Fantasy football rankings: Playoff edition
Eric Karabell
While the fantasy playoffs have ended -- and hopefully your team was able to take home the championship -- that doesn't mean we're done with our rankings. Welcome to the NFL playoffs, with 12 teams still vying for their big prize. It's more football and more fantasy!
ESPN's Gridiron Playoff Challenge is always a hit and easy to play, and I'll reveal my lineup later, but we also know many of you participate in off-site drafts and pools. So for those already missing the fantasy football experience, the lineups, the matchups and more, it's time for annual postseason rankings, both for the entirety of the league's playoffs and this weekend. Enjoy!
Quarterbacks: Entire playoffs
1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
4. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
5. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
6. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
7. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
8. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
9. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
10. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
11. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
12. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
Quarterbacks: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
2. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
5. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
6. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
7. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
8. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
Analysis: In a standard fantasy league, we preach balanced teams. For example, it's OK to choose a quarterback-wide receiver combination from one NFL team. However, when you start adding players to it, you run more risk of bad games or matchups, dealing with the pending bye week, weather, etc. It gets dangerous. In playoff pools, the theme is different. Matchups remain critical, but can also be used to advantage. Of course, unlike a 16-game season, in the playoffs it's one-and-done, and often there are surprises. It makes sense to map out a "March Madness-type" grid predicting the teams you think will make it to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. If you really like the Broncos, as I certainly do, then load up on them.
It's also important to know, as always, your league rules. In ESPN's Gridiron Playoff Challenge, you can adjust rosters after each of the first two weekends. Salaries do change, but there's no incentive to choose Broncos, Patriots, Falcons or 49ers up front. Players on those teams cannot help you this week. Even if Ponder provides only five fantasy points, that's five more than Brady will get. Then you can change the roster. In a full-playoff pool, you cannot. These rankings take into account both strategies, and use standard fantasy scoring.
I expect the Broncos, Patriots and 49ers to play two games, at the least, but admit to having reservations about the Falcons, based on awful performances the past few seasons. Atlanta was drubbed at home two Januarys ago by the Packers, and scored only a safety against the New York Giants in the 2011 playoffs. Perhaps Ryan and pals win a playoff game this season, but the NFC seems considerably more wide open to me than the AFC, which feels right for yet another Manning-Brady heavyweight matchup. In the NFC, it wouldn't surprise me if any of the teams are one-and-done, and it's interesting to note -- well, perhaps not for Falcons fans -- that NFC top seeds routinely fail to advance far. My rankings reflect the uncertainty. If you think the Redskins and Bengals are New Orleans-bound, by all means draft/select that way!
You'll find the first rankings at each position don't necessarily match this weekend's rankings, even removing the top four teams. For example, the rookie quarterback matchup between Wilson and Griffin this weekend should be fascinating. I like Griffin more for one game for statistical purposes, but Wilson more for advancement. It's nothing against the Redskins, but the Seahawks, save for their quarterback, have some playoff experience. If it matters, I like the Texans, Colts, Seahawks and Packers this first weekend, and history tells us -- check the Eli Manning Giants! -- that one of those teams will go far. Don't load up your non-GPC roster solely with players who aren't playing this weekend. You still seek a balance in this respect. One Griffin/Wilson game could be worth more than two for Schaub/Flacco/Ponder, but two games with Aaron Rodgers could very well be worth the most fantasy points at quarterback until the Super Bowl. After this weekend in GPC, I'll be adding Peyton Manning, and hopefully I'll be able to stick with a victorious Rodgers.
