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RotoBaller's Experts Draft Results & Analysis - 14 Team PPR League

"Calvin Johnson vs Green Bay" by Mike Morbeck - Flickr: Calvin Johnson. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calvin_Johnson_vs_Green_Bay.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Calvin_Johnson_vs_Green_Bay.jpg

Rotoballer-Fantasy-Football-Advice-Analysis-LeSean-McCoyThe RotoBaller’s Expert’s League is an ultra-competitive 14 team PPR league where owners can start one quarterback, two wide receivers, two running backs, one tight end, two flex’s a kicker and a defense, with only four bench spots.

As you can imagine, this league is both deep (in terms of positions that need to be filled) and shallow (in terms of bench space), which makes it a very challenging format where picking the right players is absolutely essential.

Our slow draft kicked off on August 20th and finished yesterday. Please feel free to follow our league at throughout the season to see the Rotoballer experts transactions and starting lineups. We use Fleaflicker to host our league, which is a fantastic, incredibly customizable platform – and I highly recommend that you check it out.

Without further ado, let’s get to the draft:

 

Round 1 - RotoBaller's Fantasy Football League Draft

Team Name Player Drafted
Demaryius Targa... 1.1 (1st overall) - L. McCoy RB PHI
Zach - Lopsided... 1.2 (2nd overall) - J. Charles RB KC
Rashad Jizzings 1.3 (3rd overall) - A. Peterson RB MIN
Los Pterodactyls 1.4 (4th overall) - M. Forte RB CHI
Johnny Fantasy ... 1.5 (5th overall) - J. Graham TE NO
Balls Deep In Y... 1.6 (6th overall) - C. Johnson WR DET
Beats by Ray 1.7 (7th overall) - E. Lacy RB GB
Real Talk Raph ... 1.8 (8th overall) - D. Thomas WR DEN
Blunts with Blount 1.9 (9th overall) - D. Bryant WR DAL
I'm FLEX-y and ... 1.10 (10th overall) - D. Murray RB DAL
It Ertz when Ei... 1.11 (11th overall) - J. Jones WR ATL
Blazin Boosh 1.12 (12th overall) - A. Green WR CIN
London Silly Na... 1.13 (13th overall) - L. Bell RB PIT
The Waterboys 1.14 (14th overall) - G. Bernard RB CIN

 

The first round went mostly as expected, with a focus on the top four running backs, wide receivers and tight end. In a 14 team league, 3 down RBs are at a premium, and the first round certainly reflects that. Some might quibble with the picks of Bell and Bernard to end the round, but in an experts league, the only way to ensure that you get your guy is to draft him.

 

Round 2 - RotoBaller's Fantasy Football League Draft

Team Name Player Drafted
The Waterboys 2.1 (15th overall) - B. Marshall WR CHI
London Silly Na... 2.2 (16th overall) - A. Jeffery WR CHI
Blazin Boosh 2.3 (17th overall) - M. Lynch RB SEA
It Ertz when Ei... 2.4 (18th overall) - J. Nelson WR GB
I'm FLEX-y and ... 2.5 (19th overall) - M. Ball RB DEN
Blunts with Blount 2.6 (20th overall) - A. Brown WR PIT
Real Talk Raph ... 2.7 (21st overall) - A. Ellington RB ARI
Beats by Ray 2.8 (22nd overall) - R. Cobb WR GB
Balls Deep In Y... 2.9 (23rd overall) - D. Brees QB NO
Johnny Fantasy ... 2.10 (24th overall) - A. Morris RB WAS
Los Pterodactyls 2.11 (25th overall) 0 R. Gronkowski TEN
Rashad Jizzings 2.12 (26th overall) - Z. Stacy RB STL
Zach - Lopsided... 2.13 (27th overall) - P. Manning QB DEN
Demaryius Targa... 2.14 (28th overall) - D. Martin RB TB

 

At the top of round 2, teammates Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall go back to back, which I think is appropriate for that offense, where there isn’t a WR1 and WR2 but rather a WR1a and WR1b. I’m FLEX-y has perhaps the best value of the draft with his pick of Montee Ball. Peyton Manning’s running backs always put up points, and Ball might be the most talented back Peyton’s had since Edgirrin James. In a bit of an upset, Drew Brees is the first QB picked at 23rd overall in the second round. It’s a risky, yet potentially league winning move - Brees has an incredibly favorable schedule, but New Orleans coach Sean Peyton has talked about emphasizing the run game this offseason.

