Don’t have much time tonight, but if one of you is decent with a spreadsheet and could list the draft results in a nice format that’d be good, and draft reviews are definitely cool.
Just copying and pasting from the results page is kind of messy with multiple lines per player. If someone could format similar to how Omni did it last year that’d be great.
If you’re decent with a spreadsheet, another view where it listed each position sorted by cost would also be cool to see.
**Crowley’s Bentley **
1 (8) Larry Fitzgerald(Ari - WR) $33.00
2 (16) Steve Smith(Car - WR) $12.00
3 (27) Peyton Manning(Den - QB) $15.00
4 (32) Miles Austin(Dal - WR) $15.00
5 (35) LeSean McCoy(Phi - RB) $43.00
6 (47) Philip Rivers(SD - QB) $15.00
7 (50) Michael Turner(Atl - RB) $20.00
8 (72) DeAngelo Williams(Car - RB) $8.00
9 (75) David Akers(SF - K) $2.00
10 (85) Steven Jackson(StL - RB) $22.00
11 (92) Michael Bush(Chi - RB) $4.00
12 (118) Philadelphia(Phi - DEF) $2.00
13 (120) Jason Witten(Dal - TE) $5.00
14 (139) Austin Collie(Ind - WR) $1.00
15 (151) Jacob Tamme(Den - TE) $1.00
16 (155) Kevin Smith(Det - RB) $2.00
Unused $0.00
Phoenix Redbirds
1 (7) Victor Cruz(NYG - WR) $26.00
2 (19) Aaron Rodgers(GB - QB) $46.00
3 (28) Matt Forte(Chi - RB) $32.00
4 (37) Roddy White(Atl - WR) $29.00
5 (41) Jimmy Graham(NO - TE) $29.00
6 (102) Randy Moss(SF - WR) $1.00
7 (106) Jacquizz Rodgers(Atl - RB) $4.00
8 (110) Greg Little(Cle - WR) $6.00
9 (113) Jerome Simpson(Min - WR) $2.00
10 (127) Lance Moore(NO - WR) $3.00
11 (132) Devery Henderson(NO - WR) $1.00
12 (140) Danny Amendola(StL - WR) $1.00
13 (141) C.J. Spiller(Buf - RB) $13.00
14 (147) Josh Freeman(TB - QB) $1.00
15 (152) New York(NYJ - DEF) $5.00
16 (156) Jay Feely(Ari - K) $1.00
Unused $0.00
Overly Sentimental
1 (13) Darren Sproles(NO - RB) $12.00
2 (22) Sidney Rice(Sea - WR) $3.00
3 (31) Ryan Mathews(SD - RB) $35.00
4 (48) Doug Martin(TB - RB) $16.00
5 (52) Matthew Stafford(Det - QB) $32.00
6 (54) Eric Decker(Den - WR) $13.00
7 (60) Marques Colston(NO - WR) $20.00
8 (62) Antonio Gates(SD - TE) $19.00
9 (71) Percy Harvin(Min - WR) $16.00
10 (91) Cedric Benson(GB - RB) $5.00
11 (103) Brian Quick(StL - WR) $1.00
12 (123) Titus Young(Det - WR) $7.00
13 (133) Russell Wilson(Sea - QB) $5.00
14 (148) Matt Bryant(Atl - K) $1.00
15 (153) Baltimore(Bal - DEF) $1.00
16 (157) Tim Hightower(Was - RB) $1.00
Unused $13.00
**Duke’s Devils **
1 (4) Chris Johnson(Ten - RB) $36.00
2 (15) Darren McFadden(Oak - RB) $34.00
3 (24) Isaac Redman(Pit - RB) $10.00
4 (39) Tom Brady(NE - QB) $33.00
5 (59) Jordy Nelson(GB - WR) $25.00
6 (61) Antonio Brown(Pit - WR) $19.00
7 (64) Carson Palmer(Oak - QB) $3.00
8 (100) Santonio Holmes(NYJ - WR) $9.00
9 (104) Jahvid Best(Det - RB) $3.00
10 (105) Sebastian Janikowski(Oak - K) $3.00
11 (111) Malcom Floyd(SD - WR) $8.00
12 (114) Joe Flacco(Bal - QB) $1.00
13 (117) Mark Ingram(NO - RB) $4.00
14 (121) Denarius Moore(Oak - WR) $5.00
15 (124) Tony Gonzalez(Atl - TE) $3.00
16 (134) Pittsburgh(Pit - DEF) $1.00
**Unused $3.00
New New York Benders**
1 (11) Calvin Johnson(Det - WR) $43.00
2 (33) Demaryius Thomas(Den - WR) $16.00
3 (38) DeMarco Murray(Dal - RB) $29.00
4 (49) Wes Welker(NE - WR) $15.00
5 (55) Robert Griffin III(Was - QB) $11.00
6 (68) Aaron Hernandez(NE - TE) $16.00
7 (81) Tony Romo(Dal - QB) $15.00
8 (95) Houston(Hou - DEF) $1.00
9 (96) David Wilson(NYG - RB) $10.00
10 (115) Mason Crosby(GB - K) $1.00
11 (122) Roy Helu(Was - RB) $6.00
12 (125) Stevan Ridley(NE - RB) $7.00
13 (131) Brandon Pettigrew(Det - TE) $8.00
14 (135) Brandon LaFell(Car - WR) $1.00
15 (142) Mikel LeShoure(Det - RB) $3.00
16 (149) Michael Floyd(Ari - WR) $1.00
**Unused $17.00
Court Jesters **
1 (5) Drew Brees(NO - QB) $45.00
2 (21) Kenny Britt(Ten - WR) $13.00
3 (29) Rob Gronkowski(NE - TE) $25.00
4 (34) Greg Jennings(GB - WR) $25.00
5 (44) Darrius Heyward-Bey(Oak - WR) $7.00
6 (45) Eli Manning(NYG - QB) $18.00
7 (51) Vincent Jackson(TB - WR) $13.00
8 (56) LeGarrette Blount(TB - RB) $4.00
9 (66) Rashad Jennings(Jac - RB) $12.00
10 (84) Frank Gore(SF - RB) $12.00
11 (90) Peyton Hillis(KC - RB) $11.00
12 (116) Lawrence Tynes(NYG - K) $1.00
13 (126) Mario Manningham(SF - WR) $3.00
14 (136) New York(NYG - DEF) $1.00
15 (143) Anquan Boldin(Bal - WR) $1.00
16 (145) Pierre Thomas(NO - RB) $2.00
**Unused $7.00
Varlos’ Zzzzzzz **
1 (12) Andre Johnson(Hou - WR) $25.00
2 (17) Jermichael Finley(GB - TE) $11.00
3 (18) Marshawn Lynch(Sea - RB) $24.00
4 (23) Stevie Johnson(Buf - WR) $13.00
5 (25) Mike Wallace(Pit - WR) $17.00
6 (30) Ray Rice(Bal - RB) $51.00
7 (53) Dwayne Bowe(KC - WR) $17.00
8 (67) Matt Schaub(Hou - QB) $8.00
9 (98) Stephen Gostkowski(NE - K) $2.00
10 (99) San Francisco(SF - DEF) $3.00
11 (101) Randall Cobb(GB - WR) $2.00
12 (107) Beanie Wells(Ari - RB) $4.00
13 (112) Ryan Fitzpatrick(Buf - QB) $4.00
14 (130) Jonathan Stewart(Car - RB) $17.00
15 (137) Felix Jones(Dal - RB) $1.00
16 (144) Jon Baldwin(KC - WR) $1.00
**Unused $0.00
Exploding Pancakes **
1 (6) Hakeem Nicks(NYG - WR) $24.00
2 (9) Trent Richardson(Cle - RB) $30.00
3 (26) Jeremy Maclin(Phi - WR) $21.00
4 (36) Fred Jackson(Buf - RB) $20.00
5 (57) Matt Ryan(Atl - QB) $17.00
6 (58) Andy Dalton(Cin - QB) $1.00
7 (65) Ben Roethlisberger(Pit - QB) $9.00
8 (69) Brandon Lloyd(NE - WR) $20.00
9 (74) Jay Cutler(Chi - QB) $14.00
10 (79) Vernon Davis(SF - TE) $8.00
11 (80) Robert Meachem(SD - WR) $5.00
12 (86) Shonn Greene(NYJ - RB) $11.00
13 (88) Pierre Garcon(Was - WR) $8.00
14 (94) Willis McGahee(Den - RB) $10.00
15 (108) Jason Hanson(Det - K) $1.00
16 (128) Green Bay(GB - DEF) $1.00
**Unused $0.00
Chicago Cutlery **
1 (1) Cam Newton(Car - QB) $27.00
2 (14) Adrian Peterson(Min - RB) $29.00
3 (42) DeSean Jackson(Phi - WR) $15.00
4 (43) Maurice Jones-Drew(Jac - RB) $30.00
5 (63) Justin Blackmon(Jac - WR) $8.00
6 (70) Brandon Marshall(Chi - WR) $26.00
7 (73) Mike Williams(TB - WR) $2.00
8 (76) BenJarvus Green-Ellis(Cin - RB) $12.00
9 (77) Reggie Bush(Mia - RB) $10.00
10 (78) Fred Davis(Was - TE) $9.00
11 (82) Andrew Luck(Ind - QB) $6.00
12 (83) Ahmad Bradshaw(NYG - RB) $15.00
13 (89) Robbie Gould(Chi - K) $1.00
14 (109) Buffalo(Buf - DEF) $1.00
15 (119) Alshon Jeffery(Chi - WR) $5.00
16 (129) Kendall Wright(Ten - WR) $1.00
**Unused $3.00
HungryHungryHaruspex **
1 (2) Michael Vick(Phi - QB) $22.00
2 (3) Dez Bryant(Dal - WR) $18.00
3 (10) Arian Foster(Hou - RB) $46.00
4 (20) A.J. Green(Cin - WR) $27.00
5 (40) Jamaal Charles(KC - RB) $24.00
6 (46) Julio Jones(Atl - WR) $24.00
7 (87) Torrey Smith(Bal - WR) $15.00
8 (93) Donald Brown(Ind - RB) $6.00
9 (97) Reggie Wayne(Ind - WR) $7.00
10 (138) Seattle(Sea - DEF) $1.00
11 (146) Ben Tate(Hou - RB) $5.00
12 (150) Alex Henery(Phi - K) $1.00
13 (154) Greg Olsen(Car - TE) $1.00
14 (158) Jake Locker(Ten - QB) $1.00
15 (159) Sam Bradford(StL - QB) $1.00
16 (160) Toby Gerhart(Min - RB) $1.00
Unused: $0.00
QB:
Aaron Rodgers $46.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Drew Brees $45.00 Court Jesters
Tom Brady $33.00 Duke's Devils
