By The Numbers - Week 9

It’s time for a look at the fantasy numbers for week 9. The studs were predictable, and the crap floated to the top. Finally, we pay homage to great defense, that what wins championships.

LT & The Rest

LaDanian Tomlinson – LT2 showed everyone why he is the best player in the NFL right now (TO? Please …). He ran for 107 yards and 3 TDs and caught another 3 balls for 46 yards and another TD. That’s 31 fantasy points, babies. I guess all that’s left is to kick a field goal and a little time at strong safety …

Peyton Manning/Tom Brady – Each of these QBs threw for 3 TDs and 250+ yards for bookend totals of 23 fantasy points. Too bad for Brady that the Pats D played like a sieve – or was that just Peyton making them look bad?

Anybody see that stellar performance by the Carolina defense? Five sacks, two picks, a fumble recovery and a TD for 20 fantasy points. I’m looking forward to my Skinnies getting their shot at Chris Simms … just hope that Chucky doesn’t fall for Tim Rattay this week in practice.

It Ain’t Pretty

The Island of Misfit QBs – Lead by Charlie Batch (-1 points) and Cody Pickett (0 points), the backup vocals by Kordell Stewart (1 point) and Mr. Mop-up Doug Flutie (-2 points) drowned out a respectable performance by Kurt Warner (4 fantasy points thanks to 3 picks and a fumble). Even Santa wouldn’t pick up this motley crew …

Brett Favre appears close to flat-lining his career. I’m sure we’ll see a dead-cat bounce sometime, but after successive crappy performances, this once-great QB appears done. His 214 passing yards were eclipsed by the almost guaranteed INT (or two) and a fumble, leaving his owners with zero fantasy points for the week.

On a personal note, my trade for Kevin Jones took a hit this week with another injury-shortened zero fantasy point performance (15 yards rushing, 8 yards receiving). This stud-dud had better get it together or he’s going to join Jamal Lewis on the RB junk heap in favor of the nom-du-jour, Sam Gado. That name ought to be worth two fantasy points right there!

This Week in Fantasy History

This week, we take a look at two week 10 defensive performances from the 2001 season that are hard to beat.

Against the Dallas Cowboys (Boo! Hiss!), the Philadelphia Eagles took advantage of one of football’s biggest busts for two INT returns for TDs. Add in two fumble recoveries, three sacks and only 3 points allowed on a late FG, and you have 30 fantasy points. Who’s the bust you ask? He’s none other than California’s favorite son, Ryan Leaf.

Not to be outdone, the New York Jets threw down the horrible Miami Dolphins offense to the tune of 35 fantasy points. They did it with two INT returns for TDs, another pick, two fumble recoveries, three sacks and a shutout in a 24-0 pasting of the woeful Floridian fish. Thank you Jay Fiedler!