Fantasy Football Week 2 Reviews - The Studs and The Duds

Standard Scoring Redraft League
Result - Loss
Score 41 - 104
Power Ranking - 6th

     Well.  No matter how many great games you may have, nothing really prepares you for a huge loss like this week.  Granted, this is only week 2 and I think I would rather have a loss like this happen earlier rather then later in the season.  It's easier to take the loss and still have 10 or so games left, had this been the last game of the season it might be a different story.

     Out of all the players this week, I really only had 1 good game.  With RB Ben Tate out with an injury, my draft of RB Terrance West proved fruitful.  He got the start and put up starting RB numbers, 100 combined yards and a TD.  It was all down hill from there.  West was the only guy to hit a double digit score.  One WR laid a goose egg and 5 other players scored less than 5 points and only 3 total TD from my whole team.  It was a rough day.  I really just place the blame on there being so many close games last week, even a couple upsets.  A lot of teams came from behind to win and several of those players were on my opponents roster.  He ended this brutal beat down with 9 total TDs. 

     But nothing lasts forever, especially in Fantasy Football Land!  I have high hopes for this week.  Most of my guys have way better match ups and should perform a lot better.  My opponent has a good team and he can score some good points but most of his guys are on teams that haven't been playing that well yet. 

Moves - I went out and picked up another TE - Delanie Walker from the Titans.  With a healthy Jake Locker back at QB, he has been his number 1 target so far (he went off for 13 points last week).  He will mainly cover my bye week for Julius Thomas (who has 4 TDs so far).  Plus, if I can keep a player of his caliber on my team, even if it's on the bench, and away from the other teams starting line ups, all the better.


PPR Scoring Keeper League
Result - Win
Score  116 - 79

     A win is a win.  I almost kinda feel bad in a small way that my opponent lost almost half his team to injuries very early in their games.  ALMOST.  This is why we play the games.  On paper, he should have whipped me pretty good and he did win the league last year so you know he has a good team.  But his guys can't score if they aren't on the field.  One of his guys got hurt before scoring anything, another dropped out after just one carry, leaving him with only 1 point.  Another hurt his knee and will miss a few weeks.  I hate when things like this happen to me so I know how he must feel, but he his top WR, going into the late game on Sunday Night, as a game time decision.  If he did play, he would be playing hurt so he decided to bench him.  So, of course he hauls in 3 TDs. 


   My guys did good, but not great.  Had a lower scoring game than I would have thought but like I said, a win is a win.  Had a WR and a RB break 20 and my QB came very close.  No one got hurt and we will live to play another day.  Had some tough match ups in a few games and this weeks games should have better results.  Not much else to say, it wasn't very exciting but felt good to have another win against another very tough division opponent.  Hopefully this will help me down the road as we fight for playoff spots. 

Moves - Only one move this week.  I dropped WR Riley Cooper.  He wasn't getting as many targets as I thought he would have through 2 weeks.  He is good but runs hot and cold and is not very consistent.  I went with WR Andrew Hawkins from the Browns.  He has 22 targets through 2 weeks.  With his QB getting a little better he should start putting up more stats soon.  He was more of a stash for right now.  Being PPR, this league scores great on WRs so I'm sure he will pay off soon.   

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

NFL Fantasy Football Keeper League Offseason Player Moves

To keep or not to keep, that is the question. 

I will have to narrow my team down to 7 before our draft.  Right before the season ends, there is a mad scramble to pick up players that might end up starting or signed to a better team with more fantasy implications.  I have a couple of those players on my roster right now.  The problem is, I also have several well established vets that I would love to hold on to.  Here is a list of who I currently have on roster:

Matthew Stafford - QB Lions
Ben Roethlisberger - QB Steelers

DeMarco Murray - RB Cowboys
Marshawn Lynch - RB Seahawks
Robert Turbin - RB Seahawks
Danny Woodhead - RB Chargers
Donald Brown - RB Chargers
Chris Ivory - RB Jets

Antonio Brown - WR Steelers
Alshon Jeffery - WR Bears
Corderrelle Patterson - WR Vikings
Pierre Garcon  - WR Redskins
Randall Cobb - WR Packers

Vernon Davis - TE 49ers

Steven Hauschka - K Seahawks

Browns - DEF
Steelers - DEF


I traded away Rodgers for Stafford as I was making a run into the playoffs.  I loved having Rodgers, he was very consistent.  The Lions throw the ball a ton and Stafford is a young player that has huge amount of potential.  Unless something major happens this off season, I'll be keeping Stafford.