M.Stafford $32.00 Overly Sentimental
Cam Newton $27.00 Chicago Cutlery
Michael Vick $22.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Eli Manning $18.00 Court Jesters
Matt Ryan $17.00 Exploding Pancakes
Peyton Manning $15.00 Crowley's Bentley
Philip Rivers $15.00 Crowley's Bentley
Tony Romo $15.00 New New York Benders
Jay Cutler $14.00 Exploding Pancakes
R.Griffin III $11.00 New New York Benders
Roethlisberger $9.00 Exploding Pancakes
Matt Schaub $8.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Andrew Luck $6.00 Chicago Cutlery
Russell Wilson $5.00 Overly Sentimental
R.Fitzpatrick $4.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Carson Palmer $3.00 Duke's Devils
Andy Dalton $1.00 Exploding Pancakes
Joe Flacco $1.00 Duke's Devils
Josh Freeman $1.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Jake Locker $1.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Sam Bradford $1.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
RB:
Ray Rice $51.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Arian Foster $46.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
LeSean McCoy $43.00 Crowley's Bentley
Chris Johnson $36.00 Duke's Devils
Ryan Mathews $35.00 Overly Sentimental
Darren McFadden $34.00 Duke's Devils
Matt Forte $32.00 Phoenix Redbirds
T.Richardson $30.00 Exploding Pancakes
M.Jones-Drew $30.00 Chicago Cutlery
Adrian Peterson $29.00 Chicago Cutlery
DeMarco Murray $29.00 New New York Benders
Marshawn Lynch $24.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Jamaal Charles $24.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Steven Jackson $22.00 Crowley's Bentley
Fred Jackson $20.00 Exploding Pancakes
Michael Turner $20.00 Crowley's Bentley
J.Stewart $17.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Doug Martin $16.00 Overly Sentimental
Ahmad Bradshaw $15.00 Chicago Cutlery
C.J. Spiller $13.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Darren Sproles $12.00 Overly Sentimental
Rashad Jennings $12.00 Court Jesters
B.Green-Ellis $12.00 Chicago Cutlery
Frank Gore $12.00 Court Jesters
Shonn Greene $11.00 Exploding Pancakes
Peyton Hillis $11.00 Court Jesters
Isaac Redman $10.00 Duke's Devils
Reggie Bush $10.00 Chicago Cutlery
Willis McGahee $10.00 Exploding Pancakes
David Wilson $10.00 New New York Benders
D.Williams $8.00 Crowley's Bentley
Stevan Ridley $7.00 New New York Benders
Donald Brown $6.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Roy Helu $6.00 New New York Benders
Cedric Benson $5.00 Overly Sentimental
Ben Tate $5.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
L.Blount $4.00 Court Jesters
Michael Bush $4.00 Crowley's Bentley
J.Rodgers $4.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Beanie Wells $4.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Mark Ingram $4.00 Duke's Devils
Jahvid Best $3.00 Duke's Devils
Mikel LeShoure $3.00 New New York Benders
Pierre Thomas $2.00 Court Jesters
Kevin Smith $2.00 Crowley's Bentley
Felix Jones $1.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Tim Hightower $1.00 Overly Sentimental
Toby Gerhart $1.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
WR:
Calvin Johnson $43.00 New New York Benders
L.Fitzgerald $33.00 Crowley's Bentley
Roddy White $29.00 Phoenix Redbirds
A.J. Green $27.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Victor Cruz $26.00 Phoenix Redbirds
B.Marshall $26.00 Chicago Cutlery
Andre Johnson $25.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Greg Jennings $25.00 Court Jesters
Jordy Nelson $25.00 Duke's Devils
Hakeem Nicks $24.00 Exploding Pancakes
Julio Jones $24.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Jeremy Maclin $21.00 Exploding Pancakes
Marques Colston $20.00 Overly Sentimental
Brandon Lloyd $20.00 Exploding Pancakes
Antonio Brown $19.00 Duke's Devils
Dez Bryant $18.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Mike Wallace $17.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Dwayne Bowe $17.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
D.Thomas $16.00 New New York Benders
Percy Harvin $16.00 Overly Sentimental
Miles Austin $15.00 Crowley's Bentley
DeSean Jackson $15.00 Chicago Cutlery
Wes Welker $15.00 New New York Benders
Torrey Smith $15.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Kenny Britt $13.00 Court Jesters
Stevie Johnson $13.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Vincent Jackson $13.00 Court Jesters
Eric Decker $13.00 Overly Sentimental
Steve Smith $12.00 Crowley's Bentley
Santonio Holmes $9.00 Duke's Devils
Justin Blackmon $8.00 Chicago Cutlery
Pierre Garcon $8.00 Exploding Pancakes
Malcom Floyd $8.00 Duke's Devils
D.Heyward-Bey $7.00 Court Jesters
Reggie Wayne $7.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Titus Young $7.00 Overly Sentimental
Greg Little $6.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Robert Meachem $5.00 Exploding Pancakes
Alshon Jeffery $5.00 Chicago Cutlery
Denarius Moore $5.00 Duke's Devils
Sidney Rice $3.00 Overly Sentimental
M.Manningham $3.00 Court Jesters
Lance Moore $3.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Mike Williams $2.00 Chicago Cutlery
Randall Cobb $2.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Jerome Simpson $2.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Randy Moss $1.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Brian Quick $1.00 Overly Sentimental
Kendall Wright $1.00 Chicago Cutlery
D.Henderson $1.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Brandon LaFell $1.00 New New York Benders
Austin Collie $1.00 Crowley's Bentley
Danny Amendola $1.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Anquan Boldin $1.00 Court Jesters
Jon Baldwin $1.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Michael Floyd $1.00 New New York Benders
TE:
Jimmy Graham $29.00 Phoenix Redbirds
Rob Gronkowski $25.00 Court Jesters
Antonio Gates $19.00 Overly Sentimental
Aaron Hernandez $16.00 New New York Benders
J.Finley $11.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Fred Davis $9.00 Chicago Cutlery
Vernon Davis $8.00 Exploding Pancakes
B.Pettigrew $8.00 New New York Benders
Jason Witten $5.00 Crowley's Bentley
Tony Gonzalez $3.00 Duke's Devils
Jacob Tamme $1.00 Crowley's Bentley
Greg Olsen $1.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
DEF:
NYJ $5.00 Phoenix Redbirds
SF $3.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
PHI $2.00 Crowley's Bentley
HOU $1.00 New New York Benders
BUF $1.00 Chicago Cutlery
GB $1.00 Exploding Pancakes
PIT $1.00 Duke's Devils
NYG $1.00 Court Jesters
SEA $1.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
BAL $1.00 Overly Sentimental
K:
S.Janikowski $3.00 Duke's Devils
David Akers $2.00 Crowley's Bentley
S.Gostkowski $2.00 Varlos' Zzzzzzz
Robbie Gould $1.00 Chicago Cutlery
Jason Hanson $1.00 Exploding Pancakes
Mason Crosby $1.00 New New York Benders
L. Tynes $1.00 Court Jesters
Matt Bryant $1.00 Overly Sentimental
Alex Henery $1.00 HungryHungryHaruspex
Jay Feely $1.00 Phoenix Redbirds
BEWARE THE WALL OF TEXT!
