Week 1 Recap: Top 5 Story Lines/Power Rankings

Top 5 Story Lines

1. New Owner for IDGT. Unfortunately with Kory Adams about as interested in his team as Dylan Gibson is in getting a full time job (he started Justin Blackmon what choice did I have), we have made a move to replace him. The new owner, Matt Loftus, brings a combination of energy and hands on ownership that IDGT has never experienced. He takes over a team with championship aspirations after finishing one game short of being UDFL III champs. He also was able to cancel his DirecTV with a year remaining and avoid cancellation fees so his negotiating skills are top notch.

2. Scott's Tots and Dynasty Kings come out firing like 1A and 1B of the league. Tots picked up right where he left off, starting his title defense with a 139 outburst led by Julio Jones. Dynasty Kings' rebuild looks like it paid off in a big way as they finished 2nd in week 1 scoring with a 129 led by his boy DeAndre Hopkins. These two squads distanced themselves from the rest of the pack and should be at the top of the list of UDFFL BOWL IV title contenders.

3. The title game preview that wasn't. CLO and Red Rockets face off was a lot like Mayweather and Pacquiao, all hype and no substance. Red Rockets saw themselves win in a snoozer while CLO Collins is hearing whispers that his AD-Mega 3 consecutive playoff appearance run may be over. Of course you have to think Caleb may have already known this as he was proactive this offseason in acquiring young franchise corner stone Todd Gurley. The Rockets on the other hand would probably trade their 1-0 start for a healthy Dez. John Gallimore's super squad doesn't look nearly as scary as it once did with an injured Dez and an under performing Dez. Bottom line your AFL Division winner is probably one of these two squads but for now they look a step below the Tots and Kings of the league.

4. Watch out for BSL! It took a while for Andrew to turn around the mess that Austin Zente drafted but it looks like he may have finally done it. While he did take a loss week 1, Carlos Hyde looked like a flat out stud and that Kelce guy isn't half bad either. Hyde-Ingram-Cobb-JMatt-Kelce looks like a squad that's ready to challenge for a playoff spot and perhaps even the title. I'd really like to see them make a move for a big time flex play. Either way it looks like Andrew has finally made it to the light at the end of the tunnel.

5. Father Time 1 - Peyton Manning and Andre Johnson 0. It was almost sad watching Peyton last Sunday and it seems like the end of the line is coming for his time with both the Broncos and Super Manning. With an aging Peyton-Lynch-Forsett-Andre, Phil's championship window could be closing one year earlier than anticipated. It's a shame as Phil may have the best backfield he's ever had, just in time for Peyton and Andre to fall off a cliff.

Week 2 Power Rankings

1. Scott's Tots (1-0) - Win the title and then come out and score 139 points in the opener...yep seems like an easy call for #1. They're not quite as strong as they were last year without a healthy Nelson, but they look like they're going to be just fine.

2. Dynasty Kings (1-0) -  Rebuild to championship contender almost overnight. The Kings were wheeling and dealing this off season and look like they want to get what their brother has, an Ultimate Dynasty title. They have the team to do it if McCoy can get right.

3. BSL (0-1) - I'm drinking the BSL kool-aid. See Story Line 3 for why, but seriously this team looks ready to make a run. 

4. CLO (0-1) - Mega and AD have to bounce back, don't they? The two hall of famers' seasons will directly correlate with how much success CLO experiences. My guess they can pull it together enough for CLO to make one more run. 

5. IDGT (0-1) - Loftus takes over a roster with plenty of talent, if he can make a move or two to improve the WR2 situation then watch out. 

6. Super Manning (1-0) - Obviously really needs Peyton and DT to get right but I love the Lynch-Ivory duo in a league where a solid halfback is worth their weight in gold. 

7. Red Rockets (1-0) - Boy this team sure looks a lot different without Dez in the line up. I also don't know if Melvin Gordon is going to be ready to be anything more than a low end HB2 this year. The good news is LBell-MGordon

8. Goonsquad (0-1) - Luck-Foster-Hilton-Maclin-Sanders will eventually be a sick line up, Tick just has to stay competitive during Foster and Hilton's injuries and he could make some noise in a more vulnerable than expected AFL.

