It’s Semi-Finals weekend in the majority of fantasy leagues. And you know what that means. Every. Point. Matters. While Kickers and D/ST units get routinely laughed at by most of your league mates, both positions will have a say in whether your name gets engraved on the trophy forever, or if you’ll just be another chump with a sob story (that no one cares about) as to why you couldn’t score enough points to bring home a championship. Don’t let those thin margins be the reason you miss out on the hardware and the payday that comes with it.
Kickers
Chad Ryland or Matt Prater
Whether Ryland gets another opportunity or Prater returns from IR, I want a crack at whichever Kicker is suiting up for the Cardinals this week. The Cardinals travel to Carolia for a Week 16 matchup with the Panthers who have conceded the 2nd most points to opposing kickers this season. The Cardinals as a team have attempted the 8th most field goals this season and there’s nothing to suggest that the Panthers 32nd ranked defense in points per game allowed are going to turn into the Steel Curtain any time soon. The weather forecast in Charlotte should not impact the kicking game in any way, which is a factor that can’t be understated at this time of year.
Jake Moody
It’s been an up and down year for the 49ers that will likely end in the team falling fall short of the lofty expectations they had entering the 2024 campaign. Moody too has been bit of a roller coaster ride, but one that I want to hop on board for week 16. San Francisco has attempted the 5th most field goals in the league and the Dolphins have yielded more field goal attempts to their opponents than any other team in the league to this point. With the South Beach forecast looking to be a nonfactor for Sunday’s contest, I’m comfortable scooping up Moody as a last second play this weekend.
Defenses
Atlanta Falcons Vs. New York Giants
Typically, I don’t love the idea of rolling with a Defense that ranks in the bottom 3rd of the league in fantasy points scored when my season is on the line. But that’s exactly what I’m doing on semifinals weekend. Make no mistake, this is a kick the Giants while they are down play through and through. The New York QB carousel continues to spin around, with Drew Lock looking to be the starting QB for Big Blue come Sunday. In his 2 prior starts, Lock has thrown 0 TDs, 2 INTs and taken a total of 8 sacks. With the Dirty Birds fighting for a playoff spot and getting the jolt of energy that comes with a QB change, look for the Falcons to provide at least a high fantasy floor at home this week.
Green Bay Packers Vs. New Orleans Saints
Once upon a time, Packers Saints would have meant a Brees Vs. Rodgers shootout that boasted the highest over/under on the slate. But those days are long gone. With Derek Carr on Injured Reserve for the remaidner of the year, the Saints will likely be turning to Spencer Rattler to close out a lost season. With Green Bay plenty motivated to keep pace in a frantic NFC North, the Packers should come in focused and handle their business early against a depleted Saints squad that may also be with out former All-Pro RB, Alvin Kamara.
