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"Standing 6'4" and weighing in at 190 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal - AAAAADDDDAAAMMM AAAATTTTKKKKIIINNNNSSS"

Yes, I am back. And I will say that is back by popular demand. If you don't want to read it because it no longer will involve your fantasy team then don't - but if you are bored and you are looking for something outlandish to semi-entertain you for a little bit, this is the place for you.

Obviously, this blog will shift landscapes and will no longer feature fantasy football predictions - although we all know who was clearly the best at that one.

Now, this blog will be focusing solely on the rumblings that move around my mind. Possibly things that men argue about, or maybe some funny videos, or maybe some deep intellectual thoughts. For today - we will start with the classic: Jordan vs. Lebron.....

The game of basketball is a funny sport. If you are from a country that does not have a national team – you would be extremely confused. First, there is a good chance that your country is a big supporter of soccer, or football, if your country doesn’t have basketball. This means that the very fundamental rule of basketball is already going to confuse you – kicking is illegal and using your hands is essential to success. However, you would be very surprised to find that soccer (football) is not that different from basketball.

The main difference is the creation, or origin of each respected sport (and the whole hands and feet difference). Soccer was first recorded as a training exercise for Chinese soldiers in the Han Dynasty. The game was called Tsu-Chu and translates to “kicking the ball.” It was a possession based game that featured two teams trying to kick a small leather ball into a net. There are many other cultures that have some form of soccer played in their past; Australians played Marn Grook, Native Americans played Pahsaherman, and the Moari’s played Ki-o-rahi. Whichever culture you believe to be the beginning of the sport – there is always disagreements. In fact some scholars would even argue that soccer really started in Britain. Britian is traditionally thought to be the founding country of modern day soccer. There is rarely a concrete agreement on the origin of soccer.

The origin of basketball is simple and sweet – and never argued. Dr. James Naismith was asked to create a game that students could play indoors during the winter. In 1891 Naismith took a soccer ball and a peach basket and created the game of basketball. However, in this form of basketball there was no dribbling allowed. Naismith, being a physical education teacher, noticed that in most games injuries happen when a player with the ball runs around. Thus, in this form of basketball there was no running when you had possession of the ball.

On December 21, 1891 the first inaugural basketball was played. The game lasted 30 minutes, two 15 minutes halves – and the final score was 1-0. William R. Chase is credited with the first, and only basket, in the game. After a few years the local YMCA had really began to take to the game of basketball and soon the surrounding YMCA’s were playing as well. Eventually, the game became widespread with little adaptions made here and there. For example, instead of peach baskets – one local YMCA used iron circles with netting. In 1901, a tweak in the rules allowed the players to dribble the ball up the court. In 1904 boundary lines were created – originally the entire gymnasium was in bounds, except the walls. Slowly, but surely the game progressed from soccer balls and peach baskets to rims and orange basketballs.

Not only did the game of basketball progress – so did the scoring. In the first collegiate game, University of Iowa versus the University of Chicago, UofC defeated UofI by a score of 15-12. Soon, games consisted of scores in the high 50’s and 60’s. Yet, still nothing compared to the scores we see in today’s modern basketball game.

Soccer is just the opposite. Soccer scoring has not progressed in the least bit. In fact, it is extremely surprising to see many professional teams score more than a couple goals. Many scholars believe that soccer is defensive minded game – there are too many players on the pitch that solely focus on defense. Not to mention that in soccer, you have a goalie. This person is allowed to use their hands and their sole job is to protect the net/goal. This creates and very possession, or defensive, oriented game. In either sport – there are two teams that have one purpose in mind, to score more points than the opponent. In some cases, one team might win because they have better chemistry or they are more experienced. In some cases, one team might win because they have the best player. Which is always a tightly debated discussion.

It is not hard to decide who the greatest soccer player of all-time is: Pele. It is not hard to decide who the greatest baseball player of time is: Babe Ruth. In fact, in most sports there is little argument for the greatest ever. In hockey – there is Wayne Gretzky. In football – there is Tom Brady. In tennis – there is Roger Federer. In basketball – there is? Michael Jordan? Lebron James? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Magic Johnson? Wilt Chamberlain?

