RotoCommunity’s MIC WARS Expert League held its draft earlier this week.

I encourage everyone to come check out the league. You can do that by clicking here.  

I will represent RC this year against a formidable crew of fantasy football radio and podcast hosts. This year’s crack squad of competitors are:

• Patrick Mayo (follow on Twitter) – RotoCommunity.com (RotoCommunity Radio)
• Todd Farino - FantasyFootballSearch.com (Fantasy Football Tonight)
• Greg Kellogg - FantasySharks.com (Kellogg's Komments)
• Kevin Hanson - EatDrinkAndSleepFootball.com (Fantasy Football Weekly)
• Sean E. Douglas & Chris "Red Dog" Douglas - fantasy-info.com (WTNYFF fantasy-info)
• Michael Pichan - RotoExperts.com & Eric Lebeck - Fantasy Fix BTR (The Fantasy Fix) 
• Jim Day - FantasyPros911.com (Taz's Twitter FF Roundtable)
• Mark - XtraPointFootball.com (Fantasy Football 411 with Dr. Roto)
• Mike Kuchera - FantasyFootballExpress.com (The Fantasy Man)
• RC Rizza - JunkyardJake.com (Fantasy Football Tonight)

SCORING

This is a straight PPR league. No other changes to the standard scoring. PPR is becoming more and more prevalent each year as people begin to realize that it’s far more fun. So to recap, the scoring is as follows

Passing: 

• 25 yards per point
• 4 points per passing TD
• -1 point per INT 

Rushing:

• 10 yards per point
• 6 points per rushing TD

Receiving:

• 10 yards per point
• 6 points per receiving TD
• 1 point per catch

Misc:

• 6 points per return TD
• 2 points per two points convert
• -2 points per lost fumble
• 6 points per offensive fumble return TD

POSITIONS

• 1 QB, 2 RB, 3WR
• 1 TE, 1 FLEX (RB/WR/TE)
• 1 K, 1 D/ST

LEAGUE NOTES

• Four teams make the playoffs (weeks 15 and 16)
• Trade deadline is Nov 12/10
• No maximum move or trades
• Two Divisions (Division winners get top seeds)

Great! Now that the boring formalities are out of the way, let’s get to the fun.

DRAFT

The picks were randomized, so I was very disappointed to learn that I’d be picking 8^th – the worst possible pick.  To be fair, it’s a more devastating spot in standard leagues. Since receivers are much more valuable in PPR formats, taking a top end WR isn’t too far off a top end RB.

ROUND 1

As usual, the top four guys are all the usual suspects. Chris Johnson is definitely Fenster -- you ever hear this guy talk? I was a bit surprised to see Peterson go number one because of the PPR settings, but criticizing a selection of Adrian Peterson is like yelling at a WWII veteran for not winning the war fast enough – it’s lacks class.

I have Ray Rice as my number one PPR player, but that’s on the basis that he get some more TDs this season. Which is definitely no guarantee. 

I was holding out hope that Andre Johnson would somehow fall to me at eight, but it was not meant to be. AJ will challenge for top scorer in any PPR league and is probably the safest option on the board.

Now this is where things get off the rail a little. With the sixth pick, FFTonight (FFT) deviates from the beaten path and takes Chargers’ rookie RB Ryan Mathews. Mathews has been a stay away for me in every draft, but you have to appreciate the balls it takes to make this pick. People tend to get caught up in rankings and taking players ‘where they should go’. Frankly, where someone should go is where you want to take them.  Mathews was unlikely to be there for FFT’s next pick so he gambled. I think it’s too much risk to inherit, especially with more proven talents like Frank Gore and Randy Moss is on the board, but that's me.

With the Mathews’ pick throwing the draft for a loop, Christmas came early for Fantasy FB Weekly (FBW) and he gets Gore at 7. The farthest I’ve seen him fall this year.

With no elite RBs left, I’m torn between Randy Moss and Aaron Rodgers.  Since QBs are devalued in this league, TD passes only worth 4 points, and WR values are enhanced -- Moss was the clear choice.  He should pile up touchdowns and push AJ as the top receiver.

Michael Turner and Rashard Mendenhall go 9, 10. This is about where I have Mendenhall ranked, but I’ve noticed that he’d been slipping to the end of the second round the closer we get to the season.  I’m not a Turner guy in standard leagues, but I straight up despise him in a league where catches count.  There have been murmurs out of Falcons’ camp that Turner will be more involved in the passing game, but I just won’t believe it until I see it.

