5 Players Whose Fantasy Stock Has Improved Most in 2011

As the playoffs approach, I cannot help but think about how the NFL season almost did not occur. 
 
We almost did not witness Tim Tebow mania at its peak. We almost missed the emergence of Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers. And lastly, we almost missed the Philadelphia Eagles implode in every way possible.  
 
Despite the excitement this season has brought, the absence of fantasy football would hurt the most. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Yes, I am still talking football, and most fans would agree to that sentiment.  
 
With the fantasy season coming to an end, a few players have stood out from the pack. Their improvement from last season has been remarkable to say the least.  
 
Here are five players that have made great strides in the 2011 fantasy season.

Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham has played out of his mind this season and as a result has become one of the top tight ends in football. 

His camaraderie with Drew Brees is tremendous and should only get better as the season progresses. 

In terms of fantasy, Jimmy Graham has far exceeded expectations.

The New Orleans Saints offense is not kind to fantasy owners, but the Drew Brees-Jimmy Graham connection has been anything but.

Their offense is suited to finding the open man rather than the focus on one or two standout players.

The Saints receivers are boom-bust starts almost every week, but Graham has been the exception. Drew Brees looks for Jimmy Graham constantly, and the results have been magical. 

Jimmy Graham has more than doubled his reception and yardage total from last season. He has exceeded his touchdown total from last season as well. 

Victor Cruz

The salsa-dancing receiver has become one of Eli Manning's most trusted targets.

After the departure of Steve Smith, the Giants put their trust in Cruz, and he has not disappointed.  

Victor Cruz has totaled 800 yards receiving with only 42 receptions.

His ability after the catch has been well documented this season, and it's given Eli Manning a dangerous weapon in the passing game. 

Look for Victor Cruz to finish the season with 1,000-plus receiving yards and close to double digits in touchdowns (currently has five TDs on the season). 

Steve Smith

Steve Smith has been fantasy gold this season, and that doesn't seem likely to change despite the Carolina Panthers' losing ways.

While Cam Newton is in uniform, Steve Smith is a must-start every week.  
 
His production has spiked downward after a few down seasons in Carolina, but his reemergence this season has Smith in talks for Comeback Player of the Year.  
 
After not totaling 1,000 yards receiving in the last two seasons, Smith is well on his way to breaking that slump in 2011.

Smith has hauled in 52 receptions for a total of 992 yards receiving up to this point in the season, and he has reestablished himself as one of the games most frightening deep threats.

Ben Tate

The Houston Texans offensive line is simply the best in football.

Their zone blocking scheme is executed to perfection and has produced a 1,000 yard rusher in two of their last three seasons. 
 
Arian Foster has returned with a vengeance, but Ben Tate has looked even better (at least on the ground).

Both players are one-cut runners and can take it to the house.  
 
With the return of Arian Foster, Tate's carries have decreased. Foster is the more complete running back, but Tate is right on his heels.  
 
With the loss of Matt Schaub for the season, look for the Texans to feature the running game even more.

Look for Tate to pass the century mark in rushing (currently has 686 rushing yards).

LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy is the one positive the Philadelphia Eagles could take away from a disappointing 2011-2012 season.

He has been the most consistent player for the Philadelphia Eagles this season, and that doesn't seem likely to change with the injury to Michael Vick. 

McCoy is quickly reaching his rushing yard total from last season and has already increased his touchdown total by three. 

As the weather shifts to colder temperatures, the Eagles will have more incentive to give this guy the ball.

Look for LeSean McCoy to have a strong finish no matter who is quarterbacking the Philadelphia Eagles.