Another week of NFL games, another week of fantasy football playoffs. It you are still alive in your league, it means that money, pride or bragging rights could be on the line Sunday as a number of anticipated matchups are on the schedule.
Two teams who played each other in the playoffs last season--the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons--will meet at the Georgia Dome, while the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears will play for the second time this season.
Playoff implications are on the line everywhere, including in Baltimore, where the Denver Broncos will travel to play the Ravens. A win this week could propel a team (real or fantasy) to a championship and depends on which players perform best.
Here are some matchups and players to focus on for Sunday's games and their status for the playoffs going forward. Scoring for this article is based on a Yahoo fantasy league with one point per reception, one point for every 30 passing yards, one point for 10 rushing yards, one point for 10 receiving yards and six points per touchdown.
QUARTERBACK
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brees had a rough game last week against the New York Giants, but is poised for a big rebound against a Tampa Bay team that gives up the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterback. He had 354 yards and a touchdown, but only posted 12.70 fantasy points after throwing two interceptions.
After posting double-digits in every game this season, Brees only had 1.37 in the loss to the Falcons two weeks ago and has now put together back-to-back mediocre performances.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ranked last in the league in passing defense and when the two teams played earlier this season, Brees posted 30.67 fantasy points and threw for 377 yards and a season-high four touchdowns.
Brees is the fourth-highest scoring player in fantasy this season and has posted 267 points while throwing for a league-leading 4,028 yards and 32 touchdowns. Brees has benefited form the return of running back Darren Sproles, who returned from injury two weeks ago and has opened up the passing game with 140 receiving yards out of the backfield over that stretch.
Status: START. Brees is nearly guaranteed to have a good game after putting up two stinkers in a row. The Tampa Bay secondary is dealing with injuries and is much weaker since the last time the two teams played after trading corner back Aquib Talib to the Patriots.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers vs. San Diego Chargers
Newton has been the hottest fantasy player in football over the past three weeks, averaging 37 points per game and leading the Panthers to two wins. He has a great matchup against the Chargers this weekend and should put up another big game.
Last Sunday in the team's 30-20 upset against the Falcons he posted 31.17 points, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns along with116 rushing yards and a touchdown. Newton has thrown eight touchdowns over the past four games and has zero turnovers.
Newton is a dual-threat quarterback and is a fantasy monster because of his running ability. Over the past three games he has rushed for three touchdowns and has gained 640 rushing yards on the season. He is tied for the league lead with an 8.3 average per attempt and
Status: START. The San Diego Chargers have a weak secondary and are in the middle of another losing season. The team is giving up the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks over the past five games, meaning Newton is ready to pounce. After starting off the season slowly, Newton has returned to the form of his rookie season and continues to improve each week.
RUNNING BACK
Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
Martin has been the most impressive rookie running back in the NFL and has a good matchup against a weak Saints defense that gives up the most rushing yards in the league. He has rushed for 1,234 yards and is the sixth-ranked fantasy player this season.
Last week against the Eagles, Martin earned 22.07 points and had 128 yards and a touchdown. He has posted double-digit fantasy points in nine straight games, including when he scored 59 against the Raiders while rushing for 251 yards and four touchdowns.
The Saints are ranked 32nd in rushing defense, giving up over 150 yards per game, leaving Martin with another chance to break loose. The Buccaneers will try to keep the ball away from the Saints as much as possible, meaning a lot of clock-killing carries for Martin.
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks vs. Buffalo Bills
Lynch has been one of the most impressive and consistent fantasy running backs in football and has posted single digit fantasy points just twice this season. He is coming off of a huge game against the Arizona Cardinals, posting 30.80 points after rushing for 128 yards and three touchdowns.
Over the past two games Lynch has found the endzone four times and is in the middle of the best season in his career, gaining 1,266 yards with nine touchdowns and a 4.9 yards per carry.
Lynch has an excellent matchup against his old team the Buffalo Bills, who are ranked 28th in the NFL in rushing defense and are giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Status: START. Lynch is a "beast" and has another great matchup against the Bills. The Seahawks are coming off a dominating 58-0 win over the Arizona Cardinals and are playing with all types of confidence. This one could end up a blow out with Lynch as one of the main participants.
