Week 4 Recap - Revenge of the Rookie RBs

 CTDB Week 4 Recap: Rookie RBs Rise, Undefeateds Fall

League Headlines

No More Undefeateds: The marquee showdown between Chunky Monkeys (115.05) and custom J (96.75) ended in an upset — and with it, the league has no more perfect teams. Ironically, the matchup of two heavyweights produced two of the lowest scores of the week.

Rookie RB Renaissance: Omarion Hampton, Ashton Jeanty, Quinshon Judkins, Woody Marks — the long-hyped rookie RB class finally delivered in force, reshaping Week 4 outcomes.

Ping’s Power Play: The Philadelphia Phreaks (171.1) stormed back into relevance with the league’s highest score of the season.

Injury Carnage for Custom J: What was supposed to be a battle for supremacy turned into a nightmare. Lamar Jackson left early with a hamstring, Ricky Pearsall went down, and Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending dislocated knee. Josh is still 6-2, but his roster has been gutted.

Standings Shakeup: Jail Yard Boyz and Chunky Monkeys are tied atop the table at 7-1, but every week feels more volatile with injuries stacking and rookies breaking out.

Matchup Breakdown

Matchup of the Week: Chunky Monkeys (115.05) def. custom J (96.75)

Proj: 116.5 vs. 131.8 | Result: -1.5 vs. -35.0

It wasn’t pretty, but it was decisive. Drake Maye (29.55) did just enough for the Monkeys, while Trey Benson (19.9) looks poised to claim the Arizona backfield post-Conner injury. For Josh, everything went wrong: Lamar (14.15) struggled before exiting, Ricky Pearsall (7.2) got hurt, and Tyreek Hill (13.4) may be lost for the year. This matchup didn’t just hand Josh his first loss — it may redefine his season.

Philadelphia Phreaks (171.1) def. LA Buffy (119.95)

Proj: 128.6 vs. 109.2 | Result: +42.5 vs. +10.8

Ping unleashed an offensive avalanche. Jahmyr Gibbs (31.5), Justin Jefferson (30.6), and rookie Quinshon Judkins (22.6) led the way to the league’s highest score of the year. Roger’s LA Buffy got strong production from Baker Mayfield (25.75) and Deebo Samuel (17.1), but this was never close. Ping has now climbed back to .500 and looks very much alive in the playoff chase.

Jail Yard Boyz (141.4) def. Battle Angel (124.1)

Proj: 134.3 vs. 123.1 | Result: +7.1 vs. +1.0

Victor kept rolling thanks to Jalen Hurts (37.3) and Omarion Hampton (25.0), who immediately seized control of the Chargers’ backfield. Will’s Battle Angels showed fight behind Patrick Mahomes’ explosion (38.0) and George Pickens’ true breakout (29.4), but came up short. For Will, the Pickens performance is a much-needed offensive spark, even in defeat.

City of Angels Masterminds (165.4) def. Gang Green (139.05)

Proj: 121.4 vs. 134.1 | Result: +44.0 vs. +4.9

Marcus finally showed what a ceiling week looks like. Jared Goff (40.15) and Ashton Jeanty (33.5) were the engines of a 165-point eruption, the second-highest score of the season. Greg’s Gang Green wasn’t bad — Josh Allen (29.3) and CMC (22.1) both delivered — but Marcus rode his rookies to a convincing win and breathed new life into his campaign.

Crunch Bunch (117.95) def. Battle Angel (111.0)

Proj: 122.8 vs. 123.1 | Result: -4.9 vs. -12.1

Eddie’s Crunch Bunch leaned on Jordan Mason (23.6) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (17.2) to outlast Will’s Angels in a low-scoring slugfest. Mahomes and Pickens gave Will the firepower, but duds from Chris Olave (9.1) and Hollywood Brown (5.4) sank him. Eddie escapes with a narrow win and steadies his record.

FAAB Watch

Chunky Monkeys: Continued depth churn, adding Kaleb Johnson ($5) and Tory Horton ($1).

Custom J: Added Tre Tucker ($0) after losing key WRs.

Crunch Bunch: Grabbed Evan McPherson in the kicker shuffle.

Trades: Big move of the week — Chunky Monkeys sent George Pickens + Bhayshul Tuten for TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson immediately scored in his Monkeys debut, while Pickens posted his breakout in Battle Angel’s lineup.

Standings Snapshot (After Week 4)

1. Jail Yard Boyz (7-1)
2. Chunky Monkeys (7-1)
3. custom J (6-2)
4. Gang Green (5-3)
5. Philadelphia Phreaks (4-4)
6. City of Angels Masterminds (3-5)
7. Crunch Bunch (3-5)
8. A Squad Called Blitz (2-6)
9. LA Buffy (2-6)
10. Battle Angel (1-7)

Final Word

Week 4 marked a clear pivot point: the rookie RB class has arrived, Custom J is reeling from injuries, and Ping reminded everyone what a high ceiling looks like. As we move into the midseason grind, volatility is high, depth matters more than ever, and the gap between contenders and pretenders is starting to crystallize.

🚨 CTDB Breaking Trade: Henderson to the Monkeys 🚨

Two franchises heading in opposite directions made a bold swap this week as the Battle Angels (1-5, 9th place) shipped rookie RB Treyveon Henderson (#5 pick) to the Chunky Monkeys (6-0, 2nd place) in exchange for WR George Pickens (#22 pick) and rookie RB Bayshul Tuten (#32 pick).

