Most fantasy leagues begin postseason play in Week 14. Some started this weekend. If you're reading this column, I'm guessing that means you're still in the hunt for a championship. Congratulations! You've cleared the first hurdle.

Unless you play in one of those Socialist leagues where everyone gets a postseason berth, you have now left behind a number of your competitors and, more importantly, their star performers. Since there's only so much you can do between now and Thursday night's tilt between the Raiders and Chargers (yawn), why not take a moment to survey the landscape to see which big stars have been eliminated from your fantasy universe. You might be surprised by what you find.

For example, in my neighborhood league (where the financial and social stakes are highest), Brian Westbrook won't spoil my championship aspirations. Just as his spectacular four-touchdown Thanksgiving day feast probably came too late to save the Eagles' season, it wasn't enough get his owner past my squad and into the fantasy playoffs, thanks, in part, to DeAngelo Williams' nearly-as-impressive four-score outburst Sunday.

I also won't be sweating over Clinton Portis, Brandon Jacobs, Frank Gore, Steve Slaton or the Titans' running back tandem. Philip Rivers and Brett Favre are history, too. Anquan Boldin, Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne and Antonio Gates shall haunt me no more.

That's a lot of firepower that suddenly has been silenced.

Obviously, the toughest competition still awaits. My first round opponent has several formidable weapons of his own, with favorable matchups to boot. Can't say I'm thrilled about facing a healthy Steven Jackson going up against the Cardinals. Aaron Rodgers at home against the Texans could be brutal. Roddy White and Steve Smith could conspire to ruin my weekend.

But I can't worry about them now. If all goes according to plan, they, too, soon will be rendered impotent. And that's a fate I know my players will work hard to avoid.

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, you need to start with a good draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at two players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's line-up.

Catch 'em while you can

Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers -- He picked up 80 yards on 11 carries against the Panthers, mostly after Ryan Grant left with a thumb injury. We don't yet know Grant's status heading into Week 14, but those counting on the Packers' tailback for their playoff run should hedge their bets immediately. Jackson was Green Bay's second-round draft pick in 2007, and he would be a worthy spot starter against Houston next weekend.

Domenik Hixon, WR, Giants -- Raise your hand if you think Plaxico Burress will play again this season. That's what I thought. Hixon, the second-year wideout who dazzled in his Week 5 start against Seattle, should hold down Burress' job for the duration of the fantasy playoffs. The Giants have a fairly tough road ahead (Eagles, Cowboys, Panthers), so Hixon won't be an automatic starter. But you could certainly do worse than latching onto a playmaker in his offense.

Don't be fooled

Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys - It's hard to imagine a more daunting schedule than the one facing Dallas' offensive stars in the fantasy postseason (Steelers, Giants, Ravens). Marion Barber would face tough sledding even without a dislocated toe. Should the injury keep him out of this weekend's contest in frosty Pittsburgh, his rookie backup would not be a viable starter. Hopefully you have better options on your bench.

Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens -- On Sunday, Clayton became the first Ravens player ever to catch and throw a touchdown pass in the same game. Yippee. It was also his first multi-touchdown effort in more than two years. Translation: Look for a repeat performance around, say, Christmas 2010.

Harry Douglas, WR, Falcons -- Make a mental note to consider the rookie wideout as a potential sleeper for your 2009 draft, but don't bother picking him up now. Just as Michael Jenkins proved to be Fool's gold after his Week 9 heroics, Douglas is bound to disappoint those who jump on his bandwagon. Sure, he's scored in consecutive weeks, but he is still Atlanta's No. 3 receiver. Roddy White remains the only Falcon wideout who merits a start.