Saturday, June 22, 2019

The Informer's 2019 NFL Fantasy Football Preview: Team One



Hello everyone that clicked the link to this article. My name is The Informer and I will be your self-glossed fantasy football expert for the day. 

My credentials are as followed: I have been playing fantasy football since 1998. I watch every single minute of NFL action every single Sunday of every single year (you can ask my wife and children; they will confirm my family neglect during NFL Sundays). And lastly, in 2018 I won money in 12 of my 17 fantasy football leagues.
Now, does watching an unhealthy amount of NFL football while managing 17 fantasy football teams actually make me an expert? I have no idea. What I do know is that for the 2019 NFL Season I have set a goal to manage at least 50 teams and I thought why not share (and analyze) the results from every draft I do while trying to reach that goal. Then hopefully -- by the time your draft comes later this summer -- you the reader should have all the knowledge, strategies, sleepers and tricks needed to have a successful draft. And do you want to know what the best part of this journey is? The fact that I am putting up real money for every team/draft that I write about (for today's article I am covering my team from a $10 auction draft). This is important because it means all the results from every draft will be legitimate. There will be no drafts where Dak Prescott goes #1 overall because some 12-year old Jabroni is doing a "Mock Free Draft" under his dads account. No, every draft/team covered in these previews will be the real deal, with real people, real results and real money on the line. Which means when it comes time for your draft these previews -- unlike other "Mock Draft" previews -- will actually be the closest representation to real life that there is. In other words: The Informer is going to spend a ton of money (don't tell my wife) so the readers can learn from my mistakes in the hopes that everyone will eventually draft the perfect 2019 Fantasy Football team. Anyways, now that we have all the particulars in order, here is "Team One" of The Informer's 2019 Fantasy Football Season. (The Informer note-- For today's article we are covering my team from a 10-person auction draft (.5 point ppr league) where each guy/girl had $200 to fill out a roster of 17 players: QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, Flex, Flex, K, Def, Bench, B, B, B, B, B, B.) TEAM ONE:

QB: Aaron Rodgers ($14) Baker ($2) Tom Brady ($1)

RB: Christian McCaffery ($62) David Johnson ($47) Leonard Fournette ($29) Adrian Peterson ($1)

WR: Mike Evans ($34) Courtland Sutton ($1) Devin Funchess ($1) James Washington ($1) DK Metcalf ($1) Parrish Campbell ($1)

TE: Eric Ebron ($2) Trey Burton ($1)  Greg Olson ($1) Dallas Goedert ($1)

Starters:
QB: Rodgers
RB: Run CMC
RB: David Johnson
WR: Mike Evans
WR: Courtland Sutherland
TE: Eric Ebron
Flex: Leonard Fournette
Flex: Trey Burton or Greg Olson
D: TBD
K: TBD

Here are The Informer's five thoughts on this roster:
  1. In lieu of drafting a kicker or defense on June 1st, I decided to grab as many skilled position guys — and  a couple of rookie lottery tickets — in the hopes that come September one or two will turn into draft day steals (I am looking at you Funchess, Metcalf & Parrish). With that said; what this strategy ultimately means is that I will have to drop at least two people from my team before the season starts so I can pick up a kicker and a defense. That is okay though, because right now I am holding lottery tickets (and injury protection) on my roster instead of a Gramatica brother or unknown defense.
  2. You may have noticed my roster includes four tight ends. I want to assure all of you that this was by design. You see after I spent all my money on three RBs, Mike Evans and Aaron Rodgers (more on him in a second); I was really cash strapped for my second flex player so I decided I would try and grab as many top tier tight ends as I could. That’s how I ended up with Ebron (my favorite tight end last year who still plays with Andrew Luck), Greg Olson (if he is still Greg Olson he has Top 5 upside), Trey Burton (young top 20 tight end) and Dallas Goedert (young top 20 tight end who is also getting rave reviews heading into the season). I am not saying the strategy is a good one, but at the time it was the best way for me to hoard top 20 guys at their position.
  3. Mike Evans is going to have a huge year. Keep that in mind when you are doing any fantasy football drafts. Also, since we are speaking of Evans: Did you know if he reaches 1,000 yards receiving this season he will join Randy Moss as the only players in NFL history to start his career with six straight 1,000 yard receiving years #TheMoreYouKnow.
  4. Knowing what I know now; I would not have paid $14 for Rodgers when I could have gotten another quality position starter with that money while still drafting Baker & Tommy. With that said; I am def not going to regret having A-Rod on my team. And who knows, maybe I’ll be able to trade Baker for someone I could not have bought for a buck during the draft (Remember just because the draft is over doesn't mean the work stops. You always gotta be wheelin and dealing to win fantasy).
  5. Again,  knowing what I know after the draft, I would not have spent $62 dollars on Run CMC. Instead, I would have used that money to get two players from a group that consisted of AJ Green ($26) Antonio Brown ($34) Sony Michelle ($23) Nick Chubb ($23) Derrick Henry ($26) or T.Y. Hilton ($23).
Let me expand on points #4 and #5 so I can show y 'all another way this draft could have turned out. You see if I would have kept the money from Rodgers and Run CMC I could have ended up with a team that looked something like this: QB: Baker Mayfield ($2) Tom Brady ($1) RB: David Johnson ($47) Nick Chubb ($23) Leonard Fournette ($29) Adrian Peterson ($1) WR: Mike Evans ($34) Julian Edelman ($16) Antonio Brown ($34) Marvin Jones Jr ($6) Courtland Sutton ($1) DK Metcalf ($1) Parrish Campbell ($1)

