2014 Preview

Just as one season comes to a close, thoughts of the next season are already on the minds of most of the dynasty owners. So who has the best shot to take home Ultimate Dynasty Bowl III? Let's have a look...





1. Miami Sharks (9-5) - 2 Straight titles and a roster featuring Charles/Stacy/Gordon/Jeffrey/Graham, as of now it looks like the Sharks will be the heavy favorite to be playing in a 3rd consecutive Ultimate Dynasty Bowl.

2. Scott's Tots (11-2-1) - The team that everyone thought lacked super stars this past season is now adding a big time star to the line up in Julio Jones. He'll go into 2014 with solid depth and potentially 2 HB1's and 3 WR1's.

3. Kory Adams (5-8-1) - Stud QB, check...Stud WR, check...Stud TE, check...Solid HB, check. This team if Gronk can come back healthy could potentially be the biggest threat to the Sharks and their potential 3-Peat.

4. Super Mannings (7-6-1) - Missed the playoffs by one game and squandered an all time season by Peyton, but the Super Mannings are built as a potential win-now juggernaut especially with a trade or two. As long as Peyton comes back next year and Mathews strong finish to the season was not a fluke then Phil will be in prime position to make up for a lost 2013.

5. Dynasty Kings (6-7-1) - What a difference a year makes, the acquiring of McCoy and Harvin has this team with a potentially top trio of backs (McCoy/Foster/Tate) depending on where Tate ends up and how Foster comes back and some nice receiver options (Harvin/Allen/Floyd). A definite potential competitor in 2014.

6. CLO Collins (8-6) - While boosting their future, the trading of McCoy definitely weakened their line up and has them relying on aging or ineffective players at the halfback position for 2014. However you have to think Rodgers/Peterson/Mega/Cruz will be good enough to still walk away with the AFL division crown without breaking too much of a sweat.

7.  Carolina Lions (9-5) - I don't really know how they do it but I do know there are a lot of variables with this roster. A lot will depend on the landing spots of Moreno, R.Jennings, Ridley?, and Decker, the biggest of these being he needs Moreno to stay in Denver.

8. Beat Skeet Leave (4-10) - Last place in 2013, but brings back a roster that should be considered a solid competitor. Spiller/Morris/Cobb/Garcon is still a pretty dang solid core, they just need CJ Spiller to get back on track and all of a sudden this team will be one you don't want to see lined up against you on Sundays.

9. Goon Squad (5-9) - Showed some signs of promise this past year and has a solid trio to build around (Luck/Lynch/Bryant). Probably need to make a few deals and guess right on a few players to truly be a strong competitor but the good news for him is his division is definitely weakening, while his team is strengthening. Definitely a sleeper pick to knock CLO off his perch in the AFL.

10. Ohhh Kill 'Em (7-6-1) - What a run they had in 2013 proving all the doubters wrong and proving they belong in this league. The only problem for 2014 is this old team is going to be another year older and I think they need to make a few moves to really be considered a contender in 2014.

11. Gio's Odyssey (4-9-1) - 2013 was a big time step in the right direction RG3/Bernard/Bell/Torrey is definitely something to build around. If they can hit on a rookie this year and have a couple more of their young guys (Austin/Ball) to emerge this team can be a big time threat by late 2014 early 2015.

12. Purists (6-8) - It takes a good owner to be able to realize when it is time to pull the trigger and rebuild. Ant has done just that, acquiring (3) 1st round picks while still having plenty of solid young guys (Newton/Martin/Miller/Wright/JT) to build around. It may be a rough 2014 depending on how Martin bounces back and depending on what happens to his once promising young duo of backs in Miller and Wilson. While 2014 may be a step back for the Purists the future looks bright if he can do well with these picks.

MIAMI SHARKS REPEAT!

Well folks the league's 2nd season has come to a close and the Miami Sharks are once again Ultimate Dynasty Champs!

THE REMATCH: Ultimate Dynasty Bowl II Preview

Last year the Ultimate Dynasty Bowl started on a Saturday, December 22nd and now it will take place on Sunday, December 22nd, exactly one year later. This however is not where the similarities end, not by a long shot. As you all know by now Ultimate Dynasty Bowl II not only falls on the same date as last year's title game, but features the exact same teams as last season. That's right, it's a rematch. This is unprecedented, I've been playing fantasy since 2005 and yeah I've seen some teams repeat or make the title game two years in a row, but I have never seen the exact same two teams play in the championship game in two consecutive seasons it's just unreal. Let's take a quick look at this from a mathematical perspective, every year there are sixty-six different possible championship match ups, so every year any particular match up of teams has about a 1.5% chance of being the Ultimate Dynasty Bowl match up, if those odds weren't low enough, the odds of having the same match up two years in a row are something like 1 in 4,356 or about .023%. Now that everyone has an understanding of just how special this is, lets dive in and see if we should expect the Sharks to repeat or the Lions to get it done this time and capture their first title. 

