Playoffs Round 1: A Preview

"CTDB Playoffs Round 1: A Clash of Titans"

Welcome to the first round of the CTDB Playoffs, where the stakes are high and the competition is fierce. After a grueling regular season, four teams have emerged to battle it out for a chance to advance to the next round. With the top-seeded Chunky Monkeys and second-seeded Battle Angels enjoying a well-earned bye, the spotlight is on Gang Green, Custom J, Phreaks, and Crunch Bunch. All these teams have shown resilience and strategic acumen throughout the season, and now it's time for them to prove their mettle in the playoffs. 

Each team enters this round with its unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as a few wild cards that could potentially tip the scales in their favor. The Phreaks, despite their recent losing streak, boast a formidable roster led by the third-ranked QB Jalen Hurts and third-ranked RB Travis Etienne. On the other hand, Gang Green and Custom J have shown consistent performance throughout the season, with Gang Green's Josh Allen and Custom J's Lamar Jackson being two of the top ten quarterbacks in the league. 

"Clash of Consistency: Gang Green vs. Custom J"

In the first matchup of this playoff round, Gang Green takes on Custom J in what promises to be a thrilling face-off. Both teams have had a decent run this season, with Gang Green scoring 1,720 points and Custom J not far behind with 1,740. However, Gang Green enters this game with a slight edge, thanks to their one-game winning streak and a star-studded roster featuring the top-ranked QB Josh Allen and top-ranked RB Christian McCaffrey. 

Custom J, on the other hand, will be relying heavily on their keepers - Lamar Jackson and Joe Mixon, who have been instrumental in their journey to the playoffs. The recent loss of Keenan Allen's quarterback, Justin Herbert, to a season-ending injury, however, is a significant blow to the team. It remains to be seen how they will adjust their strategy to compensate for this loss. 

"Battle of Underdogs: Phreaks vs. Crunch Bunch"

The second matchup of the round features the Phreaks taking on the Crunch Bunch. Despite their six-game losing streak, the Phreaks enter this game with a strong roster led by the third-ranked QB Jalen Hurts and third-ranked RB Travis Etienne. Their recent high-profile waiver selection, Puka Nuka, has also shown promise and could potentially be a game-changer. 

Crunch Bunch, despite their three-game losing streak, cannot be underestimated. With a roster featuring the ninth-ranked WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and fourth-ranked WR AJ Brown, they have the firepower to turn the tables. However, their QB Justin Fields's relatively low rank (21) could be a potential weak link in their lineup. 

"Looking Ahead to Round 2: Potential Matchups and Projections"

Looking ahead to the second round, the winners of these matchups will face the top-seeded Chunky Monkeys and second-seeded Battle Angels. Given the strength of these top seeds, the victorious teams will need to bring their A-game to stand a chance. 

If Gang Green manages to pull off a win against Custom J, their matchup against the Chunky Monkeys could potentially be one of the highlights of the season. The Battle Angels, on the other hand, will be hoping for a Phreaks win, given their recent losing streak. However, if the Crunch Bunch manages to pull off an upset, it could set the stage for an intriguing matchup against the Battle Angels. 

As the first round of the playoffs gets underway, the anticipation is palpable. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate their way through the playoffs. One thing is for sure - the road to the championship won't be easy, and every game will be a test of strategy, resilience, and determination.

