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| The Gridiron Gurus have expanded to 14 teams for the 2011-2012 season. Please welcome Ben Barranco to the Gridiron Gurus fraternity. |
Gridiron Gurus 2011-2012
The Guru's Locks of the Week (NCAA Edition)
SEC WEST
(1) LSU--Just at the right place at the right time, enough experienced talent in the inexperienced but talented SEC West, and they have the right schedule.
(2) Auburn--Repeat to ATL is attainable, but this year AU travels to the SEC Champ roadblock, Baton Rouge. Coaching and defense gets it done this year for the Real Tigers.
(3) Alabama--Lost 3 best players on offense, but while they have enough talent in the tank to make a run at ATL, they just don't have the right players at the right positions to make this dream a reality.
(4) Arkansas--Key talent at key positions, but the defense is not strong enough to compete for a SEC West title.
(5) Mississippi State--Typical season in the SEC West with the Mississippi teams at the bottom.
(6) Ole Miss--Ditto.
SEC EAST
(1) UGA--Aaron Murray is just too damn good in a wide open East. UGA rights the ship in 2011.
(2) Tennessee--Dooley has his team heading for glory in the near future, just not enough eggs to put in the SEC Champ basket quite yet.
(3) South Carolina--Two extremely dynamic players on offense in Lattimore and Alshan, but Garcia will fox it up and the defense remains a weak area.
(4) Florida--Will Muschamp wishes he was back in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
(5) Kentucky--Just don't have it to compete.
(6) Vanderbilt--Great baseball team.
SEC AWARDS
SEC Off. POY--Aaron Murray (UGA) (Best QB in nation)
SEC Def. POY--Barkevious Mingo (LSU)
SEC Freshman of the Year--Trevon Reed (AU)
SEC COY--Derek Dooley (Tenn)
SEC CG -- LSU 24, UGA 21
BCS Champ--No SEC team will finish undefeated. Old Big 12 rivals Texas and Nebraska, who benefits from a weak Big 10, meet in the BCS Championship, with Texas coming out on top 31-27.
Please direct all comments, complaints, cusswords in the comment box below. The Guru will answer you at his convenience if you are so lucky.
Possible GGW Expansion?
GGW Headquarters -- The GGW is looking into possibly expanding the league from 12 to 14 franchises for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.
With the league's popularity continuing to rise annually and what looks like a solid foundation of twelve owners, the league thinks this year may be the best time to expand. The biggest question would be obviously who would join the exclusive league. However, the more controversial factor might be how to keep the established twelve franchises happy with the changes and the new franchises comfortable that they are getting a fair opportunity.
"Our first priority is to make sure we have 12 committed Gurus for the upcoming season. After that is settled, we will do what we do every offseason and that is to go thru the process of improving the upcoming season as best we can." Commishioner Hegarty said in a statement.
"Obviously, the shake up will hurt some teams more than others. However, going to a fourteen team league will also be greatly beneficial for our owners, players and fans," said Hegarty in his office. "Fourteen teams will allow us to have a balanced thirteen game schedule where all teams play each other once. It will make the league more challenging than it is currently, and that's pretty strong when you already had six different franchises in the last three Championship games."
One would think that if the league goes ahead with expansion that there would have to be some sort of expansion draft for the new owners. While some of the current franchises may lose out on a valuable keeper in the draft, will owners accept this rule for the betterment of the league?
Achillies's Boys owner, Anthony Vlahos, seemed interested in the opportunity for the league, "It will definitely need to be looked into with greater detail, but I like where the Commish is going. There has to be some sort of "unprotect" deal," said the Greek.
Possible Solutions:
- Each existing owner designates his keepers like normal, but he then must release 1-2 keepers into the expansion pool. If the expansion owner elects to keep said keeper, then the existing owner can pull back all other keepers. Some may say well.... why doesn't the existing owner just keep someone they don't want and then throw him into the expansion pool? Because the existing owner would then be on the hook for that "undesired player".
-The expansion owner take a look at the rosters and pick 5 players that interest them from each team. Then the Gurus select their keepers and any players that were on the "Expansion List", but not kept by the Gurus are eligible to be selected by the new owners.
With the league's popularity continuing to rise annually and what looks like a solid foundation of twelve owners, the league thinks this year may be the best time to expand. The biggest question would be obviously who would join the exclusive league. However, the more controversial factor might be how to keep the established twelve franchises happy with the changes and the new franchises comfortable that they are getting a fair opportunity.
"Our first priority is to make sure we have 12 committed Gurus for the upcoming season. After that is settled, we will do what we do every offseason and that is to go thru the process of improving the upcoming season as best we can." Commishioner Hegarty said in a statement.
"Obviously, the shake up will hurt some teams more than others. However, going to a fourteen team league will also be greatly beneficial for our owners, players and fans," said Hegarty in his office. "Fourteen teams will allow us to have a balanced thirteen game schedule where all teams play each other once. It will make the league more challenging than it is currently, and that's pretty strong when you already had six different franchises in the last three Championship games."
One would think that if the league goes ahead with expansion that there would have to be some sort of expansion draft for the new owners. While some of the current franchises may lose out on a valuable keeper in the draft, will owners accept this rule for the betterment of the league?
Achillies's Boys owner, Anthony Vlahos, seemed interested in the opportunity for the league, "It will definitely need to be looked into with greater detail, but I like where the Commish is going. There has to be some sort of "unprotect" deal," said the Greek.
Possible Solutions:
- Each existing owner designates his keepers like normal, but he then must release 1-2 keepers into the expansion pool. If the expansion owner elects to keep said keeper, then the existing owner can pull back all other keepers. Some may say well.... why doesn't the existing owner just keep someone they don't want and then throw him into the expansion pool? Because the existing owner would then be on the hook for that "undesired player".
-The expansion owner take a look at the rosters and pick 5 players that interest them from each team. Then the Gurus select their keepers and any players that were on the "Expansion List", but not kept by the Gurus are eligible to be selected by the new owners.
