SPECIAL EDITION: Expansion for 2016?

Snyder Petitions the Leather Helmet Elite League for Early Entry Franchise Status with his Team The Dirty Red Men

Around rumors that this wildly successful league may expand in 2016, successful Franchise owners are lining up to get in on the act.  "I think my personality would fit in well with the other owners in this league, and I'd like to get in on the ground level with an up and coming league such as the Leather Helmit Elite League"  Some feel Snyder may be using the LHEL as a back up in case things go sour with the NFL.  Controversy has been swarming over the name of his franchise, the R**sk**s (we at the Insider have a moral conscience and refuse to print words that may be offensive to a large portion of our readership)

Snyder denied that, though he did indicate that he was hoping to enter into a league with a fresh new start  with a team name everyone could get behind.  "We want to be America's Team."  He has hired a Top PR firm specifically to address these things and they have done surveys and studies to come up with some appropriate team names and logos for Snyder's LHEL franchise.  "We think the firm Spinn, Hyde, & Kuvver gives us just what we need to develop a successful brand."

  Due to LHEL by-laws, Snyder must submit his request to join the league with an identified name, so many details are being withheld at this time.  What we have been able to uncover at this time is the following.  At 7:23 am, Spinn, Hyde & Kuvver delivered a proposal to League Commissioner Dave Renz proposing the following:  Daniel Snyder join the league as an equal partner and be responsible for his new franchise, the Dirty Red Men - or Dirty Redz as they might be referred to by their hipster fan base.

"We went with a minimalist logo.  The Team's Nickname and the implication of the disgusting smell of burning tobacco seemed like just the right touch to the image we want to create in test markets around the country," stated Andrea Hinkle of S,H &C.  On the spot reporter Howard Eskin asked if they felt this name might be considered offensive by any particular groups.
"Well, the Communist Party test markets were luke warm, but virtually everyone else seemed to test favorably," Hinkle replied.  "And when the children see our cute mascot he will win them over regardless of political affiliation."

"The mascot, who is simply a Red Man who goes by the name 'the Dirty', is an adorable addition to the overall marketing, and something the LHEL has not tapped into yet," explained Snyder.  "We aim to be pioneers in this league and hope to take ALL the owners to a whole new level."

You can read more about Daniel Snyder here.  His controversial history  is an interesting one and would certainly bring the LHEL into more national prominence.

We questioned several owners about the potential edition of The Dirty Red Men but none were willing to comment at this time.

Week 2 Recap and Week 3 Predictions

Week 2 Wrap Up

Hoosier Daddies (2-0) Eek Out a Close Game and Seize First Place from Straight Outta Canton (1-1)

Hoosier Daddies once again pulled out a close win against SOC, with major contributions from Deangelo Williams and Julio Jones.  "We are looking forward to getting Leveon back, but in the mean time, it's 'next man up' and Deangelo did a great job for us this week."  The Daddies also benefited from an early injury to Lacy who ended with only 3 carries and less than a point.

Team Booberry (2-0) Shears the Sheep (0-2) and Hold on to a Share of First

Manning Peterson, and Beckham Junior combined for 57, and that was literally all they needed, as an injury plagued and under-performing Wicked Sheep team couldn't get it going.  Wicked Sheep fans are in disarray, watching a decline from League Champs to Laughing (Live) Stocks in 2 short seasons.

Nerds (0-2) Fall to the TKO Crew (1-1) Late Monday

The Nerds put forth a strong effort but it was not enough to take out TKO Crew.  "Only 3 Teams outscored us this week, but we can't control that.  We just have to match up with who we face each week.  Our defense will get better," said a confident Sarah Renz.  TKO is currently one of only 3 teams to have put up 200+ points in the first 2 weeks.

Cthulhu (1-1) Bounces Back Against Another Spoiler (1-1)

A solid performance from Team Cthulhu and a shaky one for the Spoilers lead to a  blow out in Week 2.  "We knew we would get it turned around.  We just need to get Andrew back on track and I think we can do that soon," said an optimistic Marx Loeb about his faltering 1st round draft pick.  Chick was busy putting out fires as it seems his team is divided in a 3 way QB controversy early in the season.  Both Brady and Newton have agents furiously scrambling for a trade, so their talents don't go wasted on the Spoilers bench.  "We have 3 great quarterbacks in a league that is driven by quarterbacks.  We consider it a double insurance policy - an injured QB will NOT spoil THIS team's season," stated Chick.

