10-29-2021, 05:12 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-10-2021, 05:40 PM by Crunk. Edited 1 time in total.)
With the 32nd season of the ISFL right around the corner, the game’s best players are training hard to get back into playing shape and young studs are working to become the next superstars. Let’s dive into which players are going to make the biggest impact for their respective teams in this coming season.
Honolulu Hahalua: Eleven Kendrick-Watts
Last year’s surprise champions are looking to make another run. With Joliet Christ Jr. throwing nearly 700 passes last season, there should be no shortage of targets for the Hahalua’s #1 wideout. Kendrick-Watts gets force fed like no other receiver, leading the league in catches by 25. With him only getting better as he reaches his prime, expect Kendrick-Watts to show up in a big way for a Hahalua team that really doesn’t have another elite WR to throw to. Sam The Onion Man has shown promise, but Kendrick-Watts is still by far the top dog in this offense.
Stat Predictions: 129 catches, 1654 yards, 14 TDs
Colorado Yeti: Mattathias Caliban
Mattathias Caliban has built a career off of slinging the football like nobody’s business. He holds 5 of the top 10 seasons in total pass attempts. With this kind of volume, it’s hard not to see Caliban balling out again. While he may not reach the heights he did last season, where he broke the single season passing TD record, he should be able to put up some crazy numbers. Colorado has one of the best receiving corps in the league. Caliban should be able to spread the ball around and reap the benefits. Expect some greatness from the presumed S31 MVP.
Stat Predictions: 472/713, 5,094 yards, 39 TDs, 15 INTs
Austin Copperheads: Tyler Montain
The Austin Copperheads were unquestionably the regular season’s best team. Led by a stout defense, they cruised to a 12-4 record in a weak ASFC. Their #2 scoring defense was anchored by the play of one Brach Thomaslacher. Thomaslacher’s 18 sacks placed him 3rd in the league, and he also defended 10 passes. This was actually a down year compared to his S30 performance. I think that this downward trend will continue as offenses continue to gameplan around stopping him. This leaves the door open for Tyler Montain to put up monster numbers despite his age. Montain is one of the most talented linebackers in football, but Thomaslacher has taken a lot of the spotlight. I believe that with Thomaslacher drawing double teams, it’s going to allow Montain to return to S29 form.
Stat Predictions: 121 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3/2 FF/FR, 12 Sacks, 1 INT, 9 PDs
Sarasota Sailfish: Stumpy Jones
Sarasota has had a solid stretch of seasons, including a S30 Ultimus win. They’ve done this on the back of their RBBC strategy and efficient QBing from Mike Boss Jr. They have a ton of starpower, but where this team really wins games is in the trenches. Young LT Stumpy Jones is as electric as you can be on the OL. With 0 sacks allowed over his past 2 seasons while getting 129 and then 118 pancakes, it’s easy to see how he helps make their offense go. As Jones hits his prime, he’s only going to get stronger and harder to move. Sailfish got themselves a good one.
Stat Predictions: 121 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
Chicago Butchers: Kazimir Oles Jr.
Kazimir Oles Jr showed out in his rookie season. In a league that is notoriously unforgiving to rookie QBs, Oles Jr came out and threw 30 TDs and showed poise that couldn’t be found from veterans. The Butchers are a really young team, with young targets. While they may not be elite yet, they’re on their way and Oles Jr has the talent to get them there. If Oles can keep up with the precedent he set in his rookie year, he will easily be the Butcher’s best player. Let Oles Cook!
Stat Predictions: 398/611, 4354 yards, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
Arizona Outlaws: Tatsu Nakamura
Nakamura might be the greatest runningback in the history of the ISFL. With his incredible career winding down, the Outlaws are going to feed him like there’s no tomorrow. While he may not be the main bellcow, with Dank Memes hitting his prime, he’s going to get a ton of goal line touches as he pushes towards the 150 TD mark. The Outlaws might start their decline from the heights they reached in S30 and with that comes the time for stat padding. Trust in Nakamura to put Arizona’s scoring on his back. Despite his age, Nakamura still has at least one more season of elite production left in the tank.
