After hours of scratching my head, here are some thoughts to confuse you even more going into 2008...

Well, we have just about finished up our 3rd successful season for the FPT. Needless to say Big Dan brought home the championship trophy, beating DNice in a less than stellar Final.
All that being said we do have a number of issues that need attention and we will do our best to cover them all as best we can!

1. We are looking to expand our league to 12 teams...we believe we'll have Chad Garrafola from the Windy City and Charles Croom from Vero Beach, FL. Both should add a unique element to the league.

2. We have put a ton of thought into a way to integrate the new guys in fairly while keeping the competitive balance already established in the league. Here's what we're going to do....

First, all current owners may declare a total of 5 keepers – 2 offensive; 2 defensive; 1 additional offensive/defensive keeper. This will leave us with a pool of “unprotected players” from which our two new owners will have an opportunity to pick up possible keepers both offensively and defensively.

A new twist we’ve added is the additional keeper option…this 5th keeper affords current owners the opportunity to basically “franchise” an additional player and somewhat protect this player from being picked up. However, this 5th keeper provides an opportunity to potentially keep this player with the understanding it is going to cost you a 2nd round draft pick (with the exception of Randy Moss whose bump is a 1st) for a franchised offensive player and a 12th round pick for a franchised defensive player. If an owner decides to not keep an additional player then the player simply returns to the “draft pool” where he is untouchable until draft night.

For an offensive example…

UCB declares Parker, Marshall, and Colston. All other offensive players on the UCB roster go into the “unprotected pool.”

UCB decides to keep Parker, Marshall, and Colston at the cost of Parker’s bump (16), Colston’s bump (20) and Marshall would cost my 2nd round pick (but maintain his 15th round status for next year).
Or

UCB decides to keep Parker and Colston. Marshall would be dumped into the “draft pool” towards the end of August. Marshall would be untouchable until draft night.

All of the “unprotected players” are then back into a “keeper pool” from which EVERYONE has an opportunity to select from. In an effort to be fair to the new owners, they would be able to select their keepers prior to the rest of the league making selections. Once the new teams have made their selections, the rest of the league may select based on reversed draft order…12th pick in the regular draft would have the first pick in the “keeper draft.” The keeper draft picks can be traded!

Ultimately, this affords those who didn’t leave 2007 with great options an opportunity to redeem themselves by leaching off of “keeper rich” owners. This should also alleviate the need to give up draft picks in a trade…

3. As always, we learn from experience … we will again be making some simple adjustments to our defensive scoring system.

- We will be looking to move to a 1 point for all tackles (TK’s and ATK’s). (Some venues score TK/ATK very differently – this would help correct this)





- Tackle bonuses will be adjusted to reflect a fair number considering the change.



- We will be making sacks worth 4 pts. And interceptions worth 4 pts as well. (Many times a sack includes a tackle and an int includes a pass def – this will help balance the scoring impact in a more realistic way…plus, some venues don’t necessarily score these the same either)



- All other categories will remain the same.

4. Determining draft order – as usual, everyone will get one name in the hat. However, this year, the owner chooses his draft position as his name is pulled. Just another level of strategy…






What do you guys think?

Thanks Chicago!

Thanks to the Chicago Crew for the great time this past weekend. It was great to be introduced to Whirlyball and to hang out with everyone at the game. I know our manhood has been questioned a bit about leaving early that night but oh well. Cosmo's & Martini's just aren't up my alley so I am glad I went to bed.

I hope you Chicago boys can live up to Drury's "Maryland domination of the pain train is coming to an end this year" notion since his team isn't going to do jack.

Anyway, thanks again fellers!

Back to School?

I hear the first day of school for both Damascus Elementary & New Market Middle Schools has been delayed until next week. Three of those schools' finest (Juice, UCB, D&D) will be taking off for Chicago for a fantasy football draft.

You have to love the fact that after 3-4 days of work (after having two months off) they will be taking their first "vacation" days of the school year. I applaud your dedication to the league and pity those children who will be without your guidance.

You guys are the envy of the entire league and it is great to see where your real dedication lies! I am seriously considering a career change. I am especially interested in becoming an "Academic Mentor."

One can never be too prepared

According to AJC, Travis Henry has been ordered to pay $3,000 a month in child support and set up a $250,000 trust fund for one of his nine kids. Henry once had to borrow money from the Titans after falling behind in payments to a different child. Henry has more illegitimate children than he does NFL touchdowns.

Why is that news to the FPT? His kids are draftable and can probably be had in the later rounds! Put em on the board!

Twisted Fates?

That's right boys, 3rd round is the final stop for HALF the GMs on the Paintrain...I'll save you the counting - Shadow, Drury, Brain, DNice, and Ricky H. I know misery loves company, but this is borderline infatuation! Hold on tight - the pain only gets worse! (no, I didn't hack into Ricky's computer to find this pic...this wouldn't make his cut!)

Before we begin - Shadow may want to check out what a fantasy expert, who does this for a living, has to say about DeAngelo (it isn't trick videography folks, this is what your commishes told you before this came out) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIxftwuTzOE

3.01 Juice - Roy Williams

Tempted to take Edge here I imagine, but you gotta go El Presidente' in that offense. Rumor has it there's some young stud with uncanny speed, hands, and route running in Detroit this year and I'm not talkin' Furrey. Two certainties: games missed to ankle injury and lower numbers, particularly TDs. I understand the need to grab the guy who got away last season, though...

3.02 Shadow - Edge

Well, well, well...look who grabs an actual team's #1 - Congrats Shadow on adding 3.4 ypc to the impressive stable! Can Russ Grimm and Wisenhunt work Steeler magic in the desert? Only if Faneca is coming with them! Bit risky but you clearly don't mind taking risks this season...hope you don't mind a miserable year, either.

