The playoffs are either upon us or one week away in the majority of fantasy football leagues. With this in mind, Fantasy FanHouse is examining what you can expect from the fantasy relevant players on each team. Atlanta Falcons
The opposing defenses: at NO (24th against pass, 19th against run), vs. TB (3rd against pass, 9th against run), at MIN (21st against pass, 2nd against run)
The skinny: The future is bright here, but we don't care about that just yet. The run defenses in the last two weeks pose tall orders, and those usually amount to a mediocre week for The Burner (Bears, Eagles, Bucs). Still, if you've gotten this far with him, you likely can't afford to sit him at this point -- especially with his touchdown potential. I do greatly trust the pass attack for Weeks 14 and 16.
The must-starts: Roddy White, Jason Elam
The likely starts: Michael Turner, Matt Ryan
The spot-start: Michael Jenkins
The no-starts: Jerious Norwood, Harry Douglas
The D/ST: The hills and valleys of performance here have been extreme. They were incredible in Weeks 9 and 10, while brutal in Weeks 4 and 11. Some good and some mediocre stat outputs lie in between. Facing the Saints is not advisable, and I don't like them in the Metrodome (Vikings). Facing the Bucs at home in Week 15, I could see them as a viable start. All things considered, though, I'd rather have a good amount of other teams heading into the playoffs. Check on the Redskins availability.
Carolina Panthers
The opposing defenses: vs. TB (3rd against pass, 9th against run), vs. DEN (27th against pass, 28th against run), at NYG (10th against pass, 5th against run)
The skinny: They only want to run the ball, but will pass if they absolutely have to. I still can't justify trusting the pass game, with the possible exception of Steve Smith. If you own him, you probably have to leave him active. There are two of the best defenses in the league here, wrapped around a really terrible one.
The must-start: None
The likely starts: DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith
The spot-start: Jonathan Stewart, John Kasay
The no-starts: Jake Delhomme (they won't need to pass a ton against Denver), Muhsin Muhammed, Jeff King
The D/ST: They were looking quite strong and then faltered the past two weeks. I'd be inclined to look elsewhere, because the Bucs and Giants are careful with the ball and the Broncos can rack up the points at home.
New Orleans Saints
The opposing defenses: vs. ATL (23rd against pass, 21st against run), at CHI (29th against pass, 6th against run), at DET (19th against pass, 32nd against run)
The skinny: The offense is still a machine, despite the handcuffs placed upon them in Tampa Bay. The pass defense doesn't face much of an opposition, so expect Mr. Brees to have a little fun. I also totally expect all Brees owners to be in the playoffs. The running game is iffy, at best, but Bush should be full-speed by championship week against the pathetic Lions. Hopefully you can make it without him, because he's not running on the Bears.
The must-start: Drew Brees
The likely starts: Marques Colston, Lance Moore
The spot-starts: Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Devery Henderson, Jeremy Shockey, Billy Miller, Garrett Hartley
The no-start: Deuce McAllister
The D/ST: Maybe against the Lions if you've made it to the championship without a reliable defense. I wouldn't be playing them against the Falcons or the Bears, though. They simply aren't reliable enough.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The opposing defenses: at CAR (12th against pass, 18th against run), at ATL (23rd against pass, 21st against run), vs. SD (31st against pass, 15th against run)
The skinny: For the most part, they don't light up the scoreboard. This is another case of a team who is better in real life than in fantasy. The running back situation could get interesting, should the Bucs begin to trust Cadillac a bit more as the weeks progress. For now, though, Warrick Dunn had 22 carries to Caddy's 4 this past weekend. The passing attack is steady, yet unspectacular. Play matchups.
The must-start: None
The likely starts: Warrick Dunn, Matt Bryant
The spot-starts: Jeff Garcia, Antonio Bryant
The no-starts: Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, Michael Clayton, Alex Smith, Jerramy Stevens
Keep an eye on: Cadillac Williams
The D/ST: In the past two games they have five interceptions. In the past five games they have 14 sacks. They've scored seven times this season. While the offenses on the upcoming weeks aren't awful, they aren't as good as the Saints offense the Bucs just played. I like this unit moving forward as an elite fantasy starter.
