Divorced ‘Til February?
August 22, 2007
This must be how my wife feels this time of year. Sundays become about church and football. I am an admitted sports fanatic and no sport is more exciting than football. Maybe it is the short 16 week season and the importance that goes along with each game. Maybe it is the game itself; fast-paced and hard-hitting. But most likely it is the coinciding fantasy football season that seperates this time of year from any other.
Fantasy football makes me smile….and my wife cringe. It puts me, the fan, in the driver seat of a football franchise, allowing me to draft my own team, make trades, set my lineup for optimal performance and watch my team crush the competition each and every Sunday. All this is done in place of the precious family time I no longer have room for. Why would I let something like this come between my family and I? Well here is why!
1) DRAFT DAY
This is the day all your hard work and research comes to fruition. This is the day you show your competition that you have outsmarted them once again. Draft day is beautiful. You have the wonderful food spread complete with sandwiches, fruit, cookies, candy, etc… because you never want to draft on an empty stomach. You sit in anticipation waiting to see how much Andy will pay for the rights to call LT his own (I put the over\under at $100 this year). You get to hear Carl tell you the right way to pronounce Mike Vanderjagt. And you get to guess how long it will take for the computer software to encounter a problem. Draft day is indeed beautiful.
2) All the games matter
Not only do all the games matter, but the ENTIRE game matters despite the score. That means you no longer can turn off the tv when the score is 35-3 going into the 4th quarter because those garbage touchdowns will make and break your heart week in and week out.
This point was especially important here in San Diego up until a few years ago because the Chargers stunk, but at least we had fantasy football. The Chargers continually getting crushed hurt, but the blow was softened by the fact that your fantasy team was winning.
And oh yes, Detroit getting pounded on Thanksgiving Day is still entertaining because odds are you or your opponent will have a player in that game.
3) You can actually win money
For the small investment of $50 you get a season of fun and the chance to pocket a few hundred dollars as well as bragging rights. In my book, as long as there is a chance to win money I will be first in line.
Fantasy football season is here, life is good.
August 23, 2007 at 2:10 am
I was on the fantasy league website the other day and my wife happened to peek over at what I was doing and she saw your new team name and thought it was hilarious. The problem for her is that coupled with the NFL season the NASCAR season starts up in February, so there are precious few Sundays a year that I don’t spend on the couch in front of the T.V. I try to make up for this by allowing her to watch her choice of programming the rest of the week, forgoing the Padres to keep my marriage intact. (I just follow the games online.) I am so pumped for this NFL season, both fantasy and reality. Did all you fantasy leaguers in the blogosphere happen to catch my post on the message board on the new league website? If not you need to take a look and weigh in with your opinion, I am hoping we can add a little extra incentive for winning the championship each year… Take a look here.
August 23, 2007 at 5:30 am
My team name choice came down to this one or “5 Month Affair”. I thought this was slightly more respectful.
This is not a bad strategy as I have trouble sleeping after watching some of the games this year. Every one is seems to be a Malox Masher.
August 23, 2007 at 6:21 pm
FFL is a beautiful thing. Even though I notoriously must have the WORST luck of all time in FFL success I continue to believe that my organizational philosophy will carry over into a championship one of these days. (WOW I really am a Padres fan)
This year I think I have an edge that no other team in the history of our league has ever attempted. While still maintaining my dual role as owner, general manager and head coach I have acquired an assistant. He is basically an unpaid intern in it for the work experience but should help me to reap HUGE benefits on draft day as he will free me from the tedious tasks of getting out of my chair to make another sandwich or getting an ice-cold refreshment.
He has also been entrusted with scouting the previous teams draft habits and creating a mathematical formula used to predict the precise amount each one of my opponents will bid for each player.
haha, I already know how high you will go in bidding for Tom Brady this year mr goldminer!!!!
And as for your over/under with regards to Andy and LT? I know that as well and I’ll take the under for 20 bucks.
This is the year I shall have my revenge, oh how sweet the taste of a Padres WS a Chargers SB and a Daniel FFL championship will be.
August 23, 2007 at 9:25 pm
The $100 number was more for effect than an actual prediction. But if you want to wager $20 and put the number at $85 I will take the over.
August 23, 2007 at 9:56 pm
That’s the dumbest bet ever. I say “ok” and the first thing you do on draft day is say “LT for $85″. you’re crazy man.
August 23, 2007 at 11:11 pm
well I could do the same thing at $100 and see what happens, but I am not that shady.
August 24, 2007 at 3:11 pm
see it would be worth it at 100 though because that would destroy your team.
August 25, 2007 at 10:33 pm
You forgot to mention the ever so popular moment on draft night when I’m down to my last receiver and i choose Turd Ferguson only to be followed by a confused response from my dad asking who Turd Ferguson is and where he is on the list of players…
August 27, 2007 at 4:22 pm
….and then he decides he wants to bid $2 on said fictional reciever. That is always funny.
August 29, 2007 at 6:28 pm
I had a nightmare last night that I missed the draft day and my Mom substituted for me. She drafted Warick Dunn for 72 dollars.
ahhhhhh
August 30, 2007 at 1:11 am
You guys need to expand to 16 teams.
