Week 16 Fantasy Football Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 9-4

175.43-141.74

My team ended the year on a six game winning streak, and won the finlas with the second highest point total of the year. I really wanted to win the championship, I had already won the regular season and felt like I had an amazing team. I was confident that I would win for most of the day, but it did not really seem certain until Lynch came out and started scoring for the Seahawks. Marshawn Lynch had another productive week putting up 26 points, while Aaron Rodgers had an astounding 39.78, and Wes Welker had 18.80 points. I could go into the many decisions I made that helped me win the season and games this year, but I will further discuss that in another post.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 7-7

135.64-105.10

 I wish I had made it into the finals in this league. The twelve man league was much more challenging then the ten man. I had a miraculous winning streak to even finish with a respectable record. This will be further discussed in another post.  I made the consolation playoffs and was happy to be in the finals this week. I ended up winning the game quite convincingly.  Tony Romo had 32.64 points, Reggie Bush had an amazing 28.70 points, while Eric Decker put up 18.70 points.

All in all it was a very successful season. I plan to do more research and develop more draft strategies in the off season. I will summarize the season and what allowed me to have success and illustrate the benefits to how I drafted. I will also explain the importance of picking up players.

10 Man League

Me 12-4
Won the regular season and playoffs, finished 1st.

12 Man League

Me 9-7 

 Won the consolation playoffs, finished 5th.

Week 15 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 9-4

167.79-162.72

It was the conference semi finals in my 10 team league. I played my good friend Nick. I ended up putting squeaking out a victory by a small margin. Chad Greeneway and Patrick Peterson both had over 10 points which was crucial in my victory. Aaron Rodgers had a great week putting up 30.94 points. Andre Johnson, Eric Decker and Marshawn Lynch all broke the 20 point mark.  We put up the two highest point totals of the week. I was happy that I was able win and make the finals. Next week will decide the winner of the league, a good team. A team that although they only put up 140 points this week, has a scary line up that could produce big points. I do have faith in Marshawn Lynch, Rodgers, and the rest of my team. Hopefully I will win.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 7-7

107.74-78.94

It was round one of the consolation playoffs. I needed to win this game to make the finals of the consolation playoff. I beat my opponent fairly convincingly. Tony Romo put up a respectable 21.24 points. Julio Jones had 21.20, Decker had 19.30, and thankfully McFadden beat the ten point mark and achieved 12.90 points. I won my game and moved on to the finals. Hopefully I can win. If I win I will not owe any money, the consolation winner keeps their league fee.

Week 16 Match Up

I have made the consolation finals in my 12 man league, and the finals of my 10 man league. Both match ups are definitely winnable games. It has been an interesting year. Hopefully I can win. It would be awesome to win both games. I spent a lot of time researching and making decisions for my teams. It would be very sweet to pull off two wins.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 11-4 137.95

My Opponent 10-5 139.35

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 8-7 101.75
My Opponent 8-7 95.74

Week 14 Fantasy Review Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 9-4

121.92-114.62

It was an extremely tight game. It was also the first round of the playoffs. I only clinched my win on Monday Night Football, and it was extremely nerve wracking. I achieved this when the Pats had a strong drive against the Texans in the fourth quarter. I did not want to lose to a 5-8 team. Eight teams made the playoffs and I was the 1st place team playing the 8th. Lynch had the biggest output of the week for me putting up 30+ points.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 7-7

84.12-141.64

I finished fifth in the league. It was quite a miracle run that almost got me into the playoffs.  7 teams finished 7-7 in my league! It was incredibly tight and I lost my tie breaker. If I could have won this game I would have actually made the playoffs. My team under performed. Brandon Myers had an abysmal 0.70 points. Romo only put up 13.72 points. Gostkowski only had 6 points. Lance Moore had 2.60 points, and Eric Decker only had 8.8.My opponent had Brady put up 28.44, Vincent Jackson 19.10, Brandon Marshall 22.  Lynch put up 30.80 and Knowshon Moreno put up 22.70. I was simply not meant to make the playoffs. Overall I have many thoughts on my season in this league. I will review them later on. For now I need to focus on winning the consolation playoffs.

Week 15 Match Up

In my ten man league I advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs. I am playing another very strong team and hope I can advance onto the finals. I really hope I can win in my 12 man league consolation playoff. The winner of the consolation playoff does not have to pay a league fee which would be extremely nice. I believe both of my match ups are winnable.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 10-4 131.87

My Opponent 9-5 133.12

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 7-7 95.17
My Opponent 7-7 87.12

Week 13 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 9-4

163.74-134.52

My defensive players had massive weeks. Von Miller put up 22.50 points, he is a linebacker! I clinched first place in the league, and will play the 8th place team in the first round of the playoffs. I will gripe about that in my later post. Ridley and Lynch both put up 13 points with some change. Welker also had a good week. Gronkowski going down has been upsetting, but not crippled my  team. My team in this league is incredibly strong. 

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 7-6

110.92-98.48

My whole season hinged on this game. Fortunately I came out on top. Tony Romo had an impressive 25.52 points. My recent pick up , runningback James Starks had 14.20 points. Brandon Myers was a pick up to replace Gronk, he put up a monstrous 19 points.  Arizona's defense put up 15 points in a strange game against the Jets. My opponent had impressive performances from Peyton Manning 20.18 points, Adrian Peterson had 28 points, Ray Rice had 14.30 points, while Steve Smith had 18 points. My players I picked up to replace an injured Darren McFadden and Rob Gronkowski proved to be good decisions. Starks and Meyers were key pieces in my win Week 13 win!

Week 14 Match Up

This week in my 12 man league is intense. Four playoff spots, twelve teams. The final two spots are up for grabs. Four teams are vying for two spots. There are a bunch of weird combinations of wins and losses that could cause one team to get in and another team not to. I will cover those next week. I am playing my best friend who sits in second place. He and the guy in first are making the playoffs. I really hope I beat him, then I will make the playoffs.

In my 10 man league I have clinched the first place playoff spot. I am playing the 8th place team in the first round of the playoffs. I find it really stupid to have 8 teams make it out of ten. I'm 9-4.  I scored 1878.83. My opponent is 5-8, scoring 1620.25. It is insane to reward teams with sub .500 records.  Why the guy running the league has such a playoff structure is absolutely baffling. I hope I win it all in this league. It would just be nice to rub it in my co-workers face.  I won the season, hopefully I can win the playoffs.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 9-4 151.94

My Opponent 5-8 123.14

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 7-6 91.42
My Opponent 8-5 107.75

Week 12 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 7-4

132.71-119.42

Andre Johnson put up 20 points, and Stevan Ridley delivered a solid 15. Every other player put up an average performance, but it was enough to win. I have a great group of players on defense. I still am not a huge fan of IDP, but if you scope out the right players you can get extra points against your opponent each week.   

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 6-6

96.94-89.36

Tony Romo put up 30 points! Julio Jones put up 20!  Reggie Bush put up 14! Aside from that my team did very average but it was enough for a win. McFadden was replaced by James Starks who put up six points. I need to win out and hope to have an edge on someone who is tied for fourth to make the playoffs. This week helped!

Week 12 Match Up

I have pretty much locked up first place in my 10 man league. My 12 man league has been a battle where I have continually needed to win out for a few weeks. Fortunately I have been winning out. My season hinges on me beating my opponent next week. It is a a game I can win. It will be tough with the injuries to Gronkowski and McFadden but I am going to try and manage.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 8-4 142.48

My Opponent 7-5 140.14

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 6-6 87.36
My Opponent 7-5 102.350

Week 11 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 7-4

138.24-101.12

Gronkowski put up a monstrous 26.70 points. Von Miller put up 22 points which is amazing for a defensive player. I actually would have put up 168 points had I played Andre Johnson instead of Denarius Moore. I should not have listened to a friend, I don't know why I did. Line up regrets! Luckily it did not hurt me! I am tied for first place in this league, I really want to win it so I can hold the bragging rights with the guy I work with. The only frustrating thing is the ridiculous format of eight people making the playoffs out of ten. Ideally I can win the league, and the playoffs. It would be nice.  

