You're The Best

2009 3K World Cup Championship
CO Giants-131
Roscoe Village Hot Dogs-81
Nothing's ever gonna keep Giant Mike down. Facing a barrage of black gee'd fantasy football contenders, the CO Giants crane kicked their way to championship supremacy. With the exception of Brandon Marshall, every Giant player performed like Hall of Famers (especially when it counted). The Giants rattled off 130 points like it was their job, and left PG and his Hot Dogs drowning in their wake. MVP running back Chris Johnson put up the performance he needed to and set the tone early for the Giants. The name of the game is touchdowns, and the Giants lead with 6. The Three Amigos, consisting of Santonio Holmes, Steve Smith, and Brent Celek) combined for 277 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Amazing. The Hot Dogs showed just how Cobra Kai they really are...a bunch of motorcycle riding, boombox throwing, grass smoking hooligans that couldn't come through when it was all on the line. PG needed big games from Thomas Jones, Ricky Williams, and his receiver corp, but was left with lackluster performances. Congrats to Giant Mike and the CO Giants on winning the 2009 3K World Cup and $700 in prize money. My only regret was that I had to play the role of Johnny Lawrence in the finals, when I much rather would have been Dutch and lost in the quarter's. You're all right, LaRusso, good match.

2009 3K Good Hands Bowl
Hoosier Heat-92
Nigerian Nightmares-72
Going into last nights Bears-Vikings game, Old Linc had a 72-69 lead on Mr. Hackman and Hoosier Heat. With the Nightmares experiencing the back breaking news that Stephen Jackson would sit the week out, it seemed like a matter of time before Heat RB Adrian Peterson would finish this contest off. And boy did he ever. Rattling off two TD's and 94 yards, Hoosier Heat coasted to victory to finish 3rd place in this season's fantasy football league.

SIDENOTE-Greatest part of that montage is when Fidel (the Filipino karate master) takes down the "fat Cobra Kai" with a roundhouse to the chest.

End Game

Here we are, the final week of 3K's 2009 Fantasy Football League. It's been a great season with more close games than one would care to live through again. Should be a fun final week, with the final two contests to follow as you are opening your Christmas gifts. Here we go....

2009 3K World Cup Championship
CO Giants vs. Roscoe Village Hot Dogs
A classic David vs. Goliath matchup. The 6 seeded Hot Dogs, entering the playoffs one game under .500 face off against the juggernaut 1 seed CO Giants. It's no secret that Giant Mike has run the table since the 2nd half of the season started (no pun intended). With a #1 ranked running back corp and potent QB, the CO Giants are clearly in the drivers seat after a nailbite victory against Hoosier Heat. The Giants have a clear advantage in the QB/RB category, while it's a wash with the receiver corp (the Hot Dogs have a distinct advantage over the Giants in the TE category). If PG wants the World Cup, he (like Mr. Hackman) better pray for a repeat performance from Chris Johnson and Cedric Benson. That is the only thing that is going to keep him in this game (as it did Mr. Hackman this past week).

2009 3K Good Hands Bowl
Nigerian Nightmares vs. Hoosier Heat
The Good Hands Bowl, brought to you by Allstate. That's Allstate, are you in good hands? With Old Linc kicking himself for starting Jason Campbell over Vince Young, the Nightmares look to redeem themselves and finish with a strong #3 ranking. I'm not sure it gets any harder for Mr. Hackman, who came within 2 points of unseating the #1 ranked team and a trip to the 3K World Cup Championship game. Slight advantage goes to Hoosier Heat in this one, with Adrian Peterson, Greg Jennings, and a tough Pats D leading the way. His receiver corp is paltry, and Old Linc can make up significant ground with solid performances by DeSean, Marques, Welker, and Vernon. In true 3K League fashion, I believe we're looking at another nailbiter.

Home Stretch

Roscoe Village Hot Dogs-100
Nigerian Nightmares-67
Carrying a 33 point lead heading into Monday night, PG and his Dogs are feeling guardedly optimistic, however this one is far from over. With Old Linc slating Jason Campbell (a must play, according to fantasy experts) and newly minted running back Quinton Ganther, there is plenty of room for catch up. Keep in mind the Hot Dogs will have tight end Fred Davis going tonight. If he has a decent game, chalk this one up.

