PAFFL.com

What Fantasy Leagues can learn from NFL Rule Changes

The Wall Street Journal published an article today titled, "What Fantasy Leaguers can Learn from the NFL Draft Rule Changes".  They list out five points to take away from them shortening the time between rounds, from adding new elements to the draft and the game itself.  The core point though was that as successful as the NFL is, they're not afraid to continue to improve. The PAFFL and every fantasy league for that matter should take that advice seriously. 

Biggest Super Bowl Upset Ever?

Forty eight hours later, I'm still in a state of disbelief over the 42nd Super Bowl.  The New York Giants were the better team and deserved to win but the Patriots had been up until February 3rd, arguably the greatest NFL team of all-time.  That's hard for me to write as a die-hard San Francisco 49'ers fan who could make an argument that the '84, '89 and '94 squads have to be in consideration but no team had ripped apart their NFL schedule as convincingly as the Patriots did this season. 

Junior RB's make '08 NFL Draft a Fantasy Dream

The college football senior class was unusually thin at the key fantasy football skill positions of running back and wide receiver.  There were several quality senior QB prospects, specifically Boston College's Matt Ryan, Louisville's Brian Brohm and Kentucky's Andre Woodson but there wasn't a guaranteed second round grade on any back and no first round grade on a wide receiver.  However all that changed with the flood of Juniors who declared for the NFL draft, headlined by the likely top 5 selection, Arkansas's Darren McFadden. 

EA Sports PR Message: Madden will someday spawn an NFL GM or Coach

I was reading last month's edition of ESPN The Magazine, and came across an interview with the head of Electronic Arts Madden sports programming.  I can't recall his name but the gist of his message was simple, Madden has become the most well known sports video game and they hope it will someday educate a future NFL GM or coach.  Which got me thinking, what a great, inspirational message to appeal to the heart of consumers.  Sports fan who enjoy video games have fallen for Madden years ago but this is much bigger, its insinuating that the best of the best in Madden could someday be an actual professional.  It's a subtle but very smart part of their public relations message - I wonder how intentional it was or whether it was just something this executive said. 

Is Tony Romo pulling a Rex Grossman?

Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo's first half stat line in tonight's Monday Night Football game is 8 for 16 for 99 passing yards 1 TD but 4 interceptions, 2 of which were returned for TD's.  That's Rex Grossman in his prime.  Now clearly there has been some bad luck but in the PAFFL league its actually made a game that appeared to be done into, well, a game.  East Bay Funk entered tonights' game with the Dallas K NIck Folk and Buffalo WR Lee Evans down 11 against Ron Jeremy Fanclub who had the Dallas QB Romo, take the negative 2 points for each pick returned for a TD and it's actually a tied game at half time - with no contribution from Evans and little from Folk.    

Domer Double Standard?

Sitting here watching the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish get dominated for yet another week, I can't help to think about the double standard the University set when it decided to fire Tyrone Willingham after only three above average seasons.  Albeit Willingham's tenure wasn't up to Irish standards, their new coach, Charlie Weis is starting to look like a downright disgrace to domers.  Particularly on the offensive side of the ball where Notre Dame has never been as inept as they are right now. 

Texas Fans: Watch Your Balls in Sooner Country

This is one of the gnarliest things I've ever read.  I can only guess this is what happens when you mix inbreeding and sports fanaticism. Isotopes - be careful where you sport your Texas gear.  This also touches upon the age old Confucian saying:  "Big man not so big when you grab his ball sack."

NFL Roster Adjustments make PAFFL Decisions Tough

Over the last 72 hours, there have been plenty of interesting NFL news and roster adjustments.  For those of you making last minute changes in deep leagues (such as the PAFFL), make sure to check the news of roster changes. 

Las Vegas Sports book to start lines on players?

According to Covers.com, a Las Vegas Sports book will start taking wagers on individual player's fantasy production.   So now you'll be able to place a wager on whether Reggie Bush can exceed 20 fantasy points or whether Peyton Manning will top 30 as well as the traditional over/under bets and the to win or lose. 

A fellow blogger, Fantasy Football Goat, tipped us on this story. 

Fantasy Football Addiction

I love the annual studies released this time of year detailing the lost productivity in US businesses due to fantasy football, and its cost to the US economy.  This year's is bigger and better than ever, saying US businesses lose approximately $435 million a week during the NFL season. 

NFL Network playing hardball?

I read this great article in the Wall Street Journal this morning about how the NFL Network is playing hardball with the cable companies who have decided to fight back.  Essentially the issue is the NFL Network is requiring cable companies to keep the NFL Network on its regular subscription package (not relegated to the 'sports package') and pay them somewhere close to $0.70 per subscriber to month. 