I love my stable of WRs.  I drafted Patterson late and I never started him (based on my other WRs having such great seasons).  He really started to play well in the last half of the season as the Vikings gave him the ball more and more.  I really want to hold on to him and give him a chance.  I made a trade for Cobb.  When he's healthy, he can be great.  Brown and Jeffery blew up and posted great numbers for me.  Out of these players, I think Garcon is the one I might have to let go or trade. 

I have 3 RBs that I would like to keep, but it will probably end up just being 2.  Most likely I'll stick with Lynch and Murray.  If I had room I would probably keep Woodhead also, although now that Brown has signed with the Chargers, someone will score less.  Turbin was a late season pick up to back up Lynch.  Ivory was barely a starter for me and now with Chris Johnson in the mix, he won't be on my roster come draft day. 

Not sure how other keep leagues work, but our first draft pick is based on how many players we keep.  If I keep my limit of 7, my first pick will be in round 8.  Of course, I can "go all in" if I wanted to and try to get a few high draft picks, but I have yet to try that.  Kickers and Defense will get dropped first, along with Davis.  Some easy choices at RB and some tough ones at WR.  Looks like my team will be based out of the NFC North. 

Fantasy Football Regular Season Wrap Up and Play Offs

Redraft League -  Standard Scoring
Final Record: 7-5-1
Final Power Rank: 5th

     Went into this last game with a lot on the line.  I was second over all in this league and a win would give me a first round bye in the playoffs.  I had already secured a play off spot but I was going after that bye.  I decided to bench QB Luck this week and he will likely stay there unless QB Smith gets hurt.  Luck has dragged my team down the last few weeks.  Smith had a good game.  In fact, most of my team had good games. 

     Had great games from WRs Brown and Jeffery, both had career numbers.  Brown had 25 and Jeffery had 24.  I put Garcon on the bench this week and that worked out, he only put up 3.  I have been having issues with my TEs the last several weeks and it continued this week.  I benched TE Miller and started TE Reed - who did not start because he got a head ache right before the game. 

     My Kicker, Folk, only got one Field Goal.  I figured the Jets would need to kick a lot of Field Goals to stay in the game but they have not been good enough even for that.  I left RB Bell on the bench in favor of Lacey.  Lacey got 1 point and Bell got 12.  Spiller got 13 and MJD got 9.  I can't really trust either of those guys but it sucks that they had good games sitting on the bench. 

     Looking ahead to the play offs for this week.  I only made one move this week, I dropped Folk and picked up Bailey for my kicker spot.  The Cowboys score way more than the Jets and even if it's just extra points, I needed a better kicker.  My line up for this game is about the same as last week.  I am starting TE Miller.  Reed is not a lock to play this week and I don't want a situation like last week again.  Starting QB Smith again too.  The Chiefs are playing the Redskins and he should have a good game.  I know Smith is not known for throwing a ton of TDs and yardage but he has been more consistent than Luck.  I don't usually like starting multiple players from the same team but I feel like it's the best option for right now.  I have QB Smith and RB Charles from the Chiefs and WR Brown and TE Miller from the Steelers.  Anything is better than a 0!



Keeper League - PPR Scoring
Final Record: 8-5
Final Power Rank: 3rd

     Went into this last game, again, knowing that I already had a playoff spot locked up but I wanted to finish on a high note.  I was playing one of the bottom ranked teams but you never know.  He made a trade for Payton Manning and he had a great game, scoring 43.  I was not so lucky with my QB.  I went with Flynn and got 1. 

     I had great games from RB Murray and WR Jeffery.  Murray put up 30 and Jeffery 42.  The rest of my team did just OK.  I started RB Brown.  Earlier in the week they named him the starter.  I gave him a shot.  He had a bad game until the last drive when he came up with a TD and gave me 13 points.  Woodhead, Brown and Lynch all had quiet games. 

     I made some moves to get my team ready for the playoffs.  I dropped Flynn and picked up Roethlisberger.  He doesn't put up the best numbers but way better than I had been getting over the last few weeks.  I also picked up the Steeler DEF.  They have some good match ups over the next few games so I'll play them or the Browns, depending on who they are up against.  Browns are playing the Patriots so I won't start them.  All my other players have good match ups coming up so I shouldn't have to make any big changes to the line up unless someone gets hurt. 

