Semi-finals

I'm still reeling from getting pounded in the butt by Eric's 136 point outing (which I probably would have no chance of winning even if I had Zeke and Jordy). It's pretty hard for me to even open up the fantasy site today but I gotta keep the fans happy.

Instead of the standard MOTW, I'll break down the reason why each team is a championship contender. And then I'll turn right around and poke holes in each team's chances.

1. Jacked Up! (Cho)
Hope: Can you find a weakness in this team? With the trade rape to get Matt Ryan and picking up Rodgers, he shored up his weakest spot. TE might be his Achilles heel but that's just nitpicking. Additionally, the Jaguars get 2 terrible offenses in the next 2 weeks which they should feast on.
Despair: Rodgers is trying to return from an injury to his throwing shoulder. Are we sure he'll be able to be 100% in his first week? Additionally, his RB2 spot is shakier than ever. McCoy might be hurt, Kamara regressed terribly (thank God for that bye), and Coleman is streaky with Freeman as the lead back. Hopkins has to face 2 tough defenses in the Jaguars and Steelers. While I still believe that Cho has the best chance to win, it won't be a walk in the park.

2. mike&mike (David K.)
Hope: Just making the playoffs should be a win for David but he wants more. The addition of Josh Gordon was huge after he traded for Kelce, keeping his WR corp as one of the most formidable in the league. Hunt looks like he's returning to form, Gordon has 2 matchups that should allow him to rack up yards, and Denver gets a terrible Indy O-line to rack up double digit points in Week 15.
Despair: The QB spot is still his shakiest spot. Keenum should be an upgrade from Mariota but other than the opportunity for double points to Thielen, I don't believe he'll be a QB1. Evans has been unplayable, making his WR3 spot in flux at the moment. And can we believe in the resurgence of Hunt after one game?

5. Dinkin Flicka (Dan)
Hope: For Dan's sake, I hope this is the year he finally wins. And he's finally got a team that he should be very confident in. Wilson has been on fire as he always is in the second half of the year, His 2 RBs are workhorses that seem to get their points whether their teams are winning or losing, and he's got a plethora of WRs that may not be sexy to have, but perform on Sundays.
Despair: The loss of Wentz should hurt Ertz a ton, especially as he now has to compete with Burton for targets. And while he as a bunch of WRs, none of them have risen up as the cream of the crop and on any given Sunday, I could see a dud coming from any of them. Jordan Howard's averages are great but his streakiness is definitely a worry. If he happens to deviate to the Jekyll version for one week, Dan's quest for the ship may fall short again.

6. Dont Stop BellLeveon
Hope: When you get Le'veon and Gronk, I don't think you're worrying about much. That's arguably the best RB and best TE in the league. When you can beat any team at 2 positions, you always have a chance. Additionally, as I saw last week, this team has great explosive potential. Jamaal Williams is coming into his own and Fitz and Watkins are a solid source of double-digit point potential.
Despair: Losing Wentz hurts. A lot. Dropping from Wentz to Garoppolo is like downgrading 2 players. Also, even if Eric can win this week, Jimmy has to face a tough Jaguars defense in week 16. Williams also tussles with 2 tough defenses so his explosiveness may be tempered. With Amari Cooper being MIA, he'll have to hope to find a gem for his WR3 spot.

Good luck to all!

Simon Kim