Fantasy Football

2018 Football Draft Grades

Liberty City Outlaws

A- Grade

Led by a Pair of Saints, Liberty City Outlaws Will Cruise Through this League

Draft Summary

Having the first pick in the draft doesn’t always lead to championships. In this case, however, it very well could. Liberty City Outlaws did what top-flight fantasy owners do when they land the No. 1 overall pick. They built a juggernaut. After picking up multiple Saints in the early rounds (Michael Thomas and Drew Brees), Liberty City Outlaws are projected to finish in first place in Hockey Mayhem with a mark of 13-1 (1,735 points).

Biggest Steal (Ronald Jones II)

Liberty City Outlaws netted a outstanding late-round bargain in choosing Jones II with the 1st pick in the 13th round, about three rounds later than his ADP of 80. Jones II is projected to score 177 fantasy points with the Buccaneers, making him a valuable No. 3 RB for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Devin Funchess)

You must know something everybody else doesn’t. There’s no other reason you would draft Funchess at No. 57, about three rounds earlier than his ADP of 87. Projected to score 109 fantasy points this season with the Panthers, he’ll need to outperform expectations to beat last year when he had 63 catches for 840 yards and 8 TDs to earn 132 fantasy points. According to projections, Funchess will slot in as the No. 5 WR for Liberty City Outlaws to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • Week 6 will present a difficult challenge for Liberty City Outlaws, as they have three players on a bye (Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, and Marvin Jones Jr.). Your Week 6 opponent, Rock Crushers, won’t be nearly as short-handed with only one player (Matthew Stafford) on a bye week.

  • For the last two weeks of the season, Liberty City Outlaws have one of the lightest schedules in Hockey Mayhem based on projections with a late-season strength of schedule that rates as the 2nd easiest. In spite of that, for the season as a whole, Liberty City Outlaws should expect a pretty fair schedule rated as the 5th toughest.

  • Liberty City Outlaws must be counting on veteran leadership to rein in youthful exuberance, compiling a balanced lineup with an average of 5.7 years of NFL experience, ranking in the middle of the pack for the league. They selected one rookie (Ronald Jones II). In total, there were nine rookies selected over the course of the Hockey Mayhem draft.

  • Liberty City Outlaws assembled a potent roster across the board. The top players from each position, as a group, are projected to score the most points in the league. This isn’t a Stars-and-Scrubs story either, as the rest of the roster is predicted to reach a point total ranking 1st.


 

Millennium Falcons

B Grade

In Spite of Stretching for Some Picks, Millennium Falcons Won’t Go Down Without a Fight

Draft Summary

Millennium Falcons turned the No. 7 overall pick into a projected 3rd-place finish in Hockey Mayhem. Millennium Falcons are predicted to put up a total of 1,633 points based on the current roster, which would result in a 8-6 record.

Best Pick (Alshon Jeffery)

What a tremendous mid-round value for Millennium Falcons, who got Jeffery at No. 87, about four rounds later than his ADP of 54. Following a season in which he recorded 57 catches for 789 yards and 9 TDs, totaling 167 fantasy points, Jeffery is projected to score 126 fantasy points with the Eagles. That makes him a valuable No. 1 WR for this squad.

Reach Pick (Emmanuel Sanders)

You know when they ask at airport security if your bags have been with you at all times? We have the same question about your draft. Or at least we’re questioning why you would choose Sanders at No. 63, about five rounds earlier than his ADP of 102. Projected to score 87 fantasy points this season with the Broncos, he will attempt to match last year when he hauled in 47 passes for 555 yards and 2 TDs in 12 games to earn 91 fantasy points. Sanders will slot in as the No. 5 WR for Millennium Falcons, according to projected points.

Draft Notes

  • Patience is a virtue. With the selection of QB Nick Foles (No. 111 overall), you became the last owner in the league to draft a quarterback.

  • Millennium Falcons will be all in on the Eagles this season, as the selections of Alshon Jeffery, Nick Foles, and Carson Wentz give them three Philadelphia players, more than any other team in Hockey Mayhem. The Eagles were also popular with your opponents, as eight of them were selected in the draft, more than any other NFL team.

  • Week 10 could bring a tough challenge for Millennium Falcons, as they have four players on a bye (Adam Thielen, Emmanuel Sanders, Kyle Rudolph, and Courtland Sutton). Fear not, your Week 10 opponent, Rock Crushers, will be confronting a similar struggle with three players (Dalvin Cook, Alex Collins, and Michael Crabtree) on a bye week.

  • For the second half of the season, Millennium Falcons have one of the most challenging schedules in Hockey Mayhem according to projected records with a late-season strength of schedule rated as the 2nd-most difficult. Even so, for the full season, Millennium Falcons should expect a fairly balanced path that rates as the 3rd toughest.


