FF Power Rankings #1 2011

8/4/2019 FF Power Rankings #1 2011

1/8

Hide ya kids, hide ya wife... Football season is here. So crack open an ice cold beverage of your choice,

and enjoy Aces Fantasy Football Preseason Power Rankings. Teams in the bottom half of the league

(#12 through #7) will receive a quick summary, while teams in the top half (#6 through #1) will get an in-

depth breakdown. Here are the five categories included in this ego-bruising, pride-crushing analysis:

Ace of the Franchise: The player mostly likely to lead their team in scoring from week to week. Expect

this player to assume leadership on and off the gridiron as captain of their fantasy squad.

Potential Bust: A player drafted in the early rounds who will likely disappoint their owner time and time

again. Expect this player to crumble under pressure and perhaps become a complete non-factor down

the stretch.

Sleeper Pick: A player taken in the late rounds, who could become a diamond in the rough for their

owner. Expect this player to sneak their way into the starting lineup and become a steady contributor.

Draft Grade: This letter grade assigned to each owner evaluates their draft strategy and execution.

Magic 8-ball Outlook: A prediction on what each franchise can expect this upcoming season. Will my

sources say yes to success? Or does a spot in the playoffs look grim? For others, it might be so hazy

youll need to ask again later.


2/8

Team #12: Team NastyNate (0-0)

Como

pick. He even

set on rolling

league. But gi

Grant, Im m

Team #11: Team Sardy (0-0)

Commo

player ranking

in the first rou

Ingram or Reg

owner with t

Team #10: Team Sinovic (0-0)

Commo

blame him. If

would have ta

pick at #13, b

draft three tig

Team #9: Team Shuttleworth (0-0)

Commo

have Team Sh

can stay healt

Ryan is prime

little thin on d

weaknesses.

ent

Clearly NastyNate wanted to make a stateme

got a free do-over due to multiple draft malf

the dice with Vick. Granted, hes the most elec

ven his injury history and a starting backfield o

re than skeptical at this teams chances to co

ent

On more than one occasion, I found myself fli

s to cross off Sardys draft picks. Drew Brees m

nd, but hell solidify your QB spot for the entir

gie Bush as your 2nd

RB option seems like a reci

o Kansas City Chiefs wideouts right now is bor

ent

Team Sinovic second-guessed their 1st

round p

ou needed to pull the trigger on a running bac

ken a handful of others over Michael Turner. R

t this receiving corps only has two legitimate o

ht ends, especially when you have the #1 TE, A

ent

I thought I hit the jackpot when Ray Rice nearl

uttleworth snatch him right out from under m

hy and thats a big if then I like your startin

for a breakout season. The running backs and

epth, but Ill admit theres a solid foundation h

t with the #1 overall

unctions, but was dead-

rifying player in the

Peyton Hillis and Ryan

pete over the long haul

ping deep into my

ight have been a reach

season. Having Mark

pe for disaster. And any

erline certifiable.

ick all night, and I cant

k in the 1st

round, I

ddy White was a great

ptions. And why did you

tonio Gates?

y slipped to #8, only to

. If DeAngelo Williams

backfield. And Matt

receiving corps are a

ere with no glaring


3/8


4/8

Sleeper Picko Michael Bush: RB, Raiders Bush is clearly the backup to Run-DMC in Oakland. But he usually

takes advantage of the spotlight when given the opportunity. Team Schilawski nabbed three

handcuff backup RBs in the draft (Michael Bush, Ronnie Brown, Rashad Jennings), an interesting

strategy. But Bush is the only one with a legitimate chance at fantasy production in 2011. And

lets face it: McFadden isnt the most durable players in the league.

Draft Grade (Pick #11)o Tom Brady is a stud, and Im even buying Maurice Jones-Drew as a 1st round caliber talent. But

your starting wideouts are both #2 receivers who will likely catch fewer passes than their elite

TE teammates. Solid picks at TE (Jermichael Finley) and D/ST (Packers) though B-

Magic 8-ball Outlooko Outlook not so good I think its pretty clear this team will go as far as Tom Brady can carry

them. And while it is possible to ride a QB all the way to the playoffs, I dont think a postseason

run is in the cards for Team Schilawski.

Team #5: Ops the Hammer (0-0)

Ace of the Franchiseo Peyton Manning: QB, Colts Granted, he was taken in the 3rd round

and hes listed as doubtful for Week 1. But make no mistake; Peyton Manning is the

cornerstone of Ops the Hammers franchise. Although with Carolinas Cam Newton

listed as his backup QB, it might be a bumpy start to the season.

Potential Busto Jamaal Charles: RB, Chiefs I think a lot of owners would have been hesitant to take Charles in

the first round of the draft. The #5 overall pick has never received the number of touches a

feature-back deserves. Admittedly, the Chiefs have looked like one of the worst teams in the

league through the preseason. But Im not ready to count out Charles just yet. However, with abrutal 2011 schedule looming, his production wont come quite so easy this season.

