Fantasy Points managing editor Joe Dolan runs a playoff contest with his friends that employs the “one-and-done” or “use ‘em and lose ‘em” format.
The premise is simple: you pick a lineup from the entire available player pool every week (in this format, I reluctantly include kickers and defenses to make lineups bigger). The goal is to score the most points throughout the entire playoffs. But you can only use a player once. So you can choose to use Josh Allen in the first week of the postseason, but he’s unavailable the rest of the way.
It’s a really deep and interesting way to play because you have to maximize your scoring every week. Yes, saving players is important. But you can’t just use scrubs from teams you project to lose every week because you need to score the most points overall to win the grand prize. On the flip side, you can load up on points in the first round, but you may be doing so by eliminating players who are going to advance deep into the playoffs, which gives you a very limited player pool the rest of the way.
With that in mind, here are the strategies our staff are using in the final game of the contest in Super Bowl LV.
Lineups are 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 PK, 1 DST, and 2 WRT FLEX. Scoring is PPR with 4 points per passing TD. Return TDs — but not yards — count.
Joe Dolan
16th place out of 24; 373.8 points (38.4 points out of first)
Quarterback (1)
I’m down to only Tom Brady. I saved both NFC QBs by design, and Brady triumphed.
Also considered: None
Previously used: Lamar Jackson (Bal), Josh Allen (Buf), Patrick Mahomes (KC)
Running Backs (2)
The only running backs who have done anything this postseason who I have available for the Super Bowl are Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Ronald Jones. Saving Aaron Jones for the Super Bowl didn’t work out for me.
Also considered: None.
Previously used: Derrick Henry (Ten), JD McKissic (Was), Jonathan Taylor (Ind), David Montgomery (Chi), Alvin Kamara (NO), Nick Chubb (Cle), Cam Akers (LAR), Leonard Fournette (TB), Darrel Williams (KC), Devin Singletary (Buf)
Wide Receivers (3)
I have Mike Evans ready to go in this game. That’s the easy one. I have to use some scrubs though — Mecole Hardman and Scotty Miller. Both might be low-probability plays, but both guys have teammates banged up, with Sammy Watkins in KC and Antonio Brown in Tampa less than 100%.
Also considered: Sammy Watkins (KC), Tyler Johnson (TB)
Previously used: Antonio Brown (TB), Tyler Lockett (Sea), Michael Thomas (NO), Stefon Diggs (Buf), Jarvis Landry (Cle), Chris Godwin (TB), Tyreek Hill (KC), Davante Adams (GB)
Tight End (2)
Saving Travis Kelce paid off. He’s the easiest call of my lineup, aside from Tom Brady as my only available QB. I am pairing him with Rob Gronkowski for a nice TE duo.
Also considered: None.
Previously used: Logan Thomas (Was), Mark Andrews (Bal), Cameron Brate (TB)
Defense/Special Teams (1)
I’m using Kansas City… a return TD from Mecole Hardman would give me double points since Hardman is in my lineup. They’re also my only defense left!
Also considered: None.
Previously used: Green Bay, Seattle, Tampa Bay
Place Kicker (1)
Harrison Butker is my only option.
Also considered: None.
Previously used: Rodrigo Blankenship (Ind), Wil Lutz (NO), Ryan Succop (TB)
Tom Brolley
10th place out of 24; 387.9 points (24.3 points out of first)
Quarterback (1)
I’m down to Tom Brady as my quarterback in the Super Bowl, which isn’t the worst thing since he’s been to the big game nine times before. TB12 has thrown for multiple TD passes in 10 straight games, including 3+ TDs in half of those games. Brady threw for 345 yards, three TDs, and two INTs against the Chiefs in Week 12.
Also considered: None.
