9.16.13 - nfl: nfl qb's talking trash on fb
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9.16.13 - Fantasy Update: Injury report week3
Eddie Lacy sustained a concussion on his first carry when he was hit helmet to helmet by Brandon Meriweather. James Stark came in and became the 1st Packer RB in 44 games to rush for 100 yards. He finished with 168 total yards (132 rushing) and a TD. If Lacy misses any time, then Stark becomes a fantasy option. And he may have made the case for Green Bay to have an committee.
Maurice Jones Drew sprained his ankle before halftime and didnt return. This is the same foot that has had all the problems and he states that he feels "looseness" in it. He will have MRI on it, so we will have to wait for those results. But at this point, I would guess that he does not play next week. Jordan Todman is his backup, but on the horrible Jacksonville offense, I wouldn't expect much.
Steven Jackson seemed to injure his quad when he stretched out for his 8-yard TD. He left the game and did not return. We will have to wait for further information to find out the extent of his injury and his availablity for next week. Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling will split the work if he is out.
Ray Rice left the second half with a left hip flexor strain, but wont need a MRI. Therefore, he should have good chance of playing next week. Again though, as stated in the preseason Bernard Pierce will get more touches.
Larry Fitzgerald played on his 80% hamstring, but was unable to finish the game. He sat out the fourth quarter, but states he will definately be playing next week. Keep an eye out through the week to make sure he doesnt tweek it.
Reggie Bush left yesterdays game twice with knee issues, not to return after the second time. He says he is fine, but will have an MRI to make sure. Joique Bell should have been picked up in you league last week, but if not make sure you do. Its been 2 games and Bush has sustained injuries in both.
Andre Johnson left late in the game yesterday with a concussion after taking a big hit by Bernard Pollard. He seemed fine afterwards, but still has to go through protocol before getting back out there. If unable to go next week, DeAndre Hopkins showed the ability to make some big plays.
Vernon Davis pulled up grabbing the back of his leg on the Richard Sherman interception last night and never returned. There were no more details on the extent of the injury, but Vance McDonald would be next in line.
Roddy White again tried to play on his bum ankle, but was in and out of the game while Julio Jones went off. Its going to be hard to play Roddy until he takes some time to get that ankle healed. So look for other options for the time being.
Martellus Bennett told reporters "I messed up my shoulder so, I’m in a lot of pain right now," after his 7/76/2 game. He seemed to mess up his shoulder in the second quarter, so since he was able to play the rest of the game is a good sign. We will have to wait and see though.
Maurice Jones Drew sprained his ankle before halftime and didnt return. This is the same foot that has had all the problems and he states that he feels "looseness" in it. He will have MRI on it, so we will have to wait for those results. But at this point, I would guess that he does not play next week. Jordan Todman is his backup, but on the horrible Jacksonville offense, I wouldn't expect much.
Steven Jackson seemed to injure his quad when he stretched out for his 8-yard TD. He left the game and did not return. We will have to wait for further information to find out the extent of his injury and his availablity for next week. Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling will split the work if he is out.
Ray Rice left the second half with a left hip flexor strain, but wont need a MRI. Therefore, he should have good chance of playing next week. Again though, as stated in the preseason Bernard Pierce will get more touches.
Larry Fitzgerald played on his 80% hamstring, but was unable to finish the game. He sat out the fourth quarter, but states he will definately be playing next week. Keep an eye out through the week to make sure he doesnt tweek it.
Reggie Bush left yesterdays game twice with knee issues, not to return after the second time. He says he is fine, but will have an MRI to make sure. Joique Bell should have been picked up in you league last week, but if not make sure you do. Its been 2 games and Bush has sustained injuries in both.
Andre Johnson left late in the game yesterday with a concussion after taking a big hit by Bernard Pollard. He seemed fine afterwards, but still has to go through protocol before getting back out there. If unable to go next week, DeAndre Hopkins showed the ability to make some big plays.
Vernon Davis pulled up grabbing the back of his leg on the Richard Sherman interception last night and never returned. There were no more details on the extent of the injury, but Vance McDonald would be next in line.
Roddy White again tried to play on his bum ankle, but was in and out of the game while Julio Jones went off. Its going to be hard to play Roddy until he takes some time to get that ankle healed. So look for other options for the time being.
Martellus Bennett told reporters "I messed up my shoulder so, I’m in a lot of pain right now," after his 7/76/2 game. He seemed to mess up his shoulder in the second quarter, so since he was able to play the rest of the game is a good sign. We will have to wait and see though.
9.6.13 - Fail: Sure TD turns into touchback
Denver Bronco 2nd year linebacker Danny Trevathan learned a valuable lesson last night, a la DeSean Jackson and Leon Lett. Take the ball with you over the goal line. Uffff!
