As the 2010's enter their final hours, it's time to start looking ahead to the next decade. For movie fans, this means looking forward to the next 10 years of new voices, faces and favorites emerging while reflecting on all the good and bad that the previous 10 have delivered.
So what does Hollywood have in store for the opening act of the 2020's? Unfortunately, not a whole hell of a lot. However, this doesn't mean that there isn't a fair amount of titles that I'm highly anticipating during this period. There's a swan song for arguably the greatest James Bond of all time (No Time to Die), a potentially game-changing entry in the filmography of a massive brand (Birds of Prey) and of course, Vin Diesel trying to keep himself busy (Bloodshot) in between Fast and Furious sequels. Here are the 10 movies I'm most excited to see from January through April.
10.Bloodshot (3/13):
A sleepy section of the release calendar wouldn't be complete without another shameless attempt by Vin Diesel to launch a new franchise for himself. The trailer doesn't exactly inspire a ton of confidence that this will be anything more than a passable ride that's only remembered for using a shitload of red lighting during its fight scenes, but Diesel's magnetism paired with a supporting cast that's full of welcome presences (Lamorne Morris, Eiza Gonzalez, Guy Pearce) gives me just enough hope that this could be a nice early year surprise.
9.The Rhythm Section (1/31):
Blake Lively has improved significantly as an actor over the past few years and I'm curious to see how she approaches a big action vehicle.
8.Antebellum (4/24):
While the bulk of the details surrounding this horror thriller from newcomers Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz are still under wraps, the creepy teaser that was released last month was very effective and I'm thrilled that Janelle Monae is finally getting a chance to be the sole lead in a film.
7.Bad Trip (4/24):
Considering the multiple delays Bad Trip has received since the trailer dropped in June, there's no guarantee that this date will stick or it won't suffer the same Hulu dump fate as fellow MGM/Orion/Annapurna title Wounds did earlier this year. Regardless of when or where its released, a loosely-scripted, Jackass-esque hidden camera comedy starring Eric Andre, Lil Rel Howrey and Tiffany Haddish is the type of silly niche project that couldn't possibly be more in my wheelhouse.
6.No Time to Die (4/10):
The presence of Cary Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation, Season 1 of True Detective) in the director's chair and Rami Malek as the villain along with an impressive debut trailer is making me feel pretty good about the odds of Daniel Craig receiving the triumphant James Bond sendoff he deserves.
5.The Way Back (3/6):
Inspirational sports dramas are becoming increasingly scarce as the years goes on, so I'll treat every time one surfaces as some kind of special event. The fact that Ben Affleck is playing the burnout athlete turned reluctant coach looking for redemption in his hometown and Gavin O'Connor, who was responsible for the masterpiece Warrior back in 2011, is directing has me thinking that this might turn out to be The Avengers of the genre.
4.A Quiet Place Part II (3/20):
The ending of A Quiet Place was pretty lame and seemingly provided no room for a sequel. That being said, the vast majority of the film was so great from a suspense/acting/general entertainment standpoint that I'm very intrigued to see if this attempt to build a franchise works out.
3.Bad Boys for Life (1/17):
A third Bad Boys movie had been teased for so long without any real tangible results that it felt like an elaborate, mean-spirited hoax being perpetuated by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. After almost 17 years of false starts and broken promises, it's finally here!!! If the trailer is indicative of the quality of the finished product, Bad Boys for Life is going to be the vulgar, over-the-top action comedy extravaganza fans of the franchise deserve.
2.Birds of Prey (And The Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2/7):
Following the success of Aquaman and Shazam!, DC's film division looks like they could be on the verge of turning a corner by focusing on standalone films instead of the Marvel-esque shared universe approach that yielded them very mixed results during their first five years of operation. A hard R actioner led by Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn from the writer of Bumblebee and the stunt team/fight choreographer behind the John Wick trilogy has the potential to be the type of distinct, standout superhero offering that could help elevate the DC brand to the next level.
1.The Gentlemen (1/24):
England's king of grimeball crime comedies is finally coming home!!! After spending the past decade directing blockbusters, Guy Ritchie is returning to his roots and he brought a ridiculous all-star cast (Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Hugh Grant, Eddie Marsan) with him to celebrate this unexpected comeback. As long as this doesn't sink to the levels of convoluted mediocrity achieved by Ritchie's lone non-Madonna vanity project dud Revolver, I'll be delighted.
Also Interested In:
Like a Boss (1/10)
Underwater (1/10)
Color Out of Space (1/24)
The Turning (1/24)
The Assistant (1/31)
Buffaloed (2/14)
Downhill (2/14)
Ordinary Love (2/14)
The Photograph (2/14)
Sonic the Hedgehog (2/14)
Greed (2/21)
Burden (2/28)
The Invisible Man (2/28)
Onward (3/6)
Spenser Confidential (3/6)
My Spy (3/13)
Deerskin (3/20)
Saint Maud (3/27)
Fatherhood (4/3)
The Lovebirds (4/3)
Charm City Kings (4/10)
Antlers (4/17)
Monster Problems (4/17)
Promising Young Woman (4/17)
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Monday, December 30, 2019
Top 100 Trap Songs of the 2010's
Like the beefs that the artists find themselves involved in from time to time, hip-hop fans are always at odds with each other. Older generations will wax poetic about the glory days where the genre was full of sharp lyricists who could paint vivid pictures with their words while newer generations tend to gravitate towards artists that put more of an emphasis on the musical side of the coin.
The point of contention among these groups during the 2000's was pop rap. As the likes of Missy Elliott, Kanye West and Drake found success with more sung vocals and less gritty subject matter, oldheads took offense to what they viewed as the softening of a street-hardened genre.
This decade, the trap movement has become the latest battle in this never-ending war. The slower deliveries, use of repetitive hooks/vocal effects and often flamboyant appearances of trap artists have predictably connected with a new generation while making the rage of the detractors that yearn for a return to what they see as the glory days grow stronger than ever (as evidenced by the creation of the wildly popular derogatory term "mumble rap" that's used ad nauseum to insult these new artists).
So how do I feel about this latest polarizing trend in hip-hop? Pretty fucking great. Hip-hop was never designed to be exclusively one thing and as far as I'm concerned, trap is a great complement to the more lyrical artists of both past and present. What makes trap so appealing to me is that there's absolutely no rules from a compositional standpoint. Some of its over-the-top abrasive, some of its incredibly melodic. Some of its mindless fun, some of it features quietly potent observations about drug use, depression and a variety of other important topics that were considered to be taboo for rappers to discuss in the past. Some of the instrumentals are pretty basic, some of them are incredibly intricate. I firmly believe that the abundant and unapologetic dynamism that trap so proudly embodies is among the best things to happen to hip-hop in the past 25 years, and has resulted in the creation of some of the most exhilarating material that the genre has ever produced.
To celebrate the role trap played in revitalizing my love of hip-hop along with the strong impact it had on the musical world on the whole during the 2010's, I've put together a list of the 100 songs released during this decade that I feel reflect the best this genre has to offer. Regardless of where you stand on the debate of trap's worthiness, I hope that you at least understand the lens that I view it through and maybe even find something to enjoy along the way. Who knows if trap will continue to be the focal point of the genre in the next decade, but at the very least, I'll always warmly remember the role it played in shaping the landscape of this one.
Notes:
-Years listed next to the song title reflect when they were first released (single or album)
-All features are listed, even if they were uncredited on the official release.
Just Missed the Cut:
Future and Young Thug-No Cap (2017)
Guuci Mane-Waybach (2016)
Playboi Carti-Mileage (feat. Chief Keef) (2018)
Waka Flocka Flame-M.O.N.E.Y. (2015)
Young Thug-Ecstasy (original version without Machine Gun Kelly) (2019)
100.Trippie Redd-Love Scars (2016)
Appears on A Love Letter to You
Produced by Elliot Trent
99.Ski Mask the Slump God-Like a Soccer Mom (2016)
Appears on Slaps for My Drop-Top Mini Van
Produced by RayAyy
98.Rae Sremmurd-Look Alive (2016)
Appears on SremmLife 2
Produced by Louie Ji, Mike Will Made It and Whatlittleshoddysay
97.Juicy J-I'm Sicka (2015)
Appears on Blue Dream and Lean 2
Produced by Mike Will Made It
96.Migos-Trippin (2016)
Appears on Y.R.N.2
Produced by Phenom Da Don
95.21 Savage-Gun Smoke (2018)
Appears on I Am>I Was
Produced by Kid Hazel, Freek Van Workum and ItsNicklus
94.2 Chainz-Watch Out (2015)
Appears on Trapaveil Tre
Produced by FKi
93.Young Nudy and Pi'erre Bourne-Shotta (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) (2019)
Appears on Sli'merre
Produced by Pi'erre Bourne
92.21 Savage and Metro Boomin-Mad High (2016)
Appears on Savage Mode
Produced by Metro Boomin
91.Travis Scott-No Bystanders (feat. Juice WRLD and Sheck Wes) (2018)
Appears on Astroworld
Produced by WondaGurl, Mike Dean, David Stromberg and Gezin (808 Mafia)
90.Young Thug-Hot (feat. Gunna) (2019)
Appears on So Much Fun
Produced by Wheezy
89.Denzel Curry-ULT (2016)
Appears on Imperial
Produced by Ronny J, Nick Leon and FnZ
88.Gunna-Sold Out Dates (feat. Lil Baby) (2018)
Appears on Sold Out Dates (single)
Produced by Ghetto Guitar and Turbo
87.Future and Drake-Digital Dash (2015)
Appears on What a Time to Be Alive
Produced by Metro Boomin and Southside
86.Gucci Mane-Walk on Water (2016)
Appears on The Return of East Atlanta Santa
Produced by Ricky Racks
85.Denzel Curry-Gook (2016)
Appears on Imperial
Produced by Ronny J, FnZ and Deboni Lino Martinez
84.Rae Sremmurd-Start a Party (2016)
Appears on SremmLife 2
Produced by Pluss and P-Nazty
83.Young Thug-Swizz Beatz (2016)
Appears on Jeffery
Produced by Wheezy
82.Cardi B-Bartier Cardi (feat. 21 Savage (2017)
Appears on Invasion of Privacy
Produced by 30 Roc and Cheeze Beatz
81.Bobby Shmurda-Hot N*gga (2014)
Appears on Shmurda She Wrote
Produced by Jahlil Beats
80.Travis Scott-Antidote (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by WondaGurl, Travis Scott and Eestbound
79.21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin-Mad Stalkers (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin and Dre Moon
78.Future-High Demand (2017)
Appears on FUTURE
Produced by DY and Tre Pounds
77.Lil Yachty-Minnesota (feat. Quavo, Skippa da Flippa and Young Thug) (2016)
Appears on Lil Boat
Produced by Grandfero
76.Travis Scott-Can't Say (feat. Don Toliver) (2018)
Appears on Astroworld
Produced by WondaGurl, London Cyr and Mike Dean
75.Migos-Antidope (2014)
Appears on No Label II
Produced by Murda Beatz
74.Denzel Curry-PERCS|PERCZ (2018)
Appears on TA13OO
Produced by FnZ and Denzel Curry
73.A$AP Ferg-Plain Jane (2017)
Appears on Still Striving
Produced by Kirk Knight
72.Young Thug-Mannequin Challenge (feat. Juice WRLD) (2019)
Appears on So Much Fun
Produced by J.Cole and T-Minus
71.City Morgue-SK8 Head (2018)
Appears on City Morgue Vol.1: Hell or High Water
Produced by Thraxx
70.Young Nudy and Pi'erre Bourne-Dispatch (feat. DaBaby) (2019)
Appears on Sli'merre
Produced by Pi'erre Bourne
69.21 Savage-1.5 (feat. Offset) (2018)
Appears on I Am>I Was
Produced by Wheezy and Nils
68.Playboi Carti-Old Money (2018)
(Studio version isn't on YouTube)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by Pie'rre Bourne
67.O.T Genasis-CoCo (2014)
Appears on CoCo (single)
Produced by Juice 808
66.Sheck Wes-Mo Bamba (2017)
Appears on Mudboy
Produced by 16yrold and Take a Daytrip
65.Rae Sremmurd-No Flex Zone (2014)
Appears on SremmLife
Produced by Mike Will Made It and A+
64.Danny Brown-Side B (Dope Song) (2013)
Appears on Old
Produced by Rustie
63.Migos-Hannah Montana (2013)
Appears on Y.R.N.
