2012 NFL Playoffs: Top 5 Fantasy Players in the Post-Season
Jones beasted out in the NFC title game.
The NFL Playoffs are mostly about finding out who the best team in the league is. And in less than two weeks now, we’ll find out the answer. However, for true die hard fantasy football owners, it’s also about extending the season via weekly fantasy football games or with your own personal league amongst friends.
Doing so can help you win some extra cash, add to your already over-flowing pride, and sometimes even uncover a hidden gem you might draft in 2013. Not a lot of gems popped up, but there are definitely performances worth noting. The playoffs still have one game remaining, but I couldn’t wait any longer. Here’s a look at the top five performers in post-season play this year from a fantasy perspective:
6. Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans
Here’s some knowledge: I never stop just at five. Well, rarely, anyways. Besides, Daniels was so solid in two playoff games (18 receptions on 26 targets), I didn’t feel good about leaving him out. He didn’t score, but only Dennis Pitta and Tony Gonzalez scored more than once (two times each), so I didn’t value touchdowns as much for tight ends in the playoffs. Daniels was a PPR monster for you in the playoffs, and showed us all once again that he’s one of the most reliable PPR tight ends in the league.
5. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Ray Rice has more rushing yards and Arian Foster was a PPR monster, but I have to hand it to Gore. Not only did he run for 209 yards in just two playoff outings, but he also scored two touchdowns while averaging a very impressive 4.8 yards per carry. He’s not quite as gaudy as Rice and Foster, but he was a little more balanced and consistent.
4. Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Boldin gets some love for longevity and production. Not only has he been solid for three weeks in a row in the playoffs, but he’s done it all on the road. With three scores, 16 receptions and a playoff-leading 276 receiving yards, Boldin not only crushed it this post-season, but also shocked everyone in the process. While everyone was talking about Torrey Smith, Boldin was not so quietly reminding everyone why the Ravens acquired him a few years back in the first place. Consider the message received.
3. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Before the season started, everyone was all about Julio Jones, myself included. Turns out, all those Jones lovers were dead on. He wasn’t the best fantasy receiver, but he was definitely one of the best to own. That run to greatness didn’t stop in the playoffs, either, as Jones hauled in an impressive 17 receptions for 241 yards and two scores in just two post-season appearances. Most of his production came in the NFC title game, but it was such a huge game (182 yards and two scores), that I simply had to give him the respect he’s due.
2. Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers
It’s crazy to think Kaep (yeah, I spell it with an E, big whoop, wanna fight about it?) isn’t in my top spot, but he’s still been a total beast and belongs here at number two. That’s no knock on Kaepernick, as he absolutely crushed the souls of Packer fans across the nation in the Divisional round, as he amassed 181 yards on the ground, to go with another 263 yards through the air and four total scores.
While that was awesome and gets him this high on my playoff list, I can’t budge him any further. After all, he did start his playoff career off with a pick six, and wasn’t quite as lights out against the Falcons in the NFC title game.
1. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Flacco benefits from three games and a trip to the Super Bowl, but there’s just no denying how special he’s been throughout the playoffs. Not only has he thrown an impressive eight touchdown passes (against ZERO interceptions, mind you), but he’s nearly doubled Kaep’s passing yardage, and all while on the road. You can make a strong argument for Kaepernick being the man to roll with in fantasy leagues during the NFL Playoffs, but for the long haul or going by individual games, Flacco was playing at a higher level and doing it more consistently.