     I made a big trade also.  With QB Rodgers still out and not knowing for sure when he will be playing again I would have to start a back up QB.  I was going to go with Roethlisberger and I also picked up Fitzpatrick.  I was not excited about starting either one but had Roethlisberger in my line up.  I got a trade offer, Rodgers for Lions QB Stafford.  There were also some draft picks that would be traded.  I had to think about this one for a while.  Being that this is a keeper league, whoever I had as my QB, Rodgers or Stafford, would more than likely be my QB next year as well.  I had to look at match ups for Stafford for the next 3 games and looks good.  He has not scored less than 25 points over the last 7 games and that will help me now.  He's a young player, only 25 and plays with a team that passes a ton, how can you not with Calvin Johnson as the #1 WR.  So, I decided to make the trade. I looked at age, Rodgers is 30, Stafford is 25 as well as team upside.  Rodgers has a legit running game now.  He won't have to throw all the time to win games.  Stafford has a good run game also but he throws to those RBs a lot too.  The Packers are a great team and Rodgers is their best player but I think Stafford is probably ranked just below him.  I don't want to waste all the hard work this year just to keep Rodgers.  My plan is Stafford will help me win in the play offs and he will provide a solid starting QB for my team for the next several seasons.  Fingers crossed. 

Fantasy Football Week 8,9,10 Review

Redraft League - Standard Scoring
Results from the last 3 weeks: 3-0
Power Ranking: 2nd

     Had a great  few weeks.  Have won my last 4 games and moved up to 2nd over all.  My main running backs have been having really good games.  With Aaron Rodgers being out for a while, RB Lacey has been getting the ball a ton and racking up the yards.  I get RB Charles back from bye week this week.  Have not had any big injuries either.  Will probably keep RB Spiller and MJD on the bench for now.  My other players are just playing better and being more consistent.

     WR Hilton will probably be a starter for me every week now.  Injuries to other Colts WR have pushed him more into the spotlight.  He was being way underused this season before the last couple of games.  Having QB Luck starting also helps me here as  I can double dip on the TDs.  I picked up TE Reed from the Redskins a few weeks ago.  I was a little leery of starting 2 pass catchers from the same team every week but WR Garcon and Reed have been doing great.  The Redskins fall behind in games a lot so they have to pass a bunch to stay in it. 

     I made 2 changes that I think will help me going forward towards the play offs.  I picked up the Carolina DEF.  They are a good team there.  I dropped my kicker and picked up the Jets kicker.  The Jets are actually doing OK right now.  Since they are now coming off their bye week, as long as he does good, I'll keep him as my guy. 


Keeper League - PPR Scoring
Results from the last 3 weeks: 2-1
Power Ranking: 3rd


      Ouch.  Had my first loosing streak of the season.  Lost 3 in a row until last week.  My number 1 guy, QB Rodgers got injured on the first drive of the Chicago game.  I was only able to get 3 points out of him that game and he has been out since.  Not sure when he will make it back, really hoping he comes back soon and gets back up to game speed before the play offs start.  I picked up QB Keenum the Texans.  He has had some really good games the last few weeks.  He helped me win last week.  The final score was 147.36-144.77.  Pretty close. 

     RB Lynch has been in full on Beast Mode the last few weeks.  He is the second highest scoring player on my roster.  I will have Murray on bye this week.  I'm starting RB Ivory in his place.  Not super confident, he seems to have good games when he's on the bench and when I start him I'd be lucky to scrape together a few points.  He has been playing better so hopefully he can help me make a play off run.  I also picked up RB Donald Brown.  Looks like sooner or later the Colts will give him more playing time as Richardson has been terrible.  Brown has been scoring so I'll keep him on the bench for depth and hope he gets more touches as the season winds down.

     My WRs have still been doing good.  I even made a trade last week.  I traded away Gordon to get Cobb.  I have several good WRs so I could afford to trade away one.  I know Cobb is on IR right now and due to some of our League Rules that cannot be changed until next year I won't be able to start him at all this season, even if he plays.  This trade was more looking to the future.  Cobb is a young player and on his way up.  I had WR Nelson last year and it works out to have a good WR from the Packers as long as I have Rodgers as my QB.  I wanted to grab Cobb in the draft but it didn't work out.  We also swapped draft picks, I moved up from round 10 to round 8, from a team that right now only has 2 wins, so I should make out good in this deal.

