Golden Showers Fantasy Football League Playoffs: Semifinals

Playoffs Semifinals

Julian (5th) vs Gino (1st)

The first semifinal matchup features top seeded Gino, who led the league in total points, against fifth seeded Julian, who is just coming off of an upset win. There was a close spread on the game, Gino was a slight favorite, -1.52 (-110). Even though only three of Gino’s players were above their projected totals he started out hot. This team is led by future NFL MVP Cam Newton. Cam had 340 passing yards, 100 rushing yards and five touchdowns passes. He nearly doubled his projected total and scored 41.60 points. Next with Matt forte get a solid day getting 10 points over his project the total was six catches for 57 yards and a touchdown plus 47 rushing yards. He scored 22.40 points. Gino's third player to get above his project total was Antonio Gates and he had six catches for 88 yards to score 14.80 points. Even though he didn't hit his projection total Alan Robinson had a decent game with with three catches for 57 yards and one touchdown. It wasn't quite what Gino was looking for, but still was productive. In what look liked a good match up Brandon Marshall was shut down by his terms with only four catches and 74 yards receiving which gave 11.40 points. The disappointments for Gino was Alshon Jeffrey who only had one catch for 10 yards and a touchdown for 8.00 points then he got hurt and wasn't really involved in the game after that. The other one was Brandon Bolden who only scored 7.40 points on 36 rushing yards and two catches for 18 yards.his Jacksonville defense didn't do much an interception in the sack but also giving up 23 points did you know 3.00 points. And he had a kicker it was Robbie Gould you had 7.00 points. Even though Gino's team looked under productive, but he still nearly scored six points over his projected total (130.30). I’m sure Gino thought as long as he got over his projected total he would be enough since Julian was averaging 117.10 per game. But….Julian said no! Julian had eight of his nine players exceeding their projected totals. Julian's top scorer was Amari Cooper who had his best fantasy day of the year with six catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns to get him a total of 30.00 points. Next up for Julian is Sammy Watkins who has been on a late season surge for scoring points. Watkins had five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns and scored 28.10 points. Russell Wilson has just been killing it lately had another great day with 3 touchdown passes 249 yards and 46 rushing yards to score 26.56 points. Julian also started one of Wilson's targets, Tyler Lockett had five catches for 55 yards in a touchdown to score 16.50 points. The Seahawks stack lately has been a high-scoring one. Rob Gronkowski gave Julian a quiet 16.40 point performance he had five cases for 54 yards and a touchdown. It just keeps going like this. There was waiver wire pick up Denard Robinson who had eight catches for 46 yards plus 28 rushing yards to get him a total of 15.40 points. Even Julian's defense had a big scoring day the Arizona defense had to fumble recoveries interceptions plus a defense of touchdown to give Julian 17.00 more fantasy points. And he had a kicker is well Chandler Catanzaro made it to double figures, he put up 10.00 points. The one disappointment for Julian who did not hit the projected total was his own Bengal Gio Bernard. He could only muster up 33 rushing yards and 4 catches for 18 receiving yards for measly 9.10 points against that vaunted San Francisco defense. Julian picked a great day to score his highest point total of the season and earning his second straight Biggest Blowout. It was enough to knock out the number 1 seed and top point scorer in the tournament. Gino had a brilliant season. He had an amazing auto draft graciously done for him by the commissioner. But he wheeled and dealed to shake up his lineup to make it into the big powerhouse that it was. Julian tallies up another upset victory on his way to the championship match. He'll be hoping to ride Russell Wilson's hot arm, two rookie wide receivers in Cooper and Lockett, and athletic freak show Gronk into Golden Showers infamy. Julian defeats Gino 169.06 - 130.30.