 

Round 3 - RotoBaller's Fantasy Football League Draft

Team Name Player Drafted
Demaryius Targa... 3.1 (29th overall) - P. Garcon WR WAS
Zach - Lopsided... 3.2 (30th overall) - J. Thomas TE DEN
Rashad Jizzings 3.3 (31st overall) - M. Crabtree WR SF
Los Pterodactyls 3.4 (32nd overall) - A. Rodgers QB GB
Johnny Fantasy ... 3.5 (33rd overall) - A. Foster RB HOU
Balls Deep In Y... 3.6 (34th overall) - K. Allen WR SD
Beats by Ray 3.7 (35th overall) - A. Johnson WR HOU
Real Talk Raph ... 3.8 (36th overall) - L. Fitzgerald WR ARI
Blunts with Blount 3.9 (37th overall) - T. Gerhart RB JAC
I'm FLEX-y and ... 3.10 (38th overall) - S. Vereen RB NE
It Ertz when Ei... 3.11 (39th overall) - V. Jackson WR TB
Blazin Boosh 3.12 (40th overall) - V. Cruz WR NYG
London Silly Na... 3.13 (41st overall) - M. Floyd WR ARI
The Waterboys 3.14 (42nd overall) - R. Bush RB DET

 

The third round is filled with tough decisions for everyone this year, and it was interesting to see how each owner navigated the minefield. My favorite move from this round is Zach – Lopsided Trade’s stacking of Julius Thomas with Peyton Manning. Thomas will likely fill the void left by Eric Decker’s departure, especially in the red zone. My second favorite move is the pickup of Andre Johnson. Yes, he’s getting older, but savvy fantasy football players will recognize that in the last five years, Andre Johnson has finished as the #1 PPR wide receiver twice (’08 and ’09), and as the #6 and #10 PPR wide receiver the past two years (AJ was injured in 2011). It’s hard to imagine that Ryan Fitzpatrick could be worse than the collective dumpster fire that started at QB for the Texans last year.

 

Round 4 - RotoBaller's Fantasy Football League Draft

 Team Name Player Access
The Waterboys 4.1 (43rd overall) - R. White WR ATL
London Silly Na... 4.2 (44th overall) - T. Smith WR BAL
Blazin Boosh 4.3 (45th overall) - B. Tate RB CLE
It Ertz when Ei... 4.4 (46th overall) - C. Patterson WR MIN
I'm FLEX-y and ... 4.5 (47th overall) - W. Welker WR DEN
Blunts with Blount 4.6 (48th overall) - J. Bell RB DET
Real Talk Raph ... 4.7 (49th overall) - B. Sankey RB TEN
Beats by Ray 4.8 (50th overall) - J. Edelman WR NE
Balls Deep In Y... 4.9 (51st overall) - R. Mathews RB SD
Johnny Fantasy ... 4.10 (52nd overall) - E. Decker WR NYJ
Los Pterodactyls 4.11 (53rd overall) - J. Cameron TE CLE
Rashad Jizzings 4.12 (54th overall) - R. Jennings RB NYG
Zach - Lopsided... 4.13 (55th overall) - C. Spiller RB BUF
Demaryius Targa... 4.14 (56th overall) - M. Stafford QB DET

 

Round 4 leads off with some incredible values, including Blazin Boosh’s snag of Ben Tate as the 45th player off the board. Whether Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel is starting, Cleveland will be committed to running the football, and don’t forget what an athletic freak Tate is:
 

 
I also like the selection of Jordan Cameron by Los Pterodactyls, who paired him with Gronk to form the RB leagues most deadly TE tandem. If Gronk is healthy, Cameron can move to the flex, while if Gronk goes down, Los Pterodactyls still has a top option at tight end, a position of relative scarcity.

Real Talk Raph made an interesting pick of Bishop Sankey at #49th overall. While it is impossible to deny that Sankey has incredible upside - his combine numbers were off the charts -- it doesn’t seem that he has earned the coaching staff’s trust so far in the preseason, playing behind both Shonn Greene and Dexter McCluster. While this pick could pay off down the stretch, I think it will be very tough to start Sankey in the beginning of the year with any confidence whatsoever.

