Let the postseason countdown begin

With just two weeks to go in most fantasy leagues’ regular seasons, it’s crunch time for teams on the postseason bubble. And things are about to get very interesting.

Josh Gordon is set to return in Week 12 against a very vulnerable Falcons secondary. With Andrew Hawkins stepping up and tight end Jordan Cameron nearing his return from a concussion, Cleveland’s offense is about to get turbo-charged. Don’t be surprised if Brian Hoyer turns in some stellar performances in the weeks ahead.

The Adrian Peterson saga could be resolved at any minute, giving the Vikings a fresh-legged superstar to carry the load down the stretch.

Marginal teams that have socked Peterson and/or Gordon away could become contenders overnight.

The mercurial Marshawn Lynch is unhappy with his lame duck status in Seattle so he will presumably be gunning for a massive payday in the offseason. I’m glad I’m not one of the poor souls that has to tackle an angry, motivated Beast Mode.

Meanwhile, just when we thought we could never trust Jay Cutler or Andy Dalton again, both quarterbacks reminded us how quickly things can change when you have talented receivers at your disposal. Which is why you shouldn’t count out Matt Ryan or Matt Stafford after their sub-par performances, and why Ben Roethlisberger will continue to make your start/sit decisions so confounding.

Even Josh McCown is worth a gamble in favorable matchups, thanks to the emergence of rookie Mike Evans and his equally explosive counterpart, Vincent Jackson.

Apparently, a well-stocked receiving corps and solid running game isn’t enough for Robert Griffin III, though.

Several other players served notice in Week 11 that they could be factors in the second half of the season, including Ryan Tannehill, Tre Mason, C.J. Anderson and the Packers’ defense.

And remember…if you’re the Raiders of your league, don’t just tank it. The integrity of the competition depends upon everyone putting up their best fight every week. If you can’t win it all, at least spoil someone else’s season. Isn’t that what friends are for?

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, it helps to start with a great draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's lineup.

Catch ‘em while you can

Jonas Gray, RB, Patriots. Talk about a great way to vault onto the fantasy radar! If you watched Sunday night’s game, you don’t need me to tell you to grab Gray. Just be warned: What Bill Belichick giveth, Belichick loves to taketh away. Gray certainly looks like workhorse material, especially with the winter weather kicking in; but how the undrafted free agent will be deployed going forward is anybody’s guess.

Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns. Ben Tate had his turn. Then came the Terrance West Experiment. Now, the starting job in Cleveland is in Crowell’s hands; and while he didn’t exactly soar with the opportunity, he seems destined to get another shot this weekend. Given the aerial firepower at the Browns’ disposal, and Crowell’s effectiveness around the goal line, he certainly merits consideration for teams dealing with RB injuries and/or ineffectiveness.

Josh Gordon, WR, Browns. Somehow, last season’s most prolific fantasy receiver is set to return to action this weekend and yet he’s still available in about a third of all leagues. If your league is one of those, what on earth are you waiting for?

Coby Fleener, TE, Colts. When Dwayne Allen was carted off with an ankle injury Sunday night, Fleener became Andrew Luck’s go-to receiver. The Stanford teammates obviously have a good rapport, and if Allen misses more time, Fleener will have the dreaded tight end “committee” job all to himself.

Don’t be fooled

Charles Sims, RB, Buccaneers. Any starting RB is worth a fantasy roster spot. Unless he plays in Oakland, or Tampa Bay. Sims took over for Bobby Rainey, who made everyone forget Doug Martin. But despite the favorable matchup and plenty of opportunities, Sims managed just 44 combined yards. Thanks, but I’ll pass.

Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals. There’s a reason Floyd is available in a third of all fantasy leagues: If he doesn’t deliver in the first half, he doesn’t deliver. Fortunately, he reeled in two TD receptions in Sunday’s first quarter; then he promptly disappeared and didn’t have another catch. If you grab him, be prepared for more frustration.

Kenny Britt, WR, Rams. Britt is notorious for underachieving, and he’s unlikely to put that reputation behind him in St. Louis. His physical skills have always made Britt intriguing, but it’s hard to trust a guy that has squandered every chance he’s been given.