Monday Morning Hangover: Week Fifteen
Every Sunday we’re featuring the Sunday Six Pack that covers the day’s biggest storylines. We follow this up each and every Monday with the Monday Hangover, which looks back on those stories and covers what we learned. These back-to-back articles are sure to get you primed, pumped and informed throughout the entire season. In addition, reading these articles will ensure you understand the dangers of not paying attention or drinking too much on Sundays.
Can #1) Kissin’ Cousins
No RGIII, no problem. Kirk Cousins started for the uncleared Robert Griffin III and promptly threw for 329 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also added 22 yards rushing on three attempts. In the end, the Redskins handled the Browns by a score of 38-21. Cousins is not nearly as dynamic as is Griffin, but Redskin fans won’t complain with a 104 quarterback rating, their fifth win in a row and, at 8-6, a share of the three-way-tie in the NFC East. We fully expect Griffin to be at the helm against the Eagles in week 16, but Cousins has put himself on the map with this performance. And as was mentioned by one of the broadcasters during the game, the Redskins look to have drafted two quarterbacks better than Cleveland’s Brandon Weeden.
Can #2) Purple Haze
Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson was simply unstoppable yet again on Sunday when he rumbled for 212 yards on 24 totes, capped by an 82 yard touchdown jaunt early in the second quarter. Now with 1,812 yards and two games remaining, Eric Dickerson’s single-year rushing record is in serious jeopardy. Next week, the Vikings visit the Houston Texans before finishing the season at home against Green Bay. If Houston gave up 100+ to the Colts’ Vick Ballard this past Sunday, what will AP put up? Look for the Texans to stack the box and force Christian Ponder to beat them with his less-than-stellar arm, though that won’t exactly be anything new to Peterson.
Can #3) Press Your Luck
Andrew Luck wasn’t spectacular, but was simply efficient on Sunday as the Colts visited the impressive Texans. When the dust settled, Luck’s 186 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions couldn’t overcome the prolific offense that is Houston, as the Colts fell by a score of 29-17. Luck failed to reach a fifty-percent completion percentage and only completed 13 of his passes on the day, numbers that were nearly matched by the Texans’ Andre Johnson (11/151/1). Reggie Wayne was held to three receptions for 14 yards, letting owners down at a critical time. Look for Luck to bounce back in week 16 when he and the Colts visit Kansas City, before finishing the year by welcoming the Texans to Indianapolis for a rematch.
Can #4) For Mothers and Fantasy Owners Only
As ugly as some of the games were prior to kick-off on Sunday, they proved to be even uglier when the final whistle blew. That’s not to say that there weren’t fantasy performers from these games – raise your hand if you started any of the following: Calvin Johnson, Beanie Wells, DeAngelo Williams, Cam Newton or Sebastian Janikowski. But beyond these players, the games weren’t competitive, nor were they exciting. There are some bad teams out there this year that are a LONG way from being competitive.
Can #5) The Unstoppable Force meets the Immovable Object
We hope you abide by the “never sit your studs” rule that we constantly drone on about. For nearly three quarters, Tom Brady owners were likely strongly considering turning off the TV and giving up fantasy football once and for all. But with 6:00 remaining in the third quarter, Brady and the Patriots came to life as Tom Terriffic strung four quick touchdown drives together, likely thrilling fantasy owners and frustrating those playing against him. That said, the run-game vultured two of those touchdowns and Brady accounted for only two touchdowns himself, including one on the ground. He also completed 36-of-65 passes for 443 yards and two interceptions.
For his part, Colin Kaepernick proved that he is, indeed, San Francisco’s future quarterback by throwing for 216 yards, four touchdowns and one interception while also adding another 28 yards on the ground. In perhaps the best game of the day (for two quarters at least), the 49ers eventually triumphed by the score of 41-34. The Patriots finish the season with a trip to Jacksonville before hosting the Dolphins in week 17.  You’ll want Brady in your lineup.  For the 9’ers, it’s a visit to the Emerald City (Seattle) for a heated contest followed by a contest against Arizona in the City by the Bay.
Can #6) Superdome Shootout
Ugly. At least for Tampa Bay. Many fantasy owners remember Josh Freeman’s last tilt vs. New Orleans in week six, when he threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns. For those looking for a similar performance, it was anything but. Freeman finished the day with 279 yards through the air, zero touchdowns and four interceptions. Adding salt to the wound, he also lost a fumble. If your format penalizes for turnovers, Freeman scored negative points for you in this most important week.
Meanwhile, Drew Brees was busy being Drew Brees, throwing for 307 yards and four touchdowns with no turnovers. It wasn’t that it was only bad for Freeman owners. His pathetic performance put them in a hole quickly to a point where the run-game was non-existent as well.  As a result, Doug Martin managed only 16 yards on nine carries, in addition to 19 yards on three receptions. The final score … 41-0. And it wasn’t that close.
You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff
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