Replacements Can't Stop Pylons

Everyone wants in on the Pylons

By now, you have surely had some complaints about the replacement refs.  Vegas even responded and added an extra half point to the home teams because these scabs couldn’t handle the pressure of a raucous crowd.  If you stayed up and watched the Monday night game, I’m sure you were equally as appalled as the rest of the country.  Apparently over $150 million in bets were reversed by the final play which gave the Seahawks the win.  That’s alarming.

Clearly, after being ecstatic that I didn’t lose a RB to injury in week 2, I was struck by injury in week 3.  Note to all you league owners.  When you make fun of your opponent for losing a player to injury, the fantasy gods do not take kindly to these actions.  Gambino will plummet in the rankings.  Also, the Dueling Pylons are now the only remaining undefeated team in the league.  It will be interesting to see how long this run can go.

There was a lot of internal debate over what my “Beef of the Week” would be, but after looking at all of the facts, this one is personal.

Eric Brooking.  You have been called out on the blog numerous times in the past.  When it comes to dealing with Woody, you always seem to shit the bed.  You are now 1-7 against him historically.  You chose to bench your boy Jamaal Charles, despite the Saints being the absolute worst defense in the league.  They allowed over 30 fantasy points per game to running backs in the first 2 weeks.  Somehow this fact went unnoticed.  A fantasy expert would have made the right call, and your credibility is in serious doubt.  You could have sent Chris to 0-3.  But you panicked.  Reactive vs. Proactive… the key to fantasy success.

Side beef… Bud Light Fantasy Football.  These clowns have a reasonably decent idea.  Drink beer, enter a code, build a fantasy football team for prizes.  After 9 beers Saturday, I entered the codes only to be left with 5 kickers and 4 defenses.  Couldn’t even get a position player.  This makes me want to drink less Bud Light, not more.  If they had this game for good beer, I would be an even bigger drunk than I already am.

This weekend featured a lot of drinking for me.  I have now contracted some form of illness, but it was worth it.  If you are ever in the Morristown, NJ area, check out the Grilled Cheese Factory.  Despite being pretty blacked out, I remember it being amazing.  Also, my new favorite song is Ne-Yo’s “Let Me Love You”.  Unrelated to football, but absolutely is a rager.

The week 3 high score was won by Yashar.  A furious Monday night push from Tatz was not enough to overcome the top score.  League 2 has won the high score prize in all 3 weeks.  Take away from that what you wish.

EFFL League 1

1. Dueling Pylons (3-0) – Last week: 1 – #1 team remains undefeated despite a subpar week.  Decided to throw Nick a bone by starting Brandon LaFell and still came out victorious.  Losing Spiller hurts, but the depth at RB makes this loss easier to overcome.  Huge game from Torrey Smith shows lots of promise for this squad.  Still deserving of the top spot.  A 3-0 team has never missed the playoffs, so at this point the Pylons may already be clear of avoiding relegation.

2. Tequila Party Gnomes (2-1) – Last week: 2 – As expected, TPG downed the Stanky Monkeys without too much resistance.  The one thing that will challenge this team, other than the Pylons, appears to be injury.  This team has a lot of injuries right now, and with bye weeks approaching, things may be a little shaky.  #1 vs. #2 this week will be a great matchup.

3. The King’s Crusaders (1-2) - Last week: 6 – A lot of close competition after the top 2, and at this point it is the King who gets this spot.  Still tons of question marks at RB, but the ceiling on this team is far higher than the others.  Finishes with a tough schedule, so the next couple weeks will be a strong sign of where this team ends up.  I’m surprised at how well AJ Green has done, but he’s definitely a superstar.

4. Coach Janky Spanky (1-2) – Last week: 4 – Nothing special here.  Poor lineup decisions will hamper this team all season.  I swear EEB has the same exact team every year.  He has never won with these guys yet continues to employ them.  Could easily be interchanged with a number of teams, but has a slight edge right now.  A loss to Sam in week 4 would just be an added slap in the face.  Get it together.