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 5-6

91.92-87.38

I watched every minute of Ike Taylor covering Torrey Smith with fear. Taylor shut him down, if Torrey Smith had scored a touchdown or accumulated sixty yards I would have lost the game. Luckily he did not. Reggie Bush only scored 3.5 points, Donald Brown only scored 2.3. It was an absolutely dreadful performance from my running backs. Luckily Gronk put up over 20 points, Lance Moore also put up 17 points. It was an extremely strange week, but I have to win out, so I am grateful for the win. 

Week 12 Match Up

I need to win out in my 12 man league to have a chance to make the playoffs.  Both of my games are winnable in both leagues, I play weaker teams in both. I had to pick up Marcedes Lewis in my 10 man, and Brandon Meyer in my 12 man to replace injured Gronkowski at tight end. It is discouraging that he sustained an injury, I will have to find a suitable replacement. 

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 7-4 137.68

My Opponent 4-7 135.85

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-9 90.25
My Opponent 4-6 82.95

Week 10 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 6-4

126.12-152.06

Aaron Rodgers  was on his bye so I played Carson Palmer. He performed well. My team greatly under performed. My receivers only put up 12 points, that's  three receivers. I still had a chance to win but my opponent got tons of points from meaningless tackles in the Bears/Texans game in a losing effort by the Bears. Past the mid way point of the season I would honestly say I think playing IDP is just sort of a pain, and not all that beneficial to the experience of fantasy football. Even after my loss I'm still tied for 1st place in the league. 

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 4-5

88.16-117.16

Anthony Gonzalez  put up a huge game for my opponent. Eric Decker only put up 1.9 points while Reggie Bush put up .9. The Dolphins were annihilated. If a few of my players had put up average numbers I would have maybe been able to win my game. A disappointing week. I needed a win.

Week 11 Match Up

I'm hoping Aaron Rodgers can deliver a stellar performance and I pick up a win in my 10 man league. I will be back in first place on my own soon. In my twelve team league playoff teams currently sit at 6-4.  I sit at 4-6. I can still make the playoffs but I can not lose again. It is such a tight league. The first place team is 9-1, then four teams sit at six and four, two at 5-5, three at 4-6, then two teams with very poor records. I believe I can win both match ups this week, and I especially need to in my twelve man league.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 6-3 154.63

My Opponent 6-4 132.32

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 4-6 96.91
My Opponent 4-6 92.78

Week 10: Picks Ups/No McFadden

Darren McFadden's most likely not going to play this week. This hurts my fantasy team. If your in a situation like mine, you most likely need a win this week to stay in the playoff hunt. In my 12 team league 10 teams make the playoffs. It is extremely hard to find replacements at running back in a league as deep as 12 teams. I find the difference in player availability between my 10 team league and 12 team league to be enormous. I will list some options for runningbacks who could be available in your league. Please note that this is suggestions in a 12 team league, a relatively deep league. In leagues with less teams there could be an even more beneficial runningback available. I'm hoping that McFadden can get back from his injury quickly as I don't want to rely on the guy I'm picking up for the rest of the year.

Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) - He is on waivers in my league, I put in a bid to pick him up. He has not really had any remarkable games. His benefit is that he most likely will get touches on Sunday against the Eagles. Murray has not returned from his injury, and has not practiced this week. If he could deliver you 7-10 points this weekend (which I believe is possible against the Eagles) he would be a worthwhile pick up.

Daniel Thomas (Miami Dolphins)- He and Reggie Bush practically split snaps last week. He will see the field this weekend. If Thomas can run for any amount of yardage and pound in one touchdown he would be a worthwhile pick up. Daniel Thomas most likely won't put up huge numbers, but I am fairly certain he will not blank the board. The Dolphins odds for the week are good, they are playing the Titans. The Titans have given up the 4th most points to runningbacks this season.

Joique Bell (Detroit Lions)- He is clearly the number two back in the Lions  offense. He will not take Leshoure's spot unless Leshoure suffers some sort of injury. Fortunatly Bell is active in the passing game, and he produced 16 points last week. His 16 points was against Jacksonville, the Lions play the Vikings this week. Picking him up really depends on how well you think the Lions will do playing in Minnesota this weekend.  He could break 100 yards of total offense again this week, the problem would be if he does not.

Taiwan Jones (Oakland Raiders) - Taiwan Jones and Marcel Reese will be picking up the slack in the Raiders running game. With McFadden and Goodson being injured, Taiwan appears to be the replacement runnungback. Baltimore has not been good against the run, maybe Taiwan Jones will have a good game. It is hard to say how many touches he will get. Some weeks I find it irritating to see how many times they have Carson Palmer throw the ball  when he has a back like McFadden who could be grinding out yards.

Shane Vereen (New England Patriots)- He is playing with the Pats against the Bills. The last time the Bills played the Patriots the Pats annihilated them. Both Brandon Bolden (the backup) and Stevan Ridley had enormous weekends. Maybe Vereen will get touches as the Pats attempt to run the clock down. Or maybe the Pats will simply run the ball a lot to move the chains as they did in their last meeting with Buffalo. It is not a sure fire play, but if the Pats get stalled at the goal line Vereen could easily be putting up six points. It's a very risky play, but one that could payoff if the Pats really pound the Bills. 

Good luck to everyone this week! Hopefully the suggestions above could give you an option you maybe had not thought of, or a bit of reassurance one way or another. I hope McFadden gets back quickly as his absence will seriously hurt my fantasy team.

Week 9 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 6-3

154.32-115.08

Another strong showing from my team. I picked up Gresham since Gronk was on a bye and he delivered a solid 12 points. Eric Decker destroyed putting up 22.90 points, Lynch put up 22, and Aaron Rodgers delivered a stellar 35.02. I am feeling really confident about my team in this league. Only one team put up more points then me  this week, and it was due to Doug Martin's insane game.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 4-5

81.94-62.04

The only player to break 10 points on my opponents team was Cam Newton. Eric Decker had a phenomenal week putting up 21.90 points. I did not score a high amount of points, but had enough to win. Three of my usual starters were riding the bench, so all in all it was a successful week. Julio and Decker came through big time. Darren McFadden may have sustained an injury which seriously hurts me as my only reserve back is Brandon Bolden. I will have to try to find a substitute on the waiver wire. 

Week 8 Match Up

My 10 man league should see another victory. Carson Palmer will need to have a good week as he is going in for Aaron Rodgers who is on a bye. I currently sit in a tie for first place in that league. I need to continue to win out in my 12 man league. I sit in sixth place. Many of the game this week have serious implications on who still will have a shot at the playoffs. I need to find a replacement for Darren McFadden who will not be playing this week. I am attempting to pick up Felix Jones off the waivers, and have picked up Dallas' defense while the Cards are on a bye. The season is in it's second half, this week is of utmost importance. 

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 6-3 131.98

My Opponent 5-4 132.58

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 4-5 98.64
My Opponent 3-6 106.13

Week 8 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 5-3

178.44-128.56

A very solid week for my team. My 178.44 was the highest point total produced in the league this year. Rob Gronkowski scored an enormous 27.60 fantasy points. Stevan Ridley scored 20.70 points, Marshawn Lynch had 19.60 points. Denarius Moore scored 16.60 points, Eric Decker scored 16.30 points. Everyone on my team produced some points and it was a great week. It was nice to see my team put up  amazing points when Aaron Rodgers only put up 20.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 3-5

119.28-82.58

My team got back on track this week. I need to pretty much win out or finish at 8-6 with some other teams skidding to make the playoffs.  I could easily be 5-3 if not for very unfortunate happenings I profiled in previous posts. However that is irrelevant. It's about looking forward. I must win every game moving forward. Rob Gronkowski scored 26.60 points. Tony Romo had a horrible first half, but rallied an ended with 23.48 points. Julio Jones scored 19.20 points, while Eric Decker scored 16.30. Darren McFadden did not disappoint as he produced 13.70 points.

