On this month's episode of "As We Proceed", Feliciano and I wrap up 2016 with a twist on the traditional year-end recap show. The Soundcloud and iTunes links can be found below. Be sure to rate, subscribe and spread the word!
Part 1: https://soundcloud.com/asweproceedpodcast/wake-me-up-when-2016-ends-part-1
Part 2: https://soundcloud.com/asweproceedpodcast/wake-me-up-when-2016-ends-part-2
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/as-we-proceed/id1122163104?mt=2
Friday, December 30, 2016
Year-End List Update
As I alluded to yesterday, the beautiful madness of year-end list season is almost upon us. Here's a quick update on when my 2016 year-end music and movie lists will be dropping.
Music: I just wrapped-up listening to all of the albums I wanted to check out yesterday. I'm going to spend the next four or five days re-listening to a number of records and tinkering with the order accordingly. Both my top 20 albums and full-year recap should be up by the end of next week.
Movies: I'm currently waiting to see five movies in theaters (Rogue One, Patriots Day, Fences, Silence, Live by Night) and a few more on video (Don't Think Twice, Deepwater Horizon, The Birth of a Nation) before I finalize my list. Since Silence and Live by Night don't open in my area until January 13th, I'm going to have to wait until at least the 17th or 18th to post my lists. I apologize for the long delay, but I feel it's irresponsible to release my best-of list before I've checked out at least most of December's heavy-hitters.
Stay tuned!
Chris Maitland
Music: I just wrapped-up listening to all of the albums I wanted to check out yesterday. I'm going to spend the next four or five days re-listening to a number of records and tinkering with the order accordingly. Both my top 20 albums and full-year recap should be up by the end of next week.
Movies: I'm currently waiting to see five movies in theaters (Rogue One, Patriots Day, Fences, Silence, Live by Night) and a few more on video (Don't Think Twice, Deepwater Horizon, The Birth of a Nation) before I finalize my list. Since Silence and Live by Night don't open in my area until January 13th, I'm going to have to wait until at least the 17th or 18th to post my lists. I apologize for the long delay, but I feel it's irresponsible to release my best-of list before I've checked out at least most of December's heavy-hitters.
Stay tuned!
Chris Maitland
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Top 10 Live Performances of 2016
Shows I attended in 2016:
3/2: Migos/Skippa Da Flippa/Domingo Mango and Mango Foo, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
3/30: Intronaut/Scale the Summit/North/Rozamov, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
4/7: Waka Flocka Flame/Oxymoronz, Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
4/16: Kvelertak/Torche/Wild Throne, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
6/18: Bane/Saves the Day/Title Fight/Modern Life is War/The Promise/Right Brigade/Cruel Hand, Palladium, Worcester, MA
7/5: letlive./Seahaven/Silver Snakes/Night Verses, Brighton Music Hall, Allston, MA
7/22: Intronaut/Entheos/Moon Tooth, Palladium Upstairs, Worcester, MA
8/7: The Dillinger Escape Plan/Lunglust, Great Scott, Allston, MA
8/19: blink-182/A Day to Remember/All Time Low, Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
8/25: Black Sabbath/Rival Sons, Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
9/9: ScHoolboy Q/Joey Bada$$/A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, MA
9/18: Danny Brown/Maxo Kream/ZelooperZ, Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
9/29: Chance the Rapper/Francis and the Lights, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
10/7: Dance Gavin Dance/The Contortionist/Hail the Sun/Good Tiger/The White Noise, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
11/11: Young Thug/21 Savage/Divine Council, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, MA
11/16: The Dillinger Escape Plan/O'Brother/Car Bomb/Cult Leader/Bentknee, Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
11/30: Animals as Leaders/Intervals/Plini, Royale, Boston, MA
10.Entheos (7/22):
On a show headlined by prog/sludge juggernauts Intronaut, it was budding tech death superstars Entheos that managed to put on the evening's finest performance. The combination of Evan Brewer's prominent slap bass, drummer Navene Koperweis' piercing blast beats and frontwoman Chaney Crabb's distinctly spastic vocals made their set pure extreme metal nirvana.
9.Migos (3/2):
The act I was most nervous about going to see in 2016 ended up putting on one of the best performances I saw all year. Migos had the explosive stage presence, relentless energy level and over-the-top fun vibe that you always want yet rarely ever actually get out of a trap show. Major props to Quavo, Takeoff and Offset for showing up and blowing the doors off of every other trap heavy hitter (Young Thug, Travi$ Scott, Waka Flocka Flame, Juicy J) I've seen over the past 24 months.
8.Dance Gavin Dance (10/7):
I was excited to finally cross veteran post-hardcore act Dance Gavin Dance off my bucket list this year and holy shit, did they deliver. What they lacked in energy and flashy stage antics, they made up for with awe-inspiring instrumentation, note-perfect vocals from frontmen Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson and excellent setlist choices that spanned the duration of their decade-plus career.
7.blink-182 (8/19):
I can't stress enough how great it is to no longer exclusively associate blink-182's live show with rage, misery and sadness. The departure of "Toxic" Tom Delonge has allowed blink to return to being the pop punk powerhouse they were in their late 90's/early 2000's heyday, which in turn made this set A++ nostalgic fun for anyone that spent a sizable amount of their angst-ridden teenage years in their bedroom jamming Enema of the State and/or Take Off Your Pants and Jacket at an obscene volume.
6.Intronaut (3/30):
While the second time I saw Intronaut this year was a better show on the whole, they were definitely more striking the first time I saw them headline back in March. Hearing their brilliant 2015 album The Direction of Last Things played in its entirety was a beautiful experience that highlighted why their grimy yet jazzy brand of progressive metal has captivated me so much since I discovered them back in 2009.
5.Danny Brown (9/18):
Danny Brown's terrific 60-minute headlining set at the Paradise Rock Club in September proved once again why he's the most consistent live act in hip-hop. The ferocity, astonishing precision and infectious energy he brings every time he hits the stage never fails to render me speechless.
4.letlive. (7/5):
If I'm the Devil... might've been one of the most disappointing albums of 2016, but my first letlive. headlining show still managed to be dope as hell. Vocalist Jason Butler is the type of incendiary showman that commands 110% of your attention every minute he's on stage and the setlist featured a number of deep cuts from their 2011 masterpiece Fake History ("Homeless Jazz", "Enemigos/Enemies") that I never expected them to pull out on a headlining tour for their most melodic album to-date. As long as letlive. continues to put on insane, memorable shows, I'll go see them every time they come to Massachusetts.
3.Kvelertak (4/16):
Norway's finest Satanic party band delivered once again. Kvelertak's blend of hardcore energy, black metal fury and 80's arena rock cheesiness makes them the most unique, absurdly fun live act in metal today.
2.Black Sabbath (8/25):
Few experiences in my life have been more surreal than seeing Black Sabbath live. It sounds cliched as hell, but you truly do have to pinch yourself to confirm that you're not dreaming when you're in the presence of legends. The founding fathers of heavy metal sounded so pristine that it's hard to believe that they're a group of guys in their late 60's embarking on their farewell tour after a nearly 50-year career.
1. The Dillinger Escape Plan (8/7):
In most years, Black Sabbath would've easily taken home performance of the year. However, not even metal royalty can beat seeing The Dillinger Escape Plan in a hole-in-the wall venue. Dillinger's signature tornado of chaos swirled through the 200-capcity Great Scott in Allston, Massachusetts and basically left the entire building in ruins. The level of energy given off by the band and the audience was unreal, and reminded me of exactly why I fell in love with heavy metal as a teenager. No words can describe how happy I am that I got to see the greatest live band I've ever seen play in an intimate venue before their upcoming disbandment in 2017.
Honorable Mentions: Joey Bada$$ (9/9), Animals as Leaders (11/30), Intervals (11/30), Car Bomb (11/16), Night Verses (7/5)
BONUS SHIT:
Top 5 Shows:
5.Animals as Leaders/Intervals/Plini
4.Intronaut/Entheos/Moon Tooth
3.The Dillinger Escape Plan/O'Brother/Car Bomb/Cult Leader/Bentknee
2.Black Sabbath/Rival Sons
1.The Dillinger Escape Plan/Lunglust
5 Biggest Surprises:
5.The White Noise
4.Young Thug
3.Joey Bada$$
2.blink-182
1.Migos
5 Biggest Letdowns:
5.Torche
4.The Contortionist
3.21 Savage
2.Chance the Rapper
1.Waka Flocka Flame
Top 5 Acts I Hope to See in 2017:
5.Mac Miller
4.Gucci Mane
3.Rivers of Nihil
2.Frank Ocean
1.Metallica
3/2: Migos/Skippa Da Flippa/Domingo Mango and Mango Foo, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
3/30: Intronaut/Scale the Summit/North/Rozamov, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
4/7: Waka Flocka Flame/Oxymoronz, Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
4/16: Kvelertak/Torche/Wild Throne, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
6/18: Bane/Saves the Day/Title Fight/Modern Life is War/The Promise/Right Brigade/Cruel Hand, Palladium, Worcester, MA
7/5: letlive./Seahaven/Silver Snakes/Night Verses, Brighton Music Hall, Allston, MA
7/22: Intronaut/Entheos/Moon Tooth, Palladium Upstairs, Worcester, MA
8/7: The Dillinger Escape Plan/Lunglust, Great Scott, Allston, MA
8/19: blink-182/A Day to Remember/All Time Low, Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
8/25: Black Sabbath/Rival Sons, Xfinity Center, Mansfield, MA
9/9: ScHoolboy Q/Joey Bada$$/A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, MA
9/18: Danny Brown/Maxo Kream/ZelooperZ, Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
9/29: Chance the Rapper/Francis and the Lights, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
10/7: Dance Gavin Dance/The Contortionist/Hail the Sun/Good Tiger/The White Noise, Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
11/11: Young Thug/21 Savage/Divine Council, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, MA
11/16: The Dillinger Escape Plan/O'Brother/Car Bomb/Cult Leader/Bentknee, Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA
11/30: Animals as Leaders/Intervals/Plini, Royale, Boston, MA
10.Entheos (7/22):
On a show headlined by prog/sludge juggernauts Intronaut, it was budding tech death superstars Entheos that managed to put on the evening's finest performance. The combination of Evan Brewer's prominent slap bass, drummer Navene Koperweis' piercing blast beats and frontwoman Chaney Crabb's distinctly spastic vocals made their set pure extreme metal nirvana.
9.Migos (3/2):
The act I was most nervous about going to see in 2016 ended up putting on one of the best performances I saw all year. Migos had the explosive stage presence, relentless energy level and over-the-top fun vibe that you always want yet rarely ever actually get out of a trap show. Major props to Quavo, Takeoff and Offset for showing up and blowing the doors off of every other trap heavy hitter (Young Thug, Travi$ Scott, Waka Flocka Flame, Juicy J) I've seen over the past 24 months.
8.Dance Gavin Dance (10/7):
I was excited to finally cross veteran post-hardcore act Dance Gavin Dance off my bucket list this year and holy shit, did they deliver. What they lacked in energy and flashy stage antics, they made up for with awe-inspiring instrumentation, note-perfect vocals from frontmen Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson and excellent setlist choices that spanned the duration of their decade-plus career.
7.blink-182 (8/19):
I can't stress enough how great it is to no longer exclusively associate blink-182's live show with rage, misery and sadness. The departure of "Toxic" Tom Delonge has allowed blink to return to being the pop punk powerhouse they were in their late 90's/early 2000's heyday, which in turn made this set A++ nostalgic fun for anyone that spent a sizable amount of their angst-ridden teenage years in their bedroom jamming Enema of the State and/or Take Off Your Pants and Jacket at an obscene volume.
6.Intronaut (3/30):
While the second time I saw Intronaut this year was a better show on the whole, they were definitely more striking the first time I saw them headline back in March. Hearing their brilliant 2015 album The Direction of Last Things played in its entirety was a beautiful experience that highlighted why their grimy yet jazzy brand of progressive metal has captivated me so much since I discovered them back in 2009.
5.Danny Brown (9/18):
Danny Brown's terrific 60-minute headlining set at the Paradise Rock Club in September proved once again why he's the most consistent live act in hip-hop. The ferocity, astonishing precision and infectious energy he brings every time he hits the stage never fails to render me speechless.
4.letlive. (7/5):
If I'm the Devil... might've been one of the most disappointing albums of 2016, but my first letlive. headlining show still managed to be dope as hell. Vocalist Jason Butler is the type of incendiary showman that commands 110% of your attention every minute he's on stage and the setlist featured a number of deep cuts from their 2011 masterpiece Fake History ("Homeless Jazz", "Enemigos/Enemies") that I never expected them to pull out on a headlining tour for their most melodic album to-date. As long as letlive. continues to put on insane, memorable shows, I'll go see them every time they come to Massachusetts.
3.Kvelertak (4/16):
Norway's finest Satanic party band delivered once again. Kvelertak's blend of hardcore energy, black metal fury and 80's arena rock cheesiness makes them the most unique, absurdly fun live act in metal today.