    

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

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. 

Fantasy Football Keeper League Draft

Fantasy Football Keeper League Draft

     This league can be pretty hardcore.  We use a Points Per Reception scoring system so it changes a lot of the rankings for almost every position.  Defencive scoring is based on points and yards given up, you can end up with a negative score if you start a team that has a bad game.  The Keeper part of this league is very interesting.  You can keep 8 players.  Most often, if you have a star player, you hang on to him for dear life!  These types of players will usually stay with one team once they deem themselves worthy.  Only being moved if a huge trade happens or a catastrophic injury.  Some owners have a death grip on the positions that are the hardest to fill, like running backs.  But, what I love about this league, the PPR scoring gives value to more players, making everything more exciting. 

     Like I said, if you end up with a highly valued player on your team, you can keep him.  This season I kept 6.  My last season went well.  I made the playoffs for the first time in this league, that was a big step forward.  While often flying by the seat of my pants and getting lots of luck, I was hoping to improve on my baby steps from last season.  In this draft there were a lot of rookies with potential.  My strategy was to grab a few of them and hope at least one would pan out.  But everyone knows that so many rookies go fast.  This is where a good draft can make or break your season. 

     I'll do a quick run down of my keepers so we both know what I had to work with for this draft.  My draft position was 6th (based on last seasons record) and keeping 6 players would make my first pick in round 7. 

#1 - QB Arron Rodgers.  Not much to say here.  He has been a top QB in the NFL since being named the Packers starter.  Also NFL MVP last season.  He should stay that way for many more years.

#2 - RB Marshawn Lynch.  Things are starting to turn around for the Seahawks.  Lynch really turned it on last year, having a career season.  Very consistent.  I am slightly worried about a suspension that might be looming and his reported case of back spasms (kept him from one game last year and a few preseason games).  The Hawks don't have a home run hitter at QB or WR so they will run early and often.  If Lynch can stay on the field he will produce. 

#3 - WR Greg Jennings.  He is a top target in the high powered Packer offence.  He stays relatively healthy and has league MVP Rodgers looking for him.  Very consistent player.

#4 - WR Jordy Nelson.  Not sure where or when I landed Nelson last season, but wow what a surprise.  15 TDs.  I'm sure he won't have that many this season but he's young, fast and like Jennings, has Rodgers looking for him down the field.  Nelson turned many short passed into huge gains last season.  Sure, I might not start both Green Bay receivers each week, but last season it paid off more often than not.  In a PPR league like this one, Nelson is a keeper.

#5 - WR Wes Welker.  Welker is a PPR beast and he had a career year last season.  I don't think he will match his production from last season but he has the potential to and that's all I need.

#6 - WR Jeremy Maclin.  Had a slow start last year due to a preseason illness and battled a leg injury late in the year.  But even that was enough to overtake the #1 WR spot on the Eagles.  I'm hoping he can stay healthy and put up a career year for me. 

     So that brings me to round 7 in the draft.  We get a draft board a week before the draft and from there you plan.  You can see what the other owners are doing at that point.  Every year there has been at least one owner that goes "all in", meaning he does not keep any players so he can start drafting in the early rounds.  This can pay off big time if you are trying to grab rookies and if other owners are trying to keep their rosters intact.  This year, one owner went all in and had the first 5 rounds all to himself and the second pick in the 6th round.  Good for him, bad if you came to the draft looking to pick up some younger players to hang on to. 

     The top 3 RBs I had on my list for draft day were gone and I kind of thought I might only get one of them, but they all went fast.  I had to switch to plan B and C before I had my first pick.  Not a time to panic.  So I had to reach a little and take what I could.  I took a couple of rookie RBs with my first 2 picks.  The RB position is my weakness.  I know it and the other owners know it.  I had many trade offers for RBs heading into the draft.  Nothing to exciting and I turned them all down.  Knowing that I was "loaded" at the WR spot I was able to focus on RB for most of my early picks.  I'm hoping this pays off once the season starts.  Come to think of it, I only drafted 1 WR this time. 

