Beware the word “actually”. If ever there was a word that preceded a backhanded compliment, it’s that one.

If someone tells  you that your joke was “actually pretty funny”, what they’re really saying is: “I didn’t expect to find one morsel of humor or enjoyment from the story that you launched into without solicitation. Yet somehow I am finding myself amused with your comedic stylings.”

Such an insult might not always be intended, but it’s there nonetheless. Such is the case when things are better than you expect them to be. Just like in this week’s edition of the Social (Fantasy) Network. After discussing the season’s biggest disappointments last week, we decided to go pejoratively positive this week, asking about players who have actually been pretty good this season. In short: Which player has exceeded your expectations in 2012?

I know what most of you are thinking, so let’s get those out of the way now…

@NFLfantasy Easy, Andrew Luck, second last round in my draft and now my starter #SocialFF

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Mitchell Dillon (@2Dill2Chill) November 23, 2012

@NFLfantasy RG III !! Picked up for my keeper pool thinking he'd be good for me down the road, not this early! #SocialFF

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Pat Chapados (@patc664) November 23, 2012

Sometimes the road is shorter than it appears, although there’s certainly no one that would have imagined Robert Griffin III could challenge to be the highest-scoring player in all of fantasy football as a rookie! Then again, no one would have imagined the end of #Shanahanigans, either.

Alfred Morris. Sixth round pick in the NFL draft, fourth string RB going into camp and almost to 1,000 yards after 11 weeks. #SocialFF

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Justin Marsden (@ItsJMars) November 23, 2012

Thank you, Mr. Morris for laying waste to one of the scourges of fantasy football. Similar thanks go out to someone further north on the eastern seaboard.

@NFLfantasy Stevan Ridley. Thought the Belichick RB merry-go-round would hurt him, but he has put up the points. #SocialFF

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Trivia Jockey (@TheTriviaJockey) November 23, 2012

Buh-bye, #Belitricks. Although I’m sure the Patriots will find another way to job your fantasy team — I’m looking at you, Julian Edelman.

Sometimes you have big expectations for guys and they still go above and beyond.

@NFLfantasy #SocialFF AJ Green knew he was very talented but he's turned into arguably a top 5 WR in just his 2nd season #TDMonster

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V-Unit (@Lakers305) November 23, 2012

@NFLfantasy #SocialFF Purple Jesus and Peyton Manning. Both bouncing back from injuries, and they both put up mad numbers.

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Danny J (@YGSIU) November 23, 2012

Prince is recovering from an injury? Oh…you meant Adrian Peterson. My bad. Carry on.

@NFLfantasy Doug Martin has beyond exceeded my expectations this year. He is helping me lead my league that's all guys, 10-1 :) #SocialFF

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Alexandria Varner (@AlexVarner) November 23, 2012

@NFLfantasy Randall Cobb was a great wk 2 waiver pickup, he's kept me alive in my A league, he's far exceeded my expectations #SocialFF

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bobbyblanco1™ (@bobbyblanco1) November 23, 2012

#SocialFF Brandon Meyers without a doubt. Grabbed him in week 3 in a 16 team ppr league. He is now starting over gates for my playoff run!

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Eli Dains (@elidains) November 23, 2012

That last tweet warms my heart because I’ve been on the Brandon Myers bandwagon since the first month of the season. Looking to come aboard? My hand is always extended to help you up.

Our final word of the week goes to Beau, whose selection is equally sad and hilarious.

@NFLfantasy is it sad to say, my kicker, Lawrence Tynes? #SocialFF

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  (@BeauFlex_) November 23, 2012

Didn’t you hear me? I said it was sad and hilarious. If that makes you feel any better. It probably doesn’t. Oh well, I tried. Maybe another piece of leftover sweet potato pie will make you temporarily forget your troubles.

Did we actually leave any deserving players off this list? If we did, tell us about ‘em in the comments section. As always, be on the lookout for next week’s #SocialFF question. In the meantime, happy Week 12 everybody!

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

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