Fantasy Football Week 8: 10 Shocking NFL Fantasy Trends of 2011

When drafting a fantasy team, most fantasy owners already know to draft players such as Aaron Rogers, Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson.  However, there are many players who come along and shock us with their fantasy value, and there are some who are disappointing and don't reach the expectations that fantasy owners have.  We are halfway through the season, and here are 10 shocking fantasy trends so far.

Breakout Rookies Part 1: Cam Newton

Cam Newton came into the NFL amidst the success of his year at Auburn, controversy with his father and questions as to whether or not he could be a quarterback at the next level. 

While the verdict may still be out, one thing is sure; he has been a good value in fantasy football. 

Newton may have gone undrafted in some leagues, but had the second most points of any quarterback coming into this week, as he has six touchdowns rushing and seven touchdowns passing. 

While I’m not confident in Newton’s future, I am very confident in his current fantasy value.

Breakout Rookies Part 2: Tim Tebow

Much like Cam Newton, the verdict is still out about whether not Tebow can be a star quarterback at the next level. 

However, in two weeks, Tebow has put up 16 and 22 fantasy points in consecutive weeks. 

Tebow is similar to Newton in that he can get fantasy owners points on the ground and in the air. 

While he may not get you Aaron Rogers-like stats in the air, he makes up for it with what he can do on the ground. 

Tebow is a great value for fantasy owners and could be a good option in keeper leagues.

The Dissapointment of Chris Johnson

There was a day where Chris Johnson was a top five player in fantasy football. 

After a long holdout in the offseason, fantasy owners were pleased to discover that Johnson had signed in time for the Titans first regular season game this year. 

So far, Johnson only has one game where he has topped 100 yards and one touchdown on the season.  

This is the same player who had over 2,000 yards just two years ago, but has shocked fantasy owners with his poor performance this year.

The Emergence of Fred Jackson

Coming into this week, Fred Jackson was the fifth leading scorer in fantasy football. 

This is interesting seeing how Fred Jackson was not even a top 10 fantasy running back heading into the season. 

Jackson has over 600 yards and six touchdowns in only six games this season, and is on pace to be one of the NFL’s top rushers this season. 

He has been an anchor for most fantasy teams and could be a steal in keeper leagues.

The Non-Existence of Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco was not expected to be a fantasy stud. 

However, stepping into an offense run by Tom Brady could have revived his career much like it revived the career of Randy Moss when he came to New England from Oakland. 

Chad Ochocinco has 136 yards on the season so far.  What makes this so sad is that he is capable of putting this up in a game. 

Fantasy owners drafted Ochocinco late in the draft hoping that he would have a resurgence, unfortunately, he has not and is taking up space on fantasy teams.

The Hungry Detroit Lions Part 1

Calvin “Megatron” Johnson has been a man amongst boys this year, and defenses have failed to find an answer for him. 

Coming into the season, Larry Fitzgerald was the consensus No. 1 fantasy receiver, but I’m afraid he’s lost that crown to Calvin Johnson. 

Calvin Johnson has almost 700 yards receiving and has 10 touchdowns on the year. 

He is a sure bet every time he steps on the field, and is a key part for any fantasy team.

The Hungry Detroit Lions Part 2

Matthew Stafford has been the beneficiary of having a receiver as skilled as Calvin Johnson on his team. 

Stafford has almost 2,000 yards passing and has 16 touchdowns on the year. 

Stafford was not seen as a top 10 quarterback coming into the year, but he has elevated his game and become a top fantasy option.

Player Inconsistency Part 1: LeGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount had a breakout season last year coming off a controversial career at Oregon. 

Blount seemed destined to be a 1,500 yard running back, but he has been inconsistent due to injuries and poor play. 

Blount has had two games with great fantasy value (125 yards vs. the Colts, 71 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings), but has had rough games in the other games he’s appeared in.  LeGarrette Blount’s inconsistency has been frustrating for fantasy owners.

Player Inconsistency Part 2: DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson is a threat every time he touches the ball. 

He has unbelievable quickness and can burn a defense deep in the passing game or beat them in the return game. 

Jackson’s performances can be split right down the middle.  In three games, Jackson has these numbers: 102 yards and one touchdown against St. Louis, 171 yards against San Francisco, 86 yards and one touchdown against Buffalo. 

Contrast that with the other half of Jackson's season in these three games:  21 yards against Atlanta, 30 yards against the Giants, 46 yards against the Redskins, no touchdowns in any of these games. 

Jackson can be worth the pick you spent on him depending which week you watch him.

The Leap to Stardom: Matt Forte

While Matt Forte has always been a solid running back, he has taken the leap to stardom this season and is top fantasy running back. 

Forte has almost 700 yards on the ground this season and has had double-digit fantasy points in all but one game this season. 

In three of those games, Forte has over 20 points. 

Matt Forte is carrying this Bears team right now and is an excellent fantasy option.