2011 GGW Playoff Primer (Sponsored by FantasyTrophies.com)
2011 GGW Vegas Odds
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater..... +150
Aikman's Arsenal..... +200
B is for Beluga..... +225
Irish Bulldawgs..... +400
Cool Dog's Pink Bullets..... +500
Wolf Packers..... +800
****Sign Up to Predict to GGW Bracket:**** http://www.bracketmaker.com/predict.cfm?parent=712022
Updated Odds:
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater..... +150
Aikman's Arsenal...... +200
B is for Beluga..... +200
Cool Dog's Pink Bullets.... +300
6. Wolf Packers (6-6, 984 points)
- Somehow Ray was able to get a team into the playoffs that is averaging 65.6 ppg. A little bit of luck for the Wolf Packers and bad luck from Achilles's Boys and Old Brigade, but the Wolf Packers found ways to win. Its Tom Brady and a bunch of role players, but does anybody really think Ray Wilson equals Bill Belichek?
Key Players:
Tom Brady (#2 QB), Tim Hightower (#27 RB), LaDainian Tomlinson (#19 RB)
Positive Matchups:
Brady (GB, @BUF, MIA): Brady has 2 home games and a game in Buffalo, but does the weather really matter with Mr. Gisele?
Hightower (@CAR, DAL, @SF): Tim may have finally taken the reins fully from Beanie Wells and he has a matchup this week that is necessary for the upset to be pulled off.
Outlook:
We can't count out a Tom Brady team, but we just don't see anyway the Wolf Packers make a run. The Wolf Packers went 1-4 against GGW playoff teams and we expect them to be 1-5 after this week.
6th Place Finish
5. Cool Dog's Pink Bullets (7-7, 1093 points)
- It helped a lot to have one of the better keepers in Aaron Rodgers, but you still have to hand it to the rookie owner making it into the playoffs during his first rodeo. A concussed Rodgers is not good news for the Pink Bullets, who will have to hope a couple of unsung heroes bust out for some big games.
Key Players:
Aaron Rodgers (#1 QB), LeSean McCoy (#4 RB), LeGarrette Blount (#28 RB)
Positive Matchups:
Shady McCoy (@NYG, MIN, DAL): Honestly, not the best matchups for Shady down the stretch. However, the Pink Bullets will go as far as Shady takes them with Rodgers banged up.
Blount (DET, SEA, @NO): Blount could put up 5 points or 15 points. He's going to need to put up double digits this week and its likely against the Lions at home.
Bears D/ST(@MIN, NYJ, @GB): Have you seen Tavarris Jackson and Mark Sanchez lately?
Outlook:
The Pink Bullets have pretty much been a .500 team all season long and that was with Aaron Rodgers putting up monster numbers. Its going to be really difficult to make a run without Rodgers, but Big Ben is ready to go off the bench. Unfortunately, Big Ben has the Jets this week; however, Carolina and Cleveland await and could put up big points.
5th Place Finish
4. Irish Bulldawgs (7-7, 1049 points)
- While one Irish team was eliminated in the last week of the season, the other Irish team had the leprechaun on his side. Not only did the Bulldawgs catch a break on Monday Night, but now they likely get to play against a similar opponent without its star player.
Key Players:
Peyton Hillis (#3 RB), Michael Turner (#6 RB), Larry Fitzgerald (#18 WR)
Positive Matchups:
Hillis (@CIN, BAL, PIT): Not the best run defenses to go up against, but all cold weather games and Hillis will get to carry the rock repeatedly.
Turner (@SEA, NO, CAR): Look for a heavy dose of Michael Turner to finish out the season for the Falcons. IF the Bulldawgs make it to the finals, Turner may be sitting on the bench the final week.
Fitzgerald (@CAR, DAL, @SF): Fitz has been somewhat of a bust this season, but he actually had a QB last week that might be able to get him the football.
Outlook:
Again, when we went to bed Sunday night we thought this team would be a favorite in the consolation bracket. However, now we see this team sneaking out of round 1 in a low scoring affair. Anything can happen in the semi-finals and the Bulldawgs did knock off the overall #1 seed in last year's playoffs. We aren't going to stick our necks out that much, but with two top 10 RBs both could explode any week to pull off the upset.
4th Place
2011 Mid-Season Power Rankings (SEC Edition)
Associated Press
GGW Headquarters -- Wow, it has been way too long since the GGW has reached out to all of its great fans and owners. I really do apologize for the long delay, but I've been rather busy with a new job and keeping up with my BCS bound Auburn Tigers that the time has just flown by this fall. However, when the demand is there for a GGW update; we always give the people what they want so let's begin:
- Both programs feel like they have accomplished more than they really have and feel entitled. They try harder than Vanderbilt and Kentucky, but really are just as much a laughing stock of the league.
- Both teams have seen better days and can only think back to the beautiful bromances they each shared. Urban and Timmy and Hags and Tony. Let me know if you ever need a shoulder rub, Tony.
GGW Headquarters -- Wow, it has been way too long since the GGW has reached out to all of its great fans and owners. I really do apologize for the long delay, but I've been rather busy with a new job and keeping up with my BCS bound Auburn Tigers that the time has just flown by this fall. However, when the demand is there for a GGW update; we always give the people what they want so let's begin:
12. The Bake5's (1-7)
- Both coaches enter their first season in the big and bad league and both have been terrible disasters. One can't keep track of how many players are on the field and the other can't put enough players in the lineup. Let's just hope that Derek Dooley knows where his nation's capital is located just as well as he knows his WWII history.
11. Baxter Beasts (3-5)
- Why wouldn't we match up the man who spent more time in the library than anyone else with Robbie Caldwell's Vanderbilt football program? That and they have both historically sucked.
10. Old Brigade (2-6)
- Just trust me they are both Irishmen and look exactly alike. Both teams can score with anyone, but they also can lose to anyone. Old Brigade are the 4th highest scoring team in the league; yet, sit at 2-6 in the GGW.
9. Irish Bulldawgs (3-5)
- Both team came in with somewhat high expectations, but both teams stumbled out of the gates early. Plus, they are both Bulldawgs, get it? Let's just keep the life vest on and not see Ryan jumping off any high dives anytime soon.