Which Colleges Produce the most NFL talent?

The FootballOutsider.com site, from the creators of the Pro Football Prospectus, did an analysis of which colleges produce the most professional (NFL) talent.  They created a point system which credits each school for producing draft picks (sliding scale down for 1st thru 7th round selections), NFL starters, Pro Bowlers, etc.

Michael Vick Sued for $63 Billion

Ok, by now just about everybody is tired of hearing news about Michael Vick (well everybody except Pacman Jones) but this has got to be one of the wackier and funny things to come out on this.  Apparently a current inmate in the South Carolina penitentiary system is suing Vick for allegedly stealing his pups and selling them on eBay for huge profits which were then used to purchase arms for Iran. 

NFL.com launches a new site...

The NFL in general is doing a great job, in my opinion, in promoting the sport and reporting on its activities by launching the NFL Network and NFL.com.  Today they released the beta of their new site (image to the right), which I like.  It's easier to find news, stats and they've incorporated more feature content in the front of the site.  Take a look...

Vick and the history of civil rights in Atlanta

ESPN published an interesting cover story last night on the history of civil rights and its legacy in Georgia, and Atlanta in particular as it relates to Michael Vick's situation.  They did a nice job of weaving the various elements of the Civil Rights movement from the 1960's into the culture of the region.  Which they use to make their point, that Atlanta, home to the largest group of upper middle class African Americans in the US, is still very much segregated and thus its citizens see issues like Vick being targeted by Federal authorities thru a racial lens. 

Bill Walsh, a legend, has passed away

The former San Francisco 49ers HC Bill Walsh has died at the age of 75 after battling leukemia the past few years. Walsh was a legend, a master of using short, precisely timed passes to control the ball in what became known as the West Coast offense. Walsh, the 49ers head coach from 1979 to 1988, guided the 49ers to three Super Bowl championships and six NFC West division titles in his 10 years as head coach.  However Walsh means so much more to the NFL than simply the 'West Coast Offense' or titles. 

NFL's Preseason Schedule

NFL training camps start opening this week, with the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans opening it up on July 22nd (today) when their rookies report.  NFL pre-season game schedule is interesting. 

Vick Will Not Take A Snap This Season

If Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick takes a leave of absence, this immediately raises the value of backup QB Joey Harrington, although he is still not the sure fire replacement for Vick in the event that Vick does not play.  There have been rumors that veteran free agent QB Daunte Culpepper may get a shot at replacing the legally troubled QB.  Culpepper just interviewed with the Buccaneers, but given the backlog of signal callers already set to start training camp in Tampa Bay, it is unlikely that the Inferno will sign in central Florida. 

Vick Likely to 'Take a Leave of Absence'

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli and Chris Mortensen report Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick could be urged to take a voluntary leave of absence as soon as today to focus his energies on the legal challenges from a federal indictment stemming from dogfighting allegations. The NFL, the NFLPA, and the Atlanta Falcons are collaborating in this effort. There are, however, two critical components that must be resolved: Falcons owner Arthur Blank must be on board with a plan that has generated considerable discussion at the league level the past two days. And Vick, who might be reluctant to accept even a paid hiatus from the game, might have to be convinced that the leave could be his best option right now.

Vick likely facing jail time

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Falcons QB Michael Vick's career in crisis after he was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury over his role in a dogfighting operation at property he owns in Surry County, Va. That the investigation, ongoing for over two months, yielded charges was not a surprise. That typically meticulous federal investigators moved so quickly — just 6 1/2 weeks — to make their case was stunning. Though Vick was indicted on one count of conspiracy to sponsor federally outlawed dogfighting, the 18-page indictment gruesomely detailed the operation of his alleged involvement in Bad Newz Kennels, located behind a house he owned in Smithfield, Va.

QB's Who Are Feeling the Pressure

Another good fantasy related post from our friends at SportProjections.com, this one is the starting NFL QB's who are likely feeling the most pressure to perform in 2007.  Funny how Rex Grossman finds himself on every one of these lists, but then again he deserves it for having the most lopsided performances in a single NFL season of all-time. 

Top NFL Breakout Players for 2007?

The blog, SportProjections.com, posted an interesting article analyzing which NFL players may break out in 2007.  Though I disagree with several of their choices, its worth a read to digest their perspective.      

Peyton Manning's Social Network?

In what can only be classified as the over saturation of social networking, a startup in the MidWest (I'm assuming its there b/c why else would they choose to focus on the extremely niche world of Colts fans?) has built a social networking site for Indianapolis Colts fans, called MyColts.net.  In what appears to be a complete rip off of Facebook (but with a more mySpace commercial feel), the site allows fans to connect to each other, share photos, create groups and more. 

