2023 Auction Recap

[Steve Bilo]

Happy Football Season, gentlemen.

We officially are one sleep away from being immersed in the warm arms of Roger Goodell and the NFL. All of our problems, shortcomings, and existential dread will take a backseat until February as we root for our respective teams and fantasy squads.

Last night's auction was a meat grinder... that was my third auction so far this pre-season and the price enforcement, efficiency, engagement, and knowledge of the collective hive mind of the MBMFL is unmatched. I know that it's a 14 team league with keepers so almost every team will have a weak spot but last night felt even harder than normal to find a scrap of value. 

My wrinkle this year is to identify how each of your shitty teams can win the league if everything breaks your way.

Anyway, here's Wonderwall:

FantasySportsLegend, B-

"Man plans, and God laughs" 

Over the years my auction plan has evolved to be more of a loose framework than any rigid structure and I came into this year wanting to land Joey Burrow and Mark Andrews as two of my key flag plant guys...which I accomplished. However, I was not coming into this draft with a plan to go some sort of hybrid zero-RB but that was the way the auction was playing itself out to me. I had hoped to land someone like Saquon as my hero RB and then fill in the roster behind that framework of Burrow, Olave, Saquon, and Andrews. I quickly had to pivot bc I had to overspend and Diggs was one of the last "first round" assets on the board and Zelk made me pay through the nose for him. While I like the core of my roster, I grade myself a bit harshly here because I should have leaned harder into the zero RB strat and acquired someone like Tee Higgins to chill in my flex and gimme that beautiful stack w Joey. Instead, I opted to try and pay for some RB2 guys with upside but certainly a lot of risk/uncertainty too. If either Miles Sanders or Pacheco can return value as a top 12 RB this season I think I will be happy that I decided to go that direction but it's gonna be a struggle in the FSL RB stable. Besides Elijah Moore (who I very much like this year) & Treylon Burks my bench is not super inspiring with upside. 

How can this team win the league?

Miles or Pacheco returns value as a top 12 RB, Joey B throws for 40+ TDs and 70% comp pct, Andrews & Lamar both play 17 games, Olave breaks out w Carr and is a top 5 WR in 2024 drafts, Elijah Moore becomes Kareem Hunt for the Brownies is a top 20 WR that catches 80+ balls, Diggs temper tantrum gets him peppered with 180 targets.

Ty Man's All Starz, B-

The two-time reigning champ came into the draft with Garrett Wilson as his keeper for $17 and opted to throw all of his chips into the middle on the two shiny, rookie RBs that make up the core of his team. This core makes Uranium-235 look stable with the likes of Justin Fields, two rookie RBs, Courtland Sutton, and Raheem Mostert. My prediction is that Tyler will have very up and down weeks and this team will be better in the second half of the season than the first. I appreciate the hat tip to Baker Mayfield for $1 and I think the bench could be sneaky with both Kadarius "The Porcelain Man" and Skyy Moore (most porn star sounding name in the NFL?)...one of those dudes has to produce, right?

How can this team win the league?

It turns out that Tyler signed a 3 year contract with the devil back in 2021 and he will somehow win again and damn his soul to eternal anguish. Justin Fields becomes a more polished passer and is a true dual threat at QB, Garrett Wilson is a top 5 WR and mentioned in the same sentence as Chase & J Jeff by year end, Desmond Ridder is actually good and Bijan erupts to score 15 TDs on an above average offense with a horrible defense, Gibbs & Toney both catch 80+ balls.

JibbyJawns, B

As I write this article each year I kind of go through each team's roster and vomit these words out in real time so it's a genuine reaction. My first reaction is that the pass catches on this team could either go really well or really poorly. I'm not sure you could roster a more high variance group if you tried...Amari Cooper, Gabe Davis, Dalton Kincaid, and Mike Williams (LAC). I don't think any of those dudes are going to be PPR monsters but there will certainly be weeks when they go off. I love this group as a best ball lineup. Saquon was my RB1 this season so I obviously a fan of that pick and I think the Breece Hall pick is sneaky as hell. Lest we all forget that Dalvin is old and brittle...and truth be told it looked like he lost a step or 4 the last two seasons in Minny. When is the last time an older RB was traded slash signed a contract late in the Summer and came in and crushed for fantasy? Never? It's also funny how drafting a late QB is so 2000 and late...everything is cyclical. I think the combo of Geno and Danny Dimes will be enough to keep you competitive on a weekly basis.

How can this team win the league?

