October 30, 2013

Wednesday FAABnalysis -- 10/30/13

You may not know this, but sometimes I do some writing for FAABnalysis before Wednesday FAAB ever happens.  For whatever reason, I tend to have pretty busy Wednesday afternoons here at work.  Today is going to be one of those days, so I'll have to keep the writing short this week.  But here at 9:42 AM, before the claims are processed, I can offer up some predictions on a few different things I think are going to happen today.

#1 Marvin Jones -- He's not a fluke.  Okay, those four touchdowns were a fluke, that's never going to happen again.  (And actually, he's the first receiver in Bengals history to have four TD grabs in one game.)  But I do think the player is legit.  He's officially beaten out Mo Sanu for the #2 job opposite A.J. Green.  I'm good with that, because I love Sanu in the slot -- very reminiscent of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who would slide inside when the Bungles went three-wide with Chris Henry on the outside.  Anyway, we're talking about Marvin Jones here.  He was going to be my redshirt pick if Lattimore, Crabtree, Maclin, or Kenbrell Thompkins didn't slide to me at #11 in the 15th round.  Not trying to be Alan-like over Kevin Curtis, but as a Bengals fan, Jones has been on my radar for a while now.  For the rest of this season, I think he'll settle in at around 60 yards and a coin toss for a touchdown each week.  There are still a lot of mouths to feed in the Bengals passing game (and Andrew Hawkins is due back very soon)!  I'm bidding $14 on Jones, not expecting to win the auction, but fine if I do as I think he's a startable WR3 and also a handcuff to A.J. Green.  I bet the winning bid is somewhere north of $30, since Marvin is really the only truly actionable option this week.

#2 Jay Cutler -- I'm surprised Paul cut him, and even more surprised no one picked him up on Sunday.  I get why Paul did what he did --- he just needs a QB to play during Peyton's bye, and if Cutler's out he can't fill that one-week hole.  And trying to find a trade partner for a damaged-goods fringe QB1/QB2 would have been rough.  But I bet someone picks him up today.  Maybe it'll be me, as I have a $2 bid on him.



#3 Mike Tolbert -- I really don't understand why Kool-Aid man isn't on a CKL roster.  I guess his touchdowns have been inconsistent.  But I saw it with my own eyes this past Thursday night: Tolbert is - in all functionality - the Panthers' RB1.  And they are going more and more toward this physical football identity, so I think Tolbert is a very good guy to own down the stretch this season.

#4 Tiquan Underwood -- Interesting player.  Young, nice upside.  Now the #2 in Tampa after Mike Williams went down, and you know the Bucs are going to have to throw.

#5 Kris Durham -- I don't think Nate Burleson is going to get his job back.

Anyway, we'll see how things go today.  One of the things that I enjoy about Wednesday FAAB is that there is almost always a few claims that I didn't see coming.  I'm sure today will have some out-of-left field stuff going on (maybe a big bid on Case Keenum for someone with a QB on bye?)  Anyway, today should be fun, just like every Wednesday is fun!

Oh, you need a soundtrack for this week!  How about Rebecca Black v2.0?



Good, I hope that was nice and annoying for you.  I also hope it rattles around in your brain all day.  "CHOW MUH-MUH-MUH-MUH-MEIN."

Fuck you, reader.  I hate you.

NOW IT'S TIME FOR SOME STATS!

-- 27 claims
-- 19 cash claims
-- $138 total FAAB money spent
-- $7.26 average per cash grab


On to the claims...


Marvin Jones -- $39 to Kirk
Dropped: Ryan Williams - REDSHIRT BURNED!
Other Bids: $28 to Chad, $22 to Russ, $19 to Ben, $17 to Derrick, $14 to Patrick, $14 to Kendall, $12 to Rookie, $11 to Nathan, $6 to Joe

Yep, that's ten CKL coaches bidding on the guy.  And he absolutely deserves the bids.  Norris is out of money, but I have to wonder where Paul, Mark, and Alan were on this one.  Not buying the breakout performance?  Not wanting to spend what you figured would be the going rate?  Too busy to submit FAAB orders?  I'm really interested in the psychology behind some of the FAABery that goes on.

Like a boss.



Jason Campbell -- $25 to Mark
Dropped: Brent Celek
Other Bids: $5 to Nathan

Stafford's on bye, and I guess Mark liked Campbell better than Keenum for the fill-in role.  I should have noticed Jason Campbell's availability and predicted this claim.  $25 was a lot to pay, but I bet this was a chunk of money that Mark had set aside all along for a QB claim in week 9.  I think Campbell is a very serviceable starting NFL quarterback.  He's probably an upgrade over Brandon Weeden in that Browns offense, and he has some weapons in Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron.  This week, the Browns are at home against the Ravens, who are 14th against opposing QBs.  Not an awesome matchup, but certainly not terrible.  Mark could have done much worse for his bye week replacement.




