Week 1 Recap: Brees over Bitches

As long as I'm winning and happy with Fantasy Football, I can write recaps. When I get pissy, I will become apathetic like the whiny slut that I am.

This was really a week of surprises -- the top two teams in the preseason poll struggled mightily, including an ugly loss for the team ranked near the top. One game came down to the absolute wire, likely to leave the losing owner in a self-inflicted coma, in which he surely dreams of Lions, long hair and lube jobs.

Game of the Damn Week

ChamPeons 132.00,
Stanton For Heisman 131.25.
How painful it must have been to have the third-highest score in the league and lose to the second-highest by less than a point. Champ had to sweat out Monday night despite having the Quarterback Orgasm that was Drew Brees.

Thunder: Randy Moss was laughing on the sidelines near the end of the game probably at the small handful of catches Terrell Owens (3 points) had. Champ was not laughing so much as Wes Welker's output (10) nearly put Tomke over the top.

WTF?: Detroit safety Louis Delmas (12) gave Tomke some points where they weren't expected. Matt Forte (5.5) had a slow start to his breakout campaign for Champ.

Homer-eroticism: Tomke has three Lions in his starting lineup, and Champ has three Bears.
The difference: Brees. Even with Tony Romo (29) having a delicious day for his biggest fan, Brees (46.5) enjoyed one of the most successful days imaginable. Ed will probably need to consult the record books on this one.

A Decent Undercard
Penguins From Hell 127.5,
Doc Brown's DeLorean 106.5
Two teams that don't really figure into the title-favorite picture both hit triple digits, with some big outings from QBs leading the charge.

Thunder: The outcome was in doubt until Tom Brady (25.75) went on a late-game flourish against the Bills, picking up two touchdown receptions and finishing with Radcliffe's largest score of the week. Wolf enjoyed a big day from Fred Jackson (17.5), but Antonio Gates (6.50) wasn't enough to overcome Zach Miller (7) and Darren McFadden (5) in the late game.

WTF?: Chris Henry (0.5) barely played for Cincy, catching one lame pass. Radcliffe had to make some decisions regarding an injured-but-playing Anquan Boldin, and sacrificing Justin Gage and Heath Miller by Thursday limited the options. Santana Moss (1) and Brandon Marshall (3) made Drew's early WR returns look horrendous.

Battle of the Backs: How far has Reggie Bush fallen? In a battle of replacing Pierre Thomas, Drew got only 2.50 out of Bush, while former waiver wire specialty Mike Bell (11) went off for well over 100 yards.

The difference: Santonio Holmes. Most everyone expects the big days turned in by Tom Terrific and Reggie Wayne (19.5), but Radcliffe had a good start to the week when Holmes (17) emerged as a colossal threat for the Steelers.

A Bloody Whitewash
Stafford Infection 146.5,

Jared Allen Forever 77.5
The highest-scoring team in the league didn't even need a remarkable effort from Adrian Peterson (36.5) to make this a laugher. Five players reached double digits, while poor Baron had only two.

Thunder: As a last bit of cruelness, Stem's Nate Kaeding (6) outplayed Lee Evans (2.5) for Baron.

WTF?: Baron was already behind the eight-ball when an injury gave Anthony Gonzalez a zero, but the fun didn't stop there. Carson Palmer (3.25) had a miserable day at quarterback, one of the few among VUFSA quarterbacks. Stem, meanwhile, had the luxury of catching John Carlson (19) on a career day. Also, Jared Allen wasn't even worth a half-point.

AP Press: Quietly, Stem has developed an army of awesomeness by attaining inarguably the highest-rated running back (Peterson) and WR (Fitzgerald) in fantasy football. Calvin Johnson and Aaron Rodgers mgiht be top-three players at their positions, as well. Stem should probably be favored to win the whole league, in my opinion.

The difference: Stem set his lineup on time.

A Late Win

Ted Buckland Esq. 80.75,

GWAR!! 72.25
Eli didn't need much Thunder to overcome his childhood sweetheart Welty, and Randy Moss gave him more than enough. Welty, meawhile, was hampered by a series of terrible, terrible individual performances.

Thunder: Eli entered the night needing with a five-point lead, and that's hardly a slam dunk given the numbers in the VUFSA. But Moss (13) was up to the challenge and allowed Eli to overcome a decent night from Welty's Stephen Gostkowski (10).

WTF?: Steve Slaton (0.5) is supposed to be one of the top young runniong backs in the game, but that was not a very charming debut, with just 9 carries and 17 yards on the ground, plus a fumble.

Unbearable: Jay Cutler (4.75) had a hilarious debut and cost Welty dearly, and former Bear Bernard Berrian (0) was somehow worse. Really, Welty had some bad luck, as nobody could expect five points or worse from Eddie Royal (1), TJ Hoorayforboobies (5), Vincent Shankyourho (2.5) or Willie Parker (1.5).

The difference: Peyton Manning. Welty didn't have a single performance better than the 13 points from Marion Barber, and neither did Eli -- except for Manning. Through all the mediocrity, Manning was good enough to tip the scales.

Ed's Personal Hell

MonkeyAssassinations 87.50,

Devil's Avacado 77.5
If not for Phillip Rivers on Monday (14) and an unreal IDP performance from Osi Umenyiora (16.75), Ed would not have had any double-digit efforts. Just a spectacular failure across the board.

Thunder: Ed needed Rivers to find success in places other than Vincent Jackson, and that didn't happen -- Rivers (14) and Tomlinson (8.5) were not enough to overcome Viano's lead and output from Jackson (10). Ed's total of 65 heading into Monday night had to look depressing.

WTF?: Tim Hightower suddenly became a pass-catching machine in Arizona, finishing wtih a team-high 13.5 points.

Is the really Ed's team?: Stalwarts Andre Johnson (3), LDT (8.5), Steven Jackson (6), Ronnie Brown (5.5) and Loveyouranus Coles (0.5) all had bad weeks at the same time, and while Viano had some hiccups of his own (Braylon Edwards and Greg Olsen combining for 1 point), he at least had a handful of players with decent efforts.

The difference: Hightower, easily. He appears to have gained a key role in the Cardinals offense, especially when they are down. Then again, maybe that's not a wagon Viano (who also has Kurt Warner) really wants to be hitched upon.

Preseason Power Poll

Seven ballots returned, and I compiled all the comments. Here's your lazy-man's preview. I didn't really edit or proofread, so whatever. I couldn't be less inspired to write an intro to this. Anyway, here's what I

1. Devil's Avocado (Avg Rank: 1.3; 5 first place votes)

For shit's sake, I need to stop collecting the polls....Stephen Jackson should put up consistent numbers as the Rams focus more on the run... this season comes down to his running backs, especially LDT. Tomlinson has been a god in fantasy football, but he’s starting to show his age... Knowshon Moreno might pan out despite the immediate trade offer during the draft......I first thought that Knowshon Moreno would struggle with Kyle Orton under center, but it didn't seem to hurt Matt Forte last year...Andre Johnson and Roddy White are both potential top-5 wide receivers...I can't say I'm sold on any of the WRs from the draft.

