eSFL, Just Another Fantasy League

 The 16th installment of eStandout fantasy football kicked off on August 15th with the Vintage draft, 22nd was the Nebula draft, followed by two-a-day training camps. If you were fortunate enough to participate in these events, you are anxiously awaiting Sep 10th kickoff! The league is only available to 18 lucky owners, a large number for a fantasy league, but not large enough to satisfy those who reside on the six man waiting list. Those who have not been lucky enough to be an owner in the eSFL over the past 15 years, could never comprehend what they have been missing in fantasy football. As commissioner of the league since it's inception, I deserve but a very few commendations for it's success. When the league was formed our primary goal was complete team performance, not offensive domination. Football is a game that cannot be played without a defense, it simply cannot be done. Yeah, you could pick a team defense, why not pick a team offense if that method is so fun? So why should fantasy football be played that way? So, with ideas from a couple of would be owners, we decided that without the use of individual defensive players, it could not be any fun. The eSFL was certainly not the first fantasy football league to use individual defensive players (IDP), but I will say it sure was a minority. Back in 2000, the leagues first season, 97 percent of all leagues were not using IDP. If you could find a league that did, scoring was pretty weak to say the least. About five years ago I researched YAHOO! IDP leagues and found the almost all were exactly the same as far as scoring went. One point for a tackle, half for an assist, 2 points for a sack, 3 for an interception, 1 for a fumble recover, and 1 for a forced fumble. Now, everyone here can see the problem with that scoring system, it's pathetic. First off, how can a sack be only worth two points, when the league leader has less than the league leader in touchdown passes (and a TD is worth 7)? In 2008 there were 12 safeties league wide in the NFL. When designing the eSFL scoring system we researched that, and I don't remember the number in 2000, and don't want to look it up, but it was similar. So we bickered back and forth between 7 and 10 points until we decided 10 would be the number. After a few years of that we came to our senses and changed it to 7, which has proven to be on point. If you were to research the same topic today, you would find about 65 percent of all leagues are IDP to some degree. What I am trying to get across is that the commissioner did not create the scoring rules here, a team of guys did, all wanting to be unique, but not wanting to be totally extreme.   All but one of those inaugural season owners had one goal in mind, winning the coveted Ballistic Bowl award. The sole individual who didn't have that goal in mind, was, sad to say, a throw in so we had six teams. But lets look at what I just said, the BALLISTIC BOWL, not the SUPER BOWL! Do a google search, ask your buddies, you will find out that probably 85 percent of all fantasy championship games are called the Super Bowl. To me, that will tell you all you need to know about the league if you were thinking of joining it, not a creative bone exist in the founder or it's leadership. Our championship game was given it's name because the league was originally founded as the Egress Shop Football League. We realized the monster we had caged could not be delegated as such any longer after a few seasons, so we renamed it the Standout Football League. We decided to keep a small "e" in the name to identify it was electronic, which it really is a combination of real life with stats kept electronically.  Why could it not remain as the Egress Shop Football League? Well, we had friends and family member who had to get in, we needed to expand, and the league would be at a serious disadvantage in those areas if it was only Egress Shop people. Also, the people who founded the league, believe it or not, would not be Egress Shop members their entire life. So we changed.   And that is what this entire piece is about, change. The owners, past and present have all been for change, not against it. Things must change, the NFL game changes, from a running heavy league to a passing heavy league, back to a run heavy one. The interest in college football has escalated, therefore why not incorporate some rules to use college football to enhance our league. We came up with the Farm Free Agent (FFA) this year, which was not utilized by any owner on draft day, but I expect when awareness is better on the rule it will become an often used one. Our incorporation of the Restricted Free Agent rule several years ago has been a big hit with several owners, and likely will expand in some form or the other as time goes on. We have our own radio show, which I think needs work, but its a nice way for owners to talk to or listen to what everyone else has going on in their fantasy and real lives.  This year we changed from our official site host to a different one, with reluctance, but so far so good. We now have an easy way for owners to submit their Insider articles, look at a calendar for upcoming events and owner requirements, live video chat, an easy to view awards program (found on each owners page in their trophy case), and much more.  I look forward to the 16th season, and think every owner that has participated over the years. Without the original team owners helping with rules, without following owners making reccomendations and getting involved, the eSFL would have been just another fantasy football league. But, hey, who would have know that their was a better way to play? Here's to another 15 years boy's!

2015 Nebula Draft Grades

Rated by Football Guys.com

Old school!

We like your overall strength at the traditionally less important positions, but make no mistake about it: this team is about strength at the running back position. And we think it will be the league favorite or very close to it. Somewhere Terrell Davis is smiling.

Nonetheless, we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention the relative lack of strength at quarterback and receiver. These are usually survivable weaknesses, but we'd feel better if we knew you were committed to zealously scouring the waiver wire for this year's emergent players at QB and WR. 

