Tuesday, August 27, 2024

CFFL in Vegas 2024 Preview



 40 years in the making!  The Cherry Fantasy Football League held their 40th fantasy football league draft in fabulous Las Vegas!  It was a fantastic trip with 9 of the 16 franchises showing up in Vegas.  Here are some of the highlights:

Fun on Fremont Street with the Chislers, Warbirds, Crew and Legion!



Vegas Strip!






The Crew, Warbirds, Chislers, Legion and Ferrets trying to cool down at Stadium Swim!



A night at the Legacy Club on the 60th floor of the Circa Resort and Casino
Legion and Whales hanging out

Ferrets stuck between Eastern Bloc Juggs and Krauts

The 9!  Chislers, Ferrets, Cocktails, Krauts, Warbirds, Juggs, Crew, Legion, and Whales


DRAFT DAY AT THE CIRCA!!
Even Mitch Moss came out to cover the CFFL draft for VSiN


Thank you Derek Stevens, CEO and Owner of the Circa, for stopping out and announcing the first pick!


Well enough about Vegas (although I'm game to go there every year for the draft).  Let's break down the 40th season of the CFFL with our annual preseason preview.

2022 CFFL Champion Monterey Bay Whales finally got their actual trophy.  During last year's draft he only could see it virtually.  Congratulations to the Whales on their 2022 Title. 


Last year's CFFL Champion Alex's Animals, who could not make the trip to Las Vegas, got his trophy presented to him by the Commish and his Father this summer.  Congratulations to the Animals!



GREAT WHITE NORTH

Cherry's Chislers
Top 3:  Allen, Chase, Robinson
10 point connection:  Allen to C. Samuel or Cook

QB Grade: A   Josh Allen was selected number 2 in the draft and is the reigning league MVP.  He can do it with his arms and his legs.  Things have changed a little in Buffalo and Diggs is gone, but I don't see much of a drop in his production.  

RB Grade: C+   Chislers love Robinson for some reason and he is solid but not an outstanding back in Washington.  How will James Cook play into the lineup with Allen?  CHE has been a disappointment since he entered the league.  

WR Grade: B+  Ja'Marr Chase is back and is capable of hitting double digits with a healthy Burrow.  Nice counter with Tank Dell.  10 point connection with Curtis Samuel, but don't expect too much there.  Lockett can have a big year and if not Smith-Njigba could.  (Can't believe he has two Seahawk WRs...)

K/ST Grade: C - Greg "Roy" Joseph kicking from Green Bay.  Homer Rams is always nice to have.

Alex's Animals
Top 3:  Mixon, Lamb, St. Brown
10 point connection:  None

QB Grade: C-  Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams.  Taking big flyers on these guys that bring a lot of questions.  Can Murry return to scoring consistently and stay healthy?  Will Williams live up to the hype.  Too many questions to grade too high, but lots of potential. 
 

RB Grade: B-  It looks to be a one back show at the moment with Joe Mixon running the ball now for Houston.  He might do well in Houston.  Rest of the backs are back ups waiting for their moment.  Maybe he gets lucky and hits one.  

WR Grade: B+  This group is loaded, led by CeeDee Lamb who can put up 12 or more TDs!  And now that he has ended his hold out, he should be good to go.  Then you got Amon-Ra "Flying" St. Brown, another 10+ TD potential.  D.K Metcalf can put up a lot of points, and Mark Andrews when healthy is always a threat.

K/ST Grade:  Cairo Santos "Todd Chontos" kicking for the bears will put up lots of points with the new look Bear offense. And again, having a homer in D is always nice as they have the Bills.

R.C. Wrecking Crew
Top 3:  Stroud, Pacheco, Collins
10 point connection:  Stroud to Collins/Schultz

QB Grade: B+  C.J. Stroud is back with the Crew after a pretty impressive rookie campaign.  They have added weapons and if he can avoid the sophomore slump, He could have a huge year.