5. Tweeting in the Trenches (0-3) – Last week: 5 – Another season for Fusco in which he must dig himself out of a hole.  I was notified that a loss to Lady Luck would result in a team name change, and I’m excited to see what he comes up with.  Left 133 points on the bench, but he should see better days.  I still like this team, and the 8 team format gives this team more time to get back into playoff position.

6. Eat My Asomugha (2-1) – Last week: 3 – High score was a defense by a wide margin.  Extreme overconfidence resulted in serious consequences.  Thank you for posting to Facebook your 2-0 start.  We all know leagues are won in the first 2 weeks.  Here are the facts: you were low score in week 3.  You were 2^nd low score in week 1.  If this were my team, I’d feel lucky to be ranked #6 in these rankings.

7. Lady Luck (2-1) – Last week: 7 – Dead last in scoring, yet sits at 2-1.  What else is new?  This team seems way too thin to make noise, but all bets are off if you make the playoffs.  Could have Forte back soon, which would be a big boost.  Matchup with Janky Spanky this week is certainly going to make me laugh.  I’m expecting another Sam victory and more EEB despair.

8. Stanky Monkeys (1-2) – Last week: 8 – What is up with Aaron Rodgers?  This team had so much potential.  A strong week from MJD is a nice takeaway, but who knows what to expect out of the Stanky Monkeys.  Ryan Mathews fumbling issues are coming to a head, and relying on a Norv Turner player is never a smart idea.  Will be a total embarrassment to lose to a winless Fusco in week 4.

EFFL League 2

1. Team Toliver (2-1) – Last week: 5 – Please get a team name.  Perhaps “Yeevie” for your boy and mine Stevie “Silky” Johnson.  His TD dance was legit.  This is the highest scoring team across both leagues, and despite my harsh rankings previously, is now deserving of the #1 spot.  This team has depth and superstars across the board.  You’ll have to come out for Sunday football soon.

2. The Heads of State (1-2) – Last week: 3 – Another loss, yet another jump in the rankings for Big Meech.  The Vick/DeSean combo screwed you big time, yet still put up over 120.  This team may be even scarier than Yashar’s, but lineup decisions have been difficult.  I loved this team when it was drafted, and I still feel the same way.  I think this team is a serious contender for top spot when all is said and done.

3. Claiborne Supremacy (2-1) – Last week: 7 – I had a really tough time distinguishing between the middle teams.  Tatz had a huge week and that’s without the services of Maclin and Greg Jennings.  I think this team will certainly hang around for awhile.  Are they the third best team?  To be determined.  But as is customary, this team is playing the best of the rest right now.

4. Jersey Leshoure (1-2) – Last week: 4 – No word from Ben this week, but odds are he was found in the fetal position by a bottle of Beefeater.  He is absolutely going to need more than 30 points per week from Cam, Andre, and Jordy.  This team still has potential, but he has to get it together sooner than later.

5. RGIII for President (2-1) – Last week: 1 –A huge drop after a monster week 3.  Followed up a 180+ point effort by scoring less than 80.  The good news is this is probably the low of all lows.  Your bench also consists of Eli Manning and 7 running backs.  You may want to do something to address that.  Still 2-1 and in good shape, but don’t let week 4 become a trend.

6. Threeing the Hogs (1-2) – Last week: 2 – Mike Y is in free fall.  His team of superstars is not coming through.  This really puts into question the laptop theory in which best player available is mathematically calculated.  On paper, good.  In reality, mediocre.  The laptop theory only works when everyone else is also using a laptop.  I think better days are ahead, but I’m definitely not as high on this team as I once was.

7. BABY TEES (1-2) – Last week: 6 – As expected, Dosh finally got on the board with his first win.  I continually look at his roster and wonder how he does it, but every year seems to be the same thing.  Perhaps it’s the activity on the waiver wire, but I believe this team is truly one of the best at making lineup decisions.  Despite being #7, there is room for improvement.  Don’t count this team out.