SI's NFL Team Power Rankings

SI.com's Peter King published his first of many 'Power Rankings' for the upcoming NFL season.  Though its hard to argue with his predictions, particularly at this point, I have to say that Indy at #1 is a little off center and likely a nod to their super bowl title from last season.  The reality is San Diego and New England both improved themselves while Indy (which barely beat NE at home in the AFC Championship game) took a step back due to defections in free agency. 

Funny Bill Maas site

This site was started well before the recent arrest of Fox NFL color guy and fomer lineman Bill Maas.  Pretty hilarious stuff if you can wade through all the spam in the comments section.  His on-air behavior makes more sense after the Hunter S Thompson style buffet of drugs was discovered in a police search that was consented to (dumber move?  Can I get some legal advice on this move?  Kitty?  Short Bus?).  Quite a downfall to after getting the top spot in the 2000 Dr. Z's annual announcer awards.

BTW, some more photos and stats on passenger and live-in girlfriend Sarah J. Murphy, 27?? 

This site was started well before the recent arrest of Fox NFL color guy and fomer lineman Bill Maas.  Pretty hilarious stuff if you can wade through all the spam in the comments section.  His on-air behavior makes more sense after the Hunter S Thompson style buffet of drugs was discovered in a police search that was consented to (dumber move?  Can I get some legal advice on this move?  Kitty?  Short Bus?).  Quite a downfall to after getting the top spot in the 2000 Dr. Z's annual announcer awards.

BTW, some more photos and stats on passenger and live-in girlfriend Sarah J. Murphy, 27?? 

John Clayton's Top 5 Surprise Teams for 2007

ESPN's John Clayton published his top 5 sleeper teams for 2007.  They were selected for their progress in the off-season and their respective schedules. 

SI Rates the NFL Owners...

SI.com's Michael Silver offers a detailed ranking of the NFL's 32 owners. Once again, many factors are considered -- business savvy, devotion to league growth, aggressive pursuit of winning -- with one overriding consideration: If you're a fan of the team in question, do you want this person (or people) making the big decisions.  Michael Silver lists his top three owners as Robert Kraft (NE), Jerry Jones (DAL) and Jerry Richardson (CAR)

Financially Motivated Sleepers?

NFL.com's Michael Fabiano wrote an article listing out a group of NFL skill position player's who for one reason or another are playing for their next contract.  In just about all of their cases, the player's are in their last year of their current contract (QB Byron Leftwich) and for some they've hit a career crossroads (RB Chris Brown). 

Dominic Rhodes suspended for 4 games

The Mercury News reported that recently acquired running back Dominic Rhodes has been suspended by the NFL for violating its substance-abuse policy and won't be available for the first four regular-season games. Rhodes, 28, signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Raiders on March 9, less than two months after playing a pivotal role in the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears.

Michael Vick unlikely to be indicted

ESPN's Chris Mortenson reports federal authorities have filed court documents outlining an alleged dogfighting operation at a property owned by Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick, The Associated Press reported Friday. Vick is not named in the documents. Additionally, Vick is unlikely to be indicted in the dogfighting federal investigation, according to information gathered by the NFL and Atlanta Falcons, sources tell ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The authorities have told the Falcons and league that there has not been any evidence that can be tied to Vick with the alleged dogfighting ring, the sources said. The law enforcement authorities have privately told league and team officials that at least three people are expected to be indicted but the identities of those individuals were unknown.

Texans holding the most 'Dead Money'

As noted by Pat Kirwan of NFL.com, the Houston Texans are carrying more than $30 million in dead money, meaning that 27.5 percent of their cap total is charged to players who aren't even on the roster. That includes big-time charges for defensive linemen Gary Walker ($5.5 million) and Robaire Smith ($4.17 million), offensive tackles Todd Wade ($5 million) and Zach Wiegert ($2.95 million), quarterback David Carr ($4 million) and wide receiver Eric Moulds ($3.75 million). With the cap set so high, such "dead money" doesn't hurt quite as much as it once did, but it's still a painful lesson on how bad decisions come back to haunt a team.

NFL Europa folds...

ESPN reports the NFL's development league in Europe will be folded, ending immediately, spokesman Maik Matischak said. Friday's decision came less than a week after the Hamburg Sea Devils beat the Frankfurt Galaxy 37-28 in the World Bowl XV in Frankfurt, attended by 48,125. The league, most recently known as NFL Europa, began in 1991.