Sack Francisco (2-0) Rolls to the Top Over Poehlman (0-2)

Rookie GM/Coach Steve Rossi has his team firing on all cylinders early in the season.  When asked how he does it Rossi replied "Focus and technological wizardry.  These are 2 areas where I am second to none.  That trickles down to my team."  Rossi went on to demonstrate how he is able to send text messages to his team to remind them to get to the game on time and how he warned them that he can check on their progress using a laptop on game day. "I have high expectations and they are held accountable."
Meanwhile, Poehlman is in a world of trouble and could potential lose the locker room.  When asked by a frenzied New York media how they can improve Murray's rushing performance Poehlman snapped "Rush for more positive yards and less negative."  One bright spot was Jordan Mathews, who had a solid game.  But on a day when your top WR and a D/ST post an impressive 41 points... and your opponent matches that head to head with 48 of their own, you just know it wasn't in the cards.

Week 2 Beasts

Ben, Ben and Fitz set the Mark for Top Performers in Week 2
Ben Roethlisburger lead all scorers, followed by Travis Benjamin and Larry Fitzgerald.  Team Booberry snatched Benjamin off waivers this week hoping he wasn't a one week wonder.  Many second tier QB's put up 1st Tier numbers - is there a changing of the guard in the works?

Week 3 Preview

Game of the Week:

Booberry vs Sack Francisco - The battle for 1st Place in the west, is almost a pick-em.  We think the running game for Booberry will be the difference.  If Roethlisberger and Brown combine for 45 or more, then the nod goes to SF.

Spoilers vs SOC - At 1-1 both teams are trying to regain momentum after stumbling week 2.  Injures could play a big role as both DeAndre Hopkins and Eddie Lacy could be game time decisions.  Lacy will likely be a bench player since his status won't be known until Monday Night.  An important matchup will be Alfred Morris vs. Matt Jones.  If one of these guys badly outpaces the other, that may be a difference in the game.

Nerds vs Daddies - Believe it or not, the 0-2 Nerds are favorites against the top ranked Daddies... To pull it off they will need solid output form ALL running backs and Peyton Manning, to offset the big number potential from Julio Jones and the returning Leveon Bell.

Cthulhu vs Wicked Sheep - The Sheep are in desperate need of a win, and Team Cthulhu is still trying to get Luck back on track.  The Sheep have been a little snake bitten lately.  The law of averages says they have a big week.

Poehlman vs. TKO Crew -  Poehlman, another team that needs to get back on track, has pulled QB Sam Bradford and RB DeMarco Murray and will go to the well with Carson Palmer.  These changes could kick start the struggling franchise as they enter the game as road favorites.  Both teams are a little banged up and are just trying to move forward.

Sounding Board - Tweets of the Week

Where's your coverage of the POPE?  And you guys @LHInsider call yourselves journalists.  This is the biggest story of our lifetime, next to major winter storms. #pope #pope-corn #pope-a-mania
@KCap1

@LHInsdier - is there any truth to the rumors Dan Snyder has petitioned the league for a team?  If so, I hope he picks a less offensive team name then the one he owns in the NFL. #SnyderSucks
@CherokeeNation4Evah

I hope @therealandrewluck gets off twitter and into the freakin study room so he can improve his play.  #priorities
@ CthulhuGuy29

The Nerds are the best 0-2 Team in the league and have the best chance to turn this thing around.  But it better start this week.
@AdamSchefter.

Week 1 Recap and Week 2 Predictions

Week 1 Wrap Up

Hoosier Daddies (1-0) Take Down Team Cthulhu (0-1)

In one of the few close games of the week, it was Julio Jones' stellar performance that set the pace.  Despite a weak performance by Luck, Cuthulhu made a late charge on the back of Carlos Hyde, but it just wasn't enough.  Both teams were hampered by mediocre play throughout their starting line up, but worth noting is the depth on Cuthulhu's bench.  "Our team has all the right talent," said GM Loeb.  "We just need to put them in  position to contribute."  With Ellington doubtful this week, that deep bench may come into play.

Sack Francisco (1-0) Negates the Nerds (0-1)

The Nerds broke out of the gate with strong performances from Gronk and Ameer Abdullah, but it was not enough as SF responded with outstanding games from Brown, Forte and Tavon Austin.  "This is a MAN's game," Rossi sneered from his owner's box as innocent Sarah Renz walked by dejectedly.  Renz was not discouraged.  "I've heard worse," she said.

Spolier's (1-0) Spoil Wicked Sheep's Opener (0-1)

"I am thrilled with my team's performance," said an elated Darren Chick.  "I mean, Hell.  I slept through the draft...LITERALLY."  It was Brady and the Seahawk's D that really made the big difference for the Spoiler's.  Lynch was merely average this week and Demarius Thomas was a minor contributer.  They will need to do better to help the Sheep stop the bleating.

