FFAC Precap: 2020 Edition

The end of winter doesn’t usually ring football (the American version). Confetti and champagne had settled from Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebrations, attention shifted towards next season starting with the NFL draft. March typically fills the void left by football with Madness, Spring Training baseball, and the final leg of both the NBA and NHL seasons.

However, on February 2nd, 2020, we’d witness our last normal major sporting event of the year in said Super Bowl (no offense to the NBA All-Star weekend). Just one month later, the sports world was shook by it’s first positive COVID-19 case and subsequent suspension of the NBA season on March 11th. The other leagues swiftly followed suit. The rest is history.

Pandemics aside, another major shift has occurred to this league, no longer a work league, poised to move into a bigger, long term strategy session. Some of those plans have adjusted as well (no more dynasty/keeper, at least until next season), but here we are. A lot has happened since March, COVID is still around, and I’d be remiss not to mention the social & civil rights movement occurring as many players in our favorite sports are doing their part as much as they can.

Yet, there is no shame in looking for a temporary distraction, as leagues carry on, you all collectively decided that so can we. This year will be different, no doubt, but that’s the cliché of 2020: different, unprecedented, uncertain, insert an adjective of your choice here. As your commissioner, I take this role very seriously (maybe too seriously, some might argue), so we kick off 2020 with a brand new site, and an “official” podcast (more on that later this week).

We’re here now, and while I cannot predict what tomorrow will bring, that was always the case, so let’s get wild in this preview, shall we?

Welcome, owners (and world), to your 2020 FFAC season.

We see the return this season of 2017 Champion, Kelly. Whom was then relegated with a terrible follow up 2018 season, placing last, so didn’t participate in 2019 but she’s back. And no it’s not a pity re-invite, no work league, no relegations, we make the rules now.

Defending Champion, Ben, whom happens to be previous league member Spencer’s brother in law. 2019 Champion and Rookie of the Year. I mean, the man came out swinging and certainly earned a permanent spot in the league.

Shelby may no longer be with us in Chicago, but that wasn’t about to stop her from lighting up the smack talk and continuing the title chase. I don’t think Shelby has missed a playoff since joining the league. A vet and standard of excellence at this point.

Stefan, back in Chicago but unfortunately circumstances prevented in person attendance to this years draft as we went online (and he was out of town anyways). Will this be the season he ends his terrible team streak? Barely escaping relegation 3 years in a row, he’s safe from that now, but not safe from whatever we decide the last place team punishment will be.

Jay, Fireball, MJ, Ryan, Adam, Zach, Cody - don’t take it personally, but no major events occurred to any of us (including myself here), so there really isn’t much to recap for y’all besides, welcome back.

The draft went without a hitch, and everyone except MJ made an appearance on the video call. Being a responsible father and all that, what a guy. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any fireball shots be consumed by Fireball so it was much less fun than our normal draft day, but I appreciate everyone attending nonetheless.

We don’t know what FFAC stands for now, but I like the idea of keeping that acronym. Fast, Furious, And Curious? Fantasy Football Association Company? Who knows, but the fun continues. As always, don’t take these personally, or do, talk shit, do your thing, but without further ado here are the definitely very calculated and scientifically backed season predictions that in no way can be wrong nor have they been in the past I don’t know what you’re talking about this is a run on sentence:

Rookie of the Year

…with no relegations and promotions from B/C leagues, I didn’t think this one through

Comeback Player of the Year

MJ

MJ truly had a great draft, and while I don’t typically place a ton of stock on Yahoo’s rankings (especially for this league), MJ is due and that team looks stacked.

Worst Team

Kelly

Kelly, I really don’t mean to pick on you and you actually had a solid draft, it’ll all depend on keeping up this season and setting your lineups, which is what did you in the year after you won. It’s just business. Prove us wrong.

Most Dissapointing

Ryan

I really didn’t want to pick Ryan here especially with a team name so clever as Gandemic. However with a 2nd place finish last season (or first loser, as you said on the preseason podcast episode), it’s Championship or bust for you in your own words, meaning anything less than that will net you this award. You did it to yourself.

Silent But Deadly

Rock

Adam, you don’t have super heavy ties to this league, and have been relatively silent for 2 seasons now, but something tells me you decided to return for more than just throwing $100 away. This year, I think you have something to prove and may make things difficult for the league.

Champion

Shelby

Again, not a lot of Yahoo draft grade stock, but tied for worst draft grade, and a few arms reach finishes of the title, I have a feeling Shelby really wants to shut the boys up and get this ring. Consider the curse placed.

We’re literal days away from kickoff, so keep an eye on the waivers, get that trade talk going, I expect more shit talking than ever. Good luck, have fun, and holy cow did you all see this ACL injury news????

- Danny “PapaBless AKA I’m coming back for that championship AKA Who’s footprints are these!?” M