Catch the Damn Ball: Week 1 Recap

Byline: Scott Van AI, ESPN Fantasy Football Insider

Chunky Monkeys vs. Battle Angels: A Dominant Performance by Chunky MonkeysIn a matchup between Chunky Monkeys and Battle Angels, it was Chunky Monkeys who came out on top with a dominant performance. With a projected score of 121.6 points, Chunky Monkeys exceeded expectations and scored an impressive 142.95 points. Their quarterback, Justin Herbert, had a projected score of 22.7 points and surpassed that with 25.15 points. Saquon Barkley, their running back, fell slightly short of his projected score of 15 points with 7.8 points. However, their wide receiver Tyreek Hill was the standout performer of the game, exceeding his projected score of 16.9 points with a whopping 39 points. Overall, Chunky Monkeys showcased a strong offense and secured a well-deserved victory.On the other hand, Battle Angels had a projected score of 123.2 points but fell short with a total of 97.2 points. Their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, had a projected score of 33.1 points but only managed to score 25.8 points. Their running back, Alexander Mattison, performed well with 11.9 points, surpassing his projected score of 13.2 points. However, their wide receiver Tee Higgins failed to score any points, falling short of his projected score of 11.9 points. Despite their efforts, Battle Angels couldn't match the offensive firepower of Chunky Monkeys and suffered a loss in their season opener.

Custom J vs. A Squad Called Blitz: A Close Matchup with Unexpected PerformancesIn a closely contested matchup between Custom J and A Squad Called Blitz, it was Custom J who emerged victorious. With a projected score of 121.2 points, Custom J managed to score 108.75 points. Their quarterback, Lamar Jackson, had a projected score of 28.2 points but fell short with only 8.25 points. Nick Chubb, their running back, performed well with 14.7 points, surpassing his projected score of 14.5 points. However, their wide receiver Jaylen Waddle failed to meet expectations, scoring only 9.8 points compared to his projected score of 12.6 points. Despite these ups and downs, Custom J's overall performance was enough to secure the win.A Squad Called Blitz, on the other hand, had a projected score of 104.7 points but fell short with a total of 76.4 points. Their quarterback, Joe Burrow, had a projected score of 26.2 points but could only manage 4 points. Bijan Robinson, their running back, performed exceptionally well with 17.3 points, surpassing his projected score of 16 points. However, their wide receiver CeeDee Lamb failed to meet expectations, scoring only 9.7 points compared to his projected score of 14.5 points. Despite the strong performance of Robinson, A Squad Called Blitz couldn't overcome the underperformance of their quarterback and wide receiver, resulting in a loss.

Jail Yard Boyz vs. Crunch Bunch: A Strong Start for Crunch Bunch

In a matchup between Jail Yard Boyz and Crunch Bunch, it was Crunch Bunch who started the season on a high note. With a projected score of 118.9 points, Crunch Bunch surpassed expectations and scored an impressive 137.7 points. Their quarterback, Justin Fields, had a projected score of 24.2 points and exceeded that with 18.7 points. Austin Ekeler, their running back, performed exceptionally well with 24.4 points, surpassing his projected score of 15.5 points. Their wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was also a standout performer, scoring 28.9 points compared to his projected score of 8.5 points. Crunch Bunch's strong offense proved to be too much for Jail Yard Boyz to handle, resulting in a decisive victory.Jail Yard Boyz, on the other hand, had a projected score of 109.8 points but fell short with a total of 109.8 points. Their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, had a projected score of 23.8 points but could only manage 16.2 points. Aaron Jones, their running back, performed well with 25.7 points, surpassing his projected score of 13.8 points. However, their wide receiver Tyler Lockett failed to deliver, scoring only 2 points compared to his projected score of 10.6 points. Despite the strong performance of Jones, Jail Yard Boyz couldn't overcome the underperformance of their quarterback and wide receiver, resulting in a loss.LA Buffy vs. City of Angels Masterminds: A Disappointing Start for LA BuffyIn a matchup between LA Buffy and City of Angels Masterminds, it was City of Angels Masterminds who came out on top. With a projected score of 115.9 points, City of Angels Masterminds exceeded expectations and scored an impressive 117.05 points. Their quarterback, Dak Prescott, had a projected score of 24.4 points and exceeded that with 7.75 points. Tony Pollard, their running back, performed exceptionally well with 21.2 points, surpassing his projected score of 16.1 points. Their wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins also had a solid performance, scoring 10 points compared to his projected score of 10.6 points. City of Angels Masterminds showcased a well-rounded team and secured a victory in their season opener.LA Buffy, on the other hand, had a projected score of 103.2 points but fell short with a total of 76.5 points. Their quarterback, Geno Smith, had a projected score of 26 points but could only manage 12.2 points. James Conner, their running back, performed decently with 9.5 points, falling slightly short of his projected score of 13.3 points. However, their wide receiver Chris Godwin failed to meet expectations, scoring only 7.6 points compared to his projected score of 11.2 points. LA Buffy's underperformance in key positions proved to be their downfall, resulting in a disappointing loss.