2.Black Sabbath (8/25):
Few experiences in my life have been more surreal than seeing Black Sabbath live. It sounds cliched as hell, but you truly do have to pinch yourself to confirm that you're not dreaming when you're in the presence of legends. The founding fathers of heavy metal sounded so pristine that it's hard to believe that they're a group of guys in their late 60's embarking on their farewell tour after a nearly 50-year career.
1. The Dillinger Escape Plan (8/7):
In most years, Black Sabbath would've easily taken home performance of the year. However, not even metal royalty can beat seeing The Dillinger Escape Plan in a hole-in-the wall venue. Dillinger's signature tornado of chaos swirled through the 200-capcity Great Scott in Allston, Massachusetts and basically left the entire building in ruins. The level of energy given off by the band and the audience was unreal, and reminded me of exactly why I fell in love with heavy metal as a teenager. No words can describe how happy I am that I got to see the greatest live band I've ever seen play in an intimate venue before their upcoming disbandment in 2017.
Honorable Mentions: Joey Bada$$ (9/9), Animals as Leaders (11/30), Intervals (11/30), Car Bomb (11/16), Night Verses (7/5)
BONUS SHIT:
Top 5 Shows:
5.Animals as Leaders/Intervals/Plini
4.Intronaut/Entheos/Moon Tooth
3.The Dillinger Escape Plan/O'Brother/Car Bomb/Cult Leader/Bentknee
2.Black Sabbath/Rival Sons
1.The Dillinger Escape Plan/Lunglust
5 Biggest Surprises:
5.The White Noise
4.Young Thug
3.Joey Bada$$
2.blink-182
1.Migos
5 Biggest Letdowns:
5.Torche
4.The Contortionist
3.21 Savage
2.Chance the Rapper
1.Waka Flocka Flame
Top 5 Acts I Hope to See in 2017:
5.Mac Miller
4.Gucci Mane
3.Rivers of Nihil
2.Frank Ocean
1.Metallica
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Week 16 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Aaron Rodgers' ridiculous December continued with yet another eye-popping performance at Lambeau Field. The 2-time MVP shredded the Vikings D for 360 total yards (347 passing, 13 rushing) and was responsible for all 5 TD's (4 passing, 1 rushing) the Packers scored in an easy 38-25 win. Rodgers returned to dominant form in 2016 after a middling 2015 and should be a contender to be the 1st quarterback taken in 2017.
Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Kirk Cousins (Redskins)
LVP: Matthew Stafford (Lions)
Matthew Stafford's fairy tale-esque 2016 campaign didn't exactly end on the best note. While he wasn't bad enough to single-handily cost someone a championship, his owners certainly expected better than the 260 YD/0 TD/1 INT/1 Rush TD/1 FUM Lost line he put up against a merely decent Cowboys defense that has gotten burned by top-end passing offenses throughout the season. Stafford was a top 3-5 fantasy quarterback for a majority of this season and provided unreal value for his 10th-12th round draft position.
Dishonorable Mentions: Cam Newton (Panthers), Drew Brees (Saints), Eli Manning (Giants)
Running Back
MVP: David Johnson (Cardinals)
It's fitting that the NFL's most overlooked offensive player brought home the MVP honors during fantasy football title week. David Johnson was the driving force behind the Cardinals impressive upset victory in Week 16, picking up 136 total yards (95 rushing, 41 receiving) and 3 TD's on 32 touches against the Seahawks tough defense. Johnson proved naysayers like myself that questioned his status as a top 5 overall pick horribly wrong by morphing into the most consistent player in all of fantasy football in 2016. Barring a serious injury in Week 17 or OTA's, Johnson should be the uncontested number 1 pick in 2017.
Honorable Mentions: Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), Le'Veon Bell (Steelers), Mark Ingram (Saints)
LVP: Jeremy Hill (Bengals)
Leave it to Jeremy Hill to put up his worst performance of the season when it matters most. Hill undoubtedly cost some people a championship with his embarrassing 7 carry/8-yard performance against the Texans on Saturday night. Despite this crippling dud and an underwhelming YPC (3.8), Hill's nose for the endzone (9 TD's, tied with DeMarco Murray for 8th among RB's) and strong ball security (0 fumbles on the year) made him a serviceable RB2 on the whole.
Dishonorable Mentions: Latavius Murray (Raiders), DeMarco Murray (Titans), Jonathan Stewart (Panthers)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Jordy Nelson (Packers)
Per usual, Jordy Nelson was the primary beneficiary of Aaron Rodgers' stellar day through the air. The Vikings lauded secondary had no answers for Nelson as he scooped up 154 YDS and 2 TD's on 9 receptions without any semblance of difficulty. Outside of Antonio Brown and Mike Evans, I don't think there was a more valuable fantasy wideout this season than Nelson.
Honorable Mentions: Doug Baldwin (Seahawks), Dez Bryant (Cowboys), Sammy Watkins (Bills)
LVP: Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)
After 3 straight weeks of being the only Broncos offensive player to deliver respectable numbers, Demaryius Thomas finally fell on his face against the Chiefs. A combination of sloppy conditions and failure to get on the same page with Trevor Siemian led to Thomas having his worst outing of the season (3 REC/20 YDS). Despite consistently subpar quarterback play and fellow starting wideout Emmanuel Sanders continuing to cut into his targets, Thomas managed to be one of the most reliable WR2's in the league this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos), Jordan Matthews (Eagles), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
Tight End
MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Travis Kelce capped off his unreal season with an absolutely sensational performance. The Broncos linebackers and safeties simply couldn't cover Kelce as he put up 160 YDS and a TD on 11 receptions against the league's best pass defense. With 84 REC, 1,117 YDS and 4 TD's through 15 games, Kelce managed to consistently deliver for his owners at a position that had no shortage of duds in 2016.
Honorable Mentions: Antonio Gates (Chargers), Jimmy Graham (Seahawks), Eric Ebron (Lions)
LVP: Zach Ertz (Eagles)
After being the team's leading receiver for 3 straight weeks, The Eagles suddenly shied away from Zach Ertz in Week 16. While Ertz did reel in both of his targets for 33 yards, the Eagles turned to Nelson Agholor (!) and the running game to take out the Giants on Thursday night. Ertz came on very strong down the stretch and should continue to be an integral piece in Doug Pederson's offense moving forward.
Dishonorable Mentions: Coby Fleener (Saints), Hunter Henry (Chargers), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
Defense
MVP: New England Patriots
For the 2nd straight week, the New York Jets dysfunctional offense provided fantasy points galore for the opposing defense. The Patriots netted 3 INT's, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery against the NFL's biggest dumpster fire in their effortless 41-3 victory on Christmas Eve. While they've certainly delivered over the past month, the Patriots D was pretty average on the whole and didn't provide a great return on their 7th-9th round draft position.
Honorable Mentions: Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
LVP: Seattle Seahawks
If you play in a league that rewards strong defensive play, the Seahawks D likely screwed you over in Week 16. Despite facing a Cardinals offense that has been turnover and sack-prone throughout 2016, the Seahawks only mustered 1 sack and a fumble recovery in a painful 34-31 loss on Saturday afternoon. The Seahawks D have been an up-and-down all year and provided a lot of headaches for the people that used a relatively high draft pick on them.
Dishonorable Mentions: Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Aaron Rodgers' ridiculous December continued with yet another eye-popping performance at Lambeau Field. The 2-time MVP shredded the Vikings D for 360 total yards (347 passing, 13 rushing) and was responsible for all 5 TD's (4 passing, 1 rushing) the Packers scored in an easy 38-25 win. Rodgers returned to dominant form in 2016 after a middling 2015 and should be a contender to be the 1st quarterback taken in 2017.
Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Kirk Cousins (Redskins)
LVP: Matthew Stafford (Lions)
Matthew Stafford's fairy tale-esque 2016 campaign didn't exactly end on the best note. While he wasn't bad enough to single-handily cost someone a championship, his owners certainly expected better than the 260 YD/0 TD/1 INT/1 Rush TD/1 FUM Lost line he put up against a merely decent Cowboys defense that has gotten burned by top-end passing offenses throughout the season. Stafford was a top 3-5 fantasy quarterback for a majority of this season and provided unreal value for his 10th-12th round draft position.
Dishonorable Mentions: Cam Newton (Panthers), Drew Brees (Saints), Eli Manning (Giants)
Running Back
MVP: David Johnson (Cardinals)
It's fitting that the NFL's most overlooked offensive player brought home the MVP honors during fantasy football title week. David Johnson was the driving force behind the Cardinals impressive upset victory in Week 16, picking up 136 total yards (95 rushing, 41 receiving) and 3 TD's on 32 touches against the Seahawks tough defense. Johnson proved naysayers like myself that questioned his status as a top 5 overall pick horribly wrong by morphing into the most consistent player in all of fantasy football in 2016. Barring a serious injury in Week 17 or OTA's, Johnson should be the uncontested number 1 pick in 2017.
Honorable Mentions: Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), Le'Veon Bell (Steelers), Mark Ingram (Saints)
LVP: Jeremy Hill (Bengals)
Leave it to Jeremy Hill to put up his worst performance of the season when it matters most. Hill undoubtedly cost some people a championship with his embarrassing 7 carry/8-yard performance against the Texans on Saturday night. Despite this crippling dud and an underwhelming YPC (3.8), Hill's nose for the endzone (9 TD's, tied with DeMarco Murray for 8th among RB's) and strong ball security (0 fumbles on the year) made him a serviceable RB2 on the whole.
Dishonorable Mentions: Latavius Murray (Raiders), DeMarco Murray (Titans), Jonathan Stewart (Panthers)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Jordy Nelson (Packers)
Per usual, Jordy Nelson was the primary beneficiary of Aaron Rodgers' stellar day through the air. The Vikings lauded secondary had no answers for Nelson as he scooped up 154 YDS and 2 TD's on 9 receptions without any semblance of difficulty. Outside of Antonio Brown and Mike Evans, I don't think there was a more valuable fantasy wideout this season than Nelson.
Honorable Mentions: Doug Baldwin (Seahawks), Dez Bryant (Cowboys), Sammy Watkins (Bills)
LVP: Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)
After 3 straight weeks of being the only Broncos offensive player to deliver respectable numbers, Demaryius Thomas finally fell on his face against the Chiefs. A combination of sloppy conditions and failure to get on the same page with Trevor Siemian led to Thomas having his worst outing of the season (3 REC/20 YDS). Despite consistently subpar quarterback play and fellow starting wideout Emmanuel Sanders continuing to cut into his targets, Thomas managed to be one of the most reliable WR2's in the league this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos), Jordan Matthews (Eagles), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
Tight End
MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Travis Kelce capped off his unreal season with an absolutely sensational performance. The Broncos linebackers and safeties simply couldn't cover Kelce as he put up 160 YDS and a TD on 11 receptions against the league's best pass defense. With 84 REC, 1,117 YDS and 4 TD's through 15 games, Kelce managed to consistently deliver for his owners at a position that had no shortage of duds in 2016.
Honorable Mentions: Antonio Gates (Chargers), Jimmy Graham (Seahawks), Eric Ebron (Lions)
LVP: Zach Ertz (Eagles)
After being the team's leading receiver for 3 straight weeks, The Eagles suddenly shied away from Zach Ertz in Week 16. While Ertz did reel in both of his targets for 33 yards, the Eagles turned to Nelson Agholor (!) and the running game to take out the Giants on Thursday night. Ertz came on very strong down the stretch and should continue to be an integral piece in Doug Pederson's offense moving forward.
Dishonorable Mentions: Coby Fleener (Saints), Hunter Henry (Chargers), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
Defense
MVP: New England Patriots
For the 2nd straight week, the New York Jets dysfunctional offense provided fantasy points galore for the opposing defense. The Patriots netted 3 INT's, 2 sacks and a fumble recovery against the NFL's biggest dumpster fire in their effortless 41-3 victory on Christmas Eve. While they've certainly delivered over the past month, the Patriots D was pretty average on the whole and didn't provide a great return on their 7th-9th round draft position.
Honorable Mentions: Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
LVP: Seattle Seahawks
If you play in a league that rewards strong defensive play, the Seahawks D likely screwed you over in Week 16. Despite facing a Cardinals offense that has been turnover and sack-prone throughout 2016, the Seahawks only mustered 1 sack and a fumble recovery in a painful 34-31 loss on Saturday afternoon. The Seahawks D have been an up-and-down all year and provided a lot of headaches for the people that used a relatively high draft pick on them.