August 30, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Are you in a 16 team league Bruce?
August 30, 2007 at 4:25 pm
I agree.
16 teams= more winnings to divide.
August 30, 2007 at 4:48 pm
I think we had this conversation once and most people thought it would be too tough to field a decent team.
I actually do not mind so much.
I am guessing it is too late to do anything about it at this juncture, but Jeff could tell you more.
August 30, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Several things would have to change for a 16 team field to work.
Rosters would have to shrink from 17 to 14.
You’d have to go from 2 WR’s and 2 RB’s to 2+1 in any combination.
and you wouldn’t be able to play every other team with any kind of playoff system.
One idea is to NOT to head to head and to just award teams based on total points that way my team wouldn’t get shafted every year.
August 30, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I like the elitism that our league holds now. I pity the fool’s who abandoned ship too early.
but hey, there’s always march madness brackets!
August 30, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Its kinda like the Green Bay Packers….
No matter how many seats they add, there will always be a waiting list for season tickets.
So it is with the LWC FFL League.
August 30, 2007 at 6:57 pm
And the Chargers now. Yeah baby. Welcome to elitism. I’m feeling more and more like a Calvinist every day!
August 30, 2007 at 6:57 pm
I guess I’m a Chargerist.
August 30, 2007 at 7:53 pm
How much do you think I could sell my spot in the league for? I’m thinking $500 plus 25% of all winnings for the life of the team. Maybe another 10% for merchandise sales too?
August 30, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Not a bad idea, maybe we can all sell shares in our franchise, have the extra money go to the pool and have all stockholders present for the draft\personnel decisions.
You selling merchandise this year?
August 30, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Answers:
Yes I am in a 16 team league. The playoff system is actually quite good:
Four divisions of four teams each. Divisional games in week 7,10, 13 (the final week). These games are critical games.
8 teams make the playoffs. First in your division is a guarantee into the playoffs. (We have had losing records in the playoffs). Bottom 8 teams make the toilet bowl playoffs.
We draft 16 players- much like LWCs 17 players. (one defense instead of LWCs two)
Starting lineups are identical. There are plenty of players to go around as is proven by the amount of waiver wire – midseason pickups we have.
I do also like your playoff scheme. That wouldn’t have to change. The only issue that I see is that you won’t be able to play a game with every other team. But that really doesn’t matter in our league. It’s no big deal. I thought that the original reason you guys didn’t like it was because no one wanted to miss the guaranteed win playing Cody.
Anyhow, I don’t think there is any reason you couldn’t add two teams before next week.
August 30, 2007 at 9:28 pm
I also agree with Alex on the winnings to split up. You should also raise the entry fees at least $25 and be a bit more generous on how many/how you can win your money back. But that’s been voted down consistently for a long time – and that of course is your choice.
Add two teams and make the entry $75 plus mid-season pickup fees. You’ll have $1600 to divvy up.
August 30, 2007 at 9:36 pm
Plus the two new guys are gonna’ get slaughtered in the draft.
August 30, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Bruce,
What happened to the new league you were going to commish that Alex was putting together?
I am all for another 2 teams, throw them to the wolves baby!
August 30, 2007 at 9:52 pm
I heard Phil Nevin talk about how the Padres have a Fantasy Football league every year that includes big KT. The cost per team is $2000 plus $100 per transaction. They usually rent out a conference room in the hotel while away and have a draft night after a day game. He said some guys like Hoffy know nothing about the football players but will fund a few teams and let the little guys(trainers,front office nerds, etc) have at it. Pretty Cool.
August 30, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Not going to happen this year. Not enough time.
August 30, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Choosing the two who get in would be problematic. I’m not sure who is tops on the waiting list. But I’m planning on passing down my spot to my first born son.
One day it’s going to be Sawyer vs Malcolm bald head to bald head.
August 30, 2007 at 10:06 pm
|haha, I already know how high you will go in bidding |for Tom Brady this year mr goldminer!!!!
Wow! that’s amazing Daniel. I guarantee it won’t be as much as Andy pays for LT. But can you beat the Goldminers. Who else am I going to draft?
August 30, 2007 at 10:42 pm
How many are there on the waiting list? I know Alex has wanted in for quite some time. When Alex and I were kicking this around last week, we couldn’t really think of anyone who definitely wanted in.
August 30, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I actually was unaware that Alex had interest in being in the FFL league. I know Danny P, Ryan I and Ted D have all previously expressed interest. I think Eric S, John C, David C, Mark G and Bonnie W (just kidding) also had interest. All I know is nobody wants out and very few want expansion. Even for the sake of adding Alex.
August 30, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Of course it would be nice to have Bruce back at draft day. Nothing better than you sitting with your lap top on a TV tray looking at each selector as if they had just bid on Barry Sanders.
August 30, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I count 8 then including Alex.
Throw in another computer jockey to assist Alex and you could easily get the new league up. Add four gluttons for punishment from the existing league and your biggest problem will be a draft night. There is no reason you can’t skip the first week instead of the last week.
