Power Rankings: Week 1
The Power Rankings are determined by each team's Swag Factor - a combination of inputs including, but not limited to, a team's record, points scored, and strength of schedule. The higher the Swag Factor the higher the rating; it's pretty straight forward. The Power Rankings will be updated weekly so be sure to check in regularly.
In the absence of the stats, the Week 1 rankings are based on my eye test so if you don't agree with your ranking you'll have the next 12 weeks to prove yourself. To make this week's update a little more interesting I calculated the average points per game for each team based on ESPN's 2012 projections. Basically, this is how much you can expect your team to score in any given week, assuming there are no roster changes over the course of the year. It's not the best way to gauge a team long term, but it does give insight into the quality of your team following the draft. In case you're wondering, per this metric, Shamir has the best team in the league and Anil the worst. The number in the parenthesis shows the difference between your PPG and the league average.
In the absence of the stats, the Week 1 rankings are based on my eye test so if you don't agree with your ranking you'll have the next 12 weeks to prove yourself. To make this week's update a little more interesting I calculated the average points per game for each team based on ESPN's 2012 projections. Basically, this is how much you can expect your team to score in any given week, assuming there are no roster changes over the course of the year. It's not the best way to gauge a team long term, but it does give insight into the quality of your team following the draft. In case you're wondering, per this metric, Shamir has the best team in the league and Anil the worst. The number in the parenthesis shows the difference between your PPG and the league average.
By: Rahym Virani | DWA Sports Sr. Analyst
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Brown Sugar
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 118.7 (+1.7) Irfan constructed a team filled with fantasy superstars thanks to a trade of historic proportions. The obvious weaknesses are RB2 and TE but if 'The Law Firm' can fill the RB2 position admirably, Brown Sugar is destined for the Final Four. |
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Monty Mc Ponce de Ponce
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 118.3 (+1.4) This team is eerily similar to top contender Brown Sugar. The starting lineup boasts four talented WRs (Nelson, Green, Bowe, Garcon), a terrific PPR RB (Sproles), an elite QB (Brady) and similar concerns surrounding RB2 (Redman) and TE (Daniels). Given their similarities, a roster filled with high impact players and some minor questions, last year's runner up gets second billing once again. |
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ShivaKamini SomaKandaKram
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 110.7 (-6.2) This may seem a "bit" too high for SK SKK, but let's give credit where credit is due. Afzal has the most wins in DWA history, has never missed the playoffs, and finally won it all last year. Once a collarbone heals (Mathews) and a suspension is lifted (Britt), SK SKK will feature one of the league's most dynamic, high scoring roster. The only things standing between Afzal and another championship run are injuries and a difficult division. |
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Maui Ass Muchies
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 121.4 (+4.4) The tandem of Ray Rice and Fred Jackson may be the best 1-2 punch in the league at RB. The elite backfield combined with a host of solid players (Ryan, Jennings, Nicks and Davis) give the Ass Munchies an incredible core to build around. If The Chairman can upgrade the flex spots his team can be the class of the West Division. |
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Space Monkeys
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 121.0 (+4.0) The Space Monkeys have a well balanced lineup with the exception of one major flaw. This team will feature the two-headed monster known as Ben Flacco at QB. Yeah, doesn't sound very scary, does it? Until the QB position is upgraded, the Space Monkeys can't be considered serious contenders. |
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Team Jiwani
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 111.6 (-5.3) Team Jiwani always seems to be in the mix and have compiled a 17-18-1 record over the previous three seasons. This year they've built an intriguing roster with a mix of struggling players looking to bounce back (Rivers, CJ2K, Bradshaw) and trio of young players looking to breakthrough (Bryant, Thomas, Blackmon). It's a formula that could pay big dividends, but , for now, let's say Team Jiwani will continue to play .500 ball and sneak into the playoffs. |
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Beast Mode
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 125.2 (+8.2) Beast Mode must be a reference to the dynamic duo of Stafford and Megatron because the rest of the team lacks explosiveness. There is hope, however. Maybe Trent Richardson will run wild in his rookie campaign. Maybe Reggie Bush will build on his break through year. Maybe Mike Wallace will be in game shape from Week 1. On second thought, that's too many questions for this team to be placed among the top half of the league this early in the season. |
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i need a miracle!
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 113.7 (-3.3) As predicted, Khurram acquired Peyton Manning prior to the draft. However, surprisingly, he traded away Ryan Mathews, and, subsequently, was armed with three of the top 17 picks. The first two rounds yielded a nice haul but the remainder of the draft was uninspired and the overall results typical. Khurram will need no less than a miracle to make the playoffs. |
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*AVSV*
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 114.5 ( -2.5) Listen Up! Shameera's taking attendance? "Michael Turner? Present. VJax? Present. Beanie Wells? Present. Santonio Holmes? Present." Yep, just as I suspected, Adnan drafted the 2009 all star team. Maybe he had his chin strap on too tightly during the draft because after selecting Shady McCoy and Cam Newton the risk-taking part of his brain quit working. |
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Thunder Down Under
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 121.7 (+4.7) Thunder Down Under's draft was horrendously Gore-y. Hey, Aziz, let me ask you a Ridley. Do you not get the news in Boston, drafting a WR like Miles fucking Austin? I've gotta admit, I like Rob Gronkowski. But I wanna take the rest of your team and Pack(ers) it up Soomer's mommas' Crosby. |
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Kiss the Baby
Swag Factor: N/A ESPN Average Projected Points per Game: 119.2 (+2.2) Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Graham can only carry this team so far unless the likes of Mark Ingram, Torrey Smith, Titus Young and Kendall Wright become consistent fantasy contributors. In other news, Soomer just traded his $100 bill for two twenties and a bag of Now and Laters because Red Matthewberry, I mean, Red Radberry is his favorite flavor. |