With such a complex game of different needs a team must fill in order to become successful – there is always an argument for who is the greatest basketball player of all-time. Let’s begin by narrowing down the argument, here are a few qualifications:
 
-     The player must have played in the NBA.
-     The player must have at least won the NBA championship.
-     The player must have a career longer than 10 years.
-     The player must be the best of his era.
-     The player must be the best at his respective position.

These are basic qualifications, but needed. This allows to focus on a group of men, instead of the entire world. There may be players in the world who have scored more points in a single game – but are clearly not good enough to compete in the NBA. The NBA is widely considered the greatest league for basketball. If you have not played against the best, then you cannot be considered one of the greatest.

Likewise, if you are the greatest player of all-time, you better have won. Sorry, Karl Malone and John Stockton – you are not in the argument. In fact, it should go to show that if you don’t win a championship – how could one even argue that they are the greatest person if they can’t even win a championship in their era.

There always need to be some restraints on the length someone has competed. As stated earlier, someone could score an obscene amount of points in one game – but the sample size is too small for it to actually matter. Jack Taylor scored 138 points on November 20, 2012. He played for Grinnell College – whose system involved no defense and quick shots. The theory was, the more shots they shoot the better chance they had to score points. Now, clearly Jack Taylor is not the greatest basketball player of all time – but he very well may have had the best game of all-time. All that being said, it is important to establish criteria for the duration of a career. I figure that the first three to four years in the NBA is time to reach the prime of one’s career. The next four to eight years is time in the prime, and anything beyond that is the downward spiral after their prime. Thus, a player must have a career longer than 10 years.

The last requirement sounds simple – and it should be simple. In order to be considered for the argument of the best to ever play the game of basketball, you need to be the best in your era of basketball. For example, Kevin Durant is an amazing player – MVP in 2014, NBA Finals MVP in 2017, 4x scoring champion, Rookie of the Year in 2008, and an 5x All-NBA first team member – however, he has never been the best player of his generation. Therefore, he does not belong in the argument of the greatest of all-time.

Many would argue that Kobe Bryant is the player is a player that was once in a lifetime for his generation. Kobe squeezed right in between Jordan and James and managed to dominate the league for at least six years. He is the reason why Tim Duncan is not on the list of the greatest ever – Bryant takes the top spot for that generation. However, with that being said – Bryant does not belong in the argument. Bryant is a hall of fame player, one that changed the game. Bryant won 5 NBA Championships, Finals MVP twice, MVP once, NBA Scoring Champion twice, and was an 11 All-NBA first team member. However, Bryant is often the most overlooked player when you are considering the greatest of all time. Mainly, because he came right after Michael Jordan (whom many consider to be the greatest) and he is right before Lebron James (freak athlete who is the most recent contender to the title). Call it unlucky due to the timing of his career. Call it karma due to his scandal with “extra-curricular” activities outside of his marriage. Call it, “Hey, you not the best shooting guard to play the game!” Call it whatever you like – Mamba Out!

With these criteria there are basically a handful of guys that you could possibly argue:
 
-     Wilt Chamberlain
-     Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
-     Magic Johnson
-     Michael Jordan
-     Lebron James

Hey, wait a second, Chamberlain and Jabbar both played center – you are breaking the last criteria. You, my newfound friend, are correct. Chamberlain has what could be argued as the greatest season ever – even better than Westbrook’s most recent escapade through the land of triple-doubles. In one season, Chamberlain averaged 50 points and 25 rebounds. In the first four seasons he was in the league, he led the league in scoring and rebounds. Essentially, anything Jabbar could do – Chamberlain did better. The only thing that Jabbar did better? Play longer. Jabbar has the most points ever scored in the NBA with 38,387 points scored. The main reason this was achieved? He played for 19 seasons. Jabbar did have four seasons where he averaged 30 or more points and right around 15 rebounds. Chamberlain had 8 seasons where he averaged 30 or more points and 12 seasons where he averaged more than 20 rebounds. Not only that, in the seasons that they played at the same time – Chamberlain averaged more rebounds and roughly 8 or so points less. However, Chamberlain was at the end of his career and Jabbar was just coming into the prime of his career.