Philadelphia Phreaks vs. Gang Green: A Strong Start for Philadelphia PhreaksIn a matchup between Philadelphia Phreaks and Gang Green, it was Philadelphia Phreaks who started the season on a high note. With a projected score of 99.8 points, Philadelphia Phreaks barely eeked out a win. Their quarterback, Jalen Hurts, had a projected score of 26.3 points but fell short with only 16.2 points. Travis Etienne Jr., their running back, performed exceptionally well with 18.9 points, surpassing his projected score of 13.8 points. Their wide receiver Justin Jefferson also had a solid performance, scoring 19.5 points compared to his projected score of 16.5 points. Philadelphia Phreaks showcased a strong offense and secured a well-deserved victory.Gang Green, on the other hand, had a projected score of 102.4 points but fell short with a total of 89.3 points. Their quarterback, Josh Allen, had a projected score of 27.1 points but could only manage 13.4 points. Christian McCaffrey, their running back, performed well with 24.4 points, surpassing his projected score of 14.9 points. However, their wide receiver Davante Adams failed to deliver, scoring only 9.6 points compared to his projected score of 15.8 points. Despite the strong performance of McCaffrey, Gang Green couldn't overcome the underperformance of their quarterback and wide receiver, resulting in a loss.Week 1 Recap: Standings, Trends, and Key PerformancesAfter an exciting week of matchups, the standings in the Catch the Damn Ball league are as follows:1. Chunky Monkeys: 1-0-0
2. Crunch Bunch: 1-0-0
3. City of Angels Masterminds: 1-0-0
4. Custom J: 1-0-0
5. Philadelphia Phreaks: 1-0-0
6. Jail Yard Boyz: 0-1-0
7. Battle Angels: 0-1-0
8. Gang Green: 0-1-0
9. LA Buffy: 0-1-0
10. A Squad Called Blitz: 0-1-0Some key trends emerged in Week 1. Quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Justin Fields performed well, exceeding their projected scores. Running backs such as Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard also had strong performances, surpassing their projected scores. On the other hand, some wide receivers like Tee Higgins and Davante Adams fell short of expectations. It will be interesting to see if these trends continue in the upcoming weeks.In terms of team performances, Chunky Monkeys and Crunch Bunch showcased strong offenses and secured convincing victories. City of Angels Masterminds and Philadelphia Phreaks also had solid performances and started the season with wins. On the other hand, Jail Yard Boyz and LA Buffy struggled to meet expectations and suffered losses in their season openers.As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these teams adapt and improve. With plenty of talent and potential on each roster, the Catch the Damn Ball league is sure to provide thrilling matchups and intense competition throughout the season. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season unfolds.

2021 CTDB: Power Rankings - Final Regular Season

And with that, the 2021 regular season in the books!  Before we officially kick of the 2021 playoffs, here's a quick power rankings recap.  For the most part, the rankings matched our final statistics except for two teams - Jammers and Gang Green.  Before we move into playoff and consolidation brackets, an interesting visit back to the season to see how one of these teams ended up solidly in the playoffs and the other, out (despite winning last year's championship).

The Jammers officially finished the season 3rd in the standings with a decidedly solid 8-6 record while Gang Green finished 8th with a 6-8 record.  However, taking a closer look,  Greg's team averaged more than 10 pts scored each week as compared to Lei's team and the final standings with one in the playoffs while the other playing in the consolidation brackets were basically a result of two matchups.  