3.03 Drury - Ladell's Back-up

Portis hasn't been getting any love outside Big Dan's world but word is SouthEast Jerome is quietly resting up for an effective season in Saunder's offense. Let's face it - Betts ran all over teams last season, not to mention caught 85% of his pass targets, but where he consistently failed was rushes in the red zone. In the NFC East, you can't afford to waste opportunities - particularly with a rookie signal caller!

3.04 Ninja Mafia - TJH

Boldin seems too obvious for the Mafia although I wouldn't be surprised he pulled the trigger anyways. BUT, Houshmandzadeh is too tempting in that Bengal offense, minus Chris Henry for 8 games. Take it from someone who has had TJH, you love the consitency but crave the yardage bonuses that lesser players routinely get. He topped 1,000 yards for the first time last season but maybe this year will be different...strange hope considering his biggest asset is consistency, don't ya think?

3.05 Shadow - Boldin

Like much of this season, you're taking P-Skert's leftovers...nothing like aspirations, Shadow! You're not a fan of drafting QBs early, despite Peyton still on the board, and you haven't touched Gates since you drafted him a few years back so Conley should be ok - do you take who you think presents the best value in your WR World or make the smart pick and choose Gruden's whipping boy? Defiantly, you make the wrong call - again!

3.06 Big Dan - Used Caddy

Like Marion Barber III swooping in for the kill, you practically trip running to the Big Board with the Caddy sticker. 2007 is his season. Alstott retired. Pittman looks to be more of a fullback (although fullbacks aren't usually disproportionatly targeted in the RZ, are they?) Either way, you know D&D could certainly use another RB and you don't like your options beyond Caddy so it's off to the Used Car Lot in Tampa!

3.07 D&D - AG

You feel like you dodged a bullet with the Boldin pick two spots back, but is Gates really the smart play here? Afterall, it is well known that you have a man crush on a Marshawn and he would solidify your RB starters in the 3rd round, but Gates is so sexy so can't pass him up - especially knowing UCB loves a quality TE and picks next! No, I'm not playing mind games with you, son...your pick doesn't impact me either way. Preparation. But, I have a sneaky suspicion Ninja Mafia may try to make an unusual splash with his extra 3rd...

3.08 DNice - Mr. Relevant (aka. missed opportunity)

You better hope Mr. Brady somehow slips through the next 4 picks...we all know you're a creature of habit and pairing RBs with TO and Brady "complete you"

3.09 UCB - Tommy's Boy

Say it ain't so - Do I smell an upside play with Randy here? If it looks like a stud, acts like a stud, plays in a high octane offense that revitalized and controlled one Corey Dillon a couple years back enroute to a championship - it MUST be a stud. Welcome aboard, Mr. Moss! We'll see who has the last laugh...

3.10 Ninja Mafia - Tony G

Who knew having an extra pick could be so difficult? You are hell bent on taking a QB later. You also love a TE but wonder if the value is there next round? Maybe you go defense...only you know for sure but my bet is you go Tony G. He won't be there next pick. A veteran TE is a young QB and struggling offenses best friend. Manning is great - but so are others who might be there in the 4th. And defensively, it's too early in my opinion unless you arrogantly think you can start a run.

Shaking Things Up...To Say the Least!!!

For those of you who don’t understand the impact of the Brain-Shadow Mega Deal let me begin to show you how it will impact everyone in our league because for some of you the 2nd and 3rd Round will look drastically different!!!!

2.01 --- Some things never change and one thing that is a certainty at the turn is Ricky H. loves Mr. Reggie Wayne and will select him provided #85 is off the board already (right Rick???). I think Rick wants to make a splash - a name for himself - and draft wide-out/wide-out but I think he realizes that Maroney as your #1 and no other back to speak of that has any potential to put up solid numbers with his 4th round pick he has no other choice…or does he??? Let’s play this thing out!!!

2.02 --- Eric Vogel loves Rudi and recognizes he could go Steve Smith but here’s where things get interesting…in Vogel’s own words, “been there, done that”! As much as it pains Vogel to admit he’s learned something from DNice he can’t ignore the fact that DNice has won back-to-back championships with solid running backs (Tomlinson and LJ in ’05 and S. Jax and LJ in ’06). Vogel witnessed Mark piece together a receiving corp with the likes of Joey Galloway, L. Coles and Mike “f-ing” Furrey. Vogel had to struggle every week last season deciding which RB to go with because he took Steve Smith too early….how did that work out for UCB….can you say early exit!!! Great players admit and learn from mistakes … he won’t make the same mistake this season…not with Norwood…give him Thomas Jones and watch him make a run at the Championship!

2.03 --- I almost forgot to mention --- Mark has also had T.O. during both championship runs --- is the third time a charm??? We’ll see because you can bet your ass he’s drafting T.O. with his 2nd round selection! The kid doesn’t have a 3rd round pick with LJ eating it up and you know he wants Tom Brady in the 4th so why wouldn’t he go with what works. You’ll get no argument from me other than it’s all for naught because he just doesn’t have the guns this year…UNLESS………well, let’s just see how this thing plays out!

2.04 --- Kevin Conley has now realized what is happening; realizes he was a bit “off” in his prognostication and sees that RB’s are flying off the board and Young Colin Senuta has yet to make a selection in the 2007 draft. Let me guess you’re saying “who cares what Colin does” - well you should my friend because in case you haven’t noticed, the Shadow is rolling DeAngelo Williams as his RB1…he isn’t even RB1 on the Panthers!!!
You’re now seeing that waiting on RB until Round 4 just ain’t going to play out the way you thought….you take Ronnie Brown because you love LT and he’s the closest thing you’re getting to him this season…just ask Cam Cameron!! Here’s the downer though…as you are putting up the sticker you see the colors and the names and now know you could have had Willis, Rudi or Benson to run alongside Ronnie and found WR’s a bit later….no worries, I am quite sure Chad will “show his stripes” on a more consistent basis this season……..RIGHT???