Both men played in a time when being the biggest and tallest was extremely helpful. Chamberlain was 7’1” and weighed 250. Sure, he was enormous – but he was also extremely strong and had great stamina. In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain sat out 8 minutes…the entire season. He averaged over 46 minutes a game over the course of his career. He also had a known bench press of 500 pounds. Shaq – arguably the strongest player to play the game of basketball – was only ever able to bench 450. Wilt was an unstoppable force.

Jabbar, on the other hand, was more a skilled and finesse player. Jabbar was known for his offense skill set and shooter’s touch. He developed the unstoppable “Sky Hook,” that many have attempted to replicate. The most interesting part about the sky hook? There is very few 7’2” players that have developed the touch it takes to be efficient with that shot. Therefore, any type of replication is usually considered a “Baby Sky Hook.” Jabbar had an amazing shooter’s touch – never before seen in a 7’2” player before.

Many people would argue that Jabbar and Chamberlain would be able to play in today’s NBA, myself included, they still are probably not in the same realm as the other three gentlemen. Chamberlain was only ever to win two NBA Championships. Jabbar was able to win six NBA Championships, none with the Lakers and five of those came with the help of another all-time great.

Magic Johnson was drafted by the Lakers #1 overall in the 1979 draft. Johnson and Jabbar went on to lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals. In game 6, after Jabbar injured his ankle, Magic Johnson started at center - Johnson had started at point guard that season. During that game Johnson played center, guard, and forward and recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. Johnson is the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP – all while playing out of position.

Magic Johnson has been to the finals 9 times in his 12-year career – which was sadly cut short due HIV. In 75% of his career, his season ended with him having a chance to win the NBA Championship. Johnson also won the NBA Championship 5 times – nearly half the amount of seasons he played in the NBA. If there was ever a player that you want to run the point and you know would show-up and do whatever it takes to win, Magic Johnson belongs in that conversation.
However, Johnson did have a few knocks in his career. Johnson’s career was cut short due to his battle with HIV. The issue is not with him having HIV, however it is more closely related to the fact that he was only able to play for 12 seasons. When Johnson walked away from the game, he was still very clearly in his prime. He was selected for the 1992 Dream Team which was the first year he did not play in the NBA due to HIV. Still, very clearly – with the ability to win games and increase his statistics.

Also, and most notably, the biggest knock against Magic Johnson: his teammates were all hall of famers. Magic Johnson had played with Abdul-Jabbar, another player who belongs in the all-time great argument. Johnson also played with Michael Cooper and James Worthy. Michael Cooper was an 8-time all-defensive team member, as well the Defensive Player of the Year in 1986. James Worthy, another hall of fame player, was a 7-time all-star. So, Johnson was able to play with Abdul-Jabbar, Cooper, and Worthy – and yet somehow, he was still considered the best of the group. One could argue that many of these players would not have had the careers they did have, if not for Magic Johnson.

None the less, Magic Johnson did have many great players around – whether he made them great or not – and because of this many people do not consider him to be the greatest. Personally, he deserves to be in the argument – maybe the 2^nd greatest of all-time. The absurdity that follows is a part of every NBA fan’s argument, especially those that are 15 and under…..
 
The greatest ever: Lebron James or Michael Jordan
 
The argument between James and Jordan is ever prevalent in current NBA fan’s conversation. On one side, Michael Jordan, you have the widely thought of greatest of all-time. On the flip side, Lebron James, you have the current best in the game. The argument will always be: Michael Jordan or whomever is currently dominating the game. I am here to prove to you that this not really an argument that worth having, more rather an idealism that can be used to see who is a true fan of the NBA.

Michael Jordan changed the game of basketball. He is, and will continue to be, the player who made basketball a physical sport. Yes, you had “The Bad Boys” in Detroit and Larry Bird – who wanted to fight with anyone - in Boston. Not to mention, the Indiana Pacers and Ron Artest looking to actually fight anyone, even the fans. The argument here is not that Jordan was a bullying, in fact Jordan was probably bullied more than any other player. The argument is that Jordan made it “cool” to workout and push your body physically so you could overpower your opponent.

