Week 16 - Playoffs?

Let me start this post by saying that I hate Sean McVay. Don't tell me you're splitting carries when one guy is going to take 70% of the snaps. Don't tell me you're going by feel if you're going to allow Michel to get multiple negative yard plays and still don't sub him out. In my memory of the season, every other RB1 who returned from injury or COVID was reinstated in that role upon their return. Except Henderson. I hope the McVay never wins a ring.

With that said, congratulations to the four participants in this year's playoffs. None of the remaining teams have won so we will be welcoming somebody new to the champions' circle. We got some old blood (Jon and Mike) and some new blood (Chris and David Y). Instead of traditional MOTWs, let's do some team by team analysis before we make matchup predictions. Since this year has been so wacky and full of injuries, we'll focus on key moves made by each manager, their biggest losses, and how I predict they will do in the next two weeks.

1. Fe-Brees (Jon)

Best Move: Trading Devonta Smith for Javonte Williams

Key Losses: Chris Godwin (WR2), T.J. Hockenson (TE1)

Star Player: Jonathan Taylor

Like I mentioned a few weeks ago, JT could carry Jon all the way to the ship this year. The number of running backs that have gotten hurt, entered into time shares, or may end up missing time due to COVID has been staggering. Amidst all of that, JT has been the clear cut RB1. I honestly think even with the two losses mentioned above, Jon has the most complete team left in the playoffs. Chase Claypool isn't the worst replacement for Godwin and Gronk should actually be helped by the loss of Godwin. But JT + DMont should be the key to Jon taking home his first ever trophy but I'm predicting a second place finish. More on that to come.

2. #winnable (Chris)

Best Move: Picking up Nick Folk

Key Losses: DeAndre Hopkins (WR1/2), Logan Thomas (TE1), Henry Ruggs (WR3/4)

Star Player: Cooper Kupp

If JT is carrying Jon to the ship, Kupp is the equivalent from the WR spot for Chris. Stafford has proven that he grew up in the south, showing his racism by only targeting Kupp since he moved to LA. Kupp is far and away the WR1 on the year as he sets a record-breaking pace in real life, not just in fantasy. But I think Chris has to settle for third as he goes up against a team that has a weapon that makes you invincible in fantasy. More on that to come.

4. David Y Team (David Y)

Best Move: Picking up Van Jefferson

Key Losses: Sterling Shepard (WR3/4), D.J. Chark (WR3/4), Elijah Moore (WR2/3), Mike Evans (WR2) - maybe?, Tyreek Hill (WR1) - maybe?, Austin Ekeler (RB1) - maybe?

Star Player: Austin Ekeler

My goodness, this roster is in trouble. David has mostly avoided huge injuries and misses due to COVID but if you look at his roster right now, it's all red. Evans is dealing with a hamstring issue, Hill is on the COVID list, and Ekeler has both an ankle injury AND on the COVID list. If his players can play, he's got as good a shot as any but I have a feeling that his luck runs out with a disappointing 4th place finish.

6. BEST TEAM (Mike)

Best Move: Drafting Patrick Mahomes

Key Losses: CMC (RB1)

Star Player: Patrick Mahomes

I've harped on this multiple times now but whoever drafts Mahomes has won our league the last 3 years. I believe this is the best move any manager can make. Why he isn't going first overall baffles me every year when it's a guaranteed ship. No, this is not correlation. This is 100% causation. Mike gets his first trophy as Mahomes gets 40+ in each of the next two weeks. Also, all his guys have already had COVID this year so looks like they'll be ready for the remaining two weeks.

Good luck to all!

Rule Refresher:

Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after 14 regular season games (aka we are in the fantasy playoffs): Seeds 1 and 2 receive $400, Seeds 4-6 receive $250 (If the season is cancelled before all games are played this week)
Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after 15 regular season games (aka second round): All 4 remaining seeds receive $450
Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after 16 regular season games (aka championship): 2 teams in championship will receive $825 each. 2 teams in consolation will receive $75 each.