September 28, 2009
September 25, 2009
This week's stats.
This week's stats will be Interceptions and Receiving Yards. Sorry for the delay, my wife had a baby, things have been very hectic. I'll have an updated graph on the blog by the end of the weekend.
September 21, 2009
Bold Predictions???
Hey Josh,
When are we going to get the other half of the bold predictions? It seems a bit late now...
When are we going to get the other half of the bold predictions? It seems a bit late now...
September 19, 2009
Sproles
Pat, are you nervous that Sproles will have his return duties taken away if LT misses a lot of time?
September 15, 2009
Performance Update - Week One Post-MNF
The winners for week one performance were Tim/Tackles and Pat/Receiving. Nice start for the O'Keefe's!
The category awards for Week Two will be Passing Yards and Interceptions. Let me know if you have any questions.
September 14, 2009
Performance Standings - Week 1, Pre MNF
Well, I know that some of you would like to see this even without tonight's games included... so here are the current standings for the performance points.
The bold column will represent the season total for each category. I'll try to make this bigger in the future.
Also, the tiebreakers for the defensive categories will be as follows:
Sacks - Tackles, then interceptions.
Tackles - combined interceptions and sacks.
Interceptions - Tackles, then sacks.
There will be no tiebreakers after this. If it occurs where two teams are still tied for the category after all tiebreakers, then the 5 pts will be divided between the players. Yes, that will happen if there is a three way tie, too, and 0.01pts will be left unawarded. The same thing will happen for offensive categories, too, upon a tie. This tiebreaking procedure is in my opinion, the best way to settle the issue without affecting peoples' draft strategy. I hope you agree!
I'll post the official Week 1 stats after tonight's games. Go Brady.
P.S. The performance categories awarded this week are Tackles and Receiving Yards. I'll post next week's categories after tonight's game as well. From now on, the categories for the next week will be posted along with the current categories so people may plan accordingly (if they so choose). My bad this week, I didn't think about it.
September 12, 2009
My Bold Predictions 2009 Preseason Edition
Just a little explanation of this madness for those of you who have never been in a league with me before. Every year at the beginning of the season, and about the midway point, I do a little write up of my opinion of each team in the league (strengths, weaknesses, etc.) and make predictions for how the league will turn out. They are simply my speculative opinions, based on a little bit of research, a little bit of statistical analysis, and a whole lot of personal bias. These predictions are meant in no way to offend anyone, the preseason one's especially will probably all fail miserably, but I like writing them, and at least 1 other person in the league likes reading them. Plus it's a reason to brag at the end of the season if my team totally bombs, but I made a couple of good predictions. So anyway, it's meant for fun, make fun of them or me...or Pat, and feel free to comment or discuss my opinions/predictions about your team. I've included 2 numbers next to each team that mean absolutely nothing, but I like doing dumb stuff like that (maybe I should have been an accountant), but anyway, they are the point totals based on Yahoo's projections for each team. The first number is the total number of points projected for a teams starters (I used the highest possible play at each position for the season), and the second is the total for the entire team. So without further ado, here they are (in order the way the teams come up on the Yahoo box).
Team Wheaties AKA-The Return Men
GM-John Herrin
Starters-2193 (3) Team-2857 (4)
At first glance John's team looks like a bunch of 2nd string scrubs and young punk kids (aside from studs Brees & CJ (the one and only CJ now that the other CJ is CO)), however, a quick look at the projections (or the league rules) reveals that John's team is actually pretty stacked full of studs. He's got the best FF QB in the game (sorry Pat, but Brady's gotta prove he can repeat '07, Brees does it every year), and his WR corp is anchored not by CJ (who will be a top 5 WR in every other league in the world), but by Steve Breaston who projects a full 60 pts higher than Johnson. Add in D-Jax (the new one, not the washed up one who used to play for SanFran), and he's stacked at the position. At RB, he's got one of the best for this league in J. Norwood (who I drafted a few years ago in a regular league thinking he would take over for Warrick Dunn when his legs finally break off...didn't happen), but after that it's pretty thin. I know there's some guys out there that are drinking the Ced Benson cool-aid this year...but....the only thing I could think to write is something pretty morbid about Jim Jones (the People's Temple one, not the recently deceased great D-coordinator for the Iggles), so never mind. Team Wheaties could also get some decent production out of IDPs from return yards.
This team has the potential to put up big points on any given week, but I want to see the league in action before I'm ready to basically trust an entire team to return guys. It seems to me that there is lot of potential for disappointment with this team, but if it turns out the way John hopes, and the way the projections suggest, this could easily be a top 4 team this year. If I was the team manager, I would certainly want to sure up my RB corps a little bit and add some depth at WR.
My bold prediction- 9-4 good for a top 4 seed. Though I'm more than a bit concerned about the RB situation and the heavy reliance on return guys, I'm told John is a pretty savvy guy, so I'm betting he'll make some moves, and solid pickups that balance out the risk. The team should easily make the playoffs, and have a solid shot at making the big dance.