I understand the Chamberlain was physically dominating players and that there was no other Shaquille O’Neal in the league. These guys were the very definition of physical specimens – but did they have to work for it? Obviously not. They were just that much bigger than everyone else.
In the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, “Bad Boys” the Detroit Pistons talk about how they developed the “Jordan Rules.” Essentially, anytime Michael Jordan had the ball or was in the paint was being physically pushed or knocked down. It wasn’t until the next season when Jordan came back and was physically ready for the Pistons. At that moment, everyone around the NBA became aware to the fact that if you want to win in the NBA – you have to work for it. Jordan was the pioneer for preparing your body for the physical demand that rears its ugly head in the NBA regular season. Without Jordan leading the way, James may never be the physical specimen he is now.

There is also no denying the fact that off the basketball court Jordan was the pioneer. Jordan was not the first guy to sign a deal for sneaker endorsements, that honor belongs to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Adidas. However, he was the player that started the feeding frenzy. In 1985 the “Air Jordan I” was released to the public. The shoe’s prototype, Nike Air Ship, was soon outlawed by David Stern, due to not enough white being in the design. This was then used as a promotional tool to “obtain a certain edginess, one must wear the shoe that was banned.”

As Jordan’s career began to balloon with success, so did his shoes. Until now, there was never a player that was so dominate in the league with his own personal shoe line. Is it fair to say that Michael Jordan completely changed the endorsement world? Yes, of course. Does that really have any effect on his all-time greatness? Not much, but I would argue that it does help continue to keep him prevalent in today’s game and in today’s youth. Those that never had a chance to actually witness, sorry LBJ, Jordan play can at least understand that he was good enough to earn his own shoe line – a shoe line that has catapulted Michael Jordan in to the billionaire’s club.

If you really want to discuss facts and statistics, Jordan has that portion of the game covered as well. Michael Jordan was an 10 time NBA scoring champion in his 13 year career with the Chicago Bulls. Not to mention, that he never averaged less than 28 points a game in the seasons that he played more than 18 games (there were two seasons cut short due to injury and retirement). Even after he retired from the NBA for a second time, he came back and played at the age of 38 and 39 and averaged more than 20 points a game for each season – not even the NBA all-time leading scorer could average that at the same age. Clearly, Michael Jordan knew how to score the basketball.

However, offense is only one part of the game. Michael Jordan should be in the argument for the greatest defender of all-time. Jordan was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and was a nine-time member of the all-defensive team. He finished his career averaging 2.3 steals a game, which happens to be more than John Stockton – the all-time NBA leader in steals.

Many would argue that the shooting guard position is not traditionally thought of as a rebounding position. However, Jordan was able to average 6.2 rebounds a game. This may not sound like an astounding number, but do not let the fact that Dennis Rodman averaged 15 rebounds a game while in Chicago. In the NBA, at that time, a team would average 42 rebounds a game – which means after Rodman grabbed his wolf’s share of the boards, there were only 27 rebounds left to go around. Jordan was able to corral in 23% of those opportunities. That is an astounding number for a player who also scoring 30+ points and 6 assists a game.

Clearly, Michael Jordan has the stats to back-up the hype that is needed to become the greatest of all-time. Jordan’s prime, say his best six seasons, stack-up against anyone else’s prime – especially if you consider winning the championship an important aspect of the game. Before we go any further down this road, one must understand that winning the championship is the reason why professionals play the game of basketball. It is a team’s sole purpose in the NBA. Is it the only measurement for all-time greatest – but it is a big measurement.

Michael Jordan won the NBA Championship six times, all six times he was the NBA Finals MVP. Not only that, Jordan won the NBA Championship three times in a row and then retired to play baseball. After his two-year stint with baseball, he returned to the NBA and won three more championships. One could safely assume that had Jordan not left the NBA to try baseball, he could have very easily made it to the finals 8 consecutive seasons and possibly won 8 consecutive NBA Championships. Now, I do understand that anything could happen – injury, suspension, etc. However, the main point stands that during those eight years – Jordan played in six seasons and won six championships. Anyone in their right mind would not bet against Jordan had he played in the other two seasons.

Michael Jordan not only built his career around scoring and making it to the championship – he also dominated when the lights were the brightest. Jordan went to the finals six times and won the Finals MVP six times. The greatest players always shine brightest on the greatest stage. Now, don’t get me wrong – Lebron James – is a great player, but I personally am always going to pick the brightest light!