Trade at a Glance

• Chunky Monkeys receive:

  • RB Treyveon Henderson (NE, rookie, #5 overall)

• Battle Angels receive:

  • WR George Pickens (DAL, #22 overall)

  • RB Bayshul Tuten (JAX, rookie, #32 overall)
    
    

Team Context

Chunky Monkeys (6-0, 2nd place, +40 point differential)

• Despite their spotless record, this roster was RB-thin, leaning on a struggling Chase Brown and newly promoted RB1, Trey Benson, as weekly starters.

• Built around rookie QB Jayden Daniel, TE phenom (albeit currently injured) Brock Bowers, and a surprisingly strong receiver room with JSN, Rome Odunze, and Rashee Rice, the Monkeys had everything but a long-term RB1.

• Adding Henderson instantly gives them that potential cornerstone back, even if 2025 production is more committee than workhorse.

Strategic Lens:
This is a rare rebuilder that also finds themselves in contention. Sitting at 6-0 buys them time to let Henderson develop while they still lean on WR and TE production - though sources tell us that Henderson will be relied on as a weekly flex. Henderson could become the lead back they've lacked since shipping Barkley away a year and a half ago.

Battle Angels (1-5, 9th place, -77 point differential)

• A team desperate for points today, the Angels can’t afford to wait on Henderson’s role to grow.

• Their roster is built around Patrick Mahomes, Kyren Williams, and Chris Olave, but lack of WR depth and inconsistent RB production has doomed them to the basement.

• By adding Pickens, the Angels get a ready-made starter who slots in immediately as their WR2 while CeeDee Lamb is out in Dallas. Tuten, meanwhile, is a stash with Etienne insurance and is seeing increased touches with Bigsby out of town.

Strategic Lens:
For a team that needs Ws to even sniff playoffs, turning a speculative rookie RB into a usable WR2 is a pragmatic pivot. Pickens’ age (24) keeps keeper value alive, making this not just a rental.

Keeper Implications

• Monkeys: Keeper options are now surpringly deep with Daniels, Bowers, Odunze, JSN, Henderson and Rashee as a young nucleus to choose from. If Henderson hits, this core suddenly looks like a dynasty.

• Angels: Pickens may prove a long-term WR2 keeper alongside Olave, while Tuten’s upside may become even clearer as the season progresses. Henderson could haunt them if he breaks out, but they may not have survived long enough to see it.
  
  

Trade Grades

• Chunky Monkeys: A-
  They overpaid in pure draft capital terms (#5 pick for #22 + #32), but Henderson’s upside as a home-run RB prospect outweighs the risk. Exactly the type of gamble a franchise in search of a core should make.

• Battle Angels: B+
  They sold low on Henderson’s ceiling, but desperate times call for tradeable talent. Pickens gives them an immediate WR2 and a long-term WR2 keeper candidate.
  
  

Bottom Line

This deal is the definition of win-now vs future upside.

• The Monkeys secure a potential long-term franchise RB to go with their stacked young roster, betting Henderson’s role will grow.

• The Angels cash in patience for production, giving Mahomes another weapon in a season that’s already slipping away.

In three years, we’ll look back and ask: Did the Monkeys just buy their next Saquon… or did the Angels steal a young WR and RB combo that also turned around their 2025 season?

Week 3 Recap: Injuries Altering Early Backfields

 

CTDB Week 3 Recap: Injury Bug Bites

Week 3 was a study in competitive balance. Scores ran tightly from a weekly high of 132.9 (Josh) to a low of 111.0 (Will) — a 21.9-point spread that’s far narrower than usual. The takeaway: no one is an easy out this season.

At the top, custom J and Chunky Monkeys both moved to 6–0, cementing themselves as the early favorites. Right behind, Jail Yard Boyz (5–1) and Gang Green (4–2) are keeping pressure on.

But the real story was the injury fallout. Najee Harris (Achilles) and James Conner (ankle surgery) are both done for the year. That elevates Omarion Hampton with the Chargers and Trey Benson with the Cardinals to major keeper relevance — conveniently, both already rostered by Victor and Evan. 

Game of the Week: Jail Yard Boyz defeats the Phreaks

The league’s first true photo finish. Heading into Monday night, Ping trailed but still had Jahmyr Gibbs, while Victor had Sam LaPorta. Gibbs erupted for 24.0 FPTS, but LaPorta’s 9.5 just barely kept Victor afloat. Final margin: 1.6 points.

Victor’s win was built on Jalen Hurts (37.3) — irony not lost on Ping, a diehard Eagles fan who had to watch his QB1 torch him for a fantasy loss. Vikings D/ST (29.0) also delivered the kind of fluky ceiling that flips weeks. The WR corps (Chase 6.4, Nabers 2.3, Higgins 2.0) sputtered, but Victor survived.

Ping’s team once again looked strong. Gibbs (24.0), Nacua (21.8), and Jefferson (10.0) did their jobs. But Eagles D/ST (3.2) and Brian Thomas Jr. (6.5) couldn’t match the fireworks on the other side.

Implications: Victor improves to 5–1 with a roster that can win in multiple ways. Ping falls to 2–4, but his scoring is much stronger than his record — a dangerous profile for future opponents.