I’ll review how I thought my draft played out before (possibly) tackling some draft reviews for other teams.
Strategy:
Before the draft I had done a couple dozen mock drafts over the last month to get an idea of what values were normal and who was getting the most buzz. Then the league went to 10 teams and everything I had learned pretty much went out the window.
I do set auction budgets because I don’t want to find myself halfway through the draft with only $1 to spend on each spot on my bench. It also helps me keep track of positions so I don’t overdraft one position relative to others (like, say, QB). Generally, I don’t set specific player targets because I don’t want to be locked into one guy and end up spending more than he’s worth and then find I don’t have enough for the rest of my team. Or, not get the guy I wanted and find I don’t have any replacement options left.
All I knew once the draft started is I wanted Vick (best value to production ratio at QB to me and the key to how I wanted to draft RB and WR), two starting RBs who weren’t in question for playing time, and four or five $15 WRs from a group of about seven guys I liked. I tested this strategy multiple times and found I liked my team, top to bottom, every time.
That strategy lasted three nominations.
QB:
Michael Vick ($22), Jake Locker ($1), Sam Bradford ($1)
I was hoping to get an early nomination spot to nominate Vick quickly because he was the key to how I drafted my entire team. If I didn’t get him for <$25, I’d go QBBC and draft two guys for that price. I got the last nomination spot (of course), but luckily he was nominated second. I almost got him for $13. I’m talking a quarter of a second from getting him there. This league would have been over if that happened. Still got him for under my budget, which was fine. Even at $22 I love his value.
I was in trouble for a backup because SenorBeef was rounding together the villagers to picket my team headquarters and prevent me from getting a backup. I wanted Luck, but he went for too much. I wanted Freeman, but I didn’t have the money to bid on him when he was nominated (tactical error on my part). I only planned on one backup, but based on the scraps I had available, I went with two just in case. Locker is the high upside fantasy player and Bradford the bye week replacement. Obviously not ideal with a starter like Vick, but at least Vick has brand new rib protection that will render him invulnerable to all harm, right?
Hindsight 20/20: I got the guy I wanted for under my price. Maybe Cam Newton at $27 is a better value, but I have the two separated by only 20 FPs over the season and that isn’t worth another $6.
RB:
Arian Foster ($46), Jamaal Charles ($24), Donald Brown ($6), Ben Tate ($5)
I never once mock drafted Foster to my team, he always went for too much. But when he almost sold for $42 I had to get in even though I only budgeted $40 for my top guy. I’m thrilled to get him for $46, especially when Rice went for $51.
Charles is an ideal #2 and I got him at a great price. I think people are way too down on him. He’s a top five talent easily. He has a few more rest than Adrian Peterson (and not as bad an injury, either), a run friendly offense, and no threat to lose touches. Sure, Hillis is there, but this is more a complement situation than a committee. Charles has proven he can be a top fantasy back splitting carries.
I really wanted a starter-quality third RB. I planned on Steven Jackson, but just couldn’t afford him so late. I hate my depth here. Brown is a starter, okay, he’s serviceable and he’s easily worth more than $6, but I’m probably in trouble if I’m starting him more than twice at the most. Tate is a great value at $5, especially as a handcuff, and he’s a really important piece of my team. At the time I got him, my max bid was $5, so that was very fortunate to not lose out. But RB depth is where I really messed up.
Hindsight 20/20: I fucked up my depth, but at #1 and #2 I couldn’t ask for better values. There isn’t one back I’d rather have for cheaper than I got Foster or Charles. I just wish I had picked up someone I could trust as a third guy but RB depth became really expensive later in the draft.
WR:
AJ Green ($27), Julio Jones ($24), Dez Bryant ($18), Torrey Smith $15), Reggie Wayne ($7)
Green, Jones, and Bryant are three of the four “freak upside” guys in the league (with Calvin Johnson). I could not have possibly imagined a scenario where I ended up with all three. Where I had planned WR to be a “spread-fire” position for me, it became the strength of my team.
Green at $27 is a fair price. He has the upside to finish in the top five (I have him finishing 5th) which makes him an ideal #1. Jones at $24 is amazing. In every single mock he was the breakout candidate that everyone wanted. He averaged $27 in yahoo drafts and I never saw him go for less than $30. He’s my 2nd rated WR this season, so to get him as a #2 is exciting.
Bryant is a real question mark, I know. I don’t trust him and I don’t like him. He was nominated third in the draft and I didn’t pay much attention, but then he almost went for $17 and I jumped in as a flier because I figured there’s no way he goes for less than $20-22, I might as well bid him up. Then I got him. I’d hate this if he were my #1 or even #2, but he’s about as good a #3 as you’ll see. I want my #3 to have #1 potential, and Bryant certainly fits.
I like Torrey Smith as a breakout this season (along with everyone else apparently). I thought I could steal him for $9-11, but I overpaid a little to ensure I had some depth at WR. I like him a lot as my #4. Wayne is an ideal #5. Thrilled to get him there and he came in under what I expected to pay. Luck has to throw to someone. People are really sleeping on Wayne.
Hindsight 20/20: Green carries a lot of uncertainty as a #1 with an overrated ginger throwing him the ball and no one else around to draw off defenses. Nicks at $24 is a better value I think (though my projections don’t agree). I think Bryant at $18 is a great value, but I may even prefer Demaryius Thomas or Percy Harvin at $16 each. Welker at $15 is a better choice too.
TE:
Greg Olsen ($1)
I knew I wasn’t getting a top TE this year. I almost always skimp on this position anyway, but the budget just didn’t work out for spending $15-25 on a TE.
I love Olsen this season. Now that he’s really the only TE in town, if you give Olsen just half the production that Shockey took last season, Olsen is a top 4 TE. Since I’m going super cheap here, that’s pretty much as good as you can do for $1.
Hindsight 20/20: Couldn’t afford anyone else. I tried for Witten but didn’t have the money to bid $6 (I would have).
Overall:
I like this team as much as any I’ve ever had coming out of the draft, even if it isn’t the team I expected to have. I even won the “Yahoo! Best Draft” award, which guarantees I’ll finish in the bottom three.
One thing I knew ahead of time is that I would end up drafting a very risky team just based on which players I liked by value. To contend, I’ll need Vick and Charles to stay healthy because I don’t have viable options behind either guy.
A couple observations before we get on with the draft reviews:
-
I really like auction drafts. If I were already hopelessly over-committed, I’d love to do more of them because you know you can get any player you want … if you’re willing to pay. I think it’s the best way to play fantasy football.
-
The Sleeper Effect. I should have realized going in that the guys I thought were undervalued by yahoo going into the draft would be priced up with you guys. The premium was clearly on buying the next big thing (Jeremy Maclin, Doug Martin, Ryan Matthews), so my sleeper list was pretty useless.
-
My team is nothing like I had planned. I kept getting guys that I had not targeted because I thought their price was too low (except for Fitzgerald, I had him targeted) and before I knew it, I had my starting roster. If you would have told me before the draft that I’d be the proud owner of LeSean McCoy, Miles Austin, Michael Bush, and Michael Turner, I’d have laughed in your face.
-
I liked the ventrillo/voice chat thing. It’s a ton easier being an asshole vocally than typing. Although there is no way in hell, given Senor Beef’s penchant for nudity, that I want to do next years’ on Skype with a video feed.
On to the draft reviews:
Crowley’s Bentley - Hamlet
1 (8) Larry Fitzgerald(Ari - WR) $33.00
2 (16) Steve Smith(Car - WR) $12.00
3 (27) Peyton Manning(Den - QB) $15.00
4 (32) Miles Austin(Dal - WR) $15.00
5 (35) LeSean McCoy(Phi - RB) $43.00
6 (47) Philip Rivers(SD - QB) $15.00
7 (50) Michael Turner(Atl - RB) $20.00
8 (72) DeAngelo Williams(Car - RB)$8.00
9 (75) David Akers(SF - K) $2.00
10 (85) Steven Jackson(StL - RB) $22.00
11 (92) Michael Bush(Chi - RB) $4.00
12 (118) Philadelphia(Phi - DEF) $2.00
13 (120) Jason Witten(Dal - TE) $5.00
14 (139) Austin Collie(Ind - WR) $1.00
15 (151) Jacob Tamme(Den - TE) $1.00
16 (155) Kevin Smith(Det - RB) $2.00
Underpaid: Steve Smith at $12. The #6 WR last year at the 29th price? Yes, please. I also like the value of my cheapo guys in Kevin Smith, Michael Bush. If Jason Witten’s spleen gets healthy, I really like him for $5.
