You the man. Or the woman.
Either way, hearty congratulations are in order. If you are reading this, you are playing for something this week. In Week 16, that's to be acknowledged and applauded.
"Yeah, yeah," you're saying, "I rule. Whatever. Not done yet. Gimme some ranks." I hear you, my Internet friend, and I'm right there with you. There will be plenty of time for celebration, self-high-fiving and reflection. Now is not that time. Now is the time to focus. To really think about every roster move. And by every roster move, I mean every ... single ... roster ... move.
This is a crucial time, and ask anyone standing on the virtual sidelines this week and I'm sure they will tell you that there's at least one move they wish they had back. Peyton Manning is as sure a thing as there is in fantasy football and yet, over the past five weeks, Peyton is averaging 14.2 fantasy points a game, the same amount as his brother and fewer than Teddy Bridgewater's 14.8. Manning is tied for 15th in fantasy points per game scoring as the Broncos have gone more run-heavy and, with a tough road matchup at Cincinnati, it's fair to wonder if there are better options out there. I still have Manning as a top-10 quarterback this week, but he's not top three for me, which, earlier this season, would have been unthinkable.
For what it's worth, Peyton is just the 14th-most popular quarterback on teams in the finals in ESPN leagues. No. 1? Andrew Luck. No. 2? Russell Wilson. Sometimes, it's not enough to be good most of the time, it's about being good at the right time, too. Or being bad at the wrong time, as many Aaron Rodgers owners -- including me in one league -- found out last week. Yes, for those who read last week's Love/Hate, that team lost by a few points, as Rodgers went in the tank (it's a six-point-per touchdown pass league, too), and I faced the Eli Manning/Odell Beckham Jr. duo. Just brutal -- if Jordy Nelson catches that ball, I'm in the title game. Woulda, coulda, shoulda ... you don't want that to be you, so study up my friend. And don't cry for me, Fantasy Nation, I'm still in the finals in multiple leagues.
Just not that one ... arghh.
As always, these ranks will be updated throughout the week. I urge you to check back often, especially Sunday morning as there will be an update late Saturday night. Then be sure to tune into ESPN2 or the WatchESPN app for "Fantasy Football Now," Sunday mornings at 11 ET, for the latest injury and rankings updates. For example, I've no idea what's going on with the 49ers running back situation at the moment. Frank Gore has a concussion, Carlos Hyde is banged up, and that will be a fluid situation up until Saturday. That's right, Saturday. In addition to Thursday, Sunday and Monday, we also have two Saturday games this week. So look alive, kid, and get ready to shine. This is your week.
Last update: Sun., 1:25 a.m. ET