RB Grade: B   Only three in camp right now.  Isiah "Peak at my Butt Hole" Pacheco will likely be the starter and Gus Edwards should be fun to watch under Harbaugh.  Zamir White of the Raiders is likely the starter there, so they have 3 players to choose from.

WR Grade: B   Tons of potential with these guys, but still no proven studs.  Nico Collins certainly drafted for the 10 point chance.  Last year scored 8 TDs. Tee "Mrs. Sue" Higgins can also take advantage of a healthy Burrow.  Drake "Joker Face" London is ready to break out.  Gabriel "I want to be called Gabe!" Davis should get 5-6.  If anything they have a lot of nicknames in camp!

K/ST Grade: B+   Butker will be the starter and with the Chiefs can score a lot.  Cameron Dicker "The Kicker" was another nickname draft.

Fez's Ferrets
Top 3:  Goff, Gibbs, Kupp
10 point connection: Goff to Gibbs (sideways connection)

QB Grade:  A-  Goff has found his game in Detroit and can put up points.  30+TDs should be a breeze for him.  Just don't get "Goffed" at the wrong time, and you can count on at least 2-3 times Ferrets get Goffed.

RB Grade: A  They have a really strong duo in the backfield with Gibbs and White.  Gibbs is coming off an 11 TD season and the Lions seem to continue to improve.  Rachaad White of the Bucs appears to be a very solid back that should get north of 10 TDs this year.  Keep an eye out for Tyjae Spears.  His could be the surprise player of the year.

WR Grade: B  This is another group with lots of potential.  A full healthy year of Cooper Kupp will go a long way.  Amari Cooper can post some big numbers while there is a lot of hype for rookie wide out Odunze.  Kyle Pitts might have a break out year with Cousins at QB now.  

K/ST Grade:  B-  There will be some intense moments in the Bunker when the Bills are in the redzone with the Ferrets yelling "Stall!" for a Bass FG instead of an Allen TD!

Division Winner:  Ferrets
Playoff Teams:  Crew and Chislers
On the Bubble:  Animals

EASTERN BLOC

Molotov Cocktails
Top 3:  Love, Montgomery, A.J. Brown
10 point connection:  Love to Musgrave?

QB Grade:  B+  Jordan Love scored 154 points last year and expectations are high.  There really is no signs of this changing.  He seems to have proven that he is a legit fantasy football  QB.
  

RB Grade:  B  Will Montgomery have the same year he had last year with 80 points?  I see some regression but still should be a top back in league.  The biggest question is how much Nick "Chubb Chubb Chubb" Chubb comes back from that horrific knee injury last year.  Elijah Mitchell has been lost for the season.

WR Grade:  C+  A.J. Brown is a beast and should be close to 10 TDs.  However the rest of the squad is full of TEs.  4 to be exact!  Only one I like is Isaiah "Not bloody" Likely.  He came on when Andrews was out.  Mike Williams is now a Jet, but this guy can't stay healthy for a full year.  

K/ST Grade:  Jake Moody will likely get the starts with Will Lutz backing him up for an anemic Bronco team.  

Jakes' Juggernauts
Top 3:  McCaffrey, Richardson, Nacua
10 point connection:  Richardson to Pittman and Jones to Nabers

QB C-  If Anthony Richardson plays a full year he could have a huge year with running for 10 or more along with 20 plus TDs passing.  But he won't stay healthy.  Danny Dimes is back up and he is coming off injury from last year.  

RB Grade:  A-  McCaffrey is one of the best in the league and coming off a huge year.  The only thing that will slow him down is an injury.  Is it time for him to go down?  If he does the Juggs might be in trouble.  J.K. Dobbins coming off injury, Jordan Mason could step up as CMC's back up, 

WR Grade:  C+  Got a chance at a great 10 point connection with Pittman on the team.  Puka "Tuukka" Nacua had a rookie record setting season last year.  But still only scored 6 TDs  He needs to increase his TD production to be a CFFL stud.  Let's see how Calvin Ridley does in Tennessee.  