Previously used: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Lamar Jackson (Bal), Josh Allen (Buf)
Running Backs (2)
Leonard Fournette is the only back I really like in this contest but I used him in the Conference Championship Round so I’m down to three backs worth consideration this week. Since I’m using Brady and fading the Chiefs passing game this week, I’m going to use both Darrel Williams and Clyde Edwards-Helaire and hope that they vulture Kansas City’s touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. Williams and CEH did score short touchdowns against the Bills but they did little else. I’m not expecting them to be great this week but I need to differentiate my lineup and hope for the best to climb the standings.
Also considered: Ronald Jones (TB)
Previously used: Aaron Jones (GB), Leonard Fournette (TB), Cam Akers (LAR), J.K. Dobbins (Bal), Nick Chubb (Cle), Derrick Henry (Ten), David Montgomery (Chi), Jonathan Taylor (Ind)
Wide Receivers (4)
I think my only hope for winning this pool is if Mike Evans goes off for a massive game in the Super Bowl since he’s already been heavily used by the rest of the league before this week. Evans has been Brady’s top goal-line weapon this season as he’s scored on 10-of-16 end-zone targets. He also scored twice against the Chiefs earlier this season.
I could also use a double-dip touchdown from Mecole Hardman as a returner since I’m using Kansas City’s defense this week. The Buccaneers have one of the league’s worst kick and punt coverage units, and Deonte Harris nearly knocked them out of the playoffs early in the Divisional Round. Harris had a 54-yard punt return against the Bucs and he also had a 67-yard punt return TD nullified by an illegal block in the first five minutes of the Divisional Round before an injury ended his game later in the first quarter.
I’m looking at the injury report for my final two selections in Antonio Brown and Sammy Watkins. Both are expected to play in the big game with an extra week of rest. I have absolutely zero expectations for either player but at least they’re capable of blowing up if they’re anywhere close to 100%.
Also considered: Scotty Miller, Demarcus Robinson
Previously used: Tyreek Hill (KC), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (GB), John Brown (Buf), Stefon Diggs (Buf), Chris Godwin (TB), Jarvis Landry (Cle), Michael Thomas (NO), A.J. Brown (Ten), Allen Robins (Chi)
Tight End (1)
I’m down to just Rob Gronkowski as my tight end this week after using Travis Kelce and Cameron Brate in the Championship Games. I’m not thrilled to be rostering Gronk this week since he has two or fewer catches in nine of his 11 games since Antonio Brown joined the team, but he’s at least still run 10 more routes than Brate (60 to 50) in the postseason. He’s always a threat down in the end zone too so maybe I’ll luck into a touchdown.
Also considered: None.
Previously used: Travis Kelce (KC), Cameron Brate (TB) Austin Hooper (Cle), Mark Andrews (Bal)
Defense/Special Teams (1)
As I explained earlier in wide receiver blurb, I’m hoping to score a double-dip touchdown with Mecole Hardman as a returner since I’m using the Kansas City Chiefs defense this week. I need a lot of help to erase a 24-point deficit and to climb over nine people and a Hardman return touchdown would likely have to be part of that equation.
Also considered: Buccaneers
Previously used: Packers, Saints, Steelers
Place Kicker (1)
I’m down to Harrison Butker at kicker this week since I already used Ryan Succop in the Wild Card Round. Butker has a point total sitting at 8.5 points at most sportsbooks this week, which is ahead of Succop at 7.5 points.
Also considered: None
Previously used: Mason Crosby (GB), Will Lutz (NO), Ryan Succop (TB)
Ben Kukainis
13th place out of 24; 383.26 points (28.94 points out of first)
Quarterback (1)
I haven’t used Brady or Mahomes up to this point so I have my choice. I’m going with Tom Brady over Mahomes. Brady gets his Week 12 revenge and tosses 3 TDs.
Also considered: Patrick Mahomes
Previously used: Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers
Running Backs (2)
I mentioned last week that my Running Backs would be gross one way or another. Let’s face it, none of the RBs outside Leonard Fournette carry much appeal, and I unfortunately used Fournette last week. I believe either Clyde Edwards-Helaire or Darrel Williams are good for 100 scrimmage yards, and I don’t want to guess wrong, so I’m using both KC backs. On the outside chance that both Chiefs RBs find the end zone, rostering them both should help me make up some ground.
