Week 1 Preview/Power Rankings

Week 1 Match Up Preview

Carolina Lions 0-0 AT Miami Sharks 0-0 (-15)

All Time H2H Regular Season (1-1)

All Time H2H Post Season (2-0 Sharks)

In a rematch of Ultimate Dynasty Bowl's I and II, the Miami Sharks and Carolina Lions prepare to kick off the 2014 season just as they kicked off and finished 2013, facing each other. These two teams are not only the only two teams in the league to have championship game experience, they are also number one and two in most career regular season wins (Miami Sharks 18, Carolina Lions 17). The Miami Sharks go into this game on a three game winning streak, looking once again to start their title defense against the Lions. While the Lions look to grab some revenge after being so close to the top of the mountain the past two years, only to have to watch the Sharks ride away with the trophy. The Sharks come into this game looking like the favorites as they boast an advantage at half back (McCoy/Bell over Lynch/Stacy) and a substantial advantage at receiver (Bryant/Jeffery over Djax/Tate). Add in the fact the Sharks are sporting former Lion fan favorite Eric Decker going against Oakland as their flex while the Lions look to be rolling out Andrew Hawkins and you can see why the Sharks are my pick to win 107-92. 

Difference Maker: HB LeSean McCoy, Miami Sharks - Tempting to go with the former Lion, Eric Decker. However passing up on McCoy against Jacksonville is hard to do. Look for him to kick off his season with a bang with 150+ total yards with 2 TD's and a Sharks' win. 

Red Rockets 0-0 AT Port City Goonsquad 0-0 (-1)

All Time H2H Regular Season (3-1 RR)

All Time H2H Post Season (0-0)

Two teams desperate to make their first playoff appearance face off in week 1. You could make a case for either as a playoff, even championship contender. While it's going to be tough to unseat perennial AFL Division winner CLO Collins, both of these teams have to be in Wildcard consideration. So what will happen when these two teams that have had some very hard times in the past but see 2014 as their year to compete, meet up? I see this game coming down to Sunday Night when Luck, Sanders, Hilton will face off against Ball and JT and to be honest I see this game being an instant classic. Sign me up for the mini upset with Luck and Hilton connecting on Sunday Night to give Goonsquad the victory 101-100. 

Difference Maker: HB CJ Spiller, Goonsquad - It all depends on what Spiller shows up. If he can be a low end HB1 or high end HB2, then Goonsquad can win this ball game. If Fred Jackson takes a good portion of the load and Spiller can't get anything going then Red Rockets should post the W. I'm thinking Spiller gets a longggg TD and finishes with over 100 yards and a score. 

CLO Collins 0-0 AT Scott's Tots 0-0 (+3)

All Time H2H Regular Season (1-1)

All Time H2H Post Season (0-0)

This is without question the game of the week for week 1. Two teams that were a game away from Ultimate Dynasty Bowl II and are now two of the favorites for Ultimate Dynasty Bowl III may be facing off in a championship preview. CLO Collins starting line up is straight loaded (other than the flex but eh) boasting Rodgers, Charles, Peterson, Megatron, Jimmy, heck all of those players have a good shot at being number one at their position. While Scott's Tots returns much of the same roster that finished 11-3 last year, except now they have a healthy Julio Jones! Get your popcorn ready for this one guys, and it starts opening night with Rodgers going against Russell, Lacy, Nelson, and Hauschka. Right now due to the match ups and Lacy/Nelson having the chance to be limited by Seattle, I have to go with CLO Collins by a field goal. 

Difference Maker: WR Jordy Nelson, Scott's Tots - Rare the predicted loser's player is the difference maker, but Nelson definitely fits the bill. If he can get something going against Sherman it will go a long way in whether or not the Tots can win this game. I think Nelson will be held to around 57 yards with no scores and CLO will win this game by a nose.

Dynasty Kings 0-0 AT Beat Skeet Leave 0-0 (-23)

All Time H2H Regular Season (2-0)

All Time H2H Post Season (0-0)

The Dynasty Kings experienced a crazy off season, after spending all of 2013 gathering 2014 1sts the Kings then cashed them in and at one time boasted a McCoy/Charles combo. However after thinking he lacked the depth to win he cashed in those chips for young pieces and 2015 1sts (currently boasting 8 1sts). While the 2015 draft looks to be loaded and that could be a solid move for his future, the Kings are once again coming into the season with a line up no one takes seriously. Then we have BSL, a team picked by many to win the UFL last year and was even an Ultimate Dynasty Bowl pick by some. Well we all know how that turned out, after a disappointing 2013 season BSL has struck a nice balance. They now boast a team that looks deadly for the future, but also have enough pieces to be a fringe/surprise contender in 2014. I think BSL takes this one by a considerable margin 94-71. 

Difference Maker: WR Keenan Allen, BSL - You could've picked any of BSL's receivers and plugged them in here, bottom line they're fourth best receiver would be the King's WR1.

Ohh Kill'Em 0-0 AT Kory Adams 0-0 (+2)

All Time H2H Record Regular Season (3-1 OK)

All Time H2H Record Post Season (0-0)

Ohh Kill'Em proved to the masses that they do in fact belong in the league, finishing 2nd in the NFL division and stayed in the Wildcard race until the bitter end. Kory Adams on the other hand takes a very laissez faire approach to his team rarely making too many big splashes or moves. Perhaps rightfully so, as he boast a team that could very well challenge for the NFL Division crown and maybe even the Ultimate Dynasty Bowl Championship. This game should be a good one as these teams match up pretty well vs each other, but write me down for the Matt Boles week 1 upset special 105-103. 

Difference Maker: HB Chris Johnson, Ohh Kill 'Em - I'm not huge on CJ?K for the 2014 season, but I do think he could look close to vintage CJ against Oakland week 1 posting 100+ and a TD with upside for a good bit more.