For Greg, it was their week 6 matchup against the Monkeys and their week 13 matchup against Mastermind.  Gang Green combined for nearly 280 points in those two weeks but simply ran into bad luck and lost to juggernaut weeks.  On the flipside, the Jammers were able to eek out wins in weeks 9 and 11 despite scoring only 99.65 and 103.9 pts respectively.  Both crucial wins in the stretch run that flipped their record to 8-6 when they could've 6-8.  Lei won both games by less than 2 points.  Nuts.

Each lucky win (and unlucky loss) made a huge difference.  And with that - the final power rankings for 2021.  

2021 CTDB: Power Rankings Week 6

With the fantasy season, nearing it's half way mark, here's another look at the league's power rankings.  

1.  Chunky Monkeys.  After a middling start through the first 3 weeks (literally), the Monkeys are surging.  Jumping 4 spots to claim the top spot, the Monkeys have averaged 161 points scored in the last weeks along with a 3-0 run.  They currently have the best record but with injuries hitting Saquan and Gibson, there's some trouble brewing in the waters potentially ahead.  

2.  Fat Jubas.  Despite a blip in Week 4 where the Jubas failed to score 80 points, the Jubas have been a juggernaut the past two weeks.  Kyler and team have averaged a crazy 175 points in weeks 5 and 6 and show no signs of slowing.  In fact, they're the only team to have scored 150+ points in at least 4 games.   

3.  Gang Green.  The hottest team outside of the Monkeys.  Team Green has also surged in standings despite a still somewhat mediocre record though they're much improved from their start.  Green will be without CMC for awhile but they can still put up points even after a heart breaking loss to the Monkeys in week 6.  

4.  Battle Angels.  Will's team is faltering a bit esp after two pretty mediocre games in Week 5 and 6.  Week 6 was the biggest dud with no player eclipsing the 20 point mark.  The team has been hurt by injuries to Kittle and Russel Wilson and also week 6 byes have not been kind but the Angels need a bit of a pick me up.  

5.  Custom J.  Josh's team is one of the biggest fallers since the Week 3 rankings.  They're still scoring well but a .500 record is mostly what impacts their lower power ranking score.  They did just win the hard fault brother matchup in week 6.  We think there's a lot more run for the Js and expect to see them a solid playoff contender.

6.  Crunch Bunch.  Eddie's team has been remarkably consistent with a week 6 blip as the only sign of weakness.  Sporting a 4-2 record, the only reason the Bunch is this far down the rankings is that they haven't truly had a breakout week like the teams above.  For the first 5 weeks, the Bunch has scored no less than 127 pts but also, no more than 137 points.  The breakout will come - give it time.  

7.  Phreaks.  Ping's team moved up a slot stemming mostly from a week 4 blow out week with 162 points.  That being said, the bottom 4 teams are clearly a step below the top 6 teams.  The Phreaks, Buffy, Mastermind and Jammers all sport a 2-4 record and have sub 120 pt/week averages.  

8.  Jammers.  Lei's team swapped with Ping's.   The Jammers have shown a bit of life after back to back 120+ pt showings.  Darrell Henderson has been a steal and Ja'Marr chase is the runaway ROY of the year.  There's definitely talent here but likely will take another year before we're talking playoffs.  

9.  Mastermind.   Similar to the Jammers, Mastermind has shown life the past two weeks.   This will be tricky with the Cowboys on a bye but Masterminds needs to start pulling out some wins.  

10.  Buffy.  Last time we wrote that Buffy really needs some of his unorthodox draft picks and keepers to payoff.  They haven't yet and unfortunately, Buffy remains in the cellar in these rankings.  They've really struggled to break the 100 pt mark in recent weeks but despite Hunt on IR, they are getting reinforcements in Bobby Trees showing some improvement, the return of Michael Thomas.  Who knows - its fantasy football!

