Fantasy footballers looking for a postseason challenge are most likely involved in what’s called a “One and Done” league. In these formats, managers can pick a player once in the entirety of the playoffs, and the team with the most points after the Super Bowl wins. The thrill of strategizing each move, knowing that every choice could make or break your season, is what keeps the excitement alive!
I’m involved in such a league, and I had a bit of a “mid” week in the Wild Card Round. Here’s the lineup I submitted. I’m required to start one quarterback, one running back, one wide receiver, one tight end, and one flex starter (running back, wide receiver, or tight end).
### Wild Card Round Lineup
QB – Jayden Daniels, Commanders (22.3 points)
RB – Saquon Barkley, Eagles (14.3 points)
WR – Nico Collins, Texans (25.2 points)
TE – Mark Andrews, Ravens (5.2 points)
FLEX – Puka Nacua, Rams (10.1 points)
This lineup suffered from the lack of production I received from Nacua and Andrews, and obviously, I was hoping for much more from Barkley. In the Divisional Round, I created the lineup listed below, thinking the Commanders and Ravens would both lose their games.
### Divisional Round Challenges
QB – Lamar Jackson, Ravens (18.1 points)
RB – Derrick Henry, Ravens (14.4 points)
WR – A.J. Brown, Eagles (3.4 points)
TE – Zach Ertz, Commanders (13.8 points)
FLEX – Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders (18.7 points)
I started Jackson and Henry, and while the Ravens did lose to Buffalo, neither player had great games. Brown’s 3.4 fantasy points killed me, too, so I’m now fighting an uphill battle in the next two weeks.
### Moving Forward to the Conference Championship Round
So, let’s move on to the Conference Championship Round, where I have a few difficult lineup choices to make, starting with the quarterback position. Since I’ve already used Daniels, I have to stick with the NFC and use Jalen Hurts. That’s the safe play, as I’ll be able to use Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl Round. I’m starting James Cook at running back, as I’ve already burned Barkley in the previous round.
I love Xavier Worthy this week against the Bills, as he’s emerged as the clear top option at wide receiver for Mahomes. I’m going with Travis Kelce at tight end, simply because he’s the best option and I need points. The decision might ultimately hurt me in the next round, but I must chase point production. My flex starter is DeVonta Smith, who is the next best bet based on my Conference Championship Round rankings.
### My Conference Championship Lineup
QB – Jalen Hurts, Eagles
RB – James Cook, Bills
WR – Xavier Worthy, Chiefs
TE – Travis Kelce, Chiefs
FLEX – DeVonta Smith, Eagles
As I prepare for the upcoming matchups, I can’t help but feel the pressure. Every decision counts! Will Hurts deliver the fantasy points I need? Can Cook step up and fill the void left by Barkley? And what about Worthy and Kelce? They’re pivotal to my success.
### The Importance of Strategy
In a “One and Done” league, the strategy is crucial. You have to think several steps ahead. If you burn a player too early, you might regret it when the playoffs progress. This is where the excitement lies—balancing risk and reward, and hoping for the best.
As I look at my lineup, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The thrill of the game is palpable, and every player’s performance can swing the tide in my favor or against me.
### Final Thoughts
Good luck to all fellow fantasy football enthusiasts out there! May your picks be fruitful, and may your teams soar to victory! The playoffs are a rollercoaster of emotions, and every game is a new opportunity to prove your fantasy prowess. Let’s get ready for an exhilarating finish to the season!
