WEEK 5 RECAPS - PART 2 — Protector Of The League

skErtz skErtz w Mahomiez: 3-2

Players: Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, TY Hilton, Zach Ertz

Points: Dylan has a total of 287.5 points from his top 4 guys, which equates to 72 points per week, or about 18 points per player per week.

Starts: We have 16 starts out of a possible 20 on Dylan’s team. Fournette has been the biggest bust of the 1st round (3 missed games) and TY Hilton missed last week with an injury.

Analysis: In terms of starts Mahomez is middle of the pack – this somewhat reflects his 4th place ranking. In terms of points, however, he’s much lower. The 287 points ranks 7th best with handcuffs and 6th best without handcuffs. Overall I’d say neither of these data points (starts made or points scored) really tells the story. The story is that his QBs have been unbelievable – Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes each average 28+ points per week. This is a fail, the theory is 4 for 7 right now.

The GOAT and His Kids: 3-2

Players: LeVeon Bell, Mike Evans, AJ Green and Tom Brady.

Points: Without handcuffs (James Conner), Kev has a total of 271.5 points from his top 4 guys, which equates to 68 points per week, or about 17 points per player per week. That’s bottom 4 in the league. However, when you add in the savvy James Conner handcuff, the total points goes up to 395.4 – 99 per week or about 25 per player per week. This brings him all the way up to 1st in the league.

Starts: If you sub out Bell for James Conner, Kev has 19 starts out of 20, which is best in the league. The only start he’s missed is Mike Evans’ bye.

Analysis: When you include the James Conner effect (RB4), Kev is #1 in starts and #1 in points scored by the top 4 picks. He ranks top 3 in the league, so I’d say there’s some correlation here. The theory is 5 for 8 right now.

The West Canaan Coyotes: 3-2

Players: Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Travis Kelce, Stefon Diggs

Points: The total points scored by my top 4 is 374 points, which equates to 93 per week or 23 per player per week. That ranks 2nd best in the league behind Kev.

Starts: Out of a possible 20 starts, my players have made 19. The only missed start so far was Christian McCaffrey’s bye, which my team lost – go figure. Regardless the 19 is tied for first with Kev.

Analysis: The theory is spot-on no matter which way you look at it. I’m 2nd place in the standings, am 2nd in points scored from top 4 rounds and am tied for the most starts made by top 4 players. My team is absolutely performing over its head, but for now the theory holds. 6 for 9 right now, nice.

Thanos anal snap: 4-1

Players: Melvin Gordon, Kareem Hunt, Amari Cooper, Larry Fitzgerald.

Points: Tieg has a total of 307.6 points from his top 4 guys, which equates to 77 points per week, or about 19 points per player per week. This is 5th best without handcuffs (Conners/Breida) and 6th best with handcuffs.

Starts: Things get a little odd here: out of 20 possible starts, Tieg’s top 4 picks have only made 14. This is bottom 2 in the league.

Analysis: Tieg is middle of the pack in points for the starting 4, but end of the pack when it comes to starts made. So why is he in first place? Couple of reasons. First – while Gordon (RB3) and Hunt (RB7) have been beasts Amari Cooper is a sorry ass receiver (WR38) and Larry Fitz has been hurt/saddled with bad QBs (WR79). Second – Carlos Hyde has been a huge steal for Tieg out of the 7th round (RB9). Lastly – Tieg has very few points against. He’s #9 in points against and one of only two teams to have less than 600 points scored against them (Lamone). His opponents average 117, while the league average is about 127. Regardless of the facts, the theory is wrong here. 6 for 10.

SUMMARY:

Do your first four picks determine your fantasy success? Sort of. The theory was about half right – by my count it was 6/10. More often than not, if you don’t nail your first four picks, your team won’t perform well. That being said, there are way too many variables at play to have any catch-all rules/assumptions. Namely: points against, scheduling luck, injuries and handcuffs. Ultimately while I think it’s important to have success with your first four picks, you need to have a complete team and some good luck. It takes a village, shall we say.

WEEK 5 INTERVIEW, ROBBY D:

This week we go back to the league members for our interview. Rob D took time out of his busy schedule to give us some answers, so let’s check it out.

1. Hey Rob D, how’s it going? How are the wife and kids?

Things are good - recently resigned from the start up and getting back into a normal job... sucks but had to be done. Industry is fuego but the team didn't have it and investing in Jens biz so need to get a big boy job. Speaking of... Jen is great - expanding the gym to full gymnastics and other kids activities - going to be a mad house. She's also pregnant with another baby (FML) - not public yet but the boys always get the inside scoop. Jameson is crushing the superhero game and Bradley wakes up every 3 hours - no bueno.

Commissioner’s Note: OHHHHH DADDDYYYY (literally). Huge news for Bob D so congratulations. League members: don’t tell anyone because girls are sensitive about that stuff and we don’t want to get Bob in any trouble.

2. We all know this season hasn’t gone great for you, but there’s still some time to make a run. How do you feel about your team moving forward?

Hate my team. Top draft picks have been a total let down. Can't produce and definitely don’t have any luck on my side (i.e. lost by 0.1 pts to Team Taige). Trying to work a blockbuster trade in with Ken but he is useless.

Commissioner’s Note: This was a pretty tame response to the worst loss of the season. I would have written a 100 page dissertation on greek tragedies, Tieg’s good fortune in this league and how to solve world hunger if that happened to me.

3. Who do you think are the best teams in the league this year? Any title front-runners from your perspective?

Tieg is leading the pack but was 0.1pts away from being tied with five other teams. Yanny is posting big league numbers and Kev has the depth. Pending injuries, I think the Commish takes it down this year.

Commissioner’s Note: Good one

4. Enough about our league. Do you have any other fantasy football leagues? If so how are they going?

Two other fantasy football leagues. Grey Ghost Class (Highschool Crew) sitting pretty in 3rd with a solid squad putting up second most points. First year in a Tedesco league sitting in first place (had the 1st pick with Gurley) and also have the Rodgers - Devonta Adams connection. Super different - it’s a 12 person league with 1QB, 2RB, 2WR, 1TE, 1RB/WR Flex and 1RB/WR/TE Flex - Waiver wire is nonexistent. Big stakes so would be good to take this down.

5. In general, what do you think about the NFL this year? Do you like what you see, like it for fantasy? etc

NFL is solid - never worried about the Pats. Refs need to chill on penalties.

6. Let’s take a break from football for a second. How’s the fall looking for you? Any weddings?

D's wedding this month - will be good to see everyone and get hammered. Going to Disney in December

7. With all the league weddings – Commish, Ken, Tieg, Lamone next year, etc – who do you think will be the first to join you in the Father’s club?

I got my money on Commish or Ken next up. Would certainly like some company - free babysitting at BTA if anyone takes the leap.

8. Any final words for the league?

Don't say it enough but great write ups each week by the commish. I like the league parity if only I was part of it. Congrats to Mr. Genatossio for tying the knot - not many 40 year olds get it done so really proud of you!