Top Ten Single Week Studs (by position)

Running backs

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 44.25 in WEEK 3 for Madd Skillz
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, 40.00 in WEEK 12 for Madd Skillz
3. Shaun Alexander, 38.50 in WEEK 6 for Cellar Dwellars
4. Shaun Alexander, 38.00 in WEEK 3 for Cellar Dwellars
5. LaDainian Tomlinson, 37.50 in WEEK 9 for Madd Skillz
6. Larry Johnson, 35.50 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
7a. Shaun Alexander, 34.50 in WEEK 10 for Cellar Dwellars
7b. Larry Johnson, 34.50 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, 34.25 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
10. LaMont Jordan, 34.00 in WEEK 7 for Cellar Dwellars

As echoed by Drew Wolf, this gives pretty good insight into the value of Stem and Ed's running backs, especially LDT, and also any running back whose first name begins with "La." Ed beats Stem in this category, 6-4, but the rest of us can't even compete. Rest assured, most of the close calls belonged to those two owners as well.

Quarterbacks

1. Donovan McNabb, 38.75 in WEEK 2 for Father Abraham
2. Drew Brees, 37.00 in WEEK 11 for Blaine Browns
3. Peyton Manning, 34.00 in WEEK 4 for Fred Lane’s Wife
4. Daunte Culpepper, 33.25 in WEEK 3 for Sex Panther
5. Donovan McNabb, 32.25 in WEEK 4 for Father Abraham
6. Matt Hasselbeck, 30.25 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
7. Peyton Manning, 30.00 in WEEK 9 for Fred Lane’s Wife
8a. Drew Bledsoe, 29.50 in WEEK 14 for ChamPeons
8b. Peyton Manning, 29.50 in WEEK 10 for Fred Lane’s Wife
8c. Carson Palmer, 29.50 in WEEK 12 for Big Fat Guys

All that worry about Peyton Manning's fantasy value seemed to dissolve as the year went on, and the Colts QB still posted three of the best single weeks for a quarterback out there.

Receivers

1. Steve Smith, 28.50 in WEEK 3 for Madd Skillz
2. Plaxico Burress, 27.00 in WEEK 4 for Cellar Dwellars
3. Roy Williams, 26.50 in WEEK 10 for Cellar Dwellars
4. Lee Evans, 25.50 in WEEK 13 for The Octagon
5. Santana Moss, 25.00 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
6. Marvin Harrison, 22.50 in WEEK 9 for The Octagon
7. Chris Chambers, 22.00 in WEEK 14 for Big Fat Guys
8a. Jimmy Smith, 21.50 in WEEK 1 for Fred Lane’s Wife
8b. Steve Smith, 21.50 in WEEK 8 for Madd Skillz
8c. Marvin Harrison, 21.50 in WEEK 4 for The Octagon
8d. Terrell Owens, 21.50 in WEEK 2 for Blaine Browns

Probably not a list most people would have envisioned at the start of the year, with Terrell Owens on once in the last spot possible and Chad Johnson missing entirely -- still, both remain outstanding keeper options.

Tight Ends

1. Antonio Gates, 30.00 in WEEK 8 for Sex Panther

2. Alge Crumpler, 21.00 in WEEK 12 for Blaine Browns

3. Todd Heap, 19.50 in WEEK 12 for Fred Lane’s Wife

4a. Antonio Gates, 19.00 in WEEK 14 for Sex Panther

4b. Jeremy Shockey, 19.00 in WEEK 12 for Madd Skillz

6. Dallas Clark, 15.00 in WEEK 11 for Big Fat Guys

7a. Jason Witten, 14.50 in WEEK 12 for Father Abraham

7b. Jeremy Shockey, 14.50 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz

9a. Antonio Gates, 13.50 in WEEK 7 for Sex Panther

9b. Tony Gonzalez, 13.50 in WEEK 8 for The Octagon

9c. Heath Miller, 13.50 in WEEK 8 for ChamPeons

9d. Jason Witten, 13.50 in WEEK 14 for Father Abraham

There is quite simply no greater fantasy option in football at tight end beyond Antonio Gates, now that Tony Gonzalez has had a disappointing season and fallen well behind. Jeremy Shockey and Jason Witten had very nice seasons as well at the position.