9.4.13 - Poll: who do you start in Week 1?
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8.22.13 - Fantasy Blog
2013 NFL Fantasy Bust by hEDBRO
Here are few players that I don't believe the hype on. I think they will fail miserably for your Fantasy team as with the real team and cause many to cry tears made of dollars.
Danny Amendola WR (NE) - Yes as long as he can stay on the field he will produce as well or better than Welker. But he has only played in 1 full season out of the last 4, which includes only 12 games in the last 2 seasons. He is already missing some time this preseason with an undisclosed injury, so I don't think he will make it the full season. Therefore, Kenbrell Thompkins will end up with a better season than Amendola.
Ray Rice RB (BAL) - Baltimore seems to believe in Flacco more than Rice and end up forgetting about the running game ever other game it seems. Then you throw in the fact that coaches have said they want to get Bernard Pierce more work and that does bode well for someone that is going as a top 4 pick in most leagues. I don't believe he will be top 4 at year end, but more top 6 - 10. So he wont be a total bum, but take your expectations down a few notches.
Kyle Rudolph TE (MIN) - AP is the man in Minnesota, so ball goes there first. Then you add Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle patterson, a very capable #2 TE in John Carlson with a so-so QB and there are many targets for Rudolph. Last year he only had 53 receptions, but that included 9 TDs. This year he gets close to the receptions, but with the other targets, only half the TDs.
Russell Wilson QB (SEA) - With the WR Savior Percy Harvin out, he is stuck with the same mediocre group of WRs. I think he caught the league off guard a bit last year, but this season won't get close to his 26 throwing TDs from a year ago. Seattle will have to rely heavily upon Marshawn Lynch who ends up a top 5 back.
Danny Amendola WR (NE) - Yes as long as he can stay on the field he will produce as well or better than Welker. But he has only played in 1 full season out of the last 4, which includes only 12 games in the last 2 seasons. He is already missing some time this preseason with an undisclosed injury, so I don't think he will make it the full season. Therefore, Kenbrell Thompkins will end up with a better season than Amendola.
Ray Rice RB (BAL) - Baltimore seems to believe in Flacco more than Rice and end up forgetting about the running game ever other game it seems. Then you throw in the fact that coaches have said they want to get Bernard Pierce more work and that does bode well for someone that is going as a top 4 pick in most leagues. I don't believe he will be top 4 at year end, but more top 6 - 10. So he wont be a total bum, but take your expectations down a few notches.
Kyle Rudolph TE (MIN) - AP is the man in Minnesota, so ball goes there first. Then you add Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle patterson, a very capable #2 TE in John Carlson with a so-so QB and there are many targets for Rudolph. Last year he only had 53 receptions, but that included 9 TDs. This year he gets close to the receptions, but with the other targets, only half the TDs.
Russell Wilson QB (SEA) - With the WR Savior Percy Harvin out, he is stuck with the same mediocre group of WRs. I think he caught the league off guard a bit last year, but this season won't get close to his 26 throwing TDs from a year ago. Seattle will have to rely heavily upon Marshawn Lynch who ends up a top 5 back.
8.14.13 - fANTASY INFORMATION:NFL INJURY UPDATES
With most Fantasy Football drafts coming up, I wanted update everyone on some of the injuries that might affect how you draft.
Ravens TE Ed Dickson likely out for Week 1
ESPN's Chris Mortensen stated on NFL Insiders Tuesday that Ravens TE Ed Dickson (hamstring) "most likely won't be ready for the opener."
The Ravens' fears about the severity of Dickson's hamstring tear were essentially confirmed when they signed Dallas Clark. Look for Clark to open the season as Baltimore's "move" tight end, with Visanthe Shiancoe playing on the line in two-tight end packages. Once a somewhat popular fantasy sleeper, Dickson is no longer worth consideration in standard re-draft leagues.
Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles (foot) was doing rehab work on the side of Chiefs practice Wednesday.
Charles is not practicing, but he's "marching" up and down a steep hill next to the team's facility. He appears to be walking fine. Monday's scare has turned into a very mild foot strain. Coach Andy Reid said Charles could have practiced Wednesday if it was necessary. So should be fine for start of season.
New England TE Rob Gronkowski
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on NFL InsidersTuesday that the "buzz is positive" regarding Rob Gronkowski's recovery from back surgery.
"Buzz seems to be building the positive way," said Schefter. "I haven't heard too many discouraging things. ... So far the buzz is positive." Schefter went so far as to suggest Gronkowski is likely to avoid reserve/PUP to start the season, although that won't be confirmed until late in the month and/or early September. Either way, less news is good news on Gronkowski's recovery, and there haven't been any negative reports. This is only Rotoworld's second blurb on Gronkowski since he was placed on active/PUP on July 23. In the meantime, Zach Sudfeld continues to take the majority of first-team reps at Patriots practices.
