AFFL Star Wars Edition: What If AFFL Teams Were Star Wars Characters..

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Star Wars doesn't come out for a few months, but that didn't stop the AFFL Courier from wondering what these teams would be called if they were Star Wars characters. The writers had a blast free-balling ideas about name tweaks to current AFFL teams. This wasn't just about changing a name that was close to a Star Wars characters, this was about capturing the essence of the AFFL squad if it were in the Star Wars universe. A tough task indeed.

While the list is plentiful of names that we feel are right on point with what the team is about, there were a few that didn't make the list.

• The Gyank Rebo Band
• Cobra Qui-gon
• Primeporer Palpatime
• Jajme Amidala
• Princess Lala
• BDidooku
• Har Solo
• Jajwa

Without further ado, we present the AFFL Star Wars edition. (in Alpha order)

Awesomeness - Owner David

Star Wars Character Name:

Lala Calrissian

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Quick, who first uttered the famous phrase "Here goes nothing?" That's right, Awesomeness during the 2008 draft when he took 3 Atlanta falcons. Lando's famous line embodies all that Awesomeness is. Unprepared for drafts. Unfamiliar with rookies. I mean how many times has he uttered "who" during a draft. But in true Billy Dee Williams form, David doesn't waiver. He stays cool and calm even when his team is falling apart. That's Calrissian. A former gambler turned rebel General, the two can mutually say they have shared success. Lando dropped bombs into the death star in the third Jedi film. Likewise, Awesomeness won two titles. Both happened a long time ago, and they've both been insignificant since. Man the similarities are eerie.

Atomic Bomba - Owner Raffi

Star Wars Character Name:

Bomba Fett

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3 Titles. Numerous top 2 finishes. Like the fearless bounty hunter from the Star Wars movies, this team has reaped many rewards from his scouring across AFFL land. Fett is just a bad ass, a cool costume wearing outlaw that doesn't take crap from anyone, not even Darth Vader. We've seen this fearlessness in the Bomba on numerous occasions, for example, when he drafted three falcons to win him a title, or Elliot this year banking on the suspension being delayed. Star Wars fans gravitate to Boba because of his cool costume, and let's just face it, being the bomba in the AFFL is cool. At the end of return of the Jedi, Boba Fett is eatin like a pit monster. That doesn't fit into this narative, but we believe it should be noted. Damn, maybe that's why Bomba hasn't won a title in 5 years. He's still cool though. We swear.

BDiddy - Owners Baret, Mike, Tiggy

Star Wars Character Name:

BWoks

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Yes, those cute, cuddly, confused little guys. The lone trans-manager team in the AFFL is made up of three managers. In essence, three managers would be 1/3 the size of one full manager. This compares proportionally to the actual size of an Ewok, giving BDiddy a very deep metaphorical, physical connection. Like their little teddy bear Star Wars characters, BDiddy does everything in a group. One person tells the other person, who tells the other person what each of the other two is thinking. This group think is important to their survival, and Ewoks work in groups too. They huddle to tell stories, and fight with a tribal mentality. But they are hardly vicious, and basically poke and throw rocks. That about summarizes BDiddy's smack talk skills. Harmless. But can't you just imagine Bwok Tiggy swinging a rope with rocks around his head and having it wrap around his throat, knocking him in the head and to the floor. Oh it's just priceless. Or Baret accidentally catapulting Mikey into a canopy of trees? Please, someone make these GIFs now.

Cobra Kai - Owner Sayyad

Star Wars Character Name:

Yobra

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If you want words of wisdom that don't make much sense, you listen to Yoda. In the AFFL chatroom, that honor belongs to Cobra. With a mix of Armenian and Eastern philosophy, a dolma meets the dumpling if you will, Cobra has rocked the earlobes of managers with witty phrases for years. For example, just this week, in his response to HBK picking up LeVeon Bell's handcuff, Cobra responded "Or let others waste their picks doing so. You'll drop him before the week is over." There are no more picks to waste, this isn't a draft. We don't know what cobra means, but its fun. More importantly, the Yobra is all about mind manipulation. For years, the AFFL Jedi master has convinced managers to pull off lopsided trades in his favor. Everyone knows this, yet it still happens. "Help you I can?" Yeah right. More like "Trade rape you I can. Yes." This little green bastard gives every bad guy the red ass in the Star Wars trilogy. The same can be said of Cobra kai. Cobra has one title but has since faded away. Fitting since that's the way Yoda went out. Here's to cultural connections.

Grabbers United - Owner Sassoon

Star Wars Character Name:

Admiral Grabckar

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"It's a trap!" You can just hear Sassoon yelling that to his kids after examining a trade offer from Bomba. Who doesn't like Admiral Akbar? Nobody. Everyone loves Grabbers, the diplomatic, very fair, AFFL manager who just gets a bad beat. However, Grabbers has managed to navigate the AFFL waters twice to make it to the Finals. Like Akbar's face, some seasons have been ugly, but this fish knows how to swim, and swim to the finals he has. Even the facts about Ackbar just sound like they are about Grabbers. For example, Ackbar dedicated his love to the resistance-at the expense of his own legacy. They share humbleness and humility. Also, the pronunciation of Ackbar's name led to some controversy. I think that correlation speaks for itself. How many gay porn searchers have lead men to the Grabbers United team page? I rest my case.

Hartan - Owner Harout, Vartan

Star Wars Character Name:

HaRTusKAN Raiders

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The irony is that the tuskan raiders of star wars have metal mouths that are closed, but in the AFFL, Hartan won't shut up. The amount of crap they talk equates to the screams and yells you hear from the Sand People in star wars. They are violent and have a unique way of communicating, kind of like Hartan during the AFFL draft. You don't understand them, but it doesn't matter, as longas they understand themselves. We also have to equate this team with the raiders because, well, for many years they sucked, until they finally got good. Just like the Raiders. Being Armenian, we had to put somebody in the dessert to pay homage to all the armos living in the middle east, and Hartan is reppin' that. The Tuskan Raiders pretty much attack everyone in Starwars, and that holds true for the pair in the AFFL. Unfortunately for the league, their smack talk is as dry and stale as the cracked earth they Tuskan live on. Oh Snap, look out for one of them to hold up their prongs in a menacing way. I call Harout is the first one. Mid-afternoon. Any takers.

HBK Shant Michaels - Owner Shant

Star Wars Character Name:
 

Luhbk Shantwalker

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Raised at an early age on the desert plans of the old AFFL, Luhbk Shantwalker learned the ways of the AFFL force under the tutelage of Bomba Wan-Kanobi. He then went on his own, but was not ready to become a true Jedi. For years he trained, until he finally was strong enough to make it to he AFFL finals, facing off against Darth Vosgee. They fought hard, but ultimately Luhbk Shantwalker would crumble at the hands of Dallas death Star. The battle continued into 2017 where in their continued fight, Luhbk would lose the right hand of his strongest player, and now hangs by his for dear life, near the edge of oblivion. And just as it can't get worse, Darth Vosgee offers Luhbk a chance to join him on the darkside, by offering a trade for his handcuff. At that moment Shant realizes that Vosgee is HBK's Fantasy Daddy.... Nooooooooooo! Luhbk then free falls into Buck Allen and James Conner. To be continued.

Jaj Cousteau - Owner Chris

Star Wars Character Name:

Jaj Jaj Binks

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This one is almost too good because it's double the Jaj. The tall lanky clumsy star wars character almost sounds like he is Jajing when he talks. Nothing is closer to Cousteau than this. Whenever he introduces himself with the line "Meesa Jar Jar," he might as well be saying "Meeso horny."  Whether it's by his wide-eyed over-reactions or his tongue hanging out of his mouth, it's like he lets us know that he just Jaj'd. Binks has also been banished to the basement of the Star Wars universe after his debut in Phantom menace. Like his Star Wars doppelganger, Cousteau has been relegated to the basement of the AFFL for the past few years, and things aren't exactly looking up this year. Lastly, I leave you with these quotes by Binks from the Phantom menace. They practically scream Jaj, especially the last one, which could be Jar jar's version of the word Jaj.

1. "Dis is nutsen."
2. “Ay-yee-yee! Wha! Was’n dat. Hey, wait! Oh, mooie-mooie! I love you!” 
3. “Ex-queeze-me.”
4. “I spake!”

Magnum Sev.i - Owner Sevag and Danny

Star Wars Character Name:

Magnum Chew.i

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The hairiness just captures the imagination with this one. We can picture it now, Magnum carrying Danny on his back through the desert. It just fits perfectly. Chewbacca is a wookie, and despite 8 seasons in the AFFL, the way Sevag and Danny have managed their team, you'd think they are still wookie's too. They don't really say much on the AFFL chat, merely little small sound bytes, like the groan of Chewy when he doesn't like something. Physically, Sevag is a big guy, and we firmly believe that if he dedicated himself to the cause, he has enough Armenian genetics to fully transform into the hairy Star Wars character. Many aren't aware that Chewy rocks a stache' as well, and for all intents and purposes could be Armenian.  It just works on so many levels.

Prime Time - Owner Ara

Star Wars Character Name:

Ara the Hutt

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There couldn't have been any other choice. The manager that annoys the heck out of everyone is just as annoying as the oversized beast of Star Wars fame. Jabba is a gangster and crime lord with huge ties to slavery, kind of like when Prime Time tries to nab everyone's back-up RB and hold them hostage. Heck, Jabba even handcuffed Princesses Leia, so he'd fall in love with all the handcuff's on Prime Time's roster. Like Jabba, Prime Time is really integrated into the Politics of the AFFL. His aberration of bi and trans managers would echo Jabba's very conservative political views. Both try to work the political systems of their respective universes, with an emphasis on treaties and paper documents to help establish clause. It's quite striking really. And of course, nobody really understands a word that is being said when both speak. Subtitles are extremely helpful.

Shabam Shadiq - Owner Dre and Avo

Star Wars Character Name:

R2-Diq2 and Sha3PO

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So there are two of them right? The best of friends. And when one goes wondering off, the other is often confused and chases after him. It's like Dre staggering after Avo at the draft, "Wait, wait, where are you going? The bastarma can wait... oh fine." It's the blind leading the blind. And they've been doing it for years, just like their Gold and Silver tin character's from the Star Wars series. C3PO is a knowledgeable multi-linguistic robot, but full of worry and fear.  R2D2 is more the squeaky, whine, yet courageous of the two. Nothing could be dead on about Shabam and Shadiq. They have a full fledged fear and worry of injury since 2009, and even though Avo talks a big game, it's mostly just beeps and sound effects. Shabam has been redone and remade like the reinvented R2D2 through the series. Ending up on the scrap heap has been a theme for Shabam. We don't doubt that this season things will end with the Diq2 and Sha3PO walking off into the sunset blaming each other for the others mistakes. Ah, nostalgia.

Vosgereechee Gyank - Owner Mardig

Star Wars Character name:

Darth Vosgee

From the HBK storyline, we can see clearly why the Vosgee is Darth Vosgee. After last season, he is Luhbk's Daddy. He harnessed the power of the Dallas Death Star (bailey) and used it to defeat Shantwalker. But going deeper we see a lot of ties to the Gyank and Vadar. Both have only won once (Empire Strikes Back for Vadar, and last season for Vosgee). Both have really cool looks, (Vosgee logo are brass knuckle). Both work with machines. And there are so many times when you have played the Vosgee or seen his team after the draft and said, "Damn, the team looks legit" like the look of a cool, cruel Vadar.  But remove the facade and its ugly. It's all ugly. There is nothing good under the surface. Everything is just a front to keep a dying roster alive. Like Vadar. The only thing we wish is that Vadar would be gold so it would correlate perfectly to the Golden Pen theme. Alas, we can't have everything. How many Vosgee trades have revealed the Darkside of the league? We rest our case.

Money Well Spent?: Affl Auction Draft Best and Worst Buys

3 hours and 17 minutes of shouting out numbers and raising pencils with logos on them. Oh how fun it was. And after $2400 spent by 12 managers, the first ever AFFL auction draft ended with some distinct winners and losers. Being this was the first auction draft for many managers, there was inevitably going to be some growing pains.  Many anticipated that managers would blow their cash early, overspending on the excitement of the new format. That seemed to be the case as the draft opened with a bidding frenzy on some of the top players. Being that this was also a keeper league, the spending frenzy was understandable as many of the top players at various positions were not available to be drafted. This left the lone Tier 1 guys as primary targets for teams that lacked keepers or had money to blow.

Going into the draft a few teams had a leg up on everyone else due to their great keeper situations. Prime Time had Demarco Murray and Jordan Howard for a combined $37. Shabam Shadiq got McCoy and Crowell for a combined $64. BDiddy had Gordon and Cooper for $59. These teams were already ahead of the game in terms of players and value and could bolster an already strong core.

The two teams with the best situations were the Atomic Bomba and last years 2nd place finisher HBK Shant Michaels. The Bomba had Freeman and Jordy Nelson for $37 , while HBK boasted the leagues best duo with David Johnson and Mike Thomas for a combined $37. Managers were keen to keep an eye on what the Bomba and HBK were doing and it seemed the league was trying to make sure that neither got out of the draft with top talent, and if they did, they'd have to pay for it. However, the Bomba and HBK were savvy, and held their cash for bargains in the mid rounds. It was interesting to watch it all unfold.

But alas, after all the budgets were tallied, there were many managers who made purchases I'm sure they now regret. In hindsight, paying up for WRs early in the draft created lots of value in the later rounds, where managers who were wise to hold onto cash pounced. And no draft would be truly complete without a review of the purchases.

Below we are 5 of the best and 5 of the worst buys of the draft, along with some honorable mentions. Lets see who spent wisely and who was out there like a woman with their husbands credit card. (In order by purchase price)

Best Buys

Ezekiel Elliot $42 - Atomic Bomba

Going into the draft there were only two top tier Rbs available: Leveon Bell and Ezekiel Elliot. Leveon was part of an $80 bidding frenzy, one the Bomba could have afforded considering his value with his keepers. However, the Atomic one opted to gamble at the prospects of getting Elliot on the cheap. Many were scared off at the idea of being without Elliot for 7 weeks, and seemed uninterested in paying up for a player that would only give them 6 weeks of game play. However, as things stand today, there is a good chance that Elliot will be on the field or have his suspension reduced. There are also reports of Elliot's suspension being postponed a year a la Tom Brady. With the chance he indeed plays most of the season, $42 for a top 5 player is a great buy.

Doug Baldwin $35 - Cobra Kai

Doug Baldwin is always undervalued when it comes to the WR position. Not the sexiest name in the bunch, Baldwin is still a top 10 WR most weeks, and getting him at $35 is a steal for Cobra Kai. Ty Hilton, Alshon Jeffery, Deandre Hopkins and Devonte Adams all were purchased at higher price points, yet Baldwin offers just as much if not more upside than those players. In total, 11 WRs were more expensive than Baldwin. That's ludicrous. As Russell Wilson's primary target, Baldwin is in line for a huge year and has every bit a chance to repeat his 94 catch 1150 yard 7 td campaign of last season. Granted, Cobra really had no choice but to target some lower tier Wrs after spending a fortune on LeVeon and Gronk, but getting Baldwin at a discount is going to pay off big time.

Travis Kelce $24 - Shabam Shadiq

Greg Olsen went for $28, so forgive us for liking Baby Gronk at $24. Kelce is rated on the same tier as Gronk, and has every bit the chance of finishing as the #1 overall TE at years end. Had the league known that Kelce would go for $11 less than Gronk, I'm pretty sure that many would have planned to bid Kelce up. But as it was, Kelce was nominated during the perfect time and Shadiq was all over it. Good job by Shadiq on getting the 2nd best TE in the game at a solid price.

