PAFFL.com

LFP goes on a trade binge...

The Los Frijoles Pintos completed two other deals this afternoon.

Reggie Bush for Jonathan Stewart...

BINGO, which is fast becoming the new Team Kitty, dealt their #2 overall rookie pick to Los Frijoles Pintos today in a relatively big deal. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

At least Brian Westbrook is a team player...

Can you believe that shit?  The Philadephia Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys today but the play that will be remembered for years was the last one that mattered.  On 2nd down from the Dallas 25 with 2+ minutes to go, the Eagles RB Brian Westbrook took a right sweep, made a move on a safety and was on his way to the end zone on a twenty five yard run...until he decided to drop down at the one inch line.  With no timeouts left, the Eagles could let the clock roll down to the two minute warning then kneel down four consecutive plays. 

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.

Self Promotion?

Every year there are those owners who like to play hermit only to jump out of nowhere to paste the message board with what amounts to public relations and shit talk.  This year that group includes the South Whore Jibbers and PA Firefighters who turned the message board into a self promotion angle for their own players and/or GM feats.

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. 

Shaun Alexander for Jacoby Jones & performance bonuses

The Pomona Stoned Hens and Salem Beavercats consummate a trade deadline deal. 

The Pomona Stoned Hens receive RB Shaun Alexander from Salem Beavercats for WR Jacoby Jones ($7, 2009) and performance bonuses.

The performance bonus is more of a clause - for every game Alexander doesn't start his nfl game, Pomona receives $1 from the Beavercats. However for every game Alexander plays, the Beavercats receive $2 for every 5 paffl point interval he scores.  The maximum Pomona can receive is $5 and the maximum the Beavercats can receive is $10.  So each party is protected against the extreme ends of Alexander's potential performance the rest of the season.

Michael Pittman for future $ based on performance

The Ron Jeremy Fanclub and Salem Beavercats have consummated a deal. 

Ron Jeremy Fanclub acquires RB Michael Pittman for 2008 cap space.  The amount will be determined by Pittman's 2007 performance from week 11 on thru the remainder of the season.  For every 2 fantasy points (PAFFL points), the Beavercats will receiver $1, with a maximum payout of $10 in 2008 cap space. 

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. 

Fantasy Football Trade: WR Marvin Harrison for RB Earnest Graham

Ron Jeremy Fanclub and Firkin Crawlers consummated an interesting trade. 

RJFC acquired WR Marvin Harrison and $2 in 2008 cash from FC for RB Earnest Graham.  If Marvin Harrison doesn't play this weekend, FC agrees to pay an additional $1 in 2008 to RJFC. 

Shaun Alexander, RB, SEA for Marques Colston, WR, NO ($35, 2009)

The Salem Beavercats send WR Marques Colston ($35, 2009) to The Jack Trippers for RB Shaun Alexander and the removal of the rookie pick protection from the Chris Chambers deal earlier this season (picks 1-2 were protected in that deal, now the Beavercats have the opportunity to grab the number 1 or 2 if the Trippers repeat on their rookie playoff prominence of the past.  Darren McFadden could be the next Adrian Peterson).

Randy Moss & Edgerrin James for Steven Jackson

The Fightin' Irie and South Whore Jibbers consummated easily the largest deal of the 2007 season this evening. 

The Irie dealt WR Randy Moss, RB Edgerrin James and their 2008 Topper/Holdover to the South Whore Jibbers for RB Steven Jackson ($55, 2007), $2 in '08 cash and $2 for every South Whore playoff victory in '07 in '08 cash. 

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.

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.

Braylon Edwards for Jerry Porter, Garrett Wolfe & an '08 Rookie Pick

The Salem Beavercats and the I.M.T. announce a three player trade. 

I.M.T. receives WR Jerry Porter ($11, 2009), RB Garrett Wolfe ($10, 2009) and SB's 2008 rookie pick, Salem Beavercats acquire WR Braylon Edwards ($26, 2007) and a 2008 DS spot. 

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. 

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.

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.    

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.    

RB T.J. Duckett for a future rookie pick...

Ron Jeremy Fanclub and Salem Beavercats have completed a trade. 

Ron Jeremy acquires RB T.J. Duckett from the Salem Beavercats for $2 in '07 cap room and RJ's next non top 5 rookie pick, SB has the right to pass one time on a non top 5 selection. 

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.

ProFootball Prospectus - an invaluable evaluation tool

The Short Bus hooked me up with one of the most remarkable sources of football information I have ever come across, the Pro Football Prospectus 2007.  Think Bill James for football, its using statistical analysis to truly determine the value of players at their core.  Football is tough because it truly is a team sport, outside of maybe Barry Sanders with the Detroit Lions, I can't think of a single NFL player (specifically skill position player) who was successful despite of his teammates.       

Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson

The stats from Friday night's game between the Vikings and the Rams tell the story