ROUND 2

WTNYFF used the back-to-back picks about as well as he could. Teaming Calvin Johnson with Mendenhall packs a pretty punch. Megatron has been hyped as an elite option for the past few years now, but has failed to live up to the billing. If you are risk adverse, stay away from the Lions WR.

Jamaal Charles is next off the board and is another risky pick. I think everyone is in agreement about how effective Charles is, especially in a PPR, but I really worry about the impact that Thomas Jones will have. There has to be a reason the Chiefs went out of their way to bring him to KC.

It seems that every draft I end up going WR/WR with my first two picks.  Receiver depth dries up very quickly and getting two elite guys should give me an advantage. Taking Brandon Marshall is a risky selection. There’s no two ways about it. Miami is still going to be a run first team, but Marshall just has a nose for the ball. He’s topped 100 catches two years in a row and that sort of production was too much to pass up in a PPR.

FBW may have got the steal of the draft with Steven Jackson at 14. Jackson has just kept falling down draft boards since the beginning of the summer and is actually a very nice value now. He’s going to do it all for St. Louis, but his history of injuries raises concerns. When healthy, SJAX is one of fantasy’s top per game performers.

Here comes the QBs. Brees goes at 15 to Dr. Roto and Rodgers falls all the way to 19 for The Fantasy Fix. I’m on record as liking Rodgers a lot more than Brees, buy hey, to each his own.

The rest of the round is dominated by WRs. Wayne, Austin, White and DeSean Jackson all go from 16-20 – clearing out the remainder of the top tier receivers. There’s some crazy Larry Fitzgerald hate too. We’re eight WRs in and Fitz is still out there. Here’s to hoping he falls to me at 28. 

ROUND 3

I was a bit surprised to see Manning go this early, but the Fantasy Man didn’t have another selection until pick 40 and it was unlikely that any elite QB would be still be available. Having Peterson, D. Jackson, and Manning as your 1,2,3 isn’t too shabby.

The Fix stole my pick and went after Pierre Thomas. I love Thomas’ prospects through the air and is usually underrated in this type of format. Great pick.

FantasyPros911 (FP911) takes DeAngelo Williams. I like Williams as a talent and to produce some huge weeks. Unfortunately, he’ll also disappear when the Panthers decide to ride the hot hand of Jonathan Stewart. I prefer more consistency from week-to-week.

Surprisingly LeSean McCoy goes at 24. I say surprisingly because I would have expected him to be there again in the next round. He is definitely more valuable in a PPR formats, so this pick could be a coup.

I was convinced Fitz would make it to me, but alas, Dr. Roto picks him up. The good doctor doesn’t have a RB yet but his trio of receivers (AJ, Wayne and Fitz) is absolutely terrifying. 

Shonne Greene finally goes. He would have kept falling past me. I have no time for him and his lack of catches. Ditto for Cedric Benson. 

I contradict myself in a big way taking the rock handed Ryan Grant at 28. I considered Tom Brady here, but there were enough top end QBs left that, as long as I didn’t miss the run, I would be fine. I really wanted to take Jahvid Best here, but just couldn’t pull the trigger. I needed a safe RB to lead the charge and Grant was certainly that guy. He’s nothing special but is solid. I’ll need to get lucky with some upside RB later on.

Best goes with the next pick and I couldn’t be angrier. I was sure he’d get back to me in the 4^th. He’s definitely a risk, but his abilities as a receiver could have him in the neighborhood of 80 catches.

ROUND 4

Brady’s gone. I need to make sure that I pick up either Romo or Schuab or I’m in real trouble at the position.

Kellogg really loves Hakeem Nicks. Maybe he knows something I don’t. With Steve Smith, Colston and Boldin on the board I would have went anther direction. 

After Kellogg reached on Nicks, I reach on Foster. I strongly considered Wes Welker here, but, again, I was sure he’d get back to me in the next round. Filling out another RB slot was a priority for me and I’m banking on winning the Arian race.

Of course Welker goes next. Just my luck. This is a great pick for FBW. Welker is a top 10 WR in PPR formats.

Forte could be a steal at 36, but I didn’t want to use the pick to find out. I worry that Chester Taylor will do what people are drafting Forte for. It seems to me that Forte will work between the tackles, while Taylor will play the receiving back role in Matrz’ offense.

