Fantasy Football

2020 Football Draft Grades

Syracuse Express

A- Grade

Behind an Impressive Backfield, Syracuse Express Have a Chance to Win this Thing

Draft Summary

After drawing the No. 1 pick, Syracuse Express had an excellent performance. The team is particularly tough at running back, as Saquon Barkley and Nick Chubb are expected to combine for the highest point total of all starting RB groups in the league. Syracuse Express are predicted to finish 2nd in Hockey Mayhem with a record of 11-3 (1,779 points).

Biggest Steal (Raheem Mostert)

Syracuse Express netted a mid-round value with the pick of Mostert in the 10th round, about three rounds later than his ADP of 54. Following a season in which he rushed for 772 yards and 8 TDs and recorded 14 receptions for 180 yards and 2 TDs, totaling 144 fantasy points, Mostert is projected to score 155 fantasy points with the 49ers. That makes him a valuable No. 3 RB for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Noah Fant)

Everyone, it seems, considers themselves the next fantasy expert these days, so there’s no telling where you got the idea to select Fant with the 1st pick in the 11th round, about four rounds earlier than his ADP of 121. Granted, maybe you’re onto something? Projected to score 90 fantasy points this season with the Broncos, he appears poised to surpass his rookie year when he snagged 40 balls for 562 yards and 3 TDs to post 51 fantasy points. Fant will slot in as the No. 2 TE for Syracuse Express, based on projected points.

Draft Notes

  • Patience is a virtue. You became the last manager in the league to draft a quarterback with your selection of Joe Burrow (No. 105 overall).

  • Syracuse Express face a tough task in Week 11 when they have five players on a bye (Saquon Barkley, Raheem Mostert, Le’Veon Bell, George Kittle, and Tarik Cohen). Luckily, your Week 11 opponent, Rock Crushers, will be confronting a similar conundrum with four players on a bye week.

  • With a strength of schedule rated as the 2nd-easiest according to projections, Syracuse Express have drawn one of the lightest schedules in Hockey Mayhem this season.

  • Syracuse Express have compiled a fairly young squad with an average of 3.5 years of NFL experience, ranking as the youngest group in the league. Demonstrating their commitment to youth, they selected two rookies (CeeDee Lamb and Joe Burrow), the 2nd-highest total of first-year players in the league. In total, there were eight rookies selected over the course of the Hockey Mayhem draft.

 


 

Return of the Mack

A- Grade

Headlined by a Quality Backfield, Return of the Mack are Built to Win

Draft Summary

A brilliant draft-day performance by the GM of Return of the Mack turned the No. 6 overall pick into a projected 1st-place finish. The team is especially talented at the running back position, as Dalvin Cook and Josh Jacobs are expected to combine for the 2nd-highest point total of all starting RB groups in the league. Return of the Mack are predicted to finish 13-1 (1,819 points) in Hockey Mayhem.

Best Keeper (Odell Beckham Jr.)

Return of the Mack definitely know what to look for in a player, and Beckham Jr. seems to be the surest bet to take a step forward among the keepers. Coming off a season in which he had 74 receptions for 1,035 yards and 4 TDs, totaling 93 fantasy points, Beckham Jr. is projected to score 148 fantasy points with the Browns. That makes him a valuable No. 1 WR for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Blake Jarwin)

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 the decision to draft Jarwin in the 12th round, about four rounds earlier than his ADP of 130. Projected to score 67 fantasy points this season with the Cowboys, he seems poised to take a step forward from last year when he grabbed 31 balls for 365 yards and 3 TDs to post 41 fantasy points. Based on projections, Jarwin will slot in as the No. 1 TE for Return of the Mack to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • Return of the Mack are particularly deep at wide receiver, taking more than any other team in the league with seven, surpassing the league average of just 5.3. Meanwhile, the squad seems a bit light at quarterback and tight end, selecting fewer than any team in the league with just one quarterback and one tight end.

  • Patience is a virtue. You became the last manager in the league to draft a tight end with your selection of Blake Jarwin (No. 94 overall).

  • Week 8 will be a rude awakening for Return of the Mack, as they have three players on a bye (David Johnson, Marquise Brown, and Will Fuller V). Trubisky Business, your Week 8 opponent, will be at full strength without any players on a bye.

  • According to projections, Return of the Mack won’t encounter too many speed bumps in Hockey Mayhem this season with a strength of schedule ranked as the easiest. Don’t get complacent, though. For those who don’t remain active, even the lightest schedules can present landmines.