Kickers

1a. Neal Rackers, 19.00 in WEEK 4 for Cellar Dwellars
1b. Jay Feely, 19.00 in WEEK 8 for The Octagon
3a. Jay Feely, 14.50 in WEEK 14 for The Octagon
3b. Mike Nugent, 14.50 in WEEK 14 for Who Is Ron Mexico
5a. Neal Rackers, 14.00 in WEEK 3 for Cellar Dewallars
5b. Lawrence Tynes, 14.00 in WEEK 7 for Blaine Browns
5c. Lawrence Tynes, 14.00 in WEEK 12 for Blaine Browns
5d. Mike Vanderjagt, 14.00 in WEEK 12 for Sex Panther
5e. Neal Rackers, 14.00 in WEEK 9 for Cellar Dwellars
5f. Mike Vanderjagt, 14.00 in WEEK 14 for Sex Panther

Kicking is supposed to be a fluky thing in fantasy football, bearing minimal impact on a team's chances. Still, the league's top five teams have nine of the best 10 individual kicking efforts (and Madd Skillz isn't one of them -- he's been beaten at something!)

Defenders

1. Jason Taylor, 20.00 in WEEK 12 for Fred Lane’s Wife
2. Mike Peterson, 17.00 in WEEK 10 for ChamPeons
3. Jason Taylor, 16.50 in WEEK 1 for The Octagon
4a. Dwight Freeney, 14.50 in WEEK 3 for Blaine Browns
4b. Troy Polamalu, 14.50 in WEEK 9 for The Octagon
6. London Fletcher, 13.00 in WEEK 13 for Fred Lane’s Wife
7a. Robert Mathis, 12.50 in WEEK 5 for Sex Panther
7b. Osi Umenyiora, 12.50 in WEEK 12 for Blaine Browns
7c. Demorrio Williams, 12.50 in WEEK 10 for Cellar Dwellars
7d. Nick Barnett, 12.50 in WEEK 10 for The Octagon

A defnder getting two of the top three days in the league? Pretty rare, considering that almost always means scoring a touchdown.

Top 10 showings:

Madd Skillz 12, Cellar Dwellars 10, The Octagon 9, Blaine Browns 7, Sex Panther 7, Fred Lane's Wife 7, Father Abraham 4, ChamPeons 3, Big Fat Guys 3, Who Is Ron Mexico 1 (yay Mike Nugent!).

Top Ten Weekly Fantasy Studs

Pretty simple one this time, with more to come?

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 44.25 in WEEK 3 for Madd Skillz
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, 40.00 in WEEK 12 for Madd Skillz
3. Shaun Alexander, 38.00 in WEEK 3 for Cellar Dwellars
4. Donovan McNabb, 38.75 in WEEK 2 for Father Abraham
5. Shaun Alexander, 38.50 in WEEK 6 for Cellar Dwellars
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, 37.50 in WEEK 9 for Madd Skillz
7. Drew Brees, 37.00 in WEEK 11 for Blaine Browns
8. Larry Johnson, 35.50 in WEEK 14 for Madd Skillz
9. LaDainian Tomlinson, 34.25 in WEEK 6 for Madd Skillz
10. Peyton Manning, 34.00 in WEEK 4 for Fred Lane’s Wife
10. LaMont Jordan, 34.00 in WEEK 7 for Cellar Dwellars

VUFSA Record Book (Football)

If anyone else has any ideas for a category, let me know

High Score (Single Game)

1. 172.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 9, 2004
2. 171.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2005
3. 165.00 Ed Schillinger – Week 9, 2005
4. 164.00 Drew Wolf- Week 11, 2005
5. 163.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 3, 2005
6. 161.75 Drew Wolf- Week 10, 2004
7. 160.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2004
8. 159.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 3, 2005
9. 159.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2005
10. 157.00 Andy Viano- Week 3, 2004

High Score (Season)

1. 1850.25 Ed Schillinger- 2005
2. 1752.75 Eli Gieryna- 2004
3. 1648.25 Andy Viano- 2004
4. 1630.50 Drew Wolf- 2004
5. 1625.25 Ed Schillinger- 2004
6. 1623.75 Eli Gieryna- 2005
7. 1598.75 Drew Wolf- 2005
8. 1564.25 Andrew Stem- 2005
9. 1545.75 Brent Whitlock- 2004
10. 1501.75 JR Radcliffe- 2004