Week 8 Match Up

I am extremely confident in my 10 man league. I currently sit in a tie for first place, with me holding the spot due to my high point total. In my 12 man league I must win out, or only lose one. I still have faith I can. This week I must pick up a TE to replace Gronk in both leagues as he is on bye. I also must replace Gostkowski who is also on his bye week. It is a key week for me in my 12 man league, every week is! My TE pick up could be the difference between a win and a loss.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 5-3 123.84 (Not all starters in)

My Opponent 3-5 99.10 (Not all starters in)

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 3-5 83.39 (Not all starters in)

My Opponent 6-2 88.04 (Not all starters in)

Week 7 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 4-3

133.33-107.48

Aaron Rodgers gave me another solid week with 30+ points. All of my receivers put up 8 points, and Rob Gronkowski provided me with 19.80 points. All of my players put some amount of points on the board. My defense and kicker out performed by adversaries. My team is solid. I have barely had to add players to my team  thus far. I find the difficulty between a 10 team league and twelve team league is enormous.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-5

92.88-97.42

Another extremely disappointing week. I ran into CJ2K. Chirs Johnson had not had a good game all year. In our match up he put up over 30 fantasy points. Had he only put up 25 points I would have won the game. At this point in the season I pretty much need to win out. I could maybe make the playoffs at 7-7 but I highly doubt it. I need 9-5, or 8-6. Josh Gordon and Brandon Gibson provided the points I needed them to. They filled in perfectly to replace Decker and Jones who were on byes.

Week 8 Match Up

My team league has 8 playoff positions. At this point, barring very unfortunate circumstance, I will make the playoffs. My 12 team league is another story. I need to basically win out. This weeks game would be an essential win. I would be 3-5 and so would my opponent. I need to beat every team I play, however is pivotal in climbing the standings.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 4-3 143.86

My Opponent 5-2 128.49

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-5 105.24

My Opponent 3-4 95.54

Week 7 Player Pick Up

This week I have Julio Jones, Eric Decker and Reggie Bush on bye. There are several players available who could be a good option going forward or at least help you this week. These pick ups are for deeper leagues. My 12 man league has very few players on the wire, while a 10 man always has viable options. Here are my suggestions for pick up if these guys are still available.

Runningback

Felix Jones- Demarco Murray has suffered an injury. Felix Jones appears to be the new starter in Dallas. He looked decent last week against the Ravens. The Cowboys play the Panthers this week which is an extremely favorable match up. If he is available in your league pick him up!

William Powell- I picked him up last week. He is getting the majority of the carries for the Arizona Cardinals. They are not a team that runs the ball a ton, but he did manage to put up close to eight yards last year. He looks explosive and could have a decent week if the Cards are successful again the Vikings. He is basically a starting running back that could still be available.

Daryl Richardson- He and Stephen Jackson seem to be splitting the time for the Rams. Last week he put up up almost eight fantasy points. This week the Rams play Green Bay. There is a lot of speculation  that he will take over the starting job from Stephen Jackson.  I'm not exactly sure what is going to happen, but I would snap him up if you really could use someone.

Alex Green- He is the lead back right now for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are going to score, and he could be the one to punch one in the at the goal line. He will probably not be available in your league if you have any even remotely savvy players. If you can find him in your league he is a viable flex option.

Wide Receiver

Josh Gordon- He is emerging of a favorite target of Brandon Weeden. Is Weeden the best quarterback in the NFL? No. Are the Cleveland Browns good? No. But they have put up over 20 points the past two weeks, and Josh Gordon keeps getting the ball thrown his way. He is worth a pick up if you have your receivers on bye.

Brandon Gibson- He seems to be the wideout beneffiting most from Danny Amendola's injury. He had seven catches and ninety one yards last week. The Rams play Green Bay this week. If Green Bay can put up a lead or if the Rams keep it close there is a potential for big fantasy points for Gibson. Definitely a solid pick up if you have a receiver on bye.

Week 6 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 3-3

164.32-107.14

Aaron Rodgers gave me the week I had been hoping he would produce all year. The Packers exploded offensively, and he put up over 50 fantasy points. Eric Decker and Wes Welker both put up over 15 fantasy points. I obliterated my opponent this week.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-4

87.46-90.08

Disappointing week for me. I feel to 2-4. I really need to start stringing together some wins if I have any hope of finishing in the top four. I lost my game by less then three points. If Eric Decker had not fallen in the first, or had a questionable push off called on him (nullifying a touchdown) I would have won the game. I am not panicking yet but I must win my game this week. It will be tough as a few of my starters are on byes. Joe Flacco and Romo continue to frustrate me as my quarterbacks. Whichever one I play seems to be the wrong decision for the week.

Week 7 Match Up

I need a win badly in my 12 man league. Decker, Bush, and Julio Jones are all on byes. I picked up Josh Gordon and Brandon Gibson to fill the holes. I have been picking up players all year trying to get an edge. I originally had Kevin Smith in my flex, however he was cast aside after a game or two. Only four teams make the playoffs in my 12 man league. This is the week I need to start my winning streak. I can only lose 2, possibly 3 games and hope to make the playoffs in that league. Wish me luck!

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 3-3 129.86

My Opponent 2-4 107.44

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-4 90.19

My Opponent 4-2 95.75

Week 5 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 2-3

161.76-125.72

Bad week for me. Nine of my starters under performed, and I ran into a trio of Peyton Manning, Marque Colston, and Arian Foster who all had good weeks.Eight teams make the playoffs in this league, so it is hard to worry.

My Team

QB 

Aaron Rodgers 31.10

WR

Andre Johnson 2.50

WR

Wes Welker 17.65

WR

Eric Decker 8.10

RB

Marshawn Lynch 9.40

RB

Ryan Mathews 19.90

TE

Rob Gronkowski 3.50

K

Stephen Gostkowski 6.0

D

Chad Greenway 9.50

D

Brian Cushing 4.0

D

Akeem Ayers 3.50

DB

William Moore 6.50

DB

Ed Reed 5.00

Opponents Team

QB

Peyton Manning 32.38

WR

Larry Fitzgerald 9.20

WR

Pierre Garcon 2.40

WR

Marques Colston 33.10

RB

Arian Foster 25.80

RB

Ryan Williams 3.80

TE

Kyle Rudolph 8.30

K

Mason Crosby 3.00

D

Wesley Woodyard 10.00

D

Russell Allen 4.50

D

Bernard Pollard 9.50

DB

Lardarius Webb 8.00

DB

Roman Harper 3.00

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-2

64.58-91.74

I had under performance from all but Gostkowski, Decker, Bush, and Jones. Flacco really let me down this week. I put up my lowest point total of the year. My opponent had a horrible weekend up until Sunday night. I had an outside chance of winning before Marques Colston put up 30 points, then Foster put the icing on the cake with his usual performance on Monday. I picked up Greg Little on game day. It was a mistake. He saw plenty of target the week before, however it looks like Weeden and the coaching staff may have become frustrated with his drops. The targets in the Browns game went to every receiver but little. I had to pick up Little because Lance Moore (my usual 3^rd receiver) went down. Brandon Bolden is also not my usual running back, but McFadden was on a bye. I wish I had a stable flex running back.