How they got here: Miami Sharks - A preseason favorite ranked 1B in the opening power rankings, stayed at or near the top of the power rankings and league all year long setting the new regular season scoring record. They lost Julio in week 5, but were still able to get off to a 6-1 start. It was from there, that deals had to be made shipping the injured Julio and later AJG off the team in attempts to improve for a playoff run. After starting 6-1, the Sharks finished 3-4 and actually had their playoff spot in jeopardy as late as week 13, but the Sharks confidence never wavered. After defeating Kory Adams in the final week of the season the Sharks finished 9-5 and snagged the 2 seed and a date against big time rival and co-preseason favorite CLO Collins in the divisional round. In the early going in the 1 o'clock games it looked like the Sharks repeat run may be coming to an end thanks to a -5 defense play and CLO's team looking strong, that's when Jamaal Charles busted on to the scene seemingly scoring at will and posting 51 points and along with Stacy giving the Sharks a substantial cushion heading into MNF, while it was still a possibility for CLO to come back a signature Staff-Mega performance was not to be and the Sharks punched their ticket to a second consecutive Ultimate Dynasty Bowl. 

How they got here: Carolina Lions - Coming into 2013 no one expected the Lions to compete for a playoff spot, let alone be a championship contender (as reflected by their #10 slot in the power rankings), but after a season filled with highs and lows the Lions once again find themselves one win away from greatness. Looking at their 2013 season the Lions managed to start out 4-2 with two big wins over Tots, a win over Super Manning, and a win over CLO and were turning heads. With an upcoming stretch of Purists, DK, and Gio it looked as if they were destined for a 7-2 start, but they face planted dropping the first two games of that set falling to 4-4. It was at this point the Lions looked to be building for the future dealing Foster for a bevy of picks, this lasted about a couple hours before the owner Luke Zente said screw it he was going for it all right now and dealt essentially (7) 1st round picks in various years to acquire Chiefs D and Knowshon Moreno. This sparked the Lions to a 5-1 finish including a four game win streak to end the regular season and an insane victory in a win-and-in game in week 14 vs Super Mannings. They were then matched up against the 1 seed Scott's Tots and proceeded to defeat them for the 3rd time this season winning 111-95 with an explosive performance from DJAX. The Lions for the 2nd consecutive year toppled a heavy favorite in the divisional round to make it back to the big game. 

#4 Carolina Lions 9-5 VS #2 Miami Sharks 9-5 

All Time H2H Regular Season (2-0)

All Time H2H Post Season (1-0)

Miami Sharks QB: Jay Cutler - In Trestman's offense going up against an Eagle's pass D that just got lit up by Matt Cassel, Cutler makes for a superb QB1 starter this week. 

Carolina Lions QB: Tony Romo - Not fantastic in his previous start against Washington, but Washington's pass D and overall team is horrible, Romo has some upside here if this game can turn into a shootout.

Edge: QB Jay Cutler, Miami Sharks

Miami Sharks HB: Jamaal Charles - After lighting up the Raiders for 51, he gets another plus match up with the Colts and should find plenty of room to run. 

Carolina Lions HB: Knowshon Moreno - Although Ball has been eating into his carries more and more, Moreno is still a rock solid HB1 and arguably the leader of the Carolina Lions. 

Edge: HB Jamaal Charles, Miami Sharks

Miami Sharks HB: Zac Stacy - Have a semi tough match up going against Tampa Bay but consistently getting 20+ touches makes Zac Stacy a solid start. 

Carolina Lions HB: Rashad Jennings - Ran very well against the Chiefs, shouldn't have much trouble with the Chargers run D. 

Edge: HB Rashad Jennings, Carolina Lions

Miami Sharks FLEX: Fred Jackson - Ran well last week against the Jags but still a committee back not worth getting overly excited about. A pretty good flex play but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't considering Hunter.

Carolina Lions FLEX: Stevan Ridley - Probably the best option on the Lions' roster for a flex and he's a great runner it all depends on how much Belicheck lets him play. 

Edge: FLEX Fred Jackson, Miami Sharks 

Miami Sharks WR: Josh Gordon - On fire as of late, and completely capable of going off for 200 yards any Sunday especially against this depleted Jets' secondary.

Carolina Lions WR: Desean Jackson - Really came to play last week and gets a dream match up with the Bears coming up, he's a locked in WR1. 

Edge: WR Josh Gordon, Miami Sharks

Miami Sharks WR: Keenan Allen - Going up against a putrid Raiders D, Keenan Allen should continue his ROY pace. 

Carolina Lions WR: Eric Decker - Capable of just going off or finishing a game with 40 yards, I think we'll see somewhere in between on Sunday. 

Edge: WR Eric Decker, Carolina Lions

Miami Sharks TE: Jimmy Graham - The number one tight end matches up against a team that struggles defending the tight end and gave up two TD's to him last time they met. 

Carolina Lions TE: Heath Miller - Sturdy if unexciting tight end who could have a nice day in a potential shootout against Green Bay.

Edge: TE Jimmy Graham, Miami Sharks

Miami Sharks D: Cleveland Browns - Matching up against the Jets, the Browns have a high floor and a high ceiling

Carolina Lions D: Kansas City Chiefs - The number one D in fantasy, not an ideal match up but no way you can sit them. 