Cleveland RB Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson (shin) will play a "couple series" in Thursday's preseason game against the Lions.
It will be Richardson's preseason debut, and is evidence he's finally over his troublesome shin issue. T-Rich has already had one setback, but is now trending toward being 100 percent for Week 1, something he's rarely been in his young NFL career. He is going to be first round pick, but you might want to also get Dion Lewis for a handcuff.
So here's to good drafting my friends!
Ravens TE Ed Dickson likely out for Week 1
ESPN's Chris Mortensen stated on NFL Insiders Tuesday that Ravens TE Ed Dickson (hamstring) "most likely won't be ready for the opener."
The Ravens' fears about the severity of Dickson's hamstring tear were essentially confirmed when they signed Dallas Clark. Look for Clark to open the season as Baltimore's "move" tight end, with Visanthe Shiancoe playing on the line in two-tight end packages. Once a somewhat popular fantasy sleeper, Dickson is no longer worth consideration in standard re-draft leagues.
Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles
Jamaal Charles (foot) was doing rehab work on the side of Chiefs practice Wednesday.
Charles is not practicing, but he's "marching" up and down a steep hill next to the team's facility. He appears to be walking fine. Monday's scare has turned into a very mild foot strain. Coach Andy Reid said Charles could have practiced Wednesday if it was necessary. So should be fine for start of season.
New England TE Rob Gronkowski
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on NFL InsidersTuesday that the "buzz is positive" regarding Rob Gronkowski's recovery from back surgery.
"Buzz seems to be building the positive way," said Schefter. "I haven't heard too many discouraging things. ... So far the buzz is positive." Schefter went so far as to suggest Gronkowski is likely to avoid reserve/PUP to start the season, although that won't be confirmed until late in the month and/or early September. Either way, less news is good news on Gronkowski's recovery, and there haven't been any negative reports. This is only Rotoworld's second blurb on Gronkowski since he was placed on active/PUP on July 23. In the meantime, Zach Sudfeld continues to take the majority of first-team reps at Patriots practices.
Cleveland RB Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson (shin) will play a "couple series" in Thursday's preseason game against the Lions.
It will be Richardson's preseason debut, and is evidence he's finally over his troublesome shin issue. T-Rich has already had one setback, but is now trending toward being 100 percent for Week 1, something he's rarely been in his young NFL career. He is going to be first round pick, but you might want to also get Dion Lewis for a handcuff.
So here's to good drafting my friends!
7.17.13 - Fantasy Blog
2013 NFL Fantasy Breakouts by HedBrO
As the NFL and Fantasy season get closer, I wanted to share my Fantasy Breakout players for the 2013 NFL Season. These are players that haven't had big years yet in their career or have been slacking for a few years. Either way they are in line to have big years.
Steven Jackson RB (ATL) - After being able to still get 1,000 yards that last few seasons on a bad Rams team. He moves to an Atlanta Falcons team that was able to make the stumbling bumbling Michael 'Burner' Turner look good. I think he still gets to 1,000 yards, plus gets close to double digit touchdowns. The passing game will give him plenty of chances within 5 yards.
Carson Palmer QB (Ari) - Not the greatest of QBs out there, but now he gets to throw to Larry Fitzgerald. I know it seems like that might be a hard thing to do after the last few seasons, but those other arms were just PeeWee stars. He's many years older, but remember what he was able to do with Ochocinco those years.
Brandon Myers TE (NYG) - He was Carson Palmers safety valve last year and had 79 catches, 4 TDs. This year he plays with Eli, who likes to throw alot and looks for the TE in the redzone. So think he can be a solid option at a position that doesnt get much fantasy production.
Antonio Brown WR (PIT) - Without Mike Wallace he will be the leading candidate for all the leftover targets. Last year he flashed enough skill that with a full workload he has a chance to be a top 15 WR.
Ryan Tanehill QB (MIA) - Throw in Mike Wallace and Dustin Keller with Brian Hartline, and his has a pretty good recieving corp. All three have been reliable targets on their respective teams the past few years and now he gets to throw to all 3.
Pierre Garcon WR (WSH) - If Garcon and RGIII can stay healthy and play together the whole season, he could put up monster numbers. He is a explosive and fast WR that could put up numbers like Victor Cruz has done the past 2 seasons.
Reggie Bush RB (DET) - Could be as good as the man that replaced him in New Orleans, Darren Sporles. The Lions throw alot and Reggie Bush likes to be outside the pocket alot. So especially if you are in a PPR league he could end up in the top 10.
