Week Thirteen Aftermath

Ken Kelly Posted On December 6, 2011

As we head into the fantasy playoffs, there seem to be a few different players who are emerging as “must haves” for the stretch run. Week thirteen will be remembered for some of them putting on epic performances and for one very significant injury to Matt Forte. We take a look back and a look forward in this week’s edition of the Weekly Aftermath.

Week Thirteen Fantasy MVP

We caught a lot of heat from pundits everywhere in regards to us ranking Cam Newton in the middle of the first round of rookie drafts. Many thought we were crazy to have him ranked there. Turns out they were right – but it was too low, not too high. Newton has been shockingly effective and even dominant during stretches this season. This week’s four touchdown performance left little question as to who the fantasy rookie of the year will be.

Week Thirteen Fantasy LVP

While many players had games with stat lines worse than his, DeMarco Murray was supposed to tear through the Cardinals’ defense en route to a huge afternoon. Twelve carries for 38 yards didn’t exactly vault anyone into the fantasy playoffs. After a month of greatness, this was a huge disappointment for Murray owners.

Lineup Fun

The virtually unbeatable lineup of the week…

QB Cam Newton CAR = 204 passing yards, 54 rushing yards, four total touchdowns
RB Shonn Greene NYJ = 114 total yards, three touchdowns
RB Chris Johnson TEN = 153 rushing yards, two touchdowns
RB Ray Rice BAL = 204 rushing yards, one touchdown
WR Percy Harvin MIN = 8 catches, 156 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Pierre Garcon IND = 9 catches, 150 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Demaryius Thomas DEN = 4 catches, 144 receiving yards, two touchdowns
TE Rob Gronkowski NE = 5 catches, 64 receiving yards, three total touchdowns

The dominant underdog lineup of the week…

QB Christian Ponder MIN = 381 passing yards, three touchdowns, two INTs
RB Dexter McCluster KC = 107 total yards, one touchdown
RB Ricky Williams BAL = 76 rushing yards, one touchdown
RB Toby Gerhart MIN = 133 total yards
WR Malcom Floyd SD = 4 catches, 108 yards, one touchdown
WR Donald Driver GB = 4 catches, 34 receiving yards, two touchdowns
WR Kyle Williams SF = 2 catches, 66 recieving yards, one touchdown
TE Travis Beckum NYG = One catch, 67 receiving yards, one touchdown

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

QB Joe Flacco BAL = 158 passing yards
RB Steven Jackson STL = 30 total yards
RB DeMarco Murray DAL = 38 rushing yards
RB Michael Bush OAK = 45 total yards
WR DeSean Jackson PHI = Four catches, 34 receiving yards
WR Brandon Lloyd STL = One catch, 34 receiving yards
WR Steve Smith CAR = 2 catches, 32 receiving yards
TE Brandon Pettigrew DET = Two catches, 13 receiving yards

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if…

I expect anything close to that performance from Dan Orlovsky the rest of the way. For those who didn’t watch, that was a massive garbage time stat pileup.

I think Shonn Greene has turned the corner. He hasn’t…and he can’t.

I’m expecting consistency from any Denver wide receiver. With Tim Tebow at the helm, you’re just not going to be sure from one week to the next.

I own DeSean Jackson in my dynasty league. His act is getting old in a hurry.

I expect Marshawn Lynch to slow down. Previously left for dead, he’s suddenly looking like a high-end RB2.

I think Roy Helu is going to lead my team to the promised land. Remember, Mike Shanahan hates you.

I own Matt Forte. There really isn’t much to say here.

I’m dismissing Willis McGahee. He looks like he’s 25 again and the Broncos are obviously fine with running the ball 100 times if they need to.

I’m banking on Calvin Johnson for the fantasy playoffs. He’s scored one touchdown in a month and teams have figured out that double and triple teaming him seems to be a recipe for success.

I have Frank Gore, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and a host of other players out there. We’re getting to the point where you can really see some players resting here shortly.

A Look Ahead to some Hot Names on the Week Fourteen Waiver Wire

1. Taylor Price, WR JAX

He was claimed and the Jags have a serious need for any type of playmaker – he’s worth a shot in a dynasty league.

2. Kyle Williams WR SF

The 49ers have always liked him and he’s scored in two of the last three.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK