Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans, RB
While six teams were on a bye this week, that did not mean there was less production this weekend. Far from it.
Although there were some great choices for “Stud of the Week”, it was a much-maligned running back who catapulted himself back into the limelight this week who is my choice.
You’ll read all about the rest of the week here, as I dissect and analyze the weekend that was. So, without further ado, here is the Weekend 411 from FP911.
Stud of the week
Chris Johnson: Tennessee Titans
Talk about redeeming yourself. Not since Lloyd Christmas sold the “Shaggin’ Wagon” for a scooter in Dumb and Dumber has a person redeemed himself so much. Johnson vaulted himself back into fantasy relevancy by having an outstanding afternoon in Buffalo, rushing for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
Other studs of note: Frank Gore, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, Arian Foster, Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Drew Brees, Josh Freeman, Lance Moore, Vincent Jackson, Miles Austin, Adrian Peterson, Andre Roberts, Santana Moss, Victor Cruz, Jeremy Kerley, Rob Gronkowski and Jonathan Dwyer.
Dud of the week
Ray Rice: Baltimore Ravens
Rice was fighting an uphill battle all day long. From the opening bell, the Ravens were in a hole and Rice never had a chance to make a mark in the game. Rice rushed for only 42 yards and caught five passes for 12 yards on the day.
Other duds of note: Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Joe Flacco, Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin, Alex Green, Jermichael Finley, Darren Sproles, Mike Williams, Felix Jones, Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, Dez Bryant, Christian Ponder, Larry Fitzgerald, Kyle Rudolph, William Powell, Brandon Lloyd, Andy Dalton and Calvin Johnson.
Rookies of impact
Brandon Weeden: Cleveland Browns
Slowly but surely, Weeden is gaining confidence playing in this league. Weeden threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns while not throwing an interception in Sunday’s loss to the Colts.
Andrew Luck: Indianapolis Colts
Luck showed his versatility on Sunday by rushing for two scores, while also passing for an additional 186 yards.
Doug Martin: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In what turned out to be a shootout, Martin did his part by rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown while also recording three receptions for 37 yards.
Robert Griffin III: Washington Redskins
In his first ever NFC East game, Griffin looked composed as usual and almost willed his Redskins to victory. On the day RGIII passed for 258 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 89 yards.
Alfred Morris: Washington Redskins
Morris keeps rolling along (22 carries for 120 yards) and if it weren’t for his teammate in RGIII, Morris could challenge for Rookie of the Year.
Ryan Broyles: Detroit Lions
The rookie out of Oklahoma has the talent and now that Broyles is showing that he is bouncing back (three receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown) from his ACL injury nicely, he can make for a savvy pickup.
Injuries of impact
Trent Richardson: Cleveland Browns
Richardson re-injured his ribs on Sunday and is considered day-to-day.
Fred Davis: Washington Redskins
Davis’ season is now over due to an Achilles injury.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars, RB
Maurice Jones-Drew: Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s unknown how long MJD will be out for with a foot injury, but he’ll definitely be out this coming week.
Blaine Gabbert: Jacksonville Jaguars
Not that he is of much importance in most leagues, but there is a chance that Gabbert will play in Week 8 after suffering an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.
Breakouts of note (waiver wire material)
Greg Little: Cleveland Browns
It’s hard to trust Little with his drops and all, but Little does ooze potential. Little had six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.
Kevin Walter: Houston Texans
Walter-who was good for 74 yards and a touchdown on four catches-has shown flashes of brilliance before but he is too inconsistent for anyone’s’ liking.
Dallas Clark: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Clark showed he still has some game left in his body, as he finally awoke from his slumber to post 51 yards and a touchdown on five catches.
LaRod Stephens-Howling, Arizona Cardinals, RB
LaRod Stephens-Howling: Arizona Cardinals
Last week it was William Powell who shined while Stephens-Howling struggled. Well, this week they switched places, as Stephens-Howling was the far superior runner of choice. Stephens-Howling was a beast on the day, as he rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown while also grabbing four passes for 45 yards.
Logan Paulsen: Washington Redskins
Stepping up in place of the injured Fred Davis, Paulsen was RGIII’s safety vale on the afternoon by recording four catches for 76 yards. Be careful in picking up Paulsen though; The Redskins just re-signed Chris Cooley to help out as well.
Rashad Jennings: Jacksonville Jaguars
If you’re a Jones-Drew owner, you should have already handcuffed him to Jennings. Jennings has a chance for a good bulk of carries while MJD recovers, which could be a while. If Jennings is available in your league, he is a must add.
Dustin Keller: New York Jets
For a team lacking in offensive playmakers, Keller was a boon to Mark Sanchez on the afternoon, as he went for 93 yards and a touchdown on seven catches.
Other interesting tidbits to chew on: If you started Steven Jackson, at least he got you a touchdown. It’s still been a horrible season for SJax…Is there a more maddening player to own other than Dez Bryant?…Anybody watch the NFL RedZone? Scott Hanson does a bang up job of navigating through all the games with grace and aplomb…
Want to rule the daily roost? Well, take on the fantasy pros and take part in the fp911challenge. What are you waiting for?
And as always keep up with the FP911 crew with our Google chats on Tuesday nights at 10 ET.
Follow me on Twitter @Stacdemon
Latest posts by Dan Stack (Posts)
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball: Players to Watch (Week 8) - May 20, 2013
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball: Players to Watch (Week 7) - May 13, 2013
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball: Players to Watch (Week 6) - May 7, 2013
@ScottHanson Thought you might like my article on fantasy football with a shout out to you at the end! http://t.co/jImCcLVe
2012 Fantasy Football: The Weekend 411 from FP911 (Week 7) http://t.co/jImCcLVe
2012 Fantasy Football: The Weekend 411 from FP911 (Week 7): While six teams were on a bye this week, that did no… http://t.co/2tp5Wjy9