Welcome to what will be a weekly controversial article series, where I breakdown each team’s prospects and their previous week’s results. No more explaining, time to read…
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens – Matt (2-0)
After taking a beating last year, it looks like Matt finally is in line for a competitive season. Coming back to beat Danny on the last game of MNF was icing on the cake. Matt is looking to take a massive step forward from his (we all know this) 4-12 campaign, and is already halfway there to eclipsing last year’s win total.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Spencer (1-1)
Despite splitting his games week 1, it couldn’t have gone much worse after trading immense depth for David Johnson. Bruce Arians spoke on the radio this week, saying the Cardinals hope to have DJ back by Christmas. On top of that, Spence lost struggling starter Allen Robinson a minute into the 1st quarter. 2017 is looking like a lost season, but in a weak division, Spencer may be able to continue to be in contention.
Cincinnati Bengals – Danny (0-2)
It just wasn’t meant to be for Danny, who put up a very respectable 283 week 1. Unfortunately, bad luck kicked in and played two teams that just were better than him last weekend. There were certain players on his roster that aren’t expected to continue to produce the way they did week 1, so I’m still very wary of Danny’s prospects this year. He’s got a cupcake of a matchup with Jai week 2 that can likely determine what direction Danny goes in the week after.
Cleveland Browns – Kyle (0-2)
Is it too early to say I told him so? It’s not looking pretty for Kyle, posting a low score of the week of 193. It’s not impossible for Kyle to bounceback, but I’m not hedging any bets. He did have a low score in 2016 and made the playoffs, so maybe all is not lost.
AFC East
Miami Dolphins – Brad (2-0)
Brad met expectations week 1, routinely holding off Travis and Dallas Brian without much drama sans Brian’s mini comeback Monday night. So far so good. Savvy moves snatching Marlon Mack and Raekwon McMillian from the newly added Dean.
New York Jets – Aaron (1-1)
Aaron quietly defeated divisionmate Mark this weekend, positioning himself at the top of the 3-way tie for 2nd. Aaron posted a respectable 267, which would usually buy him about 50% of wins anyway. He’s one of those fringe teams that could sneak into the playoffs, let’s see what he can do.
Buffalo Bills – Travis (1-1)
All good things must come to an end. That’s exactly what happened week 1 where Travis lost his undefeated record over rival Brad. Heading into week 2, Travis needs a strong showing to show the IFL he means business again in 2017.
New England Patriots – Mark (1-1)
Despite the complete overhaul of his roster, Mark still posted an underwhelming score of 244 week 1. While 244 still got him a win, there’s some rough patches, particularly on defense. Mark’s team reminds me of Matt’s from 2016. A playoff caliber offense with an absent defense.
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars – Nate (2-0)
Another year, another 2-0 start for Nate. His linebackers need to continue to produce big numbers, and he’s going to need bigger weeks from his wide receivers Kelvin Benjamin, Brandin Cooks and Brandon Marshall. 311 wasn’t expected and unfortunately I don’t think we should expect this output from Nate on a consistent basis.
Indianapolis Colts – Erik (1-1)
Erik drew the most difficult double header of week 1, taking on the champ and NFC finalist. He has to be happy he split, especially with the win coming over Jason. Erik made it apparent he wasn’t fighting for 2017, but maybe he can squeak by some close wins and continue to be relevant.
Tennessee Titans – Jason (1-1)
It was another poor showing early on for Jason, but he’s already notorious for it. Jason has been making moves already to rectify the poor showing by dealing Dez Bryant, Devonta Freeman, Robert Woods, Lorenzo Alexander and Tyrann Mathieu for Marshawn Lynch, Sammy Watkins, Lavonte David, Korey Toomer and Earl Thomas. Lot to breakdown there, but Jason has plenty of time to build up the wins for another playoff run.
Houston Texans – Dean (0-2)
I love a man who shit talks. But holy hell when it doesn’t go well for that man, he must expect for it to be thrown back at him. While Dean has been incredible in regards to making videos, he’s done nothing but ask where to find the rules and get two of his promising rookies sniped. It’s way too early to judge Dean on his early results, but the quicker he adjusts the better it will be for his long term outlook.
AFC West
Denver Broncos – Marcus (2-0)
While Marcus made one of the worst trades in IFL history, early returns are extremely positive with posting the best week 1 score in the AFC. Marcus has an above average offense and decent defense. That can win the AFC West, which is shaping up to be extremely confusing like 2016.
Oakland Raiders – Prendo (2-0)
You know, Prendo made some interesting lineup decisions and they paid off. Starting Terrance West over Sammy Watkins and Corey Coleman worked well and his defense was competent. There is some progression players like Landon Collins and Danny Trevathan can do, so I’m cautiously optimistic Prendo was underrated.
Kansas City Chiefs – Curt (0-2)
Curt is well on his way to best of the worst title and can draft future Jets’ QB Sam Darnold. Curt didn’t have a horrible week either, with a 284 week. With Ajayi returning and some much better roster choices, Curt should bounceback week 2.
Los Angeles Chargers – Decker (0-2)
I want to see Decker succeed, I do. I just don’t think he has the roster to be competitive. The offense is very underwhelming and with his defensive ends not expected to continue to post massive numbers, it could be another ugly season for the future lawyer.