Running backs: Entire playoffs
1. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos
2. Stevan Ridley, Patriots
3. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
4. Arian Foster, Texans
5. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
6. Frank Gore, 49ers
7. Ray Rice, Ravens
8. Alfred Morris, Redskins
9. Michael Turner, Falcons
10. Danny Woodhead, Patriots
11. DuJuan Harris, Packers
12. Vick Ballard, Colts
13. Jacquizz Rodgers, Falcons
14. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals
15. Bernard Pierce, Ravens
16. LaMichael James, 49ers
17. Ben Tate, Texans
18. Ryan Grant, Packers
19. Alex Green, Packers
20. Shane Vereen, Patriots
21. Robert Turbin, Seahawks
22. Lance Ball, Broncos
23. Ronnie Hillman, Broncos
24. Willis McGahee, Broncos
25. Brandon Bolden, Patriots
26. Evan Royster, Redskins
27. Jason Snelling, Falcons
28. Cedric Peerman, Bengals
29. Justin Forsett, Texans
Running backs: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
2. Arian Foster, Texans
3. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
4. Ray Rice, Ravens
5. Alfred Morris, Redskins
6. Vick Ballard, Colts
7. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals
8. DuJuan Harris, Packers
9. Bernard Pierce, Ravens
10. Ben Tate, Texans
11. Ryan Grant, Packers
12. Alex Green, Packers
13. Robert Turbin, Seahawks
14. Evan Royster, Redskins
15. Cedric Peerman, Bengals
Analysis: This January those in postseason pools are blessed by having myriad options of high scorers at quarterback, with eight of the top 12 season scorers at the position in the playoffs, as well as at running back. Only Doug Martin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is not playing this week among the top six running back scorers. A year ago, Isaac Redman was in demand. Anyway, while I don't think Peterson will carry his upstart team to a second consecutive victory (and this one on the road) against Rodgers' experienced bunch, the 25 fantasy points he might score could top what most running backs accomplish the entirety of the playoffs. Same with Foster, though I think his team will right the ship and win a game.
The top four names at running back will not be in action this first weekend, so there's no need to choose them in GPC until next week. When considering upside choices, I've become a fan of Green Bay's Harris. This wouldn't be the first time the Packers have taken a fellow who did little during the regular season and relied on him for a playoff run (James Starks). Also note throughout these rankings that there are injured players here and there, including a few who might surprise you for their inclusion; Denver's McGahee, for example, is eligible to return for the AFC Championship Game, though based on my Moreno rank I'm not optimistic he'll make an impact. There's little need for handcuffing backups in postseason pools, but if your pool is deep, the more names the better.
Wide receivers: Entire playoffs
1. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
2. Eric Decker, Broncos
3. Wes Welker, Patriots
4. Greg Jennings, Packers
5. Andre Johnson, Texans
6. Michael Crabtree, 49ers
7. Randall Cobb, Packers
8. James Jones, Packers
9. Roddy White, Falcons
10. Julio Jones, Falcons
11. A.J. Green, Bengals
12. Jordy Nelson, Packers
13. Pierre Garcon, Redskins
14. Brandon Lloyd, Patriots
15. Reggie Wayne, Colts
16. T.Y. Hilton, Colts
17. Torrey Smith, Ravens
18. Brandon Stokley, Broncos
19. Anquan Boldin, Ravens
20. Sidney Rice, Seahawks
21. Golden Tate, Seahawks
22. Santana Moss, Redskins
23. Jarius Wright, Vikings
24. Donnie Avery, Colts
25. Leonard Hankerson, Redskins
26. Deion Branch, Patriots
27. Andrew Hawkins, Bengals
28. Jacoby Jones, Ravens
29. Josh Morgan, Redskins
30. Randy Moss, 49ers
31. Marvin Jones, Bengals
32. Kevin Walter, Texans
33. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks
34. Jerome Simpson, Vikings
35. Harry Douglas, Falcons
Wide receivers: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Greg Jennings, Packers
2. Andre Johnson, Texans
3. Randall Cobb, Packers
4. A.J. Green, Bengals
5. James Jones, Packers
6. Pierre Garcon, Redskins
7. Jordy Nelson, Packers
8. Reggie Wayne, Colts
9. T.Y. Hilton, Colts
10. Torrey Smith, Ravens
11. Anquan Boldin, Ravens
12. Sidney Rice, Seahawks
13. Golden Tate, Seahawks
14. Santana Moss, Redskins
15. Jarius Wright, Vikings
16. Donnie Avery, Colts
17. Leonard Hankerson, Redskins
18. Andrew Hawkins, Bengals
19. Jacoby Jones, Ravens
20. Josh Morgan, Redskins
21. Marvin Jones, Bengals
22. Kevin Walter, Texans
23. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks
24. Jerome Simpson, Vikings
Analysis: As with the other positions, Broncos fared well here, and there's also a Packers slant. These teams do tend to score many points. It's also not a bad idea to align your quarterback with a wide receiver, and after this weekend think about locking in salaries, as well. For example, Rodgers and Cobb will not be as affordable for their second playoff game.