 

Round 5 - RotoBaller's Fantasy Football League Draft

Team Name Player Drafted
Demaryius Targa... 5.1 (57th overall) - T. Hilton WR IND
Zach - Lopsided... 5.2 (58th overall) - K. Wright WR TEN
Rashad Jizzings 5.3 (59th overall) - P. Harvin WR SEA
Los Pterodactyls 5.4 (60th overall) - M. Colston WR NO
Johnny Fantasy ... 5.5 (61st overall) - E. Sanders WR DEN
Balls Deep In Y... 5.6 (62nd overall) - C. Johnson RB NYJ
Beats by Ray 5.7 (63rd overall) - F. Gore RB SF
Real Talk Raph ... 5.8 (64th overall) - D. Jackson WR WAS
Blunts with Blount 5.9 (65th overall) - R. Wayne WR IND
I'm FLEX-y and ... 5.10 (66th overall) - J. Maclin WR PHI
It Ertz when Ei... 5.11 (67th overall) - T. Richardson RB IND
Blazin Boosh 5.12 (68th overall) - J. Witten TE DAL
London Silly Na... 5.13 (69th overall) - L. Miller RB MIA
The Waterboys 5.14 (70th overall) - A. Luck QB IND

 

The fifth round is where the bargain hunters came out, with a mixture of older vets (Frank Gore, Reggie Wayne, Jason Witten), players with injury concerns (Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Marques Colston), players with performance issues (Trent Richardson, Lamar Miller, Chris Johnson) and small speedy wide receivers (Desean Jackson, Emmanuel Sanders, Percy Harvin, Kendall Wright,  TY Hilton). The pick I’m going to focus on here is… well, mine. I grabbed Trent Richardson to be my RB1 with the #67 pick overall. I felt a little dirty grabbing him here, but this was ultimately a risk-seeking move. Trent Richardson has already put up one serviceable NFL season, so we know he can play. The Colt’s offensive line is in shambles, but Pep Hamilton is going to want to attempt to run a balanced offense.  So, although by all accounts Trent has been stinking it up in preseason, the opportunity to grab a 3 down back this late in the draft was too good to pass up. Might I end up regretting the pick? Hell, I regretted it before I hit the draft button. But the upside could potentially win me the league.

 

Round 6 - RotoBaller's Fantasy Football League Draft

Team Name Player Drafted
The Waterboys 6.1 (71st overall) - D. Woodhead RB SD
London Silly Na... 6.2 (72nd overall) - K. Rudolph TE MIN
Blazin Boosh 6.3 (73rd overall) - M. Jones-Drew RB OAK
It Ertz when Ei... 6.4 (74th overall) - R. Randle WR NYG
I'm FLEX-y and ... 6.5 (75th overall) - G. Tate WR DET
Blunts with Blount 6.6 (76th overall) -P. Thomas RB NO
Real Talk Raph ... 6.7 (77th overall) - M. Wallace WR MIA
Beats by Ray 6.8 (78th overall) - R. Cooper WR PHI
Balls Deep In Y... 6.9 (79th overall) - V. Davis TE SF
Johnny Fantasy ... 6.10 (80th overall) - T. Williams WR DAL
Los Pterodactyls 6.11 (81st overall) - R. Rice RB BAL
Rashad Jizzings 6.12 (82nd overall) - J. Hunter WR TEN
Zach - Lopsided... 6.13 (83rd overall) - G. Olsen TE CAR
Demaryius Targa... 6.14 (84th overall) - J. Reed TE WAS

 

I like the sixth round, in terms of selections, much better than the fifth. The upside of Kyle Rudolph, Reuben Randle, Justin Hunter, Mike Wallace and Golden Tate is much more appealing to me than some of the safer options picked in the previous round. For example, I’d much rather have Mike Wallace, his teams #1 receiving option, than Emmanuel Sanders, the #4 receiving option, even if Sanders is receiving passes from Peyton Manning. The lesson for those keeping score at home - don’t be afraid to “reach” for your guys, and use ADP as guidelines, not as hard and fast rules.