Produced by Dun Deal
62.A$AP Ferg-Murda Something (feat. Waka Flocka Flame) (2013)
Appears on Trap Lord
Produced by Jim Jonsin, Finatak N Zac and Rico Love
61.Travis Scott-Pray 4 Love (feat. The Weeknd) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by Illangelo, The Weeknd, Mike Dean, Ben Billions, Travis Scott and Allen Ritter
60.Metro Boomin-Space Cadet (feat. Gunna) (2018)
Appears on NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES
Produced by Metro Boomin, Wheezy and Allen Ritter
59.Lil Uzi Vert-Money Longer (2016)
Appears on Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World
Produced by Don Cannon and Maaly Raw
58.Future-I Serve the Base (2015)
Appears on DS2
Produced by Metro Boomin
57.2 Chainz-OG Kush Diet (2017)
Appears on Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
Produced by FKi and iLL Wayno
56.Lil Pump-Gucci Gang (2017)
Appears on Lil Pump
Produced by Bighead and Gnealz
55.Young Thug-Harambe (2016)
Appears on Jeffery
Produced by Billboard Hitmakers
54.Playboi Carti-Lean4Real (feat. Skepta) (2018)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by IndigoChildRick
53.Juicy J-Flood Watch (feat. Offset) (2017)
Appears on Rubba Band Business
Produced by TM88
52.ScHoolboy Q-Dope Dealer (feat. E-40) (2016)
Appears on Blank Face LP
Produced by Metro Boomin and Southside
51.21 Savage and Metro Boomin-No Advance (2016)
Appears on Savage Mode
Produced by Metro Boomin
50.Travis Scott-The Ends (feat. Andre 3000) (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
Produced by Vinylz, Daxz, WondaGurl and OZ
49.City Morgue-33rd Blakk Glass (2018)
Appears on City Morgue Vol.1: Hell or High Water
Produced by Thraxx
48.Migos-Contraband (2014)
Appears on No Label II
Produced by Zaytoven
47.Young Thug-Anybody (feat. Nicki Minaj) (2018)
Appears on Hear No Evil
Produced by Rex Kudo and Charlie Handsome
46.2 Chainz-Sleep When U Die (2017)
Appears on Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
Produced by Buddah Bless
45.Travis Scott-3500 (feat. Future and 2 Chainz) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, Travis Scott, Mano, Zaytoven and Allen Ritter
44.Rae Sremmurd-Up Like Trump (2014)
Appears on SremmLife
Produced by Sonny Digital
43.Denzel Curry-Ricky (2019)
Appears on ZUU
Produced by FnZ
42.Metro Boomin-10 Freaky Girls (feat. 21 Savage) (2018)
Appears on NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES
Produced by Metro Boomin
41.Playboi Carti-Shoota (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) (2018)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by Maaly Raw
40.Waka Flocka Flame-Rooster in My Rari (2012)
Appears on Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family
Produced by DJ Spinz
39.Young Thug-Stoner (2013)
Appears on Stoner (single)
Produced by Dun Deal
38.Future-Blow a Bag (2015)
Appears on DS2
Produced by Metro Boomin, Sonny Digital and Southside
37.Danny Brown-Break It (Go) (2013)
Appears on Old
Produced by Rustie
36.Kodak Black-Patty Cake (2017)
Appears on Painting Pictures
Produced by Ben Billions, Ness and Nick Seeley
35.Young Thug-F Cancer (Boosie) (feat. Quavo) (2016)
Appears on I'm Up
Produced by Mike Will Made It and Resource
34.Offset and Metro Boomin-Ric Flair Drip (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin and Bijan Amir
33.Rae Sremmurd-Powerglide (feat. Juicy J) (2018)
Appears on SR3MM
Produced by Mally Mall, Hovart and Mike Will Made It
32.Denzel Curry-Birdz (feat. Rick Ross) (2019)
Appears on ZUU
Produced by FnZ
31.Lil Uzi Vert-Hi Roller (2016)
Appears on Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World
Produced by Maaly Raw
30.Future-March Madness (2015)
Appears on 56 Nights
Produced by Tarentino
29.Trippie Redd-Dark Knight Dummo (feat. Travis Scott) (2017)
Appears on Life's A Trip
Produced by Honorable C.N.O.T.E.
28.Migos-T-Shirt (2017)
Appears on Culture
Produced by Narb & B and XL Eagle
27.Travis Scott-Goosebumps (feat. Kendrick Lamar) (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
Produced by Cardo, Cubeatz, Yung Exclusive and Mike Dean
26.Young Thug-Best Friend (2015)
Appears on Slime Season
Produced by Ricky Racks and Young Shad
25.Migos-Stir Fry (2017)
Appears on Culture II
Produced by Pharrell Williams
24.Travis Scott-Nightcrawler (feat. Swae Lee and Chief Keef) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, Travis Scott, Southside, TM88 and Allen Ritter
23.Playboi Carti-R.I.P. (2018)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by Pie'rre Bourne
22.Migos-Call Casting (2017)
Appears on Culture
Produced by Buddah Bless and Bron Bron
21.Migos-Add It Up (2014)
Appears on No Label II
Produced by Metro Boomin and Zaytoven
20.Waka Flocka Flame-Hard in Da Paint (feat. Gucci Mane) (2010)
Appears on Flockaveli
Produced by Lex Luger
19.2 Chainz and Lil Wayne-Bounce (2016)
Appears on ColleGrove
Produced by Infamous and T@
18.21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin-Ghostface Killers (feat. Travis Scott) (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin
17.Future-Seven Rings (2016)
Appears on EVOL
Produced by TM88 and MP808
16.Denzel Curry-Ultimate (2015)
Appears on 32 Zel/Planet Shrooms
Produced by Ronny J
15.Migos-WOA (2016)
Appears on Y.R.N. 2
Produced by Dun Deal
14.Young Thug-Wyclef Jean (2016)
Appears on Jeffrey
Produced by TM88 and Supah Mario
13.Travis Scott-Yosemite (feat. Gunna and NAV) (2018)
Appears on Astroworld
Produced by June James, Turbo and Ramy
12.Future-Diamonds from Africa (2015)
Appears on 56 Nights
Produced by Southside
11.Lil Uzi Vert-Xo Tour Lilf3 (2017)
Appears on Luv is Rage 1.5/Luv is Rage 2
Produced by TM88 and J.W. Lucas
10.Danny Brown-Smokin & Drinkin (2013)
Appears on Old
Produced by A-Trak and JMIKE
9.Travis Scott-90210 (feat. Kacy Hill) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by DJ Dahi, Allen Ritter, Mike Dean, Travis Scott and WondaGurl
8.Lil Uzi Vert-Canadian Goose (2016)
Appears on Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World
Produced by Maaly Raw
7.Young Thug-With Them (2016)
Appears on Slime Season 3
Produced by Mike Will Made It and Resource
6.Travis Scott-Sweet Sweet (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
Produced by Murda Beatz, Cubeatz and Mike Dean
5.Migos-Chinatown (2013)
Appears on Y.R.N.
Produced by MPC Cartel
4.21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin-Rap Saved Me (feat. Quavo) (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin
3.Playboi Carti-Magnolia (2017)
Appears on Playboi Carti
Produced by Pi'erre Bourne
2.A$AP Ferg-Shabba (feat. A$AP Rocky) (2013)
Appears on Trap Lord
Produced by Snugsworth
1.Young Thug and Travis Scott-Pick Up the Phone (feat. Quavo) (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight/Jeffrey
Produced by Vinylz, Frank Dukes, Mike Dean and Allen Ritter
The point of contention among these groups during the 2000's was pop rap. As the likes of Missy Elliott, Kanye West and Drake found success with more sung vocals and less gritty subject matter, oldheads took offense to what they viewed as the softening of a street-hardened genre.
This decade, the trap movement has become the latest battle in this never-ending war. The slower deliveries, use of repetitive hooks/vocal effects and often flamboyant appearances of trap artists have predictably connected with a new generation while making the rage of the detractors that yearn for a return to what they see as the glory days grow stronger than ever (as evidenced by the creation of the wildly popular derogatory term "mumble rap" that's used ad nauseum to insult these new artists).
So how do I feel about this latest polarizing trend in hip-hop? Pretty fucking great. Hip-hop was never designed to be exclusively one thing and as far as I'm concerned, trap is a great complement to the more lyrical artists of both past and present. What makes trap so appealing to me is that there's absolutely no rules from a compositional standpoint. Some of its over-the-top abrasive, some of its incredibly melodic. Some of its mindless fun, some of it features quietly potent observations about drug use, depression and a variety of other important topics that were considered to be taboo for rappers to discuss in the past. Some of the instrumentals are pretty basic, some of them are incredibly intricate. I firmly believe that the abundant and unapologetic dynamism that trap so proudly embodies is among the best things to happen to hip-hop in the past 25 years, and has resulted in the creation of some of the most exhilarating material that the genre has ever produced.
To celebrate the role trap played in revitalizing my love of hip-hop along with the strong impact it had on the musical world on the whole during the 2010's, I've put together a list of the 100 songs released during this decade that I feel reflect the best this genre has to offer. Regardless of where you stand on the debate of trap's worthiness, I hope that you at least understand the lens that I view it through and maybe even find something to enjoy along the way. Who knows if trap will continue to be the focal point of the genre in the next decade, but at the very least, I'll always warmly remember the role it played in shaping the landscape of this one.
Notes:
-Years listed next to the song title reflect when they were first released (single or album)
-All features are listed, even if they were uncredited on the official release.
Just Missed the Cut:
Future and Young Thug-No Cap (2017)
Guuci Mane-Waybach (2016)
Playboi Carti-Mileage (feat. Chief Keef) (2018)
Waka Flocka Flame-M.O.N.E.Y. (2015)
Young Thug-Ecstasy (original version without Machine Gun Kelly) (2019)
100.Trippie Redd-Love Scars (2016)
Appears on A Love Letter to You
Produced by Elliot Trent
99.Ski Mask the Slump God-Like a Soccer Mom (2016)
Appears on Slaps for My Drop-Top Mini Van
Produced by RayAyy
98.Rae Sremmurd-Look Alive (2016)
Appears on SremmLife 2
Produced by Louie Ji, Mike Will Made It and Whatlittleshoddysay
97.Juicy J-I'm Sicka (2015)
Appears on Blue Dream and Lean 2
Produced by Mike Will Made It
96.Migos-Trippin (2016)
Appears on Y.R.N.2
Produced by Phenom Da Don
95.21 Savage-Gun Smoke (2018)
Appears on I Am>I Was
Produced by Kid Hazel, Freek Van Workum and ItsNicklus
94.2 Chainz-Watch Out (2015)
Appears on Trapaveil Tre
Produced by FKi
93.Young Nudy and Pi'erre Bourne-Shotta (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) (2019)
Appears on Sli'merre
Produced by Pi'erre Bourne
92.21 Savage and Metro Boomin-Mad High (2016)
Appears on Savage Mode
Produced by Metro Boomin
91.Travis Scott-No Bystanders (feat. Juice WRLD and Sheck Wes) (2018)
Appears on Astroworld
Produced by WondaGurl, Mike Dean, David Stromberg and Gezin (808 Mafia)
90.Young Thug-Hot (feat. Gunna) (2019)
Appears on So Much Fun
Produced by Wheezy
89.Denzel Curry-ULT (2016)
Appears on Imperial
Produced by Ronny J, Nick Leon and FnZ
88.Gunna-Sold Out Dates (feat. Lil Baby) (2018)
Appears on Sold Out Dates (single)
Produced by Ghetto Guitar and Turbo
87.Future and Drake-Digital Dash (2015)
Appears on What a Time to Be Alive
Produced by Metro Boomin and Southside
86.Gucci Mane-Walk on Water (2016)
Appears on The Return of East Atlanta Santa
Produced by Ricky Racks
85.Denzel Curry-Gook (2016)
Appears on Imperial
Produced by Ronny J, FnZ and Deboni Lino Martinez
84.Rae Sremmurd-Start a Party (2016)
Appears on SremmLife 2
Produced by Pluss and P-Nazty
83.Young Thug-Swizz Beatz (2016)
Appears on Jeffery
Produced by Wheezy
82.Cardi B-Bartier Cardi (feat. 21 Savage (2017)
Appears on Invasion of Privacy
Produced by 30 Roc and Cheeze Beatz
81.Bobby Shmurda-Hot N*gga (2014)
Appears on Shmurda She Wrote
Produced by Jahlil Beats
80.Travis Scott-Antidote (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by WondaGurl, Travis Scott and Eestbound
79.21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin-Mad Stalkers (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin and Dre Moon
78.Future-High Demand (2017)
Appears on FUTURE
Produced by DY and Tre Pounds
77.Lil Yachty-Minnesota (feat. Quavo, Skippa da Flippa and Young Thug) (2016)
Appears on Lil Boat
Produced by Grandfero
76.Travis Scott-Can't Say (feat. Don Toliver) (2018)
Appears on Astroworld
Produced by WondaGurl, London Cyr and Mike Dean
75.Migos-Antidope (2014)
Appears on No Label II
Produced by Murda Beatz
74.Denzel Curry-PERCS|PERCZ (2018)
Appears on TA13OO
Produced by FnZ and Denzel Curry
73.A$AP Ferg-Plain Jane (2017)
Appears on Still Striving
Produced by Kirk Knight
72.Young Thug-Mannequin Challenge (feat. Juice WRLD) (2019)
Appears on So Much Fun
Produced by J.Cole and T-Minus
71.City Morgue-SK8 Head (2018)
Appears on City Morgue Vol.1: Hell or High Water
Produced by Thraxx
70.Young Nudy and Pi'erre Bourne-Dispatch (feat. DaBaby) (2019)
Appears on Sli'merre
Produced by Pi'erre Bourne
69.21 Savage-1.5 (feat. Offset) (2018)
Appears on I Am>I Was
Produced by Wheezy and Nils
68.Playboi Carti-Old Money (2018)
(Studio version isn't on YouTube)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by Pie'rre Bourne
67.O.T Genasis-CoCo (2014)
Appears on CoCo (single)
Produced by Juice 808
66.Sheck Wes-Mo Bamba (2017)
Appears on Mudboy
Produced by 16yrold and Take a Daytrip
65.Rae Sremmurd-No Flex Zone (2014)
Appears on SremmLife
Produced by Mike Will Made It and A+
64.Danny Brown-Side B (Dope Song) (2013)
Appears on Old
Produced by Rustie
63.Migos-Hannah Montana (2013)
Appears on Y.R.N.