Nick Foles -- $9 to Nathan
Dropped: Phil Dawson / Wesley Woodyard / Brandon Gibson / Rob Housler / C.J. Anderson - TUESDAY DROPS!
Other Bids: $0 to Joe

Nathan nuked the bottom of the roster, and has five spots to fill.  Foles as the first member of that Nuclear Replacement Quintet is a bit... underwhelming.  I like his whip-crack arm, but the jury is in, and the gavel is coming down hard.  The verdict: Nick Foles sucks.  He's no Shane Falco, let's just say that.  But look, for the CKL coach who just lost Ron Mexico to a hamstring that went *pop*, I get it.  I just don't think Foles is worth a crap in fantasy football.  (Ben agrees.)



Dont'a Hightower -- $9 to Mark
Dropped: Jon Beason
Other Bids: none

When Jerod Mayo went down, I rushed out to claim Brandon Spikes.  But Hightower is the REAL Mayo replacement, and the stats are there to prove it.  A bit pricey, but a very nice claim for our resident IDP Maestro.




James Starks -- $7 to Alan
Dropped: Johnathan Franklin
Other Bids: $0 to Joe, $0 to Nathan

Meh.  So they don't want Eddie Lacy to wear down, and Starks has been playing well.  He's still the RB2 on a team that is hard-wired for a pass-first offense under Aaron Rodgers.  I'm not sure what Starks' 5-7 carries per game is going to get you... other than losses if he's in your lineup.

Welcome to the airport Cinnabon!



Robert Quinn -- $6 to Derrick
Dropped: Kevin Burnett
Other Bids: $5 to Ben, $0 to Nathan

Looks like four of us watched Monday Night Football and saw how totally dominant Quinn was as a pass rusher in that game.  I'm trying to play DP Flex for the relatively safe and reliable tackle totals linebackers can give me, but I have much respect for Derrick - knowing what kind of team he has at this point in the season - chasing these explosive boom-or-bust sack numbers.

Damn, I forgot he was a shitbag Tarhole.  I take it all back.



Case Keenum -- $6 to Nathan
Dropped: Phil Dawson / Wesley Woodyard / Brandon Gibson / Rob Housler / C.J. Anderson - TUESDAY DROPS!
Other Bids: $0 to Joe

I poo-pooed the Foles claim, but I won't shit on Nathan bringing aboard Keenum.  The truth is, NOBODY knows what kind of player Keenum will be.  That Texans offense has supported a top-10 fantasy football quarterback before, and could easily do it again.  Bold prediction: Case Keenum is a top-15 scorer at QB down the stretch, and he makes a rising star out of Nuke Hopkins.  I like this claim, Nathan.




Timothy Wright -- $6 to Ben
Dropped: Zach Miller
Other Bids: $3 to Kendall, $0 to Nathan, $0 to Paul

Propers to Ben for sneaking in here with a solid $6 bid and taking this sleeper tight end away from me.  Look, the Tampa Bay Buttfuckineers really, really suck.  They are going to be behind in games... and they are going to be passing.  I mentioned Underwood above, but the same is true for Wright.  Nice claim, Ben.  And good on ya, because tight end was really the one big hole on your roster.  Between this kid and Heath Miller, I think you have a viable combo at that position.

I miss this dude.



Mike Tolbert -- $6 to Russ
Dropped: Joe Flacco
Other Bids: $5 to Patrick, $4 to Kendall, $1 to Nathan, $0 to Rookie

OH, YEAAHH!



Drew Davis -- $5 to Alan
Dropped: Jerome Simpson
Other Bids: $0 to Nathan

I like him.  I think he's going to be a good player.  I think he has value as long as Roddy White is out.  Is it bad that I don't have any more to say about this one?  Sorry Alan.





Dumpster Diving...

Dexter McCluster, $4 to Nathan -- God damn, I love me some DexMcClux.  This guy is super-fun to watch.  And it looks like - fingers crossed - Andy Reid is figuring out ways to use his unique skillset.  Intrigue!  Mystery!

E.J. Manuel, $3 to Kendall -- So, so, so, so pleased with being the one to grab and stash this Virginia Beach stud.  My bench just feels happier with him on it.  But I wonder if I can navigate my late bye weeks with him on the roster.  Ugh.  Manuel on my team might mean Goskowski gets dropped during his bye.  Butterfly effect or some such shit.

Dallas Clark, $2 to Kirk -- Of course, you're the one to pick him up.  OF COURSE YOU ARE.

Sexy?  Badass?

Daryl Richardson, $2 to Nathan -- Man, I really don't know what to make of this one.  Post-hype sleeper?  Hedge against the Zac Stacy ankle sprain?  Honestly, I think it's a strange claim.