I did an online draft two years ago via yahoo that worked fine and was over in about 2 hours. (It wasn’t an auction though. There’s nothing like an auction draft).
I do wish to correct the possible misconception that I would actually commish the new league. I saw my role as spiritual advisor – father confessor sort of guy.
I thought I was hiding that look.
August 30, 2007 at 11:38 pm
The new league should have a twist or two that the old one doesn’t have. Such as adding new positions: Defensive players – LBs or DLs, or the flex WR/RB position. Or both.
An option is to make it a free league (no actual cash entry/payout) for the first year. (Probably a bad idea that won’t fly).
August 30, 2007 at 11:57 pm
Step up Alex! Organize it!
I definitely do not like IDP (individual defensive players) but a flex guy is cool.
August 31, 2007 at 2:53 am
IDP is something you will like. For one thing, you will learn more football and learn more players.
August 31, 2007 at 5:19 am
That is the thing. I don’t know how much more studying I can do. I guess if I want to be the best “all-around” fantasy manager I need to go that direction.
August 31, 2007 at 6:26 am
I know that Chris Fitz is eager to get back in the league, you could probably make this happen.
August 31, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I’m down but I need to know exactly who is going to join by this weeekend.
August 31, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Poker,
Sorry for hijacking your Blog.
I can’t deal with maybe’s
I need Yes’s
Bruce will host and Head up the draft.
Let me know A.S.A.P.
Details to follow
August 31, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I don’t know what is happening right now. Alex are you putting together a league over this blog?
Good luck my friend.
August 31, 2007 at 7:54 pm
One thing you could do is just a normal draft, which would take about 1\4 the time of an auction.
Finding a time that is suitable for everyone and enough players is the key, so get on the horn!
September 4, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Well draft night was a lot of fun, as usual. Is this going to be the go to site for “A league” drafters to discuss their teams, or should we do it elsewhere?
Once again I managed to put together a deep team. Staying away from the big contracts (my highest paid player is Marvin Harrison(29)who I got stuck with in a bid-up). But I still managed to get 4 starting RB’s. 3 #1 WRs, 2 Stud Tight ends, 2 kickers for high scoring offenses and 2 stout defenses. I would be in the market for a better QB if anyone has any offers.
how do you like your team?
September 4, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Hey guys, I posted 2 polls on the league site for everyone to vote on who has the strongest and weakest teams on paper, check it out and weigh in.
Daniel I am liking your depth at RB a lot, but it could give you WDISCHS (Who Do I Start Chronic Headache Syndrome) in fact you could get that with you TEs too. You would be getting my vote for Best Team if you had 1 less starting RB and put that money toward a stud QB. Otherwise very strong.
I was very surprised when I was looking over the rosters at how strong my Mom’s team is. During the draft I didn’t get the impression that she was building a strong roster but looking back she is pretty strong at every position, definitely in the running for strongest team.
I like my team a lot. My goal going in was to get 2 strong RBs and 2 studs at other positions. I accomplished this with Joseph Addai & Rudi Johnson at RB, along with Torry Holt & Todd Heap at WR & TE respectively. My QBs are a little weak, but Matt Schaub is a potential sleeper and Favre always puts up decent TD numbers. My Ks and DEFs may be weak but it is such a crapshoot you never know.
I don’t see any team this year that is without question marks, but some teams have some serious holes in my opinion. Heres my take for the teams with the biggest problem areas:
doginpieces – Not much in the RB department. He had better hope that his “someone will want to trade for a good QB” approach will work or that Clinton Portis gets injured, otherwise he will be weak at the most important position in fantasy land.
Those We Don’t Speak Of: Also has an RB problem. Brian Westbrook has proven he can be a stud RB but he also has an injury list longer than my…. well lets just say it’s long. If he goes down there is not much else there for Lance.
Divorced Til’ February: The WR squad definitely doesn’t blow you away, so he must be banking on some sleepers. WR is obviously not as important as RB in this game but you need some consistent performers and this squad is suspect.
The Sopranos: Once again the RB position is dangerous. Both of his starters (Julius Jones & Deuce McAllister) are splitting carries. He is banking on Jones keeping the starting job over Barber, and if he does he should be OK, otherwise he could be in trouble.
Run N’ Gun: It is impossible to have both LT & Peyton Manning on your squad and not be weak somewhere. That somewhere is WR. Other than Donte Stallworth there is not much here.
I’VE HAD IT UP TO HERE!: Was looking like the top squad until I saw the depth at RB. He has Larry Johnson, but nothing else. Obviously he is hoping that either Selvin Young or Vernand Morency can win the starting jobs.
and finally…
Ted: Not sure what Ted’s strategy was. Ted’s QBs aren’t awful, but certainly not good, same goes for his RBs, oh and his WRs, actually I guess it goes for his whole team. The good news is that he still has 7 dollars left in the bank so he will be in prime position to pick up players. The bad news is that his team gets my vote for worst on paper.
What do you guys think?