8. Team Cutter (2-1) – Last week: 8 – What if Jamaal Charles doesn’t drop 40 points?  This team seems like it should be much better, but perhaps the same path is enough.  I think this is your Gambino squad of League 2.  Puts up a decent amount of points but never has a monster week.  Please get a team name.  I don’t care if it’s Gisele’s Boy Toys.  I don’t care if it’s Vaginal Hubris.  Just please.  Congrats on 2-1.

The EFFL history sheet has been updated through Week 3.  It’s been a fun ride thus far, and I fully welcome any smack talk you want to send to the lone undefeated team.  League 1 is going to win the high score one of these weeks.  Good luck in week 4 to everyone.

Chuckin up the Deuces

The Eagles are on pace for 72 turnovers.  That is not an exaggeration.  Yet despite this awful play, the team is somehow 2-0.  The Saints are 0-2.  The Cardinals won at New England.  What is going on?  Perhaps the most stunning development through 2 weeks is Nick Gambino sitting atop the EFFL League 1 standings.  I’m confused, baffled, flummoxed.  This truly proves that despite what you think you may know about football, the fantasy gods know more.

An exciting moment for me this week was Greg Schiano of the Bucs demanding his players assault Eli as he took a knee to end the game.  Tom Coughlin obviously took exception to another team doing something that different from his own ways and started yelling.  It was also nice to not lose a running back to a season ending knee injury in week 2 this year.

A new segment on the blog has come to light.  While I frequently take issue with others’ behavior, there is no particular place to air this grievance.  Well, let me introduce you to a new piece, entitled “Beef of the Week”.

This week’s Beef of the Week centers around the personalized jersey.  You need to never order a jersey which has your own last name on the back.  I’m aware of at least one league member with one of these jerseys.  I was at a Bears bar Thursday night.  I look around and see Urlacher; I see Robbie Gould.  Then I see a #23 jersey.  It’s not Devin Hester, however.  It’s Paganucci #23.  You’re not on the team, Paganucci.  Having the jersey does not make you one of them.  You look foolish and your name stinks.  Give me an Incognito jersey over a Paganucci any day.

Also, a special shout out to Adam Tatz this week.  Prior to the Bears game he and I were confronted by a drunken hobo inside an Irish bar.  We received a lecture on terrorists, and ultimately, Tatz was asked if he was Iranian.  He is not.  Throughout the ordeal, he was a good sport.  I look forward to many more Sundays and Thursdays with embarrassing New Yorkers.

The week 2 high score went to Mr. Darryl Hazelwood.  He scored an incredible 181 points in only the 2^nd week.  Congratulations.  League 2 has now won both weekly high score prizes.

EFFL League 1

1. Dueling Pylons (2-0) – Last week: 2 – For probably the first time since these rankings started, the Pylons sit atop the standings.  Still attempting to perfect the starting lineup, but this team appears to be stacked for the long haul.  RGIII and CJ Spiller are averaging 30 points per game.  Foster and Gronk are also top class.  If the receivers can pull it together, this is the team to beat.

2. Tequila Party Gnomes (1-1) – Last week: 1 – I know the Gnomes got whooped on by Janky Spanky, but there was little that could have been done.  Poor guy had to face Danny Amendola and watch him tie an NFL record with 12 first half catches.  Hernandez was lost to injury.  Maclin was limited.  Going forward, Trent Richardson, Reggie Bush and Brent Celek could be big players.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team rebound in a big way next week against the Stanky Monkeys.

3. Eat My Asomugha (2-0) - Last week: 7 – The big mover this week is Gambino, who put up an incredible 161 points.  In 7 seasons, this was Nick’s 2^nd highest point total.  It’s hard to tell if this is the league’s 3^rd best team.  They look good for now, however.  Will face off in week 3 with the Pylons in a matchup of the league’s 2 unbeatens.  Would bet the ranch on this team not sniffing 160 again this season.

4. Coach Janky Spanky (1-1) – Last week: 5 – This has been a sobering blog.  Gambino and EEB in the top half of the rankings seems impossible.  The more I look at it, the more I think this team is not good.  This team got some massive performances in week 2 and should remain towards the middle of the pack.  We will see if this team can sustain some momentum.