Stat Predictions: 181 carries, 931 yards, 14 TDs
Berlin Fire Salamanders: Dexter Zaylren
Like Oles Jr, Zaylren was an electric rookie QB for a contending team. However while Oles wowed us with his playmaking and arm, Zaylren impressed by being a surgeon on the field. He sliced up defenses like a hot knife through butter while leading the Fire Salamanders to the #4 offense in the league. Unlike Oles Jr, Zaylren is surrounded by superstars like Cmon Skiuuup with a young talent on the way up in Troy Abed. Expect a big jump from Zaylren in production and expect a big jump from the Fire Salamanders this year.
Stat Predictions: 381/599, 4367 yards, 34 TDs, 9 INTs
Yellowknife Wraiths: Jay Cue Jr.
At the time of me writing this, the Wraiths do not have a QB on the roster. Dustin Parmalee will be coming up to take the reigns soon, but he is going to need someone to lean on while he learns the ropes. That guy is going to be Jay Cue Jr. He had an absurd amount of touches last season, with 377 carries + 52 catches. Expect both of those to go up in the coming season, as he is going to be the primary check down target for Dustin Parmalee. Rookie QBs tend to struggle and while the security blanket is normally a WR, I expect Cue to be the guy that serves as Parmalee’s crutch. Watch out for Cue to ball this season.
Stat Predictions: 391 carries, 1574 yards, 13 TDs, 61 receptions, 517 yards, 3 TDs
Philadelphia Liberty: Xavier Walls
Walls is one of the youngest players on the entire Liberty roster. He broke out in a big way last season, with 15 sacks. Xavier Walls might be the next great linebacker to grace Philadelphia and this coming season is how he can solidify that. Similar to how Thomaslacher supports Montain, Gary Goodman provides a dangerous defensive talent that defenses must try to neutralize due to his pedigree. Goodman’s talent and past production is going to allow Xavier Walls to have an even better season than he just did. Expect Xavier Walls to make some huge plays for the Liberty this season, even if the Liberty may not be great this year.
Stat Predictions: 99 tackles, 8 TFLs, 4/2 FF/FR, 17 sacks, 12 PDs
New York Silverbacks: Chunt The Badger
Chunt The Badger might be the first true outside the box pick for a team MVP. He got traded from the Hawks to the Silverbacks during last season and he had a solid season despite him having to learn the playbook. Chunt The Badger is a young talent, I think he can have a real breakout season for New York. I think his WR background gives him the ability to win 50/50 balls that get thrown his way and it should also give him the ability to catch a good amount of interceptions. The Silverbacks have a bit of a weak core for this year, and they’re hoping for a breakout season. Chunt The Badger is primed for a great season in S32.
Stat Predictions: 84 tackles, 2/1 FF/FR, 5 INTs, 24 PDs
San Jose Sabercats: Jamar Lackson
Jamar Lackson had an incredible season last year, even with a low volume he was able to get to #4 in rushing yards for the season. He had the 3rd highest YPC among qualified backs, signifying that Jamar Lackson is a real threat to make plays. With SJS having young Panda McKyle developing, Jamar Lackson is going to drag the Sabercats’ offense to relevancy. He’s proven that he can be a true receiving threat, with 3 straight 600+ yard receiving seasons including an 800/8 season in S29. Jamar Lackson is the real deal.
Stat Predictions: 231 carries, 1127 yards, 11 TDs, 57 receptions, 714 yards, 2 TDs
New Orleans Second Line: Quinton Crash
NOLA has a really weak roster in this coming year. Mike Rotchburns is starting to get old and he’s feeling the workload from last season for sure. IsHe ReallyInvisible had a pretty weak season in S31, but he was one of the youngest QBs in the league last season. Fortunately for him, he has young Quinton Crash to lean on. As a scrambler, he has a pretty weak arm but Crash has more than enough speed to turn a checkdown into a big play. I expect him to make some huge plays this year, as he might be only thing keeping the Second Line in tune.
Stat Predictions: 75 receptions, 1176 yards, 7 TDs
Orange County Otters: Goat Tank
Orange County’s MVP could be nobody else. Suleiman Ramza’s regression has taken a large toll on OCOs offense and they have to lean on their best player. Last season, Goat Tank had a ridiculous season and Ramza is going to be even worse this season. Goat Tank is now the only player on the Otters who is capable of consistently gaining yards. There’s a reason he’s going to go first overall in every fantasy group. Tank’s workload might break records in the coming year. He has a real shot to break Marquise Brown’s single season carry record. The Otter’s may suck this year, but Tank is gonna keep moving.
