PAFFL.com

Top Available Talent for '08 PAFFL Auction

Team Kitty also compiled the top available talent, both unrestricted & restricted, for the upcoming 2008 PAFFL auction.  This is only the top 40 guys by position (top 35 for QB's) who are available and reasonably can be expected to be starters this year. 

Projected Topper/Holdover Selections for '08

Thanks to our dedicated Team Kitty, he has compiled his projected topper / holdover selections for 2008.  This is the first year the right is limited to non-playoff teams, providing more certainty around the selections. 

NFL.com Fantasy Player Rankings

In keeping with linking to other free player rankings, below are links to the NFL.com player rankings which are also published in print form.

Steve Smith for Randy Moss

The Fightin' Irie continue their torrid pace of reshaping their squad with another deal this morning with the unusually quiet but picking up steam Team Kitty.  But the highlight of the day was a one for one deal between the Naughty Thoughts & South Whore Jibbers. 

Ben Roethlisberger for Laurence Maroney & Tarvaris Jackson...

The Fightin' Irie and IMT have completed a relatively big deal involved multiple rookie picks, toppers, cap space and All-Pro Ben Roethlisberger. 

Braylon Edwards, Willie Parker, Donovan McNabb in a blockbuster...

The first blockbuster deal of 2008 was consummated between BINGO (formerly Blak Jesus) and the Beavercats. 

ESPN Fantasy Football Player Rankings

ESPN has published its fantasy positional rankings, free for the general public, on its sites which also appear in its overpriced but quality fantasy magazine. 

Brodie Croyle for cap relief

The Los Frijoles Pintos consummate their second trade in a week, this time with the usually active but quiet in '08 Team Kitty. 

2008 NFL Rookie Values Redux

Ok, I did this right after the NFL draft in April but following OTA's & mini-camps, and the stupidity of veterans (such as Cedric Benson) a lot has changed since then.  So I wanted to take another pass at this.             

2008 PAFFL Rookie Pick Projections (1st Draft)

       

The 2008 NFL draft brought fantasy football a plethora of fresh talent. Five first round selections at RB, two QB’s and plenty of solid 2nd & 3rd rounders as well.  The one troubling development though is the two-back system becoming pervasive in the the copycat NFL. Possibly not a single RB selected this year will be a true featured back (sans McFadden & Stewart)  McFadden is a likely #2 fantasy back, no team will select a player that high with that type of talent w/o a plan to feature him, and maybe Jonathan Stewart in Carolina where HC John Fox likes a bruising back to wear down defenses.  But the next eight backs off the board (Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Kevin Jones, Jamaal Charles & Steve Slaton) will be in share situations at best.  In fact the only one in that group with an opportunity to start is Matt Forte in Chicago where all he needs to do is beat out bonafide bust Cedric Benson.

RB Share Situations - New Blood from the 2008 NFL Draft

The NFL draft always brings some surprises but one guarantee you can always count on is new blood, an infusion of 250+ players who are young, healthy and hungry to make it in the NFL.  In a professional sport that carries a career expectancy of approximately 3.2 years for a drafted player, many joke that NFL stands for 'Not For Long'.  For fantasy leaguers, particularly dynasty league participants (where you keep players for longer than a single year), the NFL draft represents new blood, players who shift current player's values and new opportunities for fantasy success.  One trend that people will start talking about a lot more, and expect to see this all over the 2008 fantasy football guides that get published in June, is the NFL shift to Two Back systems where one running back maybe gets a majority of the carries between the 20's and then another one comes in for the goal line work, short yardage or third down opportunities.  The NY Giants won the super bowl with this strategy, and New England has employed it during their reign the past eight years to great success. So while having competent backups has always been the goal, the NFL is moving towards a trend of literally have two guys who could be considered the starter.  For fantasy this means fewer true 'featured backs' and more ambiguity as to who is the 'right' guy to start week to week.

Brett Favre selected for '08 Madden Cover

EA has selected recently retired QB Brett Favre to be the Madden 2008 cover boy. This is a huge relief to fantasy leagues and NFL fans alike as there has been an eerie coincidence of player's appearing on the cover and having injury plagued and/or un-productive seasons.

