UPDATED-Week 5 Insider, 2013-By R. Pardue

Week 5, 2013
eSFL Insider written by R. Pardue
Red text is commissioner comments


Trade Talk
Most coaches have received that email that says “ check the trade offer I sent and let me know what you think”,, Instantly you get a feeling of curiosity and wonder if the trade will improve your team, but then at the same time as with most trade offers you wonder will it be an attempted “trade rape”? Still none the less you are eager to see the offer. Excited you click on the trade and discover that’s its either laughable or it raises an eye brow..In a recent trade offer that was received the lure was WR Victor Cruz. Of course this raises an eyebrow, as he is a talented WR but unfortunately he is becoming inconsistent and is on what appears to be an awful offense this year. So there was intrigue because my WRs haven’t been lighting up the score board, they haven’t been bad, but they haven’t been great either. So what did I have to give up to get Victor Cruz? The other coach has stated he would like RB Giovani Bernard and WR Torry Smith and to try and tilt the trade to be accepted he has offered to pay the trade fee as well. This trade actually seems reasonable enough. So do I accept the trade?
A coach on top of his game would most likely look at how each player is performing now and not be too concerned with name only, RB Giovani Bernard is quickly becoming an impact player and RB points are hard to come by this year. Understanding this would allow the coach to figure in the upside and downside of each player involved in the trade. Consideration should also be given to the player’s schedule and bye week. But most coaches don’t have time for this so they may look at a trade value listing such as the one below posted on many FF websites. This listing is basically a rest of season rankings but assigns a trade value to each player. If used in the subject trade it’s easily seen that Victor Cruz is assigned a value of 23 in PPR leagues (such as the eSFL) Giovani Bernard is assigned a value of 19, and Torry Smith is assigned a value of 12. This trade is clearly in favor of the team offering Victor Cruz, by a 31-23 value. But still should the trade be accepted?

