RECORD SO FAR (18-30) 37.5%
BEST WEEK (5-1) - WORST WEEK (0-6) - POINTS(+41)
The WWFFL Team Power Rankings through week 6:
Starrs 47.5
Deathknights 43.0
Bandits 42.0
Iguanas 38.8
'Skins 33.6
Warriors 27.5
Malestrom 26.1
Destroyers 25.5
Brainsmashers 25.2
Schlagens 24.5
Knightmares 23.7
Juggernauts 17.9
WEEK NINE PICKS
Schabels Schlagens at Nates Knightmares
At first glance you might think the Knightmares season is over, at 2-6 with only 6 games
to go the situation is bleak. But Nate has been playing in this league long enough
to know it's never over 'till your mathmatically eliminated. And with a potientially
high-scoring QB finally on the roster, Nate looks to be a factor down the stretch.
With that being said, Scott is certainly not out of the race yet either although
speculation here is that Watters is done, and Johnson may still lose his starting position
in any given week. Gotta like the newly acquired Green ripping the Niners D and
leading Nate to his third win.
Nate by 15
Pale Skins at Dereks Destroyers
This is a good match up featuring two teams struggling to remain in the playoff race
despite weak depth and sub-par scoring from the starters. Both coming off loses of
50 points or more, this game will be important to get some confidence back going down the
stretch. These two teams match up so well, in fact, that I have a hard time finding
an edge, but I think I'll take Derek at home in a low scoring game.
Derek by 4
Bruces Bandits at Daves Deathknights
Dave has become the favorite to win this year as not only are his starters leading the
league in scoring by more than 100 points, but his bench is also very deep. This
week he plays a formidable Bandits team second in league scoring, behind Dave. Bruce
has some players that could go off at any time, but is now hurting at QB and that gives
the edge to Dave.
Dave by 5
Skips Starrs at Joes Juggernauts
Skip has shown a few cracks in the armor, and now one has to wonder if a 7-7 record will
win the Smokies division! The Starr have lost 3 in a row and Skip will be without
Warner for a few weeks. Is it all over!?!? I doubt it, the Niners D will never
be confused with the Chiefs, and Grbac has had a fantasy football starter calibur year.
While I don't think Joes 4-game win strak is a fluke, Detroits D is better than
most people think, and I don't think Harrison and James will get the 30+ point games Joe
would need to win this one.
Skip by 5
Mikes Malestrom at Bobs Brainsmashers
Mike finds himself in the bottom the the division (and with Nate as the only 2 teams at
2-6) despite a +5 Avg points for - points against. Fortuantely, he plays a
Brainsmashers team last in the league in points scored. Bob is capable of an upset
is any given week with a bunch of streaky players like Beuerline, Boston, Glenn and Jamal
Anderson, but I have to take Mike with his workhorse RB's leading the way.
Mike by 7
Waynes Warriors at Tijuana Iguanas
Wayne looked to be on the fast track when he traded TD for Taylor and finally had two
healthy RB's on his team. That didn't last long as George was hurt early in his game
and the Warriors were unable to overcome his donut on the scoreboard. Now he faces
Q, who has been effective despite some very snakey RB's in the line-up. The
Niner/Ram game is going to produce A LOT of offense this week, and Q will have a few
players in there, so I have to take him in this one.
Q by 10
WEEK EIGHT PICKS 2-4(-28)
Bobs Brainsmashers at Waynes Warriors(-25)
Wayne was now won 3 in a row, and with the excception of QB his whole team seems to be
coming together. Despite his broken Johnson, I like Wayne to beat a wholly
unimpressive Brainsmashers team.
Wayne by 25
Tijuana Iguanas at Mikes Malestrom(-5)
Q continued his domination of the Rockies division by beating the Nate despite the
season-high 130 points the Knightmares put on the board. Mike, meanwhile lost his
third straight game when Jimmy Smith couldn't even get the Malestrom 3 points on Monday
night. Jimmy won't be held to 1 catch two weeks in a row, and Mike's team is much
better than their 2-5 record. Look for a home win.
Mike by 5
Daves Deathknights at Skips Starrs(+4)
Skip learned a valuable lesson in the team rules and left 55 points of Faulk on the bench
last week, but probably wouldn't have won anyway (unless he had started Conway over
McCardell along with two Rams WR's). Anyway... i'm going to go with Dave in this one, not
because I expect Skip to get his line-up in late again, but because I think the Chiefs D
in Arrowhead will slow the Rams down just enough for Dave's strong team to pull off the
road win.