CO Giants-104
Hoosier Heat-93
If I'm Giant Mike, I'm a little nervous going into Monday Night Football. Both teams seasons (and a trip to the fantasy championship) rest on the foot of Lawrence Tynes (a Hoosier Heater). If only I could be a fly on the wall at Giant Mike's castle and see him root against the New York Giants. Mr. Hackman needs 11 for the tie, 12 for the win. A tall order, keep mind Tynes has only achieved 11 or more points 3 times this year (weeks 1, 2, and 5). Interestingly enough, he scored 11 in week 1 against, you guessed it, the Washington Redskins. I told you this one was gonna be close.

Semi-Final's Thursday

Roscoe Village Hot Dogs vs. Nigerian Nightmares
This is certainly looking like the closest contest of the week, with both teams matching up quite nicely. Trash has been talked, songs and poems have been penned. Now it's time to put all of that aside and see what team is worthy of the 3K Sportsworld Fantasy Football Championship game. One key development to follow is the health of Nightmare RB Stephen Jackson. Jackson missed his 10th straight practice on Wednesday with what is being described as a lower back injury. He dealt with it last week, but only rushed for 47 yards on 19 carries. The Hot Dogs clearly have the advantage on the ground. If Old Linc is going to win this game, it's going to be with his receivers. And boy do they look good. DeSean Jackson is coming off a 23 point performance and has found the end zone in the last 3 games he has played in. Marques Colston has found the end zone in three consecutive weeks, and Vernon Davis has hit paydirt in 4 consecutive weeks. Oh yeah, Wes Welker is coming off 167 and 105 yard performances. The Hot Dog receivers are formidable as well, but both Donald Driver and Robert Meachem are coming off lackluster weeks (with a combined 6 catches for 68 yards). If they're performances are on the wane, PG could be in big trouble.

PREDICTION-Hot Dogs reach the fantasy finals in a nailbiter.


CO Giants vs. Hoosier Heat
I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, this looks like a pretty lopsided matchup. The uberstrong CO Giants look like their sashaying into the fin...wait, wait, wait..don't bring the bubbly out just yet. I wrongly predicted a Goat Locker rout last week and was left with egg on my face. This game is no different, and will be a close one (but not quite nailbiter territory). The QB matchup here looks pretty one-sided (however, if there is a shootout, it could be closer than seems). However, it's going to be an uphill battle playing in San Diego. I like how the running back's match up in this contest. Chris Johnson has been all world this season, and the CO Giants running back corps is the best in the business. But how can you count out Adrian Peterson (especially after coming off a 25 point performance and a very weak Panthers run defense)? And I'm sorry, if Reggie Bush isn't a wild card factor, I don't know who is. Mike Bell will be back this week, but it #3 on the depth charts. If the Saints stick with last week's running back plan, look for Bush to put up big numbers. The CO Giants have the clear advantage this week with their receivers (what with Brandon Marhshall coming off a 21 reception performance). If the Heat keep it close with their running backs, I believe this is where Giant Mike will pull away.

PREDICTION-CO Giants will win and advance, but the score is going to be a lot closer than everyone thinks. Giants win by 10.

Hot Stove Thread

The blog has been a powder keg of sorts lately, with a lot of hard feelings and ill will being tossed around. In an effort to turn the ship around, let's shift our focus to the Hot Stove.

Rumors are swirling that the Red Sox are making a big push for Adrian Gonzalez. To me, the Lackey signing hurt bad (by hurt, I mean, hurt being a Yankee fan) for now the Sox have a very impressive starting 3. Adding Gonzalez will officially mark their return to offensive potentcy. Guys like Gonzalez, Martinez, Youklis, Cameron, and Pedroia? Impressive.

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the Mets "tweaked their offer to Jason Bay," offering five guaranteed years as an alternative. By adding Bay, the Mets are trying to keep up with the Phillies and Braves of the world. I've never seen a team that is so talented achieve so little.

Meanwhile, Johnny Damon has stated, ""I am going to start looking around. Teams are getting better and there are teams interested. I can’t wait forever and I am sure [the Yankees] are trying to figure things out. I have to be ready." So, if Damon moves on, and Bay and Holliday land elsewhere, where do the Yankees turn?

