Fantasy Football Playoffs: Unknowns Could Decide Championships

Every Fantasy owner has spent a great deal of time the past6 months trying to field a championship team. All of the prep, all of the analysis, all the hard work have earned many a spot in the playoffs. And now there are some players out there that nobody considered valuable, who could be the deciding factor in many Fantasy Football championship runs.

All season we have had certain players that we relied on. Old stalwarts that could be counted on to get the yardage and score the TDs and help us rack up the W's. And while it is hard to bench some of those old reliables, some of us must consider it.

Here are the players I believe warrant that kind of consideration in the next 3 weeks. These guys have come out of nowhere and are now on such hot streaks that it is hard not to play them, even if it means benching one of the old reliables.

Carson Palmer, QB, CIN: If he's healthy, he's a good choice to finish the season with if your starter is hobbled or playing poorly. He's been racking up good stats against good defenses.

Nick Goings, RB, CAR: This guy could put a lot of owners over the top. Even against a good Atlanta team this week, he should be a starter on most teams.

Julius Jones, RB, DAL: Parcells knows how to use backs like him. The Cowboys may be out of the playoff picture, but don't expect Jones to let up. It's a tough matchup against the Eagle this week, but he should running wild the last 2 weeks.

Kevin Jones, RB, DET: The Lions have a very remote chance at the playoffs, and it's because of Kevin Jones. Mooch will use Jones to control the ball and help out their fading pass offense. He could rack up big numbers against the Vikes.

Larry Johnson, RB, KC: The Chiefs have named him their starter and they are believed to be showcasing him for an off-season trade. And he knows what the payoff will be.

Maurice Hicks, RB, SF: The 49ers may not be a team that you can trust to keep a back productive, but Hicks could fill some holes on a few teams.

Joe Horn, WR, NO: He had a terrible year up until 5 weeks ago. He's been on a tear ever since and should be starting in every league.

Drew Bennett, WR, TEN: Volek likes this guy and seems to always look for him first. Check the matchups, but he should be starting in most leagues.

Donald Driver, WR, GB: Javon Walker is getting all of the attention from defenses and Driver is benefiting. His last 4 weeks have been outstanding.

Eddie Kennison: Trent Green has suddenly discovered Kennison. What was going on before? Eddie has had huge games in 4 of the last 5 weeks.

TJ Houshmandzadeh, WR, CIN: He has been huge for the Bengals in the last 3 games and should continue.