Of all the stats and achievements Michael Jordan has to his name – nothing holds a candle to Jordan’s mindset. Every players wants to win the game, otherwise why are they playing the game? I am not saying that all other players don’t care about the game of basketball, but there is something to be said about players who are willing to put everything on the line just win once game.

In 1997, the Chicago Bulls were playing the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals. The series was tied 2-2 and Jordan had just suffered food poisoning and a severe virus. Jordan willed his way to 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Phil Jackson, widely renowned as one of the greatest basketball coaches ever, said, “Just another heroic effort to add the collection of efforts that make up his legend.”

There are many others who would suggest that Jordan was not actually sick, but rather hung over. Some would say that if this were true, it would taint the effort and make it less amazing. However, you cannot disregard an effort of someone that “ill” because of the reasoning that they are ill. Whether he was hungover or sick or food poisoned – either way, his effort was amazing for someone who was playing in perfect conditions, let alone someone was suffering from some kind of illness.
Many basketball fans have heard of “The Dream Team” documentary that was originally broadcast on NBATV. The documentary is focused on the very first US Dream Team and the players that were on it. Essentially, it is focused on the best American basketball players at the time and how they beat every other country by an astounding 43.8 points (record in the Olympics for average margin of victory). Few would argue that this was the best group of basketball players ever assembled – especially in comparison to the competition.

There is one crucial scene in this documentary that showcases just how dominate Michael Jordan was. During the beginning of the documentary viewers are described a typical practice session from the eyes of players. Multiple players described the end of practice with a scrimmage. One team will be winning, and coach Chuck Daly will call timeout. He will then switch Michael Jordan to the losing team (which means the assumption is that he was on the winning team). In the second portion of the scrimmage Jordan would bring his team back and the game would be competitive.

Essentially, in a practice with the best players in the world – the only player that the coach feels is good enough to switch is Jordan. Coach Daly selects Jordan to switch to the losing team in order to make it fair again. Michael Jordan was clearly the guy on the Dream Team. Oh, and by the way, 10 of the 12 players to play for the 1992 Dream Team went on to be selected for the Hall of Fame.
Jordan has changed the game of basketball the way that no other player has: endorsements, scoring, defensively, will to win, rings, and the list could go on. No other player has the same combination of tangibles and intangibles that make up the basketball player that was Michael Jordan. Like it or not, there has only ever been one Space Jam – and the Looney Toons wanted Michael Jordan!

Mwah

Playoff Week 1 Wrap-up

Can you imagine if fantasy football was like a horse race?  One thing is for sure, the names are crazy enough...

"...And they are off and running, they make the turn at the first quarter mile with Sagging TD's leading the way - The J-Bones closing in, about a length behind. At the half mile, TPIAD is making a surge and here comes BringBack Harbs from the inside lane. Mizuno Blue and Hoosier Daddy are trailing, but only by half a length - this is going to be a tight race! My oh my, this is looking interesting - Juan Fatt Bidge is limping, something is wrong. Somebody is going to have to shoot that Fatt Bidge - shoot her right in the face!"

It would have to be the Belmont stakes - the longest race of the triple crown. Fantasy Football is clearly not a sprint, but much more of a long haul and then turn on the jets at the end. Nothing is better than just barely making it to the playoffs and then dominating in the first round.

Which brings me to what you came here for....

Hoosier Daddy 102.9
Mizuno Blue 88.2

Just barely making it into the playoffs - but very clearly one of the teams to beat, Hoosier Daddy advances into the second round. Interestingly enough, Kamara (Steal of the Draft) was knocked out of the game early on and was never able to return. Have no fear, Hopkins is here! Seriously though, Hoosier Daddy has so many different players that can score points - this has to be the team to beat in the playoffs.

On the flip side, the magic has died. Once the trade deadline passed what was Mizuno supposed to do? It was as if, he was lost - looking for a way to change his lineup but just couldn't piece together the winning combination without the ability to take other team's scraps and turn them into gold. It was a good run, and we are all proud of you buddy! You may have single handedly change the way fantasy football is played - probably not - but hey, at least we know someone who is willing to make trades for next year!

