Snow is starting to fall. Christmas music is playing. Finals are in full swing as schools start closing for winter vacation. Clearly, only one thing should be on your mind: fantasy football playoffs.
Win, and you’re one step closer to that glorious title. Lose, and you’re waiting over 250 days for your next shot. Lineups need to be 100% perfect if you want to avoid saying hello to the darkness for another week, check out The Wolf’s thoughts to make sure you’re fully stocked for a win.
Tier 1 – Potential Top Scorers
1) David Johnson (ARI) @ MIA
2) Le’Veon Bell (PIT) @ BUF
3) Ezekiel Ellliott (DAL) @ NYG
4) LeSean McCoy (BUF) vs. PIT
5) DeMarco Murray (TEN) vs. DEN
6) Matt Forte (NYJ) @ SF
Tier 2 – Remaining RB1s
7) Melvin Gordon (SD) @ CAR
8) Spencer Ware (KC) vs. OAK
9) Devonta Freeman (ATL) @ LA – I keep throwing shade, and he keeps scoring TDs. Freeman’s a stud.
10) Latavius Murray (OAK) @ KC
11) Jeremy Hill (CIN) @ CLE
12) Doug Martin (TB) vs. NO
13) Thomas Rawls (SEA) @ GB
14) Jordan Howard (CHI) @ DET
Tier 3 – Quality RB2s
15) Lamar Miller (HOU) @ IND
16) Carlos Hyde (SF) vs. NYJ – This is a game that should remain close with the creature named Bryce Petty on the other side, which plays right into a big day for Hyde.
17) Darren Sproles (PHI) vs. WAS – They get destroyed in the air versus RBs, which is Sproles’ specialty.
18) Theo Riddick (DET) vs. CHI
19) Frank Gore (IND) vs. HOU
Tier 3.5
20) Jay Ajayi (MIA) vs. ARI – My pick for “Bum” of the week; he’s been fading fast and now gets the 31st ranked matchup.
21) Mark Ingram (NO) @ TB
22) Todd Gurley (LA) vs. ATL
23) Jonathan Stewart (CAR) vs. SD – He’s literally been 20 points or single digits, making him a risky play; nonetheless, a date with San Diego should help swing the pendulum to boom.
24) Robert Kelley (WAS) @ PHI
Tier 4 – Last Startable Names
25) Tevin Coleman (ATL) @ LA – I could see a huge “kill-the-clock” Coleman effort that results in multiple TDs.
26) LeGarrette Blount (NE) vs. BAL – Normally a low-end RB1, a date with the best rushing defense in the league lessens his appeal significantly. This has a Dion Lewis / James White feel to it, but a TD is definitely within Blount’s grasp.
27) Dion Lewis (NE) vs. BAL – In a game that should be tight and rely on Brady’s arm, Lewis’ coming-out-party might finally be here.
28) Isaiah Crowell (CLE) vs. CIN – He had two of his top three games when the mobile threat of RGIII was under center, and now matches up with a Bengals defense that can be run upon. Crowell also has been more involved in the receiving game lately, making him a usable play if you can stomach it in your finals.
29) Devontae Booker (DEN) @ TEN – He’s been so horribly inefficient that just-signed Justin Forsett is expected to split carries. This line is terrible, and Booker doesn’t seem to be running with the same aggression as before.
Tier 5 – I guess if you’re desperate…
30) Kenneth Dixon (BAL) @ NE – This backfield is tough to project, but Dixon’s consistent receiving role should be necessary in a game that’ll require catch up.
31) Charles Sims (TB) vs. NO – Just returning from the I.R., Sims is a major dice roll; nonetheless, New Orleans surrenders a ton of receptions to RBs & Doug Martin has a mysterious ailment that could lead to serious work. There’s a sneaky big ceiling here.
32) Ryan Mathews (PHI) vs. WAS – Expected back in Week 14 and as strong a bet for a TD as any in this group; any reports indicating the distribution of this three-headed monster will be key to follow.
33) Bilal Powell (NYJ) @ SF
34) Rashad Jennings (NYG) vs. DAL
35) Terrance West (BAL) @ NE – His best shot at value is an early TD, or if the Ravens somehow get up early.
36) Rex Burkhead (CIN) @ CLE – Shockingly a plausible toss-in during playoff week. Hopefully if you made the playoffs you’re not sinking this low.
Tier 6 – Really? You made the playoffs?
37) Mike Gillislee (BUF) vs. PIT
38) James White (NE) vs. BAL – Dion Lewis’ expanded role has predicatably sapped White of any type of dependability.
39) Duke Johnson (CLE) vs. CIN
40) Derrick Henry (TEN) vs. DEN
41) Jalen Richard (OAK) @ KC
42) Tim Hightower (NO) @ TB
43) Chris Thompson (WAS) @ PHI
44) Jerick McKinnon (MIN) @ JAC
45) Matt Asiata (MIN) @ JAC