Most Points in a Loss

1. 141.75 Eli Giernya- Week 10, 2004 (vs. Drew Wolf)
1. 141.75 Brent Whitlock- Week 9, 2004 (vs. Eli Gieryna)
3. 132.00 Eli Gieryna- Week 11, 2004 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
4. 130.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 13, 2005 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
5. 125.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 14, 2005 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
6. 125.25 Andy Viano- Week 12, 2004 (vs. Drew Wolf)
7. 124.00 Andrew Stem- Week 11, 2005 (vs. Drew Wolf)
8. 122.50 Eli Gieryna- Week 8, 2004 (vs. Andy Viano)
9. 121.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 13, 2004 (vs. Andrew Stem)
10. 119.50 Drew Wolf- Week 12, 2005 (vs. Ed Schillinger)

Largest Margin of Victory

1. 117.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 9, 2005
2. 88.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 5, 2005
3. 75.50 Andrew Stem- Week 4, 2005
4. 73.25 Brent Whitlock- Week 1, 2005
5. 72.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2005
6. 69.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 6, 2005
7. 67.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 12, 2004
8. 65.25 Andy Viano- Week 13, 2005
9. 64.25 Eli Gieryna- Week 7, 2005
10. 64.00 Drew Wolf- Week 6, 2005
10. 64.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 11, 2005


Consecutive Wins

1. 8 Andy Viano- Weeks 2-9, 2004
2. 7 Andrew Stem- Weeks 1-7, 2005
2. 7 JR Radcliffe- Weeks 8-14, 2005
4. 6 Ed Schillinger- Weeks 1-6, 2005
5. 5 Drew Wolf- Weeks 10-14, 2004

Consecutive Losses

1. 8 Andrew Stem- Weeks 2-9, 2004
2. 7 Dave Tomke- Weeks 3-9, 2005
2. 7 Lincoln Souzek- Weeks 5-11, 2005
4. 6 Lincoln Souzek- Weeks 9-14, 2004
5. 5 JR Radcliffe- Weeks 3-7, 2005

Games over 100 Points

1. Ed Schillinger- 23
2. Eli Gieryna- 22
3. Andy Viano- 20
3. Drew Wolf- 20
5. JR Radcliffe- 18
6. Brent Whitlock- 16
7. Andrew Stem- 15
8. Lincoln Souzek- 7
9. Baron Brendel- 1
9. Dave Tomke- 1

Open Thread, Judgment Day

Last week, I went to church for the first time in a long time, and I came back to witness Lee Evans' third touchdown of the day get recorded on the StatTracker. This week, I'm going to church again, hoping to offset some Drew Bennett karma.

Please don't let The Octagon be appropriately saddled with just eight wins.

Week 14 Preview

Game of the Year

Sex Panther vs. The Octagon (+27)

I don't think it's worth me writing about all the history involved here, so just go here if you are interested...Eli leads JR all-time, 2-1

News and Notes, SP

The QB position a big time question mark: as well as Kurt Warner has played, David Carr is probably a better option vs. the Titans...That's a decision that The Gun will agonize over for a while this week...The RBs are still probably the most talented in the league, but the recent disappointing play of Willis McGahee and the inconsistency of Steven Jackson is horrifying for SP...Karma will surely factor in this match, as Drew Bennett sides with SP this year...Key Injuries: None

News and Notes, OCT

If QB is the big question for SP, the RB has to keep OCT up at night...Stares across the virtual field and sees former boy-toy Tiki Barber producing at a high level, while has concerns about Cadillac Williams in the back of his head...That trade, however, is not the reason for concern; as new #1 back Brian Westbrook is out for the year...Made up for the loss by dealing for Fred Taylor and Greg Jones, whose individual numbers aren't wowing, but together as one Jacksonville running back, they would rank 13th in the league amongst RBs...Also acquired Terry Glenn this week to man the flex spot...Key Injuries: Antonio Pierce, Questionable

Playoff Impact: As big as any game can impact the race. The winner is guaranteed a spot in. The loser has to sweat out the results of the BB-BFG contest. If SP wins, then OCT will get in only if BB loses. If OCT wins, then SP will need to maintain a three point tiebreaker edge if BB loses.

The 2 Spot

Big Fat Guys vs. Blaine Browns (-29)

The Browns fight for a guarantee of a playoff spot, while BFG is in it for a spot in the phantom consolation bracket...Drew is 1-0 lifetime against Brendel

News and Notes, BFG

With this year wrapping up, BFG has made a move to solidify next season; moving a 2006 first rounder for the recently injured Brian Westbrook...Move potentially gives BFG 4 keeper running backs, two of which are going to be top10 heading into next season...A 1st rounder is a steep price, but it assured BFG of a stud back who they probably would have used that first rounder on anyways, and kept him out of the hands of any one else...The trade also made it official that everyone who criticized the Westbrook-Palmer deal (me, mostly) is an idiot- as Palmer is the better option, and Westbrook is back on BFG's team...Key Injuries: Julius Peppers, Questionable