For those in point-per-reception formats, it's interesting that some of the pass-catching running backs we've grown to rely on are not still playing, like Martin, Darren Sproles, C.J. Spiller and LeSean McCoy, so I'd call this a particularly strong corps of wide receivers, even sans Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall.
Tight ends: Entire playoffs
1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
2. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots
3. Jermichael Finley, Packers
4. Owen Daniels, Texans
5. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
6. Jacob Tamme, Broncos
7. Dennis Pitta, Ravens
8. Joel Dreessen, Broncos
9. Vernon Davis, 49ers
10. Delanie Walker, 49ers
11. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
12. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
13. Ed Dickson, Ravens
14. Coby Fleener, Colts
15. Dwayne Allen, Colts
16. Zach Miller, Seahawks
17. Logan Paulsen, Redskins
18. Anthony McCoy, Seahawks
Tight ends: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Jermichael Finley, Packers
2. Owen Daniels, Texans
3. Dennis Pitta, Ravens
4. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
5. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
6. Ed Dickson, Ravens
7. Coby Fleener, Colts
8. Dwayne Allen, Colts
9. Zach Miller, Seahawks
10. Logan Paulsen, Redskins
11. Anthony McCoy, Seahawks
Analysis: For those who relied on Green Bay's Finley this season and didn't quite make it to their championship, it might sound odd that he's the top option for this weekend. Finley, who tied for 17th in season scoring with Marcedes Lewis, did produce season bests of eight receptions and 72 yards Sunday, and he does have 196 receiving yards in two playoff games (one good game, one quiet). Hey, it's not a strong position for fantasy purposes! Gronkowski played in only 11 games and still came within five standard points of Jimmy Graham's top spot at tight end. I'm making room on my GPC roster for Gronk this time next week!
Kickers: Entire playoffs
1. Matt Prater, Broncos
2. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
3. Mason Crosby, Packers
4. David Akers, 49ers
5. Matt Bryant, Falcons
6. Shayne Graham, Texans
7. Justin Tucker, Ravens
8. Kai Forbath, Redskins
9. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks
10. Adam Vinatieri, Colts
11. Josh Brown, Bengals
12. Blair Walsh, Vikings
Analysis: One should never spend much time on a kicker, so in a draft, make this your final pick. In GPC, don't be concerned about taking the least expensive option at this position. In other words, don't overthink things. The Packers could score four touchdowns this weekend and give Crosby nary a field goal attempt. Hauschka could score all of Seattle's points in a 12-10 win. One never knows.
Defenses: Entire playoffs
1. Broncos
2. 49ers
3. Patriots
4. Texans
5. Packers
6. Seahawks
7. Falcons
8. Ravens
9. Redskins
10. Colts
11. Bengals
12. Vikings
Analysis: It's interesting that so many young quarterbacks are debuting in these playoffs, but I don't see Griffin, Wilson or Luck as turnover machines, either. Also, one could ask why the Broncos and Patriots rank so well when I predict these teams will face off, and it's not likely to be a 10-7 game. Good point. Still, you want a defense that gets a few games.
Good luck this weekend and for the entire playoffs. Happy New Year!