Players we particularly like on this team include Joseph Randle, Torrey Smith, T.J. Yeldon, and Brandon LaFell. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We expect Russell Wilson to be a solid starter. According to our projections, he's the #4 QB, so you should be better off than most teams in the starting quarterback slot.

Cam Newton, who we have rated as the #13 QB, should be a fine backup.

Nice work here at RB. We like both your starting running backs, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 1.0 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Our projections have LeVeon Bell ranked at #2 and LeSean McCoy ranked 12th.

Your bench also looks good. We love Joseph Randle as a third running back; he's a likely flex starter. T.J. Yeldon will also be among the best RB4s in the league. Tough to do better than Tevin Coleman at RB5. Tre Mason will also be among the best RB6s in the league.

We see all your starters at receiver as below average. DeAndre Hopkins is our #12 ranked receiver, Allen Robinson is #26, and we have Eric Decker 31st.

Your bench looks good and should help offset the unexciting starting unit. Brandon LaFell should be a good fourth receiver. Torrey Smith is also a very nice WR5. DeVante Parker is a little below average as a sixth receiver. But Breshad Perriman should be a very good seventh receiver.

As you are well aware, Rob Gronkowski is an elite tight end. We have him ranked first overall at the position. He's about 4.1 points per game better than an average starting TE in this league. We also think Travis Kelce is a starting quality tight end in this league. He's a luxury.

OVERALL 90/100

Overview:

This team is built around strong quarterback play. But it has some serious issues post-draft. Your only real core strength is at quarterback, yet that's often the easiest position to fill during the season. Your weaknesses at both running back and receiver put you in a hole before any games have played. To end up with a team constructed like this, you probably did not get value on some of your selections. The players themselves are not necessarily bad --- you just might have paid more than what they were worth.

Players we particularly like on this team include Ben Roethlisberger, Anquan Boldin, and Ryan Tannehill. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We expect Ben Roethlisberger to be a solid starter. According to our projections, he's the #3 QB, so you should be better off than most teams in the starting quarterback slot.

Ryan Tannehill, who we have rated as the #11 QB, is a nice backup and could conceivably emerge as either a starter for your team or, if Roethlisberger plays as expected, some tempting trade bait for teams with quarterback troubles.

Depth is a serious concern at RB, but we do like your starting group, particularly Lamar Miller as a second running back. Our projections have Marshawn Lynch ranked sixth and Miller ranked at #14.

Joique Bell is a little below average as a third running back; he's a likely flex starter. Danny Woodhead also looks somewhat weak as a fourth RB. Not only do we like Ryan Mathews as a fifth running back, we love that you stole him from the DeMarco Murray owner.

While your lack of depth at the WR position concerns us, we do like all your starting receivers, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 1.5 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Demaryius Thomas is our third ranked WR, Mike Evans is #11, and we have Golden Tate 20th.

Anquan Boldin should serve as a very solid fourth receiver. But we are not at all excited about Kenny Stills as a fifth WR.

With only Heath Miller, who we don't think is starter-quality in this league, this position is likely to be a trouble spot for you all season.

OVERALL 55/100

Let's start by remarking that we appreciate your old-school leanings: you have a team marked by strength at the running back position. Because the position is so sought after, a team constructed like this usually has a chance to make the playoffs. But with the quarterback and wide receiver both being less strong, you may need to do something to change the outlook of this team. Your deficiencies are likely to show themselves through the bye weeks, so try to manuever early in improving the quarterback and/or receiver positions before week four.

Players we particularly like on this team include Jamaal Charles, Jonathan Stewart, Pierre Garcon, and Vincent Jackson. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We have Drew Brees rated #8 among quarterbacks, which makes him a viable starter if not an exciting one. We strongly recommend that you add a backup QB.

Nice work at RB. We like both your starting running backs, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 2.0 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Our projections have Jamaal Charles ranked at #3 and Matt Forte ranked ninth.

Your bench also looks good. Jonathan Stewart should serve as a very solid third running back; he's a likely flex starter. Shane Vereen should be adequate at RB4. Darren McFadden is a little below average as a fifth running back. We do, however, like the selection of Knile Davis. And not only as a handcuff to Jamaal Charles; we think he's a fine sixth running back in his own right. Reggie Bush looks great as a seventh running back. We also very much approve of the selection of DeAngelo Williams, and not just because you can hold the LeVeon Bell owner hostage. He's a fine eighth running back in his own right.

We see all your starters at receiver as below average. Alshon Jeffery is our 13th ranked WR, Emmanuel Sanders is #14, and we have Julian Edelman 24th.

Your bench looks good and should help offset the unexciting starting unit. Vincent Jackson looks great as a fourth receiver. Larry Fitzgerald is also a very nice WR5. Pierre Garcon looks great as a sixth receiver. But Phillip Dorsett is out of his league as a seventh WR.

