Fantasy Football: Dreams vs. Reality

Fantasy football is a hard thing to call. Will a quarterback go off this week against a shaky defense? Can anyone REALLY beat the Seahawks at home against the 12th man (the answer is YES!). Your main running back is a game-time decision for a Sunday night game, should you sub him out? These are all questions we must ask ourselves time and time again as fantasy football fanatics. Even the expert analysts get it wrong sometimes. While we all hope for the perfect storm of situations to boost our fantasy football points through the roof, no one ever really knows what will happen on Sunday afternoon.

Busts from Week 6:

Eli Manning, New York Giants (QB) –

While Manning was predicted to do quite well against a struggling Eagles defense, he ended up with a goose egg. That’s right, Manning and the Giants scored ZERO points against Philadelphia, and Manning ended the game with below 10 fantasy points. This wasn’t exactly the stellar fantasy performance we were expecting out of Eli Manning, much less a mediocre performance.

Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers (RB) –

In Week 5 Lacy recorded 13 carries for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. Week 6 was a completely different story. While he had 14 carries, he only rushed for 40 yards and no touchdowns. While it may seem like an easy matchup in Week 7 against the struggling Panthers, Lacy will continue to split carries with James Starks, putting his fantasy value on the decline

Surprises from Week 6:

Andre Holmes, Oakland Raiders (WR) –

With 195 yards and 3 touchdowns in the past two games, its safe to say Andre Holmes is here to stay. Claiming the number one wide receiver spot over James Jones, Holmes recorded 2 touchdowns against the San Diego Chargers. The jury is still out: How will Holmes do against tougher opponents?

Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins (TE) –

Jordan Reed played for the first time since Week 1. Reed caught eight passes on 11 targets for 92 yards in Sunday’s loss at Arizona. Niles Paul, Washington’s other tight end, recorded only one catch for 7 yards. Clearly a favorite to Kirk Cousins, Reed’s fantasy value should continue to rise.

Predictions for Week 7:

New England Patriots (Defense)-

The Patriots go up against the New York Jets this week, who allow an average of OVER 20 points and  never more than 14. A turn-over happy Geno Smith should make Week 7 a breeze for the Patriots Defense.

Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens (RB)-

Forsett took over the RB1 spot in Week 3 and has continued to perform ever since. He has averaged over 90 yards in the past three games. With the Falcons defense struggling against the run (11 touchdowns to opposing running backs so far this season), Forsett has a favorable matchup at home in Baltimore. It may be an easy road to the endzone.