The '3rd' year theory for NFL Wide Receivers

Fantasy Football Today did an analysis to substantiate the long held belief that wide receivers often blossom in their third year of professional experience.  The article is from 2004 but covers nearly 20 years of data.  What FFT found was the Third Year Theory appears to have the highest percentage of success there are indicators that the 2nd & 4th years are nearly as critical yeas for wide receivers breaking out.

What is an 'X', 'Y' or 'Z' receiver?

NFL.com's Pat Kirwan explains the football terminology of what an 'X', 'Y', 'Z', 'A' and 'B' receivers are on the football field.  For those who don't understand this, it's an easy and worthwhile read.

Mark Cuban hopes to build a rival league to the NFL

ESPN reports Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is part of a group considering formation of a football league that would compete with the NFL for players drafted lower than the second round. The league, still very much in the preliminary stage, would play its games on Friday nights. The NFL does not play then because of the potential conflict with high school football. "It's a pretty simple concept," Cuban said in an e-mail. "We think there is more demand for pro football than supply." The proposal was first disclosed by The New York Times on its Web site, which said it was the idea of Bill Hambrecht, a Wall Street investor who was a minority partner in the Oakland Invaders of the USFL, which played in the spring from 1983-85. Sharon Smith, a spokeswoman for Hambrecht and Company, had no comment and said Hambrecht was traveling and unavailable to talk about the idea. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said he was aware of the proposed league, but had no further comment.

Michael Vick will be indicted?

ESPN reports when asked, "At this moment in time, do we have any evidence that puts [Atlanta Falcons QB Michael] Vick at dog fighting?" Surry Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter replied, "Yes." Poindexter said there are people who will make those claims. "We have informants. We have people who are volunteering to make those allegations." Poindexter has come under fire for a perceived dragging of the feet in a possible Vick prosecution. Poindexter said he is reminded every day of Durham, North Carolina Prosecutor Mike Nyfong who went public with accusations of rape against three Duke lacrosse players that turned out to be untrue. "I go back to that. He was pushed by politics. I'm not going to be driven by that," explained Poindexter. A Surry County grand jury may get the case July 24th. Poindexter also could request a special grand jury before then.

NFL.com's AFC North Team's Fantasy Overview...

NFL.com's Michael Fabiano is publishing overviews of each division by team of their fantasy value including schedule strength (against run & pass) and listing of each team's top 5 fantasy performers.  I've listed the top 5 for each team below and the overall summaries are good.  Some of this is academic but for fantasy nuts, its worth diving into the details.  This is for the AFC North.  

ESPN launches Football blog, "Hashmarks"

ESPN launched a football blog today, "Hashmarks" written by former Dallas Morning News writer Mark Mosley.  Funny how its taken ESPN this long to finally grasp 'newmedia'.  That said I credit them for dedicating a writer to a football specific blog. 

Bengals problems mount, WR Chris Henry fails a drug test?

ESPN reports suspended Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry failed a court-ordered drug test and will have to serve 88 days in jail.  Kenton County (Kentucky) Attorney Garry Edmondson said that Henry tested positive for opiates and he will be forced to serve jail time. Henry's failed drug test was first reported by WKRC-TV in Cincinnati. Henry is on probation in Florida. It's unclear whether the reported drug test results will force him to serve jail time there. The Bengals told ESPN's Bob Holtzman that they expect to release a statement regarding Henry later Monday.

Green Bay Packers going with RBBC in '07?

AP reports the Green Bay Packers may end up with a running back by committee approach for the 2007 season.  With RB's Vernand Morency, Brandon Jackson, Noah Herron and 7th round selection Deshaun Wynn, the team maybe forced to take a 'team approach' to the position.   

Clinton Portis may have a knee injury?

The Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis may have a knee injury that could effect his ability to carry the load in 2007.  Portis missed the team's offseason workouts Wednesday and yesterday to travel to Birmingham, Ala., where he was examined by Dr. James Andrews and diagnosed with patella tendinitis.

Ricky Williams tested positive for weed, again!

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams tested positive for marijuana in April and will not be allowed to apply for reinstatement to the NFL until September. Williams was suspended last year for violation of the substance abuse policy and was eligible to be reinstated this month, but the league's medical advisors that oversee Williams' personal rehabilitation program recently notified commissioner Roger Goodell of the positive test, sources said.

Steve McNair arressted for DUI as a passenger?

ESPN reported Baltimore Ravens starting QB Steve McNair was arrested on driving under the influence charges late Wednesday in Nashville, police said this morning. McNair was a passenger in his vehicle driven by a man identified as his brother-in-law, Capt. Richard Foley said.
Chalk this one up under, "Subjective laws to fuck with innocent people", since when did traveling with a inebriated driver result in passengers getting a DUI, don't you need to be drinking & DRIVING?