Zach Ertz is viable but below average as a starting tight end (we have him ranked #7). We're also not too fired up about Owen Daniels as a backup.

OVERALL 55/100

In a competitive league, almost every team has a weakness. It's almost impossible to build a team that is strong at all three core positions (quarterback, running back and wide receiver). As you probably suspect, we perceive your weakness to be at the quarterback position. Of all the deficiencies to have though, this is usually the easiest one to mask.

So although this team isn't perfect (few are), it should still be a strong contender.

Players we particularly like on this team include Adrian Peterson, Isaiah Crowell, Kendall Wright, and Jordan Matthews. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We have Peyton Manning rated #6 among quarterbacks, which makes him a viable starter if not an exciting one. And we're not crazy about Sam Bradford (ranked #14 among quarterbacks) as a backup. If Manning turns in the season we expect, this position won't ruin you, but it probably won't be a strength either. And if things go wrong, it could be a long year at QB.

Your starting running back group is a strength, particularly Adrian Peterson as a top running back. Our projections have Peterson ranked at #1 and Melvin Gordon ranked at #17.

Your bench also looks good. LeGarrette Blount should be a good third running back; he's a likely flex starter. Ameer Abdullah is also a very nice RB4. We love Isaiah Crowell as a fifth running back.

our starting receiver group is a strength, particularly Randall Cobb as a second receiver. We figure them at a combined 2.3 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Calvin Johnson is our #7 ranked receiver, Cobb is #9, and we have Jordan Matthews 15th.

Your bench also looks good. DeSean Jackson looks great as a fourth receiver. Likewise, Jeremy Maclin should be excellent at WR5. Tough to do better than Kendall Wright at WR6. But Kelvin Benjamin is out of his league as a seventh WR.

Jordan Cameron is just OK as a starting tight end (we have him ranked #9). So the selection of Julius Thomas, who we see as a solid backup, was wise.

OVERALL 80/100

Let's start by remarking that we appreciate your old-school leanings: you have a team marked by strength at the running back position. Because the position is so sought after, a team constructed like this usually has a chance to make the playoffs. But with the quarterback and wide receiver both being less strong, you may need to do something to change the outlook of this team. Your deficiencies are likely to show themselves through the bye weeks, so try to manuever early in improving the quarterback and/or receiver positions before week four.

We have Tom Brady rated #17 among quarterbacks, so we're not even sold on him as a fantasy starter in your league. And we don't think Carson Palmer (ranked #23 among quarterbacks) is even a viable backup.

Your starting running backs should, as a unit, be adequate but not great. In particular we like C.J. Anderson as a top RB. Our projections have Anderson ranked fifth and Frank Gore ranked 16th.

Your bench looks good and should help offset the unexciting starting unit. We love Latavius Murray as a third running back; he's a likely flex starter. We also see Devonta Freeman as an above average RB4. Not only do we like C.J. Spiller as a fifth running back, we love that you stole him from the Mark Ingram owner. David Cobb is practically criminal at RB6.

We like Antonio Brown as a top WR, but we consider your starting receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. Brown is our #1 ranked receiver, Brandon Marshall is #21, and we have John Brown 36th.

Jarvis Landry is a little below average as a fourth receiver. But Nelson Agholor should be a fairly good WR5. Devin Funchess should serve as a very solid sixth receiver.

OVERALL 50/100

We think you're looking good at quarterback and running back. The receiver corps is a concern though.

The good news is that, of all of the weaknesses to have, this one is usually the most survivable. At receiver, it's often relatively easy to find fill-in guys on a weekly basis until a better player emerges during the season.

You don't need us to tell you this, but we'll tell you anyway: Aaron Rodgers should ensure that your production at the quarterback position is among the best in the league. We have him as the #2 QB according to your scoring rules, and we figure he gives you about a 3.2 point-per-game advantage over an average starting QB.

Our projections don't show Joe Flacco as being a top-notch backup, but the issue will be moot as long as Rodgers stays healthy.

Your starting running backs should, as a unit, be adequate but not great. In particular we like Mark Ingram as a second RB. Our projections have Jeremy Hill ranked seventh and Ingram ranked at #11.

Your bench looks good and should help offset the unexciting starting unit. Andre Ellington should serve as a very solid third running back; he's a likely flex starter. Rashad Jennings should also be solidly above average at RB4. We love Arian Foster as a fifth running back. We also very much approve of the selection of Chris Johnson, and not just as insurance for Andre Ellington. He's a fine sixth running back in his own right.

We like Jordy Nelson as a top WR, but we consider your starting receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. Nelson is our sixth ranked WR, Martavis Bryant is #27, and we have Charles Johnson 37th.

Michael Floyd is a little below average as a fourth receiver. Victor Cruz is also a fair-to-middlin' fifth receiver. Marques Colston should serve as a very solid sixth receiver.