Dishonorable Mentions: Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos
Week 17 NFL Power Rankings
()=last week's ranking
1. (1) New England Patriots (13-2) Week 17 opponent: Miami Dolphins
2. (2) Dallas Cowboys (13-2) Week 17 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
3. (3) Oakland Raiders (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Denver Broncos
4. (6) Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) Week 17 opponent: San Diego Chargers
5. (8) Atlanta Falcons (10-5) Week 17 opponent: New Orleans Saints
6. (9) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Cleveland Browns
7. (4) Seattle Seahawks (9-5-1) Week 17 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
8. (5) New York Giants (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Washington Redskins
9. (11) Green Bay Packers (9-6) Week 17 opponent: Detroit Lions
10. (10) Miami Dolphins (10-5) Week 17 opponent: New England Patriots
11. (7) Detroit Lions (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Green Bay Packers
12. (15) Houston Texans (9-6) Week 17 opponent: Tennessee Titans
13. (16) Washington Redskins (8-6-1) Week 17 opponent: New York Giants
14. (13) Baltimore Ravens (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
15. (12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Carolina Panthers
16. (22) New Orleans Saints (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
17. (14) Denver Broncos (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Oakland Raiders
18. (17) Tennessee Titans (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Houston Texans
19. (18) Indianapolis Colts (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
20. (19) Buffalo Bills (7-8) Week 17 opponent: New York Jets
21. (24) Arizona Cardinals (6-8-1) Week 17 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
22. (20) Carolina Panthers (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23. (21) Minnesota Vikings (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Chicago Bears
24. (26) Philadelphia Eagles (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
25. (23) Cincinnati Bengals (5-9-1) Week 17 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
26. (25) San Diego Chargers (5-10) Week 17 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
27. (30) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) Week 17 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
28. (27) Chicago Bears (3-12) Week 17 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
29. (28) Los Angeles Rams (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
30. (29) New York Jets (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Buffalo Bills
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (2-13) Week 17 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (1-14) Week 17 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
1. (1) New England Patriots (13-2) Week 17 opponent: Miami Dolphins
2. (2) Dallas Cowboys (13-2) Week 17 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
3. (3) Oakland Raiders (12-3) Week 17 opponent: Denver Broncos
4. (6) Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) Week 17 opponent: San Diego Chargers
5. (8) Atlanta Falcons (10-5) Week 17 opponent: New Orleans Saints
6. (9) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Cleveland Browns
7. (4) Seattle Seahawks (9-5-1) Week 17 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
8. (5) New York Giants (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Washington Redskins
9. (11) Green Bay Packers (9-6) Week 17 opponent: Detroit Lions
10. (10) Miami Dolphins (10-5) Week 17 opponent: New England Patriots
11. (7) Detroit Lions (10-5) Week 17 opponent: Green Bay Packers
12. (15) Houston Texans (9-6) Week 17 opponent: Tennessee Titans
13. (16) Washington Redskins (8-6-1) Week 17 opponent: New York Giants
14. (13) Baltimore Ravens (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
15. (12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Carolina Panthers
16. (22) New Orleans Saints (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
17. (14) Denver Broncos (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Oakland Raiders
18. (17) Tennessee Titans (8-7) Week 17 opponent: Houston Texans
19. (18) Indianapolis Colts (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
20. (19) Buffalo Bills (7-8) Week 17 opponent: New York Jets
21. (24) Arizona Cardinals (6-8-1) Week 17 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
22. (20) Carolina Panthers (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23. (21) Minnesota Vikings (7-8) Week 17 opponent: Chicago Bears
24. (26) Philadelphia Eagles (6-9) Week 17 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
25. (23) Cincinnati Bengals (5-9-1) Week 17 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
26. (25) San Diego Chargers (5-10) Week 17 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
27. (30) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) Week 17 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
28. (27) Chicago Bears (3-12) Week 17 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
29. (28) Los Angeles Rams (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
30. (29) New York Jets (4-11) Week 17 opponent: Buffalo Bills
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (2-13) Week 17 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (1-14) Week 17 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
Monday, December 26, 2016
10 Most Anticipated Films of Winter/Spring 2017
With all of the attention being paid to award-contenders and Rogue One right now, it's easy to forget that the official start of a new movie season is only a week away. 2017's crop of winter/spring films is (thankfully) a lot more exciting than this year's dismal early slate with a number of exciting sequels/reboots, whacked-out original horror projects and dark indie fare set to hit theaters from January to April. Here are the 10 films I'm most excited to see in the inaugural, tone-setting months of 2017.
10.Split (1/20): While far from perfect, 2015's The Visit was enough to confirm that M. Night Shyamalan has finally gotten his shit together after his lengthy post-Sixth Sense slump. His latest project, Split, seems to have all the makings of another winner for the veteran horror/thriller director. The trailers look tense as hell, the reviews following its premiere at Austin's Fantastic Fest in September were excellent and the casting of the immensely talented James McAvoy as a deranged man with split personality disorder couldn't possibly be more perfect.
9.Kong: Skull Island (3/10): The strength of the primary cast (Brie Larson, John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, Jason Mitchell, John C. Reilly) alone is enough to get me excited for another King Kong movie. As long as Skull Island doesn't follow the model of Peter Jackson's painfully bland reboot, it should be a nice piece of cheesy summer blockbuster fun in the beginning of spring.
8.Life (3/24): Do I have any idea what Life is about outside of a few vague details I've gathered from the teaser and studio-supplied plot synopsis? Nope. Has there been a complete overload of space-set movies in the past few years? Yep. Will I still be seeing this as soon as it comes out? Absofuckinlutely. The presence of Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds and Rebecca Ferguson in the lead roles is enough to get my ass in the theater without asking any follow-up questions.
7.Logan (3/3): I'm weary anytime the makers of a superhero film promise a dark, unique experience, but since Marvel Studios doesn't own the rights to X-Men, I actually believe all of the things Hugh Jackman and co-writer/director James Mangold (The Wolverine, 3:10 to Yuma) have said about Logan. Jackman's farewell to the character that made him a Hollywood A-lister is reportedly a cynical bloodbath that highlights the emptiness and pain Logan has developed as a result of his immortality. The world needs a bleak, no-holds-barred superhero film more than ever and hopefully Logan can add some much-needed grit to this watered-down genre.
6.A Cure for Wellness (2/17): Director Gore Verbinski's (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Ring) long-awaited return to the world of horror films has the potential to be one of the most unique, unsettling and flat-out insane piece of work to come out of the genre in a very long time. Here's to hoping that the phenomenal, ambiguous advertising campaign isn't just a flashy facade by Fox to cover up a shit movie.
5.Get Out (2/24): I can't remember the last time I was as pleasantly surprised by a trailer then I was with Get Out. Despite the backing of generic horror superproducer Jason Blum (the Insidious and Paranormal Activity producers, comedian Jordan Peele's directorial debut looks like a bonkers horror satire filled with commentary on modern race and biting dark humor that I'm beyond stoked to check out.
4.Free Fire (3/17): I'm always down for a good B-action movie and Free Fire seems like it has all the ingredients in place to be a runaway success. The cast headlined by Brie Larson, Sharlto Copley and Armie Hammer is full of fantastic actors that have a knack for comedy, the trailer gives off a Guy Ritchie-esque vibe and the R-rating all but ensures that they'll be no shortage of bloody mayhem throughout the film.
3.John Wick: Chapter 2 (2/10): 2014's John Wick was the type of straightforward, brutal and badass action movie that I can't help but fawn over every time it's mentioned. With the writer/director team of Derek Kolstad and Chad Stahleski back at the helm and the additions of Laurence Fishburne, Common and Ruby Rose to the already stellar cast, there's a strong possibility that the sequel is going to be another slice of over-the-top action bliss.
2.T2: Trainspotting (3/3): I never thought a sequel to Danny Boyle's brilliant pitch-black comedy Trainspotting would ever materialize after years of being stuck in development hell, but god damn am I glad that it finally has. If the long-awaited sequel can be even half as sharp, engrossing and amusing as its predecessor, it should be one of the best films of the year.
1.The Fate of the Furious (4/14): Here we go again..... No other tentpole that Hollywood has pedaled out this decade has come anywhere close to matching the inventive, infectious and unrelenting fun that the last three Fast and the Furious movies have offered up in droves. The latest installment in this masterful, over-the top action franchise once again keeps things fresh by having primary protagonist Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) suddenly become the villain and adding even more game actors (Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren) to its beautifully-assembled ensemble cast. God I can't wait for April 14th.
Films I'm also interested in:
Underworld: Blood Wars (1/6)
Sleepless (1/13)
xXx: The Return of Xander Cage (1/20)
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (1/27)
The Lego Batman Movie (2/10)
Fist Fight (2/17)
The Great Wall (2/17)
Table 19 (3/3)
The Last Word (3/10)
Raw (3/10)
The Belko Experiment (3/17)
CHips (3/24)
Power Rangers (3/24)
Wilson (3/24)
Ghost in the Shell (3/31)
The Zookeeper's Wife (3/31)
Going in Style (4/7)
Sleight (4/7)
Gifted (4/12)
The Lost City of Z (4/14)
The Circle (4/28)
10.Split (1/20): While far from perfect, 2015's The Visit was enough to confirm that M. Night Shyamalan has finally gotten his shit together after his lengthy post-Sixth Sense slump. His latest project, Split, seems to have all the makings of another winner for the veteran horror/thriller director. The trailers look tense as hell, the reviews following its premiere at Austin's Fantastic Fest in September were excellent and the casting of the immensely talented James McAvoy as a deranged man with split personality disorder couldn't possibly be more perfect.
9.Kong: Skull Island (3/10): The strength of the primary cast (Brie Larson, John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, Jason Mitchell, John C. Reilly) alone is enough to get me excited for another King Kong movie. As long as Skull Island doesn't follow the model of Peter Jackson's painfully bland reboot, it should be a nice piece of cheesy summer blockbuster fun in the beginning of spring.
8.Life (3/24): Do I have any idea what Life is about outside of a few vague details I've gathered from the teaser and studio-supplied plot synopsis? Nope. Has there been a complete overload of space-set movies in the past few years? Yep. Will I still be seeing this as soon as it comes out? Absofuckinlutely. The presence of Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds and Rebecca Ferguson in the lead roles is enough to get my ass in the theater without asking any follow-up questions.
7.Logan (3/3): I'm weary anytime the makers of a superhero film promise a dark, unique experience, but since Marvel Studios doesn't own the rights to X-Men, I actually believe all of the things Hugh Jackman and co-writer/director James Mangold (The Wolverine, 3:10 to Yuma) have said about Logan. Jackman's farewell to the character that made him a Hollywood A-lister is reportedly a cynical bloodbath that highlights the emptiness and pain Logan has developed as a result of his immortality. The world needs a bleak, no-holds-barred superhero film more than ever and hopefully Logan can add some much-needed grit to this watered-down genre.
6.A Cure for Wellness (2/17): Director Gore Verbinski's (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Ring) long-awaited return to the world of horror films has the potential to be one of the most unique, unsettling and flat-out insane piece of work to come out of the genre in a very long time. Here's to hoping that the phenomenal, ambiguous advertising campaign isn't just a flashy facade by Fox to cover up a shit movie.
5.Get Out (2/24): I can't remember the last time I was as pleasantly surprised by a trailer then I was with Get Out. Despite the backing of generic horror superproducer Jason Blum (the Insidious and Paranormal Activity producers, comedian Jordan Peele's directorial debut looks like a bonkers horror satire filled with commentary on modern race and biting dark humor that I'm beyond stoked to check out.
4.Free Fire (3/17): I'm always down for a good B-action movie and Free Fire seems like it has all the ingredients in place to be a runaway success. The cast headlined by Brie Larson, Sharlto Copley and Armie Hammer is full of fantastic actors that have a knack for comedy, the trailer gives off a Guy Ritchie-esque vibe and the R-rating all but ensures that they'll be no shortage of bloody mayhem throughout the film.
3.John Wick: Chapter 2 (2/10): 2014's John Wick was the type of straightforward, brutal and badass action movie that I can't help but fawn over every time it's mentioned. With the writer/director team of Derek Kolstad and Chad Stahleski back at the helm and the additions of Laurence Fishburne, Common and Ruby Rose to the already stellar cast, there's a strong possibility that the sequel is going to be another slice of over-the-top action bliss.
2.T2: Trainspotting (3/3): I never thought a sequel to Danny Boyle's brilliant pitch-black comedy Trainspotting would ever materialize after years of being stuck in development hell, but god damn am I glad that it finally has. If the long-awaited sequel can be even half as sharp, engrossing and amusing as its predecessor, it should be one of the best films of the year.
1.The Fate of the Furious (4/14): Here we go again..... No other tentpole that Hollywood has pedaled out this decade has come anywhere close to matching the inventive, infectious and unrelenting fun that the last three Fast and the Furious movies have offered up in droves. The latest installment in this masterful, over-the top action franchise once again keeps things fresh by having primary protagonist Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) suddenly become the villain and adding even more game actors (Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren) to its beautifully-assembled ensemble cast. God I can't wait for April 14th.
Films I'm also interested in:
Underworld: Blood Wars (1/6)
Sleepless (1/13)
xXx: The Return of Xander Cage (1/20)
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (1/27)
The Lego Batman Movie (2/10)
Fist Fight (2/17)
The Great Wall (2/17)
Table 19 (3/3)
The Last Word (3/10)
Raw (3/10)
The Belko Experiment (3/17)
CHips (3/24)
Power Rangers (3/24)
Wilson (3/24)
Ghost in the Shell (3/31)
The Zookeeper's Wife (3/31)
Going in Style (4/7)
Sleight (4/7)
Gifted (4/12)
The Lost City of Z (4/14)
The Circle (4/28)
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Week 15 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Drew Brees recovered from a 2-week touchdown-less, 6 INT slump in the most Drew Brees way possible. The future Hall-of-Famer straight-up eviscerated the Cardinals 5th-ranked pass defense, finishing the afternoon with 389 YDS and 4 TD. Brees will look to build upon this success in Week 16 as the Saints host a hungry Buccaneers squad that is still fighting for a playoff spot.
Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Cam Newton (Panthers)
LVP: Marcus Mariota (Titans)
The Titans pulled off a shocking upset of the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 15, but Marcus Mariota didn't do much to aid in the victory. The 2nd-year signal caller was well below average, picking up 241 yards through the air, turning the ball over 2 times (an interception and a lost fumble) and failing to score a TD for the 2nd consecutive week. Mariota has an excellent chance of redeeming himself on Christmas Eve against a Jaguars team that he carved up (281 total yards, 2 TD) back in October.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tom Brady (Patriots), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Kirk Cousins (Redskins)
Running Back
MVP: Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
Just last week I said that Devonta Freeman would be a risky start for the rest of the season. He responded by having his best game of the season and once again proved why my fantasy football advice isn't worth taking. Outside of a lost fumble, Freeman was flawless against the 49ers, cruising to a 154-yard, 3 TD performance on 22 touches against the league's worst defense. While another day like this is highly unlikely, Freeman should be a decent RB2 for this week's tilt against the Panthers staunch run D.
Honorable Mentions: Ty Montgomery (Packers), LeSean McCoy (Bills), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys)
LVP: Kenneth Farrow (Chargers)
Melvin Gordon's replacement was by far the most popular waiver pickup of the week and he did absolutely nothing to reward the hundreds of thousands people that blindly put their faith in him. Farrow was simply awful against the Raiders leaky defense, getting held to 53 yards (39 rushing, 14 receiving) and a lost fumble on 17 touches. Even if Gordon can't play again in Week 16 against the lowly Browns defense, Farrow isn't worth starting.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), Carlos Hyde (49ers), Isaiah Crowell (Browns)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Brandin Cooks (Saints)
Just 3 weeks removed from a game in which he wasn't targeted at all, Brandin Cooks once again showed why he's the hardest player to gauge in all of fantasy football with an absolutely absurd performance in Week 14. Cooks looked like the second coming of Jerry Rice as he torched the vaunted Cardinals secondary for 186 YDS and 2 TD on 7 receptions. The next stop on the Brandin Cooks dice-rolling express is a matchup with a Buccaneers secondary that hasn't allowed a 100-yard receiver since Week 9.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Jarvis Landry (Dolphins), Alshon Jeffrey (Bears)
LVP: Jamison Crowder (Redskins)
Monday night was one to forget for Jamison Crowder. 2016's under-the-radar breakout fantasy star receiver was held in check by the Panthers young secondary for most of the night, getting just 24 yards on 4 receptions and losing the fumble that sealed a victory for the defending NFC champs. Crowder has hit a bit of a wall over the past few weeks after an excellent October and November, but his consistent targets will put him on the high-end WR3 radar for his championship week matchup against the Bears solid albeit beatable secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Raiders), Randall Cobb (Packers), Sammy Watkins (Bills)
Tight End
MVP: Cameron Brate (Buccaneers)
On an underwhelming night for the Buccaneers key offensive pieces (Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, Doug Martin) promising young tight end Cameron Brate put together one of his finest performances to-date. The Harvard product was rock-solid all game long as he picked up a team-high 73 YDS and a TD on 5 receptions in a sloppy loss against the Cowboys. Brate will be a high-end TE1 in a Week 16 showdown with the Saints that could very well decide the Bucs playoff fate.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Greg Olsen (Panthers), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
LVP: Jordan Reed (Redskins)
Outside of getting ejected for punching Kurt Coleman, Jordan Reed did nothing of note against the Panthers on Monday Night Football. Reed managed just 1 catch for 6 yards before he was tossed at the end of the 3rd quarter. While his separated shoulder is definitely a concern, Reed will still be a low-end TE1 against the Bears if he isn't suspended for the helmet punch heard 'round the world.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyler Eifert (Bengals), Antonio Gates (Chargers), Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Defense
MVP: Miami Dolphins
Christmas came early for the Dolphins D as they absolutely hammered the hapless Jets in a Saturday night showdown at the Meadowlands. Outside of allowing an ugly 40 yard-TD pass from Bryce Petty to Robby Anderson on the opening drive, the Dolphins D was pretty much unstoppable, as they picked up 3 sacks, 3 INT's, a fumble recovery, a blocked punt and a touchdown in a commanding 34-13 win over the NFL's most depressed franchise not located in Cleveland. The Dolphins will be a risky albeit still solid play as they travel to play a Bills squad that doesn't tend to turn the ball over, but has struggled with pass protection (17 sacks allowed) over their past 5 games.
Honorable Mentions: New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
LVP: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings second-half woes translated to their usually stalwart defense in Week 15. The Vikings D looked helpless as they got blanked in the sack and turnover department in disheartening 34-6 loss to the Colts that all but killed any shot they had left of making playoffs. The Norsemen are taking on a red-hot Packers team in Week 16 that has been averaging 29 points per game during their current winning streak, so I would advise heading to the waiver wire to find a streaming option with a better matchup.
Dishonorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Drew Brees recovered from a 2-week touchdown-less, 6 INT slump in the most Drew Brees way possible. The future Hall-of-Famer straight-up eviscerated the Cardinals 5th-ranked pass defense, finishing the afternoon with 389 YDS and 4 TD. Brees will look to build upon this success in Week 16 as the Saints host a hungry Buccaneers squad that is still fighting for a playoff spot.
Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Cam Newton (Panthers)
LVP: Marcus Mariota (Titans)
The Titans pulled off a shocking upset of the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 15, but Marcus Mariota didn't do much to aid in the victory. The 2nd-year signal caller was well below average, picking up 241 yards through the air, turning the ball over 2 times (an interception and a lost fumble) and failing to score a TD for the 2nd consecutive week. Mariota has an excellent chance of redeeming himself on Christmas Eve against a Jaguars team that he carved up (281 total yards, 2 TD) back in October.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tom Brady (Patriots), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Kirk Cousins (Redskins)
Running Back
MVP: Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
Just last week I said that Devonta Freeman would be a risky start for the rest of the season. He responded by having his best game of the season and once again proved why my fantasy football advice isn't worth taking. Outside of a lost fumble, Freeman was flawless against the 49ers, cruising to a 154-yard, 3 TD performance on 22 touches against the league's worst defense. While another day like this is highly unlikely, Freeman should be a decent RB2 for this week's tilt against the Panthers staunch run D.
Honorable Mentions: Ty Montgomery (Packers), LeSean McCoy (Bills), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys)
LVP: Kenneth Farrow (Chargers)
Melvin Gordon's replacement was by far the most popular waiver pickup of the week and he did absolutely nothing to reward the hundreds of thousands people that blindly put their faith in him. Farrow was simply awful against the Raiders leaky defense, getting held to 53 yards (39 rushing, 14 receiving) and a lost fumble on 17 touches. Even if Gordon can't play again in Week 16 against the lowly Browns defense, Farrow isn't worth starting.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), Carlos Hyde (49ers), Isaiah Crowell (Browns)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Brandin Cooks (Saints)
Just 3 weeks removed from a game in which he wasn't targeted at all, Brandin Cooks once again showed why he's the hardest player to gauge in all of fantasy football with an absolutely absurd performance in Week 14. Cooks looked like the second coming of Jerry Rice as he torched the vaunted Cardinals secondary for 186 YDS and 2 TD on 7 receptions. The next stop on the Brandin Cooks dice-rolling express is a matchup with a Buccaneers secondary that hasn't allowed a 100-yard receiver since Week 9.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Jarvis Landry (Dolphins), Alshon Jeffrey (Bears)
LVP: Jamison Crowder (Redskins)
Monday night was one to forget for Jamison Crowder. 2016's under-the-radar breakout fantasy star receiver was held in check by the Panthers young secondary for most of the night, getting just 24 yards on 4 receptions and losing the fumble that sealed a victory for the defending NFC champs. Crowder has hit a bit of a wall over the past few weeks after an excellent October and November, but his consistent targets will put him on the high-end WR3 radar for his championship week matchup against the Bears solid albeit beatable secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Raiders), Randall Cobb (Packers), Sammy Watkins (Bills)
Tight End
MVP: Cameron Brate (Buccaneers)
On an underwhelming night for the Buccaneers key offensive pieces (Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, Doug Martin) promising young tight end Cameron Brate put together one of his finest performances to-date. The Harvard product was rock-solid all game long as he picked up a team-high 73 YDS and a TD on 5 receptions in a sloppy loss against the Cowboys. Brate will be a high-end TE1 in a Week 16 showdown with the Saints that could very well decide the Bucs playoff fate.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Greg Olsen (Panthers), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
LVP: Jordan Reed (Redskins)
Outside of getting ejected for punching Kurt Coleman, Jordan Reed did nothing of note against the Panthers on Monday Night Football. Reed managed just 1 catch for 6 yards before he was tossed at the end of the 3rd quarter. While his separated shoulder is definitely a concern, Reed will still be a low-end TE1 against the Bears if he isn't suspended for the helmet punch heard 'round the world.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyler Eifert (Bengals), Antonio Gates (Chargers), Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Defense
MVP: Miami Dolphins
Christmas came early for the Dolphins D as they absolutely hammered the hapless Jets in a Saturday night showdown at the Meadowlands. Outside of allowing an ugly 40 yard-TD pass from Bryce Petty to Robby Anderson on the opening drive, the Dolphins D was pretty much unstoppable, as they picked up 3 sacks, 3 INT's, a fumble recovery, a blocked punt and a touchdown in a commanding 34-13 win over the NFL's most depressed franchise not located in Cleveland. The Dolphins will be a risky albeit still solid play as they travel to play a Bills squad that doesn't tend to turn the ball over, but has struggled with pass protection (17 sacks allowed) over their past 5 games.
Honorable Mentions: New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants
LVP: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings second-half woes translated to their usually stalwart defense in Week 15. The Vikings D looked helpless as they got blanked in the sack and turnover department in disheartening 34-6 loss to the Colts that all but killed any shot they had left of making playoffs. The Norsemen are taking on a red-hot Packers team in Week 16 that has been averaging 29 points per game during their current winning streak, so I would advise heading to the waiver wire to find a streaming option with a better matchup.
Dishonorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 16 NFL Power Rankings
()=last week's ranking
1. (1) New England Patriots (12-2) Week 16 opponent: New York Jets
2. (2) Dallas Cowboys (12-2) Week 16 opponent: Detroit Lions
3. (4) Oakland Raiders (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
4. (6) Seattle Seahawks (9-4-1) Week 16 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
5. (7) New York Giants (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
6. (3) Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Denver Broncos
7. (5) Detroit Lions (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
8. (8) Atlanta Falcons (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Carolina Panthers
9. (9) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
10. (13) Miami Dolphins (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Buffalo Bills
11. (14) Green Bay Packers (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
12. (11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) Week 16 opponent: New Orleans Saints
13. (15) Baltimore Ravens (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
14. (10) Denver Broncos (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
15. (16) Houston Texans (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
16. (12) Washington Redskins (7-6-1) Week 16 opponent: Chicago Bears
17. (18) Tennessee Titans (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
18. (19) Indianapolis Colts (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Oakland Raiders
19. (21) Buffalo Bills (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Miami Dolphins
20. (22) Carolina Panthers (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
21. (17) Minnesota Vikings (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Green Bay Packers
22. (24) New Orleans Saints (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23. (20) Cincinnati Bengals (5-8-1) Week 16 opponent: Houston Texans
24. (23) Arizona Cardinals (5-8-1) Week 16 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
25. (25) San Diego Chargers (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Cleveland Browns
26. (26) Philadelphia Eagles (5-9) Week 16 opponent: New York Giants
27. (28) Chicago Bears (3-11) Week 16 opponent: Washington Redskins
28. (27) Los Angeles Rams (4-10) Week 16 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
29. (29) New York Jets (4-10) Week 16 opponent: New England Patriots
30. (30) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) Week 16 opponent: Tennessee Titans
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (1-13) Week 16 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (0-14) Week 16 opponent: San Diego Chargers
1. (1) New England Patriots (12-2) Week 16 opponent: New York Jets
2. (2) Dallas Cowboys (12-2) Week 16 opponent: Detroit Lions
3. (4) Oakland Raiders (11-3) Week 16 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
4. (6) Seattle Seahawks (9-4-1) Week 16 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
5. (7) New York Giants (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
6. (3) Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Denver Broncos
7. (5) Detroit Lions (10-4) Week 16 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
8. (8) Atlanta Falcons (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Carolina Panthers
9. (9) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
10. (13) Miami Dolphins (9-5) Week 16 opponent: Buffalo Bills
11. (14) Green Bay Packers (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
12. (11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) Week 16 opponent: New Orleans Saints
13. (15) Baltimore Ravens (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
14. (10) Denver Broncos (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
15. (16) Houston Texans (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
16. (12) Washington Redskins (7-6-1) Week 16 opponent: Chicago Bears
17. (18) Tennessee Titans (8-6) Week 16 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
18. (19) Indianapolis Colts (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Oakland Raiders
19. (21) Buffalo Bills (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Miami Dolphins
20. (22) Carolina Panthers (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
21. (17) Minnesota Vikings (7-7) Week 16 opponent: Green Bay Packers
22. (24) New Orleans Saints (6-8) Week 16 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23. (20) Cincinnati Bengals (5-8-1) Week 16 opponent: Houston Texans
24. (23) Arizona Cardinals (5-8-1) Week 16 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
25. (25) San Diego Chargers (5-9) Week 16 opponent: Cleveland Browns
26. (26) Philadelphia Eagles (5-9) Week 16 opponent: New York Giants
27. (28) Chicago Bears (3-11) Week 16 opponent: Washington Redskins
28. (27) Los Angeles Rams (4-10) Week 16 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
29. (29) New York Jets (4-10) Week 16 opponent: New England Patriots
30. (30) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) Week 16 opponent: Tennessee Titans
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (1-13) Week 16 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (0-14) Week 16 opponent: San Diego Chargers
Monday, December 19, 2016
The Best and Worst of Reese Witherspoon
The "Best and Worst" series profiles the best and worst work of an
actor starring in one of the week's new theatrical releases. This week I
take a look at the filmography of "Sing" star Reese Witherspoon.