Dave by 4
Joes Juggernauts at Bruces Bandits(+5)
Joe got 2 wins in one week and now finds himself one game below .500 despite having scored
the second fewest points in the league, and never more than 117 in any game (by contrast,
Dave is AVERAGING 145 a game). While Bruce shares the Smokies division lead, and is
2nd in the league in points scored, I find his team over-achieving and I really believe
Joe can win this game if he avoids starting players on bye (hint: you should have started
A.Green last week instead of L.Smith, DO NOT start Green this week).
Joe by 5
Nates Knightmares at Pale Skins(-2)
Nate lost two games in one week, and now appears to be set in the role of spoiler the rest
of the season. He gets a chance this week as Mariano tries to hang on to second in
the Ravenloft and hold off a surging Juggernauts team. Despite the Knightmares Favre
being off this week (like thats a big deal the way he's been playing) I like the way these
two teams match up and I think Mariano may need the home-field advantage to pull off a
close win.
Mariano by 2
Dereks Destroyers at Schabels Schlagens(-5)
Both of these teams have some unpredictable players, and I believe this game may come down
to who hits the closest to thier potiential. Having said that, I like Dereks
bruising RBs a little better and will take Derek on the road.
Derek by 5
WEEK SEVEN PICKS 5-1( +66)
Bruces Bandits at Mikes Malestrom(+8)
Two teams that appear to be heading in different directions, both teams were 2-2 two weeks
ago. Now Mikes lost 2 in a row and Mack for the season while Bruce is 4-2 and riding
a red-hot Owens. Still, not all is as it appears here and I think I have to take the
2-4 Malestrom in this was on account of better depth and a superior QB (Sorry Bruce, but
McClown is not getting the job done!).
Mike by 8
Pale Skins at Daves Deathknights(+15)
Dave has come alive and after Skip showed last week how one-sided his team is, many wonder
if the Deathknights are the team to beat this year. Dave is riding a team of
over-achiever and spectacular special teams to an early lead in the division. This
is a huge game for Mariano, who can tie for the division lead with a win, or give Dave a 2
game buffer with a loss. Unfortaunetly for Mariano Staley, and the Pale Skins,
season is done.
Dave by 15
Schabels Schlagens at Joes Juggernauts(+15)
Joes misfortune continues as he falls to the league cellar by losing against the
Knightmares by 1 point, in a game where Travis Taylor scored -2 for the Juggernauts!
Still, Scott has problems of his own, including very spotty WR play after Moss.
With a win Joe can pull the Schlagens into the cellar with him, and misery loves
company. Look for an inspired Juggernauts win this week.
Joe by 15
Tijuana Iguanas at Nates Knightmares(-2)
The Knightmares tried to shake the team up by trading thier cornerstone RB Fred Taylor
this week. Unfortunately, they face the division leading Iguanas this week, and
while Q hasn't been as dominating as in the past he does get 'Zeke back this week.
I'm having a hard time picking this game, but my heart tells me Mike Anderson, not Griese,
will be the hero in Denvers game against the Browns, and that should be enought for a
Knightmares win. I hope.
Nate by 2
Bobs Brainsmashers at Dereks Destroyers(+20)
Despite having the 4th highest score last week, the Destroyers were trounced by the
Deathknights and now find themselves in a 3 game tie for 2nd place in the Rockies
division. While nothing is assured in fantasy football, I like the Destroyers in
this game a lot. Culpepper has been a very insightful pick, Bettis is looking like
his old self again, the those WRs continue to produce. Bob, meanwhile, has serious
questions at RB, and looks to be heading for 2-5.
Derek by 20
Skips Starrs at Waynes Warriors(+10)
Wayne, looking for a capable #2 RB to team with a red-hot E.George, acquired via trade
just the man he was looking for. If Tayolr can mannage to recapture a glimmer of his
healthy self, the Warriors could be a contender again! Wayne will be looking for
just that when his Warriors battle the St.Louis Starrs fresh off thier bye week.
While Wayne needs a win badly to keep the division from getting too out of reach, Warner
and the boys get the Falcons D this week, so I have to concede to the Starrs in a high
scoring affair.
Skip by 10
WEEK SIX PICKS0-6 ( -30)
WEEK FIVE PICKS 5-1 (35)
Looking for a pattern; I picked myself to win, and I lost. I
picked myself to lose, and I lost. I wasn't able to send in the picks last week, and
I win my first game... hmmmm... I'm going to assume it's coincidence and going to go
ahead and make my picks for this week!
Dereks Destroyers at Joes Juggernauts
Joe continues to have a hard time of things this year, and looks for his first win
against the Destroyers, who after a 2-0 start have lost a couple to even thier record.
While Derek may have an edge at WR, Joe probably has the best 0-4 team in WWFFL
history, and the law of averages says he's gonna start winning some games.