TE: Evan Engram ($5) Eric Ebron ($2) Dallas Goedert ($1) Greg Olson (#1)

Starting Line Up:
QB: Baker or Tom (Top 7 QB & GOAT Brady)
RB: David Johnson (Top 5 RB)
RB: Leonard Fournette (Top 20 RB)
WR: Antonio Brown (Top 10 WR)
WR: Mike Evans: (Top 10 WR)
TE: Eric Ebron or Engram (Both Top 10 Tight Ends)
Flex: Nick Chubb (Top 15 RB)
Flex: Julian Edelman (GOAT Brady's favorite target)
K: TBD
D:TBD

So what team would you rather have? 

I know the answer for me is the second team.

Does that mean I think the team I actually drafted can't or won't win? Absolutely not. I love my team. It has tons of protentional . But I am also man enough to admit that said team could have been better if The Informer had had a little more knowledge heading into the draft. 

Next time I will have that knowledge. And so will you. 

Now if you will excuse me, it’s time to open up a Natty and go find another team to draft.

#TheQuestFor50TeamsContinues.

Saturday, December 29, 2018

The Informer's 2018 NFL Picks: Week 17

The Informer's Week 17 NFL Picks:

Cowboys (+6)
Chiefs (-13.5)
Saints (-7)
Pats (-13.5)
Washington (+7)
G.B. (-8)
Texans (-6.5) LKLOTW
Browns (+6.5)
Atlanta (-2)
Bills (-5)
Colts (-2.5)
Bengals (+14.5)
Bears (+6)
Donkeys (+7)
HGHawks (-13)
Rams  (-10)

Season Record: 126-108-6

Saturday, December 22, 2018

The Informer's 2018 NFL Picks: Week 16



Q: Hey Informer since you went 4-12 against the spread in Week 15 (thus breaking your three week winning streak) does that mean you are actually going to write an NFL Picks article for Week 16? Or are you finally going to do what you should have done 10 years ago and just delete your account all together?

I did say once my winning streak was over that I would go back to writing full fledged NFL picks articles. And, well, since The Informer is a man of integrity, honesty and Natty Lights; I am going to keep my word despite the many, many, many, many urges to just delete my account in utter embarrassment.

So with that in mind, here is The Informer's Week 16 NFL Picks article. As always, please remember to gamble illegally, recklessly and with absolutely zero regard for human life.

Let's do this.

Washington Redskins @ Tennessee Titans (-11)
Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers (-4.5)

Here is my proof of Saturday night football picks tweet:


Now I know going 1-1 to start the week is not great, but in reality one of my main goals at this point in the 2018 NFL season is to finish over .500 against the spread for the ninth time in the last 11 years. And going into this week in order to accomplish this goal I needed to pick 12 winners out of the next 32 games. So as you can see, despite kissing our cousin's brother on Saturday, we are one down with 11 to go from reaching one of our goals.

Pick: Washington (+11) Chargers (-4.5)


Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys (-7)

Tampa Bay is playing for nothing. The Dallas Cowboys are playing for the playoffs. Seems simple enough.

#FeedZekeTheChowder

Pick: Cowboys (-7)


Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots (+13)

I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . .I am not going to bet against Tom Brady . . . . Mother of bad words I am going to bet against Tom Brady.

