On Thursday’s Toucher & Hardy program, fantasy football expert Dave Richards gave tips on managing a playoff roster.
Fantasy Football Playoff Tips
Parts of conversation abbreviated for clarity.
Ask Yourself: Why is this Player on my Roster?
Dave Richards: First and foremost, the goal right now for your fan’s team is to win now. You can’t stash players hoping they’ll break out in Week 17 or something. That’s not the way to do things. It’s a little bit different if we’re talking about players who can go into an IR spot and it doesn’t cost you an actual bench spot.
You’ve got to look at your team and every player. You have to ask yourself why are they there. Why are they on your roster? It’s easy in the case of anybody who’s a stud, and that’s because they’re a stud. They’re expected to get a lot of fantasy points. That’s why they’re there.
But I’ll look at underperforming players who might not be very popular, even if they were free agents. Kareem Hunt would be one of those. The only reason to have Kareem Hunt at this point is if you also have Isaiah Pacheco and you want to lock up the Kansas City backfield.
I talking about Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Pitts, Tyler Lockett, and maybe even Deebo Samuel. There’s a laundry list of players who haven’t been doing well for fantasy managers. Fantasy managers aren’t going to be confident in starting these players. So, why are they on your team? And if you can’t answer that question, you can—and possibly should—cut them for somebody or something else that can help you.
Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) catches a pass for the first down against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Pick Up an Extra Defense/Special Teams
Richards: You could pick up a second D/ST. Did you know the Atlanta Falcons are playing the New York Giants next week? Any defense that plays the Giants is a good defense to start in fantasy. You might want to pick up the Falcons defense now to use them next week. And that way, you’re assuming that you win this week, and that’s always a good thing.
Aug 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Matthew Judon stands on the field before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Steal a Waiver Wire Player
Richards: Is there a fantasy team you’re playing that’s streaming quarterback, and they’ve got a bad quarterback situation? Or maybe think about a tight end for example.
Is there a good tight end on the waiver wire? You can beat them to that tight end, play a little defense, and pick up that tight end. Carry that player on your bench so that your opponent can’t use them against you this week. I would consider doing something like that.
I would especially do that at quarterback if Jameis Winston is out there on your waiver wire. Maybe Bo Nix was dropped coming off of a BYE week. You could pick him up just so your opponent can’t use him. Now it’s not worth doing if your opponent has Josh Allen. But if your opponent has some hack like CJ Stroud, Kirk Cousins, or Caleb Williams, then fine. Yeah, I would go and see if Winston or Anthony Richardson are on waiver. Get them so that your opponent can’t use them.
Utilize that bench space a little bit differently than you did during the fantasy season because you’re all about winning now anyway. If you don’t win now and you lose, it’s not going to matter what moves you make because you’re out of the league.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Caleb Williams #QB14 of the Southern California Trojans speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Draft Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
