The answer to your first question is no. I don't have my columns mixed up. This isn't the one scheduled for mid-December (though I appreciate the notion that I could ever get that far ahead). We still have a good six weeks to go before the fantasy playoffs start.
And that means the time to start planning for them is now.
Most teams are either struggling to stay in contention or trying desperately to keep their season alive. Only a few have the record (and the personnel) to feel confident about the postseason at this time of the year. But all teams that make it will be in good shape if they start planning for them now. Not when they clinch, not when the trade deadline expires. Right now. That means looking at matchups and seeing if you can acquire some players who can help you win a couple games at the end of the year. Whether that's through the waiver wire (maybe a kicker or defense has the opponents you want), or a trade (with a desperate team that needs wins now), you can make moves headed into week 9 that can help you in weeks 15 and 16.
That's crazy, you say? Counting chickens before they're hatched? Putting the cart before the horse? Tempting the fantasy fates to strike you down with a losing streak for your arrogance?
Maybe, yes, yes and not really. I'm definitely suggesting you make assumptions that haven't happened, and may never happen. So what? You did it during your draft, building depth you might never need. You pick up players on the waiver wire that might never pan out, or take backups that might never crack a starting lineup. Now you should look toward games that might not mean anything, because your future self will thank you if you need those players.
I guarantee you that, somewhere out there, there's a fantasy team that's sitting pretty at 8-0 and knows the postseason is almost a certainty. Even 7-1 teams have to be feeling really good. Should they wait until they officially punch their ticket to the playoffs, or should they start making moves now, staying a step or two ahead of the competition? I think it's the latter, and they do, too. If you have a team like that in your league, don't be surprised if they start picking up players to use a few weeks down the road.
That's the privilege that comes with a great record, right? Well, maybe. But there are 4-4 teams that will make the playoffs, too. Some 3-5 teams will also get in, and a few might have worse records than that. You might say they have no business thinking about the playoffs (cue up Jim Mora), but I disagree. How else can an undermanned squad compete with a juggernaut? Sure, luck will play a role. But a wild defensive performance wouldn't hurt, either. Nobody cares where the points come from, so why not plan on getting there and making some moves based on optimism, instead of the typical fantasy pessimism that comes with playing this game long enough (I always start the wrong guy, my starter will fall flat just when I need them, I have the worst luck, blah blah blah)? Why not assume you will make the playoffs, and take those players before the division leaders do it?
A few caveats (why are there always caveats?): If you need your depth, keep it. If you're scrambling to stay afloat, don't sabotage weeks 9-14 on the off chance you make the playoffs. Bye weeks still matter. Use your best judgment. All that stuff still applies.
But we all remember when an opponent drafts a player just before we could take him. Why not do the same thing to them now? Instead of fretting over a poor record, missed opportunities and a season that isn't going exactly as planned, have a little fun with your team. Run it like that win streak is about to start. Don't act like making the playoffs would be a shock. Act like you expect to be there, and plan for it now. Get ahead of the curve.
Oh, and if you never make it to the playoffs? So what? You didn't violate any rules by planning ahead. You'd still be on the outside looking in, so where's the harm? The only damage you can do to your team is if you actually make it in, and are totally unprepared. Then all you have is a puncher's chance and the hope that luck will balance things out. Meanwhile, you won't have the matchups you want, and the strong teams will look even stronger. You didn't fight your way to the playoffs just to get bounced in the first round, did you? Of course not.
Good team management means keeping depth, managing bye weeks and staying on top of injuries. It also means planning ahead, and considering scenarios that might never happen. If you have a great record, don't wait until you've clinched. And if your record isn't perfect, don't let the good teams have their choice of their late-season favorites. Go ahead and and compete with them for those players. They won't be expecting it, and it might cost them a title. Wouldn't that be a great end to 2020? Well, it starts now. Good luck this week.
Are you giving any thought to the playoffs? Are you checking to see who has the best late-season matchups? Is it too soon to think about it? Share your thoughts below.