Lance Moore, $1 to Nathan -- Like it.  Especially for the Kenny Stills owner.  Chances are, the most productive Saints wide receiver is on Nathan's roster.  Chances are just as good that Nathan will go crazy trying to decide who to think about starting each week.

Jermaine Gresham, $1 to Paul -- He can play, Paulie.  You already know this, but he can play.  Problem is... so many mouths to feed.

D'Qwell Jackson, $0 to Rookie -- Just about the best $0 IDP claim you'll see.  (I had him queued up as my top Lofton replacement, and your shitty record led you to win the auction.  I should have bid $1.  Fuck you, Rookie.)

Jay Cutler, $0 to Joe -- Perfect.  Just perfect.  I'm really happy that this happened.

Tiquan Underwood, $0 to Kendall -- If he makes it past Rebound Friday, it's a one-week tryout for the Pink Nightamare.  Lots of players get this chance, Tiquan.  Let's see what you and that wonderful boxcut of yours can do this weekend.



BONUS SECTION!  Nathan's batting order for the Nuclear Replacement Quintet:
1) Marvin Jones
2) Nick Foles
3) Case Keenum
4) Jason Campbell
5) Dexter McCluster
6) Daryl Richardson
7) Mike Tolbert
8) Lance Moore
9) D'Qwell Jackson
10) Deji Karim
11) Drew Davis
12) James Starks
13) Timothy Wright
14) Tiquan Underwood
15) Philip Wheeler
16) Robert Quinn
17) Chandler Jones
18) Thomas Davis
19) Ryan Succop
20) Blair Walsh




Best Claims Available on Rebound Friday
-- QB Joe Flacco
-- WR Kris Durham
-- WR Robert Woods
-- WR Airwolf




Remaining Budgets
The Magic Stick -- $53
Kick Azz Giants -- $52
Double-O Daddy -- $45
Pink Nightmare -- $26
Glitterfist Lasersnakes -- $20
The Champeens -- $14
THUNDER BEAR -- $12
Sic Semper Tyrannis Rex -- $12
Jesus the Moose -- $9
Voodoo Brown -- $7
The Sexy Badasses -- $5
Barclay Street Bruisers -- $3
Juris United -- $2
Blackpool Penguins -- $0

Can I just say that I'm proud of where these totals are, currently?  Big bids this season, and I think we as a league have our FAAB legs under us now.




Top-10 Biggest Claims of the Season
1) Nick Foles -- $58 to Ben on 10/16/13
2) Willis McGahee -- $55 to Paul on 9/20/13
3) Joseph Randle -- $51 to Norris on 10/16/13
4) Harry Douglas -- $40 to Kendall on 10/9/13
5) Marvin Jones -- $39 to Kirk on 10/30/13
6) Mike James -- $31 to Norris on 10/23/13
7) Brandon Jacobs -- $27 to Patrick on 10/16/13
8) Jason Campbell -- $25 to Mark on 10/30/13
9) Jake Locker -- $22 to Paul on 10/2/13
10) Chris Ogbonnaya -- $21 to Patrick on 10/16/13
10) Felix Jones -- $21 to Rookie on 9/18/13



That's it for this week's edition, but as always, remember...



GOTTA SPEND TO WIN!

October 26, 2013

Week 8 Predictions and Promises, Part 2

Greeting League!  I am not stuck in a hotel room or drinking some un-American beer with the word “Red” in its title.  Hopefully, that will facilitate less than two references to my genitalia during this write up.  I love you, Kirk, but I’m gonna pound a few local brews with Northwest hops and give even the most downtrodden teams a glimmer of hope.  It’s a beautiful day, I’ve got two weeks until my second kid arrives, and the optimism is flowing.  Why you gotta be so hard on these guys?

Side note to my co-writer: double check the text.  We nearly had an overlap again.  Now go get some quality craft beer, sucka!



Double-O Daddy (4-3) vs. The Magic Stick (6-1)
Line: TMS by 39

Wow!  I thought this one might be close before last night.  Cam’s big night puts some pressure on Chad, but he has the potential to catch up.  An IDP scoring 12.4 is an excellent start.
Russ is a hard out this year.  Despite Fitz and Gonzo’s underperformance (read: both are good, but not as amazing as usual), TMS has arguably the strongest team in the league.  Both Cam Newton and Knowshon more than make up for the disappointments.  I admit I didn’t see this squad coming through as a #1 seed type of team.  Playoffs maybe, but #1…uh, no.  So you get to be our Chiefs, Russ.  Lucky you.

Chad looks strong at the top with Mr, Metronome, Matt Ryan and all world back Jammy C.  From there it is like someone shattered the viewing deck at the Grand Canyon.  Holy shit, the drop off!  Antonio “Geronimo” Brown, Cole “Look Out Below” Beasley, and Daniel “Kamikaze” Thomas all make me think of crashing and burning.  Daddy has a shot here, but it will take something on the order of Matt Quigley to hit this target.