Don't underestimate the Madden curse, which has befallen nearly every NFL player who appeared on the cover sans one or two. Last year Vince Young wasn't mature or ready for the primetime and the Madden cover sank him. But its not just Young, you can look at the long list and its been an anomaly when a player lived up to expectations the season they appeared as the cover boy.

Top 64 NFL Draft Prospects

ESPN reporter Todd McShay debuts an article on the top 64 NFL draft prospects (ESPN Insider Subscription required) in tiers of 6 or so. It's what he calls 'tiering' that every NFL war room (draft team) creates to differentiates players of various levels, so they know they're not 'reaching' for a player based on need over a superior talent in the same general area of a selection.

NFL Free Agency Kicks Off in a Frenzy...

This past Friday the NFL's annual free agency period kicked off with a flurry of activity.  However it wasn't until today that the first big fantasy changing signing occurred with the Atlanta Falcons signing former Chargers RB Michael Turner to a 6 year, $34.5 million contract with reportedly $15 million in guaranteed money. 

Rex Grossman & Ocho Cinco for Larry Fitzgerald?

The first trade of the 2008 PAFFL season was consummated earlier this year between two of the league's most active traders, Team Kitty and the PA Short Bus. 

Team Kitty acquired QB's Rex Grossman ($55, 2009) & Kyle Orton ($11, 2007) and the rights to WR Chad Johnson ($55, 2007) from the Short Bus for WR Larry Fitzgerald ($53, 2009)

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. 

Peyton Manning: The fantasy beauty of his presence

It occurred to me this morning that QB Peyton Manning has been a special fantasy player the the last half decade. In the PAFFL alone, he has been in the Jankster Cup game (our equivalent of the Super Bowl), for 5 consecutive years.  During that period he only has won one (with an opportunity to win a second this year) but he's been the dominant force on his respective squad every year during this period.

QB Gods?

I came across this slightly funny joke between Tony Romo, Peyton Manning & Tom Brady.

2007 Fantasy Football All-PAFFL Team

The 2007 regular season is finalized and its time to recognize the studs that made this regular season sizzle and led to the Ron Jeremy Fanclub being the leading PAFFL team throughout the regular season.  You'll notice some trends as QB-WR tandems in New England & Dallas have exploded this year to dominant their respective positions unlike any other tandems in NFL history.

Sunday Lineups...

Don't forget to set the best possible lineup you can.  There are several important playoff implication games, it would be a shame if any teams flake on their duty to roll out their best possible lineup. 

Heisman Trophy Contention in '07

Its getting to that time of the year when everybody has their list of Heisman trophy candidates.  This year's no different and I keep hearing the similar group of nine or so guys: QB's Colt Brennan, Tim Tebow, Todd Reesling, Chase Daniel, Matt Ryan, Pat White & Andre Woodson & RB's Steve Slaton & Darren McFadden.  While all the conjecture is fine and dandy, and quite frankly a requirement for the media to entertain its audience, this is, in my opinion, a two horse race. 

Does Randy Moss & Terrell Owens make Tom Brady & Tony Romo?

The question was posed today, do the stud fantasy WR's Terrell Owens & Randy Moss make fantasy stud QB's Tony Romo & Tom Brady?  Or vice versa?   It's an interesting question and one you could argue either way but I think the answer is a pretty easy one.  The quarterback makes the receiver, always has and always will.  Tom Brady has been a top 5 fantasy quarterback for five consecutive years prior to Randy Moss' arrival in New England.  And for those that don't remember, Moss is the same receiver who struggled to be even relevant to fantasy leaguers the past two years in Oakland. 

Week 10 Waiver Wire / Free Agent Pickups

Each week I attempt to compile a diverse list of potential Waiver Wire / Free Agent pickups for week 10 of the NFL season.  I play in a 16 team league where we start 9 players (no defense, only 1 kicker) so we're always looking for that #3 QB or RB who emerges to be the final piece on a playoff run. 