2.05 --- Well, Big Dan is in attendance and can actually see how things are playing out…he knows he needs backs and is still haunted with the fact he gave up Alexander and Tiki two years ago for Ray Lewis of all people…knowing this he is still going to roll the dice and grab Steve Smith because he is also still feeling the lingering effects of rolling out Edge every week last season and getting nothing! Won’t happen on Wissenhunt’s watch but I can understand the reservation…Smith is solid and he’ll sure up your receiving corp that already includes Evans and Branch…pretty impressive! You can take your chances with Clinton Portis in the 3rd unless Shadow or Drury pull the trigger on a proven vet instead of an unknown….I guess we’ll see…hopefully CP is healthy because if not your rolling out Alexander and who???? Maybe you should grab your back now because if you don’t you may have to run with Marion Barber as your RB2 ….maybe you should have just kept him???

2.06 --- Welcome to the 2007 Draft Shadow…with the 16th overall selection you would like …. Tough call considering things aren’t going the way you were envisioning. Sure, we all know “you’re not concerned in the least” and we’ll let you have that but let’s at least look at things objectively; we know you’ll want to go wide-out crazy and who can blame you with some of the names out there but which one of those wide-outs will be toting the rock for your squad this year??? We’ve seen how your teams have produced before with a plethora of top-notch receivers, yet you’ll try it again and swear this year will be different … will it really??? I tend to lean toward no, but who knows maybe DeShaun Foster gets injured and gives Williams a boost. Hell, maybe you should just draft him and make it happen! Anyway, take your pick of the remaining wide-outs … my guess is you’ll go Holt since Roy, Marvin, and Larry have let you down in the past…….anyone noticing a trend ????

2.07 --- Relax P-Skert, long wait is over and you can go place that Marvin Harrison sticker on the board and breathe a little easier knowing you’ve got two more coming in the 3rd … you are clearly feeling pretty good, as you should because you are clearly head and shoulders above the rest of your Chi-town crew!

2.08 --- And at this very moment the hundreds of thoughts running through Drury’s mind during the last 10 picks are becoming a bit overwhelming and he is just trying to hold it together enough to make this pick count a bit more than last seasons 2nd rounder…shouldn’t be difficult Michael you do remember how ineffective Randy Moss was last season - right? What to do, what to do…I thought Benson or T. Jones would be here and as I am looking through my magazine I can’t seem to find a RB who is up to par with them so I guess I’ll go Andre Johnson because he did well last season….OK, give me Andre Johnson. OK, but you do realize Shadow has two selections before your next pick in the 3rd, right??? Hopefully, he takes another 2 wide-outs and leaves you Caddy, Lynch or Edge…if he goes Back-Back---you’ll take what’s left and like it….man I hope you like it!

2.09 --- Here we go folks ... for arguments sake … we’ll pretend that Shadow understands he’s never won with receivers and is staring at Edge, Caddy and Lynch to round out his stable of Running backs. No disrespect to any of the above mentioned backs…all of them would be good RB2’s or great RB3’s but to have to be forced to use them as your RB1 when you could have had S-Jax well, that’s just asinine!!! I guess I can’t blame you for going Double D’s here because you might as well take your chances with the LaMont Jordan’s of the Fantasy World and grab as many WR’s as you can…at least you get to brag for the 3rd year in a row that you had the best Wide Receiver Corp in the League!!!

2.10 --- Simply put … I have LT, GORE and JACOBS….so I’ll take a WR and who knows maybe follow that up with the best signal caller in the game – mind you, in the 3rd ROUND!!! Give me Fitz and hold on one second … I just need to enter this one and I’ll be right back with my second of the loop picks…………….

Brain WINS! Brain WINS! Brain WINS!

We have a TRADE (and the first team in the Toilet Bowl bracket)!

Brain gets: #2 pick from Shadow and Tony Romo as a keeper (22nd round)
Shadow gets: #15, #25, and #65

Congrats Brain, you just took the salesman to school!

Not buying it, Shadow - read on.

1.01 Juice - LT

There was a time when consensus felt nobody could screw this pick-up...but then there was Colin. Thank God he didn't have it! Score one for the good guys...

1.02 Brain - Mr. Jackson

Great trade, Brain. I'll take, I mean, you'll take the handsdown, best player on the board after LT. Sorry, I was alittle premature with that one...

1.03 Schoolgirls - Mr. Addai

This spot flat out sucks. You have to go Addai despite a laundry list of reasons not to...lucky for you, the next few backs all have similarly detrimental issues, too.

1.04 Ninja - Reggie, Reggie, Reggie...

Do you really think he'll catch 80+ balls again? Well, maybe he will...but lord knows he won't top 80 yards rushing in a game - EVER! Great RB pick. Better hope MJD is actually legit...

1.05 Brain Part Duex - Brian Westbrook

Unlike your younger brother, you actually got a pass catching RUNNINGback in a historically dynamic offense. Outstanding pick if you don't mind the injury report nightmare...maybe Ricky H's boy will share the Red Blouse he's been wearing???

1.06 Big Dan - Mr. Alexander

My how the mighty have fallen, right Drury? Could Alexander be this year's Steven Jackson - not on Danny Boy's watch! Sorry, D&D, you have no excuse now...

1.07 D&D - 85

You can't take not having a sexy stud like Ocho Cinco on your roster. Since LT isn't in the cards this season, you better hope this Bengal comes out of the jungle more often than last year! If not, this is a terrible pick...but, it may prove to be a terrible pick either way...

1.08 DNice - Willis

You can see the two-time defending champ licking his lips at getting who he believes is the back who falls this year - Willis McGahee. You can't argue with the number of opportunities he should have with Baltimore but one has to wonder if 3.8/ypc and single digit touchdowns warrants a first round pick on a defending champs roster??? I see a bump for the players around him - much like the"bump" that's sure to run rampant around the Charm City. Nothing like plantin' the seed in a new field, right Willis? Unfortunately, LJ doesn't afford you the luxory of taking a chance this year but you will anyways...love the arrogance, DNice.

