By now it’s probable that the supply of Red Bull and psychostimulants that you’d been hoarding to aid your Week 14 prep is near complete exhaustion. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at this point.

The fantasy football postseason is officially under way after last night’s game in Oakland, implying that for at least one more Sunday you’ll be forced to politely decline an invitation to any establishment without a guarantee of Internet access and Joe Buck’s voice hollow-heartedly emanating from the television speakers.

The playoffs are a time for management execution. You can’t afford to be whimsical when setting your lineup. You can’t afford to miss out on any helpful information leading up to game day. The stakes are too high. It’s imperative that you stay on top of things over these next few weeks, assuming that you advance beyond this weekend.

Still, you should try to take a moment now and then to bask in the well-deserved languor following 13 weeks of well-managed imaginary football, ultimately rewarded with playoff contention. You’ve earned it.

As for the presidential level of stress your body’s been victimized by ever since you figured out who you’d be matching up with this week, there are a few methods of mitigation. For instance, it’s possible that there will be free massages offered on campus over the next few weeks to relieve built-up tension. Never miss out on an opportunity for a free massage.

If you remember to tell the masseuse that you selected Maurice Jones-Drew in the first round, you may be eligible for the hour-long session of hot stones, shiatsu and acupuncture. Personally, I would suggest scream therapy to alleviate MJD frustration. I think it’s been working for me, though I can’t be fully certain.

The stretch from Week 14 to Week 16 breeds faux football legends and drives those repudiated by the fantasy football gods to a winter of dejection. The jaundice of defeat never completely subsides until the following football season galvanizes hope once again. The trick is to keep coming back. Eventually you’ll have secured several months of bragging privileges that will allow you to subject your buddies to unrelenting, incessant taunting.

During the weeks of playoff matchups, there are few opportunities to gain from waiver wire fodder. The only acquisitions to be made aside from emergency replacements for injured players are at the kicker and defensive scoring positions.

The relative value of kickers in fantasy football is generally determined by frequency of opportunity as opposed to pure skill. Lawrence Tynes has been a workhorse this year thanks to the Giants’ ineptitude in the red zone. A hard-nosed opposing red zone defense coupled with a struggling red zone offense will usually lead to a higher incidence of field goal attempts.

Much like the kicking category, the relative success of a team’s defense in terms of fantasy points depends mainly on matchup circumstances. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles have had the most success offensively when running the ball up to this point in their catastrophic 2012 campaign. Their passing attack has been below average.

This Sunday, the Eagles will be on the road against a Tampa Bay team ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense (be advised, Bryce Brown owners) and last in passing defense. The Bucs defense may be a decent sleeper pickup this week, and it should still be available if you’re having any major second thoughts about your current starting defense.

The suggestions from here on out will be strictly of the start/sit variety, so make sure that you’re satisfied with your roster now, and as always, good luck this week, gamers!