9. Miami Sharks (0-1) - A poor showing for the once proud Miami Sharks in week 1, however I still think this team has potential to get things turned around quickly. Jeremy Hill-Alshon Jeffery-Amari Cooper give them a trio of studs to build around. While the bench is stocked with players like Brandon Coleman, Christine Michael, Buck Allen, and Jerick McKinnon who could emerge and propel the Sharks from the basement back to competitiveness. 

10. Purists (1-0) - This squad with a healthy Benjamin would have had a chance to make some noise. Unfortunately without him it's Mike Evans and a trio of low-mid HB2's that he's hoping at least one will emerge to HB1 status. 

11. Lions (0-1) - All the depth but lacking star power with Lamar Miller as their #1 player by a good margin. The Lions have made it to the title game with worse rosters than this though so never sleep on Luke Zente, especially if he could trade some of this depth for an impact player.

12. Machine Marshall (1-0) - Don't let the win fool you, this franchise is in a terrible spot if CJ Anderson doesn't end up being the HB1 many hoped he would. Aside from Anderson, Alfred Morris-Martavis Bryant, and Keenan Allen may be the only pieces on the whole squad who hold any real solid dynasty value. Boles needs to be on his knees praying for Anderson every night. 

UDFFL 2015 Season Preview

1. Top 10 UDFFL Questions Entering 2015

2. 2012 + 2013 Rookie Drafts in Review

3. 2014 Rookie Draft

4. Top Breakout Candidate for Each Team

5. Top MVP Candidate for Each Team

6. Top Bust Candidate for Each Team

7. Dynasty Potential?

8. Short Team By Team Outlook

9. Power Rankings

2015 UDFFL ROOKIE DRAFT

ROUND 1

1.01 - Miami Sharks - HB Todd Gurley, STL

1.02 - Dynasty Kings - HB Melvin Gordon, SD

1.03 - Dynasty Kings - WR Amari Cooper, OAK

1.04 - Dynasty Kings - WR Kevin White, CHI

1.05 - Miami Sharks - HB TJ Yeldon, JAX

1.06 - Dynasty Kings - WR Devante Parker, MIA

1.07 - BSL - HB Tevin Coleman, ATL

1.08 - Lions - WR Dorial Green-Beckham, TEN

1.09 - CLO Collings - HB Ameer Abdullah, DET

1.10 - CLO Collins - WR Breshard Perriman, BAL

1.11 - CLO Collins - WR Nelson Agholor, PHI

1.12 - Purists - HB Duke Johnson, CLE

ROUND 2

2.13 - Dynasty Kings - WR Devin Funchess, CAR

2.14 - Dynasty Kings - HB David Johnson, AZ

2.15 - Purists - HB Jay Ajayi, MIA

2.16 - Super Manning - QB Jameis Winston, TB

2.17 - Miami Sharks - WR Phillip Dorsett, IND

2.18 - CLO Collins - TE Maxx Williams, BAL

2.19 - BSL - HB David Cobb, TEN

2.20 - Purists - WR Jaelen Strong, HOU

2.21 - Purists - WR Devin Smith, NYJ

2.22 - IDGT - WR Chris Conley, KC

2.23 - IDGT - WR Tyler Lockett, SEA

2.24 - Miami Sharks - HB Matt Jones, WAS

ROUND 3

3.25 - Miami Sharks - WR Stefon Diggs, MIN

3.26 - Purists - QB Marcus Mariota, TEN

3.27 - Miami Sharks - HB Buck Allen, BAL

3.28 - Miami Sharks - HB Zach Zenner, DET

3.29 - Miami Sharks -HB Mike Davis, SF

3.30 - Miami Sharks - HB Jeremy Langford, CHI

3.31 - Super Manning - WR Justin Hardy, ATL

3.32 - Miami Sharks - WR Sammie Coates, PIT

3.33 - Miami Sharks - WR Deandre Smelter, SF

3.34 - BSL - HB Cameron Artis-Payne, CAR

3.35 - IDGT -

3.36 - Dynasty Kings

Ultimate Dynasty Trade Assets (49-63)