Edge: D Cleveland Browns, Miami Sharks

Miami Sharks K: Nick Novak - There will be some scoring in the Chargers/Raiders game and hopefully a few field goal opportunities for Novak and the Chargers 

Carolina Lions K: Phil Dawson - Premier option at kicker

Edge: K Phil Dawson, Carolina Lions

The Pick: In a hard fought match up and one that could come down to Sunday Night give me the Miami Sharks to finish off the repeat 122-99. 

Miami Sharks Back to the Big Game to Defend Title!

The Miami Sharks are going back to the bowl to defend their title after knocking off CLO Collins 119-80! They did this on the back of Jamaal Charles historic 51 point performance, which owner Michael Gibson could only describe as a gift from God. The Sharks are now matched up against the same foe they defeated to win Ultimate Dynasty Bowl I and the question now becomes can they finish off the repeat? 

Carolina Lions Punch Ticket to Ultimate Dynasty Bowl for 2nd Consecutive Season!

New team name, new year, a whole heck of a lot of roster turnover...same result. Luke Zente and his squad are Ultimate Dynasty Bowl bound for the 2nd straight year after toppling the #1 seed Scott's Tots for the third time this year 111-95. Now that he's made it back to the big game Luke just hopes his Lions have a different ending and can win Ultimate Dynasty Bowl II after coming up short last season. CONGRATULATIONS to Luke Zente and the Carolina Lions and good luck on capturing your first ever Ultimate Dynasty Bowl championship!

Week 13 Recap/Week 14 Preview

Week 13: Top 5 Story Lines

1. Eric Decker, Eric Decker, Eric Decker, Eric Decker. His four touchdowns on Sunday saved the Lions season (and potentially the Sharks) and ruined Ohh Kill 'Ems. Thanks to Decker the Carolina Lions now play in a win and in game week 14 for the wildcard.

2. 158!? The Dynasty Kings a week after posting 48 were able to tie the all time scoring record and upset their main rival the Miami Sharks. This team has a bright future starting perhaps in 2014.

3. Super Manning wasn't able to topple the Tots but they were able to tie them which in the playoff scheme of things doesn't mean much but it makes for an interesting stat. The Tots are 9-0 vs everyone else except the Lions (0-2) and Super Manning (1-0-1) going a combined 1-2-1, so if a team has a shot to upset the Tots in the postseason it's these two wildcard hopefuls.

4. The Miami Sharks (1408) and CLO Collins (1374) both passed the single season scoring record (Tots and Super Manning both have shots to pass it as well but no shot to set the new record). It will be interesting to see who after week 14 will have set the new mark and what that mark will be, is an absurd 1500 possible?

5. Gio's Odyssey is going to need a huge game to avoid making history for the wrong reasons, they currently have 949 points with the lowest single season of all time being 1,055 by '12 Goonsquad so they need to have a 107 point week at least.

Current Playoff Picture
1. Scott's Tots 10-2-1
2. Miami Sharks 8-5
3. CLO Collins 8-5
4. Carolina Lions 8-5
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5. Super Manning 7-5-1 GB. 1/2

Thoughts: This is simple now, week 14 is essentially a play-in game and the playoffs for the Lions and Super Manning starts now. Whoever wins will be in as the #4 seed and will play #1 seed Scott's Tots in round 1. If they tie Carolina Lions would obviously get the #4 seed. The other divisional round game is set with a pair of preseason favorites facing off, current #2 seed Miami Sharks going against current #3 seed CLO Collins, all that's left to decide is who will be what seed (which plays some importance because if there is a tie in the playoffs the higher seed advances).

2014 Draft Positions
1. Dynasty Kings (Via BSL 4-9)
2. Dynasty Kings (Via GS 4-9)
3. Dynasty Kings (Via Gio 4-8-1)
4. Gio's Odyssey (Via Pur 5-8)
5. Miami Sharks (Via Kory 5-7-1)
6. Purists (Via DK 6-6-1)
7. BSL (Via OK 6-6-1)
8. Gio's Odyssey (Via SM 7-5-1)
9. Dynasty Kings (Via L 8-5)*
10. Miami Sharks (Via CLO 8-5)*
11. Miami Sharks 8-5*
12. Miami Sharks (Via Tots 10-2-1)*

*= Subject to playoff results

Thoughts: With GS playing Gio one of them is guaranteed a loss or tie sealing the #1 pick for Dynasty Kings. Gio's Odssey could end up picking as high as #2 but the most likely scenario is BSL loses and one of GS or Gio wins which would allow Gio's pick (via Purists (if they lose against CLO)) to land at #3. The Miami Sharks have the ability to keep their pick top 5 as long as they beat Kory this week, there is a slight chance for top 4 if Purists can win as well but this is not likely. Purists-BSL draft position will be determined by DK and OK game deciding who picks 6 or 7 with a slight chance one could move up to 5th. Gio's current 8 pick and Dynasty Kings 9 pick will be completely determined by the Super Manning/Lions game with no upside to move any higher than 8.


BOTTOM LINE Week 14 is all about Super Manning VS Carolina Lions...I think this is going to be an extremely tight game...I'm taking the Lions 101-100.