Year End Awards: Wane McGarity All Stud Team/Wane McGarity Stud Of The Year

The last awards given out are the most prestigious awards given out. The players who made the most impact in our league make the elusive All Stud Team. Also, the most impactful player of the season will be named the Stud Of The Year. So without further ado....the 2015 Wane McGarity Bowl All Stud Team

QB

Aaron Rodgers (Rocket Man)

QB Rank: 1

Overall Rank: 1

1st Selection To All Stud Team

4,428 Passing Yards, 40 Passing TD's, 7 INT's, 369 Rushing Yards, 4 Rushing TD's, 2 2PT Conversions, 4 Fumbles Lost, 423.52 Fantasy Points

 

Once again he was the anchor for Eugene's team, leading them to a 2nd place regular season finish and a bye. Had Eugene's team not falling apart, there would've been a solid chance Eugene would've made the Finals. Surprisingly, this is Rodgers first nod to the All Stud Team. Even when he was "slumping" in real life, he was nothing but money in the fantasy world. He was by far the best QB this season and it's long overdue he gets a chance to make this squad.

WR

Antonio Brown (Bigger Balls)

WR Rank: 3

Overall Rank: 30

3rd Selection to All Stud Team

106 Receptions, 1,284 Receiving Yards, 12 Receiving TD's, 254.30 Fantasy Points

 

The ranking is skewered because he sat out Week 17 and still only finished 2 points behind Jordy Nelson for best receiver this season. Antonio Brown once again proved just how good he is, helping Mayra get to the playoffs and making his record tying (with Gronk and Calvin Johnson) 3rd All Stud Team. This was even considered a "down" season for Brown who still finished with over 1,200 receiving yards, double digit TD's, and over 100 catches. Guy is money year in and year out.

WR

Odell Beckham Jr. (Woe Is You)

WR Rank: 4

Overall Rank: 31

2nd Selection To All Stud Team

101 Receptions, 1,367 Receiving Yards, 10 Receiving TD's, 1 Fumble Lost, 246.10 Fantasy Points

 

On paper, with all the injuries he suffered, there was no way Mike should've made the playoffs. With Odell Beckham on his squad though, he was able to sneak into the playoffs. Beckham once again had a terrific season, after a slow start, finishing with over 1,300 receiving yards, double digit TD's, and 100 receptions. It's the second time he's made the team and was well worth the 3rd pick overall for Mike.

WR

Jordy Nelson (Light's Broken Bots)

WR Rank: 1

Overall Rank: 28

2nd Selection to All Stud Team

97 Receptions, 1,257 Receiving Yards, 14 Receiving TD's, 1 Fumble Lost, 256.20 Fantasy Points

 

It was hard deciding the 3rd Wide Receiver for this team. I typically like to pick guys who played on teams that made the playoffs, but sometimes players have seasons too good to ignore regardless of what team they are on. This was a coinflip between Nelson and Mike Evans, but since Matt's squad finished higher and Evans kinda slumped at the end of the season, I'm giving the nod to Jordy. Jordy made the inaugural 2011 squad and 5 years later, he's back! What a story. After missing all of last year with a ACL injury, Nelson came back with a vengeance this season and proved to everyone just how elite he really is. He finishes as the #1 receiver in fantasy football. Matt had a lot of problems with injuries that lost his season, Jordy did his best to keep it afloat. At the very least, there's no doubt Matt's keeping him again as a 10th round keeper.

RB

Ezekiel Elliott (Hoosier Daddy)

RB Rank: 2

Overall Rank: 8

1st Selection to All Stud Team

1,631 Rushing Yards, 15 Rushing TD's, 32 Receptions, 363 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD, 1 Fumble Lost, 309.40 Fantasy Points

 

For a guy who had sooooooo much hype coming in to the season and EXCEED expectations is beyond amazing, but that's exactly what Zeke did this year. Not only has he been a vital part to the Cowboys Super Bowl run this year, but he helped Ryan have his best ever finish in his 7 years playing. Ryan finished as the highest league scorer, the best regular season record, and carried Ryan's team on his back to get Ryan to his first ever finals. He also did his very best to complete a comeback in the finals, but of no fault of his own, was benched in the 4th quarter of the meaningless game against the Lions when the game was out of hand. He led the league in rushing (even with missing Week 17) and Ryan was rewarded big time for taking a chance on him with the 2nd overall pick. Don't be surprised if he's a mainstay on this team in the foreseeable future.