TMS wins by 15


Sexy Badasses (3-4) vs. Blackpool Penguins (2-5)
Line: Badasses by 55.7…oof!

What to say here?  Yeah, Kirk should win.  How he has managed to lose 4 games is beyond me.  After the draft, everyone agreed the Sexy Badasses were contenders.  Then Kendall stopped managing them.
 
Too harsh?  You know I love you Kirk and am only kidding.  The real story here is who has worse luck between these two teams.  Kirk’s team should have more in the win column.  The pieces are there.  Norris has hit a twilight zone of insane turns – injuries, stars sucking, bench players that trick you into starts, and three defensive players on bye.  Just curious, why not field someone this week?

Look, I want to see Norris upset someone as much as the next guy, but when all six skill positions lean heavily toward the Badasses, you gotta bet on Kirk.  Rodgers over Geno; AP over Mike James; Nicks over Jennings; Vernon over Cook; Boykin (???) over Randle (???); and Rice over Denarius – no wait, there is one.  There's your bright spot and glimmer of hope - see, optimistic.
 
Sorry Nori Bunn, Sexy by 20+

Also, Kirk might get my vote for coach of the year based solely on the changing logo pics and constant beautiful additions to the blog and message board.


Pink Nightmare (6-1) vs. Glitterfist Lasersnakes (3-4)
Line: Pink 13.6

I told Trevor that his Mom asked me to write the prediction for his game and the little guy suggested that he write it instead.  Being an encouraging father, with newly restored custody, how could I deny the request?  He even chose the pictures.  Here is what he came up with.

"Hi Mom.  Sorry I cant live wiff you this year.  I am sad, cuz yur bed is soft and warm and Dad maks me sleep by mysef.  He dont make good chilie, but the mommy at hiz howse nos where to by happy meels.  She keeps him bizzy and iz always telling him ‘bowt the jobs she iz gonna giv him latr.

I lik yur team, Mom, and no how seksy you think AJ Green iz.  He iz my favrit too, Mom, and I still luv the Bengals.  Tonie Romo kinda looks wimpie, but I ‘member wen he scored a hundred points for you wen he playd the Broncos.  I gess he iz prettie good.  You also sed Eric Decker iz seksy, but in a difrent kinda way that maks yur pants tingle.  I gess he must be good too, cuz my new mommy also sez she would give him some jobs lik she givz daddy, so he must kood do lotsa other stuff ‘sides futball.

Snakes skeer me, but I no that you aint skeerd of them, Mom.  I hav seen you wear yur favrit shirt that sez “No Fear”.  It has the sleevs cut off and smells like yur frind Barrie.  But, I do lik wen that Vikter-man for the Giants dansez in the endzon.  I betcha he duz that a coupla timz on Sunday.  The kwarterback for the Seehawks is reel fast and smart.  You told me that wen you mayd me stay awak for the draft wen I was little.  Iz he smart enuff to beet yur teem, Mom?  I wuz surprizd that Olsen kot a TD.  You shur likd him last year, but this year, Daddy sez he smellz like dog poopie.  I think he iz just mad that hiz tight end got hurt.

 I do lik glitter tho.  ‘Member that time you made me go to my room cuz I uzd yur eye glitter on my skool poster.  I am sorry ‘bowt that, Mom.  I lik lazrz too.  ‘Member that time you let me com to yur special club wear they had lazrz and fast muzik and all thoz gyz in shinie blak undrwayr?  They mayd you and unkle Barrie leev and you took me to Grammas howse and I cryd, cuz you wudnt let me go back wiff you.  I am sorry ‘bowt that too, Mom.

I betcha that yur Pink teem beets the Sparklin Snakes by ‘bowt 10 points.  I luv you, Mom and miss you."

October 25, 2013

Nathan's Nits - Week 7


Start/Sit Thoughts 


(reminder that I type up these italicized comments during the Sunday noon to 1 hour)

I set out to make these as good as possible after last week's lackluster effort. Please to enjoy.




  • Nathan: Keenan Allen over Richardson. Trent has to show me something before he gets another start. Keenan is ONLY showing me things. Love this.

    Basic calculus. At least T-Rich doesn't have a torn labrum.

    Performance: Allen caught three balls for 67 yards in a four-week low performance. Still better than Trent's 14 for 37 and a fumble for 2.7 points. Fears validated. Broncos run defense is legit y'all. Even if its just because its so damn easy to pass on.

    What a mess.

  • Alan: no better FLEX than Airwolf!? Actually, I like this play with Freeman drawing his first Vikings start.

    Jerome is so damn tempting. He has that speed to get deep and get open, which he does, but its only a blue moon scenario where he connects on a bomb. Sadly, Airwolf usually just sits on the ground, spinning his rotors. Tease.

