Player rankings for the AFC and NFC Conference Championship games

We’re down to the final four teams, and you know what that means: only three more meaningful NFL games until next Fall. 
Well crap, that sure put a dent in the mood, didn’t it?

On the bright side, I’ll continue to rank players right through the Super Bowl, and it won’t end there – Shortly after the Super Bowl I’ll have fluid positional rankings which will be updated throughout the offseason, including during free agency and the draft. So no matter when you start thinking about your fantasy draft for next season, you’ll have a place to get a jump on the competition.

So who’s going to win this weekend? While my heart will be rooting for the underdogs to pull off upsets, and every fiber of my being wants the stupid Patriots to lose, my head has to put my money on the home team to win both matchups, which would then pair the number one seeds in the Super Bowl for only the ninth time since 1975. 

Here are my rankings for the AFC/NFC Conference Championships.

QUARTERBACKS

1. Tom Brady, NE
The AFC Championship has the makings of a shootout, and if the Colts blitz as much as they did last week against Denver, Brady will eat them alive.

2. Russell Wilson, SEA
Elite or not, Wilson is one of the most valuable QBs in the league, and against Green Bay he's going to need to put points on the board. 

3. Andrew Luck, IND
Luck thrived last week against the blitz, but the sledding will be a little bit tougher this week as the Patriots defense isn't going to be as blitz-happy nor forgiving.

4. Aaron Rodgers, GB
As good as Rodgers is, he's going to be on the road facing a meat grinder of a pass defense this week. Start him at your own risk.

RUNNING BACKS

1. Marshawn Lynch, SEA
The Packers have given up a lot of yards on the ground this year, and Seattle will try to grind the clock.

2. Dan Herron, IND
As Luck's favorite checkdown target, Herron is an integral part of this offense.

3. Eddie Lacy, GB
Sneaky suspicion, but I think Seattle's Legion of Boom does its job this week, allowing the front seven to focus on Lacy.

4. LeGarrette Blount, NE
I don't expect the Pats to only run 10 times again this week, and they'll want to keep Luck off the field.

5. Shane Vereen, NE
Vereen has decent PPR value, but hopefully you're not looking this low on the rankings list.

5. James Starks, GB
If you're starting Starks, you probably should be betting.

7. Robert Turbin, SEA
Ditto.

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Julian Edelman, NE
Tom Brady's best buddy not named Gronk, and this game should see a lot of passing yards.

2. Jordy Nelson, GB
Nelson and Cobb will get their share of catches, but I'm not expecting high yardage from either guy.

3. T.Y. Hilton, IND
Andrew Luck's best buddy under 200 pounds. Would rank higher if he weren’t dealing with Revis in this one.

4. Randall Cobb, GB
Nelson and Cobb will get their share of catches, but I'm not expecting high yardage from either guy.

5. Brandon LaFell, NE
Rarely sees a lot of targets, but when Pats find the red zone, LaFell makes every catch count.

6. Doug Baldwin, SEA
Russell Wilson's best buddy not named.. ..oh wait, never mind, he probably is Russ's best buddy.

7. Jermaine Kearse, SEA
If you're looking for a bargain at WR, Kearse is probably your best bet. 

8. Danny Amendola, NE
Boom or bust. But with a shootout likely, I'd bet on boom.

9. Donte Moncrief, IND
Ditto.

10. Hakeen Nicks, IND
Ditto.

TIGHT ENDS

1. Rob Gronkowski, NE
Tom Brady's best friend when he's sober.

2. Dwayne Allen, IND
Both TE's will likely be leaned upon heavily in this one, but Allen is the better fantasy option of the two.

3. Coby Fleener, IND
Fleener lines up more like a tall WR than a TE, and Luck looks to him in red zone.

4. Luke Wilson, SEA
Not looking at high expectations here, but cheaper option than the top 3.

5. Tim Wright, NE
Only if you're looking to fill a cheap flex spot.

KICKERS

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE
Highly dependable, kicking at home, and weather doesn't faze him.

2. Adam Vinatieri, IND
Older than Peyton Manning, but legs still work.

3. Steven Hauschka, SEA
Should see plenty of opportunities.

4. Mason Crosby, GB
Will get chances, but on the road in the noisiest place in town.

DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS

1. Seattle Seahawks
All four defenses will give up a lot of yeards this week, but no question which one you want.

2. New England Patriots
The Pats get the nod at #2 if only because they won't give up many rushing yards.

3. Green Bay Packers
I can't think of anything good to say here.

4. Indianapolis Colts
Nope, still got nothing.

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Fantasy Rankings will appear every week during the NFL season and playoffs. A lifelong, diehard Dolphins fan, Eldon Jenson has over 27 years of experience as Commissioner of several ongoing Fantasy Football leagues. Yes, he was winning FFL championships  before some of you were even born. Questions and insults may be sent to @EJFootball on Twitter. And of course cash is always welcome.