If you've been lucky, this is a great week to start. If not, you might get to it next week, but don't wait too long. And if you're not in a position to do it at all, you might still be able to benefit from it.
What is "it?" Planning for the playoffs, of course. With an eye toward weeks 14-16, teams will start jettisoning extra baggage to claim potential starters with appealing match-ups.
It's safe to say that teams sitting at 8-1 (or even 9-0) are probably going to make the playoffs. A 7-2 record looks pretty good, too. Barring an epic collapse, they'll have something to play for in your league's final weeks. Their owners know it, and have either already begun planning for those games or will start now. That means making weird moves like ditching a starting receiver for a backup defense or kicker.
Why would they do that? Well, if you're using the Ravens defense, you have a choice: Stick with them and face the Lions and Patriots during your league's playoffs, or pick up a second defense with a lesser opponent and hold onto them until needed. Same with kickers, tight ends or any position where an owner doesn't have elite talent and wants to secure a more favorable match-up. It makes sense to plan ahead.
There's very little downside, because you don't have to actually use that player. You'll just have the option if it looks good when you actually get to that point. All it costs you is some depth you (hopefully) won't need, anyway. But we're not talking about cutting your starters or main backups. A third or fourth option provides peace of mind when you're 2-0, but is disposable when you're 8-1.
Making that move is a luxury, of course. Over the next couple of weeks, teams with better records are going to start looking past their weekly opponents and on to the post-season, but teams on the bubble can't do that. They need every starting option they have, plus whatever they can find via trade or the waiver wire. And that's why this is a great time for them as well.
you see, teams that need a few more wins to clinch a playoff spot could soon find some gems on the waiver wire -- as in, usable players who can help them win immediately. The best teams don't need all their depth anymore, and their trash will become someone else's treasure. And even if that doesn't happen, they can offer lopsided trades to help their position. Is a defense ever worth a running back? To a top seed with a lot of depth, maybe. A 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 trade that would never be considered a month ago might be accepted now. You'll never know if you don't try.
If you're in good shape for the playoffs, you should be focused on what you'll do when you actually get there. No offense to Jim Mora, but in fantasy football it's okay to talk "playoffs" before you get there. It's perfectly acceptable to look past your opponent if you don't have to win to clinch a spot. And if you need a little help to make the post-season, help yourself. Pay special attention to the waiver wire and contact good teams about trades that help you now while helping them later. They might become your opponent a few weeks from now. Good luck this week.
Are you already planning for the post-season? Considering trading some depth to get some choice match ups later in the year? Share your thoughts below.