Redemption
By Nick M. W. and Emmitt Smith
One of the things I love about sports is the opportunity you have from play to play, or game to game, to make up for a mistake. It’s not every circumstance, but in general, redemption is around the corner in sports. In the NFL, redemption is a week away, and Week 2 of the 2022 Any Given Sunday fantasy football season provided redemption for Rebel Scum. Last week, I was destroyed by the defending champ, suffering a brutal 90 point loss. The mantra that kept me sane/composed in defeat was simple: “don’t panic”. I knew my talented roster underperformed, and it wasn’t going to happen in Week 2. Guys who got zero run in the pre-season had to shake off a little dust is all. For those of us fantasy footballers out there who earned redemption in Week 2 for the “L” they took in Week 1, a toast goes out to you.
On the opposite side of redemption are this week’s losers. Rudy’s Replacements felt the sting of loss after a hard fought battle with (division rival?), Ambassador of Quan. One point made the difference between a satisfactory 1 – 1 start for Rudy and a deflating 0 - 2. He’s already moved on to his Week 3 opponent, Ambassadors of Quan.
Let’s dig into a few questions.
REBEL SCUM
What went well for you this week?
Most of the squad showed up and played well. Cooper Kupp (WR) was his reliable self. You can pencil him in for 100 yards and a touchdown as his floor. Mike Williams (WR) had 113 yards and a touchdown. Aaron Jones (RB) hit me with 132 yards on the ground, 38 through the air, and a pair of touchdowns. Solid performances from the other dudes on my roster, and it was a good week for Rebel Scum.
How do you keep the momentum rolling?
I roll with the hot hands and pray for good health. Obviously, I can’t control how the players perform. I can only put the best guys I have in the right positions to win, literally. I have 5 ballers in my starting lineup that I believe can carry my team deep into the playoffs. The aforementioned Mike Will, Kupp, and Aaron Jones; I also have Javonte Williams and Austin Eckler to round out the Rebel Scum crew. With some good health and a little luck, wild shit can happen!
I would feel better if one more person, or group of people, stepped up a level and balled out ridiculously. I don’t think T.J. Hockenson is doing that, at least not more than once or twice this season. He hasn’t done it yet, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is only getting better. The Denver Broncos DST? I doubt it. I think they’ll have a couple of standout games, but for the most part, they’ll probably be average. I guess it’s got to be Aaron Rodgers, but who the hell is he throwing the football to?
Actually, what I think the studs on my squad need to do is play harder and score more points. You know, Rebel Scum can solve the issue internally.
Biggest surprise of the week:
I don’t want to complain after a win, but Austin Eckler has been solid in the same opportunities where he was once sensational. I didn’t fact-check this, but I believe he started last season the same way and turned it up in Week 3. I’m likely making this up to fit my narrative for the week, but I think that’s what happened last year.
Predictions/Thoughts for your Week 3 matchup?
T. Ruth usually gives me fits. We split the wins last season, and that’s the best I’ve ever done against him. He’s a 3-point favorite this week; he’s got Derek Henry at home facing the Raiders and Kirk Cousins ready to shit all over the Lions. Both of those assholes have their best games of the season every time they play against me. But, on Any Given Sunday there’s always hope for a miracle.
RUDY’S REPLACEMENTS
What disappointed you the most about your team this week?
What disappointed me about this week was Justin Herbert leaving points on the field again and Hunter Renfrow with the (-2) FUMBLE in overtime. I ended up losing by an extra point on Monday night! I needed that win! If Renfrow just holds on to the ball, I get the upset victory! Yes, I'm blaming it on Renfrow because he was the last player on the field for me last Sunday afternoon.
Biggest roster regret?
Well, with Michael Pittman and Alvin Kamara going down with injuries, I was able to fill those spots with Darrell Henderson and Hunter Renfrow. My division is the toughest, and anytime I can exchange punches all NFL weekend, there aren’t any regrets with who I had started for The Replacements.
Predictions/Thoughts for your Week 3 matchup?
I didn’t get that upset win last week, but I’m spoiling Quan’s unbeaten record this week. Positive thoughts because he’s a heavy favorite.