Booberry (1-0) Sneaks Past Poehlman (0-1)

Booberry had a big game from Cincinnatti's Hill, and that is all they needed.  Sub par performances up and down the Poehlman Roster led to an easy win.  "We couldn't get a rhythm going," said Poehlman.  And things don't get easier as Dez Bryant went down for this team that is thin at WR.

Straight Outta Canton (1-0) Bruises TKO Crew (0-1) and Wins the Week!

With an impressive 142 point explosion, SOC set the standard for offensive performances and ran TKO off the scoreboard, if that's a thing.  TKO had a respectable score close to 100, but most of SOC's starters hung close, and big games from both tight ends cancelled each other out.  Deandre Hopkins, Bishop Sanky and the Panthers D were the big difference supplying 65 points, almost half the team's total.  "We like our versatility.  We can beat you in the air, on the ground, - frankly I wouldn't wanna have to game plan against us," stated a modest Renz.  "Don't let the lopsided score fool you.  That was not a bad football team we faced.  We are JUST THAT GOOD."
"I think we all have to hope they just peaked early," stated a shell shocked Reardon.  "It's a long season."



Week 1 Beast or Bust?
Gronkowski (TE - Nerds) BEAST - Gronk lived up to the hype as the premier TE in Fantasy Football.  His 27+ performance was top among TE's and 3rd in the league overall.

Carlos Hyde (RB - Cthulhu) BEAST -  Top performer of the week with 30 points...and complete beast that single handedly pulled Team Cthulhu into a close match with the defending champion Hoosier Daddies.  Hyde was a monster on Monday Night.

Julio Jones (WR - Hoosier Daddies) BEAST -  Julio was the answer to Cthulhu's Mr. Hyde.  His 26 helped build an insurmountable lead.  "I was just glad I could put on a good show for everyone," said an elated Jones.  "It's all about the Popcorn"

Peyton Manning (QB - Nerds) BUST - Is this the end?  Not even 5 points for the future hall of famer.  It did not make the difference this week for the Nerds, but rookie GM Sarah Renz will need to monitor his production closely.

Week 2 Preview

Booberry Vs Wicked Sheep -  Experts are calling this a pick-em, but we think home field advantage and depth should be enough for the Sheep this week.  However, Booberry has the best upside potential for a player to explode and carry the day.  We'll stick with the Sheep.

TKO vs The Nerds -  It looks like the Nerds are poised to fall to TKO this week, but the Nerds under achieved last week, and could bounce back with big games from their stars.  We'll stick with TKO in a close one.

Spoilers vs Cthulhu - Depth from the 1st Pick in the Draft pays off this week for Cthulhu.  Brady will come back to earth, and Luck will be on Cthulhu's side this time.

Poehlman vs Sack Francisco -  Injury plagued Poehlman will struggle to overtake SF, but they have a chance if they can find a viable replacement at WR before game time Sunday.

SOC vs the Daddies -  Bad matchups for SOC and good ones for the Daddies could lead to a second win for the defending champs.  If SOC manages to pull this one off, they may run the table.   Julio Jones' hamstring could be a factor...keep an eye on how he fairs.


Sounding Board - Selected Tweets of the Week

Bullying Policy Needs to be Adhered To
Steve Rossi should be ashamed of how he treated that poor young lady and her team.  He needs to learn some manners and sportsmanship.  A HEX on your team for weeks to follow. #Hex #Bully
@BFowlerCapeCod

Luck Calls for Calm
It's ok, we'll get this thing turned around #CthulhuPride
@TheRealAndrewLuck

My Baby Boy Ain't at Fault
Wicked Sheep put my boy in a bad spot he can't do it all himself the play caller for that team needs to be fired I said it FIRED #BeastModeMomma
@SunshineLynch

Mixed Emotions
The Eagles fan in me is thrilled about Dez...but ultimately it could hurt our team a little, I suppose #injury #mixedfeelings
@PoehlmanOwnershipGroup

2015 Fantasy Insider Season Preview

Leather Helmet Fantasy Insider Moves Headquarters!!
We have moved from Blog.com to Blogger.com.  But don't worry, the same quality edgy reporting moved with us, into a more spacious and professional headquarters.  We promise your experience with the Insider will ONLY be enhanced.

Draft Results:  Grades and Insights for Each Team

Team Cthulhu:  B
With the 1st pick in the draft, Team Cthulhu shocked the world and grabbed Andrew Luck, leaving some stud running backs on the board.  That said, they pulled in the potential top QB, some awesome receivers, and a solid corp of RB's they can play match ups against.  They have no glaring weaknesses and should be solid weak in and out.
War Room Quote:  "I love Andrew Luck.  The rest of you can just go to hell."

