NFL: The Biggest Turkeys of 2011

Thanksgiving is upon us and that means only two things...turkey and football!

Whether you like some turkey with your football or some football with your turkey, it's certainly day for food and the National Football League.

So in celebration of the holiday, I would like to bring to mind the players that haven't been exactly cutting it thus far. Here are the biggest turkeys of the 2011 NFL season.

Philip Rivers

2011 was supposed to be the year where Philip Rivers would firmly establish his spot amongst the league's elite. Many tabbed Rivers as their preseason MVP pick and had the Chargers chugging along into the Super Bowl.

However, this season has been quite the opposite. Through 10 games, Rivers has thrown 17 interceptions to 15 touchdowns and has the Chargers at a sloppy 4-6 record. The Chargers have dropped five in a row and look to be in a freefall to the bottom of the AFC West.

Chris Johnson

If I told you DeMarco Murray, Ben Tate and James Starks would have more rushing yards than Chris Johnson at this juncture in the season, you probably would have called up a psych ward to come take me away.

Sadly for Johnson, that little tidbit is true. 

Through 10 games in 2011, Johnson has rushed for 496 yards while averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. The most reliable fantasy running back has also been reduced to a shocking 55.1 rushing yards per game.

He's been so bad, CJ2K has quickly become known as CJ0K amongst fantasy football owners this season. 

Simply put, the man got his money and turned it off.

Peyton Hillis

Looks like Peyton Hillis has ran into the good ol' Madden Curse. And who does he have to thank?

Oh, just the millions of fans that voted him onto the game's cover.

Due to a nagging hamstring injury, Hillis has played in just four of the Browns' 10 games this season. In those four games, he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry and scored only two touchdowns.

Albert Haynesworth

Does anything really need to be said about Fat Albert's spot here? Let's just say the New England Patriots, who rank dead least in total defense, waived him away to Tampa Bay.

At least he'll be happy to hear he's on a list involving turkeys.

Chad Ochocinco

Speaking of extremely annoying head cases, here comes Chad Ochocinco.

When first acquired by New England before the start of the 2011 campaign, Ocho was looking to play a huge role in the Patriots' offense. He certainly had the skill and the best quarterback in the game at his disposal.

But through New England's 10 games this year, Chad has caught just 11 passes for 201 yards and hasn't even sniffed the end zone. 

And I'm pretty sure Wes Welker has better stats than Ocho in just one game compared to his entire season.

The Entire Indianapolis Colts Team

Can a player that hasn't taken a single snap in an NFL season be considered an MVP candidate? After watching the Colts in 2011, I think they should.

We all knew the Colts were going to take a huge hit after learning of Peyton Manning's neck injury. But did we expect to see a disaster like this? Probably not.

Without Peyton as their starting quarterback this year, the Colts are a lowly 0-10. They rank 31st in total offense, 30th in passing yards per game and have given up 390.6 yards per on defense.

Sam Bradford

For my last turkey of the year, I would like to show off some of the skills I acquired while obtaining my degree at med school:

Mr. Bradford, your tests have come in and you have tested positive for Sophmorus Slumpus, or as we call it, the sophomore slump.

It usually comes around to ruin your season during the second year of your career. The disease feasts on second-year players who have had exceptional rookie seasons. Some symptoms include nagging injuries, throwing inceptions, lack of touchdown passes and a losing team.

There is nothing I can do for you now. You'll just have to play this out and hope for the 2012 season to come along a little faster.

(In case you haven't noticed, I have not attended med school nor do I have a degree in that field. And unfortunately for Sam Bradford, it doesn't take a doctor to tell him he's having a down year.)