The fantasy playoffs are coming soon — these are weeks you need to win. Good luck.

SMART STARTS
Matt Forte, RB, Bears: First off, a salute to all Matt Forte owners for your patience in his trying fantasy season. This week, he draws the Rams and should deliver decent numbers. Looking to next season, it will be interesting if he’s chosen as before the third round in fantasy drafts (after being a top-four pick this season. But for now, he’s a must-start.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers: Pittsburgh is desperate for a victory, and Ben Roethlisberger will be back on the field after missing a week with a concussion. I’m thinking Big Ben won’t pass as much as in past games, opening the door for Mendenhall to top 100 yards on the ground and score at least one touchdown.

Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: The Rams are awful, but Jackson quietly and consistently has put up RB1 numbers all season. He’ll continue to excel against the Bears, topping 100 yards and maybe scoring twice.

NAP TIME
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals: Palmer has been mostly quiet the last few games, but expect him to break out against the visiting Lions for at least 250 yards and 2-3 touchdowns.

Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots: Maroney has established himself as the Pats’ top running back over the past few games by scoring touchdowns. He’s also fumbling, which is concerning, but expect him to at least reach the end zone again vs. the Dolphins.

Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers: If you need a one-week quarterback, consider Freeman, who has shown some poise since taking over as the Bucs’ starter. He plays at Carolina this week, and I doubt Tampa Bay will run much.

NO NEED
Chad Henne, QB, Dolphins: Miami plays the Patriots, who were torched by Drew Brees last week. Henne is no Brees, and the Dolphins won’t pass enough to warrant starting him.

Santana Moss, WR, Redskins: Moss scored his first touchdown of the season last week, but don’t expect another this week against the Saints.

Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals: It’s almost a weekly reminder — don’t start running backs against the Minnesota defense. The Cardinals will pass more against the Vikings, leaving Wells the odd man out in their offense.