GFFL WILDCARD PREVIEW

It's that time of year again, the playoffs are back! Who will capture the elusive GFFL Bowl Championship this year?

First let's meet the contenders...

#1 Instant Classics 11-3 - (GFFL Bowl VII Champion)
(6th playoff appearance in 7 seasons), (4-4 playoff record) 

While there has been a lot of controversy over how Christian constructed his super team (everyone would have taken the trades if they had a chance but still everyone loves to have a villain) bottom line is he has a super team. The nucleus of (Peyton, Forte, Murray, Lynch, AJG, A.Brown) looks more like a 2014 fantasy all star team than a team someone would actually have.

Bottom line is the Classics are without a doubt the heavy favorite...and are also without a doubt the team everyone doesn't want to see win it.


#2 Houston Oilers 11-3 - (GFFL Bowl VI Champion)
(GFFL Bowl I and VII Runner Up)
(5th playoff appearance in 10 seasons), (5-3 playoff record)

The Oilers got to this point mostly on the backs of their fantastic wide receiver trio DT, Dez, and Julio combined with their super star tight end Jimmy. Fast forward to now and none of those four studs currently reside on the squad, all having been dealt at trade deadline in an attempt to solve his running back woes.

Dylan now boasts a way more balanced team with no studs aside from Luck. While some would argue his team isn't as good as it once was, he is still just one win away from what would be a record 4th GFFL Bowl appearance.

#3 East Coast Pirates 9-5 - (GFFL Bowl VIII and IX Champion)
(4th playoff appearance in 5 seasons), (6-1 playoff record) 

A team that needs no introduction (they do enough talking for themselves), if the Classics are the most hated this season then the Pirates are a strong runner up. After winning the past two GFFL Bowls in a row, a lot of people doubted the Pirates would even make it back to the playoffs after seeing their post draft roster. However once again after wheeling and dealing and hitting big on some players (Ingram, Cobb, and ODB) the Pirates are right back in the mix.

People do not want to see this team become the first ever 3 peat champion, but they have the match ups and if they can get past the Rayz they may even be favored in the divisional round against the Oilers to get back to the bowl.

#4 NC Panthers 8-6 - (GFFL Bowl II Runner Up)
(6th playoff appearance in 9 seasons), (2-5 playoff record)

Mike and the Panthers made the GFFL Bowl in their very first season in the league, who would have ever thought eight years later he's still waiting to make a trip back. Could 2014 finally be the second chance they've been waiting for? They feature a line up that has a hole or two in it, but they do boast enough fire power with (Rodgers/Foster/Nelson) to have a chance.

While the Panthers are not a heavy favorite (there's really only one heavy favorite this year), they are definitely among the 2nd tier of contenders. They have the kind of roster/players that should they get hot this could be a magical season for the league's oldest owner.


#5 Nutrients 8-6 - (NO GFFL Bowl Appearances)
(2nd playoff appearance in 7 seasons), (0-1 playoff record)

Sitting at 4-6 after week 10, it looked like yet another lost season for the Nuts, who hadn't seen the postseason since their 2007 season as the Titans. Since that week they have caught fire, closing out the season on a four game win streak and salvaging their season. The Gianormous hole at flex and that stiff guy at tight end really hurt, but the Lacy/Crow combo is solid and the Hilton/Gordon combo is capable of going bananas any given week.

If you were going to pick the underdog of the playoff group, the Nutrients would be the pick without question. However as it's been proven time and time again anything can happen in the playoffs and Jonny is a big time underdog in life and that's never stopped him.


#6 Rayz 8-6 - (GFFL Bowl V and VIII Runner Ups) 
(4th playoff appearance in 7 seasons), (2-3 playoff record)

As Evans started hitting his peak, so did the Rayz. Laughed at and made fun of for the large majority of the year due to his Cobb-Evans deal, Taylor Ray is in position to possibly get the last laugh. Charles, Joique, Mega, Evans, Gronk is a championship core...if Tray can figure out some kind of band-aid at the flex and QB spots.

The Rayz have disappointed/choked in the playoffs with better teams than this, but this squad has the potential to upset a lot of teams and perhaps finally get Tray his first ever trophy ever ever.

Interesting Playoff Facts That Might Mean Something but Probably Mean Nothing

- The Pirates are one of only three franchises to ever repeat as champion (U.Gators/C.Falcons are the other two)

- No team has ever 3-peated in the GFFL, although the U.Gators came close losing GFFL Bowl III after winning I and II. 

