The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: fantasy football

  • When in-person sports can’t be a reality, fantasy delievers

    When in-person sports can’t be a reality, fantasy delievers

    The Lumberjack guide to fantasy football

    2020 has been a year of disruption felt throughout the globe let alone Humboldt State campus. Like most industries in America, live sports has been subjected to repercussions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    With most states banning the gatherings of large amounts of people, sports organizations such as the NBA and MLB have attempted to salvage the remaining portions of their seasons in order to keep fans entertained and revenue coming in. As the fall has drawn closer many have worried the pandemic would stifle the incoming football season. Though the arenas in which these teams rival for the next few months may be empty, the fans at home are champing at the bits for the action their hearts long for.

    Despite the current pandemic stifling most ways fans enjoy football season, one thing remains as popular as ever: Fantasy Football.

    Though it might be daunting from an outsider looking in, fantasy football is a pretty easy game to get into for fans of all ages.The first step of the game for any prospective fantasy football franchise owner is finding a league.This can be accomplished by joining or starting a league with a group of friends, coworkers or family members, if not joining a league online.

    For the novice beginner with no previous experience we suggest joining a league with people you know first. Each league ranges in size from eight to sixteen team owners.The league fee also ranges from group to group, often varying from twenty to a few hundred dollars per individual participating in the season.This pool of money is then distributed to the team that come in first place.

    Fantasy football is a game that can be learned as the season progresses but the gist is that the better your players perform during the regular NFL season, the better they will perform each week against other teams in your league. The players’ stats from each week are added up and the team with the most points is the winner.It is important to start your franchise off with a solid roster. As draft day approaches here’s a few tips and tricks that will help you curate a team that will hopefully perform well throughout your season.

    Select players that you project will continue to perform well from last season.

    Be weary of players that have the same by weeks during the season because this will dramatically affect your teams chances of winning during such weeks.

    Steer clear of players that are prone to injuries, suspensions or any lackluster performance from previous seasons.

    At the end of the day what you learn throughout the season will be as a result of trial and error. Have fun with it, learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to take a chance on certain opportunities that may arise during the season.

  • Winning ways

    Winning ways

    ‘Tis the season for fantasy football playoffs and for those that made their league playoffs, congratulations! If you didn’t, then you’re already on the right track to next season’s playoffs by reading my column.

    As this is my first fantasy football column I should let you know that I’ve been in the game for 18 years and winning is my top priority every season. We will dive into all the positions and examine the match-ups that will help you in your playoff run this year.

    Remember, don’t get cute. I am not endorsing these players to be started over guys that have been your bread and butter all season long. Think and choose wisely.

    Winning Quarterbacks

    Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs: Smith exploded on Sunday, throwing for over 350 yards with four touchdown tosses. He scrambled for 70 yards to show off his legs. The Chiefs quarterback gets another blow up match up against the Raiders who have given up the fifth most points to opposing passers.

    Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: Rivers had a huge day against the Browns that could have been even bigger as the Chargers failed to convert five red zone trips into touchdowns. Rivers has now completed 76.3 percent of his passes for 781 yards and four touchdowns over the past two weeks and now hosts a Washington defense that is in the middle of the pack but expect Rivers to take advantage and have another fine day, making him a strong QB1 option this week.

    Winning Running Backs

    Rex Burkhead and Dion Lewis, Patriots: The New England backfield has been a mess over the years but it seems to have finally taken form as a two headed machine. Lewis and Burkhead have both averaged double-digit touches since the week nine byes and travel to play the Miami Dolphins whose defense has given up the seventh most points to opposing running backs this season.

    Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks: There is finally a workhorse in Seattle and he’s available in a lot of leagues. Davis took it to the No. 1 run defense on Sunday night, finishing for over 100 yards from scrimmage on 4.0 yards per carry against the Eagles. Eddie Lacy, J.D McKissic and Thomas Rawls saw only one carry each while Davis took control of the backfield with 16 rushes and four targets. Davis has the potential to win a lot of people fantasy trophies this year. Pick him up.

    Winning Wide Receivers

    Marquise Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers: With Jimmy Garoppolo finally under center for the red and gold, the offense looked much more efficient, holding the ball for over 19 minutes more than the Bears in Week 13. Goodwin converted all eight of his targets for 99 yards and the Niners face two of the leagues worst pass defenses in the Texans and the Titans for the next two weeks. Consider Goodwin for the WR3 discussion.

    Josh Gordon, Cleveland Browns: This superstar made his return from a two year hiatus this Sunday against the Chargers and turned 11 targets into four catches for 85 yards. The only other receiver to get more yards than Gordon against the Chargers was Odell Beckham Jr. in week five. Gordon gets favorable match ups for the fantasy playoffs against Green Bay and the Baltimore Ravens, who just lost their best corner for the year. If you are looking for wide receiver help, look no further than Gordon as a WR3 option.

    Winning Tight Ends

    Hunter Henry, San Diego Chargers: The Antonio Gates era is at its end and Hunter Henry is reaping the rewards. The Chargers have finally realized how important a part of the offense Henry is and it is showing in the stats. Henry now has 12 receptions for 157 yards and a score over the last two weeks and now gets another favorable match up against a Redskins D that has given up the fourth most points to opposing tight ends this season. Get Henry in your lineups this weekend as a strong TE1.

    Cameron Brate, Tamp Bay Buccaneers: Brate is back on the streaming radar as his favorite QB Jameis Winston is back under center. Winston constantly looks Brate’s way in the red zone and it showed Sunday when Brate caught a TD from 28 yards out and then later at 11 yards out. If you don’t have a top five tight end, Brate deserves your consideration to help you to a fantasy football title.