Tom's Takeaways: Top 100 Power Rankings

Based on a mock draft completed from NFL.com’s Top 100 rated fantasy players, drafted in our draft order. Rosters are displayed in the order they were drafted.

12. BN

A. Brown, D. Bryant, A. Luck, B. Cooks, P. Manning, G. Olsen, L. Fitzgerald, M. Bryant

Fun fact: failing to draft a running back with your first 8 draft picks will leave you with a rather large hole in your team. If only our league employed the rarely seen RB/QB roster spot, that would bump this team up the rankings. Shame, because the receiving corps is next level stuff.


11. B

L. McCoy, O. Beckham, C. Hyde, J. Stewart, I. Crowell, V. Jackson, B. LaFell, D. Martin

Some very solid starters here (did anyone mention we weren’t doing keepers this year?) but, QB and TE remains empty and, with 12 QBs already taken, the weekly matchup based starter is looming. Nevertheless, McCoy and Beckham are going to win you some games by themselves.


10. IKNAN

R. Gronkowski, J. Jones, M. Gordon, T. Coleman, G. Bernard, D. Brees, T. Romo, J. Randle

A roster that looks more complete than it is, still lacking a starting wide receiver and doubling down on rookie runners. The two QB strategy being deployed again here, better be one heck of a bye week. The reason they are above B? Gronk.


9. TDT

C.J. Anderson, C. Johnson, T. Gurley, T.J. Yeldon, R. Jennings, C.J. Spiller, A. Robinson, B. Roethlisberger

A solid but decidedly average roster so far, relying on Megatron regaining some of his dominance from a couple of seasons ago. Again, lots of faith placed in rookie runners, but some solid backups waiting in the wings.


8. TTY

J. Hill, D. Thomas, J. Forsett, F. Gore, J. Maclin, A. Johnson, J. Landry, M. Ryan

Very similar to TDT in that only Thomas stands out as a true game changer, other than that another fairly mediocre roster. Jumps ahead of TDT by avoiding the high risk rookies however.

In case you hadn’t noticed: teams 8-12 in the power rankings? Why they would be teams 8-12 in the draft order. Hmmmmmmmm.


7. JS

A. Peterson, M. Ingram, L. Miller, A. Ellington, D. Jackson, M. Floyd, A. Abdullah, M. Colston, M. Wallace

Very solid starting roster, with a fearsome stable of runners and arguably the best depth league-wide at this stage. Another team waiting on both a QB and a TE, similarly to B, which could hold back an otherwise talented roster.


6. ADRZ

L. Bell, M. Evans, E. Sanders, A. Cooper, J. Graham, C. Ivory, S. Smith, P. Rivers, R. Tannehill

Our first team with 7 starters in place! And also the start of an interesting segment in the power rankings where very solid rosters are being dragged down by the RB2, Chris Ivory please step forward. When Bell returns from suspension, this will be a tough group to face.


5. P
E. Lacy, A. Jeffery, D. Hopkins, J. Edelman, R. Wilson, C. Ivory, M. Bennett, R. White

Who is the RB2 going to be this time? Why it’s Shane Vereen, or more to the point, why is it Shane Vereen!? The reason they get the nod over ADRZ is down to a RB1 that gets to start on day 1 and a more productive QB in Wilson.


4. TTY

J. Charles, A.J. Green, A. Rodgers, S. Watkins, K. White, J. Thomas, C. Sims, G. Tate, D. Freeman

And with the final instalment to our thrilling series, we have Charles Sims, holding back an otherwise loaded roster. A reunion with Charles and A-Rod would be a dream come true for this coach and would surely have them pushing for yet another playoff berth.

Note to BN: with pick no. 99 overall, TTY selected Devonta Freeman. You will be starting two RBs selected after Devonta Freeman. Just some food for thought.


3. GG

A. Foster, R. Cobb, T.Y. Hilton, J. Bell, J. Matthews, D. McFadden, T. Brady, R. Matthews, T. Smith

Kicking off the top 3 and would be higher if most of the RBs names didn’t start with a big ‘IR’. High octane receiving corps and once again they just couldn’t resist the allure of Tom Terrific. Whilst a suspension would hurt them, I wouldn’t fancy facing this team in week 6.


2. FF

M. Lynch, J. Nelson, K. Benjamin, L. Murray, L. Blount, E. Decker, A. Gates, B. Sankey

Early contender for the prestigious title of ‘Most Improved’ here, a solid set of starters and decent depth options on the bench. This team is a QB away from being a powerhouse, but they are going to have to find a gem late in the draft or the waivers beckon.