News and Notes, BB

Speaking of overreacting to trades; where is the Randy Moss that BB was promised?...After all the talk, just one offensive player (Moss) is in the starting lineup for BB heading into their most important game of the year...Made enough right calls last week to eek out a win, and hopes to have the same success in starting TJ HoushmanihateJR, Alge Crumpler and Ruben Droughns...Drew has put out his best starting lineup, and there's not much else to add; all they need to do is win...Key Injuries: Ruben Droughns, Questionable; Chris Brown, Questionable

Playoff Impact: Big. BB win= playoff berth. Loss= who the hell knows.

Game #3

Madd Skillz vs. ChamPeons (+50)

The next three games will not have interesting things in the italics sections...Schillinger is 2-1 vs. Champ the last two seasons

News and Notes, SKL

Playing for the #1 seed and a share of the Regular Season title, and if Leslie Crane were coaching this team, that would be enough to consider it a success...Sacraficed the luxury of having a starting runner available on the bench for the playoffs for a draft pick next year, moving Fred Taylor and Greg Jones to OCT, and turning Brian Westbrook into a top3 draft pick...The health of LaDanian Tomlinson is terrifying this late in the season...Key Injuries: LDT, Questionable

News and Notes, CHM

I detailed in the Power Rankings that I think Champ's team is all set for next year with one of the best returning cores in the league...However, every single one of those solid players is a gamble...Its' a gamble that Daunte Culpepper returns to form next season, after Minnesota played far better without him...It's a gamble that Terrell Owens finds a situation as ideal as Philadelphia and can get his touches...It's a gamble that Andre Johnson isn't a bust...It's a gamble that Julius Jones can earn the trust of the coaching staff and stay healthy next season...And it's a gamble that Cedric Benson will rise up and claim the Bears' starting RB job next summer...All said, Champ's done a nice job of acquiring peices for a contender next season...Key Injuries: Steve McNair, Questionable

Playoff Impact: SKL is the #1 seed with a win or a CD loss. #2 seed with a loss and a CD win.

Batting Cleanup

Father Abraham vs. Cellar Dwellars (-21)

Stem owns a 2-1 edge over Lincoln in their three battles, as Stem won the week 5 matchup that saw the two teams come in with a combined one loss

News and Notes, FA

When Deshaun Foster was shredding the Falcon defense last week, it may have signified the end of the Stephen Davis era, which leaves FA just Anquan Boldin performing at a high level...It's depressing to see such high hopes get dashed, but it's worse to look at the keeper prospects here...Donovan McNabb and Boldin are sure things for next year, but after that it gets thin...Close attention will be paid to Priest Holmes' status for next season, as a spinal cord injury is not something guys just shake off...And it also appears that bruising backs Jamal Lewis and Stephen Davis are towards the downside of their careers...Former big-time wideouts Joe Horn and Muhsin Muhammed have underacheived tremendously, which makes us wonder if FA has anything up their sleeve to build for next year...Key Injuries: None oustide the big ones

News and Notes, CD

A win gives this franchise an 8 win increase from last year...Kevin Jones is apparently over his minor injury, but Artrose Pinner is on CD's bench should it come back (edit: not anymore)...With just three days left to deal, will CD do anything to add depth to the club, or add a flex running back? Sure, there's not a lot out there, but going into the dance with the roster as is is dangerous...Looking ahead, briefly, the matchups for CD's first round game favor them big time...Key Injuries: Byron Leftwich, Out; Neil Rackers, Doubtful

Playoff Impact: CD is the #1 seed with a win and and SKL loss. #2 seed with a loss or SKL win.

The 5 Hole, soon to be named "Game of the Weak"

Fred Lane's Wife vs. Who is Ron Mexico? (+26)

This is the only game that has absolutely no bearing on the playoffs...These two teams made the same deal twice this week...Viano has won the only meeting of these two franchises

News and Notes, FLW

Viano will look to put a very frustrating year behind him, trying to pick up win #7, which would be a three win dropoff from last year...Outside of the major, major injuries- a lot of things went well for FLW; acquired Hines Ward for Antowain Smith and Jimmy Smith; Picked up Willie Parker, arguably the best waiver pickup of the season; Tatum Bell came up big in certain spots; Joey Galloway was freaking awesome; and the demise of Peyton Manning turned out to be nothing at all...Key Injuries: As always, Corey Dillon- Questionable