Other Matchups

custom J (Josh) 132.9 – LA Buffy (Roger) 111.6

• Josh: Projected 126.4 → Scored 132.9 (+6.5 vs PROJ)

• Roger: Projected 114.6 → Scored 111.6 (–3.0 vs PROJ)

Josh flexed contender status again. Lamar Jackson (35.9) stole the show, while Tyreek Hill (13.4) and Trey McBride (12.4) added stability. Broncos D/ST (6.0) was the only weak link.

Roger rode David Montgomery (28.9), but James Conner (1.6, injured) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (10.7) capped upside. The Texans D/ST (4.0) didn’t help either. A decent week, but not enough against the league’s high scorer.

Chunky Monkeys (Evan) 120.2 – City of Angels Masterminds (Marcus) 116.6

• Evan: Projected 116.6 → Scored 120.2 (+3.6 vs PROJ)

• Marcus: Projected 125.7 → Scored 116.6 (–9.1 vs PROJ)

Evan’s rebuild-that’s-not-a-rebuild keeps humming. Drake Maye (25.9) delivered a breakout while Jayden Daniels nursed an ailing knee, with George Pickens (15.3) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (14.6) adding support. The Seahawks D/ST (9.0) was steady. With CeeDee potentially out for a few weeks, Evan's stable of receivers only got stronger. 

Marcus leaned on Dak Prescott (29.7) and James Cook (26.0), while kicker Brandon Aubrey (18.0) chipped in. But Courtland Sutton (1.1) and Breece Hall (7.8) dragged the total down. As a Cowboys fan, at least he could enjoy Dak’s fantasy fireworks.

Crunch Bunch (Eddie) 118.0 – Battle Angel (Will) 111.0

• Eddie: Projected 122.8 → Scored 118.0 (–4.8 vs PROJ)

• Will: Projected 123.1 → Scored 111.0 (–12.1 vs PROJ)

Eddie got enough from his WR1/WR2 punch: A.J. Brown (19.7) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (17.2). Kenneth Walker (16.8) and Jordan Mason (23.6) carried the RB load.

Will had strong RB play — Kyren Williams (18.2) and Javonte Williams (14.6) — but his Mahomes/Kelce stack (17.4 + 8.1) fell flat. As a Cowboys fan, Will had to watch Mahomes and Kelce not only fail him in fantasy but also knock off Dallas’ playoff rivals in real life.

Gang Green (Greg) 122.6 – A Squad Called Blitz (Thien) 114.0

• Greg: Projected 139.3 → Scored 122.6 (–16.7 vs PROJ)

• Thien: Projected 128.9 → Scored 114.0 (–14.9 vs PROJ)

Greg survived a down week thanks to Josh Allen (31.2) and Christian McCaffrey (19.0). Zay Flowers (19.4) was the WR bright spot. His FAAB splash — $26 Zach Ertz, $25 Juwan Johnson — shows a clear commitment to fixing TE. Ironic given that Greg was the team that booted Bowers from the keeper list - though Brock hasn't exactly been a vanguard of fantasy performance so far either.

Thien actually got spikes from Jonathan Taylor (31.3) and Mark Andrews (24.1), plus solid outings from Bijan Robinson (19.2) and CeeDee Lamb (20.4). But the supporting cast let him down. As a 49ers fan, watching his team go 0–6 is becoming a painful Sunday ritual. CeeDee is reportedly out for a few weeks dealing with a high ankle sprain - something Thien will have have to navigate.

Weekly Awards

• Highest Scorer: custom J (132.9) — powered by Lamar Jackson.

• Lowest Scorer: Battle Angel (111.0) — an off week for Mahomes/Kelce.

• FAAB King: Greg (Gang Green) — $51 on TEs (Ertz + Johnson).

• Future Investment: Trey Benson (Evan) — Conner’s injury hands him the keys.

• Win-Now Hero: Vikings D/ST (29.0, Victor) — the true margin of victory.

• Keeper Goldmine: Omarion Hampton (Victor) — Harris’ injury gives him a clear lane.

• Game of the Week MVP: Jalen Hurts (37.3, Victor) — torched Ping, an Eagles diehard, for the win.

League Pulse Check

• 6–0: custom J, Chunky Monkeys — different roster builds, same result.

• 5–1: Jail Yard Boyz — survived a nail-biter, now chasing the top.

• 4–2: Gang Green — contender pedigree, shoring up TE.

• 3–3: Crunch Bunch — gritty, not pretty, but playoff-relevant.

• 2–4: Philadelphia Phreaks — record doesn’t match scoring strength.

• 2–4: LA Buffy — needs WR breakout to rise.

• 1–5: City of Angels, Battle Angel — competitive but can’t finish.

• 0–6: A Squad Called Blitz — JT and Andrews popped, but depth is a canyon.

Parity is real: the scoring band is shrinking, and every decision matters. With cousins continuing their sweep and injuries shaking up the RB market, Week 4 could be the most pivotal waiver week yet.

Weel 2 Recap: A Family Affair

Week 2 delivered shakeups across CTDB. custom J and Chunky Monkeys both moved to 4–0, separating from the pack as early season pace-setters. Jail Yard Boyz lurk close behind at 3–1, while established powers like Gang Green and the Phreaks found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

League rules even shaped the storylines. Ping, who championed the new Bonus Win/Bonus Loss mechanic, benefited from it in Week 1 but couldn’t capitalize this time. Facing yet another high-scoring opponent, the Phreaks fell to 1–3 and remain mired in the bottom half despite a strong keeper portfolio.

