Boise Bears beat North Shore in CRFL Championship

The 2015 CRFL season came to a close tonight as the Boise Bears defeated #1 seeded and two-time CRFL champ North Shore Ikaika Warriors 143.32-127.34. The Bears were lead by waiver wire pick-up RB Tim Hightower, and a combination of QB Blake Bortles and WR Julio Jones to fend off the Warriors, who despite a rough week across the board from its star players, were aided by a 43-point performance from the Arizona Cardinals DST. It was a repeat of the 2014 CRFL Championship, the Bears were poised to need help from A.J. Green on Monday Night again. This time Green didn't deliver a goose egg, and it wouldn't have mattered anyway with the matchup already decided before hand.

That concludes season #5 in the CRFL. Each team will keep 12 players going into 2016. The Digital Plumbers are currently on the clock at 1.01 in the 2016 CRFL Draft.

I'll have 2016 draft analysis come spring!

2015 CRFL Draft Midseason Review

We're midway through the 2015 fantasy season and the CRFL is still wide open. The trade deadline is next week and everyone is jockeying for position to either make a run at the title, or better position themselves in the 2016 CRFL Draft. I figured I'd take a look back to spring 2015 to see how everyone did in the 1st round of the 2015 CRFL Draft. Keep in mind we've had some turnover in ownership of certain teams, but here are my grades.

1.01 - Boise Bears select STL RB Todd Gurley A+

I won't pat myself on the back too much, but this obviously panned out. Some dynasty rankings already have Gurley as the #1 overall player.

1.02 - Laces Out (now NWO Wolfpac) selects SD RB Melvin Gordon B

The owner who made this pick is now gone, but he made the sensible pick before swapping Gordon for LeSean McCoy and Kevin White. Turns out, he forgot to set his pre-draft rankings and really wanted Kevin White instead (he's a Bears fan). Oddly enough, White now plays for Triple Option Kills. We trade a lot in this league.

1.03 - Huskerfan selects OAK WR Amari Cooper A+

Before Gurley's explosion, you could have made an argument Cooper should have gone at 1.01. Huskerfan drafted an elite WR to anchor his team for years to come. That's what everyone hopes to get in these high picks.

1.04 - Wind River Bison selects JAC RB T.J. Yeldon A

Talked with the WRB owner personally, and he was shocked both Gordon and Cooper were off the board. Bison didn't panic and selected Yeldon, who has turned into a much better pick than 2014 selection Bishop Sankey.

1.05 - La Mesa Badgerhawks of San Diego select TB QB Jameis Winston B-

One of the surprise picks of the first round. Nobody expected a rookie QB to come off the board this early, but the Badgerhawks greatly lacked at QB. Instead of continuing on with average fantasy QBs, they invested in Winston (and later Mariota too).

1.06 - German Pirates (now Digital Plumbers) select DEN WR Emmanuel Sanders C-

Autopick from an owner no longer in this league. I'm not a fan of picking non-rookies this early.

1.07 - Sparta Spartans (now Lynch Mob) select ATL RB Tevin Coleman C+

Sparta was a long-time team in the CRFL that unfortunately went cold on us into the season. He wouldn't have been happy how this pick panned out. Some 1st round pickers emerge with franchise cornerstones, others come away with busts. Harsh to call Coleman a bust, but Devonta Freeman doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.

1.08 - Sparta Spartans (now Lynch Mob) select CAR RB Jonathan Stewart B

I still hate non-rookies going in the 1st round, but this wasn't a bad pick at all. Stewart isn't getting younger, but this was a solid pick in the hopes that it would help his team win in 2015.

1.09 - Boise Bears select CHI WR Kevin White B-

White obviously hasn't lived up to his hype, being hurt and all. That said, I gave myself a B- because I flipped him for Melvin Gordon in a trade involving other players. Sure, Gordon has sucked too. Huh, maybe I should lower that B-.

1.10 - Brucey's crew selects DET RB Ameer Abdullah A-

Abdullah isn't seeing the snaps he should, but at 1.10 this is insanely good value. After seeing Odell Beckham go late in the 2014 CRFL draft, the late rounds of the CRFL draft continue to produce fruit.

