Not everyone can win a fantasy sports championship. Somebody has to end up on the bottom. And it's not always that person who abandons the team after two or three bad weeks. Sometimes, it's someone who failed to see the warning signs.
For example, it's a bad sign if your starting quarterback is the subject of a billboard campaign to be replaced by this guy.
It's also a bad sign if your starting receiver has to deal with Darrelle Revis after the receiver's injured teammate called him overhyped. All-Pro defensive backs tend to take their anger out on whichever receiver is handy.
It's certainly not a good sign if you mistakenly based your drafting strategy on Grantland.com's Bad Quarterback League draft. ("Hmm, Simmons says he's worth a first-round pick. I'm glad I...what? Their scoring is based on what?!?)
On a related note, it's not the best of signs if your starting quarterback just inspired Bill Simmons to coin a new term to describe a truly awful play.
Of course, the bad signs aren't limited to fantasy football. They can also pop up in fantasy NASCAR.
For instance, one bad sign would be if your driver's sponsor were planning to pull out of the sport, and most fans responded with a collective shrug.
Another bad sign would be if one of your starting drivers were accused of spinning out on purpose to help your teammate win a race.
It's also a terrible sign if your star driver got suspended for testing positive for marijuana, and your driver reacted by saying it was medical marijuana. (Right, and that stuff in Michael Waltrip's engine was food coloring, too.)
Avoid signs like these, and maybe you can add a trophy like this to your mantle this fall.
In the meantime, help us get our own glory by voting in the lineup polls on your right. The fantasy NASCAR polls will close tonight. The fantasy football polls will close Saturday night.
We'll be back with the racing results.
Showing posts with label Bill Simmons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Simmons. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Reality vs. Fantasy
One of the interesting things you notice when you play fantasy football is how it can alter your perception of players.
If football is the ultimate team sport, then fantasy football is the ultimate individual sport. When you focus so much on how each player did on Sunday, it can be easy to forget how that player's team did on Sunday. Many of the best performances in fantasy football come in games in which the player is on the losing side. (Witness Arian Foster's 31 points last week, when the Houston Texans fell to the San Diego Chargers.) And many games that an NFL head coach will chalk up as a victory, or even as a defining moment in the season, can make a fantasy player want to do this.
For an example of how fantasy football can alter perceptions, let's take a look at two quarterbacks who are probably starting somewhere in your league this Sunday.
Here's what the inimitable Bill Simmons had to say last week about Carson Palmer:
"Apparently, I'm the only person outside of Cincinnati who realizes that Carson Palmer hasn't been good in four years. ... His conventional statistics keep throwing everyone off his rancid scent -- 1,855 yards (seventh overall), 12 TDs, seven picks, 83 QB rating. Not terrible, right? So you have to dig a little ... and that's when you find out that he's last in third-down passing (49 percent completion rate, 431 yards, 62 rating), or that defenders have dropped 215 possible Palmer interceptions (approximate) ... If the Bengals were smart, they'd start pounding the ball with Cedric Benson and reducing Palmer's effect on the game."
And it's true that Palmer is having a terrible season when it comes to winning and losing. His Cincinnati Bengals currently sit at the bottom of the AFC Central with a 2-6 record. They're even looking up at the Cleveland Browns.
Now, consider this recent quote from the top-notch Don Banks about Tom Brady:
"As his work with the just-arrived [Deion] Branch on Sunday showed, Brady makes his receivers relevant. Yep, we're starting the MVP debate as October winds down, and my vote at the moment belongs to Brady. ... When it comes to deciding his team's fortunes, he's the biggest difference-maker there is. Take him out of the lineup, and New England is a third-place team in its division, miles behind both the Jets and Dolphins."
Again, hard to argue here. Despite losing to the Browns last Sunday, the New England Patriots have a 6-2 record. The only thing keeping them from the top of the AFC East is the head-to-head tiebreaker against the New York Jets.
Now, consider this about the two quarterbacks in question: As I type this (halftime of Thursday night's game), Palmer has put up 116 points so far this season in standard ESPN fantasy football leagues. Brady has put up 115. They are separated in the fantasy world by a single point.
This is not to discount the many strengths of fantasy football. But it goes to show that determining a good NFL team is not one of them.
Reminder: The NASCAR lineup polls will close later tonight, so please get your votes in now. We'll be back with the results.