Meanwhile, Crunch Bunch bounced back from their Week 1 low to unleash one of the highest totals of the season. And quietly, four teams with shared family ties all notched victories, adding an undercurrent of rivalry that could define the playoff race.

Game of the Week: Crunch Bunch (Eddie) 141.5 – Philadelphia Phreaks (Ping) 115.6

This matchup showcased both offensive fireworks and keeper pedigree. Eddie’s Crunch Bunch responded to an anemic Week 1 with a dominant 141.5 outing, headlined by Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 34.7 masterpiece. Bo Nix delivered 28.3 with composure beyond his years, while Tucker Kraft stunned at tight end with 21.4. On the bench, Kenneth Walker III’s 18.3 reminded everyone that Eddie’s depth runs deep.

Ping’s Phreaks weren’t poor — Puka Nacua (23.6), Jahmyr Gibbs (17.9), and Saquon Barkley (16.4) all turned in strong performances. But J.J. McCarthy’s stumble (4.4) left too much ground to cover. It was déjà vu: for the second week in a row, Ping ran into one of the highest scores in the league. Only this time, no bonus win softened the blow.

Implications: For Eddie, the win reasserts Crunch Bunch as a dangerous roster with legitimate upside. For Ping, the standings are deceptive. At 1–3, he looks vulnerable, but with Jefferson, Gibbs, and Barkley in the fold, few will want to see the Phreaks on their schedule.

Other Matchups

Chunky Monkeys (Evan) 142.6 – A Squad Called Blitz (Thien) 105.9

Chunky Monkeys rolled to 4–0 with another big performance. Rome Odunze (28.3) and Jayden Daniels (25.7) formed the offensive core, while Jameson Williams (17.8) chipped in. Drake Maye’s 32.6 sat on the bench, another reminder of Evan’s growing stable of keepers.

Thien’s Blitz put up a fight with Jonathan Taylor (28.5) and Bijan Robinson (18.3), but the Joe Burrow injury has left the team rudderless. CeeDee Lamb’s 15.7 wasn’t enough to offset the QB struggles. Trevor Lawrence (23.0 on the bench) now looms as the obvious pivot.

Jail Yard Boyz (Victor) 130.95 – LA Buffy (Roger) 97.7

Victor Yeh’s Boyz continued their strong start at 3–1. Malik Nabers erupted for 33.2, Ja’Marr Chase followed with 29.5, and Bucky Irving added 15.1. Notably, Victor’s pickup of Quentin Johnston already looks prescient, giving him yet another young WR asset.

Roger’s Buffy had uneven production. Kyler Murray (18.2) was fine, and James Conner (12.6) steady, but Marvin Harrison Jr. managed only 3.7. The Ravens D/ST (13.0) was a bright spot, but Baker Mayfield (26.0) and Stefon Diggs (19.1) on the bench underscored the difficulty of lineup calls in a transitional season.

custom J (Josh) 131.15 – City of Angels Masterminds (Marcus) 116.95

Josh remains unbeaten at 4–0. Lamar Jackson was electric (36.55), De’Von Achane (22.2) flashed elite speed, and Chuba Hubbard added 16.2. Even with Tyreek Hill muted at 13.9 and the Broncos D/ST sinking at –7, the firepower was too much.

Marcus Moore’s Masterminds kept pace longer than expected. Dak Prescott (29.75), James Cook (26.0), and Brandon Aubrey (18.0) all delivered. Jared Goff’s 47.3 on the bench was the story — a lineup call that could have swung the upset. For a rebuilding roster, though, it was an encouraging week.

Battle Angel (Will) 103.55 – Gang Green (Greg) 97.4

Will Lo’s veterans stole the spotlight. Patrick Mahomes (25.95) led the way, Javonte Williams emerged with 22.0, and Travis Kelce chipped in 8.1. Chris Olave’s 19.0 on the bench reinforced the roster’s flexibility.

Greg Ng’s Gang Green finally hit a speed bump. Davante Adams (19.6), Christian McCaffrey (19.7), and Derrick Henry (17.3) all produced, but Josh Allen’s 13.3 fell flat. Caleb Williams (23.05) and Michael Pittman Jr. (19.4) stayed on the bench, and Greg fell to 2–2. It was a rare sub-100 performance for one of the league’s most consistent scorers.

Weekly Awards

• Highest Scorer: Chunky Monkeys (142.6) – Evan’s young roster continues to surge.

• Lowest Scorer: LA Buffy (97.7) – Harrison Jr. and Metcalf fizzled, leaving Roger stranded.

• Future Investment: Drake Maye (32.6, Evan’s bench) – Another foundational piece emerging.

• Win-Now Hero: Jonathan Taylor (28.5, Thien) – A bright spot in a tough week.

• Keeper Goldmine: Malik Nabers (33.2, Victor) – A superstar in the making.

• Game of the Week MVP: Amon-Ra St. Brown (34.7, Eddie) – Sparked Crunch Bunch’s revival.