K/ST - C+  Greg "The Leg" Zuerlein might have a big year if Rodgers can stay healthy, if not the Juggs are looking to Jake Bates "Hotel" for the Lions.

Kretz's Krauts
Top 3:  Mahomes, Henry, Robinson
10 point connection:  Mahomes to Worthy/Kelce

QB Grade:  A-  Mahomes had a "down" year scoring wise last year, but I see him rebounding in a big way with additional weapons.  

RB Grade:  B+  The Krauts are thin at running back but the two that will be starting could both score well over 12 TDs each!  Derrick "King" Henry has moved on to Baltimore, but he really hasn't shown his age yet and paired with Jackson, he could find a little more room to run.  Next to him will be Bijan Robinson who looked real good last year and talks in camp are they want to use him like McCaffrey.  

WR Grade:  C+  This group graded low for now but easily could be a B+ by end of year.  Davante Adams scored 8 TDs on the Raiders last year.  So why can't he do it again or be even better?  Along with Mahomes the Krauts grabbed Kelce and rookie sensation "Professor" Xavier "James" Worthy.  Worthy has speed they haven't seen since Hill.  Oh and don't forget about Jameson Williams who spent a good portion of last year suspended.  

K/ST:  B+  Younghoe "Cream on Sum Yong Guy" Koo has been a solid kicker now for years and if Atlanta can live up to the preseason hype he should surpass his point total of last year. Dallas was a top scoring D last year with 50 points, but as with most years, will probably not match that this year. 

Stamm's Sinistars
Top 3:  Purdy, Aiyuk, Hall
10 point connection:  Purdy to Aiyuk or Stafford to Robinson

QB Grade:  B  Will it be Purdy or Stafford.  Stafford seems like the choice by name, but Purdy did out score Stafford last year by 37 points.  This could turn into the dreaded back and forth trying to pick the right QB to start each week...

RB Grade:  B  Breece Hall is legit and should get to over 10 TDs this season.  He had 9 last year and that was with awful QB play in New York.  D'Andre Swift is with the Bears now and should be featured on a team that has a lot of weapons or should I say mouths to feed...

WR Grade:  C  Aiyuk is the question here at press time.  He has been holding out but looks like he will stay in San Fran.  He scored 7 TDs last year, not anything to put him in the elite category or anything.  Demarcus Robinson could be a bit of a sleeper and 10 point connection.  They also scooped up Pearsall who the Crew literally just dropped the other day...

K/ST Grade:  B-  With Houston poised to take the next step, Fairbairn should have a real good year.  

Division Winner:  Krauts
Playoff Teams:  Sinistars and Cocktails
On the Bubble:  Juggernauts 

SAD SACK SOUTH

Weiland Warbirds
Top 3:  Burrow, Achane, Etiene
10 point connection:  Burrow to Burton? or Zack Moss

QB Grade:  A-  Burrow can be a top tier QB in the CFFL is he stays healthy.  In two years he was healthy he threw for over 30 TDs and ran for 7 total TDs.  So if he stays healthy he could be in the running for MVP.  
Will the real slim shady please stand up...



RB Grade:  B+  Achane is part of the Dolphin scoring juggernaut and should have similar year as he did last year (10TDs).  Etienne was the lead back for the Jags and scored over 10 TDs.  Expect more of that this year.  So a pretty good duo to start every week.  Then throw in Zack Moss that will likely carry the load in Cincy.

WR Grade:  C-  Have to say this is the teams weak point.  Jayden Reed had 62 points last year and is one of the top WR in GB.  Should be about same production (8-10) but then I don't see much more after that.  Can Zay Flowers finally emerge?  Rookies Brian Thomas and Jermaine Burton will need to  establish themselves for the Warbirds to make run in playoffs.

K/ST Grade:  D+  Raider kicker Daniel Carlson and the Charger Defense have a lot to be desired.  