Purists 0-0 AT Super Manning 0-0 (-27)

All Time Regular Season H2H (2-0 SM)

All Time Post Season H2H (0-0)

A year ago around this time, Super Manning kicked off the season with an unbelievable showing setting the all time record in Ultimate Dynasty for points in a game. Can they do it again in 2014? Ehh maybe not, but they should be able to cruise to a win against a Purists team clearly building for the future. Now the Purists do have a few players that could make this interesting and I think a line up of (Newton, Martin, Woodhead, Cooks, Dobson, Stills, Rudolph) has the fire power to pull off the upset if everything and I mean everything broke right. However it looks as though the Peyton-DT combo will be back in full force and Super Manning now has a better running back situation than they had in 2013. I still think 2013 was their year with Peyton going ballistic, but Super Manning will still have a very solid team and they'll get past week 1 unscathed 100-73. 

Difference Maker: WR Demaryius Thomas, Super Manning - The Purists have no one that can compete with this monster bottom line. Could see DT having a 150 yard 1 TD game against Indy. 

Power Rankings Week #1

1. CLO Collins - Flex and depth issues, sure, but when your team boasts Rodgers/Charles/Peterson/Mega/Jimmy heading into the season you're going to get ranked #1. After two years of finishing one game away from the Ultimate Game, is this the year CLO finally breaks through?

2. Scott's Tots - A fully healthy Julio could very well put this team over the hump. Forte/Lacy and Julio/Nelson with Cameron at Tight End, you don't get much better than that. Can Tray navigate this team to back to back UFL Division titles all the way from the West Coast?

3. Miami Sharks - Boast more depth than the aforementioned top two teams with slightly less star power, but they still come into 2014 with plenty of fire power making a three peat a very realistic possibility. 

4. Red Rockets - Well it looks like Gordon is riding the pine for all of 2014, but the Rockets are still good enough to make a run. If they had an non suspended Gordon, they may be one to two spots higher, but even still their running back depth and solid starting line up will have them as the favorite for the wildcard.

5. Kory Adams - Brees/Murray/AJG/Gronk. That right there could be the number one QB, HB, WR, and TE if things went right in 2014. Probably a little bit far fetched but bottom line this team has talent, possibly even Ultimate Dynasty Bowl talent.

6. Goonsquad - There are a lot of obstacles in this team's way (namely CLO and the RR), however they have Darkhorse sleeper appeal. I love that Spiller/Tate combo and think it's not hard to believe one or both of them could finish as a HB1. Add to that a potential breakout season from Luck and you can see why GS is my darkhorse title pick.

7. Super Manning - Again I've said this a million times and I'll say it a million more 2013 was their year to walk away with a title. Not saying they can't do it this year but they'll need someone to surprise (like a Jeremy Hill) in their backfield to challenge the Tots.

8. BSL - Goonsquad may be my dark horse, but BSL is not far off. I love this team for the future and think they could be pretty dang good in 2014 as well. While they may not punch a playoff ticket this year, the good times are about to start rolling for BSL. 

9. Ohhh Kill'Em - A team that no one can overlook any given week, but that will be way too inconsistent to put together a winning record. Could see them being a big time seller at trade deadline (Reggie, CJ?K, Marshall, Welker, Nicks, Vernon).

10. Carolina Lions - It's a tradition, I rank them low and they end up finding their way to the Ultimate Dynasty Bowl...every time. I'm not crazy over this roster, but if RG3 and Djax catch lightening in a bottle then there are enough pieces around to get the Lions in the playoff conversation...again.

11. Purists - Newton/Martin/Sankey/Cooks/Dobson/Stills/Rudolph is a line up that'll be maddeningly inconsistent this year but could literally beat even the best teams if they catch their receiving trio on the right day.

12. Dynasty Kings - Will be a pushover in 2014, but come May they'll be very glad they took the year off. Knowing Dylan he will still do everything he can to put up W's and I could see him pulling off some upsets but no more than 5 wins seems doable this year.

TRAINING CAMP POWER RANKINGS

2014 Training Camp Power Rankings

1. CLO Collins - Rodgers/Peterson/Charles/Mega/Cruz/Graham...After two straight 1st round playoff exits, CLO is bringing a star studded line up into 2014 with hopes of finally breaking through and making his first Ultimate Dynasty Bowl.
PROS: Can't do much better than his starters at QB, HB1, HB2, WR1, WR2, TE1. Those are the types of players that can win weeks on their own...and they're all on one team.
CONS: Flex position is a bit of a mystery with 2013 underachievers Ray Rice and Trent Richardson vying for opportunities, along with an aging Frank Gore. Depth is just decent with the same previously noted three backing up his backs, and Watkins and Amendola backing up his receivers. While Watkins projects to be a star it'd be absurd to think he'd be anything more than a WR3 in Buffalo's run first offense his rookie year.
VERDICT: CLO is a mortal lock to make his third trip to the postseason and as of today he's the early favorite to be Ultimate Dynasty Bowl bound.

2. Miami Sharks - The Sharks are coming off two straight Ultimate Dynasty Bowl titles and after an offseason of wheeling and dealing they bring a squad to the table that has the fire power to bring home a third title.
PROS: McCoy/Lynch/Dez/Jeffery are a sick big four that can go toe to toe with any team's top four in the league. They possess the back ups to both star runners (one being ultra talented) which helps cover them if injury strikes. Lamar Miller, Justin Hunter, Bryce Brown, and Latavius Murray have the talent to emerge and potentially add another stud or two to the Sharks' line up.
CONS: Lack a TE1, and while I believe my plan to stream tight ends will work it still carries with it a lot of risk and is a far cry from having Jimmy's consistent production the past two years. While there's a lot of potential on the bench lack proven back ups.
VERDICT: The Sharks should be able to punch a third straight playoff ticket, the question is will they be Ultimate Dynasty Bowl bound yet again? Right now I think a Sharks VS CLO, Ultimate Dynasty Bowl III could be on the horizon come December.