Steven Jackson RB (ATL) - After being able to still get 1,000 yards that last few seasons on a bad Rams team. He moves to an Atlanta Falcons team that was able to make the stumbling bumbling Michael 'Burner' Turner look good. I think he still gets to 1,000 yards, plus gets close to double digit touchdowns. The passing game will give him plenty of chances within 5 yards.
Carson Palmer QB (Ari) - Not the greatest of QBs out there, but now he gets to throw to Larry Fitzgerald. I know it seems like that might be a hard thing to do after the last few seasons, but those other arms were just PeeWee stars. He's many years older, but remember what he was able to do with Ochocinco those years.
Brandon Myers TE (NYG) - He was Carson Palmers safety valve last year and had 79 catches, 4 TDs. This year he plays with Eli, who likes to throw alot and looks for the TE in the redzone. So think he can be a solid option at a position that doesnt get much fantasy production.
Antonio Brown WR (PIT) - Without Mike Wallace he will be the leading candidate for all the leftover targets. Last year he flashed enough skill that with a full workload he has a chance to be a top 15 WR.
Ryan Tanehill QB (MIA) - Throw in Mike Wallace and Dustin Keller with Brian Hartline, and his has a pretty good recieving corp. All three have been reliable targets on their respective teams the past few years and now he gets to throw to all 3.
Pierre Garcon WR (WSH) - If Garcon and RGIII can stay healthy and play together the whole season, he could put up monster numbers. He is a explosive and fast WR that could put up numbers like Victor Cruz has done the past 2 seasons.
Reggie Bush RB (DET) - Could be as good as the man that replaced him in New Orleans, Darren Sporles. The Lions throw alot and Reggie Bush likes to be outside the pocket alot. So especially if you are in a PPR league he could end up in the top 10.
7.12.13 - Fantasy Blog
The Five Keys to a Successful Fantasy Football League by Duddits
The 2013 football season is almost upon us. For the growing millions of nerds out there, that also means the fantasy football season is almost upon us. Unsurprisingly, statistics show that every year more and more curious fans are trying fantasy. It’s a wonderful way for casual and hardcore fans to interact with America’s most popular sport, and a perfect catalyst to hang out with your friends and family while promoting some friendly competition.
Many sites out there offer very well put-together, free leagues. My main league has been using ESPN’s free services for 6 years now with no complaints. HedBro’s post below has some other excellent free sites, and outlines the basics of setting up a league. But no matter how easy it may be to put a league together with a handful of your close friends, a sadly high number of leagues fail after just one season. To prevent this, we recommend implementing the five keys below to make your league a successful one.
1. Plan a Successful Draft
The draft is arguably the most important single event in the fantasy year, and the success of the draft will set the tone for your entire league’s season. By success, I don’t mean making sure you landed Adrian Peterson and Aaron Rodgers with your first two picks, but instead means you can answer yes to these two questions:
Did everyone show up?
Did everyone have a good time?
Making sure your draft is attended by everyone in the league is of absolutely vital importance. When a player does not show up, that team is automatically drafted (usually by the computer) and is usually a nightmare. This is one of the most common excuses given for players not playing their team, and as we’ll discuss momentarily, not paying. Scheduling a draft may prove difficult, but if you are having too many problems getting certain people committed to your draft, it may be a sign to start thinking about finding some new players. Of course, exceptions and emergencies happen, and a player missing the draft isn’t an automatic disaster, but if it can be avoided – do it.
Similarly, everyone should have a good time at their drafts. While it can be a serious event with a lot of brainpower and strategy involved, it is also a great opportunity to spend time with your friends. Don’t get so caught up in making sure no one else takes your kicker that you forget to drink a beer and have fun.
Tip : If it’s possible, organize an in-person draft. While a little more planning is involved, they are an absolutely great time.
2. Get the Money Up Front
Playing for a money is an increasingly popular format in fantasy football. From $10 a person to leagues that cost you $5000 to enter, having something on the line makes watching football just that much more interesting. Well before you draft your league, every player should agree to playing for money, and agree to exactly how much money will be committed. The league manager needs to have a payout structure in place, in writing. And absolutely most important of all, get the money up front.
This is a lesson learned the hard way for many leagues, including several I’ve been in. League managers (myself included) may say “eh, he’s good for it. I’ve known this guy forever.” Well, humans are humans, and the odds are actually very high that he’s not good for it. I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen a player’s team start the season with an 0-6 record, and suddenly the player is broke, and can’t play anymore, and suddenly stops returning your e-mails or phone calls. Bad season starts, auto-drafted teams people aren’t happy with, disappointment that Tony Romo continues to suck… whatever the reason, many people will try to worm their way out of paying money to a lost season.