2. Jake Utler (2.2, 1 first place vote)

I like Eli’s team a lot. He has maybe the best receiving corps in the league, top to bottom, and he’s got great talent at running back...Best QB situation in the league...Peyton Manning and Randy Moss probably would make any team a top 3 pick...Derrick Ward is going to be a critical piece to this team and his ability to generate holes without the Giants offensive line...Percy Harvin was another of my favorite picks this draft...he got the best player in the draft when Colston stunningly fell to him...Felix Jones was a great addition, since I'm not sure Joseph Addai will live up to his keeper status.

3. Champeons (3.2)

Outside of TO, I wouldn’t want any of his receivers...Pretty good group of RBs when Larry Johnson is your fourth best and on the bench...I think LJ was a very frivelous 1st rounder, and the WR depth shows why...Champ's keepers are ridiculous. But beyond that, there are some holes. Devin Hester seems like a really shaky WR2 and Chris Chambers looks like an even shakier WR3...He did smartly make sure to get LeSean McCoy, who's possibly the most important handcuff in football and protects against any Westbrook dings...I'm sure everyone else talked about the weak WRs, but we're kidding ourselves if you don't think Champ's QB/RBs will win him the eight games he'll need to get into the playoffs again and make everyone shit their pants.

4. Stafford Infection (4.0, 1 first place vote)

This was really close between Stem and Eli, but Adrian Peterson is the #1 player in fantasy football...I really like his starting line-up. But there's no depth at all and will need a perfectly healthy run out of these starters to keep up top in the standings...dislike Chris Wells (taken where he was taken)...Glen Coffee was a saavy pickup, since there isn't a ton of RB depth with Thomas Jones being what we think he is and Beanie Wells being glass.

5. Stanton for Heisman! (5.14)

Romo will miss TO, methinks. When Wes Welker is your #1 WR, you are in trouble...Midget Jones-Drew is one bright spot on this team, though. Now that he is the clear #1 back in Jacksonville, he could put up even bigger numbers....I really liked the Ted Ginn Jr. pick. Did a nice job of balancing his roster with established veterans and up and comers in all positions...DeSean Jackson is also a blossoming stud (no homo) and could give a great return on investment for that pick...We could very well look back and say that keeping Kevin Smith over the Saints quagmire is what made him an elite team this year.

6. Penguins from Hell (5.6)

If Brady is 100%, then JR could finish higher than I am projecting...I know Bears fans may not want to hear it, but Benson actually ran pretty hard for Cincinnati last year and he will get a majority of carries this year...Where did Pierre Thomas come from? Am I incredibly skeptical on this guy or is he a scouting report I just missed?...JR wet his pants after getting Pierre Thomas, and probably rightfully so. Thomas was the only RB1-type of player available in the draft, and I'm sure JR didn't think he'd fall to him...The key to JR's season will probably be how good Tom Brady is -- if he can't return well from his injury and struggles, his season is probably sunk. But if he returns to elite form, JR will compete for the title.

7. Doc Brown's Delorean (5.8)

Drew should have capitalized the ‘L’ in DeLorean. Just saying...Reggie Bush is becoming nothing more than a glorified 3^rd down back...Best TE situation in the league...Tony Gonzalez should work out nicely for the Falcons and Matt Ryan...Drew's team is almost impossible to project. Reggie Bush, Brandon Marshall, Roy Williams, Donovan McNabb and Ray Rice all have the potential to explode for huge years. They also all have the potential to be mediocre-to-crummy...Sleeper team that doesn't jump out in the rankings...The Eli Manning/Donovan McNabb duo has got to be the most talented tandem of QBs that you absolutely cannot trust.

8. Jared Allen Forever (6.2)

Starts 3 #2 WRs and needs some more premier help here....A questionable QB with a rookie QB backup...Starting RBs are fine but doesn't have any promising backups come bye weeks or injury. Does have Jared Allen, though...his WR core is good and Carson Palmer could have a nice bounce-back year. Turner and Gore are a great 1-2 combo at running back. Has some nice depth at the skill spots with Lendale, Donald Brown, Derrick Mason and Kevin Walter. Oh my God, I kind of like Baron's team...I like the Donald Brown pick in round 2 because it gives him a nice upside RB on a high scoring team...Great snag on Derrick Mason, leading to an all-around very solid team.

9. Monkey Assassinations (7.1)

Warner will put up numbers. He’s like 73 years old, though, and he could break a hip...Two stud RBs and a lot of questionable RBs. 1 stud WR and a lot of questionable WRs. Depending on how some of this talent develops, this could be a streaky team...I didn't understand the Kurt Warner pick at all, with that much other talent available in the first round...He's very thin at running back, with only two reliable guys (and neither Jacobs or Grant catch passes, which devalues them in this league)...I think the Greg Olsen pick was inspired...Shonn Greene looks like an amazing value w/ Leon Washington a little banged up.

10. GWAR!! (8.4)

Cutler has no one to throw to. Eddie Royal has no one to throw him the ball....That Denver-Chicago trade really hurt Adam's keepers...Chris Johnson and Marion Barber should be rock solid...If you are going to start two TEs, they probably shouldn't be Visanthe Shinacoe and Dustin Keller....Has some running back by committee issues with Chris Johnson and potentially Willie Palker...taking rookie WRs like Heyward-Bey and (especially) Juaquin Iglesias seemed like a shot in the dark...Royal and Houshmandzadeh are PPR monsters, good strategy...Extremely good high-upside backups on the bench in Norwood and Bradshaw.

Ten Tidbits -- Keys to Success

Honestly, I meant to put a picture of Rick Moranis up here, but none were suitable.

Yahoo has a feature called "keys to success" which lists the players that most frequently appear on 1st place teams in public leagues. I don't check regularly, but whenever I do, I rarely see Albert Pujols, A-Rod or Johan Santana. The spots are reserved for guys found at rare positions or at extreme values later in the draft. Also, anyone who just explodes beyond all expectations. Common examples from last year would have had to include Dustin Pedroia, Geovany Soto and Cliff Lee. Those three players could have been picked in the 14th, 15th, 16th round of our draft last year, and that kind of production added to your keepers/first couple rounders should equal a VUFSA Champion.

I'm going to take a look at our rosters and identify the one player on each team I believe will be the key for that franchise this season. If you win the VUFSA this year, it will be because of one of the following:

Joey Votto, Toothpick and Do-Rag. I admire Baron for showing restraint on the young Red first baseman. It would have been easy to target the talented Canadian early, but he waited until round 11 to nab a guy with 30 HR potential if he starts hitting more fly balls. As long as Dusty Baker can avoid convincing the Reds to sign Gary Sheffield to play first base, expect a lot from Votto.

Justin Upton, Big Z's Mustache. Eli professes to have drafted him too early, but that may not matter if the other Upton brother produces near the potential that made him the #1 pick in his draft. He doesn't have near the speed of BJ, but has more power and improving plate discipline.

Francisco Liriano, P. Bako Experience. Not many keepers on this list, but if Stem is to hoist the trophy at the end of the season, I would imagine that Liriano would have to absolutely dominate bitches all year. He showed flashes of his previous flashes of greatness last year, but was an overall disappointment in '08. If he churns out 200+ Ks with ratios below 3.20 and 1.15, Stem's in business.

Johnny Cueto, The Human Fund. I was tempted to go with Alexei Ramirez here, but he's already got a 20 HR season behind him plus is going to be expected to produce in the bandbox that is the Joan. Cueto, on the other hand, started out great last year and had a great stretch in August before mostly sucking in September. Subpar overall numbers and the threat of overuse forced a pretty talented guy into the 10th round.

Yovani Gallardo, Wangs on First. Dave's starting pitching is definitely his weak spot, so if he has success, someone on the pitching staff has to step up. This Brewers ace had to put his breakout season on hold due to an ACL tear, but returned late in the season and looked good in limited action. The Brewer offense is still pretty good, so Gallardo and his high skill level should produce ace-esque numbers for Tomke.

Joba Chamberlain, Mark Grace. This is the reverse of the profile above, a late round value or breakout candidate. Joba was taken in the 3rd round (wtf, me?) and as a result will have to produce at a high level as the Yankees #5 starter to make sure Schillinger didn't waste a pick on a hype guy. If he translates his RP success to the rotation, it could mean big things.

Hunter Pence, American Idols. A keeper last season, Pence started slow and never made an impact in the VUFSA. He's got major pop in his bat, and decent speed. His OBA was abysmal last year, mostly due to a BABIP correction. Outside of that, he can be a four-category contributor, and has the potential to push some key offensive categories Drew's way in what will be a vicious cockfight to the top.

John Danks, Lumberjerks. The preview mentioned that Champ has quite a few fragile pitchers on the roster, so a young and to this point healthy budding ace will be key for Mr. Whitlock. John Danks went in round nine despite a 12-win season wtih 3.32/1.23 ratios. A bump in wins and a few more Ks would make Danks a near-elite hurler and do wonders for Champ.

Justin Verlander, Flaccid Weiners. The pitching on this staff is weak. No one denies this. A near Cy in 2007 was followed by an ineffective 2008. Verlander didn't miss any time last year, but we have to speculate that there could have been a hidden injury holding him back. He's got potential for 15 wins and 180Ks with a 3.60/1.25. Actually, check that- it's not potential, he's performed at that level since he came up, excluding last season.

Matt Wieters, Tomke's Asian Momma. He represents an ultimate gamble, a minor-leaguer gone within the first 130 players spoken for. That said, when he gets to the majors, if he can hit like everyone in the world says he will, JR has a huge advantage- basically Joe Mauer with actual power.

The 2009 VUFSA Preseason Poll and Preview

1.) Mark Grace:

The champion of the VUFSA starts at the top of our season preview, pretty much a de facto preseason pick to win it all after dominating the last two season. But perhaps our commish is getting a few too many votes based on past success than current merits?

One owner: "I feel like it's only fair to rank Ed first, given his rampant success in the last two seasons. There are other teams that have as much talent, but Ed gets the nod because of his past success."

Another owner: "Edwin has had the best team in the VUFSA for two straight years, and I think he has it again this season."

Yet another owner: "Edwin can kiss my ass."

Nonetheless, this team indeeds bleeds talent with big names like Johan Santana, Mark Teixiera, Ryan Braun, and David Wright.

Santana alone ensures a decent pitching finish, but Haren is also a steady presence.

Ryan Doumit just fell into Edwin's hands, Teixiera is bound to have a big year in a big line up, David Wright may be the best all around player in fantasy, and Corey Hart, a 20-20 players is the worst outfielder. Not too shabby.

There are a few weaknesses along the mighty locomotives Ed has assembled the last two years.

He does have some uncertainty at the middle infield positions, but most people are in the same boat, given the lack of quality there.

Uncertainty at 2B, with a rotation of unproven talent at UTIL and only one real closer. A lot of ordinary starters after Johan.

The middle of the infield is not quite Edwin-caliber. Troy Tulowitzki and Rickie Weeks combined had 21 homers, 20 steals, and a sub .340 OBP.

Overall, we are being picky, and Mark Grace boasts a talented roster with a savvy owner. He'll probably have the league locked up by mid-May. I would suggest next year if he is going to top the rankings to pick something more visually pleasing than Mark Grace to, well, grace the VUFSA page for the next two months.

2.) American Idols

The trendy team comprised of males and females looking to make a splash in the music industry have survived the dreaded elimination and are touring into the VUFSA. Enough of the cheesy intro, onto the comments.

I think Hunter Pence is the guy who can swing the season one way or another for Drew, w/ 90/25/100 potential in the counting cats. For some reason, I have reservations about each of the two kept pitchers, but would take them over anyone I have in an instant. The big.worry on the pitching staff is regression from Cliff Lee and Ryan Dempster, which is absolutely going to happen. That said, they were drafted at a good enough value.

Adrian Gonzalez hit 36 homers in a pitchers park, Ian Kinsler has no weaknesses, Hanley Ramierez has to regress because his numbers were off the charts, and A-Rod has been solid for so long that a mere month off is nothing. The outfield isn't quite as good but if Milton Bradley and Vernon Wells get 500 at bats, they could have big years. I still think Jack Cust a 33 HR, .375 OBP guy in a line up with Matt Holliday was his best value pick. No one wanted to draft Cliff Lee, but with everyone thinking last year was a fluke, he became a good pick when the next 10 pitchers beneath him were off the board. Dempster and Lilly are solid, and a bounce back year from Smoltz makes this a real nice group.

Drew's team is ridiculously top-heavy in talent, though A-Rod's injury puts a little bit of a damper on things for a few months. The two studs at the top of the rotation, plus the arguable No. 1 player in fantasy baseball, will make the team competitive at the very worst. At its best, it could take easily take the title. Cliff Lee's 2008 season wasn't as flukey as some people think and I also liked the late-round gamble on Milton Bradley. My one quibble is that the roster lacks the breakout potential of some other teams -- most of the players are more established, so we probably know what we're getting (this could be good or bad), and there are a few dudes set for a regression. Even still, this is a good club.

3.) Big Z's Moustache

Will Eli's run of football disaster spread into baseball or will this talented team take the baseball crown? The experts weigh in.

