Fantasy Football Week 3 Reviews - Early Post Season Run and Another Epic Beatdown

Standard League
Result - Loss
Score 34 - 88
Power Rank - 8th

     Second epic beat down in 2 weeks.  After starting strong the first week, my team has not been able to do much of anything.  I had 3 starters put up 1 point and another put up 0.  You know your team is in for a bad week when your high scorer is your Kicker, mine had 8.  Same as last week, no big injuries just bad games.  My opponent had 4 players score in the double digits.  Just a bad day all around for my guys. 

     Not much to say about my team right now.  I'm not going to panic and start dumping guys, that will only lead to more problems and you can't dig yourself out of a hole by more digging.  My team is good and I believe they will turn the corner and start winning some games again.  A lot of my guys are first or second year players so sometimes it takes a little longer for them to get going.  I have confidence we will make another run at a playoff spot.  Just have to sorry about covering bye weeks now.  Really only 1 big one this week with my TE - Thomas but I was prepared and will have TE Walker to start in his place. 

     Made one move this week.  Picked up Houston WR DeAndre Hopkins.  He was getting the most targets on the team and usually that will turn into points, even if the team doesn't win many games.  I'll start him this week and see how things go. 




PPR League
Result - Win
Score 132 - 127

     I had high hopes for this week but I wouldn't be surprised if I was handed a loss.  This was my 3rd division opponent in 3 weeks.  Luckily, my team, for the most part, all had good games and his, not so much.  I was a little worried when my QB only put up 7.5 to his 24.5 but my WRs and RBs picked up the slack.  Each of our teams only totaled 3 TDs and for this league, this was a low scoring game. 

     Was able to get out of this match up with no injuries also.  But, one of my main RBs (Lynch) is on a bye week for this week.  I spent most of the draft grabbing hand cuffs for my starters - so of course they all have the same bye weeks.  I dropped a RB that I haven't even started yet and picked up RB Blount.  He has had a couple of good games and has been scoring a bit even though he is not the starter.  He was the best available so in a pinch, he will have to do.  I just hope he can score a few for me.  I also replaced my kicker this week.  Not a big deal, my guy was doing OK but also on bye this week.  Just went with the best available here too. 

     After a discussion with a league manager about divisions and play offs, I feel pretty good.  Division wins is the first tie breaker and I have 3 wins there already.  Hopefully I can keep this momentum going for a while longer.  This week my opponent isn't overly strong at any position but this week, neither am I.  We joked  that we will have the lowest scoring game this week.  My match ups look better this week so if I can get a few more points this week I should be OK. 

Fantasy Football Week 1 Results

Redraft League Standard Scoring
Week 1 Results

Win
Score - 74-40
Power Rank - 3rd

     I felt very confident about this team coming out of the draft.  Landed some great starters and several rookies that will play bigger roles as the season wears on.  Changed my draft strategy a bit this year, I didn't want to load up on so many running backs right away.  Of course, I still went heavy on them as the draft went on, but I got my number 1 target with my first pick then went after some other positions that put up big numbers in our scoring system.  I think that is key to winning in any league, know how you can score points and when to acquire those players. 

     So, instead of grabbing RBs with all my first picks, I went RB, QB then TE and WR.  We have to start a TE every week so I made it a point to go after a good one.  Julius Thomas from Denver was available so I took him while everyone else was still on the RB kick.  My first over all pick was Eddie Lacey, I wanted a stud RB in a system that will lean on him a lot.  The Packers are becoming more balanced and Lacey is the main reason for that, he will be the main man in the back field.  Took Stafford for my QB, even when the Lions lose, he should put up good numbers.  My first 2 WRs, I went with Michael Floyd from Arizona and Keenan Allen from San Diego, both are in pass heavy offenses and should do well.

     On to this weeks games.  I played all my big names and of course, week 1, how could you now?  I had 2 huge games and it turns out that all I would have needed for this win.  25 from Stafford and 23 from Thomas.  My next highest score was from my kicker at 8.  I had some guys get dinged up during the game and their playing time was limited.  The big one was Lacey, he left the game with concussion like symptoms.  So far he has cleared the early stages for being able to play next week and I hope he does, he only managed 1 point this week.  My other main RB was Bell from the Lions.  I drafted him knowing he was a strong runner and will catch a ton of passes.  He ran strong and scored a TD this week.  I was a little nervous about taking a RB and QB from the same team but I figured with all the points they will score, I should end up doing well. 

     My WRs did just OK this week.  Out of the 3 I got a combined 7 points.   This can't happen every week but I know there were several games that the weaker teams just played stronger than expected.  I'll most likely keep the same guys in the lineup for next week.  Looking ahead to next weeks games, I'll probably keep my line up the same.  The only thing I will have to keep an eye on is Lacey.  I have a few other RBs that I can start in his place if he can't go, my back up RB from the Browns, Terrance West ran very well after their starter went out with an injury.  He managed 100 yards and put up 5 points on the bench.  I knew Tate wasn't going to hold up all year but didn't know he would go down this early.  I might have another starting RB on my hands sooner than I thought.  I didn't post a draft review so I'll list my current team here:

QB - Stafford - Lions
RB - Lacey - Packers
RB - Bell - Lions
RB - Hill - Bengals
RB - Hyde - 49ers
RB - West - Browns
RB - Freeman - Falcons
RB - Williams - Giants
RB - Brown - Bills
WR - Allen - Chargers
WR - Floyd - Cardinals
WR - Evans - Bucs
WR - Benjamin - Panthers
TE - Thomas - Broncos
K - Gould - Bears
DEF - Packers


Keeper League PPR Scoring
Week 1 Results

Win
Score 175 - 130

     Had a good draft in this one too.  Didn't get a few of the guys I was after but same as above, I grabbed a few guys that will get more playing time as the season wears on and the injuries add up.  I have a strong core of starters to build on so I didn't really NEED much, just wanted to get some quality back ups and (hopefully) future stars.  On to week 1.

     I was 50/50 about my chances this week.  My opponent has fielded a strong team every season and we are in the same division.  A win for me would be a great start.  All my starts showed up and put up some great numbers for my team.  Just a great game overall and I ended up with the highest point total in the league for this week.  The Cowboys and Seahawks running games are both in great shape, Lynch put up 25 and Murray had 20.  RBs have never really been my strong suit and that will probably hold true for much of this season as well as my WRs put up big numbers again this week.  Cobb was my lowest scoring WR at 15, others went for 23 - Patterson, 23 Brown and Cooks (my rookie WR) had 19.   Cooks is my new addition, I think he has great upside for the Saints this year.  I know he's a rookie and they usually don't have great first years, but injuries to a few starters and on a team that throws a ton and he got several targets and made the most of them.  I like this kid going forward. 

     My bench didn't do much, which is why they are there.  I went and nabbed a good back up QB this year, something that hurt me last season.  I took Cutler, as much as I don't like the Bears, he has really good potential to put up big numbers.  Between him and Stafford I should be OK.  In the draft I picked up Cooper from the Eagles.  I made a last minute change and took him out of this weeks lineup and put in Cooks.  Glad I did.  I didn't need the points to win but a few last minutes doing research helped out.  Looks like Cooks will be my guy for a while. 

