Monday Morning Hangover: Week Sixteen

Jeff Haverlack Posted On December 24, 2012

Can #1) Ballard’s Ballad

Vick Ballard was a flex start in week sixteen against a vulnerable Kansas City team and fantasy coaches in their championship games were hopeful the lack of other runners in Indy would provide quality touches in this most important week. In the end, Ballard could only muster 69 yards on 20 carries, good for a 3.5 yards per carry average. No receptions on the day added further salt to the wound, but it could have been worse. With the win, the Colts are in the playoffs on the capable arm of Andrew Luck and Ballard looks to be the likely opening day back in 2013, uninspiring as that is.

Can #2) What Will Be Of The Knee of RG3?

As expected, Robert Griffin III was under center on Sunday but also as expected, he played the role of a pocket quarterback and only registered two rushing attempts for a miniscule four yards. It appears as though he emerged from the contest no worse for wear and posted respectable numbers while doing it by finishing 16-of-24 for 198 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Championship game coaches would have preferred a more notable effort, especially if going head-to-head with the likes of Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees. The Rookie of the Year candidate will finish the season at home against an equally desperate Cowboys team.

Can #3) Brady’s Revenge

With 267 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, Tom Brady turned in a solid yet unspectacular day against the terrible Jaguars. Truth be told, Brady pulled out a decent game from the brink of disaster following his two early interceptions. Again, much like that of RGIII above, championship owners were hopeful of more a more noteworthy performance from the elite Brady. This week, Brandon Lloyd only secured six receptions for 62 yards and Aaron Hernandez let fantasy owners down with a pathetic one reception for 13 yards. Over the past three weeks, Brady has attempted an impressive 141 passes. At 35 years of age, he likely still has at least another three good years in him.

Can #4) Peterson’s Pursuit

Another big player, another relatively poor week. Adrian Peterson continues to chase the 2,000 yard mark as well as Eric Dickerson’s record, but his week 16 tilt vs. the formidable Houston defense left owners wanting far more. On the day, Peterson could only muster 86 rushing yards on 25 carries while adding a single reception for four yards. Ten fantasy points (in PPR formats) isn’t going to get it done for owners in most weeks and certainly not in the championship. The Vikings host the Packers in a must win game to finish the season and with Peterson needing 102 yards for 2,000, expect a healthy dose of the MVP candidate – the Vikings assure themselves a playoff spot with a win.

Can #5) Is Trent Spent?

The good news is that Cleveland’s Trent Richardson’s rushing yardage increased to 53 yards in week 16. The bad news is that playing from behind from the opening kickoff against Peyton Manning and the Broncos, he only received nine carries. He also added another 15 yards on three receptions. As has been the trend in this article thus far, it’s another sub-par performance from a big name at the worst possible time. He’s 60 yards shy of 1,000 on the season and the rookie faces a formidable Pittsburgh run defense to finish the season. If I were a betting man, and I have been in the past, my money would be on the under. Rest easy owners, Richardson has performed well enough in 2012 to be a foundation piece on your team for years to come. As long as the Browns can get better quarterback play in 2013, all arrows should be pointing up.

Can #6) NFC Showdown

Showdown it was, competitive it wasn’t. The Seahawks and their twelfth man showed up big-time in the Emerald city, downing the first place 49ers by the score of 42-13, with the lone touchdown by San Francisco’s’ Delanie Walker coming in garbage time. But the story of the night, yet again, was the play of Seattle’s quarterback Russell Wilson, who threw for a meager 171 yards on 15-of-21 passing, but made the most of his completions by tossing four touchdowns to only a single interception. Wilson also added another 29 yards on six rushes making for a fine fantasy day for owners willing to take the risk. Also having a solid night was none other than Marshawn Lynch, who rumbled for 111 yards on 26 totes with a single touchdown. Lynch added 19 yards and a touchdown on two receptions as well. He could have had a monstrous night if he had been able to make good on multiple first and goal situations, but fantasy owners can’t complain with his performance this night.

The Seahawks have put themselves in the playoffs and could even secure the division with a win next week combined with a loss by the 49ers at home to the visiting Cardinals – not likely. But regardless, one has to wonder just how good this undersized Russell Wilson can be? Undersized quarterbacks come and go all the time without a hint of success, but it’s safe to say that proven collegiate work-ethic, performance and leadership won’t be immediately discarded in the future.

Can #7) Bonus – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All

In recent days, which have been overshadowed by unthinkable acts committed against each other, I’ve found it very important to connect at a much deeper level with anyone providing the opportunity to do so, known to me or not. I’ve been holding to this desire during this holiday season which should serve as a reminder to cherish those close to us, send love to those far from us and celebrate the humanity of all of us.

I know I can speak for all of us here at DLF by saying we have enjoyed the past year here in our corner of cyberspace with each and every one of you, subscriber or not. Even in the smallest way, through a ridiculous shared game of fantasy football, we connect at some level with each other. A connection that none of us takes for granted.

We wish you the happiest and safest of holiday seasons and a healthy, prosperous, new year!

We’ll wrap this series up next week! I hope that many of you found championships under your fantasy tree.

Author
Recent Posts

Jeff Haverlack

Co-Founder at Dynasty League Football

Appreciative husband and proud father who poorly attempts to balance family life with his passion for creating the largest, most helpful and most impactful fantasy community on the planet! DLF was created for the community and we're committed to each member within it! Hope anyone playing this great game will call DLF home in some way!

You can find Jeff on Twitter at @dlf_jeff

Latest posts by Jeff Haverlack (see all)