1.11 - Sparta Spartans (now Lynch Mob) select KC TE Travis Kelce A-

At this point of the draft, grabbing a Top 5 caliber TE is pretty impressive. Probably shouldn't have been left without a keeper tag.

1.12 - Juice Box Heroes select TEN WR Dorial Green-Beckham B+

DGB, much like the rest of the Titans, is still growing. However, he has shown promise. Considering this is the final pick of the 1st round, I think this is a great long term pickup.

2015 Preseason Rankings

Football season is near! I've decided to have a little fun with our fantasy football league (CRFL) and create a preseason poll. I've asked for rankings of each conference from myself and two other league members (Wind River Bison and North Shore Ikaika Warriors). The number in parenthesis is how many 1st place votes that team received.

Below are the results...

Basin Conference

1. North Shore Ikaika Warriors (3) 18
2. Wind River Bison 13
3. Triple Option Kills 10
4. Orion Spartans 9
5. Digital Plumbers 7
6. Vikings 6

Cascade Conference

1. Boise Bears (3) 18
T2. Huskerfan 11
T2. Juice Box Heroes 11
4. La Mesa Badgerhawks of San Diego 10
5. Brucey's crew 9
6. Laces Out 4

2015 Top 50 Keeper Rankings - June

The title says it all. I'll be releasing either a monthly or bi-monthly Top 50 Dynasty/Keeper Rankings. I've decided to include the CRFL team that owns each of these players. Again, expect an updated rankings every month or so.

Top 50 CRFL Player Keeper Rankings

1. Julio Jones WR ATL - Sparta Spartans
2. Dez Bryant WR DAL - Boise Bears
3. Odell Beckham Jr. WR NYG - Boise Bears
4. Antonio Brown WR PIT - North Shore Ikaika Warriors
5. Le'Veon Bell RB PIT - North Shore Ikaika Warriors
6. A.J. Green WR CIN - Boise Bears
7. Randall Cobb WR GB - Wind River Bison
8. Rob Gronkowski TE NE - North Shore Ikaika Warriors
9. Demaryius Thomas WR DEN - Brucey's crew
10. Eddie Lacy RB GB - Boise Bears
11. Calvin Johnson WR DET - Wind River Bison
12. Andrew Luck QB IND - Boise Bears
13. Mike Evans WR TB - Boise Bears
14. Aaron Rodgers QB GB - North Shore Ikaika Warriors
15. Sammy Watkins WR BUF - Wind River Bison
16. LeSean McCoy RB BUF - Laces Out
17. DeAndre Hopkins WR HOU - North Shore Ikaika Warriors
18. Jimmy Graham TE SEA - Boise Bears
19. Todd Gurley RB STL - Boise Bears
20. Amari Cooper WR OAK - Huskerfan
21. Melvin Gordon RB SD - Boise Bears
22. Jordy Nelson WR GB - Boise Bears
23. Alshon Jeffrey WR CHI - Brucey's crew
24. Adrian Peterson RB MIN - North Shore Ikaika Warriors
25. Jamaal Charles RB KC - Juice Box Heroes
26. Russell Wilson QB SEA - Huskerfan
27. T.Y. Hilton WR IND - Brucey's crew
28. DeMarco Murray RB PHI - Vikings
29. Jeremy Hill RB CIN - Brucey's crew
30. Brandin Cooks WR NO - Huskerfan
31. Kevin White WR CHI - Laces Out
32. Cam Newton QB CAR - Juice Box Heroes
33. Marshawn Lynch RB SEA - Boise Bears
34. Keenan Allen WR SD - Triple Option Kills
35. Matt Forte RB CHI - Triple Option Kills
36. Arian Foster RB HOU - Vikings
37. Carlos Hyde RB SF - Triple Option Kills
38. Matt Ryan QB ATL - Digital Plumbers
39. T.J. Yeldon RB JAC - Wind River Bison
40. Latavius Murray RB OAK - La Mesa Badgerhawks of San Diego
41. Giovani Bernard RB CIN - Sparta Spartans
42. Travis Kelce TE KC - Sparta Spartans
43. Kelvin Benjamin WR CAR - Sparta Spartans
44. DeVante Parker WR MIA - Triple Option Kills
45. Jordan Matthews WR PHI - Juice Box Heroes
46. Nelson Agholor WR PHI - Huskerfan
47. Dorial Green-Beckham WR TEN - Juice Box Heroes
48. Allen Robinson WR JAC - Sparta Spartans
49. Golden Tate WR DET - La Mesa Badgerhawks of San Diego
50. Lamar Miller RB MIA - North Shore Ikaika Warriors

