Staff Writer
Here’s a look at some of the NFL’s midseason surprise busts and standouts for the 2011 Fantasy Football Season.
Top Busts:
5. Roddy White– After such a monstrous season a year ago, in which he amassed 1,300 yards receiving, 115 receptions and 10 TDs, many thought this year was going to be an even bigger one. Whether it’s his fault, Julio Jones stealing catches or Matt Ryan’s fault, White has only 435 receiving yards and three TDs through eight games. Only twice this year has he scored double-digit points, and he is currently ranked 18th overall for WRs.
4. DeSean Jackson– Always capable of the big play, Jackson hasn’t really gotten around to doing that this year. After two straight seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving, this season he is on pace for just under 900. 487 receiving yards and two TDs to this point aren’t terrible considering all the issues in Philly. However, with expectations high, Jackson has yet to deliver thus far.
3. Reggie Bush– After a strong week one performance against New England Bush looked promising. However, through eight weeks, Bush has no rushing TDs, only one 100+ yard game on the ground and two games in double-digit fantasy points. He ranks as the 34th overall RB, which nothing special.
2. Vernon Davis– Davis was one of the first TEs off the board this year. Although he put together a nice three-game streak of double-digit points, those were the only weeks he did so. In his other weeks, his point production has been four, one, zero, and two respectively. The 14th overall TE so far, Davis not where most expected him.
1. Chris Johnson– Has there ever been a bigger blunder then what CJ2K has done this year? The No. 2 overall ranked fantasy player going into this season is now the 30th overall RB. Just twice this season he has had double-digit points, only one game with over 100 yards on the ground and he only has one rushing TD. He has looked just flat-out terrible. Over his first three seasons, he has averaged over 1,200 yards and 11 TDs, but this season, he is on his way to 700 yards rushing and three TDs.
Top Surprises:
5. Fred Davis– Not many owners knew about Davis. Through only seven games, Davis has already set a career high in receiving yards (517) and is on his way to set more in TD and receptions. Currently the No. 4 TE, ahead of names like Finley, Hernandez and Gonzales, Davis has been a pleasant surprise.
4. Jimmy Graham– Sticking with TEs, Graham has been an absolute beast this year. The No. 1 overall fantasy TE (19 points ahead of 2nd overall Gronkowski) through eight weeks has been a gold mine to owners. In just seven games, Graham has already matched his TD total from last year (5), surpassed his receptions and yard total from last season and is on his way to a Pro Bowl year.
3. Matt Stafford– Everyone knew if this kid could stay healthy, everyone else needed to watch out. Well, he’s been healthy and has been a beast. He is currently the No. 4 overall fantasy point-getter, averaging over 19 points a game (standard scoring leagues). He ranks 5th overall in passer rating (99.1), 6th in yards (2,179) and 2nd overall in TDs (19). Stafford has finally lived up to his potential.
2. Fred Jackson– . In four games this season, he has scored over 20 points, is tied for the league lead with Matt Forte with nine rushes of 20+yards, 2nd in YPG (103) and has over 350 receiving yards. With little expectation heading into the season, Jackson is on his way to setting career highs in all statistics across the board in receiving and rushing. Those of you who have him, consider yourselves lucky.
1. Cam Newton– We all knew he was good, but not this good. Through eight weeks, Cam Newton is the No. 1 overall fantasy scorer, period. Only twice this season has he gone below 20 points in a game, and he has one game with over 30 points. Almost 2,400 yards passing with 11 TDs and over 300 yards rushing with seven TDs, Newton is redefining not only fantasy football, but the NFL. Cam Newton= Stud.
Dave Seronick can be reached at dseronick@springfieldcollege.edu