Produced by Dun Deal
62.A$AP Ferg-Murda Something (feat. Waka Flocka Flame) (2013)
Appears on Trap Lord
Produced by Jim Jonsin, Finatak N Zac and Rico Love
61.Travis Scott-Pray 4 Love (feat. The Weeknd) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by Illangelo, The Weeknd, Mike Dean, Ben Billions, Travis Scott and Allen Ritter
60.Metro Boomin-Space Cadet (feat. Gunna) (2018)
Appears on NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES
Produced by Metro Boomin, Wheezy and Allen Ritter
59.Lil Uzi Vert-Money Longer (2016)
Appears on Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World
Produced by Don Cannon and Maaly Raw
58.Future-I Serve the Base (2015)
Appears on DS2
Produced by Metro Boomin
57.2 Chainz-OG Kush Diet (2017)
Appears on Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
Produced by FKi and iLL Wayno
56.Lil Pump-Gucci Gang (2017)
Appears on Lil Pump
Produced by Bighead and Gnealz
55.Young Thug-Harambe (2016)
Appears on Jeffery
Produced by Billboard Hitmakers
54.Playboi Carti-Lean4Real (feat. Skepta) (2018)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by IndigoChildRick
53.Juicy J-Flood Watch (feat. Offset) (2017)
Appears on Rubba Band Business
Produced by TM88
52.ScHoolboy Q-Dope Dealer (feat. E-40) (2016)
Appears on Blank Face LP
Produced by Metro Boomin and Southside
51.21 Savage and Metro Boomin-No Advance (2016)
Appears on Savage Mode
Produced by Metro Boomin
50.Travis Scott-The Ends (feat. Andre 3000) (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
Produced by Vinylz, Daxz, WondaGurl and OZ
49.City Morgue-33rd Blakk Glass (2018)
Appears on City Morgue Vol.1: Hell or High Water
Produced by Thraxx
48.Migos-Contraband (2014)
Appears on No Label II
Produced by Zaytoven
47.Young Thug-Anybody (feat. Nicki Minaj) (2018)
Appears on Hear No Evil
Produced by Rex Kudo and Charlie Handsome
46.2 Chainz-Sleep When U Die (2017)
Appears on Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
Produced by Buddah Bless
45.Travis Scott-3500 (feat. Future and 2 Chainz) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, Travis Scott, Mano, Zaytoven and Allen Ritter
44.Rae Sremmurd-Up Like Trump (2014)
Appears on SremmLife
Produced by Sonny Digital
43.Denzel Curry-Ricky (2019)
Appears on ZUU
Produced by FnZ
42.Metro Boomin-10 Freaky Girls (feat. 21 Savage) (2018)
Appears on NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES
Produced by Metro Boomin
41.Playboi Carti-Shoota (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) (2018)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by Maaly Raw
40.Waka Flocka Flame-Rooster in My Rari (2012)
Appears on Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family
Produced by DJ Spinz
39.Young Thug-Stoner (2013)
Appears on Stoner (single)
Produced by Dun Deal
38.Future-Blow a Bag (2015)
Appears on DS2
Produced by Metro Boomin, Sonny Digital and Southside
37.Danny Brown-Break It (Go) (2013)
Appears on Old
Produced by Rustie
36.Kodak Black-Patty Cake (2017)
Appears on Painting Pictures
Produced by Ben Billions, Ness and Nick Seeley
35.Young Thug-F Cancer (Boosie) (feat. Quavo) (2016)
Appears on I'm Up
Produced by Mike Will Made It and Resource
34.Offset and Metro Boomin-Ric Flair Drip (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin and Bijan Amir
33.Rae Sremmurd-Powerglide (feat. Juicy J) (2018)
Appears on SR3MM
Produced by Mally Mall, Hovart and Mike Will Made It
32.Denzel Curry-Birdz (feat. Rick Ross) (2019)
Appears on ZUU
Produced by FnZ
31.Lil Uzi Vert-Hi Roller (2016)
Appears on Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World
Produced by Maaly Raw
30.Future-March Madness (2015)
Appears on 56 Nights
Produced by Tarentino
29.Trippie Redd-Dark Knight Dummo (feat. Travis Scott) (2017)
Appears on Life's A Trip
Produced by Honorable C.N.O.T.E.
28.Migos-T-Shirt (2017)
Appears on Culture
Produced by Narb & B and XL Eagle
27.Travis Scott-Goosebumps (feat. Kendrick Lamar) (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
Produced by Cardo, Cubeatz, Yung Exclusive and Mike Dean
26.Young Thug-Best Friend (2015)
Appears on Slime Season
Produced by Ricky Racks and Young Shad
25.Migos-Stir Fry (2017)
Appears on Culture II
Produced by Pharrell Williams
24.Travis Scott-Nightcrawler (feat. Swae Lee and Chief Keef) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, Travis Scott, Southside, TM88 and Allen Ritter
23.Playboi Carti-R.I.P. (2018)
Appears on Die Lit
Produced by Pie'rre Bourne
22.Migos-Call Casting (2017)
Appears on Culture
Produced by Buddah Bless and Bron Bron
21.Migos-Add It Up (2014)
Appears on No Label II
Produced by Metro Boomin and Zaytoven
20.Waka Flocka Flame-Hard in Da Paint (feat. Gucci Mane) (2010)
Appears on Flockaveli
Produced by Lex Luger
19.2 Chainz and Lil Wayne-Bounce (2016)
Appears on ColleGrove
Produced by Infamous and T@
18.21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin-Ghostface Killers (feat. Travis Scott) (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin
17.Future-Seven Rings (2016)
Appears on EVOL
Produced by TM88 and MP808
16.Denzel Curry-Ultimate (2015)
Appears on 32 Zel/Planet Shrooms
Produced by Ronny J
15.Migos-WOA (2016)
Appears on Y.R.N. 2
Produced by Dun Deal
14.Young Thug-Wyclef Jean (2016)
Appears on Jeffrey
Produced by TM88 and Supah Mario
13.Travis Scott-Yosemite (feat. Gunna and NAV) (2018)
Appears on Astroworld
Produced by June James, Turbo and Ramy
12.Future-Diamonds from Africa (2015)
Appears on 56 Nights
Produced by Southside
11.Lil Uzi Vert-Xo Tour Lilf3 (2017)
Appears on Luv is Rage 1.5/Luv is Rage 2
Produced by TM88 and J.W. Lucas
10.Danny Brown-Smokin & Drinkin (2013)
Appears on Old
Produced by A-Trak and JMIKE
9.Travis Scott-90210 (feat. Kacy Hill) (2015)
Appears on Rodeo
Produced by DJ Dahi, Allen Ritter, Mike Dean, Travis Scott and WondaGurl
8.Lil Uzi Vert-Canadian Goose (2016)
Appears on Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World
Produced by Maaly Raw
7.Young Thug-With Them (2016)
Appears on Slime Season 3
Produced by Mike Will Made It and Resource
6.Travis Scott-Sweet Sweet (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight
Produced by Murda Beatz, Cubeatz and Mike Dean
5.Migos-Chinatown (2013)
Appears on Y.R.N.
Produced by MPC Cartel
4.21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin-Rap Saved Me (feat. Quavo) (2017)
Appears on Without Warning
Produced by Metro Boomin
3.Playboi Carti-Magnolia (2017)
Appears on Playboi Carti
Produced by Pi'erre Bourne
2.A$AP Ferg-Shabba (feat. A$AP Rocky) (2013)
Appears on Trap Lord
Produced by Snugsworth
1.Young Thug and Travis Scott-Pick Up the Phone (feat. Quavo) (2016)
Appears on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight/Jeffrey
Produced by Vinylz, Frank Dukes, Mike Dean and Allen Ritter
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Week 16 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition
Quarterback
MVP: Ryan Fitzpatrick (Dolphins)
Championship week streamers can't work out too much better than this. Outside of an INT in the 3rd quarter, Fitzmagic was on full display at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday as the journeyman gunslinger threw for 419 YDS and 4 TD's in an insane shootout with the Bengals. While his future likely won't be in Miami as the team appears set to take a QB in the 1st round of the draft, this longtime folk hero is a solid bet to continue handing out unexpected triumphs and agonizing headaches to the fantasy community elsewhere in 2020.
Honorable Mentions: Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Ryan Tannehill (Titans)
LVP: Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
It was a bafflingly unproductive week for star QB's with terrific matchups, but none of those failures were more shocking than Wilson's dud against the Cardinals. He was mediocre at best against a horrid defense that has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season by a wide margin, throwing for just 169 YDS and a TD, in a sloppy home less that makes their road to the top seed in the NFC that much tougher. Uninspired December aside, Wilson was a massive fantasy asset this season despite playing with arguably the worst supporting cast he's ever had during his 8 years in the league and should be among the top 3 QB's off the board next season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)
Running Back
MVP: Saquon Barkley (Giants)
Well well well look who finally showed up to the party in Week 16. Barkley was a sheer force of nature against the Redskins on Sunday afternoon, picking up 279 scrimmage YDS and 2 TD's on 26 touches. Sure it was too little, too late for the vast majority of the owners that spend the top overall pick on him, but it was still a very encouraging sign for a guy that was hampered by injuries and being stuck in a low wattage offense for most of the season. If he's healthy heading into 2020, he'll likely be the #2 overall pick behind Christian McCaffery.
Honorable Mentions: Kenyan Drake (Cardinals), Aaron Jones (Packers), Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
MVP: Ryan Fitzpatrick (Dolphins)
Championship week streamers can't work out too much better than this. Outside of an INT in the 3rd quarter, Fitzmagic was on full display at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday as the journeyman gunslinger threw for 419 YDS and 4 TD's in an insane shootout with the Bengals. While his future likely won't be in Miami as the team appears set to take a QB in the 1st round of the draft, this longtime folk hero is a solid bet to continue handing out unexpected triumphs and agonizing headaches to the fantasy community elsewhere in 2020.
Honorable Mentions: Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Ryan Tannehill (Titans)
LVP: Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
It was a bafflingly unproductive week for star QB's with terrific matchups, but none of those failures were more shocking than Wilson's dud against the Cardinals. He was mediocre at best against a horrid defense that has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season by a wide margin, throwing for just 169 YDS and a TD, in a sloppy home less that makes their road to the top seed in the NFC that much tougher. Uninspired December aside, Wilson was a massive fantasy asset this season despite playing with arguably the worst supporting cast he's ever had during his 8 years in the league and should be among the top 3 QB's off the board next season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)
Running Back
MVP: Saquon Barkley (Giants)
Well well well look who finally showed up to the party in Week 16. Barkley was a sheer force of nature against the Redskins on Sunday afternoon, picking up 279 scrimmage YDS and 2 TD's on 26 touches. Sure it was too little, too late for the vast majority of the owners that spend the top overall pick on him, but it was still a very encouraging sign for a guy that was hampered by injuries and being stuck in a low wattage offense for most of the season. If he's healthy heading into 2020, he'll likely be the #2 overall pick behind Christian McCaffery.
Honorable Mentions: Kenyan Drake (Cardinals), Aaron Jones (Packers), Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
LVP: Mike Boone (Vikings)
Not every streaming play can be a success... Boone was not the plug-and-play bellcow many expected him to be as the replacement for the injured Dalvin Cook. The sophomore back was wildly ineffective, mustering just 33 YDS on 12 touches and ended up getting benched for Ameer Abdullah in the second half of this pathetic outing for the Vikings offense against the Packers on Monday night. It would be a surprise if Boone ever graced a starting fantasy lineup again.
Dishonorable Mentions: Nick Chubb (Browns), Devin Singletary (Bills), James White (Patriots)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Tyler Boyd (Bengals)
On a day where Joe Mixon surprisingly struggled, Boyd emerged as the centerpiece of the Bengals offense-securing 9 catches for 128 YDS and 2 TD's in this sneaky great shootout against the Dolphins. A solid, versatile receiver with the speed to take the top of a defense and size to be a viable redzone target, Boyd should be a solid mid-round option next year-regardless of whose under center for the Bengals.
Honorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), DeVante Parker (Dolphins), Julio Jones (Falcons)
LVP: DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)
Deshaun Watson's unexpectedly brutal afternoon against the lowly Buccaneers passing defense resulted in Hopkins finishing the day with just 23 YDS on 5 catches. Hopkins may not have delivered on his mid 1st round ADP, but he's still an excellent fantasy receiver that will warrant top 10-12 pick consideration once again in 2020.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Amari Cooper (Cowboys), Adam Thielen (Vikings)
Tight End
MVP: Mark Andrews (Ravens)
What a finish to a breakout season for Andrews. He was Lamar Jackson's favorite target once again against the Browns, reeling in 6 catches for 93 YDS and 2 TD's. Given his seemingly uncontested status as the top pass-catcher in the league's most exciting offense, he should be a strong contender for the honor of being the 1st tight end not named George Kittle and Travis Kelce drafted next year.