     Last season I had a few RBs that ended up in starting positions because of injuries to starting RBs.  Seems like I'll follow that path at least a little this year as well, it paid off for me last year.  Injuries happen.  If you can grab a #2 RB on a good team and wait it out, it can work.  What do you do when that guy never gets his chance?  You curse the starter, of course.  Of the 6 RBs that I drafted, 1 is a starter, and 3 are rookies.  The rookies have a ton up upside.  If one or more of them pay off, I'll be looking pretty dang good.  Of course, if not, I'll be ready to throw in the towel about the mid way point in the season.  Let's hope not. 

     Here is a quick run down of the players that I drafted.  I did not keep as good of records for this league as trades happen often and draft picks get swapped around a lot.  I'll just make the list and give a short reason why. 

RB Isaiah Pead.  He was my first pick.  The Rams have just about used Steven Jackson up.  Jackson is only 29 but he has more miles on his legs then most RBs over 30.  I'm hoping Pead will get a few chances to start and eventually work his way to a full time starter.  Might not happen this season but if he shows promise and if anything happens to Jackson, I might have struck gold here.

RB Kevin Smith.  The Lions need someone in the back field and when Smith is healthy he can put up big numbers.  He does come with injury risk but I'm taking a chance on him.  He's a starter on a very good offence. 

RB Robert Turbin.  Not knowing 100% what will happen with Lynch (possible suspension) I grabbed this rookie.  I watched him in preseason games and he run hard and pushed the pile.  If Lynch misses any time at all for any reason I feel Turbin can step in and get about the same production.  If the Seahawks turn this into a Running Back By Committee, both of these guys might get a start, I'm crazy like that.

RB Ronnie Hillman.  With the Broncos signing Manning that will take a lot of pressure off the O-line right away.  McGahee is getting older and I believe Hillman will get some good work in this season.  Again, I'm hoping I've landed a rookie that will eventually become the #1.  The Broncos run the ball a lot.  Even with Manning at QB, they might even get a little better at it.

RB Javon Ringer.  I picked up Ringer very late in the draft.  Mainly for depth and if anything happens to Chris Johnson he might be worth a few starts.  Or trade bait.  We'll see.

RB Michael Bush.  I had Bush last year and he paid off big time when McFadden went down.  Bush is again behind a #1 RB in Forte but I think Bush still has value.  I was able to get him in the later rounds of this draft.  He is a strong RB and can produce on 3rd and 4th downs as well as goal line carries.  He might be worth a few starts even at a #2 spot, but again, if anything happens to the starter (and Forte had a big knee injury last year), I could have struck gold again.  Bush should be a starter for any team.

WR Kenny Britt.  The only WR I drafted this year.  Got him late in the draft.  I think many owners were scared off by his off season troubles and knee injuries.  We just learned he will only get a 1 game suspension and that will give his legs more time to heal before starting.  When he does start he can be a great WR and should be a #1 target for the Titans.  Just realized I drafted 4 Titan players.........

K Rob Bironas.  A kicker is a kicker.  But this guy has been really good.  The Titan offence is looking better than the last few seasons and he should get more FGs.  We get points based on how far FGs are.  He should be a good weekly producer.

Seahawk Defence.  I like how they look this year.  They were flying to the ball on every play.  They should be able to hold more teams in check this year while also getting more turn overs and the occasional score. 

QB Jake Locker.  The Titans named Locker their starter so he will get his chance early to show what he can do.  He is in his second year but only played in a few games last year.  He looks good.  He can run and throw.  I (hopefully) will only need him for a bye week.  But I'm also not 100% sold on him.  I've been watching another QB that I might pick up and drop Locker for.  We will see how this pans out. 

     I feel good about how this draft went.  You just never know how things will fall into place once the season starts.  I feel like I am ready to take the next step with this league.  I'm just hoping that step will be forward.  If even just one of my "struck gold" type guys pan out I should do good. 

     With this league, the action never stops, even after the NFL season has ended.  Trades can happen at any time and they happen often.  You have to be smart about it.  The other owners in the league know what they are doing and any miss step can be bad.  Drop the wrong guy at the wrong time and he gets snatched up in a hurry.  One strategy can be to offer draft picks for next season for a player now.  This happens a lot too.  A few owners had a full team several rounds before the end of the draft. 

     With these owners being as good as they are, it feels good to have had a winning team and break into the playoffs last year.  So, here is to having an OK draft, a good up coming season and being the underdog!