     Here is my team heading into this season.  I made a pre draft trade, got rid of Alshon Jeffery and picked up Christine Michaels and a draft pick.  I was plenty deep at WR and I wanted some insurance for Lynch.  Michaels could very well be the Hawks star RB of the future, maybe not this season.  I could have done without this trade but at the time, Lynch was threatening a holdout.  I drafted Michaels last season then dropped him half way through when it was clear he wouldn't get any playing time.  I'll hang on to him this season. 

QB - Stafford - Lions
QB - Cutler - Bears
RB - Lynch - Seahawks
RB - Murray - Cowboys
RB - Brown - Bills
RB - Michaels - Seahawks
RB - Dunbar - Cowboys
RB - Murray - Raiders
RB - Williams - Giants
WR - Cobb - Packers
WR - Patterson - Vikings
WR - Brown - Steelers
WR - Cooks - Saints
WR - Cooper - Eagles
K - Hauschka - Seahawks
DEF - Packers

Fantasy Football Championship Game Review Standard League

Standard Redraft League
Championship Game Result: Loss
Score:  58 - 64
2nd Place Overall

     Very exciting game, even though it didn't end the way I wanted it to.  My team was finished playing Sunday and my opponent had 2 players in the Monday night game.  Both playing for the 49ers, Kicker and Defense.  They were playing the Falcons, who had been having a tough year, so I was a little worried.  I was up by 13 points heading into the game. 

     The game started off great, he got a field goal and a couple of extra points but the Defense had only 1 sack.  The Falcons actually started playing really well in the second half.  heading into the very last minute of the game I was up by 3 points and the Falcons were down by a TD and inside the 49er 20 yard line.  I figured, the Falcons would kill the clock trying to score and the game would end with me being up by 3.  Of course, that didn't happen.  49er Defense got an interception (1 point) and ran it back for a TD (6 points) then of course they kicked the extra point (1 point).  Game over.  Living in the Seattle area, we have grown accustomed to hating the 49ers.  This did nothing to change that for me. 


     Looking back, the position I was most concerned about ended up being my downfall.  I had a hard time deciding on which QB to start.  I had Luck, Smith and I had picked up Cutler last week.  Cutler had the highest projected points (by 1 over Smith), but he had missed several games due to injury and had been knocked out of 2 or 3 games, getting hurt.  I knew he had a good match up against the Eagles but I was worried he would not be able to play the entire game.  I narrowed it down to Smith or Luck.  I went with Smith.  The Colts Defense had been playing just OK most of the year, some good game and some bad but the Chiefs Defense was better.  I was thinking I could get a TD or 2 from Smith but probably less from Luck.  Ended up with only 2 points from Smith.  7 from Luck and 9 from Cutler.  Had I gone with Cutler I would have won. I can't blame it totally on the QB spot.  I had a couple of other guys that had really good match ups but they didn't produce much.  None of my WRs were able to get a TD.  Both of my RBs had really good games, got 16 from Lacey and 12 from Charles.  I know I won't be able to draft both of those guys again next year but it would be nice.

     Overall, this was a really fun season.  It came down to the wire, the very last minute of our season.  I can't be too mad.  I had a really good team this year.  I'll have to take those lessons learned and apply them next season and hope for the best.  I stand by how I managed my team.  Getting into the play offs and into the championship game, I didn't want to change how I managed my team to get them to this point.  I didn't play the match ups with my main guys.  It had worked out almost all year.  Some weeks it didn't but I don't think I would have made it this far had I been chasing points. 

     I spent a little more time doing my research before the draft and was able to walk away from that with a really good team to start with.  I also spent more time managing my team, staying on top of injuries, and mining the waiver wire.  Being able to pick up a couple of players before the other teams realized they should have, WR Jeffery and RB Bell were my two best ones.  One thing that I will need to get better at is carrying dead weight.  I ended this year with 2 guys on my bench that I drafted but after a few poor games from RBs Spiller and MJD, I didn't have any faith in them, not enough to start them even against a good match up.  Looking back I probably could have dropped them and looked for better players at other positions, namely QB and TE.  If I could have been a little more consistent at those 2 spots, that might have made a difference in this last game. 

     Vince Lombardi once said that winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.  True.  But losing this last game, the way it ended, I feel really good about next season.  I can't wait to get to the next draft and start this all over again. 

     Thanks to everyone that followed along with these posts during the season.  I hope you were able to learn a few things, either what to do or what not to do.  I look forward to sharing my ups and downs again next year.

Fantasy Football Playoffs Week 2 Standard League

Redraft League - Standard Scoring
Playoffs Week 2 Result: Win
Score: 131-41

     Could not have asked for a better performance from my team and right when I needed it.  I'll have to admit that I was more than just a little worried heading into this match up.  My opponent ran over just about every team in the league this year and finished the season at 10-3 and in first place.  His team is really strong.  Heavy on the Broncos, who just happen to score a ton on the field and in fantasy leagues.  He starts, QB Manning, WR Decker, RB Moreno and TE Thomas so he usually has high scoring games.  That is, unless the Broncos have a bad game.  They have only done that a couple of times this season.  With WR Welker being out the last few weeks, I figured Decker, Moreno and Thomas would all receive more targets and put up more points then their average.  The Broncos were playing the Chargers and they have been playing well lately.  So I had my fingers crossed.


     I figured my team would have just an OK week.  A few tough match ups and a few good ones but nothing that stood out.  I started all my normal players.  The only change was QB Luck instead of QB Smith, these two have been about even all year.  Luck has more total points but he is less consistent.  Smith has not played great when he had a good match up so I left him on the bench.  And of course the Chiefs had an amazing game against the Raiders.  My RB Charles had one of the best fantasy days of any player ever.  I think he made it into the top 5 ever.  In this league he put up 40 points.  Only 20 rushing yards and 1 rush TD but 195 and 4 TDs through the air.  Which also meant that Smith would have shared in those TD for me.  Smith had 31 points on my bench. 

     We both started  player that put up a 0.  The rest of his team just did not produce last week.  His projected points per player were around 7 or 8 for most of his team and he ended up with 1s and 2s.  My team was helped by games that featured great comebacks.  The Packers and Cowboys game was great and featured one of the great comebacks ever.  RB Lacey ate them up in the second half and put up a total of 14 pints for me.  My kicker, K Bailey for Cowboys put up 20. 

     This win put my team in the Championship Game.  I feel pretty good about my chances this week.  The only real question I have is my QB position.  Last week I picked up McCown from Chicago - then Cutler got healthy and came back so McCown was benched.  So this week I dropped McCown and picked up Cutler.  So now I have 3 QBs to choose from for this last and most important game.  Right now I have Smith starting.  Chiefs are playing the Colts and the game is in Kansas City.  Home for Smith and away for Luck.  The Bears are playing the Eagles in Philly so an away game for Cutler as well.  Cutler has the best match up but the last good QB match up in Philly did not work out so well for me (Stafford in the now....).  My opponent and I are evenly matched and the projected pints are almost even.  71 for me and 69 for him.  I feel this will be a close game no matter what I do at the QB position.  This game is for all the marbles! 

