For most of us ‘fantasy players’ the season is over and now we can turn our attention to teams vs. individuals. I had a rough season x2, losing the championship in my partner league and losing all but one game in my solo league. I wasn’t alone in regards to blowing it in big moments. Watching the Giants trying to keep their playoff hopes alive was an exercise in emotional torture. Beckham was unhinged, at one point openly targeting Josh Norman after what had to that point been a chippy, physical confrontation. Short of the targeting helmet to helmet shot, I’m okay with the physical play. This isn’t baseball, folks. Football players hit.
Football players win too, when it counts. For example, the Seattle Seahawks woke up and found their rhythm. I have a theory about that. I think the team suffered from some key injuries (Okung for one) in a time where they were really trying to get the O-Line together. Strangely, the loss of Jimmy Graham seems to have helped the team. I think Wilson might’ve been trying a bit too hard to include him in an offense that really isn’t about the TE being a receiver.
Shout out to the Steelers for really getting their act together. This is another squad with key injuries that seems primed for a super bowl run. Heck, in the beginning of the year Madden 16 was pushing the theory that Steelers v. Cardinals would be the Show. For their part the Cardinals are taking advantage of their opportunities and really playing well down the stretch.
Back to the Giants for a minute: They lost that game. The Panthers were exposed. Nobody slept on the Giants. The Giants just did what they’ve done all year–play up to the skill of their players and beyond. By that I mean to say that the Giants lack the talent and depth to be a top NFL team this year. That is really hard to say as a fan, but it is real. At least I have the Jets.
How ’bout them Jets? 4 picks this week to go along with arguably the best receiving stats in the NFL (check the numbers). Those numbers took a hit this week, with the team dropping to 9th overall, but the message is clear: the Jets are here to play.