Result: Hoosier Daddy wins

Prediction: Hoosier Daddy wins

Waco Kids 135.3

Sagging TDs 98

Can I just say, it feels good to have our head football coach in the playoffs! It feels right! Not only that, he decided he would go ahead and dominate in the first round and hang around another week. 

Gurley did what he does best, score fantasy points. Landry had himself a game - thanks Jay Cut-eh-ler! It is just too bad, Kelce fell at the one yard line - otherwise, he would be in the 20s as well. Not that it mattered though....

Antonio Brown is not a human being. He is so good, it is ridiculous. However, he was the only player to actually show up this week for Sagging TDs. Sagging TDs was always a "boom or bust" team, this week happen to be a bust week and he have to just watch his team score 140 in the consolation bracket. I will say, bold move on Stephen Anderson  - I mean, everybody had their eye on this guy!

Result: Waco Kids wins

Prediction: Waco Kids win

On a side note, the top score this week came from two teams not in the playoffs. JFB (no surprise there) scored 141.6 and Dak's Lavatory scored 159.2. I am just hoping that JFB can be the top score by the end of the season - in fact we all know it is going to happen!

Mwah

Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game

That my friends is the only thing should come to any football fan when they hear the word "playoffs." Jim Mora has placed himself in history and etched his image into every fan's mind. In my opinion, the man is a genius! Here's to you, Jim Mora!

There is only two meaningful games happening this week....

Hoosier Daddy v Mizuno Blue

Waco Kids v Sagging TD's

With that being said, all the teams do have a matchup this week. Juan Fatt Bidge is personally taking any side bets for this week. I mean, they are the best team - have been ever since day 1!

Let's take a look at the meaningful games....

Hoosier Daddy v Mizuno Blue

This is a good matchup... "The Swindler" v "Mr. Unsocial" 

Every player that is starting for Mizuno Blue has played a game for a different team (except the current defense). Which goes to show that some how Mizuno has found the winning combination with players that somebody else did not want. Where there some unbelievably unfair trades? Of course. However, as stated in the bylaws, we are grown men trying to win and if they agree to the trade then both sides think they are getting the better deal. I am proud of Mizuno Blue for taking everyone's scrap players and beating us with them. Three cheers for "The Swindler!"

On the flip side, Hoosier Daddy has either drafted or picked up his players from free agency. Does this man know that there are other people in the fantasy league? Does he know that he is allowed to talk to and converse with other managers? You know what - I will stop there - he does come to the draft, he is at least better than some other unmentionable managers!

In terms of the match-up, we have one team who was trying get a bye week and one team who was just hoping to make it into the playoffs. Luckily, none of that actually matters now. Hoosier Daddy has the hottest player in fantasy football, Kamara and 2nd best receiver (Hopkins). If Hunt can return back to his early season form - Hoosier Daddy will be the man to beat in the playoffs. It doesn't matter if he just barely made it; or if he cruised to the playoffs - Hoosier Daddy is in the playoffs and now a force to be reckoned with!

Prediction: Hoosier Daddy wins

Waco Kids v Sagging TD's

Waco Kids almost had the dream scenario take place in the last week of the season to win the 2nd seed and a bye week - but TPIAD got the win and the bye. For his troubles - he now has to face a team that holds 3 of the top 7 scores in the league this season, Sagging TD's. Sagging TD's has the ability to put points and a lot of them, but they also have the ability to completely disappoint. In the 13 week regular season Sagging has failed to break 100 points 6 times, not including 2 that he broke 100 points by less than 3 points. 

This matchup is all about Antonio Brown. Brown has the ability to win an entire week by himself. He has multiple games with 29 or more points (4 games). He is playing a division rival and will not want to get "punched" on national television. This could get interesting!!

However, when looking at the supporting cast of Brown, there are some definite question marks. Outside of McCaffrey, who has started to play great, there are a lot of questions marks. With Waco Kids, the question marks come hand in hand with his receivers. As I have stated many times, will they be able to carry Waco throughout the playoffs? Maybe through this week.....

Prediction: Waco Kids wins

It was a glorious regular season, and I can not wait to see who gets to hold up the crown!

Mwah

P.S. If you are interested in a side bet with Juan Fatt Bidge, let's talk!