- The Pirates and Classics are both making their 4th consecutive postseason trip, two trips shy of tying the U.Gators record of 6 consecutive playoff appearances (2005-2010). 

- The Nutrients set the longest drought between playoff appearances, going 5 years between postseason appearances (2007 to present (excluding 2008)). Surpassing the Kings/Phinz/Oilers previous mark of four years. 

- Through 9 GFFL Bowls there have been 7 different GFFL Bowl Champions

- The 1, 2, and 3 seeds in this year's postseason field have all won GFFL Bowls, this is the first time in history that's happened. 

- No #6 seed has ever won the GFFL Bowl or even made the GFFL Bowl, in fact only one six seed has ever even won a playoff game and they have a combined (1-7) record in the postseason. (Good luck Rayz)

- A #1 seed hasn't won the title in 8 years (since GFFL Bowl I) and actually have a mediocre 4-5 record in the Divisional round. (Good luck Classics)

- 4 and 5 seeded wildcard teams have won 4 out of 9 GFFL Bowls, including the last two championships. 

- A 4 or 5 seeded wildcard team has been in 6 out of 9 GFFL Bowls, including the last five championship games. 

- #2 seeds have won 3 out of 9 GFFL Bowls and have a 5-4 record in the Divisional Round. 

- #3 seeds are 6-1 all time in the Wildcard Round (Good news for the Pirates)

- #3 seeds have won 2 out of 9 GFFL Bowls and have a 3-5 record in the Divisional Round. 

- #4 seeds are 4-3 in the Wildcard Round. 

- #4 seeds have won 2 out of 9 GFFL Bowls and have a 4-2 record in the Divisional Round. 

- #5 seeds have won 1 out of 7 GFFL Bowls (no 5 seed until 2007)

- Nutrients have never won a playoff game. 

- No team with double digit wins has won the GFFL Bowl since GFFL Bowl I (Sorry Classics and Oilers). 

- Double digit win teams have a 6-12 playoff record (Sorry Classics and Oilers). 

WILDCARD PREDICTIONS

6. Rayz 8-6 AT 3. Pirates 9-5

In a rematch of their Week 14 contest, these two division rivals are pitted against each other for a third time after splitting their season series. This game is a tough one to call, as both have an ample amount of star power (Brees/Beckham/Cobb/Graham) VS (Charles/Mega/Evans/Gronk). It pits arguably the two best rookies from the 2014 rookie class (heck probably even three best if you count Watkins), while also pitting the top 2 tight ends against each other. Either of these teams have a good shot at winning it all if they can just get past this round. 

Both squads feature either a weak HB2 or weak flex, Tray has the edge at halfback while Vogler has the edge at quarterback. This is going to be one heck of a game that will obviously come down all the way to the Monday Night Saints-Bears game. I'm going to have to take the two time defending champion Pirates based on the match ups 107-99. 

5. Nutrients 8-6 AT 4. Panthers 8-6

These two pals are matched up, both desperately craving a postseason victory. The Nutrients have never tasted a playoff win, while the Panthers haven't experienced it since 2007 (a game that was coincidentally against Jonny's Titans). This game will be very interesting with the Nuts being decent sized underdogs due to their flex and TE issues. These two teams despite having some solid pieces are for whatever reason not getting a lot of buzz as championship contenders...a big wildcard win could change all that.

The Nuts do catch a huge break with Rodgers and Nelson facing off against a stingy Buffalo pass D that just got done holding Peyton and DT in check. I also think Crow and Gordon could have big time days with Manziel under center. Nutrients take this 101-100

Rest of Playoff Bracket Predictions (With very short write ups)

5. Nutrients Over 1. Classics

In what would be one of the most hyped playoff games of all time, I will believe in miracles (and bad week 16 match ups for Peyton, Forte, and Lynch). 

3. Pirates Over 2. Oilers

In what would also be one of the most hyped playoff games of all time, history has a way of repeating (three-peating?) itself. 

GFFL BOWL X

3. Pirates Over 5. Nutrients

Good vs Evil, an amazing story line no matter the outcome, it's not the result the league wants but it may be the one we deserve?

Week 10 Review/Week 11/ROS Preview

Week 10: Top 5 Story Lines

1. What a comeback!? The NC Panthers got the win over division rival Rayz and saved their season thanks to a 63 point outburst from Rodgers and Nelson! These Panthers have had a rough go of it at times, but the Rodgers-Foster-Nelson trio provides hope for a playoff berth.