Fantasy Football Playoffs Week 1 Review Redraft Standard, Keeper PPR

Redraft League - Standard Scoring

Result: Win
Score: 85-53

     I was none too happy about losing the last game of the season and missing out on the Bye Week, but I was very happy to have one of my best games of the season this week.  I don't think I went all season with almost every one of my guys scoring a TD the same week.  RB Charles led the charge with 19 points followed by WR Gordon with 14.  In total I had 6 out of 9 players score in the double digits.  I was helped by the other team, they started RB Bush, who was a last minute scratch from his game.  He also got 0 from his Defense.  Lots of tough games last week. 

     Prepping for this next week, I picked up a couple of players.  TE Clay was available so I grabbed him, he will start for me with week.  I let go TE Reed, since his concussion a few weeks ago, he has not been able to play.  I also picked up QB McCown, he has been playing great (5 TDs last week).  Then I just learned he will not play this week.  Oh well.  I still have QB Smith and Luck.  Leaning towards Smith right now.  But I know that Smith has not taken advantage of having easy match ups and Luck had a good match up too and he did play well against Houston earlier this season.  Most of my line up will stay the same, except TE Clay starting now.  You have to dance with the one that brought you!


Keeper League - PPR Scoring

Result: Loss
Score: 114.79-160.37

     This was a horrible game.  Plus, my opponent has a few players on his team that I have in the other league (Charles and Luck) and they had big games, over 70 points between the two.  I thought I was in the money with my trade for Stafford, who was starting against the Eagles who have been giving up a ton of points to QBs.  Then the snow hit.  Stafford fumbled the first snap.  I face palmed hard.  He only put up 6 points.....

     RB Murray had a good game buy Lynch did not, he usually plays really well against the 49ers but they did a good job against him this time.  WR Brown had the most points for my team this week at 22.  WR Garcon put up a 6.  Just a flat week from my team at the worst possible time. 

     Being that this is a keeper league, I'm in a good position already for next season.  I have to make some decisions but I will most likely keep a good chunk of my team in place.  On the fence about keeping WR Patterson.  He has finally been getting chances with the ball and playing really well.  I'm loaded at the WR position right now.  I'll have to see how things shake down for the other teams in the play offs.  Waiver Wire is locked but trading can happen all year long.  I know some guys that can and will make a lot of trades to "go all out" and try to win this year.  I might be able to grab a few draft picks or young players for next year.  I will have to decide what to do about my RBs also.  Lynch, Murray, Ivory and Woodhead. I'll just hope that there are no catastrophic injuries for the rest of the season. 

     All in all, this was a good season in this league.  I was the #2 team for most of the year and top scoring during that time also.  I learned that keeping up on the news and doing research on guys that are on the wire really pays off.  Woodhead and Jeffery were taken from there.  Already looking forward to next season.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Review

Redraft League - Standard Scoring

Result - Win
Score 67-63
Power Rank - 5th

     Had a pretty good week this time around.  Most of my team showed up and put up some good numbers.  I knew I would have to have good games this week since my opponent has a really good team.  Stafford at QB with McCoy and Martin at RB.  My QB, Luck, put up his best game of the year so far.  Scored 26 points for me.  I also started WR Hilton, I figured Luck and Hilton would pair up and I could double dip on the TDs this week.  That has yet to happen this season for me.  Colts WR Wayne is now lost for the season so maybe Hilton will get more chances going forward.  Luck will be my every week starter at QB regardless. 

     I did get hit with a bad injury this week.  My TE Finley was carted off the field on a stretcher.  They are saying he has a bruised spinal cord.  He is likely done for the season.  With Finley done and my other TE on  bye this week, I will try to pick up a guy to cover the rest of the season.  I am targeting TE Reed from the Redskins. 

     I am the underdog again this week.  The other team is pretty good.  Luck is on a bye this week so I am starting Alex Smith.  Not a great back up QB but he does play good and there is a chance that having RB Charles also can lead to some double TD points as Charles does catch a lot of passes. 


Keeper League - PPR Scoring

Result - Loss
Score 110.09 - 139.20
Power Rank - 2nd

     This guy has beaten me twice.  Even worse, he is in my division.  I hope this does not come back to bite me as we head into the playoffs.  My team was just OK this week.  My WRs didn't have the types of games that they have been recently.  That does not help when the other team puts up huge numbers from a few guys.  He started the Panthers D (which I dropped only to cover a bye week and wanted to pick them up again, oh well, you snooze you lose), which put up 24.  RB Forte and WR Johnson combined for over 60 points. 

  Had a great game from QB Rodgers.  Might have been the best game of the season from him so far, he put up 32.  I also had good games from both of the RBs that I started.  Lynch and Woodhead.  Each scored 15.  I'm hoping Murray will be able to make it back on the field soon.  I escaped this week with no other injuries.

     I have a couple of guys on bye week this week.  Only Woodhead would be starting out of that group.  So that leaves me starting either Mendenhall or Ivory.  Ivory had a good game last week, getting 34 touches and running for over 100 yards.  I know Mendenhall scored a TD last week but he had less than 20 yards rushing.  I think Ivory will have a better week.  Even if Murray does play this week I think I'll sit him. 

Fantasy Football Week 6 Review Dynasty PPR and Standard Redraft Leagues

Standard Scoring - Redraft League

Result - Tie
Score 42-42
Record 2-3-1
Power Rank - 7th

     What is this? Soccer?  I guess I'd rather have a tie than a loss.  This was a really close game.  It all came down to the Monday night game.  I had QB Luck and he had RB Mathews.  I was up by 4 heading into the game, I figured I'd pick up a couple of TDs and sail to an easy win.  Well, the San Diego D stepped up and shut down the Colts.  I got 1 stinkin' point for Luck.  Mathews went on to run up 100 rushing yards which is good for 5 points in this league. 

     Had a couple of guys not produce very much.  I started WR Jeffery and he came away with 1 point.  Garcon and Finley each put up 3.  I started RB Bell this week and he only put up 2.  I was hoping for a TD.  No big injuries this week.  Sounds like RB Charles is on pace for a huge work load this season.  I hope his legs can handle it. 

     I did leave a few points on the bench this week.  Looking back at the match ups that I had, I would have started the same guys though.  RB MJD decided to play and score some points this week, putting up 9.  RB Lacey is starting to be more consistent, he put up 6, all based on yardage.  I'll keep an eye on his match ups for sure. 

     I am the underdog again this week.  My opponent has a strong team.  I'm hoping for a shoot out between the Broncos and Colts, I need some TDs from Luck and I'm going to start WR Hilton this week too.  I'm also starting RB Lacey.  I think with the Packers losing a couple more WRs, TE Finley will see more catches and I hope they will run like they did last week. 




Keeper League - PPR Scoring

Result - Win
Score 129.70-94.50
Record 5-1
Power Rank - 1st

     Down Goes Murray!  Probably the biggest news for my team this week.  RB Murray has a sprained knee and could miss a few games.  I'd rather him not play for a few weeks and get healthy than try and play each week, because if he plays, I'll have to start him and being hurt like that.....  I didn't grab any handcuff for Murray.  Most of the other guys are a little banged up also.  I knew this would pop up sooner or later but if not for Murray, I'm not sold on the other Cowboys RBs. 