Sleeper Picko Jimmy Graham: TE, Saints New Orleans typically spreads the ball around. But when the Saints

are in the red zone, Brees loves to look for the tight end. Enter Jimmy Graham, a huge 66 and

260# target with athleticism (played hoops at The U). Graham hauled in 4 TDs during the last

three weeks of the regular season, and hopes to carry that momentum into his 2011 campaign.


5/8

Draft Grade (Pick #5)o Ops the Hammer starte

your first three rounds w

4th

? Probably wouldve b

there. Or even an elite T

Magic 8-ball Outlooko Cannot predict now I

The pieces are there, butCan Jamaal Charles and

hamstring and off-the-fi

saga is going to end. I ca

Team #4: Team Walters (0-0)

Ace ofo

Johnson is the

yards in four

now in his pri

Potento Rashard Mendenhall: RB

other. Hes not a burner,

back, which is perfect fit

mark three times, despit

avoid a Super Bowl hang

workhorse will be able t

Sleeper Picko Sam Bradford: QB, Rams

But much to my surprise,

tag Sam Bradford as thei

worst division in football

season.

Draft Grade (Pick #9)o I definitely like the look

breakout season. Mende

arguably no team in the l

out strong, fell into a mid-draft lull, before re

ent: Charles, McFadden, Manning. But then Jo

een better served taking a WR like Santonio Ho

of your choice, sans Antonio Gates. Just my $

m going to hold off on a preseason prediction

we probably wont know how theyll fit togetharren McFadden handle the workload? Can Ke

ld issues behind him? And no one knows how

definitely see a variety of scenarios playing ou

the Franchise

Andre Johnson: WR, Texans At 63 and 225

prototype for a NFL wide receiver. He has mor

ut of the last five seasons (07: 851 yards in us

e, so dont expect his production to drop off a

ial Bust

, Steelers Mendenhall and the Pittsburgh Ste

so he rarely rips off long runs. But hes a bruisi

for the Steelers system. Unfortunately, he onl

receiving 324 carries in 2011 (4th

most in the

ver and not be so TD-reliant for fantasy produ

shed this potential bust label with ease.

I thought I was going to be the last owner to

Team Walters waited all the way until pick #1

r starting quarterback. And I have to say I love

, so at the very least hell be able to carve up N

f Team Walters starting lineup, especially if Br

nhall and Best will see the majority of their tea

eague has the 1-2 punch at wideout than his A

overing late. I like how

athan Stewart in the

lmes or Jeremy Maclin

.02 there B

for Ops the Hammer.

er until Week 3 or 4.nny Britt put an ailing

his Peyton Manning

t at this point.

with 4.4 speed, Andre

e than 1,100 receiving

t 9 games played). AJ is

ny time soon.

lers are made for each

ng, downhill running

broke the 100-yard

FL). If Mendenhall can

ction, the Steelers

scoop up their first QB.

5 of the 9th

round to

he pick. Hes in the

C West defenses all

adford can have a

ms carries, and

dre Johnson and


6/8

DaSean Jackson duo. Lat

round longshots, either

Magic 8-ball Outlooko Signs point to yes... Th

lineup. Though Im not s

have potential to make s

for a QB will likely make

Team #3: Chiefs and Chopper (0-0)

Ace ofo

his lengthy con

Chiefs and Cho

negotiations h

regular season

yards rushing i

Potential Busto

Miles Austin: WR, Cowbreason he could end up

and faster than Austin, a

playmakers. Tony Romo

All three could conceivab

great one.

Sleeper Picko Ryan Mathews: RB, Char

titled Playmakers whe

Mike Tolbert would be c

well. That leaves Ryan Mdoes things his way. If he

the-field headlines, and

see how this real-life bac

Draft Grade (Pick #4)o It was smooth sailing for

an extremely high mark

couldve spent your 7th

r

that, I cant fault you too

picks in Mike Sims-Walker and Greg Little are

B+

e talent is there at the skilled positions in Tea

ld on his backup RBs (Beanie Wells, Cedric Ben

ome sort of contribution if needed for a spot st

r break your season. Trust me, I know becau

he Franchise

Chris Johnson: RB, Titans CJ2K was all over m

tract holdout. Fast forward to last Thursday ni

pper was more than pleased to take him #4 ov

ppen every year. But as long as these issues g

, itll be business as usual for Johnson, who has

n his first three seasons.

ys Austin is undeniably Tony Romos favoriteeing a bust for Chiefs and Chopper: Dez Bryant

d will demand the ball as one of the leagues

as a lot of mouths to feed between Austin, Br

ly have good years, which might prevent the o

gers I cant help but think of ESPNs failed foo

thinking of Ryan Mathews and the San Diego

sted as Leon Harris: steady, reliable, tough, do

athews to play the role of Demetrius Harris: yocan reel in his attitude, then Mathews could s

ut a forgettable rookie season in his rearview

kfield rivalry plays out.