2. Classics OWN the Nutrients. Normally this is a fun competitive little rivalry...not this year. Fans were heard screaming in horror "Stop, stop...he's already dead!" as the Classics stomped the Nutrients in the 2nd week of a back to back.

3. Houston Oilers continue to rack up wins thanks to their receiver trio. Now sitting at 8-2 and hoping Houston Oilers #1 is more than a catchy fight song.

4. The Long Island Blazers had a comeback win for the ages riding Eagles D and Greg Olsen to their 5th W of the season.

5. On the other end of the spectrum the High Point Little Giants just barely managed to hang on to advance to 5-4-1 in spite of the Panthers D and their -6 performance.

Playoff Picture

1. Houston Oilers (8-2) - With the Blazers, Gators, and back to back Fore the Belt games coming up this team could very well finish 12-2 and are seemingly a lock for that #1 seed. Question is can their team lacking a stud halfback get it done when it matters most?

2. Classics (7-3) - Another team that should theoretically win out and arguably the best team in the league. Peyton/Forte/Lynch/Gore/AJG/A.Brown...only glaring weakness is that tight end slot.

3. East Coast Pirates (7-3) - This team is that under the radar team everyone was doubting coming in, but so far Vogler has proved us all wrong. He may not have the Dallas Cowboy stars we're accustomed to seeing from his past two title teams, but this team is far more balanced and may somehow be even better. They lack big names other than Brees and Cobb but somehow consistently deliver thanks to his rookie receivers and overachieving backs. I don't think this team will be able to secure a 1st round bye but I do know they'll be dancing for what will be the fourth consecutive season.

4. High Point Little Giants (5-4-1) - The Little G-Men have had an up and down first season in the GFFL as they learn the ropes, but here through 10 weeks they are holding on to the first wildcard spot. A playoff appearance in their first year as a franchise would be considered a huge victory for them.

5. NC Panthers (5-5) - Possibly one of the most dangerous teams and an overlooked title contender. It wasn't but a week or two ago that people were encouraging the Panthers to sell off Foster for picks, now look at them.

6. Long Island Blazers (5-5) - Tylers my buddy so I'm gonna say this as politely as possible...he's about to have his playoff hopes smashed. With the Oilers and Classics back to back on the docket this team should be 5-7 two weeks from now with only a hailmary shot at being in the postseason.

7. Rayz (5-5) - If there are two teams you don't want to run into wildcard weekend it's the aforementioned Panthers and Taylor Ray's Rayz. With Mike Evans finally coming into his own and surrounded by Charles/Mega/Gronk this team can play with anybody. I am going on record now and saying they take a loss this week to the Gators though, but still find a way into the playoffs.

8.  Gators (4-4-2) - When you have one tie it can be an advantage, when you have two ties people wonder what is wrong with you. That has nothing to do with anything, bottom line is the Gators are a team of the future everyone knows it, but thanks to Andrew Luck they actually have a slight chance to make it this year. 

9. Nutrients (4-6) - What the heck happened. At one point this team was 4-1 and at the head of the table, now their begging for scraps like some old forgotten dog. Well the crazy thing is this team really does still have a chance. They're getting Gordon back and if they made a trade for a decent tailback whose name wasn't an urban dance sensation (sankey leg) then they could theoretically win out with DK, Fore the Belt, L-GMen, L-GMen left on the schedule. Just food for thought. 


The rest of you, you're out see you in 2015.

Week 9 Write Up

Top 3 Most Unlucky Teams So Far:

1. Instant Classics-
Christian's average margin of loss this season is 6.667 points (throughout 3 losses)(next closest to that number is Oilers- 16 pts).  In those 3 losses Christians TE/Defense/Kicker combo has a combine points average of 10.  In all 3 of his losses Christian's back up TE would have put up enough points to give him the Win.  In every game this year Christian has had a 50/50 choice at who to start at TE and has only gotten it right 2 out of 7 times (one game one TE was injured).

2. Carolina Copperheads-
2 words.. Adrian Peterson. Adam's first pick in the start up draft has proven to be next to worthless this year and for the foreseeable future. Also here is a fun number Adam has a total of -2 points from his starting defenses this year.

3. Dream Killers-Injuries every where.  Miles cannot keep a healthy RB on his roster.  Miles also has the 2nd most points against him this season.

