After Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson’s dominant 192-rushing yard peformance against the Packers on Sunday, fantasy owners probably jumped in glee.

The former Oklahoma star reclaimed his No. 1 overall pick form and now leads the league in rushing. It also marked his fourth straight 100-plus rushing performance.

He is the new LaDainian Tomlinson.

The Vikings made a huge leap, too.

They positioned themselves for a playoff push with the NFC North win and our tied with "Da Bears."

With fantasy playoffs approaching, let’s glance into the future and pull out the best matchups down the stretch for Peterson and others.

For sanity’s sake, I’ll assume playoffs run from Week 14 to Week 16.

Quarterbacks: Kurt Warner, who reinvigorated hall of fame chat with his recent performances, barring he stays health appears to be an early front-runner for playoff performer of the year. His Week 14 matchup against the Rams at home screams, at least, two to three touchdowns. The next two weeks, Warner and Co. play the Vikings and New England. Neither matchup is ideal, but the Vikings have such a great run defense the Cardinals may just stay in a three-wide receiver set the entire game. The Patriots are so banged up, you would think they have the Browns luck if it weren’t for their Super Bowl rings.

After Jay Cutler crushed the Browns season like John Elway used too, he has, argubably, the best matchup of Week 14 with the Chiefs. Cutler could easily throw 200 yards and two scores by half in the home game. The only thing that could prevent a monster game is some Mile-High snow.

Running backs: Peterson rolls against Detroit (Week 14), Arizona (Week 15) and Atlanta (Week 16). Chances are he slows down against Tampa Bay this week or Chicago in Week 15.
He has the potential to carry a fantasy team down the stretch.

Peterson’s only blemish, though, is scary. In his rookie season, he produced only 107 rushing yards and one touchdown combined in most league’s three most important games.

If you’ve been riding the Titans running backs, you’re in luck. LenDale White and speedster Chris Johnson take on the Browns (Week 14) and Houston (Week 15). They do, however, run into Pittsburgh in Week 16, but anything can happen in championship week. Maybe a backup like Fred Jackson will be starting by then.

Wide receivers: Naturally, Arizona’s trio of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and, somehow, Steve Breaston are potential good starts. But Reggie Wayne, if healthy, could make his return to prominence. The Colts No. 1 guy has the Bengals (Week 14), Detroit (Week 15) and Jacksonville (Week 16) in three-highly favorable matchups. If you had the good fortune to pair him with Peyton Manning, you could win your title.

Catch them if you can ...

Shaun Alexander, Redskins: Both recommended pickups this week, feel like throwbacks to three years ago. Now, they’re more spare parts. Alexander, by default, could start on Sunday night against the Cowboys with Clinton Portis teetering as a game-time decision. For Portis owners, Alexander and/or Ladell Betts are must-haves. For gamblers, Alexander is like going all-in with a three and eight off-suited.

Tatum Bell, Broncos: Peyton Hillis is the probably starter, but the fullback doesn’t play like former Tampa Bay goal-line wonder Mike Alstott. Bell, with or without Rudi Johnson’s luggage, knows the Broncos system well and could fit in down the stretch. But you can’t help after last Thursday and think it is Cutler’s show for the rest of the season.

The fallen ...

Braylon Edwards, Browns: He busted out officially weeks ago, but Brady Quinn’s start gave him another chance. Well, Quinn barely looked downfield for his No. 1 wide receiver. Maybe he attempts it more on Monday night against the Bills, but that is a big maybe.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots: The rookie busted out for a 100-yard rushing game and has scored in four straight weeks. He has a cool name, and he earned Bill Belichick’s praise this week. Sammy Morris, though, is back practicing and Kevin Faulk is still around. And he plays the Jets this week.

Four and out

1. Monitor Tampa Bay’s Cadillac Williams. 2. Kellen Winslow is back to must-start status. 3. Willis McGahee is back to being the guy in Baltimore. 4. The Jets defense keeps getting better.

For any fantasy-related questions contact Francis Bova at fbova@MorningJournal.com.