Eye on the Prize: The Brutus Boys Set You Up and Will Knock You Down

Et tu, Brute?

It's one of the most famous phrases in the history of literature, and it's appropriate in this fantasy football playoff season.

Much like Brutus was a loyal friend to Caesar, helping him all way the to the top, he conspired to stab his former-friend in the back when it mattered most (kind of, just stick with me).

In fantasy football, you've likely had the pleasure of riding some studs to the playoffs. Some of them are primed to pull a Brutus on you and handcuff your team in the playoffs.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Brutus Boys:

Brandon Jacobs, Giants - My fantasy football affection for Jacobs hasn't been a secret, but ever since he tweaked his knee he's been unreliable. The Giants could easily hold him out of the rest of the regular season, as they'll easily walk to the top overall playoff seed.

Marion Barber, Cowboys - He hurt his calf favoring his injured toe. All of a sudden Tashard Choice is coveted in fantasy circles. Even if Barber plays, he won't be 100 percent -- which is really bad in light of his punishing run-style -- and faces the stout Giants and Ravens defenses.

Brett Favre, Jets - He exploded against the Cardinals at home, and had five other weeks where he was at least serviceable. You definitely could have made the playoffs with him as your quarterback, as long as you were strong elsewhere. Of course, in the past two weeks, he's sucked against the Broncos and 49ers, neither of whom could be confused with the 2000 Ravens on defense. I'm not even sure the visit to Seattle in Week 16 makes him desirable at this point.

Clinton Portis, Redskins - He was the best player in fantasy football heading into the Redskins' bye week, and since then he's been bad three out of four weeks. He's hurt -- though he claims he's not -- been benched, been ineffective, and now he's feuding with his coach.

Marshawn Lynch, Bills - He's been inconsistent, but the high points have been good enough his owners have let that slide. No more, as the Bills suck now and are using Fred Jackson in the red zone more often. You've gotta play him in Week 16 against the Broncos, but if you are counting on him this week in the Meadowlands against the Jets' stellar run defense, you likely won't be playing in Week 16.

Frank Gore, 49ers - A high ankle sprain on a running back is never good news. Hopefully you can survive without him this week, because if he gets healthy the Rams await in Week 16.

Santana Moss, Redskins - He's blown up twice, and mixed in four other solid games. Other than that, he's been terrible and hasn't helped owners since Week 8. I'm not expecting a change anytime soon.

Lee Evans, Bills - Similar to Moss, Evans appeared to be finally carving out some consistency in Weeks 4-8. Now, the quarterback situation in Buffalo has made Evans his old, unreliable self. You can gamble you'll get that long touchdown, but you could also end up with a three point performance.

Antonio Gates, Chargers - The once-gold-standard fantasy tight end hasn't accrued more than three fantasy points since Week 10. For the record, I do think he breaks through this week against KC, but the Week 16 game in Tampa Bay isn't lovely.

Reggie Wayne, Colts - He's one of those guys you just can't bench, but he's killed owners for three straight weeks against subpar competition. More of the same for the next two weeks. You just have to put him in and hope he plays like himself.

Willie Parker, Steelers - Hey, he got you off to a 1-0 start!

It's one thing if you counted on J.T. O'Sullivan or Peyton Hillis to carry you to championship gold, but it's quite another to have one of your elite players sell you out when you are so close to the crown. It's like a dagger to the lumbar.

Et tu, Brute?