Well, the harsh realization of my season crashing and burning in my old work league is setting in. I could start off saying IF ONLY I had won, but really, what would that solve. I will say, IF ONLY I had played Brandon Lloyd and Steven Jackson instead of Chris Johnson and DeMarco Murray. Wouldn’t change the outcome, but would have provided some hope going into the Monday night game. Figured the NO/Ten game might be close and the Titans would be able to keep running. Funny thing is, the game was close, but it didn’t help. Jake Locker came in for an injured Matt Hassleback, stole some rushing yards and a rushing TD. That’s the way the season has been for CJ owners, hopeful but ultimately disappointing. Indy next week, so you are going to play him, but take it one week at a time. As for Murray, can’t do anything about an injury. Felix Jones ended up over 130 total yards. Oh well, IF ONLY.

IF ONLY I had played Stevie Johnson instead of Maurice Morris. Hate those last minute changes. How often do they work out? With the news that Kevin Smith was out, I’m sure there were quite a few hopeful MoMo owners. As has been said before in this article, MoMo is not a workhorse, so not surprised that Keiland Williams got more carries. The surprise was with Morris only catching one pass. Point being, most leagues are in the playoffs, so you really want to have someone you can rely on. Don’t think Morris is that guy. Flex at best. As for Johnson, he is a mixed bag as well. Fitzpatrick has been up and down after a hot start, and in order to rely on Johnson, you need to rely on Fitzpatrick. But, the good point to make is that Johnson is the #1 target in Buffalo, for whatever that is worth right now.

IF ONLY I had played Laurent Robinson. Have him on several teams, don’t think I played him on any. Just wasn’t sure about his injury status, didn’t want to be caught having him sitting out, or severely limited. Well, he was limited all right, to the tune of 137 yds and a TD. Bryant has a ton of talent, and Austin is a #1 WR, but right now, Romo is looking Robinson’s way. With games against, TB, PHI, and NYG, that should continue.

IF ONLY I had played Tony Romo instead of Matt Stafford. I expected Romo to have a good game, but was absolutely drooling over Stafford’s matchup. Min has been horrible against the pass, and you’d figure Detroit would pile it on in a division matchup. After close to 150 yds and 2 TD’s, in the first half, I was feeling pretty good. Second half was a completely different game. Lucky to have both, as they are starting QB’s in any league. A good IF ONLY problem to have.

IF ONLY I had played Brandon Jacobs instead of Darren Sproles. As stated before, this is playoff time, so do you really want to rely on Brandon Jacobs? Well, Sunday night you did. 100 yds and 2 TD’s look nice on any roster. Ahmad Bradshaw even played, but wasn’t a factor. He is still risky, but you have to think hard about him now. As for Sproles, I stick by earlier remarks that he is worth a weekly start. Hey, he did have 80 yds. Unless you are just stacked, or can only play two RB’s/no flex, hard to imagine there are five options better than him. Ten was an odd game, but I think you’ll see a bounce back against Min.

IF ONLY I had played Mike Tolbert instead of Jeremy Maclin. If he were a featured back, he’d be a sure fire starter, but with Ryan Mathews healthy, Tolbert amounts to a TD in half his games but not many yards. Still, this was a game with a TD. Maclin was a risk, and I knew it was a risk, but at some point, go big or go home. Luckily, I don’t have to go home, but I certainly didn’t go big. Maclin has big play ability, and may be the #1 WR in Philly next year. But right now, he is hurt, and maybe not worth the risk.

IF ONLY I had played Marques Colston instead of Willis McGahee. I knew McGahee had been sitting out of practice all week. Figured if he was good enough to play for Denver, he was good enough to play for me. Not sure if the injury was a bigger factor, or if the Chicago D was a bigger factor, but either way, not good for me. As for Colston, you just never know. Brees spreads it around, and anyone could have a good day any game, or many folks could have average games. The thing with Colston, he is the best WR on the team, and is one of those players you feel stupid when you sit him and he goes off. Well…

Season over in two of my three big leagues, losing in the first round playoff game that I really thought I’d win. Playoff bound in our inaugural Kick Ass league, so I have that going for me. No game results from the ESPN leagues, as they are two week cumulative scores. Decent lead in 3, significantly behind in 1, with 1 game close. Do as I say, not as I do.