First Round Wrap-Up

Roscoe Village Hot Dogs-125
Jimmy's Daddy-65
Who's your Daddy now, Hef? The Hot Dogs come out in week 1 of the playoffs with an absolute statement maker. The league is on notice, this isn't your father's Roscoe Village Hot Dogs. Despite a few of the Hot Dog receivers, the squad was running on all cylinders. Hef was left scratching his head after Randy Moss, Antonio Bryant, and Jerome Harrison simply didn't show up. Hef was serving up shit burgers while the Hot Dogs were having a BBQ of their own.

CO Giants-142
Tallcorn Cobras-64
Talk about statement makers, the CO Giants have established themselves firmly as the team to beat in the playoffs. Giant Mike is in the drivers seat and is the odds on favorite to win the whole kit and kaboodle. I'm sorry, when Brandon Marshall is catching 21 passes for 32 fantasy points and Chris Johnson is throwing up his usual 35, nobody in this league is going to come close. T-Dub saw a bad situation get worse, with lackluster showings from star Tom Brady, Fred Jackson, and his receiver corp. He needed stellar performances from all to stay in this matchup. Instead, the Cobras are left cleaning out their lockers.

Nigerian Nightmares-111
Lawndale Longhorns-97
Huge win for the Nigerian Nightares, who upset the first place Lawndale Longhorns, and advance to the semi-finals of the playoffs. Without DeSean Jackson's monster game last night, Old Linc would be preparing his concession speech or biting his nails for a big Vernon Davis game this evening. For New Linc, the key was the underperformance of Aaron Rodgers, coupled with abysmal numbers from his receiver corps (and Johnny Knox sitting on the bench certainly is salt in the wound). So New Linc goes home, and Old Linc lives to fight another day. Sometimes the younger brother does come out on top.

Hoosier Heat-76
The Goat Locker-62
What a week to get the injury bug. The Goat Locker has put up monster numbers all season, and Hoosier Heat was viewed as a road apple on the way to the finals. That is usually when the other shoe drops. And did it ever. I don't know what hurts more. Mike Bell sitting or Reggie Bush blowing up in his stead. Then there's Brett Favre's favorite target Percy Harvin. After 3 weeks in a row with a touchdown, he sits this week...absolutely painful. These injuries left a huge opening for Mr. Hackman, who took advantage and is now advancing. All it took was a great performance from Adrian Peterson and C level numbers from the rest of the squad. Have fun cleaning out that Goat Locker, Goat Locker.

Jimmy's Daddy-10
Roscoe Village Hot Dogs-0
This was a chance for Hef to come out of the gates strong, establish himself as the aggressor, and pave the way to victory. Unfortunately, the mission was not accomplished. Running back Jerome Harrison came up with one point, and the Pittsburgh Defense/Special Teams was left with 1 sack, 13 points allowed. The battle is going to be uphill for the Daddy's, as the Hot Dogs feel more and more confident. If Ricky Williams and Thomas Jones put up big numbers, it could be lights out. Who knows? Perhaps the Hot Dogs will morph into "Hef's Daddy"?

CO Giants-9
Tallcorn Cobras-0
Giant Mike had Santonio Holmes put up 9 points (0 TD's). The CO Giants wanted to come out like an M-80, instead he had to settle for a firecracker. Still not a bad showing, though. T-Dub is gonna need some monster numbers out of Rowdy Roddy, TO, and TJ Howsyamutha to make up for the Chris Johnson/Cedric Benson juggernaut.

The Goat Locker-6
Hoosier Heat-0
It's Christmas time, so I suppose Mr. Hackman's prayers have been answered thus far. Goat Locker receiver Percy Harvin is dealing with a migraine, and so is Goat Locker, as stink bombs were layed by both Heath Miller and Mike Wallace last night against the Browns. The key to this game are The Goat Locker's receivers. If they put up Mike Wallace numbers, you'll see Hoosier Heat standing proud in the second round.

Nigerian Nightmares-0
Lawndale Longhorns-0
All is quiet on the Central Illinois front. Gonna be a showdown at high noon on Sunday. Family Feud style!!!

