V for Vendetta – NFL Week 13 – By Slim Gaede
The revenge factor in pro sports is commonly overlooked – athletes love nothing more than sticking it to their old teams. Revenge cannot be measured by statistical analysis, but one thing experienced DFS players know – revenge is real! Football and basketball provide the perfect setting for one player to make the ultimate difference in any given game.
Each week this article will explore certain players, coaches, and teams with something extra to play for. I am not necessarily advising everyone to play these guys, but the extra motivation will be there, so these plays are something to consider.
Darrelle Revis at NY Jets
Why KC? Why now? Revis has been hot garbage the last two years, clearly the reason nobody would sign him this offseason. Dude hit the wall and fell flat on his face, and it was painful to watch. So why would the desperate Chiefs want to sign him now? Who cares! His first game back creates the ultimate revenge game – against his New York football Jets.
A first round pick in the 2007 draft by NY, Revis’s 25 career interceptions in eight seasons as a Jet don’t tell half the story. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s top shutdown corners, and “Revis Island” was the destination for destitution among the NFL’s best receivers. QBs refused to challenge him from 2007-12, but the following two seasons in Tampa and New England began his downfall. Revis returned to the Jets in 2015 and 2016 but clearly lost his legs and ability to stick with faster WRs.
The Chiefs have lost five of six since beginning 5-0 and earning the title as “Super Bowl favorites”. And now – they can’t score against the Giants or Bills, Kareem Hunt has fallen off the planet, and Alex Smith may lose his job. What can Revis possibly do to help this shell-shocked squad? Nobody truly believes he will provide much impact, but the extra motivation could spark one big play. I’m still betting on the Jets, but at least this matchup is interesting now.
Jay Cutler vs Denver
Please clear concussion protocol Jay! His motivation should be insane in this matchup, if he’s able to take the field. Miami will be better off without him, but with both teams dead in the water, we certainly need some drama in this one.
The 11th overall pick by Denver in 2006, Cutler had all the tools necessary to achieve greatness. His first three seasons as a Bronco sum up his entire career – 54 TDs but 37 INTs and a 17-20 record. Yet his physical tools made Cutler top priority for the Bears, who traded for Cutler after the 2008 season.
Despite the limited success (2010 NFC Championship game appearance), Cutler continued to prove one inevitable fact – HE IS NOT AND WILL NEVER BE A WINNER! 51-51 career record in Chicago prove this fact.
Cutler’s piss-poor attitude and total lack of leadership are his two best qualities, and they have shown throughout this year. If he’s able to take the field Sunday, I expect another massive failure, although the Broncos sit squarely on an equal suck level, so we could be in for an ugly contest.
Alfred Morris vs Washington
How many guys hit the NFL from total obscurity harder than Alfred Morris in 2012? After being drafted in the 6th round that year by Washington (from Florida Atlantic), Morris smashed the league for 1,600 yards and 13 TDs! How many total unknowns have ever achieved more as rookies?
So what happened? It is hard to say whether or not Morris quickly regressed or Washington changed its scheme, but his sophomore campaign of 1,200 yards and seven TDs was disappointing. 1,000 yards and eight TDs continued the slide, and his fourth and final season in DC (700 yards, one TD) proved to be his last.
Dallas has dropped three straight, but without Zeke Elliott, Morris has gained the role of lead back. This could be his chance to revive his career, and I expect a heavy workload for the Dallas ground game. Rod Smith vultured a Thanksgiving TD from Morris, but he’s still going to receive the majority of the carries. The motivation to beat his former employer on prime time TV should make for an interesting matchup Thursday. Let’s go Skins!
