Fantasy Football Awards for the 2011 Season

These fantasy football awards are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring leagues.  Therefore, more attention is given to guys like Wes Welker and LeSean McCoy over Calvin Johnson and Michael Turner, for example.  

Awards are given to best fantasy quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker.  

Best Kicker: David Akers, San Francisco 49ers

Who knew Akers could be just as reliable in his late-30s as he was in his late-20s.  The former Philadelphia Eagle has been lights out this season for San Fran.  Now we know who we might pick with our last pick in next year's drafts.

Best Defense: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens defense has been a stalwart again in 2011, even without veteran linebacker Ray Lewis for a few games.  The 49ers were arguably the best overall defense in the NFL, but the Ravens force more turnovers.

Best Tight End: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

He broke the single season record for touchdowns by a tight end.  Jimmy Graham has also had a heck of a season, but there's no way you can pick against Gronkowski as the best fantasy tight end in 2011.

Best Wide Receiver: Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Again, these numbers are based on PPR scoring leagues.  In a standard scoring format, I would give Calvin Johnson the nod for best fantasy wide receiver.  PPR leagues give the advantage to Welker, however.  He leads the league with over 100 catches and has nine touchdowns.  It doesn't hurt being Tom Brady's favorite target.

Best Running Back: LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

This was the toughest call of them all, but I give McCoy the title of best fantasy running back over Ray Rice.  They're numbers are extremely even and Rice has been a little better than McCoy in the passing game, but McCoy has been more valuable to his team, especially with the injuries to Michael Vick.

Best Quarterback: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brees has been unbelievable this season and is only 304 yards away from breaking Dan Marino's single season passing yards record.  He threw for 412 yards and five touchdowns against the Vikings on Sunday and moved past Aaron Rodgers as fantasy's top quarterback.