     SO, I did win this week.  5th in a row.  Longest winning streak I've had in this league.  I put up 129 and I left quite a few points on my bench too.  I really only had 2 players not have good games.  WR Jeffery and my D - the Browns.  I have the Titans D but I went with the Browns since the Titans were playing in Seattle.  Browns scored 3.5 Titans put up 16.  Biggest surprise was Vernon Davis.  He put up 34 in this league.  Not a big deal since I won but knowing that he has had great games when he's healthy give me more wiggle room in the future. WR Jeffery will probably get benched this week for me.  He put up 4.7 this week and when I got guys on my bench putting up double digits almost every week, I can't afford to keep him in there.  Of course, I'll hang on to him, I won't release him after 1 bad game.  We get so many points from any position that can catch, you can never have to many good receivers on your team.

     Just an OK game from QB Rodgers.  The last few weeks he has been winning but not having really good fantasy games like he usually does.  I'm hoping he turns it around soon.  Had a great game from RB Lynch.  He put up 29.50.  He's been doing good all season but it was really nice to see him have a game like this.  WR Blackmon didn't have a TD in his game but with so many targets, he made a lot of catches and put up lots of yards for 26 points.  I've been watching players that get the most "looks" or "targets" every week.  Jeffery has been getting a ton the last few weeks, Blackmon leads his team and Garcon and Gordon are pretty close.  Aside from Jeffery, all these guys are WR1s.  And I still have WR Brown, he was on the bench this week and put up 14. 

     I feel good about this win but I don't want to celebrate too much.  I know things happen fast and I could easily lose several games and miss out on the play offs.  My goal, as is every one's goal, is to win it all.  I have a real shot at, not only my division but making some real noise in the play offs.  I can't get ahead of my self.  Where can I get better?  I have to look at RBs.  I have 3 guys that I can start just about every week.  I'm not panicking, I will start RB Woodhead in place of RB Murray this week.  I'll just have to dig around and see if I can find a guy hiding on the waiver wire, waiting to get picked and have a chance at fantasy football greatness. 

Fantasy Football Week 5 Review Keeper and Redraft Leagues

Redraft League - Standard Scoring

Result - Loss
Score 94-88
Record - 2-3
Power Ranking - 5th

     It's was a tough loss.  I had the second highest point total in the league this week.  My opponent has 4 Broncos on his roster.  QB, RB, WR and TE - I figured 2 of those guys might have good games but not all 4.  78 points from those 4 guys. Ouch.  Putting up 88 points, my guys did have some good games.  Luck had a really good game against the Seahawks - I almost benched him just based on the match up.  That same match up was the reason I left Hilton on the bench, he doesn't score a very much and going against the Hawks, I figured I had better options this week.  Wow, big mistake, Hilton goes off for 19. 

     My pick up from last week, Alshon Jeffery, came through just like I thought he would.  He also set a record for the Bears in receiving yards.  He put up 16 in this league.  He will probably stay in the line up this week also as the Bears play the Giants.  Huge amount of targets the last few weeks and it's starting to pay off.  I was hoping MJD would have a good game against the Rams but that didn't happen.  He has been horrible for me.  I hate to say it but if I don't need him to cover a bye week, I'll have to sit him until he starts putting up something, anything more than what he has been.  He can have a seat right next to Spiller.  I have Bell back from bye week so he will get the start this week. 

      I have to make some decisions on WR each week.  Between who I drafted and my recent waivers, I'm deep at WR.  I can't start everyone each week, wish I could.  I get Garcon and Brown off bye this week to go along with Gordon and Jeffery.  Going to be tough to decide who to start - we have 2 WR spots and 1 Flex.  I'm going to try and get a TE off the waivers this week.  Finley, he's OK, but has been putting up small numbers each week.  I have to do something about that.  Pretty thin out there. 


Keeper League - PPR Scoring

Result - Win
Score 167.87 - 82.56
Record 4-1
Power Ranking - 1st

     Had a pretty amazing game here.  I felt this game was going to be a lot closer.  My opponent was hampered by a few in game injuries and some tough match ups that limited some heavy hitters on his roster (he did have Tony Romo on his bench but that wouldn't have helped).  He only got 12 points from Vick before he got hurt and Reggie Bush put in 8 in a tough game against the Packers.  Of course I had Rodgers in the game also.  Rodgers had a good game, not great.  I think he ranked 15th this week in QBs.  He did put up almost 20 though.  I had a couple of good games from my 2 RBs, Lynch and Murray, each putting in 11.  Not great but good.  I've been really happy with my pick up of Danny Woodhead, he put up 17 this week.  He should see more chances to score points now that Ryan Mathews is going to miss some time. 

     Started 3 WRs this week and they all put up really good numbers.  Blackmon 22, Gordon 16 and Alshon Jeffery with 32.  I had Garcon and Brown on bye this week and those have been my main WRs so far this season.  Now I have 5 WRs capable of putting up huge numbers every week, 4 are No.1 WRs on their teams.  Going to be tough.  I'll probably have to really watch the match ups.  But that has bitten me before. 

     Had some really good scoring from my kicker and defense this week.  I started the Browns against Buffalo and they scored me 19.  I also have the Titans D on my roster so I'll rotate those 2 around match ups.  Hauschka had a great game, adding 17.  He doesn't score a ton but he has been doing really good since I picked him up a few weeks ago.  I probably won't look to make any moves this week but I'll still look to see who's available.  I have a couple of guys on my roster that are just taking up space right now but I need them for depth. 

Fantasy Football Week 4 Review

Redraft League - Standard Scoring

Week 4 Result - Loss

Score  49-55

Record 2-2

Power Ranking 6th

     Losing sucks but losing by only 6 points sucks even more.  Bye weeks are here and I always do the same thing, I wait until the last minute to try and get them covered.  This week my TE was on bye - Finley.  I picked up a TE that didn't look too bad - Fauria from the Lions.  I did no research on this guy, I just saw he was available and on a team that throw a lot so I grabbed him and started him.  I could have just started Finley this week, they scored the same.....

     Not really sure what is going on with my running backs now.  I think I'll have to keep MJD on the bench - he scored me a 1.  I left Spiller on the bench this week but that wouldn't have mattered as he only put up 3 points.  I would hate to start benching these guys on a regular basis but until they start playing better I won't have a choice.  I have to start Spiller this week, as of right now he's a game time decision and he plays Thursday night.  I feel good about my other running backs.  I have Eddie Lacey off a bye week and he will start this week.  Le'Veon Bell will be another starter for me this week.  I did not know how the Steelers would use him last week, being his first NFL game ever.  I left 15 points on the bench.  I knew he would be their bell cow I just didn't know it would start in his first game. 

      Luck had a good game.  He's playing against the Seahawks in Seattle this week, I won't expect much.  I have to start Hilton this week to cover a bye.  He hasn't done much yet and against Seattle, I'll expect even less.  Most of my better players are all of a sudden playing defenses that are getting better.  I'm not throwing in the towel this week, but with all my matchups and my opponent being the 1st ranked team in the league and undefeated.....I don't like my chances but stranger things have happened. 


Keeper League

Week 4 Result - Win

Score  147.67 - 112.70

Record  3-1

Power Ranking 2nd

     Had a really good game.  I was a little worried about having Stafford cover Rodger's bye week.  Stafford had been playing good but he had a bad game, only putting up 12 points.  My opponent started Russell Wilson who had a down game also just getting 12 points.  My lowest score of the day came with Josh Gordon with 9.  My idea of trading around a few players to get a few with higher score projections paid off.  I grabbed the Titans D, which put up 27.  Started Woodhead who had a great game with 23. 