Honorable Mentions: Jared Cook (Saints), Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Dallas Goedert (Eagles)
LVP: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
Rudolph was an unfortunate casualty of Kirk Cousins' latest horrific primetime showing, mustering just 1 catch for 7 YDS on only 2 targets. It's an unfortunate season-ending dud for a veteran guy who had been playing some of the best football of his career over the past month. Barring some unforeseen sorcery, Rudolph will continue to maintain his boom-or-bust TE1 status at the start of the next decade.
Dishonorable Mentions: Noah Fant (Broncos), Jack Doyle (Colts), Darren Waller (Raiders)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Colts
On a week where streamers reigned supreme, the Colts rose firmly to the top of the pack. The hapless Panthers barely even showed a pulse as the Colts put up 6 sacks, 3 INT's and a pair of return TD's on them in a 38-6 blowout. A surprisingly high floor option for most of 2019, look for the Colts to be a very intriguing sleeper pick next season.
Honorable Mentions: Texans, Jets, Packers
LVP: Bills
After dominating the Steelers on the road a week ago, the Bills came back down to Earth in major fashion during their trip to Gillette Stadium. After forcing a fumble on the Patriots opening drive, their presence wasn't felt in the fantasy world the rest of the day as they generated 0 sacks or additional takeaways in a 24-17 loss. Despite this anticlimactic finale, the Bills D was a terrific fantasy option this season and they should absolutely be one of the 1st 5 defenses off the board in 2020.
Dishonorable Mentions: Ravens, Chargers, Seahawks
2019 NFL Power Rankings: Week 17
()=previous ranking
1.(1) Baltimore Ravens (13-2) Week 17 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
2.(2) New Orleans Saints (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Carolina Panthers
3.(3) San Francisco 49ers (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
4.(5) Green Bay Packers (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Detroit Lions
5.(6) New England Patriots (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Miami Dolphins
6.(7) Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) Week 17 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
7.(4) Seattle Seahawks (11-4) Week 17 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
8.(10) Houston Texans (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Tennessee Titans
9.(8) Buffalo Bills (10-5) Week 17 opponent: New York Jets
10.(9) Minnesota Vikings (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Chicago Bears
11.(11) Tennessee Titans (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Houston Texans
12.(17) Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) Week 17 opponent: New York Giants
13.(12) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
14.(13) Los Angeles Rams (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
15.(14) Dallas Cowboys (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Washington Redskins
16.(18) Indianapolis Colts (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
17.(22) Oakland Raiders (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Denver Broncos
18.(15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
19.(16) Chicago Bears (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
20.(20) Atlanta Falcons (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
21.(21) Denver Broncos (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Oakland Raiders
22.(23) New York Jets (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Buffalo Bills
23.(19) Cleveland Browns (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
24.(26) Arizona Cardinals (5-9-1) Week 17 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
25.(24) Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) Week 17 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
26.(25) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) Week 17 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
27.(29) New York Giants (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
28.(30) Miami Dolphins (4-11) Week 17 opponent: New England Patriots
29.(28) Washington Redskins (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
30.(27) Carolina Panthers (5-10) Week 17 opponent: New Orleans Saints
31.(31) Detroit Lions (3-11-1) Week 17 opponent: Green Bay Packers
32.(32) Cincinnati Bengals (1-14) Week 17 opponent: Cleveland Browns
1.(1) Baltimore Ravens (13-2) Week 17 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
2.(2) New Orleans Saints (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Carolina Panthers
3.(3) San Francisco 49ers (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
4.(5) Green Bay Packers (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Detroit Lions
5.(6) New England Patriots (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Miami Dolphins
6.(7) Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) Week 17 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
7.(4) Seattle Seahawks (11-4) Week 17 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
8.(10) Houston Texans (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Tennessee Titans
9.(8) Buffalo Bills (10-5) Week 17 opponent: New York Jets
10.(9) Minnesota Vikings (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Chicago Bears
11.(11) Tennessee Titans (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Houston Texans
12.(17) Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) Week 17 opponent: New York Giants
13.(12) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
14.(13) Los Angeles Rams (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
15.(14) Dallas Cowboys (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Washington Redskins
16.(18) Indianapolis Colts (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
17.(22) Oakland Raiders (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Denver Broncos
18.(15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
19.(16) Chicago Bears (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
20.(20) Atlanta Falcons (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
21.(21) Denver Broncos (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Oakland Raiders
22.(23) New York Jets (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Buffalo Bills
23.(19) Cleveland Browns (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
24.(26) Arizona Cardinals (5-9-1) Week 17 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
25.(24) Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) Week 17 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
26.(25) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) Week 17 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
27.(29) New York Giants (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
28.(30) Miami Dolphins (4-11) Week 17 opponent: New England Patriots
29.(28) Washington Redskins (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
30.(27) Carolina Panthers (5-10) Week 17 opponent: New Orleans Saints
31.(31) Detroit Lions (3-11-1) Week 17 opponent: Green Bay Packers
32.(32) Cincinnati Bengals (1-14) Week 17 opponent: Cleveland Browns
Monday, December 23, 2019
The Best and Worst of Laura Dern
“The Best and Worst of” series chronicles the career
highlights and lowlights of an actor starring in one of the week's
new theatrical releases. This week, I take a look at the filmography
of “Little Women” star Laura Dern.
Films starring Laura Dern that I've seen:
Smooth Talk
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park III
Little Fockers
The Fault in Our Stars
When The Game Stands Tall
Wild
99 Homes
The Founder
Wilson
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Cold Pursuit
JT Leroy
Marriage Story
Best Performance: Marriage Story (2019)
While Adam Driver and Scarlett Johannsson may be the captains of this impeccable ship, Dern's part in helping Marriage Story achieve elite acting ensemble status can't be slept on. Her delivery of the God/Mary Magdalene monologue in the final act alone should be enough to put her at the forefront of the Best Supporting Actress conversation, but it also helps that she plays an all time ruthless lawyer that will happily put anybody that has the misfortune of squaring off against her in a courtroom into a body bag.
Worst Performance: When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
As the wife of the head coach (Jim Caviezel) this football drama centers around, Dern is handed a disappointingly minor role in a mediocre movie that would've greatly benefited from prominently featuring a commanding screen presence.
Best Film: Jurassic Park (1993)
26 years after its release, Jurassic Park remains the epitome of blockbuster entertainment. The ensemble cast (Sam Neil, Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Samuel L.Jackson, Wayne Knight, the late Richard Attenborough) all nail their roles, Spielberg's tense, epic direction makes every huge dinosaur setpiece riveting and perhaps most impressively, the visual effects have held up remarkably well. It's a damn shame that none of the sequels have managed to be even half as well-crafted or fun as this.
Worst Film: Little Fockers (2010)
I'm among the pretty small group of people that found Meet the Fockers to be a worthwhile sequel to Meet the Parents. While it didn't match the near non-stop hilarity of its predecessor, the oil-and-water dynamic between Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro was still very effective and the casting of Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand as Stiller's eccentric hippie parents couldn't have been any better. Let's just say that enthusiasm died out with the following installment. Little Fockers proved to be a completely forgettable affair that failed to recapture the delightfully uncomfortable situational humor of the prior films or bring anything new to the table to compensate for the absence of the formula that drove the past successes.
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. In two weeks, the next victim of my praise and ire will be “Underwater” star John Gallagher Jr.
Films starring Laura Dern that I've seen:
Smooth Talk
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park III
Little Fockers
The Fault in Our Stars
When The Game Stands Tall
Wild
99 Homes
The Founder
Wilson
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Cold Pursuit
JT Leroy
Marriage Story
Best Performance: Marriage Story (2019)
While Adam Driver and Scarlett Johannsson may be the captains of this impeccable ship, Dern's part in helping Marriage Story achieve elite acting ensemble status can't be slept on. Her delivery of the God/Mary Magdalene monologue in the final act alone should be enough to put her at the forefront of the Best Supporting Actress conversation, but it also helps that she plays an all time ruthless lawyer that will happily put anybody that has the misfortune of squaring off against her in a courtroom into a body bag.
Worst Performance: When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
As the wife of the head coach (Jim Caviezel) this football drama centers around, Dern is handed a disappointingly minor role in a mediocre movie that would've greatly benefited from prominently featuring a commanding screen presence.
Best Film: Jurassic Park (1993)
26 years after its release, Jurassic Park remains the epitome of blockbuster entertainment. The ensemble cast (Sam Neil, Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Samuel L.Jackson, Wayne Knight, the late Richard Attenborough) all nail their roles, Spielberg's tense, epic direction makes every huge dinosaur setpiece riveting and perhaps most impressively, the visual effects have held up remarkably well. It's a damn shame that none of the sequels have managed to be even half as well-crafted or fun as this.
Worst Film: Little Fockers (2010)
I'm among the pretty small group of people that found Meet the Fockers to be a worthwhile sequel to Meet the Parents. While it didn't match the near non-stop hilarity of its predecessor, the oil-and-water dynamic between Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro was still very effective and the casting of Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand as Stiller's eccentric hippie parents couldn't have been any better. Let's just say that enthusiasm died out with the following installment. Little Fockers proved to be a completely forgettable affair that failed to recapture the delightfully uncomfortable situational humor of the prior films or bring anything new to the table to compensate for the absence of the formula that drove the past successes.
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. In two weeks, the next victim of my praise and ire will be “Underwater” star John Gallagher Jr.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Earful of Fantasy Episode #15
On this championship week edition, we go over how Liam's inability to accept Kenyan Drake's brilliance had dire consequences in his Week 15 matchup, hand out the saddest group of waiver wire targets of the season and take one last round of shots at Baker Mayfield. Listen below and best of luck to everyone playing for a title this weekend.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum-tugger-eof115/id1478573845?i=1000460268080
Eartful of Dirt: https://www.earfulofdirt.com/2019/12/rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum.html
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum-tugger-eof115/id1478573845?i=1000460268080
Eartful of Dirt: https://www.earfulofdirt.com/2019/12/rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum-tugger-rum-tum.html
Thursday, December 19, 2019
The Best and Worst of Adam Driver
“The Best and Worst of” series chronicles the career
highlights and lowlights of an actor starring in one of the week's
new theatrical releases. This week, I take a look at the filmography
of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” star Adam Driver.
Films starring Adam Driver that I've seen:
Inside Llewyn Davis
What If?
This is Where I Leave You
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Midnight Special
Logan Lucky
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
BlacKkKlansman
The Dead Don't Die
Marriage Story
Best Performance: Marriage Story (2019)
We're in the middle of the awards slate right now and since there's several contending titles I've yet to see (1917, Uncut Gems, Little Women, Just Mercy, Bombshell), I can't say for sure who/what would earn my hypothetical votes at the moment. That being said, I'd be shocked if Driver didn't end being my pick for Best Actor. His performance as the head of an off-Broadway theater company going through a messy divorce from his actress wife (the equally brilliant Scarlett Johansson) is a mesmerizing tour de force that flawlessly captures the heartbreak, anger and eventual healing that a lot of people who go through this separation process experience.
Worst Performance: Midnight Special (2016)
As an NSA communications analyst leading the hunt for an 8-year old (Jaeden Martell) with extraordinary powers that has been kidnapped from a vicious cult by his father (Michael Shannon) and his best friend (Joel Edgerton), Driver fits in perfectly with the staggeringly lifeless environment Midnight Special spends two hours cultivating.
Best Film: Marriage Story (2019)
Boy oh boy did Marriage Story put me through an emotional ringer. The acting, writing and directing are infused with such an overwhelmingly raw authenticity that it almost never feels like you're watching a fictionalized account of an ugly, drawn-out divorce. While the professional circumstances and financial situation of the protagonists were foreign, the way the film depicts how the process of ending a marriage can make couples lose sight of why they fell in love in the first place, go to great lengths to win favor with their kids, etc. paralleled situations that I've seen play out in reality so many times that I had to pause the movie on several occasions to collect myself because I was so god damn overwhelmed. As brutal as this was to watch, I'm thrilled that a movie that portrays a tragic yet increasingly common part of the human experience with such unflinching honesty exists.
Worst Film: This is Where I Leave You (2014)
How a film with a gifted, versatile acting ensemble that features Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne, Driver, Kathryn Hahn and several other delightful screen presences manages to be so damn insufferable is This is Where I Leave You's most impressive accomplishment. This shamelessly manipulative melodrama that happens to feature a few jokes may fail miserably to pull on the heartstrings, but it made for a terrific eye-rolling marathon!!!!
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. The next victim of my praise and ire will be “Little Women” star Laura Dern.
Films starring Adam Driver that I've seen:
Inside Llewyn Davis
What If?
This is Where I Leave You
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Midnight Special
Logan Lucky
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
BlacKkKlansman
The Dead Don't Die
Marriage Story
Best Performance: Marriage Story (2019)
We're in the middle of the awards slate right now and since there's several contending titles I've yet to see (1917, Uncut Gems, Little Women, Just Mercy, Bombshell), I can't say for sure who/what would earn my hypothetical votes at the moment. That being said, I'd be shocked if Driver didn't end being my pick for Best Actor. His performance as the head of an off-Broadway theater company going through a messy divorce from his actress wife (the equally brilliant Scarlett Johansson) is a mesmerizing tour de force that flawlessly captures the heartbreak, anger and eventual healing that a lot of people who go through this separation process experience.
