The 38th CFFL season is upon us. The season starts with all 16 teams intact this year with 10 franchises live at the CFFL headquarters; the Bunker. We had some trades and threats of trades. Juggs traded their first round pick for Crushes first round and 4th round picks. Then it looked like the Cocktails would trade Stafford to the Chislers, but in a surprising move the Chislers decided not to make the trade and pair Stafford with Kupp. Instead later they would trade their 2nd round to the Warbirds for Cam Akers. Hmm.
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| Krauts accept the Fantasy Bowl Trophy |
So to say the least it wasn't a boring draft night! We celebrated the 3rd title by the Krauts as they now move tied with the Crew for 2nd most, both wayyyyy behind the Chislers 7 trophies, which he had on display of course. And we awarded the Memorial Cup to the Eastern Bloc, who was the division that scored the most points in Week 18. Not to be left out, the Killers were also recognized as the team that scored the most points in Week 18 and hence had free entry this year.
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| The Memorial Cup |
The draft had a lot of teams grabbing 10 point connections and kickers to go along with their QBs. In fact 8 teams seem to be all in on NFL teams.
Crew - 3 Raiders
Krauts - 3 Bills
Cocktails - 4 Rams
Sinistars - 4 Cardinals
Chislers - 3 Bengals
Killers - 5 Buccaneers (big surprise)
Legion - 3 Chargers
Whales - 3 Chiefs
It certainly seemed like a lot of teams focusing on NFL teams.
So how did all the teams fair? Read on and see...
GREAT WHITE NORTH
Cherry Chislers
Top Player: Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
Big 3: Kupp, Burrow, Akers
10 point connection: Burrow to Boyd plus McPherson for 11 points
QB Grade: B+ Joe Burrow replaces Stafford as the Chisler QB and he brings more swagger and more cigars! He threw for 34 TDs last year and could be on the edge of tossing 40 or more this year. Certainly becoming a top fantasy QB.
RB Grade: C Chislers traded for Akers to become the starter and is coming off the Achilles injury. He will be the main Ram back and if he can stay healthy might get to 10 TDs. They have Henderson to cover if he doesn't. Antonio "Debbie" Gibson, who had 10 TDs last year, is having a rough camp and preseason and is looking to be replaced by rookie Robinson as the main back in Washington.
WR Grade: B Kupp clearly one of the best in the league. Will he have the same TD production as last year? Probably not. I would see a little regression, but he should still be in the top 5. Tyler Boyd was brought along as a potential 10 point connection, but not Burrow's favorite target. The wild card of this group will be the Packer receivers they drafted. Allen Lazard and rookie Doubs. Lazared "the Lizard" may become Rodgers main target. Doubs could shine... If that happens, which it probably will based on Chisler Luck, then look out North.
They drafted Cincy kicker McPherson to give them "stall insurance".
Alex's Animals
Top Player: Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals
Big 3: Mixon, Chubb, Metcalf
10 point connection: None
QB Grade: C+ The starter will likely be Winston from New Orleans. He is having some injury issues this preseason, but should be fine by Week 1. He has the potential to put up big TD numbers. Don't be surprised if Trey Lance ends up starting sooner than expected and close out the season as the starter.
RB Grade: A- Mixon had a monster year last year, so expect some regression. Chubb scored 9 TDs last year and missed 3 games, so if he plays full year I would expect 10-12 TDs. With both of them, this backfield could be one of the best in the league.
WR Grade: B- Higgins is the counter to Chisler Burrow. Sky Moore, the rookie burner in KC might be a nice surprise is he develops some rapport with Mahomes. DK Metcalf streak of 12 TDs a year will come to an end now that Wilson is gone. I mean he is going to have to catch balls from either Geno Smith or Drew Lock...brutal. Pittman and Ertz should be solid starts from time to time.
Animals drafted Will "Lug" Lutz for some "stall insurance"
R.C. Wrecking Crew
Top Player: James Conner, RB, Cardinals
Big 3: Conner, Carr, Jacobs
10 point connection: Carr to Renfrow and sideways to Jacobs
QB Grade: B- Carr or Bust. The Crew had a chance to bring back Kyler Murray, but instead decided to bring back Derek Carr, who played for the Crew from 2015-2017. Record of the Crew during that time: 5-9, 7-7, 5-9...eh boy. They are hoping new head coach and D. Adams in Vegas will give Carr the chance to hit career numbers. Vegas baby!