3. Scott's Tots - Debated placing them ahead of the Sharks, but unlike a year ago the Tots badly lack depth or any potential break out guys (not a fan of Devonta Freeman). The starters are top notch and that's why they are ranked as a top 3 Ultimate Dynasty franchise as they look to build upon their success in 2013.
PROS: Forte/Lacy/Julio/Nelson/Cameron. That's a championship caliber squad right there. Knile Davis is a talented back up and should something happen to Charles he'd make a strong flex play.
CONS: The bench for lack of a better word is just gross (and not in a good way). The only guys barring injuries you may be able to plug into the starting line up are D.Freeman and Cotchery...
VERDICT: After a miserable 2012, the Tots managed to finish with the best record in the league in 2013. In 2014, I see the Tots as the heavy favorite to win the UFL and be back in the playoff mix, and if everyone stays healthy they have a shot at the title.

4. Red Rockets - If Gordon gets a light suspension or anything less than a season, then this team can be scary good. Even without him they are looking strong enough to give CLO a run for the AFL, and to even make a run for the Ultimate Dynasty Bowl championship.
PROS: Solid or above player at every position, potential to have a dominate running back core. Nice receiver depth with Torrey Smith, Maclin, and Britt waiting in the wings.
CONS: Good solid trio of backs, but after that there are only two other backs on the roster and you'd be crazy to expect either of them to see more than 3-5 touches a game barring injuries in front of them. Add in the fact Foster is already dealing with some hamstring issues and Ball is unproven if they don't catch the right breaks they could get real desperate at running back in a hurry (you could say that for the majority of teams in the league however)
VERDICT: This squad reminds me so much of the 2013 Tots it's unreal. So many above average players but lacking the big names that really jump off the page at you, but it doesn't matter if his runningback core stay healthy the Red Rockets are going to be a force to be reckon with.

5. Kory Adams - Brees/Murray/AJG/Gronk...If Gronk and Murray are healthy and can stay healthy this is a team that could go from being above average to one of the elites in a hurry. This is the last team that I think you can look at on paper and think he has a real good shot at a title.
PROS: Brees, AJG, Gronk, and even Murray all have shots at being the number one or at least top three players at their position. If that happens Kory Adams is going to be tough to beat.
CONS: If Murray goes down and Ellington doesn't live up to all the hype, his runningback situation could get really ugly really quick. Lacks high upside bench players, and what I mean by that there is no one on his bench that has real break out potential that could impact his team (SJAX, Wayne, Stewart, Bradshaw are all vastly declining assets), (Cooper, the Jones, Edelman are not exciting at all).
VERDICT: This team will live and die with Gronk and Murray, one of the few teams that I could see being a top three team or a bottom three team. You'd be crazy to bet on Gronk and Murray playing 16 games (maybe even combined) so I'll say Kory needs a great string of health to punch his first playoff ticket.

6. Goonsquad - These guys are the last team I'll give a real outside shot at the title too. I won't list them as official contenders, but they are a team that with some breaks could find their way to a title. Spiller would have to ball out as well as Tate but it could happen.
PROS: Possess two halfbacks that at worst are HB2's and at best could be HB1's, especially Spiller. Deep at receiver with Roddy in for a bounce back year. Great young QB-TE combo.
CONS: Lack a WR1. Spiller and Tate have their share of injury problems and both have talented back ups eating away at their touches.
VERDICT: Goonsquad needs Spiller and Tate to hit big, but at the end of the day you definitely have to say the GS has a shot at the title which at this time of year that's all you can really want.

7. Super Manning - 2013 was their year. I don't care what you say the stars were aligned (Peyton record breaking, DT, Andre killing, and actually a good year from Mathews). There is no way this team is better in 2014 than they were in 2013, I just can't see it without making some moves. They will still be solid especially if Gerhart can be a HB2 for them and will be one of the teams in the mix to make the postseason.
PROS: Peyton-DT can win weeks by themselves. Gerhart may finally bring some stability to Super Manning's backfield. A lot of receiver depth.
CONS: Lack a HB1. Peyton and Andre seem like they can only go down from their 2014 campaigns due to age and standard regression.
VERDICT: Fringe playoff contender, but I have trouble buying in as Peyton won't be as good as last year. I think you'll find this team in the mix into the final weeks, but once again a post season ticket will escape the Super Manning's grasp.

8. BSL - If Terrence West or Carlos Hyde hit a year early this team could surprise. Allen, Patterson, Garcon, Cobb is a great receiver core, Morris is a low end HB1, they are solid at tight end, they just need that second runner. This team is built better for the future than they are now, but they can be competitive in 2014.
PROS: Nice receiving corps. Plenty of potential break out players (hello Ladarius Green). Possess a HB1 in Morris.
CONS: Too young, there are so many players on this roster that have bright futures that just probably won't be big impact guys in 2014 (Hyde, Matthews, Beckham, Lattimer, etc)
VERDICT: A year from now they could be boasting Hyde as their HB1, West as their HB2, and Morris as their HB3 and could be a top 3-4 team in the league going into 2015. Playoff appearances and title runs are in BSL's future, it's just most likely not in 2014.

9. Carolina Lions - Coming off back to back improbable Ultimate Dynasty Bowl appearances, the Lions find themselves in a familiar spot, near the bottom of the preseason power rankings. The Lions are never ranked high on paper, but they are 2 for 2 on proving everyone wrong and while I'd be more shocked than ever before, Luke has proved time and time again you can never count him out.
PROS: Deep at halfback which is what it takes a lot of the times to make a playoff run. Have Steve Smith which is fun.
CONS: No legitimate HB1 or WR1. Stacy is way more HB2 than HB1 and DJAX is a volatile WR2. So while they have halfback depth it is full of HB2's and 3's. No legitimate TE option, will be forced to stream them.
VERDICT: Third straight Ultimate Dynasty Bowl appearance, because I'm tired of guessing wrong on them. You'll see them late in December, it'll happen no rhyme or reason, just will.