My Team

QB

Joe Flacco 7.88

WR

Julio Jones 15.50

WR

Eric Decker 8.10

RB

Brandon Bolden 5.40

RB

Reggie Bush 13.20

TE

Rob Gronkowski 3.50

W/R

Greg Little 0.00

K

Stephen Gostkowski 10.00

DEF

Arizona 4.00

My Opponent

QB

Ryan Fitzpatrick 4.00

WR

Marques Colston 31.10

WR

Antonio Brown 8.60

RB

Arian Foster 22.80

RB

Steven Jackson 7.60

TE

Heath Miller 4.10

W/R

C.J. Spiller 2.40

K

Jay Feely 3.00

DEF

Pittsburgh 8.00

Week 6 Match Up

I have had some upsetting weeks. In my 12 man league I almost moved Julio Jones. I almost had a trade that would have had me trading Julio for Larry Fitzgerald and Donald Brown. Brown's injury obviously altered that trade. My other option was to trade Julio for DeSean Jackson and Michael Turner. I would have loved to receiver Turner, however I am unsure of Vick, and how many points Jackson will put up. The trade for Fitz would have worked out, due to the fact that he will most likely put up close to what Julio does each week. I am not looking for a 20 point week, I am looking for consistent 10+ weeks. I picked up William Powell off waivers, I am starting him in my flex over Brandon Bolden. I like Bolden, but I'm unsure of how much running he will get against the Seahawks defense. Hopefully Powell runs against the Bills and proves my move effective. I do not want to fall to 2-4 in either league. In my 12 man league I am playing a team who is 4-1. It would be great to move him to 4-2 and get back to .500.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 2-3 146.33

My Opponent 3-2 112.65

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-3 105.50

My Opponent 4-1 76.93

Week 6 Fantasy Advice (Pick Up, Waivnner, Trade)

It is extremely difficult to find suitable players to pick up right now. It is even more difficult if your league has a maximum amount of players you can pick up for the season. If your hands are extremely tied it may be a good idea to seek a trade. In a 10 person league their is usually plenty of players to be had from the waiver wire. An example of such a player would be Andre Roberts. Andre Roberts is a good receiver, the second option in the Cardinals pass happy offense, he is available in my 10 person league. He is not available in my 12 person league.

Bye weeks are hitting which is also causing some problems. I went from an under performing McFadden alongside Reggie Bush, with Lance Moore in the flex in week 4; to playing with Bush, Brandon Bolden, and having to pick up and play Greg Little in my flex this week. You have to truly examine your team and see if the guys you have do give you a shot at making the playoffs. This week was truly the most trying on me team in terms of key players having byes. I will have one more tough week in regards to byes. However the rest of the weeks seem to have a fairly bright outlook. Therefore I would like to make a small trade to improve my flex, or pick up a good player or two through the wire. I will not blow up my team. I would only make a major move to help my team if I was receiving a dominant player like Foster.

I know I will need to pick up players to have a good starting line up in week 7. Although it is hard not to panic as I lost my game this week, I don't have to pick anyone up this week. If I see someone promising on the waiver wire I will pick them up, however if I don't I can wait till after week 6. The fantasy football season is like the real football season, it is a war not a battle. It is about having the best team over the long haul. In my 12 team league four teams make the playoffs. I predict 8-6 will be the record of the lowest seed in the playoffs, it could be tight and come down to a tie breaker. My record is currently 2-3. I need to find a way to win as many games as possible, but keep in mind that I can not lose four more games, and should try not to lose three more. If your looking at your team and feel like their is little hope to make it into the playoffs be it off projections, your current record, or other indications, that is the time to shake up your team. I need to make a small move or two to make the playoffs, but I believe my team can get me to at least 8-6.

That is my general advice on how to handle a team. Always try to get good players from the wire, tread carefully when you trade. If your team is losing hope and you don't think you can squeak into the playoffs, it might be time to shake your team up and make a  big move. Below is a list of players who I believe have some fantasy upside. These players are my suggestions if you are in a fairly deep league, such as my 12 person one. If you are in a ten man league there may be better players available.

QB

• Christian Ponder- A viable starter at this point. The Vikings have looked very good.
• Kevin Kolb- Has had protection issues, however the Cards pass a ton. He will put up some numbers.

RB

• Alex Green- Cedric Benson just went down. It is possible that Alex Green will take over the RB  role. If he does he will surely put up some points in the high power Packers offense.
• William Powell- With Ryan Williams injury it could lead  to Powell getting starting reps for the Cardinals, hopefully they can start to run effectively. They play the Bills this week.
• Danny Woodhead-Always has a chance to see some action depending on the Pats game plan. He will not save your team. But it is very possible that he will score or see some decent yardage in many weeks.
• Brandon Bolden-Similar to Woodhead. He plays a much different role then Danny, however he seems to be the 2nd runningback in the powerful Pats offense. 

WR

• Jeremy Kerley-He seems to have an expanding role in the Jets offense. He gets throws from Sanchez, and also returns kicks. The only downside is the Jets offense has not been good.
• Mario Manningham-He scored a TD this week. He has seen more targets then Randy Moss thus far. He could prove to be a good pick up.
• Golden Tate-He has scored a few times. An option in the Seahawks options. Similiar to Kerley his issue is his teams offense is not very good.

TE

• Scott Chandler- A favored target of Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has had some good games.
• Greg Olsen-Cam Newton is his quarterback. If the Panthers have a good game it is possible Olsen will to.
• Joel Dressen -Peyton Manning often runs no huddle with two tight ends. Tamme and Dressen. Dressen will put up some adequate numbers.

Week 4 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 2-2

161.76-125.72

I picked up the win against my opponent who happens to be one of my good friends. Aaron Rodgers finally delivered the kind of performance I drafted him for. I won big this week. I would have won by an even larger margin if I played Stevan Ridley instead of Ryan Mathews. Ridley produced 23.60, while Mathews produced 8.20. I am hoping my team can repeat this kind of point total for my upcoming game. I had solid production from everyone.

My Team

QB

Aaron Rodgers 37.06

WR

Andre Johnson 5.60

WR

Wes Welker 12.60

WR

Eric Decker 13.90

RB

Marshawn Lynch 22.50

RB

Ryan Mathews 8.20

TE

Rob Gronkowski 17.40

K

Stephen Gostkowski 10.00

D

Chad Greenway 9.00

D

Brian Cushing 8.50

D

Akeem Ayers 7.50

DB

William Moore 5.00

DB

Ed Reed 4.50

My Opponent

QB

Robert Griffin III 22.52

WR

Miles Austin 13.70

WR

Victor Cruz 17.90

WR

Greg Jennings 6.90

RB

Reggie Bush 6.70

RB

Trent Richardson 16.40

TE

Antonio Gates 5.90

K

Dan Bailey 4.00

D

James Anderson 2.50

D

Jason Pierre-Paul 2.50

D

Tim Jennings 5.00

DB

Antoine Winfield 10.00

DB

DeAngelo Hall 11.00

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-2

94.14-108.16

My opponent had Houston's defense which gave him 23 points. That really hurt me. Darren McFadden only put up 3.80 points, while Julio Jones only put up 3 points. Those two under performing contributed heavily to my loss. The rest of my team excelled, or at least hit close to their predicted points. I need a win this week. Only four teams make the playoffs in this league, as opposed to the absurd eight team playoff structure in my other league. I must win my next game.

My Team

QB

Joe Flacco 23.64

WR

Julio Jones 3.00

WR

Eric Decker 13.90

RB

Darren McFadden 3.80

RB

Reggie Bush 6.70

TE

Rob Gronkowski 14.40

W/R

Lance Moore 6.70

K

Stephen Gostkowski 10.00

DEF

Arizona 12.00

My Opponent

QB

Matt Ryan 25.76

WR

Jordy Nelson 15.30

WR

Stevie Johnson 2.30

RB

DeMarco Murray 8.10

RB

Matt Forte 4.90

TE

Brent Celek 5.70

W/R

Denarius Moore 7.10

K

Matt Prater 16.00

DEF

Houston 23.00

Week 5 Match Up 

McFadden is on a bye week, he is on my team in a 12 man league. It is going to be a tough week. The league has very few good players in free agency. I picked up Brandon Bolden to try and help me this week. He may not produce much against Denver, but if he can get a touchdown he will be well worth the pick up. I would like to win both my games this week, however I would REALLY like to win in my 12 man league. I estimate a 9-5 record is what will be necessary to make the playoffs in that league. 