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Devonte Parker $16 - HBK Shant Michaels

Normally, spending up for a WR that is on a team with Jay Cutler isn't a great idea, but we're willing to make an exception with Parker. Devonte is coming with a lot of hype this season, but the hype carries with it WR1 upside. Claimed to be the new "Alshon Jeffery" in Miami, HBK went all in, getting Parker at a fair WR2/3 price. He may not return numbers worthy of others going at that price range, ie. Golden Tate, Stefon Diggs, but he has the chance to offer upside that those just don't have. For that kind of gamble we feel that the $16 price point is a nice buy with the chance of producing value far greater than a WR2/3. And HBK had money to burn, so he wasn't worried about it.

Sammy Watkins $9 - Awesomeness

How can a ram make this list? Well, we didn't feel it proper to just exclude a player because he didn't have a QB. Jared "Turn your head to the left and" Goff isn't really giving anyone a shot of confidence these days, and there is great worry with Sammy Watkins that he'll just be running ghost routes all day long. But should Watkins, who is by far the teams best receiver, stay healthy and Goff be semi-competent, Awesomeness may have nabbed a high-end WR2 for dirt cheap. No Wr at this price point offers this much upside, and Watkins has a chance to put up numbers on a team that should be down a lot. Remember, history has shown that Awesomeness has a knack for taking risks on WRs who are all but written off by the fantasy community, and have them pan out. We don't want to say that this will be the case with Watkins, but at $9, it's worth the gamble.

Honorable Mentions:

Todd Gurley $41 - Grabbers United

RB1 in the past, and got a big boost with Watkins addition. If Goff can complete downfield, Gurley will avoid 8 man boxes. A rebirth is possible.

Carlos Hyde $25 - HBK Shant Michaels

Possible Bell-cow role with nobody to threaten his workload. Shanny offenses produce top-teir RBs. Hyde could be an RB1 at an RB2 price.

Golden Tate $15 - Hartan

Price was right for Tate, but with rumors of usage similar to his 2015 breakout, there is some high end WR2/1 upside to his game. At $14 that's a steal.

Martavius Bryant $10 - Atomic Bomba

Ten bucks for a guy who put up borderline WR1 numbers the last time he played, in an offense that can't double him? All day.

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Danny Woodhead $8 - Shabam Shadiq

PPR machine and gonna be all over the place on a team that will be dumping it off a lot.

Hunter Henry $6 - Jaj Cousteau

Sleeper TE. Should Chargers be willing to force feed their best weapon, TE 1 is within range.

Worst Buys

Ty Hilton $39 -  Magnum Sev.i

We don't hate the player, but the price for the given situation is just too much for us to buy into. Andrew Luck is coming off shoulder surgery and may not be available for the first half of the season. Catching passes from Scott Tolzien just doesn't give us that blow-up fantasy feeling for TY. At $39 we'd much rather have had Deandre Hopkins or Doug Baldwin. We will say that Sev.i redeemed himself with the buy of Demeriyus at $30, so we can't be too mad at the Ty pick. However, we'd pass on the price if given the choice.

Alshon Jeffery $36 - Prime Time

Aging WR coming off injury that hasn't played a full season in 2 years for $36? No thank you.  Alshon is the sexy pick for a sleeper WR1 but we just don't see it. The eagles have a plethora of guys to throw to and Jeffery isn't exactly in a situation to be force fed the ball. At the price point that Prime Time nabbed him he could have gotten Doug Baldwin, Deandre Hopkins or Demeriyus Thomas, all players that are ranked higher than Jeffery. Everything would have to go perfectly for Alshon to return boarderline WR1 numbers. We don't see it happening. Prime Time may have thought he could use a coupon when purchasing Jeffery, but we haven't confirmed this rumor just yet.

Joe Mixon and Christian McCaffery $35 - Vosgereechee Gyank

We're putting both rookies on this peg because of the choice to purchase 2 rookies as your RBs for such a high price. We may be able to swallow taking one of the RBs at the $35 price point, but two?? Vosgee is really hoping that these RBs can break-out and while it has been done in the past, we don't see both having top 15 type years. Mixon is the third peg on a Bengals team that insists on feeding an plodding Jeremy Hill at the goal line. CMC is going to fight with Jonathan Stewart for carries. Neither situation is ideal, and while gambling on one may have been fine, we don't see both being the X factor on any team. Sorry champ, we'd return this purchase if we could.

Marshawn Lynch $27 - Shabam Shadiq

While some of their other picks gave us much hope, this one is just utterly confusing. We know that the Shadiq had every intention of getting Lynch on their squad, no matter the cost. That's exactly what they did. But we're not sure they are going to get the return on investment they hoped. Lynch hasn't been healthy in the past 2 years, and will be on the wrong side of 30 in 2017.  The last season he played he had serious back issues that hindered any sort of RB1 output. At the price point, we would have rather paid up for one of the rookies, or opted to go after Hyde. Lynch may full well be worth the $27, but if he doesn't play a full season, Shabam will be regretting not using that money else where.

Brandon Marshall $16 - Prime Time

Prime time cornered the market on aging WRs. First Jeffery, and then Marshall. If this were 2010, we'd be all over this pick. Unless Prime Time has spoken directly to Eli Manning and knows something we don't, we just can't see how Marshall returns value similar to Devante Parker, Tyreek Hill, and others around this price point. Yes he'll get some red zone looks, but did Ara forget that ODBJ is still there and Eli's go to guy? We don't think there is much left in the tank for Brandon Marshall, and at $16, he was best left for others to grab.

Honorable Mentions:

Devonte Adams $35 - Vosgereechee Gyank

He's a #2 target that is extremely touchdown dependent. We'd take Baldwin, Demariyus before Adams. Heck, proly Pryor too who went for $8 cheaper.  Too rich for our blood.

Kelvin Benjamin $29 - Prime Time

He's a WR2 at best, in a tier with Martavius Bryant, Emmanual Sanders, and Golden Tate, all who went for far less. He's not worth the $15+ price hike.

Mark Ingram $26 - Atomic Bomba

Over paying for a RB2 that is now in a time share. We'd like Ingram at $20. At $26 he's probably not worth the investment.

Terrence West $12 - BDiddy

A fringe RB3 with no O-line and doesn't catch passes. He went for more than Woodhead, who is the better pick.

Co-Managers Boycott: Commissioner releases Statement Eliminating Co-Manager Term

After approving a league wide fee for teams that have more than one manager, Members of those teams staged a boycott of all AFFL activities effective Wednesday night, throwing the league into a frenzy. League Offices were flooded with phone calls from concerned fans that their favorite teams may fold. Rumors began to float that the league is already looking to replace those teams who boycotted with the many managers waiting to enter the league. Oh and the AFFL draft is scheduled for Sunday amidst the meltdown.

To deal with the situation, The Commissioner has released the following statement.

Commissioner Statement In Regard To Managers Fees:
 
 
Since 2007, the AFFL has made it a point to provide fans a league full of competition, inclusion and fair play. Over the 11 years that the league has functioned, there have been many ups and downs, controversies, and mishaps that have threatened the sanctity of the league. Who after all can forget the Bomba/Cobra Kai feud of 2009? Still, through it all, the league has stuck together and grown at every step to embrace the culture of today.
 
With that said, co-managers will no longer exist in the AFFL. We understand the plight of BDiddy, Hartan, Shabam Shadiq, and Magnum Sev.i as the label carries with it a negative connotation. Feeling of being lesser than other teams. We are sensitive to the inclusion of these teams into the fabric of the AFFL, as they have helped make the league what it is today. We as the AFFL must strive to treat others equally, even when faced with the prospect that certain teams are different than others. We are all equal, and the number of hands a manager wishes to have on his governing body should not separate us from that truth. From this point forth, co-managers do not exist.
 
Teams will now be referred to as Bi-managerial or Trans-managerial, recognizing their choice in choosing one or multiple partners to express their fantasy skills. Despite what social science may tell us (that decisions are made by one person no matter how many are working together) we will recognize the Bi’ness and Trans'ness of our manager counter parts. And if you’re thinking about going Bi or Trans, that’s okay too. We still love you.
 
From this point forth, all Bi-Managers and Trans- Managers will be subject to a $30 fee per manager beyond the head manager. Any new Bi-managers will be subject to a $50 fee. These fees will help offset the competitive advantage of having multiple guys kooning the FA list while others are busy. In the words of Baret himself, “I’m going to sleep, Mikey will wake up early and will see who clears.” Being “Bi” means you get the best of both worlds. Or in this case, “Trans”. Pay up.  
 
Managers of the Bi & Trans teams have informed the league they intend to boycott “all league activities.” Keepers lock Thurs. at Midnight. Their team’s keepers will not be recognized until they formally announce their intent to participate in the AFFL.
 
Thank you, and we look forward to a great year of continues prosperity for the best Fantasy football league west of Yerevan.
 
 Commissioner Lalazarian

AFFL Votes in Favor of Extra Fees For Co-Managers: Is Tiggy worth 50 Bucks?

In an 8-4 tally, AFFL managers voted to charge teams with co-managers an extra fee per co-manager to help offset the "competitive advantage" that teams using multiple managers have when in their daily fantasy football operations. The primary advantage in question are Free Agent pick-ups. Having two managers able to scour the FA's presents a disadvantage to single managed teams during work hours. This is the primary argument for the charge.

The vote is groundbreaking for the AFFL and puts the future of BDiddy, Hartan, Shabam Shadiq and Magnum Sev.i in question. Franchise owners of those teams will now have to determine whether the cost of keeping their co-manager on board is worth the investment. Will Vartan part ways with Harout? Will Dre make Avo pay the entire fee himself? Will Danny volunteer to leave Sev.i so as not to put him in the position to have to choose? Owners of these teams will no doubt do detailed cost analysis on the effectiveness and rate of return these "deck-hands" bring to the franchise.

No situation is more intriguing than BDiddy, who has a league leading three managers running the franchise. Baret is the franchise owner, with Monkey Mike in charge of research analysis. Tiggy, or Tig 'ol Big, is a minority owner, claiming a 1% stake in the franchise. While this may not seem much, the BDiddy franchise has managed to finish in third place on three occasions over their 9 years in the league. The question becomes how much of an impact has Tiggy made? How much is that 1% worth?

Frankly, few know what Tiggy's role is with the BDiddy franchise. In fact, managers around the league claim they haven't seen Tiggy since 2014. Conspiracy theorists speculate that he was excommunicated years ago and his legend is still being touted like the fantasy football version of Tupac. They point to a 2009 image of Baret super imposed on the cover of Rolling Stone using Tupac's body as proof.

Assuming that Tiggy is still indeed the third wheel on the BDiddy tricycle, it's difficult to quantify his value with so little to go on. AFFL experts are split as to what Tiggy's fate could be. Some feel that Tiggy's years of service, coupled with the few known incidents of Tiggy's input will be enough to warrant his place in the franchise. Others have pointed to Baret's comments of 2016 of "trimming the fat" and "increasing efficiency" as signs that Tiggy will be co-managerless in 2017.

But one story claims Tiggy's fantasy knowledge is off the charts and cutting him would leave BDiddy in ruin. The story centers around the 2013 draft, where, according to anonymous sources, Tiggy was emphatic on BDiddy drafting Demarco Murray at pick 4, but Baret brushed him aside. Demarco went on to lead the league in total yards at RB that season. Not only did Tiggy push for Murray, the source claims that he also went down on his hands and knees begging Baret to take Cam Newton in the middle rounds, but this time Baret listened, and Cam finished 5th at the position.

Another factor in the decision of keeping Tiggy will be the means of communication that he provides. After all, it is Tiggy who tells Mikey, who tells Baret of the latest happenings in the league. Baret then tells Tiggy to relay the message to Mikey, so he would know. If Tiggy isn't around, how do Baret and Mikey communicate?

Furthering the matter is the prospects of Baret refusing to pay the fee and Tiggy showing to the draft because Baret forgot to tell Mikey to tell him not to show. Things could get ugly and AFFL security may intervene.

In the end, we anticipate that Baret forks over the fee for Tiggy, as he has been around too long and been to ingrained in the BDiddy process.

As for Mikey? Now that's a different story.

AFFL All-Time: The Greatest Teams of Each Franchise

They say you can't compare eras in sports, but lets face it, every sports conversation at some point in time turns to the greatest teams of all-time. Websites have their lists. People have their biases. The back-and-forth is an ongoing verbal sparing between fans and experts alike. It's just too fun to speculate how players in the past would do in the present.

With that in mind, the AFFL Courier will feature an ALL-TIME series that will aim to create some serious smack talk and conversation among the managers. Going into its 11th year, the AFFL has had its share of dominate teams. Atomic Bomba and Awesomeness ruled the early years of the league, while recently, Cobra Kai, Grabbers and Hartan have found ways to make their presence known. Of course, we can't forget the consistent Prime Time and BDiddy. Everyone has a stake in the game.

The question however is not only to find the greatest all-time team in each franchise, it's what do you do with it? Well, that's where the AFFL stats & inc dept comes in. The crack tech staff at the AFFL has created a unique simulator that will run a simulation of a season with the 12 best teams of all-time. This simulation won't tell us which team will be the greatest team of all-time, however, the team that wins the simulation will have serious ego stroking going on.

So this multi-part series will focus on finding the greatest all-time teams for each franchise, and then finding out which team would win in a simulated series. But first, lets talk about the method.

What we used to find the Greatest Teams of All-time

Atomic Bomba can claim multiple great teams, as can Awesomeness. But how doyou choose which one is best?  Which 2nd place finishing team of Grabbers was the more dominant? How do we differentiate between all the Prime Time teams? Furthermore, what do you do if you have a team that was statistically better than a team that went further? These are just a few of the difficult tasks that the AFFL stats & inc had to mull over in order to come up with the proper categories to determining the greatest teams of each franchise. Ultimately, the formula boiled down between a combination of total points, record, and final finish, along with a sprinkle of weekly totals mixed in.

The factors

Looking at each teams franchise, we took each managers best teams according to where they finished the season that year. We then examined the total points they scored, along with their regular season record. We factored in how they did week-to-week and whether or not they were winning because of a weak schedule or dominant performance. We gave the benefit to teams that were winning with scores over a 100 points rather than ones that eeked out victories below.

One twist though was what to do with the 2011 change in scoring. Bonuses were added in 2011, upping the total season points thereafter. This would put teams like the Bomba and Awesomeness at a disadvantage for those years when comparing them to their teams after 2011. In order to adjust for this, we added points for each team before 2011 based on the weekly totals of the players on the roster. The adjusted season totals for the teams before 2011 would thus be more on par with the franchises latter teams.

Okay, without further ado, here are the greatest teams of each Franchise in Alpha order. Let the historical games begin. PS. No teams will be considered prior to the 2008 season. 2007 was a 10 team league, and 2006, while featured some AFFL franchises, was not officially titled the AFFL.

Greatest All-Time Teams

Atomic Bomba

Possibilities - 2008 (1st. 9-4. 1502), 2009 (2nd. 9-4. 1512) , 2011 (1st. 9-4. 1497), 2012 (1st. 7-6. 1476) , 2013 (11-2. 2nd. 1668)

The Pick: Atomic Bomba '08

This was tough. A strong case could be made for a few other teams that the Bomba has had over the years, including the 2013 team that featured the best record and 2nd highest total points for a season all-time. But we just can't bring ourselves to give it to a 2nd place finisher when the Bomba has 3 other teams that won a title. Thus, we are going with the what we feel is the best championship team of the bunch, the '08 team that featured the top RB that season Deangelo WIlliams, The 3rd highest finishing QB Kurt Warner, and the fourth overall RB Steve Slaton (remember him?). The teams adjusted score for the current scoring system would have garnished a season total of 1575, and most probably a few more wins. The 2008 Atomic Bomba squad put up 100+ points in 10 of the 13 games, and finished with seven consecutive wins which is still a record. He was as dominant in the post-season, posting 143 points in the semis, and a championship scoring record of 169 pts that still stands. Considering that bonuses weren't even around then, that final total is impressive. It was also a year of great coaching, as both of the first two picks taken in the draft fell to injury. The team is remembered because of the crazy Deangelo year, and the out-of-no-where draft pick of Steve Slaton. They say the first one is the sweetest, and that sure holds true for the Atomic Bomba.