 

Round 7 - RotoBaller's Fantasy Football League

Team Name Player Drafted
Demaryius Targa... 7.1 (85th overall) - K. Benjamin WR CAR
Zach - Lopsided... 7.2 (86th overall) - D. Sproles RB PHI
Rashad Jizzings 7.3 (87th overall) - D. Pitta TE BAL
Los Pterodactyls 7.4 (88th overall) - F. Jackson RB BUF
Johnny Fantasy ... 7.5 (89th overall) - C. Newton QB CAR
Balls Deep In Y... 7.6 (90th overall) - M. Wheaton WR PIT
Beats by Ray 7.7 (91st overall) - Z. Ertz TE PHI
Real Talk Raph ... 7.8 (92nd overall) - D. Freeman RB ATL
Blunts with Blount 7.9 (93rd overall) - T. Brady QB NE
I'm FLEX-y and ... 7.10 (94th overall) - B. Cooks WR NO
It Ertz when Ei... 7.11 (95th overall) - B. Pierce RB BAL
Blazin Boosh 7.12 (96th overall) - M. Evans WR TB
London Silly Na... 7.13 (97th overall) - C. Ivory RB NYJ
The Waterboys 7.14 (98th overall) - B. Hartline WR MIA

 

I love Demaryius Targarean’s pick of Kelvin Benjamin here, a player who I grabbed in the eleventh or so round when we did or RotoBaller’s expert mock. Benjamin may be a little raw, but he’s a gigantic redzone target on a team with very few exciting wide receiver options. I grabbed Bernard Pierce near the end of the 7th round to be my second running back, in another risk seeking move. Gary Kubiak’s offenses generally put up good rushing numbers, and Ray Rice is suspended for the first two weeks of the season. I’m hoping that Pierce plays well enough the first two weeks that when Ray Rice does come back, Pierce has earned at least a 50/50 split. I love Pierce’s one-cut running style for this offense and think that Pierce could be a steal this year. Of course, he could also flop. No risk, no reward….

 

Analysis & Commentary On Each Team

At the halfway point of this draft, we start to enter into lottery ticket territory, so instead of going through the rest of the draft round by round (you can see the full draft breakdown at http://www.fleaflicker.com/nfl/past-draft?leagueId=156041), I’m going to copy each team’s final rosters and give some brief thoughts on their roster composition:

Rashad Jizzings

@TheRotoMechanic (The Mechanic) 

Player Availability
Name Pos Team Status
R. Wilson QB SEA StartingQB
A. Peterson RB MIN StartingRB
Z. Stacy RB STL StartingRB
R. Jennings RB NYG StartingRB/WR..
J. Grimes RB HOU Benched
M. Crabtree WR SF StartingWR
P. Harvin WR SEA StartingWR
J. Hunter WR TEN StartingRB/WR..
D. Bowe WR KC Benched
D. Hopkins WR HOU Benched
K. Stills WR NO Benched
A. Hurns WR JAC Benched
D. Pitta TE BAL StartingTE
Texans TM HOU StartingTM

 

A very solid lineup, with a mix of established veterans and youngsters with upside. This team’s strength is it’s running backs, and if any one of the young wide receivers (Kenny Stills, DeAndre Hopkins, Justin Hunter) breaks out, this team could be a monster. Major props for drafting the team’s namesake (Rashad Jennings) - a very high end move.

 

Zach - Lopsided Trades

@LopsidedTrades (Lopsided Trades) 

Player Availability
Name Pos Team Status
P. Manning QB DEN StartingQB
C. Kaepernick QB SF Benched
J. Charles RB KC StartingRB
C. Spiller RB BUF StartingRB
D. Sproles RB PHI StartingRB/WR..
L. Dunbar RB DAL Benched
S. Smith WR BAL StartingWR
K. Wright WR TEN StartingWR
T. Austin WR STL Benched
R. Woods WR BUF Benched
J. Thomas TE DEN StartingTE
G. Olsen TE CAR StartingRB/WR..
B. McManus K DEN StartingK
Rams TM STL StartingTM

 

This team is very top-heavy, anchored by Peyton Manning, Jamaal Charles and Julius Thomas and should be a weekly contender on that basis alone. I wish Zach had handcuffed Jamaal Charles with Knile Davis, as an injury could be devestating. Zach clearly was gunning for some of the smaller, speed/possession type wide receivers with Kendall Wright, Tavon Austin and Steve Smith - it will be interesting to see if that approach gives Zach the consistency he needs to compete.

