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

Green Bay Packers vs Seattle Seahawks - My Personal Super Bowl

     Day of the big game.  Super Bowl time.  My home town team, the Seahawks are going to be playing.  It feels great.  This town has been bouncing off the walls for weeks  now.  This team is good.  Really good.  Seattle has never been mentioned as a great sports town.  Our only championship came in the late 70's from a basketball team that is no longer here.  That team was pretty much stolen from us.  Us football fans also feel like in our last Super Bowl, the game was stolen from us.  It's fair to say this city has a huge chip on it's collective shoulder.  To have a team this good (#1 defense in the NFL), we feel this is our time now. 

     The Green Bay Packers were good this year.  They won their division and got into the playoffs.  They have been really good for quite a while now.  Since I have been following football I have been lucky enough to watch them play in 3 Super Bowls and win 2.  It is truly an amazing feeling to have your team, the team you have been rooting on for years, play in the biggest game and take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy. 

     Being a Packer fan was almost a birthright.  Part of our family came from the Wisconsin area.  I have seen pictures of myself as a little kid wearing Packer outfits.  For as long as I can remember, well before I started watching football myself, our family cheered for the Pack.  There was also another team on my radar.  The Hawks.  Being so close to Seattle for most of my life, you hear about them a lot.  As I got older I realized that having an NFL team so close was something special.  My first (and so far only) NFL game was in the old Kingdome.  I got to see the Packers come to town and play.  Nosebleed seats.  Lots of drunk fans.  Tons of Packer fans. 

     As I got older and more and more into football I was rooting for both teams.  These are my teams.  My family team and my home team.  Things were simple back then.  Hawks were AFC and Pack were NFC.  They would play but not with any regularity.   My hope was always to have them meet in a Super Bowl.  Then the NFL moved a few teams around and the Hawks came over to the NFC.  I would still root for both.  It is a weird feeling, though, when they started playing each other almost every year.  I always told myself, "Just hope for a good game and who ever wins, wins."  The game were always close and really competitive.  At the time, Favre was playing really well and the Pack were in the playoffs just about every year.  The Hawks were just about average, struggling to sell out home games, there might have been a play off game or two but nothing major.  Still, it was fun to have a team close by. 

     The Pack had a couple of really good runs into the post season, winning a bunch and losing a few too.  Great players and a lot of fun to watch.  Then Seattle started to turn the corner a bit.  They started winning more games, got a new stadium and more and more fans started turning out for the games.  They started to play better and it seemed like the players were having more fun playing, and they started winning bigger games.  Watching them make their playoff run and get into that first Super Bowl was great.  They should have won that game.  It was a real treat to have them make it that far, to have the fans here feel that excitement.  After the loss, the fans still stood by the team.  I really feel the fans of both the Packers and Seahawks will always have that in common.  We love these teams and, win or lose, we will embrace them with open arms. 

     Brings me to this season.  Sometimes you can just feel a team.  You can get a sense of who they are and their confidence.  Seattle was good last year.  So were the Pack.  The Packers will always have a really good chance to make it to the Super Bowl and now I feel that same way about the Hawks.  They both compete and play hard every game.  My hope for this season was to have both of my teams playing in the NFC Title Game.  A last minute drive from the 49ers squashed that dream.  The Packers played hard but came up short.  I thanked them for a good season, thanked them for the fun of watching them play and not giving up.  The Pack had a feel this season.  I really thought they could do it.  They didn't feel like a complete team, not as good as when they won the Super Bowl a few years back, but still really good.  I know they will bounce back next season.  They always do.

     These was also a feel about these Hawks.  From the very beginning of the season, we (Seattle) felt like this was our time.  The players are just so fun to watch and they are good.  They have had to work hard for everything.  They don't get much coverage in the national media and not much recognition for the good things they have done.  Underdogs.  Like always.  After all Seattle is not a Championship town.  No expectations.  We totally feel like this game will change that.  It is time for this Hawks team to change that. 

