FFC North
The North is having its typical year where nobody is really out of it, Stan is in first place but the predators (and Raptors) are lurking closely in second place looking to seize an opportunity.
Current Standings:
1.) Cloud 9
2.) Pool of the Dead
3.) Isla Sorna Raptors
4.) Jedi Knights
Bali’s Predicted Final Standings:
1.) Isla Sorna Raptors
2.) Cloud 9
3.) Pool of the Dead
4.) Jedi Knights
This was by far the most difficult division for me to predict. I believe the Isla Sorna Raptors, once making the switch to Jayden Daniels, probably have the strongest roster by a slim margin over Pool of the Dead and Cloud 9. Jahmyr Gibbs and James Conner are both excellent running backs in strong offenses. While I like DJ Moore and Jayden Reed as excellent WR2s (both), I think this team is lacking a consistent WR1. Jordan Addison should come back and fit in nicely with this newly revamped Vikings offense, so we’re essentially looking at a team starting three WR2s which is very strong when you’re good at all other positions. What this team decides to do with Jalen Hurts, presumably as a trade asset, will decide this season. The bench is not great, but there are some pieces there.
Cloud 9 undoubtedly has the best big three of Lamar Jackson, Bijan Robinson and Nico Collins. However I think this team has a very weak supporting cast and will be hard stretched to find consistent production at RB2, WR2 and WR3. While Ladd McConkey may evolve into a consistent WR3 and Xavier Worthy’s upped utilization due to injury may eventually land him there as well, it’s hard to trust any of these guys outside of the big three long term.
Pool of the Dead is also just a hair behind the Raptors and Cloud 9 in terms of roster strength and right there tied with Cloud 9. Joe Mixon is an excellent running back and fits the bill. I like Joe Burrow but his inconsistency issues this season have been concerning. While I am not a big fan of Marvin Harrison for where he was being drafted, he has flashed some incredible upside. This team’s weaknesses at RB2 and WR3 are a little glaring.
The Jedi Knights started out really slow this season and have an uphill climb for the rest of the season. Patrick Mahomes’ decline into mediocrity in fantasy has been surprising and a little unexpected. Outside of Kenneth Walker and Ja’Marr Chase, this team is hurting by starting two tight ends in one of the worst tight end seasons in recent fantasy history.
FFC South
Through the first four weeks of the regular season, there have been three teams who have claimed first place in the South. This looks like it will be a tight race down to the wire with everybody in the mix.
Current Standings:
1.) Uur UPS
2.) Doctor Jenious
3.) Da Moon’s Huge Craters
4.) Bruce Almightys
Bali’s Predicted Final Standings
1.) Doctor Jenious
2.) Uur UPS
3.) Bruce Almightys
4.) Da Moon’s Huge Craters
It was a toss up between UPS and Jenious for my predicted first divisional winner. I believe the doctor’s team edges them out being strong at every position and I think being a legitimate top 5 contender for the championship. While Miami’s current situation is killing Achane’s value, he should bounce back with the return of Tua who has stated he is not intending to retire. Having the option to flex Jerome Ford or JK Dobbins as a RB2 is a nice luxury when you are stacked at the other positions including a nice receiver trio of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tank Dell, Calvin Ridley and Brock Bowers. This team has excellent depth options with names listed above in addition to Greg Dortch and Jordan Whittington who will be startable during bye weeks.
Uur UPS is close behind in terms of overall roster strength. The only strong deficiency I see on this team is an unclear RB2 and relying on newly acquired free agent Kareem Hunt or Gus Edwards to be at that spot. The QB situation is incredible with Sam Darnold and Jordan Love both rostered. Breece Hall is in the best situation possible and I am not discouraged with some of his low scoring games in the first month and I expect he will dominate down the stretch.
Even at 1-3, I believe Bruce Almightys has a great roster and is completely loaded with a monster running back duo of Kyren Williams and David Montgomery which is arguably tops in the entire league. Mike Evans, Terry McLaurin and JSN provide a good trio. There are even some great bench pieces like WanDale Robinson, Rashid Shaheed and Alexander Mattison.
Da Moon’s Huge Craters has suffered with inconsistent QB play from Caleb Williams and Gardner Minshew but have now traded for Justin Fields. The superstar rookie receiver Malik Nabers has been the only consistent and elite player on offense in the first month. While there are some good names with potential like George Pickens and Rachaad White, it’s been hard to quantify that success on the field.
