Fantasy owners who went against Denver Broncos studs Peyton Manning and Eric Decker and lost by a point or two in week 17 may be in for a happier New Year than expected — that is if a looming decision by the NFL goes their way.
As it has been widely reported, Manning broke Drew Brees’ record for total passing yards in a season by one yard (Manning’s total was 5,477) last Sunday on a five yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas. That record, however, is already under heavy scrutiny as the league is looking closely to see if a seven yard pass to Decker at the end of the first quarter was actually a lateral instead of a forward pass.
Watching a clip from the play, it appears that the play in question may actually have been a lateral, thus turning that seven yard pass into a run and giving the record back to Brees. If that ends up being the case, the adjustments made on the fantasy side of things may have heavy ramifications depending on how your league does its scoring.
If ruled a lateral, Manning’s numbers would be adjusted by the following — 266 passing yards would go to 259, Decker’s numbers would go from four receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown to three receptions for 20 yards, one rush for seven yards and a touchdown. Leagues that award a passing point per 20 yards and awards points per reception could be greatly effected by the ruling on this play.
Oh, and Manning would lose the record as well, which is a bummer.
Back to the important stuff, owners who may be effected by such a change should keep their eyes peeled to this story as the league is sure to hand down a ruling in the coming days.
UPDATE:
Despite visual evidence to the contrary, the NFL has ruled that they will go with the initial call on the field of a forward pass.
Now those hoping for the change may take the stage and voice their complaints.
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
