I understand that you, the reader, would like some sort of compelling introduction to this edition of 'The Morning After'. It's only natural to want a lead that would pique your interest in some meaningful way or shed light on an overlooked statistical nugget or trend.
I get that, I really do.
However, today is December 25th, and you know what that means, right?
It's Kwanzaa Eve!
How am I supposed to have the time to write a full-fledged column on Kwanzaa Eve? It's just unrealistic.
As such, what follows isn't your typical 'TMA'. I'm limiting today's column to Shanahan Corner and this clever little intro. I hope you enjoy the Holiday brevity.
Shanahan Corner:
Rookie Mike Bell (16/69, TD; 1/13) fared well Sunday but Tatum Bell (12/50, fum) disappointed for the second week in a row in the Broncos 24-23 win over the Bengals.
Through 16 weeks in my points per reception league, Tatum Bell has now scored 151 points. Mike Bell has scored 140. Judging by recent trends, Mike just may catch Tatum in next week's season finale at San Francisco.
Wouldn't it be poetry if they ended this season with exactly the same amount of fantasy points? Could there be a more fitting ending to this 2006 edition of The Mike Shanahan Backfield experiment?
I think not.
Laurence Maroney (7/48, TD; 2/10) returned to the Patriots in Week 16 and his presence was absolutely felt.
Maroney darted through the left side of the Pats line in the fourth quarter of a tight game and raced 27 yards to pay dirt in the Pats 24-21 win in Jacksonville. Corey Dillon (10/30, TD) also scored, but it was Maroney that made his presence known on this Sunday. It was unquestionably a portent of things to come.
It's unlikely that Dillon will be back in New England next season. He's old and getting older (Corey will be 33 nest season, ancient by running back standards), he's not exactly a bargain and, well, they've got Larry Maroney ready to take the helm.
Maroney makes for a tasty keeper league candidate for these reasons and more. Spend what you have to in order to retain his 2007 services.
It looks like Reggie Bush can play running back, too.
Bush (20/126, TD; 2/23) had his best day as a runner to his point in his young career in Sunday's 30-7 thrashing of the soon-to-be-Tom Coughlin-less Giants. The points per reception crowd might not have been too pleased, as Bush sometimes puts up more fantasy points when he doesn't line up in the backfield. But not many of his owners are going to complain when he goes over 100 yards and scores.
Deuce McAllister (27/108, TD; 2/14) also had a productive day for this juggernaut of a Shanahan backfield.
The Panthers got a lot of production from their decent duo of runners Sunday. And it's a good thing, too, as their quarterback, Chris Wienke, attempted just seven passes and completed just four in Carolina's 10-3 win over the Falcons
DeShaun Foster (28/102; 1/5) led the way with DeAngelo Williams (21/82; 1/5) not far behind.
There was just 371 yards of total offense gained in this game. That's not a lot.
These two backs have virtually equal values with Foster owning a slight edge due to his heavier workload. I'm putting the split here at 55-45 for Foster.
The Chicago backfield finally completed its flip-flop in Week 16 with Cedrick Benson (15/49; 2/8) out-carrying, though not out-producing, incumbent Thomas Jones (12/62; 2/10).
The real kicker here is that it was Adrian Peterson (3/5, TD; 2/7) that scored the lone Bears rushing touchdown against the hapless Lions (now 2-13 if you're scoring at home).
I still have Jones with a 55-45 edge in value over Benson, but anything could happen in Week 17. And let me take this opportunity to point out once again that if you're playing fantasy football in Week 17, you're just silly.
Late to the party of 2006 Shanahan backfields are the Tampa Bay Bucs, but they seem to be making up for lost time with a sleigh full of uncertainty.
With Carnell Williams out of action with a bruised right foot, a pair of Mike's—Pittman (16/86, TD; 4/21) and Alstott (22/56) split the majority of the workload in the Buccaneers 22-7 win over Cleveland.
Pittman is the runner to own here, especially in points per reception leagues. But Alstott has some value as he'll likely be the goal line back. I'm putting the split at 70-30 for Pittman in points per reception leagues and 60-40 in standard formats.
Joseph Addai (15/100; 4/8) finally dominated Dominic Rhodes (2/15; 1/6, fum) in the Colts 27-24 loss to the Texans. Not bad for a guy that was in a walking boot earlier this week, huh?
Wait a minute. Did I read that right? The Houston Texans beat the Colts? I think I've just found the sign of the apocalypse I've been looking for.
If you'll excuse me, it's time for me to spend all my savings and gorge myself on some delicious holiday cookies. And would you happen to know where Scarlett Johannson lives? Like, her exact address?
| |
Rocco DeMaro is a writer, a broadcaster and an all around pleasant individual. You can reach him at Rocco@wpgb.com. |
Contact Rocco DeMaro
|
| |