Better at Sharing 

63. HB Joique Bell (29), Machine Marshall 

62. HB Mark Ingram (25), Machine Marshall

61. HB Andre Ellington (26), I Don't Get Tired

60. HB Gio Bernard (23), Red Rockets


All of these backs make decent HB2 options especially with the lack of depth at the position. Unfortunately for these four assets there's not a lot of room for their stock to improve as they have all shown they are far better committee backs than feature backs. Gio is arguably the most talented of the group but he is now stuck on a team that believes he is just a COP back and he's stuck behind a superior younger feature back. Ellington had his shot to be a feature back in 2014 and proved the durability just isn't there. Ingram is Ingram and should find a decent role in a 50/50 time share somewhere but with him landing spot is everything. Joique no longer has any Reggie Bush to compete with but there's a 100% chance the coaching staff plugs Theo Riddick into the Bush role and perhaps even drafts a mid round back. Still as said before the weak depth at this position makes these guys fairly valuable even with their warts.


Young Budding WR2's

59. WR Brandon Cooks (21), Purists 

58. WR Charles Johnson (26), Lions

57. WR Martavis Bryant (23), Machine Marshall


These three fledgling receivers should mature into every week low end WR2's in 2015. While Charles Johnson is a bit older he belongs in this group as he finally showed flashes last season and should get the chance to be a starting receiver and grow with Teddy Bridgewater (perhaps even be his WR1). Cooks and Bryant are no surprise in this tier either. I would say Martavis has the higher upside just because his skill set should lead to more TD's but Cooks is without a doubt the more sure thing. Cooks paired with Brees while the Saints are suddenly needing someone to step up and take more of the offensive load (with Colston aging out and their salary cap a mess) is a recipe for a nice sophomore season in 2015.


We Could be Heroes 

56. WR Cordarelle Patterson (24), BSL  

55. WR Justin Hunter (24), Sharks

54. HB Christine Michael (24), Dynasty Kings

53. HB Knile Davis (23), Sharks


Some would argue the guys in this tier have the talent not only to be a #1 option at their fantasy position, but to be THE #1 option at their position. I am one of those people. All members of the same 2013 draft class entering their 3rd years, which for the two ex-Tennessee receivers of the group could very well be make or break for their young careers. Hunter and Patterson were both given the opportunity to be starting receivers in this league last year and both underwhelmed. One got benched and the other lacerated as they starred in "when break out seasons go wrong". Knile Davis and CMike on the other hand are given a little bit longer of a leash as they are both stuck behind Hall of Fame caliber aging backs. However we've seen Knile as a starter with a full workload and he did not disappoint, while it looks like CMike as talented as he is may not even be the 2nd string in Seattle. I think everyone in this tier is a good buy as they have the upside to be a true top 10 dynasty asset. With that being said, there is a point where you can't live off of potential forever.


I Don't Have any Dr. Pepper but Could I Interest You In Some Dr. Thunder?

52. TE Jordan Cameron (27), Tots 

51. TE Julius Thomas (27), Sharks

50. TE Jordan Reed (25), Sharks

49. TE Travis Kelce (25), BSL


These aren't the real thing but they're a solid knock off version. Not everyone can have a Gronk on their squad or to a lesser extent even a Jimmy Graham, but these four guys are talented enough to still give you a nice edge at the position. The other thing that puts these guys this high is potential, the thinking that while they aren't Graham caliber now (not using Gronk because I don't think anyone can be Gronk) they all have the potential to be that top 2-3 guy at the position. Cameron and Thomas are probably the highest upside of the group and the lowest downside currently just for the reason their landing spots are up in the air. For example if one lands in Atlanta or Green Bay the hype trains will start to roll, but if one lands in an Oakland/Jacksonville/Cleveland type place their immediate value will surely take a hit. Reed and Kelce are both extremely talented options. Reed is slightly limited by his offense and lack of a solid QB, while Kelce is downright handcuffed by it. In the Chiefs offense with Alex Smith at the helm, Kelce's upside is unfairly capped. He still should be a solid TE1 in 2015 as their number one receiving option but hopefully in the next couple of years he'll get to work with a real QB or at least one that can throw 20+ yards.

Ultimate Dynasty Trade Assets (64-73)

Solid TE1's with Some Tread Left

73. TE Greg Olsen (30), CLO 

72. TE Martellus Bennett (28), RR

There's not too much to see here, if you have one of these tight ends you can count on steady low end TE1 production. The blow up games are few and far between but the weekly floor is a heck of a lot higher than a lot of tight end options. There are some concerns about Bennett losing Trestman, and you know Fox will want to be more run based which could cut into Bennett's targets. Even with those concerns these are two steady guys who you can slot into your TE spot week in and week out and feel pretty good about your chances.