RB Grade: B+ Conner returns as the main back. He scored an incredible 18 TDs last year, so expect a step back from that this year. The Crew add Josh Jacobs "Jingleheimerschmidt" Jacobs is always a threat to score each week, having 9 TDs last year and 12 the year before. Vegas baby! Then you got Melvin Gordon, who scored 10 TDs playing along side Williams. He might even become a starter if Conner or Jacobs struggle.
WR Grade: C+ The Crew are looking for Hunter Renfrow to be a big part of the Raider offense in the slot and capitalize on Adams drawing more coverage. Vegas baby! Christian Kirk should be Lawrence favorite target in Jacksonville, but it is Jacksonville...Aiyuk could surprise, but hasn't scored more than 5 TDs in a season. Crew took a flyer on rookie Treylon Burks of the Titans. Word is he might be able to create same production as AJ Brown had when he was there...yeah we'll see...
Fez's Ferrets
Top Player Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts
Big 3: Taylor, Henry, Thielen
10 point connection: Matt Ryan to Alie- Cox
QB Grade: D+ Matt Ryan and Davis Mills...eh boy. Ryan will be playing first year at Indianapolis. He has a much better roster to work with, so the hope is he can return to throwing 30+ TDs. Mills and Houston are a shitshow.
RB Grade: A Clearly the Ferrets have the leagues best backfield with Taylor and Henry. But will the Ferret curse strike again, this time for Taylor. Last year he drafted Henry first and Henry missed several games with an injury. Taylor had 20 TDs last year! If no curse, the Ferrets have a backfield that could yield potential 2 TDs or more a week!
WR Grade: B- Thielen has consistently scored double digit TDs past two years. No reason for him to not continue that trend. Keenan Allen is a stud WR, but hasn't ever scored more than 8 TDs in his career. Alie-Cox is becoming a traditional Ferret and gives them a nice possible 10 point connection. D.J. Clark is now in Detroit, but still isn't sure if he is a Cherry or a Clark.
Division Winner: Chislers
Playoff Teams: Ferrets
On the bubble: Crew and Animals
EASTERN BLOC
Jakes' Juggernauts
Top Player: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers
Big 3: McCaffrey, Jackson, Diggs
10 point connection: None
QB Grade: B- Last year was marred with injuries and the Chinese Communist Party Wuhan Virus for Lamar Jackson. This year will be different as he is looking for a new contract. Expect Jackson to return to form.
RB Grade: B- Can McCaffrey stay healthy? The injury bug has bit him the past two season decreasing his TD production significantly. If he can then the Panther O runs through him and he'll get his chances. Lot's of Jugg success ride on McCaffrey and Jackson's health. Gus Edwards also coming off a season ending injury last year. Elijah Mitchell could be a sleeper. He might be the main back in SF and has the potential to exceed 10 TDs.
WR Grade: B Lots of question marks here. AJ Brown now is in Philly. Will he excel like he did in Tennessee? Diggs is solid and should post respectable numbers once again. Michael Thomas hasn't played in 2 years, but having a strong training camp. If all three play up to expectations, this squad could be graded an A!
Kretz's Krauts
Top Player: Josh Allen, QB, Bills
Big 3: Allen, Andrews, and Barkley?
10 point connection: Allen to Davis, sideways to Singletary
QB Grade: A Josh Allen has become a top fantasy QB in the league. He just keeps getting better and with his ability to run really makes him dangerous.
RB Grade: B Krauts going all in on Bills with adding Singletary in the backfield. He is going to share some of the load with Moss which could eat into his TD production. There is hope that Barkley can capture some of his magic he had in his rookie season. Since then he has had injury issues and been a fantasy disappointment.
WR Grade: B+ This squad has some real potential. Gabriel Davis, after his amazing playoff game, is looking like he might carry that right over to the 2022 season! Andrews is always a solid play. Rookie Olave in New Orleans has a chance to have a real good season. Irv Smith is the token Viking for the Krauts.
Molotov Cocktails
Top Player: Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams
Big 3: Stafford, Cook, Robinson
10 point connection: Stafford to Robinson, Jefferson plus GAY! for the 11 points
QB Grade: B+ Stafford is a gamer. He proved in his first year as a Ram he has a lot left in the tank throwing for 41 TDs! There is a question about his elbow so only time will tell if he regresses.