 

Rock Crushers

B Grade

Led by a Pair of Seahawks, Rock Crushers Have a Roster that Reeks of Mediocrity

Draft Summary

While Rock Crushers is no super team, they could possibly reach the playoffs assuming a few things go their way. After picking No. 8 overall, the team is projected to land in 5th place in Hockey Mayhem. Behind multiple Seahawks in the early rounds (Chris Carson and Russell Wilson), Rock Crushers are in store for a mark of 6-8 (1,673 points) with the current roster.

Best Pick (John Brown)

Rock Crushers notched a fantastic late-round value in selecting Brown with the 8th pick in the 16th round, about 15 spots later than his ADP of 113. Coming off a season in which he had 72 receptions for 1,060 yards and 6 TDs, totaling 114 fantasy points, Brown is projected to score 99 fantasy points with the Bills. That makes him the No. 5 WR for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Tyler Higbee)

You might have gotten a little too excited when deciding to choose Higbee with the 8th pick of the 6th round, about two rounds earlier than his ADP of 67. Granted, you may be onto something? Projected to score 76 fantasy points this season with the Rams, he looks poised to surpass last year when he grabbed 69 passes for 734 yards and 3 TDs in 14 games, totaling 67 fantasy points. Higbee will slot in as the No. 2 TE for Rock Crushers, according to projected points.

Draft Notes

  • The early bird gets the worm. You got out in front of your opponents at quarterback, drafting Russell Wilson (No. 40 overall) as the first QB off the board. You were more patient at running back, becoming the last manager in the league to draft a RB with the selection of Chris Carson (No. 24 overall).

  • Rock Crushers face a difficult challenge in Week 6 when they have five players on a bye (Russell Wilson, Chris Carson, Wil Lutz, Latavius Murray, and James White). Your Week 6 opponent, Forte Shades of Jay, will have three players (Drew Brees, Darren Waller, and Julian Edelman) on the sideline.

  • With a first-half strength of schedule rated as the most difficult according to projections, Rock Crushers have an uphill battle early in the season in Hockey Mayhem. Despite that, for the full season, Rock Crushers should expect a pretty fair schedule ranked as the 3rd hardest.

  • With the 2nd-oldest group in the league at an average of 5.4 years of NFL experience, Rock Crushers appear to be relying on veteran leadership. Driving that point home, they didn’t pick any of the eight rookies drafted.

 


 

Trubisky Business

B Grade

Led by a Pair of Buccaneers, Trubisky Business Should Factor Heavily Into Playoff Picture

Draft Summary

Trubisky Business turned a solid draft slot (No. 3 overall) into a modest performance. After picking up multiple Buccaneers in the early rounds (Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski), Trubisky Business are predicted to finish 7-7 (1,721 points), which would place them 3rd in Hockey Mayhem.

Biggest Steal (A.J. Green)

What a great late-round value for Trubisky Business, who picked up Green at No. 99, about two rounds later than his ADP of 86. Green is projected to score 106 fantasy points with the Bengals, which makes him a valuable No. 4 WR for this squad.

Reach Pick (Jimmy Graoppolo)

You know at airport security when they ask if your bags have been with you at all times? We have the same question about your draft. Or at least we’re questioning the decision to select Garoppolo in the 10th round, about five rounds earlier than his ADP of 123. You may be onto something, though. Projected to score 287 fantasy points this season with the 49ers, he appears set to beat last year when he threw for 3,978 yards and 27 TDs with 13 interceptions to post 268 fantasy points. But do you really need an extra QB? You can only start one at a time. Garoppolo will slot in as the No. 4 QB for Trubisky Business, based on projections.

Draft Notes

  • With only one quarterback off the board, Trubisky Business predicted a run developing and jumped in early, taking Dak Prescott in the 7th round. In the following 8 non-keeper picks, three more quarterbacks were snatched up.

  • Trubisky Business appear to be particularly deep at quarterback, drafting the most of any team in the league with four, exceeding the league average of just 2.1.

  • The early bird gets the worm. You got out in front of your opponents at tight end, drafting Travis Kelce (No. 11 overall) as the first TE off the board. You showed more patience at wide receiver, becoming the last manager in the league to draft a WR with the selection of Mike Evans (No. 27 overall).

  • With a first-half strength of schedule that rates as the 2nd-most difficult based on projections, Trubisky Business have one of the most challenging schedules early on in Hockey Mayhem. Even so, for the season as a whole, Trubisky Business have drawn a pretty fair path ranked as the 5th hardest.