 

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 2-2 149.42

My Opponent 1-3 121.82

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-2 102.42

My Opponent 1-3 93.99

Week 5 Power Rankings

1. Atlanta Falcons (4-0, 12 PWR) Close game against the Panthers. Amazing final drive by Matt Ryan with a great catch by Roddy White. They are still looking very strong. (LW 1, No Change )
2. Houston Texans (4-0 17.5 PWR) Still looking strong. Very winnable game this week against the Jets. (LW 2, No Change )
3. Arizona Cardinals (4-0 7.5 PWR) Did what they had to do to defeat the Dolphins. Winnable game in St.Louis on Thursday. If the offense can perform at the level of the defense the sky is the limit. (LW 3, No Change )
4. Baltimore (3-1 9.5 PWR) Defeated the Browns last week. Easy game against the Chiefs this week. Flacco and the offense look great. He is passing the ball effectively. (LW 4, No Change )
5. Chicago (3-1 10 PWR) Chicago made Dallas look weak. The defense is remarkable. Peppers, Urlacher, Briggs, they are all getting up there, but still performing at a high level. If Cutler has time to throw the offense looks effective. (LW 5, No Change )
6. San Francisco (3-1 9.75 PWR) They absolutely destroyed the Jets. Can they follow that up with destruction of another New York state team? Can they destroy the Bills? (LW 6, No Change )
7. New England (2-2 10.50 PWR) Big game against the Broncos this week. They absolutely wrecked the Bills. The offense is now clicking and the Pats look like they will be hard to stop. (LW 8, +1 Change )
8. Green Bay (2-2 1 PWR) Defeated the Saints last week. They were once again subject to some questionable officiating. Should move to 3-2 if they can pick up the win in Indy. (LW 9, +1 Change )
9. Cincinnati (3-1 0 PWR) If they beat the Dolphins this week they will be 4-1. Huge game for the Bengals. (LW 13, +4 Change )
10. Philadelphia (3-1 -4.25) Big win over the Giants. It is important to pick up divisional wins. Interesting game for them going to Pittsburgh to take on Big Ben and the Steelers. (LW 14, +4 Change ) 
11. New York Giants (2-2 6.75 PWR) Their rushing attack is abysmal. If they don't pick up a win against the Browns they will show how many holes the team has. The final drive against Philadelphia was bad on so many levels. (LW 7, -4 Change )
12. Minnesota (3-1 4.5 PWR) Winnable game this week against the Titans. They picked up a big win over the Lions last week. The Vikings are showing many around the league that they are a legitimate team. If they move to 4-1 the doubters will surely have to stop doubting. (LW 16, +4 Change )
13. Denver (2-2 7.75 PWR) They destroyed Oakland this week. Manning and company have a huge game against the Patriots this week. AFC West is going to be a toss up. Every single game counts. (LW 19, +6 Change )
14. San Diego (3-1 7.25 PWR) Will they beat the Saints this week? I believe a victory over the Saints could really show San Diego's worth. (LW 18, +4 Change )
15. Seattle (2-2 3 PWR) Lost to the Rams. Marshawn and the defense are the only real upsides on this team. Battling the Panthers this week. If they lose to Carolina they will really be exposed. (LW 10, -5 Change )
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2 0.66 PWR) Big game against Vick and the Eagles this week. A win would bring them back to .500. (LW 15, -1 Change )
17. New York Jets (2-2 -7 PWR) Destroyed by the 49ers. Offense is looking terrible, defense is not faring much better. Tough game against the Texans this week. (LW 11, -6 Change )
18. Buffalo Bills (2-2 -4 PWR) They were absolutely destroyed by the Pats. Will the 49ers be the team to do it this week, or will Buffalo surprise many? (LW 12, -6 Change )
19. Dallas Cowboys (2-2 -5.75 PWR) Looked terrible against Chicago. I would not give up hope on the season yet. Their is still time to reroute the ship. They are 2-2, not 0-4. (LW 17, -2 Change )
20. Washington Redskins (2-2 0 PWR) Snuck one out against the Bucs. I personally believe the Redskins are going to get dusted by the Falcons this week. (LW 21, 1+ Change )
21. Oakland Raiders (2-2 -14.5 PWR) Oakland has a bye this week. I think it will help McFadden and company. They need to start retooling their game plan and need a few players to get healthy. This could be an extremely helpful week of rest. (LW 20, -1 Change )
22. St. Louis Rams (2-2 -3 PWR) Defeated the Seahawks last week. Can they beat the Cardinals? I don't think so. Their offense is just to poor. (LW 31, +8 Change )
23. Miami Dolphins (1-3 -2.65 PWR) Key game against Cincinnati. Reggie Bush has looked good, the offense has had some burst of success. If they beat the Bengals this week it will say a lot about their team.(LW 22, -1 Change )
24. Detroit Lions (1-3 -3.5 PWR) The Lions have not looked good. Hopefully this bye week will allow them to get rest and alter their plans. I was upset they gave up on Kevin Smith so quickly. Matt Stafford certainly does not look like 2011 Matt Stafford. (LW 23, -1 Change )
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3 -2.25 PWR) Could have two more wins if things went a little differently. Hopefully they can regroup during the bye week. (LW 24, -1 Change )
26. Indianapolis Colts (1-2 -7.33 PWR) How will they play the Packers? 2-2 would look much better then 1-3. I personally believe they will lose to the Pack but a win is always possible. (LW 25, -1 Change )
27. Carolina Panthers (1-3 -7.25 PWR) If they do not beat Seattle this week they will fall to 1-4. Not something you want to happen. (LW 26, -1 Change )
28. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3 -12 PWR) Tough game against Baltimore this week. The AFC West is a toss up. Can Kansas City win and keep hope? (LW 27, -1 Change )
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3 -8.75 PWR) Tough game against Chicago this week. Will the Jags sneak a win? I don't think so. (LW 27, No Change ) (LW 28, -1 Change )
30. New Orleans Saints (0-4 -5 PWR) They are in shambles without Peyton. Brees is close to a record. The Saints are almost 0-5. Will they beat San Diego and get a win at home, or will they fall to 0-5? (LW 29, -1 Change )
31. Tennessee Titans (1-3 -17.5 PWR) The Titans are not doing well and I don't believe it will change soon. (LW 30, -1 Change )
32. Cleveland Browns (0-4 -6.25 PWR) Unless Richardson can have 200+ yard games, and Little can start holding on to balls, things look bleak. (LW 32, No Change )

Week 4 Power Rankings

 I assembled my PWR stat by examining the points for and points against NFL teams have put up compared to the average team. I combined that stat and win loss record to assemble my Power Rankings.