1.09 UCB - Rudi Johnson

You know me as the batting champ, not the HR hitter. This pick makes tons of sense if you like 1400/12 for the 4th year in a row in a studly offense. I love fast Willie and Warrick's worst nightmare, but something tells me I need to be more careful this year and actually take a steady back if I want to win when it counts. I may not always win, but I always get better. The question is, are you?

1.10 Flava Sava - Cedric Benson

We know Ricky has a love affair with Reggie Wayne but he takes the starting RB in an offense predicated on grinding out yards, punching in 12/yr, and protecting leads when it counts the most. In theory, the perfect pick...

You're up, Juiceman!

Third round is the charm, right DNice and Ricky???

In a round dictated by keepers, risky early picks, and reaches longer than Manute Bol's, the only certainty is that DNice and Ricky H will take the batteries out of the smoke detector in the suite and justify there GMing thus far...puff, puff, give...right boys? Unfortunately, your "giving" everyone else an opportunity to draft a significant skill player while you gamble on a hold out and an unproven back in a red jersey...better bust out the Wild Turkey, too! It's gonna be a long night/season boys...

3.01 Juiceman - LT, Larry, and the man-child are daunting to say the least, but I don't see Big Dan packing it in just yet... However, picking a fine set of Double Ds at the turn has to get the bags out of the closet you would think. BUT, there are a few position runs between now and your next pick - Can you afford to pass up on a QB or TE here? As much as we believe QBs can be found late, the question remains, can an impact QB be had late? Brady - Stud. Manning - studly before joining the Brain squad. Palmer - the man who could unseat Peyton. Teams don't win with mediocre QBs in this league...

3.02 Shadow - Thomas Jones. No brainer. Quietly solid except for a keeper in DeAngelo who isn't even the starter in Carolina for a head coach who is notorious for favoring veterans and a "number 1 WR" out of Philly who isn't really a #1 anywhere else - think Deion Branch in New England...

3.03 Drury - Cedric Benson. Look at your bench - Can you go anywhere else with two "starting" runners who WILL share the load behind OLines that are significantly weaker this season? Don't answer that...your pick already has!

3.04 Mr. Mafia - I think someone else is in your "Shadow" in ChiTown...but keep in mind the trophy continues to reside in the East! Is it possible to screw your position up - I would like to think not but Coach Shanahan has a knack for turning a promising running game into a timeshare...when was the last time one back got all the carries in Denver anyway...what's that Dan, oh, Portis was...there's been a lot of "perfect fits" in Bronco land since then, remember there names? Neither do we. But knowing you, the RB is the least of your worries right now so it's all about grabbing your most sought after and hyped WR from the desert - Q.

3.05 Brain - It's a draft of names for Brain since he lacked them going into the night - Give him Gates because everyone wants a piece of him in that offense and Brain is incredibly adept at trading away quality for quantity...we know where AG will start, but who knows where he'll finish...

3.06 Big Dan - PORTIS' KNEE - I mean PORTIS' SHOULDER - I mean Ladell Betts' backup. Can you really? Stupid question...

3.07 D&D - Time for a RB since your love affair, AG, is off the board. I hear there's some rookie up in Buffalo who looks like the second coming of Willis McGahee, minus the propensity for wearing down defenses and making lots of women mommies...you may Lynch yourself ultimately but to you, the decision is clear (which maybe the scariest thing of the night!).

3.08 DNICE - So much talent but that greedy bastard in KC is not only preventing you from grabbing a WR, but he's preventing Michael Bennett from toting the...oops. Maybe not. The former track star should be available in the 4th, though...

3.09 UCB - Someone said that Carson Palmer is going to be studly this year...who said that again? Oh yeah - EVERYONE! Welcome aboard, Mr. Palmer.

3.10 Mr. Mafia care of the chain smoker - Stunned aren't ya'? No AG. No Palmer. Hope you had plan C because you officially start thinking now...I'm not sure about you, but I think it may make sense to grab Tom Brady before Ricky does. If not, Tony G is your man...too bad we don't get points for blocking.

The TRUTH......I think You All Are Entitled To It

Round 2....sometimes the "truth" hurts!!!!

2.01 - Ricky H. realizes at this very moment this "loop pick" is all he has left until Round 4 and thinks to himself, "what the hell was I thinking giving up my 3rd round selection?". Well, he's going to make this one count because in all honesty ... IT HAS TOO ... so without further delay...he selects Fast Willis McGahee simply because he feels like an old girlfriend showing up at the door and the realization of a love-affair once lost can now be rekindled....."Willis, will you???"

2.02 - Eric Vogel is in my estimation a man who thrives with a consistent routine....he's reliable and he expects the same from his players. He gets that with Steve Smith, provided he's healthy, however, where does he go with #2...I think the choice is obvious....rudi!....Rudi!...RUdi!...RUDi!...RUDI!!! There you have it folks, he's once again counts his blessings because he isn't forced to take the Bengal who hides out in the jungle every couple of games who wears #85 .... he gets the one who puts up 1400 and 12 like it's predetermined! Now the only thing that would make Vogel more happy is to get Housh in the 3rd...sorry friend ... he won't make it past ____________......I guess we'll see REAL soon!

2.03 - Mr. Must Make it Count Mark realizes that LJ in the 3rd isn't quite the value it was 5 months ago and knows this pick could seal the deal as far as ending not only a championship run but simply a play-off spot...OUCH! However, the man is resiliant and refuses to accept the inevitable so he uses all the sober energy he has within himself and fights off the urge to take Brady here and decides to roll with Mr. Terrell Owens because he's the player that DNice just needs on his team ... like the cigarette he ritualistically has after his yearly "loop pick". Go enjoy Marky Mark....your night is basically over anyway!

