The traditional fantasy football season is over. But that doesn't mean the fantasy season is completely finished. It's time to get ready for the NFL Playoff Challenge. It's free to sign up and easy to play. Plus you can win a trip to Super Bowl 50. If that's not worth extending your season for, I don't know what is. It's also a good excuse for one last set of Fantasy Football Audibles.
The overriding theme this week will be focusing on the teams that you believe will get to the Super Bowl. In my case, those two teams are the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Tom Brady is certainly a good option, but his recent playoff track record has been fairly spotty. On the other hand, Russell Wilson has been more productive in his two postseason appearances -- and has been the more consistent fantasy quarterback all season long. With his quality decision making and ability to post big rushing totals, Wilson is the quarterback I'm rolling with.
For the Playoff Challenge, you can pick a pair of running backs. Because of the two teams I've picked for the big game in Glendale, there's no doubt that I'm going to select Marshawn Lynch. Beast Mode was one of the best backs in the league this season and should continue to be a large part of Seattle's gameplan. However, there's little chance that I'm going to roll with a Patriots running back. So instead, I rolled with the NFL's leading rusher in 2014, DeMarco Murray. I like Dallas' chance to win its first-round game with Murray leading the way. Even if the Cowboys don't make the Super Bowl, I think I can get a couple of weeks' worth of points from Murray. If you're not digging Murray, going with Eddie Lacy isn't a bad option either.
Obviously the pool of wide receivers is deeper than what you can reasonably list in this space here (for instance, I'm going with Julian Edelman in one of my WR spots), but I'll make picks based on what we have above. This is where you might have to have some faith in teams you don't believe can make it to the Super Bowl and pray that their stars come out to shine. I definitely feel confident in Jordy Nelson since he occupies the other spot in my lineup. From the aforementioned sextet, I'd also pick Antonio Brown. Why wouldn't you take the best receiver in fantasy football this season -- especially with Le'Veon Bell's status uncertain for this weekend.
Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarcasG.
