A very scary 1-2
My teams are both 1-2 in my featured Fantasy Leagues. As I had previously mentioned in last week’s recap I’m not worried about either team. Despite being 1-2 in my Gridiron Pros League. My team actually leads the League in total Fantasy points gained so far. I actually have 36 more Fantasy points than the next closest Team. Unfortunately I also have the highest amount of total points scored against me as well. That’s why I am only 1-2 despite being the strongest Team in the league. Things are quite similar in my True Fanatics League. I have the third highest scoring team but only a 1-2 record. Last week I mentioned that despite being 0-2 at that time I wasn’t worried. The combination of Tom Brady and Le’Veon Bell with a good supporting crew of Wide Receivers was sure to start winning. That happened this week and I had the top scoring team.
The numbers don’t lie
As disappointing as it is to be currently ranked in the bottom half of the standings. My Fantasy Teams are performing as expected, or even better than I had hoped. So far I’ve been lucky enough to have all my key players make it through the first three weeks without serious injury. Currently my starting Quarterback in each League has performed well. The Quarterback position is one that’s become increasingly difficult to predict. My middle Round draft picks have performed great, which usually leads to Fantasy success. I would be surprised if my Teams aren’t having winning Seasons by Week 7.
The true Top 10
With the first three weeks in the books I thought it would be interesting to see who the Top 10 performers are at this point. Based on depth of position, total performance, and future potential, a current PPR draft might look like this.
Pick 1 – Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt has become the focal point of the Kansas City Chiefs Offence. As both a Runner and Receiver he’s on his way to having the kind of Season we would expect from David Johnson(injured) or Le’Veon Bell(underperforming). It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he finishes the Season as a Top 3 Running Back.
Pick 2 – Todd Gurley
No one expected the L.A. Rams to be competitive. How Todd Gurley would perform after a lacklustre Season was anyone’s guess as well. Well the LA Rams have been competitive, and a large part of the success is due to the hard running of Todd Gurley. Gurley is a proven workhorse who shouldn’t have a problem running hard for a full Season. How he finishes the Season is going to depend on how long the L.A. Rams can stay competitive.
Pick 3 – Antonio Brown
Finally a Player that has landed where many of us would have expected at the beginning of the Season. Antonio Brown keeps doing what Antonio Brown does. He runs perfect routes, gets open when Roethlisberger is in trouble, and makes spectacular catches. He’s on one of the most potent offences in the league. He will finish the Season as a Top 3 Wide Receiver again.
Pick 4 – Stefon Diggs
A mid Round pick in most people’s minds. Stefon Diggs has been a human highlight reel throughout the first three weeks of the Season. What I like most about his performances is the attitude he’s been playing with. Diggs looks like a Top 3 Receiver at this point. Along with Adam Thielen the Minnesota Vikings have looked like a potent Offence. I believe that they will continue to cause matchup problems for Defences. Diggs is sure to have a great year.
Pick 5 – Tom Brady
The ageless wonder is off to a great start once again. He’s averaging almost 3 touchdowns per game, and over 350 yards. Numbers like that warrant a first Round pick. Quarterbacks are a bit of a risky pick early, but if the draft was today I’d take Brady. Plus it’s the Patriots. You can bet the farm that they are going to remain competitive.
Pick 6 – Devonta Freeman
Another Player you would expect to get picked somewhere in the middle of the first Round. Devonta Freeman hasn’t disappointed. The Atlanta Falcons are still a high octane Offence that relies heavily on their Running Backs. Even though Tevin Coleman is still a factor. Freeman is the number one RB in Atlanta for sure. As long as he stays healthy Freeman will continue to produce.
Pick 7 – Chris Thompson
Thompson has been the bright spot on a totally revamped Offence. With DeSean Jackson, and Pierre Garcon leaving in the off season, we didn’t know what to expect from the Washington Redskins Offence. Nobody thought their top performer would be Chris Thompson. Given a chance to really shine because Rob Kelley had a minor injury. Thompson has excelled as the lead back. Unfortunately with Kelley’s imminent return, it looks like Thompson will be reduced to a complimentary role. He will still produce but his opportunities will be limited. If it wasn’t for this he would rank higher up on this list.
Pick 8 – Tyreek Hill
Tyreek Hill is so much more than a Wide Receiver. There has been claims of “offensive weapon” players before. None of them were nearly as deserving as Tyreek Hill. Kansas City has found the right way to utilize him. With Kareem Hunt keeping Defences honest, Tyreek Hill is in a situation where he creates mismatches. Hill is going to have a great season.
Pick 9 – Ty Montgomery
It used to be a rule of mine to avoid Green Bay Packers Running Backs. It took them converting a Wide Receiver into a Running Back to finally make it worthwhile. I actually drafted Ty Montgomery in one of my featured Leagues because he was the best RB available. I actually got him in the fourth Round. Well if the draft was today that would be a steal. Sure I expected him to catch balls out of the backfield. What has surprised me is how hard of a Runner he is. With Aaron Rodgers leading the Offence, it hasn’t been difficult for Montgomery to find room to run. There are concerns about his durability as a lead Running Back. Green Bay is making an effort to keep him healthy by limiting his total touches. That’s the only thing that keeps him from being higher on this list.
Pick 10 – Rob Gronkowski
Lets be honest here. As long as Gronkowski is healthy he’s the best Tight End in football. He leads all Tight Ends after the first three weeks. I don’t think anyone is surprised by that. If it wasn’t for his injury concerns Gronkowski would probably be a Top 6 pick. It’s almost a guarantee that he will effectively miss games. In my opinion, as long as he doesn’t miss 4 games, or the playoffs he’s worth a Top 10 pick.
Well there you have it. If you have a combination of any of these Players then you are probably doing well. Unless you are me of course. I have a combination of Antonio Brown, Stefon Diggs, Tom Brady, Chris Thompson, and Ty Montgomery between my two featured Teams. Sure I’m 1-2 in both of those Leagues. Now you know why I’m really not worried.