*Honorable Mentioned- NC Panthers for having most points scored against them.*

3 Potentially Beneficial Trades For Both Teams:These are based off my opinions and values, obviously an owner may value a player more than what I do but the following trades are fair in my opinion

DEADLINE: November 19th 12PM

Little Giants deal HB Marshawn Lynch/WR Colston/1st
to
EC Pirates for WR Randall Cobb
Little Giants need a WR1 on their squad and Cobb has been placed on the block by Pirates multiple times.  Beastmode would help Pirates not have to rely on Bradshaw/Vereen any longer even though it has been working out for them.  LG has good enough RB depth to make this deal and ECP has good enough WR depth.

Rayz send HB Terrance West
to
Long Island Blazers for WR Roddy White/3rd
This one is kind of boring but I am running out of ideas.. Rayz need another good WR if they are actually competing this year. Blazers can afford to give Roddy up.  This trade is based a lot off of how each owner values HB Terrance West.


Dream Killers send HB LeSean McCoy/ WR Garcon
to
NC Panthers for HB Gio Bernard/1st/2nd/2nd(2016)
Time for Dream Killers to throw in the towel on this season and get a little younger. Panthers need to trade picks to make playoff push.

Week 9 Matchups/Predictions

Houston Oilers (7-1) vs The Rayz (4-4)
Both teams facing a little bye week trouble makes for a pretty even match up.  Rayz will need to gain the advantage at QB and RB1 while the Oilers hope to hold off the Rayz with their WRs.  Also keep an eye on the showdown of the Top 2 Tight Ends.
Oilers 94-85
Key Player: Oilers WR Dez Bryant

Blazers (4-4) vs Gators (3-3-2)
As always the Gators are looking like the underdog but you never know when they will claim their next victim.  Blazers look like the favorite but don't look like they will put up an outrageous amount of points so this one could be close.
Tie 77-77
Blazers 84-72
Key Player: Blazers RB Ben Tate


Classics (5-3) vs Nutrients (4-4)
RIVALRY. Bummer for the Nutrients dealing with Bye Week Hell (Lacy, Alshon, Sankey, Wright).  It will be tough for the Nutrients to keep up in this one rolling out a very lackluster lineup. Luckily for the Nutz QB Russell Wilson is playing Oakland and Classic HB Matt Forte is also on a BYE.  Unlucky for the however, AJ Green will be returning.
Classics 93-85
Key Player: Classics WR AJ Green

NC Panthers (4-4) vs FtB (2-6) 
Panthers looking to keep a 3 game winning streak going while FtB is looking to snap a 4 game losing streak.  FtB will need another big game out of Big Ben and KB to make up for disadvantage at RB/TE.  Panthers need to find a QB to fill in to keep this one under control.
Panthers 97-80
Key Player: Panthers TE Julius Thomas

Dream Killers (2-6) vs Little Giants (4-4)
Miles looking to snap a horrible 4 game losing streak and start climbing back up the division.  However, Little Giants trying to get in the mix with the front runners.  This game will decide a lot about each teams future this season.  This one should be close as Miles has the WR advantage but Dan has the RB advantage. Keep an eye on this game!
Little Giants 101-98
Key Player: Giants RB Marshawn Lynch


East Coast Pirates (6-2) vs Copperheads (2-6)
If I was feeling frisky this would be my upset pick of the week.  I like Adam's match ups facing a watered down (due to BYE weeks) Pirates team.  Cannot go against the hot hand though.
Pirates 96-88
Key Player: Pirates QB Drew Brees


2013 Week 9 Same Matchups


Rayz vs Kings
This same time last year Taylor Ray and Dylan Gibson faced off. The Rayz smashed the Kings 139-87 on the back of a 7 touchdown performance by Nick Foles against the Raiders.

Copperheads vs Pirates
Last year in week 9 the Pirates squeaked out a win with their Brees/Gostkowski combo 68-57.  Same guys same result??

Nutrients vs Classics
Classics won this one last year 86-50 on the backs of 5 combined touchdowns and 59 combined points from CJ2k and T.Y.