Joe by 10
Nates Knightmares at Daves Deathknights
Nate picked up another win last week against the hated Destroyers, for his first
of the '00 WWFFL season (kinda makes me wish I could play them every week). He now
travels to the Big Daddy Dome to face an always tough Deathknights team. Despite his
3-1 record, I think Dave will need another big game from the sleeper Barber if he's going
to beat a resurgent Favre and (hopefully) heathly Fred Taylor. Gotta go with the
home field advantage as the deciding factor.
Dave by 2
Tijuana Iguanas at Bruces Bandits
The Iguanas are once again in sole posession of the Rockies Division lead (who let
this guy in our league anyway!), and will probably stay that way as he plays a Bandits
team that will miss the oh-so pious Terrell Owens badly.
Q by 15
Bobs Brainsmashers at Skips Starrs
Bob's turn to get pummelled by the machine that is the Skip's Starrs team.
Untill a NFL defense finds a way to contain the Rams, Skip will continue to put up some
formitable numbers. As much as I like the Brainsmashers team this year, the Chargers
are not the team to shut the Rams offense down, and Skip rides the St.Louis Express to
another win.
Skip by 10
Schabels Schlagens at Mikes Malestrom
Scott will be looking to end a 3 game skip this week against Mike's Malestrom.
Mike may be feeling pretty confident after making Wayne's team his be-oches last
week, but I don't like his player match-ups this week, and he is still hamstrung at RB2.
The Schlagens are a pretty solid team and have a lot of players coming off a bye,
refreshed and ready to push Scott to a win.
Scott by 5
Pale Skins at Waynes Warriors
Wayne is learning that, while a little fantasy football is a good thing, a lot of
fantasy football isn't always a lot of a good thing. With 4 other leagues in
addition to the WWFFL (which he runs), Wayne may be paying the price for spreading his
self too thin. I think he may have a chance to pick up his first win at home.
Mariano's workhorse RB Martin is on bye and Wayne has several Buffalo players back from
the bye week.
Wayne by 3
WEEK
FOUR PICKS0-6 ( -30)
WEEK THREE PICKS 3-3 (13)
Schabels Schlagens at Tijuana Iguanas
A very important game this early in the season, as both teams try to avoid a 1-2 start to
the season. It used to be that you loved to start 49ers when SF played against St.Louis,
now it's the other way around and 'Zeke as well as the Ramd 'D' should put up some good
numbers for Q. Scott's line-up is not nearly as solid as it looked a week ago (I've got 20
bucks says J.George is starting for Was by Oct 1st), so I'm gonna have to favor the home
team in this one.
Q by 15
Pale Skins at Bobs Brainsmashers
The 'Skins have to be disappointed at thier 1-1 record despite having scored 30 points
more than the 2-0 Brainsmashers. Mariano's young QBs seems to be pulling thier own, and
CuMar's been his typical workhorse self. Both these teams take a hit at WR due to the bye
and a lack of depth, but I think Mariano is in better shape overall and will steal a road
win in the Dungeon.
Mariano by 5
Bruces Bandits at Nates Knightmares
The hard-luck Knightmares host former division rival Bruce at Midknight Stadium. Things
don't seem to be getting any better for Nate who is still looking for Favre to catch fire
and F.Taylor to start a game. Bruce, however, seems set-up for the upset as the match-ups
don't favor his players.
Nate by 5
Skips Starrs at Dereks Destroyers
Derek is off to a great start, due in part to an overachieving group of WRs. However,
despite playing in front of the crowd at Camelot, I don't think he can match scores with
Warner and Faulk against the Niners sad defense. I don't think Skips team is solid enough
to take the record for wins in a season, the Rams are going to have a couple bad weeks,
this week is just not one of them.
Skip by 8
Mikes Malestrom at Daves Deathknights
Another match-up of 1-1 teams trying to keep up with the Smokies and Ravenloft division
leaders. Mike has a huge hole to fill with Payton on bye, and I don't think Batch will be
able to fill those shoes. However, ironically the fantasy home team will have most his
players on the road this week. Makes this a hard game to call, but I'm going to go with
J.Smith at home against the Been-gals to be the difference in this one.
Mike by 6
Waynes Warriors at Joes Juggernauts
Nate can take some consolation that no matter what, at the end of this week at least one
team will be as bad as he. No way I could have guessed that Nate, Wayne and Joe, three
league veterans and all among the leagues top half in carreer winning %, would be a
combined 0-6 at this point. It's a funny game (hardy-har-har!) Both teams take hits in bye
players as McNair, George, Harrison and Edge James are sitting the bench this week for
these two! Still, Banks, L.Smith and T.Taylor are legitimate back-ups and help Joe
preserve the home victory.
