The Fantasy playoffs are finally here. It is a time filled with either great joy or immense shame and sorrow. Those who did not make the playoffs have to hunker down with their personal shame and wait for the next year. But for those who did, it’s playoff season now and everything is on the line.

Some owners may have been top dogs all season, and for them the playoffs were inevitable. Then there are those who had a season full of ups and downs but made it without too much trouble. The last few playoff spots are often taken by teams that have fought tooth and nail to make it this far, these owners are “the Scrappers”.

The Scrapper is possibly the most intriguing type of fantasy owner. They had a lot of injuries throughout the year, or perhaps drafted Adrian Peterson with their first pick. They got this far by playing favorable matchups and being what is called a “Waiver Wire Hero.” It is time to take a page out of the Scrappers book. Whether your league is single elimination or a two round playoff league, it is time to put up or shut up. Everyone who makes it to the fantasy playoffs is equal, all slates are blank, and anything can happen.

Defenses this season in terms of fantasy football have been very strange. The Seattle Seahawks were drafted ridiculously high this year, and those who picked them got the 11th ranked Fantasy D/ST, according to ESPN.com. The Buffalo Bills (ranked second in fantasy), Miami Dolphins (third ranked), and Minnesota Vikings (eighth) are the only defenses who rank in the top ten defenses in both fantasy and NFL rankings. The New York Jets are the seventh ranked defense this year in the NFL and the 31st in fantasy. Forget what you thought you knew about fantasy defenses going forward. Favorable matchups are the key to big fantasy numbers.

In Week 13 the St. Louis Rams absolutely dominated the Oakland Raiders on defense. They scored upwards of 20 points across every format in fantasy. This was accomplished due to having six sacks, three interceptions, two recovered fumbles, and an interception ran back for a touchdown. The Rams face another juicy matchup in Week 14 against Washington who are ranked 27th against opposing fantasy defenses, as well as in Week 16 against the New York Giants who rank 22nd in the same category.

The Tennessee Titans on paper seem far from a possible fantasy playoff savior. They rank 30th in the NFL for total defense. In terms of fantasy points they are about as close to the bottom of the barrel as you can get as well, ranking 26th, according to ESPN.com. However, as we have seen all year matchups mean everything in fantasy. The Titans play at home against the Giants in Week 14 which presents a very favorable matchup for the first round of the playoffs. In Week 15, the play the Jets at home who have given up an average of 11.3 fantasy points to opposing defenses this season. The good times will keep rolling into Week 16, fantasy championship week. The Titans will play in Jacksonville against the very weak Jaguars. The Jaguars are ranked 32nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing defenses in 2014. Pick up the Titans D/ST now and don’t look back. They will provide you with some of the safest and rewarding matchups for the remainder of the season.

If you are experiencing quarterback troubles and have somehow managed to make the playoffs despite this, then you deserve a pat on the back and your team is probably stacked everywhere else. However in the playoffs you will be facing other owners with loaded teams as well and you need every advantage you can get.

In his triumphant return as the quarterback for the Texans, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 358 yards and six touchdowns, according to ESPN.com. He is still available in the majority of leagues, pick him up for Week 14, as he plays the Jaguars and will be given a lot of time with the ball. Joe Flacco is also a solid player going forward and is worth consideration if available in your league. The same goes for Ryan Tannehill, if he is somehow un-owned then make sure you own him by the weekend.

Unfortunately as far as running backs the free agent pool is pretty dry, since any back with a pulse has likely been snatched up. However, wide receivers may still have some intriguing players available. Most of the players that are left can hardly be counted on every week but if you are in a pinch or need some depth then there may be a few you can use.

Kendall Wright is coming off of a huge 132 yard game where he also found the end zone and he goes up against weak passing defenses (Giants, Jets, and Jaguars) for the remainder of the year.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief had a big game against Washington in Week 13. He had 134 yards receiving and two touchdowns, according to ESPN.com. He is far from consistent but it will be hard for the high passing Colts to not try getting the ball in his hands some more this year.

If Kenny Stills is still available in your league he is by far the best add of this group. Since Brandon Cooks season ending injury, Stills has been the main man in the New Orleans Saints receiving corps. This was solidified by his 162 yards catching the ball and one touchdown in Week 13.

As far as the dismal position of tight end goes the only good advice is to play the matchups; look for teams who give up a good amount of points to fantasy tight ends and run with them until they scorn you. Kyle Rudolph may still be available in some leagues, he is realistically the best possible waiver option at the position.

Congratulations on making the fantasy playoffs, now it’s time to come back down to earth and realize that it’s a whole new ball game. You can’t make trades anymore in an attempt to save yourself. The only thing you as an owner can do is research, find the trends, and act upon what you find. Most importantly, go with your gut. If you have a good feeling about a guy then start him, there is nothing worse than second guessing yourself and watching a guy go off for 20 points on your bench. Best of luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.