Team Summary:
We resume the DFFL previews with 2017’s 6th place finisher and assistant to the DFFL commissioner Gabe Nulsen. Gabe struggled in the 2015 and 16 seasons going 6-7 and 4-9 during that time. In 2015, Gabe’s team “Captain Flowband” got off to a blazing 5-1 start before nosediving into a 6-7 finish and missing the playoffs. In 2017 “House Targaryen” finished the season 10-3 and earned the #3 seed in the playoffs. House Targaryen averaged 113.7 pgg (2nd) and played stifling defense allowing a league best 87.4 ppg. House Targaryen also led the league with a +26.3 average point differential per game. The team was led by offensive rookie of the year Alvin Kamara, and boasted a strong receiving core of A.J. Green, Jarvis Landry, and Adam Thielen. A team that was built like Drogon, but performed like Visierion in the playoffs. Gabe was defeated in the first round by Billy’s gritty 6-7 squad in a game that was never really that close. An injury to Alvin Kamara led to a 99 point showing, his lowest total since week 8. A heartbreaking end to a great season is something that Gabe is no stranger to, he’s experienced 0 Reds or Bengals playoff wins in his lifetime (10 chances).
Looking ahead:
This season “The Full Bullpen” will try to follow the same philosophy that made them such a force last season, and it started with returning Alvin Kamara in the first round (9th overall). In 2017 Kamara lead the NFL with 6.1 YPC and an incredible 7.73 yards per touch. He also picked up 14 touchdowns in the process. In round two, Gabe drafted Christian McCaffrey who is very similar to Kamara in terms of their style of play. McCaffrey while not as impressive as Kamara in his rookie season, will be all alone in the Carolina backfield and will be heavily involved in both the run game and the passing game. Gabe selected Mike Evans and Brandin Cooks in rounds three and four to fill out the vacant WR positions. In rounds five and six, he selected the duo of Carolina Panthers in Cam Newton and the former wolverine Devin Funchess.
This team is certainly built around the duo of PPR running back, Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey. When it comes to his receiving core, it is a bit concerning that many think that Brandin Cooks won’t be used as much in the Rams offense because of their many weapons. both Cooks and Mike Evans have never been high reception players, but have still put up good numbers in their respective careers. A healthy Jameis Winston should help Evans increase his production into a top ten fantasy WR. Devin Funchess is currently serving as the team’s Flex and will need to be targeted more by Cam Newton to pace himself with the other top WR’s. Speaking of Cam Newton, he finished last season as the QB5 and certainly has the weapons to put up similar numbers. Newton’s ability to make plays with his legs are what makes him such an explosive player at times, but his inaccuracy and less than spectacular offensive line can hurt him just as much. The X factors on this team are the sophomore RB’s McCaffrey and Kamara. It would absolutely destroy Gabe’s playoff chances and title hopes if both Kamara and McCaffrey went into a sophomore slump. Both RB’s should be primed for big seasons, but anything can happen in the NFL.
Best Draft Pick: Christian McCaffrey
The offense will likely run through McCaffrey and his sheer usage could potentially make him a top 5 fantasy RB this season.
Worst Pick: Brandin Cooks
I don’t really hate this pick, but Cooks could easily fall into just a deep threat for the Rams which would lead to unpredictable week to week outputs.
Sleeper: Trey Burton
Burton was always reliable in Philly, but stuck behind Zach Ertz. In Chicago he is clearly the best TE on the team and should see a ton of redzone targets along with Allen Robinson.
Draft Grade: B+