1. TR

M. Forte, D. Murray, A. Morris, K. Allen, B. Marshall, T. Kelce, C. Newton, T. Mason

Easy choice for the number 1 spot, boasting the most complete starting roster in the league at this stage, fuelled by a dominating set of RBs. The rest of the draft remains for some high (well, higher than Tre Mason) ceiling players, whilst leaving them in the best position to make a run at a top Defence.

2014: The Jason Derulo Podcast

This week I am 'Ridin Solo' as Co Host Chris Leach was sadly unable to attend (don't worry, it's a short episode....and I only make the Jason Derulo reference once). Anyway...the Commissioner recaps last weeks match ups in the important lead up to the playoffs, evaluating the playoff scenarios and throwing in his two cents about some of the teams.

Power Rankings: Week 14

The final week of the LOC regular season is here, and it's as if 2014 went part in the blink of an eye. For some times, the final week will be very welcome. For others, they will be sad to see their tremendous season come to a close. But we all know, however the season has gone up until this point, it means nothing unless you are hoisting the Stubbs Trophy come Week 16.

Power Rankings

1. Burdettinators, 8-5 (1): With a few clutch wins and a team that finally put things together, Coach Burdett has finally squeezed into the playoff berths. Regardless of their soft closing schedule, they would have likely rolled any team that stood in their way. They have hit their form at the right time, and could be poised for a return to the Corona Bowl. This team is star studded, but can be prone to complacency. The handful of world class players they have will be enough to keep them competitive in any game.

2. Tom's Tyrants, 7-6 (4): Jumping up 2 places, and deservedly so. This team put together a week which, quite honestly, is highly likely to never be repeated in the LOC again. Posting a mythical score of 205, they are the only team to ever post a score over 200 points, and they absolutely blew the previous highest scoring game out of the water. This team looks more and more like the best in the league every day. However, they need a lot of help to make the playoffs. They need GG and B to lose both of their games. Coach Barnes knows better than anyone else that the 200 point performance means nothing if they don't reach the playoffs now.

3. The Tuckfards, 9-4 (2): The unfortunate team to be on the receiving end of TTY's ridiculous score, we can't fault The Tuckfards for losing this one. They still had a very good day, and have all but mathematically secured a playoff berth. The likely league champions look poised to go into the playoffs in a very good position, but we all know a deflating week is coming at some point. For their sake, they will want it to happen now rather than the next 2 weeks. But, going into any game, they are definitely a favourite to win.

4. Gridiron Gang, 8-5 (3): After nearly two months of spectacular performances by Gridiron Gang, it all fell apart when it mattered most. In the latest of a series of must-win games, this one they were not able to win. The overwhelming feeling of the season being over reigns supreme in the Gridiron Gang camp, largely due to their early season short comings, but in reality they only need to win, and B lose, in order to make playoffs. They still have a very good roster, and you can never count the Cardiac Kids out, but this team looks like it's on life support now.

5. Bear Necessities, 9-4 (6): After some nasty looking performances, this week had a rebound week when they needed one most. They've all but mathematically secured a playoff berth (their first since 2010). While it came together last week, this team still has a lot of question marks, and they will likely only be the 3rd best team going into the playoffs (at best). However, they are playing for the division this week, and if they only need two good games after to win it all. Congratulations on a great season.

6. ADRZ, 4-9 (8): As I've been saying, this is actually quite a good team that always had a great chance to have a strong finish. And that's exactly what they've done. They had a very good week last week against a will-be playoff team, and avoided the Toilet Bowl in the process. The record they have is not indicative of their season.

7. The Dream Team, 9-4 (5): It's just as well this team had the season they were having early on, other wise they would likely find themselves outside of playoffs. They had a better week this week, but still lost, and they weren't even playing a playoff team. This team could conceivably enter the playoffs looking like the worst team. They face a white hot TTY this week, and a win would do wonders for their confidence. They need to do something, otherwise it will leave a stain on an otherwise great season.

8. IKNAN, 7-6 (7): Hard to believe we were saying this team was one of the leagues best at another time. They had an ok week last week, but they are a shadow of their former selves. Amazingly, this team are still mathematically alive in the playoffs, but the route their involves blowing TTY's new game record out of the park. They can finish what is now a disappointing season on a high note with a win against a possible playoff team.

9. Forge Flyers, 2-11 (9): This will be one of the teams happy to see Week 14. The reality is, it's been a rough season for Coach Leach. There was not a whole lot he could have done about it, but at least now it is near an end. They will be focusing on winning their last game (no team has ever gone worse than 3-11), and the Toilet Bowl.

10. Jeff's Seals, 2-11 (10): This has definitely been a season of learning for Jeff's Seals, and I hope they've been taking notes. This coach has definitely been making strides, and a fresh start next year will be the best way to put what they've learnt into practice. If they can avoid losing the Toilet Bowl, they should consider the season a success.