Projected Playoff Bracket (if season ended now)

 1. Oilers
BYE

5. Panthers
4. Nutrients

6. Blazers
3. Classics

2. Pirates
BYE


Predicted Final Playoff Bracket

1. Oilers
BYE

5. Nutrients
4. Panthers

6. Rayz
3. Pirates

2. Classics
BYE

Power Rankings

     Team                          Record    Streak  Total Points
1. Houston Oilers            7-1         W4          765
2. EC Pirates                   6-2          W5         774
3. I.Classics                      5-3          L1          765
4. NC Panthers                4-4         W3         735
5. Nutrients                      4-4         L3          767
6. Blazers                          4-4         W3         690
7. Rayz                              4-4        W1          609
8. Lil Giants                     3-4-1      T1           658
9. Copperheads               2-5-1       L1          566
10. Dream Killers           2-6          L4           668
11. Gators                       3-3-2       T2           640
12. FtB                            2-6           L4           599

Midday Predictions/Power Rankings Write Up

Week 3 Game Predictions and Power Rankings

Another week in the books, another week of predictions.  Last week I predicted every game correctly so I am (6-0) on the season.  Let's see how I can do this week.

Houston Oilers (2-0) vs Carolina Copperheads (2-0)

Two of the last three undefeated teams will be facing off this week.  Adam's Copperheads will be without Peterson again, he will need for all of his WR's to have big games. I am taking the Oilers in this one.
Oilers 107- 87

East Coast Pirates (1-1) vs The Nutrients (1-1)

The Pirates have the upper hand at QB, TE, and Defense this week against the Nutrients but Jonny's Nutrients look to have the upper hand everywhere else.  Randall Cobb will need to lead this WR core for the Pirates to help make back some points from the RB difference. Should be close.

Nutrients 99-95

Unbeaten Gators (2-0) vs Dream Killers (1-1)

Wow, the Gators are undefeated.. Not looking good for them this week though. Gonna have to find some Running back production to hang with Miles in this one. 

Dream Killers 89-75

Instant Classics (1-1) vs The Rayz (0-2)

Who would of thought the Rayz would be winless right now? After a few GREAT trades Taylor Ray proved it could be done! I'm sure he will be looking to bounce back this week and he will have his chance vs the Classics.  Classics are have no good matchups this week and a couple of banged up WRs.  Classics will need his WRs to get healthy and show out if they wanna win this one. 

Rayz 88-82

Fore The Belt (0-2) vs Little Giants (1-1)

Will has got some good match ups this week (Stacy vs Dallas, Foles vs. Washington) but Dan's Giants are looking very strong this week. Brady with a good match up, Dez, and Jimmy should be enough to hold off FtB from getting their first W. 

Little Giants 100-89

NC Panthers (1-1) vs Blazers (0-2)

Blazers looking to get a tally in the Win column facing a strong Panthers team. This one looks pretty evenly matched and should come down to the wire.  I am gonna have to flip a coin.

Panthers 105-100

POWER RANKINGS
 

 1. NC Panthers (Prev. 6)

2. Houston Oilers (Prev. 3)

3. The Nutrients (Prev. 5)

4. Dream Killers (Prev. 2)

5. Instant Classics (Prev. 4)

6. Copperheads (Prev. 1)

7. Little Giants (Prev. 7)

8. Blazers (Prev. 10)

9. EC Pirates (Prev. 8)

10. Rayz (Prev. 9)

11. FtB (Prev. 11)

12. Gators (Prev. 12)

 

 

Week 2 Game Predictions and Power Rankings

Gators (1-0)

vs.

Rayz (0-1)

Upset alert!!! Gators coming off a big week 1 upset and I may be crazy but I think that they can do it again... Both teams rosters have holes in them (Rayz starting Evans and West, Gators starting Pierce, Adams, Kelce). I believe QB Andrew Luck and HB Doug Martin bounces back to lead the Gators to 2-0.  

Gators over Rayz 91-84.

Little Giants (1-0)

vs.

Classics (0-1)

Classics, an early season favorite to make the playoffs, are trying to bounce back from a close loss in week 1. They match up against Dan's Giants coming off an easy week 1 victory. Neither team has great running back match ups this week. Classics have the advantage at QB and Giants have the advantage at TE.  This one may be close but I think Classics WRs will out play the Giant's.
Classics win 98-83 over Giants.

 

NC Panthers (0-1)

vs.
EC Pirates (1-0)

 

Pirates coming off a big upset over the Rayz and Panthers coming off being upset by the Gators. Panthers will look to bounce back as the Pirates will try to maintain their high-scoring dominance. Pirates will have the advantage at QB and Panthers will have the advantage at TE.  I think this one comes down to RB play.  With Foster matching up against Oakland he is due for a couple TDs. WRs look about even. 