Rico (3rd) vs Matt H (2nd)

This semifinal matchup features two seasoned veterans of fantasy football. Both Rico and Matt have been here before and knows what it takes to reach the next level. This matchup was projected to be high scoring with both teams getting into the 130 point range. Matt was favored in the matchup, -2.07 (-110). But we all know we can't rely on the project the totals. Rico had for his nine players get about the project the totals in this game. Rico's top scorer was tight end Jordan Reed who had seven catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns to score 27.40 points. Next was waiver wire pick up Tyrod Taylor. He had 235 passing yards 79 rushing yards a two point conversion and two passing touchdowns to score 27.30 points. Finally Julio Jones came back to his old self he had nine catches for 118 yards and one touchdown and got over the 20 point mark for the first time in a month to score 26.80 points. The fourth and final member of Rico's 20 point club was his Bronco wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, he had five catches for 61 yards but two of those were for touchdowns and he scored 23.10 points. Rico did have his fair share of disappointments his two running back's were both no-shows Matt Jones has 28 yards rushing plus a reception for 8 yards to score 4.60 points. Then there is Eddie Lacy who's  "bipolar season" continued and just had 23 yards rushing for 2.30 points. Also it appears lay Fitzgeralds hot start to the season has ended he only caught three passes or 43 yards giving Rico 7.30 points. Rico had a kicker Brandon McManus all he did was kick PAT's he had 3.00 points. The Denver defense got beat up a little but they still had three sacks and two interceptions to score 6.00 points. Rico was just under his project the total by 2.22 points. I'm sure he was thinking that probably wasn't going to be enough points to defeat Matt. But Matt was in for a long day. He only saw three of his players get above their projected totals, and one was the kicker. Matt's top scorer was Matt Stafford who had a 254 yards passing and three touchdowns for 22.06 points and was also the late Monday night push. That was the end of the 20 point scores. His next highest score DeAndre Hopkins at 17.40 points under his projected total even though he had eight catches for 94 yards.  Jarvis Landry also had eight catches but for 54 yards he scored 13.40 points which is also below is projected value. Travis Kelsey scored 13.30 points which was above his projection he had six sketches for 73 yards nothing too impressive. Jeremy Hill just missed his projection by two hundredths of a point. He has 31 yards rushing but two touchdowns and he did lose a fumble. Matt was majorly let down by his running backs. Adrian Peterson only had 63 yards rushing to equal 6.30 points and then Javorius Allan had 18 yards rushing and then he lost a fumble and then he was benched for the rest of the game. He scored -0.20 points. Like I mentioned before Matt had a kicker, Graham Gano, he scored 9.00 points. The Seattle defense wasn't too bad for Matt they scored 9.00 points also. This was very bad timing for Matt who had the longest winning streak in the league this year to also have one of his worst games of the year. Hopefully this defeat will keep Matt motivated during the off-season so he will come back strong next year. Rico was able to get the upset victory and move on to the finals. Rico will be the high seed entering the championship game but his opponent already has two upset victories of his own. Rico needs to come out with a strong lineup in order to take the first-ever Golden Showers Championship. Rico defeats Matt 127.82 - 103.36.

Golden Showers Fantasy Football League Playoffs: Quarterfinals

Playoffs Quarterfinals

Rico (3rd) vs Reuben (6th)

In the matchup between the kissy face Bronco lovers we have a rematch from Week 12. Reuben squeaked out a win late Sunday Night that week. Reuben was hoping for a repeat, as the 6th seed he will be the underdog throughout the playoffs. Reuben saw four of his nine players get above their projected points. The top scorer was Blake Bortles who had four total TDs one of them a rushing TD. He added 250 passing yards for a score of 25.70 points. One of Reuben’s best pickups of the season was the next highest. DeAngelo Williams had 2 catches for 15 yards, 76 rushing yards, 2TDs for 23.10. The defense Reuben has had all year gave him another great performance. Carolina had a shut out and put up 23.00 points. Heath Miller was a player who did pretty good but nothing spectacular. Ten catches for 66 yards really helped getting Reuben 16.80 points. Jeremy Maclin had a modest six catch 68 yard day and added 12.60 points to Reuben's total. There is also a kicker but kickers are stupid Josh Brown had seven points. Reuben saw some of his players fail in the most inopportune moments. Charcandrick West only had 54 yards against a weak San Diego opponent giving Reuben a measly 5.40 points. Michael Crabtree was against a tough Denver opponent he could only come up with for catches for 19 yards. I don't know how he only got 19 yards but he did and that equaled 25.90 points. And finally just as Thomas Rawls was starting to heat up he snapped his ankle and after only getting 44 rushing yards and Ruben 4.40 points, tough break bud. Rico was the second highest scoring team this season and he was looking for big number to put up in the first round of the playoffs. There were five players for Rico they got above their projected total. Rico's top scorer was tight end Jordan Reed who had nine catches for 120 yards and one touchdown to get a score of 27.00 points. Is next high score was Eddie Lacy. He's back! Lacy had 124 yards rushing with the 24 receiving yards and one touchdown he scored 21.80 points. One of Rico's man crushes Demerius Thomas had a good game he had 10 catches for 95 yards to earn 17.50 points. Julio Jones had a decent game against a tough Carolina pony 88 yards on seven catches was good enough for 15.80 points. Rico rolled the dice with quarterback Brock Osweiler he got  380 yards passing plus 10 rushing yards but what shut out of the end zone, he only had 13.32 points. Rico gambled on another player running back Matt Jones yet to catch is your 24 yards plus 62 rushing yards he scored 10.60 points which was good enough to beat his projected score. Rico also had a kicker Brandon McManus and kicker suck but this guy put up some points he told 13.00 points because his offense could not score touchdowns. Rico had his disappointments and Larry Fitzgerald who only had five catches her 41 yards to get 9.10 points. And the Denver defense who had three sacks and then allow many points but they couldn't get any turnovers they only scored 7.00 points. Reuben was leading this match up throughout the day but once Sunday night rolled around Rico took over the lead for good. Reuben had a good year. He overcame a four game losing streak and won his last two games to get in the playoffs. Rico moves on to the Semifinals to face Matt H. He will hope his high scoring roster will continue to soar against Matt. Rico defeats Reuben 135.12 - 123.90.