1.   Atlanta Falcons (3-0, 15.33 PWR) They score more, and give up less points then the average NFL team. They absolutely destroyed the Chargers. They beat the Broncos in a crazy Monday night game. Matt Ryan looks great, the offense is clicking.
2. Houston Texans (3-0 15.33 PWR) Another three and oh team. They are playing the Titans this week. Could very easily end the week at 4-0.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-0 9 PWR) Another undefeated team. Defense is amazing. They had big wins over the Patriots, and Eagles. Playing the Dolphins this week at home. Success could very well continue.
4. Baltimore Ravens (2-1 7.35 PWR) Won a tight game against the Patriots. Joe Flacco is looking good. The defense is proving that age is wisdom. They should beat the Browns this week.
5. Chicago Bears (2-1 8 PWR) Their defense has looked very strong. The game against Dallas this week will be very telling to how good the Bears truly are. One of their wins is against the Rams. The Rams.
6. San Francisco 49ers(2-1 1.66 PWR) The 49ers lost to the Vikings. If they lose again I this week I believe they may not be as dominant as people think. Their defense has performed impeccably. Can the offense perform at a good level and help them win games?
7. New York Giants (2-1 5.35 PWR) Could easily be 1-2. Fortunately Eli Manning is a super hero. He saved them against the Bucs and they look really good at times. Andre Brown has emerged as a serviceable running back. The NFC East is a toss up.
8. New England Patriots (1-2 1.02) They are below five hundred early in the season. This is not a usual occurrence for the Pats. They had an extremely close game against the Ravens, and the Cards. The offense appears to be clicking now. I do not think they will be below five hundred for long.
9. Green Bay Packers (1-2 -10.64) They were robbed against the Seahawks. The offense appeared to be clicking in the second half against Seattle. The Packers should return to their winning ways. The game against the Saints is a true measuring stick.
10. Seattle Seahawks (2-1 6 PWR) Weird game against Green Bay that they should have lost. Marshawn has looked good, the passing offense generally does not. It will be interesting to see how they play in the upcoming weeks. They play the Rams this week which is an extremely winnable game.
11. New York Jets (2-1 4.35 PWR) The offense has looked marginal. They have had a easy schedule so far. This weeks game against the 49ers is a real test for the Jets.
12. Buffalo Bills (2-1 2.66 PWR) Another team with an easy road thus far. Wins against both the Chiefs and Browns, and a loss to the Jets. If they beat the Patriots and move to 3-1 they will truly show they are a team to be reckoned with.
13. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1 -5.66 PWR) The Bengals lost to the Ravens in week one then won two straight games. They have not beat an exceptional team yet (Redskins and Browns) but appear to be clicking offensively. A.J Green had 9 catches last game for 183 yards and a touchdown.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1 -9.79 PWR) They have turned the ball over ALOT. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top when they play the Giants. It is a big week for the Eagles.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers  (1-2 0.66 PWR) They lost to the Broncos, and a nail biter against the Raiders. Big Ben has looked good throwing the ball. James Harrison has not played and Troy Polamalu was out last week. This bye week may help them get some rest and be ready for week 5.
16. Minnesota Vikings (2-1 -4.64 PWR) Huge win last week against the 49ers. Peterson has been running very well. Christian Ponder looked dynamic last week. If they beat the Lions this week it will be a huge boost to the team.
17. Dallas Cowboys (2-1 -13.97 PWR) They been extremely inconsistent. They looked great against the Giants in week one, then bad against the Seahawks and Bucs. How they fare against the Bears will say a lot.
18. San Diego Chargers (2-1 -9.64 PWR) An inconsistent team. They beat the Raiders and Titans but were trounced by the Falcons. Will they beat the Chiefs this week?
19. Denver Broncos (1-2 0 PWR) Manning and the Broncos have looked great. The problem is they start to click in the second half. Their division is definitely winnable. They need to start stringing some wins together ASAP.
20. Oakland Raiders (1-2 -9 PWR) Oakland had a big win against the Steelers. Darren McFadden looked amazing and had a huge run for a touchdown. They have a big divisional game against the Broncos this weekend.
21. Washington Redskins (1-2 -0.66 PWR) RG3 has looked good. The game against the Bucs will be interesting. I always wonder if Griffin can stay healthy. He takes a lot of hits.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-2 -3.97 PWR) Bush has looked amazing. Is Tannehil the quarterback the Dolphins can rely on?
23. Detroit Lions (1-2 -2.33 PWR) The Lions have had flashed of brilliance this year. Matt Stafford has generally not looked very good. They did have a tough game against the 49ers, however they lost to the Titans. They should not have even been in the game against the Titans, however Rob Bironas misssed several field goals giving them good field position.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2 -5.35 PWR) They beat the Panthers, were great offensively against the Giants, then went flat against the Cowboys. They need to have a consistent offense to consistently win.
25. Indianapolis Colts (1-2 -7.33 PWR) Bye week this week. Andrew Luck has looked decent. They have a big game against the Packers in week 5.
26. Carolina Panthers (1-2 -9 PWR) What happened Cam? The Panthers need a win against the mighty Falcons to try to steer the ship in the right direction.
27. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2 -10.33 PWR) Charles exploded last week rushing for over two hundred yards. Can he repeat this type of performance more frequently?
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2 -7.33 PWR) MJD looked great last week. Will Gabbert be the quarterback they need him to be?
29. New Orleans Saints (0-3 -6.33 PWR) They are in shambles without Peyton. If they can beat the Packers this week it will be a gigantic boost to the team.
30. Tennessee Titans (1-2 -15.33 PWR) They have not looked great. Chris Johnson has not done to much. Lots of defensive problems.
31. St. Louis Rams (1-2 -6 PWR) They did not look good against the Bears. They did beat the Redskins in week two. Their first two games were close. How will they fare down the road?
32. Cleveland Browns (0-3 -6 PWR) The Browns play the Ravens tonight. They hope to not drop to 0-4, however I feel that is not very likely.

Please Don't Tarnish The Best Sport In The World

I am a Canadian. Yet I am different then many in my country. I prefer football to hockey. Part of the reason is I believe football is officiated more legitimately. My ultimate irritation with hockey is when they completely abandon the rule book during the playoffs. The brand of hockey that gets you to the playoffs is not always efficient in the playoffs. The “make up call” is a real element in hockey. I do enjoy watching hockey and I cheer for my hometown Senators. But it pales in comparison to my love of football.

I watched games all Sunday and I watched the Monday nighter. I have done this for all three weeks of football save two Monday night games when I worked. Never have I seen so many scrums after the whistle (something that is constant and irritating in hockey), more questionable penalties, more inconsistency, and more confusing moments then I have this year in the NFL.

The tip of the iceberg has been reached. The Seattle Seahawks got away with injustice tonight. The Sydney Rice push off that was called as defensive pass interference was excusable. Yes it allowed the Seahawks drive to continue, yes it allowed them to gain over 30 yards, and yes it was a bad call. However defensive holding and pass interference was botched and questionable all game. The tip of the iceberg was the final play of the game. Golden Tate pushed off the defender. Okay we can let that slide. There are seldom calls on jump balls at the end of the game. The ball was then caught by Jennings. He fell to the ground and landed on his back with the ball. On the way down Tate grabs on but his hand comes off. The referees gave a touchdown to Tate. The play was reviewed and after all the evidence pointing to it being an interception the referees gave the touchdown to the Seahawks. John Gruden was livid in the booth. Players are responding negatively via twitter. Analysts across the television media are upset. Fans are upset. My friend I watched the game with was shocked and horrified as was I. I have seen many horrible calls this year. I saw the Cardinals almost lose a game due to an extra timeout being given to the Seahawks without a clock runoff. I have seen so much questionable officiating.

You can usually be content with a bad call. People make mistakes, bad things happen. However now it is not the same. The referees are completely altering the outcome of the games. They are taking the game out of the players hands. The Seattle Seahawks one a game tonight due to the Zebras, the black and white clad officials. It is a shame for that the Green Bay Packers had to suffer this injustice. Every team plays 16 games. One game in football often means the difference between higher playoff seating, or a wild card berth. It is a complete travesty. My friend often used to tell me how NFL officials had to be so intelligent. How the rules were so complicated, how many of them had high level or intellectual jobs when not refereeing. Maybe the normal refs had those standards I am not sure about the replacements. Maybe they are doing their best. I have no ill feelings towards these replacements. But something must be done. These refs are ruining the best game in the world. Football is probably the most complicated high level sport in the world. It somehow always managed to have the best officiating in the world. Please, Roger Godel, the NFL, don't allow this tarnishing of the best game in the world to continue.

Travis

Week 3 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 1-2

145.07-151.47

I had picked up William Moore and Ed Reed off the wire. They combined for 20 points which I was extremely happy with. Chad Greenway had 10 tackles, 3 tackle assists, 2 sacks, and 1 tackle for loss. My defense totaled 51.5 points. My opponents defense totaled 35.5 points. Gostkowski gave me 12 points while Matt Bryant gave my opponent 3 points. My kicking and defense gave me 25 more points then my opponent. His offense had a great day.

Matt Stafford 20.32

Calvin Johnson 24.40

Antonio Brown 13.80

Mike Wallace 18.40

Darren Sproles 12.65

Donald Brown 10.10

Martellus Bennent 13.30

I could have won the game, unfortunately an Aaron Rodgers passing touchdown did not count. Neither Lynch nor Rodgers finished the game with many fantasy points and I lost my match up by a small margin. Aaron Rodger has disappointed me for the third week in a row. However he was sacked at least eight times and I will not give up on him yet. It was a high scoring match up against my opponent.

