Well, the 37th season of the Cherry Fantasy Football League is upon us. 11 franchises made it to the Bunker to draft in person. And surprisingly two teams present were actually from California! A first for the Whales, and has to be over 30 years since the Crush made it to a live draft.
And there were rule proposals and things that actually changed. Be on look out for email from the Commissioner regarding the proposals to get all teams to vote.
AND...we had an in draft trade, just like the NFL! The Wrecking Crew traded down in round two to the Whales and gained a 2nd round pick, which they did not have due to the Hopkins trade last year. Whales moved up to get their guy Tyreek Hill.
AND....or should I say, once again, the CFFL Championship Trophy was presented to the Cherry's Chislers for a 7th time...
So here is your 2021 CFFL Preview.
The Great White North
Cherry's Chislers
Top Player: Josh Allen
Big Three: Allen, Cook, and Jefferson
10 point connection: Allen to Emanuel Sanders
The defending champs come right back with Josh Allen and Dalvin Cook, getting the band back together. Josh Allen scored over 200 points last year and there are no signs he will slow down in 2021
QB Grade: A
Cook returns to the Chislers after scoring 108 points last year. Last year he came out of the gates fast, scoring in every game in the first 5 weeks. He brings his trusted handcuff, Mattison who would score a TD in the Fantasy Bowl last year. Henderson and Michel, a pair of Ram RBs could easily get some starts.
RB Grade: B+
Justin Jefferson takes the place of Stephen Diggs now for the Chislers. He certainly has the potential to score over 10 TDs, but depends on his QB. Cooper Kupp now has Stafford, will that be better? He should score more than he did last year as long as stay healthy. Sanders brings a potential 10 point connection.
WR Grade: B-
Its worth mentioning they also drafted Bills kicker Tyler Bass which creates 11 point connections or even in stalls a FG.
R.C. Wrecking Crew
Top Player: Kyler Murray
Big Three: Murray, Najee Harris, Lamb
10 Point Connection: Murray to Conner (sideways connection)
Kyler Murray returns to the Crew as well. He too came out on fire going 9 straight games of double digit scoring, but then cooled down. The Crew hopes he can maintain the way the beginning of the season went last year, throughout the season.
QB Grade: B
At RB it will be the Harris Brothers, or Harris Squared. The Crew are trying a rookie RB again, and hopes it works out better than Edward "Scissor Hands" Helaire last year. They selected Najee Harris this year who has looked impressive in the preseason. Along side is another Harris, Damien Harris, who looks to be a starter in New England, but you never know about Belichick. But just in case, they took rookie Patriot back Stevenson. Conner looks to maybe get some starts if he is the goal back in Arizona
RB Grade: B
CeeDee Lamb is poised to have a breakout season. Deebo "Dabo Sweeny" Samuel is back once again for the Crew. Couple counters include Mike Williams (counter vs Ferrets) and Dawson Knox (counter to Chislers). With TY Hilton scheduled to miss a few games to open the season, Pittman "Eh?" appears to be trending up.
WR Grade: B
GAY! is the kicker...
Alex's Animals
Big Three: Chubb, Darren Waller, Tee Higgins (?)
10 Point Connection: Cousins to Irv Smith...once he gets back if at all.
Kirk Cousins is at the Animal helm and you never know if he is going to miss some time this year due to his "I'll surround my self with plexiglass before I take a vaccine" thoughts. Good luck with that.
QB Grade: C-
Running backs became a shit show. They drafted J.K. Dobbins in the second round, unaware that they had just carried him off the field with an apparent knee injury. It's no longer apparent, it was a torn ACL that puts Dobbins out for the year. They hope that James Robinson will be able to fill that void along side Chubb. Robinson did score over 10 TDs last year.
RB Grade: B
The WRs seem to be average at best with probably Darren Waller their best one. The injury bug bit the Animals again, as Irv Smith will need surgery for an MCL and they are not sure how long he will be out. My guess it will be a while. Two rookies could make a splash. Rondale Moore of the Cardinals and Terrace Marshall of the Panthers.
