Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information.
The fantasy football playoffs are here and with their arrival comes a massive amount of anxiety. Not only are people afraid to make the wrong choice for their lineups, but they’re overrun with matchup projections that often mislead them about their chances to win.
As a result, many fantasy managers are sabotaged by overthinking their lineup decisions and suffer from paralysis by analysis, causing them to bench top players who have recently underperformed in favor of lesser-talented players in soft matchups.
We’re not blindly telling you to “start your studs,” but parking a superstar with a high ceiling on your bench because of your anxiety will only lead to defeat.
The superstar everyone seems to be most anxious about is Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. We get it. This has been a terrible season. In defense of Jefferson, we can cite J.J. McCarthy’s early-season ankle injury that knocked him out for five games, thus disrupting the chemistry. We can also cite the declining skill set of veteran backup Carson Wentz, and throw in his shoulder injury as well. We can even cite the lack of development for McCarthy, who struggled in his return and suffered a concussion as well. Max Brosmer? Yeah, him too.
In spite of all that and the pedestrian numbers adorning Jefferson’s player pages, he should still be a must-start in the fantasy playoffs.
Why? We did see a little something extra from McCarthy last week. Though we were disappointed about Jefferson’s lack of involvement, a near 70 percent completion rate, no turnovers and even a little extra running should elicit promise for better things to come.
The Cowboys might have improved their front seven and run defense, but their secondary still ranks 30th in DVOA — allowing the most passing yards per game, the most passing touchdowns per game and the highest quarterback passer rating against them. If the Vikings offensive line offers even modest pass protection, McCarthy should be just fine.
Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Washington Commanders. Getty Images
For those who still want to bench Jefferson, it comes down to who you are planning to play ahead of him. Some people say Brian Thomas Jr. because he’s facing the Jets, but what have we seen from him that we haven’t seen from Jefferson? Michael Wilson? Against the Houston defense? Please. Christian Watson against Denver? Michael Pittman Jr. with Philip Rivers under center?
You can run down the list of potential candidates, but none of them have the ceiling potential of Jefferson. Not DeVonta Smith against the Raiders nor Wan’Dale Robinson against the Commanders.
Betting on the NFL?
It isn’t about just starting your studs. It is about understanding the matchups and the various player talents at work. Personally, I would rather go down swinging with Jefferson in my lineup than losing because he was on my bench posting 20 points against the Cowboys. Don’t overthink it. Keep him active.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football news and advice.