IF ONLY I had played Roy Helu instead of Brandon Lloyd. Originally had Helu in for Nicks, concerned about Nicks injury. Switched when I heard he would play, but still wanted Helu in somewhere. Busy day Sat (late night Fri), shopping, housework, Lacrosse game for my son. Xmas tree up, chopping wood …yada yada yada. Point is, make sure you are comfortable with your lineup. I hate when life gets in the way of football, but it does happen. No sense in the ulcer, do the research, set your lineup, and enjoy.

IF ONLY I had played Stevie Johnson instead of Steve Smith. Now, how often do you hear that? Fact is, something has happened the last couple of games for Car. Not sure if it is that teams are seeing tape, and slowing down their passing game, or possibly (not my thought, but you never know) Cam is hitting the rookie wall, but he isn’t the surefire prolific passer we want to think. Now, he is rushing for TD’s, helping his fantasy scoring, but he is averaging under 240 yds and 1TD per game for the last 8, 226 yds last four. Biggest hit to his drop is Steve Smith. As for Johnson, he is the number one option for Buffalo, especially since Fred Jackson is on the IR. Fitzpatrick has seen somewhat of a resurgence. With a battered San Diego defense and a Miami team where you need to pass, you could do worse.

IF ONLY I had played Kevin Smith instead of DeMarco Murray. Was actually concerned about re-injury for Smith. Also sat Maurice Morris on many teams, but thinking he might get a bit of work. Well, Smith did get injured, and Morris did come in. Combined stats would make a GREAT day for a RB. Kevin Smith is running for his football life. He has been impressive in limited action, but think his ankle is a concern, and don’t think he’ll make the turnaround this week. Mo Mo is not an every down every week running back, but as a short term option can do well as a flex. Up next are spotty defenses from Min and Oak. As for Murray, again, not sure what happened. Never got in a rhythm, also didn’t get the ball enough. Have mentioned on the show my questioning of Jason Garrett’s playcalling and clock management. Think part of Murray’s problems stem from that. Giants, TB, and Phi coming up. MMM, tasty.

IF ONLY I had played ANYBODY instead of LeGarrette Blount. Had him starting in several leagues. Hot had over the last couple, but the book on him was he wouldn’t do much playing from behind, doesn’t pass block or catch balls out of the backfield very well. Just keep that in mind with Dallas, Carolina, and Atlanta weeks 15, 16, and 17.

IF ONLY I had played Robert Meachem instead of Jason Avant. Got killed in that game, but would at least might have looked a little more respectable. Meachem is hit or miss, so you never know what game is good for him, but this one certainly was. Might be a tough call in most lineups, but when you are scraping the bottom of the barrel, why not, especially as hot as the Saints are. As for Avant, with Maclin out and Jackson being all hooey, thought he would be a good play. Well, something is off in Philly, hurts me to say. Not sure any WR is a good play except for Maclin when he gets back.

IF ONLY I had played Darren Sproles instead of Michael Bush. While he may not be the most exciting name out there, Sproles just produces. NO has a crowded backfield, but his pass catching abilities really set him apart. He may not take over fantasy-wise for you, but his ten points a game would fit nicely into any lineup. As for Bush, he has been outstanding the last several weeks. Not necessarily a home run hitter, but given the rock twenty to thirty times a game he will get you a lot of points. Unfortunately, McFadden looks like he will be back sooner rather than later. Not sure what the mix will be, may even ease McFadden in slowly. But, there will be a decrease in carries, and with the playoffs on the line, Oakland may be looking for the home run. I believe the bigger point is Miami. Their run defense is GOOD. Upcoming games against Phi, Buf, Ne, and NYJ. You are not sitting McCoy, but for the rest of the weeks, pay attention!

Bad week for me in my big leagues, going 0-0, I did manage to go 2-3 in my ESPN leagues, making the playoffs in 5 out of 6. Do as I say, not as I do.