September 4, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Ok I guess this is the site (at least by default). I weighed in on the poll and voted doginpieces the weakest. I voted Jeff strongest but only by a hair of Rob. I don’t like Rob’s depth at receiver or the fact that he is banking on the JAX twins. I’d rather have a guy I KNOW is going to be the starter.
Ted has the same kind of roster I do (quantity over quality) that’s why I like his team.
I hate having 2 super RB’s because of those bye weeks where you’re starting a guy like Vernand Morency. and since I don’t see a huge difference in RB production between 6 and 18 I try and get RB’s 15, 16, 17 and 18.
it is hard to decide who to start though.
My biggest regret was giving up on Bulger. I bid 3 over my ceiling before letting Matt take him down. Had I had 2 RB’s at that point I would have gone higher but I had only 1.
I also regret letting Westbrook go to Lance. I had another 8 dollars on his ceiling but I got gun shy.
Shuan Alexander to Cody was the same story but he was only 2 away from his ceiling.
September 4, 2007 at 6:37 pm
I agree that you should have gone with Bulger. That could have put you over the top, but I like your team anyways.
I used to worry about the bye weeks but it never really gets me anywhere, I decided I would just take 2 stud RBs and 2 scrubs and when the bye week comes around I’ll see what I can make happen.
So far only 1 other person chimed in on the polls and they voted the same as me on both polls. Any idea who it was?
September 4, 2007 at 6:42 pm
probably Rob because…
he isn’t a blogger
his team got the vote
Ted wouldn’t vote against himself
I can’t see anyone else checking in this early.
MAYBE Jeff (but I think he would vote for himself)
September 4, 2007 at 6:45 pm
My bad, I let Matt take down McNabb and Frank take down Bulger. Either one of those I would’ve been happy with.
I’m starting Damon Huard this week. YIKES!
September 4, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Daniel, you’re right…that was me who voted this morning.
I voted for me as the best team and Ted as the worst team.
For me it was a toss-up between Ted, Doug, and Val for the worst team.
This is the best team I’ve ever had on paper…even better than last year’s tem when I was crushing everyone until my team was rocked with injuries. (Yes, I know injuries happen.) My point is that I feel this team is a better team than I had last year, and I had a strong team last year. I have the #2 QB in the league, two decent-to-strong RBs, a tier-one WR, which I’ve never had before, and a #1 defense, which I’ve never had before.
I’ve never that this many top players at one time.
I’ll hit some bumps along the way, but I like my chances this year.
September 4, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Ooops!
I meant to say, “I’ve never had this many top players at one time.”
I hate when that happens!
September 4, 2007 at 7:37 pm
We’ve got some more votes in and the Bombers continue to feel the love, getting another top team vote. Matt Foley also sneaks in a top team vote while Those We Don’t Speak Of picks up a vote on the worst team poll.
September 4, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Whitey,
You’re not concerned about the twins? Are you banking on jones-drew getting the load or hoping for one of them to get hurt?
At receiver you’ve got the same problem as I do, 3 of 4 have the same bye.
I really don’t think Ted is as bad as you guys think. He’s going to surprise people.
BTW how did you get into our blogging posse?
September 4, 2007 at 8:35 pm
I only got Fred Taylor as a back up to Drew. I’m assuming Jones-Drew will get most of the carries and/or Taylor will be hurt anyway. Yes, there’s a little bit of risk in that move.
Yeah, Paul’s the lucky guy who gets to play me on week 7 when three of my receivers are on a bye. No problem…I’ll burn that bridge when I cross it.
I also made a mistake in getting Culpepper because I didn’t pay attention to his bye week. It’s the same as Palmer’s.
Oh well. My team is good enough to overcome those mistakes anyway.
Like you said, I’m not a blogger, but I decided to chime in since I saw my name mentioned. This might be the last time you hear from me.
Later.
September 4, 2007 at 9:49 pm
I decided this year to take a home run swing at things.
I have tried Daniel’s approach which is to spread the wealth throughout the lineup and it did not work for me. You end up never starting the right guy or you end up with average players at all positions.
I am either going to go really deep this year, or have a very bad year. If my team can stay healthy (always a big IF) and produce like I feel they should I have a chance.
RB’s are by far the most important position and I always try and get two studs. QB is next and I think McNabb will be out to prove they wasted a pick on Kevin Kolb. WR is least important (other than TE, K, D) as it is a crapshoot and even the top tier guys are so inconsistent. One week will be great and then they disapear for a week or two. I tried to target a couple sleepers that I feel will have great years.
I will check out the rosters and let give my 2 cents on that later….
September 4, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Here is the long-awaited Matt’s Draft Critique:
My first rule of thumb is to look at the RUNNING BACKS.
I am a firm believer that you cannot be successful in fantasy without 2 good starting RB’s on the roster. They are the most consistent point producers and are vital for team success. Therefore, if your team does not have 2 good starting RB’s (no RBBC, no backups allowed) the rest of your team does not matter.
That said, we can eliminate Lynn, Val, Lance, Frank, Andy, Carl, and Rob and take a look at the remaining 7 teams.
The remaining 7 teams are the front runners and I would have to say that Jeff, Paul, and Daniel are the strongest of the bunch, Ted and I not too far behind and Pastor Doug and Cody bringing up the rear.