Awesomeness

Possibilities - 2008 (2nd. 9-4. 1514). 2009 (1st. 8-5. 1493). 2010 (1st. 11-2. 1561). 2015 (3rd. 8-5. 1587).

The Pick - Awesomeness '10

The third version of Awesomeness brought the best one yet. In the early years of the AFFL the Awesome one was a frequent visitor to the Championship game reaching the mark three years in a row. His three trips to the finals brought 2 titles, and no team was more dominant than the 2010 team. The 1561 point season total would be adjusted to 1635 by today's scoring system. The 11-2 record is still tied for the highest all-time.  During the 2010 season, Awesomeness put up a staggering 12 straight 100+ point games, producing the AFFL's longest regular season win streak (8). Those records still stand. The team was lead by Tom Brady, the top QB that season, and Ray Rice, who had his best season that year. There were also big contributions from unlikely heroes like Terrell Owens, Knowshawn Moreno, and Pierre Garcon. Awesomeness exploded through the regular season, consistently putting up over 120+ a game and earning the bye with ease. In the playoffs, a stat correction helped squeak by Prime Time in the Semi-Final game over Prime Time. But in the Championship game, Awesomeness left no doubt defeating Magnum Sev.i 122-106. This team still has players on it that would be worthy of starting today which says something about just how strong the 2010 Awesomeness squad was.

BDiddy

The possibilities - 2009 (3rd. 7-6. 1468). 2011 (3rd. 8-5. 1450). 2016 (3rd. 8-5. 1595)

The pick - BDiddy '16

It's ironic isn't it? The team with 3 managers finishes 3rd three times. The Diddy has had much success in the AFFL over the years, making it to the semi-final game at will. However, that seems to be the hump that the team just can't get over. Diddy's franchise has featured strong teams in 2009 and 2011. None however top the team rostered in 2016. The 8-5 squad put up a strong 1595 points all while putting up 100+ points in all 13 regular season games. The consistency and excellence places them a notch above the 2011 team despite that team's ridiculous 1st round playoff game. The 2016 Diddy team was well balanced, with a three-headed RB monster of Lamar Miller, Melvin Gordon and Le'Veon Bell. The team needed to overcome the loss of 2nd round pick Keenan Allen and lackluster production from Golden Tate and Michael floyd. The late acquisition of Travis Kelce and Le'Veon Bell put the team into a different realm, where winning seemed a forgone conclusion. The team entered the playoffs as the 5th seed and knocked the previous champs Hartan out in the first round. However, the squad would run into a hot HBK team and lose in the Semi-finals. Still, this squad was the best team the franchise has produced, and considering they did it last season, things are looking up for the Diddy.

COBRA KAI

The Possibilities -  2013 (1st. 9-4.1614). 2014 (3rd. 8-5. 1603)

The Pick - Cobra Kai '13

The early years of the Cobra Kai didn't bring much success, but since the league has switched to a keeper league, the Cobra has been striking with regularity. Two teams take the stage as potential all-timers for the kai, but only one has a title to boot. The 2013 team was an epic mix of top tier talent and weekly ass-kicking of opponents. After a frenzy at the trade deadline that saw the team make 5 trades in a span of 3 hours, the team became epic. Lesean McCoy, Jamaal Charles , and Demarco Murray made-up perhaps the greatest RB trio in AFFL history. WIth 3 of the top five RBs overall and solid WRs and QB play, the Cobra put 100+ points in 11 of 13 reg. season games and finished second overall. The thumping continued into the post-season where the team put up a 169 points in the semi-final game and 159 in the Title match versus a strong Bomba squad. Was this the greatest team of all time? We don't know, but we sure know it was a damn good one. While replicating the success of this team is always the goal, it looks like Cobra may have outdone himself. The league surely doesn't want to see a repeat of this team again.

Grabbers United

The Possibilties - 2012 (2nd. 7-6. 1470). 2014 (5th. 9-4. 1702). 2015 (2nd. 9-4. 1416)

The Pick - Grabbers United '14

The road to success for Grabbers has been a windy one, but has resulted in great success over the past five seasons. The apex of this success is the 2015 squad which in 2nd overall. However, despite the high finish of the 2015 season, we're gonna select the Grabbers squad of 2014 which set all sorts of records. The 2014 team was only the second team ever to put up 100+ points in all 13 games in a season. In fact, the team put up 120+ for the last 10 games straight with multiple 130, 140 and 150 pt games. Grabbers also set a record that year with most points scored in an season with 1702. By every measure, this team was already looking like the best team ever. The team was built with balance and little flash, led by Gronk and Luck, the two keepers Grabbers elected to retain. Dez Bryant mixed in to elevate the rosters upside, but the big pick-up was the FAAB acquisition of Justin Forsett, who Grabbers broke the bank to acquire. The move paid off as Forsett solidified the RB2 slot and the team ascended the standings. The team would fall to Jaj in the last weeks of the regular season by .2 and would then in flukey fashion fall to the Cousteau again in the 1st round of the playoffs by the same margin. We call bad luck on a team that was built for an all-time epic finish. We'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't disagree that this squad deserves to be on this list. 

Hartan

The Possibilities - 2011 (4th. 9-4. 1506). 2012 (4th. 9-4. 1617). 2015 (1st. 9-4. 1519).

The Pick - Hartan '15

After years of mediocrity, finishing the season in 8th place, Hartan upped their game with consecutive 4th place finishes. The improvement was just the building blocks for what would be their greatest team of All-time during the 2015 season. Led by ODBJ and Drew Brees, Hartan managed to attain a 9-4 record and 1st overall seed. Scoring 100+ points in only 9 of 13 games, the team didn't have the type of consistent firepower that other teams on this list had. But while they didn't break the bank on 100+ games, the teams ceiling rivals any other franchises best with 2 160+ games. Part of the reason for lack of pop was that the roster didn't have a lot of flash, just solid players. The RB core was made of Gurley and Ingram, and weekly holes were filled with the likes of Maclin and Lockett. Delanie Walker provided some upside as well. Entering the playoffs as the 1st seed doesn't guarantee success, as only 2 1 seeds have ever won the title. But Hartan proved worthy, putting a strong 141points in the semi-final game, and then a respectful 131 to win the title. More importantly, this team is now the team that managers remember when thinking of Hartan and their titles, erasing the stigma of their lone title in 2007 during a shortened 10 team season. The 2015 put Hartan in elite company as one of only six AFFL team to win a title in the 12 team format. Well done.

HBK Shant Michaels

The Possibilities - 2014 (4th. 9-4. 1481) 2015 (2nd. 10-3. 1611).

The Pick - HBK Shant Michaels '16

Oh what could have been. The road to success has been a difficult one for HBK. For years, the franchise struggled to solidify its image among the best in the league, finishing no higher than 4th in any season. The 2016 team changed all that in epic fashion. Not only is the 2016 team one of the best All-time, it was involved in one of, if not the greatest AFFL championship match ever. The record setting 2016 team managed to put up 100+ points for 12 of 13 reg. season games. But that's not what was most impressive. HBK '16 put up 130+ 7 times an AFFL record, with 4 of those games being 140+. The high ceiling was just too much for teams to deal with. Lead by all-everything back David Johnson, and all-world Drew Brees, the team managed to survive an injury to top pick AJ green with solid management, picking up Michael Thomas mid-season. The onslaught of points continued to in the playoffs, where HBK put up 158 points in the Semi-final game. Losing any game is tough, but losing when you put up 130, in the AFFL title game just stings more. Needing only 7 points from Dan Bailey, HBK fell to Vosgee by .72 in one of the most unexpected finals ever. Despite the loss, the 2nd place 2016 put up historic numbers and goes down as one of the greatest all time. HBK won't take solace in that thought, but he should in the fact that two of the members from the team will be used to build his 2017 squad. I'm sure the league isn't looking forward to the prospects of a repeat performance.

Jaj Cousteau

The Possibilities - 2010 (3rd. 10-3. 1584) 2014 (1st. 6-7. 1540).

The Pick - Jaj Cousteau '14

At first glance, the Jaj Cousteau '14 team doesn't seem to belong in the All-time ranks. Yes, they did win the title that season, becoming the first team with a losing record during the reg. season to do so. But sometimes the strength in a team is in its resiliency. This is the case with Cousteau. The '14 team was riddled with bad luck and still managed to come out on top. They had an opponent point total of 1684 which was nearly 100 points higher than the second team. They were getting the best of every team each week. But don't think they didn't pack firepower. From weeks 3-13, Coustea '14 put up 10 straight 100+ point games. They managed to squeeze into the playoffs by beating a hot Grabbers team by .2 in the 12th week of the season. Then they did it again in week one of the playoffs. Led by the trifecta of Antonio Brown, Demeriyus Thomas and Jamaal Charles, the team relied on weekly plug-ins and pick-ups to offset some injuries during the season. Any team that can win a title with Alex Smith at QB deserves some recognition, and the Cousteau team of 14' is getting.

Magnum Sev.i

The Possibilities - 2010 (2nd. 7-6. 1457) 2012 (3rd. 8-5. 1475)

The Pick - Magnum Sev.i '10

The 2010 Magnum Sev.i squad edges out the '12 version on our all-time list because of the higher finish. Both teams are very similar to one another with they stats they put up during the reg. season. However, the 2010 version had just a tad more upside with 4 games of 130+. and finishing the season with 6 straight wins. The team was led by Andre Johnson and Lesean McCoy at the skill positions and Peyton Manning at QB. It was a waiver wires who's-who from there on out. The team managed to end the season strong and get into the playoffs as a 3 seed, where they put up 140 points in the first round match. In the Semi's they managed to beat a tough Cousteau team to make their first trip to the finals, where they lost to the defending champ Awesomeness. The team wasn't flashy, but accomplished something only ahandful of teams have done before, make it to the final game. We respect that.

Prime Time

The possibilities - 2008 (3rd. 7-6. 1291) 2011 (2nd. 10-3. 1562) 2013 (3rd. 8-5. 1430) 2014 (2nd. 10-3. 1623)

The Pick - Prime Time '11

Prime Time has had a few great teams in his long AFFL career, but 2011 is at the top of the list. A force to be reckoned with, Prime put up 11 games of 100+, winning 6 of his last seven games,  finishing the regular season with a 10-3 record. The roster was loaded with top position players all over the place: Brees at QB, Dez at WR, Marshawn and Arian Foster at RB, Steve Smith at WR.  Brees put up over 500 points that season, seemingly winning games on his own. Entering the playoffs as the 1st seed and bye, all expectations were that Prime would make it to the championship game. He did, defeating BDiddy 147-137 in the semi's to get a match-up against the powerful Bomba.  The team faltered in the title match, and only managed to put up 117, a surprise to most experts. Since then, Prime has managed to make it into the top 3 numerous times including another finals trip in 2014. However, when talking about the best of Prime Time, the conversation starts with the team that gave the franchise their first finals appearance in 2011. 

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Shabam Shadiq

The Possibilties - 2009 (5th. 8-5. 1509) 2011 (5th. 8-5. 1464) 2016 (5th. 7-6. 1485)

The Pick - Shabam Shadiq '09

The story of the Shabam Shadiq has yet to add a playoff win, and no team better captures the plight of the Shadiq than the '09 team. Putting up a franchise best 8-5 record during the reg. season, Shabam was inline to earn the bye and win the division. Ending the season with a 4 game win streak, the 'Diq was strong, putting up 130+ five times, and 100+ in 10 of 13 games. Led by Andre johnson, Fred Jackson, Reggie Wayne and Randy Moss, the team was championship caliber, showcasing a fearsome foursome that was tops in the league. The history of Shabam had them losing out on the post-season due to injuries, but '09 saw the roster stay healthy and they entered the playoffs as one of the favorites to win it all. However, not getting the bye due to a tie breaker with division records, Shabam was forced to play the first round and fell to Miyagi by 14 points, ending their hopes at a title. The '09 team was the first time of the franchise to make the playoffs. Shabam has since returned to the playoffs on four other occasions, but has yet to win a playoff game. Many believe the '09 team set off an AFFL curse on the franchise, one they haven't been able to shake. Regardless, the '09 Shabam team was very strong, even if their potential was cut short. 

Vosgereechee Gyank

The Possibilties - 2008 (6th. 8-5. 1425) 2016 (1st. 9-4. 1580)

The Pick - Vosgee Gyank '16

The history of the Vosgee isn't littered with success, but that doesn't mean success hasn't found Vosgee. The 2016 Gyank squad did the unthinkable in dramatic fashion, upsetting expectations to become the 6th franchise to win an AFFL title. Many people say the success of the 2016 time was a fluke, and even though luck was indeed a factor, the team was solid up and down. Scoring 100+ for 11 of 13 reg. season games, Vosgee finished the year winning 9 of 10 games including the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers and Antonio Brown did the bulk of the lifting weekly, while Gore, Forte and others chipped in for solid play. Despite the lack of name recognition, the team was able to put up 168 points, so the ceiling was indeed high. Finishing the year with an 9-4 record and entering the playoffs as the 3rd seed, Vosgee defeated Shabam and a strong Prime Time squad to reach the finals versus a scorching hot HBK team. The underdog Gyank managed to influence the fantasy gods just enough to pull off an improbable .72 victory, surviving Dan Bailey and six extra points on Monday night Football to win the teams first Title. Before 2016, Vosgee had only made the playoffs once, and hadn't won a playoff game. The 2016 put the Gyank in rare company, placing him in the ring of champions for eternity. Go figure.

AFFL Managers Spotlight: Cobra Kai to become first Duel Sport Manager

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"The blades of grass on any field are the same. Just different cleats" - Cobra Kai

If the above quote is true, then Cobra is looking to wear two types of cleats at the same time. AFFL news is reporting that Cobra Kai is looking to become an Assistant Manager in the AYSO soccer league in order to coach his son and AFFL co-manager Samuel. He has been attending mandatory training classes this week in hopes of becoming eligible for the beginning of the season.

"I don't know much about soccer, except you gotta kick it into the net," said Sayyad from the parking lot of the AYSO headquarters. "But I know you get to sweep the leg, and I like that."

Unfortunately for Sayyad, sweeping the leg is a penalty unless the defender strikes the ball first, but I guess he'll find that out the hard way.

The move to coach in the AYSO comes at a time when Cobra should be preparing for the AFFL draft, prompting rumblings that Kai is no longer committed to his AFFL obligations. Primetime Owner Ara has already come out and blasted Sayyad on social media tweeting out "He Cobra, if you're gonna quit, Quit! Don't create excuses!#AFFL"

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Cobra kai has been a team on the rise in years past, becoming the 3rd team to win a title in 2013 and finishing 3rd in 2014. However, the last few seasons have seen a decline in production in the Cobra kai brand with a 5th place finish in 2015 and an 8th place finish in 2016. Critics point to this trend as evidence, coupled with the recent soccer coaching move as Cobra's lack of motivation in the AFFL. Cobra has vehemently denied the claim.

"No chance. Never say die brotha. No mercy. Always."

So what happens in 2017? Can Cobra where two types of cleats and still succeed on both fronts? Experts believe that its impossible. The last duel sports athletes were in the 90s and today's sports demands are just too great. Compounding the issue is the fact that should Cobra fail, he's bringing his son down with him, something child psychologists warn could be detrimental to Samuel's attitude toward sports. Psych expert Rob Lovell explains:

"When Samuel realizes that his father has coached him to losing in soccer and in the AFFL, he's just gonna believe that whatever he does with his father means that it will end ina loss. Don't be surprised if Samuel decides to split from his father's coaching responsibilities by the age of 6."