RB

Le'Veon Bell (SCLSU MudDogs)

RB Rank: 3

Overall Rank: 21

2nd Selection to All Stud Team

1,268 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing TD's, 75 Receptions, 616 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 1 2 PT Conversion, 1 Fumble Lost, 279.90 Fantasy Points

 

He missed 3 games due to suspension, and sat out Week 17 and STILL finished as the #3 back in fantasy football. Bell proved once again that he's one of the best backs in the league, when he's not acting like an idiot and getting suspended for stupid shit. That was the worry that came with drafting him this year. It's why Mayra reluctantly let him go. He was going to miss 3 games off the bat. Alex though, took that chance and he rode Bell all the way to his first ever Fantasy Football Championship. Bell is such a huge threat in both the running and passing game that it's impossible to contain him. Proof? Look at his playoff run. Nearly 50 points in Round 1, and nearly 30 points in the most important game of the season, the Wane McGarity Bowl. He was big time when it mattered, and was the #1 reason Alex beat Ryan this year. Scary to think what kind of monster stats, Le'Veon Bell with a full season could put up.

TE

Travis Kelce (Rocket Man)

TE Rank: 1

Overall Rank: 61

1st Selection to All Stud Team

85 Receptions, 1,125 Receiving Yards, 4 Receiving TD's, 1 2 PT Conversion, 180.50 Fantasy Points

 

Tight End seemed REALLY BAD this year...case in point, Kelce finished as the #1 Tight End in scoring this year...overall he's ranked 61. Regardless, we've been waiting for Kelce to breakout for a couple years and he just never got the real opportunity...until now. Kelce finally was more involved in the offense and took advantage of the opportunity catching 85 balls and going for over 1,100 receiving yards. The TD's were kind of lacking, but the yardage was there to more than makeup for it. It's a shame injuires stripped away any chance of Eugene making a real playoff run this season. I think a team led by Aaron Rodgers, with a healthy Julio Jones, Melvin Gordon and then having the #1 tight end in the game, Travis Kelce, could've definitely contended with both Ryan and Alex. Just a shame we'll never know what could've been.

Flex

David Johnson (No Soup For You)

RB Rank: 1

Overall Rank: 4

1st Selection to All Stud Team

1,239 Rushing Yards, 16 Rushing TD's, 80 Receptions, 879 Receiving Yards, 4 Receiving TD's, 1 2 PT conversion, 3 Fumbles Lost, 367.80 Fantasy Points

 

You can point all the fingers you want on why Leland's team underachieved so much, but one guy who did his job and more was David Johnson. There's no way he CAN'T make this team, and if this was a general award, and not league specific, David Johnson is hands down the MVP of fantasy football. All the guy did was lead all non QB players in scoring (by a WIDE margin), score 20 TD's and have over 2,000 yards rushing and receiving. It blows my mind that Leland wasn't able to make the playoffs with this guy on his roster, but he did win the Michael Wiley Loser Bowl, which means he gets to pick wherever he wants and get David Johnson some help for next season. The crazy thing about it? David Johnson is a 14th round keeper. Even if he regresses a little bit, there's no risk at all. Leland will be a force next season, and David Johnson will be the centerpiece of that team.