Best avatar hands down. So long as Pujols' shoulder doesn't snap this season, I see big numbers from this line-up. I think Edwin Encarnacion is one of those sleeper picks where another year's maturity coupled with a hitters' ballpark might bump up those solid 26 homers to the 35, superstar range. I'm still pissed that I missed out on Bobby Abreu who after getting lost in the New York circus will have just as many offense opportunities in California (dude was 100 runs, 100 RBIs, 20 homers, and 20 stolen bases last year!). Sibling rivalry! Uptons in the outfield! Might be a starter short at the moment, but with a base of Webb and Halladay at the top of the rotation and young guns Billingsley and Nolasco taking key roles, I think this team will contend.

Eli's got breathtaking offensive potential with the two best RBI guys in baseball. Toss in 100 steals from two players and that's possibly the best balance on offense in the league. Pitching is good enough to win league.

Also, Elijah Dukes.

4.) Tomke's Asian Mama

The author of The Trampoline Bear looks to bounce into the money standings with a line up boasting of two Cleveland Indians on the bench. Tut tut, that's no way to win Radcliffe.

I'll give him an edge in Speed and Saves. All four OFs should steal 20 bases minimum, plus Jimmy Rollins. Needs more depth at the bottom of the rotation, with Kershaw being 21 and Jeremy Guthrie being below average. Roy Oswalt a nice pick.

We should probably start with the elephant in the room and talk about the catcher situation. I like to read fantasy baseball previews more for the fact that it's finally time to start talking about baseball than any enlightening revelations that come of it. But, this year the majority of conversation revolved around Matt Wieters who everyone thinks will be great, who everyone also expects will have a severely reduced number of at-bats due to starting the year in the minors. I can't say I'm such a fan of Wieters who hasn't proven anything and can't contribute to a major league level, but I do see the case to be made for drafting him. The only other catcher on JR's roster is a backup, so the sooner Wieters can make it to Baltimore's roster the better. I'm also not a huge fan of Chipper Jones who can now be described as brittle. What I do like are value picks Carlos Pena, Travis Hafner, and Alex Gordon. None were taken exceptionally high and all could have big upside. This team is at least one if not two good starters away from being really really damn good, but the overabundance of potential on the offensive side could be traded to compensate for what would be defencies in wins and K's.

I feel like JR had the strongest draft of anyone. Love Chipper; love him getting Oswalt where he did; LOVED the Black Chris Young pick in round 48. The offense is balanced across all categories and if Matt Wieters gets 400 at-bats anywhere nears his projections, it's going to have a huge effect. I think the starting pitching is a little thin with only four truly reliable starters, but it's still top-heavy enough to compete in those areas. He also got good value by waiting on closers, which let him shore up some depth in other areas.

5.) Toothpick and Do-Rag

I wish I knew what this team's name referred to, but my culturally uncool self have no idea. Therefore, I have no cutesy introduction for Baron. The comments.

I know, right? Baron at 5? But looking up and down his roster, I was actually impressed. There aren't too many glaring holes (though he's lacking a bit in power categories), and he also has some good upside-type players (Scherzer, Bruce, Greinke, Votto) that came at a great value. I also love Javy Vazquez this year. I do not, however, like Edison Volquez. Dusty's going to destroy him. Also, if just a few things go wrong for him here, Baron will end the year with 3 total saves.

Baron has his beloved Reds littering the roster. Either Jay Bruce or Joey Votto or Edinson Volquez would be a fun prospect project, but I worry that leaning on all three of them to be a #2 OF, a Utility starter, and a #1 starter might be asking too much. The bullpen is incredibly weak, just one starter has over 100 RBIs, and not a single player had more than 30 homers. I actually kinda like the Derek Jeter/Yunel Escobar SS situation because as much as Jeter is ragged on, he still puts up solid numbers with Escobar being a wild card. Not sure I get carrying two catchers, especially after thinking of one so highly that one was kept, but hey whatever.

Despite some very nice RBI potential, lacks a true HR threat, and has some guys that are black holes at that spot. Love the Votto pick, and he could break out and play at a keeper level this year. Baron has to be punting saves, which isn't an awful idea, assuming that he will be active enough to work the wire. Greinke/Shields/Vazquez gives him a good staff, but no one good enough to carry him. I don't think Gavin Floyd will be roster-able by the end of this season.

6.) Bondomination

Tomke graced us all with his presence for the draft after lazily getting out of bed at 1:29pm CDT after a night of drunken debauchery and indecent stool samples. A proud moment for everyone.

I'm ranking Tomke pretty highly but this is taking into consideration that the does set a line-up at some point and that the Kenji Johjima joke ends sooner rather than later. Kaz Matsui is rather uninspiring, too, now that I think about it. Enough of the negatives, the outfield has a nice mix of speed (Granderson, Crawford) and power (Hamilton, Quentin). The bullpen is really strong (K-Rod, Soria, Valverde) with two top flight closers. Perhaps most telling of this team will be how starting rotation recovers from an injury filled 2008 (Gallardo, Johnson, Bedard, Duchscherer).

Hahahahahahaha, Jeremy Bonderman! That's still so, so funny, even after all these years. You know what else is funny? Sleeping until 2:30 when you're an adult and telling elaborate stories about pooping to nine other people. The offense has some good players, the pitching pretty much blows outside of Gallardo and I hope this team fails.

A TON has to go right for Dave to even compete across the board in pitching, but he will absolutely rape us all in Saves, and his ratios will benefit from the outstanding bullpen he assembled. This is the best OF in the VUFSA, plus David Ortiz, which means he'll be in contention enough to make one trade too many, something along the lines of Josh Hamilton and Joakim Soria for Miguel Tejada, Bobby Jenks and a 10th rounder.

7. (Tie) Lumberjacks

So very much hate for Tomke, and yet lots of love for Champ. Who doesn't love Champ? Well, several preseason pundits who have him under Tomke in the standings. Ha. Under.

I like Champ's pitching rotation, provided they stay healthy of course, which of course is a big of course. Did that make sense? Harden, Burnett, and Beckett stand to win a lot of games and strike out a lot of guys, but will we really see all three of them pitching in September when Champ would be looking to make a push for money position? I also really like Champ's outfied which is a nice mix of superstar (Soriano/Manny), solid role players (Ibanez and Burrell), and young potential (Kemp). Not crazy about Tejada/Cantu in the infield.

Champ has some big-time offensive firepower with Manny, Fielder, Kemp and Soriano, plus positional scarcity guys like Soto and Pedroia. Love the offense. He also has a potential 60-steal guy sitting on his bench that he can slot in to help bolster that category. Buuuut, I don't like the pitching as much. Beckett will be good, but Harden is obviously an injury risk and Dice-K will probably disappoint. Not much to like across the pitching categories and that'll likely weigh the entire team down.