2014: Special Thanksgiving Edition

A first in the history of the LOC this week, a fantasy podcast on thanksgiving, during an NFL game with live fantasy updates. Nothing better. Chris Leach joins Commissioner Stubbs for another stellar episode of the LOC Report, and they are joined by another special guest...

Power Rankings: Week 13

There are seven teams mathematically still in the playoff race with 2 weeks to go. Not one team out of the seven has clinched a playoff berth yet. This week we saw upsets, beatdowns, disappointments. What is the current state of the LOC you might ask? Volatile. And that's putting it mildly.

Power Rankings

1. Burdettinators, 7-5 (1): Wow. It took longer than everyone expected, but this team has emphatically recaptured last seasons form. This is a case of a team gaining momentum at the right time in the season, and they just need to keep riding the momentum train. While this team is still just outside wildcard spots, the 3rd and 4th seed teams (BN & GG) face off this week, couple that with a soft remaining schedule (FF & IKNAN) and this team looks almost certain to steal a wildcard spot.

2. The Tuckfards, 9-3, (2): I'm really glad Coach Burdett put on a show this week, as I was getting prepared to put The Tuckfards on top. Once again, credit where credit is due, they are in the midst of a truly special season, and are almost a lock to make their 5th consecutive playoff appearance. The next two weeks will be challenging (TTY & GG), and if they can win them both ti will do wonders for their confidence. The only question surrounding this team right now is, is this the year they put it together after Week 14?

3. Gridiron Gang, 8-4 (5): This is quite possibly the most impressive season by GM and Head Coach Stubbs, and thats quite a feat considering this storied teams accomplishments. Now fielding a pair of QB1's, WR1's and 4RB2's, this team is jam packed full of super stars. However, it's not all rainbows and hugs. They have the hardest remaining schedule out of any team (BN & TTU), and due to a lower points scored, they realistically need to win them both to guarantee playoffs. This could be the  best team to miss out on playoffs, and it would be devastating to see the early season mistakes come back to haunt them.

4. Tom's Tyrants, 6-6 (6): If Tom's Tyrants some how manages to pull off a playoff berth and a Corona Bowl victory, it will blow Gridiron Gang's 2010 championship out of the water. Simply stunning. When the chips are down and this team needs to win every game, to coach makes it happen. They are still in must win mode, and they need other results to go their way in order to make it happen. This team has never been further away from the fork. This too, would be one of the best teams this year to miss out on playoffs if they didn't make it. Just sit back, and watch, is all I can say.

5. The Dream Team, 9-3 (3): Wow. And this wow isn't for the right reasons. Commissioner Stubbs hit the nail on the head on the LOC Report last week, this teams frustrations came to a boiling point, and it resulted in a mediocre score and their first loss to a team not named Gridiron Gang. They could have clinched a playoff spot last week, and essentially sealed a division win, now possibly all of that has been cast into doubt. This team is still brimming with talent, they just need to turn it around, and fast.

6. Bear Necessities, 8-4 (4): This team won last week, but they did it in such an awkward and uncomfortable fashion. It took a 30 point performance by a running back just to win by 10, in a game where they only scored 90. While I don't think this is representative of how good Bear Necessities are, they have been in somewhat of a slump in recent weeks. They have a big game this week, and should be able to bounce back from last week, but they need to be really cautious of missing out on playoffs right now.

7. IKNAN, 6-6 (7): Who would have thought 3 weeks ago that IKNAN would avoid the fork sooner than TTY? Who would have thought IKNAN would get forked at all? But here we are, and it's happened, the fork has officially been stuck in IKNAN's 2014 season. After such a promising start to the season, it has all fallen apart in the space of a month, and due to their inferior points scored, they are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. If this coach can learn from his mistakes, and pay a bit more attention to his team, they would arguably be a contender every year. But as for this year, they're finished.

8. ADRZ, 3-9 (9): Although it hasn't translated into a win yet, this team has really had a nice few weeks. Averaging around 100 points every outing, they are having a fine end to the season. They look like a good bet to avoid the toilet bowl, and could even possibly win out.

9. Forge Flyers, 2-10 (8): Coach Leach's crew have moved down, but only due to ADRZ having a nice few weeks. That won't make it any better however, and he won't like what I'm about to say next. While they are capable of putting together a nice score line, they have a horrid remaining schedule and not a lot of punch. They look destine to participate in the Toilet Bowl.

10. Jeff's Seals, 2-10 (10): This team has made a week on week improvement since their historically bad week. They are still managing their team, and making good coaching decisions. While they are almost a lock for the Toilet Bowl, they could certainly avoid losing it. It might actually be an enjoyable game to monitor - albeit a likely low scoring one.