    Performance: Three catches for 32 yards. 3.2 points. Freeman kept throwing to some future version of his receivers that were three feet taller or seven yards further downfield. It was really weird. Eddie Royal would've been a better play. But c'mon, you know Royal is only going to score when he's on your bench. That's how he do.


  • Derrick: GRONK

    Patience paid off, and now your frustration over all those low ball offers can be aloe-vera'd by all the points the meathead is going to score for your hapless team. If you're not going to win, at least wrap yourself in the warm blanket of being right, dammit.

    Performance: 8 for 114 in his first game back. And he had some drops and missed opportunities. Guy is going to be a monster down the stretch.

    Do whatcha do, Gronk, but double bag it.



  • Kendall: Harry Douglas over Decker and Stevie Stylez. You spend the money on him, let him earn it. Hopefully Trevor don’t see you getting dicey with his custody, though.

    Was it even a struggle to start him over Decker? Stevie Johnson wasn't really an option. Embarrassment of riches.

    Performance: Both Harry and Eric had sicks games. Decker earned one tenth more with 21.0 to Douglas' 20.9. Kendall couldn't've gone wrong.

    What a goob smile.
    Eric Decker's Wife


    Kirk: Boykin over CJ?K? I’d consider it.

    You gotta get cute sometimes, and when you get to roll with a homer on a powerhouse Green Bay offense, even better. CJ must be nauseating to start every week. Let him ride on the bench while you mash down some Boykin flavored Tums. But no, you stick with the running back toter. Better the one you know, and all.

    Performance: Boykin goes off for 8/103/1 and you STILL made the correct call. Johnson has his best game of the year with 17 points. Boykin made his hay after Finley's nasty helmet hit, so he might be worth starting going forward. Nice find.

    Russ: Might start thinking about Reed over Gonzo.

    Well yeah. RG3 is zoning in on Reed, while Gonzo has understandably lost a step. Still two high quality options, which is some unicorn type shit in a 14 team league. Now when will we see a trade? Or will Russ just keep his COTY season rolling and sit on the depth?

    Performance: Reed got nasty with 9/134/1 (straight filthy) while Gonzo got Harry Douglas'd with 3.0 points. At least Russ still won by a hair or three.

    Mark: Kerley over Shorts maybe?

    I love Kerley and wish I still had him. He's not going to win you games but he also won't lose them. Steady with an occasional touch. Shorts had some problem with the joint where his clavicle meets his sternum. That doesn't sound good at all. That's like heart/stomach/lung area. Pass. Shorts was one of your keepers, and was pretty impressive down the stretch last year, so you probably have some residual fondness for him. But he's only been decent, ranging between 4 and 14.3 points during the season. Not terribly different than Kerley.

    Performance: Kerley scored shortly into the 1:00 pm games, which had to be tough to see. He wound up with 15.7 points, a season high. Shorts was his usual steady self, with 8 total points. Its not bad having both these guys on your squad.

    Norris: benching Spiller. Hmm.

    Dude ain't right. Marrone needs to stop running him out there until he is. Roll with FJax and Choice, newbie.

    Performance: Spiller goes for 0.7 on the bench, which his replacement Bilal Powell, gets you a sexy flexy of 0.6. Barf.

    Big Joe: Mathews over Zac Stacy. I see that.

    Mathews had 22 carries in the Week 6 win over Indy, his most rushes of the season. And he looked good. Mathews definitely dominates Stacy in upside: better offense, better talent, better match up, just better. Good call, Joe.

    Performance: 21 for 110 and a touch over the Jags. Stacy went for 14.7 (no slouch), and he'll see some starting opportunities with Muscle Hamster's unfortunate injury. Mathews/Stacy/Ivory/Brown is a solid, if unspectacular, running back committee considering the bummer of a season you're having.




  • Chad: Mike Williams and his bad hammy over Dobson, who you so pimped earlier this week? You gotta believe in your own self-made karma.

    Was all that (completely awesome) defense of your Dobson pickup for naught?

    Performance: 3.2 for Williams and 3.4 for Dobson. They're both trash.


Week 7 Numbers


All Play



  • Kendall puts a little space on Russ.
  • Tiers: 
    • 1) Kendall/Russ
    • 2) Paul/Ben/Nathan/Mark/Chad (within two weeks of the lead)
    • 3) Kirk/Patrick (three weeks)
    • 4) Rookie/Joe/Norris (four weeks)
    • 5) Alan/Derrick (five weeks)
  • Still no changes on Mr. Explosion (Kirk) and Mr. Consistency (Joe).
  • Hard to Kill Rankings (highest low scores):
    • 1) Kendall 96.9
    • 2) Ben 92.0
    • 3) Chad 89.1
  • There is still noise to be made, but I'd wager our six playoff spots will come from the top seven on this table. Take that as you will, Kirk, Patrick, Rookie, Joe, Norris, Alan, and Derrick. Make a fool out of me.