Panthers 102 over Pirates 87

 

Nutrients (0-1)

vs
Dream Killers (1-0)

 

This one should be close. Nutrients were disappointed week 1 and will look to bounce back.  Dream Killers looking for that 2nd win.  DKs QB situation not looking good this week with either Philip Rivers vs Seattle or RG3. Russell Wilson should give Nuts an advantage. other than that the teams are looking pretty even. 
Nutrients over Dream Killers 96-91

 

Copperheads (1-0)

vs
FTB (0-1)

 

Copperheads RBs are looking very stout this week and will be very tough to beat out for FTB. FTB will need someone to step up at RB or else this team is gonna continue to be beat. Their only hope in this one is to win at WR and QB and stay close at RB. I don't think it will happen though.
Copperheads 114-82

 

Oilers (1-0)

vs

Blazers (0-1)

 

The Oilers WRs will need to outplay the Blazers enough to make up for the Rodgers to Cutler difference.  The RBs and TEs look about even... This one should be close. Both teams will be hoping a RB steps up and wins this one for them.
Oilers 95-94

 

POWER RANKINGS

1. Copperheads (1-0)

 

2. Dream Killers (1-0)

 

3. Oilers (1-0)

 

4. Classics (0-1)

 

5. Nutrients (0-1)

 

6. NC Panthers (0-1)

 

7. Little Giants (1-0)

 

8.  EC Pirates (1-0)

 

9. Rayz (0-1)

 

10. Blazers (0-1)

 

11. FtB (0-1)

 

12. Gators (1-0)

*All teams very close this was very hard to make*

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Team Grades by Dylan Gibson

TEAM GRADES

Gators:

Quarterback: A+ 
Andrew Luck is arguably the number one Quarterback to have whether you are talking redraft or, in this case, dynasty.  The Gators will have no worries at the QB position as long as they have Luck.

Running back: D+
The Gators own a lot of young exciting players at the RB position but at this point Lamar Miller is the only comfortable fantasy starter... 

Wide receiver: C+
Not a bad duo of Patterson and Watkins with Hunter and Da'Rick on the bench.  If Josh Gordon is playing this core gets at least a B+.

Tight Ends: D-
As of now the only Tight End on the Gators roster is Panthers up and comer Brandon Williams who is in no way ready to be a fantasy starter. However, I have seen Brandon Williams to Julius Thomas comparisons!

Future: A+
Gators own a great amount of future draft picks and have a great young core to build around with many upside players on the bench.  If Josh Gordon and Justin Blackmon are playing he has one of the best groups of WRs in the future.
 
Rayz:


Quarterback: B+
Kaepernick is a good weekly fantasy starter and won't hold the Rayz back this year.  The 49ers run first offense keeps Kap from being an A.



Running back: A-
Strong running back core led by Jamaal Charles.  Joique Bell is a good RB2 and the Ridley/Vereen combo should serve as a workable flex if T-Ray can figure out that NE offense. Great young potential with Bryce Brown, T-West, and James White.


Wide Receiver: A-
MEGATRON and Randall Cobb is a very exciting duo.. Whats keeping the grade down is a lack of depth at the position. When a bye week comes around next into the rotation is Jermaine Kearse or Aaron Dobson..

Tight End: A+
Assuming Gronk will return to his dominant self I would give this group an A. Ladarius Green bumps it to an A+.. Young star in the making, Tray has his butt covered if Gronk misses any games.

Future: B+
Rayz aren't an old team and they have some young and rookie talent.




Pirates: 

Quarterback: A+
Drew Brees as your current starter with the young and exciting Manziel on the bench? Can't get much better than that!

Running Back: B-
Not an exciting starting group with three serviceable backs in Sankey, TRich, and Mathews however all are mid to low end RB2s.  Vogler has built a good bench of back up runners with potential (Pierce, CJ Anderson, Ingram, Starks). Hopefully one of these guys can break out and help his running back situation. 


Wide Receiver: C+
Exciting young talent but as for production this year I see this group struggling. Good depth in Tate and TWill.

Tight End: B-
Vogler won't have trouble with Tight end while playing the matchups between Bennett and Gates.. Maybe even Rodgers will get some love in GB. 

Future: A
Evans, Cooks, Manziel, Beckham, Sankey.. Enough said.

Panthers:

Quarterback: A
Cam Newton as your starter and a serviceable Eli Manning on the bench.  Teams will have a tough time hanging with the Panthers at the QB slot.