Julian (5th) vs Matt M (4th)

This was a matchup between a rookie and a veteran in fantasy football. Matt’s first season saw him win seven of his first nine games, but lose his last four going into the playoffs. Julian’s season was a little different. He was going back and forth between wins and losses all season and just trying to stay above .500. Julian had four of his players get above their projected totals. His top score and quite possibly the hottest player in the NFL right now is Russell Wilson. He had 292 passing yards in 6 yards rushing but had 5 passing touchdowns for 32.28 points this guy may be unstoppable right now. Julian didn't see another player get above 20 points on the day. Sammy Watkins had 19.20 points on five catches 81 yards and a touchdown. Julian always has at least two Bengals going for him any given week this week there were three. The top score was Marvin Jones was six catches for 61 yards to score 12.10 points. Next was Gio Bernard who had three catches for 27 yards and 40 yards rushing. Gio couldn't crack the 10 point mark by only putting up 9.70 points. Finally there is Tyler Eifert who could only get 2 receptions for 42 yards and 6.20 points. He did leave the game with a concussion and it did not look good. Darren Sproles had a serviceable day for Julian he had 2 catches for 4 yards and 41 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown for 12.50 points. Other than a couple Bengals Julian biggest disappointment was Dez Bryant. Bryant could only muster up 1 catch for 9 yards and added a whopping 1.90 points. Julian's kicker Chandler Catanzaro got into double figures (12.00 points) so I guess that's good. And finally the Arizona defense made a few plays on Thursday night and scored 10 points. Matt’s first year was the epitome of beginners luck and he rode that to a great season. Matt had only three of his players get about their project the total. Matt's top score was Ryan Fitzpatrick who lately has been a great play and has been putting up a lot of points. It is no different this week with 263 passing yards and 23 @rushing yards plus 3 passing touchdowns he had 24.82 points. Lamar Miller also had a great game, I mean half. In the first half Miller had two touchdowns and in the second half his team forgot he was on the roster cause he barely saw the ball and Miller's great day could've been an even bigger one for Matt. Delanie Walker has continued to put up good scores, with 7 catches and 71 yards he had 14.10 points. that was all the good news for Matt. He may have out-coached himself and his first ever playoff game. For starting wide receiver he had Danny Amanola who is OK with six catches and 46 yards to put up 10.60 points but there was also DeVonte Parker who only had two catches for 16 yards he put up 3.60 points. He tried to start two tight ends, Austin Saferian Jenkins was in the flex and he only had three catches for 31 yards and 6.10 points. Devonta Freeman has cooled down significantly since his hot start, he had three catches for 22 yards and 40 rushing yards but once again he has failed to see the end zone he only scored 7.20 points. Mats kicker Stephen Hauschka was doing kicker things and had five points. And his Cincinnati defense had a tough day against Pittsburgh they're only 4.00 points scored by them. I say Matt may have out-coached himself because sitting on his bench Randall Cobb and Alan Hurns scored 17.00 points and 19.50 points respectively. With those two in the roster Matt could've won easily. Matt had a great first year by making the playoffs. He has also learned about the pain and suffering fantasy football brings along with the fun. Julian gets the first upset in this year's playoffs. He will have a tough matchup against the number one seed in Gino. Hopefully Julian can get his win and loss flip flopping under control and go on a mini winning streak. Julian defeats Matt 115.88 - 96.32.