Player	Stnd	PPR	Player	Stnd	PPR	Player	Stnd	PPR
Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN	35	36	Colin Kaepernick, QB, SF	18	18	Bernard Pierce, RB, BAL	10	10
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC	34	36	Marques Colston, WR, NO	17	19	Julian Edelman, WR, NE	9	12
LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI	34	35	Giovani Bernard, RB, CIN	17	19	Brian Hartline, WR, MIA	9	12
Matt Forte, RB, CHI	32	35	Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE	16	19	Miles Austin, WR, DAL	9	11
Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA	32	33	Eddie Lacy, RB, GB	16	16	DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU	9	11
Alfred Morris, RB, WAS	31	31	Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG	15	17	Tavon Austin, WR, STL	9	11
Calvin Johnson, WR, DET	30	35	Jordan Cameron, TE, CLE	15	17	Chris Givens, WR, STL	9	11
A.J. Green, WR, CIN	29	33	Julius Thomas, TE, DEN	15	17	Greg Olsen, TE, CAR	9	10
Dez Bryant, WR, DAL	29	33	Mike Wallace, WR, MIA	15	16	Eli Manning, QB, NYG	9	9
Doug Martin, RB, TB	29	32	Steven Jackson, RB, ATL	15	15	Justin Blackmon, WR, JAC	8	10
Brandon Marshall, WR, CHI	28	33	Darren Sproles, RB, NO	14	17	Marlon Brown, WR, BAL	8	9
Julio Jones, WR, ATL	28	32	Eric Decker, WR, DEN	14	16	Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, NE	8	9
Arian Foster, RB, HOU	27	30	Josh Gordon, WR, CLE	14	16	Ben Tate, RB, HOU	8	9
Peyton Manning, QB, DEN	27	27	Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC	14	15	Fred Jackson, RB, BUF	8	9
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI	26	31	Frank Gore, RB, SF	14	14	Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, IND	8	8
Randall Cobb, WR, GB	26	31	Danny Amendola, WR, NE	13	17	Anquan Boldin, WR, SF	7	9
Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN	26	29	Jason Witten, TE, DAL	13	17	Joique Bell, RB, DET	7	9
Ray Rice, RB, BAL	26	29	Vernon Davis, TE, SF	13	16	Michael Floyd, WR, ARI	7	8
DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI	26	28	T.Y. Hilton, WR, IND	13	15	Mike Williams, WR, TB	7	8
Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB	26	26	Jermichael Finley, TE, GB	13	14	Denarius Moore, WR, OAK	7	8
Drew Brees, QB, NO	26	26	Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN	13	14	Brandon Myers, TE, NYG	7	8
Trent Richardson, RB, IND	24	25	Stevan Ridley, RB, NE	13	13	Jay Cutler, QB, CHI	7	7
Chris Johnson, RB, TEN	24	24	Lamar Miller, RB, MIA	13	13	Eddie Royal, WR, SD	6	8
Wes Welker, WR, DEN	23	28	Rashard Mendenhall, RB, ARI	13	13	Rod Streater, WR, OAK	6	8
Jimmy Graham, TE, NO	23	28	Steve Johnson, WR, BUF	12	15	Emmanuel Sanders, WR, PIT	6	8
Reggie Bush, RB, DET	23	27	Antonio Brown, WR, PIT	12	15	Charles Clay, TE, MIA	6	7
Matthew Stafford, QB, DET	23	23	Cecil Shorts, WR, JAC	12	15	Owen Daniels, TE, HOU	6	7
Jordy Nelson, WR, GB	22	24	Roddy White, WR, ATL	12	15	Coby Fleener, TE, IND	6	7
DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL	22	23	Le'Veon Bell, RB, PIT	12	12	Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN	6	6
C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF	22	23	Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC	11	13	Sam Bradford, QB, STL	6	6
Matt Ryan, QB, ATL	22	22	James Jones, WR, GB	11	13	Terrelle Pryor, QB, OAK	6	6
Tony Romo, QB, DAL	22	22	Martellus Bennett, TE, CHI	11	13	Andy Dalton, QB, CIN	6	6
Tom Brady, QB, NE	22	22	Torrey Smith, WR, BAL	11	12	Philip Rivers, QB, SD	6	6
Andre Johnson, WR, HOU	21	24	Antonio Gates, TE, SD	11	12	Danny Woodhead, RB, SD	5	8
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS	21	24	Ryan Mathews, RB, SD	11	11	Donnie Avery, WR, KC	5	6
Victor Cruz, WR, NYG	20	23	David Wilson, RB, NYG	11	11	Bryce Brown, RB, PHI	5	5
Andrew Luck, QB, IND	20	20	DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR	11	11	Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, ATL	5	5
Vincent Jackson, WR, TB	19	21	Russell Wilson, QB, SEA	11	11	Jason Snelling, RB, ATL	5	5
Reggie Wayne, WR, IND	18	20	Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL	10	13	Pierre Thomas, RB, NO	5	5
Darren McFadden, RB, OAK	18	19	Steve Smith, WR, CAR	10	12	Matt Schaub, QB, HOU	5	5
Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS	18	18	Daryl Richardson, RB, STL	10	12	Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT	5	5
Michael Vick, QB, PHI	18	18	Jared Cook, TE, STL	10	11	Seahawks DST	5	5
Cam Newton, QB, CAR	18	18	Bilal Powell, RB, NYJ	10	11	Chiefs DST	5	5

Every time I get a trade offer I reflect back to an offer I got one year in another league and the response I got from the other owner when I called him out for making what was in my opinion a ridiculous offer. It was in 2007 and the trade offer was his Ronnie Brown for my Randy Moss. This trade was instantly declined, but he informed me that the trade was not ridiculous and that judgment of the trade lies in the “eye of the beholder”. My thinking was, that was complete horse shit.. or was it? He knew I was a Dolphin’s fan and at the time Ronnie Brown was looking like the guy in Miami. Long story short, there may be a coach out there that values someone a lot more than you or any trade value chart does so sometimes the offers have to be made even the ridiculous ones, because a lot of times they will be accepted and after all we trade to improve our team , not to help the other team.
So back to the current trade that was offered? It was ultimately declined, but only after after a lot of back and forth that included visions of accepting the trade and Victor Cruz breaking his leg in the very next game or spending the entire game looking in the backfield at Eli on is back after his 8^th sack, while Giovani Bernard becomes the main back in Cincy and score 50 Fpts. The upside is too go with Giovani, and Torry Smith and the rest of the WR corp is good enough to compete in a 14 team league. If this offer was made to a coach that really needs WR help, or is a Giants fan or is someone that believes the Giants will turn things around like they usually do late in the season, the outcome could have been different.
My take on trades is:
1. Try to be fair, but make offers, there will be a lot of “WTF “, and “you insult my intelligence” reactions, but there is always someone who will bite.
2. Understand your roster and know what areas you are strong in and find teams that are weak in that area and make the move. Don’t offer a mediocre RB to a team that has 4 good ones already.
3. Understand when it’s time to “sell high” when a player is performing surprising well but you don’t think it will continue. Examples of players to trade would be Demarco Murray, Michael Vick, and Reggie Bush.
4. Understand when it’s time to “buy low” for a player that is surprisingly underperforming. Players to target include Doug Martin, CJ Spiller, Andre Johnson, Lamar Miller and Steve Smith
5. For the owners of the “buy low” candidates, be willing to part with these guys if you can improve your team now
6. It’s a long season, RBs are in high demand QBs kind of in demand but WRs and TEs outside of the usual studs are fairly deep and a starting FA IDP can be found at anytime.
Happy Trading Everyone!!