Running back: A-
Two projected top 8 runners in Foster and Ball could be a scary duo.. Depth is decent in Hyde, JStew, Knile and Sproles.

Wide Receiver: B
Mike's least exciting position but he masked that with great depth.  Cooper, VJax, Crabby, Jennings, Britt, Maclin, Lee.. Lots of match ups to pick between.
Tight End: A
The stud in Julius Thomas and the serviceable back up in Garrett Graham. Mike will have big advantage at TE.

Future: B+
Panthers are not old and have brought in some potential impact rookies in Lee and Hyde.

Classics:

Quarterback: A+
Not only does he have the number one guy in Peyton Manning but he has paired him with Tony Romo who is also capable of being a top 10 passer.

Running back: A-
Led by top back Forte this group could be a nightmare for opponents this year. CJ, Forte, and Gore all have potential to be top 10 backs.  A spotty CJ and an aging Frank Gore could play any way though. Decent back ups with Pierre Thomas and Roy Helu.

Wide Receiver: A
Marshall and AJ Green may be the best WR duo in the league. Add in Welker as a flex option and the Classics group is looking good. Solid depth on the bench as well.

Tight End: B-
Classics will have to play the match ups between Fleener and Pitta. Not an exciting group but we could see some consistent production from either. 

Future: C
WIN NOW! The Classics have some aging studs in their core including their leader Peyton. Have a few young guys.

Little Giants: 

Quarterback: B
A regressing Tom Brady with Tannehill as the back up isn't the best group but it shouldn't hurt Dan too much. Could see Brady having a couple more top 10 seasons.

Running back: B+
Strong duo in Lynch and Bush. Should find a good flex play out of Gerhart and Woodhead as well. 


Wide Receiver: B+
Dez Bryant will hold this group together. Dan may struggle to find consistent WR2 with Colston as his next best guy.

Tight End: A+
Jimmy Graham will win weeks for the Giants and Dan has paired him with a young and talented back up in Dwayne Allen.

Future: B-
Some aging studs with not much young talent to talk about.



Nutrients:

Quarterback: B+
Russell Wilson is a great QB to have in real football but when it comes to fantasy he is held down by the Seattle offense. If he can put up the same numbers as last year or better Jonny will have no issues here at QB.


Running back: A+
Very impressive young group. This core would be almost impossible to land in a start up draft but with the art of swap Jonny has built a monster. Very good depth as well in Bradshaw, JHill, and Dunbar.


Wide receiver: A
Very strong one-two punch in Julio Jones and Keenan Allen. With Andre coming off the bench this group is scary.

Tight End: B-
Nutrients least exciting position but with good management Jonny can find consistent production playing the match ups of Rudolph, Clay and even the up and coming Kelce.

Future: A-
The best thing about the Nutrients is not only can they be a top team right now but they are also very young in their core. Not much young talent on the bench and an aging Andre keeps them down to an A-. JHill is a guy to watch though!

Dream Killers: 

Quarterback: B+
Depending on how well Miles can play the match ups of RG3 and Rivers this group could struggle or be great. RG3 must stay healthy as well. 

Running back: A
McCoy will hold this group together and Rashad Jennings is looking like a good RB2 option.  Can't complain about Ray Rice at Flex (or he will hit you). Couple good back ups with the ? Moreno and the RBBC Donald Brown.

Wide Receiver: B+
No stud in this group but Roddy, Jordy, and Garcon is in no way a bad trio. Serviceable depth with Steve Smith and some young guys.

Tight End: A
Miles has loaded up at Tight End snagging Vernon Davis, Jason Witten, and the young UNC standout Eric Ebron. Should have no worries here.

Future: B
The DKs aren't too old by any means and have a few exciting rookie prospects.



Blazers:


Quarterback: A+
Aaron Rodgers is arguably the best guy to have here and Matt Ryan is also a strong starter. Tyler will see great production in the QB slot.

Running Back: B
I like the potential in his RB duo.  I would not be shocked if both Tate and Ellington finished as top 10 backs.  However, they are both still a little unproven.  The depth is unexciting but not bad.

Wide Receiver: B+
If this were a real team defenses would have to play their Safeties 50 yards back.  The Blazers will be relying on the deep ball with T.Y, DJax, and Mike Wallace. Inconsistency could haunt the Blazers at WR.  Good depth and young talent on the bench.

Tight End: A-
Jordan Cameron is a great Tight End to have and Tyler has paired him with Greg Olsen who is also a strong starter. Cameron has potential to hang with the top guys like last year. Amaro is a plus on the bench as well.