     Had good games from my RBs this week.  I was helped with the other team starting McFadden who only scored 2 before getting hurt.  Lynch put up 19.  He should have a good game this week at home against the Colts. 

     Looking ahead to next week.  I get Rodgers back, I loose Garcon and Brown to bye weeks.  My opponent looses Adrian Peterson to a bye week.  He has 3 starters on bye this week so I'm hoping to take advantage.  The guy I'm playing against is ranked 3rd and is also 3-1 and on a 3 game winning streak.  Rodgers playing at home against the Lions, I'm hoping for a shoot out.  I'm also looking for some good points out of my new waiver wire pick up, Alshon Jeffery from the Bears.  He's been getting a ton of targets the last few weeks and the Bears playing against the Saints - I'm hoping the Bears fall behind early and have to throw a ton.  Nice upside with him.  Starting Justin Blackmon also.  Not too excited but he is a big weapon for them and is fresh after serving a 4 game suspension.  Probably not going to have a first game like Gordon had a few weeks ago.....I'll settle for half of those points.  Starting the Titans D against the Chiefs.  Has the makings of a defensive battle, low scoring and not a lot of yards given up on either side.  Smells like points for me.

Fantasy Football Week 2 Update

Fantasy Football Week 2 Updates

Redraft League - Standard Scoring

Result - Win

Record 1-1

Currently ranked 5th overall

     Won 65-59.  Not a blow out but enough for my first win of the year.   Only scored 3 TDs so I got most of my points from yardage.  Good enough for this week but do not want to win like this every week.  My RBs are starting to wake up a little bit.  Except for MJD - now he is dealing with an injury and he is facing the Seattle Seahawks this week, in Seattle.  Yeah, he's taking a seat on the bench this week. 

     Had some good games from my WRs and Kicker.  Kicking points don't seem like a game changer but they were for me this week with 12 pints.  Garcon started his game slow but once the Packers built a huge lead and started to relax on defense a little, he was able to grab a bunch of garbage time yards and even a TD.  He gets a start every week and he will only get better as Griffin starts to get his leg back in shape and he starts playing better. 

     My Draft of Josh Gordon will, I hope, start paying off now that he is all done with the 2 game suspension.  Now that Trent Richardson has been traded away, that will leave Gordon as one of the only big play makers on the team.  I'm hoping he will get the ball a lot.  Eddie Lacey left the game with a head injury, doesn't seem as bad as it looked.  I have yet to start him but his games are getting better and if MJD doesn't start playing better I will have to make a swap.  Going to start T.Y. Hilton this week.  Coaches in Indy are making plays for him and already having Luck as my starting QB, I'm hoping for quite a few double dip TD games.

      I have a tough match up this week.  Opponent has Brady, Cruz and Lynch as his heavy hitters.  My guys will have their work cut out for them this week.  I have some good match ups this week, only Luck against SF Defense is sketchy. 


Keeper League - PPR Scoring

Result - Win

Record 1-1

Currently ranked 4th overall

     I've been waiting for a game like this one.  Had the highest point total in the league by far.  Won 171.68 - 140.55.  Had some really great games for my big guys.  Rodgers put up 46.50.  Even my RBs, which by this league's standards are second tier at best, had some good games.  My main RB, Lynch had a great game in a tough match up, putting up 33 points. 

     My lowest point totals came from my 49er guys, Davis and my kicker, Dawson.  I was OK with that as they were playing the Hawks and I still got my win.  Had another great game from Jackson, he put up 29.80.  My WRs are pretty strong and I have a few good ones.  Still not all that happy with my RBs, I even dropped Mark Ingram.  I grabbed Woodhead off the waiver wire.  He won't be a starter on my team now but I'm hoping his role in the Chargers offense will grow as he puts up better numbers for them. 

     I received a trade offer this week.  I was offered Demarco Murray for DeShawn Jackson.  My first reaction was, NO!  Did you see that game this week?  BUT.....my WRs are my strongest group and RBs are my weakest.  We went back and forth a few times but I decided to make this trade, we also swapped a few draft picks for next season.  I need another RB that can put up some points, ANY points.  While Murray isn't a big game changer and he does have injury risk, he does play on a team that can and does score points and he can catch, a big plus.  Giving up DeShawn wasn't an easy choice.  Knowing that I have several WRs on my team that can have good games and DeShawn comes with his own injury risks as well.  I watched some of the Eagles game this week and both Jackson and Vick took big shots that knocked them out for a few plays.  Eagles are playing very fast paced and I'm not too confident Jackson OR Vick will last.  I figured I better take a chance now and get a RB that can help me in the long run.  We will have to wait and see how this trade works out but Murray is in my starting line up this week. 

     Facing one of the top teams in the league this week.  I think if I have some good games I can pull this one off.  My guys have some really good match ups and I can see a few shoot out type games happening.  Lynch at home against Jacksonville should be money.  I decided to drop my defense and kicker this week and pick up a couple that have some better matchups.  Not sure if I will do this every week or not, but if it works out this week I will at least entertain the idea. 

Fantasy Football 2013 Redraft and Keeper League Draft Results

     I thought I was pretty prepared this year, for both drafts.  One thing I have learned is to research the players that I expect to be available in the late rounds.  Spent a lot of time looking at Wide Receivers, a position that, in many leagues, is very deep and you can mine some good sleepers from.  Helps that in most leagues you have to start 3 so a lot of big names go fast.  Good rookie class of Running Backs this year also.  Of course, drafting in mid August, you never know how preseason is going to end up or when the dreaded injury bug pops up.  Let's start with the Redraft League

Redraft League - Standard Scoring

     Ended up with the 3rd over all pick.  I was pretty happy with that.  I always like to load up on RBs in this league.  Last year we added a Flex position.  So, having the option to start 3 RBs that could possibly score a lot of points, I had to get off to a good start.  My first pick, I went with Jamaal Charles - I figured he had such a great season last year after his injury that a full year removed from it and with a better coaching staff in place, he could really put up some good numbers.  Plus, I really like RBs that catch.  Watching the other teams draft, it became clear that I would be choosing a couple more top tier RBs with my next 2 picks.  Second pick, I went with C.J. Spiller.  Slight injury concern but I could not pass up on the upside.  3rd pick, Maurice Jones Drew.  Again, slight injury concern but he gets the ball a ton and in this offense he will be given every chance to score, plus he will be playing this year for a new contract. 

     I decided to wait on drafting my first Wide Receiver.  My first WR, I went with Pierre Garcon.  With a healthy RG3, Garcon was a stud last year and he played most of the season hurt.  RG3 should not be running the ball as much as last year so that means more down field passes to Garcon.  Felt pretty good about that pick.  We start a Tight End in this league so I tried to get a good one.  Jermichael Finley should have a good year.  It sounds like Aaron Rodgers has more trust in him than in previous seasons and with Greg Jennings gone and Jordy Nelson on the mend from knee surgery, Finley should see a fair amount of targets. 