Luck


  • Its a bit odd to see one of the worst All Play squads at the top of this chart. Its not so much that Alan isn't good when he wins, its that he's so bad when he loses. A bit counter-intuitive.
  • Mark and Rookie with strong bad luck numbers. For reference, the last two years, the unluckiest teams were both over negative three at the end of the year.


Jenna


  • Another flop at the top, as Mark cuts in on Chad. And just when the Enchantment Under the Sea dance has started getting interesting.
  • Kirk takes a tumble.
  • Can Patrick score score score to make this a four way (gross)?
Your cousin! MARVIN Berry.


Hotness


  • Good thing divisions are meaningless because the Orange is crushing it.
  • Bonus chart to make Norris feel even worse.

October 24, 2013

Week 8: Promises and Predictions - Part 1

Okay I am alone in a hotel room, drinking Guinness Red Harvest Stout (good by the way.  Think lighter stout), and trying not to look at porn on the company issued laptop.  Let's make it happen.


Kick Ass Giants (1-6)  at Sic Sempter Tryannis Rex (1-6) 
ESPN Gameline: Doc by 11.2

1-6 ...here is a situation where that would be lovely.


Not so much with the fantasy football.....I just don't care about this game....I mean 1-6....so yeah....lesbians kissing



Juris United (3-4) at Jesus the Moose (5-2) 
ESPN Gameline: Ben by 37.2

Ben is going to win this game so it's not really worth my time to break down the hows and whys.  Instead let's talk about Alan.

Alan thanks for updating your logo.  I was talking to Kendall and we actually do look at your team page more often now.  Since I have been there more often I have worried how you are 3-4.  You should be 1-6 in my opinion.  I could count on my dick the number of keepers you presently have on your roster and it's not Sam Bradford.  If I were in your situation (and I have been) I would sell everything but Thomas for a decent keeper.

If you think I am off base about your season consider the fact you have to play Ben, Kendall, and Paul.  You will lose each of those games by 20+ points.  That means the best you could do this season is 6-7.  You're not going to the playoffs so sell sell sell.


Voodoo Browns (3-4) at Barclay Bruisers (5-2)
ESPN Gameline: Paul by 42.8

Wow...I really wish I could write something inspiring about this game but Joe's team of very mild players are on bye. Paul is not in a great position with 1/3 of his team on bye, but Peyton Manning is playing so that will be enough this week.

Joe let's talk.  You are 3-4 with the worst possible schedule to come. You have Paul this week, then Russ, Me, Nathan, Ben, and finally Kendall.  There is a real chance you will be 3-10 at the end of this season. That's not good and  I could use my balls to count your keepers. But on the upside, that means you are one keeper away from going into next season in good shape.  Just forget about today and focus on tomorrow.

PS: Paul please change your logo.  It pisses me off.  Try this...


http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com/thumbs/73/87/catfight,girls,muddy,women-7387d5cf1b98a9aeaa52f85ec3ec18f4_h.jpg


Thunder Bear (4-3) at Champeens (3-4) 
ESPN Gameline: Mark by 2.5

This is the game of the week.  Both of these teams are on the edge and need more than anything to win.

Mark if you lose it's fucking over.  You are not going to go to playoffs with 5 loses.  You have a less than average chance of riding a 6-0 run, and the first step is a win over Nathan.  Nathan is weak right now and all you really need is a replacement for James Jones (WR) who is probably not going to play since he hasn't practiced this week.

Nathan has Reggie Bush (RB) and RGIII (QB) playing Denver.  That should play out well, but Mark has his points spread out over a bunch of guys and is the reluctant king of IDPs.

Give this shit to Mark.

PS: Both of these guys have pretty easy schedules for the rest of the season so the winner will be the dark horse for the playoffs.  Book it.



October 23, 2013

Wednesday FAABnalysis -- 10/23/13

In honor of Jermichael Finley's neck, Sam Bradford's knee, Brian Cushing's steroid-inflated manboobs (and knee), Doug Martin's shoulder, Reggie Wayne's geriatric knee, Jay Cutler's cigarette (and groin), Lance Briggs' shoulder, Nick Foles' dry vagina (and head), and Arian Foster's hammy; in honor of the bloodbath that was week 7 in the NFL; in honor of a spate of injuries that has surely shaped this week's FAAB action and maybe even the trajectory of the CKL in general...  Sunday, October 20th, 2013, is now and forever known as...




Stats.  Chicks dig 'em.

-- 25 claims
-- 21 cash claims
-- $111 total FAAB money spent
-- $5.29 average per cash grab


On to the claims...


