WEEK 3 RANKINGS
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We're halfway through the month of September and a few trends are becoming apparent.
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Running Backs are the new Wide Receivers. Since we changed to a PPR format back in 2011, WRs have been the top non-QB point getters in the league. But through two weeks, RBs occupy 7 of the top 10 scoring spots in our rankings. A lot of this may have to do with defenses seemingly unable to tackle anyone and NFL teams favoring the run over the pass game. Through the first 2 games, there has been only 69 passing TDs. In years past there has been over 100 passing TDs covering the same time span.
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Quarterback play has been erratic. Only 11 QBs are averaging over 20 points/game. Last year, 15 QBs averaged over 20 games across the entire season. A lot of this is probably due to starters not playing preseason games as WRs do not look like they are in sync with their QBs.
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Injuries continue to pile up. CMC, Isaiah Pacheco, Puka Nakua, Tua Tagovailoa, Deebo Samuel, Tee Higgins, KW III, Jordan Love, AJ Brown, and Cooper Kupp are all expected to miss extended time. Thats 7 keepers and 2 high draft picks.
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Since injuries have been so prevalent and NFL teams have not been forthcoming in their injury reports, I am thinking about adding 1 IR spot for teams to use in case they get into a SNF or MNF bind with a late injury designation. I put a poll up on the ESPN League Home page for everyone to vote. If we get 6 'yes' votes, I can add an IR slot before this week's game. Click here to vote.
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Top rated players pre-draft have not lived up to the hype. The Top 20 players ranked by ADP have been a disappointment in the early going. Two players have yet to play a game (CMC/Puka Nacua) while 7 others have averaged under 15 points/game.
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It is still early and a lot will change over the next three months, so keep trying to upgrade your rosters. Make a trade offer to a team that might be ready to sell-low on a struggling player, scour the waiver wire for the player who's usage has increased over preseason projections or trade from a surplus position you may have for an area of need. Now on to our rankings:
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1. Mel Kipers Best Available (Last Week #1)
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MKBA continues to roll after a close victory over the Skoal Bandits that went down to the wire on MNF. The match was clinched late in the 4th quarter when Drake London (17.4) caught a TD pass with a minute remaining. De'Von Achane (29.6), CeeDee Lamb (21) and Rashee Rice (20.5) powered the Kipers to their 2nd win of the season.
2. Ghostbusters (Last Week #3)
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​The scoring improved from the week 1 debacle, but the offense is still sputtering. Kyler Murray (35.5), Breece Hall (24), and Amon St. Brown (22.9) did just enough to help the Ghostbusters to a 2-0 record.
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3. Dark Helmet (Last Week # 7)
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The surprise team of the early season continues to be Dark Helmet. They were the preseason pick to finish last with a win total of 4 and through two games they are halfway there. James Cook (30) looks like a bargain while Chris Godwin (26.7) and Daniel Jones (22.32) helped Dan to a blowout victory over an injury-ravaged MFT.
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4. '69 Olds (Last Week #8)
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'69 Olds broke into the win column this week with a solid win over Wrath of Kahn. DK Metcalf (30.9) and Jalen Hurts (25.8) led a balanced attack that cruised to an easy victory. Unfortunately, Isaiah Pacheco sustained a leg injury that will likely keep him out of the lineup for the next few months.
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5. Stick Rock (Last Week #5)
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The good news? Stick Rock is the 2nd highest scoring team in the league. The bad news? They are 0-2. Alvin Kamara (47) tried to single-handedly win this game with four touchdowns, but George Kittle (20.6) was the only other starter that managed to score over 20 points. So far, Rocky has lost to 2 undefeated teams and this week will go up against a third as they travel to South Florida to take on Dark Helmet. The schedule should ease up after this week.
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6. Skoal Bandits (Last Week # 4)
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The Bandits kept it close, but Bijan Robinson (16.2) came up short on Monday Night. Marvin Harrison Jr (31), JK Dobbins (23.1) and Baker Mayfield (20.8) led the team in scoring. The Bandits have a good roster, but they still need to fill in some gaps. Their backup TE put up 0 points this week and even when healthy, Evan Engram is not reliable.
7. Springfield Flanders (Last Week #2)
This team is being crushed by injuries. Puka Nacua, AJ Brown and David Njoku all missed this week's game while Nacua and Njoku are expected to miss extended time. Flanders failed to crack the 100 point mark this week with no player scoring more than 16 points. Oh, wait! His Kicker (Brandon Aubrey) had 17! yes, we are now lauding the accomplishments of the kicker. It is that bad in Springfield.
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8. Peeping Tomlin's (Last Week #9)
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The Tomlins bounced back this week with a convincing victory over the injury depleted Flanders. The WR trio of Nico Collins (27.5), Calvin Ridley (26.7) and Justin Jefferson (25.3) were nearly enough to outscore their opponent. The QBs are going to need to be better if Jared hopes to win consistently this year as Dak Prescott (15.9), Jared Goff (8.7) and Josh Fields (13.3) are all off to slow starts.
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9. Milford Football Team (Last Week #6)
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Did somebody say injuries? Not only are CMC and Jordan Love out for an extended period of time, but there isn't a lot of help coming off the bench. Davante Adams (26) and Zay Flowers (22.1) looked good this week, but the RBs Bucky Irving (2.2) and Jeff Wilson (3.2) combined for 5.4 points. The QBs Josh Allen (11.7) and Malik Willis (14.98) weren't much better. And what the hell is wrong with Sam LaPorta (3.3)?
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10. Wrath of Khan (Last Week #10)
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It's starting to get late early for Wrath of Kahn. They have the lowest point total in the league, trailing the 9th ranked team by 31 points. Kirk Cousins (21.5) bounced back after a poor Week 1 and The RB Trio of Jordan Mason (18.4), Jahmyr Gibbs (17.6) and Derrick Henry (16.6) were productive. But lack of production from the 2 keepers Travis Kelce (1.6) and Tyreek Hill (6.6) are making this team non-competitive.