The final push is here as we head into Week 12. I have 13 redraft teams that play head-to-head weekly, and securing a playoff spot is what it’s all about. The first step to reach this goal is getting the team to 8 wins as quickly as possible. Once we reach 8 wins, the focus shifts to aiming for a first-round bye if the league offers that option. I play in some leagues where 8 teams make the playoffs, so in those leagues I try to clinch a playoff spot as early as I can, especially since those leagues feature a larger tournament with extra money for the top two teams. Securing the top two seeds offers a better chance for winnings, so that’s my main focus, even though it’s one week and one win at a time. Out of the thirteen teams, six have already clinched a playoff spot before Week 12. I plan to add to that number over the next three weeks until the playoffs are set. One of my teams has already clinched the #1 seed and will get a first-round bye when the playoffs start in Week 14. A bye allows that roster to have Week 14 players without needing replacements. Let’s take a look at the three teams we’ve been discussing each week.
Danger Family
This team is one I’m proud of since it’s my first year in this league, and I’ve been fortunate to observe how other owners react to waivers and make start/sit decisions while winning with a great roster. I drafted this team with a straightforward approach, but the only nuance was selecting my first non-RB or WR in round 14 and starting with a TE, QB, D, and K in that order, all of whom I no longer have on the roster. Over the year, I filled these spots via waivers. However, my RBs and WRs remain the team’s core. This week, I face the #12 seed, who is fighting elimination from the playoffs. If I manage two wins this week, I’re very likely to secure a first-round bye. The trade deadline has passed, so losing Aaron Rodgers to injury was a setback; still, I’ve decided to go with Bryce Young for now. The data suggests I could see about 12 more starting QBs used before season’s end, so I feel confident that with 3 available on waivers, I should be okay if I need to upgrade from Bryce Young. My team has 6 bench spots, each serving a specific purpose. Currently, I have 5 RBs and 1 WR, each with a particular reason for being there. Vidal is on a bye, so I’m holding him to see if he remains the feature back or if Hampton takes over in Week 13. Addison, my only WR, will serve as a replacement for an injury or for Pearsall’s bye in Week 14. The other 4 RBs are Gainwell and Tucker, both of whom I believe could start on other strong teams, along with Corum and Robinson, who are top-tier handcuffs for my main RBs if injuries occur in the coming weeks—this could shift how I set my lineup. I have an upcoming bye to cover for Henderson, and if injuries happen, I can simply insert a player and keep moving forward. I aim to cover various scenarios, knowing my team will look very different in just four weeks when I prepare for Week 16. I want to be ready for anything. Now, back to focusing on wins 20 and 21.
TFFL2
This team sits in 12th place after Week 11; however, it got its third win, scoring the league’s second-most points. Even though this team is 3-8, there’s a faint possibility of making the playoffs with six wins. Currently, three playoff teams have six or fewer wins, so starting with my matchup this week, sending the #5 seed to 6-6 will be a great start, and posting a top-three point total will help create some tiebreaker advantages. I need to focus on scoring points and really beating the opponent in front of me. I do have Herbert on a bye, but the rest of my team is ready to go. The trade deadline has passed, so now it comes down to managing on the waiver wire.
Clown Head Redraft I
This team is on a two-game losing streak, so it needs to bounce back since its 7-4 record is good enough for the #3 seed. I think 10-4 should earn a bye, so it’s still within reach, and the team should focus on taking one week and one win at a time. The team has many injuries, and I’m waiting to see if Ford, Bech, and Sean Tucker will be needed. I hope to get Strange back with 3pt PPR for a tight end, along with two more waiver claims to place all three of these players on the bench. I waited until today to claim a wide receiver so I could drop Mills and prevent another team from picking him up, as the FAAB run is tomorrow at noon. I also have London that I can use to activate Strange from IR. If TeSlaa moves to the out position, I can drop Dobbins to make room for another pickup later in the week if Irving returns and I need to replace Tucker in the lineup. I have Noah Gray in case I need to pick up another wide receiver to start, but I prefer to keep TEs on the roster in case of injuries. Reaching 8 wins and keeping the #7 seed at 5 wins will secure a playoff spot, so that’s the immediate goal. It’s about popping champagne.
Join me in punching your ticket to the playoffs in as many leagues as possible, and be sure to post them in the Discord. We love seeing your success!
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