Monclova Dragons
Top 3:  Jackson, Williams, Diggs
10 point connection:  Jackson to Agholor


QB Grade:  B+  Would you ever think of a day that Herbert and Lamar Jackson would be on same Fantasy team?  Dragons QB Lamar Jackson is back and will be the starter, but if things go bad, they have Herbert to turn to and despite the Chargers going through a transitional year, he could still play pretty well.

RB Grade:  B  This appears to be a one back show with Kyren Williams, last years rookie phenom from the Rams who scored 92 points!  He will probably will take a slight step back in scoring this year.  Outside of Williams, the Dragons are thin with Singletary from the Giants and Jerome Ford of the Browns.

WR Grade:  C-  Not super impressed with this cast of characters.  With that being said, I do like Stefon Diggs (for obvious reasons) and Christian Watson.  Diggs now in Houston could become Stroud's go to and Watson is emerging as a good WR in GB.  Kittle good for maybe 6 TDs.  Nelson "Christina" Agholor has been playing forever it seems.  (10th year)

K/ST Grade:  B+  Jason Sanders is one good homer pick for the Dragons.  With the Miami offense, Sanders is always in a position to get points.  And you can't go wrong with Raven defense.  

Toledo Titans
Top 3:  Prescott, Taylor, Allen
10 point connection: none


QB Grade:  B+  You can't argue that Dak Prescott puts up points.  If he plays a full year he gets plenty of TD passes and can run a few in.  Not sure of what Russell Wilsons future is in Pittsburgh.  

RB Grade:  C  They need Jonathan Taylor to return to form.  His first two years were very impressive scoring 12 and 20 TDs, but then the Ferrets drafted him and he has had a few injury plagued seasons.  If he can stay healthy, count on a big year.  Ekeler, who used to be an elite CFFL RB, is now in Washington, so its yet to be seen if he produces like he used to.

WR Grade:  C+  Keenan Allen has moved on to Chicago to catch passes from Williams.  He has ben a solid 6-8 TDs each year.  But if that is your only number one, you might be in trouble.  Jaylen Waddle is fun, but needs to score more TDs!  Hockenson is the only other one worth mentioning and is recovering from an injury last year. 

K/ST Grade:  B  Matt GAY! is a kicker you can rely on.  

Killer Bees
Top 3:  Mostert, Addison, Samuel
10 point connection:  None


QB Grade:  D+  Trevor Lawrence and Bo Nix?  Eh...Guess Lawrence will be the starter but hasn't been that impressive as of late.  There is some hype on Bo Nix this preseason, but don't believe the hype.

RB Grade:  B-  Raheem "No Start" Mostert will START for the Bees as they don't have much else.  Mostert scored 126 points last year in a Dolphin offense that saw a lot of people score.  Will there be enough balls to go around for him to keep up with that production?  

WR Grade: B+  Here is the Bees strength.  Jordan Maddison "Not Attison" scored 10 TDs last year but will need to rely on a rookie QB this year.  Deebo "Dabo Sweeny" Samuel is always a threat to score every week.  Sam LaPorta  is another stud that can top 10 TDs.    They just need a 4th to emerge. 

K/ST Grade:  A  Of course the Killer Bees have the best Kickers.  "Mother" Tucker is by far the best in the league.  Joining him is Jason "Michael" Myers who scores a ton of points as well.

Division winner:  Warbirds
On the bubble:  Dragons and Bees
Staying home:  Titans

Monterey Bay Whales
Top 3:  Hurts, Barkley, Smith (all Eagles)
10 point connections:  See above


QB Grade:  A  Jalen Hurts was selected fist overall in the 40th CFFL Draft as Derek Stevens announced.  He is certainly a MVP candidate this year.  Last year he scored 182 points only second to Allen.  All signs are pointing to him having another huge year.  He is my prediction for MVP this year.  