8. Wolf Packers (4-4)
- Come on, just throw "The Hat" on top of Ray's melon and you got the same person. Including the lucky rabbit's foot tucked away up each of these guys' acehole. The Wolf Packers are 4-4 in the league, but have scored the fewest points to date.
7. Show Me Your TD's (3-4-1)
- The TDs have won 2 in a row and now think they are about to make a playoff run. Unfortunately, the GGW doesn't split up into divisions and Hamp will still have to play the big boys. Get a visor ready Hampey.
6. Irish Pride (4-4)
- Somebody had to be Bobby Petrino. The Pride are having a similar season to the Hogs, its either feast or famine week-to-week. PIG SUEY POPPY!!!!
5. Achilles's Boys (3-4-1)
4. Cool Dog's Pink Bullets (5-3)
- Clearly the head coach matters because this team was left for dead last season and is now a contender to finish in the money. Both men gave the middle finger to the Gators this season as well.
3. Aikman's Arsenal (4-4)
2. B is for Beluga (8-0)
-Before this season Cory Pittman probably got booed every week he got off the plane and was told "We want a leader, not a LOSER!!!" Well Mean Gene and Triple P have gone ALL IN this year, but still can't get ranked numero uno...because
1. Dr. Kenneth Noisewater (7-1)
- ... Mr. Cool is in the catbird seat. Talk about a team that hasn't done anything in forever, but just lives off the past. They finally go on a good run and think they are the greatest thing ever again. Talking about tradishun, the Process and adoring the fame that follows them.
Keeping up with Keepers: August 2010
After many restless nights, all the Gurus have finally come to the conclusion of which players they will return to the battlefield with and those that were laid to waste. Of course, now is the time to rank the teams after keepers have been selected.
PLAYOFF TEAMS
1. Aikman's Arsenal
- The Arsenal dealt two franchise players (Fitzgerald and Turner) to free up some salary space and be more flexible in future years. The defending champs have definitely slipped back towards the pack, but we still have them as a slight favorite going into the season.
Best Keeper: Chris Johnson $14
Questionable Call: Tony Romo $28
2. Achilles's Boys
- Most people forget that the Boys were the regular season champs last season. This is probably the Boys last chance at a title run due to salary cap reasons, but a run they will make.
Best Keeper: Ray Rice $13
Questionable Call: Cadlillac Williams $12 (still like it)
3. Irish Bulldawgs
- The Bulldawgs made it to the Finals last season and this year pulled off quite the deal with the Arsenal. The future was sold for the GGW Trophy to reside in the O'Sullivan's residence in 2011.
Best Keeper: Michael Turner $29
Questionable Call: Vincent Jackson $11
4. Old Brigade
- The keepers better produce, because not much help will come from the draft with only $35 for 10 spots. Miles Austin and Vernon Davis will need to prove last year wasn't a 1-yr wonder.st
Best Keeper: Miles Austin $8
Questionable Call: Steven Jackson $63
5. Irish Pride
- If Shonn Greene and Pierre Thomas can live up to preseason hype, this team will be dangerous with Matt Schaub, Roddy White and a combo of Nicks, Crabtree and Meachem. Right now we'll keep them as a fringe playoff team.
Best Keeper: Matt Schaub $19
Questionable Call: Donald Brown $26
6. Wolf Packers
- The 2009 champ is coming off a dismal season, but we expect the magazines to be flying around as the over-the-hill 40 year old gets down and dirty to research. Tom Brady, DeAngelo Williams and Sidney Rice are a good start.
Best Keeper: DeAngelo Williams $17
Questionable Call: Tom Brady $50
CONSOLATION TEAMS
7. Baxter Beasts
- Going on a limb here, but Willy will spend the big bucks quickly on the top players remaining to team up with Manning and Ricky Williams. Expect the Beasts to get off to a quick start, but fade down the stretch as the owner forgets to make lineup adjustments.
Best Keeper: Peyton Manning $42
Questionable Call: Kellen Winslow $8
8. Springsteen Groupies (Baker)
- The rookie owner will take his bumps and bruises this year trying to learn on the fly against a bunch of gurus, but the foundation is there for a solid team. Favre will be playing and Gore, Clark are elite at their positions.
Best Keeper: Dallas Clark $17
Questionable Call: Brett Favre $12
9. Show Me Your TD's
- MJD and Mendenhall could be the 2nd best RB duo (AP and Rice #1) in the league and the money will be out there to spend. We just can't go any higher on this team until Hamp proves he can win some games.
Best Keeper: Maurice Jones-Drew $43
Questionable Call: Mike Sims-Walker $13
10. Team Daws
- We expect to see major improvement in ownership for this team. Aaron Rodgers and Cedric Benson is not a bad start, but it will be an uphill climb with so few keepers. It will be interesting to see how all that money is spent.
Best Keeper: Aaron Rodgers $16
Questionable Call: Cedric Benson $21 (by default)
11. Orton Hears a Who
- This ranking could come back to haunt us, but we still think this team is at least one year away. Moreno and Beanie could explode into fantasy RB elite, but even so this is still an incomplete team that needs a good draft. Cory doesn't draft good.
Best Keeper: Beanie Wells $20
Questionable Call: Brandon Marshall $28
12. Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
- I really don't see much difference between teams 6-12, but somebody has to be #12. The one time champ has fallen on hard times the past few seasons and this year doesn't look to promising either. None of the keepers really stick out that well, but the one thing going for them is an owner who should have a solid draft and will work the waiver wire to try and make things happen.
Best Keeper: DeSean Jackson $13
Questionable Call: Joe Flacco $11
Good luck drafting Gurus, looking forward to another fun year!
PLAYOFF TEAMS
1. Aikman's Arsenal
- The Arsenal dealt two franchise players (Fitzgerald and Turner) to free up some salary space and be more flexible in future years. The defending champs have definitely slipped back towards the pack, but we still have them as a slight favorite going into the season.
Best Keeper: Chris Johnson $14
Questionable Call: Tony Romo $28
2. Achilles's Boys
- Most people forget that the Boys were the regular season champs last season. This is probably the Boys last chance at a title run due to salary cap reasons, but a run they will make.