10. Ohhh Kill 'Em - They are kind of like the Super Mannings, in that 2013 was really their shot. I can't see this team being a real threat for the playoffs this year like they were last season, I just can't.
PROS: Two volatile HB2's that can both go off and have OK compete with just about anyone. Marshall is a rock solid WR1.
CONS: Two volatile HB2's that can both no show and don't get goaline carries and could cause them to lost to just about anyone. Welker and Nicks are big time question marks behind Marshall.
VERDICT: Will have some big time point outbursts, but at the end of the day I think this is a 5-6 win team, if Brady bounces back.

11. Dynasty Kings - Have a handful of players that can put up some average to slightly above average weeks for him. There's no secret about it the Kings are all in on the rich 2015 draft and will have no shot at competing in 2014.
PROS: Gio Bernard is electric and probably a top end HB2. K.Robinson and D.Williams are at least startable halfbacks.
CONS: Will be the underdog in almost every match up this year. Barely have some middle to low end WR2's.
VERDICT: 2015 draft will be a lot of fun and could build a dynasty via that draft.

12. Purists - Outside of Newton, Martin, and maybe Bishop there are not a lot of 2014 producers on this team. The good news is this team should have one sick WR core in the future (Evans, Cooks, Benjamin, Lee) and pair of TE's (Ebron and ASJ).
PROS: Potentially top 5 running back on his squad. Newton can put up monster fantasy games at times.
CONS: A lot of his players will not be ready to put up consistent solid points until 2015. This team does have a bright future however especially if Martin bounces back. Could see a Hatfield brother Ultimate Dynasty Bowl V or VI in the future.

2014 Ultimate Dynasty Rookie Draft

2014 ROOKIE DRAFT

ROUND 1

1. CLO Collins (FROM BSL) - WR Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills

2. Purists (FROM RR) - WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

3. Purists (FROM GS) - WR Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints

4. Purists (FROM K) - WR Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers

5. Purists - HB Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans

6. Purists (FROM DK) - TE Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions

7. BSL (FROM OK) - WR Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles

8. BSL (FROM SM) - RB Carlos Hyde, San Fransisco 49ers

9. BSL (FROM CLO) - WR Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars

10. BSL (FROM Tots) - QB Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns

11. Miami Sharks (FROM L) - WR Devante Adams, Green Bay Packers

12. Purists (FROM MS) - WR Marquise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars

ROUND 2

13. Ohh Kill 'EM (FROM BSL) -RB Tre Mason, St.Louis Rams

14. BSL (FROM RR) - RB Terrance West, Cleveland Browns

15. Scott's Tots (FROM GS) - RB Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons

16. Super Manning (FROM K) - RB Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals

17. BSL (FROM P) - WR Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants

18. Dynasty Kings (FROM DK) - RB Charles Sims, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

19. Dynasty Kings (FROM OK) - WR Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts

20. BSL (FROM SM) - WR Cody Latimer, Denver Broncos

21. Kory Adams (FROM CLO) - RB Andre Williams, New York Giants

22. Dynasty Kings (FROM Tots) - RB Ka'Deem Carey, Chicago Bears

23. Dynasty Kings (FROM L) - RB Lache Seastrunk, Washington Redskins

24. Dynasty Kings (FROM MS) - RB Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns

ROUND 3

25. Miami Sharks (FROM BSL) - RB Storm Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars

26. Dynasty Kings (FROM Gio) - RB Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings

27. Miami Sharks (FROM GS) - TE Austin Sefarin-Jenkins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

28. Miami Sharks (From KA) - WR Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers

29. Purists - QB Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings

30. Goonsquad (FROM DK) - HB De'Anthony Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs

31. Ohh Kill 'EM - WR Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins

32. Miami Sharks (FROM SM) - TE Jace Amaro, New York Jets

33. Dynasty Kings (FROM CLO) - WR Paul Richardson, Seattle Seahawks

34. Scott's Tots - WR Bruce Ellington, San Francisco 49ers

35. Carolina Lions - WR Mike Campanoro, Baltimore Ravens

36. Red Rockets (FROM MS) - HB Alfred Blue, Houston Texans

The Terrible Trade Tournament

The league is over two years old now and let me tell you there have been some terrible trades. Some were terrible from the beginning, some became terrible due to changing values, but for whatever the reason the trades below are downright horrendous and I don't recommend looking at this tournament if you are squeamish or prone to depression.

What I have done is seeded and separated the all time worst trades into 2 brackets and want your help voting on the worst of the worst. Each match up will stay up for a day or until it has had 5 votes then we will move on to the next match up.

2012 Bracket

ROUND 2

1. (4/8/12) Miami Sharks Receive: WR AJ Green and 1.03
Dynasty Kings Receive: QB Matthew Stafford, HB Michael Bush, WR Steve Johnson, and WR Vincent Brown

4. (7/31/12) Super Manning Receives: WR Nate Washington
Red Rockets Receive: WR Alshon Jeffery
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2. (7/20/12) Miami Sharks Receive: HB CJ Spiller and 2013 1st
Gio's Odyssey Receives: WR Mike Wallace

3. (9/23/12) Miami Sharks Receive: QB Michael Vick
BSL Receives: HB Alfred Morris, QB Tony Romo, 2013 2nd

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ROUND 1



(WINNER) 1. (4/8/12) Miami Sharks Receive: WR AJ Green and 1.03
Dynasty Kings Receive: QB Matthew Stafford, HB Michael Bush, WR Steve Johnson, and WR Vincent Brown

