Too often, fantasy sports become too big of a distraction from the bigger picture.

People never cheer for their fantasy players to do well against the team they root for, but other things can be missed in the chase for fantasy dominance.

The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson made his return Sunday and posted 126 total yards and two touchdowns. Lost in the shuffle is that the Lions lost their fourth straight game, and the possibility of them losing the rest of their games is very real.

Advertisement

They have a pretty tough remaining schedule, and right now their playoff bandwagon is wrapped around a tree about to catch fire.

But because this is a fantasy column, start Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton, Marion Barber and Jason Witten against Detroit this week.

And that concludes “Who’s Burning Detroit?” As if you wouldn’t start those players anyway.

Miami still hasn’t won a game, unwillingly chasing the 1976 Buccaneers for a place in infamy. I’m like the opposite of the 1972 Dolphins, who celebrate when the last undefeated team loses every season.

The Lions started 0-13 in 2001, and ever since then I’ve wanted to see an NFL team go winless. I wonder if Steve Spurrier, who quarterbacked those infamous Bucs, shares my thoughts.

In actual fantasy news, Oakland halfback Justin Fargas has solidified himself as a productive running back, and Cardinals’ receiver Bryant Johnson has performed well with injuries to Larry Fitzgerald and frustrating fantasy receiver Anquan Boldin. Fargas and Johnson are worth giving starts to this week.

But if you really want to go out on a limb, pick up and start Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens. He’s played well in spurts, posting a 91.7 quarterback rating against the Dolphins, and he has a favorable matchup Sunday against the Browns.

Advertisement*

Don’t sour on Carson Palmer just yet, either. He turned in a stinker in Week 13 but will face the Rams defense Sunday.

Last week, St. Louis had the pleasure of facing the Falcons, who have made plenty of defenses look like the 2000 Ravens this season – the Panthers, Vikings and Buccaneers, to name a few.

Whatever you do, don’t forget about the history being made in front of us. It’s impossible to forget that the Patriots are chasing an undefeated season, but keep an eye on the Lions, Dolphins, and maybe the craziest playoff chase in history that involved so many 6-6 and 5-7 teams in the mix for the final NFC spot.

Now I just wish I could end a column like Tom Brady ends press conferences: “He said two questions. I’m outta here. Bye guys.”

Scott Mieszala can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 256 or [email protected].