FFC East
With three teams ranked in the top seven, we have another competitive year for the East who also boasts three of the top four scoring teams in the entire league. If this division’s scoring patterns stay consistent, they can wreak havoc outside of the division.
Current Standings:
1.) Gandalf the Goat
2.) Mahomies’ Deezflated Nuts
3.) SLAM BALL 2K24
4.) Moore on the Run
Bali’s Predicted Final Standings
1.) Gandalf the Goat
2.) SLAM BALL 2K24
3.) Mahomies’ Deezflated Nuts
4.) Moore on the Run
One of the luckier teams in terms of no significant long term injuries has been Gandalf the Goat who sports one of the strongest rosters across the entire league and has to be in any championship contender conversations. This is one of the few teams to have a top ten player at each position, all with overall #1 upside at their respective position, a strong bench, and is the current highest points scored in the league. It’s going to be hard to stop this team come playoffs time.
Mahomies’ Deezflated Nuts have impressed with dominance at running back in Saquon Barkley and Aaron Jones, both of whom were tragically underdrafted and have revitalized their careers on new teams. While I am not a fan of their bench depth, the starters are excellent and have proven to be a top contender when together (currently #4 in the entire league in points scored). I see Jared Goff as a potential weak spot in certain matchups, but you have to consider he has 14/17 matchups in a dome this season and is protected by the best offensive line in the league along with arguably the best supporting weapons which gives him a high floor.
Moore on the Run would have a decent shot in another division but is seemingly outclassed in the East this season. Josh Jacobs and Brian Robinson is a good running back duo on paper, but Jacobs has failed to impress and is frequently getting his biggest runs called back on holding penalties for some reason. Baker Mayfield is currently QB1 in the entire league which is good to see last year was not a fluke. The receivers for this team have been underperforming and not really on the level of a championship team. This squad will need a major overhaul or bounceback from the receivers to become relevant in the playoff picture.
FFC West
This is arguably the only top heavy division in the entire league: There are two elite teams that look like championship contenders and the other two teams look like they will finish near the bottom of the standings.
Current Standings:
1.) Elk Grove Spartans
2.) Game of Zones
3.) Philippines Garbage Dumps
4.) Sacramento Wolf Pack
Bali’s Predicted Final Standings:
1.) Game of Zones
2.) Elk Grove Spartans
3.) Philippines Garbage Dumps
4.) Sacramento Wolf Pack
Game of Zones has the best roster in the league, bar none. Top to bottom and bench included, this is the most complete roster and I believe it can get better as the Aaron Rodgers-Garrett Wilson relationship matures throughout the season. Four strong receiving options in AJ Brown (who I almost forgot was on this team), Garrett Wilson, Stefon Diggs and Zay Flowers is unmatched across the league. How do you neglect the running back position and still end up with the best team in the league? By employing a successful zero RB draft and hitting on three major prospects: Jordan Mason, Zack Moss and Rico Dowdle have all secured the dominant RB role on strong offenses. My only complaint about this team is why the hell is Dalvin Cook occupying a precious spot on the bench?
The Elk Grove Spartans are another team that have to be mentioned as a championship contender. They have had a strong start, are ranked third overall in scoring across the entire league, and have exhibited excellent management of injuries through free agency. I do believe there are some flaws on the roster and I don’t believe you can rely on the entire San Francisco 49ers receiving core to all have productive starts week in and out. At some point the bench depth will be tested. Devin Singletary is an excellent volume play in theory but has managed to put up two stinkers in four starts. The best avenue of success at the receiver position will be if Keenan Allen can maintain chemistry with the rookie QB and put up some big yardage games down the stretch.
This team looked so much different after their season altering trade to give away two top ten running backs in Kyren Williams and David Montgomery in return for Christian McCaffrey and Drake London. It’s hard to pontificate what this team will look like with a healthy CMC but right now their lack of superstars on offense has put this team near the bottom in points scored and of the standings. I like the receivers of Godwin and Drake London but this team needs desperate help at RB.
The Wolf Pack have put all their chips in the Indianapolis Colts and have gotten absolutely killed by Anthony Richardon’s poor accuracy as a passer and proclivity for turnovers. I loved Jonathan Taylor as a top 5 running back this season, and he could still be that but will be sidelined with a high ankle sprain it appears which will be a major killer for this team who relied on him so much. It will be a borderline miracle to climb out of this hole.
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