Regular Season Results

What a week, what a finish! It has been a fantastic regular season for fantasy football. Plenty of ups and downs, breakout seasons and injuries. Let's take a little trip down memory lane and dish out some end of the year awards....

Best team to not make the playoffs: Juan Fatt Bidge
Was there even a question as to who the best team not to make the playoffs was? JFB has the most weeks over 120, has the 2nd most points in the season, has the 2nd best running back (as well as the 7th), and a top 5 quarterback. No other team outside of the playoffs (or even in the playoffs) can make those statements. I don't know if it is karma or what, but 6 times the opponent playing JFB scored either their highest or second highest point total for their entire season.

You fill in the blank, bull _____

Steal of the Draft: Alvin Kamara (164th)
Only one other player really made a run at this - and it might not be who you thought it was. Carson Wentz was drafted 183rd overall. Yes, this is a lower draft selection - but based upon necessity and points disparity - this has to go to Kamara. Kamara is currently the 3rd ranked running back and he could possibly finish higher when the playoffs are done. So, who drafted this hidden gem?

As if it was ever a question: Hoosier Daddy


Most active manager: Mizuno Blue
This is not even close. Mizuno Blue made 12 trades throughout the season - almost an average of a trade a week. The next closest manager made 4 trades - there is a reason that Mizuno adopted the nickname "The Swindler." Mizuno also had over 116 different players that spent some time on the roster. The next closest? 62 different players - nearly double.

Waiver-wire pickup of the year: Josh McCown
Josh McCown finished the 7th best quarterback in the fantasy league. Honestly, I can't even believe it - the JETS quarterback! Just imagine how many more points he might have had is that "one tight end" would not have had so many touchdowns called back. Many would argue that Case Keenum could have been the pickup of the year - however, McCown outscored Keenum by nearly 30 points.

Proud owner who made the pickup? Originally Mizuno Blue, who dropped him and then Certified "G" picked him up

Prediction of the year: Week 11's Matchup between Sergio Dippsh*ts and TPIAD
Who would have thought that Sergio would actually pull off the upset? Obviously, itscha booooiii!!
I may have talked myself into - but nonetheless it happened. At the time, Sergio was 3-7 and TPIAD was 7-3 - the biggest difference that week. I picked Sergio to win and pull off the upset, which he did.

Man, it feels good to reminisce on all the things I predicted correctly!

Play of the year: If you don't know, you are a fool!!

Nuff said...

Fantasy Football MVP: Russell Wilson
Honestly, this was a tough call. Kamara definitely made a case for his name being thrown out there - but there are just too many factors that lean Wilson's way....

Wilson is the #1 ranked player in fantasy football and Kamara is not even the #1 running back.
Wilson plays for the #1 ranked team, Kamara plays for #5 ranked team.
Wilson has 8 games with 20 or more points, Kamara has 6 games with 20 or more points.

Now, don't get me wrong - this is a close race. Kamara is arguably the hottest fantasy player right now and he could make a strong run through the playoffs. However, we are judging the entirety of the season for the MVP - Wilson was just too good!

Owner of the MVP - BringBack Harbs!

Now to what you care about.....

Juan Fatt Bidge (4-9) 128.4
Sagging TD's (8-5) 95.8

Hey, at least for Sagging TD's your season continues! You lose, but you are still in. Unfortunately for Juan Fatt Bidge this is where he hops off the bus. Who cares that he has scored the 2nd most points in the league. Who cares that the past four weeks he has scored over 124 points! Who cares that JFB is the only team to have scored over 120 points in 7 weeks - the next closest? Two teams achieved that feat 5 times. All I know, if you are in the playoffs congratulations, good luck - and be happy you will not have to face JFB!!

Result: Juan Fatt Bidge wins

Prediction: Juan Fatt Bidge wins....RIGHT!!

Team Price is a Dick (8-5) 125.4
Mizuno Blue (8-5) 112.3

Both of these made the playoffs - one earned himself a bye! Congrats to TPIAD, you can take a week off and enjoy a "r and r" time! Maybe think about who you are going to replace Peterson with? Maybe ponder which of your 17 thousand wide receivers you are going to pick to use throughout the playoffs? 

