November 11, 2005

Best Draft Pick:
Carson Palmer – 10th Round, !oohaY

Palmer was still available after each team selected their first quarterback. !oohaY named him their starter before the opener. All he has done is put up the best fantasy half-season at his position.

Honorable Mention: Steve Smith – 6th Round, $h!t Kickers; Thomas Jones – 13th Round, dabears

Worst Draft Pick:
Daunte Culpepper – 5th Overall, BOFD

The Vikings QB was a stud in ’04, but an absolute dud this season. Culpepper’s putrid play put perennial contender BOFD on the verge of its first losing season.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Jones – 12th Overall, Raging Bucs; Travis Henry – 3rd Round, Token Bad Team

'So this is what the top half of the standings looks like’ Award:
The Token Bad Team

Mike Hornyak’s organization had never had a winning record (not even 1-0) at any point in any season. Token’s 4-2 start had many comparing the team with last year’s surprise champions. But two bad losses, a controversial trade, and shaky managing have put the team on the verge of returning to mediocrity.

Free Agent Pick-Up of the Half-Year:
Stephen Davis, $h!t Kickers

The fragile veteran back from Carolina has had an impressive first half. He doesn’t get the yards or carries he used to, but 11 touchdowns has rewarded owner LaBarre’s hunch.

Honorable Mention: Willie Parker, Color Commentary; Joey Galloway, Bushwood

Return To Normalcy Award:
dabears

Matt First’s entry has gone back to its old ways; starting quick, making wholesale roster changes, winning ugly, and losing uglier. Teams have an uncanny knack of playing down to dabears level. Look at these games scores from the first half of the season… 64.5-55... 73-61... 74-73.5... 86-84.5... 86-80... 79.5-79.5… 71.5-35.5… Yeesh.

Trade of the Half-Year:
Token Bad Team sends Alexander/Kennison to !oohaY for Davis/Williams

!oohaY became an instant contender when it acquired fantasy stud Alexander. Cadillac Williams has cooled off from a hot start and Dom Davis is now banged up.

Honorable Mention: Bucs get Manning/Clayton from Bushwood for Moss/Taylor

Team of the Half-Year:
$h!t Kickers

Adam LaBarre’s squad has been atop the standings from the get-go. Drafting four solid running backs with their first four picks has proven a successful strategy. Tabbing Steve Smith as their top receiver raised some eyebrows, but Smith has been the best WR in the league thus far. Kerry Collins has been solid at QB and the defense has been potent. The Kickers are the top point-getters and are clearly the team to beat as we head down the stretch.