 

 

FeelTheJohnson

B Grade

Headlined by an Elite Group of RBs, FeelTheJohnson Have a Team to Watch

Draft Summary

After receiving a favorable draft slot (No. 4 overall), FeelTheJohnson had a wonderful performance. The team is notably tough at running back, as Saquon Barkley and David Johnson are expected to combine for the 2nd-highest point total of all starting RB groups in the league. FeelTheJohnson are projected to finish 2nd in Hockey Mayhem with a mark of 9-5 (1,691 points).

Best Pick (Jordan Reed)

FeelTheJohnson scored a outstanding bargain with the selection of Reed. Adjusted for keepers, he was the 98th player drafted, 8 spots later than his adjusted ADP of 90. After a season in which he caught 27 balls for 211 yards and 2 TDs in 6 games, totaling 32 fantasy points, Reed is projected to score 65 fantasy points with the Redskins. That makes him a valuable No. 2 TE for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Chris Hogan)

You must have stepped away from the draft, right? This had to be an autopick. There isn’t any other explanation for drafting Hogan with the 4th pick in the 5th round, about five rounds earlier than his ADP of 83. Then again, perhaps you’re onto something. Projected to score 98 fantasy points this season with the Patriots, he seems set to surpass last year when he grabbed 34 balls for 439 yards and 5 TDs over 9 games, posting 93 fantasy points. Hogan will slot in as the No. 5 WR for FeelTheJohnson, based on projected points.

Draft Notes

  • Better late than never. You became the last owner in the league to draft a tight end with your selection of Jordan Reed (No. 100 overall).

  • With the selections of Devonta Freeman, Matt Bryant, and Matt Ryan, FeelTheJohnson had the highest number of Falcons of any team in Hockey Mayhem. League-wide, the Eagles were the most popular team, as eight of them were selected in the draft.

  • FeelTheJohnson face a tough challenge in Week 9 when they have four players on a bye (Saquon Barkley, David Johnson, Odell Beckham Jr., and Zach Ertz). Syracuse Express, your Week 9 opponent, won’t be nearly as short-handed with only one player (T.Y. Hilton) on the sideline.

  • For the first two weeks of the season, FeelTheJohnson have a difficult road in Hockey Mayhem according to projected records with an early-season strength of schedule that rates as the most difficult. Despite that, for the season as a whole, FeelTheJohnson have drawn a fairly balanced path that ranks as the 4th hardest.


 

 

Syracuse Express

B- Grade

In Spite of a Set of Monster RBs, Syracuse Express are Good Enough to Barely Miss Playoffs

Draft Summary

While Syracuse Express is no team for the ages, they could potentially reach the playoffs assuming they get a few breaks. After picking No. 8 overall, the team is projected to land in 5th place in Hockey Mayhem. While Todd Gurley II and Kareem Hunt are slated to combine for the highest point total of all starting RB groups in the league, Syracuse Express are in store for a mark of 6-8 (1,580 points) with the current roster.

Biggest Steal (Tevin Coleman)

Syracuse Express secured a great value in choosing Coleman. Adjusted for keepers, he was the 94th player off the draft board, 13 slots behind his adjusted ADP of 81. Coming off a season in which he rushed for 628 yards and 5 TDs and recorded 27 receptions for 299 yards and 3 TDs, totaling 154 fantasy points, Coleman is projected to score 136 fantasy points with the Falcons. That makes him a valuable No. 3 RB for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Marquise Goodwin)

You must have stepped away from the draft, right? This was an autopick. That’s the only explanation for the selection of Goodwin at No. 48, about seven rounds earlier than his ADP of 102. Projected to score 90 fantasy points this season with the 49ers, he will need to outperform expectations to take a step forward from last year when he had 56 receptions for 962 yards and 2 TDs to earn 169 fantasy points. According to projected points, Goodwin will slot in as the No. 4 WR for Syracuse Express to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • Syracuse Express are especially deep at running back, drafting the most of any team in the league with seven, outpacing the league average of just 4.9.

  • Fashionably late? With the selection of WR T.Y. Hilton (No. 32 overall), you became the last owner in the league to draft a wide receiver.

  • Syracuse Express face a tough challenge in Week 11 when they have five players on a bye (Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Chubb, Isaiah Crowell, Josh Gordon, and Marquise Goodwin). On the bright side, your Week 11 opponent — Forte Shades of Jay — will also be tackling their worst bye week with four players getting the week off.

  • Based on projected records, Syracuse Express have one of the toughest schedules in Hockey Mayhem this season with a strength of schedule ranked as the 2nd-most difficult. But that doesn’t mean you’re destined to lose. Strength of schedule is just a number. Fantasy football rewards players who put in the work, so be sure to stay on top of the newest free agents each week.


