Three yards. Three measly yards. That was Rashad Jennings' stat line on Sunday. Jamaal Charles wasn't as bad, although he still greatly disappointed with 52 yards and no touchdowns. Calvin Johnson and A.J. Green laid fantasy eggs too. Johnny Manziel was a total bust as well with 80 yards for zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Perhaps not really a bust. We knew the risks.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the day was Aaron Rodgers who threw for 185 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. One of his worst games ever. Even Derek Anderson fared better.
But nothing caused more fantasy pandemonium than Peyton Manning being removed from the game temporarily. Nothing brings out the worst in humankind than the injury of an elite player during the fantasy playoffs. A stadium T-shirt toss is a close second.
Congratulations to those still alive in the playoffs. Here are a few picks to round out your drive to the Super Bowl:
Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys – DeMarco Murray owners celebrated his 81 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday, but the celebration could be short-lived if he is unable to play this week. Suffering a hand injury late Sunday, DeMarco underwent surgery Monday. While he could play just a few days after surgery (yeah, seriously), the Cowboys have said Randle would step in for DeMarco. If that happens, consider Randle a Murray Lite at the RB2 this week.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins – Here we go again! With Colt McCoy's neck injury, RG3 found himself back at the helm again, and fared well with 236 yards and one touchdown. Do I have confidence that RG3 is the quarterback of the future for Washington? No. Do I have confidence in him against a shaky Eagles pass defense? Of course.
Andre Williams, RB, New York Giants – If you're still reeling from Jennings' three little yards, get it together and claim Williams. He wasn't brilliant on Sunday – 18 carries for 44 yards – but Jennings' re-injury means more time for Andre. And he's had his moments. Consider Williams an RB2 vs. St. Louis this week.
Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons – In Julio Jones' absence, Douglas caught 10 passes for 131 yards. If Jones misses again, expect Douglas to serve as a decent substitute as a WR2. The Falcons take on the Saints, who have been generous to opposing receivers. Expect their generosity to continue this holiday season.
Green Bay DEF – The wildly inconsistent Packers defense may scare you, but they play the Bucs, who give up the third most fantasy points to defenses. Merry Christmas.
Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She'll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.