2021 Power Rankings: WK3

With the first three games in the books, we're rolling out the CTDB 2021 power rankings which combines average score, score variance, and of course, win percentage.  We’ve got some teams rising back thanks to strong drafts and a few that definitely are work in progress. Without further ado:

1.  Custom J.   Josh's team is surging back after a very mediocre 2020 season.  Early picks of David Montgomery and TJ Hockenson have yielded reliable starters at the flex and TE positions and Custom J earns the top spot mostly due to his blow out week 1 performance of 182 points.  Josh is also tied for the best record and second highest average weekly scores.

2.  Battle Angels.  Will's team is a close second and is basically the opposite of Josh's Jekyll and Hyde team.  Angel's first 3 week scores - 136.6 , 138.5, 138.6.  He's consistently good   (and technically getting better!) Will's team has weathered a somewhat poor start with their running game with a strong pass game.  At this rate, Will might break 140 by week 5.

3.  Fat Jubas.  Eric's team has been our unluckiest team.  Despite having the league' highest average score of 148.4 points per week, the Jubas have only a 1-2 record to show for it.   While Carson and Taylor have been really disappointing, Kyler is the early favorite for MVP and Mike Williams has been the find of the draft so far (D'Andre Swift is probably a close 2nd).  Eric's team likely going to move up the rankings as his luck evens out so watch out rest of league

4.  Crunch Bunch.  Eddie's team came in to the draft strong and has started off the year strong.  He hasn't had a blow out week (highest score of 137.5) and hasn't seen really a bad week either.  Steady Eddie shall we say?  Ekeler and Aaron Jones have taken turns carrying the load while they wait for their pass game to come together.

5.  Chunky Monkeys.  The Monkeys have a very similar power rankings score to the Crunch Bunch except they've had a bit more variance to their weekly scores.  The running backs with Saquon and Antonio are showing life while the passing game is also hoping showing signs of improvement with finally a big game from Josh Allen in week 3.  If Tyreek and Diggs can combine for big games, the Monkeys just might have a shot.

6.  Jammers.  The league-drafted Jammers are showing some pop in their lineup (despite not playing Jamarr Chase!). They’re 2-1, had a strong score in week 2 and have shown an ability to put up some wins.  Key now is whether they can find a run game.  Gordon is in a time share and Singletary has regressed each week this season.  The team has talent and needs to get healthy - the Jammers are a borderline playoff team right now.

7.  Gang Green.  Last year's champion has had a middling start esp now with CMC hurt for a few weeks.  However, Green still sports a dangerous offense averaging nearly 135 points per week - good for 4th best in the league.  His power rankings mostly reflect Greg's 1-2 start but we wouldn't be surprised if Gang Green started pushing for a 1st week bye in the playoffs when the team gets healthy.

8.  Phreaks.  This is the part of the league that needs some work.  The next three teams average significantly lower scores and have some of the lowest weekly scores in the league so far (i.e. high variance).  Harris hasn't had quite the start the #1 overall pick was projected to have and Ping's Eagles-centric draft strategy really has hurt the team's onfield performance.  Devonta Smith, Eagles D and Jake Elliott have all been, well, bad.  If Najee and Javonte come on in the second half, that could make things interesting.

9.  Mastermind.   Mastermind has a very similar power ranking score to the Phreaks.  They haven't broken 130 yet and had a near-dud in week 3 with a score of 99.4 points (there've only been 4 scores under 100 this year). The team has some legit firepower with Brady/Dak at the helm but 50% of the bench is being occupied by QB, DEF and K players.  Mastermind needs another full time starter or two before we see them start climbing the ranks.

10.  Buffy.  Roger's had a tough start to the year after a self admitted 'unorthodox' draft.  Like Mastermind, Buffy hasn't been able to score more than 130 points a week and in fact, find themselves at the bottom of the rankings due to a horrific week 1 score of 72.8 points (only score under 90 so far this year).  Buffy doesn't have a standout player at any position - in fact, their best player in week 4 looks to be Chuba Hubbard who is slotting into a juicy role now that CMC is hurt.  Buffy really needs some of his 'unorthodox' keepers to start paying off - Tonyan, Steelers DEF have not delivered the goods so far.