Eric Karabell
While the fantasy playoffs have ended -- and hopefully your team was able to take home the championship -- that doesn't mean we're done with our rankings. Welcome to the NFL playoffs, with 12 teams still vying for their big prize. It's more football and more fantasy!
ESPN's Gridiron Playoff Challenge is always a hit and easy to play, and I'll reveal my lineup later, but we also know many of you participate in off-site drafts and pools. So for those already missing the fantasy football experience, the lineups, the matchups and more, it's time for annual postseason rankings, both for the entirety of the league's playoffs and this weekend. Enjoy!
Quarterbacks: Entire playoffs
1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
4. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
5. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
6. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
7. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
8. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
9. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
10. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
11. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
12. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
Quarterbacks: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
2. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
5. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
6. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
7. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
8. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings
Analysis: In a standard fantasy league, we preach balanced teams. For example, it's OK to choose a quarterback-wide receiver combination from one NFL team. However, when you start adding players to it, you run more risk of bad games or matchups, dealing with the pending bye week, weather, etc. It gets dangerous. In playoff pools, the theme is different. Matchups remain critical, but can also be used to advantage. Of course, unlike a 16-game season, in the playoffs it's one-and-done, and often there are surprises. It makes sense to map out a "March Madness-type" grid predicting the teams you think will make it to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. If you really like the Broncos, as I certainly do, then load up on them.
It's also important to know, as always, your league rules. In ESPN's Gridiron Playoff Challenge, you can adjust rosters after each of the first two weekends. Salaries do change, but there's no incentive to choose Broncos, Patriots, Falcons or 49ers up front. Players on those teams cannot help you this week. Even if Ponder provides only five fantasy points, that's five more than Brady will get. Then you can change the roster. In a full-playoff pool, you cannot. These rankings take into account both strategies, and use standard fantasy scoring.
I expect the Broncos, Patriots and 49ers to play two games, at the least, but admit to having reservations about the Falcons, based on awful performances the past few seasons. Atlanta was drubbed at home two Januarys ago by the Packers, and scored only a safety against the New York Giants in the 2011 playoffs. Perhaps Ryan and pals win a playoff game this season, but the NFC seems considerably more wide open to me than the AFC, which feels right for yet another Manning-Brady heavyweight matchup. In the NFC, it wouldn't surprise me if any of the teams are one-and-done, and it's interesting to note -- well, perhaps not for Falcons fans -- that NFC top seeds routinely fail to advance far. My rankings reflect the uncertainty. If you think the Redskins and Bengals are New Orleans-bound, by all means draft/select that way!
You'll find the first rankings at each position don't necessarily match this weekend's rankings, even removing the top four teams. For example, the rookie quarterback matchup between Wilson and Griffin this weekend should be fascinating. I like Griffin more for one game for statistical purposes, but Wilson more for advancement. It's nothing against the Redskins, but the Seahawks, save for their quarterback, have some playoff experience. If it matters, I like the Texans, Colts, Seahawks and Packers this first weekend, and history tells us -- check the Eli Manning Giants! -- that one of those teams will go far. Don't load up your non-GPC roster solely with players who aren't playing this weekend. You still seek a balance in this respect. One Griffin/Wilson game could be worth more than two for Schaub/Flacco/Ponder, but two games with Aaron Rodgers could very well be worth the most fantasy points at quarterback until the Super Bowl. After this weekend in GPC, I'll be adding Peyton Manning, and hopefully I'll be able to stick with a victorious Rodgers.
