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NFL Notebook, Week 14: Playoff predictions, Tom Brady’s struggles and more

By Zach Cohen

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after kicking the game winning field goal during a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 08: Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after kicking the game winning field goal during a NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers rushes against Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers rushes against Ricardo Allen #37 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Fantasy Focus

As the season rolls on, it’s only appropriate that every week I discuss a little about America’s new favorite past-time: Fantasy Football. 

Ah, the fantasy playoffs: A time for increased stress and panic among many. That should never be the case, whether you have money on the line or not. You know that saying, “Money can’t buy you happiness?” That still holds true for fantasy football.

Here are some obvious yet overlooked tips I’ve picked up over the years to help you enjoy playing fantasy football no matter what:

  • Don’t look at your opponent’s roster. You’re already stressing about who you need to score, why should you add more frustration by rooting against 12 or so other players, too? I do this and it makes for a much more relaxed Sunday.
  • Prepare hard. This goes without saying, I guess. I’m saying it, though, to remind you that it’s okay if your bench player outscores your starter. All you can do is research and make the best possible decision for your lineup. That way you can say you did your best.
  • Learn from your mistakes. You’re not going to get every decision right, so learn what you did wrong and improve next time. It’s pointless to get upset if your backup running back scored a 73-yard touchdown. Revisit red-zone usage, look at snap counts while leading, check the weather, etc.
  • Have fun. Some might disagree with me on this, but what’s the point of playing fantasy football if you’re not going to have any fun? Wouldn’t you rather enjoy yourself than drown in self-made sorrow? You’re not going to win all the time, so take solace in the little things that make football great.
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