There are times when fantasy sports becomes a popularity contest.  In the NFL, you are defined by your wins and how you perform in the big game.  The clutch gene if you will.  And sometimes, fantasy owners avoid players who lack this skillset.  In fact, sometimes guys get over-valued (i.e. Derek Jeter) because of it.  Unfortunately for Tony Romo, it is one of the many reasons he isn’t well-liked.  He is labeled as a choker, and by some, a loser.  But fortunately for us fantasy owners; we can reap the benefits when it comes to undervalued players.

Almost every year it seems to be the same theme.  Romo puts up 4,000+ yards and 25-35 touchdowns.  Since 2006, He has failed only twice to put up at least 26 passing touchdowns.  One year (2010) was when he missed 10 games due to injury, and the other was 2006, the first year Romo really got behind center.  And despite the 19 picks last season (tying a career high in 2007), he hasn’t been too turnover prone in his career.  The last four seasons prior to 2012, Romo hasn’t thrown more than 14 picks in a season.  All in all, he has been very consistent for his fantasy owners.

There isn’t a real reason as to why that should change, either.  The big time weapons around Romo haven’t disappeared.  He still has Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten.  And Demarco Murray should keep the offense balanced.  Last season, he averaged 7.6 yards per attempt (8.0 Y/A in 2011).  For some context, Aaron Rodgers had a 7.8 Y/A in 2012.  As for the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line, there are real concerns.  But Romo dealt with the same line last season and still managed to put up top 10 fantasy QB numbers.

See where we ranked Tony Romo in our 2013 Fantasy Football Draft Guide!

I am not saying you should overpay for Tony Romo.  I am not necessarily saying you should draft him over Andrew Luck.  What I am saying is why pay a higher price for similar value?  Yes, Andrew Luck should be a great quarterback in this league.  But when?  Assuming Romo puts up 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns; will Luck totally blow that out of the water?  Heck, is even Matthew Stafford going to be that much better than Tony?  These guys may have more upside, but what is the price to pay for that upside?  Especially in a one QB league, I rather save my money and spend it on a player who is clearly a tier above the rest at his position.  In the NFL, Tony Romo may never win the big one, but if it helps me construct the best possible roster, I’ll have him on my fantasy team any day.