All the pressure is on Cobra Kai now to deliver two titles in two different versions of football. If he succeeds he will have done something never done in the history of the AFFL. But if he fails, he may have to face the prospect of losing a co-manager. Finding out that sweeping the leg is apenalty in soccer seems to be the least of his worries.

AFFL Managers Spotlight: The Commish visits Grabbers United

12:30 pm - On a warm sunny afternoon in Glendale, Sassoon, owner and manager of Grabbers United, sits pensively on his couch.  In front of him, a small laptop with multiple tabs opened to fantasy football pages. Still and silent, Sassoon takes in the charts, graphs and analytics with deep thought, meticulously planning for the upcoming AFFL Draft. But the silence doesn't last long, as his three little boys, Antranik (6), Haik (5) and Nareg (3) race around the livingroom, jumping on the couch in a terrorizing game of tag. Through the screams of joy and happiness, Sassoon takes a few sips of his green tea and calmly says "Okay guys, that's enough. Antranik not the jooj." Order is restored for a moment and he quietly goes back to his research.

"Some managers have one child. Others have two. Nobody has three," said Sassoon as he wrangled Antranik away from the fridge. "You know what they say 'life doesn't start til three."

On this particular day, the kids are paid a visit by Commissioner Lalazarian to take part in the Commissioners Families of the AFFL program which aims to bring the league closer together with AFFL families. They hit it off with a bang, with the commissioner soon tossing the kids around like he was a ride at an amusement park.

"Competing in the AFFL is hard enough, but doing it while managing three young children is near impossible.," said Lalazarian. "They got a lot of energy. I don't know how he does it. My ass is tired after 5 min."

But despite being a dedicated father, Sassoon has managed to grow the Grabbers United franchise into one of the fastest rising brands in the AFFL.

After joining the league in 2008, Grabbers struggled to be competitive, finishing no better than 9th place during the first four seasons. The losses piled up, and he was even humiliated to show his ass in the neighborhood. Figuratively and literally.

"People would see the Ass Grabbers name and say 'you are what you grab' and they were right," recalls Grabbers. "It was frustrating."

Determined to take his vorik to new heights, Grabbers bogged down and put greater emphasis into the process. He stayed up later and went to bed earlier. The lack of sleep from a house full of kids paid off with his 2012 team which made it to the AFFL finals. He came up short, losing to the Atomic Bomba that season, but despite the championship loss, it was the first time the Grabbers and playoffs were mentioned in the same sentence.

Then, two years later, Grabbers United had a season for the ages. With 9-4 record, and third overall finish, Grabbers' team set four records: Most points scored in a season, largest margin of victory, most 100+ point games, most 120+ point games. The title seemed to be all but his entering the playoffs. But the AFFL slogan is Survival of the Luckiest, and lady luck would not be at his side. The historic season would be cut short in the first round of the postseason, where Jaj Cousteau (eventual champ) defeated Grabbers by .2 points, the same margin he defeated Sassoon just two weeks prior in the regular season. Two .2 losses in a matter of three weeks to the same team. Unprecedented.

"I remember having 20 cents in my pocket that day, and I just stared at the two dimes for ten minutes without moving."

Demoralized and crushed, the league was anxious to see if the rise of Grabbers would continue in the '15 season. Many teams wrote him off, saying that his two year run was over. BDiddy manager Baret recalls having a conversation that went along those lines. Baret recalls:

"I was telling Tiggy to tell Mikey that I think that Grabbers is done, bro. 2nd place was nice, but it was a fluke. Mikey told Tiggy to tell me that he thought it was too. And tiggy did tell me, he did."

But Grabbers wasn't done. In 2015, Grabbers again finished with a 9-4 record and return to the AFFL Title game. His team was on fire, fueled by the .2 loss the year previous.

"Many teams have a second wind that's just a fart," said Sassoon. "But my ass was on fire."

Making it all the way to the title game, Grabbers had been only the third team to make back to the finals within a three year span. He went into the match-up with Hartan as an underdog, but had the league rooting for him. After putting up 160 points in the semi-final game, GU could only muster up 112 in the championship, and fell to the Hartan 131-112. Still, the team held their chin high. They had established themselves as relevant.

"A loss is never a win, unless it means something bigger. That loss let everyone know to watch their ass. The Grabbers pinch is within reach."

2:35 pm - Commissioner Lalazarian holds Haik's hand as he walks down the sidewalk, carefully guiding him across the street and over to the other side. The two boys follow. Earlier in the day the commish suggested they go grab ice-cream at 31 flavors down the street. Haig and the kids were so excited they ran and began showing the commissioner their different shoes. "These are the Kyrie shoes," yelled Haik excited. "I'm wearing these." Antranik dashed to his room and brought out the Kobe 3s. "These will make me run faster," he exclaimed and ran about the house.

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Antranik is the energetic leader of the three, with a fun, playful competitiveness. He is eager to do well and is full of energy. Nareg, the youngest, is no shy one either, having a wicked tenacity to match his older brothers. When it comes to wrestling, Nareg isn't about to let his two and half foot frame hold him back. Kid brings it. Haik is the more reserved of the brothers, politely not choosing to get into the competition. Still, he is a great kid that offers just as much warmth and kindness.

2:45pm- At the ice-cream counter, the kids race across the long window pane salivating at the many different flavors. Antranik and Haik each would have one scoop, while little Nareg decides to hell with his diet and goes for a double. With ice-cream dripping everywhere,  Sassoon smiles and whispers to the commissioner, "you know this year is my year, right?" It's a line that the commissioner has heard time and time again from every manager. But with a smile back he replies "It's everyone's year." The message is understood.

Entering the 2017 season, Grabbers has the option of keeping players from last season, with the best choices being Cam Newton ($17) Tevin Coleman ($13) or Spencer Ware ($9).  The value for those players aren't great, but they could be the building blocks for getting Grabbers back to the AFFL title game. No, Grabbers won't intimidate anyone with a history of winning the likes other AFFL managers can. His lifetime win percentage is still only 44%, and he has only made the playoffs 3 times during his 9 seasons in the league. But that's just the way Grabbers like's it. It's what his team brand is made of.

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"When you go to pinch someone from behind, its tougher to do it when they know you're coming. I don't want anyone to know I'm coming."

3:30pm - Returning to the house after ice-cream, Antranik challenges the commissioner to a game of soccer. The commish accepts, and the game ends with an Antranik goal and celebration. Sassoon looks on from the side smiling. Meanwhile, Nareg has managed to nab Lalazarian's phone and proceeds to take selfies of himself and the commish. He's not shy about a photo-op.

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7:40pm - After dinner (which was kid centered: Fillet o' fish sticks and salad) Sassoon takes the boys to the bathtub, where they disrobe and jump into the pool eagerly. While they splash and play about, Sassoon calmly washes them, applying just the right amount of soap to create the optimum bubble level.  Too little is no fun, too much and Sassoon loses them in the clouds. As he says, "it's an art form."

Sassoon hard at work getting the right amount of soap bubble level in the bath.

Once rinsed, they move their naked little bodies to the dresser drawers to put on their vardegs and comic book themed pjs. Haik goes for batman, while Nareg opts for Spiderman. Unable to get his socks on, he asks the Commisisoner for help. Lalazarian obliges.

830pm- Once the kids are dressed, The Commissioner says good-bye to the boys with one last few tosses in the air and thanks Sassoon for the hospitality. They exchange pleasantries and Lalazarian drives off to AFFL HQ. Sassoon slowly shuts the screen door.

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Returning to the couch to catch his breath, Sassoon plumps down in front of his laptop with the same tabs open. He will read the kids a bedtime story in a few minutes, then get back to research. It's his few moments of solitude left. All we have are moments, and Sassoon eagerly awaits his moment to come, where, like today, he can basque in the Sun.

Cubs. Trump. Vosgee: Vosgerechee Gyank wins AFFL Championship by .72 over HBK

In a nail-biting MNF finish, Vosgereechee Gyank (A Jewler's Life), aka Vosgee Gereech (the Golden Pen), held off HBK and Dan Bailey to claim the 2016 AFFL Championship title by .72 points. The Gyank took a 6.82 lead on HBK on a last second TD by Antonio Brown Sunday Night. HBK needed only a few touchdowns and a field goal from Bailey on MNF to win the championship. Bailey never got the chance for a field goal, as Dallas scored six touchdowns leaving HBK .82 points short and giving Gyank the win. After a stat correction early Thursday morning correcting the difference to .72,  the 2016 AFFL finals were officially the closest margin in history.

In a year that saw unlikely underdogs win in their respective fields, such as the Chicago Cubs and Donald trump, it's hard not to include Vosgee in the group of unlikely champions (he is a Chicago cubs fan).  In the 10 years the franchise has been in the league, this year marks only the second time the team had made the playoffs. Prior to this season, Vosgee had never won a playoff game. Ironically, the last time he was in the playoffs, he was ousted by HBK in 2008 in the first round.

Over the 2016 season Vosgee consistently found himself near the top of the Mazoon Division. The 9-4 regular season was no fluke, as the Vosgee did a nice job dealing with a bust in keeper Allen Robinson and a sub par year by Aaron Rodgers.

His championship was well earned, as he beat two #1 seeds in Prime Time and HBK to claim his title. This has only happened once before (Jaj 2014). His playoff inexperience almost cost him the victory when he dropped Allen Robinson during championship week allowing HBK to pick him up and use him for 20+ points.

Vosgee in the Hooouse!

Nobody thought he could last til the end, but he did. Props to Vosgee Gyank for all the good management that lead him to this point. We end the 2016 season with a tribute to the "Vosgee Gereech" (the Golden Pen) as he was once mistakenly called by the commissioner. The nickname stuck. Vosgeeeeee in the Champions Hoooooooooouse!

AFFL FINALS MNF: Dan Bailey decides who gets the AFFL title; Vosgee up 6.82, HBK has Bailey.

It all comes down to the leg of Dan Bailey on MNF for the 2016 AFFL title. If HBK gets 7 points from Bailey, he will be the AFFL champion. If not, Vosgee Gyank would have done the unthinkable and come out of nowhere to win his first title. Here is how the AFFL scores Kicker points.

• 17-39 yard FG:  3 pts
• 40-49 yrd FG: 4pts
• 50+ yrd FG: 5 pts
• Xtra point: 1 pt
• Missed xtra point: -1 pt

AFFL Finals Preview: The Heartbreak Kid vs The Golden Pen

"Vosgee Dust" vs HBK Shant Michaels

And then there were two. After a blistering early round of playoff games, and a nail biting finish to the Vosgee v Prime Time match-up, the 2016 AFFL Finals will feature two newbies vying for league supremacy: HBK Shant Michaels, Vosgereechee Gyank.

HBK and Vosgee become the 9th and 10th teams to make an AFFL final, leaving Shabam Shadiq and BDiddy as the only two teams that have never made the final game. However, whichever one wins this weekend will enter into elite company, becoming one of only six teams to claim the title over a ten year period. In the ultra-competitive world of the AFFL, you don't get to the top often, and you need to take advantage when you do.

The two teams are built in entirely different ways. HBK has big guns in Brees, David Johnson, Aj Green to carry the load, while Vosgee's prospects hinges on Antonio Brown and a bunch of mid-tier players outperforming expectations weekly. Engagement rings, kidney stones, and cool nicknames are just a few of the many subplots we're following in the match-up.  Let's see who's gonna get an extra ring under their tree come xmas time. 

HBK Shant Michaels

How he got here:

• Quarterfinal - Bye
• Semi-final - defeated BDiddy (158.26-99.72)

What he's got going for him

Where to begin? David Johnson has been a stud all season long, and anchored HBK's Rb position. With the loss of AJ Green, DJ needed to produce to cover HBK's behind. Couple DJ with a healthy AJ and that is a dangerous combo. Sprinkle in Drew Brees and Mike thomas and the team is good for 140+ on most weeks. This was evident during the season, when HBK rifled off 130+ games in consecutive weeks.  If Vosgee is going to have a chance, he'll need to put up points in the treetops. 100 pts or less won't win it.

Getting AJ green back is a big boost for HBK, but even bigger will be the non-roster karma that he has going for him. So far, Baby karma has been proven to be the lesser of all karmas. We have learned that 2016 is the year of the rock. Engagement rings have trumped babies in match-ups, and HBK just defeated another engagement team in BDiddy. The obvious breakdown is that HBK's engagement was from a single manager, which trumped engagements from co-manager teams. This sort of karma bodes well for the armo wrestler wannabe as he will have all sorts of power in close match-ups.

You have to appreciate the bravado of the Michaels picking up players in the latter weeks and plugging them in. Robby Anderson was a play that netted 17 points. It didn't factor into the blow-out win, but it does show that HBK has his instincts in the right place.

Lastly, defense wins championships, and New England is about to do with the NASCAR driver turned quarterback Bryce Petty. That is a match-up that has tons of upside to it.

What's working against him

If Vosgee is going to upset HBK, it'll be because the players on the Michaels just weren't able to overcome match-ups. AJ Green is coming off weeks of a hamstring injury. He may play enough to get his 1000 yards and then sit the rest of the game. He also could aggravate the hammy during the game and sit. This is all without factoring the tough match-up in the Houston Texan secondary. There is downside to Green this week, which could net HBK a low point total at the WR spot.

We can't overlook the potential pot hole that could be the RB2 position. Jeremy Hill is questionable and may sit. If he does, the other options on the team aren't worth of RB2 consideration. Farrow and/or Duke Johnson won't be the kind of play that Hill could be. Add to that the potential of a disaster at the flex in whomever HBK picks (nothing is guaranteed with those wr's) and there are holes galore. 

Last statement

HBK is one of the founding managers of the AFFL (Prime Time, Shabam, Bomba, HBK) and has yet to taste the years of dedication to the league. He has been extremely unlucky in years past, but seems to be clicking on all cylinders coming into the final match-up. Yet, we still have to ask, will it finally unravel this week?'

Vosgereechee Gyank

How he got here

• Quarterfinals: Defeated Shabam (100.84-75.26)
• Semi-finals: Defeated Prime Time (128.28-124.54)

What he's got going for him

Raise your hand if you had Vosgee making the final in your office pool? Ya didn't think so. While the Gyank has spent years watching from the sidelines, this season, he finds himself on top of the AFFL mountain about to plant his flag on the summit. One of the big reasons for this is thanks to his unorthodox style of play. In a year that was anything but normal, Vosgee's instincts seemed to match the results week-in and week-out. Coupled with the right calls, he's been getting luck with his opponents, as they have under-performed when match-up against him. Could be the Vosgee effect, the magical voodoo that the Gyank has on his opponents.

When talking about the roster, the two names that jump out are Antonio Brown and Aaron Rodgers. If the Gyank is going to pull off the win, he'll need big days from those two players. Antonio hasn't really had a crazy game in a while, and Aaron hasn't had the kind of consistency that he has in the past. However, both players are capable of 30+ and will be needed to do so if Gyank has a chance.

The biggest thing Gyank has going for him is Kidney stone karma. Having given birth to a kidney stone over the past month, Gyank has creatively combined the giving birth karma of a baby with the "stone" from an engagement ring into one event. This super karmic force has already proven its worth as Gyank held on for dear life Monday Night against Jason Witten and Doug Martin, winning by 4 points. We have been advocating that HBK get some sort of ailment before Sunday to counter the "KidneyGyank" but it may be too late. It may be the "Heart Break Kid-ney" for Shant Michaels.

Lastly, in a year where the unthinkable happened in politics, Gyank represents the closest comparison to that happening in the AFFL. Vosgee is the Trump of the AFFL, an outsider who at the beginning of the season was on the bottom of the list of likely AFFL champions. We also note that Trump has "Golden hair," an ominous sign of the connection to Vosgee. Will Gyank make the AFFL great again? Sunday is the day of reckoning.