Giants have a top 8 offense in the NFL making the combo of Daniel Jones and Saquon super fearsome, Stefon Diggs gets hit by a falling satellite and dies instantly making Kincaid and Gabe Davis the 1A and 1B options in Buffalo, Breece Hall ends the season as a top 10 RB, and Deshaun Watson resurrects his career and makes Amari Cooper a WR1.

The Fat Cat, A-

I really like this team...Zachie has built a really solid starting roster and a few interesting players on the bench. My hot take is that Devonta Smith is going to outscore AJB this season and I was super bummed when Zachie kept him and killed my dreams. Rhamondre was another big target of mine because I think we all know that Zeke is cooked and it's only a matter of time before Bellichick takes him out behind the woodshed. There was a time last season when Rhamondre was a top 5 RB in the league...people forget that. I think the Cook brothers will be an interesting experiment and I was shocked to see James Cook go for the price that he did. Even as an extremely biased Bills fan I have a hard time seeing Cook returning value as a RB1 in our system but I suppose it's within the range of outcomes. Just feels like Devin Singletary 2.0 to me. Having Patrick Mahomes always helps too.

How can this team win the league?

Mahomes once again proves that he could have Kipper starting at the X and Pender at the Y and still be QB1 in fantasy, Devonta Smith breaks out as the alpha in Philly and catches 100 balls, the Patriots are scrappy and lean on Rhamondre as their entire offense so he scores 12+ toddies, Breece Hall is unable to regain his 2022 form and Dalvin Cook takes over the role, the Darren Waller hype is real and he finishes as TE2.

TefLonDon, B

This is a quintessential Teflon team...if I didn't draft last night and had to review all the rosters I feel incredibly confident I would be able to identify as hand crafted by the Don. I have gone back and forth on Cam Akers...you may remember I drafted him during his rookie year and I thought he was a pretty talented runner but ultimately I think the LAR are just going to be a total avoid for fantasy this season and could be a total dumpster fire. CeeDee is the anchor on this team and no reason to expect anything less than he posted last season. The real question comes down to Jonathan Taylor...If he's able to come back and be productive for the Colts this team goes from good to great. I tend to think situations like this never really end well and Taylor's fantasy value has been all but deleted indefinitely. I like the QB/TE combo of Herbert and Goeddert but that comes at the expense of having to start George Pickens in week one and not really having a viable flex.

How can this team win the league?

Herbert bounces back from an injury-riddled and less than stellar 2022 and vies for QB1, Jonathan Taylor gets traded in week 6 to a RB needy team that wants to make a playoff push, Josh Jacobs wins another rushing title, and Rashaad Penny takes over as RB1 in Philly.

Toon Squad, A-

Hmmm I really like what Jared has put together here. Playing against Tyreek and Kelce when you're matched up against the Toon Squad just sounds terrifying...both of those dudes can ruin your Sunday afternoon real fuckin quick. Now because both of those players are middle of first round picks, he had to go budget across the rest of his roster and I think it worked out for the most part. I pray for your hairline having to watch Dameon Pierce and James Conner as your starting RBs every week and just praying that Josh Dobbs can get them across midfield. Having Dak as your QB will be an adventure...I have no idea what the identity of the Cowboys offense will be this year but I feel like Dak is another bad season away from being on his way out as a topish tier QB in the league. It feels like his & the Cowboys window is almost closed. I like the rostering of JSN and Quention Johnson...there's a very good chance one of those dudes will be your keeper next season.

How can this team win the league?

Travis Kelce plays 17 games and is fantasy MVP as Mahomes only target, Tua plays 17 games to keep Tyreek as a top WR, CJ Stroud is actually good as a rookie and Pierce scores 10 TDs, Kyler comes back and makes ARI at least competitive in the 2H of the season, and Geno Smith's 2022 was not an aberration and he's a legit top 10 QB in the league.

Luchinator, C+

Well I guess I'm not the only zero RB player in this league in the year of our lord 2023. Luchinator took to the skies on the back of his $46 keeper in J Jetts and complemented his strength with AJB and DK Metcalf and that immediately becomes the best WR trio in the league and it's probably not particularly close. Also imagine AJB and DK Metcalf getting off the bus and you're a cornerback for the other team. "It's like trying to cover a fucking racehorse". Now...while those three players are awesome it pains me to say that I don't think that the rest of the team is that awesome. Both of your RBs are not starters, Kirk Cousins is your QB, and your TEs are basically waiver wire fodder. This is maybe the last year that you will keep J Jeff and I think this team composition failed to hit the mark.

How can this team win the league?

The Vikings lean heavily into their passing attack and Kirk leads the league in yards and comp pct, AJB continues his dominance in Philly and scores 12 TDs because Hurts passing gets even better in 2023, Jahmyr Gibbs gets hurt and D Montgomery is shadily a top 12 RB, D'andre Swift pulls the ultimate rope-a-dope and he's the dude in Philly.

