Here we go, we are at the halfway mark! Let's look at some midseason awards....
MVP: Travis Kelce, Hoosier Daddy
I know, I know - an MVP should never go to a TE... but hear me out. At this point, the 2nd closest TE is Mark Andrews and he is averaging 4.5 points less a week. After that? TJ Hockenson, Taysom Hill, and Zach Ertz - all averaging 12.something points while Kelce is averaging 21 points. Even more crazy? Kelce has yet to score less than 10 points in any given week and actually has only scored less than 15 points once. His 21 points per week would make him the 5th best wide receiver - he has really put some separation between him and everybody else at the TE position.
Steal of the Draft: Breece Hall, Ankle Holster
Will Breece Hall win this award at the end of the season? Nope, no chance. However, since the award is for the first half of the season and Breece Hall was drafted 55th overall and the 23rd running back and yet he is a top-ten running back and was top 5 entering this week - he is a lock for the first award. Much like Kelce, Hall never scored less than 10 points in a week and his level of consistency made him easily the steal of the draft and had he not gotten hurt, he could have been in the conversation for Fantasy MVP at the end of the season.
Waiver Wire Pick-Up: ?????, ??????
In past years there was usually a player that really began to compete with the elite at their position. This year? Nobody really comes to mind, that may because we are drafting better or it may be because I have not clue who was picked up on the waiver. Either way, nobody has really separated themselves from the pack of Waiver Wire Wieners.
Trade of the Year: J. Herbert/Aaron Jones for Dak Prescott/Christian McCaffrey
There were a few candidates for this award - but the aftermath of this trade is what really makes it award worthy. Ankle Holster traded Christian McCaffrey and Dak (who was injured) and received Justin Herbert and Aaron Jones. He also had his 2nd round pick Cam Akers be blacklisted from his team and may as well be injured. Ankle then traded Terry McLaurin (his 3rd round pick) for Mooney and Ertz. Then Breece Hall (4th round pick) was injured and is now out for the rest of the season. Which now means that Ankle Holster now is getting nothing from his 1st-4th round picks. Comical? You know it.
Team to Beat: Gruden Email Editor/Watson's Happy Ending
GEE not only is tied atop the league for the best record, but they also are the current holders of the belt. This award really comes down to Kenneth Walker and if he can be the running back that takes over the Seattle backfield. If he can sustain his production then this team is stroooong, if he can not - this is Watson's Happy Ending's league to lose. With the Foreman pickup, there is no real weakness in the lineup.
Matchup of the Week
Ayahuasca Dreamer (4-3) v Side Set TDs (5-2)
Don't look now but Side Set TDs has quietly climbed the ranks is now tied for the top spot in the league. On top of that, they have the last 3 weeks and they are quietly the 2nd hottest team in the league. They have a lineup of terrific pass catchers and they are always going to contend for the belt if Stevenson and Elliott can have decent weeks. On the flip side, Dreamer is quietly THE hottest team in the league. Surprised? Me too. However, Dreamer has won 4 straight and they have worked themselves into the MotW... deservedly. The only issue is Aaron Rodgers has looked awful and now Pierce has a backup QB throwing him the ball. You can't have flaws when you are in the MotW... both these teams have the top current win streaks - but one has to end this week.
Prediction: Side Set TDs
Mystery Guest: Ayahuasca Dreamer
The Cochness Monster (2-5) v PEN15 Wrinkle (2-5)
This matchup features two teams that desperately need a win in the match-up. Also, these two teams made a trade last week involving a few key players. Wrinkle added D. Smith and Allgeier and TCM added R. Mostert. TCM then went and sent Mostert (and Mariota) for J. Herbert and C. Olave. Herbert is on bye - which doesn't help this week - but Olave is in line to have a big week. It also helps TCM that Wrinkle will be missing Mahomes/Hardman from their starting lineup. Those players combined to score 54.92 points last week and that will be a big hole to replace. I am biased, but I don't see that hole getting filled - Wrinkle has trouble filling holes.... I know personally.
Prediction: The Cochness Monsters
Mystery Guest: PEN15 Wrinkle
The J-Bones (4-3) v Watson's Happy Ending* (5-2)
This definitely a top tier matchup - between two contenders in the league. Happy Ending is currently the top team and they have a strong starting lineup. However, a lot rides on the shoulders of Jackson/Andrews - and they both play on TNF. Historically, TNF has hit the under 5 out of 7 times and that does not speak well for this team. Everybody else on their starting lineup had comfy matchups, on the flip side - JBones is missing a key piece from their starting lineup... Ekeler. Ekeler is the number one running back and is a hole that is not going to get filled. Look for Happy Ending to stay atop of the league and get the win this week.
Prediction: Watson's Happy Ending
Mystery Guest: Watson's Happy Ending
Aaron Rodgers Blows Llams (2-5) v Bluffton Backup Backups (4-3)
I am going to keep this simple and sweet. I have no clue how BBB won as many matchups as they have. I also don't trust Ehlinger to operate the horrid Indy offense - which means this is a must win for ARBL. Llams for the win...
Prediction: Aaron Rodgers Blows Llams
Mystery Guest: Aaron Rodgers Blows Llams
OBJs in the Stands** (4-3) v Hoosier Daddy* (4-3)
This matchup features the most belts in the league. Also, both teams welcome back their top tier quarterbacks from their bye-week, however Hoosier loses Kelce to their bye-week. Kelce is the mid-season MVP and is going to be a tough position to fill - I am not Dulcich is going to have quite the same impact. This matchup could feature the eventual belt winner - thanks to the "boom" ability of these players. In terms of this actual matchup, I think Kelce is going to be too hard to replace.
Prediction: OBJs in the Stands
Mystery Guest: Hoosier Daddy
ETN out your Grandma (3-4) v Ankle Holster (2-5)
Ankle Holster is the team is made up of trades and waiver wires. The only player that is on Ankle Holster's starting lineup that was actually drafted by him - Amon St. Brown. On the flip side, ETN start many of the players they drafted - does that make them better? Nah. Mostert/A. Jones make a tough tandem at RB, and actually make Ankle Holster a very interesting team for the second half of the season. In fact, after making the trade for Mostert.... Ankle Holster looks good in this matchup.
Prediction: Ankle Holster
Mystery Guest: Ankle Holster
Gruden Email Editor* (5-2) v Not Big Red (3-4)
Gruden Email Editor is in the argument for team to beat and a lot of it has to do with the lineup's pass catchers and the growth of Kenneth Walker. Email's trio of pass catcher Samuel/Waddle/Hopkins make them a top notch team and if Walker keeps up the performances - this team is set for the playoffs. NBR is trading one top notch WR/QB combo for another. Lamb should be more comfortable with Dak and Jeudy has to welcome back Wilson - who has looked terrible. Lesbeianest, there is no way that I am picking NBR when I just said that GEE is a contender for team to beat.
Prediction: Gruden Email Editor
Mystery Guest: Not Big Red
As always, I wish every good luck - except for you PEN15 Wrinkle, may your entire team burn in a fiery helicopter crash eerily similar to the one that took down Kobe!
With Love
Commish