Well, we are approaching week 5 in fantasy which means after this week we will
be more than 1/3 of the way through the fantasy season (it goes quick, doesn't
it). Here is an overview of some of this year's biggest surprises and biggest
disappointments. I am limiting this article to the main skill positions
(quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers).
My surprises are classified as players who were most likely drafted in the bottom half of the draft at their position. However, right now are in the top 5 at their position in fantasy points. In turn, disappointments are players that were most likely picked in the top 15 at their position and are no where near the top 15 at their position in fantasy points.
Surprises at QB:
Tony Romo, Brett Favre, Derek Anderson (#6 in fantasy points at QB), Jake
Delhomme (however, he could be out a while with his injury), and Matt Schaub
Disappointments at QB:
The biggest disappointment is Marc Bulger who is ranked near the very bottom
of starting QB's, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Vince Young and Phillip Rivers
Surprises at RB:
Ronnie Brown, Lamont Jordan (however, his ranking could change based on injury
status and Rhodes coming back from suspension), Marion Barber, Adrian
Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, Jamal Lewis, Edgerrin James and Derrick Ward (Ward
will go back to being a back up when Jacobs returns).
Disappointments at RB:
Ladanian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Larry Johnson, Frank Gore (the ironic
thing is that these 4 RB's were the first 4 overall picks in most drafts),
Shaun Alexander, Rudi Johnson, Cedrick Benson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Reggie
Bush.
Surprises at WR:
Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards, Kevin Curtis, Wes Welker, DeWayne Bowe, Santonio
Holmes, Shaun McDonald, Brandon Marshall, Roddy White, Bobby Engram
Disappointmeents at WR:
Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Larry Fitzgerald, Vincent Jackson
and Marques Colston
Now, keep in mind that the fantasy season is all about trends and
unpredictability, On any given Sunday, any player has the potential to break
out in a big way (i.e. Kevin Curtis). However, you have to look at trends and
consistency in trying to create a winning team.
With byes and injuries you need to utilize the waiver wire by looking at match ups and players that have been somewhat productive on a consistent basis. It truly is amazing at how many players that were picked in the top 25 overall picks in most drafts that
have been fairly insignificant and are currently in the bottom half of fantasy
points at their positions. Now, I don't suggest that you give up on your
studs just yet, but as I've said before, play the match ups and use your best
judgment in setting your line ups.
Barry "The Big Dog" Simon