Running backs: Entire playoffs
1. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos
2. Stevan Ridley, Patriots
3. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
4. Arian Foster, Texans
5. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
6. Frank Gore, 49ers
7. Ray Rice, Ravens
8. Alfred Morris, Redskins
9. Michael Turner, Falcons
10. Danny Woodhead, Patriots
11. DuJuan Harris, Packers
12. Vick Ballard, Colts
13. Jacquizz Rodgers, Falcons
14. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals
15. Bernard Pierce, Ravens
16. LaMichael James, 49ers
17. Ben Tate, Texans
18. Ryan Grant, Packers
19. Alex Green, Packers
20. Shane Vereen, Patriots
21. Robert Turbin, Seahawks
22. Lance Ball, Broncos
23. Ronnie Hillman, Broncos
24. Willis McGahee, Broncos
25. Brandon Bolden, Patriots
26. Evan Royster, Redskins
27. Jason Snelling, Falcons
28. Cedric Peerman, Bengals
29. Justin Forsett, Texans
Running backs: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
2. Arian Foster, Texans
3. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
4. Ray Rice, Ravens
5. Alfred Morris, Redskins
6. Vick Ballard, Colts
7. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals
8. DuJuan Harris, Packers
9. Bernard Pierce, Ravens
10. Ben Tate, Texans
11. Ryan Grant, Packers
12. Alex Green, Packers
13. Robert Turbin, Seahawks
14. Evan Royster, Redskins
15. Cedric Peerman, Bengals
Analysis: This January those in postseason pools are blessed by having myriad options of high scorers at quarterback, with eight of the top 12 season scorers at the position in the playoffs, as well as at running back. Only Doug Martin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is not playing this week among the top six running back scorers. A year ago, Isaac Redman was in demand. Anyway, while I don't think Peterson will carry his upstart team to a second consecutive victory (and this one on the road) against Rodgers' experienced bunch, the 25 fantasy points he might score could top what most running backs accomplish the entirety of the playoffs. Same with Foster, though I think his team will right the ship and win a game.
The top four names at running back will not be in action this first weekend, so there's no need to choose them in GPC until next week. When considering upside choices, I've become a fan of Green Bay's Harris. This wouldn't be the first time the Packers have taken a fellow who did little during the regular season and relied on him for a playoff run (James Starks). Also note throughout these rankings that there are injured players here and there, including a few who might surprise you for their inclusion; Denver's McGahee, for example, is eligible to return for the AFC Championship Game, though based on my Moreno rank I'm not optimistic he'll make an impact. There's little need for handcuffing backups in postseason pools, but if your pool is deep, the more names the better.
Wide receivers: Entire playoffs
1. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
2. Eric Decker, Broncos
3. Wes Welker, Patriots
4. Greg Jennings, Packers
5. Andre Johnson, Texans
6. Michael Crabtree, 49ers
7. Randall Cobb, Packers
8. James Jones, Packers
9. Roddy White, Falcons
10. Julio Jones, Falcons
11. A.J. Green, Bengals
12. Jordy Nelson, Packers
13. Pierre Garcon, Redskins
14. Brandon Lloyd, Patriots
15. Reggie Wayne, Colts
16. T.Y. Hilton, Colts
17. Torrey Smith, Ravens
18. Brandon Stokley, Broncos
19. Anquan Boldin, Ravens
20. Sidney Rice, Seahawks
21. Golden Tate, Seahawks
22. Santana Moss, Redskins
23. Jarius Wright, Vikings
24. Donnie Avery, Colts
25. Leonard Hankerson, Redskins
26. Deion Branch, Patriots
27. Andrew Hawkins, Bengals
28. Jacoby Jones, Ravens
29. Josh Morgan, Redskins
30. Randy Moss, 49ers
31. Marvin Jones, Bengals
32. Kevin Walter, Texans
33. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks
34. Jerome Simpson, Vikings
35. Harry Douglas, Falcons
Wide receivers: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Greg Jennings, Packers
2. Andre Johnson, Texans
3. Randall Cobb, Packers
4. A.J. Green, Bengals
5. James Jones, Packers
6. Pierre Garcon, Redskins
7. Jordy Nelson, Packers
8. Reggie Wayne, Colts
9. T.Y. Hilton, Colts
10. Torrey Smith, Ravens
11. Anquan Boldin, Ravens
12. Sidney Rice, Seahawks
13. Golden Tate, Seahawks
14. Santana Moss, Redskins
15. Jarius Wright, Vikings
16. Donnie Avery, Colts
17. Leonard Hankerson, Redskins
18. Andrew Hawkins, Bengals
19. Jacoby Jones, Ravens
20. Josh Morgan, Redskins
21. Marvin Jones, Bengals
22. Kevin Walter, Texans
23. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks
24. Jerome Simpson, Vikings
Analysis: As with the other positions, Broncos fared well here, and there's also a Packers slant. These teams do tend to score many points. It's also not a bad idea to align your quarterback with a wide receiver, and after this weekend think about locking in salaries, as well. For example, Rodgers and Cobb will not be as affordable for their second playoff game.
