Thursday, December 17, 2020

Week 15 - Semi-finals

We're here. 14 weeks done, 4 teams left, fighting for 3 money spots. As my team is still involved in the playoffs, instead of straight MOTWs, we will be looking at key players in each of the semi-final matchups.

1. Microgement vs. 4. BEST TEAM

Dan's quest towards back to back championships continues while Mike is trying to live up to his team's name. Will Mike take a step towards his first championship? Or will Dan get a chance to defend his crown?

Studs: Swift vs. Henry

It seems unfair to compare a rookie RB in a non-favorable game script to arguably the best late season rusher in the league. But these two backs facing off against each other this week get to face terrible run defenses that should propel both to RB1 status. Swift's ability to stay involved in the passing game allows him to hold value even if they fall behind. But no matter how poorly they're doing, the Lions will continue to have to run the ball to keep the defense honest and the Titans are one of the worst at stopping the run.

Duds: Hill vs. Hill

Tyreek Hill a dud?? Seems impossible but hear me out. The Saints are most likely going to shadow him with Lattimore and bring help over the top. The bad news for Mike is that a lot of the production Hill would normally have should end up going to Kelce, who is also owned by Dan. For Mike, the QB on the other side of the KC v. NO game is going to struggle. KC shut down a much better talent in Lamar Jackson so I don't see how Tayson Hill is going to have much more success. He's going to have to throw a lot to keep up with the Chiefs offense and I think his TOs are about to spike.

2. Fe- Brees vs. 3. Quarantine @ Mahomes

Studs: Akers vs. Taylor

Both these rookie running backs get a couple things that should make them RB1s for this week's matchup:

1. Recent control of their backfield as the top running option
2. Ability to catch balls out of the backfield
3. Games they should win, resulting in many attempts
4. Bad defenses that give up tons of yards and points

Expect them to cancel each other out.

Duds: Cook vs. Diggs

Now, Cook could and Diggs could still finish in the top 12 at their position, just based on volume alone. But if you take a closer look, you'll see why they could also come away with less than desired performances. Cook faces a stingy Chicago defense in a fight for the playoffs. In the last game against the Bears, he couldn't break 100 yards on 30 attempts. He should be involved in the passing game in what should be a brawl for playoff positioning, but he might not have the 25+ points we've become accustomed to expecting from him. As for Diggs, the Broncos defense has actually been more solid than their record would show. And with him blowing up on Sunday night, you can expect the Broncos to create a game plan to limit his touches. He should still get a decent amount of volume, but I just don't know if the quality of those opportunities will allow him to have a big day.

Good luck to all!


SPECIAL PAYOUT NOTE:

Going forward, I will also be updating the table below to keep everyone reminded of the payout structure at the given moment in case there is an abrupt end to the season. Anything grey and crossed out are no longer possibilities and the highlighted text is what the current payout would be if an abrupt cancellation were to happen:

Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after <10 regular season games: All money is returned to owners.
Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after 10-12 regular season games: Top 6 seeds (playoff teams) receive $150, Bottom 6 seeds receive $50.
Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after 13 regular season games (aka we are in the fantasy playoffs): Seeds 1 and 2 receive $250, Seeds 4-6 receive $175
Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after 14 regular season games (aka second round): All 4 remaining seeds receive $300 (If the season is cancelled before games are played this week)
Cancelled or season shortened abruptly after 15 regular season games (aka championship): 2 teams in championship will receive $550 each. 2 teams in consolation will receive $50 each. (If the games this week are completed)

Season shortened prior to start of season 11+ games: We will have to adjust to however Yahoo changes things. If there is a way to adjust it myself, I will work backwards and make room for the playoffs as we currently do (3 of the last 4 weeks, not including the final week of the season). For example, if the season is cut to 12 games, I would try to adjust it so that the regular season is weeks 1-8, and the playoffs are weeks 9-11.
Season shortened prior to start of season <11 games: With the randomness of fantasy football, any fantasy regular season that is less than 7 weeks is too short to determine a proper winner. If this happens, I will return HALF the money back to all participants and we will be playing the shortened season for a smaller prize (Total prize pool of $600). 

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