What he has going against him

Lets face it, this roster isn't loaded with studs. Two starters (Gore and Steve Smith) are senior citizens by NFL standards, and the other players aside from the above mentioned Antonio Brown and Rodgers aren't anything special. Ty Montgomery probably won't have 40 points again this week, and with tough match-ups across the board, the roster has a lot of downside. If an injury or concussion were to occur to one of the main players during the match, there is no doubt that this finals may turn into a blow-out quickly.

Gyank also doesn't have playoff experience like HBK, leaving him much more vulnerable to a last minute roster mistake. He cannot afford to make any roster mistakes as his team lacks the number of tier one players when compared to HBK. The team is currently a 15 point underdog according to yahoo (AFFL betters currently have HBK at -9.14).

Last Statement

Vosgee has gotten to the championship game and is playing with house money. Nobody thought he'd get here, yet he did. Nobody thinks he'll win, yet he could. If he does, he would have defeated the top two seeds in the AFFL in doing so and will have earned it. With Gyank, nothing comes easy, and neither will this. But can he pull it off?

The Prediction

Brees doesn't have an off game and out-duels Rodgers in points, while AJ Green is content with 43 yards on 5 catches in Hou. Stop! Hammy time. Antion "What can Brown do for you" delivers for the Gyank, and Steve Smith shows the young Mike Thomas that there is still life in his ex-panther legs. At the RB spot, Hey Mr. DJ is playing that song all night, spinning to the tune of 130 and 2 tds. Thank you but no TY Mr. Montgomery, you won't find much running room in Minny this weekend. Gore can out do Jeremy on the Hill, but when Greg Olsen cranks it up for 80 and a score its Zach is gonna be singing some John Cougar Mellancamp "It Ertz So good." HBK won't be flexing much with whomever is in that slot, while Rishard will be the winner of that play. And despite the long kicks Tucker, The New England Defense will ground the Jets for more points than needed, setting up HBK to be sippin' on some Dan Bailey's Irish Cream Liquor on Monday night with his new championship title.

AFFL Playoff Preview and Predictions 2016: Baby Karma leads the Way

Its officially the second half of the season. After 13 weeks of clawing, smack talking and provocative MEME's of rival managers, the playoff table has been set for the 2016 season. The players from lowest seed to highest: Shabam Shadiq (Avo and Dre), BDiddy (Baret, Mike, Tiggy), Hartan (Harout and Vartan), Vosgereechee Gyank (Mardig), Prime Time (Ara), HBK Shant Michaels (Shant).

Six teams are vying for AFFL history by winning a title, a title that is extremely hard to come by. Over the past 10 seasons, there have been only 5 different teams to win a title: Atomic Bomba (4), Awesomeness (2), Hartan (2), Cobra Kai (1), Jaj Cousteau (1). Just as rare, 8 teams have determined the last 10 match-ups: Atomic Bomba (6), Awesomeness (3), Prime Time (3), Hartan (2), Grabbers United (2), Jaj Cousteau (1), Cobra Kai (1), Magnum Sev.i (1). The consistency of some of the top teams over this span renders making the final game a magical moment for any franchise, immediately boosting a franchises value.

While Prime Time and Hartan are the only two teams that have been to the finals before, BDiddy and HBK have managed to cap out in the semi-finals a few times. Shabam Shadiq has yet to make it out of the first round, while Vosgee Gyank has only one playoff appearance in the 8 years he's been in the league.

Winning the AFFL title is about skill, luck and karma. The first two are almost synonymous with one another, but the latter, karma, is something too real for teams. History has favored teams that enter the playoffs on a hot streak, and have "other" life events going for them. Vosgee's only year of making the playoffs was after he had a child. Grabbers made the final the year he had a child. Cobra Kai won his title the year his boy was born. Baby karma is very real and has already had an effect on the regular season, as Shabam Shadiq changed their name, had a child (not with each other) and became the first 0-4 team to go 7-2 and make the playoffs. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

With all this said, it's time we break-down why each team will win the title and why they won't. The AFFL Playoff Preview has historically been mostly accurate with picking either the winner or at least one finalist. Let's see who the experts think will be holding up the most elusive title in all of fantasy sports. (Prediction after team write-ups)

Shabam Shadiq - Avo and Dre

• 6th seed
• Went 7-2 over last 9 games (hottest team entering the playoffs)
• Baby Karma strong
• Won tie breaker over Bomba week 13 by winning game and outscoring Atomic one by 20

The Case for Shabam

No team in the AFFL is hotter than Shadiq coming into the post-season. Winners of 7 of their last 9 games and 3 of their last 4, the "Diq" has everything going right for them. After suffering a bruttle loss to Bomba week 4 ona last second 50 yard run by Devonta Freeman, the team known then as Hangin' and Bangin' changed their name and had one of their manager's wives deliver a baby. With the baby came an unprecedented 7-2 run and a narrow entrance into the post-season as the sixth seed. Baby karma is a very real thing and should not be taken lightly. AFFL history is littered with baby gaining teams that dominated the playoffs and won titles.

Working for Shabam as well is their seeding. Over the past ten seasons, three of the title winners have been 6 seeds, including 2 in the last 4 years. The lucky six will be on the "diq" side and there is no reason to think they can't run the table for three games.

Looking at the players on the roster, they are all performing at tip top caliber, with a favorable playoff schedule approaching. Winston and Evans are a lethal duo, along with a big bump from McCoy. Ladarius Green looks like a dominant TE1 and could be the difference maker. It is no wonder that AFFL managers have pegged Shadiq as the trendy pick of 2016.

The case against the Diq.

While the 6th seed is working in the Diq's favor, their own history is not. Shabam has yet to win a playoff game in their five appearances. That's not good. While they very well could break-through and win their first game, it may be much to ask for them to win three straight. Aside from Vosgee, every other team has had a history of winning in the post-season and "know how to win." Starting line-up errors can be what bring team Shabam down due to lack of experience. Will they know how to not panic and make too risky a move?

We also must point out that, while Shabam has a roster of studs, there are two major holes: RB2 and Flex. Many of the other teams have studs up and down the roster, while Shabam will have to hope for optimum production from these two spots.

BDiddy - Baret, Mikey, Tiggy

• 5th seed
• Has put up 130+ in 4 of last 6
• Engagement Karma (Baret)
• Has depth as multiple positions.

The Case for BDiddy

The team that has been a dark horse all season long, enters the playoffs with perhaps the most complete roster. Healthy, and with a stable of RB's at their disposal, the Diddy will surely put up points on a weekly basis. Over the past six weeks, Diddy has put up a strong 130+ 4 times, with two of those weeks hitting the 140s. Those are the kind of point totals that you need to win in the playoffs.

Newly engaged BDiddy with Fiancee Sabrina

Let's also not forget the karma they have working for them. No, there were no babies being born in the BDiddy trio (although Tiggy is cared for like one of their children), but Diddy GM Baret got engaged this year, as did Mikey. Engagement karma hasn't had quiet the "ring" to it as baby karma, but it does offer hope. Managers who have gotten engaged during the AFFL season were able to make the post-season just once, Shabam, and did not make it out of the first round. If BDiddy is wise, he may need to start getting to work on the family this weekend.

Diddy gains points for having a deep analytical understanding of his squad, thanks to co-manager Mikey. Crunching the numbers will give Diddy an edge on a weekly basis, and has proven to be one of the aspects of the B-squad that puts them over-the-top when picking winners.  No doubt they will be ready to play and put their best foot forward

The Case against BShitty

If there is one major area of concern for the B-man is that they have been a playoff dud for several seasons, last appearing in the post-season 4 years ago. In fact, they haven't won a playoff game in 5 years, making this team one of the three teams that can claim such a long drought (vosgee, shabam). While they are a different team than five years ago, they are the same sytle of play team, and perhaps they may fall into the same trap of overthinking match-ups as before. For example, Rivers or Mariotta may be a decision that could cause a lose if they choose unwisely.

We also cannot ignore the potential dud that this team has lurking behind veil of their line-up. While they have put up huge point totals over the season, there is the chance that things could go bad quickly. For starters, Having both Rivers and Gordon in at the same time leaves the team open for the chance that SD gets dominated in a given week, rendering both players fantasy unworthy. Add to that a very up and down WR2 and Flex, along with a sub par defense, and one bad week is very much a possibility. Will they be able to avoid this with foresight? We shall see..

Hartan - Vartan and Harout

• 4th seed
• Defending champs
• Remained on top of the division for 9 weeks.
• Baby Karma potential

The Case for Hartan

Let's just start by saying, they are the defending champs. Nothing comes easy in the Affl, and staying atop the division for 9 weeks shows there is some level of consistency in the Varout. We can't ignore this. We also cannot ignore that there were many weeks when the team had a boatload of points on the bench, and probably lost a few games due to the fact they chose the wrong player. Of course, that is what happens when you have options, but it also showcases the depth the squad has.

While other teams have multiple super studs, Hartan has relied on the bread and butter of their WR and QB for the majority of the season. When Ben and Beckham are one, they manage to get enough points from the supporting cast to pick-up the W. With the loss of Gronk, Edelman will have a much more prominent role, rendering him the 3 piece that they may have been missing on a weekly basis.

There is also potential baby karma in the wings, as Harout has managed to deposit some extra luck early in the year in hopes of karmic returns in the post-season. We don't know when Belinda is due, however, if she were to perhaps have the child in the playoffs, we would have to bump Hartan up to the prohibitive favorite. Pregnant karma doesn't offer much, as evidence of Shabam going 0-4. It wasn't til the baby was born that they turned it around. Likewise, Ara's baby came on draft day, so he set himself right for the season.

The Case against Varout

There is no other place to look than the RB situation. Without a true superstar in the RB slot, Hartan will be hoping that match-ups and favorable game flow win him weeks. Gurly, Ingram, and Ajayi haven't been consistent all year long, and could dud on any given week.

We also have to wonder about the point totals the team has put up. The 98 points just three weeks ago is concerning, as is the 117 points two weeks ago while getting 18 from a kicker. In fact, Hartan has only put up 130+ points twice all year, and may not have ceiling of other teams. The team can't rely on big games from only two players. You need 4 studs to compete in the post-season, and Varout will two of the mid-tier players to elevate their game for three weeks straight. That may be too much to ask for.

Hartan has talked their head off the entire season and is perhaps the one team nobody wants to see win. Will the league's negative karma come back to do this team in?

Vosgereechee Gyank - Mardig

• 3rd seed
• Won 6 of last 7 games including 6 game winning streak (longest by a team this season)
• One of three teams that has put up 160+ points
• Hasn't been in playoffs since 2008

Crazy times call for crazy measures. Create your own karma by Vosgee

The Case for Vosgee

In a year where the Chicago Cubs win the world series, Trump wins the white house, could Vosgee be the AFFL version of the same trend? While the team hasn't made the playoffs in 8 years, we should not confuse Vosgee with that of Gyank teams past. This years squad has been ateam of consistency, staying near the top of the Mazoon division for the majority of the season. We also must point out that the squad was the only team in the league to win six straight, posting a weekly high of 165 points during the run. A ceiling like that is the kind of ceiling that wins games in the playoffs. 

Looking at the roster, there is a lot to like with Rodgers, Antonio Brown, and consistent play from Forte, Gore, and Jennings. There isn't a lot of flash, but you need four studs to play pall in the playoffs, and we venture to think that Rodgers, Brown, Forte, and on of the other backs will do enough to remain competitive.

Many will say that Vosgee may just be happy to be in the playoffs, but that won't be what satisfies the Gyank. The road to the title will have to go through fellow newbie Shabam. Neither team has won a playoff game, so Gyank won't have to be playing against seasoned playoff managers until the second round. Sprinkle in the fact that Prime time may have injury issues, and this team has as good a shot as any of making the final.

The Case against the Gyank

Simply put, the lack of experience may do this team in. Gyank hasn't been in the post-season in a while, and it takes a different kind of hutspah to win games weeks 14,15 and 16. Teams that lose in the playoffs are teams that not only get out totaled by their opponent, something they can't control, but also do themselves in by making decisions that they didn't need to make. Vosgee may overthink himself to a loss sooner than later, and with Prime Time, HBK, Diddy, and Hartan all with more playoff experience, he may find himself out maneuvered on any given week.

While the Vosgee has managed the impressive feat of 6 straight wins, the point totals over that streak were very mediocre. Aside from the 165 point week, Gyank hardly cracked 115 points over the last three weeks. The team also has 2 sub 100 point weeks, which coupled with the lack of points to end the season, gives this squad one of the lowest floors in the playoffs. It stands to reason, relying on Gore, Forte and Jennings, three old and injury prone backs may come back to bite the "golden pen." Furthermore, Rodgers opens with Seattle, a match-up that is sure to cap his numbers. Lastly, Vosgee is the only team without baby or engagement karma. That may be this years theme. Which begs the question..Is the team built for the playoffs?  This team could fizzle. Don't say we didn't warnyou.

Prime Time - Ara

• 2nd seed
• 140+ points 2 out of last 5 weeks and 4 times over the season
• One of only 2 teams to put up 160+
• Early Baby Karma (draft day)

The Case for Prime Time

This is Prime Time. The Prime Time aura has been one of near, but never certain death. These teams are the equivalent of a fantasy football zombie apocalypse. They simply march on and cause everyone anxiety. This season version of Prime Time is perhaps his best yet. Having won 5 of his last six games, PT is peaking at the right time. With a 140 point performance in week 12, Prime also showcased that the squad still has a high ceiling that can tango with anyone. That's what we like to see.

Oh where is Hartan. Where could he be?

We've talked about a team having four studs, and PT fits the bill: Ryan, Julio, Murray, Howard(stud potential). Add to the fact that PT sits one win away from the finals, and we feel like it should almost be given that he get there. Ara is a season manager, one that doesn't make mistakes too often. We would be surprised if his starting roster didn't max out his weekly potential. Given the way this year has gone, we expect the unexpected, but not so with PT. This team didn't win 9 games by luck. 

History is also working in Prime's favor. Over the past 10 years, 3 of the champions of the AFFL have come from being the 2 seed. Along with the sixth seed, it has produced the most AFFL champions than from any other playoff position.

Perhaps the biggest factor playing in PT's favor is the baby karma he produced before the season started. Being in the labor room and drafting his team while his first born was entering this world gives Ara the kind of karma managers only dream of. It's no coincidence that this team has shot to the top from day 1, and its not surprising that things have gone their way week in and week out. Unless someone has twins soon, it's going to be hard to stop this team from AFFL destiny.

Ara's worse nightmare

The Case against Crime Time

Two words: Julio Jones. That toe is going to be on PT's mind all off-season. Without Julio, this team transforms intoa very average team, with a ceiling far lower than other squads. PT needs Julio to play and be effective. Case and point, in the one game he didn't perform, Week 13, Prime put up an anemic 91 points. Ouch. His only sub 100 point total of the season.

The other aspect working against Prime is the reliance on Rb's that are not exactly match-up proof. Week 15 has Howard playing Green Bay, and Doug Martin playing Dallas. Match-ups can do this squad in quickly, especially without Julio (and no the Matt Barkley to Alshon Jeffery train isn't getting us excited yet).

Lastly, it is simply a fact that Prime Time has failed to win the big game. Of the teams in the post-season, Prime is the only one that has made the finals and lost all three times. Is it the pressure of the moment that gets to the team? Is it bad luck? There seems to be a monkey on the back of this squad and if one of the storied AFFL teams can't win a title this year, that monkey is going to be a Gorilla for years to come. Will the pressure break this squad?

HBK Shant Michaels - Shant

• 1st seed
• 5 game streak of 130+, with 140 twice and 150
• Three game win streak to end season, beating 2 playoff teams
• Hasn't made it past the semi's

The Case for HBK

One of the most explosive teams all season long, HBK has managed to stay in first place for nearly the entire season. While the team has fumbled at times to be consistent, there hasn't been a higher producing team for consecutive weeks than HBK. A run of 130+ points for 5 straight weeks showcased the sustained power of the squad, and it's that kind of production that can win it all for the Michaels.