League Pulse Check

The standings tell the story. At the top, Josh’s custom J and Evan’s Chunky Monkeys sit at 4–0, the league’s only unbeatens. Victor’s Jail Yard Boyz (3–1) aren’t far behind, and Greg’s Gang Green rounds out the contender pack despite a stumble.

Eddie’s Crunch Bunch (2–2) showed they can hang with anyone, while Roger’s Buffy and Ping’s Phreaks sit in the muddled middle but the season istill young. Will’s Battle Angel and Marcus’ Masterminds remain competitive but inconsistent, while Thien’s Blitz (0–4) need a turnaround plan including a new starting QB for the next few months.

The Bonus Win/Bonus Loss rule is already shaping the table, with Ping both benefitting and suffering from it in consecutive weeks. Keeper talent remains concentrated, but surprise wins are keeping the playoff race wide open. As we head into Week 3, no one’s season is over — changes will need to be made soon.

Week 1 Recap

 

The long offseason gave way to fireworks in Week 1 as scoring surged across the league. Three teams cleared 130 points, with Greg Ng’s Gang Green leading the charge behind Josh Allen’s monster 46.7 outing. Keeper assets flashed early: young wideouts like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. made an immediate impact, while established quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield reminded the league that veterans still decide matchups.

The week’s defining storyline: contenders showed they’re ready to reload. Last season’s playoff mainstays — Philadelphia Phreaks, custom J, and Gang Green — all looked sharp, while rebuilding squads like Crunch Bunch and City of Angels stumbled out of the gate.

Our Game of the Week? A heavyweight clash between Ping Shen’s Philadelphia Phreaks and Greg Ng’s Gang Green. Two perennial contenders, loaded keeper portfolios, and an early measuring stick for championship aspirations.

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Game of the Week: Philadelphia Phreaks vs. Gang Green

Final Score: Gang Green 155.8 – Philadelphia Phreaks 130.35

This was as marquee as Week 1 gets: two top-four finishers from last year colliding right out of the gate. On paper, it was even. In reality, Josh Allen put on a clinic. His 46.7 points set the week’s high-water mark and tilted the matchup firmly in Greg Ng’s favor.

Gang Green piled on from there: Derrick Henry bulldozed to 28.7, while Zay Flowers broke free for 24.6. Even with Davante Adams muted, Greg’s depth overwhelmed.

Ping Shen’s Phreaks weren’t passive victims. Brock Purdy’s 23.55 kept the offense humming, and his young core of Emeka Egbuka (21.6) and Puka Nacua (18.1) showed why this roster is a perennial keeper factory. But it wasn’t enough to match Allen’s nuclear output.

The turning point came late Sunday. With Henry and Flowers both erupting in Buffalo’s shootout, what was a tight duel stretched into a 25-point margin. Phreaks’ bench (J.J. McCarthy 27.65, Austin Ekeler 19.6) teased upside but stayed unused.

Implications: Gang Green plants its flag as the league’s early juggernaut. With Allen, McCaffrey, and Henry anchoring the present and Garrett Wilson in the future, Greg has the rare roster that can win now and later. The Phreaks still looked formidable, but they’ll need sharper lineup decisions to keep pace with the arms race at the top.

Other Matchups

Chunky Monkeys (Evan Shiue) 104.05 – Battle Angel (Will Lo) 103.5

This was Week 1’s closest finish, decided by less than a point. Jayden Daniels (24.45) was steady, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (14.9) made the leap, and kicker Cam Little (14.0) quietly delivered the winning edge.

Will Lo had to feel snakebitten. Patrick Mahomes’ 30.6 was the week’s QB2, Kyren Williams chipped in 13.4, and George Kittle returned 10.5. But with Travis Kelce (11.7) and Chris Olave (19.0) stranded on the bench, Battle Angel’s depth turned bittersweet.

Keeper lens: Evan’s roster is still young and volatile — Daniels, Odunze, and Smith-Njigba all showed flashes. Will, by contrast, is all-in on the Mahomes/Kelce/Kittle veteran trio. These are two teams heading opposite directions strategically, but their Week 1 thriller reminded us the margins are razor-thin.

Injury note: George Kittle suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for a few weeks

LA Buffy (Roger Cheng) 104.15 – City of Angels Masterminds (Marcus Moore) 85.5

Roger Cheng’s squad leaned on Baker Mayfield (30.25), Marvin Harrison Jr. (15.6), and James Conner (12.4) to edge past Marcus Moore. The Texans D/ST (11.0) sealed things up.

For City of Angels, the running back tandem of James Cook (18.7) and Breece Hall (15.5) looked sharp, and Courtland Sutton (15.1) chipped in. But Dak Prescott’s quiet 9.7 left Marcus chasing. Rashid Shaheed (21.2) on the bench was salt in the wound.

Buffy sits at 1-0 and looks like a balanced contender: Mayfield provides stability, and Harrison Jr. could be a keeper crown jewel. Marcus, meanwhile, faces tough questions. His keeper assets (Worthy, Hall, Cook) are future-leaning, but he needs Prescott to stabilize or risk sliding into full rebuild.

Jail Yard Boyz (Victor Yeh) 98.8 – Crunch Bunch (Eddie Huang) 68.7

This one was over early. Jalen Hurts (25.8) and Josh Jacobs (13.5) pushed Victor Yeh’s Boyz ahead, with rookie Bucky Irving adding 12.5. Justin Herbert’s 21.7 on the bench offered insurance.