Overall: 65/100

Old school!

We like your overall strength at the traditionally less important positions, but make no mistake about it: this team is about strength at the running back position. And we think it will be a legitimate contender. Somewhere Terrell Davis is smiling.

Nonetheless, we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention the relative lack of strength at quarterback and receiver. 

We have Tony Romo rated #5 among quarterbacks, which makes him a less-than-stellar starter in this league. But we like the selection of our #10-rated QB, Eli Manning, to go with him. Hopefully between the two of them, you should be able to cobble together some good production at the position, but this strategy always carries with it the downside that you'll drive yourself crazy trying to decide who to start from week to week.

Nice work here. We like both your starting running backs, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 1.0 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Our projections have Eddie Lacy ranked at #4 and Justin Forsett ranked 10th.

Alfred Morris looks great as a third running back; he's a likely flex starter. Chris Ivory will also be among the best RB4s in the league. David Johnson is a very weak fifth running back.

Depth is a serious concern, but we do like your starting group, particularly Julio Jones as a top receiver. Jones is our second ranked WR, Brandin Cooks is #16, and we have Andre Johnson 18th.

Mike Wallace should serve as a very solid fourth receiver. Steve Smith should also be solidly above average at WR5. We don't particularly like Eddie Royal as a sixth receiver.

Greg Olsen should be above average as a starting tight end. We have him ranked third overall at the position. Dwayne Allen is a nice backup.

Overall 75/100

Your receivers are the strongest part of this team and you look good at tight end as well. While no team can be expected to be above average at all three core positions (QB/RB/WR), you are in the precarious position of being a bit weak at two of them.

Although you should not be counted out yet, you may need to be active on both the waiver wire and in trades to turn this team into a legitimate contender.

We have Matt Ryan rated #7 among quarterbacks, which makes him a viable starter if not an exciting one. Philip Rivers, our #12 quarterback, should be solid as a backup, but we're not sure if he can hold down the fort as a starter if circumstances force him to be one.

We see both your starters at running back as below average. Our projections have Carlos Hyde ranked 20th and Doug Martin ranked 27th.

We may not love Giovani Bernard at third RB, but we like the fact that you can hold the Jeremy Hill owner hostage. Bishop Sankey is shaky as a fourth running back. We see Darren Sproles as an average fifth running back.

Nice work here. We like all your starting receivers, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 6.0 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Dez Bryant is our #4 ranked receiver, Odell Beckham Jr is #5, and we have T.Y. Hilton 10th.

Your bench also looks good. Amari Cooper looks great as a fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. Roddy White will also be among the best WR5s in the league. We see Davante Adams as an average sixth receiver.

As you are well aware, Jimmy Graham is an elite tight end. We have him ranked second overall at the position. He's about 1.1 points per game better than an average starting TE in this league. We don't see Antonio Gates as an adequate second tight end. An upgrade here would be nice, but if Graham holds up, it won't matter.

Overall 65/100

This team is built around strong quarterback play. But it has some serious issues post-draft. Your only real core strength is at quarterback, yet that's often the easiest position to fill during the season. Your weaknesses at both running back and receiver put you in a hole before any games have played. To end up with a team constructed like this, you probably did not get value on some of your selections. The players themselves are not necessarily bad --- you just might have paid more than what they were worth.

You don't need us to tell you this, but we'll tell you anyway: Andrew Luck should ensure that your production at the quarterback position is among the best in the league. We have him as the #1 QB according to your scoring rules, and we figure he gives you about a 3.9 point-per-game advantage over an average starting QB.

We also love Matthew Stafford as a backup. In fact, we think he's good enough to be someone's starting quarterback in this league. With Luck in place as your starter, he's something of a luxury for you. 

We see both your starters at running back as below average. Our projections have DeMarco Murray ranked at #8 and Todd Gurley ranked at #23.

Duke Johnson is a very weak third running back. Alfred Blue also figures to be a bit iffy as a fourth RB.

We like Keenan Allen as a third WR, but we consider your starting receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. A.J. Green is our #8 ranked receiver, Sammy Watkins is #19, and we have Allen 22nd.

We don't particularly like Terrance Williams as a fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. Cecil Shorts is also a liability at fifth receiver. Jaelen Strong is a very weak sixth receiver.

Jason Witten is viable but below average as a starting tight end (we have him ranked #8). We're also not too fired up about Josh Hill as a backup.

Overall 35/100

2015 Vintage Draft Grades

These are the opinions of so called fantasy guru's on a rate my team website:


TEAM RANKINGS:
1-Frost
2-Texan
3-Temp
3-Crownholders
3-Kav
4-Rhodes
5-Perdew
6-Fields
7-Zima

Overview:

Receivers are the strongest part of this team and you look good at tight end as well. It's rare for us to endorse a team with weaknesses at quarterback and running back, but we're doing it right here! You should have a contender here. But your margin for error in terms of in season management could be a bit thinner than some of your competitors'. You must remain committed to finding 2015's emergent players at RB and QB.

