We all know how the NFL chose to award it's players. Peyton Manning took home the MVP, Percy Harvin was the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and on and on. However, the world of Fantasy Football is sometimes farther from the gridiron than we realize. Because we care more about touchdowns and multiples of tens than we care about that players record at the end of the year. So, without further ado, I present to you the Real Fantasy 2009 NFL Fantasy Football Awards!
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Lucky for us, most of our seasons were over before last weeks season killing fumble. Because that would have been at least -2 points for our team. However, Rodgers was more than consistent for the whole year. 30 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions meant that Rodgers was always giving more points than he was taking away. The 4,434 yards were also nice averaging out to 277 yards per game. Obviously he went over 300 in more than a few games which always equaled out to a nice bonus for his owners. The real clinching stat for Rodgers MVP award was his quarterback-leading 5 rushing touchdowns. Rodgers versatility provided multiple ways of point scoring all year for him as well as those in fantasy leagues who hit the jackpot with this young signal caller.
Defense of the Year: New Orleans Saints
Now granted, they did not necessarily allow the fewest amount of points, and we all know Drew Brees won the Saints their #1 seed, not the stifling D. However, the Saints D racked up a ton of points. This fantasy defense scored a whopping 8 touchdowns this year. The number of turnovers was also off the charts. The Saints finished the season with 26 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries. They also did a decent job at getting to the quarterback with 35.0 sacks. So in review, the Saints D maybe didn't win New Orleans any games, but there were plenty of weeks where they saved the team that owned them from slumping offensive stars.
Individual Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis
Willis had a groundbreaking year for all IDPs. His outrageous amount of fantasy points made him a viable draft option over even some mid-grade offensive players. Willis made his fantasy paycheck from his consistent amount of tackles. He racked up 114 solo and 38 assisted. Willis's nose for the ball kept him in every play, and every play usually led to more points for those who owned him.
Quarterback of the Year: Aaron Rodgers
See "MVP" above
Runningback of the Year: Chris Johnson
This is an absolute no brainier. His 16 total touchdowns can make about anyone jealous, but the real story here is of course the amount of rushing yards he racked up. Joining the 2,000 yard club, Johnson forever immortalized his name in the NFL history books. While no one was more thankful for his records than those who chose to draft him back in August.
Receiver of the Year: Andre Johnson
What made Johnson so good this year was the fact that there really wasn't anyone else for quarterback Matt Shaub to throw to. Johnson was targeted constantly and his sure hands never failed those which threw to him. Johnson went crazy on yards, totaling 1,569 during this season. He got all of that on 101 catches which led to 9 touchdowns for #80. Even with the injuries that seemed to nag him all year, Johnson still shone bright and rewarded all of those who took a chance on him.
Sleeper of the Year: Brett Favre
Oh it pains me to say this, but if we all remember Favre's status during the time when fantasy drafts were happening, his stats have been nothing short of shocking. I was on the Favre-hating bandwagon, and to be fair I am still on that bandwagon. Except now I have to bow to the fact that his reward this year for those who drafted him was something I never saw coming. By crossing over the Wisconsin/Minnesota border, Favre somehow turned into one of the NFL's most accurate passers this year. Throwing only 7 interceptions compared to 33 touchdowns. He was also almost always good for more than 250 yards a game because teams had a hard time shutting him down. This is due to the fact that he made all-stars out of guys like Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. Favre became the Vikings main offensive threat, and for a team that boasts Adrian Peterson, that makes him some a heck of a threat, on the field or the computer.
Bust of the Year: Brian Westbrook
Now before you jump down my throat, be aware that I do feel sorry for Westbrook. Watching any athlete lose his season to injuries is never something to feel good about. However, Westbrook was a top 5 pick in most drafts, and he scored 2 touchdowns this year. He rushed for under 300 yards and caught for even less. The Eagles offense moved past Westbrook and on to guys like Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Lesean McCoy. With Westbrook being basically worked out of the Offense this year, this season should make fantasy owners wary about drafting him in any future leagues. Unfortunately, it would appear that the Westbrook era in Philly has come to an end on a very unimpressive season.