Top Five Players to Keep in Storage For Your Fantasy Football Playoffs

If you consider yourself a contender in your fantasy football league, you should always be thinking at least three to five weeks ahead.  If you find yourself with an extra roster spot, you may be thinking nine to 10 weeks ahead.  This would put most of us in the heart of the 2010 fantasy football playoffs.

It is smart to be thinking about the playoffs throughout the entire season.  For many leagues, the playoffs take place in Weeks 14, 15 and 16.  During these weeks, some NFL teams have already clinched the playoffs and are sitting their top players.  Other teams have already given up on their season, while others are playing 'must-win' games.

The following five players are solid free-agent pick-ups, and could be 'must-own' players that will help you win your fantasy football league.

5. Mike Hart, RB, Indianapolis

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 10: Mike Hart #32 of the Indianapolis Colts dives for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Chiefs 19-9. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty

The Colts are a serious playoff contender, and often times find themselves benching their starters in the final three games of the season.  With Joseph Addai as the starting running back, they have no reason to risk injury in the games leading up to the NFL Playoffs.  Week 5 was also a tough week for Addai, and found himself limited in Wednesday's practice.

Mike Hart is a valuable guy to keep on your bench.  You may find yourself putting him into a starting spot even sooner than expected.  In Week 5, against the Chiefs, Hart ran for 50 yards and found the end zone. 

4. Deji Karim, RB, Jacksonville

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Deji Karim #35 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Jacksonville won 36-26. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

This kid is an animal.  He's fast and explosive off the line, and would be given strong starter consideration on most NFL teams who don't already have Maurice Jones-Drew.

Karim is a strong candidate to fill your extra roster spot, and could prove very fruitful once Weeks 14 to 16 roll around, and MJD is banged up from a tough, long year.

3. Mardy Gilyard, WR, St. Louis

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Mardy Gilyard #81 of the St. Louis Rams returns a punt in the second half against the New England Patriots on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Rams defeated the Patriots 36-35. (Photo by Elsa/Ge

With Mark Clayton on the injured reserve list, someone in St. Louis will need to step up.  It looks like Danny Amendola will take the reigns as the No. 1 receiver.  Laurent Robinson and Brandon Gibson are possible contenders, but haven't proven to be 'big-play' receivers.

Mardy Gilyard was a big time playmaker in college, and has the talent to dominate in the NFL.  He is worth taking a shot at. 

2. Julian Edelman, WR, New England

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 12: Julian Edelman # 11 of the New England Patriots gains yards against the defense of Jabari Greer # 33 of the New Orlean Saints during the preseason at Gillette Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rog

Julian Edelman began his NFL career under the tutelage of some of the greatest players in the game.  He is on a team that just traded its star wide receiver, and is certain to get an increased amount of looks from quarterback, Tom Brady.

It may take some time for this team to find themselves without Randy Moss.  Once they do, Julian Edelman will play a significant role in their playoff run.

1. Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 03: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to teammate Willis McGahee #23 during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 3, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Get

Willis McGahee is making an impact.  His contributions will only be increasing throughout the course of the year.  The Ravens are going to do their best to protect Ray Rice.  McGahee is the obvious backup and, at some point, could end up taking over the starting position.

McGahee may not see consistent numbers, but you can be sure that he will be getting significant carries in Weeks 14 to 16 to relieve Rice and make sure that he's healthy for a run in the playoffs.