FanProphet.com

So what’s next?    Ambrosius says new technology for fantasy sports is “right down the pipe,” with interactive TV capable of fully integrating a couch potato’s fantasy stats in real time. “You will be able to see the live scoring of fantasy on the left-hand side of the screen while you’re watching the game,” he says. “The growth is certainly not at its peak.”

I see this as a great idea, however, unless we all play in the same fantasy league with the exact same scoring, then this will be a challenging task to accomplish and remain convenient to all types of fantasy league owners.  If that were the case, this type of scoring system would add no flexibility to the game that we (fantasy addicts) created.  We want the flexibilty and variety of scoring systems to choose from outside of our customary leagues. 

Here are some thoughts on what’s next.  Someday people will have the option of playing in a league of their choice on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Using a global market the fantasy owner will have a multitude of other owners to compete against and perhaps obtain the ultimate bragging rights.  With that in mind, I see fantasy sports growing to heights unimaginable to us fantasy ‘geeks’.  I also believe that those who at one time were never interested in playing, will begin showing a greater interest than those of us who have played for many years.  This is why fantasy sports is the next big internet industry.  What better time to increase the action and fan interest than now.  With the popularity of NFL network, a consistent interest in MLB, the growth of soccer througout the world, and an ever increasing worldly interest in the NBA, I see no reason to believe that ‘fantasy’ in every sport has a potential that far exceeds any other internet sensation.  For this reason your average fan and casual fantasy owner will want to continue to increase their amount of knowledge of various sports, draft strategies, and prepare for a competitive, yet fun way to participate in worldwide fantasy leagues.  I believe the days are long gone where only a group of friends play in an annual league with one or two winners at the end of a tedious season.  I can envision fantasy sports continuing to make unbelievable strides involving the internet.

After losing to Muhammed Ali, George Foreman claims to have been drugged before his knockout loss in what was known as “The Rumble in the Jungle”.  I understand the matchup between the Pistons and Cavs is nowhere near the magnitude of this historical event, however, Lebron James could use that excuse as to why he is stinking up the joint. 

I understand, the NFL is all about consistency, past productivity, safe and secure picks, but what separtes great players, great coaches, great general managers, and great owners from their below average counterparts, is their ability to see past the obvious by using a prophetic ability to draft the not so obvious fantasy stud.  There is no difference when drafting a quality fantasy roster, you must have the capability of seeing what nobody else can, then exploit your oppositions weaknessess. 

For example, out of his top 12 position players, most of his selections are the safe play. I don’t want safe plays, safe plays don’t win championships, safe plays in any sport will only get you on the golf course early, when everybody else is competing for the money and championship bragging rights.  There’s nothing fun about safe plays and in Fantasy Football, safe won’t get you the money and definitely no respect.   

Starting with his top twelve quarterbacks Fabiano has Matt Leinart 12th overall and (safe play and fan favorite) Michael Vick in his top 10.  Vick is not even close to being in anybodys top 10 qb’s, not in fantasy or in the NFL.  This is where we differ, in my opinion, Leinart is a better selection and a top five quarterback for these three reasons.  This will be Leinart’s second season (first full), a receiving tandem that ranks among the top 3 in the NFL, and a bad defense which will put the Cards in many come from behind passing situations. 

Once again a safe play in the running back category.  I think they’re consistent, so I won’t argue them too much, however, I do have a different philosophy as for when and why you should draft a not so obvious running back.  Firstly, you have to consider Brandon Jacobs on any top 10 board(Fabiano doesn’t even mention him), especially with the retirment of Tiki Barber and Coughlin’s need to prove he can run the ball.  Brandon Jacobs is a beast and even if he doesn’t gain 1500 yards he’ll have over 1100 and double digit touchdowns.    BTW, have you guys seen the amount of intensity this youngster runs with?  With that said you also have to include Willis McGahee (not even in his top 12) in the top five or six.  There’s no question that McGahee is a great back and now playing for a team with a great defense (Baltimore) and their ability to control the ball, you can only see a tremendous upside.  My last big question mark is, where’s Deuce McCallister?  Bush is tough but don’t expect him to control the ground game on a good team with a dangerous passing game.  Somebody has to pound the ball when the Saints have the  lead.  Don’t worry fans the Saints are not going to risk ’superman’ Bush in ground controlling/short yard situations. 

Now let’s take a look at his top 12 wide-receiver selections.  No Randy Moss, case closed.  Moss is no idiot, he has matured, and he has always been willing to win. 

ME             Half Time              Keir

65                                         168 

It is amzing how I could feel, see, and hear the lack of respect that the Detroit Pistons have for this young, inexperienced, immature Cavalier team.  Yes, I meant you could hear it.  You could hear it from the lack of intensity on the court (not once did I hear shoes squeeking), lack of communication on the floor, lack of intensity, and definitely by the lack of fan involvement in the arena.  How do you like that?  The fans having such a belief and confidence to win this series, that they were going through the motions just like the Pistons.  It reminded me of a social hour at their kids’ little league game where more talking is done than watching.  A downright lack of respect for this Cavalier franchise. 

Game 1 results

ME          Final Score          KEIR

224                           163

I doubt Keir has  a chance to win this contest, nevertheless, I do expect a considerable improvement from his Game 1 results starting with tonights game.  Look forward to this instant classic matchup between Tim Duncan and Carlos Boozer.