Players we particularly like on this team include Jamaal Charles, Greg Olsen, Zach Ertz, and Keenan Allen. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We have Drew Brees rated #8 among quarterbacks, which makes him a viable starter if not an exciting one. 

Your starting running backs should, as a unit, be adequate but not great.

Wide receivers, nice work here. We like all your starting receivers, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 1.7 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Dez Bryant is our #4 ranked receiver, Alshon Jeffery is #12, and we have Keenan Allen 17th.

We like the choice of Greg Olsen to start at tight end. We have him ranked third overall at the position.

OVERALL: 75/100

Overview:

We'll start by complimenting you on your strength at quarterback and receiver. As you know, it's very difficult in a competitive league to assemble a team that is strong at QB, RB, and WR, so just about every team will have a weakness. As you probably suspect, we perceive yours to be at running back.

We like C.J. Spiller as a second RB, but we consider your starting running backs, as a group, to be a little below par. Our projections have C.J. Anderson ranked eighth and Spiller ranked at #13.

Chris Ivory is a little below average as a third running back. Tre Mason also looks somewhat weak as a fourth RB. Montee Ball might be a bit of a reach at fifth RB, but we understand the desire to handcuff. We really don't like Chris Johnson at sixth running back.

Some of our staffers have C.J. Anderson as high as #2, which would make him an above average first running back.  Anderson was a near-elite back down the 2014 stretch, and his one-cut style best fits Gary Kubiak's system. Offensive snaps and scoring opportunities abound in red-zone friendly Denver. Assuming he keeps the underwhelming Montee Ball nailed to bench, Anderson is a clear RB1."

Chris Ivory is ranked #23 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine third running back. reasons, "Earlier in offseason I was high on Zac Stacy, but no more. Ivory has nailed down the starting job during OTAs according to a June 11th report - though coach Todd Bowles did say Ivory was 'currently' atop the depth chart, a less-than-impressive endorsement. He's moved up my RB and Overall rankings considerably."

Some of our staffers have Tre Mason as high as #25, which would make him a great fourth running back and even a legitimate RB3.  

Some members of our staff have Montee Ball ranked as high as 39th, which would make him an above average fifth running back.  "Must own for Anderson owners and still has an outside shot to be their lead guy. "

Your starting receiver group is a strength, particularly Antonio Brown as a top receiver. We figure them at a combined 1.6 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Brown is our first ranked WR, Kelvin Benjamin is #16, and we have Brandon Marshall 19th.

We love Anquan Boldin as a fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. We also see Jarvis Landry as an above average WR5. Terrance Williams should serve as a very solid sixth receiver. But we are not at all excited about Markus Wheaton as a seventh WR. Marqise Lee is a very weak eighth receiver.

OVERALL: 65/100

Overview:

This team is built around strong quarterback play. But it has some serious issues post-draft. Your only real core strength is at quarterback, yet that's often the easiest position to fill during the season. Your weaknesses at both running back and receiver put you in a hole before any games have played. To end up with a team constructed like this, you probably did not get value on some of your selections. The players themselves are not necessarily bad --- you just might have paid more than what they were worth.

Players we particularly like on this team include Martellus Bennett and Fred Jackson. We have both these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

You don't need us to tell you this, but we'll tell you anyway: Andrew Luck should ensure that your production at the quarterback position is among the best in the league. We have him as the #1 QB according to your scoring rules, and we figure he gives you about a 3.8 point-per-game advantage over an average starting QB.

Our projections don't show Tom Brady as being a top-notch backup, but the issue will be moot as long as Luck stays healthy.

Incidentally, Brady has what we project as a neutral matchup (NYG) during Luck's bye.

We see both your starters at running back as below average. Our projections have LeSean McCoy ranked at #10 and Melvin Gordon ranked at #18.

Your bench looks good and should help offset the unexciting starting unit. We see Jonathan Stewart as an average third running back; he's a likely flex starter. Rashad Jennings is an excellent RB4. We love Arian Foster as a fifth running back. We also very much approve of the selection of Fred Jackson, and not just as insurance for LeSean McCoy. He's a fine sixth running back in his own right.

We see all your starters at receiver as below average. Calvin Johnson is our #7 ranked receiver, Amari Cooper is #26, and we have Nelson Agholor 35th.

Rueben Randle is a very weak fourth receiver. Marques Colston also looks somewhat weak as a fifth WR. Dwayne Bowe is a little below average as a sixth receiver. Cordarrelle Patterson is also a liability at seventh receiver.