Hoosier Daddies:  B
The reigning champs opted for the injured Bell, who will be suspended early in a short season.  They hope this will pay dividends in the long run.  In the meanwhile, they have a solid line up with lots of depth, but until Bell gets back they have no clear cut game breaker to carry the load.
War Room Quote:  "I guess I really don't need a great running back to start the season.  All in due time"

Sack Francisco: B-
Nice effort from rookie GM Steve Rossi, who grabbed some of 2014's top performers.  The Roethlisburger-Brown combo could pay huge dividends, and Forte is a workhorse when healthy, but injuries plague this roster early, and lack of depth at RB could be a problem.
War Room Quote:  "Hey Joe, how do I view available running backs again?"

Team Booberry: B-
Maybe the most potent running back corp in the league, and they will only get better when Foster returns.  However, the line up is riddled by bad eggs out on suspension which has left them thin in the early weeks.  How they weather the suspension storm could determine their season.
War Room Quote:  "Geez I would rather be over there smoking cigars than helping my daughter with this stinkin' project."

Northeast Nerds:  B+
This lineup has some big potential.  Manning an Calvin Johnson have declined lately but were great value picks and Gronkowski should give her the edge at least at that position every week.  If her running backs perform the Nerds could make some noise.
War Room Quote: " Look Dad, I'm drafting every Johnson available."

Team Poehlman: B
Team Poehlman put all their eggs in Chip Kelly's basket.  This is a risky move but could pay huge dividends if the Eagles offense performs as projected.  Despite the lack of diversity it is hard to argue with Murry, Mathews, Bradford and the Eagles D/ST.
War Room Quote:  "Wow, I hope the Eagles don't have a bye this year."

TKO Crew: B+
TKO had a great late round draft, snagging some perennial studs, like Brees, Charles, and McCoy.  However, Brees is coming off a down year, McCoy has a new home, and Andy Reid will take carries away from Charles and points off the TKO board.  If Cooper and Cruz have great years, this team could be explosive...Jeffries is a great WR with a stiff trying to get him the ball...not a viable #1 in our opinion.
War Room Quote:  "If these guys play like they did 2 years ago, I am going to own this league."

Another Spoiler:  B+ 
Some creative drafting in the late rounds this year has yielded interesting results.  The Spoilers have put their eggs in the Washington basket...this could pay off...remember, they don't need to win...just put up a lot of numbers when they try to catch up in the 4th quarter.  Jimmy Graham is a great addition and should be a red zone machine, and Brady and Rogers are the best QB tandem in the league.
War Room Quote: "Zzzzzzzzzzzz..."

Wicked Sheep: B
For the 9th Pick in the draft, Wicked Sheep managed to pick up a solid QB, a true #1 at RB and WR and only lack depth at RB.  If they play the right players, they could be a factor each week.
War Room Quote:  "Wow, it's hard to believe I drafted even worse than 8th this year..."

Straight Outta Canton: A-
To draft 10th and end up with 6 starters who were in the Top 10 at their position in 2014, and have a bench loaded with top 20 performers is nothing short of heroic.  We at the Insider question their evaluation system but still feel they had a strong draft and can compete well this year.
War Room Quote:  "It was quite amazing.  We actually got the top 16 players in the entire draft on our board.  We couldn't be happier.  I know many don't see Matty as the Top Fantasy QB in football but we rank him and Tannahill 1-2.  We also think Kelcie is a lock to out score Gronk this year at TE."

Week 1 Predictions:
TKO vs Straight Outta Canton
Straight Outta Canton wins but doesn't cover the 11 pt spread.  Brees disappoints in his first game without Graham, and if Lacey and Anderson outscore Charles and McCoy, it's over.

Wicked Sheep vs Another Spoiler
Another Spoiler has the edge in every position except WR1 and RB1.  It's going to take stellar performances from Lynch and Thomas to carry the Sheep, so we will give this one to the Spoilers but it's gonna be close.

Team Booberry vs Team Poehlman
We don't believe the Giants are for real this year...we'll take the Eagles offense vs the Falcons D over the Giants offense vs the Cowboys D.  Therefore, we gotta go with Team Poehlman.  Key Matchups will be Peterson vs Murray and Beckham vs Bryant.

Hoosier Daddies at Team Cthulhu
Without Bell, this matchup is intrguing.  It's a straight up pick 'em, but we think the Saints offense is going to be missing Graham, and therefore look for Ingram and Cook to struggle early while they figure out how to fill the void.  Give the edge to Cthulhu.

Northeast Nerds vs Sack Francisco
Barring and enormous game from Roethlisburger and Brown, the Nerds should win the battle of the Rookie GM's.  Sack Francisco is just a little too banged up.  We will take the Nerds by 8.