Have we had “the talk” yet?
Not that talk. I mean, the one about “fantasy karma?”
Fantasy karma, the inexplicable, unforgivable force that wrenches victory from shoo-ins and makes them shoulda-beens.
Consider the plight of Scott Merkin.
Merk, as we call him, had a juggernaut two years ago: Jeff Garcia, Marvin Harrison, Garrison Hearst and most importantly, Priest Holmes. After starting 18-0 (really!), Ol’ Merk would ponder aloud where to place his imaginary trophy as he lay waste to us mortals week after week.
He probably set a scoring record for the league. Who knows? No one can admit to knowing and still get a date.
Merk coasted into the playoffs. Then fantasy karma came down on him like he owed it money. Priest Holmes broke his hip and toppled the fantasy kingdoms of thousands.
Merk lost by five points to a team whose owner had abandoned it. If you listen closely late at night, you can still hear him wailing.
Don’t let fantasy karma trash your championship bid. Prepare for potential disasters (that means you, Clinton Portis and Steve McNair). And never hoist imaginary trophies before the playoffs are finished, even if it is called fantasy football.
Karma Chameleon
How shifting events may play out in this, the most important of fantasy weeks.
Randy Moss, WR, Vikings
Factors: Embarrassment, the NFC Central race, the Chiefs defense
Talk that “Randy’s lazy” or “Randy’s scared” usually equates to bulletin board motivation for Moss. After getting clowned by Bears DBs on a couple of highly visible plays, Moss and his ego demand redemption. The Vikings’ big offensive line and battery of runners will put tremendous pressure on a suspect Chiefs defense and take it off of Moss. And when Moss clicks, everyone clicks.
I’d play:
Moss, Daunte Culpepper, Onterrio Smith, Kelly Campbell.
I’d worry: Moe Williams.
Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn, Antonio Bryant, WRs,
Cowboys vs. Giants
Factors: New York’s injuries, Dallas’ offensive scheme
Michael Strahan and the Giants’ DBs are nicked, which is an open invitation to the passing game. But can the Cowboys receivers’ capitalize? It seems Bill Parcells prefers to have Quincy Carter dink and dunk to Richie Anderson and a band of no-names.
Also, “the Trio” was held to four catches in Washington, shut out in Philly.
I’d play: Carter, Anderson, Troy Hambrick, Glenn (if absolutely necessary).
I’d worry: Bryant and Galloway, even with the Giants’ help.
Steve McNair,
QB, Titans at Texans
Factors: Injuries, uncertain playoff picture
Talk about a jam. McNair had planned to rest his painful calf and ankle when backup Billy Volek went down for the season with a lacerated spleen. The Titans can’t bring back Neil O’Donnell until a salary cap issue is cleared up next week. So McNair, listed as questionable, will try to tough it out with just untested rookie Jason Gesser and punter Craig Henrich backing him.
I’d play: Eddie George, for certain; Derrick Mason and Justin McCareins on a hunch that McNair will last.
I’d worry: McNair and
everyone else if he goes down.
Clinton Portis,
RB, Broncos at Colts
Factors: Knee and high ankle sprains
Portis says he wants to play–this game is crucial to Denver’s playoff aspirations–but he has sung that tune before. This is the flip side to Portis: durability. He’s listed as questionable, but this week’s too important to sit him. Owners should consider starting Mike Anderson as a flex player along with Portis if possible.
I’d play: Portis, Anderson, Jason Elam.
I’d worry: If the Broncos keep hush-hush about Portis’ status.
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plthompson@tribune.com