With the bye on his side, HBK will only need to win two games in order to be enshrined in AFFL championship lore, and with the potential of facing an inexperienced team in Vosgee and Shabam, his odds are very good. The roster is potent, with weekly dominance by David Johnson. Brees and Thomas are a great connection and sprinkle in a little Greg Olsen, and you have the four ingredients for success.

The future Mr. & Mrs. HBK Shant Michaels

Let's not forget that, like Diddy, HBK got engaged this year. Again, engagements have not typically lead to a big boost in the post-season, however, everything helps.

There is a reason that HBK is the number 1 overall seed and is the favorite to win it all. HBK has made the right moves all year long, picking up players like Mike Thomas, and drafting David Johnson a year early. This team could be ready to take the next step that they have trying to take for too long. The semi-finals have been this teams cap. They seem ready to add a new level to their franchises history.

The Case against Mr. Shant

Aj Green is not healthy. We repeat. Aj Green is not healthy. Losing a 30 point producer right before the playoffs is a blow that is difficult to rebound from for any team, and could be the reason HBK doesn't make the final game. The effect of Green's loss is evident in the point totals HBK put up to end the season: Since week 8 -  90, 107, 100, 100, 147, 110. Those wins seem a little suspect when looking at these point totals. Can HBK really expect Cobb, Garcon, and Hill to do enough to put up 130+? We doubt it.

Adding to the trouble are the match-ups that HBK has week 15. Brees and Thomas are at Arizona, where the Cardinal defense has capped production of quarterbacks all year long. While the rest of the squad has plus match-ups, we saw in week 13 what a dud game from Brees does to this team. It will be tough for HBK to meet high point totals of opponents if that is the way the match-up will go.

Lastly, it seems that every time HBK is in the semi's, something unforeseen happens. A blizzard. An injury. Can he overcome the unknown? It's been a theme of this squad for some time, and it's no different this year. The final is so close, but always, far away. We shall see if HBK can overcome

Prediction

So which team will be holding their own come week 16. Will we have a new team to don as the champion, or will Hartan become the third AFFL team to win back-to-back titles? The answer is.. (Find out below)

Round 1

Shabam Shadiq vs Vosgereechee Gyank

Winner: Shabam Shadiq

Too much good things going for Shabam right now to pick against 'em. Sorry Gyank. It was a great run.

Hartan vs BDiddy

Winner: Hartan

Double engagement power is strong, but Hartan has a leg up on the match-up already. Big Ben will lead the charge.

Round 2

Prime Time vs Shabam Shadiq

Winner: Shabam Shadiq

We don't like the match-up for Prime Time, as Winston and Evans will be lighting up the Dallas night. No shot if Julio isn't 100%

HBK vs Hartan

Winner: Hartan

Too many injuries on the HBK front for us to feel good about picking him. Hartan will keep the smack talk going to their second finals trip.

Final

Hartan vs Shabam Shadiq

In a finals match-up that will light-up the AFFL what's app..

Winner and Champion

SHabam SHadiq

Good luck everyone!

Shabam Shadiq wins tiebreaker over Atomic Bomba for 6th Playoff spot by 20 points. Bomba demands League to Recount yearly points

On Monday evening, Shabam Shadiq owners Dre and Avo popped open bottles of Kotayk beer and celebrated making the AFFL postseason for the first time since 2013, edging out Bomba on total points to nab the 6th seed in the postseason. The win increased sales of their T-shirt "Eat a Diq" by 250% on Tuesday morning.

After beginning the year 0-4, the 'diq, formerly known as Hangin' and Bangin', changed their name and changed their approach in the process. Key pick-ups and stashing a few players for later in the season helped propel the team to a 7-2 record over the final 9 games. Truly an impressive feat.

"Our team works around the clock," explained Dre. "When I'm working on the team, Avo sleeps, when Avo works, I sleep. It's that kind of dedication that has made us successful."

Reporters pointed out that the set-up works out naturally because Avo is in another time zone. Dre ignored the response and walked away with a smile and a wave.

While the team enters as the sixth seed, they are as hot as any team in the AFFL and should not be taken lightly. Even Prime Time owner Ara has taken noticed.

"Those guys are perhaps the guys that are doing the best of the guys that are in the league where other guys don't have the guys these guys have. You know what I mean?"

Most people don't know what he meant, but it was indeed a compliment.

Meanwhile, Atomic Bomba owner Raffi, inspired by Jill Stein's political fad of contesting the election, has demanded a recount of all the points by all teams over the entire year.

"If we want to have a fair and balanced league, then we have to assure our managers that they have all the points truly accounted for. I'm asking for recounts of all teams in weeks 3, 4, 6, 11, eff it, all of em," said Raffi to a group of reporters outside Bomba headquarters in Los angeles.

Frank Samian has already gone on record as shooting down the notion calling it "a lame excuse by a losing franchise" and emphasized that it will not happen. There has been no word from the commissioner's office if an official recount will indeed take place.

AFFL Unveils New Logo for 10 year Anniversary

After months of collaboration with some of the top graphic artists in Los Angeles, the AFFL unveiled a new logo in honor of their 10th anniversary in hopes of branding the league as "dynamic and forward thinking" according to reports.

"Like my ex-wife, we just felt the league needed a face lift," said Frank Samian, head of AFFL operations. "Unlike my ex-wife, we got one."

Designed by master graphic artist and co-manager of Hartan, Harout Keuroghlian, the new logo features a slick new chrome look with dark, bold colors. Gone is the silhouette of a quarterback at the logo's center, replaced by a spiraling football heading somewhere toward outer-space. The moving football is said to represent the leagues dynamism and movement toward the future. 

Some of the pieces of the old logo did remain, such as the twelve stars representing the league's twelve teams, and the colors of the Armenian flag in the background that embraces the league's culture.

The logo has gotten rave reviews from fans and managers alike, many of whom thought a change in design was overdue. BDiddy owner Baret emphasized this point in comments made early Monday morning.

"The last logo wasn't this league. It looked elementary school bro. What was that? Today we graduated College. I'm very happy"

Grabbers United owner Sassoon was pleased with the design, but had hoped that the logo would have had icons of all the teams in it, rather than stars.

"I think if the league represents the teams, then we should have our team icons on that thing. You know. A bomba here. Some Jaj there. A cobra. A few ass cheeks. Everyone represented."

The logo has already been updated on the leagues Facebook page and will soon be available on shirts sold at the AFFL store. If the initial reaction is any indication, these shirts should sell quickly.

Prime Time makes AFFL History: Drafts from Delivery room during birth of Daughter.

"In the 17th round of the 2016 AFFL Draft, Prime Time selects... Datev Malikian."

Monday evening. 730pm. Burbank, California - Eleven managers are huddled around a long conference table that is littered with Doritos, donuts and half drunk beers. Wires from laptops snake across the wooden tabletop feeding into a multi-plug outlet in the center giving life to a network of statistics and data used by managers to feverishly plot their upcoming picks. In the background, a woman's voice belts out a beautiful rendition of an Armenian song, cutting through the nervous anticipation that fills the air at the moment. Everyone sits in wait, idealizing the team they are about to birth to.

Monday evening. 8pm. Orange County, California -  One manager sits in a chair, on the phone with his cousin back in Burbank. He is in nervous anticipation over the team he is about to draft, an AFFL team that he hopes will bring home his first championship. Texting away on his phone, Ara Malikian sends instructions to his cousin as to the plan for the draft. In nervous anticipation, he sits down to calm his nerves. However, his AFFL team isn't the only thing on his mind. Across from him is his wife, about to give birth to their new born daughter.  It would be the first time that a manager has drafted a team, and drafted an offspring on the same evening. Leave it up to Prime Time to make that come true.

Below is a timeline of the events that transpired that evening.

8:15pm. Burbank, Ca - Commissioner Lalazarian is notified by Ara's cousin that he is putting in motion to impeach the commissioner again, for the 10th consecutive year. Impeachment was noted, and everyone moved on.

830pm. Burbank, Ca - The draft kicks off, with Vosgereechee Gyank selecting Antonio Brown, a sure fire #1 pick, and the right choice. The pick is entered, and the managers shift uneasily as the look at Prime Time's representative and his pick. He is on the phone with Ara.

831 pm. Orange County, Ca - Prime time utters the words Julio Jones over the phone while assuring to his wife that this would be the "last phone call he would take" and tonight would be "all about her."

845pm. Orange County, Ca - Prime Time excuses himself to the restroom, where his second selection of Alshon Jeffery is made. Once the pick is in, he sprints back to the labor room.

925 pm. Burbank, Ca - Magnum Sev.i spends 5 minutes trying to select players that have already been picked. The draft comes to a stop for a brief minute to explain to the team that players can only be taken once. 

930pm. Orange County, Ca - Taleen, Ara's wife, is thirsty, so Ara dashes out the door to get her a bottle of water, giving him time to call in picks for both Emmanual Sanders and Jordan Matthews.

1015pm. Burbank, Ca - Managers take a break at the end of round 7. Nobody tells Ara so he can panic a little longer.

10:16pm. Orange County,  Ca - Ara loses service in the hospital and attempts to go online through the hospital's wifi. Fortunately, he gets service back in time or else he may have had a baby.

1025. Orange County, Ca - Ara tells Taleen that he's gonna talk to his "Cousin" and subsequently drafts Kirk Cousin's as his QB via text.

11pm Burbank, Ca - The draft concludes with the drafting of Prater. Nobody tells Ara so he can panic just a little longer.

355am Orange County, Ca - The good Lord makes a selection for Prime time, delivering a healthy little girl into his arms. By far, the best draft pick of the night.

Congrats to the Malikian Family on their new child. Wish you all the best.

Top 6 AFFL teams Ranked by Keepers

They say the early bird gets the worm. In the case of fantasy football, sometimes that worm came out a year early.

Each new league year, AFFL teams are allowed to keep two players from last season's roster in exchange for draft picks in various rounds for the upcoming year.  Planning ahead, managers could have a significant advantage over the field if they chose the players whom have high upside and cost low draft picks. Having a keeper in the 5th round that is actually worth a 1st round grade like David Johnson (applause for HBK) is the makings of an indestructible team on paper.

Of course, there is no guarantee that any player kept will pan out, and many times there have been players who looked to be of great value on paper (Zac Stacy, Joseph Randle) who weren't even worth their weight in salt.

That said, this years AFFL keeper deadline brought about some interesting decisions and created a few "super cores" that will be difficult for managers around the league to overcome.

Below are the top 5 teams ranked by their keepers, their relative draft cost, and the player itself. (sorry Cobra Kai and Jaj Cousteau, no keepers means you weren't included.)

6. BDiddy

Keepers: Tom Brady (7th) Amari Cooper (3rd)

Draft pick spot: 4 of 12

Possible four: Brady, Cooper, Elliot, Cj Anderson

The Diddy did the right thing last season, salvaging a poor 2015 by drafting Amari Cooper and trading for Tom Brady. At the time, there was significant risk with taking Cooper in the 4th round, a rookie on a team with a young erratic quarterback. A year later, the move has paid off, giving Diddy a top 24 player for a late 3rd round price. Add to that a late season trade for Tom Brady who will cost a mere 7th round pick, and B meister begins the season with a strong QB/WR tandem. They had the option to keep Brandon Cooks for a 2nd round pick (at 15th overall) but opted instead to wait out Brady's suspension.

Armed with two early round picks before giving up their 3rd for Cooper, Diddy is in position to draft a solid RB/WR or double up on RB's. Adding an Ezekiel Elliot and Cj Anderson for example will give the squad a solid core to build off in the later rounds.

5. Awesomeness

Keepers: AP (1st) Deandre Hopkins (3rd)

Draft pick spot: 10 of 12

Possible four: AP, Hopkins, Aaron Rodgers, Arian Foster

Awesomeness wound up finishing 3rd last season and himself entering the 2016 season comfortably with two top tier players in AP and Hopkins. Adrian Peterson may be advanced in age, but he has hardly slowed down in his production. Still a true workhorse RB1, AP is a good, not great value at the 10th overall pick. Where Awesomeness really did well is keeping Hopkins for a 3rd rounder. A top 5 overall talent, Hopkins has the potential to end up the years best WR. Getting him in the 3rd is exceptional.

With two players at the key positions locked down, the Awesome one has the ability to go against the grain if he so chooses and solidify top talent at other positions. Nabbing Rodgers in the 2nd round (or Wilson) along with an upside but risky RB like Foster later in the 4th would give Awesomeness a strong start to building a very formidable roster.

4. Grabbers United

Keepers: Cam Newton (7th) Brandon Marshall (4th)

Draft pick spot: 9 of 12

Possible four: Cam Newton, Brandon Marshall, Jamaal Charles, Carlos Hyde

We must give it up to Grabbers. He's done a masterful job the last few years being calculating in what he does. The proof is in the keepers. The projected number 1 QB for a 7th round pick is exceptional value. Marshall is also a top 15 player that merely costs a 4th round pick. Well done. With these two players and 3 picks available before having to sit out in the early rounds, Grabbers has the makings of a championship contender. 

With a first round pick still open, Grabbers can go in many directions, but the keeper selections say he'll go RB. Jamaal Charles carries some risk, but there is much reward in getting him that late. Carlos Hyde can also be nabbed in the 2nd round to form a strong RB core and compliment the two keepers nicely.

3. Atomic Bomba

Keepers: Devonta Freeman (6th) Jordy Nelson (8th)

Draft pick spot: 8 of 12

Possible Four: Dez Bryant, Jordy Nelson, Devonta Freeman, Doug Baldiwin

With two top 20 players kept in the 6th and 8th rounds, the Bomba enters the 2016 season with an exceptional start. Freeman finished last season as the RB1 overall, and while the numbers may drop off in the upcoming year, there is little doubt that he should out play his 6th round tag barring health. With his pass catching ability, Freeman offers a safe bet for a high floor, giving the Bomba plenty of room to be risky.

Nelson is a question mark coming off an injury plagued 2015 season. However, should he return to his 2014 form where he caught over 90 balls and scored 13 tds, the 8th round value may be the best in the league.

With 5 early round picks, the Atomic one can elect to go WR/RB or any position of his choosing. A WR like Dez wouldn't be bad at all, and electing to grab an upside WR1 like Baldwin in the 2nd would give the squad a great core of talent and value.

2. Hartan

Keepers: Todd Gurley (3rd), Odell Beckham (4th)

Draft pick spot: 12 of 12

Possible Four: Gurley, Charles, Beckham Jr, Luck

Sometimes life is not fair. I bring you the Hartan. Last years champs enter the 2016 season with two top 5 players AND their two first picks still intact. Wow. Taking a huge risk in drafting Gurley last season as their number 2 RB despite the injury concern, Hartan has the Rams stud at a 3rd round value this year. That is an amazing pull. Couple that with the second season of keeping Odell Beckham with a 4th round price tag, and this team is the preseason prohibitive favorite to repeat as champion. 

With Gurley and ODBJ locked down, Hartan can grab the best player available at any position. If draft history is any guide, he will like to grab a top tier Rb along with a top QB. Jamaal Charles and Gurley would make a fine tandem, and Andrew Luck would give the team a top scoring QB that should finish the year in the top 6. Things are looking bright for the "tahn."