Playoff Time

Here we go, first week of the playoffs. Here are the matchups-

CO Giants vs. Tallcorn Cobras
This is looking like a very good matchup right out of the gates. Who could forget the big Cobras victory over the CO Giants in week 8? That week saw huge production out of the Bears defense and DeAngelo Williams for the Cobras. Since then, the Bears defense has floundered and DeAngelo Williams is inactive (enter Tim Hightower?). Tom Brady will not have a bye week and will be available for the Cobras this time around. Giant Mike's anchor, Chris Johnson, has been the top running back in the league this season and Cedric Benson will be rounding out his corp this week. Add Philip Rivers and the Ravens defense (against the abysmal Detroit Lions) to the mix, and you have a solid foundation. I predict a Giant cake walk.

Lawndale Longhorns vs. Nigerian Nightmares
No playoff scenario would be complete without a good old fashioned family feud. And a pretty evenly matched family feud at that. New Linc has the bragging rights, having defeated the Nightmares in week 3 by a score of 104-72. Both squads have new quarterbacks, but the faces remain relatively the same. With DeSean Jackson coming back from a concussion, it is likely Old Linc will start Santana Moss against a poor Raiders defense. Last week's output but Longhorn's Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew should worry New Linc a bit, but all indications are they will return to form. Should be interesting to see if receiver Braylon Edwards remains on the sidelines (Kellen Clemens behind center doesn't help matters). My prediction? A nightmare for the Longhorns as Old Linc walks away victorious.

Roscoe Village Hot Dogs vs. Jimmy's Daddy
You can't beat a PG North grudge match!! Nor can you beat a re-match from Week 3's brouhaha. The Hot Dog's won that game 93-69, but this is an entirely different scenario. There is not one week 3 Hot Dog that is starting this weekend. Grab a beer, Mr. Cutler, you're sitting this one out. You're looking at a totally revamped and reengergized Hot Dog squad. The Daddy's look a bit different as well, but his foundation (Drew Brees, Randy Moss, and Antonio Gates) remains. According to reports, Hef believes he needs big weeks out of all three players if he wants to advance. Look for Pierre Thomas and the Steeler's D to put up decent numbers as well. Hef has a distinct advantage with QB, TE, and DEF while the Hot Dogs are getting the upper hand at receivers and running backs. I believe the Hot Dogs will advance in a nailbiter.

The Goat Locker at Hoosier Heat
I like this matchup, both teams are in second place, both slugging it out to get to the next round. Mr. Hackman hasn't scored as many points at The Goat Locker, but he sure did in week 11 when he defeated them 100-89. Granted, The Goat Locker started Ryan Moats who came up with bupkiss, but a win is a win. The Goat Locker touts the best passer in the league and has an impressive array of receivers. The Heat are looking at a formidable running back corp (led by Adrian Peterson) and a stellar defensive in the Patriots. The outcome? The Goat Locker should demolish Mr. Hackman's Heat and move one step closer to the 70% payout.

That's right, first place gets 70% of the take, 2nd gets 20%, 3rd gets 10%. Man up, it's playoff time!!!!!!!

DONE DEAL

How bad did the Diamondbacks get bent over in this deal? Essentially giving up Scherzer for Edwin Jackson (and adding Ian Kennedy)? The Tigers made out like bandits in this trade, and the Yankees essentially traded an younger/unproven version of Curtis Granderson for an older/battle tested Curtis Granderson.

Thoughts?

Hot Stove Thread

11:51am: Morosi sees progress being made, while MLB.com's Steve Gilbert thinks this thing is close; the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro agrees.

10:33am: Heyman tweets that this deal is "back with a chance." Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News agrees, noting that the Tigers "may be caving" on the price for Granderson. He says the Yanks would likely downgrade one of the pitchers, most likely Dunn. Wouldn't be the Winter Meetings without three-team trade scenarios and the constant back-and-forth.


The White Sox agreed to a three-year deal with Mark Teahen, tweets team employee Scott Reifert. AOL FanHouse's Ed Price tweets that the deal is worth $14MM.

Recap Monday

Does anyone else think it's funny that a guy who is standing on the sidelines in street clothes is passing judgement? Just checking...

Perhaps 3K should change the name of his league, from This Time We Get Paid to We Don't Even Know How Much OR Make The Rules Up As We Go Along OR...wait for it....Regular Season Don't Matter With An 8 Team Playoff. Lots of questions to be answered (questions that should have been addressed prior to the beginning of the season). GM's are abuzz at the confusion. But hey, I'm not the commissioner. You out there, 3K?