Eddie Huang’s Crunch Bunch sputtered. Alvin Kamara managed 12.7, Bo Nix 10.6, and Tez McMillan 9.3. That’s it. Nick Chubb (8.8) and Jordan Love (21.8) on the bench provided a glimpse of hope, but the starting lineup simply lacked firepower.

From a keeper standpoint, the Boyz remain loaded: Chase, Nabers, and Irving are already paying dividends. Crunch Bunch, once a contender, may need to re-evaluate. St. Brown and Aiyuk are solid anchors, but Week 1 showed this team is caught between timelines.

custom J (Joshua Huang) 141.95 – A Squad Called Blitz (Thien Dinh) 98.15

The week’s biggest rout. Lamar Jackson (35.45) was electric, Chuba Hubbard (16.4) and De’Von Achane (15.0) complemented perfectly, and the Broncos D/ST (12.0) iced it.

Thien Dinh’s Blitz found positives: Bijan Robinson (21.4) showed why he’s a foundational keeper, CeeDee Lamb chipped in 14.5, and Joe Burrow hung on for 11.95. But the rest sputtered. Trevor Lawrence (14.1) and Dalton Kincaid (12.8) on the bench outscored multiple starters, compounding the pain.

custom J looks terrifying. Between Lamar, Achane, and McConkey, Joshua has both ceiling and keeper depth. For Blitz, the young core is intact (Bijan, Taylor, Lamb, London), but Burrow needs to bounce back fast. Otherwise, it could be another year of wasted prime keeper assets.

Weekly Awards

• Highest Scorer: Gang Green (155.8) – Josh Allen’s 46.7 set the tone, with Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers cleaning up.

• Lowest Scorer: Crunch Bunch (68.7) – A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra never got rolling, leaving Eddie Huang scrambling.

• Future Investment: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (14.9, Chunky Monkeys) – Evan Shiue’s patience is starting to pay off.

• Win-Now Hero: Patrick Mahomes (30.6, Battle Angel) – Nearly stole a win single-handedly.

• Keeper Goldmine: Marvin Harrison Jr. (15.6, LA Buffy) – Already looks like Roger Cheng’s cornerstone.

• Game of the Week MVP: Josh Allen (46.7, Gang Green) – Simply unstoppable in the league’s headline matchup.

League Pulse Check

After one week, the separation is already visible.

• Contenders: Gang Green, custom J, and the Phreaks have the rosters (and Week 1 output) to dictate this season. LA Buffy is positioning to join that tier.

• Transitioning Teams: Chunky Monkeys eked out a win with youth, while Blitz sits on a keeper core that underdelivered but remains powerful.

• Rebuilders: Crunch Bunch and City of Angels need to ask if 2025 is already slipping away. Keeper portfolios are strong, but lineups aren’t competitive yet.

The trade market will heat up fast. Teams like Battle Angel — armed with Mahomes, Kelce, and Kittle — may cash in keeper assets to stay afloat. Meanwhile, rebuilding squads could start dangling veterans to contenders desperate for depth.

Week 1 was a reminder: in this league, it’s not just about today’s win. It’s about stacking tomorrow’s dynasty too.

Rule Changes: Out with the Old, In with the New

 

2024-2025 Season Updates

Moving on from the Toilet Bowl

In the spirit of optimizing for competitive balance, we retired the Toilet Bowl effective the 2024 season. While the consolation tournament for non-playoff teams helped keep managers engaged and fighting for better draft position, it was time to move on - going forward, draft picks will be in straight reverse of the regular season standings (with the exception of the champion and runner-up in the final two slots).

Bonus Wins & Losses

Starting in 2025, we're implementing ESPN's Bonus Wins & Losses feature. Here's how it works:

Every week, you compete in two contests:

• Your head-to-head matchup
• Your ranking against the entire league

Top half scorers get a bonus win. Bottom half get a bonus loss.

Your weekly record becomes:

• 2-0: Beat your opponent AND scored in top half
• 1-1: Won your matchup but scored poorly, OR lost but scored well
• 0-2: Lost your matchup AND scored in bottom half

ESPN automatically uses these combined records for playoff seeding.

This change passed unanimously.

Why This Matters

The bonus system solves fantasy football's biggest frustration: losing with a great score because you faced someone's best week. Now that 140-point performance gets recognized even if your opponent dropped 145.

Every lineup decision matters more because you're competing against 11 teams, not just one. No more throwaway weeks. No more backing into playoffs with lucky scheduling.

The math is simple: consistent high scoring gets rewarded. Schedule luck matters less. Performance matters more.

What Changes

Strategy shifts immediately. Do you play it safe for the head-to-head win or swing for ceiling to beat the field? Trade negotiations now factor in weekly upside, not just matchup advantages.

Playoff races intensify. Mediocre-but-lucky records become harder to achieve. Point differential actually matters for seeding.

Every week stays competitive. Even blowout losses can yield bonus wins with strong scoring.

CTDB 2025 Draft Recap

San Francisco, CA

By: ChatGPT 5.0

In a format with unlimited keepers and no penalties, rookie and sophomore inflation was again the headline. The first three picks told the story: Ashton Jeanty 1.01, Brock Bowers 1.02, Omarion Hampton 1.03. Managers split into two camps. A few doubled down on a 2025 trophy with veteran volume and stable roles. Others paid a premium for long-term ceiling, accepting short-term volatility. Quarterback stayed disciplined for most rooms, but we still saw a few early reaches in a 1QB league that could have been redeployed at RB or WR where positional scarcity bites in season.