I don't think anyone realized at the time, but Champ's first 8 picks were all pitchers. Not just that, but no one would blink if you labeled Beckett, Harden, Burnett and BJ Ryan as "injury risks." That's a high price to pay for uncertainty. Couple that with the fact that the most reliable guy in that run is Dice-K, and I think Champ's pitching is dooooomed.

7. (Tie) The Bako Experience

In the mini-poll conducted, no team received so many wild predictions as one, Mr. Andrew Stem. Some rated him as highly as 5, others as low as 10. Great disagreement!

The good:

The All-White Outfield should produce 110 HRs and almost 400 RBI. The power potential is there- and though Chris Davis was a reach, he's got uber-potential. I don't know where the steals are going to come from, however, and that could cost him about 5 points. The pitching has loads of health concerns but is oozing with talent. Brian Fuentes was the best value at closer in the draft, easily.

The bad:

Stem brings an interesting team to the table that could possibly contend if a few chips fall the right way. For starters, Chris Davis has to come out as a superstar right away. Placed at 1B which is the fantasy equivalent of a mandatory 30hr, 120RBIs to compete, it could happen or it could be a tough second year for a player getting his first full season in. Ramirez, Phillips, and Peralta round out a solid infield. The outfield is a slight step down from the infield, but the numbers are there with guys like Dunn providing power, Werth speed, and Hawpe OBP. I also like the Dejesus and Soo Choo bench as both players could see some playing time with Stem. The gaping hole comes in steals as no one had more than 24 last year, and only two players had above 20. For all the posteason heroics, David Price threw only 14 innings last season, but it's hard not to like him. There's just something historically wrong about having a SP1 and an SP2 be Tampa Bay pitchers. Liriano will need to look more like Johan and Huston Street will need to actually be the closer in order for the pitching numbers to stay up to par. Overall though, I am amused at this squad.

The ugly:

Will finish last in stolen bases. Chris Davis and Jayson Werth were probably taken too early. Worst of all, there's a chance that none of his top four starters will throw 150 innings this season. Stem is the nicest guy in the world, but his fantasy baseball team is not going to be very good.

9.) The Human Fund (tie)

Adam Welty in his second year in taking over a decimated franchise graces the bottom of the poll much like his predecessor. Hey, nowhere to go but up, right? And at least he paid his dues on time, which I deemed to be the tie-breaker moving him ahead in this preview article than another team for which he tied with for the last spot.

As I watched Adam's draft unfold, I was thinking that the team would end up looking really, really ugly, but the results weren't quite as ugly as I anticipated. He'll get reasonable-to-good production from all of his infield spots and he has a handful of useful outfielders. I also like his three top starters quite a bit. Unfortunately, he kind of forgot about drafting closers, and that'll hurt. Overall, the team has some solid talent, but it lacks the depth that other teams have.

[I'd pick him] last if Cole Hamels' elbow is at all serious. He's got a history with arm trouble, which could poison the club for years considering his cost. Is rebuilding again this year, and to his credit loaded up w/ keeper-level potential in the draft. Morneau, Ludwick and Zambrano are already proven players (maybe not so much Ludwick) and Johnny Cueto, Alexei Ramirez and Stephen Drew all have big-time talent.

From top to bottom this team has unassuming, middle of the road performers. Justin Morneau was that really good 1B who was good at his position but not good enough to keep. Stephen Drew was that prospect SS who should come into his own, but still has an OBP where his batting average should be. Carlos Lee is that fantasy stud from season's passed who only has 436 at bats last year. Nick Swisher and Carlos Gomez are great role players pressed into a critical starting position that have to perform. Matt Cain, Jon Lester, and Francisco Cordero are again nice players to round out a roster, but we're talking about SP #2, SP #3, and RP #1. In all, I don't dislike this roster, but it's grossly lacking of superstar caliber talent.

9.) Flaccid Weiners (tie)

Viano being MIA, perhaps due his addiction to cell phone urination, had the honor and privledge of having Baron pick for him via the almighty Yahoo Rankings. Well, look where that got him in the preseason poll. Eh.

Viano pretty much got screwed by having to have his draft done by Yahoo rankings. This pitching is awful, and he only has 1.5 closers. Could be a rough year.

The offense is very good- with Figgins, Victorino and Rios stealing bases and a nice power boost from Jermaine Dye. I think Jason Bay has a huge year. I think the pitching, though weak, is good enough. He'll compete in saves, and do well in Ks. It's up to Felix Hernandez to step it up on this roster and be a real ace for once.

Handicapped by a mysterious disappearence that smelled of apathy on draft day, Viano has the unfortunate circumstance of the position players always ranking higher than pitchers when his pick came round. That in turn led to a lopsided roster with 3 1B eligible, 3B eligible, and 2 C catcher eligible players and a starting rotation whose best win performance from last season was Mike Pelfrey (13). Furthermore, the bullpen has starting positions reserved for two underwhelming closers in Brian Wilson and Chris Perez who I can see both not having the position at season's end. As for the line-up, Viano needs Joe Mauer to be healthy to keep Victor Martinez in the Util spot as I'm not sure that two Seattle Mariners (Beltre, Lopez) with .OBPs sub-.330 are going to provide enough of anything in a starting rotaiton.

Football Record Book

The VUFSA turned 70,000 points this final week of the 2008 season, so here's an old favorite, your official VUFSA record book. Not a ton of changes this year, with scoring down four points/game per team from last season.

High Score (Single Game)

1. 187.25 Eli Gieryna- Week 6, 2006
2. 179.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2006
3. 176.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 10, 2006
4. 176.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 11, 2006
5. 174.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2006
6. 174.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 6, 2007
7. 172.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 8, 2006
7. 172.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 9, 2004
9. 171.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2005
10. 166.75 Drew Wolf- Week 14, 2007

Low Score (Single Game)

1. 42.00 Dave Tomke- Week 5, 2005
2. 47.50 Dave Tomke- Week 9, 2005
3. 49.25 Andrew Hansen- Week 5, 2007
4. 52.00 Andrew Hansen- Week 8, 2007
4. 52.00 Andy Viano- Week 9, 2007
5. 52.25 Dave Tomke- Week 1, 2006
6. 52.50 Andrew Hansen- Week 10, 2005
7. 53.50 Dave Tomke- Week 13, 2008
8. 56.00 Brent Whitlock- Week 13, 2005
9. 57.75 Andrew Stem- Week 9, 2006
9. 57.75 Dave Tomke- Week 1, 2005

High Score (Season)

1. 2032.00 Ed Schillinger- 2006
2. 1850.25 Ed Schillinger- 2005
3. 1752.75 Eli Gieryna- 2004
4. 1695.25 Dave Tomke- 2007
5. 1675.50 Brent Whitlock- 2007
6. 1651.75 Drew Wolf- 2007
7. 1648.25 Andy Viano- 2004
8. 1630.75 Andrew Stem- 2007
9. 1630.50 Drew Wolf- 2004
10. 1625.25 Ed Schillinger- 2004