 

Up All Night To Get Lucky

@RekedFantasy (Rek)

A. Luck QB IND StartingQB
R. Bush RB DET StartingRB
G. Bernard RB CIN StartingRB
D. Woodhead RB SD StartingRB/WR..
A. Williams RB NYG Benched
R. White WR ATL StartingWR
B. Marshall WR CHI StartingWR
B. Hartline WR MIA StartingRB/WR..
D. Amendola WR NE Benched
K. Britt WR STL Benched
C. Shorts WR JAC Benched
T. Kelce TE KC StartingTE
S. Hauschka K SEA StartingK
Cardinals TM ARI StartingTM

 

This team has a nice balance of high-end wide receivers (Roddy White, Brandon Marshall) and pass-catching running backs (Reggie Bush, Gio Bernard, Danny Woodhead). It’s clear that this team was drafted to be optimized for the league’s PPR settings, and is loaded with quality upside wide receiver depth (Cecil Shorts, Kenny Britt, Danny Amendola, Brian Hartline). Tight end could be an issue, but this team has the trade pieces if an upgrade becomes necessary. Again, major props for drafting the player who the team is named after (Andrew Luck).

 

I'm FLEX-y and I Know It 

@RSmith9 (Richie Smith)

N. Foles QB PHI StartingQB
D. Murray RB DAL StartingRB
M. Ball RB DEN StartingRB
S. Vereen RB NE StartingRB/WR..
R. Helu RB WAS Benched
R. Hillman RB DEN Benched
W. Welker WR DEN StartingWR
J. Maclin WR PHI StartingWR
G. Tate WR DET StartingRB/WR..
B. Cooks WR NO Benched
M. Lee WR JAC Benched
G. Graham TE HOU StartingTE
P. Dawson K SF StartingK
Bears TM CHI StartingTM

 

This team has perhaps the best quality RB depth, with a monster lineup of Demarco Murray, Montee Ball, and Shane Vereen, backed up with my favorite running back sleeper, Roy Helu. While wide receiver may be an issue, it also could be a position of strength  if Jeremy Maclin steps into Desean Jackson’s old role, Wes Welker makes a full recovery and Golden Tate takes advantage of defenses focus on Calvin Johnson.

 

Beats by Ray 

@Frankie_Soler (Frankie Soler) 

 
J. Cutler QB CHI StartingQB
B. Roethlisberger QB PIT Benched
F. Gore RB SF StartingRB
E. Lacy RB GB StartingRB
S. Jackson RB ATL Benched
C. Michael RB SEA Benched
A. Johnson WR HOU StartingWR
R. Cobb WR GB StartingWR
J. Edelman WR NE StartingRB/WR..
R. Cooper WR PHI StartingRB/WR..
M. Bennett TE CHI StartingTE
Z. Ertz TE PHI Benched
N. Novak K SD StartingK
49ers TM SF StartingTM

 

This team has a strong veteran presence, with Frank Gore, Steven Jackson and Andre Johnson, and is complemented by some potential breakout players with the capacity to win the league league (Christine Michael, Zach Ertz). It may be tough to figure out start-sit decisions in the beginning of the season though.

 

Demaryius Targaryen 

@RotoBaller_Evan (Evan Okulanis) 

M. Stafford QB DET StartingQB
L. McCoy RB PHI StartingRB
D. Martin RB TB StartingRB
J. Stewart RB CAR Benched
L. Murray RB OAK Benched
C. Hyde RB SF Benched
P. Garcon WR WAS StartingWR
T. Hilton WR IND StartingWR
A. Dobson WR NE StartingRB/WR..
K. Benjamin WR CAR StartingRB/WR..
D. Baldwin WR SEA Benched
J. Reed TE WAS StartingTE
C. Parkey K PHI StartingK
Steelers TM PIT StartingTM

 

This team oozes with top established and upside picks at the running back position. Take a moment to read through those picks, and join me in a slow clap. Nothing needs to be said about Lesean McCoy and Doug Martin, two of the best backs in the league. Latavius Murray has beastly physical measurements, and its playing behind aging and recently injured running backs (Maurice Jones-Drew,  Darren McFadden). Carlos Hyde plays behind the ageless Frank Gore, and I suspect that the 49ers transition to a 50/50 split to keep Gore fresh. Jonathan Stewart hasn’t been healthy in years, but when he is healthy, he has double-digit touchdown potential. I don’t like the Pierre Garcon / TY Hilton pairing as much, as I think both will suffer from reduced opportunities this year, though the picks of Kelvin Benjamin, Aaron Dobson and Doug Baldwin represented tremendous value with huge upside potential.

