Week 3 Musings

This past Saturday I was reminicising from an article celebrating the greatest dunk of all time in the ’00 Sydney Olympics (for those who…

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Week 3 Musings

This past Saturday I was reminicising from an article celebrating the greatest dunk of all time in the ’00 Sydney Olympics (for those who can’t recall that on a moments notice, which I assume is everybody reading this sans Team Kitty, Vince Carter over 7’2” french center ). The article had a passing reference to the movie He Got Game and the classic underrated Public Enemy remix of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” called “He Got Game” (the title song of the movie starring Denzel Washington and sweet phenom Ray Allen; effectively playing himself). The movie was indistinguishable (aka don’t worry about going back to watch it) but the song always struck a cord with me. I grew up on the Neil Young led classic riff that PE used, a song that spoke to my parents generation of political dissidence and anger at the military-industrial complex that was driving the US into an unnecessary, seemingly needless conflict in Vietnam. Couple that baseline with Public Enemy, or rather Chuck D, voicing his uncompromising style on the plight of urban America.

It might feel good

It might sound a little somethin

but damn the game if it don’t mean nuttin

What is game? Who is game?

Where’s the game in life behind the game behind the game

I got game, she’s got game

We got game, they got game, he got game

It might feel good

It might sound a little somethin

but fuck the game if it ain’t sayin nuttin

He Got Game brought me back to a time when the present was everything. Life was simpler, no kids, mortgage, the world was open to every possibility. Every opinion mattered, I knew we were changing the world. On a personal level that meant respecting, loving and being interested in everybody I came across; caring deeply in what I did, open to everything and being committed to what I did. We all had game.

Now we’re pulled in a dozen directions, nobody is really committed to anything (yes I’m talking to you Team Kitty, you making next year’s auction? :) And when I say we, I’m really saying I. I hold out hope for something better, wanting a better iPhone, a better beer, a better toss by my son. The past couple years has been one of deep reflection, and over the past two months even going back to early teenage lifestyle choices (nothing illegal, a little alcohol at a wedding in NYC; playing football card games with my son); just trying to take real joy in being present. Being Present, that shit is hard, I’m not going to lie. And that’s the quandary our generation and the millennials coming after us…nobody seems to be present.

Oh sorry I forgot this was supposed to be a fantasy football ramble, I got off topic a bit huh? Ok to tie this back together, I’m reviving those things that gave me joy as my attempt at being present, and rambling in front of you all, in my own little way hoping to keep us connected is my gift to you all, take it for what it’s worth, not much I know but at least I’m trying.

On to the fantasy portion of this….and yes I know we’re only 3 games into the year but at this juncture we’re capable of pointing the finger at the anomalies of the ’15 season.

He Got Game

QB’s Andy Dalton, Tyrod Taylor — in the veteran, I didn’t really have much hope category. Dalton’s been a sneaky QB1 in the past but he’s a Bengal, enough said. Taylor falls here and is the run away leader on the unwritten list of fantasy surprise performers; if he keeps up this play he’ll be a pro bowler and a fantasy all pro (currently he’s the #3 fantasy QB).

QB Tom Brady — I’m only including this 1st ballot HOF b/c he looked SO bad in the preseason and with all the deflate gate bullshit, it just felt like this was the year he was going to come down to earth. Instead he’s on another nearly record breaking pace; the man is obviously on the short list of top 2 QB’s of all time (w/ Montana).

WR Travis Benjamin — Meet the #2 fantasy WR so far; no chance he keeps up this pace but he’s scored 5 TD’s, at least one each week, and has done it with 2 different QB’s and in 3 unique ways (kick return, short slant & 3 post routes). And this guy was a waiver wire pickup (for $1 in paffl) in over 95% of Y! & CBS leagues.

WR Larry Fitzgerald — four years ago he wouldn’t have been on this list b/c we expected this but now in his 30’s after suffering several down years he’s back. The #3 fantasy WR, he appears to finally be clicking with a QB not named Kurt Warner. I expect this will be a memorable season in what could be Arizona’s breakthrough, NFC West Division title year.

QB Marcus Mariotta — No doubt in my mind now, he’s a legitimate franchise real & fantasy QB. His composure, accuracy and decision making are veteran like, throw in his athletic ability and he’s a stud. FiveThirtyEight has already looked at his HOF potential, and it’s not a pipe dream. He’s #7 Fantasy QB so far. He probably won’t keep this pace but his future is brighter than the 8 floodlights my neighbor installed that go off every damn time I walk by the driveway nearly blinding me in the process. #lovethyneighbor

RB Adrian Peterson — yes he’s the #2 fantasy RB, talent & production have never been the issue. He’s here b/c he’s seeking “redemption” this year, and partially owning up to his sins of repeatedly whipping to injury his many sons justifies it. So long as he keeps that up and is truly remorseful, socially we can grow to a place where violence of any kind but particularly against children is not tolerated. So All Day keep yourself on this path and you’ll be respected (and fantasy owners will love you forever and ever and ever).

RB’s Dion Lewis, Karlos Williams — in the “we never saw this coming” category, the #5 & #7 fantasy RB’s have done it in very different ways but nevertheless look like effective role players on teams that accentuate their roles.

RB’s Joseph Randle, Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman — in the “you’ve been hyped but nobody was really all in” category, these guys are the #3, #4 & #1 fantasy RB’s so far. Again it’s only been 3 weeks (and in the case of Freeman & Randle really only 1 huge week) but for various reasons I’m buying on all three as consistent top 30 fantasy RB producers this year. They’re young, talented, and playing in solid (to great) offenses.