It shall be fun and every team is 1 ACL tear away from a wrecked season. You gotta love FFL!
September 4, 2007 at 10:25 pm
I agree, I think Ted has the deepest running back core 1-4. But he’s lacking at QB, just like I am. That’s why I give the edge to Jeff, who not only has 2 good starters but a very good QB (brady) and very good receiver (owens).
Your rb’s go only 2 deep and if Maroney slumps you could be in trouble. But McNabb gives you the edge over my roster.
that being said you are really weak at receiver and I proposed a trade, think about it.
September 4, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Well I was informed that some people like my team. Well I do like my team, but I do not have depth. I would say I am a top team, but it is hard to say until we play some real games. Who will get hurt? Who will stink? Who will surprise us all? I will laugh when Ted comes out of no where to win, my dad did last year. You can have the best team on paper, but that is why you play the games.
September 4, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Actually commish, we don’t play the games (that’s why we call it fantasy); And it is all about the paper here. Green paper.
September 4, 2007 at 10:37 pm
On paper I can see this as valid. Like I said I tried to target sleepers with tremendous upside and I like my WR’s from that aspect now all they have to do is come through.
Devery Henderson is the 2nd reciever in the league’s best passing offense. Colston should draw the attention letting Henderson have a very big year.
Berrian is an up and comer and Rexy can throw the deep ball really well.
Gonzalez is Brandon Stokely without the injuries (knock on wood) and we all know how Stokely did in the Indy offense.
James Jones has really impressed this year and there is talk he may steal the 2nd reciever position away from Greg Jennings and we know how much Favre likes to toss it around.
I will give my guys a few weeks to settle in, but a trade is not out of the question.
September 4, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Matt,
Your argument is good on paper, but you’re making a mistake by eliminating teams based solely on your RB argument. You’re right that you need two RBs to be successful, but that can’t be the defining factor as to what makes the best team. Look at the whole team position by position.
For example, I have a top-10 RB and a top-20 RB. Granted, MJD won’t have as many yards as he can because of Taylor, but he’ll still have 1,000 yards rushing and 10 TDs. There are 14 teams in the league, so not everyone can have two top-20 RBs. I do.
Now look at my QB position and you’ll see that I have the #2 QB in the league. For argument’s sake we’ll just say that I have a top-five QB.
Look at my WR and you’ll see I have another top-five player. The other three receivers are starters and will score points for me.
Look at my TE and K. No biggie there…both positions will score some points, but neither is worth getting excited about.
Look at my defense and you’ll see I have one of the top-ranked defenses that will score points. I think we all agree that one shouldn’t spend a lot on defenses. However, Chicago and Baltimore aren’t your run of the mill defenses. Both defenses will score far above every other defense, and I got Baltimore’s defense for half of what Chicago’s defense cost and four dollars less than the Chargers’ defense.
So to recap, I have a top-five QB, two top-20 RBs, a top-five WR, and a top-two defense. How many other teams have that many top-tier players across the board?
I’m not ready to crown myself the world champions, but don’t eliminate me because I don’t fall into your “RB rule.” I have two 1,000-yard rushers which should be enough.
Your last comment is correct: We’re all just a torn ACL away from a wrecked season. Look at my team last year…Shaun Alexander, Clinton Portis, and Donovan McNabb all went down with major injuries and ended up ruining my season. We’re all one injury away from a lost season.
September 4, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Thanks for joining the blogosphere Whitey, don’t be shy hopefully you will be a regular contributor throughout the season.
This is just my way of evaluating FFL. I have been pretty successful over the years (1 championship and most times making playoffs). This is also the consensus with the “professional” fantasy nerds.
That being said, there is more than 1 way to skin a cat.
I don’t know how you are going to decide who to start week to week. I guess you are starting MJD all the time and have Taylor for insurance? (which is ironic because HE is always hurt
)
Your best bet is Fred Taylor blowing out in week 1 with one of his patented injuries then you will definitely be on the fast track to a championship.
September 4, 2007 at 11:13 pm
I love how the non-blogger whitey is so defensive about his team. Love it!
I have to disagree with matt on your best bet being an injury to Taylor. Then teams would be able to focus on MJD. The reason he was successful was because you never knew who was getting the ball.
“How many other teams have that many top-tier players across the board?”
well I think Jeff does.
Another problem you have, is the reverse scheduling problem. from weeks 4 through 8 you will be missing at least one of your top tier guys (if you count your baltimore D). This is why it’s helpful to have depth ( I think). But I don’t know anything except how to be the highest scorer in the league to NOT make the playoffs EVERY YEAR!!!!!
September 4, 2007 at 11:20 pm
“well I think Jeff does.”
I’m not implying that I’m the only team with a lot of top-tier players, but your answer confirms my suspicions because you only came up with one name. Not very many teams have that many top-tier players across the board.
Yes, I’ll have some weeks when I won’t be able to start my best team, but look out on the weeks when I do start my best team. My QB, RB’s, WR, and defense are all capable of carrying me when the other positions have an off day.