Most Points in a Loss

1. 160.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 6, 2006 (vs. Eli Gieryna)
2. 141.75 Eli Gieryna- Week 10, 2004 (vs. Drew Wolf)
2. 141.75 Brent Whitlock- Week 9, 2004 (vs. Eli Gieryna)
3. 141.00 Dave Tomke- Week 13, 2007 (vs. Drew Wolf)
4. 135.75 Andy Viano- Week 9, 2006 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
5. 134.00 Drew Wolf- Week 6, 2007 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
6. 132.00 Eli Gieryna- Week 11, 2004 (vs. Ed Schillinger)
6. 132.00 Baron Brendel- Week 12, 2006 (vs. Brent Whitlock)
7. 131.75 Andrew Stem- Week 12, 2007 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
8. 130.25 Ed Schillinger- Week 13, 2005 (vs. JR Radcliffe)
9. 128.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 2, 2007 (vs. Andrew Stem)

Largest Margin of Victory

1. 117.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 9, 2005
2. 95.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 10, 2006
3. 92.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 8, 2006
4. 88.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 5, 2005
5. 76.00 Brent Whitlock- Week 12, 2008
6. 75.50 Andrew Stem- Week 4, 2005
7. 74.00 Ed Schillinger- Week 13, 2008
8. 73.50 Ed Schillinger- Week 12, 2006
9. 73.25 Brent Whitlock- Week 1, 2005
10. 72.75 Ed Schillinger- Week 14, 2005
10. 72.25 Dave Tomke- Week 6, 2008

Smallest Margin of Victory

1. 0.50 Radcliffe def. Gieryna- Week 14, 2004
1. 0.50 Radcliffe def. Schillinger- Week 1, 2007
1. 0.50 Gieryna def. Radcliffe- Week 5, 2007
1. 0.50 Viano def. Radcliffe- Week 6, 2007
2. 0.75 Whitlock def. Viano- Week 1, 2006
2. 0.75 Stem def. Souzek- Week 2, 2006
2. 0.75 Schillinger def. Souzek- Week 3, 2006
6. 1.00 Whitlock def. Viano- Week 10, 2004
7. 1.25 Wolf def. Brendel- Week 8, 2006
7. 1.25 Viano def. Wolf- Week 11, 2006
7. 1.25 Wolf def. Tomke- Week 13, 2007
9. 1.50 Wolf def. Brendel- Week 3, 2007
10. 1.75 Whitlock def. Stem- Week 7, 2004
10. 1.75 Stem def. Tomke- Week 3, 2006

Consecutive Wins

1. 10 Ed Schillinger- Week 1- Week 10, 2008
2. 8 Ed Schillinger- Week 7- Week 14, 2006
2. 8 Andy Viano- Week 2-9, 2004
2. 8 Andrew Stem- Week 1- Week 8, 2007
3. 7 Andrew Stem- Week 1-7, 2005
3. 7 JR Radcliffe- Week 8-14, 2005
3. 7 Brent Whitlock- Week 7- Week 13, 2007
4. 6 Ed Schillinger- Week 1-6, 2005
5. 5 Drew Wolf- Week 10-14, 2004
5. 5 Ed Schillinger- Week 1-Week 5, 2006
5. 5 Andy Viano- Week 4- Week 9, 2006
5. 5 JR Radcliffe- Week 6- Week 11, 2006
5. 5 Drew Wolf- Week 1- Week 5, 2007
5. 5 Brent Whitlock- Week 1- Week 5, 2008
5. 5 Eli Gieryna- Week 8- Week 12, 2008

Consecutive Losses

1. 9 Lincoln Souzek- Week 6- Week 14, 2006
2. 8 Andrew Stem- Week 2-9, 2004
3. 7 Dave Tomke- Week 3-9, 2005
3. 7 Lincoln Souzek- Week 5-11, 2005
4. 6 Lincoln Souzek- Week 9-14, 2004
4. 6 Dave Tomke- Week 1-Week 6, 2006
4. 6 Baron Brendel- Week 3- Week 8
5. 5 JR Radcliffe- Week 3-7, 2005
5. 5 Andrew Stem- Week 6- Week 11, 2006
5. 5 Ed Schillinger- Week 8- Week 12, 2007
5. 5 Andy Viano- Week 1- Week 5, 2008
5. 5 JR Radcliffe- Week 6- Week 10, 2008
5. 5 Adam Welty- Week 10- Week 14, 2008

Games over 100 Points (VUFSA All-Time average is 105.08 pts/gm)

1. Ed Schillinger- 55
2. Eli Gieryna- 44
3. Brent Whitlock- 44
4. Drew Wolf- 43
5. Andy Viano- 42
6. Andrew Stem- 39
7. JR Radcliffe- 35
8. Dave Tomke- 31
9. Adam Welty- 24
10. Baron Brendel- 19

Franchise Win-Loss

1. Ed Schillinger 50-20
2. Drew Wolf 41-29
3. Andrew Stem 39-31
4. Brent Whitlock 38-32
5. Andy Viano 37-33
6. JR Radcliffe 35-35
7. Eli Gieryna 32-38
8. Dave Tomke 23-33
9. Baron Brendel 21-35
10. Adam Welty 18-52

I'm tired of looking at that stupid Tony Romo post by Tomke, so here's a picture of Kristen Bell bending over.

The Evolution of Tony Romo

"It says in the Bible or something that a dude will come to lead them, and now that they sort of have their shit together, they have Tony Romo to lead them. It's biblical."
-JR Radcliffe, Oct. 23, 2006

"I have a feeling that Dave is pulling our leg with the Tony Romo start."
-Edwin Schillinger, Oct. 26, 2006

"Tony Romo is going to be kept over Eli Manning. NO ONE saw that coming a month ago."
-Drew Wolf, Nov. 27, 2006

"Obviously, it's another nice VUFSA joke-turned-famous, but he's really not anything better than a middle-range quarterback."
-The Gun, Dec. 14, 2006

"We all laughed at Tomke when he oozed over Tony Romo, a useless backup quarterback and threatened to start him when he had much better options. In the end, Romo has become the better option in virtually all cases."
-JR Radcliffe, Sept. 25, 2007

"That whole Tony Romo lovefest is getting old."
-JR Radcliffe, Oct. 9, 2007

Power Index 10.15

Nice Hat, Dave

1. Stanton for Heisman (4-2, PI: 80)

A staggering index this far into the season for David. Should, for all intents and purposes be 6-0, with a low score of 105 so far. Only two losses have been against only two opponents who have hit triple digits.