5. Tweeting in the Trenches (0-2) – Last week: 6 – This team fell to 0-2, yet still moved up in the power rankings.  I still think there’s much more in the tank than what we saw this week.  McFadden/BMarsh only putting up 9 combined points seems very unlikely to happen again.  I think this team rebounds sooner than later.  Your trash talk still is terrible.

6. The King’s Crusaders (0-2) – Last week: 3 – The preseason #1 has started off with back to back defeats.  Neither was due to a massive opposing week.  This team has just not lived up to the hype.  One thing the rest of the league has going is that he still is a believer in Jermichael Finley.  He is one of the most overrated players in the league.  Perhaps if you had offered something decent for Spiller, you’d be in a better position.  Classic hubris.

7. Lady Luck (1-1) – Last week: 4 – I was too nice.  This team had a really difficult week due to the Cardinals-Patriots fiasco.  Also, lost both starting running backs due to injury.  The low score was not based on poor performance.  I think this team is solid, but the lack of depth could really cause some problems if any of the injuries are serious.  This team could be in danger of a bad run.

8. Stanky Monkeys (1-1) – Last week: 8 – Surely will not be happy with a last place ranking despite putting up 120+.  So many question marks on this team.  I’m wary of the potential of this team.  Will face a TPG team looking to rebound in week 3.  I’ll give you a free piece of advice.  Shonn Greene is terrible.  Stop using him if you want to be taken seriously.

EFFL League 2

1. RGIII for President (2-0) – Last week: 5 – A huge jump to #1 after an absolute monster week 2.  Taking the top 2 tight ends was a risk, but it really seems to be paying off.  The rest of the league is at a disadvantage at the TE position and looks very solid at QB.  I wouldn’t be shocked to see this team steamroll Dosh in week 3.  I’m pleasantly surprised. 

2. Threeing the Hogs (1-1) – Last week: 1 – In the same boat as TPG.  Was #1 in the rankings after week 1 and got absolutely demolished by a team with a huge week.  I still think this is a really good team that should be very competitive going forward.  Just a bit of bad luck here.  Sad to see the two Redskins teams near the top.  Hope you enjoyed Josh Morgan’s spaz.

3. The Heads of State (1-1) – Last week: 4 – This team can easily move up.  Definitely one of the most dangerous out there right now.  I see after falling short against Tatz you wrecked somebody and picked up a yellow in frustration.  Check out Meech on the homepage of Neumann Soccer: http://www.neumannathletics.com/index.aspx?tab=soccer&path=msoc .  Big win on the pitch.  Big win against a frustrated Ben.

4. Jersey Leshoure (1-1) – Last week: 2 – A lot of shake up in the rankings this week, and nobody felt it more than Leshoure.  On paper, this team appears to be an outstanding squad.  In reality, this team may be in a little worse shape than originally thought.  I think better games lie ahead, but it is not going to be as easy as initially thought.  Better get used to it.

5. Team Toliver (1-1) – Last week: 7 – Initially had this team ranked higher, but lack of a team name dropped it a couple spots.  Squeaked out an unlikely win Monday night and forced me to change the blog.  Well done.  If 31 points is the worst the Lions combo does, there will be a lot of wins in Yashar’s future.  Matchup with Meech in week 3 should be a very high scoring affair.

6. BABY TEES (0-2) – Last week: 6 – The next couple teams are all extremely close in talent.  Despite lots of yelling, it somehow appears that Dosh has emerged with a respectable squad and is 2^nd in points.  Unfortunately, his record does not show that.  Wisely benched Chris Johnson after unwisely selecting him, but would have had the win if he stuck with his boy Kyle Rudolph.  Whether this team can remain a contender for the long haul remains to be seen, but I am much higher on this team now than I was a couple weeks ago.  The wins will come.