Best Keeper: Ray Rice $13
Questionable Call: Cadlillac Williams $12 (still like it)
3. Irish Bulldawgs
- The Bulldawgs made it to the Finals last season and this year pulled off quite the deal with the Arsenal. The future was sold for the GGW Trophy to reside in the O'Sullivan's residence in 2011.
Best Keeper: Michael Turner $29
Questionable Call: Vincent Jackson $11
4. Old Brigade
- The keepers better produce, because not much help will come from the draft with only $35 for 10 spots. Miles Austin and Vernon Davis will need to prove last year wasn't a 1-yr wonder.st
Best Keeper: Miles Austin $8
Questionable Call: Steven Jackson $63
5. Irish Pride
- If Shonn Greene and Pierre Thomas can live up to preseason hype, this team will be dangerous with Matt Schaub, Roddy White and a combo of Nicks, Crabtree and Meachem. Right now we'll keep them as a fringe playoff team.
Best Keeper: Matt Schaub $19
Questionable Call: Donald Brown $26
6. Wolf Packers
- The 2009 champ is coming off a dismal season, but we expect the magazines to be flying around as the over-the-hill 40 year old gets down and dirty to research. Tom Brady, DeAngelo Williams and Sidney Rice are a good start.
Best Keeper: DeAngelo Williams $17
Questionable Call: Tom Brady $50
CONSOLATION TEAMS
7. Baxter Beasts
- Going on a limb here, but Willy will spend the big bucks quickly on the top players remaining to team up with Manning and Ricky Williams. Expect the Beasts to get off to a quick start, but fade down the stretch as the owner forgets to make lineup adjustments.
Best Keeper: Peyton Manning $42
Questionable Call: Kellen Winslow $8
8. Springsteen Groupies (Baker)
- The rookie owner will take his bumps and bruises this year trying to learn on the fly against a bunch of gurus, but the foundation is there for a solid team. Favre will be playing and Gore, Clark are elite at their positions.
Best Keeper: Dallas Clark $17
Questionable Call: Brett Favre $12
9. Show Me Your TD's
- MJD and Mendenhall could be the 2nd best RB duo (AP and Rice #1) in the league and the money will be out there to spend. We just can't go any higher on this team until Hamp proves he can win some games.
Best Keeper: Maurice Jones-Drew $43
Questionable Call: Mike Sims-Walker $13
10. Team Daws
- We expect to see major improvement in ownership for this team. Aaron Rodgers and Cedric Benson is not a bad start, but it will be an uphill climb with so few keepers. It will be interesting to see how all that money is spent.
Best Keeper: Aaron Rodgers $16
Questionable Call: Cedric Benson $21 (by default)
11. Orton Hears a Who
- This ranking could come back to haunt us, but we still think this team is at least one year away. Moreno and Beanie could explode into fantasy RB elite, but even so this is still an incomplete team that needs a good draft. Cory doesn't draft good.
Best Keeper: Beanie Wells $20
Questionable Call: Brandon Marshall $28
12. Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
- I really don't see much difference between teams 6-12, but somebody has to be #12. The one time champ has fallen on hard times the past few seasons and this year doesn't look to promising either. None of the keepers really stick out that well, but the one thing going for them is an owner who should have a solid draft and will work the waiver wire to try and make things happen.
Best Keeper: DeSean Jackson $13
Questionable Call: Joe Flacco $11
Good luck drafting Gurus, looking forward to another fun year!
Eligible Keepers
ACHILLES'S BOYS
Adrian Peterson: $66, Drew Brees: $32, Wes Welker: $26, Antonio Gates: $22, Dwayne Bowe: $21, Ray Rice: $13, Derrick Mason: $12, Cadillac Williams: $12, Kevin Walter: $11, Owen Daniels: $11, Stephen Gostkowski: $10, Leon Washington: $9, Mason Crosby: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Mike Wallace, Chad Henne, Bengals D/ST, Alex Smith
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL
Randy Moss: $55, Andre Johnson: $38, Larry Fitzgerald: $35, Michael Turner: $29, Tony Romo: $28, Tony Gonzalez: $26, David Garrard: $20, Chris Johnson: $14, Jamaal Charles: $11, Nate Kaeding: $11, Nate Burleson: $10, Correll Buckhalter: $6, Packers D/ST: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Jermichael Finley, Vince Young, 49ers D/ST, Chris Jennings
Baxter Beasts
Peyton Manning: $42, Willis McGahee: $37, Terrell Owens: $28, Hines Ward: $21, Ahmad Bradshaw: $20, Santana Moss: $19, Donald Driver: $18, Kevin Boss: $9, Kellen Winslow: $8, Nick Folk: $8, Ricky Williams: $6, Saints D/ST: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Falcons D/ST, Rock Cartwright, Devin Thomas, Johnny Knox, Jason Campbell
DR. KENNETH NOISEWATER
Steve Smith (CAR): $32, Calvin Johnson: $30, Marion Barber: $28, Donovan McNabb: $22, Marshawn Lynch: $21, Kevin Smith: $19, Felix Jones: $17, DeSean Jackson: $13, Steve Slaton: $11, Joe Flacco: $11, Patriots D/ST: $8, Bo Scaife: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Matt Stover, Pierre Garcon, Jason Avant, Louis Murphy, Arian Foster
IRISH BULLDAWGS
Ryan Grant: $33, Jay Cutler: $27, LeSean McCoy: $26, Greg Jennings: $25, Jonathan Stewart: $24, T.J. Houshmandzadeh: $23, Antonio Bryant: $22, Matt Forte: $21, Ben Roethlisberger: $15, Jeremy Shockey: $13, Vincent Jackson: $11, Steve Smith (NYG): $8, Robbie Gould: $8, Eagles D/ST: $8, Brent Celek: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Cardinals D/ST, Austin Collie