2014 NFL Predictions

Once again we are at that special time of year, the Christmas Eve for every NFL fan.  A fresh new season is upon us and I am willing to throw out my annual NFL picks.  I really forget how many years I have been doing this I just know it has been a long time, basically since i got my cool helmet magnet board.  Just so you know I am pretty good at this, just check out how I did last year.  Yep, that's right, feel free to take these picks to Vegas.  Okay, last year I got two of the final four teams correct, which isn't too bad, but I did not get any in the Super Bowl.  I hope I can do better this year. And yes I know I need new helmet magnets for some of the teams with new designs.  I swear I'm working on it.

 AFC:

North

1. Bengals - This team is full of talent on both sides of the ball. There is no reason they can not come out on top of this division by years end.  
2. Steelers - Some may say they are done, but I think they may be on a come back.  With the young blood they have integrated into the roster and the same Steeler attitude they could get some wins.
3. Browns - This may be one of the surprise teams of the year. Unfortunately, in a tough division they are third, but at least it's not in the cellar.
4. Ravens - I just have no faith in this team.  They might not be last place, but they will not do much better.

South

1. Colts - Andrew Luck proved last year he can carry this team. With a weak division he will do it again.  Luck MVP?
2. Texans - Houston still has one of the best defenses and great athletes on offense.  But, with no real QB they will not go far.
3. Jaguars - I'm a believer in Blake Bortles.  Once he gets the start this team will turn it around.
4. Titans - Honestly, the Titans just bore me. After the Colts the rest of the teams could finish in any order.  

East

1. Patriots - I'm going to leave what I wrote last year here: Tom Brady is too good, Bill Belichick is too good, and this team is way better than their division.
2. Bills - Alright, the Bills have the right pieces in place for a good run this season.  Don't disappoint me or you will end up in Los Angeles!
3. Dolphins - In a close race for second place in the division Miami just falls short. I just hope it's not the QB.
4. Jets - Ahh the Jets, even when they do win ball games it seems like an accident.

West

1. Broncos - This is and easy one. The Broncos may go undefeated. 
2. Chargers - Turn back the clock to 2009 Rivers and the Chargers are back.  Only Peyton blocks their way to a division crown.
3. Chiefs - I think the Chiefs still have a solid team. Maybe a little fall back down to Earth is in order...maybe.
4. Raiders - Hang in there Raider fans they are just a couple years away from breaking through.  Are as tired as I am of hearing that?

NFC:

North

1. Packers - Aaron Rodgers leads the Pack into another division title, but the other teams are tightening the gap.
2. Lions - Still with the offense that could score a million points the Lions are always a threat and with a new coach to bring a little discipline into the mix this team could go far.
3. Bears - With a pretty good offense and a mediocre defense it will be a close divisional race, but I think the Bears may lack the fire power.
4. Vikings - This team could be the team no one sees coming and vaults them selves into the playoffs.  I, on the other hand, am going to play it safe and place them in this number four spot.  

South

1. Saints - Drew Brees and the Saints will be on a mission this year to get back to NFL royalty.  With a solid defense behind him Brees may be putting up record numbers this year.
2. Buccaneers - The new head coach is the best thing this team could have done.  With playmakers on both sides of the ball and now great leadership the sky is the limit.
3. Panthers - I don't think the Panthers helped themselves or Cam this offseason.  No real weapons on offense, it will be tough for their top ranked defense to always be on the field.
4. Falcons - The nightmare that was last season may continue for Matt Ryan. He will at least have his receivers back, but that defense looks frightening.  Tough to win games that way in this division.