Overpaid: In retrospect, Larry Fitzgerald at $33 is too much for a great WR with garbage throwing to him. I like DeAngelo Williams, but $8 is too much to spend on a shared time backup RB who likely won’t ever start for me.
Overall: I really did a poor job of offsetting my risk. And that’s what my team is, very high risk. Manning’s neck, Fitz’s QB, Smith’s age, Austin’s hammy, Witten’s spleen, Turner and Jackson’s ages, and Collie’s noggin are all question marks and I don’t think LeSean McCoy can carry a team all by his lonesome.
I do like my team a lot. I think I have the best RB group in the league and I think I spent wisely on proven commodities. But there is no denying the risk of injury and old age could decimate this team quickly. High risk, with (hopefully) high reward.
HungryHungryHaruspex - Jules Andre
1 (2) Michael Vick(Phi - QB) $22.00
2 (3) Dez Bryant(Dal - WR) $18.00
3 (10) Arian Foster(Hou - RB) $46.00
4 (20) A.J. Green(Cin - WR) $27.00
5 (40) Jamaal Charles(KC - RB) $24.00
6 (46) Julio Jones(Atl - WR) $24.00
7 (87) Torrey Smith(Bal - WR) $15.00
8 (93) Donald Brown(Ind - RB) $6.00
9 (97) Reggie Wayne(Ind - WR) $7.00
10 (138) Seattle(Sea - DEF) $1.00
11 (146) Ben Tate(Hou - RB) $5.00
12 (150) Alex Henery(Phi - K) $1.00
13 (154) Greg Olsen(Car - TE) $1.00
14 (158) Jake Locker(Ten - QB) $1.00
15 (159) Sam Bradford(StL - QB) $1.00
16 (160) Toby Gerhart(Min - RB) $1.00
Overpaid: If you could promise me Vick would play all 16 games, he might, just might, be worth $22. But you can’t, he won’t, and there were better QB’s for cheaper to be had. It also left you with scrubs at backup QB. I also think Torrey Smith (SLEEPER!!!) at $15 is too much for a feast or famine guy who I would never want to start.
Underpaid: Reggie Wayne at $7 is great value, and Jamal Charles’ upside is well worth $24.
Overall: Depth is a huge issue on this team. With crap behind Vick and no RB you want to start at RB after Foster and Charles, you’re walking a tightrope. But I really like your WR crew (if you can avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump”, and you have a stud in Arian Foster, smartly back upped by Ben Tate. I personally don’t see Charles having the type of year people have projected for him, but there is a great set of young talent on this team. Is it enough to carry that QB position if/when Vick goes down? That is the question.
Chicago Cutlery - Omniscient
1 (1) Cam Newton(Car - QB) $27.00
2 (14) Adrian Peterson(Min - RB) $29.00
3 (42) DeSean Jackson(Phi - WR) $15.00
4 (43) Maurice Jones-Drew(Jac - RB)$30.00
5 (63) Justin Blackmon(Jac - WR) $8.00
6 (70) Brandon Marshall(Chi - WR) $26.00
7 (73) Mike Williams(TB - WR) $2.00
8 (76) BenJarvus Green-Ellis(Cin - RB)$12.00
9 (77) Reggie Bush(Mia - RB) $10.00
10 (78) Fred Davis(Was - TE) $9.00
11 (82) Andrew Luck(Ind - QB) $6.00
12 (83) Ahmad Bradshaw(NYG - RB)$15.00
13 (89) Robbie Gould(Chi - K) $1.00
14 (109) Buffalo(Buf - DEF) $1.00
15 (119) Alshon Jeffery(Chi - WR) $5.00
16 (129) Kendall Wright(Ten - WR) $1.00
Overpaid: $29 for a healthy Adrian Peterson is amazing value. $29 for a 8 months removed from a torn ACL/MCL, high-ankle sprained, can’t eat jambalaya Adrian Peterson? Not seeing it. And I don’t see Cam having the blistering start he had last year again. Take a look at his passing stats after the bye week last year. And Alshon for $5? Shoulda spent that getting Toby Gerhart.
Underpaid: I like DeSean Jackson to outperform $15, nice get. Law Firm at $12 is nice, and the upside of Ahmad Bradshaw makes $15 look good. Nicely done.
Overall: Another nice team. MD’s holdout/AllDay’s knee/Newton’s regression to the mean/and too many Chicago receivers carries a great deal of risk though. Should it pay off, this team will be in the running.
Exploding Pancakes - Senor Beef
1 (6) Hakeem Nicks(NYG - WR) $24.00
2 (9) Trent Richardson(Cle - RB) $30.00
3 (26) Jeremy Maclin(Phi - WR) $21.00
4 (36) Fred Jackson(Buf - RB) $20.00
5 (57) Matt Ryan(Atl - QB) $17.00
6 (58) Andy Dalton(Cin - QB) $1.00
7 (65) Ben Roethlisberger(Pit - QB) $9.00
8 (69) Brandon Lloyd(NE - WR) $20.00
9 (74) Jay Cutler(Chi - QB) $14.00
10 (79) Vernon Davis(SF - TE) $8.00
11 (80) Robert Meachem(SD - WR) $5.00
12 (86) Shonn Greene(NYJ - RB) $11.00
13 (88) Pierre Garcon(Was - WR) $8.00
14 (94) Willis McGahee(Den - RB) $10.00
15 (108) Jason Hanson(Det - K) $1.00
16 (128) Green Bay(GB - DEF) $1.00
Overpaid: Jeremy Maclin hasn’t had a 1000 yard season yet and was overpriced at $21. And I understand the desire to get trade bait for a good QB, but you spent $24 on guys you won’t ever start. And $1 is $1 too much for Andy Dalton.
Underpaid: I really like Fred Jackson at $20, Matt Ryan at $17, and Willis McGahee for $10. All great value guys with some very nice upside.
Overall: Some nice value, but this team just doesn’t have that POW! Factor. Our currently reigning champ (Ouch! That hurt to type) has a lot of “almost” guys, players who are “almost” studs and some nice hidden talent (Garcon could surprise), but nobody I’d be thrilled to have.
Varlos’ Zzzzzzz - VarlosZ
1 (12) Andre Johnson(Hou - WR) $25.00
2 (17) Jermichael Finley(GB - TE) $11.00
3 (18) Marshawn Lynch(Sea - RB) $24.00
4 (23) Stevie Johnson(Buf - WR) $13.00
5 (25) Mike Wallace(Pit - WR) $17.00
6 (30) Ray Rice(Bal - RB) $51.00
7 (53) Dwayne Bowe(KC - WR) $17.00
8 (67) Matt Schaub(Hou - QB) $8.00
9 (98) Stephen Gostkowski(NE - K)$2.00
10 (99) San Francisco(SF - DEF) $3.00
11 (101) Randall Cobb(GB - WR) $2.00
12 (107) Beanie Wells(Ari - RB) $4.00
13 (112) Ryan Fitzpatrick(Buf - QB) $4.00
14 (130) Jonathan Stewart(Car - RB) $17.00
15 (137) Felix Jones(Dal - RB) $1.00
16 (144) Jon Baldwin(KC - WR) $1.00
Overpaid: Ray Rice is a stud, but 1/4 of your entire budget on one guy is too much, and $5 more than Foster and $8 than McCoy tells me that. I think $17 for Jonathon Stewart is too much considering Williams was $8 and Newton steals TD’s.
Underpaid: I like the mid range WR’s with Mike Wallace going for $17 and Stevie Johnson for $13. I don’t like Andre Johnson this year, but $25 is fair.
Overall: I really don’t think you can win a fantasy championship with Matt Schaub/Ryan Fitzpatrick. Ray Rice will make it easier, but I’m not sold on Marshawn Lynch or Jonathon Stewart as #2 guys. I don’t like this team very much, but I’ve been wrong before. Lots of wrong.
Court Jesters - d_odds
1 (5) Drew Brees(NO - QB) $45.00
2 (21) Kenny Britt(Ten - WR) $13.00
3 (29) Rob Gronkowski(NE - TE) $25.00
4 (34) Greg Jennings(GB - WR) $25.00
5 (44) Darrius Heyward-Bey(Oak - WR) $7.00
6 (45) Eli Manning(NYG - QB) $18.00
7 (51) Vincent Jackson(TB - WR) $13.00
8 (56) LeGarrette Blount(TB - RB) $4.00
9 (66) Rashad Jennings(Jac - RB) $12.00
10 (84) Frank Gore(SF - RB) $12.00
11 (90) Peyton Hillis(KC - RB) $11.00
12 (116) Lawrence Tynes(NYG - K) $1.00
13 (126) Mario Manningham(SF - WR) $3.00
14 (136) New York(NYG - DEF) $1.00
15 (143) Anquan Boldin(Bal - WR) $1.00
16 (145) Pierre Thomas(NO - RB) $2.00
Overpaid: Compared to Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees was an OK price. Compared to Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford, $45 was way too much. Kenny Britt, while occasionally special, can’t stop being injured/suspended/psychotic and was overvalued at 13. And $11 for Hillis is, to my mind, overpaying for average. Mario Manningham was a waste of $3.