News and Notes, WIRM

WIRM will remember their first season in the VUFSA for beating SP in week 2, and beating Baron in week 13...Their first season will be remembered by everyone as the most blistering wheeling and dealing we've ever seen; 76 waiver moves, and 11 trades...Michael Vick plays this week, and the lack of a defined #1 QB leads us to wonder whether or not WIRM will keep two QBs...A lot of people may rail against it, but why would you release one of your top two players?...DeShaun Foster is the only player on this roster that was in the starting lineup week1- but even he had to be reacquired on the 17th of November...Speaking of, that Gore for Foster trade is looking awfully good for WIRM right now, as DeShaun starts his campaign to be an RB1...Key Injuries: Braylon Edwards- IR

Keep Them if You Can

I know there's plenty to watch yet in the 2005 VUFSA football season, but with many late trades, the keeper situation for next year is already shaping up. Here's a look at the top keeper situations each owner has at their fingertips.

1. Madd Skillz. Not only is he the best team in this year's league and odds-on favorite for the championship, he has also set himself up to rule the next year as well. If Viano is the Billy Beane, Schillinger is Al Davis, throwing his immense power around while tending to blondes a third of his age and keeping his hair frizzy. I suppose the blondes would be illegal at this point. Anyway, with an extra first round draft pick coming his way and some monster keepers, Ed can already be considered the 2006 favorite. LaDainian Tomlinson is the no-brainer to end all no-brainers, with Larry Johnson sure to provide a terrfiying 1-2 RB punch. Chad Johnson is one of the premier receivers in the league, Steve Smith is up there as well and Rudi Johnson would make for the best fifth option anyone could ask for. Jeremy Shockey and Domanick Davis appear, for now, to be regrettable throwaways back into the general pool.

2. Cellar Dwellars. I criticized his lineup last year, mainly because I wasn't sold on LaMont Jordan, but Andrew Stem clearly has the second-most enviable running back situation with the Raiders ground game and Shaun Alexander at his disposal. Plaxico Burress and Larry Fitzgerald have both broken out as star wide receivers, and young enough to have a long term impact, while a guy like Jerry Porter could fill the five slot. Jake Delhomme and Roy Williams are also candidates, both keepers from last year's roster. If he keeps Kevin Jones or Neil Rackers, I will bump him down to No. 6.

3. Sex Panther. Running backs are the absolute name of the game, and Eli Gieryna has a host of them, though my guess is that he would only take three out of the four studs he has: Tiki Barber, Clinton Portis, Steven Jackson and Willis McGahee. Maybe he could keep all four, however, if he determined Torry Holt to be expendable. With Antonio Gates likely sticking around as his fifth, his options are very supple. Like a breast.

4. The Octagon. The most pressing of questions is the running back corps, with only Cadillac Williams likely to be kept for next season. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne will continue to be highly regarded wide receivers, and Wayne could end up being the main man elsewhere given that he is a free agent. Tony Gonzalez is a risky keep after a so-so year but he remains a premier threat. Marc Bulger's late-season acquisition appears to have him as the fifth man, though Mike Anderson's status could be interesting depending on what Denver commits to in the offseason. There's a very good chance he'll keep Brad Miller as well, and possibly Jorge Cantu.

5. Big Fat Guys. Last year, it was Lincoln Souzek who put himself in position to have a solid crew of keepers, and this year it was Baron Brendel, who most clearly pulled the feat when he acquired Carson Palmer for running back Brian Westbrook, who he later re-acquired at the expense of a first round pick. While that decision will hurt his ability to expand in talent next year, at least initially, he also possesses a fine first or second running back in Deuce McAllister, and will need to choose two out of a pool including Thomas Jones, Ahman Green and Chris Chambers. Chambers almost certainly has the inside track to be one of those two.

6. Fred Lane's Wife. Anyone who starts his keeper discussion with Peyton Manning earns Brownie points, and Hines Ward will make for a suitable top option at receiver. Ronnie Brown has upside and potential to be a top running back, but he remains unproven, and Corey Dillon had a rough year with injuries. Those two, along with the likes of injured wideout Javon Walker, Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker, Seattle receiver Darrell Jackson, tight end Todd Heap and suddenly-good Bucs man Joey Galloway will make for tough decisions ahead.

7. Blaine Browns. It starts off just fine, with Randy Moss and Edgerrin James sure to be rock solid performers, and Warrick Dunn is likely to be an excellent second running back. From there, owner Drew Wolf is thin (probably because he weighs like 90 pounds), with choices such as T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Reuben Droughns, Donald Driver and Chris Brown. Drew Brees is likely to be a de facto keeper, since he did nothing to hurt Drew's team even if he wasn't a can't miss fantasy option.

