It's never too late

In most fantasy leagues, the playoffs are just one week away. Are you going? If so, here are some mid-level players that have great matchups in the coming weeks. If you are hurting, these guys could carry you deep into the playoffs this year.

Over the next five weeks, the Panthers have the best overall match-ups out of any team in the league. Carolina faces the Saints (twice), the Rams, Falcons and Buccaneers. Although an improbable candidate, RB Nick Goings is poised to have some breakout games in the weeks ahead. He could fill in nicely if you have running back issues.

Although he intimated about retirement after the Titans heartbreaking loss to Houston, QB Steve McNair is a great competitor who won't lay down for anyone. McNair is a tough quarterback who wants to win every game. That desire will carry him through the remaining schedule. And what a schedule it is. The Titans only play one team ( Denver) that is ranked in the top 20 vs. the pass.

With the possible season-ending injury to Travis Henry, the Bills' RB Willis McGahee takes over for the remainder of the season. McGahee is coming off a four-touchdown performance last weekend and does not face a defense that can stop him until the Bills play the Steelers in Week 17. With a great deal of league championships in Week 16, the Steelers game won't even matter.

In Weeks 15, 16 and 17, the Jaguars face some of the weakest pass defenses in the league. QB Byron Leftwich and company face the 28th ranked Packers, the 29th ranked Texans and the 25th ranked Raiders. Leftwich should have some great games during the fantasy playoffs, but won't help you much in the next two weeks.

Although devastated with injuries this year, the Carolina Panthers want to finish the season on a high note. QB Jake Delhomme has led the team to three consecutive wins and in the coming weeks, faces some of the softest pass defenses the NFL has to offer. Look for Delhomme to connect with WRs Muhsin Muhammad and Keary Colbert often.

While he may be more high-profile than the others in this list, Corey Dillon has a great schedule in the next few weeks. His only hurdle comes in Week 16 when the Pats play the Jets' sixth-rated run defense. Excluding that game, Dillon has some easy going and should prove to be very productive.

If you have a question for the Doc, you can e-mail him at askthedoctor@fantasyasylum.com. All questions will be answered. However, correct answers will cost you $1.

You're the man Doc. I've followed your advice religiously all year and it's gotten me into playoff contention in both of my leagues. But I need your help desperately this week. I have three questions for you. At RB, would you play Michael Pittman against Atlanta or Thomas Jones vs. Minnesota? Also, do I stick with a hot Drew Brees vs. a tough Denver D, or is this the week I re-insert Steve McNair in a potential shootout with the Colts? Finally, in my other league I have another running back quandary in terms of whether to start Onterrio Smith vs. the Bears or Julius Jones against Seattle. PLEASE HELP DOC!!! -- Jeff, Los Angeles

Followed my advice religiously, huh? Wonder if that qualifies me as a cult? I kinda look like that little Buddha statue. Maybe I can get a tax break or something ... Well after a grueling 20 seconds of meditation, I have come to the revelation that Pittman is the better option this week. Over the last two weeks, Atlanta has slipped versus the run and Pittman looks to have more opportunities this week. McNair has a very favorable matchup and is looking to create a spark. I think that he offers a better option over Brees this week. Between Smith and Jones, I would suggest you give Jones a shot. He is facing a Seattle defense that allowed Willis McGahee to rush for four touchdowns last week. Also, it's a Monday Night game and I just love players on Monday Night.