 

Forte Shades of Jay

C+ Grade

Led by a Pair of Chiefs, Forte Shades of Jay Have a Legit Shot at Playoffs

Draft Summary

Forte Shades of Jay parlayed a solid draft slot (No. 4 overall) into a modest performance. After picking up multiple Chiefs in the early rounds (Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Tyreek Hill), Forte Shades of Jay are projected to finish 7-7 (1,701 points), which would place them 4th in Hockey Mayhem.

Biggest Steal (Julian Edelman)

What a nice late-round bargain for Forte Shades of Jay, who selected Edelman with the 4th pick of the 15th round, about two rounds later than his ADP of 101. Coming off a season in which he had 100 catches for 1,117 yards and 6 TDs, totaling 118 fantasy points, Edelman is projected to score 83 fantasy points with the Patriots. That makes him the No. 6 WR for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Terry McLaurin)

You must have had some inside intel when deciding to choose McLaurin with the 4th pick in the 5th round, about 17 picks earlier than his ADP of 53. Then again, you could be onto something? Projected to score 125 fantasy points this season with the Redskins, he looks poised to beat his rookie year when he hauled in 58 passes for 919 yards and 7 TDs over 14 games to post 103 fantasy points. According to projected points, McLaurin will slot in as the No. 4 WR for Forte Shades of Jay to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • Forte Shades of Jay face a tough task in Week 8 when they have five players on a bye (Deshaun Watson, James Conner, Justin Tucker, Terry McLaurin, and Diontae Johnson). Luckily, your Week 8 opponent, Liberty City Outlaws, will be tackling a similar struggle with four players on a bye week.

  • With a second-half strength of schedule rated as the 2nd-most difficult based on projections, Forte Shades of Jay have one of the toughest schedules in the late stages in Hockey Mayhem. In spite of that, for the full season, Forte Shades of Jay face a fairly balanced schedule that ranks as the 5th toughest.

  • Forte Shades of Jay seem to be counting on veteran leadership to rein in youthful exuberance, assembling a balanced lineup with an average of 5 years of NFL experience, ranking in the middle of the pack for the league. They selected one rookie (Clyde Edwards-Helaire). In total, there were eight rookies selected over the course of the Hockey Mayhem draft.


 

NewEngland Deflators

C+ Grade

Despite a Few Steals, NewEngland Deflators Can Only Improve From Here

Draft Summary

NewEngland Deflators worries no one with a projected record of 3-11 (1,677 points). NewEngland Deflators are projected to finish 7th in Hockey Mayhem

Biggest Steal (Stefon Diggs)

NewEngland Deflators notched a tremendous late-round value with the pick of Diggs in the 12th round, about three rounds later than his ADP of 71. Coming off a season in which he snagged 63 balls for 1,130 yards and 6 TDs, totaling 107 fantasy points, Diggs is projected to score 116 fantasy points with the Bills. That makes him a valuable No. 2 WR for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Matt Ryan)

We’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you stepped away right before the selection of Ryan at No. 63, about 12 picks earlier than his ADP of 75. Granted, you may be onto something. Projected to score 298 fantasy points this season with the Falcons, he looks set to take a step forward from last year when he threw for 4,466 yards and 26 TDs with 14 interceptions to earn 276 fantasy points. Ryan will slot in as the No. 1 QB for NewEngland Deflators, based on projections.

Draft Notes

  • NewEngland Deflators seem to be all in on the Ravens this season, as the selections of Mark Andrews, Baltimore, and J.K. Dobbins give them three players from Baltimore, the most of any team in your league. League-wide, the Buccaneers were the most popular team, as seven of them were selected in the draft.

  • Week 10 could be a rude awakening for NewEngland Deflators, as they have four players on a bye (Matt Ryan, Harrison Butker, Austin Ekeler, and Keenan Allen). Perhaps leveling the playing field, your Week 10 opponent — Liberty City Outlaws — will also be tackling their worst bye week with four players on the sideline.

  • NewEngland Deflators have a difficult path in Hockey Mayhem this season according to projected records with a strength of schedule ranked as the most difficult. But all is not lost. Strength of schedule reveals nothing about how much work you put in. There are a number of paths to improve throughout the season for those who stay active.

  • With an average of 4.8 years of NFL experience, ranking in the middle of the pack for the league, NewEngland Deflators must be counting on veteran leadership to rein in youthful exuberance. They selected three rookies (Jonathan Taylor, Cam Akers, and J.K. Dobbins), the highest total of first-year players in the league. In total, there were eight rookies selected over the course of the Hockey Mayhem draft.


 

Liberty City Outlaws

C Grade

With a Couple Stretches, Liberty City Outlaws Should Have Consulted an Expert

Draft Summary

Liberty City Outlaws strikes fear in the heart of no one with a projected record of 3-11 (1,620 points). Liberty City Outlaws are predicted to finish 8th in Hockey Mayhem.