8. (8/24/12) Purists Receive: HB Doug Martin, 2013 1st, and WR Santonio Holmes
Boles Receives: HB Chris Johnson and WR Jon Baldwin

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(WINNER) 4. (7/31/12) Super Manning Receives: WR Nate Washington
Red Rockets Receive: WR Alshon Jeffery

5. (8/28/12) Miami Sharks Receive: WR Brandon Lloyd
Kory Receives: WR Vincent Jackson, HB Mike Tolbert, WR Leonard Hankerson, 2014 2nd, 2015 2nd

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(WINNER) 3. (9/23/12) Miami Sharks Receive: QB Michael Vick
BSL Receives: HB Alfred Morris, QB Tony Romo, 2013 2nd

6. (7/31/12) Purists Receive: QB Josh Freeman
Gio's Odyssey Receives: WR Reuben Randle, 2nd '13, 1st '14

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(WINNER) 2. (7/20/12) Miami Sharks Receive: HB CJ Spiller and 2013 1st
Gio's Odyssey Receives: WR Mike Wallace

7. (10/10/12) CLO Receives: 2013 1st
Kory Receives: HB Mikel LeShoure

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2013 Bracket

1. (3/24/13) Gio's Odyssey Receives: 1.01
CLO Receives: WR Julio Jones

8. (3/15/13) Miami Sharks Receive: HB Ben Tate
Kings Receive: HB Mike Goodson

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4. (6/26/13) Miami Sharks Receive: WR Kenny Britt
Carolina Lions Receive: WR Eric Decker, WR Steve Smith, WR Sidney Rice, 2014 1st

5. (8/19/13) Purists Receive: TE Julius Thomas, WR Josh Boyce, 2015 2nd
BSL Receives: TE Dwayne Allen

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3. (2/26/13) Goonsquad Receives: WR Randall Cobb, WR Greg Jennings, WR Mike Williams, 2015 1st
Dynasty Kings Receive: WR Mike Wallace

6. (8/12/13) Lions Receive: HB Ronnie Hillman, 2014 2nd, 2017 1st, 2014 3rd, 2015 3rd
Kings Receive: HB LaMichael James and QB Geno Smith

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2. (2/26/13) Lions Receive: WR Roddy White, WR Steve Smith, 2.14
CLO Receives: 1.01

7. (3/17/13) Gio's Odyssey Receives: 1st (BSL), HB Peyton Hillis, HB Donald Brown, WR Emmanuel Sanders, TE Brett Myers
BSL Receives: 1st (RR), WR Alshon Jeffery, QB Matt Ryan

A Look Back: 2012 Rookie Draft

While it's a little early to fully grade a rookie draft after only two seasons, it's never too early just to check in and see how the players careers are shaping up.






2012 Rookie Draft
1st Round

1. Kory Adams - QB Andrew Luck, Colts (Current Team: Goonsquad) - Almost immediately shipped out of town to Goonsquad for Drew Brees, Luck never played a down for Kory Adams. You've gotta think Kory and Tick are both still extremely satisfied with this deal as Brees has been fantastic as always and should have a few more years left of top 3 production. Luck on the other hand is on his way to being everything he was hyped to be and more, already a legitimate top 5 at his position and only about to begin his 3rd season, the sky is the limit for the Goonsquads' QB1.

2. Luke Zente - HB Trent Richardson, Browns (Current Team: CLO Collins) - Another deal that saw the player never suit up for the team that drafted him, with the TRich-RG3 deal taking place on draft day. TRich was supposed to be the best running back entering the league since Adrian Peterson, but after a promising rookie year he had a downright disastrous sophomore season as he became a laughing stock for CLO Collins. TRich is still young and in a nice situation, but I think his ceiling looks a lot closer to mid to low HB2 than top 10 at the position.

3. Caleb Collins (FROM AZ) - QB Robert Griffin III, Redskins (Current Team: Miami Sharks) - RG3, part of the aforementioned trade had an electrifying rookie year leading the then Eagle Eggs and Lion's sperm to the 2012 Ultimate Dynasty Bowl. Unfortunately just like the other player involved in the trade he experienced a big time sophomore slump battling injuries and inefficient play. Unlike the other player in this deal RG3's path to bouncing back seems a lot more likely and his ceiling remains top 5 at his position.

4. John Gallimore - WR Justin Blackmon, Jaguars (Current Team: Kory Adams) - Blackmon was involved in two deals before winding up with his current owner Kory Adams including this
CLO Receives: RB LeSean McCoy RB Jamaal Charles, WR Justin Blackmon, a 2013 2nd (lower of the two 2nd's), Anthony's 2014 1st, and a 2015 1st.
John Gallimore Receives: RB Ryan Mathews, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, and WR Julio Jones
Yes John once had Charles and McCoy!? Anyway that's not the point of this post, Blackmon has shown game breaking ability...when he's on the field, obviously to this point his career has been marred by some off field issues and suspensions.

5. Matt Boles - HB Doug Martin, Buccaneers (Current Team: Purists) - Doug Martin and a 2013 1st were immediately dealt by Boles for Chris Johnson to the then Bi Polar Bears. Like many others in this draft, he had a HUGE rookie season only to follow up with a disappointing sophomore performance. However Martin still has low end HB1 upside even without Schiano making him worthy of this pick and a steal in trade for Ant.

6. Luke Zente (FROM TRAY) - WR Michael Floyd, Cardinals (Current Team: Miami Sharks) - He's bounced around the Ultimate Dynasty League a little bit, but in 2013 he showed off his potential and promise going over 1,000+ yards with 5 touchdowns putting him in line for a nice third year break out. Could see him becoming a mid to high WR2 option as soon as this season.

7. Anthony Hatfield - HB Lamar Miller, Dolphins (Current Team: Purists) - One of Ant's prize possessions who looked like he was about to take the league by storm and be a possible HB1 last year is now a low to mid HB3. If he keeps the starting job in Miami he still has potential to become a strong HB2 with upside, but the rumors are Miami's staff doesn't love him and may even bring in another back. His fantasy value is very much in jeopardy, but he still is only gonna be 23 and oozing upside even if he does run a little soft.