2.04 - WOW...D&D is up and makes the selection in record time. The kid is absolutely giddy with how things are setting up .... at this very moment he begins to realize the term "mastermind" isn't such a stretch after all....and there it is ... the smirk...an why wouldn't he after solidifying his WR corps with Andre Johnson....who needs RB's when your rolling these two wideouts! Nice move Conley....even if you change this to Marvin b/c he's a bit safer with Manning pitching him the pill.

2.05 - As the steroid buzz is dying down so is the buzz for Big Dan's 2nd round selection...Clinton Portis. A few months back Portis in the middle of the second is a steal, but now...well, it's just plain ridiculous!!! Performance Enhancers is smarter than your average "meathead" and knows where to go .... Marvelous Marvin Harrison. He's consistent, humble and a lock for 90/1200/10. Good call Daniel...already off to a better start than a year ago!

2.06 - Our favorite FPT whipping boy Brain is simply foaming at the mouth with the prospect that Peyton Manning is staring him in the face in the middle of the 2nd round. He can't believe it because the two magazines he looked at the day before the draft have Manning going off the board somewhere, HELL, ANYWHERE in the 1st round. "You all are F-ing crazy ... Peyton's still out there...put him on the board ... YES!!!!" Well played Brain...get your WR in the 3rd an 4th before you keep Green in the 6th!

2.07 - The younger Skertich almost misses his selection because he is daydreaming about the absolutely loaded team he is about to put together...no worries, nobody can fuck this team up ... give him Roy Williams and cross your fingers somebody gets hurt because this kid has the team to beat and we're not even through the second round! And I almost forgot...he's got an extra pick in the 3rd...how the hell does that happen....oh, yeah...I remember!!!!!!!!!

2.08 - Drury is absolutely loving the way this is playing out...in actuality his first two picks are the closest thing he's had to picking up two beautiful schoolgirls in almost a year.....Addai, Drury and WHO??? HOLT...that's who!!!!!!!!!! Way to go Mr. St. Louis!!!!!

2.09 - 5'Oclock is simply wondering why there isn't anyone out there who deserves to be a member of the Shadows squad....it is quite the exclusive club....you know the saying...great on paper...never make the play-offs! Well, he decides to "settle" for a lesser WR and knows Thomas Jones will be there after the loop( Sorry DRURY...you get Benson....once again he'll be the lesser of the two...now just in different cities). Colin selcts TJ "Who's Your Momma" Houshmandzadeh....well done young brother...well done!!!

2.10 - An we've now come full circle and look to see who Senuta will pair up with his already daunting backfield of LT, Mr. Gore, and the Man-Child Brandon Jacobs! Well the answer would seem to be easier than it actually easier than it is.....who am I kidding it's quite simply effortless....I'll Larry Fitzgerald and know I'm getting 85/1300/12.....provided Mr. Leinart still has it locked in on Larry!!!!

As we've said before .... the word of the 2007 FPT draft is .... Predictable.....just plain predictable!!!!!

"Mock" Draft - Round One

I say "Mock" because it really isn't - it is exactly what you will do despite being committed to not letting Senuta and Vogel get in your heads...too late!



1.1 - Juiceman takes LT


1.2 - Shadow takes Mr. Jackson


1.3 - Drury takes the untested Addai despite the weakened blocking unit and never running solo EVER.


1.4 - Ninja takes BWB and hopes that Ricky drafts Tony Hunt and Correl Buckhalter in the 8th/9th and throws them in as a Maroney Bonus! Let's face it - Westbrook's 2006 was an anomaly if you look at his career. I'm thinking 2007 looks a lot like Westbrook/Buckhalter/Deuce Staley back in the day...


1.5 - Brain takes Reggie Bush WAY TO HIGH! 5th pick is awfully high for someone who doesn't even start in the backfield...he doesn't catch that much. That's like drafting Mike Furrey here!


1.6 - Big Dan takes Shaun Alexander because history suggests that backs get markedly better coming off an injury and in their 30s.


1.7 - D&D takes 85 because he loves the available RB1s in the 5th.


1.8 - DNice takes Mini LT despite the presence of a shifty, pass catching back in Lorenzo Booker for the Fins.


1.9 - UCB takes the most feared WR in any league - Steve Smith. No Keyshawn means Rick needs to look for a different vulture this year...


1.10 - Ricky takes Reggie Wayne because without him, the posters of #87 in his bedroom just don't feel right...

In case you missed it....

The Steelers looked fantastic!!! Unfortunately, the Saints looked dreadful!!! The reason I view this as unfortunate is because more than a few GM's in the FPT are putting A LOT of stock in the Saint offense coming off a monster year last season. Problem is they won't sneak up on anyone this season and they don't have the same level of Katrina emotions they fed off last season. So what does that mean for the world of fantasy .... well, first off, for Conley - Drew Brees looked human, check that, he looked like Ryan Leaf last night! For Drury - Deuce wasn't in the line up because of his lingering injuries but the good news is he looked better than any of the other Saints that did play....Especially, our favorite over-hyped, due for a 2nd year slump, Reggie Bush...best of luck drafting him in the top 5-7 picks....no way he out does his 80+ catches from a year ago and as for rushing the football, well, did you see the ends shut down the edges last night....consider it a gameplan for the league! Oh, and I haven't forgotten you Ricky H. --- your boy Colston looked like the kid they drafted out of Hofstra last year in the 7th round. The good news for you is somebody has to catch balls b/c Reggie ain't getting his and the other receivers look pedestrian!!!!

How about that Saint offense...wonder where Olinda Mare goes --- Dan??????????

Who's Next?

That's the question many were left with last night as the last diaper was changed, car seats buckled up, and the DVD player hooked up in the Dinora Mobile...Who's next?