1. HBK Shant Michaels

Keepers: David Johnson (5th) Matt Jones (8th)

Draft pick spot: 6 of 12

Possible Four: David Johnson, Matt Jones, Aj Green, Eddie Lacy

Heading into Monday's draft, no team has a better set up than HBK when it comes to keepers. David Johnson is the consensus #1 RB and at a 5th round price tag, the best player to value bargain in the league. Matt Jones carries much upside going into the 2016 season and despite a slight nick-up in his first preseason action on Friday, he has the potential of RB1. Many questioned the Jones keeper selection, and HBK may have been a victim of his own loyalty to the Redskin Rb being that he kept him all last year for this purpose. Lamar Miller could have been had for a 3rd round pick and may have been the better choice. None-the-less, Jones should out perform his 8th round value barring health

Drafting from the 6th spot in the draft order gives HBK the chance to nab a few high quality players. Aj Green would give the team the WR1 they need to go along with DJ, and should Lacy be there in the second, we think that HBK will cover his butt at the 2nd RB position and take him. If that happens, that would be a great start for the famed Michaels.

Gurley to Hartan: "I want to Sweep the Leg." Demands Trade to Cobra Kai

Looks like Todd Gurley is no fan of Mr. Miyagi. 

After leading team Hartan to the AFFL title in 2015, Gurley asked Monday to be traded to Cobra kai, a move that has caught the champs off guard. 

"We really don't know where this is coming from," said Vartan. "I think he was just watching Karate kid and had a moment of nostalgia. We're not planning on trading him. "

Hartan typically doesn't address player trades in public, and it would be surprising if a move of this type were made on or before AFFL draft day. Still, if their star player is unhappy in his current "dojo," the chances of a back-to-back title.

Gurley, the 2015 third round pick, is the foundation of team Hartan, along with Odell Beckham Jr, forming a very deadly WR/RB combo. He is a highly coveted player,on that any manager would want to have on their team, and nobody has been pressing the issue like Cobra Kai owner Sayyad. He's been in Hartan's ear since tax season, preparing a "Godfather" type trade offer that only the "dumb would refuse." It seems that Sayyad has found a way to reach Gurley.

Sources claim that Sayyad had dinner with Gurley early last week at Carousel restaurant. Restaurant patrons that night remembered Gurley being given multiple helpings of dolma, fatoush salad and plenty of"tahn" to drink. Sources also claim that Sayyad presented Gurley with Cobra Kai themed backgammon set and bottle of cognac from Armenia.

"Leave nothing past Cobra," said one AFFL manager who wished to remain anonymous, "he has the ability to make impossible trades happen, like my partner Avo does."

Still the question remains, if Gurley were indeed traded to Cobra Kai, what could he offer? Cobra's keepers are caca, and unless he plans on completely mortgaging his draft, we don't see how Jay ajayi and any combination of picks could be satisfying.

Despite that, a picture released by Cobra kai on early Tuesday morning showed just how confident that Gurley will be on the team. Dressing up the smallest co-manager in the league in Gurley gear, Sayyad put the "cart before the horse,"  doubling down on a future trade. Bold.

The picture caught the attention of Harout who wasn't pleased.

"It was cute. I hope he bought little tiny kiddie cleats too. When it comes to joke moves by joke managers, Sayyad is the head of the class. The only way he can have Gurley on his team is photo shopping his picture into his joke logo."

Sayyad was unavailable for comment, but released a statement stating that he intends to show "no mercy" in trade negotiations this week, and "if you think Gurley won't be on my team this year, siktir."

Siktir indeed. We'll see just who will be siktiring in the weeks ahead.

"Asdvadz Mer hede"! DId Pope help Vosgereechee Gyank win AFFL Draft Lottery?

Pope Francis rocking Vosgee logo to "Gyank Nation" fans outside the Vatican

After suffering through a difficult 2015 season, Vosgee Gyank owner Mardig Kasbarian final finished first in something, the 2016 AFFL Draft Lottery. With a total of seven lottery balls in the hopper, and the best odds in the group, Vosgee edged out Prime Time and Magnum Sev.i and will select first in this years AFFL Draft.

"It feels great to win," said an enthusiastic Kasbarian. "We're going to take things up a notch this year. Maybe two notches. We'll see. I have to clear that with the wife, but we'll see.

Taking it up a notch or two would be welcomed, as Gyank Nation and its fans have yet to reap any fruits of their years of dedication, having made the playoffs only once in the past eight years.  It is the longest current playoff drought in the league, one that eats away at Kasbarian every year.  Will 2016 be the season when he finally gets the "mamoon" off his back? With the amount of support Vosgee is receiving from big time players, it very well could be.

Mardig unveils "Flamingo Gyank," his new good luck shirt.

Pope Francis was seen holding up a Vosgee Gyank logo to a crowd of supporters outside the Vatican earlier this week. Rumors had been swirling for months that the Pope was a secret AFFL follower and now we have the proof.. A long time fan of the Gyank, the Pope has given "his blessing" to every one he drafts, his two potential keepers of Allen Robinson and CJ Anderson, and said, "May all the fantasy luck be in the Vosgee hoooouse."

Kasbarian himself has also put forth a concerted effort to change the tide of years past, unleashing a new lucky "flamingo shirt" to wear on Sundays. He claims that the shirt actually helped him win the lottery and he has embodied the spirit of a flamingo to draft the right players. Why you may ask? Well let Kasbarian explain.

"Flamingos are not endangered; they are classified as 'least concern,' did you know that? They also steal nests that are already built, bro. That's what Gyank is all about. I'm the least of any managers concern, but I'm gonna snatch a title right out from under the league."

Will this flamingo fly, or will he be another ornament that gets set out on the AFFL lawn? With the first pick in the draft this year, the blessings of the Pope, and the power of the Flamingo, Vosgee is set for his most successful season yet... that is until he isn't.

Here is the complete AFFL Draft order that will take place Aug. 25th along with the Draft Video below.

1. Vosgee Gyank (Mardig)
2. Prime Time (Ara)
3. Magnum Sev.i (Sevag and Danny)
4. BDiddy (Baret, Mike P, Tiggy)
5. Hangin' & Bangin' (Dre and Avo)
6. HBK Shant Michaels (Shant A)
7. Cobra Kai (Sayyad)
8. Atomic Bomba (Raffi)
9. Jaj Cousteau (Chris)
10. Awesomeness VII (David)
11. Grabbers United (Sassoon)
12. Hartan (Harout & Vartan)

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No More Asterisk: Hartan wins 2015 AFFL Title!

After talking more trash than Waste Management all season long, team Hartan backed it up by winning their first 12 team AFFL title, defeating Grabbers in the final by a score of 131.70-112.48. In so doing, they become the third franchise to have two titles to their name, joining Atomic Bomba and Awesomeness. They are the first Co-managed Champion of the modern AFFL era. It was a title that was much needed, as the first championship of the squad was during the 10 team year of the AFFL. Everyone refused to recognize that championship as legitimate and called team Hartan a pretend champion for years. They can do so no longer, as the 2015 title legitimizes the team and puts them in AFFL lore.

Grabbers reached the finals for the second time in four seasons, and shouldn't hang their head. The ultra competitive league doesn't have much wiggle room for error, and Grabbers managed the season flawlessly. In so doing, they have elevated their status among all teams, and are creeping closer to becoming one of the elite franchises in the league.

In honor of our champs, and in true AFFL fashion, we present to you the Champions Slideshow commemorating the teams victory. Congratulations to Hartan. 2015 AFFL Champs.

2015 AFFL Yearly Awards

Alas, all things must come to an end, and sadly, the 2015 AFFL season will draw to a close this weekend. There shall be one champion come the conclusion of week 16, but since this is Christmas, more awards need to be given out. Presenting the 2015 AFFL awards as voted on by the esteemed panel of 7 AFFL judges who shall remain anonymous. These awards have been sponsored and include a wide range of prestigious categories. While not everyone will win an award, the ones that do can take pride in knowing that event though their season may have fallen apart they did something right along the way. Keep your chins up lads, there is always next year.

Below is the list of recipients of the awards, the final vote among AFFL judges, and the rationale submitted by the judging panel. Congratulations to the winners.

Soul-Glo's Best Pick of the Draft Award

Winner: Atomic Bomba - Devonta Freeman (9th round)

Runner-up: Hartan - Todd Gurley (4th round)

Judges: 6-1 in favor of Bomba

This one was fairly easy to call, as the Bomba drafted the current #1 RB in fantasy in the 9th round. Todd Gurley was an exceptional pick by Hartan, as they risked a player off injury that high. Gurley currently is the 3rd highest RB in fantasy. Close to Freeman, but given the 5 round value, the edge goes to the Falcons running back and the Atomic Bomba

Schick's Close Shave Victory of the Year

Winner: Atomic Bomba

.52 victory over Vosgee Gyank week 13

Runner-up: Grabbers United

.9 victory over BDiddy week 6

Judges: 7-0 in favor of Bomba

With the season on the line, the Atomic Bomba needed 5 points from Dez Bryant in order to make the playoffs. He got those points over the last six minutes of the game, and won the playoff spot on the last two passes of the game to Dez Bryant.  Considering the implications of the match and how it ended, it doesn't get closer than that.  Grabbers is currently in the championship game, but their narrow victory would not have effected that. Had they lost, they still would have made the playoffs and with the point totals, advanced.

The Yankee Candle Co. Blow-out of the Year

Winner: Jaj Cousteau - 82 pts week 10

Runner-up: Hartan - 77 pts week 3

Judges: 7-0

When Jaj blows his wad, he really blows his wad. An 82 point victory over the Atomic Bomba in week 10 was the biggest margin of victory by a team this year. Hartan came close with a 77 point thumping of Prime Time in week 3. Nothing is worse than losing, only when you get absolutely destroyed. Kudos for Jaj for making it an ass-kicking.

Toyota Truck's Best Waiver Pick-up

Winner: Awesomeness - Jordan Reed

Runner-up: Jaj Cousteau - Javarious Allen

Judges: 4-3 in favor of Awesomeness

This was a close one. Both pick-ups were instrumental in the success of the the teams. Jaj did a masterful job picking up Allen just before Justin Forsett got hurt and got mass production from him for three weeks. However, the edge goes to Awesomeness as the pick of Reed occurred week 1 and Reed currently resides as the 5th best TE in fantasy. Oh, and he's been the top TE over the last month.

The Joe's Trade of the Year

Winner: Grabbers United - Gronkowski/Winston for Cam Newton/Greg Olsen

Runner-up: HBK Shant Michaels - Gore/Martin/Aiken/Jeffery/Peyton for Brees/Miller/Jordan Matthews/Barnidge/Andrews

Judges: 4-3 in favor of Grabbers

Another close call. HBK did a masterful job resurrecting his team from the depths of a horrible season. On the brink of a lost season at 1-5, Shant pulled off a masterful trade, getting players while at a "buy low" state. The team won six of seven games to finish the season after the move, and nearly made it into the postseason. If it weren't for Cam Newton's explosion at the end of the season, HBK would be the winner. However, Grabbers won the bye and is one win away from a title thanks to Newton. That trade could win them a title, thus deserves the award.

The Boomerang Co. Comeback Manager Award

Winner: Awesomeness

Runner-up: Atomic Bomba

Judges: 7-0 in favor of Awesomeness

Fairly easy one to call. Awesomeness has finished in last place the last two seasons. Once a proud champion of the AFFL, his return to relevance in 2015 was overdue. Finishing in 3rd is still in play, and would be a masterful turn around from the previous two seasons. Bomba's rebound from a 9th place finish isn't as great, and no other team can claim the kind of turn-around as from last year to this as Awesomeness.

The Kaiser Steel Co. Toughest S.O.B in the AFFL

Winner: Cobra Kai

Runner-up: HBK Shant Michaels

Judges: 5-2 in favor of Cobra Kai

Any week you played Cobra Kai was going to be a week of work because you know he was working on the other side. Waiver pick-ups, trades, sneaky roster moves, everything was in play when the Kai came up on the schedule. No other manager made more moves than the Cobra. He was a tough out most all weeks, and a team nobody wanted to play. HBK took to off during the second half of the season and was a team that nobody wanted to face either. However, the hardest, toughest manager this year was the Cobra. Nobody out worked him.

The E-Harmony Tandem Manager of the Year

Winner: Hartan (Root and Vartan)

Runner-up: BDiddy (Baret, Mikey, Tiggy)

Judges: 6-1

A separate category for Co-managed teams is new this year, as requested by Prime Time. Of the four co-managed teams in the league, no team was working in greater harmony than Hartan. Having finished in 4th place the past three seasons, the chemistry between the pair is apparent. All roster decisions and controversies did not effect the team greatly, as they catapulted to the top of the Dolma division. BDiddy and friends did a fine job salvaging a team that was left for dead mid-season. Nonetheless, the co-managed team that is better than the other co-managed teams is indeed Hartan.

The Kellogs Smack Talker of the Year

Winner: Hartan

Runner-up: Cobra Kai

Judges: 5-2

From WWF references to the bashing of the Mazoon division, Hartan not only one the Dolma division, they took the crown when it came to smack-talk too. Whats app messages were littered with meme's and images by the hands of team two-face all season long, so much so that the league is now rooting against them. That's the kind of smack talk that you love to see. Cobra kai nearly won the award with the epic pic of Ara topless at the most appropriate time. Alas, the volume of Hulk Hogan images was just to much to overcome.

The Mountain High Team of the Year

Winner: Grabbers United

Runner-up: HBK Shant Michaels

Judges: 6-1

This one doesn't have much debate with it. Grabbers seems like a team of destiny, and perhaps the most fun team in the AFFL to root for. They waddled around for a bit in the Mazoon division, narrowly holding on to a playoff spot most of the season thanks to a favorable schedule, only to turn it on the last three weeks. With Cam Newton exploding, Sammy Watkins coming and going then coming, and a bunch of no names at RB for most of the season, this team has something for everyone. HBK had that mojo going as well, but came up just a bit short.

The Mez Dolma Manager of the Year Award

Winner:  HBK Shant Michaels

Runner-up: Grabbers United

Judges: 4-3

Let the controversy begin. How could Grabbers manager Sassoon not get the award? It isn't that he isn't deserving. Grabbers has managed to make it to the finals with a roster that would have been selected as one of the leagues worst. However, Grabbers was helped by a favorable schedule, and did begin the year on a winning streak. HBK was 1-5 and on the brink of thinking about 2016. No team had ever made the playoffs after such a start, and after a few trades and waiver pick-ups, HBK came within a few points of doing so. Because every move had to be exactly right, and darn near was, HBK gets the nod as Mez Dolma Manager of the Year.

AFFL Finals Preview: Hartan v Grabbers United

There has been much smack talk this season from team Hartan. They have used Hulk Hogan meme's and lengthy what's app messages to thrash the "weak" Mazoon division and have become this years "team everyone loves to hate." This Sunday, they either back-up their season-long tsunami sized trash talk and walk-off into the sunset with a big middle finger to the league, or be forced to endure 12 managers pissing on their fantasy grave with joy. Yes, this game has build-up galore.

Grabbers and Hartan are the 1 and 2 seeds respectively, and there is no doubt that they deserve to play for the 2015 AFFL title. Both teams are division winners. Both managers made great trades to prepare for the playoffs. Both have put up a helluva lot of points in their respective semi-final games. These teams have remained near the top of the league for the majority of the year and will now square-off to determine who will be the new AFFL title holder and get their name engraved on the AFFL trophy.

Below is a break-down of both teams, their history, the storylines, and prediction on just how this final will go down. Even though Grabbers was predicted to win the title at the beginning of the playoffs, that doesn't mean the new prediction will follow suit. Let's get to it.

Eliminate the Asterisks

Hartan

Highest previous finish: AFFL Champion '07 (10 team league)

Last Four seasons: Finished 4th place. Never has finished top 3

Story trying to be told: Erase the asterisks associated with the 2007 title and become a champ in the current 12 team format. 

