The balls have dropped, and initial moves have been made. Keepers lock in 3 weeks, and the draft is the next day. Get ready, the season is upon us.

-Commish

1. Parma Pirates (+1)

Arguably the biggest winner of the draft lottery (rigged?), the Parma Pirates have themselves in a great position coming into the 2024 season. I'll save the full self succ as there's a lot of details to iron out with the picks being unmade, but between successfully upgrading the third keeper, getting lucky in the lottery, and the team assumed to be in front getting a bit worse in my opinion, the Pirates should be a playoff lock.

2. Play Action Jackson (+4)

As predicted last time, PAJ shoots up the poll. The team with the least drafting acumen has taken a strong stance going into the 2024 season: collect as many high picks as possible. They appear to be in the weakest division in the league, with multiple members already appearing to be entering a rebuilding year. This team will have 3 chances at top 10 picks, and 5 total picks in the first 2 rounds. Through discussions with Steven and Dion this season, it's clear that they are committing to their plan. This team does not have the biggest draft haul in league history, but it may be the biggest for this season. PAJ looks to turn around the narratives this year, and I think they actually will.

3. Zark's Sharks (+4)

The Sharks miraculously turn negative draft capital into positive, by trading one player. Of course, that player was Justin Jefferson, a decision which had to be difficult. Ultimately, this trade will be remembered as this year's version of the Joe Burrow trade WFT made last season, where a team sells their best player in order to compete for a title now. The Sharks still walk into the season with 3 solid keepers despite moving off Jefferson, and with Zach being regarded as a top GM in the league, I think this team is an immediate contender. 

4. StepBurrow Stahhhhhppp (-3)

A lot changed for this team since the last poll. One of the best draft pick hauls in league history has vanished, leaving a selection of picks below the stock set, even with this team willing to mortgage future picks for mid rounders. Of course, the prize is mighty with Justin Jefferson joining the squad, creating undoubtedly the flashiest trio in the league between college teammates Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Ja'Marr Chase. While they are all young, incredibly talented superstars, they all carry questions of their own. Between this, and the StepBurrows trading away their insurance in the draft, they now have no choice - they must nail their draft picks. Of all the top 5 teams in this poll, the StepBurrows have the latest first selection by an entire round. Trading with divisional rival Zark's Sharks could also prove costly, as the StepBurrows will have to face the Sharks twice (possibly 3x or even 4x if you factor in playoffs) this season. I think this team is the ultimate wild card, and could rise or fall dramatically as the season unfolds as Jacob inevitably trades through his team. 

5. Bridge Road Orcas (-1)

Jack hasn't made a move yet, but he also doesn't really need to at this point. Some questioned his decision to protect TJ Hockenson in the expansion draft, where he ended up losing Chris Olave, but it seems that the Orcas did not see Olave as a long term piece for the franchise. There are questions on who the third keeper will be for this team, but Jack has proven to be a stable leader and strong drafter in this league. I think they are my favorite to win the Johnson division at this point.

6. Muff Punters (-1)

The Muff Punters executed during the expansion draft, with the league recognizing them as the clear winner in that event. The Punters also took home the top pick in this coming draft. With a fully stock pick selection and decent young keepers, they find themselves very much in the playoff mix for this coming season. A swift deal or trade for Aiyuk will be key, as the young receiver should be in line for a monster season if he's on the field. Jordan Love was a great pick, a player who won Tyler a fantasy championship last season and a great long term piece for the franchise. Tyler will need to make some sharp picks in the draft to make this team a true contender, but overall this team is in a spot to have a great first season.

7. Krinkleberg (-4)

It's very hard for me to rank this team. I trust Nathan as a manager, but the league has flattened out a lot since the last post, while this team has diluted their draft capital in favor of adding Derrick Henry. The key for Krinkleberg will be to beat the Muff Punters and Orcas at every opportunity. This team has gone all in on RB's, including currently rostering three young, high upside RBs in Achane, Bijan, and Kyren Williams. I've heard reports of this team attempting to move one or multiple of these pieces, so far with no deal made. If they can any value for any of their strong players, this team should jump ahead. If no deal is made, and everyone falls to the draft, then I think this team will be fighting for the last playoff spot in a tough league.

8. Bud Ice Penguins (+1)

The Penguins are the only team here or lower who actually have made improvements to their outlook this season, so you must applaud them for this. They successfully sold off multiple pieces in the trading period, and look to come in with three rock solid keepers, but still a draft that really begins in round 4. Noah and Nick own the middle of this draft now, with multiple picks in rounds 4-9. I could see a pick consolidation trade on the horizon (perhaps with the StepBurrows), which could vault this team back into contention. This team is still on a huge winning streak and should be taken seriously. That being said, I think they have the weakest position in their division and still face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. Still, they are a threat.

9. Slat's Slimes (+2)

The Slimes successfully added a first round pick, bolstering this team in the short term and providing needed flexibility in the long run. Sam just gets it. Despite the rating, the draft pick situation, and the age of projected keeper Travis Kelce, I do like this team and think they have a chance. All that truly stands in their way is a bad draft from PAJ - who are known to be bad drafters. Of course, PAJ has the most ammo in this draft now, so that will be an unlikely outcome at this point to me. The Slimes must continue to operate with the quality they have displayed in Super League thus far to have a real chance. Somehow, they are in the divisional title mix with multiple rebuilding teams present in the division.

10. Washington Fantasy Team (-2)

WFT has not made a move yet, and viable buyers have vanished for the non keeper pieces on this squad. It seems clear that the plan will be to liquidate either Jonathon Taylor or Amon-Ra St. Brown for depth in order to jump back into early contention, then use 2025 picks in November to bolster the roster further. I just don't see it playing out as well as it did last year, and it's possible this team reaches November and is forced to consider being a selling team. This placement might end up looking bad, because Curtis is a top 3 manager in this league. Another factor - the Sharks getting better heavily impacts WFT's chances, as they are forced to play them 2x this season at least. 

11. PT Flea Flik-er (-1)

Jackson appears to have entered a rebuilding season. He is the first team to acquire extra 2025 picks, making his mid position in the current draft a little more mid. I don't think he will be last, and I see his vision, but ultimately this team will be trying to add 2025 picks while trying to remain competitive. He will certainly end up in the toilet bowl without a shocking deal or huge luck.

12. GIRTH (-)

I'm not entirely getting what GIRTH's plan is. They have now traded 2024 picks for two players - AR15 and Puka Nacua. While these are fine young keepers, they also received fine young keepers for free in Pacheco, London, and Olave in the expansion draft. It appears this season will likely be a rebuilding season, with 2025 being the true target in my opinion. They are a toilet bowl team at this point.