RB Grade: B Dalvin Cook is a top back if he can stay healthy. Lately he seems to have trouble playing in every game. He only scored 6 times last year after scoring 15 and 16 TDs the previous two. Kenneth Walker, the Rookie out of East Lansing, might be the best rookie RB in the league. But it might be a slow start until he starts to out play Penny. Patterson scored over 10 TDs last year, but is a Falcon and they look like a shitshow right now. But I guess someone has to score there.
WR Grade C+ The Cocktails are lined up with two 10 point connections in Allen Robinson and Van Jefferson. Jefferson is banged up but Robinson is looking good. Robinson is a really good WR that hasn't ever had the opportunity to play for a great QB or offense. This year he does. TEs Henry and Tonyan might make some noise too. Henry had a nice season last year while Tonyan has to comeback from an injury.
Kicker GAY! provides the "stall insurance" and 11 point connections!
Stamm's Sinistars
Top Player: Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals
Big 3: Murray, Williams, Kelce
10 point connection: Murray to Brown and Hopkins
QB Grade: B Murray can certainly score both through the air and the ground. Question is can he finish strong? Last year he was lights out in the first half of the season and then tailed off towards the end, when you need him the most!
RB Grade: C+ JaVonte Williams scored 7 TDs, three of them through the air. He will battle for goal line carries with Gordon. I expect he will have about the same this year. A.J. Dillion as of camp reports might get equal touches as Aaron Jones, which benefits Dillon. Hunt is pissed and wants to be traded. Isiah "Peak at my butthole" Pacheco might surprise! Peak-a-boo!
WR Grade: B+ Hopkins is suspended until Week 7, but when he comes back the Sinistars will have Murray heaving it to Hopkins AND Marquise "Downtown Hollywood" Brown. That could catapult them right into the post season! Travis Kelce is a stud and could give them another 10+TD season.
Matt Prater is the Sinistars "stall insurance" and will have plenty of chances for 11 point connections!
Division Winner: Krauts
Playoff Teams: Cocktails, Sinistars
On the Bubble: Juggernauts
(another strong season in the Eastern Bloc)
SAD SACK SOUTH
Georgia Killer Bees
Top Player: Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys
Big 3: Prescott, Swift, Sutton
10 point connection: None
QB Grade: B Prescott has been getting better every year and threw for the most TD passes in his career last season. He loses Amari Cooper, but ironically he is reunited with Cooper on the Bees team.
RB Grade: C All RBs are decent but not spectacular. Swift is the best of the bunch and poised to have a really good season. Lots of potential here. Rashard Penny will likely give way to Walker in Seattle. Boston Scott is a nice 3rd back that could get a few scores.
WR Grade: C+ Courtland Sutton could be Wilson's favorite target in the Mile High city. If he is, he might eclipse 15 TDs. "Cab" Callaway has shown signs of greatness, but now that Michael Thomas is back in the Big Easy, he might not get as many red zone looks. Amari Cooper production has to go down now that he is playing in Cleveland and Brissett most of the year. Not sure why he drafted Taysom Hill...
Monclova Dragons
Top Player: Russell Wilson, QB, Broncos
Big 3: Wilson, Kamara, Samuel
10 point connection: None
QB Grade: B+ Wilson gets a fresh start in Denver and the hype is big. Most people think he will have a huge year. But I am wondering if Sutton and Jeudy are any better than Lockett and Metcalf? I don't really think so. Running game might be better. Well in any case, Wilson will likely have some decent numbers.
RB Grade: B All three backs have some potential. CEH is good, but man you just can't trust the Chiefs in the red zone to pound the rock. Instead its some trick play with Mahomes...Kamara might be the one that produces significant points since his court date for beating somebody in Vegas will most likely be after the season. Vegas baby! Mostert could be the number 1 back in South Beach.
WR Grade: C+ Deebo "Dabo Sweeny" Samuel is the best of the lot. He scored plenty last year. Can he do it again this year with Trey Lance? I am going to say it will regress a little, but he will still be dangerous. Kyle Pitts is a freak of nature. Too bad he plays for the Falcons. Pair of TB WRs Godwin and Julio Jones might be a pleasant fit. Godwin has to come back from an injury but if does could get close to 10 TDs. Julio Jones is the modern day Al Toon (catches a lot of passes but doesn't score).
Toledo Titans
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Big 3: Rodgers, Adams, Fournette
10 point connection: None
QB Grade: A Rodgers is back at being one of the best fantasy QBs in the league. He has thrown for 48 and 37 TDs past two season including 3 rushing TDs each year. He loses his favorite target in GB but Rodgers will find a way to get close to 40 TDs once again.
