#MarvelEvent
I don’t know what everyone else’s Twitter feeds looked like on Tuesday around 1 p.m. central time but mine was filled with Marvel news.
For those unaware of what the #MarvelEvent was, basically Marvel Studios revealed the nine movies that they release from 2016-2019.
Many movie journalists speculate that DC’s release of their docket of films from now to 2020 sparked Marvel’s announcement.
Regardless, 20 DC or Marvel comic book movies are set to come out in the next six years. (That does not include Sony’s Spider-Man projects or Fox’s X-Men) Is that overkill? I’m not fit to answer that question because I cannot get enough of the superhero genre.
It’s safe to say that since the release of “Batman Begins” almost a decade ago, the popularity of comic book movies has exploded and it looks as if DC and Marvel have no intention of slowing down.
Like superhero flicks, the fantasy football has blown up over the past decade as well. Don’t believe me? Check out these impressive stats courtesy of QuickenLoans.com
- $1.67 billion was spent on fantasy football in 2012, compared to a mere $800 million in 2008. Imagine what that number is at today!
- In 2013, there were approximately 25.8 million fantasy football players in the United States compared to an estimate that two million people were playing fantasy football in 2000.
Regarding the rise of fantasy football, ESPN personality Colin Cowheard said “Matthew Berry is Elvis (Presley) with a receding hairline.” This country cannot get enough of fantasy football.
Blame it on my age but I disagree with Cowheard. Berry is not Elvis Presley. He is Batman.
Without Berry, fantasy football would not be nearly as popular as it is today and without “Batman Begins” the superhero genre would not be generating a billion dollars a movie.
For me, life is good right now (outside of my grades, bank account and lack of social life.) I get to listen to Matthew Berry everyday on the 06010 podcast and I get to dress up as Batman soon.
Oh and did I mention 20 comic book movies are being released in the next six years? Yeah life is good.
Reactions and satisfactions
Broncos vs. Chargers
Reaction: After Emmanuel Sanders second touchdown, I thought to my self, dang it, If only he would have done this last week. Two weeks ago, I had Sanders in my Draft Princes lineup. Denver faced the Niners on Sunday night and I figured in primetime Sanders was going to show the world he had arrived. I was wrong by five days as last Thursday Sanders exploded for 120 yards and three scores.
I was chill after his third score though because that was the moment I realized I have a life in Vegas after college. I love the Vegas.
Satisfaction: Ronnie Hillman rushed for 109 yards on 20 carries, but if you watched the game then you know he could have had a monster day. He had two touchdowns called back and had two more goal line carries vultured by Juwan Thompson.
I think the vulturing of goal to go carries will continue, but Hillman has the ability to break big runs. He is a top 10 RB from here on out even when Monte Ball returns. Because newsflash people, Ball just isn’t ready to be a starting RB right now. I hate to say I-toe-ta-so but fricken toe-da-so.
Lastly, I think once Ryan Mathews comes back which could be this week, he’ll go back to being a 20 carry per game back. That doesn’t mean Branden Oliver is going to disappear. He’ll probably take over the Danny Woodhead role, which means he still has strong value in PPR leagues.
Bears vs. Patriots
Reaction: It’s a Gronk party Gronk party Gronk party!!!!!!
New England beat reporter throughout the year have said the Patriots plan was to slowly phase Gronk back into their offense. Two weeks ago he was on the field for 73 percent of the team’s snaps and this past week that number increased to 93 percent. It is safe to say the most dominating non-QB in football is back.
I want to say I was surprised by the way the Patriots RB carries were distributed but if you’ve been around fantasy for a few years or are a Patriots fan then you know nothing should surprise you when it comes to coach Bill Belichick. Jonas Gray accounted for 17 carries while starting RB Shane Vereen only had five.
My gut tells me this will continue. At 225 pounds he is the type of big back the Patriots lost when Steven Ridley went down. But all bets are off when it comes to coach Billy.
Satisfactions: Six more receptions in this game for Matt Forte. That puts him at 58 on the year. Two catches behind Antonio Brown. Wow, he is going to catch 100 plus balls this year. He is on a bye this week but as you prepare for your playoff push rest assured that Forte is match up proof due to the way he catches the football.
Dissatisfaction: Brandon Marshall, where’d ya go? I miss you so. Feels like it’s been forever since you totaled 100 yards and caught a touchdown in the same game.
He actually hasn’t done this since Week 17 of last year. I don’t know what is going on with the Bears. The unbreakable bond that was once Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall has not been seen this year. I am concerned. At this point you have to just hope he figures it out.
