The week of injuries. Week 15 saw multiple offensive and defensive starters leave their game (under their own power or on a cart) with an injury. Concussion, abdomen, knee, ankle…you name it. The halt in production likely ruined the prospect of many teams looking to advance in the playoffs. For those that survived or are looking to survive ahead of Monday Night Football, the injuries and shifts due to injury create an opportunity for ancillary players to shine.
The playoffs are already a high-pressure stretch of games. ‘Win or go home’ is about as simple as it gets, but roster management becomes critical.