September 4, 2007 at 11:42 pm
hmmm… all i will say is my dad is the champ and we will be the first father son combo to win it back to back. so there! haha I am glad people like my team, but if you play me week 6,8,10 your lucky because i dont have great back-ups and those are my bye weeks. but i will have time to pick some people up before those weeks so that can change. i like all of my starters, they are all top tier.
September 5, 2007 at 4:57 am
FYI my team:
Top 10 QB – Favre
2 Top 10 RBs – Addai, Johnson
2 Top 15 WRs – Holt, Coles
Top 5 TE – Heap
Nothing to get excited about on K and DEF but those positions are extremely unpredictable.
This is all based on the player points from last year in our scoring system, the only one I am taking liberty on is Addai, who was actually the 13th highest scoring RB in our league last year, but he also never started a single game. I am guessing you were all surprised to see that Favre was a top 10 QB but he was in fact 8th and has historically been a good performer in our points system. So I believe I have a pretty strong squad if you are looking for historical top tier performance in our league.
FYI Whitey: According to last years points rankings you in fact have 2 Top TEN RBs (6th & 7th), but only a top 10 WR, not a top 5 (Smith was 10th).
September 6, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Can I get a link to last years points pages so I can see if any of my guys crack in there.
I’m fairly sure that Marrvin Harrison and Javon walker are top 10 WR, Mike Furrey and Reggie Brown had to be top 20
Maybe Thomas Jones was a top 10 RB. (But I suspect a healthy Clinton Portis can get in there easy as could a standout rookie season for lynch and even a resurgence of C Williams is “possible”, I’m gambling that 1 or more of my 4 starters can get themselves into a top tier scoring)
Tony Gonzalez a top 5 TE? (Witten is a more than decent back up)
Both my kickers are on high scoring offenses (NE and AZ). One plays in a dome (rackers), I’d say that makes him a candidate for top tier.
Both of my defenses will be in the top 10 (Pittsburgh and Philly).
QB is my only question mark.
Delhomme- New offensive coordinator who wants to air the ball out more and has at least one guy he can do that with (Smith).
Losman- Grew a lot near the end of the year and like Dehomme has a serious deep ball threat (Evans).
Huard- Not very good, NO good wide outs, but I’m starting him this week against Houston none the less.
I’ll take my chances and think that maybe the new offense for Delhomme will get him into a top 10 position or maybe Losman takes huge steps to get in there. I would however be willing to make a trade for a guy I feel more confident about.
But the strength of my team is depth. I don’t lose much on bye weeks or injuries. If I could swap my team with anyone else’s I wouldn’t do it. I might swap a player or two but as far as whole teams top to bottom I simply wouldn’t trade mine.
September 6, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Here you go…
http://home.pacbell.net/lhudgin1/flmindex.htm
September 6, 2007 at 5:09 pm
1-2 on the receivers Daniel, not bad. Thomas Jones was splitting carries sometimes last year but he sneaks in to the top 10 for RBs. Also if you look at Portis & Betts numbers combined from last year together they had the 5th most point for RBs. So if Portis can manage to stay healthy I would definitely assume he is top 10. QBs are an issue, as your best (Losman) was 15th, but its not awful. 2-10 on TEs. Like you said, Ks are nothing to get excited about but Rackers was 12th. Let me tell you first hand that Gostkowski sucks though, as I had him last year and he did nothing. Ds should be fine. Definitely a deep team, with receivers as your greatest strength.
September 6, 2007 at 5:10 pm
My QBs last year 15, 19 and 24 (in half a season)
My RBs 10, 31 (in 8 games) 43(yikes!) and a rookie
My WRs 1, 2, 18, 24
My TEs 2,10
My Ks 12, 28
My Ds 6, 8
I rest my case.
September 6, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Whew! Somebody snuck in a vote for my roster as strongest on paper, now I’m feeling strong! I sure hope that nobody says that they would trade their rosters with another team if given the choice. That is just weak. The great thing about an auction style league is that you are completely responsible for the team that you assemble. I targeted the players I got because I feel they are going to perform at a level that will win me a lot of games. I am sure most people would want to change their teams at the end of a regular draft where luck comes in to play as to your position, but with the auction there should be no complaints.
September 6, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Since we are on the topic of last year…
McNabb was 5th in points and missed the last 7 weeks of the season! He was on fire until the injury, I am very optimistic about this choice.
Steven Jackson was 2nd and the combo of Dillon and Maroney (Dillon now gone) was 7th
Recievers were down the list 31st and 27th, but I drafted them for their upside and if they can get into the top 15 by the end of the year I will be in good shape.
Bo Scaife was 15th and has upside to break into the top 10 this year.
John Kasay and Seattle Def were both 11th.
The most important positions are QB and RB (as you can see the top 5 in those positions score more points than the top 5 in any other position by a wide margin) and I am in great shape in both.
Good year coming.
September 6, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Yeah, dude, I know what you mean. I was crushing everyone until McNabb, Alexander, and Portis all went down with injuries. McNabb was on his way to a monster year. You did good getting him this year.