Each week I attempt to compile a diverse list of potential Waiver Wire / Free Agent pickups for week 10 of the NFL season.  I play in a 16 team league where we start 9 players (no defense, only 1 kicker) so we're always looking for that #3 QB or RB who emerges to be the final piece on a playoff run. 

Quinn Gray for Tim Rattay

East Bay Funk and Fightin' Irie made a small deal on Thursday. 

EBF acquired QB Quinn Gray ($1, 2008) for QB Tim Rattay and $2 in 2008 cash.  If Gray scores negative points (due to turnovers) this weekend, EBF would only own FI $1 next year. 

Week 9 Waiver Wire / Free Agent Pickups

Below are a list of potentially valuable Waiver Wire / Free Agent pickups for week 9 of the NFL season.  Maybe some of these guys aren’t worth a damn in shallow leagues but what’s the fun in dropping Marvin Harrison b/c he’s out a week for a guy like Wes Welker who is available as the #3 receiver in New England.  Ok, Welker shouldn’t be available in ANY league format but you get the point.

Brett Favre for Cedric Benson, Joey Harrington, Jake Delhomme and a future pick

Team Kitty and the LA Isotopes completed a trade during our fellow owner's wedding this past weekend in Seattle.  This was consummated after several inappropriate phone calls & text messages at all hours of the day & night. 

Team Kitty receives QB Brett Favre & WR Brandon Jones ($2, 2008) from LA Isotopes for RB Cedric Benson ($55, 2007), QB Jake Delhomme ($55*, 2007), WR Ike Hillard, QB Joey Harrington, Team Kitty's next 9-16 rookie pick and the option of either a topper/holdover or a cut next year OR if Team Kitty makes the playoffs this year then both the next year Team Kitty does not make the playoffs.

Looking to make deals

I know I always believe I have an obscene amount of talent but sense I scout and spend more time on this than most people, in the PAFFL and in general, I typically end up having success both with players I keep and deal.  This year I've been very quiet (I suspect just about all of you know since I've gone from sending emails about deal ideas weekly, sometimes daily, to eerily silent) due to workload on both my primary job and side passions like FFCollective, TheWino.net and this site. 

RB's Laurence Maroney & Sammy Morris for QB Trent Edwards & WR Vincent Jackson

The Fightin' Irie was extremely active over the past twenty four hours completing several deals.  The biggest of the season to date (IMO) was the following with East Bay Funk. 

FI acquires RB's Sammy Morris ($10, 2009) & Laurence Maroney ($55, 2008) & K Rob Bironas ($1, 2008) in exchange for East Bay Funk receiving QB Trent Edwards ($16, 2009), RB Michael Robinson ($7, 2008), WR Vincent Jackson ($7, 2007) & K Phil Dawson.

Jake Delhomme held over for $55?

This was posted on the league's website this evening.  It's a fellow owner, Team Kitty, attempting to absolve him of potential league conflict over a 'shady' maneuver of dropping QB Jake Delhomme (who was in the last year of his long term contract - PAFFL contract that is, not Carolina Panthers contract), then picking him back up in a plan to resign him next year for $55.  Thus extending Delhomme's contract by another three years at his current salary.      

Hot Waiver Wire / Free Agent Pickups for Week 8

Here are the my hot free agent / waiver wire pickups for week 8 In my fantasy league we have 16 teams which start 9 guys each (no defense, 1 Kicker, 1 TE, 2 RB, 2 WR & 1 QB with 2 flex spots).  So these may not be relevant to all fantasy leaguers but most are valuable guys who either will immediately have value or will in weeks ahead.   Most of these are valuable regardless of league format. 

Hot Waiver Wire / Free Agent Picksup for Week 7

Here are the my hot free agent / waiver wire pickups for week 7 In my fantasy league we have 16 teams which start 9 guys each (no defense, 1 Kicker, 1 TE, 2 RB, 2 WR & 1 QB with 2 flex spots).  So these may not be relevant to all fantasy leaguers but most are valuable guys who either will immediately have value or will in weeks ahead.   Most of these are valuable regardless of league format. 

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.    