Mike James -- $31 to Norris
Dropped: LeGarrette Blount -- REDSHIRT BURNED!
Other Bids: $17 to Rookie, $13 to Patrick, $9 to Nathan, $4 to Ben, $2 to Joe

In the last week, Norris has spent $84 in order to bring aboard Joseph Randle and Mike James.  I don't want to sound too harsh, because I understand Norris might be in a fragile state right now... but... you might be doing it wrong.  I understand that it's been a shitty season in Blackpool.  2-5 and going nowhere fast.  Tom Brady is sucking (from a FF perspective).  C.J. Spiller and DeMarco Murray can't stay healthy.  Devastating injury for Julio Jones.  Jared Cook failing to break the 5-point barrier after week 1's 25-point explosion.  J.J. Watt is only the 33rd-best DP after you drafted him to be the best.  Other than Torrey Smith, there hasn't been many bright spots for the Penguins.  I understand that.  But this bid was just nuts, just like last week's $51 Randle bid was a little bit nuts.  But you know what?  YOU FUCKING KNOW WHAT?  I love it, Norris.  If life hands you lemons, chuck that shit in the garbage and go buy a beer.  Life hands you chicken feathers, use 'em to stuff a pillow and lay down the highest-priced hooker you can find.  All you can do is whatever you can do, and I sincerely hope Mike James is the next coming of Arian Foster for the Bucs and for the Blackpool Penguins.  You never know until these guys get in the game, so buckle up waiting for your next high-priced investment to take the field as Tampa's bellcow back.

Nobody knows how this is going to work out.  All we know is that $31 was a $14 overbid.  But who cares about that shit?  If you got the guy and he ends up being a player, nobody will care that you overpaid.

Here it is, Norris.  Your destiny.


Peyton Hillis -- $13 to Derrick
Dropped: Reggie Wayne -- TUESDAY DROP!
Other Bids: $5 to Patrick, $4 to Kirk, $3 to Ben, $2 to Joe, 

Ahhh, the Juggernaut.  I love the Juggernaut!  What's the story with this guy?  Why hasn't he been able to hold down a job in the NFL?  Obviously, I'm a huge fan, as I still have a halfway boner for Mike Alstott, and Hillis is like the second coming.  So why was he a street free agent?  Nathan, if you know the answer, leave it in the comments, because I am legitimately curious.

Meanwhile, Doc - one of our resident Giants die-hards - made a strong move to land Hillis, so he must know something we don't.  I mean, nobody knows better that David Wilson is a big ol' stinky pile of dog's excrement.  But what about Andre Brown's looming return?  Is $13 the price you pay for a two week rental?  Or maybe the G-Men like what they've found in Hillis?  It's interesting.  If the Giants had an o-line at all, imagine the split backfield between Hillis and Brandon Jacobs.  Now that's some intoxicating power.  Wow.  Put both of those guys on the field at the same time, maybe with a huge blocking fullback like Bear Pascoe... jeez, that'd be fun to see.  Hillis 252, Jacobs 265, Pascoe 283... that's 800 pounds of nuts to flex.  Oh, if the Giants only had an offensive line.

Anyway, I love the Juggernaut.  I'm glad he's FF-relevant again.  I'm happy to watch him play on Sundays, because I'm a fan.





Joseph Fauria -- $11 to Rookie
Dropped: Khiry Robinson
Other Bids: none

Here's what Fauria has done since Nathan used $6 to pick him up last week: 1 catch for 15 yards.  Smart bid, going $5 over the top of what Nathan spent.  Jeez, Rookie.  I guess the silver lining is that Fauria got a whopping 4 targets against the Bungles in week 7.  FARTSOUND.



Scott Chandler -- $7 to Alan
Dropped: Sean McGrath
Other Bids: none

I guess Sugar Ray wasn't getting it done on Alan's bench.  Now introducing Scott Chandler, who when he isn't masquerading as an NFL tight end, enjoys romantic comedies and long walks on the beach.  Actually, after a quick look at Juris United, I realize that this bum is now Alan's starting tight end.  Not bye week or injury replacement, but a STARTER.  Russ, I think we might have found a taker for Jordan Reed.



DeMeco Ryans -- $6 to Alan
Dropped: Lance Briggs
Other Bids: $5 to Norris, $3 to Kirk, $3 to Ben, $2 to Joe, $1 to Derrick, $0 to Nathan, $0 to Paul

That's over half the league bidding on this guy, who has been bobbing around and floating in the free agent pool for way too long.  Nice move by Alan to snap him up.  I don't know how good Ryans is in that ass-poor Iggles defense, but he's piling up tackles and scoring FF points, so welcome to the CKL you big stud.



