The Super Bowl always conjures up painful memories for me. “Wide Right.” Thuman Thomas’ missing helmet. Nine turnovers against Dallas. The pain is real for Buffalo Bill fans, my friends. But the wife and I will soldier on. Come Sunday, we will break out the nachos, pour the Guinness, and fire up the buffalo wings like the troopers we are. She will cut the celery and carrots into edible sticks while I rustle up the blue cheese for dipping purposes. And if any of you barbarians out there slather ranch dressing on your wings, there’s a special place in hell just for you. It’s only fair, as we blue cheese-dunking Bills fans have our own hell on earth.
The Fifth Annual Fantasy Billboard Awards
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jaxson Dart, QB — Jaxson Dart didn’t start until Week 4 in place of veteran Russell Wilson when he led the 0-3 Giants to a victory against the undefeated Chargers. An omen of good things to come. His reckless play forced him to miss four games with injuries (and forced Brian Daboll out of NY) but when Dart was on the field, he was an impressive QB6 in points scored.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Christian McCaffrey, RB — Last year I called CMC a kamikaze pilot because he continuously risked life and limb on the gridiron. In 2023 he carried 272 times for the 49ers and could only muster 50 totes in 2024 before breaking down. But this year he did not crash and burn. Left for dead by most fantasy players, CMC was a man on a mission. He did not miss a snap all season, piloting the 49ers into the postseason with 2,126 all purpose yards and 17 TDs.
WORST PICKUP
Braelon Allen, RB — Braelon Allen wasn’t on any fantasy rosters until head coach Aaron Glenn said he was the RB1-B to Breece Hall’s RB1-A. We were told the Jets were going to have a hard time keeping him off the field. We were foolish enough to listen. Allen got just four carries a game before he was lost for the year in Week 5.
FRA-GEE-LAY MAJOR AWARD
James Conner, RB — You knew he wouldn’t survive the season when you drafted him, so don’t cry in your beer over this guy. But I’m sure we all expected more than two and a half games before James Conner blew a gasket. That’s a new low. He lasted until Weeks 5 and 6 in 2022 and 23.
SUPER BOWL GIDDY UPS AND WHOA DOWNS!
QBs Sam Darnold vs Drake Maye — The Patriots held lesser QBs to one or fewer TDs, but Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield both put up three on them this year. Sam Darnold is on fire and should have 260 yards and two TDs. Drake Maye didn’t look sharp in Denver even before the foul weather set in. Matt Stafford was the only QB to reach three TD passes against the ‘Hawks. A tough spot for Maye, he should pass for 200 yards, one TD, and another TD on the ground.
RBs Kenneth Walker III vs Rhamondre Stevenson/TreVeyon Henderson — No RB this season racked up 100 yards against Seattle. And they held the great Christian McCaffrey under 35 yards rushing in both of their last two confrontations. Yards will be hard to come by, but Rhamondre Stevenson will get 55 and possibly a TD. The lesser used TreyVeyon Henderson will struggle to reach 40 yards. Kenneth Walker III has become the workhorse in the Seattle backfield. He’ll get close to 80 yards rushing and 30 receiving. A TD is almost assured. He has four in two playoff games.
WRs Jaxon Smith-Njigba/Cooper Kupp vs Stefon Diggs/Mack Hollins — Man-to-man coverage is music to JSN’s ears. The Pats will have their hands full. JSN goes over 100 yards and a TD. Cooper Kupp should get some attention too but doesn’t draw the targets JSN does. Five receptions for 50 yards feel right. The Rams’ Puka Nacua scorched the Seahawks for 165 yards and a TD last game against them. Stefon Diggs had 116 yards and a TD in his last FOUR games. Obviously, Diggs is no Nacua. Pencil the former Vikings, Texans, and Bills malcontent in for 48 yards and no TDs. Mack Hollins is my wildcard to lead the Pats in receiving, for what it’s worth.
TEs A.J. Barner/Hunter Henry — A.J. Barner averages two catches a game. If he gets 25 yards, that’s a lot. But he could surprise with a sneaky TD catch. I expect Hunter Henry to start piling on the yards in the second half when the Pats are playing catch up. He’ll get five grabs for 50 yards.
Fearless Prediction: 11 years ago, the Patriots broke every heart in the Pacific Northwest with the interception heard ‘round the world. The revenge will be all that much sweeter for Seattle as they handle the Patriots surprisingly easily. Seahawks 27 Patriots 17
The Fifth Fantasy Billboard season is in the books. It’s been a blast! See you again when training camps open.
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.
