Fantasy Football: The Final Stretch

This has been a very strange NFL season to say the least. There truly isn't a team that stands out as a dominant force this year compared to last year, both the Colts and Saints went to reach 13-0 before losing in 2009 (Colts even went 14-0). Now you have the Colts sitting at 6-5 tied with Jacksonville in the AFC South, Kansas City sitting on top of the AFC West at 7-4 and the Cowboys having one of their worst seasons in decades with only three wins in eleven games. Furthermore, it's been interesting seeing the Patriots fair better without Randy Moss as he hops from team to team, while his career is in a downward spiral and Brett Favre's "sexting" scandal was unexpected (Maybe not considering his Wrangler commercials). Not to mention someone jumped out of Soldier Field stadium and fell to their death in last week's game in Chicago.



On the fantasy side of things, there has been ups and downs and studs as well as duds like always. Who would have thought Arian Foster would have been the top fantasy scorer on the year? At the expense of Shonn Greene, it has been nice seeing LaDainian Tomlinson rekindling his old ways to rank as a top 10 back (already surpassed 1,000 total yards on the year). Additionally, where did this Brandon Lloyd character come from? Lloyd is arguably the best waiver pickup of the year and a top producing receiver this season as he has already compiled 1,122 receiving yards and 9 TDs on the year. Also in contention for the best waiver pickup is the big ol' meathead, Peyton Hillis, who has been a one man wrecking crew for the Browns. On the year, he has stacked nearly 1,500 all purpose yards and 13 TDs. Later Jerome Harrison. Other notable players that have exceeded expectations: Kyle Orton, who's thrown over 3,300 on the season with a 20/6 ratio (td/int), Terrell Owens who has found his groove with the Bengals amongst the teams struggles and Dwayne Bowe who has just exploded in the previous weeks (Last week he had 13 receptions, 170 yds and 3TDs).

As for the duds well...Ryan Matthews has really not lived up to his preseason hype and has had minimal impact, however he has had lingering injuries keeping him off the field. Mike Tolbert has really done a great job filling the void. Another young running back, Beanie Wells, has been a major dissapoint not being able to shake off his injuries once again. The Carolina backfield in totality has been a bust exlcuding Mike Goodson, but DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart both did not live up to expectations. It looks like Randy Moss comes with too much baggage these days in addition to his attitude for the game has taken a turn for the worst, might be time to go Uncle Randy.




Moving forward. All us fantasy enthusiasts are on the edge of our seats with the playoffs and possible championships in close reach. To make things simple here is a list of things to consider and pickups for the rest of the season:

1. Adrian Peterson sprained his ankle in week 12 and has yet to practice this week. Look to pickup Toby Gerhart as they're going up against Buffalo this week and Gerhart could have a big week if AP can't go come Sunday.
2. Frank Gore has been placed on IR after suffering a fractured hip in week 12. Hats off to Gore as he had a solid season. Brian Westbrook came back to life last week in replacement of Gore. He ended with a touchdown and over 120 yards rushing. Look for Brian Westbrook to get the bulk of the carries for the 49ers and to be used in a similar role as Gore, however Anthony Dixon will also have an impact and probably steal some of Westbrook's goal line carries. Look for either of these replacements as a decent pickup and make sure you consider Westbrook's injury prone nature.
3. Sidney Rice was back in action last week however had a minimal impact (1 rec for 20 yds). Look for the Vikings to ease him into action although it's hard to predict his production moving forward.
   
4. Vincent Jackson was primed and ready to go last week, however he suffered a strained groin and might not return until week 14 or 15. I would hold onto him for the time being as he could be a great playoff fill in.
5. Pierre Thomas is hopeful to play this Sunday.
6. Lions QB Shaun Hill could be out for the rest of the season.
7. Mike Goodson has been great the past few weeks filling in for an injured DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Even though Stewart is back, look for Goodson to still get his touches and be the #1 RB for this week.
   
8. Ahmad Bradshaw has lost his starting role for the Giants, however it seems that he still will be valuable for fantasy purposes as the Giants have a banged up receiving core and will be looking to run the ball. (Note: Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks are aiming to return for week 14).
   
9. Davone Bess seems like a great pickup for this week as they are going against a weak secondary (Cleveland) and Brandon Marshall is unlikely to play.
10. Jacoby Ford has continued to impress the last few weeks and is worth picking up in deeper leagues if your looking for a viable WR.
11. Ben Obomanu has been spectacular for the Seahawks in November as Mike Williams has had minor injuries. He is a solid pickup for this week in deeper leagues.

Good luck to all you fantasy gurus out there and best of luck on your path the championship. Feel free to post any questions in the comments section.