     With so many good Quarter Backs this year I held off as long as I could.  I knew I could still land a good QB in later rounds and I did with Andrew Luck.  He looked great as a rookie last season.  More experience, some good receivers and a not so great running game and I see a great season in Luck.  I also drafted T.Y. Hilton in the 9th round.  He also looked good last year, doubling up on Colts, I never would have done that a few years ago, but these guys should score a lot this year.  My second WR was Antonio Brown.  I figured in the Steeler offense, Brown has a good shot at being the number 1 target down field.  I feel even better about this pick now as news comes in about the injury to rookie RB Bell.  Back field mess, with good QB and good receivers, should put up some nice numbers. 

     Pick in the 9th round went to Hilton.  My next 2 picks I went with WRs also.  Josh Gordon, he should have a good year.  Browns offense is not the greatest BUT their QB is improving and they have a really good RB.  Should help give him room to shine.  I feel good about this next pick, Cordarralle Patterson.  He's a rookie but he has a similar skill set to Percy Harvin, who was traded away.  I don't have a lot of confidence in the Vikings QB, but Harvin still had great seasons with him.  Took a chance with Patterson.  I also took a shot with Eddie Lacey in the 8th round.  If he ends up with the starting job he could do well with the Packers offense. 

     Grabbed a good back up QB in Dalton.  He should have a good year and if my first pick pans out, I won't have to start Dalton except to cover the bye week.  But if Luck happens to have a down year or get hurt, I have confidence in Dalton to be able to start for my team every week.  In the 13th round, I took one of my "sleepers".  Danny Woodhead.  He is listed as a 3rd RB with the Chargers but if we all look back on the Chargers last year, their "star RB" Ryan Mathews, he gets hurt a lot and he had a lot of bad games last year.  Recent reports have the coaches talking about using Woodhead in a "Sproles" type of roll, which I was hoping for here.  Change of pace RB that will catch a lot of balls also.  I don't expect a lot out of the Chargers with year but Woodhead could shine.

     I believe I left this draft in really good shape.  I have a strong group of starters and some really good back ups.  Even if I lose one or two guys to injuries, I can still field a good team every week and that's with not taking any guys off the waiver wire yet.  I have a few names in mind for that also, but that will have to wait until the season starts to see how my team pans out. 




Keeper League - PPR Scoring

     I kept way to many scrubs last year and I had a bad season because of it.  I did some thinking and decided to only keep 2 players this time around.  Aaron Rodgers and Marshawn Lynch.  Knowing that I would be drafting 3rd I liked my chances of landing a rookie RB to help build around.  But of course, the 2 teams ahead of me decided to go "all in" and not keep anyone, thus giving them the first 6 picks.  So basically in the first 2 minutes of the draft I was looking at picking up a guy that I really didn't want or start drafting the guys I put back into the pool this year.  It can be easy to get frustrated on draft day in this league because every team know so much about the game and they do so much research it can be hard to "pull a fast one" and sneak a guy that no one else really knows about.  But, my team needs RBs. 

     I was able to land some good guys.  Not on the best teams in the world but, they should all be starters and get a good work load every week.  My first few picks I grabbed, Chris Ivory, Mark Ingram and Rashard Mendenhall.  Not my ideal team but upon closer inspection, they should all be starters on opening day.  Not super concerned with injuries out of these guys either.  Mendenhall was pretty bad last season but was not 100% healthy either.  He should have a much better year in Arizona.  Ivory's switch to the Jets, I'm not too stoked about because, c'mon, it's the Jets, but they will have to run the ball a lot since their QB situation is a mess.  Ingram should put up good numbers with the Saints.  The Saints are well known for passing but they also have a strong running game and Ingram should get the bulk of the carries. 

     Since this league is PPR scoring, having some good WRs is a must.  I had Garcon last year and was able to pick him up again this time.  I also landed Brown from the Steelers (see above).  I really wanted DeSean Jackson and I was able to get him.  I don't really like the Eagles but that new coach seems to have a fast game plan in mind and losing Maclin for the year will only mean more targets for Jackson.  Plus we gets points for return yardage and Jackson makes a lot of noise on Special Teams.  I took a look at the best available pass catchers and I decided to go with Vernon Davis.  He should have a great season with most of the other receivers in San Fran either hurt, over the hill or just not that good.  Also picked up Josh Gordon and Cordarralle Patterson again.  Young guys that should be able to step up and put together a good year. 

     In this league, it pays to take a chance on some rookies and hope they pan out.  I grabbed 2 and so far I'm really happy with one of them.  Christine Michael RB in Seattle.  I've seen him run in the preseason games and he looks just like Lynch if not a little quicker.  I drafted Turbin last year as my handcuff for Lynch but something just stands out about this kid.  My other reach was for Latavius Murray RB with Oakland.  I know I know.  I had some good games with Reese last year when he started for the often injured McFadden.  I really felt good after the draft about this pick but now reports are saying he might not even make the team.  Oh well.  If he doesn't it's not like a wasted a high draft pick on him.  I might just hang on to these 2 guys for a while and see what happens. 

     I did make a HUGE mistake this year.  I still kick myself for it.  I had back to back picks in the late rounds.  Percy Harvin was just sitting there and went undrafted and being that he won't even see the field until late in the season, most teams just passed him up.  I totally forgot about this league and the IR spot.  You can have one guy on it, if a player is officially placed on Injured Reserve by his team.  So my plan was to draft Harvin late, but forgetting about our IR spot I thought I would have to forget about grabbing some of my late round "sleepers".  so I went ahead and drafted those other guys and right after I did I regretted it.  The very next pick, someone drafted Harvin and placed him on his team IR spot.  Total facepalm move on my part.  Maybe Harvin won't pan out in Seattle, maybe he will always get hurt and not score much.  Yeah. 

Draft Review for both leagues

 

     I really feel I have a good team in the Redraft League.  I might have to mine the waiver wire sooner than later but I think I'm off to a really good start.  We also decided that our draft order for next year will be based on record from this year and not random.  We have always done it that way before so this will be something new and will give some teams that tanked a chance at some better picks next season.  I plan on having the 10th pick next year.  I noticed this year that I tend to get excited when other teams start drafting QBs and WRs early and I have my choice of top 10 RBs.  I ended up with 3 of them this year.  Last year I had too many starters and not enough roster spots, it became a game of who to start when they can all have big games.  Let's hope I don't end up like that again this year.

 

     Aside from my Harvin facepalm moment I think I did OK.  Not at all what I was expecting my team to look like after the draft but not too horrible.  My only concern is that if my team starts out slow and I have to start dropping guys and combing over the waiver wire everyday I might be in trouble.  I have to be patient.  Too many times have I drafted a guy, dropped him to early, only to have him scooped up by another team and all of a sudden he's a starting running back on a team that run a lot. 

 

     Be patient.  If you really want a guy, pick him when you want.  Don't wait.  If you feel like that player will help you win, do it.  Unless your choice is drafting a Defense in the 4th round.  Don't do that.  Yes, that did happen in the redraft league.  I facepalmed for him. 

 

     I already have some new plans for drafting next year.  I want to try and keep track of the draft as it happens and keep an updated draft board.  Not just crossing names off my book.  That helps for knowing who is gone but does nothing with trying to predict what a team needs as the draft progresses. 

