The LOC Report

Wednesday 24 September 2014

2014: 3 Down, 13 To Go

Commissioner Stubbs is granted the pleasure of chatting all things LOC with Co-host and stand up guy Chris Leach for yet another week. However, a surprise guest joins the duo in the first coach speak of the season....

Power Rankings: Week 4

It's hard a believe we are already a month into this still young NFL season, and what's more we have now entered bye week country. Last week was the last time we saw all teams at full strength (sans injuries), something we won't see again for over 2 months. Bye weeks cannot only drastically change a teams season, but they will also drastically change the power rankings.

Power Rankings

1. The Dream Team, 3-0 (1): Another solid week from this team, and they are shaping up to look like the front runner. You have to commend this team and the coach, they've had a lot of turmoil already, yet they've come out seemingly unscathed. They are in all hands on deck mode now, they really cannot afford to lose any more, and the bye weeks may prove tough, but they've shown well so far this season.

2. Bear Necessities, 2-1 (2): Yeah, they did lose last week, but they lost to the team above them on this list. They still had a nice week, and should continue to do so. The team remains strong through and through, and the expert waiver moves had kept this team in the driving seat. They'll need that more than ever during the bye weeks, but they already look to be a step ahead of most of the other teams in the league.

3. Forge Flyers, 0-3 (5): You're confused aren't you? How did a winless team move up the power rankings? Well, this team quietly turned in yet another nice week, a week where they were simply outscored. I'm struggling to remember a team that has had such a solid start to the season and found themselves without a win. These 3 games could come back to haunt them at the end of the season, but that still doesn't change they are one of the better teams in the league right now.

4. Tom's Tyrants, 2-1 (7): Tom's Tyrants needed that, big time. The only team who could argue they've been through more turmoil than The Dream Team, Coach Barnes managed to rally the troops this week about pull out a win. Their roster seemingly looks worse and worse every week, and the bye weeks won't help that, so the coach needs to nail every single waiver move in order to give them a shot. He is number 4 because he has managed that so far.

5. Burdettinators, 1-2 (3): I couldn't keep them at 3 any longer, they just have not been able to get anything going lately. You have to believe a team with so much talent will turn it on eventually, but so far the defending champs have really struggled so far this season. They have some pieces to work with, and they are surely in for a rebound week sooner rather than later.

6. IKNAN, 2-1 (4): This team is an enigma. There is nothing more I can say. They both have a lot of talent and don't. The problem to this point is that talent hasn't been consistent, at all. This team has the looks of a team that will pin its back on 3 or 4 players every week, and if they don't perform they are in big trouble. The bye weeks may prove to be the undoing for this team, it's just too early to tell.

7. Gridiron Gang, 1-2 (9): This coach really dodged a bullet last week, but after the first two weeks they had, it was only fair in a way as they could so easily be 3-0 right now. They quite literally won the game in overtime. They finally made enough right choices, and the win should give them a bit more confidence going forward. They don't have a lot to work with this week due to byes, but going forward should be able to have some nice weeks.

8. ADRZ, 2-1 (6): A team that slipped down, despite winning. Well, it's still hard to figure this team out. After a blockbuster week one, they had a lack lustre week 2, and a Monday night come from behind win this week. This team is a lot like IKNAN in a way, they have some absolute stars on the team, but they also have positions completely devoid of talent. As was said near the start of the season, they'll be pinning their hopes on a few players each week to bring home the win

9. The Tuckfards, 2-1 (8): I'm not going to spout off how a loss has completely justified their position on the rankings. The position was already justified, the on the field results are just backing it up. It is widely thought this team had no right being 2-0, and certainly not 3-0, and many think they deserve to be 0-3. There are serious questions about the team. They have some good players, I'm not saying they don't, but there just isn't enough of them to make this team a contender.

10. Jeff's Seals, 0-3 (10): You have to feel for this team. They were so very close to their first victory, and arguably deserved it, only to have it snatched away from them at the last second. What's worse is, you get the feeling that this team will struggle to do better than what they did on a weekly basis. Don't be surprised if this team can put together some nice weeks, and they will win some games, but they would need a Coach of the Year type year to make a playoff appearance.


