Stevens Bowl Preview

What started in Vegas will finish on Christmas weekend. It's been four long months but we're finally here...

Shah! Lutz! It's The Steven's Bowl!

That really never gets old.

This week will be a quick rankings, as I assume most of you aren't at work, or are having parties while you're there. Except Gutman, who is stuck in the backwoods of Tennessee instead of enjoying one of the Crazy Nights.

Bitching About Kicking

My study this year clearly showed that kickers are the least predictable of any of the roster positions, outside of Defense. Defense has a wider range of scoring, so that makes sense. Kickers are just worthless. I won't be at Winter Meetings, but I seriously want to eliminate them next year. They add nothing to the enjoyment of fantasy football and waste $1 of our draft budget.

Consolation Prizes

Esco: I think that nice wad of cash that Barnard is sending you is enough. A championship would have been nice, but ask Zacherman how money can make up for the lack of the Stevens Bowl trophy.

AGD: After another respectable finish, I'm starting to come around on the whole multiple owners thing. So what do you get for the gay couple that has everything? Some "Made for Each Other" gay pillowcases! No need to tell the league which one of you is which puzzle piece.

And now for the main event...

Shah! Lutz! It's The Steven's Bowl!

The Stevens Bowl: Ajay vs. Billy

Quick Summary: I've been over Ajay's team too many times already. Odd draft strategy, didn't quite pan out, but his work on the waiver wire put him in the best situation possible heading into the playoffs. He's caught some breaks, had some nice matchups, and he very well could win six straight to end the year. As for Billy, I am constantly amazed that his team produces every week. Not just Brees and Foster, but everyone. When Harvin gets shut out, Reggie puts up 27. When Lloyd has an off week, Fasano finds the endzone. He doesn't just find ways to win, he finds ways to destroy his opponent. Right now, these really are the two best teams in our league.

QBs: Romo has had a great year, and he can put up stats with the best of them. But the best of them is Brees, and Brees on MNF spells 25+. Romo might keep up, but then again he might not. Edge: Billy

RBs Arian and Reggie might make the most unlikely dominant backfield out there, but they are as reliably great as Brees is. No matter who Ajay plays of Gore/Helu/Spiller, they'll be extremely lucky to match Billy's duo. This is very similar to the QB situation. Edge: Billy

WRs: Though one of them somehow produces week after week, this is Billy's clear weakness. Unfortunately for Mr. Lutz, it also happens to be Ajay's strength. Big Edge: Ajay

TEs: Jermaine Gresham vs. Anthony Fasano is the equivalent of Bennett playing himself. No one would watch and no one wins. Edge: Even

Defenses: Ajay's Broncos have a nice matchup against the turnover prone Bills, but could surrender some garbage time points. I can't possibly think Billy is leaving the Bears D in against the Pack, but as it stands they are his only defense. Edge: Ajay

Owner Awareness: As I've said again and again, this is where Ajay separates himself from his opponents. If Billy replaces that Bears D then he might have a chance, but there's slim pickings out there. Big Edge: Ajay

Final Verdict: This is as close a matchup as we've had in these playoffs. The question is, can Billy's stars put up enough points to compete with Ajay's depth. With the matchup coming down to Brees vs. Roddy on MNF, I say there's gonna be a party in NOLA, even if Billy's the only one attending. Stevens Bowl Champion: Billy

Final consolation prizes and the Stevens Bowl virtual trophy will be handed out next week. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, or just a solid weekend.