I miss the fantasy awards. I thought they were something fun to look back at as a time capsule for the season. While flawed in the voting process, I believe it could have been refined to a points based voting system or some other solution to merit it’s continued existence. While it has gone the way of the tight end in 2024, I’d like to acknowledge who my votes are for the unofficial 2023 BFFL Fantasy Awards.
Fantasy MVP: In an odd year with dropoff in production, injuries and volatility across the board this one has to go to a consistent and elite player. Honestly this one is a tie between two players. My first pick is Christian McCaffrey, who at RB1, is sitting at a near 40 point lead in the running back category. My second pick is Tyreek Hill, who you can apply the same sentiments above but for the wide receiver category. If there was ever a co-MVP season, this would be it. If you are forcing me to pick, positional scarcity wins and I have to give it to the running back. The only other consideration for me would be Dak Prescott but he’s in third after the aforementioned players.
Fantasy GM of the Year: After starting the year 1-3, it’s hard to notice how dominant Casey has been finishing the season 10-4 with the #1 seed. With such a stellar draft history, outstanding in-season management, and a continued pattern of dominance in the regular season and in the playoffs it is time to recognize Casey as arguably the top dog in the league and the top GM of 2023. Other considerations include Nick Garrett who excelled in the trade market and showed the most activity and willingness to shape his roster and make a very strong team in 2023. My third place vote would be for the combination of Ravneet and Harkirat who I can make the same case for as the Raptors.
Breakout Player of the Year: A couple of weeks ago, this was a more competitive race between CJ Stroud and his teammate Tank Dell who were both ranked in the top 15 at their position. Unfortunately with injuries plaguing the fantasy season, this has become a clear breakaway winner and for a rookie wide receiver with no-name options at receiver to play this dominant and be ranked QB5 going into the fantasy playoffs is almost unprecedented. Other considerations include Kyren Williams and Brock Purdy both ranked top five in their respective positions.
Never say Never GM of the Year: This was the hardest award for me to give personally. By definition, it goes to a team who climbed up the rankings and fought tooth and nail to make a late playoff push. I think this award has to go to someone in the North and my pick would be the Jedi Knights. All season long they were flirting on the playoff bubble and ended up winning the division and the #2 seed with a strong late season surge. It’s hard not to acknowledge their late season success. My other considerations would be the Raptors and Doctor Jenious.
Draft Steal of the Year: This was another tough award. How do you distinguish between Kyren Williams in the 13th round and CJ Stroud in the 14th round. Due to positional scarcity and dropoff at the position, I think this one has to go to the running back and I’m giving it to 13th round pick Kyren Williams. Other considerations are CJ Stroud (14) and Sam LePorta (14).
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