This Weeks Match-ups

Key NFL Bye weeks: Minnesota, Washington, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh

  

Frost’s Furrious Flurries (3-2) Vs. R.R. Rough Riders (2-3)
FIRST EVER MEETING

After a strong start to the season with 3 straight wins Frost has lost its last 3 games. Coming off a disappointing loss last week the Flurries welcome Aaron Rodgers back to the lineup. Unfortunately the Bye week might take a toll this week as well, as two of the team’s top WRs will be out. The team appears to have ok depth and should be covered and also it doesn’t hurt to have RBs Frank Gore and Matt Forte who are playing at the top of their game.
The Rough Riders have lived up to the team’s name so far this year, as it been a rough roller coaster ride of a season so far. Beginning with week 1, game results have been: loss, win, loss, win, loss. Fortunately for the Riders it’s their week for a win and they will not be affected by the bye week. Unfortunately for the Rough Riders Frost has a better team.
Frost 150 – Rough Riders 129

  

Temp’s Texas Boys (2-3) Vs. Zima Ruskies (4-1)
Temp is 9-8 versus coach Zima all-time regular season.

Temps’ Texas Boys are wishing they had this week off. In last week’s post game interview, when asked about the Bruisermaker’s game plan, coach Templin’s response was simply “they wore us out”. 

 If the boys are to rebound this week the coach will have to make some tough decision as the entire team has been underperforming. It might be time to suit up Brian Hoyer and plan to feed Eddie Lacy the ball.

The Zima Ruskies have to be considered the surprise team of the year so far. After recovering from a week one disaster the team has won 4 straight. The team is dominating on defense and its WR corp that includes Dez Bryant and Calvin Johnson is unmatched. If the Ruskies can ever get some kind of running game going they may be unstoppable. For this week though it will be 5 straight wins.

Temp 150 – Zima 162

  

Pardue Bruisermakers (5-0) Vs. Rhodes Runners (3-2)
Pardue leads all time series 7-3 (vs Runners) and is 12-4 versus coach Rhodes all-time regular season (Runners and Balut).

The Brusiermakers train is not stopping this week..all the Rhodes Runners can do is watch Peyton Manning jump out of the way and start planning for next week.
Brusiermaker’s 175 – Runners 143

 

Kav’s Kavanators (3-2) Vs. Whitmore Workhorse (0-5)

Whitmore leads all-time regular season series 7-1.

The Kavanators found themselves on the wrong end of a high scoring game last week. Coach Kav will probably be the first to tell you never underestimate any team in the ESFL, especially a cupcake like the Texan Bruisers. This week is no different as they face the winless Workhorse. The Kavanator’s after winning its first 3 games of the season have been in the loss column for the past two weeks. Expect a bounce back week as Ray Rice will get back on track and Darren Sproles will still be good, but may come down a little from last week’s performance. The position to watch will be at QB, expect Eli Manning to have a big game this week.
The Workhorse, well maybe just consider trying to acquire draft picks for next year..
Kavanators 180 – Workhorse 140

  

Igama Sweaty Palms (4-1)  Vs. Texan Bruisers 1-4)
The all-Time regular season play is 2-2

This game could be the lowest scoring game of the week. Both teams are losing key players which should at least make for a close game. Igama gets hit hard as RGII and Alfred Morris will both be sitting and the Bruisers will be without Adrian Peterson carrying the load. This game will demonstrate which coach can better game plan as the individual matchups for the remaining players will not allow much fantasy production. Look for Igama to continue their winning ways
Igama 145 – Bruisers 137

 

Perdew Pulverizers (2-3) Vs. D Crownholder (1-4)
Perdew won the only regular season meeting between these teams in 2011 (Week 2, 188-166)

There is no dispute that potential wise the Pulverizers have what could be the best receiving group ever assembled. However their inconsistency and the team’s lack of true number 2 running back have resulted in only 2 wins. This is a scary team, one that could explode as it did in week one or just be average as in the other weeks. It’s unfortunate for the Crownholders as they are next up. If they can’t put it together soon and start competing, the coach should start reevaluating the teams draft strategy for next year.
Pulverizes 190 – D Crownholders 133

  

Vaill Vigilante (2-3) Vs. Fields Fantix (3-2)
Coach Fields is 9-1 all-time regular season versus coach Viall.