It’s you and me the first week. We’ll find out how good we really are.
The second week is a must-win game for Jeff and me…that game might decide who finishes in first and second place!
September 6, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I love looking at last year and seeing how my team had the second most points scored and I managed to finish with a record of 6-7. Meanwhile Lynns team scored the 6th most points (respectable)and he only had 2 losses (unbeleivable) as well as going on to win the whole thing (Inconcievable).
I am convinced of my strategy though. It WILL finally pay off.
September 6, 2007 at 6:02 pm
I know I sound like a whiner but listen to this. Last year week 13 playing for the final playoff spot Frank beat me by 5 points when he got a 31 point performance from DeAngello Williams on Monday night. Williams scored 100 points total all season long.
Honestly, if this is another season like that I think I may quit.
September 6, 2007 at 6:17 pm
You have to learn to play defense.
Here is a tip, on Sundays you have to root against your opponent more than you root for you own team.
Follow the stats on Sportsline and believe his players will falter. That is how you play defense!
Mind games work.
September 12, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Has everybody seen the “power rankings” on our fantasy site? That’s a pretty cool feature and one I expect to be at the top of all year.
http://football.myfantasyleague.com/2007/options?L=61752&O=101
September 13, 2007 at 4:42 pm
About that trade proposal dbalc. I am interested and may pull the trigger after this week.
September 13, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I am probably going to rescind that offer seeing as how Jake Delhomme gets to play the Saints twice this season and D Mcnabb didn’t look too hot.
Have your people contact my people on Monday.
September 13, 2007 at 5:05 pm
You will want McNabb after he lights up the sorry Redskins on national TV Monday night.
September 15, 2007 at 10:47 am
“Why would I let something like this come between my family and I?”
Because you’re an idolatrous sinner who will take any opportunity to shirk his responsibility that he thinks he can get away with. The “fun” you are going to have lording your “skills” over the “lesser” men who lose to you, the money you will win, the bragging, the boasting – this is what takes you away from your family. In short, you have chosen to placate your ego over spending time with your family. Far from being ashamed of yourself, you are actually boasting of your wicked depravity in a public forum. You have declared yourself neglectful of your duties before God in order to attend to your duties before yourself.
Phi 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Well, that about says it. Your story is pretty much the same as everyone elses: a terrible tragedy resulting from the fall. Thank God for sending Christ to die for us, he is our only hope.
September 15, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Good luck pastoring your church with that view.
Wait until some in your congregation decide to skip church to attend the Charger game. I am sure you will have a good time condemning them for that.
Add a little dose of humor and a touch of balance to your life you and others might enjoy your company more.
September 16, 2007 at 5:26 am
Haha, you’re so predictable. Rather than argue against the merits or lack thereof of what I said, rather than say that I was wrong, you instead said I had no sense of humor.
This is logically fallacious. If I am a mass murderer, and I say that the sky is blue, does it somehow become red instead of blue? No matter WHO utters “the sky is blue”, they’re making a true statement.
Whether I have no sense of humor at all has no effect on what I said. What I said was true.
And really, I don’t know why you’re offended. Don’t you confess that you’re a sinner, with a heart full of idolatry, and that your only hope for peace with God is Christ? Don’t you actually believe that? I believe it about myself. I think all Christians believe this about themselves. Don’t you? If you don’t maybe you had better read your Bible some more, because that’s the truth.
And no, it’s NOT ok, not in the slightest, to skip church to go to a Chargers game. Not even a little bit. What on earth makes you think that it IS ok? Everyone in my church understands that. Church attendance isn’t optional. It’s not a matter of your convenience. Either God wants us to worship him or he doesn’t. If he doesn’t want us to do it, why are we doing it? Seems like a stupid question, because he clearly does want us to do it. And if God wants us to do something, it’s a command. A COMMAND. That means we don’t have any choice in the matter.
And if God commands you to go to church, how dare you ditch it for football? What does that say about your view of God, that going to a football game to gawk at athletes and praise them for their atheletic prowess, is more important to you than going to church? What is the statement you are making toward God by that action?
Your problem is you know that what I’m saying is true, but you don’t care. You think it’s no big deal to sin a little bit here and there, because everyone does, and why don’t we all just lighten up? After all Jesus died to take away our sin didn’t he? So can’t we sin just a little bit if we want to? I’m not saying a lot, but just a little bit? That’s ok, isn’t it? God won’t mind will he?
That is a very foolish way of thinking. God is NOT pleased. You have deluded yourself. Repent. Christ is your only hope, as he is everyone’s only hope. I am no different than you. I do the same thing. Repent. Christ is our only hope.
Your actions dishonor him.
September 16, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Your nuts dude.
The sense of humor suggestion was in reference to you actually thinking that football takes away from my family. It is a joke that everyone but you gets.
It does not take away any more time from my family than someone playing a round of golf, going on a hike, or going to a men’s debate on baptism. The list is endless.
Your problem is you like to point out everyone else’s sin and tell them how much they need a saviour and you think that as long as you make a passing mention that you are the same way then it is ok.