2. Unending Hyperbole (3-3, PI: 70)

Last week's performance was a tremendous deviation from the excellent path that Baron had been on. He can't really afford to have slip ups like that, with opponents averaging 114.75 points in games against him. Plays the four lowest scoring teams in the league the next four games.

3. Tom Waddle (6-0, PI: 69)

Has been on a nice roll the last four weeks- averaging 120 points per game. Is the last remaining undefeated partly because of that roll, but more credit goes to an opponent's per game average of 85.33 points, the weakest total in the VUFSA.

4. ChamPeons (5-1, PI: 63)

Mostly steady all year long, has brought in reinforcements to finish up a tough stretch and solidify status as a playoff favorite. Move looked great after Joseph Addai was to miss a couple weeks, but not as good when Willie Parker re-injured himself. Still, with Dominic Rhodes emerging off of the waiver wire, may have time to wait out Waiver Wire Willie.

5. G-Rock's Horse Roids (5-1, 59)

Keeping everything in perspective- this was an enormous win for Stem. Sits two games up on a playoff spot after handing Champ his first loss. Like Waddle, has benefited from light resistance- opponents average 89.25 points against him, 2nd lowest total in the league.

6. The Best Loser (2-4, PI: 46)

Record aside, Welty has had a great first six games of his VUFSA football career. This week was the first time he got to play an opponent who racked up less than 100 points. Unfortunately- seems like a longshot that he'll make a playoff appearance despite the strong showing(s). Sits two games back of 4th, but has tremendous tiebreaker hurdles to overcome, having to climb over both Baron and Dave, teams 1 and 2 in points.

7. Not Good (1-5, PI: 33)

It's only week six, and Eli's collected two 3rd rounders, the two best QBs of this decade, a preseason top-5 back and a preseason top-3 WR. His team's performance on the "field" may be subpar, but his performance in the marketplace is unparalelled.

8. CatastrophicOilSpill (1-5, PI: 30)

The first win did not come easily, as Viano almost got Thundered for the second straight week. I like the Brandon Jacobs addition, as he looks like an absolute beast this year. As long as the Giants use him right, and continue their ascent to the NFL's elite offenses, Jacobs may yet live up to his one-time VUFSA folk-hero status.

9. The 2002 Bengals (2-4, PI: 26)

The two game winning streak comes to a screeching halt with the low-score of the week. Still has not posted a point total in the top five of any individual week, the only team in the league with that distinction.

10. Phil Dawson's Dawgs (1-5, PI: 24)

Braylon Edwards is back, and Ryan Grant is slowly coming around. Still, this is a tremendous hole, and is averaging 29 points less per game than last season's career high.

Week 6 Recap

Pardon the Interruption boys and girls, I'm Tony Kornheiser and here's your VUFSA Week 6 Recap. Can you believe it Jaws?

G-Rock's Horse Roids: 108.50
ChamPeons: 84.25

This was without question the game of the week. I mean, you have Champ- who hasn't lost since LAST YEAR, falling short in a game where every single one of his players got hurt. On the other side, you have Aaron Rodgers, who is replacing Brett Farve and Tom Brady SIMULTANEOUSLY, playing the best football of anyone in the entire universe right now. This game was worth staying up until 8:30p for, even though I'm exhausted today.

ROCK: Adrian Peterson, who was suppsed to be the best player in Fantasy Football this year, rushed for 111 yards but only had FIVE POINTS! Jaws, have you ever seen someone rush for more than 100 yards- against the Lions- and only score five points? I guess that that doesn't matter when you have Thomas Jones- who I thought retired until Brett Farve got traded to the Jets- had about 75 points this week to carry Andrew Stem's team. Larry Fitzgerald, who plays on a recent expansion team is a very good football player and all- but CAN YOU BELIEVE HOW MUCH HAIR HE HAS?

MVP So Far: Adrian Peterson, who set a record in a game last year for yards!

CHM: With all that has happened in New Orleans over the years, it's good to see Drew Brees lifting the city's spirit and playing amazing football right now. If the season ended today, he very well would get considered for MVP. Matt Forte, A ROOKIE, has been incredible for the defending VUFSA Bowl Champs. Here's what I don't understand- basic concepts of football. What I also don't understand, is subtlety. One more thing I don't quite get is how Joseph Addai- who plays for the HIGH FLYING Colts- scores ZERO points while his team wins by a gillion. TO has a quiet game- which is about the only quiet thing he's done in about 30 years! (fake laughter from all)

MVP So Far: Drew Brees, who was great last year and is still good right now.

Tom Waddle: 128.75
Unending Hyperbole: 78.50

This was supposed be a great. game. I don't know what happened to Hyperbole. This is a team averaging 119.35 points per game, and then this happens! This just goes to show you- when it comes to the National Football League, none of us know anything. I've said this 5 million times- NO ONE IN THE MEDIA CAN PREDICT THE FUTURE OF THE SPORTS WE COVER!

WAD: Jaws- can you believe that Kurt Warner is still starting? He's like 60 years old! He's great- and you know I love him, but he is averaging, and I looked this up, 7 turnovers per game! I will say this though, that doesn't matter, because 15.50 points is still a solid point total. Did you see Bernard Berrian running down the field yesterday? Only the Lions could allow 14.50 points to a wide receiver- ON THE VIKINGS! (zing!) I will say this- I get paid an obscene amount of money to broadcast the most viewed television program on cable, and I can't tell you who Roddy White is or what team he plays for. And he scored 15.50 points....against the BEARS, who I believe are a very good defense.

MVP So Far: Ronnie Brown. The Wildcat offense is sweeping the NFL. It is a COPY. CAT LEAGUE.

HYP: Lemme ask you something- doesn't Michael Turner lead the National Football League in rushing yards? Didn't he have like, 400 yards in the first game of the season? Doesn't he have about 24 touchdowns so far? He used to be a BACKUP to LaDanian Tomlinson. What is he doing scoring just five points? He was playing the Bears, who I believe are a below average defense. Frank Gore, who plays under Mike Martz who loves to pass the ball, had a YUUUGE day with 18.00 points. Laverneus Coles had seven points, and he's become the favorite target of Brett Farve. I actually remember talking to Brett back in 1993, when he was first contemplating retirement and he told me, he LOVES PLAYING THE GAME! Have you ever seen someone play the game....with as much flair as Farve? I mean, he's like a little kid out there. I know he throws a zillion interceptions, but that. is what. you get. with Brett. Farve. He could probably play the game until he is 50! I don't know about you, but when I was 50, I couldn't stay up past 4pm, let alone PLAY IN THE NFL! (har har har)

MVP So Far: Brett Farve.

Stanton for Heisman!: 153.25
Not Good: 81.00

You can't predict what is going to happen week to week, and here's why. Eli scored a bazillion points last week, and this week, just 81! Meanwhile, we see Tomke just crushing everybody. He reminds me of the Steelers of the 1970s with the way his is just IMPOSING HIS WILL on his opponents. Jaws- you know what it's like to play in the NFL- how hard is it to play when the other team is scoring SO MANY POINTS?