Worst Performance: Midnight Special (2016)
As an NSA communications analyst leading the hunt for an 8-year old (Jaeden Martell) with extraordinary powers that has been kidnapped from a vicious cult by his father (Michael Shannon) and his best friend (Joel Edgerton), Driver fits in perfectly with the staggeringly lifeless environment Midnight Special spends two hours cultivating.
Best Film: Marriage Story (2019)
Boy oh boy did Marriage Story put me through an emotional ringer. The acting, writing and directing are infused with such an overwhelmingly raw authenticity that it almost never feels like you're watching a fictionalized account of an ugly, drawn-out divorce. While the professional circumstances and financial situation of the protagonists were foreign, the way the film depicts how the process of ending a marriage can make couples lose sight of why they fell in love in the first place, go to great lengths to win favor with their kids, etc. paralleled situations that I've seen play out in reality so many times that I had to pause the movie on several occasions to collect myself because I was so god damn overwhelmed. As brutal as this was to watch, I'm thrilled that a movie that portrays a tragic yet increasingly common part of the human experience with such unflinching honesty exists.
Worst Film: This is Where I Leave You (2014)
How a film with a gifted, versatile acting ensemble that features Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne, Driver, Kathryn Hahn and several other delightful screen presences manages to be so damn insufferable is This is Where I Leave You's most impressive accomplishment. This shamelessly manipulative melodrama that happens to feature a few jokes may fail miserably to pull on the heartstrings, but it made for a terrific eye-rolling marathon!!!!
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. The next victim of my praise and ire will be “Little Women” star Laura Dern.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Week 15 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition
Quarterback
MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Fantasy's biggest asset showed up big time for the semifinals. He casually torched the Jets for 298 total YDS (212 passing, 86 rushing) and 5 TD's through the air on an absolute farce of a Thursday Night Football finale. Jackson will be on the hunt for redemption in Week 16 when he squares off against a Browns team that he somewhat struggled against (2 INT, fumble, sacked 4 times) back in Week 4.
Honorable Mentions: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Drew Brees (Saints), Ryan Tannehill (Titans)
LVP: Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)
Coming off a remarkable performance on the road against the Saints, Garoppolo reminded owners of the erraticism that makes him so frustrating. He was bizarrely pedestrian (200 YDS/1 TD) throughout a home date against the lowly Falcons- which was definitely a contributing factor in their shocking loss. He'll look to close things out on the high end of the roller coaster against a similarly erratic Rams D that just got embarrassed by the Cowboys.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tom Brady (Patriots), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
Running Back
MVP: Kenyan Drake (Cardinals)
Unlikely heroes have a tendency to emerge in the fantasy playoffs and Drake made a strong case to be 2019's with his inhuman performance this week. He ripped off a staggering 146 YDS (137 rushing, 9 receiving) and 4 TD's on 23 touches against an unsuspecting Browns defense that undoubtedly shifted a lot of outcomes this week. Drake will look to keep this points party rolling against a very banged-up Seahawks defense on Sunday afternoon.
Honorable Mentions: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), Miles Sanders (Eagles), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys)
LVP: Marlon Mack (Colts)
A combination of the Colts getting dusted from the jump and a lack of available rushing lanes rendered Mack useless in Week 15 as he registered a very sad 19 YDS on 11 carries against a tough Saints defense. Mack should have a much easier go of things this week when the DOA Panthers come to Lucas Oil Stadium.
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Fantasy's biggest asset showed up big time for the semifinals. He casually torched the Jets for 298 total YDS (212 passing, 86 rushing) and 5 TD's through the air on an absolute farce of a Thursday Night Football finale. Jackson will be on the hunt for redemption in Week 16 when he squares off against a Browns team that he somewhat struggled against (2 INT, fumble, sacked 4 times) back in Week 4.
Honorable Mentions: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Drew Brees (Saints), Ryan Tannehill (Titans)
LVP: Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)
Coming off a remarkable performance on the road against the Saints, Garoppolo reminded owners of the erraticism that makes him so frustrating. He was bizarrely pedestrian (200 YDS/1 TD) throughout a home date against the lowly Falcons- which was definitely a contributing factor in their shocking loss. He'll look to close things out on the high end of the roller coaster against a similarly erratic Rams D that just got embarrassed by the Cowboys.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tom Brady (Patriots), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
Running Back
MVP: Kenyan Drake (Cardinals)
Unlikely heroes have a tendency to emerge in the fantasy playoffs and Drake made a strong case to be 2019's with his inhuman performance this week. He ripped off a staggering 146 YDS (137 rushing, 9 receiving) and 4 TD's on 23 touches against an unsuspecting Browns defense that undoubtedly shifted a lot of outcomes this week. Drake will look to keep this points party rolling against a very banged-up Seahawks defense on Sunday afternoon.
Honorable Mentions: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), Miles Sanders (Eagles), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys)
LVP: Marlon Mack (Colts)
A combination of the Colts getting dusted from the jump and a lack of available rushing lanes rendered Mack useless in Week 15 as he registered a very sad 19 YDS on 11 carries against a tough Saints defense. Mack should have a much easier go of things this week when the DOA Panthers come to Lucas Oil Stadium.
Dishonorable Mentions: Melvin Gordon (Chargers), Phillip Lindsay (Broncos), David Montgomery (Bears)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Julio Jones (Falcons)
After an extended absence, Jones returned to WR1 form with an absolutely monstrous performance. The entire Falcons offense ran through the star wideout against the 49ers as he posted 13 REC for 134 YDS and 2 TD's-including the controversial game-winner as time expired. Jones will look to end his good, but not great 2019 against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the 12th least points to receivers this season.
After an extended absence, Jones returned to WR1 form with an absolutely monstrous performance. The entire Falcons offense ran through the star wideout against the 49ers as he posted 13 REC for 134 YDS and 2 TD's-including the controversial game-winner as time expired. Jones will look to end his good, but not great 2019 against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the 12th least points to receivers this season.
Honorable Mentions: DeVante Parker (Dolphins), Terry McLaurin (Redskins), Michael Thomas (Saints)
LVP: Julian Edelman (Patriots)
If there was any doubt remaining that Edelman was playing hurt, his alarmingly quiet week 15 outing against the horrific Bengals erased it. The Patriots top wideout had a hard time getting open and looked to be in considerable pain as he hauled in just 2-of-5 targets for 9 YDS. He'll be a risky WR2 for Saturday afternoon's date with the Bills excellent secondary.
If there was any doubt remaining that Edelman was playing hurt, his alarmingly quiet week 15 outing against the horrific Bengals erased it. The Patriots top wideout had a hard time getting open and looked to be in considerable pain as he hauled in just 2-of-5 targets for 9 YDS. He'll be a risky WR2 for Saturday afternoon's date with the Bills excellent secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Cowboys), Emmanuel Sanders (49ers), Michael Gallup (Cowboys)
Tight End
MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
With snowy conditions and no running game to speak of, Patrick Mahomes turned to his safety net at tight end to sustain drives against the Broncos. While Kelce failed to reach the endzone, his 11 receptions for 142 YDS helped the Chiefs cruise to an easy W. The high floor/high ceiling stud at the most frustrating position in fantasy football will hope to end his post-bye TD drought against the Bears on Sunday night.
With snowy conditions and no running game to speak of, Patrick Mahomes turned to his safety net at tight end to sustain drives against the Broncos. While Kelce failed to reach the endzone, his 11 receptions for 142 YDS helped the Chiefs cruise to an easy W. The high floor/high ceiling stud at the most frustrating position in fantasy football will hope to end his post-bye TD drought against the Bears on Sunday night.
Honorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), Darren Waller (Raiders), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
LVP: Hunter Henry (Chargers)
Good news: Henry caught both of his targets against the Vikings. Bad news: He only gained 29 YDS and lost a fumble on the latter reception. Despite this ill-timed dud, he'll remain a no-brainer TE1 this week when squares off against the Raiders porous pass D.
Good news: Henry caught both of his targets against the Vikings. Bad news: He only gained 29 YDS and lost a fumble on the latter reception. Despite this ill-timed dud, he'll remain a no-brainer TE1 this week when squares off against the Raiders porous pass D.
Dishonorable Mentions: Austin Hooper (Falcons), Jacob Hollister (Seahawks), Jack Doyle (Colts)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Vikings
The Vikings defense got treated to an all time Chargers implosion on Sunday. Phillip Rivers and co. turned the ball over a whopping 7 times (3 INT, 4 FUM REC) while also surrendering 3 sacks and a TD in a commanding 39-10 road victory for the Norsemen. Expect a much quieter outing when they host the turnover-averse Packers on Monday night.
Honorable Mentions: Patriots, Bills, Packers
The Vikings defense got treated to an all time Chargers implosion on Sunday. Phillip Rivers and co. turned the ball over a whopping 7 times (3 INT, 4 FUM REC) while also surrendering 3 sacks and a TD in a commanding 39-10 road victory for the Norsemen. Expect a much quieter outing when they host the turnover-averse Packers on Monday night.
Honorable Mentions: Patriots, Bills, Packers
LVP: Browns
Perhaps nothing encapsulates the many "surprising" lows of a season where the Browns were expected to become the AFC's next legit contender than getting dominated on both sides of the ball by a Cardinals team that had lost their previous 6 games. Outside of an INT, their defense was completely silent in a 38-24 loss that showed exactly why this poorly-coached band of arrogant clowns don't have the discipline or drive required to even flirt with greatness. Sever ties with this circus ahead of their Week 16 date with the team that actually has a legit shot of blossoming into the AFC's next perennial contender.
Perhaps nothing encapsulates the many "surprising" lows of a season where the Browns were expected to become the AFC's next legit contender than getting dominated on both sides of the ball by a Cardinals team that had lost their previous 6 games. Outside of an INT, their defense was completely silent in a 38-24 loss that showed exactly why this poorly-coached band of arrogant clowns don't have the discipline or drive required to even flirt with greatness. Sever ties with this circus ahead of their Week 16 date with the team that actually has a legit shot of blossoming into the AFC's next perennial contender.
Dishonorable Mentions: Rams, Bears, 49ers
2019 NFL Power Rankings: Week 16
()=previous ranking
1.(1) Baltimore Ravens (12-2) Week 16 opponent: Cleveland Browns
2.(3) New Orleans Saints (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Tennessee Titans
3.(2) San Francisco 49ers (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
4.(4) Seattle Seahawks (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
5.(5) Green Bay Packers (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
6.(6) New England Patriots (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Buffalo Bills
7.(7) Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Chicago Bears
8.(8) Buffalo Bills (10-4) Week 16 opponent: New England Patriots
9.(9) Minnesota Vikings (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Green Bay Packers
10.(13) Houston Texans (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11.(10) Tennessee Titans (8-6) Week 16 opponent: New Orleans Saints
12.(11) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) Week 16 opponent: New York Jets
13.(12) Los Angeles Rams (8-6) Week 16 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
14.(17) Dallas Cowboys (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
15.(16) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Houston Texans
16.(14) Chicago Bears (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
17.(19) Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
18.(15) Indianapolis Colts (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Carolina Panthers
19.(18) Cleveland Browns (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
20.(24) Atlanta Falcons (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
21.(20) Denver Broncos (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Detroit Lions
22.(21) Oakland Raiders (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
23.(22) New York Jets (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
24.(23) Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Oakland Raiders
25.(29) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
26.(30) Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1) Week 16 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
27.(25) Carolina Panthers (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
28.(27) Washington Redskins (3-11) Week 16 opponent: New York Giants
29.(31) New York Giants (3-11) Week 16 opponent: Washington Redskins
30.(26) Miami Dolphins (3-11) Week 16 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
31.(29) Detroit Lions (3-10-1) Week 16 opponent: Denver Broncos
32.(32) Cincinnati Bengals (1-13) Week 16 opponent: Miami Dolphins
1.(1) Baltimore Ravens (12-2) Week 16 opponent: Cleveland Browns
2.(3) New Orleans Saints (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Tennessee Titans
3.(2) San Francisco 49ers (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
4.(4) Seattle Seahawks (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
5.(5) Green Bay Packers (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
6.(6) New England Patriots (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Buffalo Bills
7.(7) Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Chicago Bears
8.(8) Buffalo Bills (10-4) Week 16 opponent: New England Patriots
9.(9) Minnesota Vikings (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Green Bay Packers
10.(13) Houston Texans (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11.(10) Tennessee Titans (8-6) Week 16 opponent: New Orleans Saints
12.(11) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) Week 16 opponent: New York Jets
13.(12) Los Angeles Rams (8-6) Week 16 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
14.(17) Dallas Cowboys (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
15.(16) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Houston Texans
16.(14) Chicago Bears (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
17.(19) Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
18.(15) Indianapolis Colts (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Carolina Panthers
19.(18) Cleveland Browns (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
20.(24) Atlanta Falcons (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
21.(20) Denver Broncos (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Detroit Lions
22.(21) Oakland Raiders (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
23.(22) New York Jets (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
24.(23) Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Oakland Raiders
25.(29) Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
26.(30) Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1) Week 16 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
27.(25) Carolina Panthers (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
28.(27) Washington Redskins (3-11) Week 16 opponent: New York Giants
29.(31) New York Giants (3-11) Week 16 opponent: Washington Redskins
30.(26) Miami Dolphins (3-11) Week 16 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
31.(29) Detroit Lions (3-10-1) Week 16 opponent: Denver Broncos
32.(32) Cincinnati Bengals (1-13) Week 16 opponent: Miami Dolphins
Monday, December 16, 2019
Top 10 Live Performances of 2019
What a strange year for shows. 2019 saw me attending a much lower number of shows than usual (10, fewest since 2009) and making an unexpected return to my metal roots (8 of those 10 shows featured predominantly metal acts on the bill). Thankfully, these oddities didn't have too much of an effect on the performance front. The vast majority of the acts I saw crushed it-with a handful turning in sets that I already consider to be among the best I've ever had the privilege of seeing. Here are my picks for the top 10 performances that I saw over the past 12 months, which fittingly were uncharacteristically easy to pick.