Aaron Rodgers 10.62

Andre Johnson 14.20

Wes Welker 16.20

Eric Decker 16.25

Marshawn Lynch 9.90

Michael Bush 13.30

Rob Gronkowski 2.10

It is extremely disappointing that I lost this match up. If Lynch or Rodgers could have put up a touchdown I would have won this game. I scored the 2^nd highest point total in my league. If I had played any other team in my league I would have won. Although some players under performed I am still happy with my team. I really hope I can win my game next week. I do not want to fall to 1-3, next weeks game is a must win.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-1

81.42-110.10

Many unfortunate things happened to me this week in my 12 team league. I started Tony Romo who underperformed and only put up 6.32 points. Joe Flacco sat on my bench and put up 26.58 points. I am considering starting Joe Flacco over Romo next week. I can't have my quarterback put under 10 fantasy points on the board and expect to win games. Julio Jones put up 12.70 points, and Eric Decker finally proved worth the pick amassing 13.60 points without scoring a touchdown. Darren McFadden busted out of his slump and put up 17.50 points. Reggie Bush had 6.20 before going down right before halftime with an injury. Apparently the injury is not serious which is good going down the road. Gostkowski had 13 points, he puts up solid numbers every week. Rob Gronkowski did not put up much, only 2.10 points. That was disappointing but I don't believe will be a new trend. I played Kevin Smith in my flex. Everyone was reporting he was still the starter in Detroit, unfortunately it does not appear that way. Leshoure seems to have taken over the starting job. That really hurt me. My opponent had Andre Brown in the flex, he put up over 20 points. I had a guy who did not touch the ball once. I am trying to pick up Arizona's defense and Tashard Choice off waivers. C.J. Spiller is injured, as is Fred Jackson, it is worth taking a shot on Choice. There are almost no quality running backs available in free agency, hopefully I can land Choice. I wanted Arizona defense weeks ago but did not pull the trigger at the time. I am hoping that I can land Choice and Arizona off the wire. My opponent had 25 points from Andre Brown and 23 from Chicago's defense. This game has given me a lot of information on what I may need to do to win games from here on. I sit at 2-1 which is still great, however I don't want to lose many games as not many teams make the playoffs.

Week 4 Match Up

I hope to come back strong in both leagues and pick up wins. Starting Romo or Flacco could be a key decision and I hope Aaron Rodgers puts up the numbers that I hoped he would. The numbers from the past that inspired me take him early in the draft.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 1-2 151.45

My Opponent 2-1 125.28

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-1 108.20

My Opponent 2-1 94.59

Go Cards Go!

It is a great time to be an Arizona Cardinals fan! I had been telling my friends before the season to not count them out. Each weekend of this season I have worn my black Fitzgerald jerseys and tuned in to see what would happen. I witnessed the refs almost cost them the game against the Seahawks by granting Pete Carroll a phantom time out. I watched the nail biter against the Patriots in Week 2. Yesterday I watched them completely dominate the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cards have won 10 of their last 12 dating back to last season. I had many reasons to place some level of faith in the Cardinals besides the fact they are my favorite team. I feel that they are a team often over looked by many NFL fans so my fanship might have actually helped me observe these facts.

Going into Week 9 of the 2011 season the Cardinals were 1-6. They ended up going 7-2 over the remaining games of the season and finished at 8-8. The Cardinals had a remarkable turn around last year. If they had not done so terrible early in the season they most likely would have been in the playoffs. The Giants made it in a 9-7. If the Cards had won 2 more games maybe they would have made it. It is pointless to look back and speculate but there is a point in at least looking back and gaining information. In their stretch of wins in 2011 the Cardinals defeated great teams like the 49ers and good teams like the Cowboys and Eagles.

It is not easy to go from 1-6 to finishing the year at 8-8. It clearly took sometime for the Cardinals to click and get things going. This year no time needs to be spent on such matters. Kolb and Skelton have looked good, and Kolb leaped a hurdle last game by targetting Fitzgerald. The lack of throws to Larry was one of the main criticism of Kolb by the experts. I also liked when LaRod Stephens-Howling scored a goal line touchdown against the Seahawks. I may be mistaken, but I believe the Seahawks thought the Cards would be passing but they gave LaRod the ball and he punched it in. That is effective play calling. Teams are more likely to expect a run from Williams or Wells, not Stephens howling. Deception. I like it.

The defense is playing impeccably. The Cardinals have only given up two touchdowns. They have not been playing soft teams either. They have only given up two touchdowns over three games and they played New England and Philadelphia! That is quite the feat. The week 4 match up against the Dolphins should be extremely interesting. Here is hoping the Cards pull out another win!

Week 2 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

I split my games this week. I was destroyed in my 10 person league, I won in my 12 person league. The review is written down below. It was a very bizarre week. Many quarterbacks underperformed, as did numerous high profile Wide Receivers. I am hoping that Aaron Rodgers performs better next week and can really be an asset to my team.

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 1-1

108.71-173.14

Aaron Rodgers really hurt me this week. He only put up 12 points, compared to his expected 28. Andre Johnson only had 2 points as the Texans just ran all over Jacksonville. I ran into a team on what I believe will be their best week of the season. C.J Spiller and Hakeem Nicks both put up 30 points for my opponents. Jay Cutler only had 4 points for my opponent, and he was still able to put up 173.14. Everyone on his team over performed save for some defensive players. The Patriots were defeated by the Cardinals, their lackluster offense hurt in limiting my players; Gronkowski, Welker, and Ridley. I have Stephen Gostkowski in both of my leagues, that was the only silver lining.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-0

95.04-78.04

Tony Romo underperformed for me, luckily Peyton Manning underperformed for my opponent. Julio Jones, Eric Decker, and Darren McFadden all underperformed for me. Fortunately Reggie Bush put up 31 points, Rob Gronkowski 13, and Gostkowski 17. Andre Johnson was on my opponents team and his blanking of the board, along with Peyton Mannings meager fantasy performance could have ultimately changed the game if things had worked out differently.

Week 3 Match Up

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 1-1 140.03

My Opponent 1-1 138.47

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-0 106.53

My Opponent 1-1 93.23

Don't Panic! Fantasy Football!

Did you play Wes Welker week one? I did. He did not produce many points. Brandon Marshall was practically shut out this week against the Packers. Players are not always going to have big weeks. It is important to have many point producing options on your team. I have Rob Gronkowski, I believe he will be a fairly consistent producer. Your team should never hinge around one players success.  I truly believe Fantasy Football is about having players put up average numbers. You want your players to simply not put up zeroes on the board. Players having huge weeks is simply icing on the cake.  Don't panic. I am playing Wes Welker this week. If he does not produce again maybe I will reconsider. I have faith he will produce. I am not going to play Titus Young or Denarius Moore (my WR back ups) over Welker off a poor week one. It is still early in the year. Do not give up on the players you drafted to be starters. At least not yet.

Waiver Pick Up Week 2

Here are some players I believe can help any team who picks them up. These are players who are not owned by 90 percent of leagues or higher on Yahoo.


Stevan Ridley RB New England Patriots
If is he is available in your ague pick him up. He is the premier back on the New England Patriots. Many pundits predict the Patriots to do well, I believe the Patriots will do well, the Patriots do well every year. If you have the ability to sign Ridley do it. He put up 20+ points for me in Week 1. He was the best pick up I made. A great addition to me team. If he is available pick him up. The Patriots will win several games this year, and this guy is an asset to your team.

Kevin Smith RB Detroit Lions
If he is available pick him up. He is similiar to Stevan Ridley. He is the running back in an over powered offense. He is bound to put up fantasy points this year. Unless his back ups overtake his role in the running game, he will produce fantasy points this year.


Michael Bush RB Chicago Bears
Seems to put in Matt Forte's touchdowns. He is the clear goal line option for the Chicago Bears. He is a good player in flex leagues.  If he is available pick him up. He is at the minimum a good gamble on the bye week.

Lance Moore WR New Orleans Saints
Plays with the pass happy Drew Brees. The Saints always pass. He is probably available, and will certainly fill a bye week role on your team.

Dennis Pita TE Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are passing alot now. Do you  trust Joe Flacco? If your TE is junk give Pita a try. Who knows what will happen? I certainly don't know. Here is to hoping he has a good year. Just don't start him over a guy like Hernandez or Gronk. That would be foolish.

