FANTASY BILLBOARD
The third annual Fantasy Billboard awards: Part 2
The term “Super Bowl” was coined in 1966 by Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt. He noted at the time that it was a name “which obviously can be improved upon.” Hunt later confessed that he got the idea while watching his grandchildren play with their favorite toy, the Wham-O Superball.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
● PUKA NACUA, Rams WR — The 2023 draft will be remembered for years to come with all its high-profile Fantasy stars. QBs Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud, RBs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, WRs
Zay Flowers and
Jordan Addison and TE Dalton
Kincaid all put up huge numbers in their rookie years. But it was unknown fifth-rounder Nacua who set the NFL rookie single-season records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486).
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
● BAKER MAYFIELD, Buccaneers
QB — Baker finished the 2023 season as the 10th-highest scoring QB in Fantasy. It was a far cry from his 30-place finish in 2022. Picked off the trash heap by the Bucs, Baker led Tampa Bay to the NFC South division title on the back of his career-best 4,044 passing yards and 28 TD passes. He had two 300-yard games in the playoffs, taking the Bucs further in the tournament than his predecessor, Tom Brady, did last year.
WORST PICKUP
● MAC JONES, Patriots QB — Jones went undrafted by most Fantasy teams, but was a hot waiver pick-up after his 316-yard, three TD opening day performance. The unfortunate few to acquire his services were rewarded with just nine more TD passes the rest of the season, and a permanent benching by the Patriots after Week 12. Could he be traded to the Jets in 2024 to back up Aaron Rodgers? You heard it here first.
FRA-GEE-LAY MAJOR AWARD
● DESHAUN WATSON, Browns QB
— Watson is more fra-gee-lay than a plastic leg lamp. He led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards in 2020, his last full year in Houston, but hasn’t come close to that success as a member of the Browns. Ankle and shoulder injuries prevented him from playing in 10 games this year after missing 11 in 2022. When you add his 2021 suspension, Watson’s missed 38 games in the last three years.
BEST FANTASY TEAM NAME
● THE WRATH OF AMON-RA—
After a Travis Etienne for Amon-Ra St. Brown trade I agreed to was reneged upon by a rapscallion fellow owner (and the commissioner allowed it), I changed my name from the “Buffalo Soldiers” to “The Wrath of Amon-Ra,” ran the table and won the league, which I have since quit. SUPER GIDDY UPS & WHOA DOWNS
● QBs BROCK PURDY vs. PATRICK
MAHOMES — The Chiefs and 49ers were neck-and-neck in average points allowed to QBs in 2023 (19). Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson did damage against the Chiefs with their legs (126 yards), and Purdy surprisingly put up 48 yards rushing against Detroit in the NFC Championship. He might need to run because the K.C. pass defense held opposing QBs to one TD pass or less in the last eight games. Purdy cannot win this match in a shootout. Two hundred fifteen yards and a TD for him. Mahomes should have two TDs in this game, but the yardage will be minimal at around 225.
● RBs CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY vs. ISIAH PACHECO — The Lions and the Packers averaged more than five yards per carry in the 49ers’ last two playoff games. If Andy Reid shows patience, he can pound Pacheco for 20 carries and 100 yards. The Chiefs can be run on as well and I’m still surprised the Ravens attempted only six rushes in their championship match. McCaffrey will take advantage of a K.C. defense missing its excellent defensive tackle Charles Omenihu (knee-out). CMC will surpass 120 yards rushing and receiving with at least two TDs. ● WRs DEEBO SAMUEL/BRANDON AIYUK vs. RASHEE RICE/ KADARIUS TONEY — The 49ers have the better talent at WR, but the Chiefs have the better passer. Mahomes spreads the ball around so much, Chief WRs are not in play for me in DFS. The Chiefs yielded just their third 100-yard game to a receiver last week, and only their third TD in the last eight weeks. Samuel and Aiyuk should combine for 175 yards and a TD.
● TEs GEORGE KITTLE vs. TRAVIS KELCE — Kelce has a ridiculous 24 catches for 262 yards and three TDs in his last three games. Sam LaPorta caught nine passes for 97 yards against the 49ers in the NFC Championship, which bodes well for Kelce. San Fran will be lucky to keep him under 90 yards and a TD. Kittle is no slouch, but TEs have had limited success against K.C. and only caught four TDs on the season. Five catches for 60 yards for Kittle.
● Fearless Prediction: 49ers 27, Chiefs 24 The third Fantasy Billboard season is in the books. Thank you, it’s been a blast! Get 30% off the subscription from FantasyGuru.com, the finest source for Seasonal, DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) and Sports Gaming advice. Just go to FantasyGuru.com and enter the code NEW30 for instant savings.