Wildcard Watchlist Q & A
After all of the weekly games are finished be sure to check our waiver wire column, studs and duds, a who’s hot, and who’s not report plus more in our fantasy football guide.
Wildcard Weekend is finally upon us, and there is no shortage of interesting story lines. Here is a little sample of what I will be watching for this weekend in Dave B’s Wildcard Watchlist Q & A.
1. How will the Week 17 rematches play out this weekend?
Eagles @ Cowboys – This one doesn’t look good for the Eagles AT ALL. They were totally outclassed by a Cowboys team that is playing incredible football right now. Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Jason Witten and even Marion Barber are all getting it done on Offense. The Cowboys Defense hasn’t been scored on in 2 games. The Eagles might find a way to make the game respectable, but it appears as if the Cowboys are just too hot to handle this Saturday.
Jets @ Cincinnati – This game is likely to be a snoozer. Both teams will run the ball a lot, and be stagnant in their throwing games. My bet is that the punters will be the MVPs for their respective teams this weekend. If I was forced to make a pick, it would be the Jets and their stronger running game – obviously.
Packers @ Cardinals – Unbelievably, the Cardinals will be slight favorites to win this game. The Packers travel to Arizona for the third time looking for their third blowout win. Green Bay and Arizona are arguably Top Three or Four Offenses in the NFL. The Cardinals Defense is middle of the road while the Green Bay Defense is in the upper tier of the NFL. It seems that Green Bay has the edge because of their Defense and the fact that Anquan Boldin might not play.
2. How will teams deal with injuries to key receiving threat.
Arizona Cardinals – Anquan Boldin is in danger of missing this weekend’s game. This obviously be a big blow for an Offense that needs all it’s pieces to be successful. Boldin is good for 8 catches and at least 80 yards per game. Who’s gonna pick up that slack? An also injured Steve Breaston? I think that this injury is going to have a huge affect on the game and ultimately the outcome.
New England Patriots – Wes Welker, who had 125 catches on the season blew out his knee last week and is done for the year. There goes Tom Brady’s security blanket. Julian Edelman filled in earlier in the season and was effective – proving that as long as Bill Belichek is your coach and Tom Brady is your Quarterback, you have a chance to win.
3. How will the HOT teams coming into the playoffs fare?
Dallas Cowboys – Dallas seem that they can do no wrong right now – they are clicking on both sides of the ball. They have beaten undefeated New Orleans and have 2 shutouts in their last 3 games. The Cowboys are looking scary.
NY Jets – The Jets have won 5 of their last 6 games and have done so in a completely unspectacular fashion. The Jets might sneak past the Bengals this weekend, but that’s about it. They are clearly a step or 2 behind the elite teams.
4. Will the NOT HOT teams be able to prolong their season?
Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles went from HOT to NOT in a hurry. They seem to be stalling at exactly the wrong time. Last week’s debacle in Dallas left me little optimism that the Eagles can get it done this weekend. The Cowboys Defense appears to have the perfect game plan for muting Donovan McNabb’s music. The Dallas Cowboys should remain HOT and the Eagles should remain NOT. 
Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals started out super hot this season, but have been playing very average football lately. Carson Palmer has been invisible this year, and Chad Ochocinco has to face Super-Cornerback Darrelle Revis. There just doesn’t seem to be a spark on that team, no mojo at all. I think that the prospects for a win a dim – the Jets will smother them and score just enough to win.
5. Who will be the Stars of Wildcard Weekend?
Tony Romo – Dallas – He should be in line for a great game. Romo is as confident as a QB can be right now and is clicking will all of his weapons (no – Roy Williams is not a weapon). He should be over 300 yards this weekend and will probably throw 3 touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay – Rodgers is statistically the best producing quarterback in the NFL. Against a suspect Defense that might be without their best cover man, Rodgers will be able to do a lot of damage. I like Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers lay another licken on the Cardinals this weekend.
Randy Moss – New England – Randy Moss has a lot to prove and so does his Quarterback. That bodes well for a team that has been money at home in the playoffs. Moss has to be huge with the loss of Wes Welker and will be – don’t worry.
Seriously folk, nobody else really gets me too excited.
6. Who will be participating in their last game with their present team?
Wade Philips – Dallas – There’s no hiding the fact that Philips has to win to keep his job in Dallas. A loss will give owner Jerry Jones an excuse to fire Wade and bring in a “big name” coach. Only a Super Bowl could save Philips
Kurt Warner – Arizona – Anybody else have the feeling that Warner will retire after this year? Something tells me that a loss against Green Bay could spell the end of the Warner era in Arizona.
Donovan McNabb – Philadelphia – He has only one year left on his contract – The Eagles might be willing to part ways with McNabb, focusing instead on Kevin Kolb who looked pretty amazing win relief of McNabb this season. Who know?
Lots of info. Folks – I hope it helps.
One reply on “Fantasy Football (Post Season) Q&A”
Is the Cowboys win over Philly enough for Wade Phillips to keep his job, or does he need a win next week in Minnesota to keep Jerry Jones happy for at least one more year?
He does have them playing at a high level right now, but I think he needs a strong showing win or lose next week to keep his job. A lot also depends on which other high profile heads coaches would be interested in the job.