Fantasy football

Last weekend I went to see the Hold Steady, a rock band, perform at the Orpheum. The show was tremendous, and the group highlighted its latest album, “Stay Positive.” With that theme in mind, instead of focusing on which player is killing my fantasy squad or your fantasy squad, I thought I, too, would stay positive and point out players who were not drafted early in my league but turned out to be terrific performers.

Accept a healthy round of applause if you drafted any of the following. All were selected after the fifth round in my draft.

Jay Cutler, QB, Denver: Cutler lasted until the ninth round in my draft and was taken one spot after Donovan McNabb, another player worthy of being on this list. Cutler is second in the NFL in passing yards and has 18 touchdowns, most of which have gone to young receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. The Broncos’ running attack has been torn apart with injuries, which is good news for Cutler owners, because the Broncos will be sure to pass on most downs.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta: White was taken in the sixth round in my draft by default — his owner didn’t show up, and our commissioner made the pick instead. Initially, the sixth round seemed too early. Not anymore. White leads my league in fantasy points by a wide receiver, and after nine games, his production can no longer be considered a fluke. White has six touchdowns and more than 800 yards receiving, and he has become the favorite target of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago: A double threat, Forte has been nearly as lethal catching balls out of the backfield (37 receptions, three touchdowns) as he has been rushing (713 yards, four touchdowns). A sixth-round pick in my draft, the rookie from Tulane has the fourth-most running back fantasy points in my league. He’s been this season’s most consistent player at that position.

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee: A 13th-round pick in my draft, Johnson has combined for more than 900 yards and six touchdowns (five rushing, one receiving) with the Titans, who are undefeated and reliant on their running game, with QB Kerry Collins being more of a “game manager” than a downfield thrower. Also a rookie (East Carolina), Johnson has earned the majority of the carries over LenDale White and will continue to put up solid numbers as long he stays healthy.

Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego: While quarterbacks such as Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer were being selected in the vicinity of the fourth round, Rivers lasted until the eighth. The NC State product leads the NFL with 21 touchdown passes and a 106.3 rating. Nearly as impressive is that he doesn’t have a stable of All-Pro receivers at his disposal. Like Cutler, Rivers won’t last so long in next year’s draft.

Ed Ryan writes about fantasy sports and betting for OT and can be reached at ed-ryan@globe.com