Films starring Reese Witherspoon that I've seen:
Election
American Psycho
Little Nicky
Legally Blonde
Sweet Home Alabama
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Walk the Line
Monsters vs. Aliens
Water for Elephants
This Means War
Mud
Wild
Best Performance: Walk the Line (2005)
Given her propensity to appear in bottom-barrel romantic comedies, it's easy to forget that Witherspoon is a pretty talented dramatic actress. Her Academy Award-winning turn as Johnny Cash's second wife June Carter in Walk the Line is a raw, complex piece of work that elevates the film from respectable-to-decent to good-to-very good territory.
Worst Performance: Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
There is no shortage of films that highlight Witherspoon's ineptitude as a comedic performer, but Sweet Home Alabama has a narrow lead over the rest of the half-a-dozen duds that are stinking up her resume. The woeful comedic timing and stunning absence of likability she displays here puts her alongside the likes of Katherine Heigl and Kate Hudson in the female romantic comedic lead Hall of Shame.
Best Film: American Psycho (2000)
It's legitimately embarrassing that it took me until the spring of 2013 to see this twisted, insanely clever piece of satire directed at the yuppie movement of the '80s. The hilarious monologues, pure insanity of the plot and Christian Bale's unreal performance as douchebag businessman/serial killer/Phil Collins enthusiast Patrick Bateman make American Psycho a masterclass in dark comedy filmmaking.
Worst Film: Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
A study hall during my freshman year of high school was the only reason I ever saw Sweet Home Alabama, and dear god am I ashamed that I didn't have the stones at the time to leave the room and wonder aimlessly around the hallways for the duration of the period like every other teenager on the fucking planet. I hope the asshole that was responsible for exposing me to this hate crime on the world of comedy and cinema as an artform is currently living a joyless life somewhere in Middle America.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". In 2 weeks, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "A Monster Calls" and "Silence" star Liam Nesson.
Films starring Reese Witherspoon that I've seen:
Election
American Psycho
Little Nicky
Legally Blonde
Sweet Home Alabama
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Walk the Line
Monsters vs. Aliens
Water for Elephants
This Means War
Mud
Wild
Best Performance: Walk the Line (2005)
Given her propensity to appear in bottom-barrel romantic comedies, it's easy to forget that Witherspoon is a pretty talented dramatic actress. Her Academy Award-winning turn as Johnny Cash's second wife June Carter in Walk the Line is a raw, complex piece of work that elevates the film from respectable-to-decent to good-to-very good territory.
Worst Performance: Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
There is no shortage of films that highlight Witherspoon's ineptitude as a comedic performer, but Sweet Home Alabama has a narrow lead over the rest of the half-a-dozen duds that are stinking up her resume. The woeful comedic timing and stunning absence of likability she displays here puts her alongside the likes of Katherine Heigl and Kate Hudson in the female romantic comedic lead Hall of Shame.
Best Film: American Psycho (2000)
It's legitimately embarrassing that it took me until the spring of 2013 to see this twisted, insanely clever piece of satire directed at the yuppie movement of the '80s. The hilarious monologues, pure insanity of the plot and Christian Bale's unreal performance as douchebag businessman/serial killer/Phil Collins enthusiast Patrick Bateman make American Psycho a masterclass in dark comedy filmmaking.
Worst Film: Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
A study hall during my freshman year of high school was the only reason I ever saw Sweet Home Alabama, and dear god am I ashamed that I didn't have the stones at the time to leave the room and wonder aimlessly around the hallways for the duration of the period like every other teenager on the fucking planet. I hope the asshole that was responsible for exposing me to this hate crime on the world of comedy and cinema as an artform is currently living a joyless life somewhere in Middle America.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". In 2 weeks, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "A Monster Calls" and "Silence" star Liam Nesson.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Note to My Readers
Due to my desire to commit my time to ensuring I'm all caught up on the music and movies I need to get to prior to publishing my year-end best lists, I'll be taking a semi-hiatus from writing from now until Christmas. I'll still be posting all of my weekly columns and a select few other pieces during this time, but the level of content will not be as frequent as it has been the rest of this year. Thank you for your continued support of this site and I can't wait to unleash all of the 2016 recap stuff I've been working on in the coming weeks.
Chris Maitland
Chris Maitland
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
The Best and Worst of Michael Pena
The "Best and Worst" series profiles the best and worst work of an
actor starring in one of the week's new theatrical releases. This week I
take a look at the filmography of "Collateral Beauty" star Michael Pena.
Films starring Michael Pena that I've seen:
Crash
Million Dollar Baby
Shooter
Observe and Report
Battle: Los Angeles
The Lincoln Lawyer
30 Minutes or Less
Tower Heist
End of Watch
Gangster Squad
American Hustle
Fury
Ant-Man
Vacation
The Martian
Best Performance: End of Watch (2012)
Pena had been a serviceable character actor since the mid-2000's, but End of Watch marked the first time I was truly dazzled by his talent. In a film that features one of Jake Gyllenhaal's-who I firmly believe is the best actor working today-finest performances, Pena still manages to steal the show. His multi-faceted, charisma-filled turn as LAPD officer Marcus Zavala breaks new ground for the police procedural, which usually deals in nothing but hardened tough-guy archetypes. How the Independent Spirit Awards ended up being the only awards shows to recognize this tremendous performance is beyond me.
Worst Performance: Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Battle: Los Angeles is a relatively entertaining movie with a handful of great action setpieces, but holy hell does it feature some awful acting. As a father of three young kids that's found by a group of Marines (headed by the exaggerated line readings of Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez and Ne-Yo) during an alien invasion in Los Angeles, Pena puts in the type of overblown, melodramatic performance that would be excessive on a daytime soap opera.
Best Film: American Hustle (2013)
David O. Russell's electric con artist tale is the best film Martin Scorcese never made. The lack of action and style-over-substance formula pissed a lot of audiences off, but the sharp dialogue, phenomenal performances and wave of '70's energy kept me riveted throughout.
Worst Film: Observe and Report (2009)
On paper, I should love the shit out of Jody Hill's work. His sense of humor is beyond morbid and he has a track record of collaborating with actors (Danny McBride, Seth Rogen, Craig Robinson) that I flat out love yet I've been underwhelmed by all of his projects outside of HBO's Eastbound & Down. His second feature film, Observe and Report, is easily his most puzzling misfire to-date. Despite featuring a handful of great gags and a brilliant premise(a security guard takes it upon himself to bring the flasher that's terrorizing the mall where he works to justice), Observe and Report ends up a being a mediocre film bogged down by several extended comedic dry spells and massive tonal inconsistencies.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "Sing" star Reese Witherspoon.
Films starring Michael Pena that I've seen:
Crash
Million Dollar Baby
Shooter
Observe and Report
Battle: Los Angeles
The Lincoln Lawyer
30 Minutes or Less
Tower Heist
End of Watch
Gangster Squad
American Hustle
Fury
Ant-Man
Vacation
The Martian
Best Performance: End of Watch (2012)
Pena had been a serviceable character actor since the mid-2000's, but End of Watch marked the first time I was truly dazzled by his talent. In a film that features one of Jake Gyllenhaal's-who I firmly believe is the best actor working today-finest performances, Pena still manages to steal the show. His multi-faceted, charisma-filled turn as LAPD officer Marcus Zavala breaks new ground for the police procedural, which usually deals in nothing but hardened tough-guy archetypes. How the Independent Spirit Awards ended up being the only awards shows to recognize this tremendous performance is beyond me.
Worst Performance: Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Battle: Los Angeles is a relatively entertaining movie with a handful of great action setpieces, but holy hell does it feature some awful acting. As a father of three young kids that's found by a group of Marines (headed by the exaggerated line readings of Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez and Ne-Yo) during an alien invasion in Los Angeles, Pena puts in the type of overblown, melodramatic performance that would be excessive on a daytime soap opera.
Best Film: American Hustle (2013)
David O. Russell's electric con artist tale is the best film Martin Scorcese never made. The lack of action and style-over-substance formula pissed a lot of audiences off, but the sharp dialogue, phenomenal performances and wave of '70's energy kept me riveted throughout.
Worst Film: Observe and Report (2009)
On paper, I should love the shit out of Jody Hill's work. His sense of humor is beyond morbid and he has a track record of collaborating with actors (Danny McBride, Seth Rogen, Craig Robinson) that I flat out love yet I've been underwhelmed by all of his projects outside of HBO's Eastbound & Down. His second feature film, Observe and Report, is easily his most puzzling misfire to-date. Despite featuring a handful of great gags and a brilliant premise(a security guard takes it upon himself to bring the flasher that's terrorizing the mall where he works to justice), Observe and Report ends up a being a mediocre film bogged down by several extended comedic dry spells and massive tonal inconsistencies.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "Sing" star Reese Witherspoon.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Week 14 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback
MVP: Tom Brady (Patriots)
After back-to-back underwhelming performances against the Jets and Rams, Tom Brady returned to a form with an eye-popping performance against the Ravens. Outside of an ugly redzone interception in the 3rd quarter, Brady was simply unreal as he tore up the league's top scoring defense (406 YDS and 3 TD) in a huge Monday night win that put the Patriots in sole possession of the #1 seed in the AFC. As brilliant as he was against the Ravens, Brady owners should think twice about starting him this week as he goes up against the Broncos top-ranked passing D in Denver.
Honorable Mentions: Matt Ryan (Falcons), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Joe Flacco (Ravens)
LVP: Derek Carr (Raiders)
Derek Carr did not look anything like an MVP candidate against the Chiefs last Thursday. The combination of cold weather, playing in a hostile environment and bad drops from his receivers led to Carr playing the worst game of his 3-year career (17-41/117 TD/0 TD). The broken pinkie on Carr's throwing hand has had a pretty noticeable effect on the accuracy of his throws over the past couple of weeks and the status of his finger will be worth monitoring leading up to his Week 15 matchup against an underrated Chargers secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Drew Brees (Saints), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
Running Back
MVP: Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)
Le'Veon Bell is a cyborg. With Ben Roethlisberger putting up an epic 3 INT stinker, Bell took charge of the Steelers offense in a messy, snow-filled game in Buffalo, torching the Bills D for 298 total YDS (236 rushing, 62 receiving) and 3 TD's on 42 touches. Bell has yet another enticing matchup on the schedule this coming week against a woeful Bengals run D that just allowed 118 yards to Isaiah friggin' Crowell.
Honorable Mentions: Carlos Hyde (49ers), Jeremy Hill (Bengals), Lamar Miller (Texans)
LVP: Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
Devonta Freeman was just about the only Falcons player that didn't go off against the Rams on Sunday afternoon. The 3rd-year back made nothing out of his small workload, picking up just 18 yards on 8 touches. Freeman has been up-and-down all year and will be hard to trust for the rest of the playoffs with a healthy Tevin Coleman-who scored a pair of TD's against the Rams- back in the fold.
