Fantasy owners can only sit and watch
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Fantasy football is a screwy game. I mean, it’s fantasy, right? Owners of fantasy football teams have no connection to the players they put out there on a weekly basis and root like crazy for on Sunday.
At no time was that more evident than on Sunday. Two examples highlight that fact: First, Brian Westbrook’s sitting down on the 1-yard line with a sure touchdown in his sights. Second, LaDainian Tomlinson being pulled in the second half of a blowout win over Detroit.
Westbrook’s moment was a brilliant move for his football team, but it left many fantasy owners pulling their hair out, especially if they missed moving on in the playoffs by six points or less. I can’t remember a player ever sitting down with a sure touchdown and glory in his grasp.
As for Tomlinson, he was picked No. 1 in most fantasy drafts to come through in the final quarter of the season. Last week he came through with 173 combo yards and two TDs. This past week he did rush for 116 yards and two TDs, but Chargers coach Norv Turner pulled him after halftime and put in Darren Sproles, who promptly rushed for 122 yards and two TDs.
There’s no way to predict this kind of stuff. And that’s really what makes fantasy sports fun.
Who’s going to sit this week?
Answer: The biggest candidates this week are Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne. Indy is locked into the No. 2 playoff seed in the AFC and doesn’t have much to play for. But Colts coach Tony Dungy says his players will play out the string to stay fresh. But does that mean start then sit the second half? I think you have to play these three this week, but come Week 17, I’d sit them if you’re still going. The Patriots are playing until they lose, though, a blowout win this week could mean part-time play from Brady and Co. Of course, start them. Other than that everybody should be playing the entire game — unless, of course, the Chargers blow out the Broncos.
Will Tony Romo be OK?
Answer: Do you mean his thumb or his ego? The Cowboys QB is apparently fine after injuring his thumb when he hit a helmet against the Eagles Sunday and his ego is rehabilitated after his “friend” Jessica Simpson witnessed the debacle. He faces the Panthers on Saturday and Romo has fond memories of Carolina, where last season he made debut as a starter. Romo threw for 270 yards and a touchdown against Carolina last season and he should be able to do more Saturday. He’ll bounce back and put up 320 yards and at least two TDs.
What’s up with Donovan McNabb?
Answer: There’s little doubt McNabb will play his final game as a Philadelphia Eagle next Sunday against Buffalo. He’s been spouting off for years about his displeasure with the Eagles, and the final straw may have occurred Sunday when Fox’s Pam Oliver reported he didn’t believe he’d be back and basically that was fine with him (McNabb later denied the report). Basically it’s over. So where does McNabb land? I say Chicago. Most rumors have him starting for the Bears next season and I think it could work. He’ll be looking to prove himself and he’ll have a solid supporting cast. That’s usually a good recipe for success.
How will weather affect games this week?
Answer: After last Sunday’s snowball fight in Cleveland, weather hit many fantasy owners on the nose. Early forecasts show the Browns could be in for some more snow on Sunday when they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. Look for Buffalo to get some snow as well for their game against the New York Giants. As for rain and sloppy conditions, look no further than Qwest Field, where weeks of rain should culminate in a cold, rainy day on Sunday.
Where can I get some help?
Answer: Throw Maurice Jones-Drew in there against a poor rush defense in the Raiders. Jacksonville will run the ball and it’s about time Jones-Drew goes off. I know that Carson Palmer has been a major disappointment over the past two weeks, but stick with him this Sunday (if the snow doesn’t materialize) against a poor pass defense in the Browns. Watch the Saints’ David Patten go off Sunday against an Eagles team that is bound for a letdown.
Didn’t get your question answered? Send all questions to aswaney@heraldnet.com. For Aaron Swaney’s blog, check out cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/heraldnet/realitybites
