If you're not quite ready for the fantasy season to end, there's a whole new mini-season to enjoy. The format is probably a bit different and the payouts might be smaller, but it's still the game you love.
Just make sure it doesn't overwhelm that other game you love.
One of the great things about our hobby if that it spices up some of the more boring NFL contests. I don't know how many people watched the 49ers play the Rams last weekend, but I'd guess around 98 percent of them were fantasy owners reduced to starting Tre Mason in a week 17 Super Bowl. If you're rooting for (or against) someone, even a meaningless contest contains high drama.
The thing is, there are no meaningless contests in the playoffs. Every game has compelling stories and athletes who are giving their all. They seem to run a little bit faster, hit a little bit harder and lower their shoulders for extra yardage a little more often.
In other words, these matchups are fun to watch on their own. So don't miss the real games while you're playing your game. Don't worry too much about who catches the pass or gets the goal-line carry. Appreciate a great play beyond how it affects your fantasy fortunes. Otherwise, you'll miss out on what caused you to love football in the first place.
I could say that advice also applies to the regular season, but who are we kidding? You watch football differently now, and you always will. The game has changed. When a great play occurs, you might enjoy seeing it. But you're also checking the number on the jersey to see who gets the points. A great play could be fantastic (your guy), terrible (your opponent's guy) or neutral (neither). But it's not really just a great play on its own anymore. As long as you're in contention, everything is seen through the prism of fantasy football.
And that's fine. But don't let that happen during the playoffs. By all means, play a playoff fantasy game or two, win some money and finish off the season with a big win. Just don't forget that these are the best teams in the league this year. One of them will be world champions. One of them will go all the way, only to lose when it matters most. Some players will be here again next year, while others will never be in the playoffs again. These games matter.
Even the games you don't think matter in the grand scheme of the post-season. Will Green Bay or Washington claim the Lombardi Trophy this year? Probably not. Then again, do you really want to count out Aaron Rodgers? Is any quarterback not named Cam playing better than Kirk Cousins?
Speaking of quarterbacks, there are three Super Bowl champs (including Rodgers) playing on the road this weekend. Would it be that shocking if they all won? And who's to say they couldn't keep it going the following week?
Next week you'll see Manning and Brady, again. Is this the last year both players will be in the same post-season? And on the other side, there's Newton and Palmer. One is at the tail end of their career, and the other is entering his prime. Both are looking for their first title.
I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. You're familiar with these guys. Maybe they helped you win a title this season. Maybe you fell just short with them at the helm. Or maybe they were your lone bright spot in a year full of injuries. But this is their playoffs. You can see them in a new light, fighting for a spot on the biggest stage in sports. It doesn't really matter if they win 45-42 or 7-3. Winning is all that matters.
I think it's nice to get back to that mindset at the end of the season. So please, grab yourself a playoff roster and enjoy a few more weeks of fantasy football. But don't focus entirely on the statistics. Even if your favorite team wasn't close to qualifying, and even if your fantasy playoff team flames out early, enjoy the playoffs for what they are. You might find it's a welcome experience after a full fantasy season. Enjoy the games.
How serious do you get about your playoff fantasy football? Do you enjoy the actual matchups while still rooting for your fantasy roster? Or does fantasy dominate your interest in January and February? Share your thoughts below.
And follow Michael Murillo on Twitter for all kinds of comedic nonsense: