Week 1 Recap

Trash Pandas vs Achilles Heels

I made a huge mistake in week one of the Thunderdome Fantasy Football league but, thankfully, it didn’t come back to haunt me.

I drafted Justin Herbert to be my QB1 and I felt confident that I could trot him out there every week and get a solid showing. Yet, I allowed myself to be convinced by a fantasy football blog that Trevor Lawrence was the safer play in week one.

All Herbert did was put up 47 fantasy points, while Lawrence managed a pedestrian 13. That’s 34 points on my bench. That could’ve spelled doom. Lucky for me, my opponent’s quarterback was equally pedestrian.

My running backs, including my top pick Jahmyr Gibbs, were disappointing. I was outscored at the running back position 17-12, but I more than made up for that at WR & TE.

I know Gibbs will eventually put up big numbers for me, and I truly believe that TreVeyon Henderson will eventually.

Neither Marvin Harrison Jr nor Rome Odunze had monster games, but they were both solid and both scored touchdowns. They also appear to be in line for plenty of targets this season.

The MVP of week one, however, was Brock Bowers, who put up 17 points, despite exiting the game with an injury and not scoring a touchdown. I outscored my opponent’s tight end by 16.

It’s always nice to start off the season with a victory, but this one was especially sweet. Achilles Heels are aptly named, from my vantage point, because I hadn’t beaten them since entering the league.

Finally, after 5 straight losses (4 in the regular season, 1 in the playoffs), I’ve slayed the dragon.

Week 2 Preview

Trash Pandas vs Mike’s Magnificent Team

ESPN gives me a 46% chance of winning this matchup, I think I can get that closer to 50% with a move at flex.

As of this writing, I have Jerome Ford slotted in as my flex play, but he will not be there come Sunday. He was nearly non existent in week one, and I’m not expecting much from him moving forward as Dylan Sampson gets more touches and Quinshon Judkins eventually hits the field. Ford is certainly on the chopping block for me, but I’ll keep him rostered for now, until someone emerges worth taking a shot on.

My draft day plan was always to have Jordan Addison fill the flex spot, but I had to navigate the first three weeks as he served his suspension. In the meantime, my options for week two are Quentin Johnston, DeAndre Hopkins or Darnell Mooney.

I have waiver claims in for Johnston & Hopkins, dropping Mooney in both cases. Mooney is my fall back should both waiver claims fail.

I think the keys for me this week are 1) Getting more production out of my RBs, especially Jahmyr Gibbs. 2) Brock Bowers continuing to make TE a dominant position for me. 3) My flex play getting closer to double digit points.

It’s tough matchup for the Trash Pandas this week, but I can see avenues to pulling off the win and moving to 2-0.

As Kyle Brandt says on Good Morning Football, “week one lies”. I’ll try not to overreact to what happened, though some statements were made, while questions were raised. Week two should tell the truth. Here’s where I have them ranked after week one:

#1 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (-)

Last Week: #1, Won vs Dallas, 24-20

It wasn’t as dominant as I expected, but Philly did nothing to lose the top spot.

This Week: at Kansas City

#2 GREEN BAY PACKERS (+3)

Last Week: #5, Won vs Detroit, 27-13

It pains me to say this, but Green Bay was the most impressive team in week one.

This Week: vs Washington

#3 BALTIMORE RAVENS (-1)

Last Week: #2, Lost at Buffalo, 41-40

For 55 minutes Sunday night, Baltimore looked like the most dominant team in the NFL. Then the wheels fell off. I still think they’re the best team in the AFC.

This Week: vs Cleveland

#4 BUFFALO BILLS (-)

Last Week: #4, Won vs Baltimore, 41-40

Buffalo was getting steamrolled until a Derrick Henry fumble and some Josh Allen heroics. I’m keeping them at #4 this week.

This Week: at NY Jets

#5 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (-2)

Last Week: #3, Lost vs LA Chargers in Brazil, 27-21

Losing a neutral site game against a 2024 playoff team isn’t enough to knock Kansas City out of the top five, yet.

This Week: vs Philadelphia

#6 LOS ANGELES RAMS (+3)

Last Week: #9, Won vs Houston, 14-9

The offense didn’t do much, but the Rams defense is definitely playoff caliber.

This Week: at Tennessee

#7 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (+3)

Last Week: #10, Won vs NY Giants, 21-6

It wasn’t flashy, but Washington dominated against New York.

This Week: at Green Bay

#8 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (+6)

Last Week: Won vs Kansas City in Brazil, 27-21

Big win for the Chargers against their arch nemesis. Can they keep the momentum?

This Week: at Las Vegas

#9 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-2)

Last Week: #7, Won at Atlanta, 23-20

Tampa Bay solved their Atlanta problem, but I still drop them a couple spots, mostly because a few other teams were more impressive.

This Week: at Houston

#10 DENVER BRONCOS (-4)

Last Week: #6, Won vs Tennessee, 20-12

Denver’s defense was as good as advertised, but I saw some Mac Jones like regression in Bo Nix, so I dropped them a couple spots.

This Week: at Indianapolis

#11 CINCINNATI BENGALS (-)

Last Week: #11, Won at Cleveland, 17-16

Cincinnati narrowly avoided another bad week one loss, but it was considerably less than impressive.

This Week: vs Jacksonville

#12 DETROIT LIONS (-4)

Last Week: #8, Lost at Green Bay, 27-13

Detroit was never in the game versus the Packers, could be a sign they miss both their coordinators from last season.

This Week: vs Chicago

#13 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (+14)

Last Week: #27, Won at NY Jets, 34-32

Aaron Rodgers was everything Pittsburgh could hope for, Steelers make a huge jump up the rankings.

This Week: vs Seattle

#15 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (+4)

Last Week: #19, Won at Chicago, 27-24

Minnesota made a great comeback Monday night, and JJ McCarthy got better in the fourth quarter.

This Week: vs Atlanta

#16 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (-)

Last Week: #16, Won vs Carolina, 26-10

Jacksonville was firmly in control against a bottom ten team.

This Week: at Cincinnati

#17 NEW YORK JETS (-2)

Last Week: #15, Lost vs Pittsburgh, 34-32

The Jets gave Pittsburgh all they could handle, but shot themselves in the foot in the end.

This Week: vs Buffalo

#18 ARIZONA CARDINALS (-1)

Last Week: #17, Won at New Orleans, 20-13

Despite the win, Arizona showed the inconsistency that troubles me.

This Week: vs Carolina

#19 CHICAGO BEARS (-7)

Last Week: #12, Lost vs Minnesota, 27-24

Chicago showed flashes on Monday night, but they also showed they still haven’t figured out how to close a game out.

This Week: at Detroit

#20 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (-)

Last Week: #20, Won at New England, 20-13

Even with the win, I’m not sure Vegas is any threat in the AFC.

This Week: vs LA Chargers

#21 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (+2)

Last Week: #23, Won at Seattle, 17-13

San Francisco won a tough road game, but the injuries are already piling up.

This Week: at New Orleans

#22 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: (-4)

Last Week: #18, Lost vs San Francisco, 17-13

Seattle had a chance, but ultimately lost a tough one at home to a division rival.

This Week: at Pittsburgh

#23 ATLANTA FALCONS (-1)

Last Week: #22, Lost vs Tampa Bay, 23-20

Atlanta hung around and Michael Penix Jr showed enough to think this team should rise in the rankings.

This Week: at Minnesota

#24 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (+5)

Last Week: #29, Won vs Miami, 33-8

Indy was as impressive as any team in the NFL, but it did come against maybe the worst team. And this is still Daniel Jones.

#25 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-)

Last Week: #25, Lost vs Las Vegas, 20-13

New England still has a talent deficit compared to most teams.

This Week: at Miami

#26 NEW YORK GIANTS (-2)

Last Week: #24, Lost at Washington, 21-6

I think the Jaxson Dart watch has officially begun.

This Week: at Dallas

#27 CAROLINA PANTHERS (-6)

Last Week: #21, Lost at Jacksonville, 26-10

Carolina looked more like the team that earned the first pick in the 2024 draft than the team that surged down the stretch last season.

This Week: at Arizona

#28 CLEVELAND BROWNS (-2)

Last Week: #26, Lost vs Cincinnati, 17-16

Cleveland’s defense is good enough to keep them in most games.

This Week: at Baltimore

#29 DALLAS COWBOYS (-1)

Last Week: #28, Lost at Philadelphia, 24-20

I still feel like an implosion is coming in Dallas.

This Week: vs NY Giants

#30 TENNESSEE TITANS (+1)

Last Week: #31, Lost at Denver, 20-12

The trajectory should be upwards for Tennessee and Cam Ward.

This Week: vs LA Rams

#31 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (+1)

Last Week: #32, Lost vs Arizona, 20-13

New Orleans is a bad football team, but at least they play hard.

This Week: vs San Francisco

#32 MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2)

Last Week: #30, Lost at Indianapolis, 33-8

A couple more outings like that and Mike McDaniel won’t survive September. Either way, Miami will probably be in search of a new coach and quarterback for 2026.

This Week: vs New England

Dallas @ Philadelphia (-8.5)

I think Philly begins their title defense with a blowout of their bitter rivals. Phi 38-13.

Kansas City @ LA Chargers (+3)

Chargers are nominally the home team as this game will be played in Brazil. I like KC to win, but LA to cover. KC 28-27.

Cincinnati (–5.5) @ Cleveland

I think Cincy avoids a slow start this season and thumps Cleveland on the road. Cin 28-13.

Tampa Bay (-2.5) @ Atlanta

I think Tampa sends an early message that this is still their division. TB 24-20.

Arizona @ New Orleans (+6.5)

I think Arizona wins this, but 6.5 is a lot of points to lay on the road. Arz 24-20.

Miami (+1.5) @ Indianapolis

I think Miami will eventually implode this season, but they start with a road win. Mia 20-13.

New York Giants (+5.5) @ Washington

I think Washington will win at home, but the Giants will cover. Was 20-17.

Carolina (+3.5) @ Jacksonville

This is one of the tougher games for me to pick because I think both teams have some upside. I went with the home team to win, but Carolina to cover. Jax 24-21.

Las Vegas @ New England (-2.5)

Another tough game to pick because I think both teams will be improved. I’ll take NE by a field goal. NE 20-17.

Pittsburgh @ NY Jets (+3)

These are two teams I think are on different trajectories. I like the Jets. NYJ 17-16.

San Francisco @ Seattle (+2.5)

I’ll take Seattle & the points at home. Sea 21-17.

Tennessee @ Denver (-7.5)

Yeah, this is a mismatch. Denver rolls. Den 31-10.

Detroit (+2.5) @ Green Bay

I want to pick Detroit to win this, but I just can’t. I’ll take the points instead. GB 24-23.

Houston @ LA Rams (-2.5)

I think the Rams could be one of the better teams in the league if Stafford remains healthy. Rams 27-20.

Baltimore (+1.5) @ Buffalo

Baltimore gets revenge for last year’s playoff loss. Bal 31-28.

Minnesota @ Chicago (+1.5)

The Ben Johnson era starts with a win over a division rival. Chi 23-20.

This season I’ll be doing my own power rankings, hopefully every week. The inaugural list is purely speculative. Here we go:

1. Philadelphia Eagles– The defending champs remain the team to beat.
2. Baltimore Ravens– The best team in the AFC, can they finally get it done in January?
3. Kansas City Chiefs– As long as Mahomes is under center, KC is a legit Super Bowl contender.
4. Buffalo Bills– Josh Allen carried them as far as he could last year, did they add enough to get them over the hump?
5. Green Bay Packers– The acquisition of Micah Parsons pushes them into the top five, but I’m not convinced Jordan Love is a franchise QB and the NFC North is a very tough division.
6. Denver Broncos– They have an elite defense and one of the best coaches in football, if Bo Nix can improve on a pretty good rookie season, they could be the team to dethrone KC in the AFC West.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– They own their division and their offense is a good as anyone’s, do they have the defense to truly contend?
8. Detroit Lions– This might still be one of the best teams in the NFC, but they lost a significant amount of their coaching staff. I think there may be some bumps in the road.
9. Los Angeles Rams– I’d rank them higher if I had more confidence Matthew Stafford can make it through the season.
10. Washington Commanders– The Commanders & Jayden Daniels are legit, but they won’t take anyone by surprise this year.
11. Cincinnati Bengals– If they avoid another slow start, this is a playoff team. Their nearly complete lack of defense limits their ceiling, though.
12. Chicago Bears– There will be hiccups in year one of the Ben Johnson/ Caleb Williams era, but the talent is there to take a big step forward.
13. Houston Texans– If they can protect CJ Stroud, and he proves last year was just a sophomore slump, Houston could rise in these rankings.
14. Los Angeles Chargers– Until they actually win in January, I’m hesitant to rank them higher.
15. New York Jets– I believe in Justin Fields and Aaron Glenn, not quite enough to get them into the playoffs.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars– If Liam Coen can do for Trevor Lawrence what he did for Baker Mayfield, this team could really rise.
17. Arizona Cardinals– I like a lot of the pieces Arizona has, I just don’t trust Kyler Murray.
18. Seattle Seahawks– Sam Darnold is another QB I just don’t believe in and that drags Seattle down in my rankings.
19. Minnesota Vikings– JJ McCarthy is essentially a rookie QB & the NFC North is the toughest division in the NFL, so I think the Vikings might be relegated to the basement.
20. Las Vegas Raiders– Vegas also has the misfortune of playing in a tough division. They’ll show improvement, but the AFC West is a minefield.
21. Carolina Panthers– I think Carolina could be one of the surprise teams in the NFL this year.
22. Atlanta Falcons– Until they prove otherwise, I always expect the Falcons to come up short.
23. San Francisco 49ers– There’s just been too much attrition in San Fran to think they’ll be serious contenders.
24. New York Giants– Legit defense, just not sure they’ll get enough from their QBs to actually contend.
25. New England Patriots– Vrabel will make New England better, but they still don’t have enough talent to truly contend.
26. Cleveland Browns– Another legit defense that just won’t produce enough on offense to contend.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers– I just don’t think Aaron Rodgers has it anymore and I think Pittsburgh might implode.
28. Dallas Cowboys– I feel an implosion of epic proportions coming in Jerry World.
29. Indianapolis Colts– There is little reason for optimism when Daniel Jones is your QB1, ask Giants fans.
30. Miami Dolphins– Another team that I feel like is in for an epic implosion.
31. Tennessee Titans– I think Tennessee can rise much higher in these rankings, but until I see it on the field, I’ll rank them here.
32. New Orleans Saints– Right now, I think they’re the heavy favorite to land the first overall pick in the 2026 draft.

The second fantasy football draft I participated in this week was for the Lancaster Fighting Amish league. I’ve been in this league since 2006 and I routinely change the team name, this year I’ve gone with BJ & Da’ Bears to celebrate Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach of my beloved Bears.

As I said, I’ve been in this league since 2006, and while I’ve never won the title, I’ve been runner up three times and I’ve made the playoffs more often than not.

I’ve also twice won the Toilet Bowl and I’m one of only two teams in the history of this league to complete a winless regular season (but I did win three straight to capture the Toilet Bowl that season).

This league is a more conventional fantasy football league than my other. Smaller league, smaller rosters, mostly traditional scoring and a snake draft.

Where this league may differ from others is the keeper system. We can protect up to three players at the draft position we originally took them. For example, last year I drafted Caleb Williams in the ninth round, I can now protect him every year as my ninth round selection for as long as I want, so long as he is continuously on my roster.

Here’s a quick overview of Lancaster Fighting Amish:

12 team league.

16 man roster consisting of no more than 3 QBs, 6 RBs, 6 WRs, 4 TEs, 3 Kickers & 3 Team Defenses.

Lineups consist of 1 QB, 2-3 RBs, 2-4 WRs, 1-3 TEs, 1 Kicker & 1 Team Defense.

Scoring by RT Sports.

Limited keeper league. Keep up to 3 players at the spot you originally drafted them at. (See above)

Snake draft. We go 1-12, then 12-1, 1-12 and so on through 16 rounds.

My strategy is the same here. I highly value running backs and receivers, with RB being the highest priority. I stream defenses in this league and flat out cut my kicker on his bye week, so those are nearly always my 15th and 16th picks.

Now, onto the draft. First the protected players and where they were protected:

Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (1st Round)

Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (1st Round)

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings (2nd Round)

Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans (2nd Round)

Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions (2nd Round)

Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers (3rd Round)

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets (3rd Round)

Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons (3rd Round)

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (3rd Round)

Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (4th Round)

Devon Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins (4th Round)

Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants (5th Round)

Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders (6th Round)

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (6th Round)

George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys (8th Round)

Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders (8th Round)

DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (8th Round)

Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (9th Round)

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys (9th Round)

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills (10th Round)

Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals (11th Round)

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11th Round)

CJ Stroud, QB, Houston Texans (12th Round)

Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12th Round)

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense (12th Round)

Michael Penix Jr, QB, Atlanta Falcons (14th Round)

Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota Vikings (16th Round)

Jonnu Smith, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (16th Round)

Now, here’s how my draft went:

Round 1– Brian Thomas Jr, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

I had the fifth pick and things did not go my way. Jahmyr Gibbs and Derrick Henry were the first two off the board. I had a glimmer of hope when Jayden Daniels went third, but that was dashed when Ashton Jeanty went the pick before me.

Perhaps I was thrown off by not catching a break here, but as good as Thomas Jr was last year and can be this year, I can’t believe I didn’t more strongly consider Kyren Williams, Omarion Hampton or Chase Brown here.

Round 2– Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals

This draft is definitely not going the way I expected it to. James Cook went the pick ahead of me and suddenly I’m looking at getting shut out of the high end running back market.

Second draft in a row that I went tight end in the second, never thought I’d ever do that. I could justify the first time because it was a bigger league and I already had my RB1. Harder to justify this one and that’s not a knock on McBride.

Round 3– TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots

Okay, I got my running back. As I said in my last post, I really like Henderson and I expect big things from him. Now, I need him to be what I believe he will be, because here he’s not my number two, but my number one back.

Round 4– Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

Two Bears I had my eye on went off the board since my last pick. I’m not sure I would have taken D’Andre Swift, but I definitely would have grabbed DJ Moore but he went one pick before mine.

I like Bryce Young this year and I think McMillan will be his number one guy sooner rather than later. I have no problem getting a young wide receiver with major upside.

Round 5– Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings

I was hoping Isaiah Pacheco would make it back to me, but he didn’t.

Have you ever watched a guy repeatedly rip the heart out of your team, over and over, even after changing teams, that you eventually come to respect him?

That’s me & Aaron Jones. I never would have taken Jones when he was a Packer, but on the Vikings I didn’t hesitate.

Round 6– David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions

Old friend alert! Okay, now I’m feeling much better about my running backs. Jones and Montgomery are solid veterans and should give me consistent production.

Round 7– Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears

After missing out on DJ Moore, landing Odunze became a priority and here was the spot to do it.

If I hadn’t added Jones & Montgomery with my previous two picks, I might have been more upset that Bill Croskey- Merrit went one pick before me.

Round 8– Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears (keeper)

This is why I wanted one of Moore or Odunze, to pair with my franchise quarterback. I fully expect Ben Johnson to tap Williams’ enormous potential and Williams to become the first 4,000 yard passer in Bears franchise history.

Round 9– Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots

Not counting defense and kicker, I have my starting lineup set, including flex positions. It’s time to work on the bench.

I figured getting the handcuff for my rookie RB1 was a pretty solid plan.

Round 10– Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills

Not going to lie, I was really hoping Jordan Addison would make it back to me, but alas it wasn’t to be.

Coleman is young and talented enough to really ascend in the Bills offense.

Round 11– Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

I am ecstatic about this pick, For this year and the future. Loveland may develop into a possible flex play this year and he should become a cheap (fantasy draft wise) TE1 for years.

Round 12– Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets

Another old friend alert! I actually started targeting Fields as my back up a couple rounds prior. I put off making the pick as I grabbed more important bench pieces, but the time came to make the move.

I am still a very big Justin Fields fan!

Round 13– Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns

This is what I look for in back of the bench running backs. Rookies with some upside. He may be a goal line vulture this year, as well.

Round 14– Amari Cooper, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

I already had 4 very young receivers with upside, so I decided to add a veteran that might still have something in the tank after a change of scenery.

Round 15– Ka’imi Fairbairn, K, Houston Texans

A lesson I learned in my other draft. I googled what kicker made the most 50+ yard field goals. Fairbairn was second to Brandon Aubrey, who was already off the board.

Round 16– Washington Commanders Defense

Before leaving for the draft, I looked at the week one schedule and listed my five favorite defensive matchups. Washington was my second pick after Denver, which had already been drafted.

ANALYSIS

After some early consternation, I think I had a decent draft. I got sniped a few times early on, but I stayed patient, for the most part, and stuck to my plans. When the time was right, I pulled the trigger on some moves I had been patiently waiting on.

BJ & Da’ Bears Roster

Quarterbacks

Caleb Williams, Bears *

Justin Fields, Jets

Running Backs

TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots *

Aaron Jones, Vikings *

David Montgomery, Lions

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

Dylan Sampson, Browns

Wide Receivers

Brian Thomas Jr, Jaguars *

Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers *

Rome Odunze, Bears

Keon Coleman, Bills

Amari Cooper, Raiders

Tight Ends

Trey McBride, Cardinals *

Colston Loveland, Bears

Kicker

Ka’imi Fairbairn, Texans *

Team Defense

Washington Commanders *

*Starter

David Montgomery & Rome Odunze will also start as flex plays early on.

Tight end is probably my strongest position group. McBride is a high volume target machine that should score more touchdowns this year. Loveland is a major upside rookie that I think could be a flex play for me later this season. He’s also a prime keeper candidate as an 11th round pick.

My wide receivers have plenty of potential, but only Thomas Jr and Cooper have produced like a WR1. Thomas is entering his second year, and should be reliable. Cooper, however, is on the downside of his career and I’m not sure how much he’ll produce for me.

I’m quite happy with my quarterbacks. I honestly believe Ben Johnson will help Caleb Williams become an elite fantasy quarterback. I believe in Justin Fields, as well, and worst case scenario is he’s still a decent play with the chance for the occasional monster week.

My running back group actually turned out better than I feared it might. I’d be more comfortable with Henderson as my RB2, but I certainly think he’ll become a legit RB1. Jones & Montgomery aren’t elite fantasy options, but they’re solid veteran options that should offer consistency. Stevenson is merely a handcuff on Henderson, while Sampson is an upside gamble.

Fairbairn is actually a good enough kicker that I may try to protect him on his bye week.

I stream defenses in this league, so week one may be the only time I use the Commanders defense.

The keys to the season for this team are:

• I have a lot of young guys with vast potential, I need more than a few of them to realize that potential. First, and foremost, is Caleb Williams. As my only keeper, I basically rested my hopes on Williams becoming the superstar the Bears drafted him to be.
• TreVeyon Henderson needs to become the stud I think he should and quickly. I’m counting on him to be a legit RB1.
• Brian Thomas needs to be exactly what he was as a rookie. McMillan & Odunze need to prove they were worth being top ten picks in the past two NFL Drafts.
• Trey McBride needs to find the end zone more often. It would also be really nice if Loveland becomes a viable flex option as soon as possible.

I’m less confident in this squad than the one I drafted yesterday, mainly because this roster lacks any truly elite players, as of now. The potential is there, but until it materializes, I’m skeptical.