Now, onto the recaps-

Roscoe Village Hot Dogs-110
Chimps Gone Wild-91
Big win for the Hot Dogs, who roll with a head of steam into the playoffs. And how about that Robert Meacham? What a free agent pickup that was. If the Hot Dogs receiver corp can keep this up, perhaps they can make up for the poor production from Jay Cutler and their depleted running back corp.

The Goat Locker-108
CO Giants-103
This one is going down to the wire, but it's looking like The Goat Locker is going to pull of this one and win the division. Too bad, Giant Mike, I was really rooting for you to finally win something outright. It's the battle of the Mason's (Crosby vs. Derrick) with The Goat Locker having a 5 point cushion. Whoever wins plays the 8seed!!

Tallcorn Cobras-76
Lawndale Longhorns-63
Another nailbiter, what a league! With Lawndale's Aaron Rodgers going tonight, T-Dub might be kicking himself for not subbing Darren Sproles for DeAngelo Williams. Both teams will make the playoffs. The winner will get the 5 seed and the loser will most likely get the 7 spot.

Berwanger's Brawlers-98
Jimmy's Daddy-85
Big win for the Brawlers, who are scratching and clawing to finish strong. Riding high on a big Tony Romo week, newbie Knowshown Moreno has been a welcome elixir for The Ger's running troubles. Meanwhile The Daddy's loss won't mean much for playoff implications, but nobody wants a loss before going into the playoffs.

Nigerian Nightmares-106
Hoosier Heat-63
If Hoosier Heat's Greg Jennings goes for 260 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, he's got this one in the bag! Otherwise, Old Linc picks up his 7th win of the season and could sneak into the playoffs with a Trombone loss.

The Rockpile-84
Rusty Trombones-71
Congrats to Rocky Mike for picking up a moral victory, and the Rusty Trombones finish 1 game under .500 for the regular season. Even if 3K started Marshawn Lynch, it wouldn't have been enough. Rocky Mike can personally thank both Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin for the victory, the two shining lights in an otherwise tough week. This loss for 3K means the difference between a playoff bid and going home early. Tough pill to swallow for the defending champions.

Who's Hot, Who's Not

Quick reminder for everyone to get their checks into Mr. 3K as soon as possible. We wouldn't want a delay in payment at the end of the season, right 3K?

Also, if 3K could indulge us on how the playoff scenario is going to work in the comments section, that would be great (i.e. how many teams, etc).


Here's a listing of the hottest fantasy football players for the last 3 weeks.

1. Drew Brees-Jimmy's Daddy-85 points
2. Brett Favre-Goat Locker-84 points
3. Aaron Rodgers-Lawndale Longhorns-75 points
4. Chris Johnson-CO Giants-74 points
5. Philip Rivers-CO Giants-56 points
6. Ricky Williams-Hot Dogs-55 points
7. Tom Brady-Tallcorn Cobras-54 points
8. Sidney Rice-CO Giants-48 points
9. Terrell Owens-CO Giants-48 points
10. Tony Romo-Berwanger's Brawlers-47 points

BLOCKBUSTER TUESDAY

The Berwanger Brawlers have announced a trade that sends wideout Donald Driver to the Roscoe Village Hot Dogs for Knowshon Moreno and Mario Manningham. With both teams struggling in the lackluster PG North division, this move is viewed as a "Custer's Last Stand", of sorts.

Entering the Brawlers DuPage County training complex, The Ger stated, "This will decide my season, and I can live with that."

The Brawlers have been running back starved for a few weeks now. With 5 total points last week from his runners, it was time for The Ger to make a move.

Meanwhile, the Hot Dogs were working the phones for the past 3 days trying to secure a bonafide wideout. After losing star Reggie Wayne, PG didn't want to rely soley on Miles Austin for his receiving output.

"Look, we're a .500 team that needs to move up a level or two...if it means taking a gamble on a deep threat, I'm gonna do that, quipped PG.

With Robert Meachem being a welcome addition to the Hot Dogs, Driver may be the celery salt PG needs complete the perfect Hot Dog lineup.

In an unrelated issue, I think I want Kyle Orton back....