8. Dylan Gibson - TE Coby Fleener, Colts (Current Team: Goonsquad) - Thought he was getting the next "Gronk" when he took Fleener but soon dealt him that offseason to CLO who ended up dealing him to Goonsquad. Fleener so far has been very average and a TE2 maybe low TE1 at best, which isn't bad but for a mid 1st round pick paired with Luck it's far from what people were expecting.

9. Matt Kinker - HB David Wilson, Giants (Current Team: Purists) - The electric, inconsistent, fast play maker with neck issues is another one of Ant's prize backs. The good news is he only gave up Mike Wallace to Tick to get him, the bad news is while Wilson does have HB1 upside the odds could not be more stacked against him. There's no way the Giants will commit to him as the feature back for 2014 after last year's disaster and he's got to get cleared by doctors to even be able to play. With all that said however he's still crazy young if he can ever get the carries, stay healthy, and hold on to the ball watch out. There's about a 95% chance he never reaches his potential but that 5% chance of being a HB1 makes him worth holding on to and why I'm not quite ready to label him as done just yet.

10. Andrew Hatfield (FROM GAT) - WR Stephen Hill, Jets (Current Team: Miami Sharks) - I remember when Andrew made this pick like it was yesterday, because this guy right here was someone I was heavily considering (yeah I was debating between Pead and Hill...gross). His measureables are off the charts and yeah he's actually found his way on to my roster and I'm still slightly a believer. What gives me hope is fellow raw GT alum Demaryius Thomas didn't surpass 551 yards until his 3rd year when he went off for 1400 yards and 10 TD's. Is Hill, DT? Nope probably not, but I think after only 2 seasons in a bad situation it's a little early to give up on the guy especially when this position most times takes a bit to blossom. All in all it's gotta suck to look back for Andrew and see he could have drafted Jeffery, but hey the Jets made the same mistake.

11. Miami Sharks (FROM CLO) - HB Isaiah Pead, Rams (Current Team: Scott's Tots) - I don't think me and Tray have ever been as wrong about a player as we were about Pead. In our defense it was our first dynasty league and first time really digging into the rookies but good gah we missed bad. Pead is so far away from any carries perhaps 4th on the depth chart I think it's safe to say he's one hundred percent a bust. However I bet he stays on the Tots' roster for at least another season, heck the guy bought one of his rookie cards.

12. Phillip Bullock - WR Alshonn Jeffrey, Bears (Current Team: Goonsquad) - Fantastic pick and beyond steal at this point in the draft, Jeffery has all the makings of a top flight WR1...unfortunately Phil dealt him straight up for the serviceable Nate Washington.

2nd Round
1. Phillip Bullock - WR Chris Givens, Rams (Current Team: BSL) - Has shown flashes, but as someone who only ran the deep route in flag football myself, I know a one trick pony when I see one. Givens is okay but I don't think he has much more than WR3 upside and he'll struggle to get that in the crowded Rams' receiving corps.

2. Dylan Gibson (CLO) - WR Kendall Wright, Titans (Current Team: Purists) - Not a bad WR3 option but I think the upside is almost non existent here.

3. Andrew Hatfield (FROM GAT) - WR Brian Quick, Rams (Current Team: Miami Sharks) - Another height/weight/speed freak who has yet to develop. What I will say similar to what I said with Hill, it took VJAX, a guy Quick was compared to, until his fourth season to break out. So there is some hope...

4. Matt Kinker - WR TY Hilton, Colts (Current Team: Goonsquad) - Has been a pretty great boom or bust option for the Goonsquad posting some flat out HUGE games. The guy is a great high upside WR2 who is capable of winning some weeks.

5. Dylan Gibson - WR Mohammed Sanu, Bengals (Current Team: Dynasty Kings) - Dylan still loves the guy, but the WR2 job in Cincy is Marvin Jones' to lose and Sanu is waiver wire fodder.

6. Anthony Hatfield - WR Reuben Randle, Giants (Current Team: Gio's Odyssey) - This is his year to do something with Nicks walking out the door could be a low to mid WR2.

7. Taylor Ray - QB Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins (Current Team: Dynasty Kings) - Not a bad QB2 option which is basically what was expected at this point in the draft.

8. Matt Boles - HB Lamichael James, 49ers (Current Team: Free Agent) - Garbage

9. John Gallimore - HB Ronnie Hillman, Broncos (Current Team: Free Agent) - Garbage

10. Andrew Hatfield - HB Robert Turbin, Seahawks (Current Team: Goonsquad) - Christine Michael being drafted by the Hawks really hurt Turbin's upside but he's still got some nice speed and could possibly do something down the line...maybe.

11. Miami Sharks (FROM LZ)- TE Ladarius Green, Chargers (Current Team: BSL) - This Ladarius Green pick and my swooping up Russell Wilson off free agents before his first preseason game more than made up for my bust Pead pick in round 1. Only problem is after a trade last year I was over my roster limit and in a moment of stupidity dropped Ladarius who has future TE1 written all over him.

12. Kory Adams - WR Nick Toon (Current Team: Free Agent) - Garbage

3rd Round
1. Kory Adams - HB Bernard Pierce, Ravens (Current Team: Dynasty Kings) - Has a shot this year to emerge with Rice's troubles but is still a long shot. At the end of the day though for a 3rd round pick a shot is all you can really hope for.