Post Hype 2nd Year Backs

71. HB Bishop Sankey (22), Purists 

70. HB Andre Williams (23), I Don't Get Tired

On one hand you have the 1.05 pick in last year's rookie draft and on the other hand you have a 2nd rookie pick whose value exploded due to his preseason performances. Both were hyped up a tremendous amount in the 2014 offseason, however their regular season performances left much to be desired. On the bright side both seem to still be in line to be the team's tailback of the future (for now). I think Andre is the greater talent and if I was going to bet on one of them, my money would be on him. Although it is very possible both of these once heralded 2014 rookies could find their way on to the list of fantasy busts, they are still young potential feature backs or lead committee backs which is why they crack the top 75 assets.

Young TE Potential Difference Makers

69. TE Dwayne Allen (25), Goonsquad

68. TE Austin Seferian Jenkins (22), Purists

67. TE Zach Ertz (24), Dynasty Kings

While some of Dwayne Allen's shine has recently come off due to the strong emergence of Coby Fleener, he is still the main pass catching tight end in an Andrew Luck led offense which earns him a spot here. Ertz has shown a lot of promise and in a Chip Kelly offense (especially if Maclin leaves) he could have some solid-strong TE1 seasons ahead of him. ASJ on the other hand is just a monster and with VJax out of the picture and a young number one overall pick QB coming in the arrow is pointing up.


The Speed Demons with the High Ceilings and the Lowest Floors

66. WR Percy Harvin (27), Scott's Tots 

65. WR Desean Jackson (28), Carolina Lions

64. WR Torrey Smith (26), Scott's Tots

A couple free agents to be and a guy who was an unexpected free agent last offseason. The similarities don't end there as all three of these guys possess game breaking speed and can put up 20+ point fantasy performances any given Sunday. However these guys can also go a game without connecting on a single target. Not a bad WR2 option as they can win you some weeks but you have to be prepared for the low floor.

Ultimate Dynasty Trade Assets (74-88)

Let Me Be Your #2

88. WR Julian Edelman (29),  I Don't Get Tired 

87. WR Kenny Stills (23),  Dynasty Kings

86. WR Michael Crabtree (27), Super Manning

85. WR Golden Tate (27), Carolina Lions

It goes without saying this group features a bunch of solid WR2's. Edelman and Tate are solidified in their roles within their perspective offenses and while they lack week winning upside (aside from when Mega is out) they are both great plug and plays as weekly WR2's. The Free Agent Michael Crabtree also occupies a spot in this group as greener pastures (WR1 for Carr in Oakland?) could put him firmly in the every week WR2 conversation. Then there's 23 year old Kenny Stills. Arguably the soon to be number one outside wide receiver for Drew Brees, Stills could and should easily morph into a solid WR2 option.

The Bash Brothers

84. WR Duron Carter (24), Carolina Lions 

83. WR Justin Blackmon (25), I Don't Get Tired

82. WR Josh Gordon (24), Red Rockets

Three ridiculously talented wide outs with a ton of baggage. While Gordon and Blackmon are definitely a tier or two above Duron in overall talent, he earns his spot in this group as he is the only one out of the three who is a current active member of a team. Not to mention Duron's landing spot could not be sweeter, if he plays his cards right he could be tied to Luck for the majority of his NFL career. Gordon and Blackmon on the other hand have both proven they can perform as high level WR1's in this league (Gordon could/will? have a new home in 2016), if they can just get on the field.

The Fading Stars

81. HB Ryan Mathews (27), Red Rockets 

80. HB Doug Martin (26), Purists

79. WR Pierre Garcon (29), BSL

78. WR Victor Cruz (28), Super Manning

77. WR Andre Johnson (34), Super Manning

76. WR Larry Fitzgerald (32), Super Manning

75. WR Eric Decker (28), Machine Marshall

74. HB CJ Spiller (28), Carolina Lions

Everyone in this group was once a top 1-3 round redraft pick and the majority of them have had a cup of coffee in the first round. Now most of them are looking to rebound while a few of them are even in the twilight of their dynasty careers (Andre3000 and Fitz). All very risky players to acquire in dynasty but there's no denying the upside is there, all these players have top 15 potential at their respective positions or their values could continue to decline. 