RB Grade: B- Good decent 3 backs for the Titans. Fournette has thrived with Brady, scoring 10 TDs last year, despite his stone hands at times. Montgomery is the Bears main back...but then again it is the Bears. Tony Pollard, I think, is actually better than Elliott, but Pollard won't get those goal line carries.
WR Grade: B+ Man there is a lot of potential here! Davante Adams is one of the best in the league. Will his production go down now that he is playing with Carr instead of Rodgers? Both the Titans and Crew hope not...Russell Gage is new to TB and while they have Evans, Godwin and Jones, he might get right in there and start scoring TDs. Jaylen Waddle scored 6 TDs last year and should score more this year. Or Adams regresses without Rodgers, Gage is ignored in TB and Tua focuses on Hill and not Waddle...
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Top Player: Aaron Jones
Big 3: Jones, Harris, Claypool
10 point connection: Hurts to Goedert
QB Grade: C Hurts and Tua are the choices. Will either one have a breakout season? Both have possibility to do so with the weapons that have been built around them. Where is your money at? It will be fun watch. What you don't want to happen is that they both have a breakout season and the Warbirds struggle figuring out which one to start week to week.
RB Grade: B+ Pretty good duo of Aaron Jones and Najee Harris. Aaron Jones might lose some scoring opportunities to Dillon. Harris should be good again this year. Both have potential to get to 10+ TDs. After these two it gets real thin.
WR Grade: C Claypool had a great rookie season two years ago, but then only scored 2 TDs last year. Not sure the QB situation in Pitt this year for him, but not sure either choice will be a downgrade from Big Ben. Goedert is a good possible 10 point man. However he has never scored more than 5 TDs in a season...Terry "Midichlorian" McLaurin hasn't sniffed his 7 TD production his rookie year 3 years ago..
Division Winner: Titans
On the Bubble: Dragons
Staying home: Bees and Warbirds
(the South is once again Sad Sack)
WILD WILD WEST
Cam's Killers
Top Player: Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers
Big 3: Brady, Evans, Harris
10 point connection: Brady to Evans, Rudolph with Succop for the 11 points.
QB Grade: A- Brady at 45 years old is back with the Killers. He has been a Killer ever since he joined the Bucs, big surprise. Can he keep throwing 40+ TDs a year? Don't you see a point when his production will begin to decline? This might be the year.
RB Grade: C+ The Killers are real thin at RB. Only have Damien Harris and Miles Sanders. Harris had an amazing year scoring 15 TDs but you know how those Patriot RBs go. Every year its someone new. Miles Sanders is average at best. They did acquire Mark Ingram, but he is certainly past his prime.
WR Grade: B They have a ton of options at wide out. Mike Evans, under Brady, grades at an A. He scored 13 and 14 TDs each year under Brady and makes for a great 10 point connection. Jeudy is the darling of the Broncos as expectations are high, but he hasn't scored more than 3 TDs in the past. Dionte Johnson is becoming a consistent threat scoring 7 and 8 times the past two seasons. Kyle Rudolph's production has slipped since 2019, but now with Brady it might tick up again in the red zone.
Succop was drafted as the "stall insurance" and 11 point play AND they also drafted the Buccaneers defense...shocking!
Cabucki's Crush
Top Player: Ja'Marr Chase
Big 3: Chase, Jefferson, Lamb
10 point connection: Cousins to Jefferson
QB Grade: B Cousins is one of the most consistent TD throwers year over year. Past 4 seasons: 30, 27, 35, and 33 TDs. And now with Zimmer gone and a more offensive minded coach, the word on the street is that it may go up from here. Crush just hope the Vikings don't have too many primetime games, or they will get prime time Cousins.
RB Grade: D+ Not sure here. Etienne hasn't had a season of work to look back on. Expectations are he will be a number 1 back, but not sure he will be a TD machine. Breece Hall, a rookie for the Jets, has high expectations too, but it is the Jets. Not exactly two teams I would bank on lots of TDs from.
WR Grade: A Probably the most dangerous WR corp in the CFFL. Chase and Jefferson could be 1 and 2 in scoring for WRs in the entire league! Imagine having two WRs scoring 15 TDs each or more! CeeDee Lamb is now the number 1 in Dallas. He is on the cusp of being a top fantasy WR and should crack the 10 TD mark. Plus the Crush have "Firemouth" Freiermuth at TE! Fun times!
