The answers from Brian and Al neatly link this question to an earlier question about the distinction between points-only and head-to-head leagues. Brian writes:

Our league started as a points-only league and now has evolved into a head-to-head league. We still use overall points for one of our wildcard spots in our playoffs to benefit the guy who constantly scores high but seems to always lose his head-to-head matches. Our 12-team league has four divisions, with everyone playing each other once and their division opponents twice. The top two teams get a bye while the other two division winners play the wildcard teams. One wildcard is from the next best record, and the other is from the highest point total. This has worked out well for us for the past five years.

Al’s 10-team league takes essentially the same approach:

We have what I call a "mixed" playoff structure. We're a 2-division, 10-team league. Our playoffs consist of the 2 division winners plus the 2 highest non-division winning teams.

We can and have had 3 teams from the same division make the playoffs.

I think it's worked well because those owners that like wins and losses (not me personally) can focus on winning their division.

Those of us that believe that points are more important have the satisfaction of being able to make the playoffs simply by having the best teams over the course of the season.

Craig’s league is imitative of the NFL in its divisional structure for games played as well as tiebreakers:

Our league is similar to Jeff's (6 of 12 make playoffs - 3 divisions - 2 byes) with a couple of exceptions. We are even closer to the NFL model. Each team plays 6 of its 13 regular-season games (you don't play 1 team/yr) against its own division so that being in a division means something. Our tiebreakers are as much like the NFL as possible.

1) Head-to-Head
2) Division record

Both of these are considered before total points. Two-way or three-way ties are broken within the division just as they would be in the NFL. This year it makes my job as co-commissioner more difficult as only 3 of the 12 teams are eliminated going into the last week but it keeps owners active throughout the season. I have we haven’t had to resort to those yet.

If you suspect that I finished with Shane’s comment because it brought us back to the way that playoff structures can respond to concerns about points-only leagues vs. head-to-head leagues, you’re right.

This Week’s Question

This week’s question comes from Mick, who used “Integrity” as the subject heading in the email that he sent in:

I am an avid reader of FFToday, but I do happen to play fantasy football on another site (not my choice). Anyway, I have a question for you concerning integrity.

Several of the players in my league have recently discovered that one of our fellow owners is benching all of his top players this week (he has already qualified for the playoffs) so that a player in another division can lock up a first round bye (the owner of the latter team gave him $50 to throw the game). The owner of the latter team is in a dead heat with another owner for the top spot.

As far as I can understand there are no rules against this sort of play, but by my calculations it is pretty unethical. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Last Man Standing (Courtesy of Matthew and Paul)

Matthew’s Picks

Over the last few weeks my percentages have been going down, but if you are still in your survival pool, congratulations. This week you have some teams that are favored that you may or may not have used, but beware—the trap game this week may catch a lot of people.

Trap Game: Denver over Kansas City:

Anytime division rivals line up against each other, you have to assume that there is going to be a battle. These teams do not like each other, which is sufficient reason for the Chiefs to prevent the Broncos from making the playoffs. Kolby Smith will be starting again at tailback, and he has proven that he can run the ball against a porous defensive line. In light of how Adrian Petersen lit up the Broncos, you can bet the Chiefs will try to do the same. In addition, the Chief defense is better than what most people think, and this game will come down to a late field goal.

#3: New Orleans at Atlanta (9-4):

This is a really risky pick because you never know which Saints team is showing up on Sunday. And because this is a divisional game there is that X factor. However, the Saints are desperate to stay in the playoff chase, and as such this is a MUST win. Look for Bush to create some matchup problems this week and Drew Brees to find some passing lanes. The only question here is whether the Aints defense can shut down Warrick Dunn and company.

#2: St. Louis at Cincinnati (7-6):

Avoid this pick. I chose this game because as anyone can see from my record in picking my second favorite game, I have had no luck. The Bengals are favored in this game because they are at home and playing on grass. So this should favor the Bengals. However, this team is lost right now. If nothing else, Linehan is having his team play for his job security. I’m not sure that will be enough the Rams, but Stephan Jackson and company are getting healthier and that may be the difference here.

#1: Buffalo over Miami (11-2):

The Buffalo defense is salivating waiting for this game that will be played in typical cold Lake Erie wintry conditions. Their visitors from Florida will be thinking about how quickly they can get back on the bus and fly home to some warm weather. With the hope of post season play still awaiting the Bills, Trent Edwards simply must find a way to lead this team past a division rival so that the Bills can find themselves playing some very meaningful games again late in the December snow.

Paul’s Picks

The last few weeks have not been good. Non-division home favorites, the usually predictable games, went 4-2 last week (67-20 overall)—and I picked the 2 losers (Philly and Washington).

#1. JAX over CAR (10-3, Used SEA, CHI, BAL, IND , DAL, SDC, WAS, NEP, TBB, nos, pit, nyg, CAR)
The Jaguars vs. the Panthers will be the battle of the big cats. The Panthers finally won a game at home last week against the punch-less Niners. The Jags are 6-1 in non-division games. They just can’t get by the Colts. Jacksonville shouldn’t have any problems getting a win this week.

#2. DEN over KC (10-3 Used IND , DEN, NEP, sdc, TEN, sea, DAL, NYG, ATL, PIT, GBP, JAX, was)
I’m going against my non-division rule on these next two picks. The Chiefs are in freefall and struggling with a lot of injuries. Their highlight play last week was a touchdown by their defensive end. And that was their only touchdown. The Broncos beat the Chiefs 27-11 in week 10 and should be able to take care of them again at home.

#3. BUF over MIA (11-2 Used SDC, JAX, PIT, NEP, HOU, GBP, NYG, IND, WAS, SEA, DAL, ari, phi)
Miami’s chance to win a game may have come and gone. The Dolphins were competitive with the Jets last week, but then came half time. The Bills slugged it out with the Redskins and benefited from a penalty on consecutive time out calls from coach Gibbs. The Bills beat the Dolphins 13-10 four weeks ago in Miami and swept them last year. Now, Miami will have to try in the frozen tundra. Good luck.