If football is the ultimate team sport, then fantasy football is the ultimate individual sport. When you focus so much on how each player did on Sunday, it can be easy to forget how that player's team did on Sunday. Many of the best performances in fantasy football come in games in which the player is on the losing side. (Witness Arian Foster's 31 points last week, when the Houston Texans fell to the San Diego Chargers.) And many games that an NFL head coach will chalk up as a victory, or even as a defining moment in the season, can make a fantasy player want to do this.
For an example of how fantasy football can alter perceptions, let's take a look at two quarterbacks who are probably starting somewhere in your league this Sunday.
Here's what the inimitable Bill Simmons had to say last week about Carson Palmer:
"Apparently, I'm the only person outside of Cincinnati who realizes that Carson Palmer hasn't been good in four years. ... His conventional statistics keep throwing everyone off his rancid scent -- 1,855 yards (seventh overall), 12 TDs, seven picks, 83 QB rating. Not terrible, right? So you have to dig a little ... and that's when you find out that he's last in third-down passing (49 percent completion rate, 431 yards, 62 rating), or that defenders have dropped 215 possible Palmer interceptions (approximate) ... If the Bengals were smart, they'd start pounding the ball with Cedric Benson and reducing Palmer's effect on the game."
And it's true that Palmer is having a terrible season when it comes to winning and losing. His Cincinnati Bengals currently sit at the bottom of the AFC Central with a 2-6 record. They're even looking up at the Cleveland Browns.
Now, consider this recent quote from the top-notch Don Banks about Tom Brady:
"As his work with the just-arrived [Deion] Branch on Sunday showed, Brady makes his receivers relevant. Yep, we're starting the MVP debate as October winds down, and my vote at the moment belongs to Brady. ... When it comes to deciding his team's fortunes, he's the biggest difference-maker there is. Take him out of the lineup, and New England is a third-place team in its division, miles behind both the Jets and Dolphins."
Again, hard to argue here. Despite losing to the Browns last Sunday, the New England Patriots have a 6-2 record. The only thing keeping them from the top of the AFC East is the head-to-head tiebreaker against the New York Jets.
Now, consider this about the two quarterbacks in question: As I type this (halftime of Thursday night's game), Palmer has put up 116 points so far this season in standard ESPN fantasy football leagues. Brady has put up 115. They are separated in the fantasy world by a single point.
This is not to discount the many strengths of fantasy football. But it goes to show that determining a good NFL team is not one of them.
Reminder: The NASCAR lineup polls will close later tonight, so please get your votes in now. We'll be back with the results.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Deflecting Bill Simmons' Rocks
The people who put together the People's Pigskin have been fans of Bill Simmons (aka "The Sports Guy") since he was writing over at Digital City. In fact, if you've missed any of his Vegas journals, you owe it to yourself to take a look at them in his archive.
You'll also find plenty of columns about fantasy football. Today, under the headline "Throwing rocks in fantasy football pool," Simmons offered his latest plan for shaking up a game where "We do things pretty much exactly the same way" as we did a decade ago. It's funny how chess is essentially the same game it was when Benjamin Franklin was playing it, but fantasy football needs an update.
Most of Simmons' column is as funny and insightful as anything he's ever published, even if it does come close to violating his own "150-minute rule" (if you're going to spend more than that much time on anything, you better have a rock-solid reason). However, his recommendations for shaking up fantasy football leave something to be desired. Here are the main recommendations, along with some counterpoints.
1. "Everyone agrees on a Universal Fantasy System"
Longtime readers of the People's Pigskin may have already figured out that I enjoy beer. In fact, I prefer beers on the Guinness end of the spectrum. However, I'm not arrogant enough to expect everyone to like Guinness as much as I do. You might think it is too bitter for human consumption. That's fine. I'll sip my Guinness and allow you to drink your Coors Light (which I wouldn't drink if my esophagus were on fire), and we'll both have a good time. That's why any bar worthy of the name has more than one beer tap.
It's the same way with fantasy football. So far this summer, I've signed up for three fantasy leagues, and I plan to sign up for at least one more. (More details on that in a later post.) I like having choices about how teams are set up, how points are distributed and how ties and championships are determined. Making everyone play the same way wouldn't help fantasy football. It would stifle innovation.
2. "Everyone switches to an auction format"
To continue the beer metaphor, liking Guinness doesn't stop me from sampling new beers. Likewise, I've never been part of an auction draft, but I wouldn't mind trying one out. One reason: "Someone like Chris Johnson goes to the highest bidder instead of someone who just lucked out by pulling an ace from a deck of cards."