Joe by 4
WEEK TWO PICKS 2-4 (31)
Daves Deathknights at Waynes Warriors
Last week I gave the kiss of death to 5 teams, including both Wayne and Dave. If you
had told me at the start of the season that after 2 weeks there would be only 1 win
between the two of them, I wouldn't have believed you. But, as it turns out one of
the two oldest WWFFL francises will start the season 0-2. While Wayne appears to
have the better team, injuries have plagued the Warriors early, and I think I'm going to
have to take the Deathknights in a low scoring affair.
Dave by 10
Joes Juggernauts at Mikes Malestrom
At least Wayne/Dave won't be alone at 0-2 as both these team are also looking for win #1.
While I like the Malestroms Manning to have a pretty big day, expect Joes 'Edge' to
benifit from most of it as the Colts try to dink and dunk the Raiders 'D'. Joe's got
too many stars for one of them not to go off this week, and that's all he should need in
another low scoring game.
Joe by 15
Nates Knightmares at Skips Starrs
The StLouis Starrs host the Knightmares in what may very well be a blowout of massive
proportions. Not only are Faulk and Warner playing an unimpressive Seattle 'D', but
injuries and a poor showing at WR have forced Nate to start 3 rookies early in the year,
not to mention 2nd year QB Couch.
Skip by a sick 50 points
Dereks Destroyers at Bruces Bandits
The battle of 2nd year QB's takes place this week as Dereks Culpepper takes on Bruces
McNown. Both were very impressive last week, and I start to wonder if the legacy of
the QB class of '83 is in trouble. I tend to think Dante's fantasy score was more of
an aberation than Cade's, and I'm going to do my tennis buddy a favor by picking Bruce to
win by the home field advantage (and may the Nates Pix kiss of death strike again!)
Bruce by 3
Tijuana Iguanas at Pale Skins
Q inserts the newly acquired Holmes into the starting line-up this week in an attempt to
shake last weeks stench from his team. Unfortunately for Q, I think this will be the
week the Ravens rookie RB breaks out and Priest will never be heard from again. Even
still, I have a hard time finding an edge in this game, and I have to finally defer to
Mariano on account of the blazing hot Duce and the better defense.
Mariano by 5
Bobs Brainsmashers at Schabels Schlagens
Scotts team overachieved last week to give the young francise it's first win against a
veteran coach like Dave, he won't need the luck this week. Unless DBoston can again
put up monster numbers for Bob (and against a reeling Dallas team he can...), I think the
edge in this game goes to the home team.
Scott by 6
WEEK ONE PICKS1-5(-16)
Bruces Bandits at Waynes Warriors
Wayne begins the season at home, and the folks at Strawberry Fields should like what they
see. With Terrel Davis and George carrying the rock, the Warriors should have a fine
year. Wayne is wisely benching Bledsoe in the face of the Buc 'D', and the rest of
his line-up is solid. I like Bruces receivers a lot, but this game could come down
to which Davis has a better game, and I'm not sure Stephen will have a lot of success
against Carolina's new defensive front.
Line: Wayne by 10
Skips Starrs at Mikes Malestrom
The St.Louis Starrs travel to take on the Malestrom in a game I expect to be fairly
one-sided. The Rams are a fantasy football powerhouse and untill some defense shows
me they can be slowed down, I have to believe Skip will be successful. I like the QB
match-up here, I think think Mike will have no answer for Faulk, and the Malestrom WR's
will fail to show.
Line: Skip by 15
Schabels Schlagens at Daves Deathknights
When I look at these two teams, I have a hard time finding an edge. Neither team is
overpowering at any position, except maybe Scott WR where Moss and Galloway are a
formitable dou. Still I give the edge to the Deathknights, because they're playing
at home and I think they have an edge at special teams where the Ravens go after
Pittsburgh.
Line: Dave by 5
Pale Skins at Joes Juggernauts
Joe's Juggernauts host Mariano in what I think will be the high-scoring game of the week.
These two teams have some nice match-ups especially at the special teams positions.
I think this game may revolve around Joes decision wether or not to start A.Green.
Ahman is a very gifted back, and the future at the position for the Packers. If Joe
starts Green I like his chances.
Line: Joe by 8
Bobs Brainsmashers at Nates Knightmares
The Knightmares find themselves in early trouble as they will be without the services of
both Taylor and Dillon for their first game. Still, they get a nice draw and the
crowd at Mid-Knight Stadium should help get them past a young Brainsmashers team.
Line: Nate by 2
Tijuana Iguanas at Dereks Destroyers
Derek starts his season at home against perhaps his counter team. While the total
NFL experience of Dereks 4 RB equals 2 years, Q will probably start a couple of guys on
thier last legs. In fact, Dereks team looks younger that Q's at nearly every
position. Maybe it's the bald spot slowly spreading across my head, but I'm gonna
take experience in this one.