Below, I grade the draft itself and note keeper quality separately, since your rosters start with those five stones already set. Round and overall pick references use your “by pick” sheet. Keepers are at the bottom block of your file and are evaluated under “Keeper Impact.”

A Squad Called Blitz

Grade: A

Summary: Already loaded at keeper with Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, CeeDee Lamb, Drake London, and Joe Burrow, Blitz added efficient win-now juice. DJ Moore (2.07, 17) and Isiah Pacheco (3.07, 27) slot as weekly starters and trade chips. There were a couple of luxury moves, yet the core is strong enough to absorb them.

• Best Pick: Isiah Pacheco (3.07, 27). As an RB3 behind Bijan and JT, Pacheco gives weekly leverage and mid-season trade equity.

• Questionable Pick: 49ers D/ST (7.07, 67). That capital could have been a flex with keeper value.

• Team Identity: Win-now juggernaut with tradable surplus.

• 2025 Outlook: Title favorite. Floor is a top-4 finish.

• Keeper Impact: Already elite. The draft adds start/sit leverage and liquid assets without compromising the window.

Battle Angel

Grade: B+

Summary: With Kyren Williams, Mike Evans, George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes as keepers, Will leaned into RB and upside WR. TreVeyon Henderson (1.05, 5) plus Tony Pollard (2.05, 15) gives punch, but Travis Hunter (3.05, 25) was the needle-mover for long-term keeper equity.

• Best Pick: Travis Hunter (3.05, 25). Optimal keeper swing who can be a year-two nuclear asset.

• Questionable Pick: Tony Pollard (2.05, 15). Fine for 2025, but opportunity cost versus WR didn’t help roster balance.

• Team Identity: RB-centric with a premium QB-TE spine.

• 2025 Outlook: Playoffs if RBs stay healthy. Top-2 seed if Henderson pops by midseason.

• Keeper Impact: Hunter extends the window after Kelce/Kittle age out.

Chunky Monkeys

Grade: B-

Summary: Loved the process on Brock Bowers (1.02, 2) and Jameson Williams (2.02, 12). With keepers Rome Odunze, Rashee Rice, Jayden Daniels, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chase Brown, you now own the room’s most dangerous TE and a terrifying young WR stack. The issue is immediate RB2. Drafted Bhayshul Tuten (4.02, 32), Jaydon Blue (5.02, 42), and Trey Benson (7.02, 62) as a portfolio, which is smart structurally, but none is a Week 1 lock.

• Best Pick: Brock Bowers (1.02, 2). Massive positional edge right away with dynasty-level payoff.

• Questionable Pick: RB portfolio construction. You assembled bets rather than a clear RB2 starter.

• Team Identity: Balanced with a TE hammer and WR avalanche.

• 2025 Outlook: Playoffs if one RB bet turns into a reliable 12–15 touch back. Ceiling capped if RB2 remains a weekly patch.

• Keeper Impact: Off the charts at WR and TE. You need either Chase Brown to break out or to buy a veteran RB2 via trade.

Practical fix: package George Pickens or Jameson Williams with a rookie RB for a stable RB2 target from a depth-rich team.

 

City of Angels Masterminds

Grade: C+

Summary: The rebuild theme is coherent. Ashton Jeanty (1.01, 1) is the perfect pick for this format, and keepers Breece Hall, James Cook, Xavier Worthy, Dak Prescott, Courtland Sutton are a nice runway. But spending premium capital on K (6.01, 51) and D/ST (7.01, 61) cost two bullets at the deepest flex tier.

• Best Pick: Joe Mixon (11.01, 101). Quiet value for 2025 volume at a price that did not exist a few seasons ago.

• Questionable Pick: Brandon Aubrey K (6.01, 51). The market never demands this price in a keeper league.

• Team Identity: Youth-tilted rebuild.

• 2025 Outlook: Outside shot at a playoff run if Jeanty hits early and Mixon has one more grind year.

• Keeper Impact: Jeanty plus Hall is a two-year RB nucleus. Replace the K/D slots with higher-ceiling darts next time.

Crunch Bunch

Grade: B

Summary: Keepers Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, Brandon Aiyuk, Alvin Kamara, Kenneth Walker give a luxury WR start and flexible RB room. The draft leaned development at premium slots with Tetairoa McMillan (1.06, 6) and Bo Nix (3.06, 26) while still landing functional value like Cooper Kupp (10.06, 96).

• Best Pick: Cooper Kupp (10.06, 96). For where he went, even 70 percent of old Kupp is profit.

• Questionable Pick: Bo Nix (3.06, 26) in 1QB. Opportunity cost at WR or RB stings more here.

• Team Identity: Balanced with elite WRs.

• 2025 Outlook: Contender if one of Kaleb Johnson or Tyrone Tracy earns 14+ touches.

• Keeper Impact: Tetairoa McMillan future-proofs WR even more. You can shop surplus WR for RB insurance by midseason.

