We’re working toward our Midseason Fantasy Awards due to be ‘handed out’ in Week 9. Consider this a preview…
As teams prepare for Week 8 of the 2013 NFL season, most fantasy football leagues are about at their midway point for the regular season. There have certainly been some major surprises this season already, but a few stand out more than others. Here is a look at the biggest surprises at all the major positions so far.
Quarterback – Philip Rivers
The San Diego Chargers have had a decent start to their 2013 campaign, and a lot of it has to do with the quarterback play of Rivers. He is being smart with the ball, and that has led him to being one of the top fantasy football quarterbacks in NFL not named Peyton Manning. He has always had a strong arm, so if he can continue to make smart decisions, he will continue to be a steal.
Running Back – Knowshon Moreno
While Jamaal Charles has been perhaps the most impressive running back, Moreno simply came out of nowhere to be a top 10 fantasy football option. Prior to the beginning of the season, nobody knew for sure who would get touches out of the backfield for the Denver Broncos. He has plenty of open space to work with thanks to Peyton Manning, so expect him to continue at his current pace.
DeSean Jackson has delivered a strong start to the 2013 season in Chip Kelly’s offense (Photo: David Maialetti/Philadelphia Inquirer).
Wide Receiver – DeSean Jackson
People were expecting somewhat of a bounce back season for DeSean Jackson, but few could have expected him in the top five for fantasy football wide receivers. Despite having to work with multiple quarterbacks, the pure speed of Jackson has really helped him turn it up a notch. He might level off some if Nick Foles has to continue as the starter, but it won’t be too much.
Tight End – Julius Thomas
Call it the Peyton Manning effect if you will. The Denver Broncos have had a lot of success so far this season going to Julius Thomas for short yardage. Only Jimmy Graham has been better so far this season, and his eight touchdowns are certainly fantasy football gold. Expect him to not catch quite as many touchdowns in the 2nd half of the season, but he will still get plenty of targets.
Defense – Kansas City Chiefs
The defense for Kansas City heading into the season was slightly above average, but they have been far and away the most impressive unit in the NFL so far this season. With 10 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and five total return touchdowns, it seems impossible for them to keep it up. Even if they can’t, there is a very good chance they finish #1 in the NFL thanks to their early play.
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