Line: Q by 6
The following is a draft and overall team analysis for the WWFFL. It
is one man's opinion, so please no one take offense to the words below (unless, of course,
offense is obviously intended!)
Juggernauts:
QB- McNair should be very confident after last year and I expect big numbers from him.
Banks is a fantastic sleeper, and may be trade bait after a few weeks.
RB- James is a great RB and will be a leader on Joes squad for years to
come. Unfortunately I'm not sure who will start in the backfield with him, Lamar and
Ahman are back-ups and Antowain has yet to become the man. He may lose his starting
job to Linton or Bryson at some point leaving Joe with no clear #2 RB.
WR- Joe should be OK here as Harrison, Mathis and Mayes are all quality starters. Hilliard could also be a nice pick if Collins has a good year.
ST- Wilkins will get a lot of extra points, but needs more FG's to be a
top kicker. Jax is a great D and will generate some extra points for Joe this year.
Grade- A
Knightmares:
QB- Favre is not the stallion he was a couple years ago, but he is still a top 5 QB on
most cheat sheets. Couch is a good young QB and Blake may be trade bait, or may be
the first player Nate waives.
RB- Taylor and Dillon should be good starters for Nate for years to come. Garner provides good depth against Taylors injury problems.
WR- Rookie receivers rarely amount to much and Nate's got two of them. He will need Rice to have a better year than last year if he's to get enough production here to be competitive.
ST- By waiting until the last 3 rounds of the draft to pick his special
teams, Nate pretty much guaranteed himself a below average unit.
Grade- A- (although I may be a little biased here!)
Warriors:
QB- The Warriors should be a little nervous here. Wayne waited until the middle of
the draft to select Bledsoe, and while Johnson was a nice find late in the draft, there
are many questions in my mind as to Drew's ability to regain the form of a few years ago
and Robs ability to hold off Flutie.
RB- Set with Davis and George as the starters. Wayne better hope both stay healthy as the depth is not there. When was the last time Miami had an impact FF RB? Pittman could be a sleeper, I never could figure out why the Cardinals don't like this guy.
WR- Good starters, Brown should have at least one more good year and Eddie Mac was a very good pick in my opinion. Price and Edwards provide good depth and if Pathon steps up this could be a very good unit.
ST- Not exceptional, but should be good enough.
Grade- B+
Iguanas:
QB- Collins, Garcia and Griese all have a lot of potential, and I believe on any given
Sunday one of these guys will have a great game. The question is, will Q start the right
one?
RB- Bettis is on his last leg, but Huntley was a nice pick to back him up. Paired with what appears to me to be a rejuvenated Levens, Q should be OK.
WR- 'Zeke and Carter are among the elite and regardless of who the #3 WR is Q will have an advantage over most his opponents. Tight ends are usually not worth much in this league, but Gonz and Walls are both exceptions to this rule.
ST- Great fantasy quality here.
Grade- B
Bandits:
QB- Not very promising, Elvis has been an average FF QB at best and McNown is to young to
know what to expect. Cade does have the tools and the coach to help him put up
decent numbers.
RB- With Davis back with the team, Bruce should be OK. Stewart should have a productive year under Bobby Ross, James is kind the kind of RB he was looking for! Jones is a wildcard, but with two solid starter in from of him, Bruce can take a gamble here.
WR- Above average, especially if Owens can start living up to that huge contract he has. Westbrook and Crowell are very solid, and there is a lot of potential in Dwight.
ST- Philly is an under appreciated defense, but Automatica still has
something to prove.
Grade- B
Deathknights:
QB- Gannon is about the ugliest FF performer I know, but he has been getting the job done.
Kitna is a very solid back-up.
RB- Emmitt is washed up and has nothing left in the tank. There you go Dave, now that I've said that he should be good for another 1200+ yards and 7-10 TDs. Williams still has a lot to prove, and Cloud may or may not end the RBBC for the chiefs, but expect one of these two to be good enough to start.
WR- Nice depth here with 5 legitimate starters in my opinion. I expect Moulds to be a top 5 WR this year and engram is a total sleeper. Only Dyson is a little shaky, and he is still young enough he could break out at any time.
ST- The all-Baltimore special teams should serve Dave well as I expect
the Ravens to make the play-offs this year, and possible compete for
the division.
Grade- B-
Malestrom:
QB- Manning is a budding star and one of the top 3 QB's in the league right now.
Batch is a good back-up as long as he can be healthy.
RB- Should be interesting to see how this group pans out. Fazande was a steal and has a lot of upside, and Wheatly seems to be finally fulfilling expectations. With Taylors health always a concern is Mack the next James Stewart? This unit could be really good or really bad.
WR- The starters here should be OK, especially if Couch continues to grow as a QB and finds Johnson. I'm a little concerned about depth, however. Galloway could steal a lot of Ismails numbers.