Josh McCown -- $6 to Alan
Dropped: Ted Ginn
Other Bids: $20 to Norris, $11 to Nathan, $8 to Kendall, $2 to Joe

Alan, I just want to make sure that you wrapped up Ted Ginn and tossed him in the wastebasket.  DO NOT flush Ted Ginn down the toilet -- he can clog your pipes as he absorbs the toilet water, and he can do serious damage to your house.  Just ask Dana Hall, who had to live on a shitcarpet after she flushed a Ted Ginn and backed up the pipes.  Anyway... Josh McCown.  Am I wrong to think that seeing this clown picked up for six bucks in our league is some sort of sign of the apocalypse?



Garrett Hartley -- $6 to Chad
Dropped: Chad Henne
Other Bids: $4 to Patrick, $3 to Ben, $1 to Paul, $0 to Joe

I guess Chad didn't want to drop Robbie Gould?  Chad Henne was just as worthless, so okay.  Hartley is one of six kickers currently averaging double-digit points.  While it sucks to play the kicker shell game, having a good one does give you an advantage.  Fair bid for a productive player who will be a starter for his CKL team.  (This is our new normal, guys.  $5+ for good kickers and DPs.  Get used to it.  Penny stocks were a 2011 game.)

THIS is your new kicker, Chad.





Dumpster Diving...

Mike Mitchell, $4 to Russ -- He's been a revelation in Carolina, and they blitz him A LOT.  Enjoy your new toy, Russ.  He'll be a good one.

Stephen Tulloch, $3 to Patrick -- Pretty good DP claim, but the redshirt burning of Markus Wheaton hurts a little.  However, unless things change in the second half of this season, Wheaton is a guy you can get in the 14th round of the 2014 draft, so no biggie.  (One note on CKL strategy: The later in the season you drop your redshirt, the more opportunity you've wasted with that roster spot.  I love the redshirt system.  It adds a really interesting dynamic.)

Cole Beasley, $3 to Chad -- I've almost picked him up three weeks in a row.  I think he's got some real chops, and the Cowboys are slowly discovering that for themselves.



Brandon Gibson, $3 to Nathan -- Guy's a scrub, but he's involved, especially in the red zone.  Opportunity trumps talent in many cases, and Nathan is an "opportunities" guy.

Rob Housler, $3 to Nathan -- Good claim.  I think he's a top-15 tight end the rest of the season.

Lawrence Timmons, $3 to Kendall -- Glad to have him, still hate the Steelers.

Ryan Tannehill, $2 to Joe -- Remember when you almost traded Michael Floyd for Tanny?  Yeah, me neither.

Andrew Quarless, $2 to Kirk -- I want to see how they use Brandon Bostick in trying to replace Finley.  You might have picked up the wrong Packers tight end, bud.

Nate Burleson, $1 to Russ -- You caught the rest of us napping with this claim.  And I'd also like to officially and publicly acknowledge that after eight years of sucking in the CKL, you are putting together one hell of a season -- pushing the right buttons, making the right trades, running your team with incredible competency.  For me, it's a two-horse race for COTY between you and Ben... and that's fucking amazing.  (Paul, you're my #3 right now.)



Tyler Eifert, $1 to Kendall -- Maybe all he does is score me 2 points when Jordan Cameron is on bye in week 10.  But for some reason, this claim felt really GOOD to me.  Good beyond the sheer homerism of the pick-up, I mean.





Best Claims Available on Friday
-- QB Jason Campbell
-- RB Daniel Thomas
-- RB Marcel Reece
-- WR Robert Woods
-- WR Miles Austin
-- WR Marvin Jones
-- TE Jeff Cumberland
-- LB Alec Ogletree
-- LB Perry Riley
-- LB Thomas Davis



Remaining Budgets
The Magic Stick -- $60
Kick Azz Giants -- $58
Double-O Daddy -- $52
The Champeens -- $48
The Sexy Badasses -- $46
THUNDER BEAR -- $34
Pink Nightmare -- $29
Glitterfist Lasersnakes -- $22
Jesus the Moose -- $21
Juris United -- $15
Sic Semper Tyrannis Rex -- $12
Voodoo Brown -- $10
Barclay Street Bruisers -- $7
Blackpool Penguins -- $0

Norris comes from behind to win The Blown Load!

Splat.




Top-10 Biggest Claims of the Season
1) Nick Foles -- $58 to Ben on 10/16/13
2) Willis McGahee -- $55 to Paul on 9/20/13
3) Joseph Randle -- $51 to Norris on 10/16/13
4) Harry Douglas -- $40 to Kendall on 10/9/13
5) Mike James -- $31 to Norris on 10/23/13
6) Brandon Jacobs -- $27 to Patrick on 10/16/13
7) Jake Locker -- $22 to Paul on 10/2/13
8) Chris Ogbonnaya -- $21 to Patrick on 10/16/13
8) Felix Jones -- $21 to Rookie on 9/18/13
10) James Starks -- $20 to Joe on 9/18/13



That's it for this week's edition, but as always, remember...



GOTTA SPEND TO WIN!