Week 12 Fantasy Football: Biggest Surprise and Disappointment

By Guest Writer Maurice Moton:

Fantasy Surprise: Philip Rivers (QB)

You would assume 38 points scored by the Kansas City Chiefs is more than enough to win a game at home but Philip Rivers led the Chargers on a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. It was his third touchdown pass to complement 392 passing yards against one of the top defenses in the NFL. Even though defensive linemen Tamba Hali and Justin Houston left the game due to injury in the first half, Rivers statistical output was still impressive against the Chiefs’ stingy defensive backs.

Rivers was once regarded as a top tier quarterback; unfortunately the Chargers poor seasons have overshadowed his production in previous seasons.  Based on fantasy output this year, Rivers has once again proven to be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league.

Fantasy Disappointment: Indianapolis Colts (DEF)

The Indianapolis Colts have changed the perception of their football team from finesse to a rugged team that can win low scoring ‘grind it out’ type of games. As a unit, the Colts were able to slow down Peyton Manning and hold the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers to 7 points. In week 12, they were crushed by the Arizona Cardinals who scored 40 points. Reminiscent of his playing time in Cincinnati, Carson Palmer showcased an accurate strong arm that embarrassed the Colts defense from start to finish.

Over the last three weeks, the Colts have two embarrassing losses to two NFC West teams with a combined score of 78-19. Much like the St. Louis Rams in Week 10, the Cardinals were able to stretch the field and find holes in the Colts defensive backfield. Since the Colts offense has struggled without Reggie Wayne, the defense has given up an average of 32.25 points per game.