ST- Elam should be a top 5 kicker this year, and with the right chemistry
Was has the personnel to be an intense D. Very good here.
Grade- C+
Starrs:
QB- Warner was a FF force last year, and while he'd have a hard time duplicating the
numbers he's still the top guy on most folks cheat sheets. Leaf has been given (yet)
another chance and is probably not going to be on this roster very long. Trent Green
would probably have been a better pick as back-up.
RB- Alstot is THE MAN! That's all I need to say about him. Faulk is a great FF producer, but after that the Starrs are in a lot of trouble. Here's to the health of Alstot and Faulk, cheers!
WR- Not much quality here, not one of these guys could start for the Warriors. Skip's going to need Conway to have a major comeback and Holt to improve if he's going to get any production here.
ST- Lot of questions, Janikowski is the kind of guy who reinforces certain
stereotypes, if you know what I mean. I will give him the benefit of a doubt and
predict a better that average showing here.
Grade- C+
'Skins:
QB- Mariano will count on two sophomore QBs to lead his team. King is solid, but not
spectacular, in FF much like Aikman has been throughout his career. Akili is a
wildcard, but the loss of Darnay Smith hurts his potential.
RB- Staley and Martin are a good starting duo and were nice finds with the first two picks of the draft. Dunn is an erratic player, capable of big weeks surrounded by goose eggs. Gary will spell Davis some at tailback, but should really only have a FF impact if Terrell get hurt again or if he is traded.
WR- Robinson was a good pick, and so was Pickens, but the two tight ends were wasted picks and Mariano will have to scan the waiver wire for a legit third starter early this year.
ST- The Bucs have a better NFL defense than FF defense, but it'll still be
better that most of Mariano's opponents. Longwell is a below average FF kicker in my
opinion.
Grade- C-
Schlagens:
QB- As much as I like Brad Johnson, I would never take him without also taking George, too
much is at stake if Snyder pulls an Al Davis and meddles too much with the team.
Brunnell is a fair, but injury-prone back-up.
RB- A below average group in my opinion. Biakabutka is a little to injury prone for my taste, although the back-up Natron 'the Bomb' Means is a nice pick up. Watters and Thomas are past thier prime and of little value in a keeper league.
WR- Moss is a keeper dream, and Galloway was a nice pick. I also like the Sharpe pick, as I believe he will be a major red-zone option for Banks this year. Burress may be the next Moss, Scott certainly hopes so!
ST- Unless Fielder can cure the Dolphins red-zone problems, Mare will
continue to be a great FF kicker. Oakland is an average defense.
Grade- C-
Destroyers:
QB- Culpepper is supposed to be having a good preseason, and with those receivers the
potential's there for great numbers (see George, Cunningham, ect...) Testeverde will
be a good back-up if he can come back mentally from the injury.
RB- Typically one 1, maybe 2 rookie RB's make a fantasy impact in any given year. Dereks hoping by drafting 3 of them he will find someone to pair with Enis. Daynes success depends on Collins ability to keep defenses honest, and Lewis will need to stay healthy. Could be all or nothing for Derek this year.
WR- I have some doubts in Kings ability to get the ball to Keyshaun, and I'm not sure what Cherbet will be capable of as the #1 guy. All in all I have reservations about this whole unit.
ST- Probably only slightly better than Nates.
Grade- C-
Brainsmashers:
QB- Beuerlein had a career year last year, we'll see if he can repeat it without Jeffers.
If not, Plummer may be able to recapture the magic he showed 2 years ago.
RB- A shaky group, only Rhett and Anderson are starters with thier respective teams. Anderson is coming off a nasty injury, and Rhett has never shown the ability to hold on to a starting job very long.
WR- Muhammad and Glenn may be capable of reaching the numbers they hit last year, but I doubt Martin will have much success with all the changes to Miami, and Boston will be under a lot of pressure with the injury to Moore.
ST- A lot of quantity and quality here, unfortunately defense doesn't win
FF championships by itself.
Grade- C-
1999 SEASON
Week #6(4-2)
Waynes Warriors(4-1) at Darkmoors Dragons(4-1)
Game of the week! The Wayne-drafted Dragons are off to the best start in francise history,
and Keith seems to have the depth to overcome an injury like the one to Irvin. Wayne,
however, is hurting at QB needs the rest of his starters to stay strong if he wants to
keep up his winning ways. I gotta like the crowd at Soul Steeler Stadium helping Darkmoor
pull out a very close win: Keith-120, Wayne-118
Joes Juggernauts(3-2) at Bobs Brainsmashers(4-1)
Joe has seen a good start suddenly halt, and is now riding a 2-game skid as his once-solid
roster now seems full of injured or under-achieving players. Bob knows all about injuries
losing TD for this, and now future, seasons. This game may come down to Westbrook vs.