IRISH PRIDE
Reggie Wayne: $43, Pierre Thomas: $28, Jason Witten: $28, Donald Brown: $26, Roddy White: $23, Matt Schaub: $19, Steelers D/ST: $14, Michael Crabtree: $14, Mark Sanchez: $14, Hakeem Nicks: $11, Chester Taylor: $11, Robert Meachem: $9, Tony Scheffler: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Quinton Ganther, Jay Feely, Shonn Greene, Jason Snelling
OLD BRIGADE
Steven Jackson: $63, Marques Colston: $35, Roy E. Williams: $28, Philip Rivers: $21, Joseph Addai: $20, Jeremy Maclin: $13, Torry Holt: $12, Jets D/ST: $11, Devin Hester: $11, Darren Sproles: $11, Laurence Maroney: $8, Miles Austin: $8
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Vernon Davis, Matt Prater, Heath Miller, Mike Bell, Marc Bulger
ORTON HEARS A WHO
Chad Ochocinco: $29, Brandon Marshall: $28, Thomas Jones: $27, Knowshon Moreno: $21, Percy Harvin: $20, Beanie Wells: $20, Kurt Warner: $19, Ryan Longwell: $19, Donnie Avery: $13, Tim Hightower: $11, Zach Miller: $10, Kyle Orton: $10
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Texans D/ST, Josh Freeman, Tashard Choice, Mohamed Massaquoi, Bernard Scott
SHOW ME YOUR TD'S
Clinton Portis: $70, Maurice Jones-Drew: $55, Anthony Gonzalez: $27, Matt Cassel: $31, Rashard Mendenhall: $26, Lee Evans: $22, Jerricho Cotchery: $18, Mark Clayton: $17, Jake Delhomme: $17, Glen Coffee: $16, Jamal Lewis: $16, Earl Bennett: $16, Rob Bironas: $13
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Davone Bess, Todd Heap, Colts D/ST, Mike Sims-Walker
SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES
Frank Gore: $41, Brandon Jacobs: $37, Brian Westbrook: $29, Bernard Berrian: $25, Carson Palmer: $20, Santonio Holmes: $17, Dallas Clark: $17, Brett Favre: $12, Reggie Bush: $11, Ravens D/ST: $10, Chris Chambers: $9, Devery Henderson: $8, Patrick Crayton: $8, Vikings D/ST: $7, David Akers: $7, Michael Jenkins: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Joe Nedney
VANKIRK'S BRONSON
Anquan Boldin: $25, Braylon Edwards: $24, Cedric Benson: $21, LenDale White: $21, Aaron Rodgers: $16, Chris Cooley: $15, Fred Jackson: $13, Matt Ryan: $12, Matthew Stafford: $12, Josh Morgan: $11, Ted Ginn Jr: $11, Visanthe Shaincoe: $11, Kenny Britt: $8, Jason Elam: $7, Dolphins D/ST: $6
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Rian Lindell, Benjamin Watson
WOLF PACKERS
Tom Brady: $50, LaDainian Tomlinson: $46, Matt Hasselbeck: $18, DeAngelo Williams: $17, Steve Breaston: $14, Eli Manning: $12, Dustin Keller: $11, Julius Jones: $11, Neil Rackers: $9, John Carlson: $9, Sidney Rice: $7, Chargers D/ST: $9
Free Agents (Prices TBD): Nate Washington, Broncos D/ST, Justin Forsett, Mario Manningham, Billy Cundiff
2010 GGW Schedule Released
After careful consideration and tedious work to complete a 14-week schedule, the GGW is proud to announce its 2010 GGW Schedule. Without further ado, we will first list each team's three opponents they will face twice this season (Each team plays 3 opponents twice and the other eight once) followed by the GGW's 10 MUST SEE GAMES OF THE YEAR:
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL: Irish Bulldawgs, Dr. Kenneth Noisewater, Orton Hears a Who
IRISH BULLDAWGS: Aikman's Arsenal, Springsteen Groupies, Achilles's Boys
SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES: Wolf Packers, Irish Bulldawgs, Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
ACHILLES'S BOYS: Baxter Beasts, Old Brigade, Irish Bulldawgs
IRISH PRIDE: Old Brigade, Orton Hears a Who, Wolf Packers
BAXTER BEASTS: Achilles's Boys, "NEW OWNER", Show Me Your TD's
OLD BRIGADE: Irish Pride, Achilles's Boys, "NEW OWNER"
WOLF PACKERS: Springsteen Groupies, Show Me Your TD's, Irish Pride
SHOW ME YOUR TD'S: Dr. Kenneth Noisewater, Wolf Packers, Baxter Beasts
DR. KENNETH NOISEWATER: Show Me Your TD's, Springsteen Groupies, Aikman's Arsenal
ORTON HEARS A WHO: "NEW OWNER", Aikman's Arsenal, Irish Pride
"NEW OWNER": Orton Hears a Who, Baxter Beasts, Old Brigade
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL: Irish Bulldawgs, Dr. Kenneth Noisewater, Orton Hears a Who
IRISH BULLDAWGS: Aikman's Arsenal, Springsteen Groupies, Achilles's Boys
SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES: Wolf Packers, Irish Bulldawgs, Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
ACHILLES'S BOYS: Baxter Beasts, Old Brigade, Irish Bulldawgs
IRISH PRIDE: Old Brigade, Orton Hears a Who, Wolf Packers
BAXTER BEASTS: Achilles's Boys, "NEW OWNER", Show Me Your TD's
OLD BRIGADE: Irish Pride, Achilles's Boys, "NEW OWNER"
WOLF PACKERS: Springsteen Groupies, Show Me Your TD's, Irish Pride
SHOW ME YOUR TD'S: Dr. Kenneth Noisewater, Wolf Packers, Baxter Beasts
DR. KENNETH NOISEWATER: Show Me Your TD's, Springsteen Groupies, Aikman's Arsenal
ORTON HEARS A WHO: "NEW OWNER", Aikman's Arsenal, Irish Pride
"NEW OWNER": Orton Hears a Who, Baxter Beasts, Old Brigade
GGW's 10 MUST SEE in '10
1. IRISH BULLDAWGS vs. AIKMAN'S ARSENAL (WEEK 1)
(All-Time Record: Arsenal 3-0)
- The Arsenal 2009 Championship banner will be raised and some familar faces should be presented with their rings. The GGW tradition continues as it matches up last year's championship foes in week 1.
