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Fantasy stars stumble when it counts

01:34 AM CST on Tuesday, December 18, 2007


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Now I've seen it all.

When Brian Westbrook intentionally sat down at the Cowboys' 1-yard line after a 24-yard burst, opting to run out the clock rather than stake the Eagles to an 11-point lead with just over two minutes to go, a fault line opened in the fantasy universe. Countless owners fell into the fissure, hands stretching desperately for the brass ring that only seconds earlier seemed within their reach.

It was a play that will live in fantasy football infamy.

But that was hardly the only shocker delivered in Week 15. In fact, the list of fantasy goats was nearly triple the length of the heroes.

Credit the elements with grounding Tom Brady and the Patriots' prolific air attack, though the normally unflappable passer has overcome worse conditions in the past with lesser receivers. Blame the wind and snow for Derek Anderson's ineffecftiveness, though Phil Dawson managed to nail a 49-yard field goal on the same snowy field.

Give the Raiders defense its props for disrupting Peyton Manning's rhythm, though veterans of our game have come to expect an ill-timed swoon from him at some point of each fantasy postseason.

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook took a seat at the 1-yard line instead of scoring a sure touchdown.
TOM FOX / DMN
Eagles running back Brian Westbrook took a seat at the 1-yard line instead of scoring a sure touchdown.

But how do we explain a solitary scoring strike from red-hot Matt Hasselbeck against an extremely vulnerable Panthers secondary? Do we chalk up Tony Romo's implosion to a bum thumb or Jessica Simpson's distracting presence in the luxury box?

You know someone has angered the fantasy gods when the Chargers shove 51 points down the Lions' throats and Antonio Gates emerges with one 8-yard reception.

Laveranues Coles was activated for the Jets but never trotted onto the field. Joey Galloway capitalized on Jeff Garcia's return with a measly 7-yard reception. Roddy White followed up three consecutive stellar outings with a 4-yard effort. Marion Barber's 32-yard afternoon topped the production of Travis Henry, Thomas Jones, Shaun Alexander, Rudi Johnson and Kevin Jones.

Two of the top three receiving performances through Sunday were posted by Roydell Williams and Greg Camarillo, for crying out loud.

And I suppose you're going to tell me the Buccaneers scored the first kickoff return touchdown of their 32-year existence and the Dolphins got off the schneid against Baltimore, too.

Indeed, there was a disturbance in the force Sunday, the repercussions of which are still being assessed. Blame Westbrook.

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, you need to start with a good draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at a few players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's lineup.

Catch 'em while you can

Kenton Keith, RB, Indianapolis: He should be stowed away on someone's roster for just this occasion. The Colts have secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC, rendering their remaining games meaningless. Look for Keith to carry the load against Houston.

Roydell Williams, WR, Tennessee: Teams still vying for a fantasy championship aren't likely this desperate, but Williams has reeled in three touchdowns over the last three weeks. Vince Young's inconsistency makes him completely unreliable; but on the plus side, the Jets are up next.

Tony Scheffler, TE, Denver: With Daniel Graham likely out for the remainder of the regular season, and Javon Walker still struggling, Scheffler is due for more looks from Jay Cutler. He exploited his opportunity against Houston on Thursday night, catching seven passes for 100 yards and a score.

Don't be fooled

Darren Sproles, RB, San Diego: The significance of Sproles' 122-yard, two-touchdown breakout game won't be felt until the 2008 fantasy draft, when LaDainian Tomlinson's owners consider him as insurance for their top pick. Unless LT goes down in practice this week, you won't start him this season; so don't waste a roster spot.

Dominic Rhodes, RB, Oakland: Justin Fargas may be lost for the season after spraining his knee against the Colts. Rhodes is most likely to get the start, but LaMont Jordan may share carries. Worse still, a road game in Jacksonville is in the offing.

Kevin Boss, TE, NY Giants: The rookie nabbed the first touchdown catch of his career in a game in which Jeremy Shockey was lost for the season with a broken leg. Though he'll be expected to step up, Eli Manning's ineffectiveness should steer you in another direction.

BAD BREAKS

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis: His 5-yard TD scramble was overturned on a replay challenge.

Vince Young, QB, Tennessee: His 18-yard scoring strike to Bo Scaife was nullified on a holding penalty.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia: Swung countless playoff contests when he sat down at the Cowboys' 1 after a 24-yard run.

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville: Took an 8-yard pass to the Steelers' 1 and was stuffed on his next attempt.

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston: Fell a yard shy of the end zone on a 28-yard reception. Vonta Leach poached the score.

Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Chicago: His 12-yard TD catch was ruled a yard short by replay. Jason McKie got the touchdown.

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