May Tebow have mercy on my soul.

Pick: Bills (+13)


Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers (+2.5)

Dear Santa, here is my fantasy football Week 16 Christmas wish list:


  • Matt Ryan to have at least 400 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

  • Andrew Luck to have at least 400 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

  • Eric Ebron 100+ yards and multiple touchdowns. 

  • Great defense by the Colts, Donkeys and Browns. 

  • To win at least 6 of my 10 fantasy football money leagues. 


I know I am asking a lot, but I swear I have been really good this year -- being nice to people, handing out free NFL picks, only drinking Natties on days that end in Y, etc -- and totally deserve to be on the nice list. So thanks in advance for granting my wishes.

Sincerely, The Informer.

Pick: Falcons (-2.5)


New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts (-10)

Can someone please explain to me how Darius Leonard -- the only guy in the NFL who leads the league in tackles -- didn't make the mother trucking Pro Bowl? I mean for f-word sakes, the dude leads the NFL by over 20 tackles (146 total) despite missing an entire game. Seriously NFL Pro Bowl voters, you need to go home because you are drunk as "F" and obviously smoke crack.

With all that said, and despite the fact that Darius Leonard is going to have 40 tackles on Sunday, I am taking the Giants and grabbing the 10 points. There is no logical reason as to why, or any data to back this pick up, but I have a hunch the Giants will be able to back door cover so I must grab the points.

Pick: Giants (+10)


Houston Texans @ Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions (+6.5)
Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets (+2.5)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins (-3)

Since I have nothing to say about these four games, how about instead I hand out the Blimpie Best meme of the Week?


Admit it . . . You laughed out loud while rolling on the floor.

Pick: Eagles (-2.5) Lions (+6.5) Packers (-2.5) Dolphins (-3)


Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns (-10)

I am not saying that Baker Mayfield should win the Rookie of the Year award -- or that he is the second coming of Tim Tebow (aka the savior) -- but if I were to say those things my reasoning would be simple: Baker Mayfield has the Cleveland Browns as a double digit favorite in an actual NFL game. Pleas read that last sentence again . . . The Cleveland freaking Browns are a double digit favorite in an actual NFL game in the year 2018.

Which brings me to my next point: In the year 2018 the Cleveland Browns should not ever -- not even if there is a fire -- be a double digit favorite over another NFL team. Listen, I love Baker as much as the next man, but these are still the Browns. So until further notice, we are always going to bet against them when they are giving 10 or more points.

Pick: Bengals (+10)


Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals (+14.5)

Larry Fitzgerald is a double-digit home underdog, against a banged up Rams team who may not have Todd Gurley,  in a game that could end up being the last one he ever plays at home in Arizona? Call me drunk, but that seems like the perfect recipe for a guy to bet all his money on the Josh Rosen led Arizona Cardinals in Week 15.

Pick: Cardinals (+14.5)


Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers (+4.5)

You know the old saying: "Fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you, fool me three times and that means I am just a moron?"

Well . . . Denver, Seattle and now Chicago.

I don't know what to say. I guess I am just a glutton for losing bets because Nick Mullens and George Kittle (Is it George? Gregg? Mike?) were possessed by the San Francisco  ghost's of Joe Montana and Brent Jones.

Pick: Bears (-4.5)


Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints (-6)

If the Steelers lose this game, the Ravens beat the Browns, and the Colts beat the Giants and the Titans the next two weeks; then that means Andrew Luck and his laser rocket side arm will be in the playoffs for the first time in three years. So naturally I must do everything in my power to make that happen. Which of course means I must max bet the Steelers, pick them in my Super Picks contest and make them The Informer's Lion King Lock of the Week.

Pick: LKLOTW Steelers (+6)


Kansas City Chiefs @ Seattle HGHawks (+2.5)

Here is a new rule The Informer just made up:

I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime . . . I will not bet against Patrick Mahomes in Primetime!

Pick: Chiefs (-2.5)


Denver Donkeys @ Oakland Raiders (+2.5)

Hey Santa, are you going to skip your Christmas Eve duties to watch this absolute dumpster fire the NFL is trying to pass off as the last Monday Night Football game of the 2018 NFL Season?



Pick: Donkeys (-2.5)

Merry Christmas. Happy holidays.  And I wish you all nothing but peace, joy, happiness and winning NFL bets this weekend. Good Luck, be safe and drink Natties.