On the flip side, Mizuno will now have to play this upcoming week! Mizuno will now have to face Hoosier Daddy in the first round of the playoffs - my suggestion? Get ASJ out of there!! Since the bye week ASJ has been almost non-existent, which also happens to be the time that the Jets have really turned it on offensively. But hey, what do I know? I only the one that will dominating the consolation bracket! 

Result: Team Price is a Dick wins

Prediction: Team Price is a Dick wins.... RIGHT!!!

Dakster's Lavatory (6-6-1) 91.7
BringBack Harbs (8-4-1) 91.7

This is amazing! Even with fractional points these two have found a way to tie - I really did not think about this when doing my predictions!

I really do feel bad for Dakster - he needed to win to have a chance at getting in the playoffs. How do you only score 8.1 points from your starting quarterback and 1st round pick combined?!? This was your matchup to win!!

On the flip side, what happened to Jones and Cooks and Ertz? This is the thing about fantasy football, one week you score 180 points and the next you barely break 90 points. Me, personally, I would prefer the nice average of 135 each week. This tie took the destiny for the number top seed out of the hands of BBH and placed it in the other two 8-4 teams. It is almost as if the fantasy gods have said, "This guy doesn't go to the draft party - let's really screw with his brain!!"

Result: Tie

Prediction: BringBack Harbs wins.... WRONG!!

Aaron Rodgers is GAY (4-9) 83.6
Sergio Dippsh*ts (5-8) 119.8

I believe I stated this earlier: This matchup didn't mean shit!!

Result: Sergio Dippsh*ts wins

Prediction: Sergio Dippsh*ts wins..... RIGHT!!

Waco Kids (7-6) 121.9
Certified "G" (5-8) 107.6

This is a huuuuuuge win for Waco Kids. Waco did his part with the win and got the help that was needed (a loss by The J-Bones). Waco now finds themselves in a matchup with Sagging TD's in the first round of the playoffs - should be fun! 

What is even more amazing is that Waco scored 121.9 points with -8 from their defense. Who would have thought the Chiefs score -8 points against the J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets!!

Overall, not a bad performance for Certified "G."  Even if they had won they were out, but breaking 100 points is a big deal for this team. They are just trying to avoid generational poverty and they only way to do that is to try and build for the future! To bad, this is fantasy football and you can't really do that (this is not a keeper league) - but hey at least you gotta take pride in something!

Result: Waco Kids wins

Prediction: Certified "G" wins.... WRONG!!!

Prible is my B*tch (6-7) 128.1
John Robles (7-6) 93.3

Hey lookey here - we have our first team OUT of the playoffs. If John Robles would have won he would have been in the playoffs and would have knocked out Waco Kids. Unfortunately, he gets knocked out by none other than the one team he picked to make fun of - irony at its best!

PIMB scored the second highest points and continues to prove me wrong with the outstanding play of Keenan Allen. I really can not imagine how good this team could have been if Elliott was not screwed over by the antichrist (too far?). Unfortunately, due to the outcome of this matchup - both these teams will be participating in a consolation game!

Results: PIMB wins

Prediction: John Robles wins.... WRONG!!

Matchup of the Week
The J-Bones (7-6) 86.9
Hoosier Daddy (7-6) 100.4

This was a crushing blow to The J-Bones. He had destiny in his hands and decided to throw up a bottom 3 score this week - not getting the job done!

On the flip side, Hoosier Daddy will find themselves in the playoffs and feeling good about not getting screwed over. If Hoosier Daddy would have lost this week - they would have been eliminated from the playoffs, but still be the team that scored the most points all season. Nonetheless, Kamara ruined all the fun and once again had another big performance. Kamara is making a case for himself as the MVP of Fantasy Football - the dude has scored over 24 points the past 5 weeks. Hoosier Daddy will be looking to ride him all playoff long, figuratively and literally!

Result: Hoosier Daddy wins

Prediction: J-Bones wins.... WRONG!!!

This Week: 3-4

Season: 48-43

Competitor Week: 3-4

Competitor Season: 43-48

My oh my, it feels good to win at something! I may get screwed over in the actual fantasy football - but we all know who is the best pick 'em player! 

Mwah