Boise Bears (11)
North Shore Ikaika Warriors (7)
Sparta Spartans (5)
Brucey's crew (4)
Triple Option Kills (4)
Juice Box Heroes (4)
Huskerfan (4)
Wind River Bison (4)
Laces Out (2)
La Mesa Badgerhawks of San Diego (2)
Vikings (2)
Digital Plumbers (1)

2015 CRFL Draft Preview

Year #5 for the Columbia River Fantasy League begins this Saturday with an annual tradition; our rookie/free agent draft occurring one week after the NFL draft concludes. The runner-up in 2014, the Boise Bears (my team), are on the clock going into Saturday's draft at Noon PT. Who gets taken with the first pick? Will any rookie studs slip into the 2nd round like Odell Beckham Jr. did in the 2014 draft? Here are a few things to watch for...

Here is a link to the draft order.

BOISE BEARS MOVE UP TO GRAB TODD GURLEY

"The 2015 CRFL Draft, has officially begun..."- CRFL Commissioner

There sits the Boise Bears at 1.01. How does the team that nearly won the league the previous season end up picking first overall? With a blockbuster trade, that's how. Diamond Head Paniolos traded away two 1st round selections to Boise Bears in exchange for fantasy football superstar Calvin Johnson. As I noted earlier, I manage the Boise Bears, and intend to take St. Louis Rams RB Todd Gurley with the first pick on Saturday, barring my internet going out or some other crazy scenario. Eddie Lacy, Marshawn Lynch, and LeSean McCoy will be back next season for Boise Bears, but it's time to start preparing for the future.

Laces Out, consider yourself on the clock...

SPARTANS LOAD UP ON 1ST ROUND PICKS

There was nothing "off" about this fantasy off-season in our league. Along with the blockbuster trade sending Megatron to DHP, Sparta held a complete fire sale of his roster. The likes of Marshawn Lynch and Matt Forte were dealt away so the Spartans could invest in this loaded draft. With picks at 1.07, 1.08, and 1.11, look for Sparta to address several needs. I bet the Spartans are hoping several teams in front of them forget to set their pre-draft rankings, or fail to show. Sparta would be prepare to pounce.

CURSE OF THE AUTO-PICK

It happens every year. Team owners don't show up to the draft and fail to set their pre-draft rankings. Last year, the Bengals and Panthers team defenses were selected in the 1st round as a result of no-shows. Odell Beckham Jr., now a fantasy superstar, fell to 2.11! Hopefully this will not be the case on Saturday, but I anticipate several top rookies will fall into the 2nd round. Will one of the "Big 3" of Todd Gurley (not if I can help it), Melvin Gordon, or Amari Cooper fall to Sparta? Only laziness will allow it, but it's a possibility.

NORTH SHORE IKAIKA WARRIORS TWIDDLE THUMBS 

The 2-time champs come into the 2015 draft with no picks until the 5th round. They also don't have a 1st or 2nd round pick in 2016 or 2017. Yeesh. After cashing in on landing Le'Veon Bell in the 2013 draft, the Warriors are suddenly lacking a chance to build for the future. Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles surround Bell, giving this team a ridiculously dominant RB corps. The Warriors also acquired Antonio Brown and Cam Newton this off-season. Newton should at least give NSIW a nice cushion for the lost production from Peyton Manning inevitably coming soon. Still, the champs are hoping these studs remain dominant for a few more years, cause there are no reinforcements coming via the draft until 2018. I wouldn't be surprised to see NSIW ship off a stud or two to inherit some 1st rounders back in the near future.

"IN A PERFECT WORLD..." CRFL MOCK DRAFT

Why not? Here is a league mock draft I put together. If everyone showed up to the draft, or at least set their pre-draft rankings, this is how I think the first round would shape out.

