While some trade deadlines have already passed, we’ve still got some playoffs to clench!

Let’s get into some buyin’, sellin’, and holdin’. 

BUY

Aaron Rodgers Is Coming For You

Lock your doors. Keep your lights on. Hug your loved ones. AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT PLUG IN A PODCAST MICROPHONE! 

No one is safe. 

Aaron Rodgers IS coming for you next…

First, he blamed Green Bay for not drafting any WRs.

Then, he blamed Green Bay's WRs.

Then, he blamed the light for affecting his retirement decisions. 

Then, it was Robert Saleh's fault.

Then, it was the Jets' fault for not getting Rodgers a specific WR. 

Then it was the Jets’ GM, Joe Douglas' fault. 

Aaron Rodgers will not stop until everyone has taken the blame. Well, everyone beside himself, of course.

And he could come for you next. 

Please find shelter immediately. The safest place to be is probably Rodgers’ parents’ house. I don’t think he ever visits. 

All-In On Detroit 

Back in July, I placed a HUGE (for me #ScaredMoneyDontMakeMoney) bet on the Lions to win the Super Bowl. This was when they were still considered a not-so-likely bet at +1300.  

But boy, have things changed. 

Not only are the Lions currently at the top of the ranks (+350) for the NFL, but they’re also blessing all of our fantasy teams simultaneously!

”Thank you Dan ‘Daddy’ Campbell,” we all say in unison. 

But the real unsung hero I’d like to highlight here is their kicker, Jake Bates. 

We all know that Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams can (and usually do) come home with multiple TDs and top-10 fantasy finishes any given week. 

But in the last month, Bates has kicked FOUR(!) 50+ yard field goals. And when he isn’t kicking for three points, he’s still knocking back PATs like a mad man with the way Detroit is scoring. 

I know we don’t talk about buying kickers often. But I’m all in on ALL of the Lions. Their kicker. Their entire offense. ALL OF THEM.

THAT’S MY FUTURE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS!

It's Handcuffing Season

With trade deadlines approaching (or already closed) and a depleted RB pool, it's time that we plan accordingly. While none of these RBs are guaranteed to take over their backfields… they COULD. 

And right now, we're chasing dart throws. 

Once trades are off the table, we're only left with whatever scraps the waiver wire will give us. So it's “go big or go home” time. In the event one of these handcuffs pans out, you'll be thanking yourself in the playoffs.

Starting to carve out roles:

  • Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears: Snap counts are up. Rushing attempts are up. And he's getting red zone carries. [Update: D’Andre Swift did not practice Wednesday with a groin injury. See, everything can change very quickly in this space. Grab your RBs!]
  • Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings: He finally scored in Week 11. So there's that.
  • Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals: Carries are up. The Cardinals have better matchups on the horizon and should be able to get the ball moving downfield for more scoring opportunities.

Handcuff purposes only:

  • Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
  • Braelon Allen, New York Jets
  • Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins

SELL

This week we're selling:

Everyone Eats in Cleveland

While it was fun watching Jerry Jeudy (6-142-1) and Elijah Moore (6-66-1) feast in New Orleans last week, the buffet is officially closing. Sorry, boys. No one's going to eat this well again for a while…

Not only do the Browns play the Steelers in Week 12, but they play the Steelers again in Week 14. 

Damn. Double homicide.

Look, this isn't anything against Jameis Winston & Co. It's just tough getting anything done against the Steelers' defense as of late. Don't believe me? 

Let's take a peek at how Lamar Jackson, who is arguably more talented than Jameis Winston (sorry to Jameis Winston's biggest fan, whoever you are), fared against the Steelers in Week 11 compared to his last 5 outings. 

If children are watching, cover their eyes. It's gruesome. 

Lamar Jackson Weeks 7-11:

  • Week 7 v TB: 281 yds, 5 TDs (QB1) 😍
  • Week 8 v CLE : 289 yds, 2 TDs (QB8) 😍
  • Week 9 v DEN: 280 yds, 3 TDs (QB6) 😍
  • Week 10 v CIN: 290 yds, 4 TDs (QB2) 😍
  • Week 11 v PIT: 207 yds, 1 TD (QB23) 🤢

DAAAAAAMN. 

Tough matchups are hard to ignore. I'm just not buying into anything other than a huge letdown for Browns managers these next few weeks. 

But Jerry Jeudy's big glow up was fun while it lasted, wasn't it? 

Sell 'em. 

RB JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers

JK Dobbins looks to wrap up the fantasy football regular season with matchups against BAL, ATL, and KC. When we look at how RBs fare against defenses, Baltimore and Kansas City are going to be steeper challenges for the position. 

If your league’s trade deadline hasn't passed yet, consider selling Dobbins off of his two-TD game in Week 11, where one score came with only 18 seconds left on the clock. 

See if you can capitalize on the big finish.

HOLD

Sometimes we need to just take a second to think. Don't overreact.

This week, we're holding:

OUR BELLIES - Trust Your Gut

As we approach the playoffs, it's not uncommon for fantasy managers to start panicking. The end is in sight, and we “NEED TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T F*CK THIS UP!”

But you've made it this far already. You’ve spent all season digesting rankings, matchups, and stats. And you’ve always been the final say on your start/sit decisions. 

Whatever you do. Remember that this is YOUR fantasy team and you're the only one who can make the calls. Take in as much information as possible, but as you set your lineups … trust yourself. 

Even if it doesn't pan out in the end, you'll be wayyyyyy less pissed if you follow your gut decision.