Take our advice. To completely a lot of potential mid-season stress, get the money up front.
Tip: Set the expectation that entry fees are due on draft day. You don’t pay, you don’t draft.
3. Encourage Interaction
The first year I played fantasy football, I hated it. I almost didn’t come back. Not only was my team horrible, I was so absolutely bored with the league I was in because no one ever said anything. It wasn’t until my second year, finding an active league that talked and encouraged trades and had an active forum did I realize how fun fantasy could be. As a league manager, you have to encourage interaction between the teams. Remind struggling teams that they’re one trade away from contention. Start forum posts, initiate trade offers in the hopes yours may lead to others. Some leagues will be full of naturally outgoing people, but others – especially full of newer players who don’t know any better – may just be sitting around confused, afraid to say anything and end up not paying attention at all.
League managers need to stay involved, and make an effort to keep things exciting and interesting when things look slow. For local leagues, organizing mid-season get togethers is another great way to encourage interaction. Meeting up at a local sports bar on a Sunday is a fun way to get out, talk smack and enjoy what fantasy football is all about.
Tip: Write weekly recaps for your league. Good recaps will keep everyone involved, and is a good way to keep everyone updated and spark conversation.
4. Be Willing to Experiment
This may be more for leagues that survive the first year. But often times, league managers starting a brand new league will get so stuck in their ways that the new league suffers and eventually fails. Fantasy football has countless options to customizing your league, and you have to be willing to try different things that may make your league successful and more fun for your players.
For example, one of my leagues started as a snake draft league, where everyone takes turns picking players in the draft. After the first year, it was obvious that for this group of people, that was kind of boring. We were all nerdy math types, and we decided to try Auction drafting. Instead of taking turns in your draft, you get $200 to build your entire team. For us, it was a huge success and made things a lot more fun for everyone. Auction drafting does not work in every league… but it worked in this one. There are a lot of different settings and changes like that that your league may want to try, and you can’t be locked into doing things just one way. Similarly, don’t try to force changes on your league either. “If it ain’t broke….”
Tip: Organize a league get-together several weeks before your draft, and have votes on any rule/format changes desired for the upcoming year.
5. Remember Why You Play Fantasy Football
Absolutely, positively most important to keeping your league alive… remember why you play fantasy football – TO HAVE FUN.
Some leagues are serious, some are very competitive, some are for high dollars. But all are for fun. If you lose sight of that, your league is as good as dead.
I hope these five keys help both new and returning players have great, enjoyable seasons. Good luck to everyone, and have fun this fantasy year.
Many sites out there offer very well put-together, free leagues. My main league has been using ESPN’s free services for 6 years now with no complaints. HedBro’s post below has some other excellent free sites, and outlines the basics of setting up a league. But no matter how easy it may be to put a league together with a handful of your close friends, a sadly high number of leagues fail after just one season. To prevent this, we recommend implementing the five keys below to make your league a successful one.
1. Plan a Successful Draft
The draft is arguably the most important single event in the fantasy year, and the success of the draft will set the tone for your entire league’s season. By success, I don’t mean making sure you landed Adrian Peterson and Aaron Rodgers with your first two picks, but instead means you can answer yes to these two questions:
Did everyone show up?
Did everyone have a good time?
Making sure your draft is attended by everyone in the league is of absolutely vital importance. When a player does not show up, that team is automatically drafted (usually by the computer) and is usually a nightmare. This is one of the most common excuses given for players not playing their team, and as we’ll discuss momentarily, not paying. Scheduling a draft may prove difficult, but if you are having too many problems getting certain people committed to your draft, it may be a sign to start thinking about finding some new players. Of course, exceptions and emergencies happen, and a player missing the draft isn’t an automatic disaster, but if it can be avoided – do it.
Similarly, everyone should have a good time at their drafts. While it can be a serious event with a lot of brainpower and strategy involved, it is also a great opportunity to spend time with your friends. Don’t get so caught up in making sure no one else takes your kicker that you forget to drink a beer and have fun.
Tip : If it’s possible, organize an in-person draft. While a little more planning is involved, they are an absolutely great time.
2. Get the Money Up Front
Playing for a money is an increasingly popular format in fantasy football. From $10 a person to leagues that cost you $5000 to enter, having something on the line makes watching football just that much more interesting. Well before you draft your league, every player should agree to playing for money, and agree to exactly how much money will be committed. The league manager needs to have a payout structure in place, in writing. And absolutely most important of all, get the money up front.
This is a lesson learned the hard way for many leagues, including several I’ve been in. League managers (myself included) may say “eh, he’s good for it. I’ve known this guy forever.” Well, humans are humans, and the odds are actually very high that he’s not good for it. I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen a player’s team start the season with an 0-6 record, and suddenly the player is broke, and can’t play anymore, and suddenly stops returning your e-mails or phone calls. Bad season starts, auto-drafted teams people aren’t happy with, disappointment that Tony Romo continues to suck… whatever the reason, many people will try to worm their way out of paying money to a lost season.