 

 

NewEngland Deflators

C+ Grade

In Spite of Some Stretch Picks, NewEngland Deflators Have a Squad Built to Reach Playoffs

Draft Summary

NewEngland Deflators turned the No. 5 overall pick into a projected 4th-place finish in Hockey Mayhem. NewEngland Deflators are predicted to put up a total of 1,596 points based on the current roster, which would result in a 8-6 record.

Biggest Mover (Corey Davis)

Of all the offensive selections by NewEngland Deflators, Davis ought to show the most improvement over last year. Following a rookie season in which he snagged 34 passes for 375 yards in 11 games, totaling 53 fantasy points, Davis is projected to score 90 fantasy points with the Titans, a 310% jump. That makes him a valuable No. 4 WR for this squad.

Stretch Pick (Jamison Crowder)

We’re going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you took the dog out right before the selection of Crowder with the 5th pick in the 8th round, about four rounds earlier than his ADP of 98. Projected to score 83 fantasy points this season with the Redskins, he’ll need to outperform expectations to take a step forward from last year when he snagged 66 balls for 789 yards and 3 TDs to post 127 fantasy points. According to projections, Crowder will slot in as the No. 6 WR for NewEngland Deflators to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • NewEngland Deflators are particularly deep at tight end, taking more than any other team in the league with three, outpacing the league average of just 1.9. Meanwhile, the roster looks a little sparse at running back, taking fewer than any other team in the league with just three. The average for the league is 4.9.

  • If you’re not first, you’re last. You beat your opponents to the punch at tight end, drafting Rob Gronkowski (No. 21 overall) as the first TE off the board.

  • Based on projected records, NewEngland Deflators have one of the best schedules in the early-going in Hockey Mayhem with a first-half strength of schedule that ranks as the 2nd easiest. Even so, for the full season, NewEngland Deflators should expect a pretty fair schedule that ranks as the 3rd toughest.

  • NewEngland Deflators are leading the youth movement, assembling a lineup with an average of 4.7 years of NFL experience, ranking as the 2nd-youngest group in the league. Still, they didn’t pick any of the nine rookies drafted.


 

 

Rock Crushers

C Grade

Despite Some Bargains, Rock Crushers Have Nowhere to go But Up

Draft Summary

Rock Crushers doesn’t strike fear in the heart of anyone with a projected record of 3-11 (1,579 points). Rock Crushers are predicted to finish 7th in Hockey Mayhem.

Best Pick (Randall Cobb)

What a great late-round value for Rock Crushers, who got Cobb at No. 134, about 11 picks later than his ADP of 123. Coming off a season in which he hauled in 66 balls for 653 yards and 4 TDs in 14 games, totaling 161 fantasy points, Cobb is projected to score 78 fantasy points with the Packers. That makes him a valuable No. 3 WR for this squad.

Stretch Pick (Michael Crabtree)

It seems everyone considers themselves the next Andy Behrens nowadays, so there’s no telling what prompted you to choose Crabtree in the 9th round, about 17 picks earlier than his ADP of 87. Projected to score 77 fantasy points this season with the Ravens, he’ll need to outperform expectations to improve on last year when he grabbed 58 passes for 618 yards and 8 TDs in 13 games to post 161 fantasy points. Crabtree will slot in as the No. 5 WR for Rock Crushers, based on projected points.

Draft Notes

  • With the selections of Tom Brady, Sony Michel, and Julian Edelman, Rock Crushers had more Patriots than any other team in Hockey Mayhem. League-wide, the Eagles were the most popular team, as eight of them were selected in the draft.

  • Week 11 could be a rude awakening for Rock Crushers, as they have four players on a bye (Tom Brady, Kenyan Drake, Sony Michel, and Julian Edelman). Fear not, your Week 11 opponent, NewEngland Deflators, will be facing a similar issue with three players (Rob Gronkowski, Robby Anderson, and George Kittle) on a bye.

  • Going off projections, Rock Crushers face an uphill battle in Hockey Mayhem this season with a strength of schedule rated as the most difficult. All is not lost, though. Strength of schedule reveals nothing about how involved you are. Fantasy football rewards those owners who put in the work, so make sure to monitor each week’s injuries and their repercussions.

  • With the oldest group in the league at an average of 8.1 years of NFL experience, Rock Crushers have compiled a fairly old squad. Even so, they still selected one rookie (Sony Michel). In total, there were nine rookies selected over the course of the Hockey Mayhem draft.