SFH: [break from mediocre character peice] Dave has an excellent team, but he already knows that. He doesn't need me to talk about it. So, for those of you who weren't fortunate enough to see the wonder that is the Lion offense, here's what you missed:

"JAWS, I've seen quarterbacks run out of bounds before, but not in the END ZONE! Have ever SEEN anything like that?"

Notice: Jared Allen all over that shit. /break

MVP So Far: Tony Romo! He's dating a blonde bombshell. He's the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. He's been to two pro bowls. And he was UNDRAFTED! He wasn't even kept last season! He's also got one month off.

[Tomke] CHAD PENNINGTON MOTHERFUCKERS! I DIDN'T EVEN DROP THE LIONS THIRD STRING QB TO PICK HIM UP /Tomke

NG: Can you believe how "NOT GOOD" this team has been? (fake laughter) I mean, just about everything that can go wrong has. Roy Williams has fallen off the planet. DeAngelo Williams had 78 points last week on the bench and then scores three when he starts. He trades Maurice Jones-Drew to Dave, and HE EXPLODES in a game against him. Jaws, do you think players pay closer attention to games they play against their former teams? It always seems like they play better in those games. Except for Randy Moss and Steve Slaton. You have to start wondering if The Gun is just cursed. I mean HE HAS SUCH BAD LUCK. I have never, EVER seen anything like this.

MVP So Far: PEYTON. MANNING. People want to talk about his little brother, who plays for the Super Bowl Champion New Yawk Giants, but people forget that Peyton won the Super Bowl the year before! I mean, have there EVER. been brothers who won consecutive Super Bowl MVPs before? Jaws?

CatastrophicOilSpill: 105.50
Phil Dawson's Dawgs: 103.25

COS: We all remember when Kyle Orton came into the league. He was a guy who was kind of confused, who had pictures of him floating all over the internet and a guy who was asked to manage the game which we all know is code for "don't screw it up." (har har har) Now you look at the guy- with that goofy beard all over his neck, and he's ONE OF THE BEST QBs IN THE LEAGUE! I mean, did you ever see that happening? Patrick Crayton, Steve Breaston and Lance Moore all had great games this week. When I first saw those three names, I didn't even know they were football players! I thought they were singers in one of those "boy bands" that my daughter keeps going on about. Matter of fact, I think Lance Moore was one of the cuts on IDOL last year, but that's only because Simon CRUSHED HIM after a subpar rendition of "Hey Jude" which is not in fact a song about that British guy that my wife wants to have sex with.

MVP So Far: Greg Jennings whoever that is.

PDD: Philip Rivers TORE his ACL last year and threw THREE touchdowns this week! Jaws-- you played quarterback in the National Football League- did you EVER throw three touchdowns *in ONE GAME* ten months after tearing the most important ligament in your leg? Now, I play fantasy football but I don't claim to be an expert. But isn't the purpose of the game to score POSITIVE points? Someone needs to tell Drew that, because he had a guy who scored NEGATIVE POINTS! I know Fred Taylor is about 50 years old, but I can't see how that happens. Braylon Edwards and the Browns have been such a disappointment- so many of us in the media thought they could go to the SUPER bowl. They were bad for a while and we forgot about them. THEN, Braylon and the Browns had a nice game this week, so it just goes to show you that when it comes to the National Football League- none of us know anything.

MVP So Far: Philip Rivers has thrown 14 touchdown passes and he has to be the MVP. If you pressed me on this, I pick him because he's simply had the most value of all the players on this club.

New Berlin Quizno's: 107.75
2002 Bengals: 72.50

I actually don't care much for Quizno's, and I'm not even sure their IS an "Old Berlin"- and I know about old!- so I don't really know how this team name makes sense. On the other side, JR's team played really, really bad.

NBQ: Marion Barber, who just runs OVER people, had a huge game on Sunday and I don't know if you heard this, but his teammate Tony Romo is out for a MONTH with a broken pinkie. Jaws- I don't know about you, but I think that a pinkie injury has to be the most emasculating thing that can happen to a quarterback in the National Football League. I mean, you've got all these big strong guys around you, and you sit here as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys who is out with an injury to his smallest finger. Correll Buckhalter, who I believe just played in his first game ever in the NFL, had 22.50 points! He is keeping the Eagles competitive in the only thing that can actually get my dick hard, the NFC East. And Joe Gibbs is back in NASCAR!

MVP So Far: Brett Farve. Can you believe he almost REE-TIE-URD before this year? And now here he is FLOURISHING outside of Green Bay. It's unbelievable. Simply cannot be believed.

BEN: Now I know bad. I've actually had to listen to myself call Monday Night Football. But this week was bad. Somebody named Chanci Stuckey started for this team this week, and as far as I'm concerned, he was a syphilitic hobo last week! The real story here though is the maturation of Eli Manning, who some people are starting to wonder about: is he better than his brother Peyton Manning? They've both got their Super Bowl rings now, and to be honest with you, I couldn't pick one right now. Jaws- do you think you could pick a Manning? Outside of Cooper the retarded one, of course.

MVP So Far: I really don't know, because I was supposed to be in bed about three hours ago! (guffaw) I'll just say Eli Manning, but I'll say it with a combination of awe and confusion.

Power Rankings 10.01

Go Cubs

1. Unending Hyperbole (2-2, Power Index: 83)

Baron holds onto the top spot in large part to the fact that his point total still tops all others. Deserved a win this week, and should absolutely be undefeated.

2. Stanton For Heisman! (3-1, PI: 80)

Dave has been really, really good thus far, and has a massive matchup against Champ this week.

3. ChamPeons (4-0, PI: 69)

Champ's next three opponents are a combined 11-1.

4. G-Rock Horse Roids (4-0, PI: 61)

High score of the week, and stays unbeaten after first true challenge this week. Welty was the first of Stem's opponent to crack 80 points.

5. Tom Waddle (4-0, PI: 58)

Conquered foes are a combined 2-10.

6. Winslow's Warriors (1-3, PI: 52)

It's been a very rude welcome for the rookie, with teams averaging 117.63 points against, highest mark in the league.

7. 1996 Jets (1-3, PI: 28)

With a win over Viano next week, the path is clear for the 2002 Bengals. Like those Bengals, could probably acquire Carson Palmer for free. Not that he should, but he could.

8. Smelly Turd (0-4, PI: 25)

Next three matches are against the the other teams under the 400 point mark.

9. Phil Dawson's Dawgs (1-3, PI: 22)

Is 1-0 while scoring over 100 points. Is also 1-0 when opponents held under 70 points. I'm bored now.

10. Hurricane Zambrano (0-4, PI: 19)

Has lost eight straight games dating back to last season.