Fantasy Football Redraft League

Fantasy Football Redraft League Summery

     The Redraft League is always exciting.  You can start fresh every year.  The moment you get the draft order you spend the rest of the time preparing for your perfect picks.  You get everything lined up, your research on each player you want, injury and hold out reports, stat projections and opinions from fantasy footballers from around the country.  Then the draft starts and you throw all that hard work out the window....  Oh yeah, and 5 minutes before the first pick we decided to add a flex position for the first time ever.

     My name got pulled out of the hat for the 8th overall pick.  We do a snake draft, so my first 2 picks would be the 8th and 13th overall.  Important because between my next pick, there would be more than a dozen players drafted.  Our league is pretty basic as far as scoring.  You have to decide what position you want to load up on.  If you try to spread the picks around you can end up one good player and a bunch of duds around each position.  Not every star player will put up home run numbers every week.  I try to draft players that will be consistent and get me points every week and give me a chance to win games.  Which positions are thin or have the steepest drop off?  All this comes into play once the draft starts and owners start making their picks.  You can never predict what will happen in our league.  In most leagues, running backs will come off the board before other positions.  Out of our first 5 picks, 3 of them were quarter backs.  By the time my first pick came around, the second highest rated running back was still available.  Totally catching me off guard and throwing my draft strategy in the toilet...again.  So, of course, when my second pick came around, another high ranked running back was still available. 

     Knowing that there are a lot of really good quarterbacks right now, I could wait and pick up a really good one and not have to spent a first or second round pick on one.  I took a QB with my 3rd pick.  Didn't get the top guy on my list, but I'm happy with what I got.  I took a rookie running back with my next pick.  Rookies don't usually play a big role in our league, but this guy already won the starting role on his team and starting running backs can be great when they get most of the work load. 

     Out of the first 4 picks I got 3 starting running backs and a top rated QB.  Time to grab some pass catchers.  This means wide receivers and tight ends.  I try to target guys on pass heavy teams and guys that get thrown to a ton.  Guys listed as a #1 or #2 on a team are at a premium.  My next 4 picks were all pass catchers.  3 #1 wide receivers and a #2 tight end.  Not too shabby. 

     After having the basic building blocks for my team I wanted to load up on players that will have potential for the coming year.  I decided to grab, what I figured, was the best available at the wide receiver and running back positions for the next few picks.  That paid off with a few more rookies and #1 wide receivers.  I'm not one to draft many back up positions for my team.  I think a back up QB is the only one I target.  Anything else I will pick up scraps off the waiver wire if I need to.  I picked up a back up QB who just won the starting gig on his team.  He can pass and run, but I will only use him for a bye week. 

     During the late rounds of any draft, you get to a point when you have your starters and just want to take a few chances.  Here you can also take players you don't want or need, but you know other teams need them.  Sure, you might have 5 wide receivers already.  But you look at the draft board and see the guys drafting around you still need them.  I am not above snaking a good position player and sitting him on my bench.  This league, you can trade, but I cannot remember if there has ever been a trade.  If my starters can score a bunch of points for me and I leave a bunch of points on the bench, that's less points for my opponents to have.  There are only so many yards and touch downs and if I can keep a few away from other teams every week, I sure as heck will!

     I'll do a quick run down of my team for this league, I will list them in the order drafted and provide a short reason for the pick.  Let me know what you think.  Any mistakes?  Keep in mind, the first 3 players off the board were the top 3 quarter backs.  Our starting line ups need to have 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE 1 FLEX, 1 K and 1 DEF.  Don't mind my spelling of first names.

#1 - RB Ray Rice.  I was very surprised to have him at this pick.  The Ravens do pass but not a ton and Rice does catch a bunch of those passes.  He will get a lot of yards and TDs.  He is a star player and not only a #1 RB but probably the best offensive player on his team.

#2 - RB Demarco Murray.  Again, having the chance to grab another top RB, this was a no brainer for me.  Murray might have a slight injury risk but I think the positives will out weigh the negatives with this pick.  He will run to a bunch of yards and TDs.  The Cowboys will score a bunch and Murray will be a big part of that.

#3 - QB Matt Ryan.  I think the Falcons are going to be a really good team this year.  Their receivers getting better and better, Ryan will be throwing passes all day long.  It won't matter to me who catches them.  Ryan will be a top rates QB this year. 