RB Grade: B  Saquon Barkley now is in Philly, playing for a Super Bowl contending team with an MVP QB.  I think this equals 12 TDs of more.  Plus they have Alvin Kamara, who should still have some good years left.  Need some help after that though.

WR Grade:  C+  Whales are going all Eagles.  With Hurts and Barkley they add DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert.  Both not stellar but solid and if both start, gives them a lot of 10 point outs.  Whales have two highly touted rookies in Marvin "Son of Light bulb head" Harrison Jr. and Keon Coleman.  They are saying Harrison Jr.  could be a better player than his light bulb head father!  Keon Coleman from Buffalo could become Allen's favorite target.  

K/ST Grade:  B-  Blake Grupe and Evan McPherson will handle the kicks.  McPherson is my bet for regular starts with Burrow back.  Again, always nice to get a homer D, Cleveland Browns, who are actually one of the best in the league.

Cam's Killers 
Top 3: Tua Tagovailoa, Hill, Walker
10 point connection:  Tua to Hill and Beckham


QB Grade:  B+  Tua plays for a high octane offense and is always in a position to score.  However for the Killers he is the only QB in camp at the moment.

RB Grade:  B-  Killers are thin at back but have a really good starter in Kenneth Walker III.  He has scored 9 TDs in his first two years and should do that or more this year.  Do I even bother mentioning  Rhamondre Stevenson and Chuba Hubbard?

WR Grade:  A - I have to give this a high grade having Tyreek Hill on the team with the potential for 12 or more 10 point connections.  The Killers will be really focused on Dolphin games this year.  Terry "Midichlorian" McLaurin should be able to produce several TDs along with D.J. "T.C." Moore "Bookkeeping". If Marquise "Hollywood" Brown can get healthy this could be a dangerous group.  How did Jakobi Meyers score 10 TDs last year for the Raiders?

K/ST Grade:  C+  Speaking of homers...Killers went all Buccaneers with their K/ST drafting Chase McLaughlin and the Bucs D. 

Cabucki Crush
Top 3:  Rodgers, Evans, Wilson
10 point connection:  Rodgers to Wilson


QB Grade:  C+  Crush have quite the pair at QB.  Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson.  Rodgers needs to stay healthy for the Crush, and that's what they are banking on.  How well will he return after his Achilles injury last year?   Watson has never been the same since he left Houston.  Maybe he can't find the right Happy Ending Salon.  

RB Grade:  B  James Conner just keeps scoring TDs.  In a full year for him he tallied 9 TDs and just a short 3 years ago, he had 18 TDs.  Aaron Jones is now in Minnesota and has been a reliable back.  Ezekiel Elliott has been retreaded for a second tour at Dallas.  He may be used a lot on goal line situations.  

WR Grade:  B  Will age finally catch up with Mike Evans?  He has been playing for over 10 years now and is one of the most deadly redzone targets in the league.  5 times he has topped 10 TDs and he has played for many different QBs, from Jameis Winston to Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield.  Garret Wilson might have a huge season with a healthy Rodgers giving the Crush a viable 10 point connection.  And you can't go wrong with Pat "Firemouth! Say it right!" Freiermuth.

K/ST Grade:  B+  When you have a kicker playing for a contender, you can't go wrong.  Jake Elliott should be way north of 100 points again this year.  Plus they add the Jets D that is probably one of the best in the league.  

Iron Legion
Top 3:  Jacobs, Jefferson, Sutton
10 point connection:  Darnold to Jefferson


QB Grade:  D - Baker Mayfield hasn't necessarily been a top tier fantasy QB.  I don't see a lot changing for him.  Expect about the same from him that we see every year.  20 or so TDs with 1 TD run...Sam Darnold is still seeing ghosts out there.  What he needs to see is Justin Jefferson!

RB Grade:  C  The Titans might have had too much Vegas by the time the draft came around.  They only have 3 RBs with only one worth a start and that is Josh Jacobs "Jinglehiemer Schmidt".  I like Josh and now that he is in GB should perform better behind a better O-line.  

