Should I purposely lose? PLEASE HELP****

[TheShivaOwner]

With only one game until the playoffs, I’m in a dilemma. Should I purposely lose this next game to face an easier first round opponent? Is that breaking an un-written rule? Winning the first round is extremely important, as it ensures my buy in back, as well as gets me to the championship. Please offer advice based on past experience, or what you would do.
*I’m in an ESPN standard league, and the first round is week 14-15

Here are my two options:

1. I'm currently #1 in the league. If I win this week, I'll remain #1 and play the #4 seed. The #4 seed has been red hot as of late.
Here is the #4 seed’s starting roster.
QB: Aaron Rodgers. RB: Arian Foster, Stevan Ridley, Beanie Wells. WR: Steve Johnson, Sidney Rice. TE: Brandon Myers. D: Steelers. K: Matt Bryant

2. I’m currently #1 in the league. If I lose this week, I’ll move to #2 in the league and face the #3 seed. The #3 seed has been shaky as of late.
Here is the #3 seed’s starting roster.
QB: Peyton Manning. RB: Alfred Morris, Darren McFadden, BenJarvus Green-Ellis. WR: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker. TE: Vernon Davis. D: 49ers. K: Stephen Gostkowski

[TheShivaOwner]

BUMP*

[Shoju]

Neither opponent is going to be a push over. If it were me, I'd play to win. Your #4 seed has a back or two that might end up getting rested as the teams are sewing up things, and their receivers are.... not very good.

[Mr.Joshua]

Gotta play to win. Too many uncertainties in fantasy. You lose on purpose and get blown out in the next round when you would have beat the team you would have played......

[bigh0rt]

I asked Herm Edwards for you.

[Cult of Dionysus]

After a long regular season, if you have the luxury of having secured a playoff spot, my recommendation is to rest your starters. No point in risking one of your best players in a relatively meaningless matchup. That's why I sat Rodgers and Richardson this week, just to give them a breather before their all important matchups in Weeks 14 and 15!

However, ultimately defense wins championships, and I have allowed the fewest points this season in my primary money league, so I feel pretty good about my prospects, especially as the weather gets more adverse.

[Mr.Joshua]

you are about to enter another dimension.....

[TheBeaker]

After a long regular season, if you have the luxury of having secured a playoff spot, my recommendation is to rest your starters. No point in risking one of your best players in a relatively meaningless matchup. That's why I sat Rodgers and Richardson this week, just to give them a breather before their all important matchups in Weeks 14 and 15!

However, ultimately defense wins championships, and I have allowed the fewest points this season in my primary money league, so I feel pretty good about my prospects, especially as the weather gets more adverse.

Is that sarcasm? Risking your players?

[Cult of Dionysus]

I thought my post was pretty transparent in its attempt at humor...

But to answer the original poster's question, if you do it, do it in a manner so you don't get caught (i.e. blatant tanking is not appropriate, but a more measured approach should fly under the radar and be okay).