We are the halfway point of most fantasy leagues so owners are starting to get an idea of the playoff picture forming. If you haven’t already peeked, here are a few thoughts on who you might want to trade for or pick up as potential playoff studs based on the matchups (as they look now)--we assume that most fantasy playoffs occur between weeks 13 and 15.
Fantasy Playoff Matchups To Consider Now
Quarterback
Matt Hasselbeck, QB SEA - You don’t need me to tell you to start Peyton Manning against the Titans in this column, but Hasselbeck is a guy you might be able to pry away from someone now. He is at home twice in this three week span and draw the Buccaneers and the Texans (along with the tough 49ers). If the Seahawks are in contention, it will be Hasselbeck leading the charge and could help a fantasy owner get deep in the postseason.
Running Back
Rashard Mendenhall, RB PIT - Another under the radar player that would not be too hard to trade for, Mendenhall faces two of the bottom 5 rushing defenses (as ranked right now)--Oakland and Cleveland. The other team he faces is Green Bay, which I expect to be better against the run as the season wears on, but it currently in the bottom half of rushing defenses. Pittsburgh likes to commit to the run, especially when the weather starts turning, so consider utilizing this guy in the playoffs.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Vincent Jackson, WR SD - This guy gets Cleveland, Dallas and Cincinnati--all of which are ranked among the bottom 7 pass defenses in the league right now. He is starting to really gain momentum with Philip Rivers now so you might have to get creative if you don’t have him on your roster now. But look for him to anchor a fantasy wide receiving corps come playoff-time.
Defense
New York Jets, DEF - They have been underperforming as of late, so you should be able to make a play for them. But when in week 13 they get Buffalo and in week 14 they get Tampa Bay. Rex Ryan will have them whipped up into shape by then as they will no doubt be pushing for a wild card spot. Defenses have turned into high-scoring members of the fantasy world, and when you need the points the most--in the playoffs--the Jets are going to deliver.
See More:
