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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Week 10 Recap

Apologies for delayed post.  I was riding my CitiBike down Bleecker St this morning when this truck came out of no where and almost killed me because I don't wear a helmet.  I took a picture of the truck in preparation for a litigation.  Here it is!


In stark contrast to the madness that was Week 9, Week 10 passed relatively calmly.  Phat Girlz went down to BDT for the third straight loss and probably will lose the Uptown Top Ranking, but the rest of the results were dictated mostly by standings (well except for Pelican beat down of Pullers).  Barring something crazy, five teams above .500 (Nauts, Girlz, TTM, Dijon, and BDT) will make the playoffs, with Nauts one leg up in the race for first-round bye.  The .500 club of Ferries and Bloodz will battle for the last playoffs spot, but the road is rough for both franchises.  SFF face BDT, Trix and Dijon for the final three regular season games, while Bloodz have TTM, BDT and Trix on the plate.  Because of the tough road ahead for both 5-5 teams, the quartet of 3-7 teams still have chances if they can win out the rest of the season.  And as crazy as it sounds 2-8 Bundys aren't mathematically eliminated just yet either (imagine a 5-8 team in the playoffs).  In the market, in part due to lack of upsets, in part due to the market's timidity following last week's near explosion and in part due to dwindling talent pool in waiver-market as the mega bye storm passes through town, not much happened and more was actually taken out.  A needed correction for the final leap, it seems.  The season is by no means close to being over, which means injuries will happen (ala Carson City) and waiver money demand sure will pick up (ala Brandon Jacobs).  Do we hear, Manziel, ehm, Tebow?


Shank-I-Punt
Punters are punters for a reason.  Actually.., I don't really have much to say here.  It was a punt kind of a week for me anyways.  So, here are the results. 


Future: Koenen 23 ydz
TTM: Wing 46 ydz
Trix: Lanning 32 ydz
 
Old Future will collect pool and matching funds (-3+9+9), a smooth +15.  Nice.


Over-Under
In their head-to-head matchup, it was Vick that was 2010, not Ben.  Sanchez on MNF was as effective as he can be (except for that one failed read-option keeper in which Mark went down like a girl), tossing two TDs and throwing for over 330 ydz.


Ben 12.97 / 19.71-proj (UNDER): Future, TTM and Trix bought OVER (and lost)
VIck 17.68 / 16.94-proj (OVER): Future, TTM and Trix bought UNDER (and lost)
Sanchez 19.68 / 16.36-proj (OVER): Trix bought OVER (and won)


Stock Market
In a week with not much activity in the stock market, lack of upsets hit investors hard with many of derivatives featuring underdogs.  The result is a major down-turn for those that were bullish.  Some franchises wisely stayed put, so the damage was rather contained, except where the bleeding didn't stop.


Jeopardy: Future and Trix both lost
Catz: TTM won but Trix lost
Hot-lanta: Future and Polk both lost
Chant-Down: BDT won, but SFF and Polk lost
Babylon O: Nauts, TTM and Dijon won but Girlz lost


Recap
Future: +1
Trix (-5)
TTM (+3)
Future (-5)
Hot (-5)
Ben (-2)
Vick (-2)
Punt (-3+18)
dividends (+2)


TTM: -5
Ben (-2)
Vick (-2)
Punt (-3)
dividends (+2)


Trix: -24
Trix (-5)
Polk (-5)
Catz (-5)
CJ (-5)
Hot (-5)
Ben (-2)
Vick (-2)
Sanchez (+4)
Punt (-3)
dividends (x2=+4)


BDT: -5
Hot (-5)


Polk: +2
dividends (+2)

Unlike Carson, stock market will be back next week
 
Public Funds Index:
+516-31=+485


Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Week 10 Casino Gulag

Special week calls for something special.  So we have two games in line for you. 

The first is a traditional Casino Gulag styley.  We've put the spotlight on the offensive stars for the past several weeks, but mine is an unheralded people's regime.  So we'll swing that searchlight onto the special teams side once again, and this time it's the punters turn.  We call it Shank-A-Punt.  PICK A PLAYER WHO KICKS THE PUNT THAT TRAVELS THE LEAST DISTANCE.  This is just the punt yardage contest, so the distance the kick travels before it's caught, goes out of bounds, or is downed.  Essentially you are looking for a shanked punt, which usually goes out of bounds.  Touchbacks will be considered kicked to 20 yard line and not to the endzone, so that's something to consider as well.
Crapshoot, I know, with little strategy involved.  It's just impossible to keep the money away from the Goliathes lately, so it's a what-a-heck game.  As usual, 3 bankerbytez per bet, one bet per, winner collects pot and matching funds, first come, first serve with TNF deadline. 



For the second game, we'll simply play a series of Over-Under on player projections for 2 bb each (so everyone can participate).  The lineups are Ben Roethlisberger (19.74 pts), Michael Vick (17.00 pts) and Mark Sanchez (16.12 pts).  Projections will probably change until game time, so whatever the final projection is will be the line.  You can pick just one, two or all three.  For each pick, state OVER or UNDER.  You pick wrong and it'll cost 2 bb; you get it right and you'll win 4 bb (so doubled odds). 
For the second game, the deadline for purchase is their respective game time (MNF for Sanchez, Sunday 1pm eastern for Big Ben and Vick).  There's no rush to pick yet, but make sure to get your orders in before game time.  

Comment below for both game's purchase orders.  For Shank-A-Punt, I'll subject myself to 3-pix-24-hour rule.  



Week 10 Stock Market & Previewz

 
Week 10 usually means crunch time.  Previous week's upsets surprisingly didn't alter the league landscape much, except maybe there are now five elite teams (Girlz, Nauts, TTM, Dijon and BDT) vying for the top two first-round bye spots.  Up to five teams are battling for the last playoffs seat, among whom the Ferries at 5-4 clearly is the favorite, but four games remaining against TTM, BDT, Trix and Dijon make it a tough road for them to even go 2-2 to finish 7-6.  So the door is still open but the rest of the hopefuls are in just-win-out-and-hope-for-the-best mode. One thing the upsets did was put more liquidity into the thinning waiver market, which could see some volatility moving forward.  Another heavy dose of bye here with Houston, Indy, Minnesota, New England, San Diego and Washington all with multiple fantasy stars on break.

 
I'll admit, with circumstances this isn't my A-effort in writing the previewz, many comments aren't backed by research.  Just you know.  What you expect, I wasn't supposed to have any money left after going all-in for AP.  Anyhow, this is B-day week, so I'm forgiven.
 
 
The payout schedule for each 5 bankerbitez bet is as following.

                                      Blue Chip     Market Performer     Junk
Blue Chip (#1-4*)                  5                      3                          2
Market Performer (#5-8*)     10                     5                          3
Junk (#9-12*)                        15                     10                        5

*Based on weekly Power Rankingz.  In case of a tied rank, commissioner's ruling will be published here.


The Guide
-Bounce-Back Week
(t-1) Phat Girlz 7-2 (3 bb) vs (5) BuildingDW3LL1NGTh1nk1ng 6-3 (10 bb)
The much anticipated Week 10 showdown on Luck-TY bye and BDT QB change will feature two teams on mini-losing skids at two drops in a row.  Neither teams can afford to make it three for first-round bye hopes.

"Just one of those days," sighed Monique, and true that.  Week 10 loss for the entourage saw no one other than Luck and TY crack 5 pts while Forte and Cobb were on bye.  Now it's Luck and TY's turn to sit.  While the returning studs will surely pick up where they left off, Ginger is no where to be seen on her bench and there aren't great options at QB in the market with injuries mounting at the position.  Tate's lack of production following offensive line injuries and the subsequent arrival of RBBC makes the once-attractive Cleveland backfield a potential doom.  Monique opened up her phat wallet and went after AP's supposedly near-return in a playoff-aimed move.  But meanwhile for the first time this season, Monique's breathing sounds heavier.


Romo's injury affected the Boyz heavily in Week 10 as low-balling spread from Dez through the roster.  Eli replacing Tony over Robert actually got some good garbage time points to be respectable, and Morris is a clear beneficiary of sharing the backfield with RGIII.  BDT's sentimental attachment to Romo was much less as he was cut loose in a personnel move.  Nelson needs to beat Cobb in TD reception to lift the Dwellers here.

Favorable odds for the Philosophic Ones.

-Rivalry-Week Rematch
(t-1) AEthernauts 7-2 (2 bb) vs (10) Shock_Pix® 3-6 (15 bb)
Nauts beat their Rivalry-Week match handily. 

Nauts got the W in Week 9, but it wasn't pretty.  Emanuel Sanders maxed the troops at 16 pts in an effort in which only Cam cracked double digits among the rest of the lineup.  The backfield has some concerns, with Romo-less Murray running into some walls and McKinnon thrice getting vultured by Asiata.  Now with Minnesota and New England on bye, they need immediate RB help but waiver options were limited this week, making some gaps in the Big Sky.  Nauts need bounce-back performances by Newton and DeMarco to avoid getting Shocked.

The Shockers were just several roster moves away from pulling off another one.  Harvin's move to Meadowlands is clearly benefiting the speedster and psychedog, and Hill will surely get the start this week with Gio still nursing in the infirmary.  There are some offensive gaps to fill come Sunday noon-time, but 2014's version of el mundo is a force to be reckoned with week-in and week-out.

Tempted to touch this upsetters chune.  Sweet like Beres Hammond.



-Rivalry-Week Rematch 2
(3) TakingTigerMountain 6-3 (3 bb) vs (6) SanFranciscoFerries 5-4 (10 bb)
Another rivalry-week rematch: this one with much playoffs implication.

Of the top teams, only TigerMoutain stood firm in Week 9.  Their beatdown of Phat Girlz with season's largest points margin was impressive from Thursday start to Sunday night finish, with all skills position players in the doubles while Sanu and Asiata b345ting on the bench.  WIth Ingram's return to form, Crescent City Connection is threefold now and the rest of the pieces are there with potent NE, Denver and Pitt offensive weapons lined up to fire upon will.  This team has turned the corner and looks built to capture that big phat trophy.  Who needs AP with a team like this now.


Odd-numbered week meant Ferries win, which they pulled off rather efficiently without cracking a hundred.  Odell Beckham Jr.'s emergence is a relief to the Boatmen while their other receivers are stalling.  They get their potent NFC North backfield Lacy and Bush back from bye, but it's Gronk's turn to sit plus Seattle's offensive struggle is affecting the QB numbers here.  We'll see if they turn to Stafford in a crucial game.  The Ferries can ill-afford to keep alternating win and loss, and this game against a 6-3 team is a near-must win if they want to make that playoffs aspiration secured.

Always like favorable odds, but betting against Antonio Brown and TTM is scary. 

-Housing Court
(4) Dijonnaise All-Stars 6-3 (2 bb) vs (t-11) Polk High Panthers 2-7 (15 bb)
The battle between former tenant and landlord have their status reversed here.

All season long, Dijon must have fielded trade offers for QB1 Rivers with stern No-s in anticipation for Week 9's A-Rodg bye.  One week Philip Rivers needed to perform, he gets a negative two, costing the Mustards sixth-straight win and the top-ranking rod.  That's Philip Rivers for you.  Just like Cutler.  Just like Romo.  Break down at crutch.  That's why Eli is Eli.  He's the two-time Superbowl MVP.  Ok, I digress, whatever it's B-day, I don't want to do much researching so just trying to fill the page here.  Besides, I'm tired of looking at Week 9 Dijon-Trix box score.  Back to Dijon, Mike Evans' breakout performance and Miller continuing to shine with the Fins were bright spots in the loss, and Foster gets a timely bye to heal whatever new ailment he got going so it's not all bad for Colonel getting A-Rodg and not-so-Hot-lanta pieces back.

Big Ben's two-week performance is historical, but what's more astonishing is Polk High actually started Roethlisberger on both occasions, the second of which landed them a much awaited W.  AJ got back and while not dominant found the endzone to snap Bundys out of league-worst seven game skid.  Now that Megatron is also due back, this team is positioned to a) go after Moral Victory and Consy prizes hard and; b) wreck havoc on top-tiered teams for the next two weeks with back-to-back matches against Dijon and Nauts.

Good thing I didn't lose all my money on AP, because this one looks tasty.  Oh I'm tempted to touch yet again.


-Talkers battle
(7) Trichotillomaniacs 3-6 (3 bb) vs (t-11) ThePelicanBrief 2-7 (10 bb)
Two of the unique PSAS franchises with whole system and culture that extend beyond the Yahoo frontpage and the Blogger blog face each other in the fifth dimension, third eye vision, whatever.

Trichs have had their back against the river for a while now, and the river front is moving forward.  In Maclin, they've finally got the WR1 that they've been waiting for.  WR2 production is still hard to get right, with Benjamin, Watkins, Floyd and D-Jax all consistently underproducing when given chance to start.  Shady's quietly picking things up, just lacking TDs which may or may not come now that Mark Sanchez is at the helm.  (Tell me, those that follow college football and especially Pac-10, wasn't Sanchez rated so much higher than Foles coming out?  I don't really know since I've been taking Saturdays off from football for awhile now).  Anyhow, in Denard Robinson, they've also got the RB2/Flex in case of Ahmad break-down (or bye which is this week).  General Far East likes to gain momentum here before facing rival Girlz in Week 11. 

Of all the upsets in Week 9, Pelican's over BDT, while discounting the rivalry aspect, was the most impressive.  Brady-B345tM0d3 tandem going for 55 pts and Seattle D regaining fantasy relevance gives moral boost to the Grishamites moving forward.  Week 10 is Brady bye, so Flacco will start in fill-in duty.  Week 10 bye is quietly hitting Pelican hard, making them scramble left to right in the waiver market like me picking beer at gas station walk-in cooler. 

Another good odds if you look at their records and no further.



-Elimination
(8) HomeSpunNeckBloodz 4-5 (3 bb)vs (9) The Old Future 3-6 (10 bb)
Two franchises on the wrong side of the fence are in knock-out battle that only one can emerge out of and keep hope.  The loser, please pack your knives and go.

Week 9's near-miss of an unset over Nauts was even more bitter as Bloodz lost Foles probably for the rest of the fantasy season.  There aren't great options left at QB (Alex Smith, Kyle Orton?), which doesn't help the Spinning Wheel as they lack points to back up getting another loss.  At least they get some NFC North tools returning from bye so they don't have to rely so heavily on the Giants, but it'll take some ingenuity to get the spinning going.

Old Future really needed that W in Week 9 not just for their own sake but for the rest of the bottom of the league's hope.  Now at six losses, the timewarps are truly backed against the wall.  There's probably some mathematical possibility, but it's a long-shot now for the rookies to get to the playoffs.  Last year, a long-shot rookie made playoffs and eventually lost in the championship after some crazy outcomes dictated things in the final weeks of regular season, so keep fighting.  As for the roster, beyond Peyton there's really not much to get excited about here.  They have a serviceable QB stashed on the bench and several teams with QB needs will be calling on them this week, though they aren't likely to get as high a value as earlier in the season for Matty Ice. 

Luck of draw has this evenly matched game giving another favorable odds.  Hey-hey-ho, what a week full of Lee Perries.
 
 
Derivatives
For Sale:
Celebrity Jeopardy: Trix win and Future win (20 bb)
Catz in A-10: TTM win and Trix win (15 bb)
Hot-lanta: Polk win and Future win (40 bb)


Freebies w/ purchase:
Chant Down Babylon: BDT win, SFF win and Polk win (40 bb)
Babylon O-ppression: Girlz win, Nauts win, TTM win, and Dijon win (30 bb)

Comment below for orders.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Week 10 Power Rankings



Three close games decided on Monday Night promised to set the season's playoff path.  They pitted top and bottom six teams a sweep either way could have either significantly complicated things or all but wrapped up the playoff package.  As it was only one MNF upsetter pulled through and the melee (Trichs) and the standings now feature a six above six below breakdown.  Winners of two straight the Trichs are the only team south of the border with top half points, and losers of two straight BDT are the only top with bottom half points. Are they headed in opposite directions? The board-leader PG lost and the basement dwellers won, so nobody is clinched or eliminated yet. With the amount of attrition yet to play, the rankings opine we're looking at a 7-6 bar for the 6 spot (possibly five spot too?) with a points tie-breaker.  Several teams have QB vacancies/byes will anybody trust Dirty Sanchez or the Dog Killer?

T.1.  (1)  Phat Girlz - (7-2) - On a super bye week the Girlz were slimmed down to begin with but didn't get much nutrition from the remaining ingredients. With Forte, Sankey and Cobb on byes this was basically a shot in the dark at a win. The only mildly troubling news is Tate's continued devolution into RBBC role, which might have gotten worse with West's game on Sunday.   It's still the Indy duo, Forte and Cobb that make the Girlz formidable but they won't necessarily tip the scales against other Blue Chippers without multiple starting RBs.  The Girlz will again have too many byes to adequately defend against a top six team next week without sacrificing depth and spending money on the wire.  A third straight loss might well upset Monique's bye dreams. Average Points 126.6  - Average Points Against 113.7

T. 1. (2) Aethernauts - (7-2) - A host of missed projections lead to a nail-biter for the Nauts on MNF.  McKinnon got multi-vultured by Asiata, Sanders returned to his endzone allergic self  and Murray suffered his first single digit of the season under gathering storm clouds in Dallas.  But a win is a win and the Nauts are now in perfect position to secure an all important bye.  If underachieving Cam ever gets it together the Nauts will soar alone at the top of the rankings. Gordon returns in week 12 if the Explorers can keep him rostered that long he's "ready to unload"?  Average Points 120.8  - Average Points Against 107.2

3. (5) TakingTigerMountain  (6-3) - The resurgent Tigers got a teed up upset facing the Girlz in a super bye week, but they looked good doing it again.  All of the skill players were in double digits and three bench players as well. The Tigers are TD hunters and there were no less than 10 scores on the starting roster. When the Saints and Patriots are clicking there's bound to be fire on the mountain. They're now second by points with one foot in the post season at six wins.  A 3-1 finish could easily see them with a bye and a 1-3 could just as easily usher them to the consolation tourney. Average Points 124.3  - Average Points Against 113.1

4. (4)  Dijonaise All Stars (6-3)   - The Mustard Men suffered the most spectacular back up QB destruction in week 9.  Rivers, roundly discussed as an MVP in the early weeks, imploded for a -2 point fantasy performance, including three interceptions and a fumble. Minus Rodgers, White and S-Jax on the bye, Team Yellow had a hard assignment to beat a tough Trichs squad. Luckily for them, they have one to give after squeaking out back to back upsets. After a five game winning streak Dijon drops the Bolt the week after it was first awarded. Average Points 111.9  - Average Points Against 105.8

5.  (3) BuildingDwellingThinking  (6-3) - The Romo Autumn has begun with an initially moderate back injury stretching into missed time and broken ribs. BDT pulled the trigger and parted ways to avoid dropping any of their positional depth. In all likelihood he can be had back when/if he's ready. With Jordy on bye  some high end potential was removed from the Philosopher's equation too. With Weeden captaining the Cowboys offense Dez gets a downgrade, Welker seems to have been obliterated out of the Broncos offense finally.  They'll see what they get from the Buffalo dual injury replacement team and likely let the lesser Manning ride under center for the time being.  More trades could easily be in play before the deadline for the Titration King. Average Points 105.9  - Average Points Against 96.6

6. (6)  SanFranciscoFerries (5-4)-  The bye bonanza hit the Ferries hard, with Lacy, Stafford and Bush all taking a seat during a key playoff race game - leading to a tight finish.  Russell Wilson muddled through another TD-less campaign, now low-balled in three of his last four games.  Forsett, Gronk and Bell all found the endzone.   The Ferries are mid-range streaky, with four games over 120 and three under 90. With decent points and occupying the 6th spot by winning percentage, they control their own fate, but with a tough remaining schedule, they'll have to beat a couple playoff teams to keep it that way. Average Points 111.4  - Average Points Against 116.7



7. (9)  Trichs  (3-6) - Foles' absence might affect the Trichs the most with key pieces Shady and L-Mac. Both functioned well under the Sanchize's stewardship, but for how long? The Keepernick's amazing goalline fumble nearly cost the Trichs a win here - his lost season is a fair parallel for the Shogun squad. Robinson's emergence in J-ville. D-Jax's renewed connection with RGIII, even Palmer's legit passing in Arizona -  all good signs for the Hair Pullers, but have they come too late?  We're going to break with tradition and offer Zeus' Thunderbolt to the Shogun as a two win squad (tied with several others).  Is that bad juju? Is it a fantasy gauntlet? The Maniacs can hardly look a gift horse in the mouth at this point.  Either they hold the bolt through November or console themselves with Golden Tee and consolation tourney.   Every coach says "one game at a time" but they have to be looking at a week 12 game with the Bay Area Boatmen and hoping that a W would pull them even.   Average Points 116.4  - Average Points Against 120.2

8. (8)  Homespun Neckbloodz (4-5) - A crushing end to a near-miss comeback slows the spin of the Bloodz playoff run. Spinners lost their QB in week 9 to a broken collarbone - but Foles has been far from elite.  Replacing his production is less of a concern than when they can get Nio-Gio back. The Bengals tailback is slated to miss another week that the low-ceiling Bloodz can ill-afford. Points poor they need win column at all costs, pumping up their projections to match teams like BDT and TTM still on the schedule is key.  Their only chance to regain control of their destiny is to win out.  Once they hit the six loss mark they'll need significant help. Average Points 98.1  - Average Points Against 93.2

9.  (7) Old Future (3-6)  - The Future sneaked up on the Ferries and cut things close on Monday Night.  Even in defeat Peyton piled up his projection, but on Alshon's bye the slim pickings show OF to be a bit starved at WR.  They need T-Rich to come return to form and Frank the Tank to start busting trenches again.  Dead middle by points they're far from old news, but they need to win out and hope for the best. Average Points 108.4  - Average Points Against 106.5

10. (9) Shock_Pix  (3-6) - A big no-confidence vote in LSU back Hill cost the Shocktop, as Hill ran all over the Jags in place of injured Nio-Gio. The Pixies got smotherered by Polk anyway, but another unexpected R-burger passing storm obscures the closeness of the game.   They were a long-shot to "Shock the World" with a six spot appearance after an absentee start, technically they're still just a longer shot.  But now last in points, their destiny is in the hands of the godz.  Average Points 97.3  - Average Points Against 120.4

T.11. (11)  Pelican Brief (2-7) - The Pelicans caught a massive break with Romo sidelined and upset the favored BDT by a large margin. Again, central is the rejuvenated Brady who slaughtered Peyton's squad at home in early freezing conditions. B345t mode retunred to double digits for the first time in four weeks.  With back to back weeks over 120, the Pelicans are in play for Moral Victory Consideration.  Average Points 99.5  - Average Points Against 109.1

T. 11. (12)  Polk High Panthers (2-7) - Out of nowhere Big Ben has caught fire and leads the league in passing over the last two weeks, throwing 11 TDs.   Charles continues to plow on ahead and AJ Green returned to action after missing four weeks and essentially cancelling Polk's season. If Megatron returns next week there's every reason to think that the Panthers will stay at this high level of scoring and contend for the Moral Victory. Average Points 101.9  - Average Points Against 119.9

Week 9 Recap

 
 
Another nail-biting finish to MNF thrillers in the PSAS wrap up an exciting week that was Week 9.  Three of the top-4 upper echelon teams went down to the underdogs while TigerMountain joins the top-tier with a beat down of the Uptown Girlz.  Bottom-of-food-chain Pelican and Trichs contributed to the mess by beating the Dwellers and the Condiments respectively.  Polk High got the moral-boosting win behind Big Ben's 6 TD night in as many weeks, and we finally saw a week where the parity trend finally reversed.  On the market side, the investors were just a mere 2-pts-by-Bloodz away from being actuated a bail-out fashion 100 bankerbytez freebie payoff.  Still, with upsets abound, those who were bullish on the dogs in Week 9 all got solid returns on their investments as the market as a whole had the biggest gain of the season since Week 2.

PSAS's Weekly Fan-pick

That was fun, our new pickin's game except I picked mostly Broncos so it wasn't too fun for me.  I won't pick three from the same team again and I won't proclaim Orange Crush back again, but I could totally see that game or its variation making a come-back in the future.  The highest scoring combination was B. Roethlisberger, J. Maclin, J. Hill, and R. Gronkowski.  Our winner is Colonel Mustard, who picked two out of the four best performers (Maclin and Gronk).  While his league-leading winning streak was stripped, his drained waiver money gets a restock so he can pay for Amukamara replacement mei yo wenti. 

Dijon: Luck 29.66 + Foster 18.90 + Maclin 29.80 + Gronk 16.50 = 94.86
Future: Peyton 22.32 + Foster 18.90 + Dez 7.50 + Gronk 16.50 = 65.22
Trix: Peyton 22.32 + Charles 14.80 + DT 13.70 + Julius 9.70 = 60.62
Pelican: Russel 10.26 + Lynch 26.30 + TY 13.10 + Julius 9.70 = 59.36
Nauts: Brees 17.33 + Foster 18.90 + DT 13.70 + Gronk 16.50 = 66.43
TTM: Peyton 22.32 + Antonio 21.40 + Charles 14.80 + Jimmy G 14.30 = 72.82



The Mustards collect pot plus matching funds, +33 bb.  Nice.

Stock Market
There's odds, and there's odds.  After pay-schedule restructure, the aim was to refrain from over pumping the waiver market with free money.  Week 9 results could have easily blew that policy out the window, almost handing out Benjamin Franklins left and right.  In the end, it wasn't meant to be and nothing crazy like that happened.  But just a reminder, if you don't play, you won't get paid.  And those who played, you got served. 

Hot-lanta: Polk won but Future lost
Babylon: Nauts won, but Girlz, Dijon and BDT lost
Catz: Trix won but BDT and Shock lost
Upsetters: TTM, Trix and Pelican won, but Bloodz lost

Recap
Future: +37
TTM (+10)
Trix (+15)
Pelican (+15)
Polk (+5)
Hot-lanta (-5)
Fan-pick (-3)

Trix: +22
Trix (+15)
Fan-pick (-3)
dividends (x5=+10)

Nauts: +25
Trix (+15)
TTM (+10)
Fan-pick (0)

TTM: +28
Trix (+15)
TTM (+10)
Fan-pick (-3)
dividends (x3=+6)

Dijon: +33
Fan-pick (-3+36)

Pelican: -1
Fan-pick (-3)
dividends (+2)

Polk: +2
dividends (+2)


It's all about the numbers


Public Funds Index:
+370+146=+516

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Week 9 Casino Gulag

 
 
In this week's casino, we are doing something new, inspired by another suggested game.  The weekly fantasy game is now a super popular thing, and while I myself don't touch that shit, we can totally incorporate the idea into Casino Gulag. 

So this week, you are picking yourself a team of QB, RB, WR, & TE, one player for each position.  Whoever picks the combination with most points scored in Week 9 will win the pool and the matching funds. 

The price is same as always, 3 bankerbytes per bet.  Because it's a combination thing with larger playing field, there's no restriction to pick a player for a position someone else has already picked.  So, technically speaking, you can pick exactly the same combo someone else has already picked, but this will split the pot in case of win and you aren't getting as good of odds, so I'd think twice about it.  But if you ever wanted to pick someone's plates, this is the week to do it.  I'll give you the liberty to change lineup until TNF kickoff in case someone isn't happy about someone else riding his horse. 
QB Luck, WR Antonio Brown, RB D. Murray, and TE Gronk is the leader combo of the season, so if that's the winning combo, EVERYONE GETS $3 REFUND. 

One ticket per franchise, except for Nauts.  Nauts' suggestion inspired this game, so he gets a free ticket (you can pay for another one if you choose). 

Post below for orders.  Because it's a combo game (plus I'll be in the wilderness tomorrow), I won't restrict myself to the usual 3-24 rule, though I probably won't post until later tonight. 

Week 9 Stock Market & Previewz



Week 9 is here.  Can't believe Josh Gordon is a couple of weeks away from actually returning.  Time flies, and while several teams have probably been pushed off the cliff, the actual race to the playoffs as well as battle for first-round bye is only heating up.  It only gets more interesting as the bye bonanza starts in Week 9 with six teams on bye.   The bye teams in Week 9 are: Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, and Tennessee.
Another fat one got fatter on a casino hit in Week 8.  It's clear the dough is baking more breads needed for bye-hungry owners, and while not quite the level of last year, it is an inflated market of at about 15% at Week 8.  If you look, there are opportunities to grow your waiver cash. 

The payout schedule for each 5 bankerbitez bet is as following.

                                      Blue Chip     Market Performer     Junk
Blue Chip (#1-4*)                  5                      3                          2
Market Performer (#5-8*)     10                     5                          3
Junk (#9-12*)                        15                     10                        5

*Based on weekly Power Rankingz.  In case of a tied rank, commissioner's ruling will be published here.


The Guide
-Playoffs Preview, Luck's Speedway vs Crescent City Connection
(1) Phat Girlz 7-1 (3 bb) vs (5) TakingTigerMountain 5-3 (10 bb)
Girlz face another preview for playoffs in a match against resurgent TigerMountain.


Even in a loss, three players went over 22 pts and fourth almost reached 20 for Monique.  Last week's was a game that the Phat One admitted was bound to happen, sooner or later.  It didn't affect their first-round-bye prospect, as the second-placed BDT also went down and got gobbled up by Mustards and TigerMTn into the pack.  Green Bay, Chicago, and Tennessee on bye affect the Girlz heavily here, making the Girlz thin especially at running backs, with both Forte and Sankey sitting out.  Monique's rather not drop two in a row and sandwich her Birthday with two losses, especially with Week 10 match against BDT on Luck_Hilton bye looming.  Tough stretch for Up Town Top-Ranking Girlz.

TigerMountain had a rebound week, with Antonio Brown's dominant perfomance complimenting Big Ben supplementing the Triple Crescent City Connection well.  The second highest score of the week was tarnished only by the lack of production by the Patriots receivers (Edelman & Vereen).  TTM will look to strike fast on with CCC on TNF against not-so-dominant Carolina D.  


Girlz are missing some pieces here, so an upset pick looks appetizing.



-Waiting for Gordon
(2) AEthernauts 6-2 (3 bb) vs (8) HomeSpunNeckBloodz 4-4 (10 bb)
Contender versus wannabee is a crucial match for both when each is missing key NFC North players on bye.

Nauts had Week 8's highest scoring offense despite Cam scoring a mere 5.64 pts on a no TD day, but the depth covered it more than enough with Sanders, Tate and Murray all going over 20.  Gates and Buffallo D complemented with stellar 16+ performances.  With Tate and Marty-B on bye in Week 9 and Josh Gordon still several weeks away from his return, Nauts used the new-found waiver cash on Ridley-replacement Jonas Gray and Big Ben #3 target M. Bryant, but these are significant downgrades to say the least.  It's a dangerous week for Big Sky.

Bloodz lost a tough one in Week 8 to resurgent Shock and are still hovering around the .500 mark.  Currently on the outside looking in at seventh place, Bloodz are in a similar spot of lacking scores to back their cause.  As always, the 2014 version grinds out wins, but to do so the Spinnerz need the loud-mouth WR tandem of Marshall and Smith Sr. producing.  The backfield of Bernard and Ellington as well as QB Foles have had their byes already, so if they can manage a win in Marshall's bye week, things can look up for the Bloodz' cause.  Beating Nauts, while a tough challenge, is a good start.  Loss here will put their backs against the river.

The game in a week Nauts are slightly vulnerable is a solid upsetter bet.


-Battlefield Aurora
(3) Dijonnaise All-Stars 6-2 (2 bb) vs (9) Trichotillomaniacs 2-6 (15 bb)
30 or so years ago, owners of these franchises lived within several miles of each other in Aurora, CO, a suburb of Denver.  Maybe they met at the Firestation tour, K-Mart toy isle, or waiting in line to sit on Santa's lap at the Cherry Creek Mall.  Years have passed and both have traveled thousands of miles, and here they meet again, this time in the PSAS battle field.


Cashing in on Arian Foster staying relatively healthy and showing off his 2012 self, Dijonnaise All-Stars is the hottest team in the league riding a five-game winning streak and holding the thunderbolt.  Even better, the next three opponents for Colonel is combined for 4-20 records (Trix, Polk and Pelican), so the record can extend to eight before they have a showdown with Phat Girlz in Week 12.  It's not easy for Colonel this week as A-Rodg and Rod-White are on bye, but the Draftbots had thought about it all; they have MVP-candidate Philip RIvers stashed.  Colonel has started to loosen up his wallet as well, landing LaFell to fill the gap.  With Foster looks to have a good game to extend it to six-games for the Yellow against JJ Watt and the Trix defense.

Hanging on a cliff with just the fingers, the Far East Rulaz ground one out against Polk High also battling with their backs against the river.  With the league's fourth highest score and six losses, it's simple for the Trix; each game is a Win-Or-Out.  The receiver titration is starting to gel, and while McCoy is still a disappointment, at least Bradshaw is holding up while scoring TDs and Denard Robinson looks to be a capable RB2/Flex as well in case Bradshaw or McCoy goes down.  In Palmer, they found a capable back-up to Kaep with a double-titration upside, though Michael Floyd's goose-egg in Week 8 out of Flex-start with Palmer at realm was a huge hair-pulling boxsheet for General Far East.  The Trix need Julius Thomas to regain form against the hottest team of the league.

Two words: Ring It.



Cali Bowl 2.0
(4) BldgDW3LL1NGTh1nk1ng 6-2 (2 bb) vs (11) ThePelicanBrief 1-7 (15 bb)
The second meetings of the season between these two bitter west coast rivals feature two teams at the opposite end of spectrum, but as rivalry games go, this is no cake-walk for nobody.

Boyz in Chico's loss to Dijon in Week 8 was bitter and not sweet, as Romo apparently re-injured his back.  While looking like something he may be willing to play through, we don't know a) if he'll be able to play this week, or b) how it'll affect his play even if he plays.  Their QB stash RGIII may or may not be ready.  While a clear athletic talent, what the media seemed to have forgotten (but not General) is how everyone in Redskin Nation was clamoring for Kirk Cousins to replace RGIII because of his ineffectiveness.  Still, RGIII is a viable fantasy weapon with his legs while the injury concern with him is quite possibly greater than that of Romo.  Nelson and the new Buffalo RB tandem on bye and Montee still a week or two away from a return means a rare two-TE look for BDT this week, possibly.  This is still the Boyz of Romo-Dez, so the QB's health is occupying the most of Chico whispers this week.

Pelican showed life in their Week 8 loss to TigerMtn with Brady at 34 and Fitz at 23.  Seattle D also had the resurgent double-digit performance, but it's quite possibly a little too late now for the Grishamites.  Pelican 2014 will battle forward with hopes of being remembered for their pride, and the road starts in a game against their bitter rival that paid for their entry fee.

Watch Romo's health this week, if he's a no-go, the favorable odds look more favorable.


-Battle for Survival
(6) SanFranciscoFerries 4-4 (5 bb) vs (7) The Old Future 3-5 (5 bb)
Two middle-of-the-pack teams in a knock-out match.  Winner will stay in the hunt, a loss will put Ferries at the edge and push Future off it.

The Frisco Kids actually had a good game, just not good enough to beat the Nauts and their high score of the week.  Gronk gronking it and Patterson and Lacy's emergence out of sophomore slump are good signs for the Boatmen, but they just can't get out of that win-loss pattern.  Good news, it's odd week so Ferries should have no reservation to get that W here with Russel Wilson visiting now-friendly Oakland Coliseum.

The Week 8 win over Phat Girlz really stamped their presence in PSAS for Old Future.  Now it's time to prove it wasn't afluke.  Not easy to do since neither Knile Davis or Miami D should be expected of repeat performances and the bench is full of injured/suspended players that can't help them during bye.  While Future gets Gore and Crab back, Alshon sits this week and T-Rich is limited with injury.  With Peyton at realm, they are on solid foundation.  Just need the fixtures to shine here.

Even odds favor higher ranked team, but Future is the upsetter's choice.


-Florida-Georgia-Kentucky
(10) Shock_Pix 3-5 (5 bb) vs (12) Polk High Panthers 1-7 (5 bb)
This week's bottom feeding match feature two SEC giants.  Yeah South!

Shock is clearly back and dangerous.  Keenan Allen's resurgence and Witten's rise from grave mixes well with Demaryius's domination.  The surrounding pieces are also shining, with the likes of Cooks and Hill, while Rainey and Harvin have near-future upsides.  A solid QB outing is all El Mundo needs for a contending team.  Soon, they may need that DB2 help, but until then, why fix what's not broken.

Tough loss to Trix probably ended hopes for this year's contribution to Millie's college fund.  The Ben-sane outing was the highest losing score of the season at 145.54.  Steel-city double-titration and Charles are the kind of blue-collar work-horses that it's too bad the Megatron-Green tandem didn't come through.  They could have scored 200.  Once the star receivers return, Bundy has a clear shot at the Moral Victory and Consolation tourney.  So keep checking in between changing diapers.

Hmm.




Derivatives
For Sale:
Hot-lanta: Future win and Polk win (25 bb)
Babylon O-pression: Girlz win, Nauts win, Dijon win and BDT win (35 bb)


Freebies with purchase:
GoCatsGo!!: Nauts win, Trix win, Shock win, and BDT win (40 bb)
Upsetters War Ina Babylon: TTM win, Bloodz win, Trix win and Pelican win (100 bb) <---BAILOUT