I attended the final game at Highmark Stadium last week, watching the Bills’ backups destroy what was left of the Jets’ starters in 18-degree weather. From my frozen vantage point in the stands, I kept thinking the Jets should change their name to the Tanks. Losing 35-8 to Buffalo’s second stringers, I’ve never seen an NFL team rollover like that in my life.
The regular season is over, but fantasy football fun for diehards continues in Guillotine leagues. Make sure you draft an equal number of players from both conferences. In this battle of attrition, the best strategy is to pick from teams you think will advance. I feel strongly about (in order) the Rams, Eagles, Seahawks and Bills winning their first games and beyond, so stacking players from those rosters makes sense. Remember that the No. 1 seeds, Seattle and Denver, have a bye this week. Good luck in the fantasy football’s “season after the season.”
CALL OF THE WILD!
QB Matthew Stafford at Panthers — Backing in with an 8-9 record, the Panthers made the playoffs by the skin of their fangs and are rightfully the biggest underdog of the week. Stafford should have 250 yards and 2 TDs before the night is over.
QB Josh Allen at Jaguars — Since Week 14, the Jags beat up on lesser QBs Brandon Allen, Brady Cook, Leonard Riley, and the 100-year-old Philip Rivers, who all threw for a combined 2 TD passes. But they were tagged for an average of 310 yards and 2 TDs by Bo Nix, Jacoby Brissett, Geno Smith and Davis Mills. My money’s on Allen to score three times and put up over 275 total yards.
RB Saquon Barkley vs. 49ers — The Seahawks blew through the 49ers for 171 rushing yards and a TD last week. That’s good news for Barkley, who shines in the postseason. The Eagles will lean on him to keep McCaffrey and company on the sidelines.
RB Josh Jacobs at Bears — The Packers will play keep-away from Chicago by feeding Jacobs over 20 carries. It makes sense since the Bears surrender almost five yards per carry. Jacobs hit them up for 86 yards and a TD in the regular season.
WR Puka Nacua at Panthers — The WR1 in fantasy this year, Puka gets the easiest matchup of the week. Additionally, the Rams should advance, possibly all the way to the Super Bowl, so Puka checks a lot of boxes in Guillotine leagues.
WR Nico Collins at Steelers — The Pittsburgh secondary had numerous mental lapses allowing the Ravens’ WR Zay Flowers to slip behind them for 138 yards and 2 TDs last week. Collins’ potential to finish the weekend as a Top 4 WR is very strong.
TE Dalton Kincaid at Jaguars — The Jags faced just three quality TEs all season: McBride, Bowers, and Kelce. They combined for 21 receptions, 267 yards, and 4 TDs. Kincaid should lead the Bills in receiving.
WILD BLUE YONDER!
QB Bryce Young vs. Rams — Young is without question the lesser of all the playoff QBs. He was held below 200 passing yards in 12 of his 17 games. The Rams secondary can be had, but I think Young gets the fewest QB points of the weekend.
QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Texans — Rodgers was thrilled when Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed the FG to propel the Steelers into the playoffs. He’ll rethink that feeling when he squares off against the ferocious Houston pass rush on Monday night.
RB Omarion Hampton at Patriots — The Pats’ run defense has been leaky of late, yielding 100-yard games to RBs in their last three meaningful games (James Cook, Derrick Henry, Breece Hall). But coming off an ankle injury and in a timeshare with backfield mate Vidal limits Hampton’s appeal.
RB Kyle Monangai vs. Packers — The rookie RB will appear in his first playoff game. It remains to be seen if his already limited playing time (about 45%) gets further reduced in favor of veteran D’Andre Swift.
WR Khalil Shakir at Jaguars — In the Bills’ “everyone eats” offense, Shakir is practically starving, averaging less than 10 fantasy points in his last five games.
WR Romeo Doubs at Bears — Romeo has one reception in his last two outings against da Bears. ‘Nuff said.
TE Brenton Strange vs. Bills — Strange gets a Buffalo defense that gave up the fewest points to TEs this year. With WRs Meyers, Thomas Jr., and Washington at QB Trevor Lawrence’s disposal, Strange will be an afterthought.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Vrabel is 3-5 in the playoffs. The weekend’s biggest upset. Chargers 26, Patriots 24
Allen gets it done in Jacksonville. Bills 31, Jaguars 28
Rodgers’ last game? Texans 24, Steelers 20
Green Bay defense disappoints in prime time. Bears 31, Packers 28
Well rested Philly wins the day. Eagles 30, 49ers 26
This game won’t be close. Rams 35, Panthers 17
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.