Over the past eight seasons, Hartan has managed to be a team of underachieving consistency. Every year team two-face is near the top of the standings, makes the playoffs, then manages to fall apart during the semi-final match. This year marked the fourth straight season that Hartan had made the semi-finals, and a loss to Jaj Cousteau in 2015 would have started the "they're jinxed" discussion. However, Hartan managed to break-through, with a huge day from Drew Brees, and reach the final for the first time since 2007. Kudos to them for a job well done.

Since 2007, Hartan has had a monkey on their back. They have failed to reach the finals since winning the title on the arm of Tom Brady. But that was when the AFFL was a 10 team league, and anytime the Hartan title ever comes up, an asterisks is placed next to it, marking the "easier" title from a downsized league. Because of this, they haven't been thrust into the elite of the AFFL. The three years of semi-final losses and multiple seasons finishing in 8th place gave them a persona of a team that was "a consistent loser," and a "non-threat."

The truth is that making the semi's four straight seasons is a feat that no other team has achieved. Is Hartan a dynasty? Without a title, no, but this year they have a chance to put a crown on the top of their recent success and make three fourth place finishes look like a winner. 

Road to the Final

Hartan's road to the final really began last season, when they elected to select Odell Beckham Jr. in the 16th round of the draft. Locked and loaded for 2015 with an 8th round keeper in ODBJ, Hartan began the season with a powerful WR duo in Aj Green and ODBJ, but the rest of the team was uninspiring. One of the criticisms of a Hartan draft is that they are too conservative in their draft strategy, and the beginning of 2015 was evidence of this. However, they are excellent when it comes to the waiver wire and trades, and picking up Dion Lewis helped alleviate the fantasy dud that would be Andre Ellington. This move was a crucial part of the team starting the year 4-0 and taking the lead in the race for the Dolma Division. As the leader, Hartan deemed themselves the Hulk-Hogan of the AFFL, and proceeded to torment managers with Hulk Hogan Meme's to accentuate their dominance over all. It got annoying quickly, but they've been going strong with it all year. 

While Dion Lewis was a brilliant play, it was also offset by the blunder of dropping Cam Newton. Had Hartan held onto the current MVP of the NFL they would no doubt be the overwhelming favorite to take the crown. Dropping Cam also led to a week 5 loss to the Atomic Bomba and a relinquishing of the Dolma division lead. It was evident that Hartan and Bomba would be battling it out for the Division crown.

Entering week six with a 4-1 record and byes about to hit, Hartan could have gone either way. A loss to the Bomba could have derailed the team and ruined their morale. "Same old AFFL story," pundits began to say, "Bomba gonna take charge now and win this thing." However, Hartan hunkered down and knew that a week 11 rematch with the Atomic one was a chance to reclaim the Dolma throne. Nothing had been lost, and there was everything to gain.

They responded to the loss by winning four of their next five, including a blow-out victory against Vosgee gyank where they put up over 169 points. The offensive explosion was a showcase of just how high a ceiling this team had, and gave the league notice that this team was for real. But just when things hit a high note, disaster struck. Dion Lewis went down with a torn acl, leaving the Hartan veil thin at the RB position. The loss of Lewis lead to their lowest output of the season to that point, albeit in a win against Grabbers, and things began to look shaky again. Would this be the final blow to Hartan?  The Atomic Bomba match-up was coming around the corner and the roster looked depleted. The future of Hartan looked eerily similar to its past: winless.

By now,  Hulk Hogan meme's were being posted double time, but the production on the roster wasn't reflecting that sort of dominance. Enter, HBK. Just before the trade deadline, Hartan managed to plan for the future despite the present looking grim. Gambling that they would get the bye in the playoffs, they traded for Drew Brees and Stefon Diggs giving away Phillip Rivers and AJ Green. It was a bold move at the time, as the Bomba match-up loomed around the corner, but a move that proved to pay-off big time later on.

Hartan would lose to Bomba week 11 and to Hangin' week 12, but managed to hold onto the Dolma division crown by beating Awesomeness week 13. It was their first Division Title in their history, and meant that they would get a pass directly into the semi-final game where they could possibly play against the Bomba a third time. Instead, they faced the current champion Jaj Cousteau. (dum, dum, DUM!)

 

Semi-final game

Jaj Cousteau is a team nobody likes to play. Truly a wild card in any match, the Jajman had a team that was fairing well thanks to Blake Bortles and Allen Hurns. The two erupted week 14 to take out the Bomba, and had a positive match-up once again in week 14. Add to that Antonio Brown and his consistent point production, and Jaj Cousteau was a team that was deadly.

But the match-up couldn't have gone better for Hartan. Despite Antonio Brown doing everything humanly possible to keep Cousteau in the match, nearly all the major players on the Cousteau line-up put up a dud. Javrious Allen was benched after a fumble and finished with -.2. The Carolina defense fell apart late against the NYG and finished with negative points. The match-up was over midway through Sunday, when ODBJ caught a TD against the invincible Josh Norman, and put Hartan up for good. All that was left was a three hundred yard, three TD performance from Drew Brees on MNF to seal the deal. The ticket to the finals was stamped. Hartan had done it. He was in.

Now the question remains, can they win it? It has been a road of ups and downs and injuries for team two-face. They have managed to avoid the pitfalls and gotten lucky at the right times. Heading into the final has them on the doorstep of greatness, but there is another team that has something to say about how the Hartan story will end. Enter the Grabbers.

Rocky Balboa is Back

Grabbers United.

Highest previous finish: 2nd place. Lost in finals 2012

Last Four seasons: Only 2 playoff appearances.

Story trying to be told: To win the title and cap an incredible rise from being on the bottom of the AFFL for years.

Grabbers United's history is riddled with years of disappointment and let down, with a few bright spots in between. They haven't enjoyed playoff success many times over the years, making the post-season only twice over their 9 year career. However, despite the lowly beginning, Grabbers has been one of the fastest risers in the league, after their first playoff and finals appearance in 2012. A return to the playoffs happened in 2014, with a fifth place finish, and now Grabbers finds himself in the finals again. In so doing, he becomes only the fourth franchise to make the finals twice in the current twelve team format (Bomba, Prime Time, Awesomeness are the others). Its a feat that is a testament to the great managerial job Grabbers has done over the last three seasons. His knowledge and instincts have grown leaps and bounds, and this young Jedi has become a kin to the AFFL force and has used it in 2015 at will.

With three trips to the playoffs in four seasons, and two finals appearances, Grabbers has elevated his teams status closer to elite status. The one thing that will get you that status is a title, and Grabbers is salivating at the chance of doing so. The story that he is writing is one of redemption. Having lost a chance at such an honor for years, Grabbers can now lay to rest the years of disappointment and write a new chapter for the future. He could become the sixth unique team to win an AFFL title, and become the newest manager to have his name etched into the AFFL trophy. It would be the AFFL's version of Rocky, a team that was in the dumps, that climbed the mountain against all odds. Needless to say, he has a lot of support around the league.

Road to the Finals

Grabbers has three children. The highest number of kids of any AFFL managers household. It is no doubt that those kids played into his AFFL karma over the past three years. This season was one that saw a Grabbers roster seemingly void of talent, win week after week. It baffled experts and infuriated managers. However, like a microcosm of his own history, Grabbers would transform into an AFFL butterfly late into the season to legitimize his chances for a finals birth.

2015 began swimmingly for the Grabbers, as the team started off winning three of their first four games. Their point totals were erratic, and hardly ones that gave anyone the sense that they were a serious contender in the title race. With two outings of 78 and 60 total points, it was clear to most that Grabbers would be an up and down team without much pop from the roster. A nine win season wasn't going to happen without some changes, so things were a bit of a mystery for the franchise.

Sass is Boss

This couldn't have been more evident than the week 6 match-up against BDiddy. Grabbers escaped with a narrow 119.68-118.78 victory. It was indeed a lucky win, and prompted Grabbers to claim that despite his 5-2 record, he is "the worst team in the league." Frequently pandering for a lower place in the weekly power ranks, Grabbers tried all that he could to turn the jinx tide in his favor and harness some AFFL karma. It worked, as he won the next two games in a row, all while scoring 105 and 93 points in consecutive weeks. It became quite clear that the schedule Grabbers had was helping him immensely, and that the AFFL karma was on his side from the beginning.

Still, Grabbers wasn't in any position to make the playoffs, nor was he even a favorite to take the division title. Cobra Kai and a fast rising Awesomeness, not to mention a stubborn Jaj Cousteau were all hovering around the top of the division and looked to be the more likely candidates to make it to the top of the division race. Something had to be done in order to quell Grabbers lack luster point production. The team had pulled off waiver wire pick-ups and managed supremely to this point, consistently starting players that were the correct calls, but how long could that go on.

Then disaster struck as Andrew Luck was lost for what would be the season. Grabbers was now faced with a line-up that had only one stud on it, Gronkowksi, and he was injured as well. If the finals were to come, they certainly weren't going to come with the current roster. Grabbers then looked for a trade.

After stubbornly holding out on trades for most of the season (and demanding way to much during negotiations as well) Grabbers struck a deal with Cobra Kai: Gronk for Cam Newton and Greg Olsen. It was a superb move, as Gronk hadn't been spectacular all season, and Cam had just began to tear things up. With the trade, Grabbers now had a legit QB and lost very little at the TE position. With the return of Sammy Watkins to relevance and the emergence of Darren McFadden, the team was putting up their highest totals of the year by seasons end.

Grabbers finished the season winning three straight, and posting 153 and 146 point totals the final two weeks of the season to capture the Mazoon division crown. Their high point production was a direct result of the trade for Cam Newton, and it has continued right through the playoffs.

Semi-final Game

Grabbers had a pass to the Semi-finals, where an old champion had resurrected from obscurity. Awesomeness found himself in the semi's for the first time in 5 seasons, and was one of the hottest teams in the AFFL. Grabbers had his work cut out for him, as the match-up did not exactly favor the Mazoon division champ.

It became quite clear early on in the match that this was going to be a high scoring affair. Grabbers had players go on Saturday evening, with Marshall, Dmac and the Jets defense giving him the early lead. None of those players did anything spectacular, however, they set a nice cushion for Grabbers to begin with.

Once Sunday hit, Awesomeness went to work, with Kamer Aiken and Jordan Reed exploding for huge days. With two players, Awesomeness cut heavily into the lead, and this became a race to 150 points. Soon, the KC defense would join in, with a pick six, putting Awesomeness in striking range of Grabbers. Down only 20 points, with three players left, Awesomeness took the advantage over Grabbers late into the early games.

Grabbers however found his answer once again in the same players that carried him to this point. Sammy Watkins showed up for a huge TD to stretch the lead some, and Cam Newton caught fire, throwing 5 touchdown passes against the NYG. The 160 point total was enough to hold off the 130 points put up by Awesomeness. Had Awesomeness played Desean Jackson and Danny Woodhead, they would have reached the final, but it was not to be. This was the year of the Grabbers, a team that had managed to a 'T' and had pulled off successful move after successful move.

Now the question remains, who wins the final?

Finals Breakdown

Both these squads have stud Quarterbacks, solid Wide Receivers, and good running backs. They are complete teams, that haven't too many holes. However, both will be relying on plug-in players for different reasons. This will dramatically effect the outcome of the match. Whichever team gets the most out of their plug-in guys will without a doubt be crowned champion.

Injuries for both teams will directly impact this game as well. While Grabbers comes into the match-up relatively healthy, Hartan has a few key players that are either out or questionable to play. The top of this list begins with Drew Brees. Brees has been on fire of late, and with Cam Newton on the other side of the match-up, Hartan will need a big outing from the QBposition. They managed to pick up Kirk Cousins in case Brees can't go, but relying on Cousins isn't ideal.

The suspension of ODBJ will also be a huge loss for Hartan, as the match-up was a positive one. Jeremy Maclin, Diggs, and Tyler Lockett are serviceable, but don't offer the upside that ODBJ did. We will safely say that without ODBJ, the Hartan WR core does take a hit.

One injury working in Hartan's favor is the one to Lesean McCoy. Having picked up Karlos Williams off the wire, the team now has a viable option to play in the flex should McCoy be ruled out. It is a crafty move by Hartan and one that could swing the match-up in their favor.

Here is the ultimate positional breakdown between the two teams and their history amongst one another. Our prediction follows.

Hartan vs Grabbers United

• Grabbers United: 108 ppw
• Hartan: 116 ppw

Hartan leads series 6-4 head-to-head

Grabbers 1-0 vs Hartan in playoffs.

Positional breakdown

QB Position

Drew Brees vs Jac/Kirk Cousins vs Phi vs Cam Newton vs Atl

The Qb match-up is as close to even as possible, barring Drew Brees playing. Both starters have the potential to go for 40 points, and it wouldn't be surprising if that happened. Cam Newton had 29 points two weeks ago vs. Atlanta, so he can be projected for a similar output. Brees plays a horrific Jags secondary, as does Cousins in Phi. Either should be a shoe-in for a similar outing as Cam. The only twist is the lack of a running game for Cam and the injury of Brees. Drew could be scaled back as far as pass attempts if he plays, while Cam will pick up some more yards on the ground.

Advantage: Grabbers

WR Position

Maclin, Lockett, Diggs Vs Marshall, Watkins, Randle

It was a terrible time for Hartan to lose ODBJ to a one game suspension. Not having the stud receiver in the line-up will force Hartan to rely on WR2/3 types with upside. The match-ups for these receivers play to their favor, but they will have their work cut out for them battling Marshall and Watkins. Both have been solid and offer more upside than the other three. Grabbers also has Ruben Randle, and can piggy back off the ODBJ for some points. Ultimately, this match-up is going to be won or lost by the hands of Sammy Watkins and Marshall. If both produce at the level they have been, this will be another gain for Grabbers.

Advantage: Grabbers

RB Position

Todd Gurley, James White, Karlos Williams, Ryan Matthews vs Darren McFadden, Denard Robinson, Duke Johnson

While Hartan doesn't have the upside at the WR, they do at the RB position. Both Gurley and White have been solid in recent weeks, but the key player of the group is Karlos Williams. Should he get the start, he has RB1 upside and could eat into Dmac's and Denard Robinsons total. Darren McFadden doesn't have a great match-up, but Denard does, against the second worst rush defense in the league. If Yeldon sits again, Denard should produce close to RB1 value as well. Still, with Gurley as the best player on the board, the edge goes to Hartan.

Advantage: Hartan

TE Position

Delanie Walker vs Greg Olsen

Delanie Walker is a good player on a bad team, but he gets a lions share of the targets weekly. He can take a short pass to the house at any moment as evidence of his week 15 outing. On the flip side, Greg Olsen is a mean machine. No other TE has produced like Gronk in the league, and Olsen is a weekly threat for 20+ points. With Cam Newton on fire, and the Falcons being a far better match-up for a TE than Houston, we have to lean slightly to Olsen here.

Advantage: Grabbers

Defense/Special Teams

Boswell, Minn Def vs Gano, Oak Def

Stephen Gostkowski is the only kicker that has been better for fantasy than Gano. While Boswell has been solid of late, the Carolina offense is a gift that keeps on giving. The kicker/Qb strategy is paying off big time for Sass, and should continue this week. On the defensive front, Hartan will look to take advantage of a Giants team missing their best player and start the Vikings. Oakland, while in a good match-up, isn't a great defense and could be in for a huge let down.

Advantage: Push

Final Verdict

In a year where close calls were the norm and line-ups fell apart and then came back to life, the AFFL crown will go to a team that has endured the most. Hartan is currently enduring the loss of players to the final minute, and Grabbers has managed that all season as well with the loss of Luck. There is something to be said about the AFFL Karma, it always gravitates towards teams that have had it the hardest and have survived. No team has had it harder. Losing Luck, putting up an anemic 1400 points. Three kids to manage at home. Grabbers is poised to be this years AFFL champion. Its been written in the fantasy book of the gods and shall soon be etched on an AFFL trophy. Mery Xmas Grabbers. Your Ass is the winner.

Winner: Grabbers United (144.13-121.22)