2. Luke Zente - WR Ryan Broles, Lions (Current Team: Free Agent) - Garbage

3. Andrew Hatfield - WR Deviar Posey, Texans (Current Team: Free Agent) - Garbage

4. Miami Sharks (FROM JOHNG) - WR Juron Criner, Raiders (Current Team: Free Agent) - Garbage

Re-do 2012

1. WR Alshon Jeffery (1.12)
2. QB Andrew Luck (1.01)
3. HB Doug Martin (1.05)
4. WR TY Hilton (2.16)
5. WR Michael Floyd (1.06)
6. QB Robert Griffin III (1.03)
7. WR Justin Blackmon (1.04)
8. QB Russell Wilson (UDFA)
9. TE Ladarius Green (2.23)
10. HB Trent Richardson (1.02)
11. HB David Wilson (1.09)
12. HB Lamar Miller (1.07)

#11 Carolina Lions

While it's surprising to see a team coming off back to back finals appearances ranked this low, once you look at the roster most of the shock goes away. The Lions may only have a few pieces on their team that have real solid value (Stacy/DJax) and not much going on in the way of future picks (no pick above a 3rd rounder until 2016), but I've seen Luke get it done with less. It's nearly becoming a league tradition for the Lions to be ranked towards the bottom in the offseason only to rise one spot away from the very top of the league. The question now becomes can they put together a similar shocking season in 2014 or has their break the bank win-now approach finally caught up to them leaving them destined for a rough year and eventual rebuilding process?






2014 Projected Starting Line Up *() = 2014 season age

QB Tony Romo (34) - For better or worse Tony Romo is the Carolina Lions, his up and down nature suits the team like no other quarterback could. Capable of putting up 40 one week and 8 the next Romo is still firmly a low end QB1 and a solid starter for the Lions. With the weapons surrounding Romo he should still have 2-3 more years of low QB1-High QB2 production leaving the Lions looking more or less okay at the QB spot for a little bit longer.

HB1: Zac Stacy (23) - Stacy isn't going to set the world on fire but he is a feature back in a league where they are currently few and far between making him a fine back end HB1 option. Add to his resume that he is really young and the Rams seem committed to him and Luke should have a fine HB1 or excellent HB2 (if he acquires a top flight runner) for the next 3-6 years.

HB2: Joique Bell (28) - A great starting option when Bush is out, but with Bush healthy he is the lesser part of a RBBC and a mere flex option at best in good match ups. The Lions have been rumored to possibly be using the same RBBC approach that Lombardi installed with the Saints and splitting carries between Bush/Joique and even LeShoure seems likely which hurts the value of the whole backfield. Add in the fact Bell is already 28 and the Lions should definitely keep their eyes out for new HB talent.

FLEX: HB Stevan Ridley (25) - Talent alone Ridley could be a very nice HB2 in the Pats' system, but with Belicheck not believing in him and Blount looking like he may come back, it's impossible to rely on Ridley in your starting line up like the Lions may have to do. As long as Ridley is stuck on the Pats in Belichecks runningback shuffle he will be up and down (mostly down) and hard to trust even as a flex play unless given majority of 1st and 2nd down carries again.

WR1: Desean Jackson (27) - Following the same structure as the majority of the Lions' team, DJax is also a very boom or bust type of player, but in Chip Kelly's offense you could do worse for a WR1, although it would be a heck of a lot nicer to only rely on him as your boom or bust WR2. If/when the Lions decide to rebuild DJax may be the guy I try to cash in and get some picks/youth for, because although 27 isn't that old for a receiver, when it comes to a player who solely relies on his speed like DJax if he loses a step or two he will plummet from a borderline WR1 to a WR3 over night. While he should still have 2-3 more years it may not be a bad idea to look to sell if/when the Lions start the rebuild process.

WR2: Terrance Williams (24) - Terrance has some potential for sure, but he is still very raw and let's make no mistake this man's ceiling is only that of a mid WR2. Not a bad dynasty player to have as he could very well become Miles Austin lite in the next year or two, I just don't think I'd want him penciled in as a starter for 2014.

TE1: Jared Cook Jr. (27) - Measurables are off the charts, I myself went out of my way multiple times to attempt to acquire Cook prior to last season and even made a trade for him towards the end of 2013. This man has top 3 tight end upside, but I'd say at this point there is about a 1% chance he ever gets to that point, but you could do worse in your starting line up especially with a healthy Bradford. It's hard to find a high scoring TE, Cook is fine for the time being, as the Lions need to worry about a lot of other things before worrying about their freak underachieving TE.

BENCH

HB Rashad Jennings, WR Jerrel Jernigan, HB Donald Brown, WR Kenbrell Thompkins, WR Golden Tate, WR Denarius Moore

This bench doesn't have much to look at, but if Jennings and D.Brown end up back in starting jobs they should be okay starters if Luke is looking to make another run or he should be able to flip them for a pick or two maybe depending on situation. Golden Tate could be decent on a more pass happy team, Jernigan has a real shot at being a nice WR3 if Nicks is gone. There's not a ton of hope anywhere else, and I would consider cutting ties with players like Roethlisberger and Eli who don't offer much if any upside and only mid QB2 stats when pushed into play.

Draft Picks

2014: 3.35 - Let's be honest holding the next to last pick in the entire draft probably isn't going to add anything of note to the Lions.

2015: 3rd (DK), 3rd (SM), 3rd (Gio) - Again (3) 3rd round draft choices are most likely not adding a real fantasy option for the Lions.

2014 Evaluation

It's going to be tough. The only thing in Luke's favor is that he could potentially be deep at running back if Ridley gets the starting job and Rashad/D.Brown do as well, which sometimes being deep at the HB position can go a long way into a successful season. Also with draft pick prices skyrocketing with the draft fast approaching it is a terrible time to think about going full rebuild as he most likely wouldn't get good value for players like Rashad, D.Brown, or even his main pieces like DJax or Stacy. So staying the course and looking for lightning to strike a 3rd time may be the Lions best bet. Realistically though it would be downright shocking to see the Lions have a 3rd straight winning season in 2014, but if you go through the blog's archives you'll see similar things written about them before. I wouldn't put it past coach/gm Zente to find a way to bring this team that everyone doubts to a 3rd consecutive title game...I just think there's a lot better chance of them being a toilet bowl team this year.

