The playoffs are over, so the playoffs are starting.
You know those players who didn't seem to care a couple of weeks ago? Things will be different this weekend. A lot of those guys are now playing golf, or resting at home or just counting their money. They didn't make the playoffs (your league doesn't count) so they're taking it easy now.
But for everyone else, it's a different story.
We all wish athletes would somehow treat our fantasy playoffs like their own. Sometimes the team needs a win so they give a lot of effort. But it's not really like the actual post-season. Everything changes. These games matter.
Some teams, like the Cowboys, have something to prove. This might be the best shot at a title Tony Romo's had in his career. Everyone in Dallas knows there was something different about this year. They didn't barely miss the playoffs in a week 17 flameout, and they didn't back into the post-season when other teams lost. They went out and took their division and look like one of the favorites in the conference. They even played hard in week 17. You're truly going to see 100 percent effort when they take the field.
Other teams, like the Bengals, are probably fighting for their jobs. Cincinnati seems to make the playoffs every year, but they never do anything with it. They know the status quo isn't good enough, and they have young talent eager to make an impression.
Then you have guys like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. In a few years, neither will be in the league. They're both future Hall of Famers, but haven't won a title in what seems like forever. How many more chances will they get? This could be the last time both are in the same playoff tournament. They both want that late-career ring.
This all seems obvious, right? Players want to win; of course they'll give 100 percent. But do you really see that during the season? Do you really feel like they're always going all-out to win? I live in Tampa, so I know about teams and players not trying their hardest. The loss against New Orleans, while strategic, wasn't the finest moment in Buccaneers' history. But as a football fan, this is a fine time to watch the game. The very best are giving their very best. When they win, there's genuine elation. When they lose, it really hurts.
I mention this because it's important you don't let fantasy football interrupt your enjoyment of the contests themselves. During the year, our game often makes their games watchable. Let's face it: Thursday night matchups aren't always barn-burners. But if you or your opponent have players going, it matters. We watch seemingly-meaningless games with interest and enthusiasm. Fantasy football enhances the sport for the viewer.
But that isn't really necessary in the playoffs. Even if the games aren't close, there's a lot of drama, pain, and good football happening. The story of the 2015 playoffs will be written each week. They should be plenty entertaining on their own.
So while it makes sense to enjoy some playoff fantasy games, either with your buddies to earn some cash and bragging rights, or a daily game to try and pad your bank account, make sure you don't obsess over how your teams do. If you see a fantastic play, don't worry about what number is on the jersey. Appreciate the play. If your fantasy team has an awful week but you saw excellent football, it was a good day.
Whether we have many trophies on our mantle or have never won a fantasy title, we all share one thing. We're football fans. We cheer real teams and enjoy real athletic ability. Fantasy football shouldn't be why you watch the playoffs, so don't let our game overshadow theirs. Not this time of year, anyway. Good luck this week.
Do you watch the NFL playoffs differently than the regular season? What role does fantasy play this time of year? Share your thoughts below.