Wane McGarity Stud Of The Year

Ezekiel Elliott (Hoosier Daddy)

  This was tough...really tough..I even thought about going Co-Studs Of The Year, but I'm really not a fan of splitting the award. Bell was beyond amazing this season and when it counted, Bell came though in the clutch big time...but so did Zeke...and Zeke had to do it in the two biggest games of Ryan's fantasy football career. Unfortunately, though Zeke came though in the Wane McGarity Bowl, Ryan still came up less than 5 points short, but he wouldn't have even been that close if hadn't been for Zeke. No, he can blame shitty Thomas Rawls and Kenny Britt for his loss, not Zeke. Overall, Zeke helped Ryan to the 2nd best regular season record in league history, and scored 30 more points than Bell (thanks to Bell's suspension, which also played a part in this decision). It's by the smallest of small margins, but Zeke gets the nod by a hair and is this year's Wane McGarity Stud of The Year.

And now this will officially wrap up Season 7 of the Wane McGarity Bowl! I hope everyone had a great time. It flew by fast and before you know it..it'll be June again and time for Season 8!! Thanks again to everyone for playing, the league only runs, because you guys chose to play and play the right way! See yall next season!

 

 

Year End Awards: All Draft Day Steal Team/Draft Day Steal Of The Year

It happens every year. Players outperform their draft position big time. You go back and look and go "wow I can't believe this guy was taken in the 10th round" etc. Here are the players who had a way bigger impact than their draft position would have indicated. Keepers are excluded from this team

Matt Ryan (Bigger Balls)

Drafted: 8th Round (92nd Overall) by Mayra

# of QB's Kept/Drafted Ahead of Matt Ryan: 12

QB Rank: 2

Overall Rank: 2

4,944 Passing Yards, 38 Passing TD's, 7 Int, 117 Rushing Yards, 2 2 Pt Conversions, 2 Fumbles Lost, 388.96 Fantasy Points

 

In the past, Matt Ryan has always been in that Philip Rivers, Matthew Stafford group of QB's where it FEELS LIKE he has all the upside in the world, but ultimately he disappoints and you can't really win with him. This year he FINALLY broke through fantasy wise. Ryan was terrific all season ,throwing a TD pass in each game he played and helped Mayra secure a #3 seed in the playoffs. He finished as not only the 2nd QB but 2nd overall scorer in the league. Teams like Dad and Matt took two QB's each over Matt Ryan. Hands down he was the best QB steal of the draft.

WR

Michael Thomas (No Soup For You)

Drafted: 10th Round (109th Overall) By Leland

# of WR's Kept/Drafted ahead Of Michael Thomas: 48

WR Rank: 7

Overall Rank: 44

92 Receptions, 1,137 Receiving Yards, 9 Receiving TD's, 2 Fumble Lost, 209.70 Fantasy Points

 

Leland definitely had a disappointing season, considering expectations, but he's good at finding gems late in the draft and that's what he found here in Michael Thomas. He wasn't even the first rookie drafted, Corey Coleman and Sterling Shepard were two rookies drafted before him, also Leland used his first of two back to back late picks on Devin Funchess. Thomas more than exceeded expectations and went over 1,000 yards receiving, scored 9 TD's and finished as the 7th overall receiver this season. Saints receivers are obviously hard to rely on because Drew Brees spreads the ball around, but as a 10th rounder, I think the risk is going to be worth it, and he might be a key piece for Leland as he rebuilds his team to championship form next year.

WR

Michael Crabtree (Hoosier Daddy)

Drafted: 6th Round (71st Overall) By Ryan

# of WR's Kept/Drafted Ahead of Michael Crabtree: 37

WR Rank: 11

Overall Rank: 50

89 Receptions, 1,003 Receiving Yards, 8 Receiving TD's, 1 2 PT Conversion, 194.80 Fantasy Points

 

Crabtree was drafted as Ryan's #3 receiver behind Sammy Watkins and John Brown. He's lucky he did, because both of those guys busted BIG TIME. Ryan survived the bust and finished with the best regular season record of the season in large part to the success of Michael Crabtree. He wasn't even supposed to be the best receiver on his own team, that was supposed to be Amari Cooper. Cooper wasn't too far off from Crabtree's scoring, but Cooper was also a 2nd round pick. Michael Crabtree finished the season as a WR #1 with over 1,000 yards receiving and 8 TD's. Not bad for a guy drafted after 37 receivers were kept or drafted.