WR Grade: C
Jason "Michael" Myers handles kicking duties. I swear he is always on the Animals team...
Fez's Ferrets
Top Player: Derrick Henry
Big Three: Henry, Herbert, Tonyan
Justin Herbert will lead the Ferrets and had a great rookie year last year and is ready for an even bigger year if he can avoid the sophomore jinx. Worth to note that Jameis Winston was selected as the back up and might get some starts as he looks to be the starter in New Orleans.
QB Grade: B+
The Ferrets had several extra picks from trades last year, and were able to give up a few of those picks to trade up to the number one spot in the draft. They used that pick to grab Derrick "King Rat Tail" Henry. He scored 17 TDs last year and was a beast. However, over the past 20 years a Ferret first round pick has never scored over 9 TDs in that season, and 5 times his first round pick scored 0 points! Will this jinx continue? Fournette might get some TD opportunities.
RB Grade: A-
Wide outs this year seem to have some potential to have great seasons but only time will tell. Hardman has yet to really break out in KC, Tonyan might regress from his 11 TD season, Gabriel "O'Hara" Davis is a counter to the Chislers. Keep eye out on Marquez "Cab" Callaway. With Michael Thomas out to start the year, he has some real good upside. Maybe the most fun pick of the draft was the Ferrets final pick of the night, Bear TE Jesper "Horsehead" Horsted.
WR Grade: C+
Can't go wrong with Harrison Butker as their kicker.
Division Winner: Chislers
Playoff Teams: Crew and Ferrets battle for second place
Basement Dweller: Animals (too busy changing diapers)
Eastern Bloc
Jakes' Juggernauts
Top Player: Christian McCaffrey
10 Point Connection: Prescott to Elliot or Jarwin "Jar Jar" Binks
If Prescott comes back Week 1 100% healthy and remains that way entire year, he can have a really good year for the Juggs. If he has nagging injuries throughout the year as he comes back Juggs better hope Trey Lance starts...
QB Grade: B
The Juggernauts might have the best backfield in the CFFL with McCaffrey and Ezekiel Elliott. Both players can score 10-15 or more TDs! McCaffrey says he is 100% after a year of injuries, good news for the Juggs. And with Prescott back, that should help Elliott's numbers. Weak point here is they only have one back up, Penny.
RB Grade: A+
The WRs are led by Keenan Allen, who is a stud but tends to not score more than 9 TDs if that. How will Beckham do this year? How will he come off his injury from last year? Marvin Jones is a real WR and will become Lawrence's best friend. And then the 10 point potential in TE, Blake "Jar Jar Binks" Jarwin.
WR Grade: C+
Zuerlein is a good kicker for Juggs with all the other Cowboys on this team.
Kretz's Krauts
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers
Big Three: Rodgers, A.J. Brown, Gibson
10 point connection: Rodgers to Valdes-Scantling
The reigning CFFL MVP Aaron Rodgers returns for the Krauts. He will still be really good but don't count on 48 TDs again. I would see something closer to 40 or high 30s.
QB Grade: A
I like the RBs the Krauts have but there is little depth. Antonio Gibson was able to run for 11 TDs for the Washington Fuck Sticks. David Montgomery also had double digit TDs the prior year. I don't see why they don't achieve that again this year. Sanders is the only back up, playing for the dysfunctional Eagles.
RB Grade: B
The Krauts' WR are very strong! A.J. Brown is a man child and a lock for 10+ TDs (had 11 last year). DeAndre Hopkins hoping his second year in Arizona will result in a 10+ TD season with Murray. (no I will not be giving up two draft picks for him this year). Mark Andrews "Sisters" is a top notch TE with 10+ TD potential. "Christina" Agholor might get an upgrade if Mac Jones starts for Pats. And a late round steal of MVS creates a possible 10 point connection.
WR Grade: A
"4 eyes" Blankenship will handle kicking duties, but Prater could get some starts.
Molotov Cocktails
Top Player: Jonathan Taylor
Big Three: Taylor, Jacobs, Thielen
10 Point Connection: None
The Cocktail QB situation could be a challenge throughout the year, deciding on who to start. However I would imagine Ben Roethlisberger will get most starts, considering how much they throw. Preseason looked good for him in his one and only start. Baker Mayfield would be the homer favorite to start, but let's see if he hits the endzone more than last year.
