Recession Proof Fantasy Football Stocks

The European economy has wreaked havoc on financial markets around the world. Stocks in almost every country have taken massive hits as an uncertain economic outlook looms over the world’s largest economies. With so much gloom out there, it’s tough to find some positive news when it comes to stocks these days. But, I think that I found some of the most recession proof stocks out there. In fact, these stocks have not only weathered the unstable financial markets, but they have increased their value substantially this year. Going into 2012, the owners of these particular stocks will be very happy with the return they will get on their investment. The stocks of fantasy football players having breakout seasons have never been higher (hope you weren’t looking for some penny stock recommendations), and here are some guys who will help you dominate your league next season!

Here is the 2012 Fantasy Football Rising Stock List:

Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots (75 Receptions/1,141 Receiving Yards/15 TDs)

Affectionately known as “Gronk” to New England fans, Gronkowski’s 2011 season has been one for the record books. If a wide-receiver had Gronkowski’s numbers through Week 15 we would be talking about that WR being the best in the NFL, but instead we are talking about a tightend who set the NFL single-season TD record! It’s clear that he has become Tom Brady’s favorite target everywhere on the field, but especially in the redzone. Gronk has also become the toughest guy in the league to bring down, a la Mike Alstott of days gone, and is averaging a very un-tightend like 15.2 yards a reception. Tom Brady just became the second QB in league history to have 3 or more 35+ TD seasons, and Gronk will be central in Brady’s attempt next year to do the same. He will be the first TE off the board in 2012 drafts and you may even want to consider taking him with the Top 10 WRs.

Matthew Stafford Detroit Lions (93.8 QBR/4145 Passing Yards/33 TDs):

The Detroit Lions have a future and it appears that the future is now (never thought I’d be saying those words aloud). In his third season, Stafford has emerged as not only a very good quarterback, but also as one of the elite QBs in the entire league. He is fresh off orchestrating his 4^th comeback of the season when his team trailed by more than 13 points. This season, unlike years past, he seems to have figured out how to stay on the field without sustaining the big injury and the payoff for the Lions franchise has been tremendous. He has also figured out how to spread the ball around, and it has led to teams trying to take Calvin Johnson out of the game having to pay the price of leaving the other receivers one-on-one. A big time arm, ability to make plays in the 4^th quarter and a dynamic set of receivers makes Stafford a lock to finish in the Top 5 QBs this season…and many seasons to come

A.J. Green Cincinnati Bengals (61 Receptions/1,006 Receiving Yards/7 TDs)

Well A.J.’s arrival on the elite WR scene did not take very long. In fact, he only waited until his second career game to put up 10 receptions, 124 receiving yards and a TD. Since then, he has been a Top 10 wideout in the AFC. He has benefited nicely from great chemistry with fellow rookie Andy Dalton, who looks for Green on almost every redzone opportunity (just ask Keyshawn “Give Me The Damn Ball” Johnson how important that is to being a top WR). Green has also been able to answer most important question of being a top wideout…when everyone in the stadium knows you will be getting the throw can you make the catch? The answer has been an emphatic ‘YES’ as he has consistently beaten double teams and tight-roped the sidelines to make highlight worthy catches. We may be witnessing the next addition to the Calvin Johnson/Greg Jennings/Roddy White group of elite receivers.

Honorable mention:

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers (82.3 QBR/3,722 Passing Yards/609 Rushing Yards/30 Total TDs)

Jimmy Graham New Orleans Saints (87 Receptions/1,171 Receiving Yards/9 TDs)

Dez Bryant Dallas Cowboys (51 Receptions/796 Receiving Yards/9 TDs)

Check out this great article by Eric Mack, of SI.com, on next season’s WR rankings (click here).

Also, follow my useless ramblings on twitter @joshuabrier.

Playoffs?!?...Playoffs?!?