OVERALL: 55/100

Overview:

Let's start by remarking that we appreciate your old-school leanings: you have a team marked by strength at the running back position. But with the quarterback and wide receiver both being less strong, you may need to do something to change the outlook of this team. Players we particularly like on this team include Odell Beckham Jr, DeAndre Hopkins, Ryan Tannehill, and Golden Tate. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We expect Russell Wilson to be a solid starter. According to our projections, he's the #4 QB, so you should be better off than most teams in the starting quarterback slot.

Ryan Tannehill, who we have rated as the #12 QB, is a nice backup and could conceivably emerge as either a starter for your team or, if Wilson plays as expected, some tempting trade bait for teams with quarterback troubles.

Nice work here. We like both your starting running backs, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 3.4 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Our projections have LeVeon Bell ranked first and DeMarco Murray ranked at #9.

Latavius Murray should serve as a very solid third running back. But Ryan Mathews is out of his league as a fourth RB. We may not love Knile Davis at fifth RB, but we like the fact that you can hold the Jamaal Charles owner hostage. We respect the choice of DeAngelo Williams as a handcuff to LeVeon Bell, even if we wouldn't otherwise be excited about him at sixth RB.

While your lack of depth at the position concerns us, we do like all your starting receivers, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 2.5 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Odell Beckham Jr is our second ranked WR, DeAndre Hopkins is #11, and we have Golden Tate 21st.

We see Torrey Smith as an average fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. Kenny Stills is also a fair-to-middlin' fifth receiver.

OVERALL: 70/100

Overview:

This team is built around strong quarterback play. But it has some serious issues post-draft. Your only real core strength is at quarterback, yet that's often the easiest position to fill during the season. Your weaknesses at both running back and receiver put you in a hole before any games have played. To end up with a team constructed like this, you probably did not get value on some of your selections. The players themselves are not necessarily bad --- you just might have paid more than what they were worth.

You don't need us to tell you this, but we'll tell you anyway: Aaron Rodgers should ensure that your production at the quarterback position is among the best in the league. We have him as the #2 QB according to your scoring rules, and we figure he gives you about a 3.4 point-per-game advantage over an average starting QB.

Despite your strong starting quarterback, we strongly recommend taking a backup.

We see both your starters at running back as below average. Our projections have Joseph Randle ranked 14th and Ameer Abdullah ranked 19th.

Todd Gurley should serve as a very solid third running back. Carlos Hyde is also a very nice RB4. Darren McFadden might be a bit of a reach at fifth RB, but we understand the desire to handcuff.

We like Mike Evans as a second WR, but we consider your starting receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. Randall Cobb is our ninth ranked WR, Evans is #12, and we have Andre Johnson 23rd.

Mike Wallace should be a good fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. Larry Fitzgerald is also a very nice WR5. We see Steve Johnson as an average sixth receiver. We really don't like Cole Beasley at seventh receiver.

We have Jason Witten ranked #7 at the position. So while he's passable as a first tight end, he doesn't look particularly thrilling. And we also have some doubts about whether your depth at TE is going to make up for it, so this could be an area of some concern.

We see Coby Fleener as an average second tight end.

OVERALL: 50/100

Overview:

Your starting lineup is respectable, but the lack of depth is a serious problem. If you're lucky enough to avoid the injury bug, you might be OK. But that's a tough thing to have to count on.

To make this team into a serious contender, you are going to need to be extremely active in trades and on the waiver wire. You esentially need to turn over significant parts of this roster.

We have Philip Rivers rated #13 among quarterbacks, so we're not even sold on him as a fantasy starter in your league. And we don't think Carson Palmer (ranked #25 among quarterbacks) is even a viable backup. You might want to explore the possibility of upgrading at the backup QB slot.

We like Adrian Peterson as a top RB, but we consider your starting running backs, as a group, to be a little below par. Our projections have Peterson ranked fourth and Andre Ellington ranked 17th.

Not only do we like Giovani Bernard as a third running back, we love that you stole him from the Jeremy Hill owner.

Depth is a serious concern, but we do like your starting group, particularly Demaryius Thomas as a top receiver. We figure them at a combined 1.8 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Thomas is our #3 ranked receiver, A.J. Green is #8, and we have Roddy White 29th.

We see Eric Decker as an average fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. Jeremy Maclin is an excellent WR5. Mohamed Sanu is a very weak sixth receiver.

We have Julius Thomas ranked #11 at the position, so we don't even necessarily see him as being TE1 worthy in this league. And we also have some doubts about whether your depth at tight end is going to make up for it, so we feel this is an area of concern.

We don't particularly like Antonio Gates as a second tight end.

OVERALL: 40/100

Overview:

We think you're looking good at quarterback and running back, and tight end is a plus for this team as well. Your squad is therefore easy for us to like despite a bit of weakness at the receiver position. But as weaknesses go, this is one is survivable. It's usually relatively easy to find fill-in guys on a weekly basis until a better player emerges during the season. As long as you stay on top of things inseason, you should be the league favorite or very close to it.

