Without further adieu, let's preview each matchup individual...
BRIAN (8-6) VS. JOE (9-5)
Both squads punished their first round opponents by a combined score of 140 points and we should expect more fireworks this weekend. Last night, Joe started Jerry Cook Jr. at Tight End to minimal success, as he posted only 3 points. Brian's off to a big advantage as he will trot out Gronk this week against the Dolphins. As for the rest of their lineups, plenty of firepower to go around. The most important NFL game has to be the Falcons-Steelers tilt on Sunday afternoon.
Brian holds both QB's, Julio Jones and Roddy White while Joe has LeVeon Bell, who is looking to break history with his fourth straight game of 200+ total yards. Who will Brian start? As for Joe's QB, we all know the story. He drafted Newton but soon traded for Stafford because he's 'his guy'. Stafford helped Joe gather the third seed when Newton struggled but last week, Newton ripped off 40 points and had an even more favorable matchup this weekend. Unfortunately, Newton was in a serious car accident this week and will be unable to play. Thankfully, he'll be okay, but won't be playing this weekend. Forcing Joe's hand to play Stafford in the most important game of his fantasy career. He's endured so much heartbreak with Stafford as his QB in the postseason, will he expand on last week's success?
Brian will also make the difficult choice of putting his fantasy life at stake with his beloved Falcons, specifically Matt Ryan. In the shootout last week, Ryan and Jones combined for 75+ points and a repeat against Pittsburgh could ensure him yet another berth in the championship game. In fact, his third in three playoff appearances.
NICK (12-2) VS. VINNIE (8-6)
A lesser version of the roommate bowl, Nick and Vin link up in the second semifinal matchup for a shot at the Super Bowl. A win would be monumental for either squad. For Nick, it would be a second straight trip to the title game, keeping his quest for a repeat championship alive. Vinnie could become the second rookie to ever make it to the title game in their first season, after Eddie reached the 2012 championship before bowing out to Josh.
Each team also won in impressive fashion last weekend as their superstar QB's were the guiding force to an opening round win. Andrew Luck scored 28 points still in arguably one of his worst performances of the season as Aaron Rodgers took care of business against Atlanta while racking up 30 points himself. Statistically, these two are the top-2 rated QBs in our league and will both be crucial for the their respective teams success this weekend. One kicker is that Nick had Jordy Nelson, Rodgers favorite target as his number 1 receiver. Nelson roasted the Atlanta secondary for 33 points and will be looking for a repeat as the Packers take on the Bills in frigid Buffalo.
Injuries have plagued each team in the recent weeks and the latest to suffer is Andre Ellington, who's hip pointer has landed him on IR and will be done the rest of the season. Nick had leaned on Ellington so often during the season as his most durable running back but the inujry bug has finally caught up to him. Nick was #blessed last week as his deep bench was able to produce two gems in Joique Bell and Jonathan Stewart, each going for more than 20 points. Over the season, he had carefully selected his bench players in case there was a time he would need them and that time is now. Rolling with the pair again this week, can Nick survive without his true starter?
Vinnie's been able to use Matt Forte as a workhorse all season but had an excellent compliment back in Jerick McKinnon. Unfortunately, this waiver wire diamond in the rough was out last week and was also placed on IR. Starting in his place was Terrance West, who didn't score much but is a servicable backup with Forte leading the way. Vinnie's main concern lies with Jimmy Graham, who once again had an off-game. Held under 5 points in 3 of the last four weeks is a sign for concern. Maybe he can bounce back this when he needs it the most.
Each team also won in impressive fashion last weekend as their superstar QB's were the guiding force to an opening round win. Andrew Luck scored 28 points still in arguably one of his worst performances of the season as Aaron Rodgers took care of business against Atlanta while racking up 30 points himself. Statistically, these two are the top-2 rated QBs in our league and will both be crucial for the their respective teams success this weekend. One kicker is that Nick had Jordy Nelson, Rodgers favorite target as his number 1 receiver. Nelson roasted the Atlanta secondary for 33 points and will be looking for a repeat as the Packers take on the Bills in frigid Buffalo.
Injuries have plagued each team in the recent weeks and the latest to suffer is Andre Ellington, who's hip pointer has landed him on IR and will be done the rest of the season. Nick had leaned on Ellington so often during the season as his most durable running back but the inujry bug has finally caught up to him. Nick was #blessed last week as his deep bench was able to produce two gems in Joique Bell and Jonathan Stewart, each going for more than 20 points. Over the season, he had carefully selected his bench players in case there was a time he would need them and that time is now. Rolling with the pair again this week, can Nick survive without his true starter?
Vinnie's been able to use Matt Forte as a workhorse all season but had an excellent compliment back in Jerick McKinnon. Unfortunately, this waiver wire diamond in the rough was out last week and was also placed on IR. Starting in his place was Terrance West, who didn't score much but is a servicable backup with Forte leading the way. Vinnie's main concern lies with Jimmy Graham, who once again had an off-game. Held under 5 points in 3 of the last four weeks is a sign for concern. Maybe he can bounce back this when he needs it the most.
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