Honoring Our Veterans

By Brent

Often times in fantasy circles the term “veteran” is a pseudonym for “washed up” or “over the hill”. While this certainly may be the case for a few former fantasy greats, some players have managed to quietly keep producing.  Fantasy owners love to pick up on “the next big thing”, but as you’ll see sometimes it’s better to stay on the safe side, favoring consistency over potential.

Steve Smith (46 Rec, 918 yards, 4 TDs) – Okay, well some veterans are quietly producing; others are jumping and screaming for you to notice their production.  Many had probably shied away from Steve Smith after a struggle in 2010, but that could more or less be a commentary on the abysmal Jimmy Claussen.  With a competent QB under center, Steve Smith is on pace for a career year in yardage and has pleased fantasy owners as the number 4 overall WR in 2011.

Nate Washington (36 Rec, 461yards, 2 TDs) – At only 28 years old, Washington might not exactly fit into the reputation of a veteran, but he is now in his 7^th season. The numbers don’t jump out at you, but Washington’s on the way to a potential 1,000 yards at the half-way point.  All of Washington’s numbers are on pace to be career highs, and is the number one target on a NFL ranked 13^th passing offense. It’s time to give Washington credit as a viable fantasy contributor, especially for the remainder of the season.

Frank Gore (782 rushing yards, 5 TDs)- Having played only 1 16 game season in his 7 year career, Gore was most likely viewed as an injury risk, but has represented tremendous value as an assuredly 2^nd round selection in 2011. It’s not common for someone with such an injury history to also be linked to consistency but let’s give it up. Gore eclipsed the century mark for 4 straight seasons before a shortened 2010, and is well underway to start a new streak. With so many offenses turning to committees, Gore is the sole ownable  RB in a very efficient San Fran O. Gore!! Gore!! Gore!!!!

Steven Jackson (579 rushing yards, 4 TDs) - A short impression of Draft Day 2011 everywhere across the country. Ahem, “Uhh, I’ll take…Steven Jackson”. “Yawnnnnnn, Who’s Up?” Wake up people. This man could be a potential inductee into the fantasy football Hall of Fame if something so shocking existed. A similar case to Gore, he was a borderline top 10 RB coming into this year and many fantasy owners preferred the upside of a Rashard Mendenhall or Peyton Hillis. Those owners are now figuring out how in the hell fantasy hockey works. The mold of consistency. Always known as a bruiser but how elegant in the way he delivers. A 1,000 yard rusher in every year since his rookie season, he is the owner and resident  in a very lonesome community of St. Louis Rams fantasy contributors.

Willis McGahee (623 rushing yards, 3TDs)- McGahee has earned the reputation of a “touchdown vulture”.  Chances are he may have not even been drafted in your league coming into this year and what a mistake that’s turned out to be.  In his 9^th season, the 30 year older is looking at a career year in yardage, and given John Fox’s propensity to run the ball, McGahee should see a very productive second half. Give him a look in your league, if he’s owned by a RB-heavy owner, you might be able to buy-low on a very relevant fantasy contributor going forward.