3. "Keepers"
Simmons recommends a system that would allow fantasy players to keep some of their players for up to four seasons at a time. You have to pay a little more each year -- this recommendation is based on an auction draft -- and after season 2, you have to decide whether to keep the player for the next two seasons. (No dropping the player after season 3.) If only the New York Jets could to this.
4. "Safe words"
Simmons wants us to pick a word to shout out to stop someone from telling a boring fantasy story. Not only do I agree with him on this, but I'm one step ahead of him. I already have a word for such situations. I find that "SHUTTHE****UP" works just fine.
5. "Menage A Trois Week"
No, Simmons has not been sharing ideas with Kim Kardashian again. He's suggesting that several weeks of the fantasy season should feature matchups involving three teams instead of two. You versus two opponents, with one team getting a win and two teams getting a loss.
One problem: Fantasy players don't need yet another way to lose. The Brian Westbrooks of the world are giving us enough opportunities to lose needlessly as it is.
6. "The Backgammon Cube"
I'm not even going to try to explain this idea, except to say that it involves both escalating double-or-nothing bets and the chance to concede the week's matches before they're over. And to say that it's a way to drive any league's commissioner to slit his/her wrists.
The best conclusion to draw from all this: If ESPN.com is featuring something like this on its front page, how long can it be until we're watching games that count?
By the way, the lineup polls will close soon. Please vote now. We'll be back with the results.
You'll also find plenty of columns about fantasy football. Today, under the headline "Throwing rocks in fantasy football pool," Simmons offered his latest plan for shaking up a game where "We do things pretty much exactly the same way" as we did a decade ago. It's funny how chess is essentially the same game it was when Benjamin Franklin was playing it, but fantasy football needs an update.
Most of Simmons' column is as funny and insightful as anything he's ever published, even if it does come close to violating his own "150-minute rule" (if you're going to spend more than that much time on anything, you better have a rock-solid reason). However, his recommendations for shaking up fantasy football leave something to be desired. Here are the main recommendations, along with some counterpoints.
1. "Everyone agrees on a Universal Fantasy System"
Longtime readers of the People's Pigskin may have already figured out that I enjoy beer. In fact, I prefer beers on the Guinness end of the spectrum. However, I'm not arrogant enough to expect everyone to like Guinness as much as I do. You might think it is too bitter for human consumption. That's fine. I'll sip my Guinness and allow you to drink your Coors Light (which I wouldn't drink if my esophagus were on fire), and we'll both have a good time. That's why any bar worthy of the name has more than one beer tap.
It's the same way with fantasy football. So far this summer, I've signed up for three fantasy leagues, and I plan to sign up for at least one more. (More details on that in a later post.) I like having choices about how teams are set up, how points are distributed and how ties and championships are determined. Making everyone play the same way wouldn't help fantasy football. It would stifle innovation.
2. "Everyone switches to an auction format"
To continue the beer metaphor, liking Guinness doesn't stop me from sampling new beers. Likewise, I've never been part of an auction draft, but I wouldn't mind trying one out. One reason: "Someone like Chris Johnson goes to the highest bidder instead of someone who just lucked out by pulling an ace from a deck of cards."
3. "Keepers"
Simmons recommends a system that would allow fantasy players to keep some of their players for up to four seasons at a time. You have to pay a little more each year -- this recommendation is based on an auction draft -- and after season 2, you have to decide whether to keep the player for the next two seasons. (No dropping the player after season 3.) If only the New York Jets could to this.
4. "Safe words"
Simmons wants us to pick a word to shout out to stop someone from telling a boring fantasy story. Not only do I agree with him on this, but I'm one step ahead of him. I already have a word for such situations. I find that "SHUTTHE****UP" works just fine.
5. "Menage A Trois Week"
No, Simmons has not been sharing ideas with Kim Kardashian again. He's suggesting that several weeks of the fantasy season should feature matchups involving three teams instead of two. You versus two opponents, with one team getting a win and two teams getting a loss.
One problem: Fantasy players don't need yet another way to lose. The Brian Westbrooks of the world are giving us enough opportunities to lose needlessly as it is.
6. "The Backgammon Cube"
I'm not even going to try to explain this idea, except to say that it involves both escalating double-or-nothing bets and the chance to concede the week's matches before they're over. And to say that it's a way to drive any league's commissioner to slit his/her wrists.
The best conclusion to draw from all this: If ESPN.com is featuring something like this on its front page, how long can it be until we're watching games that count?
By the way, the lineup polls will close soon. Please vote now. We'll be back with the results.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Fearless Predictions: Week 4
While you contemplate what to do with our lineup and our time poll, here are some predictions for the Landshark Maniacs matchups.