Buffaloes, B-

In the ultimate headfake...there were actually like 20 minutes in the auction where Kipper had the most money in the league. It turns out he should have just kept JA for $41 because he went for a league record for QB at $45 (I think, League Historian Rhodes pls confirm) and he could have kept that $4 in his pocket. The RB duo of Chubb and Etienne could be a real sweet spot for Kipper and I think it might be the best RB duo in the league as of week 1? I actually think his WR duo of Watson and Aiyuk is not super sexy but I bet both of those players finish in the top 24 at the position this year. No real upside or depth on the bench and is lacking any sort of flex that can contribute and will be playing the waiver wire for TE (Aaron Rodgers hates TEs). RIP Jermichael Finley, my sweet prince. Can't believe I bought that dude's jersey in 2011 LOL.

How can this team win the league?

The addition of Kincaid and a beefed up OL makes Josh Allen the unquestioned QB1 and unanimous MVP, The Jaguars offense is for real and Etienne is a huge engine that makes them go, Deshaun bounces back and the Browns are a top 8 offense making things easy for Nick Chubb (for maybe the first time in his career), Jordan Love is actually good and Christian Watson is a top 8 fantasy receiver.

Tony Horton, A-

This is another really good starting roster with a ton of upside. If JAX truly starts jaggin off this year then having the T Lawrence / Ridley stack could be a league winning combo. Color me a little skeptical but that certainly puts me in the minority. I think the supporting cast outside of that stack is really damn good...Amon Ra, TJ Hock, Kenny Walker, and Mattison are all proven producers in good offenses. I also think Drake London could be sneaky and everyone is sucking G Wilson and Olave's dick but London's numbers were pretty damn close to those guys last season with horrible QB play. Don't forget that London was drafted before both of those OSU boyz.

How can this team win the league?

Lawrence ascends to god tier fantasy QB and Ridley is the impact player that helps to unlock him, Amon Ra leads the NFL in receptions, Mattison notches double digit toddies in a good offense, Ridder is good and London is the beneficiary, the Zach Charbonnet draft pick doesn't impact the backfield a whole lot in SEA and Walker stays as the alpha with an 80% touch share.

Burnt Toast, A-

I feel like I give Burnt a really good grade every year but I think his team has a ton of depth and upside. He has the best bench in the league and it's not particularly close. The RB duo of CMC and Mixon is as steady as it gets. Shout out 2017 NFL draft...RB heaven. The big bet here is on Deshaun Watson and if he can bounce back to be a viable fantasy asset but also you are signaling to the league that you support sexual assault so I hope trading your morals is worth. I'm sure Mrs. Nigro would be very proud of you. Mike Evans is the biggest value in fantasy in 2023...the dude is only 29 and in a contract year. I would bet he scores more than 10 TDs and he went for like $8. I'm pissed I wasn't able to land him as my flex. Burnt's bench is Jeudy, Kamara, Goff, Friermuth, Bateman, & Jordan Addison. One of those players is going to have a very meaningful impact on this morally bankrupt team.

How can this team win the league?

Deshaun Watson finds Jesus and no longer sexually assaults massage therapists, CMC is the RB1 and catches 90 dump offs from Brock-o, Mixon plays 17 games (he feels a little scary to me), Jaylen Waddle outscores Tyfreak, and Alvin Kamara is not dust in the wind.

Big Daddy AE, A

I think this is it, I have found my kiss of death. I think this team is a very nice blend of upside, stability, and starpower. I think keeping Rachaad White was actually a really sneaky move and one that will pay dividends. I bet he would have went for around $30 given where RB2 price inflation took us last night. Also landed the RB1 (Ekeler) from 2022 and there are no real signs of him slowing down but it feels like the clock might be ticking on him. I think Tee Higgins & Diontae Johnson are a really nice tandem but at this point it is very clear to me that AE just has an absolute fetish with WRs that don't score a lot of TDs. Mean reversion is coming, bro! Sometimes it doesn't. I think Tua is the sneakiest "cheap QB" you could have in fantasy. I'm old enough to remember when he was getting MVP whispers when they went 7-2 last season. I think Kyle Pitts could see a bounceback from his horrid 2022 and back to his rookie season form and I think Christian Kirk will lead the Jags WRs in total points.

How can this team win the league?

Tua plays 17 games and is in the MVP conversation, Chargers have a top 3 offense and Ekeler catches another 100+ balls from Checkdown Charlie Herbert, Christian Kirk is a top 12 WR, Tee Higgins scores 10+ TDs, Diontae Johnson scores 1 Touchdown.