Underpaid: I like Greg Jennings at $25 and Eli Manning at $18 (although I question why spend $18 on a guy you’ll start once a year). Good, potentially studly players for good value. I think $12 is a great price for Gore, even though there are a ton of questions surrounding him.
Overall: With Brees, Gronk, and Jennings, you’ll be competitive, but I’m not sold on Vjax, Blount, Heyward-Bey, Hillis, or the rest of the second tier of players on your team. If MJD continues his holdout (I don’t think he will), I like Jennings and Gore could suprise people thi syear, but I just don’t see the firepower necessary to win it all.
New New York Benders - It’s Not Rocket Surgery
1 (11) Calvin Johnson(Det - WR) $43.00
2 (33) Demaryius Thomas(Den - WR) $16.00
3 (38) DeMarco Murray(Dal - RB) $29.00
4 (49) Wes Welker(NE - WR) $15.00
5 (55) Robert Griffin III(Was - QB) $11.00
6 (68) Aaron Hernandez(NE - TE) $16.00
7 (81) Tony Romo(Dal - QB) $15.00
8 (95) Houston(Hou - DEF) $1.00
9 (96) David Wilson(NYG - RB) $10.00
10 (115) Mason Crosby(GB - K) $1.00
11 (122) Roy Helu(Was - RB) $6.00
12 (125) Stevan Ridley(NE - RB) $7.00
13 (131) Brandon Pettigrew(Det - TE) $8.00
14 (135) Brandon LaFell(Car - WR) $1.00
15 (142) Mikel LeShoure(Det - RB) $3.00
16 (149) Michael Floyd(Ari - WR) $1.00
Overpaid: RGIII has looked bad this preseason and, seeing as how this isn’t a keeper league, was way overpriced at $11. Megatron is a beast, but $10 more than the next best WR (who was also overpriced)? I’m not sure that’s the best way to spend the money.
Underpaid: I love Wes Welker at $15. Great pickup. Bastard. Ridley at $7 could be a nice surprise, and Romo at $15 isn’t awful. Still, gotta go with Welker as the steal of the draft.
Overall: There sure is a ton of upside here. With Murray stays healthy and repeats (he just might) over 16 games, DeMaryius Thomas clicks with Peyton Manning (he won’t), Romo can be better than average (maybe but who will he throw to?), and David Wilson keeps up his nice preseason (his limited touches will hurt), this team could be a juggernaut. But a weak QB position, some questionable RB depth (I’d hate to have to start any of your RB#2), and $8 spent on a backup TE, I’m not sure this team can get it done. If the upside pays off, though, look out.
Duke’s Devils - MRTG
1 (4) Chris Johnson(Ten - RB) $36.00
2 (15) Darren McFadden(Oak - RB) $34.00
3 (24) Isaac Redman(Pit - RB) $10.00
4 (39) Tom Brady(NE - QB) $33.00
5 (59) Jordy Nelson(GB - WR) $25.00
6 (61) Antonio Brown(Pit - WR) $19.00
7 (64) Carson Palmer(Oak - QB) $3.00
8 (100) Santonio Holmes(NYJ - WR) $9.00
9 (104) Jahvid Best(Det - RB) $3.00
10 (105) Sebastian Janikowski(Oak - K) $3.00
11 (111) Malcom Floyd(SD - WR) $8.00
12 (114) Joe Flacco(Bal - QB) $1.00
13 (117) Mark Ingram(NO - RB) $4.00
14 (121) Denarius Moore(Oak - WR) $5.00
15 (124) Tony Gonzalez(Atl - TE) $3.00
16 (134) Pittsburgh(Pit - DEF) $1.00
Overpaid: Santonio Holmes didn’t have a single 100 yard or 2 td game last year, he’s got garbage throwing to him, and $9 is too much for him. I really don’t like Chris Johnson this year and $36 is too much. Jahvid Best won’t suit up for at least 6 weeks and may not play at all and was a wasted $3. And the only thing stupider than my spending $2 on a kicker is spending $3 on a kicker.
Underpaid: Tom Brady for $33 is a thing of beauty; the kind of pick you want to take out to a nice dinner then take home and ravish all night long. I like Jordy Nelson a lot, and $25 is pretty good, and I think Isaac Redman may be a good get at $10. I really liked the late bids, getting Moore for 5, Floyd for 8, and Ingram for 4. Good values.
Overall: If Darren McFadden stays healthy (I certainly hope so) and Chris Johnson returns to his 2000 yard season, and you throw in Tom Brady, Jordy Nelson, and Antonio Brown, this team could curb stomp you repeatedly and leaving you asking for more. Risky, I know, but it should be a fun team to watch. At least until week 5 when McFadden’s on IR and Chris Johnson gets sick of playing football again.
Overly Sentimental - Chuck
1 (13) Darren Sproles(NO - RB) $12.00
2 (22) Sidney Rice(Sea - WR) $3.00
3 (31) Ryan Mathews(SD - RB) $35.00
4 (48) Doug Martin(TB - RB) $16.00
5 (52) Matthew Stafford(Det - QB) $32.00
6 (54) Eric Decker(Den - WR) $13.00
7 (60) Marques Colston(NO - WR) $20.00
8 (62) Antonio Gates(SD - TE) $19.00
9 (71) Percy Harvin(Min - WR) $16.00
10 (91) Cedric Benson(GB - RB) $5.00
11 (103) Brian Quick(StL - WR) $1.00
12 (123) Titus Young(Det - WR) $7.00
13 (133) Russell Wilson(Sea - QB) $5.00
14 (148) Matt Bryant(Atl - K) $1.00
15 (153) Baltimore(Bal - DEF) $1.00
16 (157) Tim Hightower(Was - RB) $1.00
Overpaid, Underpaid, Overall: Who cares, he’s not on this message board (is he?). I think Doug Martin is overpriced for such limited upside and Ryan Matthews should not be the 5th most expensive running back. I do love Eric Decker at 13, Benson at 5, and Stafford may actually become worth $32. This team doesn’t put the fear of God in me, mostly because I think Ryan Matthews can’t stay healthy and Darren Sproles won’t be a stud, but it should be competitive.
Phoenix Redbirds - dalej42
1 (7) Victor Cruz(NYG - WR) $26.00
2 (19) Aaron Rodgers(GB - QB) $46.00
3 (28) Matt Forte(Chi - RB) $32.00
4 (37) Roddy White(Atl - WR) $29.00
5 (41) Jimmy Graham(NO - TE) $29.00
6 (102) Randy Moss(SF - WR) $1.00
7 (106) Jacquizz Rodgers(Atl - RB) $4.00
8 (110) Greg Little(Cle - WR) $6.00
9 (113) Jerome Simpson(Min - WR) $2.00
10 (127) Lance Moore(NO - WR) $3.00
11 (132) Devery Henderson(NO - WR)$1.00
12 (140) Danny Amendola(StL - WR) $1.00
13 (141) C.J. Spiller(Buf - RB) $13.00
14 (147) Josh Freeman(TB - QB) $1.00
15 (152) New York(NYJ - DEF) $5.00
16 (156) Jay Feely(Ari - K) $1.00
Overpaid: Going with the studs/scrubs theory by grabbing Rodgers, Forte, White, Graham, and Cruz is intriguing, but I don’t recall ever seeing it pay off. Forte doesn’t get into the end zone enough for $32, I think Cruz’s production takes a hit this year and wasn’t worth more than Brandon Marshall or Greg Jennings, and Rodgers … well, fuck it, you have Aaron Rodgers. That alone should win you games. I’m also not sure a TE is worth 29, but if one is, it’s Jimmy Graham. And CJ Spiller at $13? That’s an oops. And $5 on a defense? Double oops.
Underpaid: I’m not sure there is any great value here. You got the guys you wanted, paid for them, and you hope some of the cheapo guys pay off. There are worse things you could do.
Overall: The lack of depth will, I think, make it hard to consistently win. You’ll have a couple of 4382 point games, but too often I think a poor game by Cruz, a lack of TD’s by Forte, and little production at RB2 and WR3 will cost you games. Studs and scrubs. We will see.
There you go. Seeing as how I finished 2nd in total points last year (fuck you Seattle Defense. Fuck you raw), I like to think my opinion matters, but deep down inside, I know I’m just spitting into the wind. Like all fantasy football (or any football) predictions, I’ll be right on some, wrong on others, and laughably wrong on some. That’s what makes this fun.
