The fantasy football playoffs are closer than you think. Unless your season is circling the drain, it’s time to start planning for those crucial weeks that decide who takes home the hardware. The latest news regarding Joe Burrow has the potential to significantly impact many playoff races.
If Joe Burrow is available in your league, either on waivers or via trade, it’s time to get him and stash for the home stretch. Let me make the case for why.
Analysis
I don’t need to explain why Joe Burrow is immensely valuable for fantasy football. Chances are, he’d be better than your current starting quarterback in most weeks. Instead, I’m here to explain how he could be a league winner.
With the 21-day practice window opened, the clock is ticking for Cincinnati to activate him. It means Week 14 against the Bills is the latest game when we could see a Burrow return. The Bengals are sitting at 3-6, but with their schedule through the end of the season, they could make a late push for the division. That places some haste on the Burrow return.
Let’s assume Burrow is back for Week 14, which is traditionally the last week of the fantasy football regular season. You’d get a good look at him against a Bills defense that has been solid, and we’d know if he’s the real Burrow or not. Then, he’d start a fantasy playoff run full of cake matchups. Week 15 comes against a Baltimore defense ravaged by injuries, followed by Week 16 against the Dolphins, then Week 17 against the Cardinals. All three teams have given up big performances to quarterbacks this season.
The verdict
It all lines up for Burrow to be a significant fantasy playoff contributor if he can get back on the field and get into a rhythm. Cincinnati’s pass catchers remain elite, and he’ll have a license to be his usual gunslinger self upon his return. If he’s out there on waivers and you don’t feel great about your quarterback, toss some FAAB his way or make him first waiver priority.
If another manager is holding on to Burrow, float a trade offer. You can keep him on IR for a couple of weeks and maintain roster flexibility until then. Chances are, Burrow’s current owner isn’t having a fun season, and the right offer could make them give up on a surefire QB1.