Dishonorable Mentions: Spencer Ware (Chiefs), Mark Ingram (Saints), Devonate Booker (Broncos)
Wide Receiver
MVP: T.Y. Hilton (Colts)
T.Y Hilton atoned for his past sins in Week 14. Hilton made up for his underwhelming 49-yard performance in the Colts' initial clash with the Texans this season by almost single-handily keeping them in the game with his impressive 9 REC/115 YD/1 TD line this time around. Hilton's weekly flurry of targets will once again make a solid WR1 option in a brutal tilt against the Vikings elite secondary in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Davante Adams (Packers), DeSean Jackson (Redskins)
LVP: Dez Bryant (Cowboys)
I think it's safe to say that no player killed more fantasy playoff dreams this weekend than Dez Bryant. Despite being targeted 9 times, Bryant managed just 1 catch for 10 yards and of course, that reception ended in a fumble that sealed the game for the Giants. Bryant's 2016 season has been a confusing ride full of triumphant highs and disheartening lows, and it's anyone's guess what version of Dez we'll see on Sunday night when the Cowboys face the Buccaneers tough secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Raiders), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
Tight End
MVP: Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
Tyler Eifert's efficient 2016 campaign continued against the Browns on Sunday afternoon. He led the charge for the Bengals banged-up receiving corps, picking up 48 YDS and a pair of back-breaking TD's on 5 receptions in an easy win for Marvin Lewis' struggling squad. Eifert has been great since returning from injury in mid-October and he has a pretty decent chance of having another solid performance against the Steelers mediocre pass defense in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Martellus Bennett (Patriots), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
LVP: Jimmy Graham (Seahawks)
It was an ugly afternoon for the Seahawks at Lambeau Field and Jimmy Graham wasn't able to make it out of the fray unscathed. On a day where Russell Wilson got picked off 5 times, Graham mustered just 1 catch for 16 yards. Graham has an excellent bounceback opportunity in a home contest against the emotionally-broken Rams on Thursday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jordan Reed (Redskins), Jason Witten (Cowboys), Coby Fleener (Saints)
Defense
MVP: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons defense looked like the '85 Bears in their 42-14 win over the bumbling trainwreck otherwise known as the Los Angeles Rams. Taking advantage of Jared Goff's inexperience, special team miscues and the general ineptitude of the sadsack Rams, the Falcons forced 5 turnovers (2 INT's, 3 fumble recoveries), got 3 sacks and scored 2 TD's. The Falcons D will once again be worth a look in Week 15 as they head back to Atlanta to take on California's other disgraced football franchise (the 49ers).
Honorable Mentions: Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins
LVP: Seattle Seahawks
I can't remember the last time the Seahawks D look this helpless. Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner and co. had no answers for the suddenly-awake Packers offense, getting just 1 sack and 0 takeaways in a horrific 38-10 blowout road loss. The Seahawks are a strong bet to rebound on a short week against the Jared Goff-led Rams at home.
Dishonorable Mentions: Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers
MVP: Tom Brady (Patriots)
After back-to-back underwhelming performances against the Jets and Rams, Tom Brady returned to a form with an eye-popping performance against the Ravens. Outside of an ugly redzone interception in the 3rd quarter, Brady was simply unreal as he tore up the league's top scoring defense (406 YDS and 3 TD) in a huge Monday night win that put the Patriots in sole possession of the #1 seed in the AFC. As brilliant as he was against the Ravens, Brady owners should think twice about starting him this week as he goes up against the Broncos top-ranked passing D in Denver.
Honorable Mentions: Matt Ryan (Falcons), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Joe Flacco (Ravens)
LVP: Derek Carr (Raiders)
Derek Carr did not look anything like an MVP candidate against the Chiefs last Thursday. The combination of cold weather, playing in a hostile environment and bad drops from his receivers led to Carr playing the worst game of his 3-year career (17-41/117 TD/0 TD). The broken pinkie on Carr's throwing hand has had a pretty noticeable effect on the accuracy of his throws over the past couple of weeks and the status of his finger will be worth monitoring leading up to his Week 15 matchup against an underrated Chargers secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Drew Brees (Saints), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
Running Back
MVP: Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)
Le'Veon Bell is a cyborg. With Ben Roethlisberger putting up an epic 3 INT stinker, Bell took charge of the Steelers offense in a messy, snow-filled game in Buffalo, torching the Bills D for 298 total YDS (236 rushing, 62 receiving) and 3 TD's on 42 touches. Bell has yet another enticing matchup on the schedule this coming week against a woeful Bengals run D that just allowed 118 yards to Isaiah friggin' Crowell.
Honorable Mentions: Carlos Hyde (49ers), Jeremy Hill (Bengals), Lamar Miller (Texans)
LVP: Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
Devonta Freeman was just about the only Falcons player that didn't go off against the Rams on Sunday afternoon. The 3rd-year back made nothing out of his small workload, picking up just 18 yards on 8 touches. Freeman has been up-and-down all year and will be hard to trust for the rest of the playoffs with a healthy Tevin Coleman-who scored a pair of TD's against the Rams- back in the fold.
Dishonorable Mentions: Spencer Ware (Chiefs), Mark Ingram (Saints), Devonate Booker (Broncos)
Wide Receiver
MVP: T.Y. Hilton (Colts)
T.Y Hilton atoned for his past sins in Week 14. Hilton made up for his underwhelming 49-yard performance in the Colts' initial clash with the Texans this season by almost single-handily keeping them in the game with his impressive 9 REC/115 YD/1 TD line this time around. Hilton's weekly flurry of targets will once again make a solid WR1 option in a brutal tilt against the Vikings elite secondary in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Davante Adams (Packers), DeSean Jackson (Redskins)
LVP: Dez Bryant (Cowboys)
I think it's safe to say that no player killed more fantasy playoff dreams this weekend than Dez Bryant. Despite being targeted 9 times, Bryant managed just 1 catch for 10 yards and of course, that reception ended in a fumble that sealed the game for the Giants. Bryant's 2016 season has been a confusing ride full of triumphant highs and disheartening lows, and it's anyone's guess what version of Dez we'll see on Sunday night when the Cowboys face the Buccaneers tough secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Raiders), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
Tight End
MVP: Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
Tyler Eifert's efficient 2016 campaign continued against the Browns on Sunday afternoon. He led the charge for the Bengals banged-up receiving corps, picking up 48 YDS and a pair of back-breaking TD's on 5 receptions in an easy win for Marvin Lewis' struggling squad. Eifert has been great since returning from injury in mid-October and he has a pretty decent chance of having another solid performance against the Steelers mediocre pass defense in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Martellus Bennett (Patriots), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
LVP: Jimmy Graham (Seahawks)
It was an ugly afternoon for the Seahawks at Lambeau Field and Jimmy Graham wasn't able to make it out of the fray unscathed. On a day where Russell Wilson got picked off 5 times, Graham mustered just 1 catch for 16 yards. Graham has an excellent bounceback opportunity in a home contest against the emotionally-broken Rams on Thursday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jordan Reed (Redskins), Jason Witten (Cowboys), Coby Fleener (Saints)
Defense
MVP: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons defense looked like the '85 Bears in their 42-14 win over the bumbling trainwreck otherwise known as the Los Angeles Rams. Taking advantage of Jared Goff's inexperience, special team miscues and the general ineptitude of the sadsack Rams, the Falcons forced 5 turnovers (2 INT's, 3 fumble recoveries), got 3 sacks and scored 2 TD's. The Falcons D will once again be worth a look in Week 15 as they head back to Atlanta to take on California's other disgraced football franchise (the 49ers).
Honorable Mentions: Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins
LVP: Seattle Seahawks
I can't remember the last time the Seahawks D look this helpless. Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner and co. had no answers for the suddenly-awake Packers offense, getting just 1 sack and 0 takeaways in a horrific 38-10 blowout road loss. The Seahawks are a strong bet to rebound on a short week against the Jared Goff-led Rams at home.
Dishonorable Mentions: Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers
Week 15 NFL Power Rankings
()=last week's ranking
1. (2) New England Patriots (11-2) Week 15 opponent: Denver Broncos
2. (1) Dallas Cowboys (11-2) Week 15 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. (5) Kansas City Chiefs (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Tennessee Titans
4. (3) Oakland Raiders (10-3) Week 15 opponent: San Diego Chargers
5. (7) Detroit Lions (9-4) Week 15 opponent: New York Giants
6. (4) Seattle Seahawks (8-4-1) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
7. (8) New York Giants (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Detroit Lions
8. (9) Atlanta Falcons (8-5) Week 15 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
9. (10) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
10. (6) Denver Broncos (8-5) Week 15 opponent: New England Patriots
11. (13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
12. (12) Washington Redskins (7-5-1) Week 15 opponent: Carolina Panthers
13. (14) Miami Dolphins (8-5) Week 15 opponent: New York Jets
14. (16) Green Bay Packers (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Chicago Bears
15. (11) Baltimore Ravens (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
16. (17) Houston Texans (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
17. (18) Minnesota Vikings (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
18. (20) Tennessee Titans (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
19. (15) Indianapolis Colts (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
20. (24) Cincinnati Bengals (5-7-1) Week 15 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
21. (19) Buffalo Bills (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Cleveland Browns
22. (26) Carolina Panthers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Washington Redskins
23. (21) Arizona Cardinals (5-7-1) Week 15 opponent: New Orleans Saints
24. (22) New Orleans Saints (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
25. (23) San Diego Chargers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Oakland Raiders
26. (25) Philadelphia Eagles (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
27. (27) Los Angeles Rams (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
28. (28) Chicago Bears (3-10) Week 15 opponent: Green Bay Packers
29. (30) New York Jets (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Miami Dolphins
30. (29) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11) Week 15 opponent: Houston Texans
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (1-12) Week 15 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (0-13) Week 15 opponent: Buffalo Bills
1. (2) New England Patriots (11-2) Week 15 opponent: Denver Broncos
2. (1) Dallas Cowboys (11-2) Week 15 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. (5) Kansas City Chiefs (10-3) Week 15 opponent: Tennessee Titans
4. (3) Oakland Raiders (10-3) Week 15 opponent: San Diego Chargers
5. (7) Detroit Lions (9-4) Week 15 opponent: New York Giants
6. (4) Seattle Seahawks (8-4-1) Week 15 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
7. (8) New York Giants (9-4) Week 15 opponent: Detroit Lions
8. (9) Atlanta Falcons (8-5) Week 15 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
9. (10) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
10. (6) Denver Broncos (8-5) Week 15 opponent: New England Patriots
11. (13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5) Week 15 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
12. (12) Washington Redskins (7-5-1) Week 15 opponent: Carolina Panthers
13. (14) Miami Dolphins (8-5) Week 15 opponent: New York Jets
14. (16) Green Bay Packers (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Chicago Bears
15. (11) Baltimore Ravens (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
16. (17) Houston Texans (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
17. (18) Minnesota Vikings (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
18. (20) Tennessee Titans (7-6) Week 15 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
19. (15) Indianapolis Colts (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
20. (24) Cincinnati Bengals (5-7-1) Week 15 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
21. (19) Buffalo Bills (6-7) Week 15 opponent: Cleveland Browns
22. (26) Carolina Panthers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Washington Redskins
23. (21) Arizona Cardinals (5-7-1) Week 15 opponent: New Orleans Saints
24. (22) New Orleans Saints (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
25. (23) San Diego Chargers (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Oakland Raiders
26. (25) Philadelphia Eagles (5-8) Week 15 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
27. (27) Los Angeles Rams (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
28. (28) Chicago Bears (3-10) Week 15 opponent: Green Bay Packers
29. (30) New York Jets (4-9) Week 15 opponent: Miami Dolphins
30. (29) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11) Week 15 opponent: Houston Texans
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (1-12) Week 15 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (0-13) Week 15 opponent: Buffalo Bills
Monday, December 12, 2016
Movie Review: Office Christmas Party
I'll be able the first to admit that Office Christmas Party isn't going to be a yearly holiday staple. There's absolutely nothing here that hasn't been done better by dozens of other vulgar comedies over the years and the number of true laugh-out-loud moments are fairly limited. However, watching the film's loaded ensemble cast do their thing is more than enough to make it worth a single viewing. This group of high-profile comedic actors (headlined by T.J. Miller, Jennifer Aniston and MVP Kate McKinnon) are able to mine a healthy amount of laughs and deliver some of the most spirited performances of their respective careers behind material that is decent at best. In other words, their efforts are exactly the type of feel-good miracle that defines the holiday season. Office Christmas Party is a fun, disposable distraction and given how awful 2016 has been on the whole, that's all I needed it to be.
3.5/5 Stars
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Album Review: The Weeknd-Starboy
As hinted on by its cover featuring the first public photo of him without his signature wild haircut, Starboy is the start of a new era for The Weeknd. The mysterious, low-key R&B artist that burst onto the scene in 2011 with a trio of self-released mixtapes and guest spots on Drake's Take Care album has been replaced by a larger-than-life pop superstar that is one of the most buzzed-about musical acts on the planet right now.
The Weeknd's change in visibility and persona has also resulted in a change in sound. This record sees him shifting gears from the gloomy pop of last year's Beauty Behind the Madness to a dance-friendly style that resembles the '80-inspired sound he utilized on his hit singles "In the Night" and "Can't Feel My Face". While it's definitely a long way removed from his grimy, atmospheric wheelhouse, The Weeknd's transition to a Michael Jackson-esque pop/soul/R&B figure is pretty damn effective. His smooth falsetto vocals and passionate delivery are a perfect match for the massive-sounding, groovy production found on tracks like "Love to Lay","A Lonely Night" and "Rockin'". It's hell of a lot of fun to listen to him let loose for a large portion of a record and his infectious enthusiasm for the bygone era he's paying tribute to ensures that Starboy's nostalgic tone never feels contrived.
