NFLWell, class, today is the day. This is the day we’ve been studying for. First, I believe congratulations are in order. For those who made the playoffs, great job! For those who missed the playoffs, chin up! There’s no shame in winning the consolation bracket. In fact, in many leagues, there are prizes included with winning the “losers bracket”. So, this lesson is for all. Today, we discuss the playoff wishlist of players.
Yes, I call it a wishlist. Unless you’re doing daily fantasy, there’s no way you have all these players. If you do, you don’t need my advice. Just go and get that paper. So, playoff wishlist is really a must-start list. These are the players that will help take you to the promised land. So, let’s get it!
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Arguably, quarterback is the most important position in football. In addition, Mahomes is arguably the best quarterback in the league. Mahomes is undoubtedly a must-have of the playoff wishlist. In my humble opinion, Pat is the MVP of the NFL this season. Naturally, this is a player you want to start moving forward. Thus far, Mahomes totals are impressive. To be exact, Pat has 325.72 points, which is good for the top QB spot and second in fantasy football overall (per Yahoo Sports Fantasy).
Furthermore, the remaining schedule of the Chiefs is favorable. The Chiefs face the Ravens, Chargers, Seahawks, and Raiders to end the season. They are 2nd, 10th, 19th, and 14th respectively. The Ravens are slightly concerning, but the Chiefs are loaded. Mahomes will still have plenty of weapons at his disposable. You should have no worries about starting Pat at all.
Running Back: Todd Gurley, LA Rams
Here, we have another no-brainer for the playoff wishlist. The best running back in the league. Hands down! Gurley is the only player with more points than Showtime Mahomes this season. To be concise, TGIII has 328.90 points. Really, there is not much explanation needed here. Gurley’s work speaks for itself. If not for Mahomes, Gurley could be the MVP this season.
The Bears are a slight concern for Gurley as far as rushing yards go. Still, that’s the beauty of Gurley. He still has 46 receptions this year. If the Rams can’t get the rushing attack going, Gurley almost always is a mismatch in the passing game. If you have Gurley, have no fear! He is your RB1 for the playoffs.
Wide Receiver: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
This one was a little harder to determine. Yet, when you play based on matchups, Brown was the clear choice for the playoff wishlist. Per Yahoo Sports Fantasy, AB84 ranks 4th in receiver rankings so far this season. Again, though, we’re talking about winning and matchups. When you look at the matchups for the rest of the season, Antonio has the greatest potential. Thielen is the leading WR with 270.60 points, but Brown is close with 261.80.
Let’s talk about those matchups. We can clearly see the scoring potential. The Steelers face the Raiders, Patriots, Saints, and Bengals to end the season. You’re looking at the 9th, 23rd, 31st, and 28th ranked passing defenses. AB will have a field day against these teams. When you throw in the fact that the Steelers will have much to play for, Brown is the best WR moving forward.
Tight End: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Truthfully, it was a coin flip for the playoff wishlist between Kelce and Ertz. The Eagles have more to play for in the last quarter of the season. Still, Kelce plays with the better QB. Additionally, Kelce has shortened the targets gap. Most importantly, Kelce is distancing himself in the more vital statistic: touchdowns.
With 240.20 points, Kelce has three more touchdowns than Ertz. This makes up the difference of the 13.40 points between Kelce and Ertz. It’s also important to note that Kareem Hunt is no longer with the Chiefs. This will increase Kelce’s opportunities moving forward. The increased opportunities make Kelce the favorite of the two. Still, Ertz will not be a bad choice either.
That’s all for today. We will revisit the subject again next week as I’m sure there will be changes. Good luck in your matchups! May the fantasy gods bless you and this playoff wishlist. Class dismissed!
