Week 14 Fantasy Football: Biggest Surprise and Disappointment

By: Maurice Moton:

Fantasy Surprise: LeSean McCoy (RB)

Runningback LeSean McCoy’s Week 14 performance of 217 rushing yards with two touchdowns was quite a surprise based on the conditions at Lincoln Financial Field. McCoy was able to maintain his footing and his elusiveness on a field that resembled a snow globe. He was able to make sharp cuts, stop and accelerate making him impossible to stop once he started to make breakthroughs coming out of the backfield.

In the fourth quarter, McCoy reached the endzone twice to validate fantasy owners starting him despite the inclement weather conditions. His potential fantasy value rose as Foles struggled to throw the ball down field. In response to being shut-out by halftime, adjustments were made and the Eagles running attack lead by McCoy exceeded expectations.

Fantasy Disappointment: Dallas Cowboys (DEF)

If fantasy owners were looking for a defense that would take advantage of a struggling team with a back-up quarterback in the cold weather, it didn’t happen with the Cowboys defense. In fact, it was another historically bad night as the Bears offense was able to score on every possession minus the final drive. Reminiscent of a poor collective defensive performance in New Orleans the Cowboys defense allowed 45 points, forced zero turnovers and only recorded one sack.

This is the second time this season the Cowboys defense put forth very little resistance against both the passing and running attack of their opponent. This year’s defense is being described as one of the worst in their franchise history. Sean Lee failed to finish the game on the field again and DeMarcus Ware’s impact was minimal. In total the defense allowed 490 yards in weather conditions that would be considered difficult for offenses to strive with game-time temperatures in the single digits.