QB Grade: C+
Real good duo in the Cocktails backfield with Taylor and Josh Jacob "Jingleheimer Schmidt". Both backs scored 12 TDs last year and should pass 10 TDs each this year. I'm liking their back ups as well in Trey Sermon and Malcom Brown, that will both fill in nicely when needed.
RB Grade: B+
Thielen is the star of the Cocktail WR group. He had a great season last year scoring 14 TDs, a career high. Look for him to come back down to single digit TDs this year. The rest of the WRs are average at best. Fuller is looking at a suspension to start the year and his QB is Tua...Shenault might produce in Jacksonville, but then the Jags could be a shit show. Just not that impressed.
WR Grade: C+
Stamm's Sinistars
Top Player: Travis Kelce
Big Three: Kelce, Carson, JuJu
10 point connection: None
What a mess at QB. Not the best the Sinistars have had. Will likely be Derek Carr, who is not known to throw a lot of TDs. Cam Newton was drafted but has been cut by Pats, so it looks to be Mac Jones. Maybe he starts for the Sinistars later in season.
QB Grade: D
Starting backfield will be Melvin Gordon and Carson most likely. Carson is a solid back that has 10+ TD potential. Gordon is as well, but has injury issues and now will be sharing with rookie Javonte Williams who Sinistars drafted. Rookie Michael Carter also on this team. If the rookies pan out, they could be starting later in season.
RB Grade: C+
Not a real impressive receiver corp here. Travis Kelce of course the stud of the group and will likely be in the plus 10 TD range. "Aunt" JuJu Smith-Schuster always a threat for 10 or more TDs. But then it gets a little weak with Russell "Johnny" Gage and Reagor "Rock". Plus George "K.I. TT Boy L.E." Kittle was banged up last year, and just not a huge TD scorer. Most he has scored in a season has been 5.
WR Grade: C+
Division Winner: Krauts (Juggernauts have a shot)
On the bubble: Cocktails
Basement dweller: Sinistars
Sad Sack South
Toledo Titans
Top Player: Davante Adams
Big Three: Adams, Barkley, Tannehill (?)
10 Point Connection: Tannehill to Julio Jones
Titans have an interesting group of QBs. Starter likely will be Tannehill. Also who is on the team is Deshaun Watson, who is facing a bunch of legal issues and wants to be traded. Rumors are the Titans took him in hopes he gets traded to the Dolphins.
QB Grade: C+
There are only 2 RBs currently in the Titan camp. Saquon Barkley is coming back off his ACL tear a year ago and, as long as he his healthy, should be 10-15 TDs. But it could be slow going as he eases back into full game time playing. Only other back is Marion Mack who backs up Taylor.
RB Grade: C+
They are deep at WR though. Adams leads this squad and is coming off his best season to date, scoring 18 TDs! He has had 3 other seasons in double digits and should do it again this year. Jerry Jeudy might have a break out season. T.Y. Hilton will be out for first few weeks of the season. Julio "Al Toon" Jones not a TD machine. Jared Cook could be the sleeper of the group, now playing for Chargers.
WR Grade: B+
Succop a solid kicker to score a lot and the Washington Fuck Sticks have a real good D.
Georgia Killer Bees
Top Player: Aaron Jones
Big Three: Jones, Ridley, Mostert
10 Point Connection: Ryan to Ridley, Lawrence to Chark
The QB situation is questionable. Matt "Shark Eyes" Ryan will be the top person and hasn't thrown over 30 TD passes since 2018. However the Bees are pairing him with Ridley and the kicker so going all in on the Falcons. Trevor Lawrence is the back up and as the season goes along, he might get in.
QB Grade: C
Bees RBs are led by Aaron Jones who scored 11 times last year. Similar production likely this year. Raheem "Colonel" Mostert shares the carries, but is looking good. Only other back is Mark Ingram. I didn't want anything to do with any Texan this year. But I guess someone has to score for the Texans. Actually Lindsey or Johnson might be starters.