I will have more analysis post-draft...

2015 NFL Draft - Live Blog

NFL Draft day is here! This running blog post will be updated with my thoughts on fantasy relevant draftees over the next few days. The Boise Bears are on the clock in the CRFL, and will be a big step closer to knowing who will go 1.01 overall in the CRFL Draft after tomorrow evening.

Until then...

Day 2

Update 3:31 p.m. PT - 2nd round of the NFL Draft starts soon. More fantasy relevant players coming. Will Dallas take a RB on day two?

Update 4:31 p.m. PT - The Jags take T.J. Yeldon much higher than they should have. He'll be a 1st round pick in rookie drafts, but I'm not high on his talents.

Update 4:36 p.m. PT - Devin Smith goes to the NY Jets. Not the situation fantasy owners hoped for.

Update 4:48 p.m. PT - Dorial Green-Beckham is off the board, and has potential WR1 status in Tennessee catching passes from Mariota. I like this pick from a fantasy stand point. Remains to be seen if DGB can stay out of trouble.

Update 4:58 p.m. PT - The Panthers pay dearly to move up and grab Devin Funchess. That's a great pick for Cam Newton owners. Time will tell if he lines up at TE or WR, or both for Carolina.

Update 5:54 p.m. PT - Ameer Abdullah goes to Detroit. He's not a bell cow type, at least not right now, but that's a good situation for him.

Update 6:40 p.m. PT - No RBs outside of Yeldon and Abdullah in the 2nd round. Mild surprise. Jaelen Strong still available too. What's up?

Update 7:02 p.m. PT - Tyler Lockett and Jaelen Strong go off the board. Strong ends up in Houston, but a lot later than I thought he would.

Update 7:06 p.m. PT - Yet another OG/OT for Gurley. Jeff Fisher wants to pound the rock.

Update 7:11 p.m. PT - Finally, Tevin Coleman is off the board to the Falcons. That's a Top 5 fantasy value in rookie drafts.

Update 7:47 p.m. PT - Northern Iowa RB David Johnson goes to Arizona. A decent value for the 2nd round of the CRFL draft.

Update 8:36 p.m. PT - That's the end of day two. Outside of Coleman to Atlanta, no other situations threaten the "big four" in rookie drafts.

Day 1

Update 4:48 p.m. PT - Here we go! Rumors are no more, let's get this started...

Update 5:13 p.m. PT - First fantasy relevant player off the board. Jameis Winston has QB1 potential with the Buccaneers if he can keep it clean off the field.

Update 5:20 p.m. PT - Marcus Mariota goes to the Titans. We'll see if that remains the case, or if he's traded post pick. From a fantasy perspective, the Kama'aina in me wants Marcus to succeed, but I don't see much upside to Marcus in Tennessee. He's a dynasty stash for now.

Update 5:36 p.m. PT - The Raiders pass on Leonard Williams, take Amari Cooper. WR1 potential in Oakland. He'll get some consideration for the #1 overall pick in our fantasy draft.

Update 5:55 p.m. PT - Kevin White goes to the Bears! He'll go early in rookie drafts, but I don't know about him being a WR1 with Alshon Jeffrey still in town.

Update 6:40 p.m. PT - Wow. Wow. Wow. Todd Gurley to St. Louis Rams. Tre Mason fantasy owners are in shock. Gurley is the favorite to go 1.01 in rookie drafts, but that could change if Melvin Gordon goes to Dallas.

Update 6:43 p.m. PT - The Miami Dolphins take DeVante Parker. Immediately moves up passed Kevin White for being in a better situation.

Update 6:51 p.m. PT - After the Chargers swap picks with the 49ers, the Bolts take RB Melvin Gordon. I'm not as high on Gordon as others, but he'll certainly get the rock in Los Angeles San Diego.

Update 7:15 p.m. PT - My Rookie Rankings as of now...

1. Todd Gurley STL
2. Amari Cooper OAK
3. Melvin Gordon SD
4. DeVante Parker MIA
5. Kevin White CHI
6. Jameis Winston TB
7. Marcus Mariota TEN

Update 7:22 p.m. PT - Nelson Agholor is Chip Kelly's man. That might hurt Jordan Matthews' value.