WR

Larry Fitzgerald (SCLSU MudDogs)

Drafted: 5th Round (52nd Overall) By Alex

# of WR's Kept/Drafted Ahead of Larry Fitzgerald: 32

WR Rank: 13

Overall Rank: 54

107 Receptions, 1,023 Receiving Yards, 6 Receiving TD's, 1 Fumble Lost, 190.30 Fantasy Points

 

Moves like this are why Alex and Ryan made the finals and why Alex ultimately won. Thought the old and washed up, Fitzgerald wasn't even the first OR second receiver taken from the Cardinals. I stupidly took Michael Floyd and Ryan took John Brown before Alex snapped up the "old has been" Fitzgerald. Though he kinda slowed down towards the end of the season, he still had a great season and help push Alex to a playoff berth this season going for over 1,000 yards and catching over 100 balls. He finished 1 spot under a WR1 finish proving that the old man still has a little left in that tank.

RB

Melvin Gordon (Rocket Man)

Drafted: 5th Round (58th Overall) By Eugene

# of RB's Kept/Drafted before Melvin Gordon:  23

RB Rank: 7

Overall Rank: 35

997 Rushing Yards, 10 Rushing TD's, 41 Receptions, 419 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 2 Fumble Lost, 230.10 Fantasy Points

 

What a turnaround. Last season, Gordon was beyond awful, not even scoring a TD after being a much hyped rookie. This year, Gordon did a complete 180, becoming a complete back in both rushing and receiving and become a legit RB1. It was hard to believe, and I kept doubting him, but he NEVER fell off. Only a season ending injury that cost him pretty much the last 4 games of the season stopped him. No doubt he probably would've been a top 5 back but even with missing 4 games he still finished as the 7th best running back this season. Along with Aaron Rodgers and Julio Jones, Gordon was the main reason why Eugene got his 2nd straight bye. Unfortunately he showed just how valuable he was, because Eugene couldn't even score 60 points with him and Julio Jones out with injuries in the semi finals. I think Eugene has to take a long good look as possibly keeping him, especially in the 5th round.

RB

DeMarco Murray (Shock The Monkey)

Drafted: 4th Round (38th Overall) by Mark

# of RB's Kept/Drafted before DeMarco Murray: 18

RB Rank: 5

Overall Rank: 25

1,287 Rushing Yards, 9 Rushing TD's, 53 Receptions, 377 Receiving Yards, 3 Receiving TD's, 1 Fumble Lost, 268.30 Fantasy Points

 

After a BRUTAL year last year in Philadelphia where everyone basically wrote Murray off and credited his initial success in Dallas to their offensive line, Murray was basically given away to the Titans. Even in Tennessee, it was thought that he would be a placeholder for Derrick Henry, the Heisman Winning rookie that the Titans took in the 2nd round of the draft. Well..not so fast. Murray had a career rebirth with the Titans, performing like the Murray from Dallas. Although Mark had a terrible season, it wasn't because of Murray who finished as a top 5 running back for the year. When you're in the elite class of Zeke, Le'Veon Bell, David Johnson, and LeSean McCoy you know you've done well. Not bad for an after thought 4th round pick.

 

TE

Jimmy Graham (SCLSU MudDogs)

Drafted: 11th Round (124th Overall) By Alex

# of TE's Kept/Drafted Ahead of Jimmy Graham: 14

TE Rank: 4

Overall Rank: 84

65 Receptions, 923 Receiving Yards, 6 Receiving TD's, 2 Fumble Lost, 156.80 Fantasy Points

 

Alex has his soft spot for Saints and ex Saints and that's why he took a shot in the 11th round on Jimmy Graham. Graham is a couple years removed from being considering a top elite option like Gronk, and he wasn't even Alex' first Tight End drafted, Alex drafted Delanie Walker a few rounds earlier, but Graham finally put together a nice comeback season, finishing nearly with 1,000 receiving, and finishing as the 4th best Tight End this season. He provided Alex with good depth and Alex even had the luxury of chosing to use two tight ends as Walker was no slouch either finishing as the #5 tight end. This was definitely a gamble that paid off in spades.

