Week 17 Fantasy Football: Biggest Surprise and Disappointment

By Guest Writer Maurice Moton:

Fantasy Surprise: LeGarrette Blount (RB)

LeGarette Blount achieved a career-high 189 rushing yards with two touchdowns in heavy rain at Foxboro. Blount was able to pick up yards in bulk averaging slightly less than eight yards per carry. His physical rushing attack excelled in an expanded role against a weak Buffalo Bills defense, ranked 28^th in rushing yards allowed.

Entering this season, Blount’s fantasy production outlook was somewhat dim with Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen in more prominent roles. Excluding Tom Brady offensive fantasy production has been inconsistent and difficult to predict week to week among Patriots players. Nonetheless Blount has propelled himself from the bottom of the depth chart to a notable weapon with consistency over the past couple of weeks.

Fantasy Disappointment: Brandon LaFell (WR)

Despite the Carolina Panthers winning the game and clinching a 1^st round bye, wide receiver Brandon LaFell failed to produce in the absence of leading wide receiver Steve Smith. LaFell recorded zero catches, dropped some passes and was unable to take advantage of a weak Atlanta Falcons defense. His inactivity is a huge disappointment as the Panthers will need a wide receiver to assume a bigger role with Steve Smith battling a PCL sprain.

The Falcons’ defense has been porous all season and it was a favorable match-up for LaFell to showcase his talents and lead a depleted wide receiver group. Instead, it was Ted Ginn Jr. who was the only wide receiver to find the endzone for the Panthers in Week 17.