Concerts Attended:
4/14: Dance Gavin Dance/Periphery/Don Broco/Hail the Sun, The Palladium, Worcester, MA
5/14: Meshuggah/The Black Dahlia Murder, House of Blues, Boston, MA
5/25: Boston Calling Day 2 (Tame Impala/Hozier/Anderson. Paak/King Princess/Denzel Curry/Pile), Harvard Athletic Complex, Allston, MA
6/6 Coheed and Cambria/Mastodon/Every Time I Die, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
6/21: August Burns Red/Silverstein/Silent Planet, House of Blues, Boston, MA
9/6: Banks/Kevin Garrett, House of Blues, Boston, MA
9/12: Periphery/Veil of Maya/Covet, House of Blues, Boston, MA
9/20: Converge/Wound Man/Burden, Hardcore Stadium, Cambridge, MA
10/13: Vein/Higher Power/Buried Dreams/Silenus, The Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
11/25: As I Lay Dying/After the Burial/Emmure, House of Blues, Boston, MA
Honorable Mentions: After the Burial, Don Broco, Meshuggah, Periphery (9/12), Tame Impala
10.Veil of Maya: This might sound crazy, but having a clear sound mix can really do wonders for the quality of a live show. Shedding the sound issues that bogged down their set at Summer Slaughter last year shined a light on just how electric of a frontman vocalist Lukas Magyar is as well as how their bouncy, hooky new material really flourishes when it has a fully engaged audience to feed off.
9.Hozier: Being in the presence of immense vocal talent is something that I particularly cherish as a concertgoer and Hozier is without question among the best singers I've ever seen perform. His pseudo-headlining set at Boston Calling was a masterful exercise in minimalism that shined a much-deserved spotlight on the dynamic talent he and his band possess.
8.Converge: While it might not have been as wild as I had hoped a hometown show being held in an Elks Lodge would be, getting to see an iconic band return to their DIY roots by playing a super intimate show in an unapologetically scuzzy venue still made for an unforgettable experience.
7.The Black Dahlia Murder: Seeing The Black Dahlia Murder for the 10th time was just as magical as the first. Anybody looking for a blueprint on how to age gracefully and always deliver fun, balls-out performances-regardless of venue or billing-should take cues from these hardened death metal road warriors.
6.Denzel Curry: Getting a festival crowd riled up, especially in the middle of the day, is no easy feat. Energy is precious when you're spending so much time in the sun and there's a good chance that many people in the crowd have no clue who you are, so you're going to have to really bring it to generate any sort of notable reaction. By putting together a setlist driven by abrasive material ("Ultimate", "SUMO", several cuts from the then-unreleased ZUU) that showcased the overwhelming fire/technical ability he brings to the mic, Curry won the crowd over immediately and went onto get such an impassioned response that you could've easily mistook this set for a headlining gig. It was a beautiful moment in the rapid ascent of an exceptional young talent that is easily among the most exciting artists in hip-hop right now.
5.Banks: Another headlining tour, another show-stopping performance from the pop world's most unsung artist. With her powerful vocals free from the shackles of the somewhat uneven mixing that prevented the studio version from reaching its full potential, the material from her latest record III reached dizzying new heights live and her ability to create an immersive atmosphere that matches the mood of each song through lighting, choreography, etc. remains simply unreal.
4.Mastodon: Walking into a Mastodon show with any sort of expectations is a futile exercise. There's no way of knowing whether or not they're going to blow the roof off of the building or flood the venue with sloppy auditory excrement until about 10-15 seconds after they start playing. This consistent inconsistency makes the occasions like this where they do deliver particularly rewarding. Getting the majestic front-to-back performance of their 2009 prog epic masterpiece Crack the Skye that I was deprived off on the initial tour (thanks as always Brent Hinds!) they did in support of the record a decade ago was a spectacular gift I never expected to receive.
3.Dance Gavin Dance: Dance Gavin Dance is a no bullshit live act who wastes very little time doing crowdwork and just let's the music speak for itself. When that approach results in a performance that is so technically precise that it's damn near impossible to distinguish from their studio recordings, their lack of traditional engagement with the audience is not only forgivable, but welcome.
2.Vein: Nobody will ever be able to replicate the level of sheer chaos The Dillinger Escape Plan manufactured ever time they hit a stage, but Vein is easily the closest another act has come to harnessing their beautifully destructive aura. This hometown headlining show at the end of a lengthy tour was an exhilarating circus of carnage powered by the type of unrelenting intensity from both band and crowd that makes extreme metal shows such a distinctly visceral experience.
1.Coheed and Cambria: Seeing Coheed and Cambria perform with a few of my closest friends on a beautiful June evening on the Boston waterfront is about as good as life gets in my eyes. Outside of Between the Buried and Me, there isn't an act on the planet that consistently delivers from both a musical and entertainment standpoint than these New York-bred prog rock juggernauts. I hope to never see the day where even an ounce of their chill-inducing immensity and borderline inhuman skill as performers fades away.
Top Shows:
5.Banks/Kevin Garrett
4.Meshuggah/The Black Dahlia Murder
3.Periphery/Veil of Maya/Covet
2.Boston Calling
1.Coheed and Cambria/Mastodon/Every Time I Die
Biggest Surprises:
3.Silverstein
2.Tame Impala
1.Don Broco
Biggest Letdowns:
3.Anderson. Paak
2.August Burns Red
1.Periphery (4/14)
Artists I Hope to See in 2020:
5.Greyhaven
4.FKA twigs
3.SeeYouSpaceCowboy...
2.Allegaeon
1.Lana Del Rey
Concerts Attended:
4/14: Dance Gavin Dance/Periphery/Don Broco/Hail the Sun, The Palladium, Worcester, MA
5/14: Meshuggah/The Black Dahlia Murder, House of Blues, Boston, MA
5/25: Boston Calling Day 2 (Tame Impala/Hozier/Anderson. Paak/King Princess/Denzel Curry/Pile), Harvard Athletic Complex, Allston, MA
6/6 Coheed and Cambria/Mastodon/Every Time I Die, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
6/21: August Burns Red/Silverstein/Silent Planet, House of Blues, Boston, MA
9/6: Banks/Kevin Garrett, House of Blues, Boston, MA
9/12: Periphery/Veil of Maya/Covet, House of Blues, Boston, MA
9/20: Converge/Wound Man/Burden, Hardcore Stadium, Cambridge, MA
10/13: Vein/Higher Power/Buried Dreams/Silenus, The Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
11/25: As I Lay Dying/After the Burial/Emmure, House of Blues, Boston, MA
Honorable Mentions: After the Burial, Don Broco, Meshuggah, Periphery (9/12), Tame Impala
10.Veil of Maya: This might sound crazy, but having a clear sound mix can really do wonders for the quality of a live show. Shedding the sound issues that bogged down their set at Summer Slaughter last year shined a light on just how electric of a frontman vocalist Lukas Magyar is as well as how their bouncy, hooky new material really flourishes when it has a fully engaged audience to feed off.
9.Hozier: Being in the presence of immense vocal talent is something that I particularly cherish as a concertgoer and Hozier is without question among the best singers I've ever seen perform. His pseudo-headlining set at Boston Calling was a masterful exercise in minimalism that shined a much-deserved spotlight on the dynamic talent he and his band possess.
8.Converge: While it might not have been as wild as I had hoped a hometown show being held in an Elks Lodge would be, getting to see an iconic band return to their DIY roots by playing a super intimate show in an unapologetically scuzzy venue still made for an unforgettable experience.
7.The Black Dahlia Murder: Seeing The Black Dahlia Murder for the 10th time was just as magical as the first. Anybody looking for a blueprint on how to age gracefully and always deliver fun, balls-out performances-regardless of venue or billing-should take cues from these hardened death metal road warriors.
6.Denzel Curry: Getting a festival crowd riled up, especially in the middle of the day, is no easy feat. Energy is precious when you're spending so much time in the sun and there's a good chance that many people in the crowd have no clue who you are, so you're going to have to really bring it to generate any sort of notable reaction. By putting together a setlist driven by abrasive material ("Ultimate", "SUMO", several cuts from the then-unreleased ZUU) that showcased the overwhelming fire/technical ability he brings to the mic, Curry won the crowd over immediately and went onto get such an impassioned response that you could've easily mistook this set for a headlining gig. It was a beautiful moment in the rapid ascent of an exceptional young talent that is easily among the most exciting artists in hip-hop right now.
5.Banks: Another headlining tour, another show-stopping performance from the pop world's most unsung artist. With her powerful vocals free from the shackles of the somewhat uneven mixing that prevented the studio version from reaching its full potential, the material from her latest record III reached dizzying new heights live and her ability to create an immersive atmosphere that matches the mood of each song through lighting, choreography, etc. remains simply unreal.
4.Mastodon: Walking into a Mastodon show with any sort of expectations is a futile exercise. There's no way of knowing whether or not they're going to blow the roof off of the building or flood the venue with sloppy auditory excrement until about 10-15 seconds after they start playing. This consistent inconsistency makes the occasions like this where they do deliver particularly rewarding. Getting the majestic front-to-back performance of their 2009 prog epic masterpiece Crack the Skye that I was deprived off on the initial tour (thanks as always Brent Hinds!) they did in support of the record a decade ago was a spectacular gift I never expected to receive.
3.Dance Gavin Dance: Dance Gavin Dance is a no bullshit live act who wastes very little time doing crowdwork and just let's the music speak for itself. When that approach results in a performance that is so technically precise that it's damn near impossible to distinguish from their studio recordings, their lack of traditional engagement with the audience is not only forgivable, but welcome.
2.Vein: Nobody will ever be able to replicate the level of sheer chaos The Dillinger Escape Plan manufactured ever time they hit a stage, but Vein is easily the closest another act has come to harnessing their beautifully destructive aura. This hometown headlining show at the end of a lengthy tour was an exhilarating circus of carnage powered by the type of unrelenting intensity from both band and crowd that makes extreme metal shows such a distinctly visceral experience.
1.Coheed and Cambria: Seeing Coheed and Cambria perform with a few of my closest friends on a beautiful June evening on the Boston waterfront is about as good as life gets in my eyes. Outside of Between the Buried and Me, there isn't an act on the planet that consistently delivers from both a musical and entertainment standpoint than these New York-bred prog rock juggernauts. I hope to never see the day where even an ounce of their chill-inducing immensity and borderline inhuman skill as performers fades away.
Top Shows:
5.Banks/Kevin Garrett
4.Meshuggah/The Black Dahlia Murder
3.Periphery/Veil of Maya/Covet
2.Boston Calling
1.Coheed and Cambria/Mastodon/Every Time I Die
Biggest Surprises:
3.Silverstein
2.Tame Impala
1.Don Broco
Biggest Letdowns:
3.Anderson. Paak
2.August Burns Red
1.Periphery (4/14)
Artists I Hope to See in 2020:
5.Greyhaven
4.FKA twigs
3.SeeYouSpaceCowboy...
2.Allegaeon
1.Lana Del Rey
Friday, December 13, 2019
Programming Notice
Dear readers,
There's only a couple of weeks left in 2019, which means movie and music recap SZN is right around the corner. This period is particularly exciting this year because in addition to the best/worst lists I drop at this time annually, I'm going to be celebrating the end of the decade with huge retrospectives on everything from the Most Underrated Movies to the Top 100 Trap Songs released during the 2010's. To fulfill the time requirements needed to produce these lists, I'm going to be scaling back on my writing workload for the next month. All of the weekly columns will go on as scheduled, but there won't be much additional content until the work on all of the year/decade-end lists has been completed. Thank you for your continued support and be sure to check back on Monday for the kickoff piece celebrating the top live performances of 2019.
Chris Maitland
There's only a couple of weeks left in 2019, which means movie and music recap SZN is right around the corner. This period is particularly exciting this year because in addition to the best/worst lists I drop at this time annually, I'm going to be celebrating the end of the decade with huge retrospectives on everything from the Most Underrated Movies to the Top 100 Trap Songs released during the 2010's. To fulfill the time requirements needed to produce these lists, I'm going to be scaling back on my writing workload for the next month. All of the weekly columns will go on as scheduled, but there won't be much additional content until the work on all of the year/decade-end lists has been completed. Thank you for your continued support and be sure to check back on Monday for the kickoff piece celebrating the top live performances of 2019.