Hardhittas, C-

As is becoming an annual tradition...JN forgets when our draft is, drafts from his phone at some sort of social function, and then texts me after the draft about how he doesn't care about fantasy anymore. However, as the league's newest Father I will give him a bit of a pass in 2023. There had to be someone that has the worst starting QB in the league and that is the Hardhittas this year. I know people are on Richardson's D but I have a hard time seeing him being a reliable fantasy asset in 2023...their roster is fucking abysmal. I think JN is going to have to fish on the WW or try and make a trade to a team with two QBs if he wants to compete this year. I think I'm ready to declare that you cannot win the MBMFL without a top 7 QB...our scoring rewards the top guys too much. As an insurance professional, I'm sure you can see that your roster just has a ton of risk on it. Adams is aging with a new QB, who knows if Kupp plays before October and if the Rams are horrible what is their incentive to play him? I do like me some Tony Pollard tho...holler at me if you wanna move him.

How can this team win the league?

Anthony Richardson does his best Justin Fields impression and leads the NFL in rushing for a QB, Davante Adams leads the NFL in receptions and receiving TDs, Stafford plays 17 games and Cooper Kupp is back in week 2 and is the focal point of the Rams offense, Tony Pollard finishes as a top 3 RB in fantasy, and the Angels win the pennant.

Clifford's Cool Cats, B+

I'm getting soft in my old age and being too nice in this write up but this is another team that I think could be solid. The RB duo is the most high T in the entire league with two former Bama backs that both have been known to stiff arm folks into alternate dimensions (looking at u, Josh Norman). I think what keeps this team from getting ranked into the A's is that most of the starting roster are on pretty bad offenses...however, I said that about Ty Man last year and his team won the league. The big bet on this team is Lamar Jackson and JK Dobbins which means Clifford is going to ride or die with the bang bang black bird gang in 2023. I think Lamar and the Ravens could ascend back up to being one of the highest scoring offenses in the league but Lamar's MVP season in 2019 is starting to really feel like a long time ago. If he struggles to throw the ball again in 2023 and can't play 17 games I think we might have to start asking the question "is Lamar's best football far behind him?"

How can this team win the league?

Kenny Pickett ascends to a top 10 QB and the Steelers offense finally gets out from being stuck in the mud for 5 years, Tannehill regains some form and D Hop helps making Henry a lock for 14 TDs, Lamar vibes w Zay and Odell and they become a pass first offense with Lamar running threat terrifying DCs, Jahan Dotson outscores Terry Mclaurin.

Releasing Doves, B+

The first two players on this roster are Jalen Hurts and Jamaar Chase so he's automatically in the B's as a rank but I'm a little skeptical of the rest of the starters. All of these guys have big names that have all been either fantasy studs or super hyped up dudes at one point in their NFL careers. Kittle, D Hop, Aaron Jones, Javonte Williams, and DJ Moore. I just think this group carries a substantial amount of downside in a lot of different forms (bad offenses, bad injuries, guys aging). This team would be an absolute monster in 2019 but I wonder how much these dudes will contribute over the course of a long season. However, I just changed this from a B to a B+ because the bench on the Doves. Gainwell, Jameson Williams, and Zay Flowers are three guys that could be impactful at some point this season.

How can this team win the league?

Jalen Hurts gets even better as a passer and finishes as QB1, Jamaar keeps crushing and scores 15 TDs, Kittle and Purdy find a connection and he ends up as TE2, Aaron Jones catches 75 balls from Love, Javonte regains his burst and RW3 doesn't suck cock, and DJ Moore bounces back and finishes as WR12.

[Brett Rhodes]

What a write up SB. 

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[Kip Bilo]

I agree. Great job!!

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 6, 2023, at 10:25 PM, Brett Rhodes <bdr...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Andrew Nigro]

Great job Steve, i hate that you keep giving me good grades though. Looks like i might be eating the spicy chip again 

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[Chris Carlucci]

Great writeup Steve, appreciate the low grade! Got the kiss of death last year and didn't even make the playoffs.

Either Montgomery, Herbert or Swift will finish as an RB 1 (Top 14) this year. Mark my words.

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[Tyler Stambaugh]

Looking forward to more of these this season!

MBMFL Fantasy Football Show

Ty Man

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[Zachary Buckwalter]

Thanks for the write up Stevie! Always a great read. Highest grade I ever received. How much ChatGPT was used for the “how can this team win the league section”? 

On Sep 7, 2023, at 9:23 AM, Tyler Stambaugh <stambau...@gmail.com> wrote:



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