Fantasy football strategy, rankings, and podcasts

As we all know, the fantasy playoffs are where you really need to crack down and do the research. How badly do you want to get those few extra points that could help you squeak past your opponent in a really close match? Well, here at drinkfive we're looking for every last possible bit of information that you can use to your advantage and below you'll find some of the best matchups of the week to exploit for those few extra fantasy points. Enjoy!

Fantasy Points based on Yahoo! Standard Scoring Leagues

1. Cleveland Browns 

@Bills: The Browns are having a historically bad year and give up the 2nd most fantasy points (20.19) to QBs (Tyrod Taylor this week). They also give up the 9th most points (25.06) to WRs (Sammy Watkins is back, jack), 2nd most (23.59) to RBs (LeSean McCoy), and 2nd most (11.62) to TEs (Charles Clay). In other words, The entire Buffalo offense has a great shot of being in the top 10 of their respective positions this week. Start 'em!

2. San Francisco 49ers

@Falcons: The 49ers give up the most fantasy points (28.05) to RBs and they go up against the tandem of Freeman and Coleman in Week 15. Both should have a good game this go-around. San Francisco also gives up the 5th most points (18.9) to QBs (Matt Ryan) and the 3rd most (26.41) to WRs (Julio Jones, Taylor Gabriel, Mohamed Sanu). Sounds like we're in for a bloodbath, although who the Falcons have playing at WR this week depends on the health of Jones and Sanu, so make sure to watch whether or not they're practicing later this week.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

@Ravens: The Eagles have given up the 2nd most fantasy points (26.65) to WRs and go up against Mike Wallace and Steve Smith, who underperformed last week against the Patriots. I'd expect their numbers to bounce back up dramatically after this matchup. The Eagles do have a pretty good track record against the rest of the offensive positions, however, limiting their chances for more yardage and touchdowns elsewhere.

4. Carolina Panthers

@Redskins: The team that nearly won that Super Bowl last year has fallen apart this season. The Panthers are now giving up the 7th most points (18.58) to QBs (Kirk Cousins) as well as the 7th most points (25.55) to WRs (DeSean Jackson, Jamison Crowder). They also give up the most points (11.63) per game to TEs (Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis) - although Reed will need to be healthy to prove productive. The Panthers are much better against the run, though, allowing the 7th least points (15.28) to RBs, which may make Rob Kelley a tough play considering that he doesn't have the benefit of catching passes in that offense to bolster his fantasy value.

5. Oakland Raiders

@Chargers: The Raiders are offering up the 6th most points (20.85) to RBs (Kenneth Farrow, Ronnie Hillman) - but this is a crazy situation to prognosticate on, considering that none of the aforementioned players were on the Chargers at the beginning of the season. The current situation is shaping up to have Farrow running as the main back in the offense, but my inclination is that Ronnie Hillman will also suit up here and help out in passing down situations. Still, it's likely that Farrow hits paydirt for the first time this week, against the Raiders. Oakland allows the 12th most points (24.38) to WRs (Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman) which should allow for good games from the Chargers' top guys (Travis Benjamin needs to take a seat on the bench based on his recent performances). The Raiders also give up the 10th most points (18.29) to opposing QBs (Philip Rivers) and the 11th most points (8.45) to TEs (Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry) - though it's tough to choose the right TE on the Chargers on a week-to-week basis!