Update 7:55 p.m. PT - The Ravens get their top WR in Breshad Perriman. The combine king will be tough to evaluate.

Update 8:21 p.m. PT - Dorsett to the Colts. Andrew Luck is going to throw for a million yards next season.

Update 8:44 p.m. PT - That's it for the 1st round. I'll live blog for the 2nd round tomorrow. My rankings after the conclusion of tonight...

1. Todd Gurley STL
2. Amari Cooper OAK
3. Melvin Gordon SD
4. Breshad Perriman BAL
5. DeVante Parker MIA
6. Kevin White CHI
7. Nelson Agholor PHI
8. Jameis Winston TB
9. Phillip Dorsett IND
10. Marcus Mariota TEN

Update 10:34 p.m. PT - BREAKING: I'll go ahead and make it official: As the fantasy owner of Boise Bears in the CRFL, I will be selecting Todd Gurley #1 overall. Lace's Out is officially on the clock...

WalterFootball mock draft, CRFL picks

The NFL Draft is a month away, and mock draft season is at its peak. The wonderful folks at WalterFootball.com have an awesome tool that allows you to create and publish your own mock draft. I decided to take advantage of it and create my own. The original mock is located here.

FANTASY ANALYSIS

CRFL draft eligible players: QB Jameis Winston (TB), QB Marcus Mariota (STL), WR Amari Cooper (OAK), WR Kevin White (CHI), RB Todd Gurley (JAC), WR DeVante Parker (MIA), WR Dorial Green-Beckham (BAL), TE Maxx Williams (NO), RB Melvin Gordon (NE)

I have Todd Gurley going 10th overall to the Jaguars after Jacksonville trades down in a swap with St. Louis. Gurley is more than likely to be drafted at 1.01 in all rookie drafts. Todd Gurley to Boise Bears at 1.01 is a near lock, although the Cowboys drafting a RB in the 1st might change that. Might.

Like many fantasy drafts, not all owners show up to the draft, or some opt for ranking their players and auto-picking. In a perfect world, Amari Cooper would be taken at 1.02. He would be Derek Carr's #1 target for years to come. Kevin White is a great talent, but he would be playing second fiddle to Alshon Jeffrey in Chicago, thus moving Dorial Green-Beckham and DeVante Parker passed White. DGB and Parker would be the clear #1 targets with the franchises I have them projected too.

I'm sure you'll notice I have Melvin Gordon slipping a bit. If he gets passed Arizona and Detroit, I think he could fall all the way to the Patriots at #32. I doubt it happens, but it did in this mock draft.

Based on this mock draft, here is my bound to be totally wrong mock draft for the CRFL...

2015 CRFL Mock Draft 1.0

1.01 Boise Bears select...RB Todd Gurley (JAC)
1.02 Laces Out select...RB Andre Williams (NYG)*
1.03 Huskerfan select...WR Kevin White (CHI)
1.04 Diamond Head Paniolos select...RB Melvin Gordon (NE)
1.05 La Mesa Badgerhawks of San Diego select...WR Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)*
1.06 German Pirates select...TE Travis Kelce (KC)*
1.07 Sparta Spartans select...WR Amari Cooper (OAK)
1.08 Sparta Spartans select...WR DeVante Parker (MIA)
1.09 Boise Bears select...RB Jay Ajayi (DAL)
1.10 Brucey's crew select...WR Dorial Green-Beckham (BAL)
1.11 Sparta Spartans select...RB Tevin Coleman (NYJ)
1.12 Juice Box Heroes select...WR DeSean Jackson (WAS)*

*projected autopick
projected 2nd round pick in NFL draft

----

BLOCKBUSTER: Megatron traded to Diamond Head

-Original Stockholm Lion traded

Way back when the Columbia River Fantasy League was brand new, Calvin Johnson was selected at 2.04 by the then Stockholm Lions (now Boise Bears). It's been 4 years since that draft, but Megatron was the last remaining original draft pick on the Boise Bears roster. As the owner of the Bears, I'll admittedly concede I trade players a lot, but Johnson was always a mainstay on the roster.

