Triskaidekaphobia — the fear of the number 13.
After 13 weeks of fantasy football and with the playoffs set to begin for most head-to-head leagues, many managers have been living in fear of their talented bombs.
Do you dare drop them or start them in the playoffs, and how does their erratic play affect others?
Consider Giants QB Eli Manning, a player thought to be a solid fantasy starter. He has two touchdowns, six interceptions and one fumble lost in his past two starts. His terrible play means Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey have become duds. The upside? Running back Derrick Ward (24 carries, 154 yards and a touchdown Sunday) could be asked to carry the G-Men.
How will you manage other big-name strugglers, such as Larry Johnson (Chiefs), Shaun Alexander (Seahawks), Rudi Johnson (Bengals), Reggie Bush (Saints), Travis Henry (Broncos), Steve Smith (Panthers), Philip Rivers (Chargers), Roy Williams (Lions), Anquan Boldin (Cardinals) or Lee Evans (Bills)?
It’s playoff time. Be afraid. Very afraid.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders: 33 carries, 146 yards, touchdown
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys: 19 completions, 309 yards, four touchdowns, interception
Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: 8 catches, 158 yards, touchdown
Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles: 21 carries, 93 yards, touchdown; 7 catches, 46 yards
Roddy White, WR, Falcons: 10 catches, 146 yards, touchdown; fumble lost
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
John Beck, QB, Dolphins: 23 completions, 177 yards, three interceptions, two fumbles lost
Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals: 2 catches, 25 yards
Lee Evans, WR, Bills: 4 catches, 51 yards
A.J. Feeley, QB, Eagles: 19 completions, 220 yards, touchdown, 4 interceptions
Jeremy Shockey, TE, Giants: 2 catches, 25 yards
