Are you at 4-5 wondering where you stand in the playoff race? There is a huge difference between being 5-5 and 4-6 as the end of the regular approaches. These are the guys who likely put you over the top with their stat-stuffing performance this weekend. Keep in mind that this late in the season you are much less likely to find lottery tickets on the waiver wire, so special love will be shown to guys with small names who came up with big games (i.e Adrian Peterson rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown is supposed to happen, not so much with Andre Brown) all scoring is “standard.”
QB: Robert Griffin III, 27pts
It was a tale of two halves for Bobby Three Sticks. He did the majority of his damage in the first half, but it was enough to double the production of his previous two weeks combined. To say he has had an up and down season so far would be about as much of an understatement as saying the Redskins could be considered an offensive team name. The one thing missing from this game, and most of the others this season, was the rushing that lit up fantasy scoreboards last season. Owners may have to wait until next week’s decent matchup with a middle of the pack Eagles D.
RB: Andre Brown, 17pts
Pitch count? Limited amount of snaps? Yeah right, all Andre Brown did in his first game back since breaking his leg was carry the ball 30 times for 115 yards and a score. This sounds the end of any other Big Blue running back being fantasy relevant and heralds the return of a sneaky good ground game in The Big Apple. Brown ran tough and was the focal point of the offense. This could be the spark that the Giants need in a suddenly up-for-grabs NFC East. If he’s still on your waiver wire, rectify that immediately.
RB: Giovanni Bernard, 14pts
The toughness Gio displayed against a still physical Raven defense was impressive. The Bengal back was a veritable Swiss Army Knife while amassing rushing and receiving yards. Particularly noteworthy is that, much to the joy of his owners, he finally finished with more carries than his stable mate Benjarvis Green-Ellis. The Bengals are going to need to use their more effective running back if they want to hold serve in the rugged AFC North.
WR: Tavon Austin, 31pts
Now THAT was a coming out party. After the Rams moved up in the draft to select him, Austin owners were frustrated that the team seemingly could not find a way to utilize his speed and elusiveness. Two catches and a punt return resulting in three touchdowns might have shown they are on the right track. The emergence of Zack Stacy may have been just what Austin needs. Those who likely dropped him can only shake their heads and hope he’s still available, those who had faith may be in for good times if the party continues.
WR: Marques Colston, 16pts
Back from the grave? Or were reports of his demise greatly exaggerated? It will take a couple more performances like this before we can know for sure, but in light of his part in the destruction of the Dallas Cowboys it will be interesting to see if the Saint’s number one wideout can get back on track after capping off his first one hundred yard game of the season.
TE: Julius Thomas, 15pts
One catch for a 74-yard scamper and instantly the questions about Thomas’ injured ankle were rendered moot. The big man led all tight ends this week and keeps displaying his nose for the endzone. With the undefeated Chiefs next on the schedule one has to think that though the matchup is tough, Peyton Manning will be looking for Thomas early and often.
D/ST: Rams D/ST, 25pts
This may have been the upset of the week and as part of the aforementioned Tavon Austin coming out party, which included a punt return TD. The Rams also picked off Andrew Luck three times and recovered a fumble for another TD. This is the second 25-point outing this season by the Rams so it can’t quite be called a fluke, and in the offensively challenged NFC West they may be a unit to keep an eye on.
K: Steve Hauschka, 19pts
It’s not unlikely that your starting running back was outscored by Hauschka, who drilled multiple field goals as part of the Seahawk’s throttling of the Falcons. As a part of unit that’s had some offensive hiccups he may be a good stash in case more drives stall out for Russell Wilson and company.
For more Fantasy Football advice, listen to The Audible:
You Might Also Like:
NBA Kick Off: 10 Outrageous Plays that could save the game
Vintage Tennis: An obsession, a philosophy
Kung Fu: Miss Lydia is back with advice on how to manage your obsession
