The NFL has surely not disappointed halfway through its 2009-2010 season. Not only do two teams remain undefeated, the Colts and Saints, but also football fans can yet again hold their breath for the greatest occurrence in sports, a perfect 0-16 season. The Buccaneers remain the only winless team, but sit on the bottom shelf of the league with several other teams.
On a similar note last year’s loveable losers, the Detroit Lions, finally chalked up a victory relatively early in the season when they beat the Washington Redskins, who are one of those previously mentioned bottom shelf teams.
Then there is Brett Favre, who should be in a retirement home by now. Instead, he has led the Vikings to a 7-1 record and swept the series versus his former cheese headed team.
And off course, like every NFL season, there have been a plethora of unexpected standouts as well as letdowns. Their impact on fantasy football leagues around the nation can either make or break a team. A few of these so-called “studs” and “busts” are worth taking a closer look at.
Surprises:
- Miles Austin, WR, Dallas- There was a lot of questions asked after Terrell Owens’ departure as to who would be the new go to guy in Dallas? Interestingly enough, it was not Roy Williams who filled the void, but Miles Austin, a four year pro who had 18 career receptions prior to this season. Already eclipsing that total, Austin has 26 receptions through eight weeks this year. While that figure is not dazzling, it’s his 21.7 yards per reception average and six touchdowns that have made many lucky fantasy owners happy. Austin got involved in the offense a little late in the season, which may be a reason for his modest 26 catches, but he has stayed consistent since week five. Expect him to continue on his path to the end zone.
- Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore- Rice has made a huge splash in this second season in the NFL after being overshadowed by Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain in his rookie campaign. With 525 rushing yards and an even more impressive 349 receiving yards, Rice has already surpassed last season’s totals. He also has five touchdowns, contributing to him being owned in all ESPN leagues. He has scored double-digit points in all but one game this season. While these numbers are impressive, I feel the only place for Rice to go is down. You can expect him to still do well, but have a slight drop off in production as the season progresses.
- Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco- Davis has been on a tear this season after being labeled a bust or at least a disappointment by some critics. He has become a master of the red zone with a league leading seven touchdowns, and his 32 receptions is all a fantasy owner could hope for in a tight end. Davis is finally showing all the talent that scouts said he had when entering the NFL draft in 2006, and I believe he will come to be an elite tight end.
Disappointments:
- Matt Forte, RB, Chicago- Though Forte is having a decent season for a “sophomore slump” and had a great game in week eight versus Cleveland, he has been a huge letdown for a guy who was drafted in the top three of most every league. He is only 19th in the player position ranking, averaging 58.3 yards rushing per game at 3.5 yards per carry rate. The Bears have a tough schedule ahead, including Minnesota twice, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Philadelphia. However, conversely to Ray Rice, the only way for Forte’s stock to go is up. I see him becoming more consistent on a weekly basis.
- Eddie Royal, WR, Denver- Maybe the sophomore slump is real. Royal also is having a disappointing year after a tremendous rookie season where he had 91 receptions for just under 1,000 yards and five touchdowns. This year has been the complete opposite for Royal. 20 receptions, 158 yards and zero touchdowns. Whether it is the playbook change or the quarterback change, the Broncos as a team have not seem fazed by it, with a 6-1 record. To worsen the matter, 10 of Royal’s 20 receptions came in one game, proving him to be a completely unreliable fantasy option. Ranked 70th at his position in ESPN leagues, stay away from Royal, as the Broncos obviously are pushing ahead without much of his help.
Player to pick up:
- Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco- By no means do I believe Smith can be a consistent fantasy starter, but I do believe he would worth investing a roster spot to. Smith has legitimate targets in Crabtree and Davis this time around as well as a favorable upcoming schedule that features Tennessee, Detroit and St. Louis to name a few. Take a chance on this guy; he’s better than the backup running backs and wide receivers you have sitting on your bench.
If the second half of the season is anything near as exciting and enjoyable as the first half was, we are in for quite a memorable season. Good luck with your fantasy teams and check back for a third quarter update after week 12.