Harrison and while Michael may have the advantage in a fist-fight, we're playing football
here where I expect Marvin to have another big game against the reeling jets: Joe-110,
Bob-100
Daves Deathknights(4-1) at Nates Knightmares(2-3)
Nate comes home after a big win against Joe, and now faces a perrenial powerhouse in the
Deathknights. Dave is trying hard to keep up with Keith in a very competitive Ravenloft
division, and while if Nates Taylor was starting against the Browns instead of Dave's
Stewart, I would pick myself to win, he's probably not, so I can't: Dave-135, Nate-95
Bruces Bandits(3-2) at Palmetto Purple Haze(2-3)
The Haze came to life last week against a Starrs team that threw 5 TD's, but unfortunately
for Skip 4 of them went to Bruce. Is 'Zeke finally healthy? Can the Haze overcome a slow
start to repeat as Rockies division champ? I think... no. At least not this week as the
Bandits S.Davis leads the team to another victory: Bruce-110, Q-105
Mikes Malestrom(1-4) at Pale Skins(1-4)
The Best of the Worst, part 1. How Mike can come back and play week-in, week-out every
year when his current carreer .416 winning percentage is the worst in league (min. 10
games) is a testement to either his persistance or futility... you can decide (FYI- Derek
is a close second with a current carreer mark of .419. Mariano and Skip are actually the
worst overall with this years record giving them each a .200 percentage). But he does keep
coming, and I like his chance at going into Mariano's back yard and stealing win #2
against a 'Skins team full of holes: Mike-105, Mariano-80
Skips Starrs(1-4) at Dereks Destroyers(1-4)
Well, I bad-mouthed the Starrs before week 3, saying the WWFFL record of only one win was
in jeopardy, and Skip responded by pummelling me with 128 points (almost 40 points higher
than his season average.) If Skip isn't going to break the record, at least he might still
tie it. Warner comes back to earth this week, and Skips receivers are a no-show as Derek
wins the Best of the Worst, part 2: Derek-95, Skip-85
Week #5(0-0) . . . no picks :-(
Week #4(0-0) . . . no picks :-(
Week #3(3-3)
Waynes Warriors (2-0, 249) at Joes Juggernauts (2-0, 300)
Titans collide as the 2 highest scoring teams through the first two week meet at The
Apollo Creed Memorial Stadium for what should prove to be a shoot-out. Joe's got some
issues at QB, but has a strong enough team to overcome them. Wayne will need a big Monday
from Young who will come up a bit short on Monday night as the Niner's and Warriors fall:
Joe-125, Wayne-115
Bruces Bandits (1-1, 192) at Bobs Brainsmashers (2-0, 178)
Bob's in sole posession of the Rockies division lead, despite having scored 18 fewer
points than Nate and 35 fewer than the 0-2 Haze. This with a very average looking Terrell
Davis. I think his luck is about to run out. Holes at QB and WR will spell doom against a
solid, if not spectacular, looking Bandits team: Bruce-105, Bob-90
Darkmoors Dragons (1-1, 222) at Dereks Destroyers (0-2, 163)
"Keith, I am your father! Give in to your hate!" Early into the season it looks
as though Wayne drafted Keith a better team than Nathan drafted Derek, although in my
defense Derek's bench has been doing pretty good! I think this week the older Yearwood
will score the upset win in a low-scoring affair: Derek-95, Keith-85
Pale Skins (1-1, 150) at Palmetto Purple Haze (0-2, 223)
The Haze staggers back to the Hertz Rent-A-Car O.J. Simpson Memorial Stadium for thier
home opener a battered, but not broken team. It seems the 0-2 start has done little to
quell Palmetto's notorious cockiness. Fortunately, a weak 'Skins team should help Q get
his first win in another low-scoring game: Q-105, Mariano-80
Skips Starrs (0-2, 130) at Nates Knightmares (1-1, 206)
Nate get's a bye this week. Well, not really, but one look at the Starrs team makes one
wonder if Pauls '95 record of only 1 win is in jeopardy: Nate-105, Skip-70
Mikes Malestrom (1-1, 232) at Daves Deathknights (1-1, 229)
Dave was one of 3 teams last week to be on the wrong side of the home-field advantage. Now
he comes home to the Big Daddy Dome and looks for some help against a good-looking
Malestrom team. Dave's deep RB position will take a hit whith 3 players on bye. I still
think he's got enough to squeek by Mike and keep things interesting in the competitive
Ravenloft division: Dave-115, Mike-110
Week #2(3-3)
Joes Juggernauts at Mikes Malestrom
Despite playing on the road, Joe has given the Malestrom some bulletin board material to
run with. They won't get far. Mike's receivers aren't quite good enough to compete with a
very good looking Juggernauts team: Joe-120, Mike-95
Daves Deathknights at Waynes Warriors
The Warriors picked up a win scoring the 3rd highest score despite a goose egg from Young.