You spent hours preparing for your draft in August. You probably destroyed half a forest with cheat sheets detailing player rankings and depth charts for every NFL team (and maybe a few Canadian Football League teams just so you could be ready to draft the next Doug Flutie). You agonized over your first round selection and eventually took Chris Johnson or Peyton Hillis (both of who are stealing money like Justin Timberlake steals money…will somebody please tell me what that no-talent-hack actually does that’s worth paying for?!?). But you’ve rebounded and all of that time spent prepping, energy spent tweaking draft strategy and the forests you destroyed are about to pay off because it is FANTASY FOOTBALL PLAYOFF TIME!! That depth you built up by drafting nine RB’s is going to put you into prime position to capture your league’s crown. Everyone will know that you are the superior sports manager and they should bow to you at next season’s draft. If by chance your team is not poised to make a playoff run in your fantasy league then you are a disgrace to everyone who has ever placed a waiver claim on the next great Denver Broncos running back (during the Shanahan glory days). You don’t deserve to be in a fantasy league and you should take up crocheting or some other useless and time consuming hobby, because wasting time is all you did this season!

For those who made the playoffs, and also who happen to be the superior human beings on the planet, here is a LOVE/HATE list for the fantasy playoffs first round matchups:

LOVE

Matthew Stafford @ Minnesota- The Vikings have been just AWFUL on defense this year. They are allowing a whopping 27 points a game to opposing offenses (good for 3^rd worst in the league), and more than 250 yards passing to the opposing signal caller (good for 5^th worst in the league). Plus, Stafford only threw for 378 yards and 2 TD’s against them in Week 3.

Joe Flacco/Ray Rice/Ed Dickson/Torrey Smith/ENTIRE BALTIMORE OFFENSE  vs. Indianapolis- Okay, it is very easy to pick on the Colts these days. They have been absolutely terrible on both sides of the ball, and have been particularly awful on defense. Perhaps that is an understatement, because they allow a league worst 30 points a game and about 400 yards of total offense to the opposition. Let’s just say that with the turnovers created by the number one ranked Ravens D, Flacco et al will have a MONSTER fantasy day against the Indianapolis Ponies.

Matt Ryan/Julio Jones @ Carolina- Cam Newton has been one of the nicer surprises of the 2011 season. The only problem for Carolina is that Cam only plays on offense. The Panthers D is giving up an incredible 28 points per game and has allowed the most passing TD’s against in the NFL. This bodes well for the Falcons and the deep threat that Jones provides Ryan. Look for these two to hook-up for long plays and often. This game will be a high scoring affair, as the Panthers can score, and that will give Matty Ice many opportunities to have his best game of the season.

HATE

Andy Dalton/A.J. Green vs. Houston- Who said rookie QB’s can’t win in this league? Dalton has done nothing but put up a Top 15 QB rating and placed the Bungals Bengals in playoff contention. Green has provided him with a consistent deep threat and both are going to get plenty of love from ROY voters. But, this is not the week this rookie duo puts up big numbers. The Texans have been very stingy on defense, allowing the second fewest points per game in the NFL. Add to that the likelihood that Houston will lean heavily on their run offense while playing their 3^rd string QB, and there will be less clock available for Cincy to put points of the board.

LeSean McCoy @ Miami- Don’t let the Dolphins horrible record fool you. This team had some very close losses at the beginning of the season and their defense has been strong all season against opposing RB’s. They have the 7^th best run defense in the league and have allowed only a few rushing TD’s against them all season. While McCoy has been a TD machine, he will run into some engine trouble in humid Miami.

Matt Forte @ Denver- If you know a Broncos fan they will probably try to convince you that Tim Tebow changes jerseys when the offense is not on the field, and he plays linebacker for this recently hot defensive unit. While the story has been Tebow’s late game heroics, the real story should be the dramatic improvement the Broncos D has made in recent games. Chicago’s offense has been sputtering since Cutler injured his thumb and 8 Broncos defensive players in the box will shut down Matt Forte. Add to the dismal Chicago offense that the Broncos are the heaviest run oriented offense in the league and you can expect a very low scoring affair between these two teams in the thin Rocky Mountain air.

Good luck to your team in the playoffs. For those of you who are watching the playoffs from the sideline, I suggest getting a head start on next year’s draft prep. You don’t want to disappoint your family again with a pathetic showing next season- do you?!?

Check out this great article by SI.com’s Thomas Casale on why it is time to give up on Philip Rivers.

Also, follow my useless ramblings on twitter @joshuabrier