Playoff Aspirations

Can you believe it? We are at the mid-point of the typical Fantasy Football season and that means that most of us are trying to make a push for the playoffs. Even the guys who drafted Tom Brady in round one and Larry Johnson in round two feel they have a chance, even though their record is 2-5. “I just need to get on a roll!” is a common refrain heard amongst the desperate. Being “Fantasy” Football, one does allow for some delusion. I will analyze playoff scenarios for you based on your record and provide you with the necessary feedback to help you gauge the remainder of your regular season.

If your record is 7-0, you have drafted and traded well, had some favorable match ups, played Ronnie Brown when he had his monster games, drafted the best defense in the league, and have AP, Clinton Portis, Greg Jennings, Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees on your team. My suggestion is not to over analyze your squad, don't worry too much about match ups, don't make trades that might deplete your depth for that stud Kicker that you are lacking and just do what Al Davis wants you to do - Just win baby!

If your record is 6-1, you lost to the team that was the week’s high scorer. You have Aaron Rodgers, Marion Barber, Frank Gore, Hines Ward and Reggie Wayne. You drafted Michael Turner, Brett Favre, and Bernard Berrian as your backups. The playoffs are almost a certainty so now is the time to start thinking ahead to weeks 13-16 and looking to build a team of players with the best matchups during your playoff weeks.

If your record is 5-2, you lost two games due to untimely injuries and off weeks by key players. You have Tony Romo, Marshawn Lynch, Brandon Jacobs, Santana Moss, and Brandon Marshall. You were smart enough to draft Brett Favre or Kurt Warner in the later rounds. The playoffs are within your reach and now is the time to use that depth that you have resisted to trade.

If your record is 4-3, you once thought more of your team and got beat by the dude who is 7-0 and you owe him 20 bucks for a side-bet. Dumbass!! You still have some talent, especially at RB where Matt Forte and Reggie Bush used to get you steady points. Your QB is Peyton Manning and Plaxico Burress and Reggie Wayne are your top receivers. Just hope that no one else gets hurt and stay with the hot hand. You have Kyle Orton sitting on your bench, so you should start to shop him and Manning. If a good trade is offered, you should pull the trigger to upgrade that one glaring weakness you have with Chad Johnson as your number 3 wide receiver and an injury replacement for Bush. Unless you have some drunken nights and brain cramps, you should make the playoffs.

If your record is 3-4, you lost some close games and were league’s high scorer at least once. You're probably thinking that if you can just get in the playoffs that you will win it. Well, I say make a trade. You might have to offer some talent to get that stud RB. Someone may have three really good RBs and will trade you Ryan Grant for two good players. So, if you have T.J. Houshmandzadeh, package him with Thomas Jones and make sure that you also get back a steady receiver in this deal like Dwayne Bowe or Derrick Mason.

If your record is 2-5 and you think you have a chance, then make trades. Shake up your roster! However, make sure that the guys that you are trading for have great matchups the next five weeks; otherwise, you just paid $1.50 for each transaction and contributed to Lane Kiffin's retirement fund. By the way, you aren't making the playoffs.

If your record is 1-6, I want you in my league next year. You probably have Tom Brady on IR (“what if he comes back?!”) and drafted Rudi Johnson before Marvin told him that he was too classy for his team. Seriously, don't make trades because you are only helping a buddy win the title and no one will want you in the league next year. Just keep submitting your lineup and hope that you can beat that 3-4 guy and piss him off by keeping him out of the playoffs. Make sure that you work the waiver wire to snatch players that the other guys in front of you need. Be a good Fantasy Football participant, and as all us Cub fans can tell you; Wait 'till next year.

If your record is 0-7, well my friend, you are an idiot. Don't play Fantasy Football anymore. You have better things to do with your $100. Play in a Public League. There are bound to be many more people like you who don’t have a clue. It may help you pinpoint your flaws so you can give a Private League a run again in a few years. You drafted Joseph Addai and Larry Johnson with your first two picks. Your receivers are Torry Holt, Donald Driver and Steve 'Sucker Punch' Smith and your QB was John Kitna and is now Carson Palmer. There is no reason to draft a team full of guys from the Chiefs, Rams and Lions. Sorry, but Kevin Smith should not have been your 5th round pick. Next year, buy read some Mock Draft reports before the draft. Guys who were studs five years ago are merely a shell of their former selves. Admit it; you are the guy who drafted Shaun Alexander in the later rounds to show that you are smarter than the tools in your league. “I told you he was coming back!”.

Good luck to all, except the guys in my leagues!
Branko Pantovic

Branko Pantovic is a freelance writer for MaximumFantasySports.com and an active fantasy sports participant. He played soccer professionally and has been participating in football and baseball fantasy leagues for the past 12 years. Branko writes solely for Maximum Fantasy Sports because he believes that it is the best real-time fantasy football league website. It includes all of the best features that he has used over the years, plus some that have never been attempted at any other website. Join Maximum Fantasy Sports today by visiting www.maximumfantasysports.com and registering as an MFS member. Membership is free!