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Fantasy fun doesn't have to end in Week 17

By MICHAEL LEV, Senior editor
As published in print Dec. 28

If your thirst for fantasy football hasn’t been quenched after 17 long, nerve-racking, heartbreaking weeks, then we suggest the following nightcap.

Playoff fantasy football.

Postseason fantasy ball isn’t for everyone; there are those who would prefer, at this time of year, to concentrate on the playoff games themselves. But adding a touch of fantasy to the cold, hard reality of playoff elimination can provide a pleasant distraction. Is it any different from those Super Bowl office pools played by millions across the country?

For those interested in venturing into the uncharted waters of playoff fantasy football, here are some things you need to know:

  • Because there are fewer players to pick from, playoff leagues should be smaller than regular-season leagues. We suggest no more than eight participants, with six being ideal. That way, each team can draft two starting quarterbacks, two placekickers, etc.

  • As opposed to the head-to-head style of play used by most regular-season leagues, playoff standings should be kept on a total-points basis. There simply aren’t enough weeks to put together a full schedule.

  • Because the majority of players drafted won’t be around for the Super Bowl, draft strategy is radically different from what you’re used to. Instead of ranking and drafting players strictly on ability and scoring potential, you must consider another factor: staying power. The best players in a playoff fantasy league are the ones who score the most points and play the most games. If you feel the Packers will duplicate the Broncos’ feat of a year ago and make the Super Bowl as a wild-card entrant, then Brett Favre should be atop your QB list. If you believe there’s no way the favorites can get knocked off, then the top of your draft board should be loaded with Broncos and Vikings. Conversely, if you believe a team such as the Bills will make a one-and-done playoff exit, then players such as QB Doug Flutie and WR Eric Moulds shouldn’t be ranked as highly as they would be on a regular-season draft board.

  • Mid-level players on favored teams shouldn’t be ignored. It’s better to have a Jake Reed or a Leroy Hoard than nothing at all. With large rosters, you can find room for teams’ No. 3 receivers and secondary RB options.

  • Consider some special bonuses to spice things up. For example, you can award a five-point bonus to the team that has the Super Bowl MVP. Or you can award extra points for long scores, since, in theory, those are harder to come by in the playoffs.

 

Playoff draft board

Based on basic scoring system (six points for TD runs/catches, three points for TD passes) and some yardage bonuses, factoring in projected life span in playoffs.

 

Quarterbacks

1. Ra. Cunningham, Vikings
2. John Elway, Broncos
3. Vinny Testaverde, Jets
4. Steve Young, 49ers
5. Brett Favre, Packers
6. Chris Chandler, Falcons
7. Troy Aikman, Cowboys
8. Jake Plummer, Cardinals
9. Dan Marino, Dolphins
10. Doug Flutie, Bills
11. Mark Brunell, Jaguars
12. Drew Bledsoe, Patriots
13. Scott Zolak, Patriots
14. Jonathan Quinn, Jaguars
15. Bubby Brister, Broncos
16. Brad Johnson, Vikings
17. Ty Detmer, 49ers
18. Rob Johnson, Bills

Running backs

1. Terrell Davis, Broncos
2. Robert Smith, Vikings
3. Jamal Anderson, Falcons
4. Curtis Martin, Jets
5. Leroy Hoard, Vikings
6. Dorsey Levens, Packers
7. Emmitt Smith, Cowboys
8. Garrison Hearst, 49ers
9. Fred Taylor, Jaguars
10. K. Abdul-Jabbar, Dolphins
11. Antowain Smith, Bills
12. Robert Edwards, Patriots
13. Howard Griffith, Broncos
14. Keith Byars, Jets
15. Adrian Murrell, Cardinals
16. Terry Kirby, 49ers
17. Darick Holmes, Packers
18. Thurman Thomas, Bills
19. John Avery, Dolphins
20. Marc Edwards, 49ers

Wide receivers

1. Cris Carter, Vikings
2. Randy Moss, Vikings
3. Ed McCaffrey, Broncos
4. Rod Smith, Broncos
5. Keyshawn Johnson, Jets
6. Wayne Chrebet, Jets
7. Terance Mathis, Falcons
8. Antonio Freeman, Packers
9. Tony Martin, Falcons
10. Jerry Rice, 49ers
11. Terrell Owens, 49ers
12. Jimmy Smith, Jaguars
13. Jake Reed, Vikings
14. K. McCardell, Jaguars
15. Dedric Ward, Jets
16. Robert Brooks, Packers
17. J.J. Stokes, 49ers
18. Derrick Mayes, Packers
19. O.J. McDuffie, Dolphins
20. Michael Irvin, Cowboys
21. Eric Moulds, Bills
22. Rob Moore, Cardinals
23. Frank Sanders, Cardinals
24. O. Gadsden, Dolphins
25. Shawn Jefferson, Pats
26. Andre Reed, Bills
27. Willie Green, Broncos
28. Billy Davis, Cowboys
29. Tony Simmons, Patriots
30. Lamar Thomas, Dolphins

Tight ends

1. Shannon Sharpe, Broncos
2. Andrew Glover, Vikings
3. Kyle Brady, Jets
4. O.J. Santiago, Falcons
5. Mark Chmura, Packers
6. Irv Smith, 49ers
7. Tyrone Davis, Packers
8. Ben Coates, Patriots
9. Troy Drayton, Dolphins
10. Jay Riemersma, Bills
11. J. McWilliams, Cardinals
12. Damon Jones, Jaguars
13. Eric Bjornson, Cowboys
14. Pete Mitchell, Jaguars
15. David LaFleur, Cowboys

Placekickers

1. Gary Anderson, Vikings
2. Jason Elam, Broncos
3. Morten Andersen, Falcons
4. John Hall, Jets
5. Ryan Longwell, Packers
6. Wade Richey, 49ers
7. Ri. Cunningham, Cowboys
8. Mike Hollis, Jaguars
9. Olindo Mare, Dolphins
10. Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
11. Steve Christie, Bills
12. Chris Jacke, Cardinals

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