Jimmy Graham Shoulder Injury Ruining Fantasy Owners’ Playoffs Hopes

Jimmy Graham is one of the top targets in the NFL. He’s also a stud in fantasy football, guaranteeing owners a consistently high point total week in and week out. But a shoulder injury suffered by Graham in Week 5 might not only have dashed all hopes Saints fans have of making the playoffs, but could also be responsible for destroying fantasy owners shot at a Super Bowl run.

“At times this year the shoulder has really held me back sometimes,” Graham told the Advocate. “Other times I’m able to fight through the pain. I just got to man up and keep doing it.”

The shoulder injury could explain why Graham was held to zero catches last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This week meanwhile, Jimmy and the Saints did not fare much better. Graham mustered a mere twenty-five yards and three catches from quarterback Drew Brees. He was also held without a touchdown once again as the Panthers rolled over the Saints 41-10.

Before the game, SB Nation had Graham as a must start, citing his report with Drew Brees, who also has had a shaky fantasy season to date.

“After a mildly disappointing season, Drew Brees has really rebounded the last couple weeks, with 27 and 30 fantasy points. He’s once again a must-start, top-tier guy….Jimmy Graham did nothing a week ago, but come on, it’s Jimmy Graham.”

That last statement may have been valid a year ago, but the 2014 version of Jimmy Graham has turned into a crap shoot for fantasy owners.

“I just want to have an influence on the game, and have an impact on the game,” Graham said. “I honestly could care less what happens out there as long as we get the (win). It doesn’t matter, any kind of stat line you have — four touchdowns and 15 catches — if you lose.”

And lose they did. Cam Newton lead the Carolina Panthers with a three touchdown passing day. He also appeared to incite a bench clearing brawl at the goal line following a touchdown run. Jonathan Stewart added a back-breaking 69-yard touchdown run as the Panthers kept themselves in the NFC South conversation, breaking their six-game losing streak with the 41-10 rout of the Saints on Sunday.

And unless you blame the groping suffered by Jimmy at the hands of the Joker, as reported by the Inquisitr three weeks ago as the reason for this year’s shortcoming, the joke has truly been on fantasy football owners hoping Jimmy Graham would carry them to a title.

[Jimmy Graham image via Nola.com]