Also considered: Ronald Jones
Previously used: Leonard Fournette, Aaron Jones, Devin Singletary, Cam Akers, Nick Chubb, Karee, Hunt, JD McKissic, JK Dobbins
Wide Receivers (4)
I should have went with my gut last week, when I mentioned my pick of Bucs > Packers, and saved both Tampa Bay star wideouts. That said, I still have Chris Godwin in play and I love Scotty Miller as a tertiary weapon for Brady. I’m hoping many of my leaguemates go with Mecole Hardman, as I’m rostering Sammy Watkins at a possible lower ownership in the hopes of making up some ground. Watkins is questionable, so if things look bleak, I may actually pivot to Tyler Johnson at extreme low ownership and hope for a long TD. Tyreek Hill rounds out my WR corps.
Also considered: Mecole Hardman, Tyler Johnson, Antonio Brown
Previously used: Marquise Brown, Stefon Diggs, Mike Evans, Jarvis Landry, Allen Lazard, Allen Robinson, Michael Thomas, Robert Woods
Tight End (1)
I initially had Cameron Brate in my lineup, but he’s questionable as of Friday, and something tells me the GOAT is going to find his best bud Rob Gronkowski in a few clutch situations.
Also considered: Cameron Brate
Previously used: Mark Andrews, Austin Hooper, Travis Kelce, Logan Thomas
Defense/Special Teams (1)
I’m down to the Buccaneers defense. Hoping for a bend-don’t-break performance. I’ll be happy if they limit Mahomes and the Chiefs to 24.
Also considered: None
Previously used: Bills, Chiefs, Steelers
Place Kicker (1)
Dart throw time. Harrison Butker over Succop, per our projections.
Also considered: Ryan Succop
Previously used: Mason Crosby, Wil Lutz, Justin Tucker
Graham Barfield
3rd place out of 24; 397.5 points (14.7 points out of first)
Quarterback (1)
Tom Brady: My strategy was to use all of the AFC quarterbacks throughout the contest, so I’m down to just Brady for the Super Bowl, which is just fine by me. The Bucs’ are going to have to throw a ton to keep up with Mahomes.
Previously used: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes
Running Backs (2)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire: He’s back practicing in full after his nasty ankle/hip injury, so here’s hoping he gets a somewhat normal workload in the Super Bowl.
Darrel Williams: Just like Ben and Tom, I’m playing both Chiefs running backs and hoping one of them scores. The only problem is that the Bucs’ had the best run defense in the league this season, which should force Mahomes to the air even more.
Ronald Jones: I’m short on available receivers, so I’ll just roll with RoJo as my FLEX and hope that he’s back close to 100% speed. Kansas City’s run defense can be exposed, it’ll just be a matter of how long Tampa sticks with the run.
Previously used: Nick Chubb, Jonathan Taylor, David Montgomery, J.D. McKissic, Cam Akers, Devin Singletary, Aaron Jones, Leonard Fournette
Wide Receivers (3)
Antonio Brown: My mistake in this contest was not using Davante Adams in the Championship Round and not saving one of Mike Evans / Chris Godwin / Tyreek Hill for later. Still, I’m OK with my three remaining options. AB was back practicing in full on Thursday and Friday this week after missing the NFC Championship Game, so he should be nearly back to full speed.
Sammy Watkins: Between Edwards-Helaire, RoJo, AB, and Watkins — I’m definitely a little concerned that half of my lineup is filled with injured guys. However, if Watkins can suit up, he’s going to draw a lot of single coverage with the Bucs’ (rightfully) turning their attention to Hill and Kelce. If that duo sees bracket coverage, there is a pathway for Watkins to catch 5-6 balls as Mahomes’ underneath target. If Watkins is ruled out, I’ll swap him with Demarcus Robinson. After a little scare this week, Robinson was just cleared off of the COVID list.