Chris Maitland
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Earful of Fantasy Episode #14
On this episode, special guest Pete Foley comes onto discuss the fantasy semifinals, QB's whose stock could be boosted with a potential change of scenery in 2020 and the brilliance of the Dolphins backfield. Listen below and enjoy 75 minutes of takes delivered by podcasters who are all tuckered out.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-petes-turn-eof114/id1478573845?i=1000459368563
Earful of Dirt: https://www.earfulofdirt.com/2019/12/its-petes-turn-eof114.html
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-petes-turn-eof114/id1478573845?i=1000459368563
Earful of Dirt: https://www.earfulofdirt.com/2019/12/its-petes-turn-eof114.html
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Week 14 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition
Quarterback
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
The 49ers might've come out on top in Sunday's thrilling shootout at the Superdome, but Brees ended up outdueling Jimmy Garoppolo in fantasy. Brees cashed in on the many golden opportunities he was given to make big plays, throwing for 349 YDS and 5 TD while also punching in a 1 YD TD run on the day. He's in an excellent position to light it up again this week against a vulnerable Colts defense that just allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 456 YDS and 3 TD's.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Deshaun Watson (Texans)
LVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
While he did just enough to win the game (195 YDS/1 TD/16 Rushing YDS/FUM Lost), he severely letdown his fantasy owners that were relying on him to take full advantage of a soft matchup with the Redskins in the opening week of the playoffs. Rodgers will look to return to glory in Week 15 against a Bears defense that he's slaughtered many, many times in the past.
Dishonorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Tom Brady (Patriots), Baker Mayfield (Browns)
Running Back
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
The 49ers might've come out on top in Sunday's thrilling shootout at the Superdome, but Brees ended up outdueling Jimmy Garoppolo in fantasy. Brees cashed in on the many golden opportunities he was given to make big plays, throwing for 349 YDS and 5 TD while also punching in a 1 YD TD run on the day. He's in an excellent position to light it up again this week against a vulnerable Colts defense that just allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 456 YDS and 3 TD's.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Deshaun Watson (Texans)
LVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
While he did just enough to win the game (195 YDS/1 TD/16 Rushing YDS/FUM Lost), he severely letdown his fantasy owners that were relying on him to take full advantage of a soft matchup with the Redskins in the opening week of the playoffs. Rodgers will look to return to glory in Week 15 against a Bears defense that he's slaughtered many, many times in the past.
Dishonorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Tom Brady (Patriots), Baker Mayfield (Browns)
Running Back
MVP: Austin Ekeler (Chargers)
After a few quiet-ish games in a row, Ekeler returned with a vengeance on Sunday. He absolutely demolished a Jaguars defense that has given up on playing hard, registering 213 scrimmage YDS (101 rushing, 112 receiving) and a TD grab on only 12 touches. Ekeler has remained terrific in the wake of Melvin Gordon's return and will be an RB2 for their Week 15 home showdown with a Vikings defense that has struggled to defend the pass all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (Packers), Joe Mixon (Bengals), Derrick Henry (Titans)
LVP: Alvin Kamara (Saints)
Kamara just can't seem to right the ship for more than a week or two at a time. His performance against the 49ers ended up being one of, if not the absolute worst of the season as he picked up only 43 scrimmage YDS (25 rushing, 18 receiving) and lost a key fumble on 17 touches. Considering his top 3 draft status and very middling output (1,074 scrimmage YDS, 2 TD's in 11 games), Kamara is a strong contender for 2019's top fantasy bust.
Dishonorable Mentions: Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), Sony Michel (Patriots), Benny Snell (Steelers)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Emmanuel Sanders (49ers)
What an afternoon for 2019's best offensive midseason acquisition. Sanders' monster day against the Saints included 7 REC for 157 YDS and a TD and a 35 YD TD throw to Raheem Mostert on a beautifully-executed trick play. Even in a prime matchup against the Falcons, Sanders is likely to come back down to Earth a bit in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans), Robert Woods (Rams)
LVP: John Brown (Bills)
After Cole Beasley teared up the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, Brown failed to make it back-to-back successful revenge games for the Bills top wideouts. Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphery and Brandon Carr kept the explosive playmaking threat contained all game long as he hauled in just 3 catches for 26 YDS. Brown has struggled a bit over the past few games, failing to reach 40 YDS in 3 straight games after clearing 50 in each of the previous 9. He'll be a shaky WR3 play against a tough Steelers secondary this Sunday.
Dishonorable Mentions: Davante Adams (Packers), Jamison Crowder (Jets), Courtland Sutton (Broncos)
Tight End
MVP: Zach Ertz (Eagles)
With all of their receivers in the morgue and facing an inexplicable 17-3 deficit at home against a Giants squad that hasn't won since September 29th, Carson Wentz fed Ertz like crazy in a not exactly triumphant comeback win for the Eagles last night. The star tight end hauled in both the game-tying and game-winning scores to cap off a 9 REC/91 YDS performance. Fire up Ertz as a TE1 for another good matchup with the Redskins in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Jared Cook (Saints), Noah Fant (Broncos), George Kittle (49ers)
LVP: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
Rudolph's recent resurgence as a viable receiving threat took a hit this week. He received only 2 dump-off targets, which he hauled in for a whopping 11 YDS against a Lions secondary that is just about completely decimated at the moment. With the status of Adam Thielen's hamstring continuing to look bleak, Rudolph could conceivably continue to operate as the #3 passing game option behind Stefon Diggs and Dalvin Cook the rest of the way.
Dishonorable Mentions: David Njoku (Browns), Jack Doyle (Colts), Austin Hooper (Falcons)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Steelers
There was no drought in the desert for the Steelers defense. The Cardinals allowed 5 sacks, 3 INT's and a kickoff return TD in a 23-17 victory for a Steelers squad that continues to scratch and claw their way to wins. The Bills will be a plus matchup for this takeaway/sack-happy group in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Rams, Vikings, Browns
LVP: Texans
Anybody who thought this banged-up Texans group had turned a corner after shutting down the Patriots before garbage time in Week 13 got burned big time this week. Outside of a single sack and INT, it was nothing but a house of horrors for Romeo Crennel and co. as their poor play (32 points allowed!!!!) was a big reason why the Drew Lock-led Broncos were able to easily pull off the shocking upset. Steer clear of these soft clowns when they travel to Nashville to take on the redhot Titans on Sunday.
Dishonorable Mentions: Eagles, Jets, Bears
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
2019 NFL Power Rankings: Week 15
()=previous ranking
1.(1) Baltimore Ravens (11-2) Week 15 opponent: New York Jets
2.(4) San Francisco 49ers (11-2) Week 15 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
3.(2) New Orleans Saints (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
4.(3) Seattle Seahawks (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Carolina Panthers
5.(9) Green Bay Packers (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Chicago Bears
6.(5) New England Patriots (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
7.(7) Kansas City Chiefs (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Denver Broncos
8.(6) Buffalo Bills (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
9.(10) Minnesota Vikings (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
10.(11) Tennessee Titans (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Houston Texans
11.(12) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Buffalo Bills
12.(13) Los Angeles Rams (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
13.(8) Houston Texans (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Tennessee Titans
14.(16) Chicago Bears (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Green Bay Packers
15.(15) Indianapolis Colts (6-7) Week 15 opponent: New Orleans Saints
16.(18) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Detroit Lions
17.(14) Dallas Cowboys (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
18.(19) Cleveland Browns (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
19.(21) Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Washington Redskins
20.(22) Denver Broncos (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
21.(17) Oakland Raiders (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
22.(23) New York Jets (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
23.(24) Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
24.(26) Atlanta Falcons (4-9) Week 15 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
25.(20) Carolina Panthers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
26.(29) Miami Dolphins (3-10) Week 15 opponent: New York Giants
27.(28) Washington Redskins (3-10) Week 15 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
28.(25) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Oakland Raiders
29.(27) Detroit Lions (3-9-1) Week 15 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30.(30) Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1) Week 15 opponent: Cleveland Browns
31.(31) New York Giants (2-11) Week 15 opponent: Miami Dolphins
32.(32) Cincinnati Bengals (1-12) Week 15 opponent: New England Patriots
1.(1) Baltimore Ravens (11-2) Week 15 opponent: New York Jets
2.(4) San Francisco 49ers (11-2) Week 15 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
3.(2) New Orleans Saints (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
4.(3) Seattle Seahawks (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Carolina Panthers
5.(9) Green Bay Packers (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Chicago Bears
6.(5) New England Patriots (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
7.(7) Kansas City Chiefs (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Denver Broncos
8.(6) Buffalo Bills (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
9.(10) Minnesota Vikings (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
10.(11) Tennessee Titans (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Houston Texans
11.(12) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Buffalo Bills
12.(13) Los Angeles Rams (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
13.(8) Houston Texans (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Tennessee Titans
14.(16) Chicago Bears (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Green Bay Packers
15.(15) Indianapolis Colts (6-7) Week 15 opponent: New Orleans Saints
16.(18) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Detroit Lions
17.(14) Dallas Cowboys (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
18.(19) Cleveland Browns (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
19.(21) Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Washington Redskins
20.(22) Denver Broncos (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
21.(17) Oakland Raiders (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
22.(23) New York Jets (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
23.(24) Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
24.(26) Atlanta Falcons (4-9) Week 15 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
25.(20) Carolina Panthers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
26.(29) Miami Dolphins (3-10) Week 15 opponent: New York Giants
27.(28) Washington Redskins (3-10) Week 15 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
28.(25) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Oakland Raiders
29.(27) Detroit Lions (3-9-1) Week 15 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30.(30) Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1) Week 15 opponent: Cleveland Browns
31.(31) New York Giants (2-11) Week 15 opponent: Miami Dolphins
32.(32) Cincinnati Bengals (1-12) Week 15 opponent: New England Patriots
Monday, December 9, 2019
The Best and Worst of Sam Rockwell
“The Best and Worst of” series chronicles the career
highlights and lowlights of an actor starring in one of the week's
new theatrical releases. This week, I take a look at the filmography
of “Richard Jewell” star Sam Rockwell.
Films starring Sam Rockwell that I've seen:
The Green Mile
Galaxy Quest
Charlie's Angels
The Hitchiker's Guide to Galaxy
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Choke
Frost/Nixon
Moon
Iron Man 2
Cowboys & Aliens
The Sitter
Seven Psychopaths
The Way, Way Back
Mr. Right
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Vice
Jojo Rabbit
Best Performance: Moon (2009)
It takes a special actor to carry a movie in which they share little or no on-screen time with another live person. Rockwell made this challenge look like a routine task with his work in Duncan Jones' excellent sci-fi drama Moon. His staggering, deeply nuanced performance as an astronaut who learns he's a clone while in the final portion of a three year solo mission maximizes the effectiveness of this claustrophobic psychological high wire act.
Worst Performance: Iron Man 2 (2010)
While the embarrassing theatrics/accent work of Mickey Rourke definitely overshadows him, Rockwell's hammy overacting as secondary villain Justin Hammer is still really egregious and contributed pretty significantly to the flaws that made Iron Man 2 one of Marvel's biggest missteps thus far.
Best Film: The Green Mile (1999)
Frank Darabont's second emotionally-charged prison film of the 90's is a phenomenal movie that I feel has become kind of underrated in recent years. Sure it's sappy as hell, but its unapologetically abundant sentimentality is often overshadowed by the terrific character development, remarkable acting and a flurry of genuinely devastating scenes.
Worst Film: The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
There weren't too many films I saw during my early teenage years that I deeply hated more than The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Two hours of pompous, self-congratulatory humor and convoluted time travel plotting featuring a revolving door of obnoxious characters is a surefire way to spawn a swirling vortex of rage within me.
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. The next victim of my praise and ire will be “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” star Adam Driver.
Films starring Sam Rockwell that I've seen:
The Green Mile
Galaxy Quest
Charlie's Angels
The Hitchiker's Guide to Galaxy
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Choke
Frost/Nixon
Moon
Iron Man 2
Cowboys & Aliens
The Sitter
Seven Psychopaths
The Way, Way Back
Mr. Right
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Vice
Jojo Rabbit
Best Performance: Moon (2009)
It takes a special actor to carry a movie in which they share little or no on-screen time with another live person. Rockwell made this challenge look like a routine task with his work in Duncan Jones' excellent sci-fi drama Moon. His staggering, deeply nuanced performance as an astronaut who learns he's a clone while in the final portion of a three year solo mission maximizes the effectiveness of this claustrophobic psychological high wire act.
Worst Performance: Iron Man 2 (2010)
While the embarrassing theatrics/accent work of Mickey Rourke definitely overshadows him, Rockwell's hammy overacting as secondary villain Justin Hammer is still really egregious and contributed pretty significantly to the flaws that made Iron Man 2 one of Marvel's biggest missteps thus far.
Best Film: The Green Mile (1999)
Frank Darabont's second emotionally-charged prison film of the 90's is a phenomenal movie that I feel has become kind of underrated in recent years. Sure it's sappy as hell, but its unapologetically abundant sentimentality is often overshadowed by the terrific character development, remarkable acting and a flurry of genuinely devastating scenes.
Worst Film: The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
There weren't too many films I saw during my early teenage years that I deeply hated more than The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Two hours of pompous, self-congratulatory humor and convoluted time travel plotting featuring a revolving door of obnoxious characters is a surefire way to spawn a swirling vortex of rage within me.
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. The next victim of my praise and ire will be “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” star Adam Driver.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
The Best and Worst of Daniel Radcliffe
“The Best and Worst of” series chronicles the career
highlights and lowlights of an actor starring in one of the week's
new theatrical releases. This week, I take a look at the filmography
of “Playmobil: The Movie” star Daniel Radcliffe.
Films starring Daniel Radcliffe that I've seen:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
What If?
