Kevin McCallister was prepared and ready.

After his parents left him behind, missing his flight to spend Christmas in Paris with his extended family, the seven-year-old boy – home alone – was set to have Christmas by himself. This was before cell phones were a thing, so no, his family had no way of knowing where he was, guys.

The Wet Bandits, two burglars with over 100 pounds each on poor little Kevin, were prepared to ruin the boy’s Christmas. Because they knew houses would be abandoned during the holidays, the two bad guys would break in and steal others’ belongings - presents - just before the magical morning.

They had no idea what they were in store for when they entered the McCallister house on Christmas Eve night, though. Kevin McCallister was prepared and ready.

Slipping down stairs, paint cans flying through the air, irons to the face, nails to the foot, blow torches to the head – it didn’t matter that Harry and Marv (those were the names of the burglars) were grown men attempting to steal from a massive suburban Chicago home. Kevin McCallister did his homework, and everything fell into place.

Use it as a lesson, fantasy footballers. Just because the odds are stacked against you doesn’t mean you can’t dig deep in finding creative ways to beat your opponent. The waiver wire is still your friend in the fantasy football playoffs, and although you may feel that starting your studs is a good idea, perhaps you’ve got some bench depth that can outperform some of those usually reliable players. Maybe there’s more upside elsewhere.

Hopefully this article helps you find that, this week especially. This is your Kevin McCallister Christmas Eve night preparation.

Start 'Em

Like Kevin McCallister: Defend Your House (Solid Starts)

Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Half a foot of snow didn’t stop Les Incompétents: Good For Nothing (Bad Starts)

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Tennessee Titans

Once upon a time, Ryan Fitzpatrick was one of the best fantasy quarterbacks out there. Now, after two average weeks against two porous secondaries, Fitzpatrick is back on the waiver wire.

He always has the ability to gain fantasy points with his legs, but will be far too risky against a Cardinals defense that ranks third in the league against the pass. Stay far away from Fitzy this week.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers

I know I’ve been mean to DeAngelo all season long, but I think it’s at least a little warranted. He’s seen double-digit carries in nine of his 12 games played this season, yet still ranks as the 29th-best running back in fantasy football. Since the Panthers Week 4 bye, D-Wil has zero games with more than 64 rushing yards, including seven with less than 50.

Jonathan Stewart may be hurt (again), but there’s no way I’m trusting DeAngelo Williams against the Jets second-ranked rush defense. No way.

Chris Ivory, RB, New York Jets

Speaking of the Jets, Chris Ivory’s been a plodding machine for them, and now has three touchdowns in his last five games. He’s a powerful back with a lot to offer after initial contact, but I fear for the Jets offense against a Panthers team that’s coming off a disappointing loss to the Saints. Ivory owners beware.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants

You need to score touchdowns in fantasy football. At least, simple logic tells us that.

Do you know what Hakeem Nicks hasn’t done since December 9th of last year? Score a touchdown. He hasn’t scored a touchdown in over a year, people!

No, he’s not worth it in the fantasy playoffs, let alone against the rough Seattle defense.

Tim Wright, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This is a reminder that there are a ton of streaming tight end options this week, so starting a player like Wright, even if he does indeed play well, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Wright has two catches in each of his last two games, and is facing a San Francisco defense that’s allowed the second-fewest points to the tight end position all season long.

Defense to Sit: New York Giants (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

For any other start or sit questions, visit numberFire’s Questions section and take a look at our weekly rankings.