I’d just like to go on record that I screwed up bidding when drafting Brees. I was willing to pay UP to $45, and thought that bidding would work more like EBay. As you might guess, I didn’t spend any time on mock drafts and forgot from last year.
Though that would be a nice addition, if Yahoo could implement it. Put in the most you are willing to spend for a player, and just let it bid up in $1 increments until the max is reached (and allow for override if you want to spend more).
I’ve just conducted 2 Fantasy Drafts from a hotel room on a $39 wired-only internet connection while on vacation with my girlfriend. This is admittedly a very questionable life choice. I’m also extraordinarily busy with work these days making my SDMB, Football and and Fantasy Football participation way below what I’d like. That said, the aforementioned girlfriend passed out in bed while waiting for me to finish the All-Pro draft so I have time to at least do a draft summary for my team. Probably won’t have much chance to do any full-league recaps this year as much fun as they are, but we have to take what we can get.
So, coming into this Auction Draft I was woefully under-prepared. I hadn’t done any fantasy research aside from listening to the Fantasy Focus podcast during my commute and haven’t looked at a single Auction Price sheet. Whatever “strategy” I had was concocted mostly on the fly. Let’s take a look at how it panned out and I’ll reason out a few of my choices.
Chicago Cutlery - Budget $200
- (1) Cam Newton (Car - QB) $27
- (14) Adrian Peterson (Min - RB) $29
- (42) DeSean Jackson (Phi - WR) $15
- (43) Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac - RB) $30
- (63) Justin Blackmon (Jac - WR) $8
- (70) Brandon Marshall (Chi - WR) $26
- (73) Mike Williams (TB - WR) $2
- (76) BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cin - RB) $12
- (77) Reggie Bush (Mia - RB) $10
- (78) Fred Davis (Was - TE) $9
- (82) Andrew Luck (Ind - QB) $6
- (83) Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG - RB) $15
- (89) Robbie Gould (Chi - K) $1
- (109) Buffalo (Buf - DEF) $1
- (119) Alshon Jeffery (Chi - WR) $5
- (129) Kendall Wright (Ten - WR) $1
Unused $3
QB - Cam Newton (Car - QB) $27, Andrew Luck (Ind - QB) $6
I said I didn’t really have much of a strategy, but I can tell you this much, I wanted a stud QB this year. This is sort of the trend this year if you follow the media and I think it’s with good reason. Last year I waited on QB in a ton of leagues and had one of my worst FFL seasons ever. Cam Newton wasn’t my first choice, Brady was, but when he came on the board I started bidding immediately. I wanted to get my QB ASAP so I could start planning the rest of my draft. When I saw bidding slow in the $20s and finally settle in at $27 I thought I had a steal. When Rodgers and Brees went for $46 and $45 I became sure of it. Then Brady went for $33, practically by accident, and I was kicking myself. Still, this was the perfect outcome for me. The Brady price was an outlier and since I was nominating last landing Newton at a discount gave me a lot of control over my destiny.
With regard to the actual football, I agree with Hamlet that Newton’s going to regress and that his numbers at the end of last season were very so-so, but I really love these running numbers and goal line TDs. It’s like starting an extra half a RB without all the Vick injury risk. I actually like Newton better than Brees, I think he’s really going to struggle without Payton. I felt great about getting Luck for that price too. I knew I wanted him for a backup QB, I have him in a couple leagues already, and I think $6 is a excellent price compared to $11 for RG3 and $9 for Roethlisberger. That said, Flacco, Locker and Bradford for $1 is probably a better investment. But, Luck has the most upside, there’s a fair shot I am tempted to start him by week 8 based on how this preseason has played out.
RB - Adrian Peterson (Min - RB) $29, Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac - RB) $30, BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cin - RB) $12, Reggie Bush (Mia - RB) $10, Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG - RB) $15
Leagues without Flex spots are always a challenge for me. Generally I’m not a BPA guy since I tend to go in with a plan, but in the middle rounds I always look for overlooked guys. Having a Flex allows you to really leverage that. Plus another common strategy for me is that I put a high value on having a very good 3rd RB. In this league that might be an issue if my starting 2 stay healthy. Because of the 3WR/2RB format I expected to go WR heavy. But that all went out the window when AP popped up there for $29. I know he’s hurt and I might be nuts for believing the Week 1 talk, but even if he were out for weeks 1-4 he’s still a steal where he’s being drafted. He was only the 10th most expensive RB and his health concerns are no worse than Murray or Charles and his upside is way more. He could legitimately be a $50 back. I drafted MJD for basically the exact same reason. I get the risk, but the upside is worth it. Would anyone be flabbergasted if AP and MJD were the 1-2 RBs come November?
So, I love the upside of my starters, but I knew I needed some serious insurance there so I spent more than I ever would have expected on RB. Law Firm is the clear #1 guy on a team that runs a ton, that’s a very fair price for him. Bush was the 13th RB last year and, though I may be a sucker for Hard Knocks, he’s looking like he’s primed for a repeat of that. They certainly don’t have any WRs to steal touches from him. I know Bradshaw has that Fantasy stink on him and no one wants any part of him, but he’s still the starting RB on the Super Bowl champs minus that TD vulture Jacobs. $37 for these 3 starters is pretty great, if MJD and AP are healthy and starting I may have some serious trade bait. Full disclosure, I jumped that bid on Reggie Bush to $10 fully expecting it to go up from there, and expected to spend more to get him, based on the reaction in the room I probably could have gotten him for $5. With all due respect to Hamlet, this group blows his RB group out of the water.
WR - DeSean Jackson (Phi - WR) $15, Justin Blackmon (Jac - WR), Brandon Marshall (Chi - WR) $26, Mike Williams (TB - WR) $2, Alshon Jeffery (Chi - WR) $5, Kendall Wright (Ten - WR) $1
Things went a bit sideways here. The talent pool at WR is pretty deep at the top but the drop off after say the 40th WR is an abyss. My tentative plan was to load up on a bunch, like 5, of the 15th through 25th WRs. I figured I could strike gold with a bunch of $12-$8 WRs. Then AP and MJD happened and suddenly I was a guy going studs and scrubs at WR. I can tell you now I certainly didn’t expect to end of with 3 rookies at WR.
Let’s start with the veterans. I loathe Jackson as a person and a player. I think he’s wildly over-rated when it comes to winning football games. Still, in fantasy, he’s pretty good for $15. One year off being the 11th fantasy WR, now completely healthy and happy, he should easily out perform that number. Then again, I’d rather have Welker for $15 any day, if my mouse would have cooperated I may have had him too. Marshall was going to be on my team. You dildos bid him up on me because you think I’m some rabid homer even though I don’t really have any history of over paying for Bears. The one time I actually do go all in on one and I end up blowing an extra $5 because of you twats. Sill, I think he’s worth it, he’ll be a top 5 WR. The Mike Williams pick was a weird one. He was nominated and I kind of reflexively bid on him assuming he’d end up around $8. Then nothing. I’m okay with him, I think he’s totally worth a $2 roll of the dice with V-Jax on the other side and a new coaching staff, but I would never have intentionally sought him out.
I don’t know how to explain the rookies. Well, actually I do, remember that comment about the talent drying up on WR around 40? Well when I spent all that time sorting out my RB situation I’d kind of ignored backup WR and was eventually desperate for some bodies with upside there, the rookie were way more appealing than any of the veterans left. Normally I avoid rookie WRs like the plague but all three of these guys have looked almost amazing in the preseason and have tons of chemistry with their starting QBs. Predicting regular season performance based on the preseason is always a folly, but these guys look like they all have “it”. I talked up Floyd a ton during the draft, but so far he’s shown me nothing. I’m really excited with this group, at least one of them will be a every week starter for me and I will be happy with that. I do confess that the $5 for Jeffery thing was a little bit nutty but that admittedly was a bit of homerism. I missed out on him in the Dynasty league and it bugged me.
TE - Fred Davis (Was - TE) $9
This is the only league where I’ve invested anything at all in tight end. I considered Gronk a bit but wasn’t gonna pay what it took, I think he and Graham will regress, last year was an anomaly. The Redskins just cut Cooley and Shanahan does like TEs so Davis is a pretty good value for $9. The big worry here is what will RG3 do with the TE, he never used one in college and may scramble in the pros instead of checking down to the TE. We’ll see, I’d much rather have Olsen for $1 in retrospect.
K - Robbie Gould (Chi - K) $1
Obviously I like the Chicago passing game this year and I think Forte and bush will still struggle in the Red Zone. I got my hometown kicker with upside for a buck, happy with it but it’s just a kicker.
DEF - Buffalo (Buf - DEF) $1
Not sure how many games Buffalo will win this year, but I’m high on them in fantasy. I wouldn’t pay more than a buck for them, but they will get a bunch of sacks with that D-line and they get to play Miami and the Jets twice. Glad I nominated them when I did.
