Staff Writer
Throughout the first 10 weeks of the season, there has been a diminutive variation of the top-five performers in each week. In fact, 18 times that player has been a quarterback as well as a running back, 10 times it has been a wide receiver and four times it has been a defense or special teams player. Will this be the week that changes? Or will it be more of the same old, same old? Let’s take a look.
Top Five Performers of Week 11:
5. Fred Jackson – Back-to-back sub-par performances shouldn’t worry owners. It hasn’t been Jackson that has been off, but instead, his quarterback Fitzpatrick who has been in a funk. Although Fitzpatrick’s performance affects Jackson, he did run for over 100 yards against a solid Cowboys defense and over 80 yards against an experienced Jets defense. In addition, he is still catching balls out of the backfield and getting his usual amount of touches. His week 11 opponent also happens to be the 2-7 Dolphins, who are allowing more than 100 yards/ game on the ground and over 360 yards/game overall. This means that Jackson should go back to the numbers he was putting up in the beginning of the season. Also, if you are still concerned, here are some stats that should put you at ease: Jackson leads the league in rushing yards (917), is second in rushes over 20+ yards (10) and is fifth in rushing touchdowns (6).
4. Tom Brady – Last week against the Jets put to rest any rumors of Brady falling off. Brady had 335 yards passing and three touchdowns against one of the most diabolical secondaries in the league in a more than impressive performance. In addition, Brady’s stats speak for themselves. Through 10 weeks, Brady is second in the league in passing yards (3,032) and touchdown throws (23) and is third in completion percentage (66.1 percent) and yards per attempt (8.42).
3. LeSean McCoy– No games this season in the single digits, two games with 20+ points and one game of over 30 points mean that McCoy has had a very successful season thus far. With numbers like that, McCoy is the No. 1 running back in the league up to this point. It is hard for him to be anything but No. 1 since he is second in the league in rushing yards (906), tied for first in touchdowns (10) and tied for second with runs over 20+ with Fred Jackson (10). Whether Vick or Young starts this week against the Giants, it is likely McCoy will get plenty of touches. In addition, the Giants currently have the 20th overall rush defense, allowing over 120 yards/game rushing.
2. Adrian Peterson– There is a reason AP has the nickname “All Day.” He just doesn’t stop, and is an absolute workhorse. Each and every time he touches the ball, AP is looking to knock over whoever is in his way on his way to the end zone. With a mentality like that, AP is currently fifth in the league in rushing yards (846) and tied for first in touchdowns (10). Currently the fourth overall RB in leagues, AP is facing an Oakland defense that is currently 25th in the league against the rush, allowing more than 125 yards/game on the ground. Expect AP to exploit that and run all over them.
1. Aaron Rodgers– Anyone surprised by this? Nobody is hotter right now than Rodgers. He has been on an absolute tear so far and has manically picked apart any defense he has faced this season. He is the No. 1 overall fantasy player through 10 weeks, period. Not once has he gone under 20 points in a game. In addition, he has had one game with 30 points and another with 45. It seems that nobody can find an answer to stop him. That is why Rodgers currently is fourth in passing yards (2,869) and first in touchdowns (28), least interceptions thrown (3), QB rating (130.7) and completion percentage (72.7 percent). If Rodgers continues this, he is on his way to break a number of records. His unfortunate adversary in week 11 is the Buccaneers, who are 28th in passing yards allowed a game (263). Anticipate nothing but shear domination.
Dave Seronick can be reached at dseronick@springfieldcollege.edu and read more of the senior’s work at http://www.rotoinfo.com