8. Father Abraham. Bad luck cost Lincoln Souzek mightily, as the status of 2004 late-season snag Priest Holmes is now in doubt for the 2006 season, and injury ruined most of 2005. If he can return and Donovon McNabb is himself all the way through 2006, then this keeper crop has far more potential. Anquan Boldin is one of the most exciting receivers in the game, Stephen Davis can be serviceable, and Jamal Lewis may still be worth hanging onto despite a disastrous 2005. Muhsin Muhammad and Joe Horn will also enter the equation.

9. ChamPeons. Brent Whitlock will rely almost exclusively on players to have bounceback years, with folks like Terrell Owens and Andre Johnson and Cedric Benson having injury, ineffectiveness or suspension cloud their ability to work wonders this season. Daunte Culpepper is the biggest question mark of them all, as he may not be immediately available next season, and Julius Jones is the only front line running back in his hands.

10. Who is Ron Mexico? There isn't much here to work with, without a single definite fantasy stud in the midst. Eli Manning might come close if Dave Tomke chooses to keep him over Michael Vick, and DeShaun Foster will get a big paycheck playing for someone else (or even Carolina) as the featured back net year. JJ Arrington is a major question mark until he proves he can be a starter, and folks like Ashley Lelie and Braylon Edwards fluctuate between showing their complete potential and looking lost. Heath Miller had a well-documented standout rookie season. And of course, there is surefire keeper Brandon Lloyd.

Power Rankings- 12/7

1. Madd Skillz (10-3) LW: 1st (-)

-First real spot of bad luck all year- 2nd high point total for the week in a loss. Still guaranteed a playoff spot.

2. Cellar Dwellars (10-3) LW: 2nd (-)

-Limping a little right now- a good showing in a stress-free Week 14 would go a long way towards settling the nerves of Stem come playoff time.

3. The Octagon (8-5) LW: 4th (+1)

-6 straight wins including the last two over the league's top two teams. An amazing run that could mean nothing with a loss next week.

4. Sex Panther (7-6) LW: 3rd (-1)

-Simply needs to beat JR the last week of the season to get into the playoffs. What could possibly go wrong?

5. Blaine Browns (7-6) LW: 5th (-)

-Despite sitting in 5th place, has the best chance of getting into the posteason amongst the three teams still in it.

6. Fred Lane's Wife (6-7) LW: 7th (+1)

-Can still make it in as long as they make up a 170 point differential in the tiebreaker.

7. Big Champeons (6-7) LW: 6th (-1)

-My thoughts on CHM this year (in order): playoff sleeper, not even a playoff contender, possible spoiler, way out of it, right back in it, done again, set up well for next year. Potential keepers: Daunte Culpepper, Julius Jones, Cedric Benson, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson. Very good core.

8. Big Fat Guys (4-9) LW: 9th (+1)

-Long live the King! Wait, what? Who won?

9. Who is Ron Mexico? (3-10) LW: 10th (+1)

-Impressive showing this week, and most of the year for that matter. I think 7 wins from the expansion teams is admirable, and far better than we all expected.

10. Father Abraham (4-9) LW: 8th (-2)

-This roster doesn't reflect the ability of Lincoln to assemble a football team. Incredibly- his injuries have overshadowed the crippling losses to FLW.

Top Ten Games Impacting the Playoff Race

10. Week 13: OCT defeats SKL

-This game would be much higher if OCT was either guaranteed or eliminated from a playoff spot with the result. Still, it was a tremendous win (in which JR needed all 12 of his touchdowns) to sustain an improbable run.

9. Week 8: CHM defeats BB

-The Browns sit on the bubble now, thanks in large part to the absence of all three of their starting running backs in this game. Granted, it was a 20 point differential- but two of BBs three RBs hit negatives, and any one of the three bye-weeked RBs could have sprung for a big game. Drew was just getting on a roll, after starting off 0-3, and this killed their momentum.

8. Week 12: OCT defeats CD

-Monday Night Marvin Harrison comes through and helps OCT eek out a 1.25 point win as they embark upon their brutal stretch run. This game looked much bigger when it actually happened; again, because OCT is still not a lock.

7. Week 11: BB defeats CD

-The at-the-time 9-1 Dwellars stood as a major road block to two playoff hopefuls, but did not stop either of them (see above) as BB put up a whopping 164.00 point en route to a big win when there were 5 teams playing for 2 spots.