Like my coach kept saying today with his index finger turned around pointed toward the sky. You decide, B.Marsh! You decide.
Packers vs. Saints
Reaction: I had a non-alcoholic beer on Sunday. After drinking it I decided to go against my gut call of Drew Brees and the Saints beating the Packers. So I went on Draft Princes and bet 27 monopoly dollars on Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Eddie Lacy and Packers defense having a big day.
I was only about 50% right on that call. The moral of the story is don’t drink non-alcoholic beers on Sundays. Nothing good can come of it.
Not much to say about the Packers. Eddie Lacy did look good, and Mike McCarthy did a great job getting the big back in space. If the Packers continue to find creative ways to get Lacy the ball and James Starks stays away then Lacy will creep back into the RB 1 conversation.
Satisfactions: Mark Ingram in his second game back from his broken hand reestablished himself as the Saints lead back. And you know what, I’m buying this. He is going to be a 20 touch back. Based off the volume of touches and the high scoring offense he’s in, I think he is a top 12 RB.
Washington vs. Cowboys
Reaction: Desean Jackson is a must start every week. It is just that simple. According to the kewl cats at ESPN, he leads the NFL in receptions over 40 yards. He is too explosive to not have in your lineup every week.
Colt McCoy played the best game of football he’s ever played in the state of Texas and that is saying something. He went 25-30 for 299 yards and got his Eli Manning on by rushing for a score. I’m happy for Colt, but RGIII is set to return and If Colt put up a fantasy day like that just imagine what Griffin is capable of.
Satisfaction: Demarco Murray is better then an Eau Claire skillet. Over 200 total yards. I suggest that any owner of Murray to pickup Joseph Randle. He averaged seven yards a carry on Monday night and will be an instant top 10 RB if Demarco were to get hurt. God forbid.
That’s the end of my recaps for this week, new segment coming up, but since we’re on the topic of Washington’s pro football team I leave you with this.
New segment set to begin here. I’m titling it “Off the top.”
I am going to name a random fantasy relevant player and say the first three to five words that come to mind plus bonus filler if need be. Lets do an example.
The Arrow: Changing modern television.
See how this works? All right here we go.
Off the top
Giovani Bernard: Save him AJ.
T.Y Hilton: Changing of the guard.
Golden Tate: Not golden when Calvin’s back. (Sell Tate now! Stafford has never proven he can sustain two fantasy WR’s at one time.)
Jerick McKinnon: Minny McKinnon is winnin.
Terrance Williams: Dez steals his glory.
Giant’s pass catchers: Trust no one.
Sammy Watkins: Rookie of the year.
Carolina RB’s: See Giants pass catchers.
Denard Robinson: Dynamic player Jax needed.
Marshawn Lynch: Trade him now. (Seattle is not the team they were last year.)
Mike Wallace: It’s not him. It’s Ryan Tannehill.
Julian Edelman: Wessy’s replacement vs. Wessy Sunday. ( I think both these little WR’s have big games Sunday.)
James Jones: King of garbage time.
Allen Robinson: Low key stud.
Andrew Hawkins: Going off till Gordon returns.
Larry Fitzgerald: Thinks he still runs ish.
Eric Decker: Is better then Percy Harvin.
Larry Donnell: Feast or famine. Usually hungry.
Darren Sproles: Explosion coming soon.
That’s the end of “Off the top.”
Honestly, I don’t know if I really cared for that segment. While I was laying in my bed at 1 a.m. yesterday brainstorming, it sounded fun but once I started typing it was just sort of meh.
Though I know she isn’t reading, shout outs to @VoughtsAndHoes in the cloud for bringing “meh” into my life in grade 12.
Before I go, I will take three fantasy shots for the road. One shot for tonight’s game, one for Sunday night and the last for the Monday night game.
Thursday night football
Panthers vs. Saints:
Cam Newton is going to show us the S on his chest tonight when he rushes for one score and throws for another.
Sunday night football
Steelers vs. Ravens:
Le’Von Bell will double his season total of rushing touchdowns in this game.
Monday night football:
Giants vs. Colts:
Ahmad Bradshaw is tied for third for most receiving touchdowns this season. I say he doesn’t catch one this week and Trent Richardson out scores him.
That is all I wrote. I’d like to thank my body for not shutting down on me after the four hours of sleep I got last night. Also, come by 522 Menomonie St tonight at 6 p.m. for free fantasy football advice!
Just kidding, we are hosting the second annual “Bronco Jack and Joel” pumpkin carving contest. All are welcome. Have a great fantasy week.