East

1. Eagles - Alright, the Eagles surprised me and much of the league last year.  I think they can duplicate it and may be a little better.
2. Redskins - A healthy RG3 all year would be amazing for this team.  With a lot of speed on offense and a solid D they should put up a battle for first place.
3. Cowboys - Everyone is saying that this is the worst defense in the league.  And by everyone I mean Cowboys fans.  At least they won't lose it on the last week of the season this year, it will be much sooner.  Hey Tony...it's not your fault.
4. Giants - What's up with these guys. Sometimes they look like a professional football team and then other times they roll out the JV squad.  Nobody knows which team they will be.

West

1. Seahawks - The defending champs.  They seems to be the same dominating team, maybe some teams have found a weakness or two... or not
2. 49ers - Still one of the top teams in the NFL.  The 49ers will only go as far as Kaepernick can take them.
3. Cardinals - Quietly this was one of the better teams in the league last year. I expect more of the same in the toughest division.
4. Rams - No QB = no chance in this division.  They may have the best D-line in the league but who is behind them?

Playoffs

AFC Playoff Teams

1. Broncos - The regular season isn't the problem for this team.  Easy number one seed.
2. Patriots - Brady is able to collect the wins this year which will give his team a much needed first round bye.
3. Colts - The Colts have strong season but will just miss a week off in the first round
4. Bengals - In a tough division the Bengals get out on top but only to secure the last spot of the division winners.
5. Chargers - After a strong seasons Rivers and the Chargers take the number one wild card spot, and may even have a better record then their hosts in the wild card round.
6. Steelers - Well well, look who sneaks into the playoffs.  Watch out for this team they've been here before and can do damage.

NFC Playoff Teams  

1. Saints - After a dominating season, New Orleans is just able to lock up home field throughout the playoffs.
2. Seahawks - These birds apparently live and die by the 12th man.  I hope those hiccups during the season doesn't effect their shot at a repeat.
3. Eagles - The Eagles get another shot at home in the playoffs.  Will their style work in January is the major question.
4. Packers - Another fourth seed isn't too bad, home field is always a good thing.
5. 49ers - A strong wild card team faces a familiar task trying to run the table on the road.
6. Lions - A very respectful season is rewarded by an entry into the playoffs.  It will be a good experience for these players, especially if they win.

Wild Card Round

Chargers @ Bengals - Both teams go punch for punch, but it is the Chargers defense that forces the late turnover to help them advance.

Steelers @ Colts - The young Colts get taught a lesson by Big Ben and the Steelers.  The defense shows up to silence Luck and the Colts.

Lions @ Eagles - We get to see a track meet out here for one high scoring playoff game.  Eagles get a couple big plays on special teams that push them into the next round.

49ers @ Packers - Much like last year it will be close throughout the match.  The 49ers defense will hold strong and a late field goal will help San Francisco move on.

Divisional Round

Chargers @ Patriots - Rivers and the Chargers face a familiar playoff foe in Brady and the Patriots. Rivers leads his team to a late lead and the defense shuts the door on a Brady come back.

Steelers @ Broncos - There are no surprises here these teams know each other well.  The fire power of Manning and the Broncos are too much for the Steelers, and the Broncos go on to host another Championship game.

Eagles @ Seahawks - The 12 man comes in loud and proud plus the great Seattle D is bigger and faster than the Eagles high flying offense.  Seattle cruises to a victory and on to consecutive Championship games.

49ers @ Saints - The immovable object faces the unstoppable force.  The home field advantage helps the Saints get a huge win in a low scoring game.

Conference Championship

Chargers @ Broncos - I love when Championship games are played against divisional rivals.  It has a more personal feel to it.  Both know each others weakness and how to exploit them.  The Chargers take a half time lead but are unable to hold as Manning leads the comeback to go back to the Super Bowl.

Seahawks @ Saints - A playoff rematch from last year.  This time the Saints having their own 12th man advantage.  Seattle just isn't the same on the road against premier teams.  Brees is able to find holes in the Seahawk secondary and they are able to knock off the champs.

Super Bowl XLIX

Broncos vs Saints - Manning gets his Super Bowl rematch against the Saints.  Manning and Brees put on a show out in the Arizona desert.  With two 400 yard passing QBs on sports highest stage the NFL is loving this match up.  With each team nearing 40 points each it is the Broncos Von Miller who causes a fumble and returned by TJ Ward for a touchdown to seal the game late in the 4th quarter.  The Broncos get their Super Bowl redemption.  And for the first time ever the NFL names co-Super Bowl MVPs.  With nearly a combined 1000 yards and 9 touchdowns passing Brees and Manning share the honor.