Players we particularly like on this team include Shane Vereen, Delanie Walker, Brandon LaFell, Cam Newton, Frank Gore, and Colin Kaepernick. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We have Tony Romo rated #5 among quarterbacks, which makes him a less-than-stellar starter in this league. But we like the selection of our #6-rated QB, Cam Newton, to go with him. Hopefully between the two of them, you should be able to cobble together some good production at the position, but this strategy always carries with it the downside that you'll drive yourself crazy trying to decide who to start from week to week.

Your starting running back group is a strength, particularly Jeremy Hill as a second running back. Our projections have Marshawn Lynch ranked at #6 and Hill ranked 11th.

Your bench also looks good. Tough to do better than Frank Gore at RB3; he's a likely flex starter. Lamar Miller is also a very nice RB4. Shane Vereen looks great as a fifth running back. Likewise, Tevin Coleman should be excellent at RB6.

We see all your starters at receiver as below average. T.Y. Hilton is our #10 ranked receiver, DeSean Jackson is #25, and we have Vincent Jackson 28th.

Brandon LaFell should serve as a very solid fourth receiver. Charles Johnson should also be solidly above average at WR5. Michael Floyd should be a good sixth receiver. But Kevin White is out of his league as a seventh WR.

Obviously, Rob Gronkowski is a great way to anchor any TE group. We've got him ranked #1 at the position, and by our reckoning he gives you about a 4.9 point advantage over an average team in the first TE slot.

We love Delanie Walker as a second tight end.

OVERALL: 90/100

Overview:

Your receivers are the strongest part of this team. While no team can be expected to be above average at all three core positions (QB/RB/WR), you are in the precarious position of being a bit weak at two of them.

We have Matt Ryan rated #9 among quarterbacks, which makes him a less-than-stellar starter in this league. But we like the selection of our #11-rated QB, Eli Manning, to go with him. Hopefully between the two of them, you should be able to cobble together some good production at the position, but this strategy always carries with it the downside that you'll drive yourself crazy trying to decide who to start from week to week.

Your starting running backs should, as a unit, be adequate but not great. In particular we like Mark Ingram as a second RB. Our projections have Justin Forsett ranked seventh and Ingram ranked at #12.

T.J. Yeldon should serve as a very solid third running back. We also see LeGarrette Blount as an above average RB4. Reggie Bush is a little below average as a fifth running back.

Your starting receiver group is a strength, particularly Julio Jones as a second receiver. We figure them at a combined 5.1 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Jordy Nelson is our fifth ranked WR, Jones is #6, and we have Emmanuel Sanders 14th.

Martavis Bryant should serve as a very solid fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. Michael Crabtree, on the other hand, is an average-at-best fifth WR. We see Malcom Floyd as an average sixth receiver. We think Breshad Perriman makes a fine seventh receiver. Percy Harvin should serve as a very solid eighth receiver.

OVERALL: 70/100

Overview:

Let's start by remarking that we appreciate your old-school leanings: you have a team marked by strength at the running back position. But with the quarterback and wide receiver both being less strong, you may need to do something to change the outlook of this team. Your deficiencies are likely to show themselves through the bye weeks, so try to manuever early in improving the quarterback and/or receiver positions before week four.

Players we particularly like on this team include Matt Forte, Allen Robinson, Danny Woodhead, Darren Sproles, Pierre Garcon, John Brown, Kendall Wright, Eddie Royal, and Steve Smith. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they are typically being drafted.

We have Peyton Manning rated #7 among quarterbacks, which makes him a viable starter if not an exciting one. 

We like both your starting running backs, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 3.7 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Our projections have Matt Forte ranked at #3 and Eddie Lacy ranked at #5.

Your bench also looks good. Devonta Freeman is a little below average as a third running back. But Joique Bell should be a fairly good RB4. Isaiah Crowell looks great as a fifth running back. Danny Woodhead will also be among the best RB6s in the league.

We like Allen Robinson as a third WR, but we consider your starting receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. Brandin Cooks is our #15 ranked receiver, Sammy Watkins is #20, and we have Robinson 22nd.

Your bench looks good and should help offset the unexciting starting unit. Julian Edelman looks great as a fourth receiver; he's a likely flex starter. Pierre Garcon should also be solidly above average at WR5. John Brown looks great as a sixth receiver. Steve Smith is also a very nice WR7. We love Kendall Wright as a eighth receiver.

Eddie Royal is an excellent depth pick, though you may not end up using him much.

Obviously, Jimmy Graham is a great way to anchor any TE group. We've got him ranked #2 at the position, and by our reckoning he gives you about a 1.2 point advantage over an average team in the first TE slot, which is good considering the rest of your tight ends won't necessarily inspire fear in your opponents.