Despite the focus on a revamped sound, longtime fans will be glad that The Weeknd hasn't completely abandoned his roots on Starboy. The upbeat pop tracks are broken up by bursts of the dark, nihilistic R&B that made him a superstar. "Party Monster" and "Reminder" are the two latest entries in The Weeknd's repertoire of brilliant sleazy ballads while "Six Feet Under" and Future-assisted "All I Know" are trap-tinged bangers that should be tearing up nightclub playlists for the next several months. As refreshing and endearing as the breezy pop tunes on Starboy are, The Weekend will always be at his most compelling when he's drowning in illicit substances, a revolving door of women and gratuitous self-loathing.
Starboy serves as a near-perfect bridge between The Weeknd's recent mainstream pop endeavors and his downtempo R&B roots. It never leans too heavily on either side of his sound and that sense of balance allows Starboy to remain relatively consistent (the only real misfires are the snoozefest ballad "Attention" and the overly frantic "False Alarm") over its lengthy 18-track, nearly 70-minute runtime. The Weeknd has adjusted to superstardom without any crippling hiccups along the way and if his last two records are any indicator, he'll be able to avoid the creative pitfalls that typically come with runaway success.
4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.Love to Lay
2.Six Feet Under
3.Party Monster
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Week 13 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback
MVP: Andrew Luck (Colts)
Andrew Luck's return to the field after a 1-week absence couldn't have possibly gone any better. Luck carved up the Jets meandering defense for 304 total yards (278 passing, 26 rushing) and 4 TD in one of the most effortlessly dominant performances I've seen all season. Luck has a much rougher matchup on the docket for Week 14 as the Texans 5th-ranked pass defense rolls into Lucas Oil Field.
Honorable Mentions: Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Matthew Stafford (Lions), Andy Dalton (Bengals)
LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
This failure came as a total shock to every Drew Brees owner out there. Brees chalked-up a rare home stinker against the Lions below-average pass defense, throwing for 326 YDS, 0 TD and 3 INT (!) in an ugly loss for the Saints. Brees has to travel to Florida to take on a suddenly-stingy Buccaneers D that has allowed no 300-yard passers and only 4 TD's over their last 4 games in Week 14.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Cam Newton (Panthers)
Running Back
MVP: Jordan Howard (Bears)
While future Offensive Rookie of the Year/dark horse MVP candidate Ezekiel Elliott has stolen all the headlines, the Bears rookie running back has quietly managed to put together one hell of a 2016 season. Howard had one of his finest performances to-date in a messy, snow-filled game at Solider Field, accumulating 117 YDS and 3 TD's on 32 carries against the 49ers bottom-ranked rush defense. Howard has been one of the few bright spots for an injury-plagued Bears squad this year and should continue to be an mid-tier RB1 for the upcoming playoff run.
Honorable Mentions: David Johnson (Cardinals), Thomas Rawls (Seahawks), Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
LVP: Lamar Miller (Texans)
The Green Bay Packers run D returned to their dominant early-season form just in time to stifle Lamar Miller at a snowy Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. The combination of playing through a rib injury and poor blocking upfront lead to a season-low 18 yards (22 rushing, -4 receiving) on 15 touches for the Texans bellcow back. While Miller hasn't quite lived up to his status as a top-15 fantasy pick, he's still a high-end RB2 that is usually good for at least 10 points a week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Todd Gurley (Rams), Mark Ingram (Saints), Rob Kelley (Redskins)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Golden Tate (Lions)
The roller-coaster season of Golden Tate hit one of its highest points on Sunday against the Saints. Tate served as the focal point of the passing attack, picking up 145 YDS and a TD on 8 receptions in a blowout road win for the NFC North-leading Lions. Tate is as boom-or-bust as they come and will be a risky play in Week 14 against an underrated Bears secondary that has allowed the 17th most fantasy points to WR's this season.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Jordy Nelson (Packers), T.Y. Hilton (Colts)
LVP: Sammy Watkins (Bills)
The return of Sammy Watkins to the Bills lineup hit a bit of a snag in Week 13. A combination of constant bracket-coverage from the Raiders secondary and being out-of-sync with Tyrod Taylor for most of the game led to a very pedestrian statline (3 REC, 38 YDS) for the star wideout. Despite this underwhelming performance, Watkins has no shown no ill-effects from the foot injury that sidelined him for 8 games over the past 2 weeks and is worth playing as a WR2/3 in most leagues.
Dishonorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Brandon Marshall (Jets)
Tight End
MVP: Dwayne Allen (Colts)
Despite T.Y. Hilton leading the team in receiving with 146 yards, Dwayne Allen was the primary fantasy beneficiary of Andrew Luck's huge night. Allen scooped up 72 YDS and 3 TD's on just 4 receptions against a Jets D that looked like they had checked out before the game even started. Allen is nowhere near consistent and almost all of his value is tied to his ability to get in the endzone, but he's a decent streaming option if you're a fan of gambling.
Honorable Mentions: Dennis Pitta (Ravens), Cameron Brate (Buccaneers), Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
LVP: Jason Witten (Cowboys)
Oh how the mighty have fallen. A rough night for Dak Prescott and a season-low time of possession phased Witten completely out of the game plan as he wasn't targeted at all in the Cowboys tight win over the Vikings. Witten's age has shown more than ever this season and I wouldn't recommend starting him against any defense that isn't highly susceptible to giving up receptions to TE's.
Dishonorable Mentions: Greg Olsen (Panthers), Eric Ebron (Lions), Antonio Gates (Chargers)
Defense
MVP: Denver Broncos
The Broncos D returned to their familiar spot atop the fantasy D rankings in Week 13. The defending Super Bowl champs ripped up Blake Bortles and the Jaguars 22nd-ranked offense, finishing the afternoon with 2 INT, a fumble recovery and a sack in their 20-10 victory. The Broncos will be a must-start against a Titans offense that has struggled against top-ranked defenses this season.
Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs
LVP: Miami Dolphins
The recently-resurgent Dolphins D backtracked in a huge way in Week 13. Despite picking up a pair of takeaways (an INT and a fumble recovery), they allowed 38 points to a Ravens offense that has was firing on all cylinders out of the game. The Dolphins have a prime trap game matchup in Week 14 against an erratic Cardinals offense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opponents this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets
MVP: Andrew Luck (Colts)
Andrew Luck's return to the field after a 1-week absence couldn't have possibly gone any better. Luck carved up the Jets meandering defense for 304 total yards (278 passing, 26 rushing) and 4 TD in one of the most effortlessly dominant performances I've seen all season. Luck has a much rougher matchup on the docket for Week 14 as the Texans 5th-ranked pass defense rolls into Lucas Oil Field.
Honorable Mentions: Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Matthew Stafford (Lions), Andy Dalton (Bengals)
LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
This failure came as a total shock to every Drew Brees owner out there. Brees chalked-up a rare home stinker against the Lions below-average pass defense, throwing for 326 YDS, 0 TD and 3 INT (!) in an ugly loss for the Saints. Brees has to travel to Florida to take on a suddenly-stingy Buccaneers D that has allowed no 300-yard passers and only 4 TD's over their last 4 games in Week 14.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Cam Newton (Panthers)
Running Back
MVP: Jordan Howard (Bears)
While future Offensive Rookie of the Year/dark horse MVP candidate Ezekiel Elliott has stolen all the headlines, the Bears rookie running back has quietly managed to put together one hell of a 2016 season. Howard had one of his finest performances to-date in a messy, snow-filled game at Solider Field, accumulating 117 YDS and 3 TD's on 32 carries against the 49ers bottom-ranked rush defense. Howard has been one of the few bright spots for an injury-plagued Bears squad this year and should continue to be an mid-tier RB1 for the upcoming playoff run.
Honorable Mentions: David Johnson (Cardinals), Thomas Rawls (Seahawks), Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
LVP: Lamar Miller (Texans)
The Green Bay Packers run D returned to their dominant early-season form just in time to stifle Lamar Miller at a snowy Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. The combination of playing through a rib injury and poor blocking upfront lead to a season-low 18 yards (22 rushing, -4 receiving) on 15 touches for the Texans bellcow back. While Miller hasn't quite lived up to his status as a top-15 fantasy pick, he's still a high-end RB2 that is usually good for at least 10 points a week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Todd Gurley (Rams), Mark Ingram (Saints), Rob Kelley (Redskins)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Golden Tate (Lions)
The roller-coaster season of Golden Tate hit one of its highest points on Sunday against the Saints. Tate served as the focal point of the passing attack, picking up 145 YDS and a TD on 8 receptions in a blowout road win for the NFC North-leading Lions. Tate is as boom-or-bust as they come and will be a risky play in Week 14 against an underrated Bears secondary that has allowed the 17th most fantasy points to WR's this season.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Jordy Nelson (Packers), T.Y. Hilton (Colts)
LVP: Sammy Watkins (Bills)
The return of Sammy Watkins to the Bills lineup hit a bit of a snag in Week 13. A combination of constant bracket-coverage from the Raiders secondary and being out-of-sync with Tyrod Taylor for most of the game led to a very pedestrian statline (3 REC, 38 YDS) for the star wideout. Despite this underwhelming performance, Watkins has no shown no ill-effects from the foot injury that sidelined him for 8 games over the past 2 weeks and is worth playing as a WR2/3 in most leagues.
Dishonorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Brandon Marshall (Jets)
Tight End
MVP: Dwayne Allen (Colts)
Despite T.Y. Hilton leading the team in receiving with 146 yards, Dwayne Allen was the primary fantasy beneficiary of Andrew Luck's huge night. Allen scooped up 72 YDS and 3 TD's on just 4 receptions against a Jets D that looked like they had checked out before the game even started. Allen is nowhere near consistent and almost all of his value is tied to his ability to get in the endzone, but he's a decent streaming option if you're a fan of gambling.
Honorable Mentions: Dennis Pitta (Ravens), Cameron Brate (Buccaneers), Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
LVP: Jason Witten (Cowboys)
Oh how the mighty have fallen. A rough night for Dak Prescott and a season-low time of possession phased Witten completely out of the game plan as he wasn't targeted at all in the Cowboys tight win over the Vikings. Witten's age has shown more than ever this season and I wouldn't recommend starting him against any defense that isn't highly susceptible to giving up receptions to TE's.
Dishonorable Mentions: Greg Olsen (Panthers), Eric Ebron (Lions), Antonio Gates (Chargers)
Defense
MVP: Denver Broncos
The Broncos D returned to their familiar spot atop the fantasy D rankings in Week 13. The defending Super Bowl champs ripped up Blake Bortles and the Jaguars 22nd-ranked offense, finishing the afternoon with 2 INT, a fumble recovery and a sack in their 20-10 victory. The Broncos will be a must-start against a Titans offense that has struggled against top-ranked defenses this season.
Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs
LVP: Miami Dolphins
The recently-resurgent Dolphins D backtracked in a huge way in Week 13. Despite picking up a pair of takeaways (an INT and a fumble recovery), they allowed 38 points to a Ravens offense that has was firing on all cylinders out of the game. The Dolphins have a prime trap game matchup in Week 14 against an erratic Cardinals offense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opponents this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets
Week 14 NFL Power Rankings
()=last week's ranking
1. (1) Dallas Cowboys (11-1) Week 14 opponent: New York Giants
2. (2) New England Patriots (10-2) Week 14 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
3. (3) Oakland Raiders (10-2) Week 14 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
4. (4) Seattle Seahawks (8-3-1) Week 14 opponent: Green Bay Packers
5. (5) Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) Week 14 opponent: Oakland Raiders
6. (7) Denver Broncos (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Tennessee Titans
7. (9) Detroit Lions (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Chicago Bears
8. (6) New York Giants (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
9. (8) Atlanta Falcons (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
10. (12) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Buffalo Bills
11. (13) Baltimore Ravens (7-5) Week 14 opponent: New England Patriots
12. (10) Washington Redskins (6-5-1) Week 14 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
13. (14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) Week 14 opponent: New Orleans Saints
14. (11) Miami Dolphins (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
15. (21) Indianapolis Colts (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Houston Texans
16. (23) Green Bay Packers (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
17. (15) Houston Texans (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
18. (17) Minnesota Vikings (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
19. (16) Buffalo Bills (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
20. (20) Tennessee Titans (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Denver Broncos
21. (24) Arizona Cardinals (5-6-1) Week 14 opponent: Miami Dolphins
22. (19) New Orleans Saints (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23. (22) San Diego Chargers (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Carolina Panthers
24. (26) Cincinnati Bengals (4-7-1) Week 14 opponent: Cleveland Browns
25. (18) Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Washington Redskins
26. (25) Carolina Panthers (4-8) Week 14 opponent: San Diego Chargers
27. (27) Los Angeles Rams (4-8) Week 14 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
28. (30) Chicago Bears (3-9) Week 14 opponent: Detroit Lions
29. (29) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) Week 14 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
30. (28) New York Jets (3-9) Week 14 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (1-11) Week 14 opponent: New York Jets
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (0-12) Week 14 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
1. (1) Dallas Cowboys (11-1) Week 14 opponent: New York Giants
2. (2) New England Patriots (10-2) Week 14 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
3. (3) Oakland Raiders (10-2) Week 14 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
4. (4) Seattle Seahawks (8-3-1) Week 14 opponent: Green Bay Packers
5. (5) Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) Week 14 opponent: Oakland Raiders
6. (7) Denver Broncos (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Tennessee Titans
7. (9) Detroit Lions (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Chicago Bears
8. (6) New York Giants (8-4) Week 14 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
9. (8) Atlanta Falcons (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
10. (12) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Buffalo Bills
11. (13) Baltimore Ravens (7-5) Week 14 opponent: New England Patriots
12. (10) Washington Redskins (6-5-1) Week 14 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
13. (14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) Week 14 opponent: New Orleans Saints
14. (11) Miami Dolphins (7-5) Week 14 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
15. (21) Indianapolis Colts (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Houston Texans
16. (23) Green Bay Packers (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
17. (15) Houston Texans (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
18. (17) Minnesota Vikings (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
19. (16) Buffalo Bills (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
20. (20) Tennessee Titans (6-6) Week 14 opponent: Denver Broncos
21. (24) Arizona Cardinals (5-6-1) Week 14 opponent: Miami Dolphins
22. (19) New Orleans Saints (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
23. (22) San Diego Chargers (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Carolina Panthers
24. (26) Cincinnati Bengals (4-7-1) Week 14 opponent: Cleveland Browns
25. (18) Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) Week 14 opponent: Washington Redskins
26. (25) Carolina Panthers (4-8) Week 14 opponent: San Diego Chargers
27. (27) Los Angeles Rams (4-8) Week 14 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
28. (30) Chicago Bears (3-9) Week 14 opponent: Detroit Lions
29. (29) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) Week 14 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
30. (28) New York Jets (3-9) Week 14 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
31. (31) San Francisco 49ers (1-11) Week 14 opponent: New York Jets
32. (32) Cleveland Browns (0-12) Week 14 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
Monday, December 5, 2016
The Best and Worst of Emma Stone
The "Best and Worst" series profiles the best and worst work of an
actor starring in one of the week's new theatrical releases. This week I
take a look at the filmography of "La La Land" star Emma Stone.