Not anymore.

On Thursday afternoon, the Diamond Head Paniolos and Boise Bears reached a deal for the superstar WR. The Paniolos were poised to select at least two top rookies in the first round, but instead exchanged them for the sure-fire stud in Calvin Johnson.

"I think he can be a great player for me.  He's this generation's Jerry Rice" said Wyokie808, the owner of the Diamond Head Paniolos. Johnson, who recorded 1077 receiving yards and 8 TDs last season, was slowed down by injuries during the 2014 season before returning to his dominant form to close the season. Johnson has been one of the NFL's best WR since 2008, if not the best.

Even with today's trade, Wyokie808 has plans to get back into the 1st round, "I REALLY want to get back into the first round, but apparently no one wants Newton!!!" The Paniolos have been shopping Newton the last few weeks.

On my end, it was hard to let Megatron go. He's been a force for Stockholm/Boise. That said, my team is getting old and I need to invest in talented rookies. Lynch, McCoy, and Green won't be guaranteed RB1/WR1 for much longer. I could afford to let one of my WRs go with three being left over. Much like Wyokie808 is hoping this trade doesn't come back to bite him, I'm hoping Megatron doesn't make me look like a fool next fall and going forward.

I'll have more posts on trades and other developments leading up to the NFL Draft in late April.

Todd Gurley: Potential Landing Spots

-Gurley is an exceptional talent

In a little over a month from now, the NFL Draft will kickoff away from Radio City Music Hall for the first time ever. Instead the draft will be located in the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, where several future fantasy stars are set to be matched up with their new homes.

This is where fantasy titles are won in dynasty/keeper leagues. Some rookies end up being busts (see Bishop Sankey), while others end up being cornerstones of fantasy teams (Odell Beckham Jr.). Last year's draft was heavy on top WRs, this draft is heavy on top RBs. One of those top RBs is Georgia's Todd Gurley. Gurley is expected to go in the top three of fantasy rookie/free agent drafts. Some experts like Rotoworld's Josh Norris have Gurley as high as 5th overall among all draft prospects!

A player of Gurley's immense talent is unlikely to fall far in the draft. Here are some spots I think he could land.

(1.17) San Diego Chargers

Ryan Mathews has officially taken his talents to Philadelphia, and while Branden Oliver did play well in 2014, the Chargers seem like a team that might spend this pick on a luxury like Gurley. Gurley could be the fantasy superstar Chargers fans have been waiting to succeed since LaDainian Tomlinson.

(1.27) Dallas Cowboys

It is no secret that DeMarco Murray also took his talents to Philadelphia in a shock move sure to heat up the NFC East rivalry. This leaves a gaping hole at RB for the Cowboys, who have the NFL's most dominant OL. The Cowboys are likely to take a RB in this draft, and whichever rookie that is, he'll be a fantasy stud right away. Gurley in Dallas would be a match made in heaven.

(2.03) Oakland Raiders

The Raiders finally have a QB to build around with Derek Carr, but are lacking options at all the skill positions. Latavius Murray looked very good at times in 2014, but the Raiders don't sound completely sold on the idea of making him the #1 RB. Gurley could find himself being the RB to open up the passing game in Oakland.

(2.05) New York Jets

Saying the Jets offense needs help is a bit of an understatement. Chris Ivory is a decent RB, but none of the Jets RBs impressed in 2014. Gurley has the potential to be the centerpiece of an NFL offense. Could Gurley be the starting point for the Bowles' era in New York?

(2.10) Atlanta Falcons 

The Falcons cut Steven Jackson recently, and Jackson is pleading his case for workhorse backs to continue to have a place in the NFL. The Falcons should use his advice and select Gurley to be the workhorse RB the Falcons need to get that Atlanta offense back to elite levels. The OL needs help, but this would be a good spot for Gurley.

No matter who selects Gurley, the former Bulldog figures to be a good bet for fantasy stardom despite his ACL injury. I know for certain Gurley is likely to go 1.01 in the CRFL, and just might in fantasy leagues everywhere.

I'll have more posts on the NFL draft and other fantasy related things in the coming months.

Welcome to the CRFL Blog!

Edit: More to come...