Date: December 16, 2018
Time: 1:00pm
Place: Glorious Day ParkStarting Lineup:
QB: Lamar Jackson
WR: Antonio Brown
WR: Brandin Cooks
RB: Christian McCaffrey
RB: Nick Chubb
TE: Kyle Rudolph
FLEX: Justin Jackson
K: Justin Tucker
DEF: Buffalo
Here we go. TPD is back in the playoffs for a 6th time in 7 years and ready to once again prove his place as the top team in the league. This week presents such a validating opportunity as multiple studs are set to miss the all important match-up and TPD is forced again to craft a lineup capable of overcoming his poor MFFL circumstance. Just like the last two championship seasons TPD is molded for this moment time and time again. For what is dead may never die, but rises again harder and stronger.
Deja Vu is in store for Sunday as TPD re-engages with an old foe, the same match-up that brought arguably the league's best game of all time in last year's playoffs. TPD used every skill he had as a manager in that match-up to secure victory and odds are he'll have to do it again this week. The first decision to be made concerns the QB position. TPD has multiple decent options but none that stand out as elite plays. Wilson may be forced to play without Baldwin, and the three other times he has done that this year have led to Wilson's worst three performances. Trubisky has blow potential but has failed to show it for some time lately. The responsibility may fall to the previous Heisman winner and rookie Lamar Jackson. Jackson has shown flashes of brilliance in recent weeks, but has been unable to put together a complete game. TPD has a sneaking suspicion that performance is coming this week. To start Jackson under these circumstances would be akin to the Goodwin start last year in this match-up. The risk palpable, but the result being a victory for TPD that would not have been without the risky play. TPD's the only one with stones enough to do it, risking being the goat or the mule. Brown will lead the WR core and TPD needs Brown to fulfill his destiny as the league's best WR. The script is set up for Brown's best game of this season. He's ready to remind all of his awesome might. Cooks takes Beckham's role as Beckham deals with a recurring injury. He is also ready to explode after a few down weeks. Being back home will allow him to streak for oodles of fantasy points. McCaffrey has been TPD's best player for the last month. A Monday Night match-up is the perfect set up to show all what that entails. Chubb is in primetime on a different night, ready to display his awesome abilities and explosive potential. Rudolph has a new offensive coordinator who will feature the TE in an exploitable match-up. Justin Jackson may be thrust into the lineup due to injuries to Conner and Beckham, but his opportunity is large, being the possible feature back in a dominating offense. Playing on Thursday gives Jackson the chance to bat lead off and start the abundant scoring show. Tucker will be himself and put on an elite performance. Buffalo will look to take advantage of a poor offense and give TPD crucial defensive points that have been lacking all year. The lineup is far from it's optimal potential. TPD will look to his scars for knowledge and memory of past coronation. He will extend a hand toward glory filled skies once more, grasping hold of it all.
TPD's always put in holes he has to climb out of and this week is no different. He will claw and fight til the end, using his strength and skills with full force. Don't be surprised by any decision he makes and know that his word signifies instant validation due to the nature of his skills and past. Iron hardened and ever ready, TPD is cast in golden accomplishment, the glare from which forcing all to turn an eye. Once turned however, his opponent will be staring down the barrel of overpowering NASTY. The NASTY approaching in the form of a tsunami will flex and dominate on Sunday. Always in TPD's corner, the NASTY is synonymous with TPD glory. Sound in the deep horns of TPD once more. It calls on all arms for divine purpose and intent to stand behind TPD once more and capture the dream for an unprecedented third straight time. The time is now. All is revealed.
Player Profile: Antonio Brown
Tony Toe Tap was the player profile for week 8 and TPD calls upon him again to answer the bell. With the injuries to Beckham and conner, Brown has to be 3T on Sunday. It's his time for glory. All year TPD has had to watch other teams have blow performances week after week, but now, it's his turn, and Brown will be the signal caller. Do your NASTY toe tap Tony, the squad looks to you.