 

Blazin Boosh 

@BSiano8 (Brian Siano) 

M. Ryan QB ATL StartingQB
R. Tannehill QB MIA Benched
M. Lynch RB SEA StartingRB
B. Tate RB CLE StartingRB
M. Jones-Drew RB OAK StartingRB/WR..
L. Blount RB PIT Benched
B. Rainey RB TB Benched
V. Cruz WR NYG StartingWR
A. Green WR CIN StartingWR
M. Evans WR TB StartingRB/WR..
M. Austin WR CLE Benched
J. Witten TE DAL StartingTE
G. Zuerlein K STL StartingK
Seahawks TM SEA StartingTM

 

This team took a very balanced approach, mixing in top wide receivers (AJ Green, Victor Cruz) with running back value picks (Marshawn Lynch, Ben Tate, Maurice Jones Drew). This team systematically scooped value in every round, and represents a very diversified portfolio of quality fantasy football players.

 

It Ertz when Eifert 

@Amess (Condor)

B. Pierce RB BAL StartingRB
T. Richardson RB IND StartingRB
D. McCluster RB TEN Benched
S. Ridley RB NE Benched
B. Bolden RB NE Benched
J. Nelson WR GB StartingWR
J. Jones WR ATL StartingWR
V. Jackson WR TB StartingRB/WR..
C. Patterson WR MIN StartingRB/WR..
M. Williams WR BUF Benched
R. Randle WR NYG Benched
J. Gordon WR CLE Benched
C. Clay TE MIA StartingTE
Jets TM NYJ StartingTM

 

I hate this team. But I love it. Probably not a good sign when you have a love/hate relationship with your own team. I started out by scooping two of the top 8 wide receivers (Julio Jones and Jordy Nelson), which I hope will give me an edge as no other team was able to grab more than one. Then, while the rest of the league scooped quality running backs, I kept drafting quality wide receivers with the goal of having as many #1 wide receivers of my team as possible. Unfortunately, my Josh Gordon gamble doesn’t look like it’s going to pay off, and I should probably pick up a kicker and a quarterback. This team is a go big or go home team, and will either demolish other teams or flame out spectacularly. I’m very curious to learn which.

 

Balls Deep In Your Blind Side 

@Roto_Dubs (Bill Dubiel)

D. Brees QB NO StartingQB
P. Rivers QB SD Benched
C. Johnson RB NYJ StartingRB
R. Mathews RB SD StartingRB
S. Greene RB TEN StartingRB/WR..
D. Williams RB CAR Benched
C. Johnson WR DET StartingWR
K. Allen WR SD StartingWR
M. Wheaton WR PIT StartingRB/WR..
J. Jones WR OAK Benched
H. Douglas WR ATL Benched
V. Davis TE SF StartingTE
J. Tucker K BAL StartingK
Bengals TM CIN StartingTM

 

Any team that starts Calvin Johnson and Keenan Allen is going to have a high weekly floor, and the Commish grabbed new Raiders #1 WR James Jones and potential breakout speedster Marcus Wheaton to compliment his established players. Although the running backs look less spectacular by comparison, they all represent #1 backs on their team and they all were grabbed way below market value. I don’t like the pick of Phillip Rivers in the 11th, who, while admittedly great value, is unlikely to crack the starting lineup behind Brees. I would much rather have used that pick and the roster slot on a lotto ticket.

 

Blunts with Blount 

@Uncle__Leo (Uncle Leo) 

T. Brady QB NE StartingQB
T. Gerhart RB JAC StartingRB
J. Bell RB DET StartingRB
P. Thomas RB NO StartingRB/WR..
K. Davis RB KC Benched
J. Hill RB CIN Benched
D. Bryant WR DAL StartingWR
A. Brown WR PIT StartingWR
R. Wayne WR IND StartingRB/WR..
J. Boykin WR GB Benched
C. Latimer WR DEN Benched
H. Miller TE PIT StartingTE
A. Gates TE SD Benched
Panthers TM CAR StartingTM

 

Uncle Leo’s team is also a value team, anchored by its wide receivers. Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown and Reggie Wayne should generate consistent points, and Cody Latimer and Jarett Boykin are each an injury away from a huge role on the league’s top two offenses. The all geriatric combination of Health Miller and Antonio Gates should be surprisingly stable in the tight end slot, and Uncle Leo has two of my favorite mid-round running backs in Toby Gerhart and Joique Bell. While I don’t love the three-headed running back monster developing in New Orleans, Pierre Thomas should have consistent PPR value, and Knile Davis and Jeremy Hill are lotto tickets waiting to be cashed.