WR Grade:  C+  How well will Justin Jefferson mesh with his new QB?  Maybe he should dress up like a ghost so Darnold doesn't miss him.  Romeo Doubs "Dooobs is that you?", and Courtland Sutton round out a pretty average group. Sutton is another player I find hard to believe scored 10 TDs!  

K/ST Grade:  Kicker Brandon Aubrey from Dallas is a solid kicker and could lead all kickers in points.  They also drafted 2 Defenses;   Colts and Dolphins.  Now what are you 16 or something?  You don't need two Defenses.  

Division Winner:  Whales
Playoff teams:  Killers
On bubble: Crush
Staying home:  Legion

So what is in store for 2024? Last year, for maybe the first time, I got my prediction of the CFFL Champion correct, the Animals.  Who will it be this year?

In the North...Every year you can't count out the Chislers.  Now they have Josh Allen to lead the way. This will be a pass first, run last team...The Crew are coming heavy with the Texans and C.J. Stroud, plus they had a ton of draft picks.  Solid running game but will depend on how well his WRs pan out...The defending Champ Animals might have a Fantasy Bowl hangover and his initial roster looks like it.  But if he goes 0-2 and gets first crack at waiver wire look out!  Then there is the Ferrets.  I think they have the best roster in the North, but you know at some point in the playoffs they will likely get Gofffed.

In the East...The Krauts are bound and determined to return to dominance this year.  They had several picks in the draft and now have a really nice QB room with Mahomes and both Atlanta QBs.  They will lean a lot on the Chiefs this year and it might work...Cocktails still searching for their first title will need a little Love to get them there.  Rough start for them in the backfield with 2 players on PUP or IR so already have an uphill battle.  But the one thing Cocktails do is grind it out all season
long...Sinistars kept Hall and hopes to ride on his back to the playoffs.  Decent QBs but going to be playing match up game on who to start each week...Coming off back to back East titles, the Juggernauts likely not going to threepeat.  Danny Dimes and Richardson as QB don't exactly scream playoff run to me.  McCaffrey will have to carry this team if they want to make the playoffs.


In the South...Warbirds looking for another South title as it looks like they have finally settled into the CFFL.  They will need a healthy Burrow to make that happen and will pound the rock on the ground with Achane, Etienne and Zack Moss...Rest of the South is always a question for a playoff spot, but the Dragons could sneak in again, and lose in the first round again.  Its a good roster, Jackson and Herbert, Kyren Williams and Diggs...The hated Bees are back again and to no ones surprise was the first to take a kicker in the draft.  Not good at QB.  Only one good RB but his WRs are pretty damn good and can roll out three starters easily every week...Oh those crazy Titans.  Not sure if he wore orange shorts during the draft this year, but by the looks of it, he might not have.  Lots of injury concerns at wide out and hoping Jonathan Taylor bounces back from his Ferret curse.


In the West...The Whales are ready to make a return to the Fantasy bowl with drafting Hurts with the first pick in the draft.  He is all in on the Eagles, keeping Barkley and drafting DeVonta Smith.  Might not be a bad idea and he might make another run...The Legion who dominated the West last year, succumbed to the allurer of Las Vegas having a pretty mediocre draft.  He might have been still suffering a concussion from the Fremont Street performers ass bouncing off his head...The Killers are staying in Florida, but not in Tampa but in Miami keeping Tyreek Hill and drafting Tua.  Don't worry he still has three Bucs on his team (Godwin, McLaughlin and the D)...The Crush who has been trying to get the draft to come out to Vegas for years, unfortunately couldn't make it.  Rest assured Randy, we will be back!! In an interesting move, the Crush are going to lean on the Jets in Rodgers and Wilson.  Let's see if it pays off.  If it does he gets back in playoffs.  If not, better luck next year.  

FANTASY BOWL XL

Kretz Krauts 44  Monterey Bay Whales 33

 

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