 

 RB

LaGarrette Blount (Bay Area Tanners)

Drafted: 8th Round (91st Overall) By Albert; Traded by Albert along with A.J. Green to me for Jordan Matthews and LeSean McCoy

# of RB's Kept/Drafted before LaGarrette Blount: 35

RB Rank: 8

Overall Rank: 36

1,161 Rushing Yards, 18 Rushing TD's, 7 Receptions, 38 Receiving Yards, 1 Fumble Lost, 229.40 Fantasy Points  

 

Because it's the Patriots and no one trusts Bill Belicheck, Blount was really never taken seriously as a legit fantasy RB1, with people assuming that Dion Lewis and James White would eat into Blount's production big time as the season went on, yet at 1,100 rushing yards and 18 TD's later there he is, the 8th best running back of the season. He got stuck on my loser team, but he performed week in and week out. Because you never know with the Pats, Blount will probably get disrespected in drafts yet again next season, but he has proven to be a very reliable back, not only in fantasy, but in real life.

Draft Day Steal Of The Year

Melvin Gordon (Rocket Man)

 

I chose Gordon for a couple reasons. I really believe he'd be a top 5 back this season had he not missed 4 games at the end of the season and two of those 4 games were playoff games for Eugene that Eugene lost, so it just shows how valuable he was to his team. Eugene might's at the very least finished 3rd had Gordon been healthy and played.

 

 

 

 

Year End Awards: All Waiver Wire Team/Waiver Wire Pickup Of The Year

Waiver Wire Pickups are essential in fantasy football. Teams are constantly scouring free agents looking for the next gem to help ride their team to a fantasy championship. Every year a handful guys break out from fantasy irrelevance to fantasy superstardom. Here's the best of this year's crop. Drafted players who were cut early and then picked back up do qualify for this team.

QB-Believe it or not, no QB qualifies for this award. Everyone's main QB was drafted

WR

Devante Adams (BigBadBob)

75 Receptions, 997 Receiving Yards, 12 Receiving TD's, 1 2 PT Conversion, 1 Fumble Lost, 209.20 Fantasy Points

WR Rank: 8

 Overall Rank: 45

 

Dad might not have gotten a full season worth of him, but he's been a stud on Dad's team ever since Dad picked him off waivers. He went from a 3rd round dud last year to an undrafted stud this year. This was the player Kenny was hoping for last season. Adams had nearly 1,000 yards receiving and 12 TD's and basically has made Randall Cobb an afterthought. Dad might not have had a great season, but picking up Davante Adams on free agents was definitely one of his best moves of the season.

WR

Tyreek Hill (Shock The Monkey)

267 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing TD's, 61 Receptions, 593 Receiving Yards, 6 receiving TD's, 3 Return TD's, 1 Fumble Lost, 186.5 Fantasy Points

WR Rank: 14

Overall Rank: 55

 

Talk about your ultimate do it all player. Because he was buried on Mark's team few paid attention to the amazing season Hill had. With the Chiefs offense sputtering without the likes of Jamaal Charles and Jeremy Maclin most of the season, Hill did a little bit of everything to keep the offense afloat. Kick Returns, Receiving, Rushing, Hill's speed was unmatched by many. It's hard to gauge where Hill will go in next season's drafts, but he had a pretty solid season for an undrafted fantasy player.

WR

Tyrell Williams (Light's Broken Bots)

69 Receptions, 1,059 Receiving Yards, 7 Receiving TD's, 182.4 Fantasy Points

WR Rank: 16

Overall Rank: 58

 

It's a shame that so far, all these successful pickups were made by non playoff teams. These guys could've provided huge boosts to the fringe playoff teams that made the playoffs instead of wasting away their talents for basically nothing. Tyrell Williams basically got his opportunity when Keenan Allen suffered a season ending injury in Week 1. Initially thought to be buried on the depth chart behind Travis Benjamin and Dontrelle Inman, Williams quickly established himself as Philip Rivers' go to guy and finished the season with over 1,000 yards, 7 TD's and a top 20 WR finish. WR was full of disappointments and busts from the name guys and it's guys like Tyrell Williams that help ease the pain for those who drafted poorly at WR.