Take our advice. To completely a lot of potential mid-season stress, get the money up front.
Tip: Set the expectation that entry fees are due on draft day. You don’t pay, you don’t draft.
3. Encourage Interaction
The first year I played fantasy football, I hated it. I almost didn’t come back. Not only was my team horrible, I was so absolutely bored with the league I was in because no one ever said anything. It wasn’t until my second year, finding an active league that talked and encouraged trades and had an active forum did I realize how fun fantasy could be. As a league manager, you have to encourage interaction between the teams. Remind struggling teams that they’re one trade away from contention. Start forum posts, initiate trade offers in the hopes yours may lead to others. Some leagues will be full of naturally outgoing people, but others – especially full of newer players who don’t know any better – may just be sitting around confused, afraid to say anything and end up not paying attention at all.
League managers need to stay involved, and make an effort to keep things exciting and interesting when things look slow. For local leagues, organizing mid-season get togethers is another great way to encourage interaction. Meeting up at a local sports bar on a Sunday is a fun way to get out, talk smack and enjoy what fantasy football is all about.
Tip: Write weekly recaps for your league. Good recaps will keep everyone involved, and is a good way to keep everyone updated and spark conversation.
4. Be Willing to Experiment
This may be more for leagues that survive the first year. But often times, league managers starting a brand new league will get so stuck in their ways that the new league suffers and eventually fails. Fantasy football has countless options to customizing your league, and you have to be willing to try different things that may make your league successful and more fun for your players.
For example, one of my leagues started as a snake draft league, where everyone takes turns picking players in the draft. After the first year, it was obvious that for this group of people, that was kind of boring. We were all nerdy math types, and we decided to try Auction drafting. Instead of taking turns in your draft, you get $200 to build your entire team. For us, it was a huge success and made things a lot more fun for everyone. Auction drafting does not work in every league… but it worked in this one. There are a lot of different settings and changes like that that your league may want to try, and you can’t be locked into doing things just one way. Similarly, don’t try to force changes on your league either. “If it ain’t broke….”
Tip: Organize a league get-together several weeks before your draft, and have votes on any rule/format changes desired for the upcoming year.
5. Remember Why You Play Fantasy Football
Absolutely, positively most important to keeping your league alive… remember why you play fantasy football – TO HAVE FUN.
Some leagues are serious, some are very competitive, some are for high dollars. But all are for fun. If you lose sight of that, your league is as good as dead.
I hope these five keys help both new and returning players have great, enjoyable seasons. Good luck to everyone, and have fun this fantasy year.
7.8.13 - Basketball Blog
Dwight Howard to Houston - Reaction by Duddits
Over the holiday weekend, the Houston Rockets pulled off the biggest player acquisition for the team since 2004, when Dwight Howard announced his decision to leave the Lakers and come to Texas. While most of the news outlets and talking heads dwell on how this affects the Lakers and how upset Kobe is, I think an important question to ask is: Why don’t the people of Houston seem to care?
Of course the Rockets care, they finally have the big name franchise player and confidence they can contend for championships. For the first time since trading for Tracy McGrady in 2004, the Rockets are viewed as true competitors; a marquee NBA team with an elite roster that has to be viewed as a threat to win the Western Conference. So why is it that when Howard’s decision was being made and blowing up the internet in LA with tens of thousands of angry posts about abandoning Laker legacy, by comparison all you heard from Houston was yawns?
Houston has always been a good sports town. We love our football, we love* our Astros, and we’ve always appreciated the Rockets. Attendance figures back this up, with the Texans owning the 8th highest average sports attendance in the country, Astros 57th, and Rockets 130th. We support our teams and want them to do well, but we have a considerably less “die-hard” culture than say, Boston. I’ve met a handful of Boston sports fans who can tell me the starting lineup for the Red Sox Triple A team, while I would bet considerable money that over 80% of Houstonians would struggle to name more than 3 players on the entire Astros squad.
* Love for the Astros currently being tested by the highest possible degree as we suck through year 3 of a giant rebuilding project
I believe this is part of what drew Dwight Howard to the Rockets, and part of why Houston has been strangely quiet about the choice. If Howard comes to Houston and struggles, he won’t get destroyed by local media or fans. It’s almost guaranteed to be a radical departure from life in LA, when you can’t take a piss without being linked to a Kardashian or having TMZ smell your urine and posting about it. He will enjoy relative peace and quiet here to do what he does.
