Week Twelve Aftermath

More injuries, more upsets and more surprise performances highlighted week twelve. As the playoffs quickly approach, we spin around in the league in our weekly staple – the aftermath.

Week Twelve Fantasy MVP

Drew Brees capped off week twelve with a monster Monday night performance that featured 363 passing yards, four touchdowns and even a bonus rushing score. Owners who needed a big night to win their games were rewarded handsomely by Brees.

Week One Fantasy LVP

There were several players to choose from including Frank Gore, Dez Bryant and Vincent Jackson. Let’s go instead with Mike Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers who posted just two catches for 17 yards against the Chiefs.

Lineup Fun

The virtually unbeatable lineup of the week…

QB Drew Brees NO = 363 passing yards, five total touchdowns
RB Chris Wells ARI = 228 rushing yards, one touchdown
RB Roy Helu WAS = 108 rushing yards, 54 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB Marshawn Lynch SEA  = 111 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Victor Cruz NYG = 9 catches, 157 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Wes Welker NE = 8 catches, 115 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Johnny Knox CHI = 4 catches, 145 receiving yards, one touchdown
TE Jimmy Graham NO  = 5 catches, 84 receiving yards, two touchdowns

The dominant underdog lineup of the week…

QB Vince Young PHI = 400 passing yards, one touchdown, one INT, 40 rushing yards
RB Pierre Thomas NO  = 63 rushing yards, 47 receiving yards, one touchdown
RB DeAngelo Williams CAR = 69 rushing yards, two touchdowns
RB Donald Brown IND = 80 rushing yards, 17 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Lance Moore NO = 5 catches, 54 yards, two touchdowns
WR Jason Avant PHI = 8 catches, 110 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR James Jones GB = 3 catches, 94 recieving yards, one touchdown
TE Joel Dreesen HOU = One catch, 20 receiving yards, one touchdown

You probably lost if your lineup looked like this...

QB Alex Smith SF = 140 passing yards, one INT
RB Kevin Smith = 57 total yards, one sprained ankle
RB Frank Gore SF = 48 total yards
RB Rashard Mendenhall PIT = 57 rushing yards, 10 receiving yards
WR Mike Wallace PIT = Two catches, 17 receiving yards
WR Jordy Nelson GB = Four catches, 26 receiving yards
WR Vincent Jackson SD = 2 catches, 25 receiving yards
TE Greg Olsen CAR  = Three catches, 24 receiving yards

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if…

I don’t have a viable backup to Aaron Rodgers for the fantasy playoffs. If you still can, it’s time to find a way to get Matt Flynn.

I think Chad Ochocinco has any shot at relevance in 2011.

I don’t think TJ Yates has at least a chance to be a hero this season.

I think Laurent Robinson is just going to go away when Miles Austin comes back.

I’m hoping for something from Sidney Rice the rest of the way. His concussion was a little scary and the Seahawks are sure to be careful with their best receiver.

I’m banking on Adrian Peterson or Darren McFadden playing this week.

I have any hope that Matt Leinart will ever develop into an effective player now. It’s unfortunate, but he missed out on a golden opportunity.

I’m hoping Kyle Orton can put up nice numbers in Kansas City. This team is in disarray and let’s not forget that Orton was benched for poor play this season.

I think Roy Helu is going to run with the Redskins job on a permanent basis. You just can’t count on it.  We’ve seen this show before.

I’m dismissing Marshawn Lynch. After a horrible start, Lynch is on a nice little roll now.

I expect a late season breakout from Reggie Wayne.  It was a nice game, but the Colts are just awful.

I think Dez Bryant is going to emerge into a WR1 this year. I think it’s pretty simple – Bryant is good enough to command the defense to put their #1 DB on him. He’s just not good enough to beat that DB on a consistent basis at this point.

I’m still dismissing Victor Cruz. I caught some heat last week when I suggested Cruz was the one Giants receiver who I felt was the best to start going forward this season. I think that heat will die down a little this week.

I expect anything consistent from Eric Decker. Tim Tebow is winning, but killing his receivers.

I need consistency from either Jonathan Stewart or DeAngelo Williams. Why did Williams re-sign with the Panthers? He effectively destroyed both their values this season.

I own DeSean Jackson in my dynasty league. He was usually good for a big play now and then, but the alligator arm thing is getting a little old.

I need some production from Dwayne Bowe. It’s not his fault, but his numbers are going to likely suffer the rest of the year with the trouble the Chiefs have on offense.

I own Vincent Jackson. His inconsistency is absolutely maddening.

A Look Ahead to Hot Names on the Week Two Waiver Wire
Remember, we don’t repeat names on back-to-back weeks here, that’s why you don’t see a guy like TJ Yates – we suggested him last week. 

1. Ramses Barden, WR NYG

Manningham can’t stay healthy and Barden has finally flashed some talent.

2. Brett Favre, QB FA

I dunno.

3. Aaron Brown, RB DET

Lions running backs are dropping like flies and he was recently re-signed.

4. Riley Cooper, WR PHI

DeSean Jackson may find himself in the doghouse permanently here soon.