Team Get a Job AKA- Let it ride....on Moroney and Hasselbeck
GM- Patty O
Starters- 2033 (6) Bench- 2615 (10)
Though Pat's been much maligned for his Hasselbeck pick (probably by me more than any other), if Timmy (Hasselbeck, not Pat's dad) can stay healthy for the whole year, Pat might have the best 1-2 QB combo in the league. As I've stated to Pat, there's no doubt in my mind that he picked Mr. Seahawk way too early, however, he's healthy right now, and with Who'sYoMomma et al. around at WR, he's got the weapons to have a nice season. Johnny Lee Higgens could be a stud WR, though Al Davis is CRAZY (not like crazy like a fox, crazy like that old lady that used to walk around Kenosha in tights and a mini-skirt carrying a bag), and there's more than a possibility that the Raidas will give DHB a shot at returning kicks and/or catching J-Russel's long balls. Wayne should be solid (although for some reason I don't have a good feeling about Peyton and the Colts O-fence this year, just one of those gut things that's usually way off), and the old CJ (who is now CO, get it yet?) says he's in for a good year (but doesn't he say that every year?). And then he's got that big ole fat ? on the bench D-Hester. I know for Pat and most bears fans, it's not much of a ?, he's gonna be a stud WR and a stud return guy, and that's all there is too it. The only problem I see with this whole thing is that...he sucked big one's last year at both WR and KR(you can fill in whatever you want for "ones", I'm a Packer fan so I could have gotten pretty harsh, but I'm also a Christian, so that had to take precedent over my fandom.) So anyway, there's a chance, a possibility that he could have another WR weapon on his bench. As for Team Unemployment's RB corps. Well, he's got D-Sproles, and one way or another, he's probably gonna put up #s this year. There's always a chance of injury for anyone, but Sproles is a pretty small guy, so that's a bit worrying as he gets more touches. But he never really seems to get hit too much. It's kind of like he's a little pinball that just bounces around. So I'm gonna chalk Sproles up as a win for Pat. The rest of his RBs................epic FAIL. I'm sorry Pat, you know I love you, but how could you not learn your lesson on Moroney (and the Pat's run game in general) from your experience the last 2 years? The Patriots are a passing team and that's all there is too it, and when they do run, they split the carries up between 15 guys. Especially in a league like this where there are extra productive guys at each position because of return yds, there is no reason Moroney should be on anyone's roster. Of course there is a chance that I will eat my words at the end of the season, in which case I will bow to you as Fantasy Royalty, but there's probably not going to be another prediction on this page that I'm more confident of than this one. And your next best RB option is LJ, who I'm giving a chance at having a decent bounce back year, but I wouldn't want to have him as my sole RB2 option every week (especially with Jamal Charles having a solid preseason). IDPs are IDPs (except for the couple stud return CBs), so no comment needed there.
My Bold Prediction- 7-6 good for a #6 seed. I'm definitely worried about my dear unemployed friend's team at this point in the season, but I'm pretty confident in his FF prowess, and I believe Pat will manage his team well, make some good moves, and have a decent year. Until I see some solid moves to add some depth (or one of miracle Max's little brown pills for Moroney), I have a tough time seeing this team in the upper echelon for the league, but it will be good enough to make the playoffs.
Team Going to the Dance AKA-Wally wants to be on Dancing with the stars someday
GM- Wall-E
Starters- 2018 (8) Bench- 2659 (7)
Wally's team has the most traditional look I've seen so far. All of his starters are regular guys you'll see on any normal FF roster. (No Stefan Logan here) And....his starting QBs and RBs are all studs in regular FF setups. Well, guess what. They'll be studs here too. After looking at Wally's QB combo, I need to go edit the comment about Pat having the best. I'm not confident in Warner having the same year he did last year (he is getting kinda old), but if he does, just his 2 QBs alone are gonna keep Wally's team in a lot of games. In addition he's got LT who a lot of people think is going to have a really good bounce back year (but is not without risk) and Westy, who is always capable of putting up big #s, but is also getting up there in age. So for those two positions, it's a bit hit a home run-or-miss because of a broken hip. It's kind of hard to imagine all of those guys going through the season without having some bumps and bruises, but if they do, it could be a productive year from the RB and QB position. WR on the other hand needs a little help. Santonio looked great the other night, but as much as Big Ben got smacked around, I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Holmes has Charlie Batch throwing to him at some point this year. Driver should give you steadily mediocre production every week (with a bonus 6 here or there), but WR is definitely the weak spot on this team. The good news is that with a fair amount of turnover for return guys throughout the season, there should be some opportunity to pick up a 5th string receiver who got promoted to KR/PR because somebody went down, and get some decent production out of the position. The other option is to move one of the stud QBs and add some depth at WR. If the "older than Warner" gunslinger for the Vikings starts putting up decent #s then it may be easier to deal with giving up Peyton or Warner.
My Bold Prediction- 5-8 Not quite good enough for a playoff berth. Sorry Wally, I've got to pick some teams to have a loosing record. I just have a hard time imagining all of the old guys on this team staying healthy all year long which is what I think it would take for a winning season given the weakness of the WR position. This team is going to get solid production from a handfull of players, so if Wally is able to make a few smart moves, and quick pickups, then there is more than a chance at making it to the playoffs, but making it to the BIG DANCE is going to take some good luck and some downright thievery from your fellow FFer's teams.
Team Pattymakers AKA- Pat's dad's team
Tim O'keefe AKA- Pat's dad
Starters-1726 (12) Team- 2276 (12)
Well, I don't put a ton of credence on Yahoo's projections, but as you can see by the ranks above, Tim's team needs some work. This is pretty understandable since Tim probably has much more of a life than the rest of us Fantasy dorks (John I mean that in the most complimentary way possible), and probably didn't stay up for 3 nights before the draft studying and working on spreadsheets. The starters have some promise, with 3 serviceable QBs Tim should get decent production out of the QB and Flex spot every week, and when a stud QB inevitably goes down, Tim's got some trade bait. S-Jax is gonna be a stud this year and probably go for 2500 yds and 20 TDs (no, I don't have him in another league, why do you ask?), but seriously, he's got a better O-line this year, and if he can stay healthy he should be solid. Pierre Thomas is banged up right now, and if Mike Bell does well in the Frenchy's absence (I guess he could be Canadian, or maybe just from the French district in N'Awlins), this could mean more of a shared backfield than there already is with Reggie Bush. On the other hand, if Bell stinks it up, it could solidify Thomas as the "every down except those on which Reggie Bush is catching screens that go 80 yds for a TD" back. (no, I don't have Reggie Bush, why do you ask?) So, Tim could have a solid back field, and serviceable QBs, but the WR corp needs quite a bit of help. It's possible that Evans will finally prove himself with TO there drawing some attention, but Edwards would have to stay healthy and be good (which is tough for him some days). Their O-line sucks a big one (again, substitute whatever you like for "one", I was thinking bomb-pop personally), which is why despite the hype, Marshawn Lynch was garbage last year, and probably will be the same this year. Anyway, Tim's WRs need some help. I'm not sure if Tim will ever read this, but if you do, whatever you do, don't drop any of your 3 QBs unless one of them gets hurt. Trading one of them down the road when someone else is desperate may really give your team a boost.
My Bold Prediction- 2-11 Sorry Tim, but somebody's got to be last. Of course, now that I've written all of this, I'm reminded that Tim actually knocked me out of the playoffs last year, and went on to face David in the Final, so there could be some shrewd dealings in the future from this team and a surprise run. Heck, it's fantasy football, and nothing is predictable, especially when there's only been one game played this season, and especially especially in league with Patty O's crazy rules.
Team The Be....yeah, like I was actually gonna call your team that. AKA- The Mediocre Team
GM- John Deadslave AKA-The Artist formerly known as Johnny Rocker
Starters- 2080 (5) Team- 2982 (2)
That jump from 5th best overall for starters to 2 overall for the team is why Johnny Rotten er I mean Rocker has got a team to watch...depth. He doesn't have the same firepower from his starters that John Herrin or as we'll see later DH has, but he's got the depth to work some stuff and build on an already solid base. But don't get too excited yet Johnny boy, you've got a couple of weak spots that might lose you a handfull of games before you can use that depth to your advantage. With AP, Felix the cat, some guy from Pittsburgh, and LJ's replacement, you're set at RB, and can count on solid production there. But QB and to a lesser extent WR are still a bit iffy. I'm guessing Romo will be ok, but I'm not willing to call him a sure thing until I can see that he's got someone other than Jason Witten to throw the ball to. (No Roy Williams doesn't count, until he can show that he was worth the 1st round pick the Lions wasted on him, I've got no faith in him or by association, Romo.) Roddy White will be good and put up solid #s, though in this league he's not quite the same value he is in others, as there are many WRs who also return that are going to be more productive and will very likely bump Roddy to the bottom of or possibly even out of the top 10 for WRs. (I know John, it sounds crazy, but it's just the way it is in this league. I love Greg Jennings, but it'll be close for him too.) The good news for John is that one of the guys who's going to bump Roddy down, is just down the bench in Ted Ginn. Teddy is MIA's numero uno WR (not that that means too much, Pennington had a decent year and is a good game manager, but Ginn's specialty is going downfield and I don't know if you remember, but last year the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets (yes I know that's unnecessary) dumped Pennington and picked up an old farmer dude with gray (or is it grey) hair because he could stretch the field better than Pennington) (wow, that's gotta be one of my longest parentheticals ever) (yes, I know I use them ()too much) (and yes, I know my punctuation is horrible, especially considering I was an English major.....you should see my spelling before I spell check) (Ok, I'm done, where the heck was I), and is also their KR, so he's gonna put up some stats this year. Trust me Johnny, come the end of the year, Ginn's the one you'll be pushing the keeper button on, not Roddy. The rest of your receivers, Gonzalez, V-Jax, Hixon, will make solid #3s for you, and will be decent trade bait as other teams don't have that good of options for their 3 spot. Consistent production from your TE & IDPs will help as well.
My Bold Prediction- 9-4 Good for a top 3 seed. As much as I hate to admit it, Johnny's team looks pretty tough as is, and I know how ambitious he is in FF, so it's only bound to get beter. You're doing pretty good when your weakest spot is QB, and Romo is your guy there. If Romo does look shaky in these first few weeks though, I wouldn't wait too long to use some of that depth to upgrade. The east isn't what it was a couple years ago, but it's still one of the tougher divisions in the league, and the rest of his schedule's no cake walk either (TEN, SD, GB, CAR, TB). I fully expect a strong season from Mr. Rocker, and will not be surprised at all to meet him in the championship game. (What did you think I was gonna pick against my own team?)
Kenosha Moose AKA- Curse the Madden Curse
GM- Tony B & Big Tony B AKA- Da new daddy & Da new daddy's daddy
Starters- 1946 (11) Team- 2697 (6)
Unfortunately for the TBs (Tony Berrriers not tuberculosises, or is it Barriers?) if we learned nothing else from Thursday's opening day action, we learned that the Curse is still in full effect. Troy-crazy guy with long hair running all over the field tackling everything in sight and making crazy one handed interceptions-Polamalu who is one half of the Madden cover this year spent the first half of the game doing all that stuff in the middle of his name. He spent the second half in Dr James Andrew's consultation office trying to figure out how long he'd be out with a jacked up knee. What does any of this have to do with the Tonys you ask (the Tony Berriers, not the Tony awards they give out for musicals, or is it Barriers?), well, it just so happens that the other cursed half of said Madden cover is none other than the Barrier's (I'm going with this from here on out) first pick Larry Fitzgerald. Now, for the record, I don't really believe in curses (though it is pretty unbelievable that the Cubs have gone 100 years without winning a World Series), but I do believe that Kurt Warner is Fitz's QB and that he's 38 years old which is only 9 years older than me (wierd), but for a pro football player is getting up there, and I also believe that behind Warner is this guy named Matt Leinart who is more concerned about the chicks in his hottub than being a decent pro QB. So all that being said, Fitz is a stud, but I didn't draft him at all this year because I'm a bit worried that with a healthy Boldin all year, or an unhealthy Warner some of the year, Fitz isn't gonna reproduce what he did last year. And then there's always the possibility that the curse is real, and that Fitz is goin down with a broken coccyx (yep, that's how it's spelled, I looked it up). So anyway, on to the rest of the TB's team. I know some people are up on Carson Palmer this year, and I don't think he's gonna be a bad QB, but when your only other option in a play 2 QBs if you got em league, is Hill (it's getting late and I can't remember his first name, I kept thinking Rich, but that's the pitcher for the Cubs that was supposed to help them break the curse, but just ended up sucking)......kinda iffy in my opinion. Shaun, I just looked it up. The TB's WRs look pretty good. As long as Fitz isn't cursed this year, he'll be a stud, and Welker should be good, especially if he keeps returning punts, he'll get a few extra points per week for that. Ward is one of those guys like Driver that'll get you some points every week, and once in a while pull out a 12-16 pointer, and Roy Williams on the bench is a good spot for him until he proves otherwise. Pat laughed at Stanley, but if he's returning both kicks and punts, he could be a big bonus to this team. RB is the weakest position, and you're not even that bad there. Chris Johnson didn't do you (or me in my other league) any good Thursday, but he was going against the Steel Curtain, so how much should we have been expecting. He did show spurts though. I am a little concerned about Big fat Lendale-cheeseburger cheeseburger-White loosing some weight. He didn't do much against the Steelers either, but for whatever reason I though what he did looked good. Well, that's a good thing you might say cause I have Fatso too. Nope, you're not gonna be playing both Ten RBs, so you want one or the other getting the rock, and the one you want getting it is CJ (yes John, I know there's 37 of them but the Tonys know which one I'm talking about). I think Ryan Grant's gonna have a good year, but I'm a totally biased Packers fan, so my vote of confidence doesn't mean too much. But the Pack's passing attack is gonna put them up big early and often, and since Mike McCarthy isn't that stupid jerky guy in New England with the stupid sweatshirt with the sleaves cut off, the Pack will probably start running the ball when they get ahead big instead of thinking that the NFL is like the BCS and that the more points you score the better the chance you have of going to the National Championship game. Stupid belichick, I hate that guy. I don't remember what it's for, but have you guys seen the commercial where the guy's talking about wearing a sweatshirt with the sleaves cut off like stupid belichick (yes, that's his official name) and he says "cause it looks awesome"? Just wondering if you've seen it. I like it. Wow do I get on tangents when it gets late. Ok, anyway, Tonys your team isn't bad, but I'm guessing that halfway through the season you're gonna want an upgrade at QB, and a little more depth at RB. And no, Fred Taylor doesn't count as depth at RB. (Though he'll probably finish the season with more fantasy points than Moroney. OK Pat I'm done now.)
My Bold Prediction- 5-8 Missing the playoffs by a couple. Though the TBs have drafted a solid team, there's just not as much firepower here as some of the upper tier teams in the league. There is definitely a solid base for this team, and the jump from 11th for starters projections to 6th for team projections is the biggest differential in the league and points to a decent bench that will open the door for potential moves down the road. If the two heads really are better than one, then the Tonys could very easily make some moves and switch that 5-8 to an 8-5 by the time midseason predictions roll around.
Team Wheaties AKA-The Return Men
GM-John Herrin
Starters-2193 (3) Team-2857 (4)
At first glance John's team looks like a bunch of 2nd string scrubs and young punk kids (aside from studs Brees & CJ (the one and only CJ now that the other CJ is CO)), however, a quick look at the projections (or the league rules) reveals that John's team is actually pretty stacked full of studs. He's got the best FF QB in the game (sorry Pat, but Brady's gotta prove he can repeat '07, Brees does it every year), and his WR corp is anchored not by CJ (who will be a top 5 WR in every other league in the world), but by Steve Breaston who projects a full 60 pts higher than Johnson. Add in D-Jax (the new one, not the washed up one who used to play for SanFran), and he's stacked at the position. At RB, he's got one of the best for this league in J. Norwood (who I drafted a few years ago in a regular league thinking he would take over for Warrick Dunn when his legs finally break off...didn't happen), but after that it's pretty thin. I know there's some guys out there that are drinking the Ced Benson cool-aid this year...but....the only thing I could think to write is something pretty morbid about Jim Jones (the People's Temple one, not the recently deceased great D-coordinator for the Iggles), so never mind. Team Wheaties could also get some decent production out of IDPs from return yards.
This team has the potential to put up big points on any given week, but I want to see the league in action before I'm ready to basically trust an entire team to return guys. It seems to me that there is lot of potential for disappointment with this team, but if it turns out the way John hopes, and the way the projections suggest, this could easily be a top 4 team this year. If I was the team manager, I would certainly want to sure up my RB corps a little bit and add some depth at WR.
My bold prediction- 9-4 good for a top 4 seed. Though I'm more than a bit concerned about the RB situation and the heavy reliance on return guys, I'm told John is a pretty savvy guy, so I'm betting he'll make some moves, and solid pickups that balance out the risk. The team should easily make the playoffs, and have a solid shot at making the big dance.
Team Get a Job AKA- Let it ride....on Moroney and Hasselbeck
GM- Patty O
Starters- 2033 (6) Bench- 2615 (10)
Though Pat's been much maligned for his Hasselbeck pick (probably by me more than any other), if Timmy (Hasselbeck, not Pat's dad) can stay healthy for the whole year, Pat might have the best 1-2 QB combo in the league. As I've stated to Pat, there's no doubt in my mind that he picked Mr. Seahawk way too early, however, he's healthy right now, and with Who'sYoMomma et al. around at WR, he's got the weapons to have a nice season. Johnny Lee Higgens could be a stud WR, though Al Davis is CRAZY (not like crazy like a fox, crazy like that old lady that used to walk around Kenosha in tights and a mini-skirt carrying a bag), and there's more than a possibility that the Raidas will give DHB a shot at returning kicks and/or catching J-Russel's long balls. Wayne should be solid (although for some reason I don't have a good feeling about Peyton and the Colts O-fence this year, just one of those gut things that's usually way off), and the old CJ (who is now CO, get it yet?) says he's in for a good year (but doesn't he say that every year?). And then he's got that big ole fat ? on the bench D-Hester. I know for Pat and most bears fans, it's not much of a ?, he's gonna be a stud WR and a stud return guy, and that's all there is too it. The only problem I see with this whole thing is that...he sucked big one's last year at both WR and KR(you can fill in whatever you want for "ones", I'm a Packer fan so I could have gotten pretty harsh, but I'm also a Christian, so that had to take precedent over my fandom.) So anyway, there's a chance, a possibility that he could have another WR weapon on his bench. As for Team Unemployment's RB corps. Well, he's got D-Sproles, and one way or another, he's probably gonna put up #s this year. There's always a chance of injury for anyone, but Sproles is a pretty small guy, so that's a bit worrying as he gets more touches. But he never really seems to get hit too much. It's kind of like he's a little pinball that just bounces around. So I'm gonna chalk Sproles up as a win for Pat. The rest of his RBs................epic FAIL. I'm sorry Pat, you know I love you, but how could you not learn your lesson on Moroney (and the Pat's run game in general) from your experience the last 2 years? The Patriots are a passing team and that's all there is too it, and when they do run, they split the carries up between 15 guys. Especially in a league like this where there are extra productive guys at each position because of return yds, there is no reason Moroney should be on anyone's roster. Of course there is a chance that I will eat my words at the end of the season, in which case I will bow to you as Fantasy Royalty, but there's probably not going to be another prediction on this page that I'm more confident of than this one. And your next best RB option is LJ, who I'm giving a chance at having a decent bounce back year, but I wouldn't want to have him as my sole RB2 option every week (especially with Jamal Charles having a solid preseason). IDPs are IDPs (except for the couple stud return CBs), so no comment needed there.
My Bold Prediction- 7-6 good for a #6 seed. I'm definitely worried about my dear unemployed friend's team at this point in the season, but I'm pretty confident in his FF prowess, and I believe Pat will manage his team well, make some good moves, and have a decent year. Until I see some solid moves to add some depth (or one of miracle Max's little brown pills for Moroney), I have a tough time seeing this team in the upper echelon for the league, but it will be good enough to make the playoffs.
Team Going to the Dance AKA-Wally wants to be on Dancing with the stars someday
GM- Wall-E
Starters- 2018 (8) Bench- 2659 (7)
Wally's team has the most traditional look I've seen so far. All of his starters are regular guys you'll see on any normal FF roster. (No Stefan Logan here) And....his starting QBs and RBs are all studs in regular FF setups. Well, guess what. They'll be studs here too. After looking at Wally's QB combo, I need to go edit the comment about Pat having the best. I'm not confident in Warner having the same year he did last year (he is getting kinda old), but if he does, just his 2 QBs alone are gonna keep Wally's team in a lot of games. In addition he's got LT who a lot of people think is going to have a really good bounce back year (but is not without risk) and Westy, who is always capable of putting up big #s, but is also getting up there in age. So for those two positions, it's a bit hit a home run-or-miss because of a broken hip. It's kind of hard to imagine all of those guys going through the season without having some bumps and bruises, but if they do, it could be a productive year from the RB and QB position. WR on the other hand needs a little help. Santonio looked great the other night, but as much as Big Ben got smacked around, I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Holmes has Charlie Batch throwing to him at some point this year. Driver should give you steadily mediocre production every week (with a bonus 6 here or there), but WR is definitely the weak spot on this team. The good news is that with a fair amount of turnover for return guys throughout the season, there should be some opportunity to pick up a 5th string receiver who got promoted to KR/PR because somebody went down, and get some decent production out of the position. The other option is to move one of the stud QBs and add some depth at WR. If the "older than Warner" gunslinger for the Vikings starts putting up decent #s then it may be easier to deal with giving up Peyton or Warner.
My Bold Prediction- 5-8 Not quite good enough for a playoff berth. Sorry Wally, I've got to pick some teams to have a loosing record. I just have a hard time imagining all of the old guys on this team staying healthy all year long which is what I think it would take for a winning season given the weakness of the WR position. This team is going to get solid production from a handfull of players, so if Wally is able to make a few smart moves, and quick pickups, then there is more than a chance at making it to the playoffs, but making it to the BIG DANCE is going to take some good luck and some downright thievery from your fellow FFer's teams.
Team Pattymakers AKA- Pat's dad's team
Tim O'keefe AKA- Pat's dad
Starters-1726 (12) Team- 2276 (12)
Well, I don't put a ton of credence on Yahoo's projections, but as you can see by the ranks above, Tim's team needs some work. This is pretty understandable since Tim probably has much more of a life than the rest of us Fantasy dorks (John I mean that in the most complimentary way possible), and probably didn't stay up for 3 nights before the draft studying and working on spreadsheets. The starters have some promise, with 3 serviceable QBs Tim should get decent production out of the QB and Flex spot every week, and when a stud QB inevitably goes down, Tim's got some trade bait. S-Jax is gonna be a stud this year and probably go for 2500 yds and 20 TDs (no, I don't have him in another league, why do you ask?), but seriously, he's got a better O-line this year, and if he can stay healthy he should be solid. Pierre Thomas is banged up right now, and if Mike Bell does well in the Frenchy's absence (I guess he could be Canadian, or maybe just from the French district in N'Awlins), this could mean more of a shared backfield than there already is with Reggie Bush. On the other hand, if Bell stinks it up, it could solidify Thomas as the "every down except those on which Reggie Bush is catching screens that go 80 yds for a TD" back. (no, I don't have Reggie Bush, why do you ask?) So, Tim could have a solid back field, and serviceable QBs, but the WR corp needs quite a bit of help. It's possible that Evans will finally prove himself with TO there drawing some attention, but Edwards would have to stay healthy and be good (which is tough for him some days). Their O-line sucks a big one (again, substitute whatever you like for "one", I was thinking bomb-pop personally), which is why despite the hype, Marshawn Lynch was garbage last year, and probably will be the same this year. Anyway, Tim's WRs need some help. I'm not sure if Tim will ever read this, but if you do, whatever you do, don't drop any of your 3 QBs unless one of them gets hurt. Trading one of them down the road when someone else is desperate may really give your team a boost.
My Bold Prediction- 2-11 Sorry Tim, but somebody's got to be last. Of course, now that I've written all of this, I'm reminded that Tim actually knocked me out of the playoffs last year, and went on to face David in the Final, so there could be some shrewd dealings in the future from this team and a surprise run. Heck, it's fantasy football, and nothing is predictable, especially when there's only been one game played this season, and especially especially in league with Patty O's crazy rules.
Team The Be....yeah, like I was actually gonna call your team that. AKA- The Mediocre Team
GM- John Deadslave AKA-The Artist formerly known as Johnny Rocker
Starters- 2080 (5) Team- 2982 (2)
That jump from 5th best overall for starters to 2 overall for the team is why Johnny Rotten er I mean Rocker has got a team to watch...depth. He doesn't have the same firepower from his starters that John Herrin or as we'll see later DH has, but he's got the depth to work some stuff and build on an already solid base. But don't get too excited yet Johnny boy, you've got a couple of weak spots that might lose you a handfull of games before you can use that depth to your advantage. With AP, Felix the cat, some guy from Pittsburgh, and LJ's replacement, you're set at RB, and can count on solid production there. But QB and to a lesser extent WR are still a bit iffy. I'm guessing Romo will be ok, but I'm not willing to call him a sure thing until I can see that he's got someone other than Jason Witten to throw the ball to. (No Roy Williams doesn't count, until he can show that he was worth the 1st round pick the Lions wasted on him, I've got no faith in him or by association, Romo.) Roddy White will be good and put up solid #s, though in this league he's not quite the same value he is in others, as there are many WRs who also return that are going to be more productive and will very likely bump Roddy to the bottom of or possibly even out of the top 10 for WRs. (I know John, it sounds crazy, but it's just the way it is in this league. I love Greg Jennings, but it'll be close for him too.) The good news for John is that one of the guys who's going to bump Roddy down, is just down the bench in Ted Ginn. Teddy is MIA's numero uno WR (not that that means too much, Pennington had a decent year and is a good game manager, but Ginn's specialty is going downfield and I don't know if you remember, but last year the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets (yes I know that's unnecessary) dumped Pennington and picked up an old farmer dude with gray (or is it grey) hair because he could stretch the field better than Pennington) (wow, that's gotta be one of my longest parentheticals ever) (yes, I know I use them ()too much) (and yes, I know my punctuation is horrible, especially considering I was an English major.....you should see my spelling before I spell check) (Ok, I'm done, where the heck was I), and is also their KR, so he's gonna put up some stats this year. Trust me Johnny, come the end of the year, Ginn's the one you'll be pushing the keeper button on, not Roddy. The rest of your receivers, Gonzalez, V-Jax, Hixon, will make solid #3s for you, and will be decent trade bait as other teams don't have that good of options for their 3 spot. Consistent production from your TE & IDPs will help as well.
My Bold Prediction- 9-4 Good for a top 3 seed. As much as I hate to admit it, Johnny's team looks pretty tough as is, and I know how ambitious he is in FF, so it's only bound to get beter. You're doing pretty good when your weakest spot is QB, and Romo is your guy there. If Romo does look shaky in these first few weeks though, I wouldn't wait too long to use some of that depth to upgrade. The east isn't what it was a couple years ago, but it's still one of the tougher divisions in the league, and the rest of his schedule's no cake walk either (TEN, SD, GB, CAR, TB). I fully expect a strong season from Mr. Rocker, and will not be surprised at all to meet him in the championship game. (What did you think I was gonna pick against my own team?)
Kenosha Moose AKA- Curse the Madden Curse
GM- Tony B & Big Tony B AKA- Da new daddy & Da new daddy's daddy
Starters- 1946 (11) Team- 2697 (6)
Unfortunately for the TBs (Tony Berrriers not tuberculosises, or is it Barriers?) if we learned nothing else from Thursday's opening day action, we learned that the Curse is still in full effect. Troy-crazy guy with long hair running all over the field tackling everything in sight and making crazy one handed interceptions-Polamalu who is one half of the Madden cover this year spent the first half of the game doing all that stuff in the middle of his name. He spent the second half in Dr James Andrew's consultation office trying to figure out how long he'd be out with a jacked up knee. What does any of this have to do with the Tonys you ask (the Tony Berriers, not the Tony awards they give out for musicals, or is it Barriers?), well, it just so happens that the other cursed half of said Madden cover is none other than the Barrier's (I'm going with this from here on out) first pick Larry Fitzgerald. Now, for the record, I don't really believe in curses (though it is pretty unbelievable that the Cubs have gone 100 years without winning a World Series), but I do believe that Kurt Warner is Fitz's QB and that he's 38 years old which is only 9 years older than me (wierd), but for a pro football player is getting up there, and I also believe that behind Warner is this guy named Matt Leinart who is more concerned about the chicks in his hottub than being a decent pro QB. So all that being said, Fitz is a stud, but I didn't draft him at all this year because I'm a bit worried that with a healthy Boldin all year, or an unhealthy Warner some of the year, Fitz isn't gonna reproduce what he did last year. And then there's always the possibility that the curse is real, and that Fitz is goin down with a broken coccyx (yep, that's how it's spelled, I looked it up). So anyway, on to the rest of the TB's team. I know some people are up on Carson Palmer this year, and I don't think he's gonna be a bad QB, but when your only other option in a play 2 QBs if you got em league, is Hill (it's getting late and I can't remember his first name, I kept thinking Rich, but that's the pitcher for the Cubs that was supposed to help them break the curse, but just ended up sucking)......kinda iffy in my opinion. Shaun, I just looked it up. The TB's WRs look pretty good. As long as Fitz isn't cursed this year, he'll be a stud, and Welker should be good, especially if he keeps returning punts, he'll get a few extra points per week for that. Ward is one of those guys like Driver that'll get you some points every week, and once in a while pull out a 12-16 pointer, and Roy Williams on the bench is a good spot for him until he proves otherwise. Pat laughed at Stanley, but if he's returning both kicks and punts, he could be a big bonus to this team. RB is the weakest position, and you're not even that bad there. Chris Johnson didn't do you (or me in my other league) any good Thursday, but he was going against the Steel Curtain, so how much should we have been expecting. He did show spurts though. I am a little concerned about Big fat Lendale-cheeseburger cheeseburger-White loosing some weight. He didn't do much against the Steelers either, but for whatever reason I though what he did looked good. Well, that's a good thing you might say cause I have Fatso too. Nope, you're not gonna be playing both Ten RBs, so you want one or the other getting the rock, and the one you want getting it is CJ (yes John, I know there's 37 of them but the Tonys know which one I'm talking about). I think Ryan Grant's gonna have a good year, but I'm a totally biased Packers fan, so my vote of confidence doesn't mean too much. But the Pack's passing attack is gonna put them up big early and often, and since Mike McCarthy isn't that stupid jerky guy in New England with the stupid sweatshirt with the sleaves cut off, the Pack will probably start running the ball when they get ahead big instead of thinking that the NFL is like the BCS and that the more points you score the better the chance you have of going to the National Championship game. Stupid belichick, I hate that guy. I don't remember what it's for, but have you guys seen the commercial where the guy's talking about wearing a sweatshirt with the sleaves cut off like stupid belichick (yes, that's his official name) and he says "cause it looks awesome"? Just wondering if you've seen it. I like it. Wow do I get on tangents when it gets late. Ok, anyway, Tonys your team isn't bad, but I'm guessing that halfway through the season you're gonna want an upgrade at QB, and a little more depth at RB. And no, Fred Taylor doesn't count as depth at RB. (Though he'll probably finish the season with more fantasy points than Moroney. OK Pat I'm done now.)
My Bold Prediction- 5-8 Missing the playoffs by a couple. Though the TBs have drafted a solid team, there's just not as much firepower here as some of the upper tier teams in the league. There is definitely a solid base for this team, and the jump from 11th for starters projections to 6th for team projections is the biggest differential in the league and points to a decent bench that will open the door for potential moves down the road. If the two heads really are better than one, then the Tonys could very easily make some moves and switch that 5-8 to an 8-5 by the time midseason predictions roll around.
Coming tonight...hopefully.
This year's pre-season edition of "My Bold Predictions".
We'll see if I can get all my real work done.
We'll see if I can get all my real work done.
September 9, 2009
September 1, 2009
Can this pleeeeaaassseeee be a MAN'S league?
Ok, so I guess I was a bit too harsh with my initial post. I stand by my main point, however, that it is a chump move to respond to a realistic trade offer (even if you think it's a bad one) with a complete garbage offer. If you don't like a trade offer, simply decline it or counter offer something you think is more realistic. Why would I or anyone else offer a trade with the purpose of insulting the other guy? If I wanted to do that, I'd just put up a jerky post on the league blog or something. So don't be insulted by trade offers, and be reasonable enough to realize that people value players very differently, so just because you think the trade someone is offering you is crap doesn't mean they are trying to rip you off. They might just think differently than you do. So anyway, good luck to everyone and remember...
THIS IS A MAN'S LEAGUE....ACT LIKE IT!
THIS IS A MAN'S LEAGUE....ACT LIKE IT!
Real Football
Who do you guys think will win each division? NFC/AFC Champs? Who will win the SB? I know it's early, but let's get some predictions out there. I'm interested to see every fan pick their own team to win the division. :)
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