 

Real Talk Raph Strikes Again! 

@RealTalkRaph (Real Talk Raph)

R. Griffin QB WAS StartingQB
J. Manziel QB CLE Benched
A. Ellington RB ARI StartingRB
B. Sankey RB TEN StartingRB
M. Ingram RB NO Benched
T. West RB CLE Benched
D. Freeman RB ATL Benched
L. Fitzgerald WR ARI StartingWR
D. Thomas WR DEN StartingWR
D. Jackson WR WAS StartingRB/WR..
M. Wallace WR MIA StartingRB/WR..
L. Green TE SD StartingTE
T. Wright TE NE Benched
D. Bailey

 

Real Talk Raph drafted a potentially schizophrenic team - Desean Jackson and Mike Wallace practically invented boom/bust, while Ladarius Green oozes talent but may lack opportunity. However, the combination of Demaryius Thomas and Larry Fitzgerald should provide some floor stability and when Bishop Sankey gets consistent touches, this team will be brutal to face.

 

Los Pterodactyls 

@RyanRufe (Ryan Rufe)

A. Rodgers QB GB StartingQB
M. Forte RB CHI StartingRB
R. Rice RB BAL StartingRB
F. Jackson RB BUF StartingRB/WR..
A. Bradshaw RB IND Benched
M. Colston WR NO StartingWR
S. Watkins WR BUF StartingWR
A. Boldin WR SF Benched
G. Jennings WR MIN Benched
R. Gronkowski TE NE StartingTE
J. Cameron TE CLE StartingRB/WR..
D. Allen TE IND Benched
A. Vinatieri K IND StartingK
Browns TM CLE StartingTM

 

This might be my favorite team out of all of them.  When your lineup boasts Rob Gronkowski, Matt Forte, Aaron Rodgers, and Jordan Cameron, you’d have to try hard not to score touchdowns. I love the picks of Dwayne Allen, Greg Jennings, Anquon Boldin, Ray Rice and Fred Jackson, all players who could easily outperform their ADP, and Sammy Watkins could be the top rookie wide receiver this year if his ribs heal properly and he develops a good connection with EJ Manuel.

 

Johnny Fantasy Football 

@Lou_Cappetta (Lou Cappetta)

C. Newton QB CAR StartingQB
C. Palmer QB ARI Benched
A. Foster RB HOU StartingRB
A. Morris RB WAS StartingRB
D. McFadden RB OAK StartingRB/WR..
T. Mason RB STL Benched
E. Decker WR NYJ StartingWR
E. Sanders WR DEN StartingWR
T. Williams WR DAL StartingRB/WR..
H. Nicks WR IND Benched
J. Matthews WR PHI Benched
J. Graham TE NO StartingTE
M. Crosby K GB StartingK
Chiefs TM KC StartingTM

 

This team has a lot of risk, but also a lot of potential reward, having realized a tremendous discount when picking Arian Foster, Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden - three very early round picks last year. I love the pick of Eric Decker, who I think is tremendously undervalued, and the rest of the wide receivers have big upside, albeit with some bust potential (Terrence Williams, Emmanuel Sanders, Hakeem Nicks).

 

London Silly Nannies 

@BantsPandit (Edward G)

T. Romo QB DAL StartingQB
L. Miller RB MIA StartingRB
L. Bell RB PIT StartingRB
C. Ivory RB NYJ StartingRB/WR..
K. Moreno RB MIA Benched
B. Cunningham RB STL Benched
M. Floyd WR ARI StartingWR
A. Jeffery WR CHI StartingWR
T. Smith WR BAL StartingRB/WR..
K. Thompkins WR NE Benched
K. Rudolph TE MIN StartingTE
T. Eifert TE CIN Benched
S. Gostkowski K NE StartingK
Patriots TM NE StartingTM

 

This team has my favorite WR depth, with Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith and Michael Floyd all poised to explode this season. I also like the move of drafting both Miami running backs and seeing who wins the job, and I think that Tyler Eifert was a steal when drafted.