Future

Right now things don't look great, as the only player that really seems a lock to be a solid future player currently on the Lions roster is Stacy and they are stuck behind the 8 ball when it comes to draft picks for the next two years. However as bleak as the future may look right now dynasty is funny sometimes as things can be turned around pretty quickly all it takes are winning a trade or two, finding the next big thing on waivers, or finding that 3rd round rookie that makes it big. Luke is a great GM as evidenced by his 2012 and 2013 championship appearances and while he had to give up a lot of future assets to make that happen I think he'd tell you that a 50/50 shot at the title was well worth the cost. A rebuild may be on the horizon or it may not be Luke continues to shock the Ultimate Dynasty world and whatever path he chooses I wouldn't expect him to be down for long.

#12 Purists

Coming into 2013 the Purists looked like a team ready to compete for a title...well that didn't go so well. After a 6-8 season and second consecutive year missing the postseason Ant has in a lot of ways pulled the plug and begun the rebuilding process. While 2014 has them looking like a strong bet to finish in the bottom three, they have the young pieces and the picks to potentially build something great.





2014 PROJECTED STARTING LINE UP *() = 2014 season age

QB Cam Newton (25) - While his passing is still far from elite, the way the Panthers use him at the goal line has him as a sneaky top 5 dynasty QB. Give him a couple of weapons this year and have the Panthers open up their passing game a bit and Newton could be a fantasy force. Still super young Ant is set at this position for 7-10 years minimum.

HB1: Doug Martin (25) - The muscle hamster had a disastrous 2014 season due to ineffectiveness and injury. The loss of Schiano isn't great as few commit to the run as much as him, but while Martin may never touch his rookie stats as long as he's given feature back duties he's capable of being a top 10 back or right around it for 3-4 more seasons. Bottom line as long as Martin can get somewhere close to his 2013 form Ant has a solid even if unspectacular HB1.

HB2: Lamar Miller (23) - Lamar, Lamar, Lamar. There's no denying the kid has shown flashes but there are still many who believe he runs too soft and add to that the Dolphins' coaching staff not believing in him at all and we've got a classic case of a "what might have been". There have been rumors of the Dolphins drafting a tailback or even signing Blount no matter what happens it seems as if Miller blew his chance and now has a long way to go to be anything more than a high end HB3 or low end HB2 for the foreseeable future.

FLEX: David Wilson (23) - Wow if Lamar Miller was disappointing, then David Wilson was down right soul crushing. This kid has ELITE speed and I thought the Purists or at the time Bi Polar Bears had a STUD but that obviously didn't happen. Coughlin, lack of vision, fumbleitis, no trust from the organization, and now a potential career threatening spinal stenosis diagnosis, Wilson is now a whole lot closer to being out of the league than he is to being a HB1. With that being said the best thing Ant can do now is just hold this guy cause the talent is there...I think.

WR1: Aaron Dobson (23) - Dobson has loads of talent and in year 2 with Brady I could see him being a solid and serviceable WR2 in 2014 with potential to be better in future years. However having a guy that could be a serviceable WR2 if all goes well as your WR1 is a recipe for a bottom three finish.

WR2: Kendall Wright (24) - Doesn't have a lot of upside in my opinion but he's not a bad player. I'd hate to have him as my WR2 for 2014 but I think after the draft he won't be so no big deal. Wright just seems like a chain mover to me and a guy whose upside is maybe 1,000 yards and 5-7 TD's, there's nothing wrong with that and I could definitely be wrong.

TE: Julius Thomas (26) - As long as Manning stays around Thomas is a top 5-7 tight end and every week starter without question. Best case scenario Decker leaves and the Broncos aren't able to adequately replace him resulting in more targets for Orange Julius.

BENCH

HB Danny Woodhead, WR Robert Woods, WR Brian Hartline, WR Kenny Stills, HB Benny Cunningham, WR Cecil Shorts, TE Kyle Rudolph, WR Santonio Holmes, HB Marcel Reece

Not too many people that jump out as future studs, there are some okay role players and I think Woods and Stills could become WR3-low 2's and help out a bit. Cunningham is one Stacy injury away from being a solid HB2. Rudolph has a shot to burst on to the scene with Norv Turner calling the shots. Woodhead and Shorts should be on the chopping block at the first chance to get something good back.

DRAFT PICKS

2014: 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 2.19 - In a draft rich with wide receiver talent Ant should be able to fix his weakest position in a big way with talents like Evans, Benjamin, Lee most likely still available in that 4-6 range.

2015: 1st (Tots), 2nd (BSL), 3rd, 3rd(BSL) -  While it would be nice if Ant had his own pick, on the bright side at least he has some 2015 picks to look forward to or make some moves with. It's too early to tell what the 2015 draft will yield in the potential back half of it with the Tots pick, but it should be a nice draft where Ant will be able to pick up another piece in his turn around effort or use the pick to better the Purists.

2014 EVALUATION

If Wilson and Miller are just a year late and Ant can find some production out of the receiver position it's not crazy to think he could have a shot, but barring an unreal turn around from those two or some big time moves Ant on paper is all but a lock to finish in the bottom three, but as owners Dylan Gibson and Luke Zente have shown that's not a guarantee he'll finish there.

FUTURE

The future looks bright for the Purists, Newton, Martin, Dobson, JT, (3) 1sts that's a lot to build around and could have them looking like a contender as early as 2015 and at least by 2016. While anytime you're listed as a bottom team sucks, sometimes you have to take a step back to take a giant leap forward. The league is about winning championships not finishing in 7th place and Ant has started on a rebuilding process he believes will eventually get him to the top of the Ultimate Dynasty mountain.