6. Week 8: Bertrand Berry and Morris from Yahoo!, in conjuction with FLW defeat SP

-The only reason that this game is even on the list is because the result wasn't known until Thursday afternoon. I didn't see the play that took away the points, so I don't know whether or not to support Eli's anger about the reversal, or to shout that he never should have had the points in the first place, and Viano was the one who was being screwed.

5. Week 14: BB vs. BFG

-Drew controls his own destiny here, but may get in, even with a loss.

4. Week 12: CHM defeats FLW

-A stomach loss punch that no one saw coming, FLW was essentially eliminated from contention, losing by 1.50. With the door left slightly ajar for CHM- they responded with 56 points in a loss the following week, as FLW rolled up 124.25. WIRM is on deck this week, so in theory, FLW could have gotten in with a 2 more points in week 12, and a win over the last place team in the league.

3. Week 2: WIRM defeats SP

-In a league with as many talented owners as this one has, we all knew that the fight for four playoff spots would be a street fight- and while wins over competitors are big, wins in games you should win are absolutely necessary. Currently on the playoff bubble, SP can look back at this game and curse if they are left out.

2. Week 13: BB defeats SP

-Once it became clear that OCT was going to outlast SKL, a BB win was vital to survival; a loss would eliminate them entirely. The solid win put BB in charge of their own destiny, with only seedings to worry about if they take care of business next Sunday. SP on the other hand, missed a chance to clinch and now sweats out another regular season finale with JR.

1. Week 14: SP vs. OCT

-There absolutely has to be an open thread next week, if only to discuss this game. I have nothing vested in it except a first round opponent (and I don't care really, because all three teams are frightening) and I simply can't wait.

Top Ten Draft Busts and Bargains

It's pretty much safe to say at this point in the season which players could be considered "busts" or "bargains," and believe me, there are FAR more of the former than the latter. Heck, the entire first round is practically a comedy of errors, not counting LaMont Jordan (Stem), Anquan Boldin (Lincoln) and maybe Cadillac Williams (Eli). Here we have the top ten in each category:

BUSTS

10. Ronnie Brown (Fred Lane's Wife). It's hard to call the seventh overall choice a bust at this point, since he's a rookie and continues to have plenty of keeper value. Furthermore, he currently has the 19th most points of any running back in the league, but the first round choice would have ideally yielded more. He remains a pick for the future more than the present.

9. Chris Brown (ChamPeons). The fifth overall choice is the 18th best running back option out there, which is neither shabby nor exactly stellar for a running back everyone continues to expect breakout games from.

8. Brandon Stokley (Who is Ron Mexico?). The ninth choice of the second round did not reproduce his breakout season last year, while other opportunities continued to make Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison superstars. He is the 64th best receiver in the league, with only 34 catches and one touchdown.

7. Dallas Clark (Fred Lane's Wife). Another breakout season from a year ago was a distant memory this season for the fourth choice in the second round. The 15th best tight end in the league has just three touchdowns in 2005.

6. Drew Bennett (Blaine Browns). After becoming a VUFSA cult hero a year ago, he became a sexy preseason pick and was taken with the third choice in the second round. But he has just one touchdown this year and stands as the 30th best option in the league, with injuries swirling around his season.

5. JJ Arrington (The Octagon). Occasionally mentioned in the same breath as Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown among rookie running backs that should be taken early, Arrington was a complete flop out of the gate, and he was quickly replaced in the starting 11 by Marcel Shipp. Some late season production has him as the 46th best option out there.

4. Michael Clayton (Sex Panther). It was supposed to be a breakout year for the Buccaneers receiver, but it was instead an absolute nightmare for the fifth choice in the second round. With 27.50 points to his name, he is the 86th best receiver in our league, far below the expectations that had him slated as a potential blossoming star before the year.

3. Fred Taylor (Madd Skillz). Injuries seriously derailed the 10th overall choice, and the 32nd best running back in our league is only incrementally better than teammate Greg Jones, who has carried the bulk of the load in Taylor's absence.

2. Brett Favre (Who is Ron Mexico?). It's not that Favre's fantasy value has been altogether putrid until lately, but his standing as the second pick in the draft was already high to begin with, and then he was waived. His standing as the 13th best quarterback in the league is okay, but his 21 (!!) turnovers make him a constantly scary play. It's over for Brett.

