All-Star vs. All-Misfit, Week 5

Another week. Another matchup. Another victory. If this doesn’t sound like you, you should examine your lineup. Ask yourself: Did you start your studs? If the answer is yes, then ask yourself – what could you have done better?

The answer is: Probably nothing.

This has been a wacky fantasy season, and it doesn’t look like that will change. Here’s 5 weekly ways to deal with it:

1 - Cry.
2 - Ask your respective god(s) “WHY?!”
3 - Turn to your friend and yell “Who the hell is Branden Oliver anyway?!”
4 - Sit in shell-shocked silence. Consider the global implications of the Ebolapocalypse.
5 - Suck it up because it’s fantasy football.

Besides, even All-Stars don’t win all the time. Hence, the weekly All-Star vs. All-Misfit matchup.

Just a reminder - The All-Star team contains the top players from each position in terms of Average Draft Positions. For instance, Peyton Manning was the first quarterback off of most boards this year. Therefore, he’s the weekly All-Star QB. If the All-Star player has a bye, I go to the next person at that position by ADP (when Manning is out, I go to Aaron Rodgers, the second QB off the board). The All-Misfit team contains the players that nobody expected to score, but hit paydirt. This team will change drastically week-to-week, as no player can be on it consecutive weeks.

The scoring is ESPN standard, and the team format is: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, D/ST, K.

Without further ado, here is your Week 5 All-Star team!

QB: Peyton Manning – 31 points
RB: LeSean McCoy – 6 points
RB: Jamaal Charles – 8 points
WR: Calvin Johnson – 0 point
WR: Demaryius Thomas – 34 points
TE: Jimmy Graham – 3 points
D/ST: Seahawks - 2 points
K: Stephen Gostkowski – 21 points

Total: 105 points

Calvin Johnson put another dud, and he may be absent from this team next week if he’s inactive. Demaryius Thomas owners are relieved to see he had a huge game – this should continue. Unfortunately for LeSean McCoy owners, he’s behind a terrible defensive line and is likely a high RB2 with top 3 RB upside – if the O-Line figures out what they’re doing. Jimmy Graham’s bye couldn’t have come at a better time – he should be fine coming out of it. And those of you who drafted the Seahawks in the 7^th round – how does that feel now?

Here’s the All-Misfit team!

QB: Austin Davis – 26 points
RB: Branden Oliver – 29 points
RB: Pierre Thomas – 22 points
WR: Kendall Wright – 20 points
WR: Brian Quick – 20 points
TE: Tim Wright – 14 points
D/ST: Packers – 23 points
K: Phil Dawson – 20 points

Total: 174 points

Well, this is a hodgepodge of mediocrity. Davis looked solid, and something may come of that performance. Kendall Wright finally had the performance his owners have been waiting for. Brian Quick is also a legit WR and will be top-20 the rest of the way, especially in PPR leagues. However, Pierre Thomas and Branden Oliver are flashes-in-the-pan. Oliver’s performance against a usually rock-solid Jets D/ST came when the defense was gassed beyond belief. He’s worth a look until Donald Brown comes back, but is no better than Danny Woodhead in this offense. Tim Wright could have value but it will be unpredictable, so you have better options out there. As for Pierre Thomas – if you have him, make an offer to every single other team in your league. Maybe someone will buy into his huge game. But you’re not going to get Brandon Marshall for him.

VICTORY: MISFITS!

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