As the fantasy football playoffs loom, managers will be faced with important decisions down the stretch. These decisions might very well determine their championship destiny. This year, several players are making headlines for their recent performances and potential impact on playoff rosters. Third, Juwan Johnson quickly established himself as a trustworthy target. He put up 19.2 points in Week 11 against the Panthers and has scored at least 10 points in all four of those games. C.J. Stroud had it rough though in that he is forced to sit for the third consecutive week with a concussion. This latest injury further muddies his outlook of being a viable option among playoff lineups.
Isaiah Davis and Alec Pierce are similarly taking storm in the “performance” side of things. This provides managers with a greater variety of roster strategy to weigh. Sheesh, playoffs are almost here! More than ever, it’s up to savvy fantasy managers to survey the available talent and pick the best fits to take home championships in head-to-head formats.
Player Performances on the Rise
Juwan Johnson is a player who has been catching fire this season, as he is currently rostered in 41.8% of leagues. Recent performance stands out, particularly his stellar 19.2 points in Week 11 against the Panthers. It demonstrates that when healthy, he has the potential to be an impactful contributor in the playoffs. Managers looking to upgrade their TE room should absolutely put in a claim on Johnson. He has found a scoring rhythm, notching double digits in each of his last four games.
Likewise, Alec Pierce has shown great skills as well, scoring 14-plus points in three of his last four games. And of course, he leads the NFL by quite a lot with an impressive average of 20.9 yards per catch. Plus, he’s had receptions of 30-plus yards in six of the seven games he’s suited up for this season. With numbers like those, it’s easy to see why Pierce is the most underrated asset any playoff roster could acquire.
Isaiah Davis’ breakout game came in front of the home crowd in Week 8 as he scored 17.9 points against the Bengals. Rostered in just 6.8% of leagues, he was a huge boon. His performance is definitely deserving of a deeper examination from fantasy managers looking to plug holes in their lineups.
The Challenge of Key Injuries
After leaving with a concussion, C.J. Stroud’s status should be monitored for managers who are counting on him to be a weekly QB option. With 3 straight games missed, Stroud has been up and down this season, averaging just 15.1 ppg. When healthy, out of position and still delivering, he’s been this team’s best scorer going for 20 or more points in a bunch of games. This extraordinary skill gives him an edge as a possible returnee.
Besides Stroud’s performance, his playoff schedule makes it challenging for teams to seriously consider him for their rosters. And matching up against high-powered offenses such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals would limit his scoring upside. This challenge lingers, even assuming he does fully recover.
In light of these injuries and uncertainties, Matt Bowen emphasizes the importance of having options in the lineup: “Your job is to advance. It’s the business of winning now. And I can help.” Smart managers will look for other quarterbacks, keep track of Stroud’s recovery and make sure they have a good plan B in place if they need one.
Strategic Considerations for Playoff Success
As the playoffs draw near, managers need to be more shrewd than ever with their roster moves. Bowen advises against relying solely on one quarterback: “You simply can’t go into the playoffs with just one passer. It’s an unnecessary risk. This invaluable piece of advice highlights the importance of both depth and versatility on a fantasy football roster.
Additionally, Bowen stresses the importance of streaming defenses during the playoffs. Managers provided with a long-serving and/or traditional top-tier defense might face some tough assignments. They should be willing to play lineups that fit their new gameplan. For example, teams like the Texans and Browns have particularly tough opponents that might hurt their potential defensive scoring.
The playoffs are all about elite player selection. You have to make tactical decisions tied to specific matchups and who’s best available. Bowen’s insights reflect the necessity of remaining adaptable and informed during this high-stakes period: “It’s playoff time in fantasy football… It’s win-or-go-home time.”
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