NFC North
Chicago Bears – Nic (2-0)
So far, so good for Nic, who’s been bashed by many a GMs. (Including me) He took care of business over his rival Barry, who beat him to take the north away in 2016. That had to feel good.
Minnesota Vikings – Wade (2-0)
Here’s an unexpected and slightly lucky 2-0 start. Despite scoring only 255, Wade played two below average teams in Decker and Russell. While I’m not trying to take away from what he’s done, he’s still in prove-it mode to see if his success continues.
Green Bay Packers – Barry (0-2)
Sometimes games don’t go your way. Barry scored a point more than Wade, but faced a much tougher slate, playing Nic and Marcus. Barry has a disastrous showing from his offense and I expect his team to quickly turn his record around week 2.
Detroit Lions – Russell (0-2)
Like I stated with Kyle, it’s not going to be a pretty year for Russell. The firepower isn’t there for a competitive run, but there’s some pieces to build his team around. Week 2 should be more of the same.
NFC East
Washington Redskins – Brian G (2-0)
This was a surprise to many. It made me reevaluate Brian’s chances for a playoff berth this season, and he is squarely in the contender category after posting a great showing. Next week Jay Ajayi and Aaron Donald return to his already improved squad.
Dallas Cowboys – Brian O (1-1)
Let the battle of the Brian’s begin. Brian scored right below 300 points, a threshold that most competitive teams strive to achieve. Brian lost a key component in Jerrell Freeman, however, while Zeke is healthy, Brian is a championship contender. The battle of the Brian’s is just beginning.
Philadelphia Eagles – Chris (0-2)
Chris just can’t catch a break. It must be tough. An 0-2 start is not what the doctor ordered for someone who we all know is hungry for some success. This is Chris’ year to win. His roster is old and he doesn’t have many draft picks. I think Chris can still be a playoff team, but he’s going to have to get much more from his defense.
New York Giants – Djordan (0-2)
It was a disastrous week 1 on offense for DJ. Jamison Crowder, Alshon Jeffery and Jimmy Graham all scored under 10 points. There’s a chance this season could get ugly in a hurry for DJ. Week 2 is huge and needs to rebound for a chance to be competitive this year.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Luke (2-0)
Was nice to beat Nils for the 1st time.
New Orleans Saints – Carlos (2-0)
Carlos started off very well week 1, but it came at a huge cost losing David Johnson for most, if not all the season. There are certain players certain teams can’t lose. I’m not saying Carlos is out of the running, but this puts a huggeee dent in his chances. However, Carlos has made a fantasy career with underdog stories. (Always at my expense in some way too) I would never count the Brazilian out. Like I told him in a private chat over the weekend, if he can win the NFC without DJ, it will legendary.
Atlanta Falcons – Floyd (0-2)
God damn my heart goes out to Floyd, who had an incredible week go down the drain with two tough losses and losing Kevin White to another season-ending injury. Good news, Kareem Hunt has arrived like a freight train and he now has a player he can build his franchise around. Floyd, you found your Zeke. Congrats.
Carolina Panthers – Nils (0-2)
Tough week. Like many before him, his offense didn’t produce. Unfortunately for Nils, this could be a consistent issue, as Nils has lack of depth on offense. I don’t think anyone thinks Nils is out of the running, but with limited draft capitol to spend to plug holes, I fear there’s going to be consistency issues for the 2016 13-3 team.
NFC West
Los Angeles Rams – Andrew (2-0)
Behold IFL, Andie has taken control of the West, and it’s going to be hard to convince me there’s anyone that has as complete of a team in the division. I don’t know what will end up being bigger, drafting CMC and Mixon or turning AJ Green into Antonio Brown. In adding Alec Ogletree, there may be no team that has improved more since last offseason. Andy is here to stay.
Seattle Seahawks – Will (2-0)
The West is going to come down to a 2 horse race and Will’s thoroughbreds will keep him in the race. Both Murray and Bell underperformed, but Will still posted a 2-0 score. He’s loving that and with them bound to progress, Will could be looking 4-0 in the face.
San Francisco 49ers – Josh (1-1)
1-30. That’s how Josh did against IFL teams. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. That’s what IDP is to Josh after all. I overestimated Josh’s chances this year. It was because he’s a very intelligent and articulate person. But he sucks at building dynasty fantasy teams. With no draft picks, lack of depth on offense and defense, I worry Josh’s 9er squad is stuck in neutral for not just 2017, but maybe until he changes his philosophy on how he plays the game.
Arizona Cardinals – Jai (0-2)
Jai didn’t exceed expectations, and it’s looking like another dumpster fire of a year. With no star power in sight, it’s another year to rebuild his struggling roster. It’s possible Jai’s young team gets better as the season goes on, but he’s squarely in 2-time SMOF territory.
What do all the successful GMs in IFL have in common? They make moves at a higher clip than the average GM. Always thinking and making trades is the name of the game. They aren’t afraid to fail. If you’re a team struggling or have no strategy, make a fucking plan and become a shark. If you don’t, you have no chance.