Week 1 Fantasy Thoughts/Review

It is great to once again be watching football! I watched many amazing moments this week. I saw Kevin Kolb step up when John Skelton was injured, Peyton Manning return to his old form, Tony Romo out performing Eli Manning, the list goes on and on. Week 1 was great from a fans perspective. I enjoyed every game I watched. But this post is not about replacement officials, bad calls, the NFC West, long beards or anything of the sort! It is about my fantasy teams! Here is my week one review.

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 1-0

145.92-129.07

During the week I read about Issac Redman most likely not receiving a large amount of carries. I decided to pick up a running back from the waiver wire. Stevan Ridley was available. I picked him and he made a huge difference. I banked on the Patriots beating the Titans and they certainly did. Ridley put up an impressive 22.20 fantasy points. Eric Decker only produced 5.40, Welker 1.40, and Jared Allen put up 0.50. Fortunately the rest of my team all met their predicted points or exceeded them. Andre Johnson had a solid game with 18.90 points, and Aaron Rodgers had 28.92 points. I was happy to start off the season with a win in this league. Ridley was definitely a key pick up for me.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 1-0

117.08-75.72

Six out of my nine players exceeded their predicted points. Tony Romo had an excellent week, as did Julio Jones. I played Kevin Smith in my flex spot, and he put up great numbers for me. He put up 21 points. Rob Gronkowski also put up a nice 12 points. I beat my opponent by the largest margin of the week. The only under performers on my team were Buffalo's defense and Eric Decker.

I am 1-0 in both of my leagues. I am very happy with this. I have a pretty tough match up for Week 2 in my 12 man league. My opponent has Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Peyton Manning, and Andre Johnson. Winning the game will really hinge upon Darren McFadden, Reggie Bush, Julio Jones, and Tony Romo. Those big four have to put up similar big numbers or exceed those of his big four. I am torn of whether to play Lance Moore or Kevin Smith in my flex. I know San Francisco has a tough defense, but I believe Kevin Smith still has the chance to put up 10 points or more . Fantasy football is not always about having a huge week. Obviously it is ideal to have a huge week, however I find it is advantageous to make sure you have guys who are going to consistently put up average points.  You want players who will exceed some weeks, but meet all weeks.

Week 2 Match Up

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 1-0 151.91

My Opponent 0-1 137.45

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 1-0 109.30

My Opponent 1-0 105.90

Fantasy Football 2012: Twelve Person League Flex Draft

I recently drafted in a 12 team league. The draft format was online. My team is listed below:

QB: Tony Romo

RB:Darren McFadden, Reggie Bush

WR: Julio Jones, Eric Decker

TE: Rob Gronkowski

RB/WR: Kevin Smith

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski

Defense: Buffalo

Bench: Rashad Jennings, Joe Flacco, Lance Moore, Laurent Robinson, Coby Fleener

My team won the Yahoo medal for having the best draft. I am currently predicted to go 13-1. Aside from how the season plays out I am extremely happy with my draft. I drafted using the program from MaxPPG. http://www.maxppg.com The program allowed me to quickly enter drafted players. Using the programs formula, players are listed by predicted points per game. The program also suggests who to draft. The league I drafted in offers 4 points for a passing TD, and minuses 1 for an interception. This is different then my other league. This does not make QB's as overpowered as they are in some leagues. I made a key decision in this draft that I believe allowed me to draft as powerful of a team  as I drafted. I had the 8^th pick in the draft.

 With my first pick I took Darren McFadden. My second pick was Rob Gronkowski. My key picks came in the second, third and fourth round, I will outline those below by explaining the situations in each round round.

First Round

1. Arian Foster
2. Aaron Rodgers
3. Ray Rice
4. Lesean McCoy
5. Calvin Johnson
6. Tom Brady
7. Drew Brees
8. Darren McFadden
9. Cam Newton
10. Chris Johnson
11. Matt Forte

With my first pick I drafted Darren McFadden. I felt like he was the best runningback on the board when I picked 8^th. He is a key player on the Raiders, they are definitely going to give him many touches this year. I would have considered taking Rodgers or Brady, however they were both drafted. By the end of the first round the players taken are as follows:

• 4 Quarterbacks
• 6 Runningbacks
• 1 Wide Receiver

Second Round

1. Larry Fitzgerald
2. DeMarco Murray
3. Trent Richardson
4. Ryan Mathews
5. Rob Gronkowski
6. Jimmy Graham
7. Marshawn Lynch
8. Jamal Charles
9. Matthew Stafford
10. Adrian Peterson
11. Hakeem Nicks
12. Steven Jackson

I thought about taking Matt Stafford or another runningback. I then determined that Rob Gronkowski would be the most beneficial pick. MaxPPG reaffirmed my theory. Rob Gronkowski produces points that are the most difficult to duplicate. The difference between Matt Stafford and Tony Romo is not as drastic as the point difference between Rob Gronkowski and the other Tight Ends. Gronk is truly a remarkable point producer.

• Quarterbacks 1
• Runningbacks 7
• Wide Receivers 2
• Tight End 2

Total Drafted

• Quarterbacks 5
• Runningbacks 13
• Wide Receivers 3
• Tight Ends 2

Third Round

1. Michael Vick
2. Fred Jackson
3. Andre Johnson
4. A.J. Green
5. Victor Cruz
6. Brandon Marshall
7. Roddy White
8. Julio Jones
9. Wes Welker
10. Greg Jennings
11. Jordy Nelson
12. Michael Turner

By the time I picked 14 runningbacks had been drafted. I did not feel like any of the remaining runningbacks warranted a draft pick in the round. Six quarterbacks were drafted before I picked. I examined the point differences between the remaining QB's. The difference between drafting Eli Manning versus Tony Romo was not significant. Therefore I chose to draft Julio Jones. Some predict him to have a great year, and I was happy to draft him as my first wide receiver.

• Quarterbacks 1
• Runningbacks 2
• Wide Receivers 9

Total Drafted

• Quarterbacks 6
• Runningbacks 15
• Wide Receivers 12
• Tight Ends 2

Fourth Round

1. Eli Manning
2. Matt Ryan
3. Mike Wallace
4. Percy Harvin
5. Reggie Bush
6. Doug Martin
7. Vincent Jackson
8. Jeremy Maclin
9. Darren Sproles
10. Steve Smith
11. Ahmad Bradshaw
12. Antonio Brown

At this point in the draft I selected Reggie Bush. At this point 15 runningbacks had been drafted. It was important to me to grab my 2^nd runningback. I could have drafted another receiver or selected a quarterback. However wide receivers have incredible fantasy depth, and I could still wait on a quarterback as the people who already drafted a quarterback would not pick from the ones left over. Reggie Bush gives me a solid second runningback option.

• Quarterbacks 2
• Runningbacks 4
• Wide Receivers 6

Total Drafted

• Quarterbacks 8
• Runningbacks 19
• Wide Receivers 18
• Tight Ends 2

These first few rounds or drafting were key. They gave me the foundation for my fantasy team. I was able to grab a good quarterback, and a solid second wide receiver in the latter rounds. I will display my remaining picks below.

Round 5 Tony Romo

Round 6 Eric Decker

Round 7 Kevin Smith

Round 8 Stephen Gostkowski

Round 9 Buffalo Defense

Round 10 Rashad Jennings

Round 11 Joe Flacco

Round 12 Lance Moore

Round 13 Laurent Robinson

Round 14 Coby Fleener

By considering value, using my own draft strategy, as well as Max PPG, I was able to make good decisions. I believe I drafted my first few rounds magnificently. I was able to build a solid team, and am projected to have the best record in both of the leagues I drafted in. I believe it is very important to consider who other people may draft, and to have several ideas on who you make pick if your first priority player is taken. I have enjoyed writing about my draft strategies this year, and hope those who read them could glean some useful information, or at least enjoyed them Hopefully I have success in both of my leagues. Romo had a great game on Wednesday, hopefully the rest of my players can perform on Sunday. Good luck to everyone this year, it should be a great season of football!