No we're not talkin' FPT 2007 - more like FPT 2017! Is it possible the fantasy godz were manipulating the photo shoot...no Ricky H or D&D offspring! Maybe this is the godz funny way of saying they'll be in the league but not "really" in the league if you know what I'm saying...

Goal Line Stand - The Brain

I suppose we should forgive the Juiceman for dropping the ball lately but knowing him, he'll come roaring back like Frank Gore bouncing back from a broken hand. You're up, Brain!

I always saw The Brain as Cameron Frye from Ferris Bueller's Day Off but finding this dejected image caused me to pay homage to one of the good, but terribly unlucky guys of our league...Brain

Enough humor because let's face it, the rest is so ugly it's not funny...

1st and 99 to go... The question on everyone's mind, "who else from the first round will be on my roster?" Well, Brain, only you can answer that one. Not even the Juiceman can prognosticate that choice...we know the knuckler is comin'. Will it be Mr. Alexander, Mr. Westbrook, or Mr. Manning? Let's face it, given your keepers you can't feel good about any position!


I hear there's some guy who had great stats a couple years ago in high school who may be available, or better yet, maybe Cecil Fielder has another son playing professional sports???

2nd and 100 to go... Almost a safety that time! Maybe you should draft Manning! He never takes a sack and God knows you need a break! But let's assume you're loving Eli instead - you can't, well, maybe you can take him in the 5 spot but that pitch would curve so much Prince couldn't hit it! How about a WR? Afterall, can anyone really trust one of the backs available after LT and SJ...I'll help you with that one - NO! Historically 40-50% of all positional players finishing in the top-10 turnover the next season - Yikes! Well, who is this year's Lamont Jordan? How about Shaun Alexander? Portis? Need more proof - 2005 - Priest, Jamal, Domanick Davis, McGahee, Deuce...We know there are guys who will fail (Ricky H doesn't count) so who's going to pick up the torch and run with it in 2007? My monies on anyone but me - because WR haven't busted in our league in the first! Or, better yet, take WRs in front of me and leave me to skillfully pick this year's SJ who unbelievably fell to DNICE in 2006!

3rd and Oooops - even Manning can't help you.

Goal Line Stand - BIG Dan

I'll admit, this goal line stand is a tad boring since it's crystal clear what Big Dan is doing...but it's our job to make the Performance Enhancers aware of all the intricacies that a magazine purchased at BWI won't provide...

1st and Goal...RBs. You have NO Choice but to draft RBs with your first two picks. Period. With two WR keeps, a stud in Lee Evans and the main man in Seattle with the departure of DJAX and his untrustworthy knee, you MUST go RBs. We know what your thinking though, "I'm not gonna let Senuta and Vogel tell ME what I'm going to do." Ok, Dan. If you choose to be stubborn, you choose to bury your chances of beating Senuta in the playoffs, too...

2nd and Goal..."Well, maybe I should grab Manning in the 2nd. After all, if he somehow falls to me there, I've got to grab him because the prospects of taking Thomas Jones, Rudi Johnson, Edge, and Portis...PORTIS? He's still there - put it on the board!"

Oh, Danny Boy...the sweet seduction of a Redskin coming of injury and in a timeshare is not the direction to go in. Besides, with D&D contemplating keeping the $10 Ladell Betts anyways, it kills your chances of drafting him in the 8th to handcuff your main man. But on the flip side, at least it frees up a handcuff pick in the earlier rounds so you can grab Robbie Gould. Or, maybe you should go with the value and grab Marvelous Marvin since your best WR beyond the 2nd round is likely the Ultra-Reliable, Randy Moss...good luck.

Goal Line Stand - D&D

First I have to echo the warranted remarks by Juice - a suggestion though, D&D should probably consult with Ricky H about his next name change considering his depth of experiences...ie. Flava Sava, Fallujah Footballers, Leesburg Landscapers and I know there are few I'm forgetting - regardless, despite his tendency of giving everyone tremendous opportunities the first time, the name "giver", "generous", and "how bout my 3rd" are not names I would recommend taking on...actually, maybe you should try to do your own work for a change and stop riding other people's coattails! On to the expert analysis...

3rd & Goal... We all know he's capable of stupid decisions, but WILL D&D draft Peyton in the 2nd in the rare instance Ricky H passes him up in the 11 spot? Ironically, this would mirror Ricky's move from last season by having a stud keep (at the time), Eli, and drafting Peyton in the 1st! If I'm not mistaken, wasn't D&D the one giving Flava shit for it in the first few weeks? My guess is he fights the urge and selects AJ or Roy Williams despite the presence of the new stud, Calvin Johnson.

4th & Goal... Historically, teams with RBs have proven to win when it counts the most, with the exception of Juice's unfortunate, untimely, and rapidly becoming the norm, playoff losses. However, if in fact D&D is intent on winning the "real" trophy in 2007, shouldn't he be smart enough to draft a more certain back, the safer RB pick, in round one rather than become blinded by the man fast enough to race and beat a weak colt? And anyways, isn't the only sure "horse" in this league the jackass, aka - D&D!

Goal Line Stand #3 ---- D.& D.

1st & Goal ... To be perfectly honest Kevin Conley - better known as Dumb and Dangerous - has taken his fair share of punishment over the last two years however, I would like to be the first to credit him for his astute ability to adapt quickly. The kid has positioned himself to make a serious run at an FPT championship in only 3 seasons....impressive. He no longer questions his decision-making process and demonstrates a much needed analytical prowess that trumps most other fantasy diehards. With his sudden ascent to the Fantasy elite I am seriously recommending a franchise name change that is more fitting, showing the respect the man deserves. I am suggesting something short and strong, similar to the man's build .... simply put......."the COACH".