#4 - RB Doug Martin.  This rookie has already won the starting role for the Bucks.  They do have a good QB, but I believe they will be a run first team.  Martin can run and catch.  He will most likely be used at least 50/50, if not more.  Ton of upside with this pick.  Might have another Ray Rice here. 

#5 - WR Percy Harvin.  The Vikings will be a little better than they were last year, but not much.  Harvin has potential to be the #1 player on this team.  He will catch a lot of passes and he plays a big role in the running game.  With Peterson recovering from a major injury, I believe they will lean on Harvin early and often. 

#6 - TE Aaron Hernandez.  He might be the #2 tight end on his team but that is more than enough for a #1 on any other team.  He will play a big role and get his catches.  We have to start a tight end and I hate having one that only catches 1 or 2 passes a week.  Good pick here.

#7 - WR Antonio Brown.  The Steelers can and will throw the ball, especially with their #1 RB on the shelf for atleast the first half of the season.  Mike Wallace is a drama queen.  Brown will catch a lot of passes in this offence.  Even if he stays as the #2 on this team, he will get a lot of chances to score.  Good upside.

#8 - WR Jeremy Maclin.  He had a bad illness to start last season and battled a leg injury late in the year.  Even with that, he had better stats then (another drama queen) Jackson.  He should be the #1 receiver on the Eagles this year.  Vick should be throwing more to try and stay healthy (HA) and that will help Maclin's upside a ton.

#9 - RB Kevin Smith.  Someone has to start a RB for the Lions and Smith will be that guy, at least for a while.  The lions are turning into a pass first team, but they also run the ball a lot.  Smith has potential if he can stay healthy.  I really only picked him up because he will be a starter on a good team.  With my other top picks, I might not start him.  But you never know.  My first big upside and big injury risk pick.  A starting running back on my bench is one less I'll have to worry about other owners starting.

#10 - WR Pierre Garcon.  I took a chance here.  Garcon should be the go to WR for the Redskins.  I repeat, for the Redskins.  Not known as a top offence.  BUT, with their new rookie QB that will take a lot of heat from defences, that could open up the field for the wide outs.  His upside will depend totally on what Griffin can bring to the table.  Griffin can throw and when he does, hopefully Garcon will be the guy.

#11 - RB David Wilson.  Took a rookie RB here.  He will be the Giants #2, but if history has taught us anything is that the Giants use 2 running backs to great effect.  He has huge potential here.  By a show of hands, who here thinks Bradshaw will stay healthy and start every game this year?  Didn't think so.  Not if, but when Bradshaw misses time, Wilson will step up and be the #1.  Big upside. 

#12 - WR Justin Blackmon.  I took another WR on a team that typically does not have a very good offence.  But this rookie has plenty of upside.  Jags second year QB should improve a lot and they run the ball first.  Blackmon is a play maker that should end up as the #1 on this team.  He might not see much of the field for my team but I'm taking a chance here.  With picks in the late rounds, you are not getting too many #1's anyways.  I feel just OK about this pick. 

#13 - K Sebastian Janikowski.  I only draft 1 kicker so I try to take a good one.  The Raiders have potential but they always do almost nothing with it.  Old QB, fragile starting RB.  I see a lot of unfinished drives ending with lots of field goals.  He is accurate and can kick far.  It adds up for me.  Other owners started grabbing kickers at this point.  I didn't want to end up with a guy that only gets PATs. 

#14 - DEF Green Bay.  Everyone knows that the Packers offence is the star of the show and the defence was bad last year.  But in this league we don't get a penalty for giving up points or yards.  The Packers get lots of take aways and should be a lot better at getting sacks this year.  With Cobb returning kicks they have a lot of potential for scoring.  With the average DEF scoring around 5 or 6 points a week, I like the upside here.

#15 - WR Randall Cobb.  I know that the Packers are a pass first team, but the main reason I took Cobb here was for his special teams upside that will also count towards the DEF scoring.  He won't get a huge amount of passes thrown his way so he might not see much of the field for my team.  But who knows?  The potential is there.  He will be a bench warmer for now. 

#16 - QB Jake Locker.  The QB position is usually the only one I will draft a back up for.  The Titans named Locker their starter already.  He can run and throw so he can rack up points for fantasy teams.  He won't come close to Matt Ryan type scoring, but I don't need him to.  He will average a few points less every week, but for a bye week fill in, what more can you ask for?  I don't see Ryan getting hurt but if he does, I feel I have a very nice back up plan.