to the brink. But you will need to bring another Tight End in to finish the job. Check the waivers for…
Kyle Rudolph
Yes, I just managed to pick up Rudolph in my 9-2 league. Guess who my starting Tight End is… Gerald Everett! The Notre Dame product was just sitting on the free agent list waiting for a call up.
Minnesota have an average build up to the fantasy final; a visit from Detroit (15th worst) and a tougher trip to L.A. to take on the Chargers (10th best).
This is where Rudolph can complement the Rams Tight End though. Rudolph gets a home game against Green Bay for the week 16 final. Yes, Green Bay the 3rd worst defence against the Tight End position. Yes, Green Bay who just got gashed by George Kittle for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Any any of these players on your roster? Or maybe sitting on waivers waiting for a home? If so, you may find yourself with some new silverware to polish…
Best of Luck
-Dre @lil_carat
