So things haven't gone as planned, but there's still hope. With just a couple games left, you need to win out (and maybe get some help) to make the postseason. Problem is, your team isn't cooperating and the players don't look likely become models of consistency by this weekend.
What can you do to swing the odds in your favor? Not a whole lot, unfortunately. But there are a few tweaks you can try to gain a few extra points. Consider them a collective Hail Mary to get the most out of your underperforming roster.
First things first: Do you have a good team that's run into some bad luck with the schedule? If so, then as I wrote in a previous column, don't make changes just to make them. If your guys do their part, replacing them with someone else won't change anything. But if you aren't getting the points you need, these tips might help.
Go for volatile players. Is there a player on your bench (or even on the waiver wire) who has a good game every few weeks, followed by a couple duds? That's your guy. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking of someone like Kimani Vidal or Khalil Shakir. And they're in my head because I've started both at exactly the wrong time, and it's cost me this season. But it could also be a kicker or defense that comes up big every few weeks before going quiet. Big risk, big reward. You might get burned, but you also might catch them on the right week and help your team.
Look for division games. No matter the record, there's something about a division rivalry that seems to give teams a little spring in their step. Sometimes that means the game is a low-scoring slog, like a Pittsburgh/Baltimore clash in years past. But other times it becomes a track meet, with both teams showing out to best a division foe. You might get one of those games, or you might not. But at this point, you don't have much else to lose, right?
Hurt your opponent. With the last four teams on the bye this week, it's the final week for fantasy managers to scramble for replacements. Does your opponent need a new kicker or defense? Scoop up the best ones so they can't use them against you. Even if you don't use them yourself, take advantage of your waiver priority if you have it. Guys on your bench can't hurt you on game day, and the points might be important.
Take advantage of the schedule. The game on Thursday happens to be an important one. When Dallas goes to Detroit, there could be up to a dozen fantasy positions in play. And if a few of them are part of your matchup, you'll have some valuable information Friday morning you can use before submitting your final lineups. You might find yourself better or worse off than expected, which can affect the amount of risk you need to take to pull out a win. You'll have a couple of days to update your strategy in light of actual results. If it was a game without many fantasy stars, the result might not matter. But the Cowboys/Lions game could very well give you a sneak peek into how your matchup will shake out. Pay attention.
Accept that it might not matter. Sometimes you can agonize over decisions, pick the right combination, and get blown out by 40. Other times you can make all the wrong moves and still win. At some point we have to accept that all of our strategizing might not make a difference after all. All we can do is put the team in the best position to win and hope for the best. I hope it works out for you when you need it the most. Good luck this week.
Are you planning any radical changes to squeeze out a victory? How do you handle must-win situations? Share your thoughts below.