 

My Rosters for both teams

 

 

 

Redraft League (drafted in this order)

RB Charles

RB CJ Spiller

RB MJD

WR Garcon

TE Finley

QB Luck

WR Brown

RB Lacey

WR Hilton

WR Gordon

WR Patterson

QB Dalton

RB Woodhead

DEF Browns

K Barth

RB Murray

 

Keeper League (not drafted in this order)

QB Rodgers

QB Dalton

RB Lynch

RB Ivory

RB Mendenhall

RB Ingram

RB Michael

RB Murray

WR Garcon

WR Brown

WR Jackson

WR Gordon

WR Patterson

TE Davis

K Dawson

DEF Browns

Stadard League Season Review

Standard League Season Review

 

 

 

Post Season Record 1-1

 

     It can be such an bad feeling when you load up your team for the playoffs, get a huge win in the first game and start talking smack.  Only to fall flat the next game and lose by 20 points.  Most owners know the feeling of having a stud player have a bad game or taking  gamble and have it backfire.  I had all that happen this weekend.  I only had good games from 3 guys, Matt Ryan,  DeMarco Murray and Hernandez.  Other then that.... not much.  Between Ray Rice and Doug Martin I got 1 stinkin' point.  Also got a combined 1 point from both of my wide receivers, I started Jordon and Alexander.  

 

     My team was just outplayed this week.  My opponent had Drew Brees, The Law Firm, Alfred Morris and Eric Decker - those guys alone won him the game, he only scored 5 points between the rest of his team.  I only left 14 points on my bench so no matter who I started I still would have lost.  At least I can say that, it's not like I left a guy out that ended up having a career game - I've had that happen before. 

 

     There is not much I could have changed at the end of the year.  I picked up guys of the waiver wire that helped me out (and kept them away from the other teams).  I didn't have too many injuries.  I didn't have to scramble to keep my team together either.  Just got handed a few bum games.  I feel better than the last few years when I got into the playoffs but lost the first game.  I was able to keep the fun going for a few more weeks this time around. 

 

     Looking ahead to next season, I know that I won't have a chance to get a team this loaded again.  I knew some rookies would pay off and they did and that helped me to spend draft picks on big names early on.  Now most of my team is made up of big names.  That's the neat thing about a Re-Draft League, everyone gets a clean slate each year.  Man, what I wouldn't give to keep a few of these guys for next year though.   

Fantasy Football 2012 Week 10 Review Standard/PPR

Fantasy Football Week 10 Review

Standard and PPR Leagues



Standard League Team

     Over the last few weeks I made a few changes.  As of right now I am winning my division, even though I will lose this week.  I am starting to plan on making the playoffs and how to put my best team forward to win those important games.  I was able to drop some dead weight and pick up a couple guys that are hurt right now but should slowly make their way back and be full time starters by the time we start wrapping things up and heading into the playoffs.  The biggest addition has been Maurice Jones Drew.  He was dropped last week, due to his injury, which scared off many of the other owners.  I've already got a few really good running backs but I could not pass MJD up.  He is a full time RB on a team with no other weapons, so he gets the ball a ton no matter what.  He can take a seat on my bench for now, right next to DeMarco Murray.  Once those two guys get back on the field and I can add them to my lineup on a weekly basis, right next to Ray Rice and Doug Martin, look out! 

     Getting over injuries can be tough.  This week was a bad one for me.  I'm going to lose this week but I will still be on top with a 6-4 record.  I got bit by some injuries and bye weeks at the same time.  I even had to start 2 guys that were out because everyone on my bench was on a bye or injured.  Didn't have a bad week for scoring, we put up 64 points, but just not enough.  Matt Ryan is still producing at a very high level.  Two other guys that usually put up good numbers, Percy Harvin and Aaron Hernandez, both out this week.  I saw this coming but being that every guy on my bench was not available and our waivers are only once a week on Wednesday, there was nothing I could do. 

     Heading into week 11 I can drop one of my Defences and a Running Back that went and got himself suspended for 4 games.  Not a big deal, he was only there to cover bye weeks anyway.  I don't have a plan for what to pick up this week.  It's a good spot to be in not to have to scramble every week.  2 of my last 3 games are against playoff teams, including the other division leader (at the moment).  Most likely I will go after something like another Wide Receiver and maybe a Running Back.  I only have 1 more bye week to cover for week 11.  Trying to think ahead and not get over confident. 

PPR League Team

     Lost the last 2 games.  I was thinking it would be 3 in a row since my main guys are on a bye week this week.  I was able to add Phillip Rivers to cover for Aaron Rodgers and he put up a good game.  Also had some really good games from my Running Backs, which is good because I really only have one good one with Lynch.  I picked up Marcel Reece once I heard the other Oakland Running Backs were out and he put up a nice game for me.  He won't be counted on once the 2 main guys get back but until then I'll start him.  I also added Isaac Redman for the time being, had a good game last week so we shall see how long he can get playing time.  I have Donald Brown on my bench.  Once he gets healthy and gets his normal playing time he should put up decent numbers. 

     Last year I made the playoffs for the first time in this league.  I don't think that will happen this year.  After this week I will be 5-5.  Not horrible, but there will be a tie for the lead in the division and also a tie for second place.  I will get my big guys back next week so that will help.  I will have to make a few moves to try and keep up.  I don't make many trades as many other owners want my top guys and aren't willing to give up much of anything good. 

     I try to take advantage of starters getting hurt.  It works but only for a short time.  I have had to mine the waivers each week.  Not in full on panic mode, but there is not much there.  I have a few guys that I am hoping will turn into full time starting Running Backs for next year so I will try to do what I can while hanging on to those guys for next year.  Just going to try and finish strong and at least above .500.  Not too confident about my chances but you never know.  Can't give up. 

Fantasy Football Week 5 Review - Week 6 Preview

Fantasy Football

Week 5 Review & Week 6 Preview

Redraft League - Well, started the season 2-0.  Since then, dropped 3 in a row. 

My team has been scoring good points each week.  But we have been getting beat, quite soundly, the last 3 weeks.  A lot of other mid range names have been having great games, while some of the bigger names have yet to fully realize their potential.  Matt Ryan is still doing great.  Had a few stinker games from my running backs.  We get yardage points but only 20yds for 1 point so while a running back with a 100 yard game sounds great, its only 5 points without a TD.  So, while Ray Rice is just about a lock for 100 yards each week, unless he can score, that's only 5 points. 

I haven't had to scrounge the waiver wire too much to cover injuries.  The thing that sneaks up on me every year is the bye weeks.  Injury + bye week = no kicker.  This usually happens for 1 game every year in this league.  Only having the waiver wire open once a week and having the first picks go to the teams with the worst records kinda sucks.  You can't just research a name and go grab him right away.  You have to put in a claim and wait and see if he falls to you.  If he doesn't, you're out of luck.  If you were counting on that player to cover an injury or bye week, ouch. 

Had a few weeks of really low scoring from my wide receivers and running backs.  I'm hoping they can get back on track here soon.  On paper, my team should be killing it right now.  I'm not one to play the match ups, if I have a good player I'll start that player regardless if he plays against a tough defense.  I have to count on my main guys to pull through, once they get rolling again I should bounce back.  A couple of my receivers had injuries a couple of weeks back, nothing major but its the little injuries that can linger.  You always hope your guys don't get hurt.  When you have a guy get a small injury but he is still able to play, that can kill your score.  A guy can start but not be 100%, so he doesn't play the whole game, and when he does play, he's not effective.  Puts you in a tough spot sometimes.  I was lucky enough, the players that went down with season ending injuries the last few weeks weren't any of mine. 

