Friday, August 31, 2007

3FL Notes: Draft Analysis

We had another great draft turnout and even more fun on the message boards this year. Here is an analysis of the results (in draft order):

1. Misfits, Inc.: Surprising no one, the newlyweds selected LaDanian Tomlinson with the first overall pick. What is surprising is the quality of the rest of their team. As long as the backups stay firmly on the bench. Grade: A

2. Renegades: Coach Val picked a decent team with no outside consultation (or so she claims). But neither of her starting RBs played a single down this preseason because of injuries. That could actually be good or bad. Grade B+

3. Spiked Vipers: Bringing the experience of a recent live draft for another league, the Vipers ended up with a solid team. There are some question marks in the backfield, but those could easily turn into exclamation points - especially with Peyton Manning running the offense. Grade: A-

4. ray ray haw: The haw excelled once again at the live draft format. Three-quarters of his RBs are sharing the backfield for their NFL team, though, so he'll need some luck when choosing who to start each week. Grade: A

5. Marauders: This team is looking very un-Hosslike to start the season. But you never know. Once LJ gets back into playing shape things could get much better. Grade: B+

6. Baltimorons: The defending champion has put together another strong team, bringing back the QB and top WR from last year's championship squad. It did, however, take every alotted second of time on the draft clock for every pick. Grade: A

7. Dumbbums: Coach Coaldog has selected an interesting mix of players this season. TO and Plaxico will put up some great numbers, but they are bound to cause a headache or two at some point. Grade: A-

8. Lightning: Some may have been a little confused by the Lightning's strategy as their picks were coming off the board. But it looks like they fit together well as a team. The spreadsheet calculations just might have worked! Grade: A-

9. The Comfy Chair: Coach Skrabby has assembled a contender - there's no doubt about it. But Brian St. Pierre's feelings were hurt in the process. Was it worth it? Grade: A

10. Yuengling Brewers: With COPS not running on TV during the draft, it seemed that the Brew Crew was less distracted this year. They actually put together a formitable team - all thanks to the programming folks at FOX. Grade: A-

11. Predacons: Coach Sinkerbeam didn't pick a QB until the 8th round of the draft, and it shows. But one of those four RBs has to step up, right? Grade: A-

12. Rough Riders: For picking Ben Roethlisberger in the first round, the Riders team is actually better than you think. Well, maybe. At least there's a reason to watch the Steelers. Grade: B

It should be noted that everyone seems happy with the team they have chosen. Only one player was picked up when waivers were cleared yesterday morning.

The Comm-nosticator makes his first predictions early next week. Stay tuned.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Draft Tonight!

Don't forget - our live online draft starts tonight at 8:30pm EDT.

You can run a test to make sure that your computer/browser are compatible with Yahoo!'s Java draft applet. Just go to our league homepage and click "test your system" at any point today before the draft.

Make sure that you arrive and sign in a little early - the draft will start right on time.

If you are unable to be online tonight, make sure you set up your pre-rankings prior to 7:45pm. The draft will be just like the old autopick style for you. In fact, even if you will be in virtual attendance it might be a good idea to set your pre-rankings anyway. You know, just in case there is a thunderstorm or something happens to your internet connection right when your turn comes up.

Good luck!

Friday, August 10, 2007

All In

All 12 teams were signed up and ready to go with three weeks left before the draft. Now it's time to start researching players and watching preseason games - although the latter will not really be of any help on draft day.

New for this year is the ability to change the attributes of your Yahoo! ID. Just go to your team page and click on your Yahoo! name (right after "Manager:"). From there you can change your nickname and the image associated with it. They are used to identify you, on both your fantasy sports profile page and whenever you make any transaction or post any message on the Yahoo! 3FL site.

If you choose to change your image to a logo, I'll include it (instead of your team's helmet) on your Records page and in the weekly standings. If you have any questions or need help just let me know.



There is only one name change this year - the Misfits have become Misfits, Inc. to reflect the new co-ownership of the team. Julie remains CEO while Tim has been promoted from External Consultant to Director of Football Operations.

Tim has been waiting for years to be allowed into the league, and thanks to the recent wedding it can be made official. It is the Family Fantasy Football League, you know.

Welcome to the family. And to the 3FL.