Horns
Now You See Me 2
Trainwreck
Swiss Army Man
Imperium
Best Performance: Horns (2014)
After his 10-year run as the face of a beloved franchise concluded in 2011, Radcliffe blazed a trail that was eventually followed by Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and several other actors that spent a good chunk of their early professional lives playing the same popular character by almost exclusively starring in offbeat indie projects in the aftermath of Harry Potter. Of the many interesting parts he took as a result of embarking on this unconventional path, Horns impressed me the most. Radcliffe displays a range that was absent during his time playing Hogwarts' most famous wizard by fearlessly handling the many surprising, morbid turns Alexandre Aja's dark fantasy flick takes.
Worst Performance: Imperium (2016)
On the negative side of Radcliffe's bold post-Harry Potter resume sits Imperium. While it's far from a terrible performance, Radcliffe is too restrained to be fully convincing as an undercover FBI agent that infiltrates a Nazi group that's believed to be planning a bombing in Virginia.
Best Film: Trainwreck (2015)
Romantic comedies have made a hell of a comeback in recent years. Films like The Big Sick, Crazy Rich Asians and Set It Up have managed to recapture the public's interest in this light, feel-good subgenre after going through a bit of a down period earlier in this decade. If I was to credit just one project as the catalyst for this resurgence, it would be Trainwreck. Amy Schumer's big screen debut brought the traditional romcom structure into the modern day by having a story led by an imperfect character that is afraid to commit to a long-term relationship while also delivering the required dose of heartwarming charm and big laughs.
Worst Film: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2005)
As you can easily deduce from reading the list of Radcliffe films I've seen above, I'm not a Harry Potter fan. The franchise just failed to ever really connect with me and I never even bothered to finish the series. Of the four entries I've seen, the only one I have a truly negative opinion of is Prisoner of Azkaban. I just remember sitting in theater being bored out of my skull and questioning why Gary Oldman's Sirius Black looked like some kind of Goth Jesus.
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. The next victim of my praise and ire will be “Richard Jewell” star Sam Rockwell.
Films starring Daniel Radcliffe that I've seen:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
What If?
Horns
Now You See Me 2
Trainwreck
Swiss Army Man
Imperium
Best Performance: Horns (2014)
After his 10-year run as the face of a beloved franchise concluded in 2011, Radcliffe blazed a trail that was eventually followed by Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and several other actors that spent a good chunk of their early professional lives playing the same popular character by almost exclusively starring in offbeat indie projects in the aftermath of Harry Potter. Of the many interesting parts he took as a result of embarking on this unconventional path, Horns impressed me the most. Radcliffe displays a range that was absent during his time playing Hogwarts' most famous wizard by fearlessly handling the many surprising, morbid turns Alexandre Aja's dark fantasy flick takes.
Worst Performance: Imperium (2016)
On the negative side of Radcliffe's bold post-Harry Potter resume sits Imperium. While it's far from a terrible performance, Radcliffe is too restrained to be fully convincing as an undercover FBI agent that infiltrates a Nazi group that's believed to be planning a bombing in Virginia.
Best Film: Trainwreck (2015)
Romantic comedies have made a hell of a comeback in recent years. Films like The Big Sick, Crazy Rich Asians and Set It Up have managed to recapture the public's interest in this light, feel-good subgenre after going through a bit of a down period earlier in this decade. If I was to credit just one project as the catalyst for this resurgence, it would be Trainwreck. Amy Schumer's big screen debut brought the traditional romcom structure into the modern day by having a story led by an imperfect character that is afraid to commit to a long-term relationship while also delivering the required dose of heartwarming charm and big laughs.
Worst Film: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2005)
As you can easily deduce from reading the list of Radcliffe films I've seen above, I'm not a Harry Potter fan. The franchise just failed to ever really connect with me and I never even bothered to finish the series. Of the four entries I've seen, the only one I have a truly negative opinion of is Prisoner of Azkaban. I just remember sitting in theater being bored out of my skull and questioning why Gary Oldman's Sirius Black looked like some kind of Goth Jesus.
Thank you for reading this week's edition of “The Best and Worst of”. The next victim of my praise and ire will be “Richard Jewell” star Sam Rockwell.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Week 13 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition
Quarterback
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
There are few better remedies for busting out of a slump than a date with the Giants. Rodgers shook off the stink of his ghastly Week 12 primetime dud against the 49ers with a 243/4 TD/0 turnover performance against the dreadful defense of the G-Men. He'll look to beat up on another poor NFC East team this week when he squares off against the Redskins.
Honorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Carson Wentz (Eagles), Tom Brady (Patriots)
LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Brees wasn't asked to do much (184 YDS/1 TD/0 turnovers) as the sloppiness of the Falcons allowed the Saints to win comfortably on Thanksgiving night, which resulted in his fantasy owners feeling disappointed by his output in a matchup against this terrible D for the 2nd time in the past month. Brees, who has been terrific in non-Falcons matchups since returning from a thumb injury in Week 8, will be a low-end QB1 this week when the 10-2 49ers come to the Superdome.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Sam Darnold (Jets)
Running Back
MVP: James White (Patriots)
As ugly as the Patriots performance was in Houston on Sunday night, their fans (as well as his fantasy owners) have to be thrilled that they finally managed to get White heavily involved in the offense after 10 games of largely mediocre-to-bad production. White was arguably the best player on the field for the Pats in this shocking road loss, managing 177 scrimmage YDS (79 rushing, 98 receiving) and a pair of TD catches on 22 touches. Considering the ineffectiveness of Sony Michel and lack of options Tom Brady trusts in the passing game, White could very well be in line for a workload like this every week moving forward.
Honorable Mentions: Derrius Guice (Redskins), Rashaad Penny (Seahawks), Derrick Henry (Titans)
LVP: Aaron Jones (Packers)
Oh the plight of Jones...… The comically erratic Packers back somehow managed to get stifled by the horrid Giants defense, mustering an embarrassing 31 scrimmage YDS (18 rushing, 13 receiving) on 15 touches. Knowing how Jones operates, he'll probably go off against the Redskins sneaky solid run D this week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Le'Veon Bell (Jets), Jonathan Williams (Colts), Mark Ingram (Ravens)
Wide Receiver
MVP: DeVante Parker (Dolphins)
There's a new explosive playmaking receiver in town and his name is... DeVante Parker?!?!?! The previously injury-prone, largely ineffective Louisville product continued his strong 2019 by annihilating an Eagles secondary (7 REC/159 YDS/2 TD) that wasn't ready to play in the South Florida heat. Parker has been the clear MVP of late on this largely stagnant offense and should remain on the WR2/WR3 borderline for the rest of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Kenny Golladay (Lions), Courtland Sutton (Broncos), Davante Adams (Packers)
LVP: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)
It's evident that the bone bruise that knocked Lockett out of the 49ers game a couple of weeks back is still hurting him. Lockett looked tremendously uncomfortable once again last night and it resulted in him failing to register a catch against a very beatable Vikings secondary. He'll be a hard guy to trust as long as he continues to play at less than 100%.
Dishonorable Mentions: Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns), Christian Kirk (Cardinals), Jamison Crowder (Jets)
Tight End
MVP: Jack Doyle (Colts)
Apparently Eric Ebron being placed on IR was all Doyle needed to flourish. The veteran secured 6 catches for 73 YDS and a TD in a painful loss to the surging Titans on Sunday afternoon. Feel free to fire up Doyle as a starter in Week 14 when the Colts host the Buccaneers and their bottom-ranked pass defense.
Honorable Mentions: Jason Witten (Cowboys), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Mark Andrews (Ravens)
LVP: Hunter Henry (Chargers)
Henry's hot streak since returning from injury in Week 6 has finally come to a close. He was pretty much invisible for 4 quarters against the Broncos, finishing the game with only 2 catches for 10 YDS. This weekly high-end TE1 option will look to get back on track against a Jaguars defense that is playing as bad as any group in the league right now.
Dishonorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), Jonnu Smith (Titans), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Titans
There wasn't much the Titans defense didn't do against the Colts on Sunday. They truly stuffed the stat sheet with a 3 sack/2 INT/2 BLK Kick/FUM REC/TD performance. The Titans have been a sneaky solid fantasy play for most of the season, but after this week's showdown with the rapidly imploding Raiders, they won't be a great option for the rest of the fantasy playoffs (their week 15 and 16 opponents are the Texans and Saints).
Honorable Mentions: Rams, Saints, Steelers
LVP: Eagles
The poor souls that trusted the Eagles defense got burned in a big way once again this week. Despite registering 3 sacks and an early INT on Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins offense hung 37 points on Jim Schwartz's previously vaunted unit. This group can not be counted on to deliver in any matchup, but I'm sure plenty of people will trot them out again when they go against the Giants generous offense next Monday.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jets, Chargers, Browns
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
There are few better remedies for busting out of a slump than a date with the Giants. Rodgers shook off the stink of his ghastly Week 12 primetime dud against the 49ers with a 243/4 TD/0 turnover performance against the dreadful defense of the G-Men. He'll look to beat up on another poor NFC East team this week when he squares off against the Redskins.
Honorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Carson Wentz (Eagles), Tom Brady (Patriots)
LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Brees wasn't asked to do much (184 YDS/1 TD/0 turnovers) as the sloppiness of the Falcons allowed the Saints to win comfortably on Thanksgiving night, which resulted in his fantasy owners feeling disappointed by his output in a matchup against this terrible D for the 2nd time in the past month. Brees, who has been terrific in non-Falcons matchups since returning from a thumb injury in Week 8, will be a low-end QB1 this week when the 10-2 49ers come to the Superdome.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Sam Darnold (Jets)
Running Back
MVP: James White (Patriots)
As ugly as the Patriots performance was in Houston on Sunday night, their fans (as well as his fantasy owners) have to be thrilled that they finally managed to get White heavily involved in the offense after 10 games of largely mediocre-to-bad production. White was arguably the best player on the field for the Pats in this shocking road loss, managing 177 scrimmage YDS (79 rushing, 98 receiving) and a pair of TD catches on 22 touches. Considering the ineffectiveness of Sony Michel and lack of options Tom Brady trusts in the passing game, White could very well be in line for a workload like this every week moving forward.
Honorable Mentions: Derrius Guice (Redskins), Rashaad Penny (Seahawks), Derrick Henry (Titans)
LVP: Aaron Jones (Packers)
Oh the plight of Jones...… The comically erratic Packers back somehow managed to get stifled by the horrid Giants defense, mustering an embarrassing 31 scrimmage YDS (18 rushing, 13 receiving) on 15 touches. Knowing how Jones operates, he'll probably go off against the Redskins sneaky solid run D this week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Le'Veon Bell (Jets), Jonathan Williams (Colts), Mark Ingram (Ravens)
Wide Receiver
MVP: DeVante Parker (Dolphins)
There's a new explosive playmaking receiver in town and his name is... DeVante Parker?!?!?! The previously injury-prone, largely ineffective Louisville product continued his strong 2019 by annihilating an Eagles secondary (7 REC/159 YDS/2 TD) that wasn't ready to play in the South Florida heat. Parker has been the clear MVP of late on this largely stagnant offense and should remain on the WR2/WR3 borderline for the rest of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Kenny Golladay (Lions), Courtland Sutton (Broncos), Davante Adams (Packers)
LVP: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)
It's evident that the bone bruise that knocked Lockett out of the 49ers game a couple of weeks back is still hurting him. Lockett looked tremendously uncomfortable once again last night and it resulted in him failing to register a catch against a very beatable Vikings secondary. He'll be a hard guy to trust as long as he continues to play at less than 100%.
Dishonorable Mentions: Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns), Christian Kirk (Cardinals), Jamison Crowder (Jets)
Tight End
MVP: Jack Doyle (Colts)
Apparently Eric Ebron being placed on IR was all Doyle needed to flourish. The veteran secured 6 catches for 73 YDS and a TD in a painful loss to the surging Titans on Sunday afternoon. Feel free to fire up Doyle as a starter in Week 14 when the Colts host the Buccaneers and their bottom-ranked pass defense.
Honorable Mentions: Jason Witten (Cowboys), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Mark Andrews (Ravens)
LVP: Hunter Henry (Chargers)
Henry's hot streak since returning from injury in Week 6 has finally come to a close. He was pretty much invisible for 4 quarters against the Broncos, finishing the game with only 2 catches for 10 YDS. This weekly high-end TE1 option will look to get back on track against a Jaguars defense that is playing as bad as any group in the league right now.
Dishonorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), Jonnu Smith (Titans), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Titans
There wasn't much the Titans defense didn't do against the Colts on Sunday. They truly stuffed the stat sheet with a 3 sack/2 INT/2 BLK Kick/FUM REC/TD performance. The Titans have been a sneaky solid fantasy play for most of the season, but after this week's showdown with the rapidly imploding Raiders, they won't be a great option for the rest of the fantasy playoffs (their week 15 and 16 opponents are the Texans and Saints).
Honorable Mentions: Rams, Saints, Steelers
LVP: Eagles
The poor souls that trusted the Eagles defense got burned in a big way once again this week. Despite registering 3 sacks and an early INT on Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins offense hung 37 points on Jim Schwartz's previously vaunted unit. This group can not be counted on to deliver in any matchup, but I'm sure plenty of people will trot them out again when they go against the Giants generous offense next Monday.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jets, Chargers, Browns
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