Week Eleven's Top Performers and Under Achievers

A Running Back in a Quarter Backs league.

If you recall last week's "Top Performers" article I made the point that based off fantasy scoring alone one could make the overwhelming case that the NFL is a QB's league. This Sunday the prosecution presented more evidence in the case of QB vs. everyone else as 6 out of the top 10 scorers were QBs. More notable names from Ben Roethlisberger (18/29 275 yards 3 tds plus a rushing td), Aaron Rodgers (22/31 301 yards 4 scores), and Drew Brees (29/43 382 yards and 4 tds) to the emerging Ryan Fitzpatrick (21/34 316 yards and 4 scores) who along with top performing RB Fred Jackson (21 carries for 116 yards and 2 scores), and top performing WR Steve Johnson (8 receptions for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns) made an amazing comeback against the cardiac cats in Cincinnati all but sealing another head coaching vacancy at seasons end.

Elsewhere, some guys who need to start playing like their paycheck demands, had some subpar games. In Tennessee, against a Redskins D that has let anyone and everyone score on them, the only thing Vince Young (12/16 165 yards) accomplished was getting benched in favor of rookie QB Rusty Smith. Meanwhile in Carolina, against a Panthers running defense that would let Barry Switzer rush for 100+ yards, Willis McGahee managed to rush 8 times for 23 yards and caught an amazing 2 catches for -10 yards! Furthermore in Dallas, Roy E. Williams is still continued to be haunted by the injury of Tony Romo and the new look Garrett Cowboys as he made it 5 straight weeks without a touchdown catching 2 passes for 20 yards. In the didn't know two guys who play the same position for different teams have the exact same name section of fantasy football Zack Miller of the Jaguars caught more passes and yards (3-27) as a backup to Mercedes Lewis then the Raiders starter Zack Miller (2-9).

In case you were looking for it, Brent Celek went 0-0-0 once again Sunday not receiving a single target from Vick against the Giants. That makes for an astounding 4 catches for 16 yards over the last 4 games. The FANTASY BLACK HOLE consumes another performance by Celek.

Week Seven Pick Up

He's Buster. Not a bust. 

So it's a bye week and you need a wide receiver to replace Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Santonio Holmes, or Braylon Edwards production? May I interest you in a Buster, notice I didn't say bust, Davis of the San Diego Chargers?

Because of injuries Davis looks likely to be the best threat the Chargers will have on the field Sunday against the Patriots. Signs are pointing towards Legedu Naanee, Malcolm Floyd, and even Antonio Gates being questionable for game time leaving the door open for Davis to be the recipient of Phillip River's throws. Playing this role last week against the Rams Davis scored 1 touchdown on 3 receptions for 39 yards. Although a big game isn't expected from Davis a good points day is, and should really only be kept for this week as your other studs will return next week and so will the Chargers main receiving threats.

Other wide receivers of note:

• Deion Branch, NE Patriots: 9/98 and a score looks awfully good.
• Jabar Gaffney, Denver Broncos: the most consistent Broncos WR thus far has a very nice matchup this week against Oakland. 
• Steve Johnson, Buffalo Bills: although the matchup doesn't look good, the Baltimore Ravens, he does have 4 touchdowns in his last 3 games.
• Danario Alexander, St. Louis Rams: yeah it's just one game, but with his big frame he could become Bradford's go-to-guy.