The Vigilante are hoping Drew Brees , Brandon Marshal and Antonio Gates can carry their team this week because as of now the team will be struggling to field a single RB. Going against Fields at anything less than full strength is a disaster waiting to happen. They only possible saving factor is that Fields will also be struggling to get 3 Wrs in their lineup. This doesn’t appear to be a big problem for Fields as they should score another victory this week. Expect a David Wilson sighting!
Vail 145 – Fields 155

  

Brady Bunch (3-2) Vs. Flish’s Crazy Daizys (2-3)

The Brady Bunch will have to be coached up this week. RGII will not be on the field, along with injured CJ Spiller and their top TE Jermicheal Finely. The team is giving a lot of first team reps to some its young players this week. They should be able to compete but it might not be enough going up against QB Aaron Rodgers and one of the toughest defenses in the league with JJ Watt and J. Huston. This one will be close, but in the end the Daizys will be out coached this week.
Brady Bunch 152 – Daizys 145

  

F.B. Rubber Duckies (1-4) Vs. Bakken Oilers (2-3)

Can the Duckies recover in time from the heartbreaking .94 point loss they suffered last week? Is it time to roll with B. Hoyer and week 4 RB stud Danny boy Woodhead? The Duckies need answers and it might be good timing for the underperforming D. Martin to be riding the pine. The Bakkan Oilers have M. Vick and Dez Bryant, both of these players will be at the top of the leader board for points scored this week. Throw in RB M. Lynch and WR Victor Cruz and the Oilers will cruise to a victory this week.
Duckies 146 – Oilers 185

  

Wallie’s Texas Stars (3-2) Vs. Orange Crush (3-2)

Losers of two in a row after a 3-0 start the Texas Stars have seen some unsteady play from key starters. Miles Austin may return this week from the usual hamstring injury and the team gets Jordy Nelson back. Along with a resurgent Frank Gore and Arian Foster the team will look to get back to its winning ways. The Orange Crush is about as inconsistent as any team can be. After winning a defensive battle last week the team will look for ways to get on track offensively. With key stars such as AJ Green , Trent Richardson and Jordan Cameron this team should have one of its more productive weeks. This should be a close game but unless Vons Miller runs from the sideline to pick up 3 sacks, the Stars will pull out a victory.
Stars 160 – Crush 150

  

Snoops Whiz Kings (2-3) vs. Dlugiewics Fight’n Pollacks (5-0)

It looks as though the Whiz Kings are hoping this turns into a two QB league as they roster the most QBs in the league. None the less they have still managed to build good depth at RB and WR. The team gets Cam Newton back this week and teamed up with R. Bush, L. McCoy, offensively they should explode. On the defensive side they look just as good with J. Allen and T Suggs getting to the opposing QB at will. The Pollacks are undefeated and have to be smiling knowing 4-5 TDs from Peyton Manning are a lock each week. This is a strong team but their lack of a running game this week will hurt them. Not sure if it will be considered an upset of the week, but look for the Whiz Kings to hand the Pollacks their first loss of the season.

Whiz Kings 175 – Pollacks 162

  

Money Team (2-3) Vs. Legendary Humanoid (2-3)

This has to be the game of the week. It will come down to coaching. Money Team will have to really think about who to start. Eli has a great matchup, Pryor should be back? At TE Fleener is playing great but do they bench him for Vernon Davis? Humanoid well this team is loaded, just throw a dart and it will hit a great player on this roster. Just choosing the best one is the problem. If both teams play the matchups right they should make this a close game.
Money Team 170 – Humanoid 175

 

Psycho Billiecats (4-1) Vs. Houston Rams (4-1)

This is a battle of 4-1 teams. The Billiecats have had an impressive run of four high scoring wins while the Rams come off a humiliating 128 point performance. Look for more of the same this week.
Billiecats 178 – Rams 140

  

Klimko K’s (2-3) Vs. Miami Brownskins (0-5)

Klimko K’s just fell short last week and ended up losing their third game of the season. The team is begging for one of its RBs to step up. Luckily the 0-5 Brownskins are up next. They also are scrambling for RB help. In the end this one will come down to WR play and Klimko K’s have the better trio this week.
Klimko K’s 150 – Brownskins 140