It won't be too long from now that we're knee deep in training camp. That means the new NFL season will be upon us in earnest. (By the way ... now's a good time to sign up for NFL Fantasy Football in 2014.) But until then, let's take some time to reminisce over the season that was 2013 by reliving the 20 best individual fantasy performances of the season. Check back here daily as we count down all the way to No. 1.
No. 20: Foles flies late
The countdown begins with the man who topped the list among fantasy surprises in 2013. So surprising, in fact, that he's one of just two players to make multiple appearances in this countdown (we'll let you guess who the other one is).
Foles' Week 15 contest against the Vikings was the epitome of the fantasy axiom that "garbage points still count." The Eagles fell behind by 18 points midway through the third quarter, but that's when Philly's quarterback went to work. After a lackluster first half, Foles picked things up. In the third and fourth quarters, the Eagles' signal-caller threw for 284 yards and three touchdowns (he also tossed just his second interception of the season).
The comeback attempt fell well short -- the Vikings won, 48-30 -- but Foles finished with 428 yards and three scoring tosses. That was good for 33.22 fantasy points, most among quarterbacks in Week 15 and enough to land him at No. 20 on our countdown.
No. 19: Forte finishes strong
There aren't many fantasy leaguers who contest their championships in Week 17, but those who did last season probably could have used Matt Forte.
The man who ended 2013 as fantasy football's third-leading running back finished with his strongest performance of the season in a do-or-die game against the rival Green Bay Packers. Forte's yardage totals weren't mind-boggling -- he rushed for 110 yards and add another 47 receiving -- but fantasy owners had to love that the Bears rusher found paydirt three times and tallied 33.70 fantasy points
In the end, it wasn't enough for Chicago. The Packers won the game 33-28, but Forte likely helped plenty of fantasy owners celebrate victory over their opponents.
No. 18: Cooper carves up Raiders
No too many fantasy enthusiasts were focused on Riley Cooper when the season began. But it took just one game for the Eagles receiver to make himself a fantasy football commodity.
Everyone had their eyes on DeSean Jackson in a return to the Bay Area. And while the Cal product had a nice day with 150 receiving yards and a score, it was Cooper who stole the show. The Eagles' "other" receiver stole the show with 139 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That's how you announce your presence with authority.
The Eagles flew away with a 49-20 blowout win, thanks in large part to Cooper's 33.70-fantasy point day. Afterward, it was the receiver who was soaring ... and flying off the fantasy waiver wire.
No. 17: McCoy delivers in snowstorm
Much like the United States Postal Service, neither sleet nor snow could have prevented LeSean McCoy from making his appointed rounds in Week 14.
McCoy finished the game with 217 rushing yards -- 148 in the fourth quarter -- and two touchdowns. Those totals were good for 34.10 fantasy points, tops among fantasy backs in Week 14. That's one heck of a snow day.
No. 16: Vick strikes like lightning
You might have noticed that the start of our countdown has been a little Eagles-heavy. Well guess what ... another Eagle has landed at No. 16.
Once upon a time, Michael Vick was tabbed as the man to lead Chip Kelly's new-fangled, up-tempo offense. In Week 2, he ran it just the way everyone would have imagined. Vick torched the Chargers' defense to the tune of 428 passing yards and a pair of scores. And just for old time's sake, the veteran ran for 34 yards and another touchdown. Unfortunately, Philip Rivers was nearly as good and led San Diego to a game-winning field goal with seven seconds remaining in a 33-30 win.
None of that would diminish the day for Vick's fantasy owners. Philadelphia's quarterback accounted for 34.32 points ... and finished SECOND among fantasy scorers. Who won the week? Stay tuned to the Top 20 countdown to find out.
Marcas Grant is a fantasy editor for NFL.com and a man who encourages you to keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars. You can follow him on Twitter.