2. IRISH PRIDE vs. OLD BRIGADE (WEEK 1)
(TIE 1-1-1)
- Always an interesting battle when the league's eldest meet on the GGW field.
3. ACHILLES'S BOYS vs. IRISH BULLDAWGS (Week 2)
(Bulldawgs 3-1)
- A rematch of last year's semi-final matchup where the Bulldawgs took down the overall #1 seed of the GGW. Both teams should have the core of their teams back for this matchup.
4. AIKMAN'S ARSENAL vs. DR. KENNETH NOISEWATER (Week 3)
(Arsenal 2-0)
- The Arsenal will be on the field so TV ratings will be high, but this once has been of the GGW will be looking to finally make a name for himself in this league.
5. ACHILLES'S BOYS vs. AIKMAN'S ARSENAL (Week 5)
(Boys 2-1)
- The two best teams in 2009 will square off only once this year and the Boys will look for win #3 in a row.
6. DR. KENNETH NOISEWATER vs. SHOW ME YOUR TD'S (Week 10*)
(Noisewater 4-2)
- The matchup most played in GGW history will again have at least two contests this season, with this week 10 matchup being the second battle.
7. ACHILLES'S BOYS vs. DR. KENNETH NOISEWATER (Week 11)
(Boys 3-1)
- A series dominated by the Greek actions, not by Willis's words.
8. SHOW ME YOUR TD'S vs. BAXTER BEASTS (Week 14*)
(Beasts 3-1)
- Always an interesting and usual terrible arguments when these foes square off no matter what the contest (second battle).
9. IRISH PRIDE vs. WOLF PACKERS (Week 14*)
(Wolf Packers 3-2)
- Father-in-Law vs. Son-in-Law Part 2
10. ORTON HEARS A WHO vs. AIKMAN'S ARSENAL (Week 14*)
(ARSENAL 4-0)
- The Arsenal will go for the thumb in week 2 and possibly 6 in a row in the final week of the season.
If any team(s) wish to file a complaint to the league office in regards to scheduling please reply below. Most requests will be ignored.
Possible Ownership Changes for 2010 GGW Season?
BY: GGW Staff
What would you do to become a member of the Gridiron Gurus? Shave Van Kirk's nipples, be Poppy's golf caddie for a round, scrape the blisters off of Cory Pittman's bare feet after a game of hoops, be represented by Anthony Vlahos in a court of law or accept a job as the GGW Commish's right hand man. Many people have dreamed of what it would take and now the opportunity of a spot opening up looks more likely than it ever has before.
Michael Dooley, two-year GGW veteran, expressed a lack of interest this past season and also has not paid his GGW dues yet. The man who knocked out the Aikman's Arsenal in the 2009 Semis may be gone as quickly as he appeared. Coach Dooley was unavailable for comment at this time, but we did take the time to discuss the matter with the Commish.
Q. What are the chances that Michael Dooley will not be a 2010 owner of the GGW?
A. 90% that Dooley is gone. It is still his spot for now, but I think we are getting to the point that the GGW and Michael are both better off going their separate ways.
Q. Who is a likely replacement?
A. I can't give you names, but I can tell you that it will be a great addition to the GGW. We will exhaust all options to find the best owner based on our requirements.
Q. Can you expound on those requirements?
A. Here are three that we will look at right off the bat: 1. Sole league, the GGW is a challenge and an owner needs full attention to succeed. 2. Marketability, will this new owner bring in the ratings for our corporate sponsors, FantasyTrophies.com, etc. 3. Challenger, what does the owner bring to the table as far as success in the league?
Q. Dooley's team is pretty solid, that has to help find an owner?
A. First off, the GGW will not have any trouble finding a reputable owner. However, this team is a championship contender with any owner with a pulse. Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Matt Stafford is easily the best QB combo in the league. In fact, my guess is there are several owners who would gladly trade their teams for this one. No, that is not an option.
Q. Can you comment on the rumor that Anthony Vlahos may not be returning either?
A. No. I refuse to comment on outlandish owners who think they are above the GGW.
Q. When do you expect an official announcement to take place?
A. We will need to start wrapping up the schedule by early June. We have to have answers ready for our corporate sponsors by the start of July. Obviously, we will have no issues retaining sponsors when you have the class of the league (Aikman's Arsenal) at the top of its game; however, we do need to show them that we have a twelfth franchise capable of contending.
What would you do to become a member of the Gridiron Gurus? Shave Van Kirk's nipples, be Poppy's golf caddie for a round, scrape the blisters off of Cory Pittman's bare feet after a game of hoops, be represented by Anthony Vlahos in a court of law or accept a job as the GGW Commish's right hand man. Many people have dreamed of what it would take and now the opportunity of a spot opening up looks more likely than it ever has before.
Michael Dooley, two-year GGW veteran, expressed a lack of interest this past season and also has not paid his GGW dues yet. The man who knocked out the Aikman's Arsenal in the 2009 Semis may be gone as quickly as he appeared. Coach Dooley was unavailable for comment at this time, but we did take the time to discuss the matter with the Commish.
Q. What are the chances that Michael Dooley will not be a 2010 owner of the GGW?
A. 90% that Dooley is gone. It is still his spot for now, but I think we are getting to the point that the GGW and Michael are both better off going their separate ways.
Q. Who is a likely replacement?
A. I can't give you names, but I can tell you that it will be a great addition to the GGW. We will exhaust all options to find the best owner based on our requirements.
Q. Can you expound on those requirements?
A. Here are three that we will look at right off the bat: 1. Sole league, the GGW is a challenge and an owner needs full attention to succeed. 2. Marketability, will this new owner bring in the ratings for our corporate sponsors, FantasyTrophies.com, etc. 3. Challenger, what does the owner bring to the table as far as success in the league?
Q. Dooley's team is pretty solid, that has to help find an owner?
A. First off, the GGW will not have any trouble finding a reputable owner. However, this team is a championship contender with any owner with a pulse. Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Matt Stafford is easily the best QB combo in the league. In fact, my guess is there are several owners who would gladly trade their teams for this one. No, that is not an option.