Iron Legion
Top Player: Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers
Big 3: Ekeler, Herbert, Williams
10 point connection: Herbert to Williams and sideways to Ekeler
QB Grade: A- Herbert was selected with the third pick of the draft to pair up with Ekeler. Herbert is becoming a top fantasy QB. His rookie season he threw for 31 and ran in 5! Last year he threw for 38 TDs and ran in 3 more!! It is definitely trending up.
RB Grade: B+ Ekeler was huge last year scoring 20 TDs! 8 of them came through the air making the sideways 10 point connection very real for the Legion. And yes I expect some regression in those numbers. Why to I always say this, historically if you look at RBs or WRs that had huge TD producing years, they almost always take a slide back the following year. Rhamondre Stevenson might be the next Damien Harris for the Patriots. If he is that gives them a pretty good 1-2 punch.
WR Grade: B- Mike Williams is another big threat for 10 point connections. He scored 9 times last year and is becoming Herbert's go to guy in the red zone. Sgt. Shultz had a big year last year scoing 8 times and will be strong at TE this year too. George K.I. "TT Boy" LE is a good TE, but hasn't scored more than 6 TDs. Jamison "Boyd" Crowder is a Bill now and that could be interesting, however it appears he is losing ground in the slot position to Isaiah McKenzie.
Legion kicker will be Younghoe Koo "Cream on Sum Yung Guy"
Monterey Bay Whales
Top Player: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
Big 3: Mahomes, Hill, Elliott
10 point connection: Mahomes to MVS plus a Butker for 11 points
QB Grade: A Mahomes is back for the Whales. While he won't have Hill to pass to in KC they reunite with the Whales. Mahomes is a top fantasy QB in the league, Always a threat to throw nearly 40 TDs or more and run a few in.
RB Grade: C+ Elliott should be the main man here. While it just seems he doesn't have the same burst or power he once had, he has scored 10TD or more the past two years. He still seems to have a nose for the goal line. J.K. Dobbins is still recovering from the ACL tear last year. It is not determined if he will be ready for Week 1. Player coming off an ACL usually has a slow start to the year, so don't expect more than 6 TDs. Carter will be losing touches to rookie Hall in New Jersey.
WR Grade: B Will Tyreek Hill maintain that dominance he had in KC now that he is in Southern Florida? According to him Tua is the most accurate QB he has played with...um okay. This will be interesting to watch for sure. MVS is paired with Mahomes to create a potential dangerous 10 point connection. He has the skills to catch more than 10 TDs. Robert Woods is serviceable but coming off an ACL. As mentioned above under the Legion, McKenzie is working his way into the slot position in Buffalo and may push out Crowder. Maybe they would consider trading Waller to the Crew...
Harrison Butker was drafted not only for "stall insurance" but to create 11 point connection possibilities!
Division Winner: Legion
Playoff Teams: Whales, Crush
On the Bubble: Killers
The North will be the Chislers once again as he strikes gold with another QB connection in Burrow, which he protects for next year...Crew struggle all year waiting on the Raiders to live up to expectations...Animals ride Mixon and Chubb to the playoffs, but QB play let's them down...Ferrets curse strikes again and Taylor has nagging injuries all season...
In the East it will be a battle to the end between the Krauts, Cocktails and Sinistars. Krauts with Josh Allen, Cocktails with Stafford and Sinistars with Murray. Advantage Allen and the Krauts slightly over the Cocktails. Juggernauts will once again come up short unless Lamar Jackson has big year and McCaffrey stay healthy...
In the South the Titans take the South behind Aaron Rodgers and their WRs...Dragons sneak into the playoffs with a good year by Russell Wilson, Kamara and of course Deebo "Dabo Sweeny" Samuel...Bees and Whirlybirds miss the playoffs. Bees QB Prescott just can't carry the team and the Warbirds struggle deciding who to start all year between Hurts and Tua...
And finally the Wild Wild West again will be a dogfight. Iron Legion ride the lightning and win the division behind their Charger players...Crush win lots of games with almost 30 points a game from just their WRs, Chase, Jefferson and Lamb...Mahomes and the Whales sneak into the playoffs, while the Killers continued reliance on the Buccaneers finally bites them in the ass...
FANTASY BOWL XXXVIII
Kretz's Krauts 39 Iron Legion 30
Krauts win back to back Fantasy Bowls and get their 4th trophy!