RB Grade: C+
Calvin Ridley, now that Jones is gone, might get even more looks. But with Kyle Pitts there not sure his TD production will get to 10. Courtland Sutton is coming off injury that kept him out all last season. Expectations have been high on him. D.J. Chark "Not sure if he's a Cherry or a Clark" is solid. Perriman has been cut. Jamison "Boyd" Crowder is playing in a now crowded WR group in New York. Not trusting any Texan, so not sure about Cooks.
WR Grade: C+
Younghoe "Cream on Sum Young Guy" Koo was drafted in typical Bees fashion, way early in Round 4.
Monclova Dragons
Top Player: Russell Wilson
Big Three: Wilson, Lockett, Swift
10 Point Connection: Wilson to Lockett or Tua to Gaskins and Waddle
Russell Wilson could lead this team to another division title this year. He has had 4 straight season of 30+ TDs, including 40 last year. Homer Tua was also selected and becomes obsolete if Dolphins sign Watson.
QB Grade: B+
Dragons are rolling out a roster with only 3 RBs. DeAndre Swift returns and in his rookie year scored 10 TDs. Will he do even better in Detroit, who may be one of the worst teams in the league? Myles Gaskins (another homer) should be the lead back in Miami, but not exactly a scoring machine, plus Malcom Brown might vulture some of the goal line carries.
RB Grade: C
Top two WRs for Dragons will be Lockett and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. Lockett is a great 10 point connection player and scored 10 times last year. As D.K. Metcalf becomes a bigger threat, his production might go down. But Wilson really trusts Lockett. Robby Anderson at Carolina catching passes from Block Head might see numbers go up. Not thrilled with Cole Beasley "Reese" in a TD only league.
WR Grade: B-
Justin "Mother" Tucker is one of if not the best kicker in the league.
Weiland's Warbirds (Whirlybirds, Chad's Chumps)
Top Player: Lamar Jackson
Big Three: Jackson, Diggs, Robinson
10 Point Connection: None
Expansion team Warbirds or Whirlybirds grabbed Lamar Jackson in the first round. He is usually a lock to run for 5-7 TDs. If he can get back to his 2019 playing, where he threw for 36 TDs that will be huge for the Warwhirlybirds.
QB Grade: B+
Jackson will need to run some in, as the actually RBs for the Warbirds aren't exactly going to strike fear in their opponents. Will it be Zack Moss or Singletary in Buffalo? Either way, they throw a lot or Allen runs it in. The only other back is back up Tony Pollard.
RB Grade: D
The WRs are a bit better. Stephon "Dig Dug" Diggs is the top wide out here. While he gets a lot of press, he has never scored more than 9 TDs on a season. Diontae Johnson could get there, but hasn't yet. Allen Robinson is another WR that gets a lot of accolades but only once has he scored 10+ TDs out of 8 seasons. D.J. "T.C." Moore "Bookkeeping" also seems good, but only scores about 4 TDs a year. But let's not forget TE Anthony "Finkster" Firkser. They might at least have the best nickname wide outs in the CFFL.
WR Grade: B-
Division Winner: Dragons
Possible Playoffs: Titans
Bringing up the rear: Bees, Warbirds
Wild Wild West
Monterey Bay Whales
Top Player: Patrick Mahomes
Big Three: Mahomes, Hill, McLaurin
10 Point Connection: Mahomes to Hill
Last year's Number 1 Pick Patrick Mahomes returns to the bay to lead the Whales this year. Not sure he will ever get back to the 50 TD season, but he should be close to 40 and one of the best QBs in the league.
QB Grade: A
Kareem Hunt, who actually backs up Chubb, seems to always find the endzone. Last year he had 11. Mike Davis could be the wild card here, now playing in Atlanta after playing a lot in Carolina when McCaffrey was out. AJ Dillon and Boston Scott are back ups.