 RB

Jordan Howard (Channel 4 News Team)

1,313 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing TD's, 29 Receptions, 298 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD, 1 Fumble Lost, 215.6 Fantasy Points

RB Rank: 10

Overall Rank: 41

 

Oh boy did Albert find a gem here. When Matt Forte left for the Jets and based on last season, it was a no brainer that Jeremy Langford was going to be the man for this team. The Bears curiously drafted Howard, but most felt it was Langford's job and he wouldn't lose it. Well, not only did Langford suck, he got hurt and it gave Jordan Howard a chance to shine and that he did. He had a brief slump and Kadeem Carey took over for a tiny bit, but Howard bounced back quickly and without playing a full season amassed over 1,300 rushing yards and 7 total TD's. He provided Albert the RB depth he needed after losing Doug Martin to injury and trading away LaGarrette Blount. If Albert would've have one a title, Howard would've been a huge reason why. Albert still finished 3rd though and Jordan Howard's play was a big reason why.

RB

Bilal Powell (SCLSU MudDogs)

722 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing TD's, 58 Receptions, 388 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 1 Fumble Lost, 168 Fantasy Points

RB Rank: 21

Overall Rank: 72

 

So despite being drafted, Powell gets the exemption because Alex dropped him right away, even before the season opener on September 8th and then I picked up him, dropped him too, and Alex picked him up in Late October and never looked back. Powell's a great back, but playing behind Matt Forte was limiting his touches. When Forte was dealing with nagging injuries though, Powell came up HUGE at the right time for Alex...playoff time. His performance in the 2nd round of the Wane McGarity Bowl Playoffs, helped him dispatch Eugene with ease. If Powell does somehow become the #1 back here, he'd be eligible to kept in the round he was drafted in. Definitely something to think about for next season for our defending champion.

TE

Dennis Pitta (BigBadBob)

86 Receptions, 729 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 1 Fumble Lost, 125.90 Fantasy Points

TE Rank: 10

Overall Rank: 121

 

I picked Pitta over Cameron Brate, because Pitta was used more overall this season first by me, then in a trade for Brandon Marshall by Dad. Yup...Dad traded for Pitta and gave up Brandon Marshall and WON THE TRADE...that's how awful Marshall was, but also how solid Pitta was. Tight End is a typical suckfest position scoring wise, so the stats might not wow anyone (especially the lack of TD's, Pitta's two TD's came in the same game), but coming off a serious injury, Pitta had a respectable 86 catches for over 700 yards and a Top 10 tight end finish for the season. Not bad for a guy who had guys like Virgil Green and Jordan Cameron picked over him.

Flex

Terrelle Pryor Sr. (Woe Is You)

41 Passing Yards, 77 Receptions, 1007 Receiving Yards, 4 Receiving TD's, 21 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD, 1 2 Pt Conversion, 174.94 Fantasy Points

WR Rank: 21

Overall Rank: 69

 

Fantasy wise, one of the coolest stories of the season. Pryor was a failed QB in the pros converted into a Wide Receiver playing for the CLEVELAND BROWNS. Recipe for disaster right? DEAD WRONG. Pryor was super solid, nearly finishing as a top 20 Receiver this season, and going over 1,000 receiving yards for the season. Waiver moves like getting Pryor were the reason that Mike was able to survive season ending injuries to his top two wide receivers and make the playoffs.

Waiver Wire Pickup Of The Year

Jordan Howard (Channel 4 News Team)

 

A top 10 running back that helped solidify Albert as a championship contender, no doubt Howard is the Waiver Wire Pickup Of The Year.