Chiefs and Chopper through the first four roun

o an owner to takes a defense in the 6th

round,

und pick on one and still taken the first D/ST i

much B+

t your typical late-

Walters starting

son) they both at least

art. Waiting that long

se Im in the same boat.

ock draft boards, due to

hts draft, and Im sure

rall. Delays in contract

t resolved prior to the

amassed nearly 4,600

target. But the one. Hes bigger, stronger

p and coming

ant and Jason Witten.

hers from having a

tball drama from 03

hargers backfield.

es all the little things

ung, brash, explosive,art making some on-

irror. Im anxious to

ds. But I just cant give

especially when you

the draft. Other than


7/8

Magic 8-ball Outlooko As I see it, yes The c

made the most of his op

Lance Moore is an above

(Joseph Addai, Willis Mc

Ryan Mathews experime

Team #2: Team Kestel (0-0)

Ace ofo

points for a se

QB are still a w

Day will never

has been a mo

Potential Busto BenJarvus Green-Ellis: R

problem. But he is Ne

sure-thing when it come

for the Law Firm, hes cle

RB seem iffy at this point

Sleeper Picko Mario Manningham: W

penciled in as starters, s

one of the few wideouts

this league. Not bad for

Draft Grade (Pick #2)o After giving everyones s

Manningham, Im not sol

need to tweak here and

Magic 8-ball Outlooko Without a doubt So

the season starts. And th

timed natural disasters,

coattails of Peterson and

mmish might have struggled setting up the dra

ortunities during it. Although hes dealing with

average bench wide receiver. However, one of

ahee, Ricky Williams) will need to step up to t

nt goes awry.

he Franchise

Adrian Peterson: RB, Vikings While hes neve

son, Adrian Peterson should break that trend i

ork in progress, but hes one of the leagues fe

get vultured by a goal line back or subbed out

del of consistency thus far, as he enters the ma

, Patriots If he wasnt in your starting lineup,

England spreads the ball around so much that

to Patriots and fantasy football. And while it

arly the weak link for Team Kestel. Unfortunat

.

, Giants Team Kestel already has Larry Fitzge

the pressure will be off Manningham for most

on someones bench who could start on nearly

7th

round pick.

arting lineup a quick once-over, Team Kestel lo

d on any of his reserves. But with a roster like

here to keep this scoring machine well-oiled

etimes you just know certain teams are going

is is one of those times. Barring a major collaps

eam Kestel should be able to coast into the po

Fitzgerald.

ft, but he certainly

a lingering groin injury,

your veteran RBs

e plate in case the

r led RBs in fantasy

n 2011. His O-line and

every down backs. All

n 3rd

down. Peterson

in course of his career.

I wouldnt have a

Tom Brady is the only

ight be a contract year

ly, his other options at

ald and Vincent Jackson

of the season. But he is

every other team in

oks scary. Outside of

his, you might only

to the playoffs before

e or a cluster of well-

stseason on the


8/8

Team #1: Balloon Knot (0-0)

Ace ofo

Foster, the NF

while he might

be featured in

Potentio Hakeem Nicks: WR, Gian

wide receivers on the cu

the attention he receives

should help relieve some

effective aerial attack.

Sleeper Picko Brandon Lloyd: WR, Bro

come to the rescue for B

toiled in obscurity until lanomaly, or could he be

keep an eye on. But asid

leading receiver went in

Draft Grade (Pick #3)o Im not sure how many p

roaring success. Matt Fo

complimentary players t

Magic 8-ball Outlooko It is decidedly so Ill

franchise Balloon Knot. D

of a contender. It wont

chances to clinch a playo

he Franchise

Arian Foster: RB, Texans An nagging hamstri

s leading rusher last season, from going early i

have trouble duplicating last years numbers,

one of the most explosive and dynamic offense

al Bustts Nicks is entering his 3

rdyear in the NFL, tha

p of greatness. The loss of Steve Smith and Ke

from opposing defenses. And while Manningh

pressure, Im not sold on Eli Mannings ability

cos If Nicks does end up busting in 2011, Bra

alloon Knot. After a then-career-high 733 recei

st years 1400+ yard, 11 TD season. Was Lloydready for an encore in 2011? It might be an int

from retirement perhaps, I cant remember a

he 6th

round the following season.

icks Balloon Knot can take credit for, but I woul

te and Matt Schaub are hardly sexy picks. But

at are the building blocks to a championship c

e the first to admit I fail to see the motivation

id you lose a bet or something? Regardless, thi

e easy to take the top spot wire-to-wire. But I

ff berth more than any other team, as of today

g injury didnt keep

n this years draft. And

oster will continue to

s in the league.

t magical season for

in Boss will ratchet up

am is improved, which

o consistently pilot an

ndon Lloyd will likely

ing yards in 2005, Lloyd

s banner year anresting storyline to

time when the NFLs

d consider his draft a

hey are productive,

liber squad A-

ehind naming your

s team has the makings

like Balloon Knots

.

FF Power Rankings #1 2011

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