Fantasy Football: Biggest Surprise & Disappointment from Week 9

By Guest Writer Maurice Moton:

Fantasy Surprise: Nick Foles (QB)    

After the performance Foles put together in Week 9, you can ask questions like what do he and Peyton Manning have in common in terms of stats? With the answer being throwing 7 TDs in a single game, Foles is not only a fantasy surprise but he has also solidified his name in NFL history. Albeit this feat was achieved against a mediocre Oakland Raiders defense it’s still an amazing feat especially with McCoy in the backfield. Not only did Foles light up the scoreboard and fill up the stat sheet, he made Riley Cooper 1A in terms of fantasy surprises delivering 3 TD passes to Cooper.

The surprise outbreak performance will also probably halt Michael Vick’s return to the line-up. Foles gave coach Chip Kelly a flashback to his days in Oregon when he was used to scoring 40-50 points a game against vulnerable defensive units.

Fantasy Disappointment: Pittsburgh Steelers (DEF)

The disappointment in the Steelers defense was the fact they gave up the most points in a game (55) in Steelers history according to cbssports.com. This year’s Patriots offense has sputtered at times, isn’t highly explosive and features rookies who at times drop passes and are still learning the offense. Three players were able to accumulate over 100 yards receiving and running back Stevan Ridley rushed for 115 yards against a defense commonly known as The Steel Curtain.

Once upon a time, a Steelers defense would feast on offenses prone to miscues and rookie wide receivers. Rookie Aaron Dobson was able to accumulate 130 yards and 2 TDs and the rest of the damage was inflicted by Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola both also topping 100 yards receiving for the night. Most people considered the Steelers defense to be somewhat aged and on the decline but certainly didn’t expect to see any team on their schedule score 55 points on a Dick LeBeau coached defense.