I can shake a few of these little injury bugs and get past a few bye weeks and get my team back on track.  I'm still confident about a post season birth. 

Keeper League - Turned this one around, a little.  Now at 2-3.

Through week 3, my highest scoring players were my back up QB and my Defense.  Tough spot.  Rodgers should be able to turn things around.  Facing the toughest defenses in the league in the first few weeks of the season hurts.  I don't even want to get into the Hawks vs pack Monday Night game. 

Lynch is still doing good, he needs to score a bit more but his yardage totals are still getting points.  I really felt, after the draft, that by this point I would have a few good running backs.  Not the case.  I kind of knew Kevin Smith would loose his starting job eventually, but it came on really fast.  One week he was the starter, the next, not even one carry.  I expected to see his role get smaller first and I would have time to find another decent back.  I went with having to start Bush every week.  Having to re lie on a #2 running back, just sucks.  I dropped Smith, Pead, Turbin.  Some starting backs went down with season ending injuries so I tried to act quickly and grab some back ups.  La Rod Stephens Howling - I had him a few seasons ago as a back up and all of a sudden his going to be a starter, or atleast have a big role.  I was a little proactive and took a chance on Jahvid Best, he should get cleared to play and see some good playing time. 

Jennings is still battling with his groin injury.  I have it covered but to have a guy like that out hurts.  Welker was able to get some more playing time and get some good numbers.  I never thought he would have as good a season as last year, but he started this year horribly.  Britt.  I still have him.  I have yet to start him.  I'm sure he will get some better games as the season get going but its hard to trust him now. 

My 2 wins were really nice.  one game I won by less than a point.  I think that's how things will go for me the rest of this season.  Kind of wierd but when I play a winning team, thier guys usually have bad games or less than average for them.  In this league the waiver wire is open 24/7 and its first come first serve.  I've been watching that a lot closer now.  It's helped me get a few guys that should help.  Time will tell.  If I can get just a couple of these moves to pan out I should be able to pull out a couple more games. 

NFL Fantasy Football Week 1&2 Review, Week 3 Preview

Fantasy Football Updates

Redraft and Keeper League

Redraft League - Let's start with this team.  Currently sitting at 2-0.  Off to a great start, all my studs are producing and winning me games, just like they should. 

      Huge games from Matt Ryan and good numbers from all my running backs.  I drafted the Giants rookie Running Back, David Wilson, thinking he would be the #2 RB on the team.  That has been my biggest disappointment I think.  Currently he sits as maybe #3 on the depth chart, and in this league, he has not scored any points.  I also have only dropped one player, Juston Blackmon, WR for the Jags.  Not for any other reason than I needed to grab a TE to cover me while Aaron Hernandez is out.  I was able to get Brent Celek to take his place. 

     Pretty happy with this team so far.  Being 2-0 really helps.  I have 4 really good running backs and we can start 3, that's a great position to be in, especially this early in the season.  I have started Kevin Smith in my first two games but he will ride the pine this week.  I like my wide receivers, even though my best ones are banged up right now.  I have Jeremy Maclin and Pierre Garcon out with injuries right now.  I think they will get healthy and get back to having a good season for me.  Antonio Brown and Percy Harvin will keep things rolling for me. 

     I shouldn't have to worry about the waiver wire too much at all.  I still stick by my draft strategy of only drafting one TE, K, and Defense.  That has paid off this year, allowing me to draft more Wide Receivers and Running Backs, the more of those you grab, the higher your chances of ending up with some good ones.  The only draw back to this is the injuries that pop up.  Got bit by the Hernandez injury but got that covered, so far so good.  If you are going to have to cover an injured player, I think its better to have it happen early in the season when there are more good players will on the wire and not hidden away on some other teams bench. 

     The rest of the teams in the league are doing well and by that I mean putting up good numbers.  Winning games will not come easy in any week.  I feel confident about my chances of getting into the playoffs this year and from there, its any ones guess.  I just plan to stoke this little fire I have going now and see where it leads. 

Keeper League - Ugh.....  0-2.  Where should I start with this crew?

     I wasn't 100% happy with my team after the draft but I felt I had plenty of potential to wins some games.  My 0-2 start, I feel, has more to do with tough games at the start of the season for most of my guys.  Aaron Rodgers played against the 49ers, Bears and the Seahawks this Monday Night.  All tough defenses and while I think the Packers can win against the Hawks, I don't expect better than average stats from this game.   I will have a lot riding on it though.  I will start Rodgers and Nelson from the Pack and Lynch and the Hawks Defense.  While I will be rooting for both teams to have a good game, I always want the Pack to win.  Going to be tough for both teams and hopefully a great game to watch.

     My running backs have been OK.  Lynch put up some great numbers last week against the Cowboys and Kevin Smith had a great first week and just an OK week 2 - but just about anyone have who played the 49ers.  I'm keeping an eye on the Lions backfield.  Hoping Smith can hang on to his starting spot for at least a while longer.  The 3 rookies I drafted haven't done much of anything yet.  I drafted Turbin, mostly as a handcuff for Lynch who, at the time, had a possible league suspension hanging over his head.  I might hang on to him just for insurance for Lynch.  If Lynch does not start I feel Turbin can step in and get close to what Lynch would get. 

     The other 2 guys, not so much.  I drafted Pead from the Rams thinking, like almost everyone else, that he would end up as the #2 behind Jackson.  That hasn't happened.  So far he has only got a hand full of carries and works mainly on special teams.  If this changes soon I might hang on to him, but if he can't get to the #2 spot, he will get dropped.  Same issue with Hillman from Denver.  Drafted him thinking #2 RB on a great running team.  Nope!  Here he sits as #3.  Same thing with Pead, if he doesn't move up the roster soon, I'll have to look elsewhere.  I did make a move this week.  I dropped Javon Ringer and picked up Martellus Bennett - TE for the Giants.  I saw how many passes were being thrown his way and in a PPR format, that can be a great thing.  I started him this week and he played Thursday Night and already grabbed a few passes and a TD to get me off to a good start. 

     My receivers have been just OK.  I'm perplexed by what is happening with Welker in New England.  I have to keep starting him and hope things turn around.  Maclin is hurt, he's great when he plays so I'm hoping he won't loose much more time.  Jennings is hurt, this one doesn't hurt as much since I have been starting Nelson anyways.  I drafted Kenny Britt, even with his bad knees and suspension.  Now that he's back on the field and cleared for full playing time, I'm hoping he can produce some good stats and make up for possibly losing Kevin Smith in the near future.  I'm starting Michael Bush this week with Forte being out.  Not sure how much time Forte will miss, but any time he's out, Bush will be a must start for my team.  That's why I drafted him so I better use him. 

     I'm really happy with the way the Seahawks Defense has been playing.  They manhandled the Cowboys last week.  Not sure what to expect Monday Night with the Packers.  I'm hoping for good stats for everyone, both of these teams are too good for any huge blow out to happen.  I'm playing against the league champ this week and to have everything come down to Monday Night, I might not have much hair left on my head after this one.