Wednesday 17 September 2014

2014: 2 Down, 14 To Go

Commissioner Stubbs is back to take a look at the second week of the 2014 LOC. He is joined by Co-host Chris Leach who gave some expert analysis on all things fantasy.

Power Rankings: Week 3

Week 2 has come and gone, and we are now careening towards week 3. With teams at 2-0, 1-1 and 0-2, you would think there would be more clarity than ever, but it couldn't be more of the opposite. Every team is seemingly in flux at the moment, and this article will attempt to make sense of that.

Power Rankings

1. The Dream Team, 2-0 (1): While this team took a few knocks this week (and as I keep saying, I'm still not sold on their longevity), I don't think there is anyone who can dispute that this is the best looking team right now. They've had two good weeks, and that doesn't look like it'll change in the short term.

2. Bear Necessities, 2-0 (7): After taking some fire after the draft, this team has quietly turned in a very solid start to the season and is starting to be recognised. While I think everyone (including the coach) can expect them to come down from their bonkers Week 2 point total, This team is starting to look more and more like a contender every day (helped in part by some savvy GM moves).

3. Burdettinators, 1-0 (3): This team is extremely fortunate to be hanging on to the same position they had last week, and it more speaks to the problems with the other teams below them. What kept them here, however, is that they still have a star studded roster, and just had a bad week (we all do). Look for this team to bounce back in a big way in the coming weeks.

4. IKNAN, 1-1 (6): Another team that is just too good to drop down the rankings based on one week. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, they still got 90 points, but they were some what fortunate to win this week, whereas last week they were some what unfortunate to lose. While their is some things to worry about for this team, right now they still look like one of the better teams in the league.

5. Forge Flyers, 0-2 (5): You have to feel for this coach, two weeks playing a team with 140+ points. The difference was this week, they put up a bonkers score of their own, which is unfortunate, as they'll be the first to tell you they probably won't reach it again this season. This team should still be a solid option on a weekly basis, but they just don't have the same firepower a some other teams in the league.

6. ADRZ, 1-1 (2): A regression was expected ok, they scored 140 points in week 1. But the regression was definitely more than what we were all expecting. Look for them to level out next week and beyond, as their roster is more suited to the consistent decent score than being a yo-yo team.

7. Tom's Tyrants, 1-1 (4): This team is such a hard team to gauge right now. You look at their roster and your eyes tell you that they should just be scoring points left right and centre. You scratch beneath the surface and this team actually has a lot of problems which could easily derail their season. It's going to take a few weeks to see what kind of team this will turn out to be, so for now they sit at number 7.

8. The Tuckfards, 2-0 (9): How is this team 2-0? That was't a rhetorical, I'm legitimately asking how are they 2-0? Week 1, they squeak by a team they never should have beaten, week 2 most of the roster falls to pieces, but a few players play out of their skin, and their opponent has a bad week. This coach continues to luck out, but it has to come to an end.

9. Gridiron Gang, 0-2 (8): I actually like this roster, they've shown through 2 weeks they can put up points. Naturally I'm talking about the roster as a whole, as they haven't put up as many actual points. The coaches inability to go with his gut and make the right decision has broken this teams back, and legitimately cost them 2 wins. They only need one win to get the monkey off their back, but god only knows then this coach can get his $h!t together.

10. Jeff's Seals, 0-2 (10): You have to feel for these coaches. They inherit a team that just hasn't looked great in the first two weeks. They have capable players, and on their week they will no doubt be able to win, but over the course of the season it is hard to like this teams chances of having considerable success. A year of learning will do these coaches a lot of good, but it's just hard to start your first two games 0-2.


Wednesday 10 September 2014

2014: 1 Down, 15 To Go

Week 1 officially kicked off on Sunday, so Co-host Chris Leach and resident guest Coach Nathwani joined Commissioner Stubbs to discuss and dissect all the happenings of Week 1 in the LOC.

