Usually I write a brief introductory paragraph for this column…but I’ve basically said the same thing every week.
“What a weird season/man, there just aren’t any consistent fantasy studs/I hope the Patriots don’t make the Super Bowl.”
Being repetitive is real boring though, so let’s just get to it. Catchphrase: With that all being said, let’s review the good, the bad and the just plain mediocre from the weekend that was.
Top Performer
True life: I was talking to my fellow writer Alex Reside on the phone, complaining about how I never seem to get any rushing TDs from my QBs. I had Ben Roethlisberger going and the Steelers were steadily driving the ball the down against the Raiders. We both talked about how whenever the Steelers get within 6 yards of the end zone, it always seems to be a Rashard Mendenhall TD. I got off the phone with Reside and pretty much a second later, Roethlisberger ran for a 16-yard TD and ended up rushing for 55 yards. 34 points on the day made me happy, as did the completely unexpected 55 yards rushing, but I’m going to lose my matchup because I didn’t start the Steelers defense.
What a tragic waste.
Studs
Greg Jennings–A while ago, I wrote that he was almost unstartable (made it up) during his early season slide. Yesterday, he toyed with a Vikings team that went all Cowboys and just gave up towards the end of the first half. He’s a stud, I was wrong. I wish I owned him.
Aaron Rodgers–4 TDs and 300 yards as he beat down Brett Favre. Rodgers has basically gotten two head coaches fired in back-to-back games now. He’s obviously fulfilling his 1st round draft pick that you probably used to get him, and just in time for the fantasy playoffs.
Steve Johnson–Did you see his Joker routine? I love it, writing “Why so serious?” on his under shirt since he was playing against “Batman and Robin” in the form of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. Johnson hasn’t really gotten his due this year since he’s been playing on such a bad team, but the Bills sure are exciting. He’s playing his way into a real high fantasy pick next season. Hopefully he appreciates that.
Jon Kitna–3 TDs passing, 1 rushing; basically the same stat line as Roethlisberger except fewer yards. Jon Kitna–a realistic fantasy option? It sounds weird.
Underachievers
Calvin Johnson–He got his TD, but only 40 yards receiving stands as a big disappointment for Johnson. The big plays simply weren’t there as the Cowboys continue their resurgence under their new coach. You still start him every week, and you’ll surely take the 10 points, but you were probably expecting more.
LeGarrette Blount–He got a ton of carries and finished with a solid 8 points, but it could have been so much better. Cadillac Williams vultured away a TD from Blount early in the game, and then Blount failed to score on two attempts on the goal line. Wasn’t Blount supposed to be the vulture for everyone else going into this season? It’s nice to see that he is quickly becoming the focus of the offense, but more TDs would be nice.
Roddy White–10 points is certainly solid, but this is Roddy White. The Falcons dinked and dunked their way to a win and Ryan looked elsewhere in the redzone for his 2 TDs.
Duds
Ahmad Bradshaw–0 points for a guy that was the 9th highest scoring RB. A complete disappointment.
Randy Moss–You can officially drop him, but you might want to keep him on your bench just for the name recognition.
I'm convinced: Jon Kitna is worth a pickup.
Waiver Claim of the Week: Jon Kitna
Some people were already high on him after he assumed the starting job and then after his big game against the Giants. I wasn’t one of those people, however, and I assume that there was a good number of people who were waiting to see what he would do this week as well. Now I’m ready to recommend you grab him if you absolutely need it. It’s a bad week for pick-ups, if you couldn’t tell.
Players I Love/Hate Score-Tracker
Jamaal Charles: +1
Kevin Kolb: DNP
Larry Fitzgerald: +1
Brandon Marshall: +1
Chris Johnson: -1
Justin Forsett: -1
The Rams: -1
Joe Flacco: +1
Tom Brady: +1
Last week’s score: +2
Current standing: +14
Check out all the articles from the Players I Love/Hate series. Players I Love: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV and Part V. Players I Hate: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV and Part V.
