I like to go to concerts. But, being a bit up there in age, I tend to see older bands. Right now I have tickets to see three acts who were popular years before Cam Newton was born. Sometimes these bands are having a reunion or a farewell tour. And sometimes they're wrapping up their careers and you never know when a show will be their last.
When that happens, you should drop your expectations and simply enjoy the moment. And the same goes for football, and fantasy football.
A week after the road teams all pulled out victories, the home teams all held serve in the divisional round. Now the top two seeds in each conference will battle it out for the right to play in the Super Bowl. But, as fantasy owners, you know there's a little more than that at stake.
The AFC's story is pretty well set. Brady versus Manning, again. We can't say it's definitely for the last time, but it's for the last time. Peyton Manning is the equivalent of a talented artist who's at the end of his career. Nobody's surprised he didn't throw any touchdowns last weekend. But he won, and in a challenging season (which might be his last) he gets another shot at a second ring. He's not churning out hits anymore, but he's becoming a sentimental favorite. This is his farewell tour. Brady, of course, is still playing at a high level in a rock-solid system. But Brady-Manning? It's hard to see them playing against each other again, especially for these stakes. And, at age 38, you might not see Brady here again, either. As an aging Rocky Balboa said to Adonis Creed, "Time is undefeated."
The NFC looks like a stage set up for up-and-coming acts. Neither the Panthers nor the Cardinals have ever won a Super Bowl. The winner will be making just their second trip to the big stage, and neither quarterback was around when it happened the first time. Cam Newton is entering his prime, and you have to think he has a good decade or so to continue competing for championships.
But it's a little different for Arizona. Carson Palmer has been through a lot over the years, winning his first playoff game just last weekend. He's that band you like that's been around a long time, but never had a big hit until late in their career. Now they're enjoying a resurgence and you want to see what they have in store for you.
Then there's Larry Fitzgerald. Like a great band you know is past its prime, you don't expect too much at this point. That is, until they release something new and it blows you away. Last weekend's effort made you think of his historic run in early 2009, didn't it? He's not only back, but he's looking as good as ever.
You know that's not true, of course. He's 32. But can he keep it going for two more games? If he's wrapping up his career, isn't it great to see him do it playing at such a high level when it matters most?
The thing is, like those old bands, they don't always deliver the goods. Manning could flame out on Sunday. Palmer and Fitzgerald could get swallowed up by the Carolina defense. A kicker or weird play could end up deciding the Super Bowl fortunes of these great players, and they might be staying home. The final act isn't always the prettiest.
That's why we kind of grade on a curve when we see those old bands. They don't sound as sharp, they can't hit always the notes and they might even forget a lyric now and then. But we remember how great they once were, and we don't want to miss a chance to catch their act one more time.
I encourage you to treat aging playoff stars the same way. Manning doesn't need to throw three scores to earn your respect as a fantasy owner or a football fan. Fitzgerald could go 2-22 in Carolina and it would still be worth watching him play. Odds are you won't see them in a conference championship game again. And if they lose, it might be their last time in the playoffs.
So enjoy it. They might not give you many fantasy points on Sunday, but they gave you more than their share over their career. They might not even win, but you want to be there in case they do. And if they don't, well, at least you saw them again. That's worth something. And, unlike a concert, it won't cost you anything but some time and your patience while you watch tons of commercials.
Maybe I'm feeling nostalgic, looking for a few familiar tunes to relive some great memories. Let's appreciate the games, and let's hope for some great performances.
How do you feel about seeing some old fantasy veterans toward the end of their careers? Do you like watching what could be their final playoff run? Seeing any good bands this year? Share your thoughts below.
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