     Many people know this feeling but a lot will not understand.  To love 2 teams.  It's weird to cheer for the Hawks and have people look at you and say, "Aren't you a Packer fan?".  Then also root for the Packers and have other people say, "Aren't you a Hawks fan?".  I will always answer both, yes.  They never used to ask those questions when, of the two, only won was winning.  Now they are both winning teams.  Why should I change how I feel about these teams now?  Yes, they are both winning and they will likely meet each other in the playoffs - often.  Who do I cheer for then that happens?  Both.  I can't help you understand that.  I feel really lucky.  As a fan of the NFL I know it's hard to a team just to make it to the post season.  To play in the Super Bowl is special.  I have two teams that will have a great chance to play in the game every season.  Packers win, great, I'm happy.  Hawks win, great, I'm happy.  Both teams work hard, develop talent and don't take short cuts.  They earn it. To still be emotionally invested in a team in the very last game of the season, that's an amazing feeling.   

     It feels different this time.  When the Packers won their Super Bowls, I was cheering them on.  But I also felt like I was in the minority.  Sure, others in the room wanted them to win but not as much as I did.  It's totally different to have everyone in the room, in the state, cheering for the team that I want to win.  This is the Hawk's time now.  Bring it home.  Change this city.  Why can't I love two teams?  I do.  Which one of your children do you love more?  Can't decide?  Don't want to?  Interesting.....

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 Season Review-Post Season Start

Fantasy Football Season Review

Post Season Preview

Standard League - Record 7-6

     The last month of the regular season was a nail biter.  After leading the division and heading for a post season bye week, I lost 3 games in a row to lose the division lead.  I had to win the last game of the season to get into the playoffs.  I won and was able to grab the last wild card spot. 

     The last few weeks of the season I was dropping some dead weight and picking up players that are peaking at a good time.  I do have a strong team but my opponent this week does too.  I will need some really good games from my studs to pull this one out.  My guys do not have any "bad" match ups this week, but you never know when a defence will step up and play well. 

     Just like I planned, I am loaded at the running back position.  The bad thing is, now I have to choose who to start.  Guys are getting healthy and starting to play well.  I know DeMarco Murray is back but, with Ray Rice, Doug Martin and I picked up Bryce Brown this week, Murray will sit on the bench.  He would get the start if we could start more running backs.  I also have Maurice Jones-Drew waiting in the wings - if he gets healthy enough to start.  I can't look to far ahead.  I have to win this week first. 

     Since I am starting 3 running backs, that means I can only start 2 wide receivers.  I'll go with Randall Cobb and Josh Gordon.  I have Jeremy Maclin, Antonio Brown and Justin Blackmon on the bench.  I like Maclin, especially with DeShawn on IR.  But I don't feel like he will help me this week.  The Eagles have a rookie QB playing now and if he cannot get things going, Maclin will suffer.  Plus, I added Bryce Brown this week and since McCoy has been out, Brown has been putting up huge fantasy numbers.  I'll go with Brown.  I had Percy Harvin sitting on my bench for the last few weeks and just found out he is on the IR - ending his season.  He is now the only guy on my team with no chance of playing.  If I make it to the next round, I will drop him and grab another receiver. 

     The match up this week is a good one.  Our teams are pretty equal and have about the same potential to put up huge games.  The only real position that I think I have an advantage on is the tight end.  I will start Aaron Hernandez and he has Vernon Davis.  Davis is good and can have big games but over all has had a down season.  Hernandez has been more consistent and actually has been getting more targets since the injury to Gronk. 

     Fingers are crossed this week.  I feel confident.  Going to be fun games to watch this week.

PPR Dynasty League - Record 5-8

     Lost the last 3 games of the season.  My team was still in the playoff hunt until the last game.  I needed to win and needed another team to lose.  They lost, but so did I.  Adding insult to injury, I will receive the dreaded "Tranny Award" for my division.  At the end of each season, the teams with the worst record in each division trade divisions. 

     Being this is a dynasty league, the season is never really over.  Since the regular season has ended, I have already completed a trade.  Teams in the playoffs will try to grab players from other teams to help them win.  Those of us that missed out will be trying to plan for the draft for next season.  The trade I made was for a draft pick.  I was able to nab a 12th round pick for the Seattle defence.  I might try to make a few trades before all the games are said and done. 

     I have a few players that I will be keeping for next season.  I also have a few young players that I will evaluate and decide to drop or keep.  It's tough every year to try and decide to keep a guy and lose a draft pick.  If you have a guy that didn't have a great season, but has high potential, is he worth giving up a draft pick for?  On paper, my team is pretty good.  Had a few bad injuries pop up in the last few weeks.  Can't really do much about that. 

     Time to pour over endless stats, projections and speculation.  Let the research begin.

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. 

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.