Ultimate Dynasty Trade Assets (89-100)

The premise of this article is the same as Bill Simmons' NBA trade value article. I attempted to write it unbiased and from an "in a vacuum" perspective. Obviously certain players would be more appealing than others if you are rebuilding or contending but this is just from if I was making a dynasty right now who are the top 100 assets. If a player is in front of another player it means in a vacuum yes I would trade that particular player in a one for one swap for those in front of him. It however does not mean that the Miami Sharks would for sure perform the same one for one swap (but we might just ask). This list was tough to write and I definitely want to hear everyone's thoughts rookies were excluded from the list but for just for fun I'd say this year's 1.01 could be argued as a top 12 asset depending on landing spot.

Players just missing the cut: WR Kendall Wright (Pur)/WR John Brown (DK)/WR Jarvis Landry (Tots)/QB Ben Roethlisberger (RR)/TE Eric Ebron (Pur)/TE Tyler Eifert (Tots)/WR Reuben Randle (L)

My two favorite players from this list of those who just missed the cut would have to be without a doubt Eric Ebron and Tyler Eifert I think they have the most upside by far of anyone in this group and at a very shallow position. If I was going to pick one I'd take Ebron as he isn't handcuffed to raggedy Andy. 

Rent-A-HB3

100. HB Rashad Jennings (30), Super Manning

99. HB Chris Ivory (27), Super Manning

When these guys are healthy and receiving the majority of the carries they are solid flex-low end HB2 options. Guys who are a flat out waste of space on a rebuilding squad but could be key role pieces to a playoff contender as they were for Super Manning this year. Both have found spots on this list due to the shallow depth at the running back position. 

One Last Ride 

98. QB Tom Brady (38), Scott's Tots

97. QB Peyton Manning (39), Super Manning

Two hall of fame guys who can't have more than 1-2 seasons left in the tank but both offer top 5 overall QB upside any given year. Both are assets that are a lot easier to hold on to than to try to receive a fair offer on the market and they are both where they need to be heading up two strong contenders' rosters. 

$1 Lottery Tickets 

96. HB Robert Turbin (25), Super Manning 

95. HB Dan Herron (26), Goon Squad

94. HB Bryce Brown (24), Miami Sharks

93. TE Ladarius Green (25), BSL

This is the lottery ticket group, Turbin could find himself as the top runner or part of a committee on the run first Seahawks at some point or never make it past being a back up, Herron could hold on to the HB1 job in Indy or (most likely) the Colts will address the position in the draft or via free agency and turn him into a 3rd down back or bench fodder (the fact that the Colts got burned investing in Trich could work into Herron's favor), Bryce Brown could take over at least the old Spiller role if not more if Buffalo lets Spiller walk and FJAX wears down or he could watch as the Bills bring back Spiller and/or draft a runner and his value could go bankrupt, Ladarius Green could be in line to be the new Gates but questions remain about his lack of usage last season (1.6 targets per game) but he could be suffering from Michael Turner syndrome (having a hall of famer in front of him) only problem with that theory is you can play more than one pass catching weapon at a time especially if he's a transcendent talent. My favorites from this list are obviously Ladarius and Bryce as I think they have TE1 and HB1 upside if given the usage but I would say Ladarius has the best odds out of the group by a good amount. 

The Young Stallions and the Gun Slingers

92. QB Matt Stafford (27), CLO 

91. QB Matt Ryan (30), BSL

90. QB Colin Kaepernick (27), Miami Sharks

89. QB Cam Newton (26), Purists

You got your gun slingers with excellent weapons in this tier who have had big fantasy seasons and both have the potential to throw for 400 any given week, then you have your two transcendent running talents. You're probably wondering how I can have Kap and Cam up this high in the rankings after some of the struggles they had this season. Well my reasoning is one word upside. These are two running QB's who for the most part have stayed relatively healthy even while taking hits, have lacked big time passing game weapons, and haven't really gotten a chance to be in a pass first offense yet. Cam is essentially a low end QB1 and a goaline back in one player, while the rumor is the 49ers are going to bring back the read option in a big way for Kap. If these guys can progress as passers to be mid QB1's while they are still young and mobile their rushing stats could have them capable of a 2010 Mike Vick season or better.