1. Nate Burleson (Big Fat Guys). Might as well go straight to the top with this one, the first overall choice. Some said before the season that the heir apparent to Randy Moss would thrive, others felt he would buckle under the attention which Moss was talented enough to overcome. Injuries and ineffectiveness made it appear that the latter was true, as Burleson has just 16 catches, one touchdown and a ranking as the 97th best receiver in the league. Ouch.

BARGAINS

10. Chris Chambers (Big Fat Guys). Baron snagged the Dolphins wideout with the last pick of the fourth round, and he has gone on to break the Dolphins' single-game receiving yard mark, posting numbers that could have him as keeper material for next season. He is the 12th best receiver to date.

9. Plaxico Burress (Cellar Dwellars). The third choice in the seventh round is one of the main reasons Andrew Stem has had such a promising year, as Burress and Eli Manning have found a dynamic in New York such that Burress is the 10th best receiver in the league. He will most certainly clear the 1,000 yard mark.

8. Tom Brady (Madd Skillz). While most owners picked up their quarterbacks early, Ed Schillinger found his in the sixth round with the first pick, a respectable location for a tested talent such as Brady. The most handsome gunslinger in the NFL ranks behind only Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning in fantasy value.

7. Chris Cooley (Blaine Browns). The third pick of the 12th round has quietly had an outstanding season at tight end and running back for the Redskins, and he would be the fifth-ranked tight end in the VUFSA. Such standing has him ahead of more touted pre-season selections Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten and Randy McMichael.

6. Keenan McCardell (Blaine Browns). The eighth pick of the ninth round had a strong season in San Diego, where he has 7 touchdown catches and stands as the 17th best receiver in the VUFSA. Wolf also picked up big numbers from the Drew Brees-McCardell connection.

5. TJ Houshmandzadeh (Blaine Browns). Another receiver picked up by Drew Wolf, the 15th best receiver in the game has become a keeper possibility thanks to good rapport with quarterbck Carson Palmer and despite his draft slot in the eighth pick of the seventh round. It's pretty clear that Wolf had a solid draft as far as hidden gems go.

4. Santana Moss (Blaine Browns). Too bad for Drew, his best find is one that he dropped and handed to Ed Schillinger. The eighth choice of the fifth round was a bust in the season's earlygoing, but to date he has caught six touchdowns, 1,111 yards and is the eighth best receiver in the league.

3. Joey Galloway (Big Fat Guys). Sixty-three catches, 1,075 yards and eight touchdowns? Nobody saw it coming from this Buccaneer, which is why he so easily fell to the 13th round, where Baron snatched him up with the first pick. Galloway has done most of his damage for Andy Viano's team this year, but it was a trade commodity Brendel never figured to have.

2. Carson Palmer (The Octagon). Brendel may have given up Galloway, but he picked up Palmer in a trade with the Octagon, so it all works out in the end. Solid keeper quarterbacks were pretty much considered Manning, McNabb and Culpepper before the season, but Palmer is now among them, sitting as the top ranked QB in the VUFSA despite not getting drafted until the second pick of the eighth round.

1. Larry Johnson (Madd Skillz). It may not seem like a steal to take a guy like Johnson with the 10th pick in the fifth round, but Schillinger demonstrated patience with the Chiefs' backup running back, shooting down trade offers for the seemingly dormant ground option. Then, Priest Holmes died and ascended to Fantasy Football AfterLife, and in came Johnson, now the sixth best running back in the league despite not even starting the whole year. He was truly the best fantasy bargain in this year's draft.

An idea

One thing that absolutely blows about the NFL is the postseason, when Fantasy Season is over. Since the Packers aren't going to be in the playoffs, there is obviously no reason for any of us to care about the postseason, and so I propose an idea.

It was stolen from someone else. I'm really just seeing what the interest would be...in a postseason fantasy league. Here's how it would work.

Among owners wishing to participate, worst team in the league drafts first in a snake format. Each team will have a QB, RB1, RB2, WR1, WR2, TE, K, and WR/RB/TE. Same scoring format as the regular league, with obviously fewer players and no defenders...and fewer choices. The strategy is obvious...choose a player from a team that has a bye but a greater chance to be around until the Super Bowl? OR choose someone who could play that extra week on a sleeper team. The depth of strategy around a player is thus more involved with the team's fortunes.

Total points at the end of the playoffs wins.

Obviously, this would have no bearing on the keeper league or regular season. All players are fair game. We would never have a draft in one place, so we could do it over email, with the first person emailing everyone there choice and so on and so forth. It could theoretically take a few days...we should have a week or so to conduct the draft.

Who thinks this reeks of stupidity? Say so.