Custom J

Grade: B

Summary: Correction confirmed: Tyreek Hill was drafted at 1.09 (9). Pairing Hill with keepers De’Von Achane, Trey McBride, Ladd McConkey, Lamar Jackson, Chuba Hubbard creates a scary weekly ceiling. The mid-rounds were a mixed bag. Ricky Pearsall (3.09, 29) was sharp. Broncos D/ST (5.09, 49) and a kicker at 13.09 muted some upside.

• Best Pick: Tyreek Hill (1.09, 9). Immediate WR1 who pairs perfectly with Lamar’s week-to-week spikes.

• Questionable Pick: Broncos D/ST (5.09, 49). That slot could have been a flex with keeper equity.

• Team Identity: Win-now.

• 2025 Outlook: Playoff team with top-3 upside if Achane stays healthy and one of Dobbins or Marks becomes RB2.

• Keeper Impact: Hill plus McConkey and McBride makes 2026 still bright, but you will want one more young RB in the pipeline.

Gang Green

Grade: A-

Summary: The keepers are a cheat code: Josh Allen, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson. The draft added Zay Flowers (2.08, 18), T.J. Hockenson (3.08, 28), and a screaming value in Michael Pittman Jr. (8.08, 78). The room’s best three-receiver set might be here. Two quibbles: D’Andre Swift (1.08, 8) overlaps your RB archetype, and in 1QB the Caleb Williams (7.08, 68) pick is luxury more than leverage.

• Best Pick: Michael Pittman Jr. (8.08, 78). Weekly volume floor at a bargain price.

• Questionable Pick: Caleb Williams (7.08, 68) behind Josh Allen. Trade chip, but flex equity would help more.

• Team Identity: Stars-and-scrubs win-now.

• 2025 Outlook: Finals ceiling. Floor is a top-4 exit if Henry’s usage declines.

• Keeper Impact: Passing on keeping Brock Bowers will remain a storyline. Hockenson reduces the sting in the short run.

Jail Yard Boyz

Grade: B

Summary: The keeper nucleus Ja’Marr Chase, Malik Nabers, Bucky Irving, Josh Jacobs, Tee Higgins is excellent. Drafting Omarion Hampton (1.03, 3) fits the format, Sam LaPorta (3.03, 23) was textbook, and Jaylen Waddle (4.03, 33) rounded out a dangerous WR room. Burning a premium pick on Jalen Hurts (2.03, 13) then circling back to Justin Herbert (7.03, 63) in 1QB cost a high-leverage flex.

• Best Pick: Sam LaPorta (3.03, 23). Position edge at a sweet spot.

• Questionable Pick: The second QB. Herbert at 7.03 is value in isolation, but the combination is suboptimal.

• Team Identity: Hybrid build with immediate WR firepower.

• 2025 Outlook: Playoff bubble with top-3 WR outcomes.

• Keeper Impact: Hampton is the hinge. If he’s a hit by Thanksgiving, your runway becomes very long.

LA Buffy

Grade: B

Summary: Keepers Marvin Harrison Jr., DeVonta Smith, Nico Collins, James Conner, Baker Mayfield set a WR-first tone. Draft opened with David Montgomery (1.04, 4) and DK Metcalf (2.04, 14) then doubled veteran value with Aaron Jones (3.04, 24). Kyler Murray (5.04, 44) over Baker is the right upgrade. Early Ravens D/ST (6.04, 54) was the only serious miss.

• Best Pick: DK Metcalf (2.04, 14). Age, role, and TD equity align with the build.

• Questionable Pick: Ravens D/ST (6.04, 54). The opportunity cost hurts in keeper formats.

• Team Identity: Veteran-heavy win-now with elite WR ceiling.

• 2025 Outlook: Playoff team with a realistic top-3 finish if the RB trio holds up.

• Keeper Impact: Harrison Jr. ensures future stability even as Conner and Jones age.

Philadelphia Phreaks

Grade: A-

Summary: One of the cleanest combinations of present and future. Keepers Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, Brian Thomas Jr. are absurd. Emeka Egbuka (1.10, 10) fits the long game, Brock Purdy (6.10, 60) gives immediate QB stability, and Dallas Goedert (7.10, 70) locks in a playable TE without paying the premium tiers. The room pushed rookies earlier than consensus; you did too with Judkins (3.10, 30) and Ollie Gordon II (4.01, 31) which is fine in this format.

• Best Pick: Brock Purdy (6.10, 60). Efficient QB1 at a perfect price point.

• Questionable Pick: Tyler Warren (2.10, 20). Like the player, but would have preferred WR there and circle back to TE with Goedert only.

• Team Identity: Balanced with a long runway.

• 2025 Outlook: Top-3 seed is on the table.

• Keeper Impact: Egbuka plus the existing WR core is a long-term hammer. The RB rookies give outs if Saquon or Gibbs miss time.

Closing section

Draft Winner: A Squad Called Blitz. Already the deepest keeper foundation, then nailed value pockets at WR and RB, plus held tradeable surplus. The roster can win in Week 1 and still improve through consolidation trades.

Sleeper Team: Battle Angel. If TreVeyon Henderson is what many think by midseason and Travis Hunter flashes early, this jumps a full tier. The Mahomes-Kelce-Kittle spine makes weekly matchup math brutal.

Bold Prediction: Brock Bowers finishes as a top-3 TE and becomes the single most valuable non-QB keeper in the league by December. The early bet pays off in both 2025 wins and multi-year leverage.