2010 First-Half Fantasy Awards

Now that every NFL team has at least eight games in the books it seems an appropriate time to reflect on the first half of the season – to take a look at the fantasy players who have performed beyond their expectations and those who have failed to meet the mark.

Here are my 2010 first-half fantasy awards:

Most Valuable Player: Arian Foster, RB, Texans
No brainer here. Foster leads the league in rushing yards (864) and is tied with Antonio Gates and Hakeem Nicks for touchdowns (nine). Foster would also be the best value pick of 2010, as he lasted until the late rounds of most fantasy drafts.

Top Rookie: Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers
No clear standout for this one, but Williams is nonetheless a worthy pick. He ranks among the top 15 in receiving yards and has caught five touchdowns for a subpar Tampa Bay passing game. And he has collected 80 or more yards in four of the last five games, suggesting better days are still ahead.

Top Free Agent: Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns
Everyone was banking on Jerome Harrison to carry Cleveland once Montario Hardesty went down with an injury, but instead it’s been Hillis – the team’s compensation for unwanted quarterback Brady Quinn. He ranks 12th in the league in rushing and tied for third in rushing scores (seven). Free agents aren’t supposed to serve as No. 1 fantasy backs.

Biggest Bust: Randy Moss, WR, Titans
Even before the fiasco in Minnesota Moss would have warranted consideration for this slot. He has caught just 22 passes in eight games, and although his touchdown total is respectable (five) his fantasy production is a far cry from what owners expected from a late first/early second round pick.

All-Fantasy Team
QB – Philip Rivers, Chargers
RB – Arian Foster, Texans
RB – Adrian Peterson, Vikings
WR – Hakeem Nicks, Giants
WR – Terrell Owens, Bengals
TE – Antonio Gates, Chargers
K – Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders