Tag: fantasyfootball

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Gridiron Pros Fantasy League Playoff picture – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-35

Wow what a Season!

The final week of the Season determined which team finished first overall.  It determined which two teams would get the first round byes.  It determined who would snatch sixth place.  There was more on the line in the final week than I’ve ever experienced before.

Playoff Team Seedings

1 – Blitzkrieg: 9-4, 1591.26 points

Blitzkrieg had to beat the surging division rival, and last Season’s Champion For Whom the Bell Tolls for to retain their number 1 seed.  If they lost they would have fallen to third place, and had to play a quarter-final match.  Instead they get a well deserved break to try and figure out their roster issues.  They have only averaged 118 points per game over the last three games.  It’s been enough to compete, but is it enough to win a Championship?

2 – Grid Warriors: 8-5, 1770.09 points

All my team does is put up points week after week.  A full 160 total points more than the next closest Team for the Season.  Regular Season dominance doesn’t always mean post Season success though.  Averaging 142 points per game over the last three games is a good sign.  22 points per game better than the next closest Playoff team.  Do I feel confident?  Yes I do.  The only losses I’ve suffered all Season have been to breakout Fantasy performances.  As long as I don’t run into one of those, I will be the Champion.

3 – Pixie’s Pirates: 8-5, 1609.98 points

Pixie’s Pirates were my pick to win the championship at the beginning of the Season.  Injuries made their trip to the playoffs a little more difficult.  Losing David Johnson to injury really opened up opportunities for everyone else.  Their Roster is so stacked that I would consider them to be my most difficult opponent in the Playoffs.  They have only averaged 113 points per game over the last three games.  They would have averaged more but poor starting roster choices have limited their scores.   Starting the right group of Players each week will determine their fate.

4 – Swaggy B: 8-5, 1457.71 points

Swaggy B has pushed me for the Grid Central title all year.  In the end I was able to beat him in our Week 11 match, and that was the difference.  I’m glad that the only way we will meet again this Season is in the final.  Swaggy B is averaging 120 points per game over the last three games.  More importantly their team is fully healthy.  Although I wouldn’t consider them a favourite to win the championship.  They definitely fill the roll of Dark horse.

5 – Because you’re a Lannister: 8-5, 1357.88 points

The results of the Week 13 games hurt Because you’re a Lannister’s final seeding worse than anyone else.  They went from second overall with a first Round bye, to fifth facing a surging Playoff ready Team.  Averaging only 93 points per game over the last three games.  I would be surprised if they advanced past the quarter-finals.  Their only hope to advance is a huge game from LeSean McCoy.  Facing the lowly Colts it’s possible that McCoy could put up 40+ points.

6 – Stoniestars: 6-7, 1466.83 points

Ignore the regular season record.  Stoniestars finished the Season with more total points than Because you’re a Lannister, and Swaggy B.  They are averaging 120 points per game over the last three.  Cobe Life is the only team averaging more.  Their Quarter-finals opponent has made some poor roster choices lately.  Stoniestars looks primed to make a run for the title.  Last Season it took a late surge by For Whom the Bell Tolls for, and a little bit of luck to win the championship.  Are Stoniestars this year’s For Whom the Bell Tolls for?

Quarter-finals

Pixie’s Pirates vs Stoniestars

I just finished describing Stoniestars surging push to make the playoffs.  They are on a three game winning streak.  Well I don’t believe that another Cinderella Season is in the works.  Against any other team I might have picked Stoniestars to win.  Pixie’s Pirates is just way too strong.  I’m guessing that they will make the correct roster decisions, and post the highest scoring total this week.

Winner: Pixie’s Pirates

Swaggy B vs Because you’re a Lannister

Barring any significant injuries to key Players on Swaggy B’s roster.  I don’t think Because you’re a Lannister is packing enough star power to get the win.  This is Fantasy Football, and anything can happen.  I just don’t see the likelihood that everything goes wrong in just one week.

Winner: Swaggy B

 

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True Fanatics League playoff picture – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-34

How it stands

1 – Texas Proud:  11-2, 1638.34 points

Finishing as the Regular Season Champion a full 2 wins ahead of second place.  Texas Proud has put together a dominant Season.  With the most points accumulated by far, and entering the Playoffs averaging 128 points per game over their last three.  The road to the True Fanatics League Championship goes through them.  The combination of key Players from the L.A. Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs has proven to be a winning combination.  Only one team in the Playoffs have averaged a better score over the last 3 games.  Texas Proud is still my pick to win it all.

2 – Aegon Targaryan: 9-4, 1347.27 points

At 9-4 Aegon Targaryan easily won their division, and earned the first round bye.  Selecting the correct roster each week will be a key component to their continued success.  With the second lowest total points for the Season, and the lowest average points per week over the last three games with 95.  Aegon Targaryan is going to need a little help from the Fantasy Gods to win the championship.  The one real advantage they have going in, is that they wouldn’t face Texas Proud until the final.

3 – Raider in the North: 7-6, 1293.10 points

Raider in the North earned the third place position with a Week 13 win over Cobe Life.  That match would decide who has the unfortunate possibility of facing Texas Proud in the Semi-final.  With the win Raider in the North has the seemingly much easier route to the Championship.  They only need to beat the sixth place team, and then the poorly performing Aegon Targaryan team to reach the finals.  They have averaged 22 points more per game than Aegon Targaryan over the last three games with 117.

4 – Cobe Life: 7-6, 1486.19 points

Losing that game to Raider in the North might be the nail in the coffin.  I was really hoping to avoid having to face Texas Proud until the final.  My team has faired well over the last three weeks, but difficult matches has limited my success.  Cobe Life is averaging 115 points per game over the last three.  If I want to win the championship I’ll need to score better than that.

5 – The Bottom Feeders: 7-6, 1389.31 points

The Bottom Feeders haven’t had the easiest trip to the playoffs.  They’ve had to deal with a lot of adversity all Season.  Losing the final game of the season cost them the easier route to the Championship as well.  They’ve only averaged 108 points per game over the last three.  They are probably looking at their road to the Championship, and wondering what’s the point?  They have to beat the two highest scoring teams in the league just to reach the final.  Still anything is possible.

6 – In Dak we Trust: 6-7, 1347.20 points

So In Dak we Trust has been able to sneak into the playoffs by winning their final game of the regular season.  That’s no small feat considering they had to beat Texas Proud to do it.  That’s right.  Not only did they defeat the number 1 seed.  They have the highest scoring average over the last three weeks with 133.  At this point your Regular Season record doesn’t mean squat.  In Dak we Trust is the hottest team in the True Fanatics League right now.  If it’s all about peaking at the right time.  Then In Dak we Trust might be ready to win the championship.

Quarter-finals

Raider in the North vs In Dak we Trust

Raider in the North was probably happy earning the third place spot.  In doing so though they suffered a costly loss.  Rob Gronkowski let his emotions get the best of him, and it looks like he’ll miss the quarter-final game.  I expect the loss of Gronkowski gives In Dak we Trust a significant advantage.  They will post another high score, and get the win.

Winner: In Dak we Trust

Cobe Life vs The Bottom Feeders

On paper this looks like a very even matchup.  It’s when you look at who’s likely to be unavailable for this match that things become predictable.  Ezekiel Elliot is still serving his suspension.  Zach Ertz has entered concussion protocol, and both Roethlisberger and Cousins have difficult matchups.  It’s an unfortunate situation for The Bottom Feeders, but a bonus for me.  It’s not an easy week for me either, but Cobe Life has  better bench Players.  I believe that will be the difference.

Winner: Cobe Life

Good luck to all of you, and for those of you that didn’t make the playoffs, thanks for a competitive Season.

 

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The Road to Victory – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-33

You could win your Fantasy League if

… you drafted Adam Theilan as a backup Wide Receiver.  Adam Theilan has gone from a boom or bust secondary option to the undisputed number one Wide Receiver in Minnesota.  He has more Fantasy points than A.J. Green, Julio Jones, or Michael Thomas.  Guaranteed he was drafted at least 3 Rounds after any of those Players.  Whoever has them on their Roster got a ridiculous deal.

… you took a chance and drafted Leonard Fournette when the other Managers didn’t trust a Rookie to succeed in Jacksonville.  Fournette has been given every opportunity to succeed.  The Jaguars truly treat him the way a featured Back is meant to be treated.  Lots and lots of carries.  DeMarco Murray, Carlos Hyde, Marshawn Lynch, and Devonta Freeman were all being drafted ahead of him in a lot of Leagues.  He’s out paced them all.

… you have any two skill position Players from the New Orleans Saints on your squad.  It used to be that the Saints Wide Receivers, and Running Backs couldn’t be trusted week to week.  Drew Has a tendency to spread the wealth so to speak.  Well that isn’t the case this year.  Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara are having Fantasy relevant success each and every week.  Of Drew Brees is racking up the Fantasy points as well.  Even the Defence could potentially help you win a few games.

… you waited until the final Round of the draft, and picked up the Jacksonville Jaguars as your Defence.  Man did you score.  Expected to have a relevant Season.  I don’t think anyone, myself included expected the wrecking crew that the Jaguars have become.  Draft after draft I’ve seen Managers reach for the Broncos, Patriots, or Seahawks Defence.  Sure they all have potential.  None of them have the potential for the huge Fantasy games that the Jags have had.  10 Sacks in a single game was enough to make me a believer.

… you snatched Jerick McKinnon off the waiver wire, the second Dalvin Cook went down.  I’m beginning to believe that any Running Back could be a success in Minnesota.  Similar to how affective the Broncos zone blocking Offensive line was in 90s.  What makes McKinnon even more of a threat is his pass catching ability.  In the rare case that a Defensive line closes the Running lanes, McKinnon goes from sharing snaps with Murray to becoming the lead Back.

… you didn’t listen to all of the negative hype around Larry Fitzgerald’s age.  It’s almost like people thought last year was a fluke.  Fitzgerald is like a fine wine.  He only gets better with age.  Especially in PPR formats.  It’s no fluke that he’s about to have back to back 1000+ yard Seasons.  Fantasy is all about opportunity, and opportunity is all about targets.  Since the Arizona Cardinals moved Fitzgerald to the slot, his number of targets have gone nowhere but up.  He recently signed a one year extension to come back next year.  I won’t hesitate to draft him.

… you kept looking for the next breakout Player while others remained passive.  As a result you picked up Ju Ju Smith-Schuster.  What some may have seen as a flash in the pan has become one of the top targets on arguably the Leagues most potent Offence.  Even though the Steelers are yet to have a breakout high scoring game.  It isn’t for a lack of Fantasy scoring.  All it would take is some better Red zone execution, and the Steelers skill Players will take their Fantasy Managers to the Championship.

… your Quarterback is a second year Starter.  Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, and Dak Prescott have kept up with the Fantasy veterans. They might not have the Fantasy points ceilings of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, or Matt Ryan.  Chances are good that they didn’t cost you anywhere near as high a Draft pick as those well known names.  So provided you made a few smart picks in the early Rounds.  Your Fantasy roster should match up well with anyone of these signal callers as your QB.

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Playoff Strategy – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-32

As long as you are in

For the majority of Fantasy Leagues there are only 3 games left until the Playoffs.  With the kind of injury filled, high scoring rookies, and unpredictable Quarterback play we’ve had this season.  There’s a very good chance that a record of 7-6 can get you into the playoffs of your league.  That doesn’t necessarily mean that you had an average Season either.  I expect there to be some powerhouse Fantasy teams at 7-6.  Once you are in the Playoffs, winning is more about selecting the correct Players each week.  Sounds obvious but it isn’t.

The hard choices

During the Regular Season you’ll hear Fantasy analysts constantly tell you to roll with your high draft pick Players.  I’d tell you to avoid overthinking things.  Keep it simple.  If Todd Gurley is on your Fantasy Team just play him.  Well things can be very different in the Playoffs.  What if Todd Gurley is against the division rival Seattle Seahawks?  The Seahawks excel at stopping the run.  If you also have Adrian Peterson on your bench, and he’s facing the San Francisco 49ers.  A team he scorched for over 100 yards earlier in the Season.  The choice should be Adrian Peterson.  His potential ceiling is much higher that week.

Don’t ignore your Defence

Quite a few Fantasy Managers will draft a strong Defence in the 11th or 12th Round, and just roll with them all Season.  Well that’s a fine Strategy during the Regular Season.  In the Playoffs though, things get a little different.  For Managers that already stream Defences you know what I’m talking about.  You want the best possible Defence against the worst possible Offence each week.  I’ll try to hold on to a high waiver position entering the Playoffs so I can grab that Defence that’s playing against a troubled Offence.  This year the teams I’m hoping to take advantage of are the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Green Bay Packers.  The Giants Offence is totally hindered by injuries.  The other three teams have serious issues at Quarterback.  Find the right Defence against any of those teams, and they could end up as one of your top 3 scoring Players on your Fantasy Team that week.

Winter is not your friend

Something that I have noticed over the years that so many Fantasy Managers ignore during the Playoffs is the effects of weather on your Fantasy Players.  A little snow can ruin your quick cut Running Back’s day.  Your Quarterback that creates plays by escaping the pocket could be in big trouble if the field is slick.  Their are top tier Wide Receivers that are known to have issues catching balls in the cold.  You need to be aware of these situations.  I know we rarely think about our Kicker’s impact.  Trust me, you will when your Kicker finishes with negative points because you started him against Buffalo during a snow storm.  During the Playoffs I try to start Players who are scheduled to play in a dome, or somewhere down south. I don’t have to worry about a sudden storm, or temperature drop that reduces the chances of having a decent game to below zero.

Add depth

Nobody in the NFL likes to admit this, but there can be some intentionally vicious play in the final few weeks of the NFL Season.  During the Fantasy Playoffs NFL teams will face off that have the potential to face each other again in the upcoming Playoffs.  Statistically the greatest number of injuries happen during the first three weeks of the NFL Season.  The second largest number of injuries happen during the last three weeks of the Regular Season.  The NFL will sugar-coat it by saying that the grueling regular season takes it’s toll, and Players just break down.  Watch the key matchups with Playoff implications, and pay close attention to the late hits, head hunting, and low tackles.  One leg injury, or key Player knocked into concussion protocol could mean the difference between playing for a division Championship, or ending up as a wild card team.  Take a good look at your roster, and figure out which skill position would handicap you the most if a Player went down.  Do yourself a favour, and either pick up a serviceable Player as a backup, or make a trade right now for a potential Starter in case your guy gets injured.  Don’t wait for an injury to happen.  Cause when it does, your Competitors will be far less likely to make a deal.

Good luck in the Playoffs!

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A Season of Injuries – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-31

Somebody call the school nurse

This is beginning to become a serious problem.  Injury has always been a part of football.  Not a week passes without somebody taking a trip to the hospital.  The most susceptible to it are the guys who battle it out in the trenches.  The offensive and defensive linemen.  Losing a Left tackle to injury can have an adverse affect on the Fantasy production of a few Players, but it doesn’t create holes in your roster.  Just like the loss of a starting Middle Linebacker can have a positive affect on opposing Running Backs or Slot Receivers.  Of course it doesn’t affect your roster much, if at all.  This Season has seen a serious increase in the number of Fantasy relevant skill Players going down to injury.  It’s the worst I’ve seen as a Fantasy Football enthusiast.

Fallen Stars

Aaron Rodgers – Considered by many football analysts to be the best player in the NFL today.  The Green Bay Packers looked like a team that could potentially win their division.  Now with Aaron Rodgers lost to injury they could potentially finish last.  The loss of Aaron Rodgers is huge in Fantasy.  In order to have him on your roster.  You would have had to spend a high draft pick on him, while your opponents were snatching up the top Running Backs.  So you didn’t just lose your top QB, but missed on a high end RB as well.  In both of my featured Fantasy Leagues the Manager with Aaron Rodgers on their roster is essentially out of the running.

Deshaun Watson – Watson wasn’t expected to have the kind of immediate fantasy impact he had once he took over the starting job.  So in all likelihood he didn’t cost anyone a high draft pick.  Well except me of course.  I traded away a second round pick for next season to acquire him in my Keeper league.  It’s a major loss for Houston.  They looked like a team that finally had a chance to outscore opponents.  Watson was a great late Round pick, or smart waiver wire acquisition for most.  Unfortunately whatever you gave up to get him is probably worth a lot more now.

David Johnson – The consensus number one pick in Fantasy Football didn’t last long.  There’s still a slim chance he returns from injury to potentially make a difference in your Playoffs.  Really big emphasis on slim though.  In his absence his replacement has actually gained some Fantasy relevance.  If you took a flyer on Adrian Peterson, well lucky you.  For the Manager that drafted David Johnson first overall, well better luck next year.

Odell Beckham Jr – Easily one of the most exciting Wide Receivers in the league.  The loss of OBJ seriously hurts the New York Giants chances of making the playoffs, and whoever drafted him in your league as well.  Predicted to finish the Season as a top 3 Wide Receiver, OBJ definitely left a glaring hole on somebody’s roster.

Julian Edelman – Predicted by most to have another great year.  Especially after his great performance in last year’s Superbowl run.  Edelman didn’t get the opportunity to even play a single game in the regular season.  A huge blow to the defending Champion New England Patriots.  His injury happened late enough in preseason for his injury to start some Fantasy teams on the back foot as well.

Dalvin Cook – Going into this season there were four Rookie Running Backs of particular interest to Fantasy Managers.  Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Joe Mixon, and Dalvin Cook.  The two with the most obvious opportunity we’re Fournette and Cook.  Fournette was obvious because the Jaguars spent the fourth overall pick on him.  Cook was obvious because the Vikings let Adrian Peterson go in the off season.  Both of them got off to great starts.  Unfortunately for Cook his season was cut short by injury.  Unfortunately for his Fantasy owners RB depth is getting increasingly shallow in the NFL.

Pierre Garcon – When Garcon went to San Francisco I couldn’t help but see huge PPR potential.  I don’t think I was alone in that.  As a mid to late Round pick Garcon was producing way above his draft position.  Of course all good things come to an end.  So Managers will have to settle for only one WR1 on their rosters.

Backups of backups

I’m actually stunned by some of the Players I’ve had to start, or play against in Fantasy this year.  Orleans Darkwa, Ju Ju Smith-Schuster, Marquise Lee, Cooper Kupp, and Jermaine Kearse have all been Fantasy relevant because of injuries to other players.  The waiver wire has been like prospecting for gold this season.  Every week there’s the potential for another breakout player because of an injury to a star player.  I usually pick up only one or two key Skill Players off waivers each Season.  This year I’m trying to land the next backup, soon to be starter every week.

It’s still Football

The last decade has seen a huge increase in the number of additional rules implemented to protect the safety of the Players.   The reality is that no matter how hard you try.  Football will always be a dangerous game.  Very few injuries ever happened as the result of vicious tackles.  The worst injuries happen by total accident.  Simply planting your foot wrong when trying to make a quick cut can result in a torn Achilles, or ACL.  Outside of being totally lucky, the only true path to victory is roster depth.  That applies to actual NFL teams, or your Fantasy team.

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True Fanatics week 8 Power Rankings – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-30

Can anyone Challenge Texas Proud

Other than the one loss due in part to Bye week replacements, and a poor showing from key Players.  Texas Proud has appeared totally dominant this Season.  The good news is that they can be beaten.  The better news is that the cream of the League has risen to the top.  This week’s Power Rankings will reflect the sudden success of some of the higher scoring teams.

Power Rankings

1 – Texas Proud

Currently ranked 1rst overall with a 7-1 record, and 1007.23 total points for the Season.

Texas Proud is just flat out dominant.  They have star Players at each and every position. At Quarterback they have Drew Brees. At Running Back they have Kareem Hunt. At Wide Receiver they have DeAndre Hopkins, at Tight End they have Travis Kelce. Even their Defence is solid with the Broncos.  They obviously remain the team to beat.

2 – The Bottom Feeders

Currently ranked 6th overall with a 4-4 record, and 888.87 total points for the Season.

Don’t let their name fool you.  The Bottom Feeders are stacked with top tier talent.  They are the closest in roster quality to Texas Proud.  Kirk Cousins at QB, Ezekiel Elliot at RB, A.J. Green at WR, and Zach Ertz at TE is enough to match up well against anyone.  Picking the top two teams for this week’s Power Rankings was relatively easy.

3 – Raider in the North

Currently ranked 3rd overall with a 4-4 record, and 752.13 total points for the Season.

This was the first difficult position in the Rankings to figure out.  With LeSean McCoy, Tyreek Hill, and Rob Gronkowski as their star players for the majority of the Season.  Raider in the North is obviously competitive.  It was the recent addition of Jerick McKinnon that has moved them up to number 3 in the Power Rankings.  Do not underestimate this team.  They have the potential to win it all.

4 – Cobe Life

Currently ranked 5th overall with a 4-4 record, and 897.05 total points for the Season.

Why am I ranking my team fourth?  The only team that has scored more points than mine is Texas Proud.  Tom Brady, Le’Veon Bell, and Chris Thompson have kept me competitive.  Recent injuries have left me with a question mark at Wide Receiver.  Can Fitzgerald, Diggs, or Garcon return to early Season form?  At least one of them will have to if I’m to stand a chance at winning the championship.  Still the Brady and Bell combination just scares everyone.  Well everyone except Texas Proud, and The Bottom Feeders.

5 – Aegon Targaryan

Currently ranked 2nd overall with a 6-2 record, and 847.98 total points for the Season.

It’s all about their two Running Backs Todd Gurley, and Carlos Hyde.  They have simply been stellar.  Although they haven’t posted too many breakout games their Wide Receiver corps are sneaky good as well.  All it would take is just one or two of them to start playing to their potential for Aegon Targaryan to win the championship.

6 – In Dak we Trust

Currently ranked 8th overall with a 3-5 record, and 769.88 total points for the Season.

How is it that I’m rating a team with a losing record so high.  Well In Dak we Trust has Alex Smith, Mark Ingram, and Antonio Brown for starters. A fresh Doug Martin makes his team just a little stronger, and he has Christian McCaffrey as a solid backup, or flex play.  They are so stacked at Running Back that it wouldn’t surprise me if a key trade  can further improve this team before the Playoffs.

7 – Geezer Domination

Currently ranked 5th overall with a 4-4 record, and 787.03 total points for the Season.

Geezer Domination has had a very up, and down Season due to injuries, and quality acquisitions.  Deshaun Watson, and Will Fuller make for a potentially strong 1-2 punch.  Jordan Howard, and Devonta Freeman provide him with a strong duo of Running Backs.  Another strong Wide Receiver might be all this team needs to make a strong push to go deep into the playoffs.

8 – Muh Feelins

Currently ranked 11th overall with a 3-5 record, and 695.43 total points for the Season.

Another team with a losing record that still has an outside chance of getting into the playoffs.  Russell Wilson is just beginning to hit his stride, and Leonard Fournette should be ready to come back strong after a couple weeks of rest.  Muh Feelins really needs to upgrade at Wide Receiver to hope to compete.  If they can get into the playoffs there’s a slim chance that they could get David Johnson back from injury.

9 – Watch it Burn

Currently ranked 4th overall with a 4-4 record, and 700.18 total points for the Season.

The fourth overall team comes in at ninth in my Power Rankings!  Well here’s why. The team is full of good players, but not great ones.  Injuries have limited the potential success of some of their key players going forward.  Although they are relatively well balanced, their team lacks big play Fantasy potential.

10 – Justice league of America

Currently ranked 12th overall with a 3-5 record, and 771.59 total points for the Season.

Yes they are the last place team in the league but that doesn’t necessarily make them the worst.  Recent acquisitions have really bolstered their roster, and they actually have a very good group of Wide Receivers to go with Carson Wentz at Quarterback.  When you have nothing to lose, you are free to make gutsy line up calls.  A couple quick wins and Justice league of America could be right back in it.  Keep in mind that their team has actually scored more points than half the teams in the league.  Their record is not a fair representation of their potential.

11 – Breton

Currently ranked 10th overall with a 3-5 record, and 636.10 points for the Season.

Maybe the recent Ajayi trade to Philly will improve things for Breton.  Outside of Dak Prescott, and Alvin Kamara there isn’t much to be excited about on their team.  They are the lowest scoring team in the league.  The only reason they aren’t at the bottom of the Rankings is because their team is healthier than the last placed team in the Rankings.

12 – Ball Breakerz

Currently ranked 9th overall with a 3-5 record, and 700.07 total points for the Season.

Somebody has to be last, and Ball Breakerz is definitely it.  The highlight on their team is Aaron Rodgers, and well he’s basically done for the Season.  His backup Quarterback is Matt Stafford and he isn’t exactly 100% either.  His best Wide Receiver is T.Y. Hilton but without Andrew Luck feeding him the ball his ceiling is limited.  Basically anything that could go wrong for Ball Breakerz has gone wrong.

It’s far from over

The reality is that not one single team is statistically eliminated.  Everyone can still make the playoffs.  Sure there are favourites, but this is football, and anything can happen.  Make the right trade, or pick up the right Player off the waiver wire, and you could finish the Season as the Champion.

Remember if you would like to be considered for prize support.  You need to respond to this Post with your Fantasy Team name, Favourite NFL Team, and Division Winner predictions.

Good luck!

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FANTASY

Gridiron Pros Week 8 Power Rankings – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-29

Still anybody’s Season

A lot of thought went into the current Power Rankings now that 2/3 of the Season is complete.  Even Defences, and Players that could be returning from injury were considered.  After much deliberation these are the current rankings.

Power Rankings

1 – Pixie’s Pirates

Currently ranked 6th overall with a 4-4 record, and 963.53 total points for the Season.

It wasn’t easy selecting Pixie’s Pirates as the team to beat with only a 4-4 record.  It’s hard to ignore the strength of her trio of Running Backs (Todd Gurley, Mark Ingram, and Carlos Hyde) and the combination of Drew Brees to Michael Thomas.  Add in the scoring potential of the Jaguars D, plus the possible return of David Johnson.  It’s hard to bet against Pixie’s Pirates.

2 – Grid Warriors

Currently ranked 7th overall with a 4-4 record, and 1071.28 total points for the Season.

Yes I know that it’s another 4-4 team being featured in the Top 3.  Some of you might think I’m being biased because it happens to be my team. Before you think I’m being biased take a look at the roster.  Deshaun Watson, Leonard Fournette, and Antonio Brown should be enough to strike fear in any opponent.  Julio Jones and Jerick McKinnon would be welcome additions on any other team as well.  The only thing that stopped me from being at the top of the rankings was my lack of quality depth at Tight End with the injury to Delanie Walker.

3 – Blitzkrieg

Currently ranked 1rst overall with a 6-2 record, and 977.06 total points for the Season.

The team ranked first overall with the second highest total points for makes sense right.  This wasn’t easy either because the next two teams could also argue to be in this spot.  The difference maker for Blitzkrieg was a slightly better balance at all positions, and the increased production of the Russell Wilson to Doug Baldwin combination.  They would benefit with an upgrade at TE, and a possible trade for another decent WR.

4 – Because you’re a Lannister

Currently ranked 4th overall with a 5-3 record, and 906.16 total points for the Season.

Still leading the Grid South division but only by a game.  Because you’re a Lannister had a difficult middle of the Season going 2-2 over the last four games.  Still Carson Wentz, LeSean McCoy, and company are a well balanced unit.  Because you’re a Lannister doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses, but their lack of quality playmakers has them out of the Top 3.

5 – Swaggy B

Currently ranked 3rd overall with a 5-3 record, and 863.99 total points for the Season.

Swaggy B has a powerful trio of players with Dak Prescott, A.J. Green, and Tyreek Hill.  This could easily be a Top 3 team if only they had even one quality Running Back.  Currently James White is their number 1 RB.  That’s just not going to cut it in the Playoffs.  If Swaggy B is serious about making a run for the championship they will probably need to make a trade.

6 – Captain Canada

Currently ranked 8th overall with a 3-5 record, and 880.94 total points for the Season.

Our first team with a losing record enters the ranks.  With the fifth most points for the Season Captain Canada doesn’t deserve to have a losing record.  With Fantasy stars Alex Smith, Ezekiel Elliot, and Travis Kelce Captain Canada matches up well against most opponents.  What’s held them back is the serious lack of depth at Wide Receiver in a PPR league.  Unless they upgrade at WR, I don’t see Captain Canada as a threat to win the championship.

7 – Stoniestars

Currently ranked 9th overall with a 3-5 record, and 875.92 total points for the Season.

Stoniestars has built a roster around their two star Running Backs Kareem Hunt, and Melvin Gordon.  Mediocre Wide Receiver, and Tight End play has limited their success.  Stacked at Running Back will the additions of Javorius Allen, and Adrian Peterson they should be looking to make a trade to create some balance.  Otherwise I consider it a long shot for Stoniestars to make the playoffs.

8 – For Whom the Bell Tolls for

Currently ranked 11th overall with a 3-5 record, and 855.22 total points for the Season.

Kirk Cousins, Le’Veon Bell, and Chris Thompson are providing plenty of Fantasy points every week.  Unfortunately for For Whom the Bell Tolls for their Wide Receivers have been inconsistent to say the least.  Capable of having huge Fantasy weeks or total flops makes predicting how For Whom the Bell Tolls for will potentially finish.  They might only be one quality Wide Receiver away from making a run for a consecutive title.

9- RuinRevelation

Currently ranked 5th overall with a 4-4 record, and 823.70 total points for the Season.

Very similar to For Whom the Bell Tolls for RuinRevelation has breakout potential every week with Tom Brady, Jordan Howard, and Will Fuller.  What brings them in one spot lower is a far more difficult remaining strength of schedule.  Still this is a team that stands a very good chance of making the playoffs, and could compete for a Championship once there.

10 – The Losers

Currently ranked 2nd overall with a 6-2 record, and 768.96 total points for the Season.

How can the second placed team with only two losses be 10th in my power rankings?  Well The Losers are 6-2 despite having the least points for the Season.  Eventually their luck will have to run out, and I think that time is now.  They do have Cam Newton, Zack Ertz, and the Denver Broncos Defence to lean on.  Still glaring holes at Running Back, and a mediocre Wide Receiver group can’t keep producing.  They only need one more win to guarantee a winning Season.  With the way this Season has been going that could be enough to squeak into the playoffs.  All I can say is that if The Losers make the playoffs I hope they are my opponent.

11 – Skins2

Currently ranked 10th overall with a 3-5 record, and 834.46 total points for the Season.

Having Players like DeAndre Hopkins, Rob Gronkowski, and Tarik Cohen on your team means that you have a chance.  The problem for Skins2 is the loss of Aaron Rodgers to injury means Marcus Mariota is your number 1 Quarterback.  Unfortunately the Titans are a run first team. Outside of Cohen who can’t be counted on producing every week.  Skins2 has very little depth at Running Back.  A trade needs to be made or Skins2 should be preparing for next year.

12 – Just Win Baby

Currently ranked 12th overall with a 2-6 record, and 770.96 total points for the Season.

Outside of Mike Evans Just Win Baby doesn’t have much to be excited about.  At this point they might be better off preparing for next Season.  Their two Players with the greatest Keeper potential are Mike Evans and Keenan Allen.  They could make a trade for a Player with even more potential that’s currently on IR, and a decent pick to a team that wants to win now.  Honestly I don’t see a path to victory for Just Win Baby unless there are a number of key injuries to opponents rosters.

Final third of the Season

Every Division is still up for grabs.  I still believe that Blitzkrieg is the team to beat in Grid North.  Grid Warriors has become the team to beat with their recent trade for Deshaun Watson.  Pixie’s Pirates is still the team to beat in Grid South.  The trade deadline is quickly approaching so expect there to be some major deals happen over the next two weeks.  Who will push for this year’s title.  I know that I will.

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FANTASY Uncategorized

Fantasy League Week 6 recap – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-28

The hot teams

At the half way point of the regular season, certain teams have made the necessary adjustments to separate themselves from the pack.  Beginning with the True Fanatics League.  Texas Proud has continued to roll relying on the strength of their two top Tier Running Backs Kareem Hunt and Melvin Gordon.  Currently undefeated they still maintain their number 1 position, and are definitely the team to beat.  Two teams that have made a statement recently are Muh Feelins, and Cobe Life.  Both teams are on a two Game winning streak because of key acquisitions.  Much Feelins is taking full advantage of their Tarik Cohen, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins pickups.  Cobe Life has benefitted from their Chris Thompson waiver wire pickup,  and carefully cycling through kickers.

In the Gridiron Pros League the hot teams are Blitzkrieg which comes as no surprise considering how well balanced their roster is.  A surprise addition to the hot teams list is The Losers.  Aggressive acquisitions of Adrian Peterson, Allen Hurns, and Rishard Matthews have quickly turned this team into a playoff contender.  For Whom the Bell Tolls for has also utilized the waiver wire, and Free Agency to go from winless to two straight victories.  Grid North is obviously looking to make a statement.  Luckily for me, my team(Grid Warriors) has been the only upward mover in Grid Central.  My two straight wins while every other team has lost has every team in Grid Central sitting at 3-3.  At this point the Division title is totally up for grabs.  The last three games of the regular season could mean more to this division than the others.

Lets make a deal

A couple key trades happened this week in the Gridiron Pros League.  Both of which involved Grid Central teams.  With the recent group of injuries to Quarterbacks, Team Managers were looking to strengthen their rosters with a new signal caller.  Grid Warriors dealt Tevin Coleman and a high Draft pick to acquire Rookie sensation Deshaun Watson.  With the injury to Aaron Rodgers potentially knocking him out for the remainder of the season.  Skins2 dealt Will Fuller to acquire Marcus Mariota to take over as their starting Quarterback.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see a couple more trades happen before Week 8.  Injuries, and underperforming players are forcing Team Managers to look beyond the waiver wire.  Each trade your opponents make is a trade you may have missed out on.  My only weakness was at Quarterback.  Well after one trade I would consider that position a strength now.  A couple weeks ago I picked RuinRevelation as the team to beat in Grid Central.  Well now I can confidently say that my team is the team to beat in Grid Central.  I have a tough match this week against Pixie’s Pirates, but after that I wouldn’t be surprised if I win enough games to sit on top of my division.

 Added depth

I love looking at my starting lineup, and seeing that it has no weakness.  Nothing makes you feel more confident before a game.  I still look at my bench though.  If my bench is full of Players I wouldn’t even consider starting.  I begin to wonder what will happen to my Season if even one star gets hurt.  This is why you should never get complacent in Fantasy Football.  Injuries have a far greater impact in Fantasy Football than any other Fantasy Sport.  If a star Player misses even 4 games.  That’s the equivalent of a third of most Fantasy Football regular seasons.  If you can pickup a surging Player off the waiver wire for even 3 games.  That could be the extra points you needed to make the Playoffs.  Something I’ve noticed playing Fantasy Football year after year is the lack of attention Free Agents get.  Once waivers have cleared it’s open season on whatever Players are left unclaimed.  Quite often I’m able to find great Players available for free because they happen to be on a bye week.  It doesn’t hurt to take a look every Thursday to see what’s available.

Competitive Leagues

At the beginning of every Fantasy Football year the same thought crosses my mind.  I hope that no matter what happens every Manager remains interested and competitive.  So far this year every Fantasy League I’m in has been very competitive.  The real test begins around Week 9.  It’s possible to be practically eliminated from the Playoffs at that time.  Well so what.  Do your League a favour and play spoiler.  When I know that I’m going to miss the Playoffs.  My goal is to take another team down with me.  That’s how rivalries are made.

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FANTASY

Real deal rookies – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-27

A Rookie Rampage

I’ve been watching NFL football for a long time.  I’ve seen Rookie sensations before.  I’ll never forget Anquan Boldin’s rookie record breaking performance in his first game as an Arizona Cardinal.  Terrell Davis had a great rookie season, and just kept getting better.  Randy Moss put all his doubters to shame, and proved the Minnesota Vikings right for picking him.  Year after year another star is born.  This year, this Season just feels a little bit different.

Kareem Hunt

Deshaun Watson

Leonard Fournette

Dalvin Cook

Christian McCaffrey

Alvin Kamara

David Njoku

and the list goes on.

Why are so many rookies succeeding?

Are the colleges doing a better job of coaching them?  Has changes to the Game allowed them to shine?  Has modern science helped develop superior athletes?  I believe that all three play a part.  There has been a recent shift towards a more pass oriented NFL.  One of the reasons for this is the implementation of stricter rules governing contact, and tackling of Wide Receivers.  Stricter rules implemented to protect Quarterbacks have contributed to the passing game as well.  When the rules allowed for linebackers to take full powered headshots on Quarterbacks.  The Running Game was of an even greater importance to keep Quarterbacks healthy.  As a result of this change to a more pass happy game.  Opportunities have been created for rookie Wide Receivers who might have been limited to far fewer targets a decade ago.  My list of breakout rookies has five Running Backs on it though.  What isn’t obvious at first but makes perfect sense is that a pass happy offence creates additional room to run.  Defences have shifted from single or two safety formations to three safety plus drop back linebackers to shut down passing lanes.  This can allow Running Backs to get to the second level of the Defence far more easily.  Even though Running Backs get far fewer touches per game on average.  Their likelihood of breaking free for a big gain is increased.

There’s no doubt that Players keep getting bigger, faster, and stronger.  Pay attention to the Scouting combine.  Records are getting broken by the new crop of Rookies every year.  Modern science has made an impact.  Couple that with a League that has placed a far greater emphasis on protecting the health of their Players.  What used to be a very difficult transition for many Rookies to make, and stay healthy has become a relatively easy transition to the professional game.  Of course injuries can still happen.  As evidenced by Dalvin Cook this year.  Still fewer carries for Running Backs means greater longevity.  Rules to protect Quarterbacks means rookies will have more time to acclimate to the NFL before they become shell shocked, or seriously injured.  Penalizing Safeties for making powerful hits on defenceless Receivers will allow Rookies to learn their routes without being worried about getting knocked out of the game.

In regards to how well the College programs are preparing their Players for the NFL.  I don’t think that the College programs have necessarily improved.  What I believe is that the NFL has become more like the College Game.  Mobile Quarterbacks, a greater percentage of option plays, and multiple Receiver sets are what the College Game has been all about for years.  You are now beginning to see similar offences in the NFL.  The Carolina Panthers are a great example.  When their Offence is clicking, it’s like watching a College Game.

Is it here to stay?

I truly believe that it is.  The more rules that are implemented to protect Quarterbacks and Receivers.  The more likely a pass first motion Offence will thrive.  A part of me misses the hard nosed football of days past.  When my favourite Player of all time Steve Atwater would literally run full speed, and time the snap count perfectly to destroy the Quarterback or Running Back on a blitz behind the line of scrimmage.  When going across the middle, and stretching out to catch a ball meant you risked getting killed by Ronnie Lott.  Now as a Fantasy Football Fanatic I can appreciate that my roster of Players have a very good chance of finishing the Season.  What I can’t accept as easily is the records that are being broken in this era should have an asterisk attached.  Especially when it concerns Quarterback statistics.

 

Categories
FANTASY

True Fanatics Season update – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-26

Stranger than usual

If I asked you in July who you thought would be leading at each position in Fantasy Football after four weeks.  I’m sure a few performers at this time would surprise you.

Quarterbacks

1- Tom Brady (Cobe Life)

2- Aaron Rodgers (Ball Breakerz)

3- Drew Brees (Texas Proud)

Running Backs

1- Kareem Hunt (Texas Proud)

2- Todd Gurley (Aegon Targaryen)

3- Leonard Fournette (Muh Feelins)

Wide Receivers

1- Stefon Diggs (Cobe Life)

2- Antonio Brown (In Dak we Trust)

3- DeAndre Hopkins (Texas Proud)

Tight Ends

1- Rob Gronkowski (Raider in the North)

2- Travis Kelce (Texas Proud)

3- Zack Ertz (The Bottom Feeders)

A quick look over the top performers and it should be obvious that Texas Proud has a very well balanced team so far this season.

Key Injuries

Fantasy Football wouldn’t be Fantasy Football without injuries.  The number ranked team in your league could become the weakest if the wrong player gets injured.  This season has seen it’s fair share of key injuries already.

Quarterbacks

Andrew Luck is yet to see the field.  Hopefully he is cleared to play some time this season.

Sam Bradford got out to a great start.  He suffered a severe bone bruise on his knee, and is currently listed day to day.

Derek Carr is supposed to lead a stacked Raiders team to the playoffs.  A transverse back fracture now has him out of action for 3-6 weeks.

Running Backs

David Johnson is the consensus number one pick in fantasy.  A dislocated wrist has him likely out till some time in December.

Dalvin Cook was on his way to having an amazing rookie season before a torn ACL ended his season.  He was on pace to setting Minnesota Vikings Rookie RB records.

Spencer Ware had his season come to an end before the regular season even started.  This created the opportunity for Kareem Hunt.

Danny Woodhead continues to be plagued by injuries. A Hamstring injury should keep him off the field until November.

Darren Sproles suffered a broken arm and torn ACL which is almost certain to prevent him from returning to play this season.

Chris Carson had showed enough promise to earn his spot as the lead back for the Seattle Seahawks.  A broken leg will surely prevent him from returning until possibly late December.

Wide Receivers

Julian Edelman was set to be the number one target for Tom Brady.  A torn ACL essentially ended his season before it began.  This created opportunity for Brandin Cooks, and Chris Hogan to see an increase in targets.

Injuries to both Cameron Meredith, and Kevin White have left the Chicago Bears with a practically unknown receiving corps.

Allen Robinson the undisputed number one Wide Receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a torn ACL ending his season in the very first game.  His absence has put additional pressure on the Jaguars to effectively run the ball.  Their rookie Running Back Leonard Fournette has thrived in the role.

Corey Coleman got out to a great start last year before suffering a wrist injury.  This year a broken hand will have him out of commission until at least mid November.

Tight Ends

C.J. Fiedorowicz suffered a concussion in the first game of the season.  Having already suffered a concussion in the preseason.  Fiedorowicz has been entered into the concussion protocol, and placed on IR.

Greg Olsen was filling his usual role as Cam Newton’s security blanket when a fractured foot knocked him out of action.  He won’t be back until the fantasy playoffs.  In his absence the Carolina Panthers have looked disorganized on Offence.  This has negatively impacted all of their players fantasy production.

Power Rankings

1- Texas Proud

The highest scoring team in the league with a Top 3 Player at every offensive position.  It’s hard to argue against Texas Proud being the number one team in our rankings.

2- The Bottom Feeders

The second ranked team in the D-Line division is also the second ranked team in our power rankings.  Kirk Cousins, A.J. Green, Ezekial Elliot, and Zack Ertz practically guarantee that they will make the playoffs.

3- Aegon Targaryen

The top ranked team in the O-Line division comes in at number three in our power rankings.  With the least amount of points against them, they’ve had an easy ride to 4-0.  Their strength is in their running game with Todd Gurley, Carlos Hyde, and LeGarrette Blount.  A healthy Julio Jones could put them higher up in the rankings next time.

4- Cobe Life

As the second highest scoring team in the league.  Cobe Life has a strong roster that matches up well against any team in their division.  Tom Brady, Chris Thompson, Le’Veon Bell, Stefon Diggs, and even the Jacksonville Jaguars Defence are all at or near the top of their positions in points.  With so many teams at 2-2.  All it could take is two wins to be in the top 3 of the League.

5- Justice League of America

The second ranked team in the O-Line division comes in at number five. A key injury to Derek Carr, and a hobbled Jordan Reed has reduced the strength of their team.  Their strong trio of Wide Receivers Odell Beckham Jr, Dez Bryant, and Brandin Cooks will definitely keep them competitive.

6- Raider in the North

Another team with loads of potential.  They are also quite balanced with Jameis Winston, LeSean McCoy, Tyreek Hill, and Rob Gronkowski leading the way.  I fully expect this team to make the playoffs.  They are only a couple of breakout performances away from moving up the list.

7- Watch it Burn

Watch it Burn is maybe one trade away from being a top five team.  Lamar Miller, Jordy Nelson, and Mike Evans make for a good start.  What they are seriously lacking is additional depth at Running Back.  Still this team could compete for a Playoff spot.

8- Breton

Dak Prescott, Adam Thelien, and a solid group of Running Backs allowing Breton to play favourable matchups has kept them competitive.  Although they have very few truly standout players.  Breton can sneak into the playoffs if they manage to continue starting the correct players.  Trading for another trustworthy Wide Receiver would greatly increase their chances of making the playoffs.

9- Muh Feelins

If not for the injury to David Johnson, Much Feelins would probably have been in the top five. Still with Russell Wilson, Leonard Fournette, Tarik Cohen, and Michael Crabtree.  Their current position at the bottom of the D-Line division is sure to change.

10- In Dak we Trust

A poorly underperforming squad has limited their success.  Still Antonio Brown, and Christian McCaffrey have breakout potential on any given week so they will earn some unexpected wins.  Still as the team stands, the playoffs are very unlikely.  A lucky pickup off the waiver wire, or a key trade could go a long way.

11- Ball Breakerz

The fact that Andrew Luck hasn’t started a game yet this season has probably hurt Ball Breakerz more than anyone else.  What should be a very strong trio of Aaron Rodgers, C.J. Anderson, and T.Y. Hilton is now reduced to the Aaron and C.J. show.  Just not enough to compete against most teams in this league.  Dealing T.Y. Hilton to a team that can stash him for a competitive player now could be the answer.  Otherwise, don’t expect Ball Breakerz to improve their ranking anytime soon.

12- Geezer Domination

Something good needs to happen for Geezer Domination to have a chance to make the playoffs.  Andrew Luck could start sooner than expected, and come back in perfect form.  Terrelle Pryor showed some recent from Monday night.  Hopefully that translates into more targets going forward.  Hopefully their players can go a week without injuries.  So far nothing has gone right for Geezer Domination.  Here’s to hoping the waiver wire lends a hand.