The quartet of Colston, Boldin and the Steve Smiths all go. I’m down on the Giants’ Smith in normal formats, but he’s a PPR stalwart.

FFT makes Dallas Clark the first TE taken. I would have loved Clark in the next round, but it was clear that wasn’t making it to me. There are still a ton of RBs left out there, making a nice buying opportunity to build some depth.

ROUND 5

The more and more I think about the Chargers’ offense this season, the more I like Antonio Gates. Without Vincent Jackson and starting left tackle Marcus McNeill, Rivers is going to have to make some quick throws. Gates will be there to reap the rewards.

The rest of the round is mix and match as teams look to fill out team needs. Harvin and Ward go at 42 and 43. They are both capable WR3.

I go into panic mode after Romo is scooped up at 44. I don’t consider Favre or Rivers as viable options at the position, so I need Schaub to fall me four picks from now.

Luckily, The Fantasy Man spooked people into a TE run with Jermichael Finley and Vernon Davis flying off the board. Crabtree is next to FBW. I love Crabtree this season and encourage everyone to take a chance on him. He has top 5 upside this season.

I take Schuab and everything is peachy in my world.

Dwayne Bowe is in line for a comeback season and is a great value in the 5^th round. I can’t say the same for MSW – I hate his guts.

ROUND 6

I completely forgot about Beanie Wells and I’m kicking myself for it. Instead I settle for Ronnie Brown – who may actually appear on every one of my teams this year. I know he’s injury prone, but when he plays he’s a top 10 guy. He’s certainly a good fit for my running back committee.

Kellogg continues to play from a different book as everyone else, taking Malcom Floyd at 52. I know he’s the current number one in San Diego but just do not trust him. I can see the Chargers bringing in somebody else to fill the #1 void. 

Nothing but love for the Jonathan Stewart pick. I’m on record as liking him more than DeAngelo this year… FFT takes Spiller the Thriller. That’s a pick that could win you a championship. Buffalo has nothing to lose so expect to see a lot of Spiller on the ground and through the air. This kid’s an absolute playmaker… I’m down on Rivers this season. It goes hand-in-hand with being down on the Chargers… I’m not a Witten guy either. There’s just too many options in Dallas to make him elite. You’ll notice I haven’t taken a TE yet. I really like Brent Celek this year and am taking him with my next pick… Bradshaw goes before Jacobs again. Makes sense in a PPR league… Fix takes “Lucky” Pierre Garcon and should be elated. We got a glimpse of Garcon’s potential at the end of last season and he could outperform Wayne this season. Great pick… Gotta love Wallace’s upside, but he could struggle until Big Ben returns in week 5.

ROUND 7

I love Bush in a PPR league. He’ll be good for 70+ catches. That’s nothing to sneeze at. He’s a fantastic FLEX player… Looks like I’ll need to get lucky TE. Both Celek and Gonzo are gone… FFT rolls the dice on Forsett, which could pay some huge dividends. Forsett is an excellent receiver and will likely be called upon to bail out Matt Hasselbeck all game long… Ocho and Maclin are taken consecutively. I like Maclin better. A lot better. He has the talent to be better than teammate DeShawn Jackson… Addai finally goes. He’s about as unsexy as it gets for a RB and it causes him to slip every year. He’s a safe guy that will outperform this draft position… I get Michael Bush, who I like a lot. Then, a day later, it comes out that he’ll miss four weeks. Bummer… I was actually targeting Owen Daniels for later on, but now he’s unavailable to me. He’ll start slow coming out of the gate, but should be in full swing by week 3 or 4. He’s a top 3 talent at the position… Has the hate gone too far for Knowshon Moreno? I don’t think so. He’s a stay away this season.

ROUND 8 

I’m not convinced Ownes can even replicate his totals from last season. I have no faith in Carson Palmer or the Bengals passing game… The tandem of Cutler and Aromashodu go next. While I’m not sold Aromashodu, I felt he had the best upside of any receiver still available… Ol’ reliable Donald Driver is next. Driver makes a solid addition to any receiving corps, but he has limited upside…  I’m not too keen on Johnny Knox, but he has the speed to have some huge games... Felix Jones goes before MB3, but that’s not how they’ll end there year. Barber is undervalued right now… FFT takes Santana Moss – my least favorite player in all football. Do yourself a favor and stay away from him. …I’m not a big Eli Manning guy and he shouldn’t be a starter in any 10-team league. He’s a solid option, but lacks the kind of upside that I look for in a QB… The homeless Housh may now be a steal at 80. Seattle wasn’t a great fit him, but he should settle into a better situation wherever he lands.

