Now that the fantasy playoffs are about to begin, owners will face extra pressure as they decide who to play in these must-win matchups. If you make one wrong move and lose because you benched a guy who had a big week, you’ll be kicking yourself until August.

That brings me to a big question you’ll have to ask yourself as you scrutinize your roster this week: Do you want to start boom-or-bust players or sure things?

Honestly, there’s probably no right answer here. It really depends on how good your squad is, your opponent’s matchups and your own personal preference.

I’ve always been a fan of filling out my final roster spots with consistent players such as Derrick Mason and Matt Forte, who are pretty much guaranteed to score X number of points each week. But if I’m a clear underdog and need a little help to advance to the next round, I’ll consider taking a chance on a potential home run such as Devery Henderson on Jonathan Stewart. I could end up looking like a genius, or it could blow up in my face. But sometimes, you have to take a chance.

Meanwhile, if your squad is stacked with studs, consider playing it safe.

Good luck choosing your own fantasy adventure. I hope you get it right.

This Week’s Studs: Big Ben and Santonio Holmes against the Browns, Jeremy Shockey, Marques Colston, T.O., Fred Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Derrick Mason, Thomas Jones, MJD, Aaron Rodgers and his wideouts, Knowshon Moreno, Pierre Garcon, Andre Johnson, the Tom Brady trio, Chris Johnson, Vince Young, Steven Jackson, Vincent Jackson and Kurt Warner.

This Week’s Duds: Pierre Thomas, Kevin Smith, Antonio Bryant, Sidney Rice, Chad Ochocinco, Cedric Benson, Santana Moss, Ricky Williams, Jay Cutler, LeSean McCoy and Brandon Jacobs.

He’s Heating Up: If you had faith in Robert Meachem, you’ve been rewarded. Meachem had eight catches for 142 yards and a touchdown against the ’Skins, the fifth straight game that he’s found the end zone.

He’s On Fire: Tony Romo’s Cowboys lost Sunday, but he came through for fantasy owners with 392 passing yards and three TDs. He threw 55 passes, completing 41.
Fantasy Doghouse: It was a bummer of a week for a few top backs, including Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice.

Lose These Zeros …: I wouldn’t put my playoff chances in the hands of guys such as Matt Cassel, Roy Williams, Devin Hester, Julius Jones and Beanie Wells.

… And Get With These Heroes: Alex Smith, Joe Flacco and Jason Campbell are solid options this week if you don’t have a top QB. Davone Bess, Pierre Garcon, Jamaal Charles, Rock Cartwright and Jermichael Finley could also be of use.

Trainer’s Table: Michael Turner (ankle) and DeAngelo Williams (ankle) will again be game-time decisions. … Clinton Portis is done for the year. … I wouldn’t count on Steve Slaton or Brian Westbrook; keep an eye on their statuses. … DeSean Jackson (head) says he’s playing. … Hines Ward (hammy) isn’t expected to play. … Matt Schaub (shoulder) should start.

Extra Point: Jason Witten hasn’t exactly lived up to his preseason billing as a top-three tight end so far in 2009, but he’s coming on strong just in time for the fantasy playoffs. Witten was targeted 17 times this week (remember Romo’s 55 passes?) and caught 14 of them for 156 yards. I’m not sure what took Romo so long to home in on his buddy, but now that they’re clicking, Witten should be a force when you need him most.

Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. E-mail him at matt@bthesite.com.

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