Net Present Value in a Keeper League

In our fantasy football league, we have a complex contractual system that allows teams to keep players up to 6+ years.  We have a set salary cap ($500 a year) and allow teams to place players on long-term contract, which secures them for 3 seasons (that can be extended one year by placing them on an inactive Developmental Squad spot - each team gets 2 of these which are transferable), at the end of those three years a team has the right to keep them for another three years at which time they must be available to the general league for auction.  Which leads us to the purpose of this post, what is the short vs. long term value of fantasy football players. 

Hot Waiver Wire / Free Agent Pickups for Week #6

Here are the my hot free agent / waiver wire pickups for week 6 In my fantasy league we have 16 teams which start 9 guys each (no defense, 1 Kicker, 1 TE, 2 RB, 2 WR & 1 QB with 2 flex spots).  So these may not be relevant to all fantasy leaguers but most are valuable guys who either will immediately have value or will in weeks ahead.   Most of these are valuable regardless of league format.    

Hot Waiver Wire / Free Agent Pickups for Week #5

Here are the my hot free agent / waiver wire pickups for week 5 In my fantasy league we have 16 teams which start 9 guys each (no defense, 1 Kicker, 1 TE, 2 RB, 2 WR & 1 QB with 2 flex spots).  So these may not be relevant to all fantasy leaguers but most are valuable guys who either will immediately have value or will in weeks ahead.   Think of them as valuable in deep leagues.

Here are the my hot free agent / waiver wire pickups for week 5 In my fantasy league we have 16 teams which start 9 guys each (no defense, 1 Kicker, 1 TE, 2 RB, 2 WR & 1 QB with 2 flex spots).  So these may not be relevant to all fantasy leaguers but most are valuable guys who either will immediately have value or will in weeks ahead.   Think of them as valuable in deep leagues.

Brian Griese looked, well, like Rex Grossman...

Chicago Bears starting QB Brian Griese completed 34-of-52 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4 whle also throwing three interceptions in the Bears 37-27 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Two of Griese's interceptions came with the Bears within ten yards of the end zone. His other one was returned for a touchdown. All three were his fault, as Griese looked, well, like Rex Grossman all day. He was probably rusty after not playing for two years, but isn't a great start against Green Bay next week.

Is Daunte Culpepper back as a dominant fantasy QB?

Oakland Raiders QB Daunte Culpepper, starting in place of injured Josh McCown, against his former team the Miami Dolphins, turned in one of the season's top individual performances with 3 rushing TD's and 2 TD tosses (both to Jerry Porter) in a rout of the home team Dolphins.   What's remarkable about the performance is he only threw the ball 12 times (with 5 completions for 75 yards) and only had 28 yards rushing for a total of 103 yards.  Yet 5 TD's are rewarded nicely in fantasy leagues and it was a huge victory for the Raiders, making them 2-2 and giving them their first road victory in 2 years.      

Hot Free Agent / Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2

Here are the week 3 top free agent / waiver wire pickups.  In my fantasy league we have 16 teams which start 9 guys each (no defense, 1 Kicker, 1 TE, 2 RB, 2 WR & 1 QB with 2 flex spots).  So these may not be relevant to all fantasy leaguers but most are valuable guys who either will immediately have value or will in weeks ahead.   

Week One Free Agent Auction Results

Below are the free agent drafts for the league's team week one.  If anybody has questions or comments, please post them below.    

Subtract McNair & the Ravens Romp!

If the Baltimore Ravens just had benched Steve McNair prior to tonight's game with the Cincinnati Bengals, they would have blown out the hometown team.  He has 3 fumbles lost & an interception which directly resulted in 24 of the Bengals points tonight. 

Top Free Agent / Waiver Wire Fantasy Pickups

Ok, this won't be relevant for all fantasy leaguers because the PAFFL is an extremely deep league (16 teams w/ 20+ players per team) but below is a list of some of the top free agent or waiver wire pickups in fantasy leagues.  Remember not all these are relevant but as noted some if not all could be extremely valuable in the weeks ahead as the NFL season gets into future weeks.