With the Thanksgiving holiday almost upon us, now is the perfect time to step back and look at some of the best players this fantasy season has given us so far.
All five of these guys below are obvious names but they are obvious because they consistently produce staggering stats on practically every game day. While you may find guys on a weekly basis who outscore them, their overall body of work is good enough to headline a huge amount of fantasy championships.
So take note of these guys for next year; never ignore a stud if you can get it and hopefully you are on the better side of their great performances so far this year.
Also, fantasy football aside, may everyone take the time to enjoy this holiday (and the three pack of NFL games, of course) and to reflect on any and all blessings in their lives.
Happy Thanksgiving.
James LeBeau is an avid fantasy sports participant and a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on twitter @LoboISbroke or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
Thankful Fantasy
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Calvin Johnson WR – Detroit
In a season full of injuries, disappointments and general ineptness, the man known as 'Megatron' has been nothing short of awesome. Johnson leads the NFL in receiving yards heading into week 12 with 1,083 yards and touchdowns with 11. To put an even better spin on this, Johnson has been getting better as the season has progressed, posting 35 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in the past four games alone. If there is one player this year I'd want leading my fantasy team then Johnson is that guy.
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Drew Brees QB – New Orleans
When you want to pick a quarterback who has been blessedly consistent and has lived up to every expectation, then you need to look no further than Brees. This season, Brees has passed for at least 300 yards in eight of his 11 games. Sitting at 3,647 yards so far, Brees has also added 28 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. In a world of Mannings, Bradys and Rodgers, forgetting about Brees would be a big mistake.
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Jamaal Charles RB – Kansas City
In today's NFL, finding a running back that is going to practically be a lock for double digit fantasy points on a weekly basis is almost a pipe dream. That is, unless you are a fortunate owner of Charles. For the year, the dual threat rusher has rushed for 803 yards and has 383 yards receiving to go with eight touchdowns. A weapon that is certain to produce, Charles is one of the few players you can play every week and not worry about being disappointed.
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Jimmy Graham TE – New Orleans
When you have perhaps the greatest quarterback in the league tossing you the rock, then you know you're going to put up good numbers. For Graham, the beneficiary of Drew Brees' passes, he has taken that thinking and expanded on it. So far this season, Graham has had 65 catches for 964 yards and 11 touchdowns. In only 11 games played, he has tied Tony Gonzalez's record for 100 yard games from a tight end with six (set in both 2000 and 2004).
It's difficult to get consistent production from the tight end position in fantasy sports but with Graham, that just isn't a worry, and that's why owners across the world are thankful for him, and all the players on this list.
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Peyton Manning QB – Denver
Will someone please check the back of Manning for an Energizer battery because he just seems to keep going, and going...you get the drift. Manning has found the fountain of youth in Denver and continues to deliver video game stats on a game by game basis. So far this season, Manning has passed for 3,572 yards and an astounding 34 touchdowns to just six interceptions. These mind boggling numbers have made many owners feel like popping open celebratory champagne every week he's on the field.
