I like to think that Forrest Gump, had he been a fan of the NFL, could have used this phrase just about every week to describe what had happened in the games that had been played. Indeed, the true beauty of this league comes from the variety and many different facets of the game that you can observe from game to game. This season in particular has been fun to watch as the power balance seems to have shifted. Teams such as the Lions and Bills, notoriously bad teams for the past decade, have risen up and have greatly surpassed their previous marks of incompetence. Conversely, perennial power teams like the Steelers, Colts and Jets have struggled this season.
The NFL is hardly a perfect league. Labor negotiations almost wiped out the season entirely, players have begun to openly criticize their commissioner as of late, and many players face legal issues outside of football. However, we have seen the fan base of several teams completely rejuvenate this season, which has given a second wind to the likes of Buffalo and the downtrodden Detroit. Furthermore, if the power landscape of the NFL is indeed shifting, it only makes watching the league that much more entertaining, as different teams could be in contention for the Super Bowl.
Don't be "that Fan"
As a special addition to this week's article, I present "those fans" that complicate the world of sports and tend to irritate both each other and the typical die hard fan. All feelings presented are those of disgruntled fans from a large base of varying interests and interests. Enjoy the section and above all; don't be "that Fan"
1. Don't be the over the top fan. At the end of the day, guys or ladies, sports should be a hobby, not something you measure your life successes by.
2. Don't be the stuck in the past fan. We understand you once watched Jerry Rice light it up for your team. We also understand they haven't been good since then. Why can't you?
3. Don't be the "logic" sports fan. Well, my team beat Bohampton State, and they beat Cocomain College, who beat Florida, so that must mean my team could beat Florida. No, it doesn't. Not at all.
4. Don't be the vulgar sports fan. Do you remember going to watch your team with your parents as a young kid? Do you remember the person behind you cussing up a storm? No? Then why are you doing it now
5. Don't be the unaccountable fan. Cutting down your friends and dissing their sports teams gets pretty easy when you don't associate with any team yourself. If you care enough to give it out, have the pride to be willing to get it back.
6. Don't be the bandwagon fan. Its tough sometimes to not jump on the bandwagon. Its hard to prove that you aren't once the wagon gets-a-rollin. Being a fan means being with a fan through thick and thin, not choosing to like them only when they start doing well. Easily makes you much less respectable if you are a bandwagon fan.
7. Don't be the "top dog" fan. Simply being a "fan" of the top 2 teams in each professional sports league does make you the God of sports. Everyone tastes the humble pie as some point my friend, perhaps you should give it a try.
8. Don't be the status fan. We get it, its cool to be a fan of certain teams that are popular amongst your friends. It might even make you feel good to wear that team's apparel. That's fine. But if you cannot name at least 5 players off of a team, you're a casual fan, nothing more. Don't try to tell us otherwise.
9. Don't be the close minded fan. Yes, I grew up in the Midwest. Yes, I like certain teams that do not hail from this area. Think that's an issue? Well, you're "that fan". Don't be.
10. Don't be the "coach fan". Sometimes, normally when a team is doing badly, certain fans make a generous sacrifice and "volunteer" to replace the current head coach or GM of a team and act in their place. Yes, we understand you're frustrated that he won't do a fake punt on 4th and 22. Yeah, I'm sure you could....do...better. I'll tell you what, how about we let the professionals call the shots?
Well, there you have it, at least 10 different types of fans that you want to try to avoid and, if you match the description of, avoid becoming. The reality is that these people will always exist. For every Fireman Ed and Jack Nicholson's of the world, there are several much less desireable fans out there.
Rising Stock, Falling Stock:
Rising: Detroit Lions- Boasting one of the leagues better defenses and an offense that is firing on all cylinders has got the Lions moving upwards with no signs of slowing down.
Rising: Buffalo Bills- One of the more consistently good teams in the league this year. Has some issues to work out on defense, but features a dangerous offense that can hurt you on the ground or through the air.
Rising: San Francisco 49ers- Undefeated in regulation this year and coming off a huge win against the talented Tampa Bay Bucs, this team is surprising many people with its balanced, methodical approach to winning and the success it has achieved thus far.
Falling: Indianapolis Colts- Lost the battle of the cellar dwellers this past weekend against Kansas City, and is now winless this season. A lethargic offense and suspect defense has got Colts fans groaning before the half point of the season.
Falling: Philadelphia Eagles- Struggling to get Michael Vick enough time to throw, and making plenty of bad mistakes after he does. This team is in serious panic mode and needs to right the ship, soon.
Falling: Arizona Cardinals- Only 1-4 this season after failing to win several close games. New QB Kevin Kolb has struggled more than expected with this new offense, and needs to develop chemistry with his guys to score more points than the awful defense gives up.
Fantasy Outlook
Damien Williams WR Titans: In the wake of the Kenny Britt injury, it appeared that Nate Washington was the most likely to benefit from the hole in the offense that remained. After catching 6 balls on 11 targets for 66 yards and a score, Williams appears to have outplayed Washington for the top spot.
Mark Ingram RB Saints: I'll admit, I'm not crazy about this idea. He's big and pretty fast, but has yet to have a breakout game this year. That being said, he gets Tampa Bay this week, fresh off giving up 231 yards to San Francisco. Ingram is the primary back in an offense featuring Drew Brees and while he will give up some snaps to Darren Sproles, you know they won't call on Sproles for goal line duty.
Jared Cook TE Titans: Got 9 targets on Sunday, second on the team behind Damien Williams. Look, with Kenny Britt out and the Titans itching to throw, Cook makes for an attractive security blanket for Matt Hasselbeck. He's big, runs the field well and has good hands. If he's available in your league, pick him up and hold him, his value might very well increase.
Doug Baldwin WR Seahawks: Not many people know who Baldwin is, but he very quietly appears to have become the No.2 option at least, if not the No.1 in Seattle. Either way, his value won't take a nosedive if Sidney Rice becomes a bigger option.
Early Doucet WR Cardinals: I don't know what kind of world is it where Doucet garners twice as many targets as Larry Fitzgerald, but it happened. Doucet has 21 receptions on the year so far, including 8 on Sunday, and looks to be a favored target of Kevin Kolb.
Equal Exchange
A list of guys I'd drop if you own them, followed by a list of guys I'd pick up if you don't.
Drop List: QB Donovan McNabb, TE Lance Kendricks, TE Marcedes Lewis, TE Dallas Clark, WR Austin Collie, RB Dexter McCluster, WR Mike Williams (seattle version), RB Knowshon Moreno, RB Michael Bush.
Add List: QB Matt Hasselbeck, WR Pierre Garcon, WR jason Hill, TE Jermaine Gresham, RB Jackie Battle, WR Malcolm Floyd, Shonn Greene, TE Aaron Hernandez.
Well there you have it people, make sure you check back in on Thursday as I'll have Week 6 predictions and up to date fantasy advice available.
* Special Thanks to tommy for making this article happen. You're a champ buddy.
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