Q. Can you comment on the rumor that Anthony Vlahos may not be returning either?
A. No. I refuse to comment on outlandish owners who think they are above the GGW.
Q. When do you expect an official announcement to take place?
A. We will need to start wrapping up the schedule by early June. We have to have answers ready for our corporate sponsors by the start of July. Obviously, we will have no issues retaining sponsors when you have the class of the league (Aikman's Arsenal) at the top of its game; however, we do need to show them that we have a twelfth franchise capable of contending.
GGW Final Four Edition
QUEST FOR THE GRIDIRON GURUS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
2010 GGW Odds:
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL: 9:5
ACHILLES BOYS: 2:1
2010 GGW Odds:
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL: 9:5
ACHILLES BOYS: 2:1
IRISH BULLDAWGS: 3:1
SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES: 5:1
1. ACHILLES'S BOYS (11-3) vs. 5. IRISH BULLDAWGS (8-6)
LINE: BOYS -9.5
Head-to-Head: Boys 104-98 in week 8
QUARTERBACK
Drew Brees vs. Ben Roethlisberger
- Big Ben comes off a 500 yard performance, while Brees is still trying to get the embedded Cowboys Star removed from his chest. Both quarterbacks will have something to play for and should throw the ball frequently. Brees should light up the scoreboard against the Bucs at the Dome and the only real cause of concern is if the Saints get out to a big lead that he may put on a visor before the game is over. Big Ben has a much tougher task against the Ravens, but this isn't your typical Ravens D. The Steelers will need to throw the ball to win and Big Ben will get his.
GGW ADVANTAGE: BREES +8
RUNNING BACKS
Ray Rice & Adrian Peterson vs. Jonathan Stewart & Ryan Grant
- If Achilles is going to advance to the finals, I have a feeling that he will be thanking his RB stable like he has all year long. Ray Rice will be running against the Matador defense formerly called the Steel Curtain and Adrian Peterson will be playing under the MNF lights against a Bears team that I think quit in early October. The Bulldawgs have to keep this match-up close and for that to happen Ryan Grant will have to run all over the Seahawks. Grant should have a big game, but the way the Giants defense looked against the Redskins has to limit Stewart's upside.
GGW ADVANTAGE: RICE & PETERSON +19
WIDE RECEIVERS
DERRICK MASON, WES WELKER & DWAYNE BOWE vs. VINCENT JACKSON, GREG JENNINGS & STEVE SMITH
- Keep it close Anthony K. Vlahos and you should be one step closer to your greatest moment in 2010. Bowe could struggle against the tough Bengals defensive backs, but the Boys just need 20-30 points from this trio. Vincent Jackson should go crazy against the Titans secondary. Jennings should see the endzone against a Seattle team that is ready to play golf. Steve Smith is the x-factor in this game. Smith MUST put up 15+ points for the Bulldawgs.
GGW ADVANTAGE: JACKSON, JENNINGS & SMITH: +18
TIGHT END
ANTONIO GATES vs. BRENT CELEK
-Who Rivers looks to in the redzone between Gates and Jackson will be huge. Celek could have a huge game against the Broncos with Champ Bailey covering DeSean Jackson. Celek will need 60+ yards and a TD.
GGW ADVANTAGE: GATES +2
KICKERS and DEFENSE
Stephen Gostkowski and Bengals D (vs. KC) vs. Robbie Gould and Cardinals D (vs. STL)
-An eleven point advantage for the Boys with the offensive performers means that the luck of the special team can come into the play to decide a winner. We like the Cardinals D slightly over the Bengals D and prefer Gostkowski over Gould.
GGW ADVANTAGE: GOSTKOWSKI and BENGALS D +4
FINAL GGW ADVANTAGE MARGIN: ACHILLES'S BOYS +15
2. AIKMAN'S ARSENAL (10-4) vs. 6. SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES (7-6-1)
LINE: ARSENAL -25.5
Head-to-Head: Arsenal 99-57 in week 4
QUARTERBACK
TONY ROMO vs. CARSON PALMER
-Mr. December will look to build on last week's performance and lead his Arsenal into the GGW Championship game. Will the Redskins quit after last night's debacle or be motivated to knock the Boys out of the playoffs? We think the latter. Palmer had a big day at "A Whale's Vigina" and should have no problem carving up a dreaded Kansas City defense. These two Top-10 QBs in the NFL should cancel each other out.
GGW ADVANTAGE: PALMER +2
RUNNING BACKS
CHRIS JOHNSON & JAMAAL CHARLES vs. FRANK GORE & BRANDON JACOBS*
-Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles have been money lately and either back can take it to the house at any moment. Johnson should find room against the Chargers D; while, Charles could have a tougher time against the Bengals D. Gore should and will need to have a big game against the Lions at home. We are going to assume that the Groupies bench the banged up Reggie Bush and insert Jacobs into the lineup.
GGW ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON & CHARLES +5
WIDE RECEIVERS
ANDRE JOHNSON, LARRY FITZGERALD & RANDY MOSS vs. SANTONIO HOLMES, DEVERY HENDERSON & CHRIS CHAMBERS
-The Arsenal's trifecta once again looks like a mismatch on paper. Johnson should have fun in the sun, but Fitz and Moss have suddenly become more questionable. Is Fitz 100% and does Moss care? Holmes and Henderson could both receive lots of passes from the QBs of the other semi-final match. Chris Chambers will need to get past the Bengals secondary and hook up for some long bombs. I think the Arsenal is too much here.
GGW ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON, FITZGERALD & MOSS +24
TIGHT END
-Dallas Clark has been a machine this season and he should once again have a big day against the blitzing Jets. Manning will look to dump off to his safety valve often. The biggest concern is how long Clark is in the game. Tony G will be playing in the 72 degree Georgia Dome and should find the endzone against the Buffalo Bills. Clark is just too good though.
