Why Fantasy Football Drives Me Nuts

This week, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs - my second round pick and a general disappointment so far this year - was considered a MUST START against the Broncos on Thanksgiving night. His performance this year had been diminished by a stronger effort from his teammate Ahmad Bradshaw but Bradshaw was out with two bum ankles. Behind him was only Danny Ware, a promising back but with little experience. The Giants NEEDED this game - hence, everyone who thought about it figured this was Jacobs' game to shine. Even the NFL Network's commercial promoting the game featured Jacobs prominently.



So what happened? Jacobs stunk up the place rushing the ball just 11 times for a meager 27 yards, adding 30 yards on three receptions. Ware not only fumbled but then got hurt - so for the majority of the game, any rush should have gone to Jacobs - and yet he only carried the ball 11 times. It was a pathetic display for a feature back. In truth, the entire Giants team looked awful, and many folks seem to think that this was the nail in their 2009 season given their upcoming schedule.

It's worth pointing out that Jacobs was ranting after the game, saying "We didn't want it." It's also worth stating that 11 carries is hardly a full load for your feature running back; while the Giants were fighting back the whole night, it wasn't like they were down by four scores. They could have and should have run more - but they didn't.

So what is his fantasy prognosis? Check this out from Rotoworld.com:

Brandon Jacobs was held to just 27 yards on 11 carries and 30 yards on three receptions against the Broncos in Week 12.

Jacobs was tentative at the line, often running sideways instead of choosing a lane. In his defense, the offensive line is no longer providing the gaping holes they opened in 2008. With Danny Ware (concussion) and Ahmad Bradshaw (ankles) injured, Jacobs has to stay in fantasy lineups as a RB2 against the Cowboys next week.

Emphasis in the last sentence is mine. This is no slight on Rotoworld - I fully expect Jacobs to be ranked at about the 17-18 RB next week for the same reasons they cite. But why? Jacobs hasn't shown anything this year - he looks slow, tentative and the offensive line - as noted - is not helping anything. Why does he HAVE to be in fantasy lineups again after he stunk it up again?

The only reason? Cause I'll be sitting him, so he should go off for a 100 yards and 2 TDs. Consider yourself warned.