7. Claiborne Supremacy (1-1) – Last week: 3 – Injuries could really be taking their toll.  Forte, Maclin and Jennings are all banged up.  As stated previously, teams 4-7 right now seem to all be very close to me.  I really think there wouldn’t be much complaint from anyone if they were ranked in a different order.  I’m excited to see what Trent Richardson can do for you.  He looked great this past week.  Also, you were dropped in the rankings due to your wearing of a Joe Flacco jersey.  Unacceptable.

8. Team Cutter (1-1) – Last week: 8 – If I had not seen a personalized jersey, my Beef of the Week award winner would have been Adam Cutter.  Started Jamaal Charles and Steven Jackson over CJ Spiller.  For someone who makes a living in property management, your handling of Spiller was questionable at best.  I think this team is far behind the competition in League 2 and will really need some work to get into the playoffs.  Got a bone thrown his way with a big Monday night from Roddy White.  Those could easily have been Julio’s points.

Through two weeks, I have to admit that I’ve been surprised at some of the results.  I also have finally gotten my act together and updated the EFFL history sheet with all of the new owners.  That link is posted at the top of the blog.  There are a bunch of hidden tabs if you feel the need to see everything going back to 05.  Good luck in week 3. 

EFFL Season 8 Off to Solid Start

I know that the initial power rankings caused a bit of a stir within league circles.  It also caused a flurry of emails which were all hilarious.  On the blog, there is a link at the top for the league message board.  This is just a page where everyone can post their banter throughout the season instead of keeping a large email chain.  Regardless, it is good to be back blogging again.  Despite the significant amount of time it takes to produce the blog, I thoroughly enjoy having a forum to rip on all league members and their bad decisions.  While incoming texts were slightly down in week 1, there were definitely a number of gems.

First, I have a bone to pick with Mr. Eric Brooking.  Although we squared off in week 1, this beef has nothing to do with our meeting.  Let me take you back to the trade deadline in 2011, which has been discussed ad nauseum.  With Woody frantic and on the ropes, you got drunk and traded him MJD, which he eventually turned into his 3^rdchampionship.  You were chastised repeatedly, and it was assumed you learned your lesson…

I received this text message from Woody Saturday afternoon: “Lol just received a call from a shit faced eeb.  He offered Helu for Andre Johnson and complained nobody at the Michigan game accepts credit cards.”  While I laughed for a good 5 minutes straight, what are you thinking?!?!?!  I don’t like where this is going.  Please, please do not do something stupid again this year. 

I had a discussion with Fusco the day of the draft about 8 team leagues.  While the teams do tend to be a little more stacked, lineup decisions become that much more important.  So many points get left on the bench in the first week, and every decision could be the difference between a win and a loss.  It’s really true.

My personal favorite highlight of the week was the Nate Washington touchdown celebration.  He busted out the classic Sharks celebration from Any Given Sunday featuring Jamie Foxx (who has been disappointingly absent on the music scene lately).  I’d check it out if you haven’t seen either.  Also, the Giants lost and we got plenty of Manning face.  Very entertaining.  I am extremely glad that football is back, but it’s enough with the NFL shoving Peyton Manning down your throat.  Sunday night football week 1 and Monday night football week 2?  Nobody cares about the Broncos including me who has a Broncos Tebow jersey hanging in my closet.

A special congratulations goes out to Mike Y who won the first $10 prize as high score.

On to the rankings:

EFFL League 1:

1. Tequila Party Gnomes (1-0) – Last week: 5 – Apparently putting eggs in the Falcons basket could prove to be a very wise move in 2012.  The Gnomes were the last team in the league to draft a QB, and they may have the best one.  Currently -$20 in Buffalo Wild Wings parlays, but given the excitement of the Gnomes squad, will surely take his first beating in stride.

2. Dueling Pylons (1-0) – Last week: 3 – A very strong week 1 from the Pylons has solidified some of this teams question marks.  As RG3 carved up the Saints, I kept receiving texts from EEB asking me to “fill my hole”… apparently my initial blog indicating a hole at QB was the reference here, but I was concerned for a good amount of time.  Peterson looks great and this team has massive potential.  Could this be the year?  “Turn around, let me see your name.  I don’t know you bro”

3. The King’s Crusaders (0-1) – Last week: 1 – Not all that an impressive week, but still put up respectable numbers.  Unfortunately came up on the short end of the stick.  The best receiving corps in the league should be very consistent going forward.  I appreciate your numerous (greater than 5) attempts to trade me Steven Jackson.  I will not bite.  Side note: David Wilson looks good.