ROUND 9 

The Fantasy Man takes my handcuff in Ricky Williams. What a jerk… Jacoby Jones is riding a wave of popularity right now and I can’t disagree. His size and speed make him deadly if he can earn the starting gig opposite AJ… I was hoping to grab Derrick Mason at some point. He’s Mr. consistency in PPR formats… Meachem is a great pick in the 9^th. He’s a burgeoning number one, but can get lost in the shuffle in the potent Saints’ offense… I, like many others, adore Joe Flacco.  Savvy pick by the good Doctor… Jacobs finally goes. There’s a good chance he rebounds in a big way this year… Kolb has some nice upside, but I worry about him as a fantasy starter. I would need to get a capable back up for him… I finally fill out my TE slot with Chris Cooley. The Cooler looks like he’s developing a good rapport with Donovan McNabb and could make a ton of catches. I think Fred Davis worries are overblown… I wish I had taken Jerome Harrison. At the time Hardesty wasn’t out for the season. This is a great pick now… Shiancoe rounds out the rest of the TEs. Favre has a thing for the Tripod and he could crack the top-5 of the position.

ROUND 10

Carnell Williams is one of the last starting RBs still out there and adds some nice depth to WTNYFF’s squad… Poor Kellogg gets stuck with Mr. ACL Montario Hardesty… Like in most drafts, I get Dexter McCluster. I just love him more and more each day. He’ll be used all over the field, has duel position eligibility (WR/RB), and could pile up 80+ catches. He’ll do nothing but help my team… FBW is pretty deep and can afford to have Holmes sitting on the bench for the first four weeks. He’s the Jets’ number one when he returns… Hightower is a must own in a PPR league... Portis is another guy who is going way too low. He could be a top-15 RB if his health holds up… Can’t forget about Dez Bryant. He’s a great fit on any team…

ROUND 11

ROUND 12

ROUND 13

ROUND 14

My Picks:

After missing out on Donald Brown, I decide to take Thomas Jones. Hopefully I’ll never have to use him, but he’s an excellent depth pick… Golden Tate is my boy this season and I have yet to go through a draft without having him. Like McCluster, he should do enough of everything to make him valuable. With Housh now out of town, he should see even more looks… Again, I go upside at receiver, taking number one by default Lauren Robinson of the Rams… With the last of my non-K/Def picks, I take a gamble on Kevin Smith. I think he’s a got a bit left in the tank and could definitely usurp Best very quickly.

Late Round Steals

McFadden becomes instantly more valuable now that Mike Bush is sidelined…  expect Donald Brown to become more involved in the Colts offense. He could catch a ton of passes this season… Did you know Kellen Winslow caught 77 passes last season? I think not. He’s got great chemistry with Josh Freeman and is still Tampa’s number one receiving option… Fantasy Man could strike gold with Julian Edelman if something were to happen to Wes Welker. They’re basically the same player… Darren Sproles will be better than the 124^th player overall. Mark by words… Someone from the Raiders receiving corps will break through and it very well could be Louis Murphy. He just needs to get those drops under control… Kenny Britt should not have gone this late. He’s a big time breakout candidate… Dr. Roto bites the bullet and nabs Sidney Rice. If he’s in contention after eight weeks, watch out… If Leon Washington could ever stay healthy, he’d be a superstar. Definitely a great lottery ticket in the 14^th round.

ROUND 15

ROUND 16

I change kickers and defenses every week, so these picks really don’t matter to me. Miami gets the Bills in week one and will post some good numbers… Austin Collie and Greg Camarillo could turn out to be real steals. Camarillo has a chance to pile up the catches in Minnesota… I totally forgot about McNabb. That’s about as good of a last round pick as you’ll find… FFT grabs Legedu Naanee. Love this pick.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

I’ll just come out and say it. Picking 8th sucks. You find yourself picking too late in rounds and your back-to-back come too far apart to protect any players. All that bring said, I don’t hate my team all that much. I’m definitely weak at running back unless I get lucky with Brown, Foster or Bush. Cooley could be a real sleeper, which would help me out in a big way. Entering the season, I have a middle of the pack team, so I’ll need to get fortunate with injuries in order to make a run at the title.

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