Future: B+
Pretty young team and some potential impact rookies.

Oilers: 

Quarterback: B-
I believe in Cutler but for now he is a shaky starting QB for fantasy football.


Running Back: B-
Gio has potential to be a strong RB1 but after him this team gets ugly.. Oilers will struggle finding production out of DMC and KRob.  Hopefully one of the young backs on this team will step up.


Wide Receiver: A+
The duo of DT and Alshon should put up great numbers along with a great flex option in Victor Cruz. Couple good back ups and great young depth at position as well. 


Tight End: B
Oilers are confident in Zach Ertz but he is an unproven fantasy starter.  ASJ will need to put up a strong rookie year and help out.


Future: A
Very young team with many exciting rookies.

Fore the Belt: 

Quarterback: A-
I could see Foles being the number 1 QB or I could see him being outside of the top 10. Strong back up in Big Ben.

Running Back: A-
The duo of Stacy and Doug Martin will put up strong numbers for FtB.  Not bad flex/backups with DWill, SJax, and FJax on the bench.

Wide Receiver:  B+
Another strong duo Will has put together.  Antonio Brown isn't the most exciting WR1 but as we've seen he can get the job done.  Fitz has to put up better numbers than last year and I believe he can. Boykin and Wayne are good bench guys as well.

Tight End: B+
I like Jordan Reed a lot to break out with year at TE and Will has paired him with a consistent Heath Miller.

Future: B
The owner of FtB just now found out this was a Dynasty League which may explain the lack of rookies on the team.. No fear, this is not a terribly old team and with good offseason management Will will continue to keep this team competitive.

Copperheads:

Quarterback: A
Stafford is a great QB with one of the easiest jobs in the NFL: Throw the ball up to Calvin and dump it off the Reggie Bush.  Lions brought in some more weapons for him as well.

Running back: A+
This group is different from the A+ group owned by the Nutrients but Adam too has a strong 1-2-3 punch. Peterson, Alfred Morris, and Leveon Bell will give opposing teams nightmares trying to keep up. Man Adam loves his RBs.

Wide Receiver: B+
Floyd, Torrey, Percy, Randle, Edelman, Pants, Boldin.. if Adam can pick the right starters weekly this group can hang with almost any.

Tight End: B-
Jared Cook was hyped last year but still unproven. I like the duo of him and Eifert though.

Future: A-
Adam will marry and have 3 children: A young basketball phenom son, a diligent working housemaid daughter, and a third daughter who plays the clarinet beautifully.








 

2014 Rookie Draft

Round 1

1. Kings (From 49ers) - WR Sammy Watkins
2. Dream Killers - TE Eric Ebron
3. Fore The Belt - WR Mike Evans
4. Pirates (From Gators) - HB Bishop Sankey
5. Pirates (From Nutrients) - QB Johnny Manziel
6. Pirates (From Blazers) - TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins
7. Pirates (From Rayz) - WR Odell Beckham Jr.
8. Panthers - HB Carlos Hyde
9. Kings (From Pirates) - WR Brandin Cooks
10. Pirates (From Classics) - WR Kelvin Benjamin
11. Copperheads - WR Jordan Matthews
12. Gators (From Kings) - WR Davante Adams

Round 2
13. Rayz (From Kings) - HB Terrance West
14. Kings (From Copperheads) - HB Tre Mason
15. Gators (From Classics) - HB Isaiah Crowell
16. Kings (From Pirates) - HB Charles Sims
17. Panthers - WR Marqise Lee
18. Rayz - WR Allen Robinson
19. Blazers - TE Jace Amaro
20. Kings (From Nutrients) - HB Ka'Deem Carey
21. Kings (From Gators) - WR Donte MonCrief
22. Kings (From FtB) - WR Martavis Bryant
23. Dream Killers - WR Josh Huff
24. Gators (From 49ers) - HB Andre Williams

Round 3
25. Gators (From 49ers) - HB Storm Johnson
26. Kings (From DK) - HB Lache Seastrunk
27. Kings (From Ftb) - HB Devonta Freeman
28. Blazers (From Gators) - WR Paul Richardson
29. Nutrients - HB Jeremy Hill
30. Blazers - WR Shaq Evans
31. Rayz - WR Cody Latimer
32. Panthers - HB Dri Archer
33. Dream Killers (From Pirates)
34. Classics
35. Copperheads
36. Kings