4. Lady Luck (1-0) – Last week: 4 – True to form, Lady Luck squeaked out a 1 point victory Monday night.  You should be proud that I’m actually not ripping on your team this year.  Even though Michael Turner is absolute garbage, and the rest of the league thanks you for taking him, Garcon looks like he could be a real player this year.  I think this team should be in contention for a while.

5. Coach Janky Spanky (0-1) – Last week: 7 – Moved up due to awfulness of the rest of the league.  Before the season I stated “Has arguably the #1 QB, TE, RB.  Nothing else.  That's a problem.”  I see no reason to change that statement or my feeling about this team.  I can’t see this team being a serious contender at any point.  I look forward to your trade offers for your boy “Hole”.

6. Tweeting in the Trenches (0-1) – Last week: 2 – Drafted the entire Broncos team and left them on the bench.  Fusco was so giddy to land Tamme, yet he’s on the bench!  Ran into a buzzsaw with TPG in week 1, but I think this team will pull it together.  Hopefully he waits until at least week 3.

7. Eat My Asomugha (1-0) – Last week: 8 – This is the first time Nick has not been ranked dead last in the power rankings since 2010.  Congrats.  Must be gouging his eyes out having to watch the Eagles intently every week.  Again, I can see this team maybe being able to sneak into the playoffs, but unfortunately will not get to play the Stanky Monkeys every week.

8. Stanky Monkeys (0-1) – Last week: 6 – I was too generous last week.  I gave Lou the benefit of the doubt, but nobody on this team showed up except Aaron Rodgers.  I think this team will see better days, but must be careful not to dig too big a hole.

EFFL League 2:

1. Threeing the Hogs (1-0) – Last week: 2 – This looks like the new team to beat.  Winner of the first $10 prize as high score in week 1.  Julio Jones looks like an absolute beast.  Brandon Marshall has finally been reunited with Jay Cutler after much, much whining from Cutler.  Nobody likes a whiner.  Mike also brought some serious trash talk via email, which was impressive.  I like what I’ve seen from this team.

2. Jersey Leshoure (1-0) – Last week: 1 – Decided to give Dosh a chance by starting Justin Blackmon but survived a week 1 scare.  Still, this is a strong team and leads the league with most suspended players.  The Ray Rice – McFadden combo is one of my favorites.  I hope you have some hair left after that Eagles game.

3. Claiborne Supremacy (1-0) – Last week: 5 – Perhaps I underestimated Matt Forte.  If he can keep up his production, this team is definitely going to be a player.  I don’t know how you ended up stuck in the Bronx watching colored dots on an iPad Sunday, but I commend you for your dedication to the Eagles passing game.

4. The Heads of State (0-1) – Last week: 3 – Receivers all put up pedestrian numbers in week 1, but similar to the Pylons may have gotten a steal with Peterson.  Yes, I was the one in Matt’s ear demanding he take Peterson for you.  Brain Trust baby.  It can win in 2 leagues in 2012.  There’s more to be done here.

5. RGIII for President (1-0) – Last week: 7 – Got a cupcake matchup in week 1 which shouldn’t happen again.  RB position looks a little weak, but that should still be OK in most weeks.  Living in DC and being around all the Skins buzz must be exciting.  He looks like a stud.  Also, in this election year I wouldn’t mind casting my vote as a write-in.

6. BABY TEES (0-1) – Last week: 8 – Ugh I can’t believe I’ve moved this team out of the bottom spot, but there is a serious possibility that Matt Ryan could carry this team all year.  Could even get some value out of Randy Moss, which would be an absolute joke.  I still wouldn’t be that scared of this team if I were in the league, but you never know.  Almost fought off Snooki and Leshoure, but didn’t have enough.