Houston wants the Rockets, and Dwight Howard to succeed. We have a rich legacy of elite big men that we can speak proudly of. Moses Malone, Sampson, Olajuwon, Yao… all names Houstonians speak of proudly for being really great at basketball and really great for the town. No headlines about wife beating, or bar fights, or Kardashians. Fair or not, Dwight Howard doesn’t bring a reputation with him that fits Houston culture. He’s been marked as aloof, unmotivated at times, and not afraid to run his mouth. Houston fans will roll their collective eyes at behavior like this. The last Rocket player I can remember with a similar attitude that ending up being alienated from Houston fans and helped drive them out of town was Vernon Maxwell. Maxwell faked an injury in the 95 playoffs because he was upset at his playing time, and now the last we heard of him was about going to jail for child support. Houston does not want another Vernon Maxwell, Houston wants another Hakeem Olajuwon.
The Rockets have great potential right now. With Howard pairing with James Harden and a solid roster that will continue to grow, they should have the same 3-4 year window of hope and expectations that last left with T-Mac and Yao. If Dwight Howard can come to town and play well, and become a positive contributor to the culture of the city of Houston, casual and die-hard sports fans alike will love this signing. Until then, we will continue to make squinty-eyed, apprehensive glances and wait and see what happens.
7.4.13 - FANTASY bLOG
Top sites for Fantasy Updates by HedBrO
My top 5 sites for Fantasy updates in order are-
1. Rotoworld.com - Like the TMZ of fantasy updates. They are connected to all networks 24/7/365.
2. CBSsports.com - You get more details on each update and they have good weekly rankings that easy to access.
3. ESPN.com - More for the rankings and weekly columns, but normal great information.
4. SI.com - Various weekly views and articles that differ from the other sites.
5. Yahoo.com - The articles are worth a look.
1. Rotoworld.com - Like the TMZ of fantasy updates. They are connected to all networks 24/7/365.
2. CBSsports.com - You get more details on each update and they have good weekly rankings that easy to access.
3. ESPN.com - More for the rankings and weekly columns, but normal great information.
4. SI.com - Various weekly views and articles that differ from the other sites.
5. Yahoo.com - The articles are worth a look.
6.25.13 - Fantasy Blog
Aaron Hernandez Released…- Pats Undraftable by Duddits
Photo Courtesy of CBSnews.com
This morning came the expected but still shocking news of Aaron Hernandez arrest in relation to a murder that took place in his neighborhood earlier this month. Although the actual charges are still unclear, the Patriots were immediate in releasing Hernandez from the team. This comes with 4 years left on his $40 million contract. Whether guilty or innocent, this latest circus fiasco has moved the entire Patriots team to a place I never, ever thought they would go.
The New England Patriots are now completely off my fantasy draft board.
Some might think that’s an overreaction, and that I’d be a fool to ignore an entire team still with plenty of superstars in the upcoming fantasy drafts. But let’s break this down a little further, see what the Patriots have gone through this off season, and what they’re really left with.
- Wes Welker Leaves Town
Welker has entered his own fantasy grey area (although still very draftable) in a crowded WR corps in Denver. He was by far Tom Brady’s favorite, most reliable target. In PPR leagues, he was a solid second rounder and kept Brady propped up into the first round. Now, the Patriots WR1 is …who? Danny Amendola? That’s a giant risk, and you’d be rolling some dangerous dice betting your team on him. Julian Edelman? No thanks. Donald Jones? Yeah right.
- Rob Gronkowski Has 17 Off-Season Surgeries
Okay maybe not 17, but it seems like every week we read another story about how Gronk has gone under the knife…again. Either for his arm or his back or wherever else, there is absolutely no way you can rely on a healthy Gronk to open your season. He’s already been confirmed to start preseason on the PUP list. So for draft purposes, if you were dead set on taking Gronk, you know you’d have to spend a decently high draft spot on a backup TE (on the Daniels, Gates, Pettigrew level). That’s a lot of draft invested in TE, and that’s enough to scare me into a safer draft choice. This, plus the uncertainty at WR has moved Tom Brady out of the top tier of fantasy QB’s.
- Jesus Tebow Has Come to Town
Call this one superstition, or call it foolish. I think Tim Tebow and his legion of followers will drive the final knife into the Patriots season. As of now, there is absolutely no QB controversy. Tom Brady is the face of the Patriots, and Tim Tebow should be settling into his beanie wearing, clipboard holding future. But will the media ever let the story of him being there die? Of course not. And who’s to say that won’t finally get under Tom Brady’s skin just enough to start making an impact. Wild prediction – Tom Brady has the worst year of his career, and Mark Sanchez goes to the Pro Bowl. Praise to Tebow.