Denver is finally able to celebrate another Super Bowl victory.  With all the emotion in the locker a tearful Peyton Manning announces his retirement going out on top just like the man who brought him to Denver did.  Five years later Manning is in the Hall of Fame.

Alright, that's my opinion. What do you think? I know you wanna say something...

For the love and the game

The Major League Baseball season is coming down the home stretch. With mid-August approaching, baseball experts are talking magic numbers and wild cards. We are starting to get an idea of which teams are going to the playoffs and which teams are going home early. Certain teams are "running away" with their division. It looks like the Braves, Dodgers, and Tigers can just about go into cruise control to finish off the season. There are also the close division races. Can the Red Sox hold off the Rays and Orioles? Are the Rangers going to deliver pay back to the Athletics for last year? And, what is going on in the NL Central? The Pirates, Cardinals, and Reds are going to have a sprint to the finish. The odds are nearly all those teams I just named are going to make the playoffs. With an additional wild card team now added to the format, the Pennant Race just doesn't quite feel the same. And that's fine with me. I think more teams in the playoffs is a good thing in the end.
   

L.J. Hoes hits his first career home run
8/18/13 (Astros Facebook page)

But, lets look at the calendar... It's August still! We still have over a month left of regular season games. Now I get the lure of the World Series. It's an amazing event. But for me, baseball is so much more.   There's still a lot of hot days to be had and exciting nights left in the season. With so much attention going towards the teams that are going to make the playoffs, I think we should not forget about the rest of the league. Just because a team is 15 games out of first place or straight up in last place doesn't mean we should ignore them or their fans (except for the occasional web gem). Fans should see their team through. From the beginning of spring training to whatever end they are destined for in the fall.

Riding the highs and lows of the season with your team is what makes baseball such a love affair. Though your guys may go home when the leaves change color, doesn't mean they still can't make history. Though possibly not in a spot for playoffs, your guys could still pitch a perfect game or hit an inside the park home run. There is still so many moments to see. Baseball is a game full of emotions. In two consecutive days you can experience the highest of highs and then the next day the lowest of lows. But that's what makes it fun!

It's baseball. The GREATEST game there is.

Mets young star, Matt Harvey has first career
complete game shut out 8-8-13
(Mets Facebook page)

It's the smell of the grass, the crack of the bat, the seventh inning stretch! Baseball is definitely more about it's intangibles then it is just about winning. It's more than home runs and strike outs. The game is an art form, and like all art you have to know what you are looking at to really appreciate it. How many people do you think know what a cut fastball is? What about the 5-4-3 double play? These are the type of things you start to learn when you love the game. When the game grabs your heart.  It will make every pitch and play exciting.

Emotionally investing in a team, the players, the traditions will make any day with baseball being played the best day ever. Following your team throughout the season will not only show you who the best pitchers and hitters are but also who are the pranksters or leaders of the team. Being able to see the personality of your team brings you closer to them. The whole family atmosphere a team tries to share with its fans is a magical thing, and again it doesn't matter if your team is going to the playoffs or not.

The last reason not to give up on your team if October seems out of reach...
The pride of watching your team knock out another team out of the playoffs. Think about it, your team is out. They're eliminated from playoff contention, but they are still battling. There is no quit in them.  Just think back to the 2011 season when the Orioles, who had nothing to play for, miraculously defeated the Red Sox and ended their season. That little victory is enough to savor through the off season.

Getting to the end of the season and seeing it all brings everything together. The little details, witnessing the milestones of your favorite players, being at the park and sharing the game with family, friends, and other fans is why the entire season matters. You are part of the team. Never give up on the season. There is always something new to see. Most importantly, the players never give up on the field and that's why you should never give up the on the support they need. Isn't that what being a fan is all about?

Angel Pagan's inside the park home run giving the Giants
an extra innings victory 5-25-13
(Giants Facebook page)

Oh yeah, I'm a Giants fan. As of this moment WE are 16.5 games out of first place.  I will never give up on my team. Hey, anything can happen.