Wayne now get's a solid Deathknights team at home where he may need the home-field
advantage to win! I think this game will come down to Steve Young having a great
performance taking his frustrations on the Saints D: Wayne-115, Dave-110
Bobs Brainsmashers at Skips Starrs
Despite the recent win by Bob and the dismal week 1 performance from Skip, I like the
Starrs to rebound and win this game. Skip has already made some moves to improve his weak
receiver situation, meanwhile Bob has done nothing to address the fact he will be without
his stud QB this season: Skip-105, Bob-85
Nates Knightmares at Bruces Bandits
Bruce faces an old division rival in a determined Knightmares team. This game has seen
some "good-natured" ribbing going on between the owners, and believe me, there
will be no love lost on the playing field in this game. I look for F.Taylor to get on
track against the pitiful Panthers defense and help the Knightmares to silence the crowd
at Meadowlarks Stadium: Nate-120, Bruce-95
Dereks Destroyers at Pale Skins
Only "easy" Ed McCaffrey saved Mariano from a total embarrasement last week, and
it doesn't get any better as he still has no help at running back. Derek meanwhile, has a
lot of potential on his roster if he can start the right players. (He scored 96 out of a
possible 169 last week). I have to think a veteran like Derek will find a way to improve
and win this game: Derek-110, Mariano-90
Palmetto Purple Haze at Darkmoors Dragons (Soul Steeler
Stadium)
The Haze go into Soul Steeler Stadium and face a Dragons team that looks much improved
over last years version, just losing to the Deathknights last week. The Haze, meanwhile,
are scrambling to overcome what has so far been an underachieving team. I'm going to take
the home team as an underdog to squeek by the Haze who will start all the wrong guys:
Keith-110, Q-105
As part of a tradition started by Dave years ago, I will Try to put together some
weekly predictions for each of the games. Picking fantasy teams is a lot tougher than
their NFL counter-parts, and if anyone else would like to try it, I welcome any
challegers.
Week #1(5-1)
Bruces Bandits at Waynes Warriors
Wayne's brings back the all-time, all-WWFFL starting QB, S.Young who can
single-handedly win games in this system. Bruce has high hopes for this season, and with
Jake "the snake" on your team, your never completely out of it, but Jake may be
missing R.Moore this week, and in the end the crowd at Strawberry Fields watches a
blow-out: Wayne-110, Bruce-85
Skips Starrs at Mikes Malestrom
Skip's got some great running backs, but you can only start two, and they're not
good enough to overcome a questionable group of receivers, or his down-right scary QB
situation. I like Mike's starting line-up as well as anyone's in this division, and I
expect Mike to take the early 1-0 record: Mike-100, Skip-90
Darkmoors Dragons at Daves Deathknights
Dave looks like an early favorite to win it all with a great mix of young and
veteran talent. Add a great fantasy Defense, and I'll be suprised if he doesn't win yet
another Ravenloft division title. Keith will live and die by Bettis this year, I believe,
and in my opinion that's not a great prospect. Too many players with "down-side"
on the Dragon's roster for my liking: Dave-110, Keith-95
Pale Skins at Joes Juggernauts
Mariano, buddy, you can only start 1 of those 4 QB's a week. The 'Skins will have
to overcome the bum deal of carrying Cyber-Barry into the season, and with only Morris and
Pittman as serviceable backs, that is certainly a weakness. The Jug's look solid with
McNair, Staley and Harrison. Add to that the fact that I think E.James could be the rookie
of the year, and I think good thinks are to come for young Joe, starting with an early win
at home: Joe-105, Skins-100
Palmetto Purple Haze at Bobs Brainsmashers
The Rockies division got a lot tougher (like we needed it) whith the addition of
Bob (not to mention Terrell Davis). Although TD is the man, I have problems with the rest
of the Brainsmashers team. I belive Teste "shot his wad" last year, Moore's
hold-out can only hurt (see D.Levens last year), and Galloway still hasn't seen a football
field yet this year. The Haze, on the other hand, have several "could suprise"
players and if just a few of them reach potential we could have our first repeat champion.
Gotta like the visitors in this one: Q-110, Bob-85
Dereks Destroyers at Nates Knightmares
Long-time rivals meet this week, and I'm not referring to the Pittsburgh-Cleveland
game. The Knightmares open the season at home against the hated Destroyers, who are
looking forward to the new year after a complete unraveling in '98. Looking at the rosters
position by position, the only advantage I see is at QB where Favre gives Nate a decided
edge over Flutie. The home team wins 5 out of 6: Nate-115, Derek-105