2nd & Goal .... Now I feel as though we can actually make a stand versus the powerful attack that is Dumb & Dangerous after giving him his due respect. Conley will undoubtedly take a WR with his first overall selection...he realizes that he can make his mark with this move selecting his projected #1 receiver instead of a servicable running back with upside! Here's the problem though...this strategy ends up forcing him to draft another wideout in Round 2 where he feels he will be building a receiving corp that will rival the one the Shadow put together a year ago. The problem is he now rolls into Week1 with Cadillac Williams as his RB1 ... maybe Marshawn Lynch or Adrian Peterson as his RB2. Not the most daunting RBBC in league history, but at least he'll have 85 or Steve Smith working alongside Andre Johnson. And the best news for Conley is he can continue his love affair with LaMont Jordan this year ... except now it won't cost him MJD - instead he can simply draft him as his RB2 and look for this year's MJD and trade him for Patrick's 2007 first round bust!!!!!!!!!!


3rd & Goal ... it's coming!!!!!!!!!!!

Goal Line Stand #3 - D&D

To be continued...

Goal Line Stand #2 ... D-"Not-So"-Nice

3rd & Goal ... For two years D-Nice has been the envy of the league benefiting from yet another Ricky H. blunder however, this season not one GM in the league wants what D-"Not-So"-Nice has ... Vog already explained the nightmare that is LJ. Allow me to explain the other less enviable situations. First, picking in the #9 slot forces Mark to have to take a receiver because he won't find anyone like S-Jax late this year in the muddled mix of backs that will be left. So once Conley takes 85 Mark will roll the dice on Steve Smith and pray Delhomme has a decent year. Here's the shocker though...Mark takes another receiver at the 13 spot...Why???...well he realizes that their are only a few top notch pass catchers and he has no 3rd rounder...OUCH! One back and two receivers after 3 rounds...sounds earily similar to his first draft 2 years ago ... problem is he's not rolling with LT -- he's limping in with LJ.

4th & Goal ... Simplly put ... the LJ keeper doesn't allow for Marky Mark to get his guy ... Mr. Tom Brady. WHY?? He misses his third round pick and Brady is gone by his forth because Ricky B. grabs him on the loop. So then what ... Bulger, McNabb, Kitna....Not so fast my friend...he's stuck with needing a back and man are there slim pickens ... LaMont, the Jones Boys, Tatum freaking Bell.............Well the good thing is Mark can at least keep the gunslinger - Mr. Brett Favre....maybe he will three-peat.....well Maybe Not!!!!!!!!!!

Goal Line Stand - DNice

To Dinora's credit, he has engraved his name on the FPT Championship trophy for two seasons in a row now...The only question - is the SOLE reason for his dominance a result of LJ being available on waivers after Ricky H dropped him in 2005? But more importantly, can he afford to ride this 3rd round pick's overworked back in 2007? Let's examine...

1st & Goal... LJ is on the cusp of a nasty contract situation with a notorious owner who doesn't pay his stars. Throw in the fact that the offensive line is entering another season with the exit of another perennial All-Pro blocker (The Willie Boys), forcing their best pass catching threat, Tony G., to stay in and block....oh, and Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle are the ones tossing the pill around this season. So, from a personnel perspective, it appears LJ better dust of the diaper from a few years back because I think someone may shit the bed in 2007...

2nd & Goal... How many carries/touches can one man handle over 16 games? Does history indicate trouble on the horizon? Lets have a look... Historically speaking, only one player has ever averaged 30 touches a game over a 16 game slate - James Wilder back in 1984. LJ has 745 touches over the last 25 games, 29.8/gm...Over that span, his numbers have dropped in both yards per touch and yards per carry (down almost a full yard respectively). Throw in the fact that defensive players are much bigger, faster, stronger than their predecessors, your line is in shambles, you're looking at a youthful QB situation with the departure of Big Dan's man - Trent Green - and you find that a salary of less than $2 million for 2007 isn't the least bit motivating...Oh, and his team isn't likely to be competitive this year - Add it all up and it gives me $2 million reasons not to keep him as my 3rd round pick...

Hey Juiceman, I'm getting a cramp...

Schoolgirls - 3rd and goal!

Nice work on the first two downs, Juice...not bad for a someone built like Scott Player.

Alright Drury, time for the muscle!

3rd & goal... Desperate times call for trading 3rd round draft picks but Drury is smarter than that so he looks to make a move with the younger Skertich. Since Drury is content with Addai, Westbrook, Bush, or Alexander, why not swap with Ninja Mafia who can't afford to spend a 1st on a RB with the same bye week as MJD (4) or Henry (6) (Bush - wk 4 or Addai - wk 6). I smell another move for P-Skert.

4th & goal... Well, Ninja isn't budging and Brain doesn't know we draft in odd years so looks like Drury needs to pull the trigger on a risky Addai. "Risky" you say, well defending the Colts championship behind a weakened line (Tarik Glenn retiring?), no reliable running mate like last season in Rhodes, and having never carried the whole load dating back to his days as a Tiger at LSU (shared carries with Vincent and Broussard) seems like the furthest thing from certain in my book...and given your recent draft history, Alexander looked much less "risky" going into 2006 than Addai does in 2007. Either way, someone needs to pair with Deuce in the Schoolgirls backfield if you expect to advance into this season's championship bracket!

Some may say the 3 spot is enviable; not this season though! Deciding between a muddled tier of RBs and crossing your fingers that a quality WR somehow slips through the fingers of picks 7-17 makes this position perhaps the worst to be in this year. Wanna swap?

Goal Line Stand #1

Schoolgirls -----

1st & Goal ... Tough call with his keeper situation...does he keep two decent wide receivers in Clayton and Moss who have big play potential and an upside that puts them easily in the top 20 receivers OR does he keep the bruising back in the potent New Oleans offense who may be in for a bigger year with everyone keying on Mr. Reggie Bush this season. When Deuce is healthy he's effective so does that warrant a keeper in the 7th round or do you go Moss in the 8th.....I think you go Moss in the 8th!!!

