Can you possibly reconcile with Felix Jones?
Just so we're clear: I'm not asking you to forgive Felix Jones for the miserable fantasy season he's had thus far, nor for any of his other miserable fantasy seasons. And I'm definitely not suggesting that you should forget this player's deep injury history when it's time to draft a 2012 roster. There are many red flags with Felix, many reasons to proceed with caution.
But as a short-term fantasy commodity, Dallas' feature back could work out nicely. All Jones needs to do is remain healthy-ish for two weeks — the two most important weeks on the fantasy calendar — and he might just lead your fake team to a title. DeMarco Murray is done for the year after fracturing his right ankle, Philip Tanner was placed on IR last week, and Tashard Choice was waived in October (then again in November by Washington).
Felix, against all odds, is the last man standing in the Cowboys' backfield. Dallas is reportedly about to sign Sammy Morris, but he wouldn't pose an immediate threat to Jones' workload.
In Weeks 15-16, the Cowboys will face a pair of defenses — Tampa Bay and Philadelphia — that rank among the NFL's most generous in terms of fantasy points-allowed to running backs. The Bucs have given up 139.7 rushing yards per game and a league-worst 19 touchdowns; the Eagles have yielded 115.1 yards per game and 11 rushing scores. Felix is unowned in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues at the moment, so a few thousand of you have a chance to add him at little or no cost. This is why you've (hopefully) saved a few FAAB dollars. Spend whatever you've got in pursuit of Jones.
I'll remind you that in each of the past two years, the top fantasy scorer over the final three weeks was a late-season waiver add. In 2009 it was Jerome Harrison; last year it was Tim Tebow. This season, Felix could be the lottery ticket you've hoped for.
Unless of course his quad or calf or hamstring or foot or patella or groin explodes. But let's try to think positive thoughts, just for a few weeks. Next August, we'll be sure to remind you of the risks. Right now, focus on the potential reward.
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