WR Steve Smith — the quiet HOF career, is again quietly lighting up the scoreboard; it seems unjust that he went to Baltimore for a Super Bowl shot but he’s stuck on an 0–3 rebuilding squad during his swan song season while his former team likely will run away with the soft NFC South for the 3rd consecutive year. If there is justice in this world, a deal back to Carolina (and one last playoff run) is in the works (it’s a win win win). Come on @OzzNewsome let’s make this happen.

WR James Jones — He’s only on here b/c this guy has incredible hands and is still productive but until end of the preseason the 31 year old was a free agent. Only an injury to his former teammate (Jordy Nelson) gave him another shot, and now he’s a top 15 producer with the 3rd most red zone targets through three weeks. No chance he keeps up this pace but then again maybe thanks to Aaron Rodgers he does. Or maybe Davante Adams finally shows he’s a quality NFL receiver?

TE Travis Kelce — Gronk is on another level, he’s like your one frat brother who has an insane amount of energy, drinks like a fish, parties all night then is the first ready to compete to death in anything the next morning. He’s a freak, legitimate freak. Well Kelce looks like a poor man’s version of that. And thanks to Alex Smith finally showing he can take advantage of a favorable matchup, makes Kelce primed to replace Jimmy Graham as the robin to the batman frat bro in the top fantasy TE duo rankings for the next half decade.

No Game

(limited to expected studs/breakouts who have not delivered)

QB Matthew Stafford — the entire Detroit offense should be included here…Vince Lombardi is rolling in his grave as his grandson as OC in Detroit is ruining the family name. In truth though it’s Stafford who holds the ball too long and over relies on his arm. He’s supremely talented but at this point it’s looking like he’s just a more talented with better supported cast Jay Cutler.

QB’s Drew Brees, Peyton Manning — these guys were drafted to be top 5ish producers but both are in the bottom 20’s and in nearly all league formats worthless. It’s too early to count these future HOF’s out but both look old (and brittle).

QB Teddy Bridgewater — Teddy ballgame looked so good in the pre-season, now the lights are on and he’s struggling to crack the top 30 fantasy QB’s (behind guys like Ryan Mallett, Josh McCown, Johnny Football). I have faith he’ll turn it on but so far its no good.

QB Colin Kaepernick — Just as I’ve nailed how to spell his name he’s finally put the final nail in the coffin of his real starting credibility. HOF’er Steve Young has said it took him several years to learn how to process the game and be a professional, “Kap needs to show he wants to become a professional in that manner, so far I haven’t seen it”. It doesn’t take a HOF’er who has personally worked with him to see the same thing. He’s still capable of being a lethal fantasy weapon (thanks to running ability) but in the real, team sport football thing he’s barely above a practice squad developmental type due to his inability to process the mental part of the game.

RB CJ Anderson — the entire Denver offense could fall under this theme but Anderson is the poster child. He was a top 20 fantasy pick in every league and right now he’s not even top 40 at his position.

RB Justin Forsett — like Anderson maybe we need to discount former Cal underrated FA RB’s in general? Drafted as a solid RB2, he’s not even a flex type. Baltimore offense is struggling so there is hope.

RB Joique Bell — The signs were there, offseason surgeries, he didn’t participate much (or really at all) during camp but it’s clear he’s either done (physically) or playing through injuries. It’s probably a little of both, but unlike Anderson/Forsett, the alternatives are better (Abdullah & Riddick) so it’s about time to cut bait, this guy’s fantasy value is dropping like Mariah Carey’s popularity in the 00’s.

WR Golden Tate — so talented but at #58 fantasy WR that’s no good…but he’ll be closer to top 30 by the end of the season, at least I’m holding to that for now.

WR Jeremy Maclin — I think it’s time we all kill that old adage that Andy Reid actually knows how to produce fantasy WR’s worth a damn. Look at the historical numbers…outside of a 2 year window with Terrell Owens crying foul every snap he wasn’t the primary, this is an offense that produces a lot of 850 yard 5 td seasons. Maclin took the big contract but he’s starting to look worthless from a fantasy perspective (#56 fantasy WR).

WR Sammy Watkins — There’s literally no excuse here other than Rex Ryan wants to start the trend back towards 50’s style football. Watkins is talented, Buffalo’s passing game is producing at an average level but Watkins simply isn’t the primary guy. He’s not a failure yet but I’m losing faith on him and likely dropping him in two of my leagues this week (besides wasn’t his college teammate Martavis Bryant better anyway?)

TE’s Vernon Davis, Jordan Cameron, Zach Ertz — all of these guys were expected to be top 15 fantasy producers at TE, to date they’ve all been laying eggs. Part of it is their teams/offenses but until further notice, they should be left on your respective benches.

Trade Wrap Up

This is the time of the year to strike, if you can find an owner reeling after a couple tough losses (and ideally you’re in a dynasty format where you can deal a future commodity for immediate value), make a move now. In my primary fantasy league, the PAFFL, a major deal went down this weekend. WR Antonio Brown for QB Derek Carr. Without going into the rules of this dynasty league (which make this deal fair), I wanted to address given the recent events. Carr is far from a sure thing but he’s growing, the Raiders look like they could be 8–8 or even challenge for a playoff spot this year, so in a deep (2 QB) league, this was a nice building block. However the other team had Carr as a luxury but needed playmakers and Brown is locked up for several years. He’s a stud, in his prime and while his production may not be as strong while Big Ben is on the mend, he can & will remain a WR1. So net net good deal all around.