I probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for Barry Sanders.
I joined my first fantasy football league (my first fantasy league of any kind) in the beginning of my senior year of high school (1997). The uncle of a friend was the commissioner and I had the choice between taking over one of two teams (it was a dynasty league). My friend folded a piece of paper with the rosters on it into the shape of an airplane and tossed it my way during class.
The future Hall of Famer's name caught my eye. I didn't have to look any further. To this day, Sanders is the only running back I believe could have gained a thousand yards if the NFL were a flag football league.
Little did I know this would be Sanders penultimate season (and his finest). He ran for 2,053 yards (6.1 yards per attempt) and 14 total touchdowns after beginning the season with 53 yards on 25 carries in his first two games. His excellence combined with Steve McNair (he ran for eight touchdowns), Cris Carter (1,069 yards and 13 touchdowns), Curtis Martin (1,456 total yards and five touchdowns), Ricky Watters (1,550 total yards and seven touchdowns) and a dominating Kansas City defense/special teams (54 sacks, 34 turnovers created and seven touchdowns) delivered my first championship.
I was hooked.
It's been 22 years since the selection of a specific player has made such a difference in my fantasy experience. In case you're just now tuning in, I've been all-in on Lamar Jackson since the offseason. I drafted him on every fantasy team I managed this season.
I wrote this in my Baltimore Ravens fantasy preview: "Jackson started seven games in 2018. His rushing stats alone, extrapolated over 16 games, would make him worthy of your attention: 272 carries, 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns. There's no way the Ravens would run him that much, but a 1,000 yard season and double-digit scores on the ground are in play. His passing is the frosting (and it'll be better than you expect)."
The MVP candidate (NFL and fantasy) is on pace for 1,274 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. And the frosting (his passing)? Add another 3,530 yards and 35 touchdowns passing to the coffers.
Jackson is one of many people and things I'm thankful for this holiday season.
I hope you (and yours) have a wonderful one!
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week and have a happy Thanksgiving!
Here are my best bets for Week 13:
