Welcome back. I'm not sure why some of you choose to return year after year only to be beaten down time and again. But, here we are.
Our first order of business is to ensure that you're all aware of the changes to the league this season. If you didn't have the chance to read about them yet, I understand. After all, I only posted about them out seven months ago when you were all at peak engagement within the league. And I'm aware that some of you might not be able to read.
Since I know you're all very busy doing whatever it is that you do, here's a brief recap:
League Fee Increase: This year the entry fee is $250, but that's a steal at twice the price if you ask me. Don't go getting cheap on me.
Golden Ticket Is Back: Since Defeat The Commish didn't go over so well, we brought back the Golden Ticket Challenge. There is, however, one new rule: you can make one player change to your roster after week 5 and before week 6. So, when Christian McCaffrey exits the season in week 2, you'll have a chance to replace him after week 5 and stay relevant.
Introducing the Eliminator Challenge: The side games we play are the only opportunity for some of you win, so we've added another. You'll receive the link to join our group soon.
New Consolation Bracket: The Consolation Ladder sucks so we're changing it to a tournament bracket format like our playoffs. The top two teams will receive a first round bye and it's all downhill from there.
New Weekly Prizes: Instead of season-long prizes for Highest Single Week Score and Highest Single Week Score in a Loss, we're making them weekly prizes. But, wait, there's more! We're adding another - Lowest Score in a Win - to the mix. Just another reason to set your best lineup each week.
Redistributing The Wealth: Instead of 100% of the FAAB revenue going to 1st place, we're gonna spread the love a little and change it to 60%, 30%, and 10% to the Champion, Runner-up, and 3rd place. If you can somehow manage to win all three, you'll still get 100% of the FAAB revenue.
It's Good To Be The King: Bragging rights are great when you're crowned the Champion, but even better is the opportunity to choose the team name and logo of the last place team for next season.
With that out of the way, it's time to put down the Good Housekeeping magazine and turn off Real Housewives of Dubai so you can start working on your team.
Your next task is to take a look at your current roster and select up to two players that you want to keep. My suggestion: kickers and defenses make great keepers. In fact, I recommend drafting a backup for each in the early rounds of the draft.
Unlike previous seasons, the keeper price you see on ESPN is the correct price BEFORE the Keeper Tax has been applied. I'll say it again for those in the back of the room: you must add the appropriate Keeper Tax rate to the price you see next to your player on ESPN to calculate their final keeper cost. The only exception to this are players that show a price of $0. Those players will be $1 plus applicable taxes.
If you don't remember what the Keeper Tax rates are, you can CLICK HERE to see them listed under the Draft & Keeper Rules section.
Keep in mind, you don't have forever to contemplate this important decision. Keepers MUST be selected by Monday, August 29th at 9:00 PM PST. There are NO exceptions to this.
Now that you've selected your keepers, it's time to focus on the draft.
Whether you like a three QB roster, TE heavy, or spending your entire budget on two RBs, you'll need to have your strategy planned out and ready for the big night on Thursday, September 1st at 6:30 PM PST when we have our live auction draft.
I know what you're thinking: "Commish, that was a lot of reading. Can you just simplify it?"
Sure.
Keepers Lock: Monday, August 29th at 9:00 PM PST (12:00 AM EST)
Live Auction Draft: Thursday, September 1st at 6:30 PM PST (9:30 PM EST)
There you have it, folks. That 5-8 record last season is behind you now and you'll have another opportunity to show the league what you're made of. If you study hard, plan carefully, and pay attention, a 6-7 record and a brief brush with a playoff berth may just be in your future.
Good luck this season!
-- Commish
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