Films starring Emma Stone that I've seen:
Superbad
The Rocker
Zombieland
Easy A
Friends with Benefits
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The Help
The Amazing Spider-Man
Gangster Squad
Movie 43
The Croods
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Magic in the Moonlight
Birdman
Aloha
Irrational Man
Best Performance: Birdman (2014)
Stone rose to fame in the world of comedy (Superbad, Zombieland, Easy A) and despite her decent turns in The Help and The Amazing Spider-Man, I wasn't really sold on her as a dramatic actress. That all changed after I saw Birdman. In a film that featured award-caliber turns from seasoned Hollywood heavyweights including Michael Keaton and Edward Norton, Stone's turn as the newly-sober daughter of Keaton's character manages to steal the show. Her passionate, soul-bearing performance successfully brings a grounded presence to a film that is otherwise full of unapologetic insanity and weirdness.
Worst Performance: Aloha (2015)
There was a lot of backlash from professional critics stemming from Stone being cast as a half-Asian/Polynesian character. Personally, I was more offended by her god awful performance than the case of semi-whitewashing surrounding her casting. The typically likable, magnetic Stone somehow manages to come off as alarmingly robotic for the duration of this insufferable romantic dramedy.
Best Film: Superbad (2007)
The time has come for me to once again heap a disgusting amount of praise on Superbad. I strongly believe that the high-school party comedy that launched the careers of Stone and Jonah Hill, and made Seth Rogen a superstar deserves to be considered an all-time classic. A majority of the R-rated comedies that have come out in the past decade are indebted to the over-the-top vulgar yet heartfelt formula that Superbad expertly employed. I haven't laughed as hard or as frequently at a movie since I saw this in theaters on opening weekend and I wouldn't be surprised if I never did again.
Worst Film: Aloha (2015)
Cameron Crowe managed to get his career back on track with the heartwarming family film We Bought a Zoo after going through a decade-plus cold streak following his 2000 masterpiece Almost Famous. Of course, Crowe proceeded to murder that small amount of goodwill by dropping a Biblical-scale disaster in Aloha. No amount of gorgeous Hawaiian backdrops can make up for Aloha's appalling sappiness, incoherent plot and uncharacteristically terrible performances from its talent-loaded cast (Bradley Cooper, Stone, Bill Murray, Rachel McAdams). I'm curious to see where Crowe goes from here, but given how hard this bombed, I'd be surprised if any studio gave him a chance to redeem himself anytime soon.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "Collateral Beauty" star Michael Pena.
Films starring Emma Stone that I've seen:
Superbad
The Rocker
Zombieland
Easy A
Friends with Benefits
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The Help
The Amazing Spider-Man
Gangster Squad
Movie 43
The Croods
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Magic in the Moonlight
Birdman
Aloha
Irrational Man
Best Performance: Birdman (2014)
Stone rose to fame in the world of comedy (Superbad, Zombieland, Easy A) and despite her decent turns in The Help and The Amazing Spider-Man, I wasn't really sold on her as a dramatic actress. That all changed after I saw Birdman. In a film that featured award-caliber turns from seasoned Hollywood heavyweights including Michael Keaton and Edward Norton, Stone's turn as the newly-sober daughter of Keaton's character manages to steal the show. Her passionate, soul-bearing performance successfully brings a grounded presence to a film that is otherwise full of unapologetic insanity and weirdness.
Worst Performance: Aloha (2015)
There was a lot of backlash from professional critics stemming from Stone being cast as a half-Asian/Polynesian character. Personally, I was more offended by her god awful performance than the case of semi-whitewashing surrounding her casting. The typically likable, magnetic Stone somehow manages to come off as alarmingly robotic for the duration of this insufferable romantic dramedy.
Best Film: Superbad (2007)
The time has come for me to once again heap a disgusting amount of praise on Superbad. I strongly believe that the high-school party comedy that launched the careers of Stone and Jonah Hill, and made Seth Rogen a superstar deserves to be considered an all-time classic. A majority of the R-rated comedies that have come out in the past decade are indebted to the over-the-top vulgar yet heartfelt formula that Superbad expertly employed. I haven't laughed as hard or as frequently at a movie since I saw this in theaters on opening weekend and I wouldn't be surprised if I never did again.
Worst Film: Aloha (2015)
Cameron Crowe managed to get his career back on track with the heartwarming family film We Bought a Zoo after going through a decade-plus cold streak following his 2000 masterpiece Almost Famous. Of course, Crowe proceeded to murder that small amount of goodwill by dropping a Biblical-scale disaster in Aloha. No amount of gorgeous Hawaiian backdrops can make up for Aloha's appalling sappiness, incoherent plot and uncharacteristically terrible performances from its talent-loaded cast (Bradley Cooper, Stone, Bill Murray, Rachel McAdams). I'm curious to see where Crowe goes from here, but given how hard this bombed, I'd be surprised if any studio gave him a chance to redeem himself anytime soon.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "Collateral Beauty" star Michael Pena.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Concert Review: Animals as Leaders-- Boston, MA-- November 30th, 2016
Lineup: Animals as Leaders/Intervals/Plini
Venue: Royale, Boston, MA
Date: November 30th, 2016
Plini: Plini has been the most hyped instrumental band of 2016 not named Polyphia and after seeing them perform, I completely understand why. The Australian jazz fusion/prog rock trio played 40 minutes worth of gorgeous, winding musical adventures that reminded me a lot of Collective-era Scale the Summit. These guys have the potential to turn into the genre's next seminal act and I'm mildly ashamed that I didn't take the time to check out them out sooner.
Intervals: While I have a lot of love for Animals as Leaders, the main reason I went to this show was to see Intervals. Their latest release The Shape of Colour was one of my favorite albums of 2015 and I was dying to finally them perform as an instrumental group (the previous time I'd seen them was during their brief stint as a traditional prog metal band). Thankfully, their performance ended up living up to my ridiculous hype level. Aaron Marshall is one of the best guitarists in the game right now and it was fucking awesome to watch him rip through a 40-minute set of his distinct, wildly upbeat brand of prog. I'm elated that Intervals has returned to being a full-time instrumental band and I hope can catch them headline sometime in the near future.
Animals as Leaders: There is no more reliable live act in metal right now than Animals as Leaders. Every single time you purchase a ticket one of their shows you know you're going to see a virtuoso musicianship clinic and last night's show at the Royale was no exception.
Given the fact that I've seen them six times and their stage presence is understandably stoic, there really isn't much to say about their performance aside from gushing about just how fucking talented they are. The level of precision that Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes and Matt Garska play borders on robotic and it allows every single song-regardless of how I feel about I studio version- to be captivating live. Watching top-tier musicians play in person that makes my inner music nerd weep with joy and that special (and arguably pathetic) feeling that comes with seeing them live is the biggest reason why I'll continue to go see Animals as Leaders every time they're in the Massachusetts-area.
What will ultimately make this show standout from the previous times I've seen them is the fact that they played in front of a sold-out crowd of 1,000 people. Their ascent from playing before bands like Carnifex and Cephalic Carnage on Summer Slaughter six years ago to mid-size club headliner with one of the most passionate, devoted fanbases in metal is remarkable and something I never expected them to pull off as an instrumental band in a genre that is incredibly hard to breakout in. This wave of success couldn't be more well-deserved and with yet another impressive effort put forth on their just-released fourth LP The Madness of Many, I fully expect their popularity to grow even more in the coming months. Animals as Leaders is a wonder to behold live and an absolute must-see for any fans of complex, heavy and melodic instrumental music.
Scores:
Pilini 8/10
Intervals 8.5/10
Animals as Leaders 8.5/10
Setlists:
Intervals:
I'm Awake
Sure Shot
Fable
Momento
Tapestry
Epiphany
Black Box
Libra
Animals as Leaders:
Arithmophobia
Tempting Time
An Infinite Regression
Do Not Go Gently
Ectogenesis
Crescent
Ka$cade
The Glass Bridge
The Brain Dance
Physical Education
Inner Assassins
The Woven Web
Venue: Royale, Boston, MA
Date: November 30th, 2016
Plini: Plini has been the most hyped instrumental band of 2016 not named Polyphia and after seeing them perform, I completely understand why. The Australian jazz fusion/prog rock trio played 40 minutes worth of gorgeous, winding musical adventures that reminded me a lot of Collective-era Scale the Summit. These guys have the potential to turn into the genre's next seminal act and I'm mildly ashamed that I didn't take the time to check out them out sooner.
Intervals: While I have a lot of love for Animals as Leaders, the main reason I went to this show was to see Intervals. Their latest release The Shape of Colour was one of my favorite albums of 2015 and I was dying to finally them perform as an instrumental group (the previous time I'd seen them was during their brief stint as a traditional prog metal band). Thankfully, their performance ended up living up to my ridiculous hype level. Aaron Marshall is one of the best guitarists in the game right now and it was fucking awesome to watch him rip through a 40-minute set of his distinct, wildly upbeat brand of prog. I'm elated that Intervals has returned to being a full-time instrumental band and I hope can catch them headline sometime in the near future.
Animals as Leaders: There is no more reliable live act in metal right now than Animals as Leaders. Every single time you purchase a ticket one of their shows you know you're going to see a virtuoso musicianship clinic and last night's show at the Royale was no exception.
Given the fact that I've seen them six times and their stage presence is understandably stoic, there really isn't much to say about their performance aside from gushing about just how fucking talented they are. The level of precision that Tosin Abasi, Javier Reyes and Matt Garska play borders on robotic and it allows every single song-regardless of how I feel about I studio version- to be captivating live. Watching top-tier musicians play in person that makes my inner music nerd weep with joy and that special (and arguably pathetic) feeling that comes with seeing them live is the biggest reason why I'll continue to go see Animals as Leaders every time they're in the Massachusetts-area.
What will ultimately make this show standout from the previous times I've seen them is the fact that they played in front of a sold-out crowd of 1,000 people. Their ascent from playing before bands like Carnifex and Cephalic Carnage on Summer Slaughter six years ago to mid-size club headliner with one of the most passionate, devoted fanbases in metal is remarkable and something I never expected them to pull off as an instrumental band in a genre that is incredibly hard to breakout in. This wave of success couldn't be more well-deserved and with yet another impressive effort put forth on their just-released fourth LP The Madness of Many, I fully expect their popularity to grow even more in the coming months. Animals as Leaders is a wonder to behold live and an absolute must-see for any fans of complex, heavy and melodic instrumental music.
Scores:
Pilini 8/10
Intervals 8.5/10
Animals as Leaders 8.5/10
Setlists:
Intervals:
I'm Awake
Sure Shot
Fable
Momento
Tapestry
Epiphany
Black Box
Libra
Animals as Leaders:
Arithmophobia
Tempting Time
An Infinite Regression
Do Not Go Gently
Ectogenesis
Crescent
Ka$cade
The Glass Bridge
The Brain Dance
Physical Education
Inner Assassins
The Woven Web
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