Not so fast, American voting populace. The White House has been decided, but there is one more election we must analyze — the midseason fantasy football elections. It’s that point in the year when we look at what these players have done for the game of fantasy football and we commend those who have excelled. Who has been the best at each position? Who’s been the best running back? Tell me, doc. Tell me!
Relax. The awards answer all.
Without further ado, the fantasy doctor midterm election results.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers vs. Robert Griffin III
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As an American and a fantasy football player, you know what you’re going to get with Mr. Rodgers. He’s the model of consistency. The never-failing, never-flinching leader of the Packers, Rodgers is once again the top points scorer in fantasy. You can really never go wrong with Aaron Rodgers.
On the other side, challenger Mr. RG3 brings an insurgence of youth and excitement into a previously drab Redskins organization. And the fantasy points keep piling up — second only to Rodgers, who is a star, but RG3’s a different animal. If he keeps finding the endzone, rushing and throwing, his production has no limits. Also, he’s playing in Washington, so that has to count for something.
CNN projected winner — Robert Griffin III, Redskins
Running back
Doug Martin (Green Party) vs. Arian Foster vs. Adrian Peterson
Mr. Martin made a last-minute campaign trip to Oakland, Calif., on Sunday in an attempt to capture the people’s attention and their vote. With maybe the best day in fantasy history, he succeeded. But is one immortal week enough to win the running back race?
No.
Foster and Peterson, like Rodgers, can do no wrong. Both in the top three of running back scoring, Peterson already over 1,000 total yards, Foster already with 10 rushing touchdowns. The race is almost too close to call. But the deciding factor is one candidate’s freakish ability to recover from devastating ACL injuries in fewer than nine months. Human beings shouldn’t be able to do that.
Carle Clinic projected winner — Adrian Peterson, Vikings
Wide receiver
A.J. Green vs. Brandon Marshall
What started out as a runaway, one-sided race for Mr. Green has turned into a battle thanks to Mr. Marshall’s recent fantasy outburst — nine receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns in the Bears’ last game, six touchdowns in his past five games. Marshall’s ability to find the endzone has him close in many of the exit polls, but he couldn’t close the gap completely.
Green holds the edge over Marshall because of the all-important characteristic of consistency. He has scored a touchdown in seven straight games.
ABC News projected winner — A.J. Green, Bengals
Tight end
Rob Gronkowski (unopposed)
Most touchdowns among tight ends, most yards among tight ends. No one else merits discussion.
Bud Light Platinum projected winner — Gronk, Patriots
Defense
Chicago Bears (unopposed)
Same story for the Bears. In the history of sport, no has taken the phrase “the best offense is a good defense” more literally than this team. They have seven touchdowns, only four fewer than the Jacksonville Jaguars offense. Repeat: only four fewer than an NFL offense. It’s incredible, and it’s fun to watch.
Mike Ditka’s projected winner — Chicago Bears
Kicker
(All kickers on the ballot)
In a tight race among 32 candidates, knowing who to vote for can be tough because kickers are all the same. What are the hot-button issues? What’s their stance on going for two? Do they like the left hash mark or the right hash mark? Are they easily iced?
In the end, I went out on a limb and voted on a single issue: who has made the most field goals. Call me crazy.
Bill and Martin Gramatica’s projected winner — Lawrence Tynes, Giants
Jack is a senior in LAS. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JCassidy10.