Quarterbacks dominate football awards. They win the bulk of MVPs. It’s a surprise when one isn’t recognized as the most outstanding for the Super Bowl. They get the commercials, the media attention and the girls.
The Fantasy Tracker loves an underdog, so naming a QB as the top player is not the preferred course of action. But Peyton Manning made that impossible this season.
Manning already has set a new standard, establishing a new single-season touchdown record with 51 scoring passes. His worst fantasy outing of the season — a 12-point game Week 12 at New England — was less than a point under Adrian Peterson’s weekly 12.9 average. Manning’s 25.3 fantasy average was nearly five points better than his closest competitor — Drew Brees at 20.7.
Plus, he came up big at the most important time, notching three 30-plus games in the final four weeks of the legitimate fantasy season.
The Tracker wanted to give this award to Jamaal Charles, but his 19.7 per-game average was just too far behind, and it was inflated by a 51-point outburst in Week 15.
Thus, the was no other choice for the Fantasy Tracker 2013 Player of the Year than Peyton Manning. With this accomplishment, Manning has little left to prove this season, so expect him to take a seat early in this week’s regular-season finale at Oakland. Yeah, the Tracker has that kind of pull.
BEST RB: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs. He was 3.5 points better per week than the next best back, LeSean McCoy.
BEST WR: Josh Gordon, Browns. He led all receivers, despite missing the first two games. His three-game run in Weeks 12-14 put a lot of teams into the playoffs. Consolation: Calvin Johnson.
BEST TE: Jimmy Graham, Saints. This wasn’t even close. Maybe Rob Gronkowski could have competed had he been able to stay healthy.
BEST DEF/ST: Seahawks. The most consistent fantasy unit. Late-season swoon cost the Chiefs. Panthers and Cardinals warrant consideration.
BEST PICKUP: Nick Foles, Eagles. Had he played all season at the level he played the second half, he would be in running for MVP.
BUST QB: Tom Brady, Patriots. Didn’t live up to his draft position, but kept teasing throughout season, so many kept him in the lineup. Narrowly beats out Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick.
BUST RB: Ray Rice, Ravens. Didn’t get hurt, just didn’t produce. David Wilson was on his way to consideration before injury.
BUST WR: Hakeem Nicks, Giants. Score a touchdown already!
BUST TE: Jared Cook, Rams. Looked good in Week 1. That was about it.
BUST DEF/ST: Texans. Everything is bigger in Texas, including collapses.
BIGGEST INJURY: Aaron Rodgers, Packers. Many fantasy owners share Packers’ pain. Honorable mentions: Julio Jones, Falcons; Doug Martin, Buccaneers; Reggie Wayne, Colts.
Big weeks
Kyle Orton, QB, Cowboys, vs. Eagles
Even if Dallas runs more, as expected, Orton will be throwing against a lackluster defense. In a pinch, he is the best of waiver options.
Chris Ivory, RB, Jets, at Dolphins
In spoiler role, look for Jets to attack weak Miami run defense.
Mike Wallace, WR, Dolphins, vs. Jets
This has been a hit-and-mostly-miss season for Wallace. But he is a deep threat, and the Jets struggle against long passes.
Joseph Fauria, TE, Lions, at Vikings
If Calvin Johnson is limited, Detroit will need secondary options. Fauria is great in the red zone. Vikes are not so great defending TEs.
Small weaks
Andrew Luck, QB, Colts, vs. Jaguars
Sure, the matchup is great. Yeah, he has looked better recently (seven TDs in past three games), but he is a candidate for an early hook with the Colts having secured a playoff spot.
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers, at Cardinals
Arizona has the stingiest fantasy run defense in the league. They have given up just four rushing TDs all season.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions, at Vikings
Megatron is dealing with knee issues. There’s no reason for the Lions to risk significant injury to their best player in a meaningless game.
Kansas City, DEF/ST, Chiefs, at Chargers
K.C. has nothing to play for, but the Chargers do. The Chiefs were torched by San Diego (minus-7 fantasy points) in Week 12 when they did have something to play for.
The Decision
Drew Loftis and Steve Serby debate whom you should start this week:
Nick Foles vs. Jay Cutler
Loftis: Foles — Since you likely added him via waivers, you probably have another QB you toggle, or used to toggle. Whomever that QB is, bench him — even if it’s Peyton Manning. With the playoffs on the line, against a terrible Dallas defense, and a Cowboys team that finds a way to lose — often badly — in do-or-die games, Foles should be in for a monster game.
Serby: Cutler — He has shaken enough rust off in his two starts since replacing Josh McCown to make me think he is ready to engage Aaron Rodgers in a shootout with all the money on the line in the NFC North. It helps immeasurably that the Pack allows 248.8 passing yards per game this season, 21st in the NFL. It also helps Cutler that OLB Clay Mathews (thumb) won’t be available to harass him. Bombs away to Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery!
Last week: Loftis 15 (Ben Roethlisberger — 167 passing yards, two TDs, one INT, 13 rushing yards); Serby 12 (Kirk Cousins — 197 passing yards, one TD, one INT, 10 rushing yards).
Season: Series tied, 8-8.