I like my team a lot. Too much risk across the board, but the upside is huge. I’ll know by week 4 if I’m going to have any chance in the league at all. As long as 2 of AP, MJD and Bradshaw perform like Pro-Bowlers and 1 of those rookies has an A.J. Green season I’ll be in the finals.
Updated FAAB money to reflect unspent draft money.
I do my reviews by positional group. All of the following is 95% based on consensus projections (factoring in 10-12 different sites’ projections) and 5% my opinion where I think the consensus is really far off. I also take into account depth, though to a much smaller degree.
Chicago Cutlery
QB:
Cam Newton
Rank: 5
Newton is going to either keep this team afloat or doom it to an historic embarrassment. It really depends on which Cam Newton shows up. I expect Newton to regress some, especially with his rushing TDs (which is where a significant portion of his value came from). Luck is a good #2, but not for Newton (Luck faces the Jets on Newton’s bye).
RB:
Maurice Jones-Drew, Adrian Peterson
Rank: 5
Excellent potential top two, but both have greater than average potential for utter collapse. I’m afraid of both this season, but at least there’s excellent depth just in case. Smartly drafted.
WR:
DeSean Jackson, Justin Blackmon, Brandon Marshall
Rank: 10
Blackmon is the anchor here, bringing down the group where Marshall is a potential star. I don’t like DJax, and I don’t buy the “motivated by getting a contract” bullshit. That’s exactly opposite t how it normally works. The depth here is alarmingly bad.
TE:
Fred Davis
Rank: 9
Strong potential to rise above this rank, but I think RGIII isn’t polished enough to effectively utilize the TE.
Overall Rank: 10
It isn’t hard to see the trio of Newton, ADP, and MJD carrying this team to the playoffs and vastly outperforming this ranking. I can absolutely see it. But there are so many questions, and such a bad WR group aside from Marshall, that this ranking suffers. Where the ranking really bottoms out is the lack of a single top 3 unit.
Exploding Pancakes
QB:
Matt Ryan
Rank: 7
I think Ryan is terribly undervalued in fantasy, but I wonder just how high his ceiling is. I credit the depth here, but the problem is that it won’t all be there by even week 3. It’s hard to give too much credit when the backups don’t have much value (not better than any team’s start except maybe one) and I don’t know which backup will be there when Ryan hits his bye.
RB:
Trent Richardson, Fred Jackson
Rank: 6
I like both, but I don’t think either has the elite upside that the fifth ranked group has. Richardson’s knee issues are relatively minor, but what worries me is the timing and the amount of issues. Multiple surgeries before his first game? Scary. Fred has an uphill battle to repeat his top 5 value that he teased last season. This group has fantastic depth, however, which keeps this group above the 7th group.
WR:
Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, Brandon Lloyd
Rank: 5
I like this group and think it will definitely outperform the ranking by a slot or two, I just question is Nicks or Lloyd can be as good as a top 3 guy (I think Lloyd can). The depth is unspectacular but I think better than it looks.
TE:
Vernon Davis
Rank: 5
With the influx of passing options in San Francisco, will Vernon be able to maintain his value?
Overall Rank: 9
Collectively, I think this team looks stronger than the ranking suggests. But none of the groups standing out also tanks this team’s ranking. Based on the way this team is built, you have to be near perfect picking matchups to allow this team to compete, but that never works out very well. There’s some quality depth here to swing a trade with, but I don’t think any of the pieces are enticing enough to allow this team to improve.
Crowley’s Bentley
QB:
Peyton Manning
Rank: 9
Between Manning and Rivers, you can platoon your way to a solid matchup in most weeks. Except, uh, they have the same bye week. This is the worst possible platoon situation in my eyes, and I don’t think either guy really overachieves his consensus ranks. And, in a ten team league, platooning your QBs probably isn’t the best way to go to begin with–too large a percentage of the league has elite options.
RB:
LeSean McCoy, Steven Jackson
Rank: 3
McCoy is a stud (I worry about him this season) and I think Jackson has a seriously elite season in him this year. But even if he doesn’t, there is a lot of depth here, even if most of it is underwhelming. Turner is the consensus collapse guy, DeAngelo and Bush are in strict committees, and Kevin Smith gets hurt in every single game he plays. The depth looks better by name than it actually is.
WR:
Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith (Car), Miles Austin
Rank: 4
Fitzgerald is a stud and truly carries this ranking, while both Smith and Austin are explosive (but risky). Where this group falters is in the pathetic depth. I can understand going light in the backups to go strong elsewhere, but the choices here are alarming. Steve Smith is 33, Miles Austin is chronically injured, and all there is behind these guys is Austin Collie, who has already had to answer questions about retirement due to injury. What will this team do when Collie is out for the season with his next concussion and the bye weeks arrive (assuming Smith and Austin can even stay healthy)?
TE:
Jason Witten
Rank: 7
Witten has a big name and this ranking seems too low, but the TE position is changing and Witten lacks the elite athleticism of the guys ranked above. And that assumes Witten fully recovers as soon as week two.
Overall Rank: 8
I think the QB position is now the most important position in fantasy football. I don’t think you can win without an elite guy. The overall rank is weighted towards QB and then RBs. This rank really suffers because the most important position, QB, ranks very poorly. But, if this team does rank in the top 4 at RB and WR, and one of the two QBs can outperform their projection, this team can beat this ranking.
Overly Sentimental
QB:
Matthew Stafford
Rank: 4
Stafford is still a huge question mark, and while I love Wilson, I’m not sure he’s enough as a rookie with iffy wideouts to mitigate Stafford’s risk. Keep in mind Stafford has missed 19 games in 3 years. And I think 2011 was his ceiling (which is a great ceiling).
RB:
Ryan Mathews, Doug Martin
Rank: 7
Mathews can’t stay healthy, and he’s already been hurt again. Martin is a mystery with upside, which is a worry for a starter, but Sproles is a fantastic #3 to mitigate the risk. I like the potential of Benson and Mendenhall deep on the bench.
WR:
Eric Decker, Marques Colston, Percy Harvin
Rank: 8
I like this group a lot more than the ranking suggests, but I think the starters don’t pop enough. Colston is really the only one with elite potential, but I think that we kinda know who he is at this point, and he’s a big injury risk. One of Sidney Rice and Titus Young will be extremely valuable by season’s end.
TE:
Antonio Gates
Rank: 3
I love Gates this year because there isn’t much else in San Diego to throw to.
Overall Rank: 7
I think 7 is pretty much right. Stafford is getting full credit for his breakout season here and almost everyone expects an automatic repeat. Even if he does repeat in 2012, he’ll carry an otherwise middling team. Mathews was once a consensus top four guy so there’s upside there. But is a core of Stafford, Mathews, and Gates enough of a core in a ten team league? I think it’ll fall short.
New New York Benders
QB:
Tony Romo
Rank: 8
This rank seems low, but only because there are so many elite options and Romo hasn’t yet put together that top 3 type season. With Austin, Bryant, and Witten being such question marks, I’m skeptical. But, with RGIII, this is the right type of platoon.
RB:
DeMarco Murray, Stevan Ridley
Rank: 8
Murray sure looks like he can be an overall #1 fantasy RB. Ridley is a scary #2. There’s no telling what Patriots RB will be useful on any given week. If you’re planning on rotating your #2, David Wilson, Roy Helu (just as variable week to week), and LeShoure is really not the way to platoon. The #2 RB really hurts this ranking.
WR:
Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker
Rank: 1 (tie)
Calvin Johnson is so much better than the second guy at the position that this ranking skyrockets for having him alone. Thomas and Welker are exceptional starters in their own right. The only reason this group doesn’t outright own the #1 rank is because the depth is awful here. LaFell and Floyd just aren’t good enough. If you’re going to shoot for a breakout WR, you generally don’t find it from a second WR in an offense (last year being a striking exception, I understand). Three times a year when a bye week happens, this team will struggle to compete. With a season of 14 games, putting yourself at a significant disadvantage in 3 games is a big problem.
TE:
Aaron Hernandez
Rank: 4
The biggest question about New England’s offense is that there are too many weapons for everyone to really succeed. Just about everyone who believes that someone has to suffer, thinks Hernandez will.
Overall Rank: 6
I feel like this team will not match the height of this ranking. The QB spot is (comparatively) weak. The RB spot is equally weak (comparatively). The reason this overall ranking hits 6 is the strength of the WR group, but I doubt that group ends up the best overall by season’s end.
(Whoops, submitted the last one too early, sorry for the spam)
Court Jesters
QB:
Drew Brees
Rank: 3
I don’t see a whole lot of people predicting much more than third QB overall for Brees this season. I’m starting to suspect he may actually top his record breaking season in 2011.
RB:
Frank Gore, Peyton Hillis
Rank: 10
Bad news. Gore is a potential disaster and I’d be surprised if he is a starter for even ten games. That’s not even considering injury. He doesn’t have anything left. Hillis is looking better and better and will certainly outperform his projection. I really question the depth, though. Not one guy on the bench has a reasonable path to lead back work.