 




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Sent To Minor-League Camp
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Wins Center Field Job
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Scratched With Lower-Back Tightness
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Emerges Victorious For Second Bristol Win In A Row
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Visiting With Raiders
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Cowboys Restructure Dak Prescott's Contract
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Collects Four Points In Big Win
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Dominates Against Columbus With Three Points
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Pots Pair Of Goals Versus Penguins
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Finishes 19th At Bristol Motor Speedway
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Scores Twice In Losing Effort
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Exceeds Value In DFS At Bristol Motor Speedway
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Delivers Three Assists In Sunday's Win
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Suffers Leg Injury Versus Islanders
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After 5th at Bristol: "I Hope I Never Have To Run A Race Like That Again"
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Earns First Top 10 Finish Of 2024
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Has Dominant Day at Bristol but Fades Late
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Found Speed At Bristol
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Secures Top 10 At Bristol
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Late Charge to Fourth Masks Early Race Struggles
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Ran Well, But His Teammates Were All Better
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. Matches Career-Best Finish At Bristol
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Fades to 16th at Bristol After Handling Struggles
Russell1 day ago

Wilson Still Considered The Starter
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Is One Of The Top DFS Options For Bristol
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Starts 19th At Bristol After Damage In Practice
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Scores A Starting Position Of 32nd For Bristol
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Should Compete For The Win At Bristol
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History Indicates Brad Keselowski Being A Favorable Bristol Play
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Should Be Rostered With Caution At Bristol
Tyler Reddick2 days ago

Is Tyler Reddick Worth Rostering At Bristol This Week?
Martin Truex Jr2 days ago

. Could Work As A Tournament Play At Bristol
Alexander Nylander2 days ago

Totals Three Points In Saturday's Win
Sebastian Aho2 days ago

Leads Hurricanes To Victory In Toronto
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Delivers Three Assists In High-Scoring Loss
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Extends Scoring Streak With Four-Point Performance
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Records Three Assists In Win Over New Jersey
Artemi Panarin2 days ago

Racks Up Five Points In Saturday's Win
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Sinks Islanders With Third Hat Trick
Pannie Kianzad2 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
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Gets First-Round Submission Win
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Suffers First Career Loss
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Overcomes Early Adversity At UFC Vegas 88
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Suffers Fourth Straight Loss
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Gets First-Round Submission
Justin Fields2 days ago

Traded To The Steelers
NHL2 days ago

Lukas Reichel Will Be In The Lineup Sunday
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A Game-Time Decision Saturday
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Likely To Return Saturday
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Panthers Bringing In Michael Gallup For A Visit
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Panthers To Host Mike Williams On A Visit
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Jets Expected To Sign Tyron Smith
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Officially Re-Signs With Packers
Van Jefferson3 days ago

Steelers Signing Van Jefferson
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Raiders Restructure Jakobi Meyers' Contract
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Rams Agree With Jimmy Garoppolo On One-Year Deal
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To Fight In Main Event Of UFC Vegas 88
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In Dire Need Of Victory
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Looks To Get Back In Win Column
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Set For 27th UFC Appearance
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Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Ange Loosa3 days ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 88
San Francisco 49ers3 days ago

De'Vondre Campbell Heading To San Francisco
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Leighton Vander Esch Being Cut By Cowboys
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Cowboys Releasing Michael Gallup
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Steelers Sending Kenny Pickett To Eagles
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Looking For Redemption At UFC Vegas 88
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Ends Layoff At UFC Vegas 88
Isaac Dulgarian5 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 88
Christiaan Bezuidenhout5 days ago

Looking To Put It All Together At TPC Sawgrass
Eric Cole5 days ago

Rebounding Well In The Sunshine State
Brian Harman5 days ago

Playing The Dark-Horse Role Again At The Players
Matt Fitzpatrick5 days ago

Searching For Answers Thus Far In 2024
Sahith Theegala5 days ago

One Of The Tour's Fastest Risers To Start The New Year
Sam Burns5 days ago

Brings A Stellar Run Of Form Into TPC Sawgrass
PGA5 days ago

Sungjae Im Trending Up After Arnold Palmer Success
Jason Day5 days ago

Facing Iron Hiccup Heading To The Players
Tom Hoge6 days ago

Brings Strong Form And History To Sawgrass
Min Woo Lee6 days ago

Ready For Second Trip To Sawgrass
Will Zalatoris6 days ago

Working Toward A Win
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