 

 

Georgia Bullies

C Grade

After Some Stretch Picks, Georgia Bullies Hopefully Aren’t Playing for Money

Draft Summary

Georgia Bullies was handed a solid draft position, and they coughed it up. Even though they had the No. 2 overall pick, they’re projected to finish 6th in Hockey Mayhem. Georgia Bullies are looking at a final record of 6-8 (1,568 points).

Biggest Steal (LeSean McCoy)

What a tremendous mid-round bargain for Georgia Bullies, who got McCoy at No. 50, about two rounds later than his ADP of 35. Following a season in which he ran for 1,138 yards and 6 TDs and recorded 59 catches for 448 yards and 2 TDs, totaling 234 fantasy points, McCoy is projected to score 164 fantasy points with the Bills. That makes him a valuable No. 2 RB for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Dak Prescott)

Did you lose a bet? We’re not sure why else you would select Prescott with the 2nd pick in the 8th round, about seven rounds earlier than his ADP of 119. Then again, maybe you’re onto something. Projected to score 302 fantasy points this season with the Cowboys, he seems poised to take a step forward from last year when he threw for 3,324 yards and 22 TDs with 13 interceptions and ran for 357 yards and 6 TDs to post 274 fantasy points. But do you really need another QB? After all, you can only start one a week. Prescott will slot in as the No. 2 QB for Georgia Bullies, according to projected points.

Draft Notes

  • Georgia Bullies appear to be particularly deep at quarterback, selecting the most of any team in the league with three, outpacing the league average of just 2.1.

  • If you’re not first, you’re last, so good thing you were first. You got the jump on your opponents at quarterback, drafting Aaron Rodgers (No. 18 overall) as the first QB off the board.

  • Georgia Bullies are in for a rude awakening in Week 11 when they have five players on a bye (LeSean McCoy, Robbie Gould, Baker Mayfield, Jarvis Landry, and David Njoku). FeelTheJohnson, your Week 11 opponent, won’t be quite as encumbered with only two players (Chris Hogan and Rex Burkhead) on a bye.

  • Going off projected records, Georgia Bullies have one of the hardest schedules in Hockey Mayhem this season with a strength of schedule that ranks as the 2nd-most difficult. But that doesn’t mean you’re destined to lose. Strength of schedule reveals nothing about how active you are. Fantasy football rewards those who put in the work, so make sure to keep track of each week’s free agent pool.


 

 

Forte Shades of Jay

C Grade

In Spite of an Exciting Group of WRs, Forte Shades of Jay Have the Look of a Cellar Dweller

Draft Summary

Forte Shades of Jay couldn’t make the most of the No. 3 overall pick, drafting a roster that will struggle to earn wins. Opponents may enjoy besting them regularly, as this team is projected to finish 8th in Hockey Mayhem. While Antonio Brown and Mike Evans are slated to combine for the 2nd-highest point total of all starting WR groups in the league, Forte Shades of Jay are looking at a record of 3-11 (1,557 points).

Best Pick (Nelson Agholor)

What a outstanding late-round value for Forte Shades of Jay, who picked up Agholor at No. 123, about two rounds later than his ADP of 108. Following a season in which he grabbed 62 balls for 768 yards and 8 TDs, totaling 196 fantasy points, Agholor is projected to score 99 fantasy points with the Eagles. That makes him a valuable No. 4 WR for this squad.

Reach Pick (Kerryon Johnson)

It seems everyone thinks they’re a fantasy expert nowadays, so there’s no telling who led you to select Johnson at No. 83, about two rounds earlier than his ADP of 106. You may be onto something, though. Johnson is projected to score 82 fantasy points this season with the Lions. Based on projected points, Johnson will slot in as the No. 4 RB for Forte Shades of Jay to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • Better late than never. You became the last owner in the league to draft a running back with your selection of Jerick McKinnon (No. 35 overall).

  • Forte Shades of Jay are in for a rude awakening in Week 11 when they have four players on a bye (Jerick McKinnon, Stephen Gostkowski, Carlos Hyde, and Pierre Garcon). Perhaps leveling the playing field, your Week 11 opponent — Syracuse Express — will also be confronting their worst bye week with five players on the sideline.

  • With a strength of schedule ranked as the most difficult according to projected records, Forte Shades of Jay face an uphill battle in Hockey Mayhem this season. Don’t lose hope, though. Strength of schedule doesn’t factor in the work you put in. There are a number of means to improve your team over the course of the season as long as you stay involved.

  • Forte Shades of Jay seem to be counting on veteran leadership to rein in youthful exuberance, putting together a balanced lineup with an average of 6.8 years of NFL experience, ranking in the middle of the pack for the league. They selected two rookies (Royce Freeman and Kerryon Johnson), the highest total in the league. In total, there were nine rookies selected over the course of the Hockey Mayhem draft.

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