David Kohl-US Presswire
Week Five in the NFL is now complete, and not much happened….or did it?
For starters, the Indianapolis Colts upset the Green Bay Packers, playing with resiliency for their sickly head coach, Chuck Pagano. Drew Brees, and the New Orleans Saints, finally broke the win column, while simultaneously breaking Johnny Unitas’ 47-game streak with a touchdown pass. Outside of that, it was a normal week.
However, as far as fantasy goes, there is news that could impact some, greatly.
During the Redskins/Falcons game, Skins QB Robert Griffin III suffered a concussion, and is questionable to play the next game. Maybe I’m exaggerating how serious his injury is, but it is a concussion. He could certainly miss more than one game. On Monday Night against the New York Jets, linebacker Brian Cushing, of the Houston Texans, suffered a potential season-ending left knee injury. For Texans D/ST owners, his injury could impact their defense as he is their top linebacker.
Maybe this impacted people’s fantasy games, whether it is a win or a loss. On the flip side, a majority of my pick predictions made it through the week healthy. Did any of these players help lead your team to victory?
QB - Philip Rivers
In the week five fantasy preview, I only slotted Rivers as he was facing the Saints “defense.” After being subpar in his first four games, Rivers threw his first 300-yard passing game of the season – that being 354 yards. He torched the Saints secondary, albeit, in a loss. Rivers threw two touchdowns, as well. However, his point total demonstrates that there were better options.
Fantasy Point Total: 18
RB – Adrian Peterson
Surprisingly, against a horrid Titans run defense, Peterson managed to rush for only 88 yards. It would’ve been acceptable had he got in the end zone. His performance was disappointing. Then again, the Vikings only gave him 17 touches, down from the last two weeks of 21 and 25, respectively.
Fantasy Point Toal: 9
RB – Marshawn Lynch
I thought this was a match-up made for heaven, but ‘Beast Mode’ didn’t activate against the Carolina Panthers. He rushed for 85 yards, and that is solid. It’s the fact that he only rushed for that many against the Panthers. This was Lynch’s worst rushing performance since week one.
Fantasy Point Total: 8
WR – A.J. Green
Green only managed to finish the day with 65 receiving yards, but for the fourth consecutive game, he reached the end zone. Let the good times roll.
Fantasy Point Total: 12
WR – Julio Jones
Matt Ryan did exactly what was expected: target Mr. Jones. After having one catch the prior week, he bounced back with 10 catches, 94 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Jones was due.
Fantasy point total: 15
TE – Antonio Gates
Ok, so maybe Gates wasn’t going to get a touchdown. In fact, he only managed to get three catches for 19 yards. If he couldn’t rise his production level against the Saints, then maybe that rib injury is bothering him more than I/we know.
Fantasy Point Total: 1
Flex – Roddy White
After having a monster game against the Panthers, Ryan decided to feed Tony Gonzalez and Jones more.
Fantasy Point Total: 6
D/ST – Houston Texans
Normally, giving up 17 points in a game is considered a solid defensive effort – just not when you’re facing the Jets.
Fantasy Point Total: 10
K – David Akers
The Bills are proving to be fraudulent – so much for a sleeper team. Because the Niners put up 45, owners should’ve known Akers would be apart of the parade.
Fantasy Point Total: 9
This line-up would’ve gotten a measly 87 points, which would pretty much assure a player taking a loss. If anyone from this list deserved to start, it would be Green and Jones. Nonetheless, I steered owners wrong this week. A “Dunce” cap is in order.
For more news and thoughts on the sports world, follow on Twitter @MidwayLC