2014: Saturday Fantasy Podcast

The LOC Report is back with a special edition, Saturday Fantasy Podcast! Many fantasy podcasts take Saturdays off, but not the LOC Report, we are here to fill the gap....for one week anyway....largely due to the Co-Host being unavailable...Saturday Fantasy Podcast!

Power Rankings: Week 11

Houston, we have a situation. No, I'm not talking about Ryan Mallet completing his first career Touch Down to JJ Watt, I'm talking about the LOC Playoff Race. There were some absolutely crucial match ups in the playoff race this week, and other teams who could ill afford to miss a beat as well. While we will leave the game analysis to the LOC Report, we will certainly look at the best and the worst of the LOC right now.

Power Rankings

1. Burdettinators, 6-5 (1): A game Burdettinators could ill afford to lose, they dug deep and found just enough points to bring home a huge victory, against a key playoff race opponent. Though it was a week below their standards, they have a roster brimming with talent, that will always give them a certain floor. They are putting immense pressure on the other wildcard teams ahead of them.

2. The Tuckfards, 8-3 (3): Credit where credit is due. I don't even begin to understand it, nor do I want to, but they just keep rolling out impressive performances. Barring a complete meltdown, they are almost assured to have a playoff berth one way or another this season, my only issue is the sustainability. This team relies on 3 players to get the bulk of their points, then the rest of the roster to bring it home. This team is extremely vulnerable when either the 3 don't perform or the rest don't perform, which has been their undoing in the past.

3. The Dream Team, 9-2 (2): Again, don't smash the panic button, this team moving down for the 2nd week is not signifying a TDT descent. More acknowledging other teams ascent. While this team has cooled off significantly (6 100+ point games in Weeks 1-6, 1 in Weeks 7-11) they still have a very good roster that will always keep them in a game. I'm just not sure if this team has the same explosiveness they did earlier in the season. They get Arian Foster back this week, but their next few weeks will dictate if they will make an impact in the playoffs or not.

4. Bear Necessities, 7-4 (4): This is one of the most up and down teams in the LOC, and it really cost them last week. In a game against Coach Burdett, they lost a fairly low scorer, and it has made making the playoffs a lot more difficult. While they still hold the 3rd seed, they are under immense pressure to keep hold of it. This rag-tag bunch of waiver warriors is at a crossroads. They need to regain their form quick in order to keep their great season on track.

5. Gridiron Gang, 7-4 (5): Cardiac Kids. Shades of 2011. In a gritty, low-scorer against a team they struggle against (prior to this game 2-8 vs IKNAN), they've buried the hatchet against a team who delivered a few dirty wins of their own. These are the games you need to win if you want success in fantasy (and make no mistake, luck is a huge part of it). They cannot rest on their laurels though. Due to a lower point total than most other teams, they need to keep the wins going. Otherwise this team's early season mishaps will come back to haunt them immensely.

6. Tom's Tyrants, 5-6 (6): This team has been running away from the fork as fast as it could for a few weeks now. And boy, they set the land speed record this week. They just edged out a close one with divisional opponent FF. Every game is a must win game for TTY at this point, and that might not even be enough. But credit to them, they keep on winning, and could easily make a case to be a bit higher on this list. If they can some how make playoffs, they will be only the second ever team in LOC history to make playoffs having had 5 losses within the first 8 weeks of the season (Gridiron Gang 3-5 Week 8 2011). Tom's Tyrants were 2-5 in Week 7. Remarkable turnaround.

7.IKNAN, 6-5 (7): This team is now the owner of a 3 game losing streak. 3 weeks ago, they were challenging for first place in their division. Now, they are fighting just to remain in the playoff race. An extremely tough loss to take this week, but a stat line that has not been out of the ordinary of late for the coach. The coach showed signs of life this week, and it nearly paid off. This team will need the coach now more than ever if they are going to rally the troops and charge into the playoffs.

8. Forge Flyers, 2-9 (8): Forge Flyers had a very nice week and in all honesty, were extremely unfortunate to lose. Thus has been the story of their season. With only 3 games to go, time is slipping away for them to avoid the Toilet Bowl.

9. ADRZ, 3-8 (9): For a second week in a row Coach Wells coached a good week out of his team. With the big names back, they are back to putting up decent numbers. They should be good for another win or two in the final weeks of 2014.

10. Jeff's Seals, 2-9 (10): They rebounded from a mortifying week 10, and for a long time looked like they might cause an upset. It wasn't meant to be, and they stumbled. Teams should not look at Jeff's Seals as a bye week, as they have shown they can put up numbers.