The season is young, but even at this point, not lacking surprises (both good and... not so good). With all due respect to the Carson Palmers, Keenan McCardells, Ahman Greens, and Kevin Joneseses of this world, here are my top 5 pleasant and unpleasant surprises so far this season...


Top 5 Pleasant Surprises


QB Eli Manning NYG, C-Bass Git-R-Done... When Eli was a rookie, Peyton was quoted as saying Eli was the best quarterback in the Manning family. You know what? Peyton's a pretty smart guy. Maybe he was just being nice, but then again...

RB Willie Parker PIT, Fentons... It remains to be seen how long his role as the feature (and lone) back in Pittsburgh will last, but to this point in the season, "Fast" Willie Parker is definitely one of the NFL and fantasy's most pleasant surprises.

DEF Indianapolis Colts IND, Disposable Heroes... The baby horses are allowing less than 7 points per game in 2005 and treating opposing QBs like ragdolls. The question remains, did Peyton finally sell his soul to the devil for a defense?

WR Plaxico Burress NYG, Anti-Ryan... Eli to Plaxico is right up there this season with such potent combinations as Carson to Chad, Peyton to Marvin, and even (dare I say?) Donovan to Terrell.


RB Thomas Jones CHI, Joey Joe Joe Shabadoo... This is case of keeping up with the Jones'. Despite the shadow of number one pick Cedric Benson looming over him, all Thomas (36 FP) has done is outperformed other high profile Jones', Julius (33 FP) and Kevin (12 FP), in one fewer game played.


Top 5 Unpleasant Surprises

QB Daunte Culpepper MIN, Joey Joe Joe Shabadoo... 13 turnovers and just 5 TDs in 4 games is not exactly what fantasy owners were expecting when they made Culpepper a top selection in this years draft.

TE Tony Gonzalez KC, Stewie Griffin... Missing: 6'5", 251 lbs, Hispanic male... if found, please contact the Kansas City Chiefs c/o Dick Vermeil.


DEF Baltimore Ravens BAL, Tony Clifton... Overwhelming #1 projected defense going into this season. To this point, they've forced one turnover. Ray has got his work cut out for him getting this squad back to prominence.

RB Jamal Lewis BAL, C-Bass Git-R-Done... In a season that is already a disaster for the Ravens, Jamal Lewis can't seem to find the holes in the line. His stats stand at less than 35 rushing yards per game and more fumbles lost than touchdowns scored. Yikes.

QB Peyton Manning IND, Terry's Titans... Although he's improved his average after his 4 TD performance vs. the Titans this Sunday, Peyton has not been his usual scoring machine self. Manning was the undisputed #1 quarterback going into 2005 coming off of his record shattering 2004. However, even though the Colts are winning, his sub-par performances certainly mean his fantasy team is not. Let's put it this way, Ben Roethlisberger has one more point than Manning in one fewer game (49-48). Double Yikes.


This post brought to you by TopFiveMovies.com