Power Rankings: Week 2

Week 1 is officially in the books, and the 2014 LOC season is underway. Already we've seen explosive teams, under performers, and a nail biter. One week doesn't tell the story of a season, so how will it affect the power rankings? Read on to find out.

Power Rankings

1. The Dream Team, 1-0 (4): This team moves to the top, because they look the best...right now. I still worry about the longevity of their team, but while everyone is healthy and teams are still at full strength (for the most part), they should continue to have success. They had a convincing week 1 where nearly all of their starters hit, which as we all know, doesn't happen often.

2. ADRZ, 1-0 (7): The biggest jumper, and also the team most susceptible to fall again. They had an awesome week, but much of this was capitalised by three players. While they can't rely on this on a consistent basis (they'll probably yo-yo up and down these rankings all year long) there is no arguing they have the looks of a team that could go off at any moment. They'll be confident in week 2 but should temper expectations.

3. Burdettinators, 1-0 (2): This team had a solid week 1, but they would have been looking for more. Their stars didn't perform this week (something that should correct itself swiftly), and they still managed to put up a very nice 110. They will likely be looking at a solid 100 points on a weekly basis, but might struggle to go over that by a lot. Still, that's a very good spot to be in.

4. Tom's Tyrants, 0-1 (1): It's been a frustrating preseason for Tom's Tyrants, and that boiled to the surface in week 1. They got 100 points, which is obviously good, but one player accounted for a quarter of that. Like Burdettinators, they'll probably manage around 100 each week, but will struggle to put up more than that. They could really do with Gronk getting back to full usage, or a bench player to emerge, to solidify their status.

5. Forge Flyers, 0-1 (8): This team had a very consistent, but not spectacular, week 1. Looking down their roster, they all had an average week, as did the bench, which added up to an average score. On a weekly basis, they'll have some people who over perform, and some under, but it's likely the result will end up similar to this one. No doubt this will be enough to win games this season, but how many is the big question in Forge town.

6. IKNAN, 0-1 (3): This team had a very nice week, but there is just something that eats at me when I look at this team. The QB had a very nice day, but a lot of the skill players who looked like game winners in preseason looked like chokers in this one. What's more, I'm not sure how much upside they'll have going forward. They will desperately want to see how some of their players are utilised in week 2, as it could dictate the outcome of their season.

7. Bear Necessities, 1-0 (6): Another team that had a nice week, albeit mostly on the back of their QB. Much like Forge Flyers, the ends will ignore the means, and they will likely put up similar totals each week either by consistency or over performers and under performers. They have some options on the bench, and no doubt the waiver guru will make some moves to solidify their team this week, which could lead them to quietly surprising this season.

8. Gridiron Gang, 0-1 (5): This team has never won in week 1, so don't write them off yet. Half of all playoff teams started 0-1. GG have twice gone to the playoffs after starting 0-1, and twice had horrible seasons. Time will tell what way their season goes, but here is what we know. They were having a very nice week up until 9pm. After that, 4 players combined for 16.3 points. That's not happening every week, and their bench is stacked with options, but it is unclear to what degree at this moment in time.

9. The Tuckfards, 1-0 (10): Yeah, this team won last week (if you really call that winning). This might be the year Coach Merritt's team falls off a cliff. Rodgers will definitely improve, but other than that I'm not sure what else can drastically change on this team. They have limited starting options and limited bench options, so they'll need someone to emerge to have a nice season this year.

10. Jeff's Seals, 0-1 (9): The new co-coached team is off to a slow start, but that's to be expected. After a mid-week change at the coaching level, this team stumbled out of the gate, but there should be cautious optimism here. They had some very nice performances from some players who's output was unclear, and the ones that should be good going forward just had a bad week. While the coaches learn the ropes, it may hold the team back, but it could be a lot worse for the regime.


Wednesday 3 September 2014

2014: Draft Recap and Week 1 Preview

The LOC Report returns after its brief 1 week break to recap the 2014 LOC Draft, breaking down each round of the draft and analyzing picks. Commissioner Stubbs, co host Chris Leach and Viv Nathwani also went on to take a look at the match ups in Week 1.