7. Team Toliver (0-1) – Last week: 4 – Still needs a team name, but it wasn’t your fault Mike Y ran train on you.  Can’t believe you kept your boy Stevie on the bench, but I think this week was this team’s floor.  Just wait til Welker has has usual 12 catch, 31 yard, 4 td games.  I like this team.

8. Team Cutter (0-1) – Last week: 6 – Maybe I’m being a little too harsh on Cutty, but he is using multiple Kansas City Chiefs.  With 87 points was low man on the 16 team totem pole. Given this fact, I think Team Cutter is far closer to the top/middle teams than the bottom teams in League 1.  Could easily jump in the polls soon.  In the famous words of Adam Cutter, “Sundays are so easy” apparently doesn’t apply to fantasy football.

While it was a fun start to the season, things will certainly get more interesting when teams assert themselves in the standings.  I anticipate a big week for the Pylons in honor of the Jewish Holidays.  I also look forward to more banter via the message board.  See you in week 2.

We're Back Baby!!

The 2012 season is finally here.  Tonight we embark on another journey to EFFL supremacy which will result in not only 1, but now 2 champions being crowned.  This is the 8th season of the premier fantasy football experience.  A season preview was requested, so I will give you a quick rundown of how I see things panning out.  These predictions will be as accurate as ESPN's NFL "experts", but it's better than nothing.  Keep in mind that the high score each week across both leagues wins a $10 bonus, so keep checking the other scores to see if that lucky dog is you.

While we did not take Nick's advice of betting league fees on black in AC, I took it upon myself to bet an equivalent amount at the roulette table.  If my results were any indication, we made the smart move.  For those not familiar with the blog format, each week I give power rankings for the league which do not represent actual standings.  They represent how I see things eventually shaping up.  They will have some game recaps as well as previews built in.

Without further ado:

EFFL League 1:

1. The King's Crusaders - Defending champ seems to have built a strong receiving corps.  While not deep, this team seems to appear the best on the surface.

2. Tweeting in the Trenches - Looks like the standard Fusco team.  Could start strong, but injury concerns may cause this team to fade.  For now, deserve to be here.

3. Dueling Pylons - Deficiencies at QB should be easy to overcome.  Same core as 2011 which was one of the best teams down the stretch.

4. Lady Luck - Not a fan of the RB combo, but a lot of talent on this team.  Also, very thin but since Sam usually avoids injuries, should be ok.

5. Tequila Party Gnomes - Finally has Tron back.  Putting a lot of eggs in the Falcons basket, but looks better than the rest.

6. Stanky Monkeys - Despite drafting every possible player who is out week 1, over the long haul I see this team being competitive.

7. Coach Janky Spanky - Has arguably the #1 QB, TE, RB.  Nothing else.  That's a problem.

8. Eat My Asomugha - New team name.  Same awful team.  Despite going down to 8 teams, the open bar found its victim.  Will be battling relegation all season.

EFFL League 2:

1. Jersey Leshoure - When you do not move away from the draft board the entire night, you end up with the best team.  Ben is the clear favorite.

2. Threeing the Hogs - I assume this is a Redskins reference.  Mike Y did work.  Should be a contender for promotion.

3. The Heads of State - Vick/DeSean combo makes me nervous, but if Vick stays healthy #3 will be too low.

4. Team Toliver - Get a team name.  Otherwise I like it.  You'll enjoy rooting for the Lions every week I assure you.

5. Claiborne Supremacy - A lot of potential with this team, and any time you grab Rodgers you're in good shape.  RB's are a question mark or would be higher.

6. Team Cutter - How far can Brady carry this team?  Also, get a team name.

7. Team Hazelwood - Shame he stopped drafting after the Gronk/Graham combo.  This is what happens when you don't draft a non-TE til the end of the 3rd round.

8. BABY TEES - Caps lock does not help your cause.  This team is terrible.  I just don't see any scenario in which this team gets promoted for 2013.

A new blog will hopefully be posted by Tuesday to recap week 1.  That will be my goal this year.  Good luck to everyone in week 1.