(Last week's predictions went 3-2, raising the season record to 9-6.)
Peoples Pigskin vs. Southern Rebels. You, the Internet, should consider yourselves fortunate that this matchp occurs this week. The Rebels will be missing Frank Gore (injury), along with both Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin (bye week). This one will be close, but the Pigskin will prevail.
Hawaiian Surfriders vs. D.C. Destroyers. This week's beneficiary of a teammate's injury: Tashard Choice. With Felix Jones out (and Marion Barber the biggest Dallas question mark since Who Shot J.R.), I'm disagreeing with the ESPN "experts" and predicting a Destroyers win.
T-Bay Jacks 151rum Stumblrs vs. Northeast Dragons. Aaron Rodgers will do enough to make this interesting Monday night, but Peyton Manning (not Drew Brees) is currently the top-scoring quarterback in fantasy football, and I see no reason for that to change this week as the Indianapolis Colts take on the stumbling Seattle Seahawks. Chalk one up for the Stumblrs.
Big Lough O vs. Tinks Revenge. Once again, the last two opponents of the People's Pigskin face one another. As I write this, the Lough Os have Matt Ryan (bye week) as the starter, and the Revenge have yet to pick a kicker, but I'm trusting that those things will change by gametime. What won't change is my opinion that Maurice Jones-Drew proves too much for the Revenge and carries the Lough Os to a win on his back.
Houston Wreckin' Crew vs. Ravens Fan T-Sizzle. Again, an incomplete lineup as I write this: The Crew have to pick a running back. The difference here is the Moss brothers: Randy and Santana. (Yes, I realize they're not actually brothers; work with me here.) Both of them woke up last week, and I think both of them get enough looks to get the Crew to the winner's circle.
I leave you with this thought from the amazingly talented Bill Simmons:
"FYI: I continue to hate fantasy football and wonder why I participate in something that gives me a 90 percent chance of being angry and feeling bad about myself. This is fun? It's fun to watch your first-round pick standing sullenly on the sidelines every week as his backup whom you forgot to pick as a handcuff is putting up points? That's fun? REALLY? THAT'S FUN? I'M HAVING FUN?"
Here's hoping your fantasy football experience is slightly better. And don't forget to vote.
(Last week's predictions went 3-2, raising the season record to 9-6.)
Peoples Pigskin vs. Southern Rebels. You, the Internet, should consider yourselves fortunate that this matchp occurs this week. The Rebels will be missing Frank Gore (injury), along with both Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin (bye week). This one will be close, but the Pigskin will prevail.
Hawaiian Surfriders vs. D.C. Destroyers. This week's beneficiary of a teammate's injury: Tashard Choice. With Felix Jones out (and Marion Barber the biggest Dallas question mark since Who Shot J.R.), I'm disagreeing with the ESPN "experts" and predicting a Destroyers win.
T-Bay Jacks 151rum Stumblrs vs. Northeast Dragons. Aaron Rodgers will do enough to make this interesting Monday night, but Peyton Manning (not Drew Brees) is currently the top-scoring quarterback in fantasy football, and I see no reason for that to change this week as the Indianapolis Colts take on the stumbling Seattle Seahawks. Chalk one up for the Stumblrs.
Big Lough O vs. Tinks Revenge. Once again, the last two opponents of the People's Pigskin face one another. As I write this, the Lough Os have Matt Ryan (bye week) as the starter, and the Revenge have yet to pick a kicker, but I'm trusting that those things will change by gametime. What won't change is my opinion that Maurice Jones-Drew proves too much for the Revenge and carries the Lough Os to a win on his back.
Houston Wreckin' Crew vs. Ravens Fan T-Sizzle. Again, an incomplete lineup as I write this: The Crew have to pick a running back. The difference here is the Moss brothers: Randy and Santana. (Yes, I realize they're not actually brothers; work with me here.) Both of them woke up last week, and I think both of them get enough looks to get the Crew to the winner's circle.
I leave you with this thought from the amazingly talented Bill Simmons:
"FYI: I continue to hate fantasy football and wonder why I participate in something that gives me a 90 percent chance of being angry and feeling bad about myself. This is fun? It's fun to watch your first-round pick standing sullenly on the sidelines every week as his backup whom you forgot to pick as a handcuff is putting up points? That's fun? REALLY? THAT'S FUN? I'M HAVING FUN?"
Here's hoping your fantasy football experience is slightly better. And don't forget to vote.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)