OVERALL: 70/100

eSFL 2015 Perspective

It's 2015, the 16th season for the eSFL, and the league just came off it's greatest year in history. Last season saw the Standout Coalition ran by Ron Pardue win Ballistic Bowl 15 and carry forward the big prize into this year. To commemorate the accomplishment the league has decided to use a different league shield for the 2015 season. The shield shown above is now the official shield of the eSFL Six of the eight small stars represent the initial franchises in season one, while the other two represent the leagues venture into division format. The two large stars identify conference play that began in 2006.  The league will use the exact same rules and layout as last year, to include the schedules. There has been one rule added, the Farm Free Agent, which you can read about in the league rules. Otherwise, everything is the same. Oh, except the Coalition has been replaced by the Bruisermakers and the Pollocks folded up and we brought back the Orange Crush.

Looking back at what happened last season in the eSFL is always the easiest way for an owner to see where they failed and attempt to learn from their mistakes. Lets start by pointing out no player or pick is a guarantee. Injuries, player issues and countless other possibilities make that statement hold true each and every season. Preparation does put you a step ahead of your competition, but all the prep in the world cannot account for the events that could put your stars out of action. Many would point this as luck, and they would be correct. The league is no different than the millions across the globe, fantasy football is 25 percent preparation and 65 percent luck. You ask how I came up with those numbers? Well, coach Ron Pardue has a lifetime winning pct of .646 over his ten season career. That folks, is by far the largest win pct for any coach with at least five years in the game. As a matter of fact, if you look at the numbers , you will likely come to the conclusion that coach Meneely is the only coach that is even in the same conversation as far as the greatest eSFL coaches ever. With all the wins coach Pardue has obtained, he has one sore spot on his resume, a Ballistic Bowl title. Yes, he did coach the Coalition to the title last season, but that team was drafted by Bruce Fields and T. Rhodes. To get his bust in gold placed in the hall he likely will need a title he can call his own.
So, if you think that all that prep you put in this year will lead you to the grand prize, keep dreaming pal.

Let's take a look at this years first round draft and try and predict who goes where:
Fields-AP all the way boys
Rhodes-Antonio Brown
Perdew-Jamaal Charles
Zima-Aron Rodgers
Temp-Odell Beckham Jr
Texan-Eddy Lacey
D Crown-Forte
Kav-Will trade this pick to Runners for a 2nd and 4th rounder
Frost-Peyton Manning

OK, folks, good luck on draft day. It's a 5k plus award this year, but don't let that take away your integrity and sportsmanship. Any suspected collusion will be dealt with harshly with no questions asked. You will be eliminated from the league, period.

Have fun, see you on draft day.

2014 Archived League Info

LAST YEARS INFO BELOW HERE:





Congratulations to all league owners, the Coalition has returned your money into next years award pot!



IGAMA WINS THE GUNNER CUP!



Final Gunner Cup standings:



1. Igama 390 (330)

2. Perdew 353 (323)

3. Zima 313 (283)

4. Nachman 286 (286)



Round 2 matchups are:

Perdew vs Zima

Igama Vs Nachman



Winners are awarded 30 points to their point total.



The Gunner Cup winner will be the team with the most total points after week 16.



This years Ballistic Bowl award (can change due to trans fees and possible errors):









18 teams x 200=3600



Minus 100 (commish fees)=3500



Minus 200 (coalition)=3300



Minus 110.00 (Gunner Cup)=3190



Minus 600 (Hi 50)=2590



Plus 235.00 (trans fees)=2825





90 percent of 2825=2542 (Ballistic Bowl Winner)



10 percent of 2825=282 (Ballistic Bowl Loser)







Insider owner schedule Can be found in the LINKS section, MORE LINKS

The composer is there as well



Make sure you check out the commissioner site! You can easily

find all teams record versus each other, all coach wins, losses,

team wins, losses, win pct coach and teams, average wins per

season, average draft position of Ballistic Bowl winners and

Runner ups, and lots lots more! The link to the commissioner

page can be found on this site in the links area or at

estandoutleague.com

2015 Hall of Fame Nominations

The 2015 eSFL Hall of Fame nomination period has ended.
Noone received the required 5 votes to be considered by the five member board for induction. The votes were:


R. Pardue

3 VOTES-37.5%  

T. Rhodes

3 VOTES-37.5%


M. Templin

0.0%

B. Fields

0.0%

Je. Kizima

0.0%

J. Frost

0.0%

Jo. Kizima

0.0%

C. Whitmore

0.0%

J. Viall

1 VOTE-12.5%

J. Perdew

0.0%

K. LATTENDRESSE

0.0%

R. MCKINNEY

0.0%

T. FIELDS

0.0%

J. RACHAL

1 VOTE-12.5%

M. GAUS

0.0%

D. MCKINNEY

0.0%