Crunch Time
December 14th, 2002
It's that time of year again across this great land - no, not the holidays - it's time for fantasy football playoffs! If you are one of the few, the proud, the playoff-bound, the pressure is on. This is what you've been working for since June - time to win the whole enchilada, the big one - there might even be some prize money on the line, along with league bragging rights. But now that you are in contention for the league crown, what should you do to elevate your chances for victory?
First of all, don't obsess over every little detail and news item that impacts your team. It is easy to overanalyze a roster, and to talk yourself into starting a player that may not be as good as your "usual" starter. You should stick with your studs unless there is a very good reason (like a major injury) to do otherwise. Mile High stadium can be a hard place to play football in December - but that doesn't mean to avoid Priest Holmes week 15 -he'd have to break a leg in an auto accident (or some similar catastrophe) before you sat him down.
However, most fantasy teams don't have a "stud" starter at every position on the roster. In some stadiums weather conditions do play a major role in the course of games at this time of year - and can be especially important for deciding who to start in roster slots like "team defense" or at kicker. This weekend, San Diego goes to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo - will they be playing in the middle of a blizzard? Dallas travels to Giants Stadium - is icy rain forecast? When you are deliberating between marginal starters for your #2 RB slot or #3 WR position (for example), don't forget to check the weather forecasts that impact any players/units competing in outdoor stadiums.
Also, check the injury reports (including the IR and PUP lists) at key positions when deliberating between your fringe players. Some teams are a lot more banged up at this point of the season than others, and injuries on the opposing NFL team's defense can make one of the guys you are considering on any given week much more attractive than another.
Most of all - relax, enjoy the games on Sunday, and trumpet your victories over the other players in your league next week! This hobby is about having fun and enjoying pro football, above all else.
Good luck to all the playoff franchises - I hope you win them all and go into 2003 a champion! - MW.
Mark Wimer
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