- Hernandez New Uniform – Orange Jumpsuit
The latest in the drama, Hernandez was supposed to be the rock solid, dependable threat keeping the New England offense alive. If Gronk was hurt, at least Hernandez was there. A healthy Hernandez with Amendola and maybe a heavier run game this season? I still would’ve believed in 11 wins and a potential first round bye. Now with Hernandez heading down to the pokey, you can really look at the New England team and say “woah…. What happened?”
This could all mean nothing in the grand scheme of the 2013-2014 NFL Season. Six months from now, we could be looking at a 13-3 team and reading stories about how no matter what the odds, Brady and Bellichick find a way. Are you willing to bet your fantasy season on it?
I’m not.
The New England Patriots are now completely off my fantasy draft board.
Some might think that’s an overreaction, and that I’d be a fool to ignore an entire team still with plenty of superstars in the upcoming fantasy drafts. But let’s break this down a little further, see what the Patriots have gone through this off season, and what they’re really left with.
- Wes Welker Leaves Town
Welker has entered his own fantasy grey area (although still very draftable) in a crowded WR corps in Denver. He was by far Tom Brady’s favorite, most reliable target. In PPR leagues, he was a solid second rounder and kept Brady propped up into the first round. Now, the Patriots WR1 is …who? Danny Amendola? That’s a giant risk, and you’d be rolling some dangerous dice betting your team on him. Julian Edelman? No thanks. Donald Jones? Yeah right.
- Rob Gronkowski Has 17 Off-Season Surgeries
Okay maybe not 17, but it seems like every week we read another story about how Gronk has gone under the knife…again. Either for his arm or his back or wherever else, there is absolutely no way you can rely on a healthy Gronk to open your season. He’s already been confirmed to start preseason on the PUP list. So for draft purposes, if you were dead set on taking Gronk, you know you’d have to spend a decently high draft spot on a backup TE (on the Daniels, Gates, Pettigrew level). That’s a lot of draft invested in TE, and that’s enough to scare me into a safer draft choice. This, plus the uncertainty at WR has moved Tom Brady out of the top tier of fantasy QB’s.
- Jesus Tebow Has Come to Town
Call this one superstition, or call it foolish. I think Tim Tebow and his legion of followers will drive the final knife into the Patriots season. As of now, there is absolutely no QB controversy. Tom Brady is the face of the Patriots, and Tim Tebow should be settling into his beanie wearing, clipboard holding future. But will the media ever let the story of him being there die? Of course not. And who’s to say that won’t finally get under Tom Brady’s skin just enough to start making an impact. Wild prediction – Tom Brady has the worst year of his career, and Mark Sanchez goes to the Pro Bowl. Praise to Tebow.
- Hernandez New Uniform – Orange Jumpsuit
The latest in the drama, Hernandez was supposed to be the rock solid, dependable threat keeping the New England offense alive. If Gronk was hurt, at least Hernandez was there. A healthy Hernandez with Amendola and maybe a heavier run game this season? I still would’ve believed in 11 wins and a potential first round bye. Now with Hernandez heading down to the pokey, you can really look at the New England team and say “woah…. What happened?”
This could all mean nothing in the grand scheme of the 2013-2014 NFL Season. Six months from now, we could be looking at a 13-3 team and reading stories about how no matter what the odds, Brady and Bellichick find a way. Are you willing to bet your fantasy season on it?
I’m not.
6.24.13 - Fantasy blog
How to create a Fantasy Football league by HedBrO
As the Fantasy Football season lurks in the shadows..... I figured some might need help on creating a league.
- Get enough friends, co-workers, or neighbors so that you have eight to twelve teams.
Definitely keep to an even number of teams. Scheduling is too difficult with an odd number of teams when doing a weekly versus match ups.
- Find a site to host your league.
There are many free sites like ESPN, YAHOO!, CBSsports, etc. or others that you pay to host. I prefer the free
sites as if you do an entry fee, it can all go to the season winning pot. - Name the league and have each owner name his or her team
Each owner must submit a team name. - Select a date for your annual player draft.
This date is when you choose the players for your team. The weekend before the start of the NFL regular season usually works best, as all the
rosters are set. This allows you to know exactly who is starting for each team.
- Agree on an entry fee.
This dollar amount can be as high or low as you like. Pool the entry fees together to form the “pot,” the cash paid out as prize money to the lucky winners.
- Your first order of business after forming your league is to appoint an almighty commissioner.
The commish arbitrates any and all disputes that crop up (and controversy rears its ugly head in most leagues) - Once a commissioner is in place, draw up a set of written league rules.
Feel free to customize the so-called standard rules of fantasy football — the goal is to minimize disputes during the season while still keeping everything fun. Most of the sites will allow to do all of this with just a few clicks.