Tuesday 2 September 2014

Power Rankings: Week 1

Week 1 of the 2014 LOC season officially starts tomorrow, and with that comes the Week 1 Power Rankings. We've already seen some roster moves and teams benefitting or being harmed in the week and a half since the draft, such is the nature of fantasy football. Come tomorrow and this weekend, we can throw out the potential and the blind optimism, as we will have our first W's and L's for over 9 months. NOTE: These are based solely on starting lineups

Power Rankings

1. Tom's Tyrants, 41-32 (1): Coach Barnes' Tom's Tyrants remain on top spot, but it was a tough call this week. It's a really deep roster, but they don't have the same upside as Burdettinators. Still, I think it's the most complete starting line up in the league, and I imagine they will perform as such. Since the draft they've been dealt bad news multiple times, but I'm not worried quite yet.

2. Burdettinators, 40-32 (2): This coach will be pissed he is only no.2, and I don't blame him. There is no doubt this team has the best core group of players, but the supporting cast on the starting roster just isn't quite as good as Tom's Tyrants (Patterson, Gore). Like I said, it was close, and a case could be made either way. Most weeks they won't need them, but I think Week 1 against Tom's Tyrants, they'll need them to step up.

3. IKNAN, 30-28 (3): No movers yet, and with good reason. Coach Sherwood has another really complete roster, but they just don't have the same upside as the top 2 teams. Their star RB Martin has gotten a boost over the last week, but their core group of players just isn't as good as Burdettinators or Tom's Tyrants. I still think they've got a more complete team than Burdettinators, but they don't have the same fire power.

4. The Dream Team, 20-23 (5): I still have major worries about this team for the length of the season, but week 1 they should light it up. This is almost the opposite of IKNAN, they are either going to light it up or struggle to keep the candle alight. Likely most weeks, it'll probably fall some where in between. As for week 1, they should have a big week, but face a tough match up against IKNAN.

5. Gridiron Gang, 34-40-1 (6): From here on out, it's less about upside and more about floor. Coach N. Stubbs has a roster that should consistently have the highest floor all season long (barring injury or abysmal play of course). That should translate into a good season, and they'll only need a few players each week to step up. But some weeks, that won't happen, and they'll be relying on their opponent to score low to win.

6. Bear Necessities, 40-34 (7): Looking at the starting line up, this is probably one of the best Coach D. Stubbs has had for a while. Complete and balanced, they should at the very least match 5-9 from last year, with a good bet to improve on that if other teams stumble early. Ideally they need a solid option at flex, but the rest of the starters are good enough to cover for the flex. Let's not forget their experience and that the coach is a stats guru.

7. ADRZ, 19-24 (4): This is by far the biggest mover from last weeks power rankings, and that's because this roster will probably need a few games to come together. They have some start talent, players that will probably win games by themselves, but they are desperately need a flex and an RB2. Players on the roster will step up, or the waiver will help out, but it could take them a few games to get there.

8. Forge Flyers, 38-33 (8): Despite a superb draft, the roster still doesn't match up to others in the league...right now. The RBs are a question mark until a few games go by, same goes for the QB (we need to see a few games to see if he replicates last years magic), and they need a flex to emerge. But until then, they'll be hoping their WRs and Graham can cover the rest of the lineup.

9. Obama's Llamas, 0-0 (10): Coach Hunter gets lifted off the bottom spot for the first time in his career, kudos. Much like Forge Flyers, it'll be a few games before we see what kind of players they will have. It's anyones guess what Bell, Ball, Reed and Ridley will do right now, but they should at least nail two of those guys. They'll be counting on Green, Garcon and Romo to carry the team, which is no guarantee.

10. The Tuckfards, 44-32 (9): Coach Merritt will love being here, but most of you will likely be perplexed by this. Rodgers is a lock to be great, no doubt. Charles and Murray should be good, but they may not be in the same position to succeed as they were last year. Their WRs are possibly the worst in the league, and Olsen is an uninspiring TE. It's hard for me to be excited about this team until I see them go out and win some games.