I’m in two fantasy playoffs — one with my friends at Meadowlark Golf Course and the other with RIIP Pizza. One of my teams boasts the dynamic trio of Justin Jefferson, James Cook, and Keenan Allen. In the other league, I faced off against… you guessed it: Justin Jefferson, James Cook, and Keenan Allen again! It was almost a perfect storm for victory in both leagues, but my opponent had the savvy pickup of Brandon Aubrey and the Falcons defense. That’s fantasy football for you! Sometimes the stars align, and other times, you find yourself repeatedly starting Cooper Kupp. If you’ve made it this far with Kupp, hats off to you!
Fantasy Football Triumphs and Trials
I know this is the Flex column, but I can’t help but brag a little about one of my fantasy teams that made it to the finals with C.J. Stroud at quarterback. Seriously, I deserve a medal for that! My friend, who was my opponent last week, faced a tough decision between Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow. I’ll leave it to you to guess who he went with. The ups and downs of fantasy football can be thrilling, but they also keep us on our toes!
Key Players to Watch
Now, let’s dive into some of the standout players you should be keeping an eye on this week:
- Bijan Robinson is my top running back of the week. He’s been a fantasy powerhouse, scoring **20-plus points** in eight of his last ten games and racking up **11 games** with at least **100 scrimmage yards**. Expect him to shine against the **Commanders** this weekend.
- De’Von Achane has been on fire, achieving **20 fantasy points** in eight games this season and scoring **nine touchdowns** in his last nine outings. He’s a must-start!
- Bucky Irving has also been impressive, scoring at least **17 fantasy points** in four of his last six games and accumulating at least **90 scrimmage yards** in four of his last five. He’s a solid option moving forward.
- Nico Collins has been a reliable target, with at least **nine targets** in three of his last four games. With **Tank Dell** out for the season due to a knee injury, Collins’ target share should only increase. **Dalton Schultz** may also benefit, though the matchup against **Baltimore** gives me pause.
- Davante Adams is a target magnet, averaging **10.1 targets** per game this season, the third-most in the NFL. He’s been on a tear with **five receiving touchdowns** in the last month.
- Tee Higgins has found the end zone in five of his last six games. It’s no surprise, considering he’s had **13 red zone targets** since Week 11, tied for the second-most in the league.
- The **Seahawks** and **Cardinals** are both in a wait-and-see mode with their RB1s as of Tuesday. I’m not sure if **James Conner** (knee) or **Kenneth Walker** (ankle) will be available this week, but neither has been ruled out yet. Hope springs eternal! (UPDATE: The ‘Hawks have ruled out Walker for Thursday night’s game in Chicago. **Zach Charbonnet** will step in, and while we loved Walker, Charbonnet is ready to rock the Seattle backfield like **Sammy Hagar**—a great replacement in his own right!)
The Fantasy Golf Connection
By the way, do you think we can figure out who wronged Max Homa here? For the record, I play fantasy golf too. I’m a NEVER RORY guy and absolutely love Max. He’s simply the best, isn’t he?
The Rollercoaster of Fantasy Football
As we dive deeper into the fantasy playoffs, the excitement only heightens. The thrill of victory is sweet, but the agony of defeat can sting. It’s what keeps us coming back for more! Each week, we analyze matchups, track injuries, and make those tough lineup decisions. The highs and lows of fantasy football create a rollercoaster of emotions, and it’s this unpredictability that makes it so captivating.
So, whether you’re celebrating a hard-fought victory or lamenting a tough loss, remember that each week is a new opportunity. Embrace the chaos, make those strategic moves, and keep your eyes on the prize. The fantasy playoffs are upon us, and anything can happen!
Let’s keep our fingers crossed for those crucial matchups and hope our players bring home the fantasy glory. Happy fantasy footballing!