The fact is you are a sinner too Mike and you need a saviour too Mike. The only difference is your idols are hidden in a closet and mine are in plain sight. Stop telling me how bad I am and what a sinner I am while all the while you are walking around with a big telephone pole sticking out of your eye.
Your just like the pharisees, you think because you go to seminary and you have decided to dedicate your life to the study of His word you have some rite of passage to preach condemnation on the rest of us.
I don’t want to hear it and your future congregation will not want to hear it.
Your just like us dude, I know that is hard to swallow but when we reach heaven you will be no better off than anyone else. Just another sinner saved by grace.
Now please excuse me I have a football game to watch.
September 17, 2007 at 3:46 pm
Echo, Reading your responses make me laugh. I have a song that will maybe get the message across to you because it happens to be from your era. So enjoy,
Unbelievable
by EMF
You burden me with your questions
You’d have me tell no lies
You’re always asking what it’s all about
But don’t listen to my replies
You say to me I don’t talk enough
But when I do I’m a fool
These times I’ve spent, I’ve realized
I’m going to shoot through
And leave you
The things, you say
Your purple prose just gives you away
The things, you say
You’re unbelievable
September 17, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Haha!
Echo, I’m so glad you’re back. I haven’t laughed that hard in I don’t know how long. People pay big bucks to be entertained, but if they only knew that you will do it for free….. Thank you for your drama queen-filled humor. You might do well as a stand up comedian.
P.S. Just out of curiosity, have you ever taken a psychiatric evaluation? No reason, just wondering….
September 17, 2007 at 5:51 pm
I thought this blog was about fantasy football. Save the heavy stuff for another blog.
Wouldn’t you guys rather talk about the 201-point bomb that I dropped on Jeff over the weekend?
I knew my team was good, but I didn’t know it was THAT good.
I feel bad for Frank because he’s gonna be 0-3 after next week.
September 17, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Breaking 200 is indeed amazing. Good job whitey. But even after your incredible victory the unbiased, computer-generated, statistical analyzer spits you out as the 4th best team in the “power rankings”.
It even has you below the team you just beat.
Now I’m not really sure what these power rankings mean but as I look at them I really wouldn’t be surprised (barring any major injuries) if 4 out of the current top 6 make the playoffs. In other words I think this power ranking machine is onto something.
http://football.myfantasyleague.com/2007/options?L=61752&O=101&W=2
September 17, 2007 at 7:26 pm
My team has failed to show up so far this year. I still hold out hope that they will indeed come to work next week.
If I lay an egg next week drastic measures will be taken.
BTW, If McNabb has a nice game tonight you ready to make a trade DBalc?
September 17, 2007 at 7:52 pm
No thank you. I had delhomme doubts but he’s demonstrating that he is the guy I had hoped he could be.
I went into draft day targeting him and then got the jitters and started to believe the naysayers once I brought him into the fold.
My team is pretty good. Very deep, I’m not going to mess with it.
September 17, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Yeah, I saw the power rankings this morning. Funny how the team I just beat is still ranked above me. It’s because of my team’s poor showing in week one. However, I moved from #11 to #4 in one week. I still have three spots to go…I’ll be there by week four with a slight dip in weeks five to seven because of byes, then I’ll move back up to number one.
Check this out…this is from the help secion on the power rankings page:
This report contains the following information for each franchise:
• PF – Points For, total points scored year-to-date.
• PP – Potential Points, total points a franchise could have scored if it had started a perfect lineup each week.
• Eff – Efficiency rating, or PF divided by PP, expressed as a percentage.
• Bench Points – Total points scored by all bench players.
• Max PF – Maximum points scored in one week.
• Min PF – Minimum points scored in one week.
• Coulda Won – For each week of the season, compare your “potential points” versus your opponents actual points – you will get one in this column for each game that you could have won a by starting a better lineup. In other words, if you had started your best lineup each week, this is the number of extra wins you could have received throughout the season.
• Woulda Lost – For each week of the season, compare your actual points versus your opponents “potential points” – you will get one in this column for each game that you would have lost if your opponent had started a better lineup. In other words, if your opponent had started his best lineup each week, this is the number of extra losses you would have received throughout the season.
• All-play Record – The number of wins, losses, and ties the franchise would have if it played all teams each week of the season.
• Power Rank – A formula designed to give an alternate view of the ‘best’ franchise in the league. This number is arrived at like this:
points_per_week_per_starter = A
points_per_week_per_nonstarter = B
all_play_wins_per_week = C
actual_wins = D
division_wins = E
Power Rank = A+B+C+D+E
September 24, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Don’t look now but I feel my team is about to bust out. McNabb finally showed up for work and the rest of my guys are starting to get going as well. I am looking to string together some nice wins and get back into the mix baby!
September 2, 2008 at 7:27 pm
So what’s the deal?
Are we going to have a “Divorced ’til February? ’08″ blog?
September 3, 2008 at 3:30 pm
You’re in the wrong area esco….
C’mon over to one of the few active blogs in your hood…
http://danielbalc.wordpress.com/2008/08/25/unicorns-are-nice-but-id-rather-have-a-nice-tight-end/#comment-5939