Sunday was not a day for elite / near-elite NFL defenses. The Broncos, Seahawks, Cardinals, and Rams gave up an average of 34 points. That three of the four were playing at home only added to the day's statistical oddities. Hats off to those who, unlike me, dared to start RBs Jeremy Langford and Charcandrick West.
On the flip side, I've been warning for some time that RBs Chris Johnson and Darren McFadden were due for significant regressions; in other words, we likely won't be able to rely on either one during the fantasy playoffs. Despite being a low-end RB1, CJ2K has had only two RB1 performances this season and has a 3.3 YPC in his last two games. No doubt, he's the workhorse. But the 30-year-old is on pace for 295 carries. Really, what's the likelihood that he'll be in peak form in the fantasy playoffs?
As for DMC--yes, I've been beating the drum for some time. Might become tiresome after a while, but when someone with such downside remains so highly touted, it's important to be out in front. In his last three contests, the veteran RB is also averaging 3.3 YPC. His fantasy playoff schedule includes the Packers, Jets, and Bills. Relying on him as an RB1 or even RB2 down the stretch is a greater risk than I'd ever take. Keep scouring waivers. Trade if you can. DMC won't win anyone a title.
In other news, Brock Osweiler is nearly a must-add in 2-QB leagues. I've been beating the drum about Peyton Manning since the preseason, during which Osweiler appeared NFL-ready. It's a delicate issue. There's no reason to believe a healthy Peyton will be benched; Peyton is far more likely to take himself out, if it ever comes to that. We can blame his four-INT performance on injuries to his ribs and foot. But c'mon: There's more to this. We're watching the painful decline of an icon. If the Broncos want to win it all this year, they might have to make the toughest QB decision any team's made in, what, decades?
Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But the odds are, it will.
On the flip side, I've been warning for some time that RBs Chris Johnson and Darren McFadden were due for significant regressions; in other words, we likely won't be able to rely on either one during the fantasy playoffs. Despite being a low-end RB1, CJ2K has had only two RB1 performances this season and has a 3.3 YPC in his last two games. No doubt, he's the workhorse. But the 30-year-old is on pace for 295 carries. Really, what's the likelihood that he'll be in peak form in the fantasy playoffs?
As for DMC--yes, I've been beating the drum for some time. Might become tiresome after a while, but when someone with such downside remains so highly touted, it's important to be out in front. In his last three contests, the veteran RB is also averaging 3.3 YPC. His fantasy playoff schedule includes the Packers, Jets, and Bills. Relying on him as an RB1 or even RB2 down the stretch is a greater risk than I'd ever take. Keep scouring waivers. Trade if you can. DMC won't win anyone a title.
In other news, Brock Osweiler is nearly a must-add in 2-QB leagues. I've been beating the drum about Peyton Manning since the preseason, during which Osweiler appeared NFL-ready. It's a delicate issue. There's no reason to believe a healthy Peyton will be benched; Peyton is far more likely to take himself out, if it ever comes to that. We can blame his four-INT performance on injuries to his ribs and foot. But c'mon: There's more to this. We're watching the painful decline of an icon. If the Broncos want to win it all this year, they might have to make the toughest QB decision any team's made in, what, decades?
Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But the odds are, it will.