Lebowski Achievers
Mandalorian Warriors +2(17): Drew Brees (3) LeSean McCoy (3) Steven Jackson (2) Roddy White (3) Brandon Marshall (3) Rob Gronkowski (3)
Dunder Mifflin Paper Company +0(13): Tony Romo (2) Arian Foster (3) Chris Johnson (2) Dwayne Bowe (2) Vernon Davis (3) Malcolm Floyd (1)
Detroit Players +1(12): Robert Griffin III (3) DeMarco Murray (1) AJ Green (3) Mike Williams (2) Hakeem Nicks (1) Kyle Rudolph (2)
WS Tartars -3(9): Ben Roethlisberger (2) Maurice Jones-Drew (2) Jonathan Stewart (1) Steve Johnson (1) Torrey Smith (2) Brandon Pettigrew (1)
It's gross but the defending champs have actually increased their talent level. By subtracting Jordy Nelson and adding Roddy White, Matt's team jumps up another level. If Steven Jackson becomes a top ten back, Mandalorian Warriors will have gold level players at every position, as Brandon Marshall has (re-)cemented himself as a top tier receiver. The only weakness on this keeper core is how long Gronk stays out. Hopefully forever, if the rest of the league has its way...Dunder Mifflin Paper Company substitutes Malcolm Floyd in for Arian Foster handcuff Ben Tate. Overall Mike's team retains the same keeper value because while Vernon Davis jumps up a notch with the injuries to many top tight ends, Chris Johnson's days as a franchise caliber player could be over. Then again, with a new offensive coordinator, maybe he can get back on track. If Johnson can rebuild his value, the Paper Company can be true contenders.
Last year at this time, Detroit Players desperately needed a quarterback. After selecting Robert Griffin III with the #4 overall pick, it's safe to say that Ariel's found a good one. That's not the only change to the core group. Steve Smith was traded away to make room for the underrated Mike Williams while Jason Witten was flipped in the same trade, opening up the tight end position for Kyle Rudolph. DeMarco Murray and Hakeem Nicks are still on board too, but both have seen better days. (Oh, and farewell Ryan Williams! You were good for nothing!) We like the moves here, as Ariel clearly has an eye on getting younger while staying competitive.
Every other team in this division increased or stayed steady on the keeper power rankings, save for WS Tartars. That difference can almost directly be attributed to the loss of Roddy White, who was traded to Mandalorian Warriors last season. Ben Roethlisberger inherits the reins from Matt Schaub, and Jonathan Stewart was added to the mix. Overall however, Maurice Jones-Drew, Stevie Johnson, and Brandon Pettigrew all saw their stocks fall last season. To stay competitive in Lebowski Achievers, Jay will have to hope they bounce back -- or rebuild quickly.
The Wood
100 Acre Pooh Bears +2(17): Cam Newton (3) Ray Rice (3) Doug Martin (3) Dez Bryant (3) Antonio Brown (2) Jimmy Graham (3)
Italian Stallionz +3(15): Tom Brady (3) Matt Stafford (2) Jamaal Charles (3) Stevan Ridley (2) Reggie Wayne (2) Tony Gonzalez (2)
Human Amoebas +1(12): Andrew Luck (3) Ahmad Bradshaw (1) DeAngelo Williams (1) Demaryius Thomas (3) Pierre Garcon (2) Cecil Shorts (2)
Squirtle Squad -2(10): Ryan Tannehill (1) Adrian Peterson (3) Ronnie Hillman (1) Reggie Cobb (3) T.Y. Hilton (1) Josh Gordon (1)
The Pooh Bears still rule the 100 Acre Woods -- formerly 7 Championship Drive -- but they had some unexpected competition last year from Italian Stallionz. No problem, as J'as team upgraded by dumping the carcass of Ryan Mathews for Doug Martin, last year's #2 overall pick and rookie sensation. With Dez Bryant elevating himself a level, the Pooh Bears are even better from a 2012 keeper roster that was already one of the best. Who else is scared?The aforementioned Italian Stallionz also improved themselves a bit, continuing their upward trajectory under new ownership. Jamaal Charles proved that he's a top back one year removed from ACL surgery, and while losing Percy Harvin hurts, the additions of old standby Reggie Wayne and Stevan Ridley are better than last year's keepers of Felix Jones and Kenny Britt. We are a little curious why Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford are both on this roster -- the latter acquired by moving 2012's #5 overall pick, Demaryius Thomas -- but we're guessing a follow up trade fell through somewhere. With a super solid keeper core, the Stallionz will be pushing toward a title this season.
Stepping in to make day-to-day decisions for Eric, the Human Amoebas made a bold move behind new GM Hong. Moving Matt Stafford for Demaryius Thomas results in a huge upgrade as Thomas is a bonafide franchise receiver. Add in the surprising Cecil Shorts and the Amoebas now have quite the improved collection of receivers -- DeSean Jackson and whoever Jon Baldwin is, were jettisoned -- to go along with last year's surprise #3 overall pick Andrew Luck. While Ahmad Bradshaw and DeAngelo Williams both fell from grace last year, there is hope that with two early picks in this year's draft, Human Amoebas can find at least one keeper worthy running back for the future.
This is very interesting. Squirtle Squad was our champion just a few short seasons ago and yet things have fallen completely apart. Five of six keepers are different for Brian this year, as he moves to quickly put a contender together. Out goes Michael Vick, Miles Austin, Brandon Lloyd, Denarius Moore, and Jermichael Finley. Coming in are Ryan Tannehill, Reggie Cobb, T.Y. Hilton, Josh Gordon, and Ronnie Hillman. Cobb and Hilton are up-and-coming receivers, and Gordon could be too. We're not sure Tannehill is a keeper worthy quarterback but he can't be more disappointing than the erratic Vick -- and he was part of last season's trade. With MVP Adrian Peterson on board, the Squirtles have a strong run game, but they would sure love it if Hillman, last year's second round pick, could step up into a playable role.
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