RB Grade: C+
The Whales have an interesting group of WRs this year. First of all two are top notch receivers. Hill scores at will. When healthy the entire season he will score 12-15 TDs. The Whales traded up to get him in the first round. Terry "McScorin" McLaurin "Midi-chlorian" could have a break out season with Fitzpatrick. He only scored 4 times last year though. The interesting part here is Antonio Brown and Michael Thomas. They could both put up a lot as the season goes on and they were drafted as back ups, later in the draft. Good value.
WR Grade: B+
Cabucki's Crush
Top Player: D.K. Metcalf
Big Three: Metcalf, Claypool, Stafford
10 Point Connection: None
Matt Stafford is looking to get a reboot on his career in L.A. With the Rams he has the potential to throw more TD passes than he has in the past. Last time he threw over 30 TD passes was 2015!
QB Grade: B-
The RBs for the Crush suddenly are trending up quickly with the injury to J.K. Dobbins. Gus Edwards was selected and will likely get the bulk of the carries and will likely top 10+ TDs. Clyde Edwards "Scissor Hands" Helaire came into the league with big expectations last year and disappointed. This year he is entering the season already banged up. Kenyan Drake might be the sleeper in this group, scoring 10 times last year for Cards and now in Vegas baby!
RB Grade: B-
D.K. Metcalf had 10 TDs last year and should pass double digits again this year. He is truly a beast! Chase Claypool was the surprise of the season and scored 11 TDs. Could see a slight regression in numbers as teams won't sleep on Claypool this year. Ja'Marr Chase, it's been reported has the droppsies in preseason. In fact the one and only pass by Burrow this preseason was to Chase and he promptly dropped it. Sleeper could be Steeler TE Pat "Firemouth" Freiermuth.
WR Grade: B
Cam's Killers
Top Player: Tom Brady
Big Three: Brady, Evans, Mixon
10 Point Connection: Brady to Evans and Ronald Jones
Tom Brady is back for the Buccaneer centric Killers. Brady threw for 40 TDs last year plus ran for 3 and they had no preseason last year. He will definitely be close to 40 TDs again.
QB Grade: B+
Not a lot of depth here in the Killer backfield with only 3 RBs. Joe Mixon should be the starter, and when healthy can score on a regular basis. If he plays entire year look for 10+ TDs. Ronald Jones, from TB of course, certainly can score but shares the load. Killers always seem to get Latavius Murray.
RB Grade: C+
The WRs are anchored by Mike Evans, who has scored double digit TDs 3 times in his career including 13 last year. I would imagine that he will be close to that if not more again this year. Robert "Ice Bucket" Woods and Tyler Higbee are good counters to division rival Crush and a must start in those games. Woods is solid and should have 5-7 TDs.
WR Grade: B-
Iron Legion
Top Player: Alvin Kamara
Big Three: Kamara, Ekeler, Godwin
10 Point Connection: None
The Legion scrabbled getting a QB. First they draft Justin Fields who they thought was going to start. They were informed that Fields would not get the start in Week 1. So they draft Jimmy Garoppolo. At the time it wasn't determined if Jimmy G or Lance was going to start. However Jimmy G was chosen as the starter. It the Legion are lucky, Jimmy G starts first half of season and when he gives way to Lance, Fields will be starting by then...
QB Grade: D
RBs, while not very deep, are a pretty good duo. Alvin Kamara is typically a lock for well over 10 TDs. Last year he had 21! I don't see that many but something close to 15 is pretty reasonable. Next to him will be Austin Ekeler. He scores a lot from pass catching, but still all results the same. Full healthy year and it could be close to 10 TDs this year.
RB Grade: A-
The Legion have a pretty good group of WRs, starting with Chris Godwin (countering the Killers) and Amari Cooper (although has never really scores a lot of TDs). What will make this team will be rookie Kyle Pitts. He has the potential to be a monster in the red zone for Atlanta. Could be a Randy Moss type rookie season here. Tyler Boyd with a full season of Burrow might be a nice surprise here.
WR Grade: B+
Division Winner: Whales
In contention: Killers, Crush, Legion
(This division will be a dog fight till the end. Really any ones division)
Fantasy Bowl XXXVII
Cherry's Chislers 38 Jakes' Juggernauts 35
