Better late than never, right? Sorry for missing out on the preview last week. We all know how busy the holidays can be. However, I'm back for round 2 predictions and I've certainly got my work cut out for me this week. The final four is full of teams that defied their preseason predictions and dominated all season long. Let's get to it!
Dirty Skiveys @ Shiva Kamini!
After an 0-3 start, the Dirty Skiveys have made an incredible turnaround to secure a win in their playoff debut. But the Team Sports champion, Shiva Kamini, stands in the way of their incredible season.
A LITTLE JUJU AND THE MVP: Todd Gurley is back in the fantasy playoffs looking to make some noise. However, this time he'll have some air support from receivers Juju Smith-Schuster, Mike Evans, and surprise tight end stud, Eric Ebron. This team has proven they are capable of putting up points in bunches, especially if the Rams lean heavily on Gurley. However, Gurley hasn't been his usual self in recent weeks despite the injuries to the Rams offense. Combine that with tough matchups for JuJu and Evans, and this team is truly boom-or-bust in this crucial matchup. Gurley needs to return to his former self and make his presence felt this week and the rest of the playoffs.
NICE PICKUP, PLEASANT SURPRISE: Coach Mistry deserves a lot of credit for his team building ability. Much like last year's champion, Chicken Little Flea Flicker, Shiva Kamini! was built primarily through the draft. Coach Mistry's patience has been rewarded, as he had the foresight to draft and hold onto Aaron Jones despite Green Bay's coaching blunders. Throw in the addition of waiver wire pick up and this year's hidden gem, Phillip Lindsay, and this is a formidable offense. Shiva's strength all season has been his two stud receivers, Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill. Oh...and former fantasy MVP, David Johnson, may show up (but no one's really sure).
WINNER: SHIVA KAMINI!
Player Haters @ 4th & Schlong
Two of the leagues all-time best franchises meet for an epic playoff battle that will feature of the NFL's best receivers.
SOMEONE TELL SAUL-PAUL TO SUCK IT!: After being written off early by some of the league's "experts", Coach Douthit and the Player Haters have handed in a respectable 9-5 record. For most of the season, the Haters have been utilizing a balanced, but effective attack of strong running back & receiver. However, knucklehead Kareem Hunt is now effectively banned from the NFL and has left this team high & dry. Marlon Mack has filled in nicely at times, and Kenyan Drake continues to be one of the most frustrating boom-or-bust players to own. Coach Douthit also is capitalizing on the league's "cheat code", RB/TE Jaylen Samuels. If the Haters can get the consistent numbers from rookie RB, Nick Chubb, and star WR, Michael Thomas, plus any help from Drake or Mack, this team has a real shot to win this week, but the loss of Hunt is going to be very difficult to overcome.
WE FLY HIGH, NO LIE, YOU KNOW THIS: Goodness gracious! This 4th & Schlong team has to be one of the best aerial attacks the L.E.D. has ever assembled. Built through trades and the draft, a trio of WR studs has lead this team to the #2 overall seed. DeAndre Hopkins, Adam Thielen, and back from the dead receiver, Amari Cooper are flying high. Throw in QB Patrick Mahomes and his elite TE, Travis Kelce just to add insult to injury. Obviously, each game is going to play in an important part in how these weapons are used. But were in crunch time and each of these teams are fighting for a playoff spot or top seeds. I expect most of these weapons to put up strong games.
WINNER: 4TH & SCHLONG