2nd & Goal ... the 3rd overall pick may be the best spot in the draft because nobody sees it as a "no-brainer" so Schoolgirls has the flexibilty that the Senuta brothers do not and that is he is able to take someone who he himself feels will be this year's Steven Jackson(10th pick last season). Does he go Addai, Bush, Westbrook or Alexander --- that is the next tier of great receivers however, he may feel another back deserves to be in that 2nd tier....Ronnie Brown comes to mind under Cam Cameron(look what he did with LT) OR does he go with Peyton Manning...Mr. Consistency.....I say no chance in hell...you need to leave him for Ricky H. at the loop now that he has Maroney and Colston locked up. Either Way Schoolgirls will need to grab Thomas Jones or Edge with the second because he'll need to back up any and all of these backs with a SOLID #2 back because anyone of them may turn out to be this year's LaMont Jordan .... just ask P.SKERT!!!!

3rd and Goal .... we need to bring in a bigger run stuffer....so Vogel .......

New Feature: Goal Line Stand

In an effort to help you poor saps get a better handle on some of the key concerns surrounding many of your prominent keeper candidates/draft choices, the JuiceMan and UCB have decided to post our expert analysis since Ricky H seems to be so concerned with how we see things...

Today we take on the draft position of our #3 man, Schoolgirls.

Stay tuned...

It'll take more than luck this year, boys...

FPT 2007 - Family Gathering

Fully understanding the ChiTown contingent is likely out of an early August gathering on the East Coast, I felt it appropriate to post an invite to my fellow owners and their families for August 4th at 3:00 in the lovely town of New Market, otherwise known as, "the home of the 2007 FPT Champion." Would love to see everyone there, especially the two-time defending champ's family...

In related news, we have received assurances that the slippery Ricky H will be in attendance with his daughter -history suggests, THIS NEWS is a real reason to celebrate...first one to the goal post gets Rick's 2nd round pick!!!

We have a TRADE!

Richard gets - This guy, minus the effective stiff arm in the 7th

Skertich gets - Rick's 3rd round pick (30th overall)

Nice work, boys...

Gentlemen ... we are looking at about 50 days until the 2007 FPT Chi-town Draft!!! As we prepare for the inagural event I have had a few thoughts that I wanted to share with the masses.
1. Will Ricky B. be able to pass on Peyton Manning when he is staring him in the face at the 10-11 loop with Vince Young being kept...maybe you're forced to throw VY back in the pot to avoid the 2-quarterback quandry the kid may face again. Tough call!!!

2. Perhaps Conley actually drafts #85 with his first round pick forgeting that he wasn't even ranked in the top 30 wide-outs for over half the year...thank goodness for the 2 Lee Evans games he had late!!! Seriously, no way you pass on a guy who beat a horse on foot and is due for a monster season.....do you.....maybe???

3. Maybe Rick won't face the Manning decision because Brain realizes there is no sure fire pick at the 5 spot once Bush and Westbrook are off the board - don't yo have to take the sure thing???

4. No way Dan passes on Portis in round 2 ... unless he sees Betts as a huge problem. At least he'll be able to draft someone like Cedric Benson who will get the majority if not all the carries for Da Bears -- "don't they run a lot???"

5. Sucks for PSkert because he wants to take Benson but can't pass on Bush or Westbrook despite Westbrook being injury prone and Bush split time with Duece...not to mention the long standing tradition of the 2nd year slump thing!!!
Truthfully, I think I'd rather be drafting where he is because in our leauge those two guys are money!!!

6. Here's a thought --- D-nice is looking to defend his title and three-peat...impressive to say the least, however, can you repeat with Maroney and T.O. in the 1st and 2nd and giving up your 3rd rounder on a keeper who isn't even sure he wants to attend training camp, carried the ball over 400 times and who's best blocker may be Tony G. .... OUCH!!!!!!

7. Will the Shadow feel comfortable with DeAngelo and S-Jax in the backfield or does he look to sure it up with one of his favorites...Mr. Thomas Jones in the 2nd.....I think he has too considering DeShaun Foster just won't go away!

I'm done for now...I'll chack in later.....Vogel and Drury .... honestly, I haven't though tmuch about it because I think you both see things pretty well so I know you'll do well!

senuta

Keeper Breakdown

Click the corresponding title to access last season's draft results and/or rosters.

1. Determine which round the player was drafted in 2006. Free Agent pick-ups count as the 24th round.

2. Depending on the round drafted -
Round Drafted Round given up in 2007 draft

24-20 2 round bump
19-15 3 round bump
14-10 4 round bump
9-6 5 round bump
3. Decide by August 28th and submit to the league who (if any) will be your keeper(s) for 2007. This allows each NFL team to complete 3 preseason games before finalizing your choice.

4. If you decide to trade, the player(s) 2006 draft status transfers to the new owner.

FPT Draft Weekend - 2007 Itinerary:

Where: Chicago IL - Embassy Suites Downtown/Lakefront
http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=CHIREES

When: August 31st (Senuta takes "the 11 catch man" about 9:00 Chicago time)

We will look to bang out 12-15 rounds to allow us more time Friday for nightlife...the Thursday night edition is critical if we are going to have the much anticipated Friday the Chi-town crew has planned out. REMEMBER: the Cubs play at noon and I am sure we’ll want to catch a beer or two at one of the local establishments, but we need to get the rest of the draft done in a timely fashion after the Cubs game and before the Chicago nightlife experience. A possibility is grabbing something to eat in the room while banging out the last 10 or so rounds and attempting to hit the streets between 8 or 9pm --- WE NEED EVERYONE’S COMMITMENT AND PREPARATION ---

First Stop: Draft Order

1. Always the bridesmaid - Juiceman
2. Shadow
3. Schoolgirls
4. Ninja Mafia
5. The Brain
6. Performance Enhancers
7. More Dumb and More Dangerous
8. DNice United
9. UCB
10. This year's Fred/Clay? Definitely.