Mecole Hardman: I’m glad I saved him. Outside of Hill, no other player in this game has the ability to rip off a 60+ yarder than Hardman.
Also considered: Demarcus Robinson
Previously used: Allen Robinson, A.J. Brown, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, John Brown, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Scott Miller
Tight End (1)
Rob Gronkowski: With Cam Brate (back) banged up, Gronk is my only option here. I used Kelce against the Bills and that worked out nicely.
Previously used: Mark Andrews, Austin Hooper, Travis Kelce
Defense/Special Teams (1)
Buccaneers D/ST: Maybe the Bucs will return a punt for a TD and I’ll get lucky?
Previously used: Rams D/ST, Chiefs D/ST, Bills D/ST
Place Kicker (1)
Harrison Butker: He’s my only option since I used Succop earlier. Butt kicker for the win!
Previously used: Will Lutz, Ryan Succop, Mason Crosby
Tom Simons
8th place out of 24; 394 points (18.2 points out of first)
Quarterback (1)
Tom Brady: I went with Patrick Mahomes last week. That leaves me with Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. Back in Week 12, Brady threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns but also had two interceptions. This could be a shootout, but six of the seven ahead of me will also be playing Brady.
Previously used: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Josh Allen (Buf), and Lamar Jackson (Bal)
Running Backs (2)
Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones: Fournette and Jones are my only two clear options as I used Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams last week. Jones had a 7.3 yard average against the Chiefs back in Week 12, but Tampa Bay only ran the ball 13 times. I can use Le’Veon Bell and/or Ke’Shawn Vaughn, but neither is likely to get much action or even be active for the game. There is a chance I could add Bell to the lineup at the last minute if he is not on the inactive list.
Previously used: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC), Devin Singletary (Buf), Darrel Williams (KC), Alvin Kamara (NO), Kareem Hunt (Cle), Can Akers (LA), Derrick Henry (Ten), J.K. Dobbins (Bal), Nick Chubb (Cle)
Wide Receivers (4)
Mecole Hardman, Scott Miller, Sammy Watkins, and Tyler Johnson: I already used Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, and Tyreek Hill. While I can fill out a full lineup, the choices are mostly not high upside players or will be chosen by the owners ahead of me in the scoring. Hardman has the best chance of being the most productive out of this group but he only posted 3 catches for 23 yards against the Bucs back in week 12. Miller was targeted once without a catch in the first meeting back in Week 12. Watkins is questionable and could be inactive. Johnson could see a reduction in snap count if Brown is a full participant. Thus, Watkins or Johnson could be replaced by a running back like Bell or Vaughn depending on the final inactive list.
Previously used: Mike Evans (TB), Tyreek Hill (KC), Allen Lazard (GB), Stefon Diggs (Buf), Antonio Brown (TB), Michael Thomas (NO), A.J. Brown (Ten), Chris Godwin (TB), Cooper Kupp (LA)
Tight End (1)
Rob Gronkowski: This is my only option. This is a critical point for me as I will need at least one touchdown, possibly two from Gronk to have a chance to close the 18.2 point deficit. Back in Week 12, Gronk had six catches for 106 yards, so he can do damage against the Chiefs defense.
Previously used: Cameron Brate (TB), Travis Kelcie (KC), and Mark Andrews (Bal)
Defense/Special Teams (1)
Kansas City Chiefs: Only option I have is Kansas City. They did hold the Bucs to 24 points in their first meeting, but the odds favor this being a slightly higher scoring game. The Chiefs did have two interceptions and a sack against Tampa Bay in Week 12, so big plays are a possibility here.
Previously used: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB), Green Bay Packers (GB), and New Orleans Saints (NO)
Place Kicker (1)
Harrison Butker: I got lucky with my choices of place kickers and now can run with Butker in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, five of the owners ahead of me also have to go with Butker. Once has to ride with Ryan Succop and the other has a choice between the two.
Previously used: Mason Crosby (GB), Tyler Bass (Buf), and Ryan Succop (TB)