WR:
Greg Jennings, Vincent Jackson, Kenny Britt
Rank: 7
I also like this group more than the ranking suggests. Then again, there’s some serious risk here. Accepting that, I think DHB and Boldin is a fantastic bench. One of the two will be an acceptable fill-in if needed.
TE:
Rob Gronkowski
Rank: 1
Everyone seems to assume he’ll repeat his 2011. I’m wary of overwhelming consensus.
Overall Rank: 5
Brees and Gronk inflate this rank. While I think the QB position is now fantasy football’s most critical, that doesn’t mean you can ignore the RB spot. I don’t think this team can compete unless MJD gets hurt and Jennings is a full time starter for at least 12 games.
Varlos’ Zzzzzzz
QB:
Matt Schaub
Rank: 10
The only thing worse than trying to platoon Rivers and Peyton (who have the same bye), is trying to platoon two much worse QBs (Schaub and Fitzpatrick), who also share the same bye. This happens in fantasy football, I get it, but this should not happen in an auction draft. This position is too critical to punt.
RB:
Ray Rice, Marshawn Lynch
Rank: 2
Rice was terrific in 2011 and only looks better in 2012. I worry about Lynch, but he’s an ideal #2 if he can stay healthy all season (kinda iffy with back spasms before week 1). I hate the depth here, though. Stewart is fine for a rotational #3, but I would hate to start him if DeAngelo and Cam are starting. Beanie will lose his job by week 8 and Felix Jones is a joke.
WR:
Andre Johnson, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe
Rank: 3
Andre Johnson is a legit #1 but, like Miles Austin, is chronically injured. Mike Wallace could be a #1, but with his holdout he has questions. I love Bowe as a #3. He also has #1 potential. This is a really strong group. Stevie Johnson is about as good as a #4 as you could hope for. Jon Baldwin, though, is a waste. I bet he’s out of the league shortly.
TE:
Jermichael Finley
Rank: 6
For too long he has made people wonder why he hasn’t produced more. We assume that with Rodgers, he has limitless upside. I think we would have seen it by now if it was going to happen. He is what he is.
Overall Rank: 4
Considering how this rank is weighted towards QB and RB groups, I’m surprised by this ranking. But the RB and WR groups are both top 3, which brings up this team’s overall rank. Rank 4 means a playoff team, and I can’t see how a team starting Schaub or Fitzpatrick makes the playoffs.
Duke’s Devils
QB:
Tom Brady
Rank: 2
Brady is elite and I think he’s the #1 QB this season. His passing attack is so strong it’ll wreck the balance of Madden online. Flacco and Palmer are both excellent, sneaky-good backups. Both have top 8 potential.
RB:
Chris Johnson, Darren McFadden
Rank: 4
I love this group. McFadden will finish in the top 3 at RB this season, and Chris Johnson has the potential to do so too. But where both have elite potential, it’s easy to see both really disappointing. In that very likely event, Ingram and Redman just aren’t good enough to help keep this team alive.
WR:
Jordy Nelson, Antonio Brown, Malcom Floyd
Rank: 9
This rank was surprising to me, honestly. It factors in Nelson repeating for the most part, but undervalues Brown. That is somewhat mitigated by the ranking overvaluing Floyd, whom I think is just a guy. Holmes and Moore are adequate depth, but Moore is always hurt and Holmes has a fucking dumpster fire under center.
TE:
Tony Gonzalez
Rank: 8
With so many really good TEs, even if Gonzalez can thwart father time for another season, I don’t think he’s elite anymore. Gresham is a good hedge, though.
Overall Rank: 3
If this team gets a full season of realized potential from McFadden and CJ, this is a potential championship team. The ranking reflects that accurately.
Phoenix Redbirds
QB:
Aaron Rodgers
Rank: 1
So good, he hides a lot of flaws, in the NFL and in fantasy football. He’s a makeup artist, in that way. Freeman is a skillfully crafted backup–strong potential with a favorable bye matchup.
RB:
Matt Forte, C.J. Spiller
Rank: 9
This is not ideal. Forte is universally undervalued in fantasy this season. People love to parrot the point that with Bush in town he’ll lose goal line touches and limit his value. But he didn’t get those touches last season either and was elite regardless. “He got hurt late in the season!” But he was fine by the Pro Bowl, so that’s not an issue anymore. I love Forte’s value.
But he’s not good enough to carry the position alone, and on this team, he basically is. Spiller is perhaps a committee guy. That’s his upside. Same with Ryan Williams and the Quizz. Brutal. This position group will hamstring this team.
WR:
Victor Cruz, Roddy White, Lance Moore
Rank: 6
Lance Moore holds back an otherwise strong starting group. I personally think Cruz is a complete mystery–he’s bound to regress considering how much of his value came on just a handful of huge plays. Then again, he created those plays with his own skill, for the most part. White is elite and consistent and an unbelievable #2.
This group is really hurt by the lack of depth, though. When Greg Little is the best of your three bench guys, you’re in trouble, even if he actually realizes his potential. There’s just a low ceiling in that offense.
TE:
Jimmy Graham
Rank: 2
He’s my #1 TE. Imagine that Price is Right game where the mountain climber dude scales that mountain. Jimmy Graham is the climber, climbing and climbing, and as he ascends, his stats go up. I honestly don’t know how high that mountain reaches.
Overall Rank: 2
Rodgers is an apex predator at the most important position in the game. Graham is an apex predator at his position. Cruz and White could be. And every single one will have to be for this team to make up for the truly awful RB group. With some diligence mining the waiver wire and a timely RB pickup, this is a championship caliber team without a doubt. Maybe even as is.
Hungry Hungry Haruspex
As a preface, I ranked every team by consensus projections, by numbers. I didn’t know the results until everything was tallied and calculated. This was the top team before I made small adjustments for my own projections. Though I doubt anyone will believe it, considering the results.
QB:
Michael Vick
Rank: 6
Trying to account for injuries is silly. Matthew Stafford has missed a significantly larger percentage of his games, over a smaller sample, with less evidence of health, than Vick. But everyone assumes Vick misses several games, absolutely nobody says the same for Stafford.
Not accounting for injury, admittedly, Vick has #1 QB potential, which Romo and Ryan and Eli lack. But Vick doesn’t have the game to make that potential very likely, which is why he ranks outside the top 5.
A stronger backup than Locker or Bradford would be prudent, but Locker’s projections may surprise. He’s a running QB but with the unique angle that he’s also a downfield passer. He’s a potential surprise. Still, the likeliest outcome means relying on either Locker or Bradford fr at least 2 or 3 games, which has the potential to ruin the team.
RB:
Arian Foster, Jamaal Charles
Rank: 1
Foster’s projections are almost as much an outlier within the RBs as Megatron’s are to his position, which is probably not accurate. Even still, he’s the consensus #1 RB. Charles has #1 potential, and flashed that upside in 2010. I think his projection is a little low, but still generous enough to give this group the top rank.
Donald Brown is a strange case. He’s the most talented guy on his team and figures to get a majority of the work, which has value by itself. His projection is probably a little high, but his potential to be that surprise RB that dramatically outplays his projection is at least above zero. Tate is the best handcuff in the NFL and he backups his real-life teammate, which makes this group look much better than it might otherwise. Finally, Gerhart, as an end of the bench guy, has a very likely path to 250+ carries is Peterson isn’t as healed as he claims and aggravates his injury early in the season.
WR:
Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Dez Bryant
Rank: 1 (tie)
Unlimited upside. Any of these three guys could challenge Megatron for the #1 WR spot, or at least #2. 1 through 3, no group is stronger in this league.
Behind those guys, Torrey Smith is the only credible receiving threat (beyond eight yards) in an offense that figures to open up in a big way. Reggie Wayne was sneaky productive last season despite his horrible QB situation and now he’s the only reliable receiver on a bad team that should throw a lot and a dramatically improved QB under center.
TE:
Greg Olsen
Rank: 10
As I said in my team’s review, Olsen is a top 4 TE if he gets only half what Shockey produced last season. Even so, Olsen has had that potential for years and never come even close to realizing it. Without seeing a hint of that production, he’s by far the worst starting TE in the league. Several teams have better second options than Olsen’s projection.
Overall Rank: 1
The consensus projections say this team scores the most fantasy points this season and Yahoo agrees. The team needs Vick as badly as the Eagles do, but even without him the RBs and WRs are so good to possibly carry the team into the playoffs. Once there, anything can happen.
The top two teams are so dramatically different in construction it’s fascinating. One relies on QB and TE above a strong but shallow WR group; the other is led by dominant RB and WR groups over a middling QB and bottom feeder TE. Both are viable strategies and the exercise really drives home how superior the auction format is for allowing owners to deliberately construct teams that have multiple avenues to victory.