Around the time the post-season starts, I like to remind fantasy players that we shouldn’t spend all of our time obsessing over who caught what and who vultured whom. The NFL playoffs are a special time where we see the best of what the league has to offer, and we should really try to appreciate the games themselves.

Yeah, well, forget that. No need to wait until January. We’re getting great football right now, and you don’t want to miss it.

Maybe I just feel that way because the spotlighted games have been especially competitive and interesting. Seeing Dallas and Tampa Bay in a nail-biter definitely kicked things off right. Oakland and Baltimore went to overtime (and created enough fantastic finishes in one game for a slew of old-school Alcoa commercials). Baltimore comes back and tops Kansas City by a point in week 2’s Sunday night game. And we also had a great game by… checks notes… New York and Washington on Thursday? Heck, the Lions even led the Packers at halftime this week. Did anyone expect that?

Maybe the NFL did. They’re highlighting great matchups and there are plenty of other good ones on the schedule. Seven games in week 2 were decided by three points or less. It’s classic football, and if you’re only paying attention to your fantasy team, I think you’re missing out.

Maybe it’s just seeing real football with real fans again. Maybe the players are inspired and (mostly) vaccinated and ready to get on with the game in an unfiltered way. Or maybe there have always been this many entertaining games, but I took football for granted and focused on my own fantasy teams. Whatever it is, I’m definitely appreciating the early part of this season.

And hey, it’s been great for fantasy, too. Kyler Murray is making a lot of people happy. A lot of the big names you know – Mahomes, McCaffrey, Kelce – are living up to their pre-draft hype. Close games mean lead changes, which means your favorite players are often taking the field needing a score. Who can complain about that?

But while you notice your own players (or your opponent’s guys) when they do big things, what about the games where you have no stake in the outcome? Usually, we skim over them, catching a few plays here or there or just making a mental note of who’s hot and who’s hurt. I do the same thing most years. But I’m finding myself watching extended highlights of teams that don’t affect my fantasy teams or my favorite team. And there’s a lot of excellent football to be seen.

Don’t get me wrong; some games are boring. How many quarters would the Dolphins have needed to score against the Bills? The Jets lost 25-6, and I think the score makes the game seem closer than it really was. Honestly, I’m not too impressed with the rookie quarterbacks yet, either. But they have plenty of time to get things going, and there’s more than enough football to watch.

Of course I’m still focused on my fantasy team and the players I’ve chosen for them. You should be, too. I’m just suggesting that you take a few minutes and watch some highlights of recent games you totally missed, even if they have nothing to do with your record. You might find yourself entertained for no other reason that you’re watching some great football. And of course, your fantasy teams will still be there when you’re done. Good luck this week.

Have you been impressed by any specific games or players? Are we seeing better games than normal, or am I just enjoying the return of pro football? Is anybody old enough to remember those Alcoa commercials? Share your thoughts below.