For those in point-per-reception formats, it's interesting that some of the pass-catching running backs we've grown to rely on are not still playing, like Martin, Darren Sproles, C.J. Spiller and LeSean McCoy, so I'd call this a particularly strong corps of wide receivers, even sans Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall.
Tight ends: Entire playoffs
1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
2. Aaron Hernandez, Patriots
3. Jermichael Finley, Packers
4. Owen Daniels, Texans
5. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
6. Jacob Tamme, Broncos
7. Dennis Pitta, Ravens
8. Joel Dreessen, Broncos
9. Vernon Davis, 49ers
10. Delanie Walker, 49ers
11. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
12. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
13. Ed Dickson, Ravens
14. Coby Fleener, Colts
15. Dwayne Allen, Colts
16. Zach Miller, Seahawks
17. Logan Paulsen, Redskins
18. Anthony McCoy, Seahawks
Tight ends: Weekend of Jan. 5-6 only
1. Jermichael Finley, Packers
2. Owen Daniels, Texans
3. Dennis Pitta, Ravens
4. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
5. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
6. Ed Dickson, Ravens
7. Coby Fleener, Colts
8. Dwayne Allen, Colts
9. Zach Miller, Seahawks
10. Logan Paulsen, Redskins
11. Anthony McCoy, Seahawks
Analysis: For those who relied on Green Bay's Finley this season and didn't quite make it to their championship, it might sound odd that he's the top option for this weekend. Finley, who tied for 17th in season scoring with Marcedes Lewis, did produce season bests of eight receptions and 72 yards Sunday, and he does have 196 receiving yards in two playoff games (one good game, one quiet). Hey, it's not a strong position for fantasy purposes! Gronkowski played in only 11 games and still came within five standard points of Jimmy Graham's top spot at tight end. I'm making room on my GPC roster for Gronk this time next week!
Kickers: Entire playoffs
1. Matt Prater, Broncos
2. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots
3. Mason Crosby, Packers
4. David Akers, 49ers
5. Matt Bryant, Falcons
6. Shayne Graham, Texans
7. Justin Tucker, Ravens
8. Kai Forbath, Redskins
9. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks
10. Adam Vinatieri, Colts
11. Josh Brown, Bengals
12. Blair Walsh, Vikings
Analysis: One should never spend much time on a kicker, so in a draft, make this your final pick. In GPC, don't be concerned about taking the least expensive option at this position. In other words, don't overthink things. The Packers could score four touchdowns this weekend and give Crosby nary a field goal attempt. Hauschka could score all of Seattle's points in a 12-10 win. One never knows.
Defenses: Entire playoffs
1. Broncos
2. 49ers
3. Patriots
4. Texans
5. Packers
6. Seahawks
7. Falcons
8. Ravens
9. Redskins
10. Colts
11. Bengals
12. Vikings
Analysis: It's interesting that so many young quarterbacks are debuting in these playoffs, but I don't see Griffin, Wilson or Luck as turnover machines, either. Also, one could ask why the Broncos and Patriots rank so well when I predict these teams will face off, and it's not likely to be a 10-7 game. Good point. Still, you want a defense that gets a few games.
Good luck this weekend and for the entire playoffs. Happy New Year!
