The top news from this past week surrounded two running backs that weren't even on the radar in most fantasy football drafts.
Kolby Smith (27 points) and Andre Hall (21 points) both made some serious noise in Week 12. Smith took over as the Chiefs' featured back in the absence of Larry Johnson and the retirement of Priest Holmes and went off for 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Oakland. There's been no word on when (or if) L.J. will return this season, so Smith should be considered a viable fantasy starter.
The same can be said of Hall, who totaled 167 all-purpose yards and one touchdown in an overtime loss to Chicago. The latest Broncos runner to make an impact in the world of fantasy football, Hall could be relevant in Week 13 if Travis Henry and Selvin Young remain out due to injuries.
Smith and Hall are still available in some NFL.com leagues, so look to add them now.
The other tale of the weekend was the unexpected impact of A.J. Feeley. The veteran started in the absence of an injured Donovan McNabb and threw for 345 yards and three scores in a loss to New England. Despite the performance, Eagles coach Andy Reid said he will continue to start McNabb once he returns from ankle and thumb injuries. That scenario makes Feeley less attractive as an option off the waiver wire.
Drew Brees (32 points) led all quarterbacks (and all positions) in Week 12. He threw for 260 yards and scored four touchdowns in a win over Carolina and now has 30-plus fantasy points in three of his past five starts. Brett Favre (31 points) continues to snicker in the face of Father Time, as he threw for 381 yards and three scores in a Thanksgiving Day win in Detroit. Philip Rivers (27 points), Carson Palmer (27 points) and Peyton Manning (26 points) rounded out the top five quarterbacks.
Kurt Warner (25 points) threw for 484 yards and two touchdowns in an overtime loss to San Francisco, and his line would have been even more impressive if he hadn't surrendered six fantasy points due to turnovers.
The top running back of the week was Frank Gore, who had an impressive 214 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in an overtime win over Arizona. Here's the real kicker: Because of his recent (and extended) lack of production, Gore was active in fewer than 70 percent of NFL.com leagues.
Kolby Smith and Andre Hall were second and third at the position, while Justin Fargas (20 points) and Jamal Lewis (20 points) were also stellar. I admit that I was down on Lewis in the preseason, but he has proven to have plenty left in the tank. He'll be a stud for owners in the fantasy football postseason.
Chad Johnson (28 points) awoke from an extended statistical hibernation with 12 catches, 103 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Tennessee. Johnson's three scores equaled the total from his previous 10 starts. Larry Fitzgerald (27 points) put on a show against San Francisco with nine catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Greg Lewis (20 points) was a surprise member of the top five, while Greg Jennings (18 points) and Roddy White (16 points) rounded out the best performances from the position.
