So, that’s week one already. Just think, in thirteen weeks we will be starting the AFFL playoff tournament!
I know, it seems like a ways off, but heck, it’s the 2nd week of September already. Seems like just yesterday I purchased my Fantasy Index magazine and was trying to figure out draft strategy. And look, it’s already week one, everyone is scrambling to make claims on players like Alexander Mattison, Derek Carr and Rashid Shaheed (sorry for those of you who were hoping to sneak a claim in!).
As is typical in this league, we have all been doing this for quite a while. There aren’t too many hidden gems out there and there are always good trade opportunities if you are willing to make the plunge in the trade market.
Once again, the injury bug has bitten way too early. Two teams took major blows after week one play and another took a blow before the Monday Night game. Bones Crew looks to have lost Jordan Love foe several weeks, Mean Machine lost Nacua for at least 7 games and Smeds went into the Monday game have lost the consensus best player due to a calf injury. All three players figured into the long term success of their respective teams and their losses will be painful. It looks like Smeds will feel the loss of CMC the most since Mike doesn’t really have an immediate fill in. Maybe Tanks will trade with you?
On the surprising side of things, it is amazing the Bears scored 45 points. Chicago is the sole reason Sean pulled off a win. Speaking of surprises, who would have thought that Baker Mayfield would have scored 37.66 points? And did anyone see 26.10 coming from Isaiah Likely?
Based on week 1 results, it would be easy to assume there are have’s and have not’s. I disagree. It’s extremely possible that the entire league could be 1-1 after week 2. On thing is certain, Deshaun Watson stinks, Stefon Diggs can still play football, we will see better play from Lamar & Patrick and Mark Andrews is not the #2 to Likely. So, don’t panic and if you think you have opportunity to improve your roster, start a conversation with a fellow owner that may be willing to engage you in a trade.
All that said, it’s time to recognize the best of week one and pile on the losers!
Weekly Highs:
High Team – Blues, 178.48 points
High QB – Smeds, Richardson with 37.08 points
High RB – Blues, Barkley with 33.20 points
High WR – Blues, Reed with 36.10 points
High TE – Brown Notes, Bowers with 11.80 points (Likely was not active)
High K – Blues, Moody with 29.0 points
High D/ST – End Game, Bears with 45.0 points
Disappointing games:
Team – Brown Notes
QB – Joe Burrow – 8.06 points (BNO)
RB – C. McCaffrey – 0 points (Smeds)
WR – London - 3.5 points (Avs) / St, Brown – 4.30 points (BC) / Harrison 1.4 points (BNO) / Olave – 3.1 points (EG)
TE – Engram - 1.5 points (EG)
K – Who cares?
D/ST – See Kicker!
Brown Notes had the lowest point percentage scoring 72.5% of total available points in week 1. Conversely, the Blues scored 96.5% of total possible points. You may want to watch this stat. If you find yourself making bad decisions or leaving good points on the bench, you may want to consider a trade to eliminate these types of decisions.
Weekly predictions:
1. Bones Crew is the early favorite over Air Italia. I see the Crew dropping an early divisional contest.
2. Dark Horse and Avengers is a virtual pick ‘em game. I think Avs make a roster change and put Prescott in this week and that’s the difference.
3. Brown Notes should prevail over Mean Machine, but this one is really close.
4. Tanks will grab the upset. There’s no way that the Blues can score that many points two weeks in a row.
5. Smeds/Pheasants are a toss up. This really comes down to whether McCaffrey plays. I say the Pheasants win this one.
6. End Game and Eli have several players that underachieved in week 1. Olave/Engram were no shows with Kamara. If they score, this could be a win for Sean. Achane may be banged up for Eli. Robert needs a game from Chase/Dell/Williams. Take End Game.