Squad Star (Carsen Wentz)

The QB is slated to lead the charge as the highest scorer this season of all the selections by Liberty City Outlaws. Following a season in which he threw for 4,039 yards and 27 TDs with 7 INTs, totaling 284 fantasy points, Wentz is projected to score 335 fantasy points with the Eagles, an 18% improvement. That makes him a valuable No. 1 QB for this squad.

Going Out on a Limb (Brandin Cooks)

Are you willing to reveal your source? We’d love to hear what prompted the selection of Cooks at No. 61, about six rounds earlier than his ADP of 112. Perhaps you’re onto something, though. Projected to score 94 fantasy points this season with the Texans, he seems poised to take a step forward from last year when he recorded 42 receptions for 583 yards and 2 TDs in 14 games, earning 56 fantasy points. Based on projections, Cooks will slot in as the No. 6 WR for Liberty City Outlaws to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • Week 10 will bring a tough challenge for Liberty City Outlaws, as they have four players on a bye (Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Gallup, Mecole Hardman, and Hayden Hurst). Fear not: your Week 10 opponent — NewEngland Deflators — will also be facing their worst bye week with four players getting the week off.

  • Liberty City Outlaws have an uphill battle in Hockey Mayhem this season according to projected records with a strength of schedule ranked as the most difficult. Don’t lose hope, though. Strength of schedule doesn’t say anything about how much work you put in. There are infinite methods to keep improving over the course of the season for those who stay active.

  • Liberty City Outlaws are leading the youth movement, assembling a lineup with an average of 4.5 years of NFL experience, ranking as the 2nd-youngest group in the league. Still, they didn’t pick any of the eight rookies drafted.

  • Whatever the plan going into the draft, it couldn’t have involved accumulating such a limited group of stars. As a group, the top players from each position on Liberty City Outlaws are projected to tally the lowest point total in the league. And the rest of the roster isn’t any prettier, as those players are predicted to combine for a point total ranking in the middle of the pack.


 

Millennium Falcons

C Grade

Led by a Pair of Cardinals, Millennium Falcons Have a Great Team if the Goal is to Finish Dead Last

Draft Summary

Millennium Falcons was handed a solid draft position, and they dropped the ball. Even though they had the No. 2 overall pick, they’re projected to finish 6th in Hockey Mayhem. Behind multiple Cardinals in the early rounds (Kenyan Drake and DeAndre Hopkins), Millennium Falcons are looking at a final record of 6-8 (1,666 points).

Best Pick (Marlon Mack)

What a great late-round bargain for Millennium Falcons, who picked up Mack with the 2nd pick of the 17th round, about four rounds later than his ADP of 106. Following a season in which he ran for 1,091 yards and 8 TDs and had 14 receptions for 82 yards in 14 games, totaling 165 fantasy points, Mack is projected to score 112 fantasy points with the Colts. That makes him the No. 5 RB for this squad.

Reach Pick (Phillip Lindsay)

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 select Lindsay in the 9th round, about four rounds earlier than his ADP of 104. Projected to score 130 fantasy points this season with the Broncos, he will need to outperform expectations to beat last year when he rushed for 1,011 yards and 7 TDs and recorded 35 receptions for 196 yards to post 156 fantasy points. Based on projections, Lindsay will slot in as the No. 4 RB for Millennium Falcons to begin the season.

Draft Notes

  • Week 8 could be a rude awakening for Millennium Falcons, as they have six players on a bye, led by Kenyan Drake, Pittsburgh, and Mark Ingram II. Fear not: Syracuse Express, your Week 8 opponent, will be tackling a similar struggle with five players on a bye.

  • Millennium Falcons have one of the most daunting schedules late in the season in Hockey Mayhem according to projections with a strength of schedule for the last two weeks that ranks as the 2nd-most difficult. Even so, for the full season, Millennium Falcons should expect a fairly balanced path rated as the 3rd toughest.

  • With an average of 5.2 years of NFL experience, ranking in the middle of the pack for the league, Millennium Falcons have compiled a fairly balanced squad. They selected one rookie (Jerry Jeudy). In total, there were eight rookies selected over the course of the Hockey Mayhem draft.

  • Whatever the plan going into the draft, it couldn’t have involved accumulating such a small group of stars. As a group, the top players from each position on Millennium Falcons are projected to score the 2nd-fewest points in Hockey Mayhem. And the rest of the roster isn’t any less ugly, as those players are expected to combine for a point total that would rank as the 2nd lowest.

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