GGW ADVANTAGE: CLARK +7
KICKERS and DEFENSE
Nate Kaeding and Packers D (vs. SEA) vs. David Akers and Vikings D (vs. CHI)
-A twenty point advantage for the Arsenal with the offensive performers means that the Groupies will need a huge game from their special teams. We think the kickers are a wash and that both defenses should put up huge numbers. However, the Vikings D against Jay Cutler has potential to change the outcome of this match.
GGW ADVANTAGE: AKERS and VIKINGS D +6
FINAL GGW ADVANTAGE MARGIN: AIKMAN'S ARSENAL +14
SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES: 5:1
1. ACHILLES'S BOYS (11-3) vs. 5. IRISH BULLDAWGS (8-6)
LINE: BOYS -9.5
Head-to-Head: Boys 104-98 in week 8
QUARTERBACK
Drew Brees vs. Ben Roethlisberger
- Big Ben comes off a 500 yard performance, while Brees is still trying to get the embedded Cowboys Star removed from his chest. Both quarterbacks will have something to play for and should throw the ball frequently. Brees should light up the scoreboard against the Bucs at the Dome and the only real cause of concern is if the Saints get out to a big lead that he may put on a visor before the game is over. Big Ben has a much tougher task against the Ravens, but this isn't your typical Ravens D. The Steelers will need to throw the ball to win and Big Ben will get his.
GGW ADVANTAGE: BREES +8
RUNNING BACKS
Ray Rice & Adrian Peterson vs. Jonathan Stewart & Ryan Grant
- If Achilles is going to advance to the finals, I have a feeling that he will be thanking his RB stable like he has all year long. Ray Rice will be running against the Matador defense formerly called the Steel Curtain and Adrian Peterson will be playing under the MNF lights against a Bears team that I think quit in early October. The Bulldawgs have to keep this match-up close and for that to happen Ryan Grant will have to run all over the Seahawks. Grant should have a big game, but the way the Giants defense looked against the Redskins has to limit Stewart's upside.
GGW ADVANTAGE: RICE & PETERSON +19
WIDE RECEIVERS
DERRICK MASON, WES WELKER & DWAYNE BOWE vs. VINCENT JACKSON, GREG JENNINGS & STEVE SMITH
- Keep it close Anthony K. Vlahos and you should be one step closer to your greatest moment in 2010. Bowe could struggle against the tough Bengals defensive backs, but the Boys just need 20-30 points from this trio. Vincent Jackson should go crazy against the Titans secondary. Jennings should see the endzone against a Seattle team that is ready to play golf. Steve Smith is the x-factor in this game. Smith MUST put up 15+ points for the Bulldawgs.
GGW ADVANTAGE: JACKSON, JENNINGS & SMITH: +18
TIGHT END
ANTONIO GATES vs. BRENT CELEK
-Who Rivers looks to in the redzone between Gates and Jackson will be huge. Celek could have a huge game against the Broncos with Champ Bailey covering DeSean Jackson. Celek will need 60+ yards and a TD.
GGW ADVANTAGE: GATES +2
KICKERS and DEFENSE
Stephen Gostkowski and Bengals D (vs. KC) vs. Robbie Gould and Cardinals D (vs. STL)
-An eleven point advantage for the Boys with the offensive performers means that the luck of the special team can come into the play to decide a winner. We like the Cardinals D slightly over the Bengals D and prefer Gostkowski over Gould.
GGW ADVANTAGE: GOSTKOWSKI and BENGALS D +4
FINAL GGW ADVANTAGE MARGIN: ACHILLES'S BOYS +15
2. AIKMAN'S ARSENAL (10-4) vs. 6. SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES (7-6-1)
LINE: ARSENAL -25.5
Head-to-Head: Arsenal 99-57 in week 4
QUARTERBACK
TONY ROMO vs. CARSON PALMER
-Mr. December will look to build on last week's performance and lead his Arsenal into the GGW Championship game. Will the Redskins quit after last night's debacle or be motivated to knock the Boys out of the playoffs? We think the latter. Palmer had a big day at "A Whale's Vigina" and should have no problem carving up a dreaded Kansas City defense. These two Top-10 QBs in the NFL should cancel each other out.
GGW ADVANTAGE: PALMER +2
RUNNING BACKS
CHRIS JOHNSON & JAMAAL CHARLES vs. FRANK GORE & BRANDON JACOBS*
-Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles have been money lately and either back can take it to the house at any moment. Johnson should find room against the Chargers D; while, Charles could have a tougher time against the Bengals D. Gore should and will need to have a big game against the Lions at home. We are going to assume that the Groupies bench the banged up Reggie Bush and insert Jacobs into the lineup.
GGW ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON & CHARLES +5
WIDE RECEIVERS
ANDRE JOHNSON, LARRY FITZGERALD & RANDY MOSS vs. SANTONIO HOLMES, DEVERY HENDERSON & CHRIS CHAMBERS
-The Arsenal's trifecta once again looks like a mismatch on paper. Johnson should have fun in the sun, but Fitz and Moss have suddenly become more questionable. Is Fitz 100% and does Moss care? Holmes and Henderson could both receive lots of passes from the QBs of the other semi-final match. Chris Chambers will need to get past the Bengals secondary and hook up for some long bombs. I think the Arsenal is too much here.
GGW ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON, FITZGERALD & MOSS +24
TIGHT END
-Dallas Clark has been a machine this season and he should once again have a big day against the blitzing Jets. Manning will look to dump off to his safety valve often. The biggest concern is how long Clark is in the game. Tony G will be playing in the 72 degree Georgia Dome and should find the endzone against the Buffalo Bills. Clark is just too good though.
GGW ADVANTAGE: CLARK +7
KICKERS and DEFENSE
Nate Kaeding and Packers D (vs. SEA) vs. David Akers and Vikings D (vs. CHI)
-A twenty point advantage for the Arsenal with the offensive performers means that the Groupies will need a huge game from their special teams. We think the kickers are a wash and that both defenses should put up huge numbers. However, the Vikings D against Jay Cutler has potential to change the outcome of this match.
GGW ADVANTAGE: AKERS and VIKINGS D +6
FINAL GGW ADVANTAGE MARGIN: AIKMAN'S ARSENAL +14
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