Stat Predictions: 457 carries, 1811 yards, 14 TDs
Baltimore Hawks: Gimmy Jarropolo Jr.
Gimmy Jarropolo Jr. has already had a bit of an up and down start to his ISFL career. He followed up a solid rookie season in S30 by throwing 23 interceptions in S31. I think that this is a result of a lack of chemistry between him and his young receiving core. After a year of practice and development, I think there should be a better connection between the heir to the Jarropolo throne and his wideouts. The Hawks' young core might actually be able to bring them back to relevance. Expect the Hawks and their franchise QB to break out in a big way.
Stat Predictions: 390/631, 4876 yards, 32 TDs, 11 INTs
With the team’s main contributors established, let’s look at who is going to contribute the most to the ISFL landscape in this coming season.
Season Award Predictions
MVP: Dexter Zaylren
I expect the Fire Salamanders to show up in a big way this season, and their masterful young QB should be able to put up great numbers while leading his team to the #1 seed in the NSFC. If he can keep the stats close with Caliban while the Fire Salamanders nab the first round bye, he should have MVP in the bag.
OPoY: Eleven Kendrick-Watts
Kendrick-Watts is a ridiculous talent one a good team, and if he wasn’t a WR he might be in the running for the MVP award. This award depends the most on the voters, as Goat Tank’s ridiculous volume with mediocre efficiency may turn them off in voting. I have faith that Kendrick-Watts is going to solidify his spot atop the ladder.
ORoY: Dustin Parmalee
If Parmalee can have even a mediocre rookie season while replacing a future Hall of Famer, he will have this award in the bag. I don’t expect him to break records or even be above average but in this league where rookie QBs are eaten alive, a mediocre season is enough to win a rookie of the year award.
DPoY: Xavier Walls
I predicted a huge breakout for Xavier Walls, and if he puts up the numbers I think he will in this Liberty defense he will have a solid gap on the rest of the league’s defenders. Don’t sleep on Xavier Walls this season.
DRoY: Tessie Garciaparra
While defensive rookie is hard to project, since I don't know who is going to be called up, I do know that the Butchers only have 2 CBs on the roster right now and they have a very strong talent waiting in the wings. Tessie Garciaparra lit up the DSFL last season, leading the minor league in interceptions. She has more than enough talent to translate that to the big leagues. If she can translate from a #1 corner to more of a slot player, she can make a real run for the defensive rookie of the year award.
Honolulu Hahalua: Eleven Kendrick-Watts
Last year’s surprise champions are looking to make another run. With Joliet Christ Jr. throwing nearly 700 passes last season, there should be no shortage of targets for the Hahalua’s #1 wideout. Kendrick-Watts gets force fed like no other receiver, leading the league in catches by 25. With him only getting better as he reaches his prime, expect Kendrick-Watts to show up in a big way for a Hahalua team that really doesn’t have another elite WR to throw to. Sam The Onion Man has shown promise, but Kendrick-Watts is still by far the top dog in this offense.
Stat Predictions: 129 catches, 1654 yards, 14 TDs
Colorado Yeti: Mattathias Caliban
Mattathias Caliban has built a career off of slinging the football like nobody’s business. He holds 5 of the top 10 seasons in total pass attempts. With this kind of volume, it’s hard not to see Caliban balling out again. While he may not reach the heights he did last season, where he broke the single season passing TD record, he should be able to put up some crazy numbers. Colorado has one of the best receiving corps in the league. Caliban should be able to spread the ball around and reap the benefits. Expect some greatness from the presumed S31 MVP.
Stat Predictions: 472/713, 5,094 yards, 39 TDs, 15 INTs
Austin Copperheads: Tyler Montain
The Austin Copperheads were unquestionably the regular season’s best team. Led by a stout defense, they cruised to a 12-4 record in a weak ASFC. Their #2 scoring defense was anchored by the play of one Brach Thomaslacher. Thomaslacher’s 18 sacks placed him 3rd in the league, and he also defended 10 passes. This was actually a down year compared to his S30 performance. I think that this downward trend will continue as offenses continue to gameplan around stopping him. This leaves the door open for Tyler Montain to put up monster numbers despite his age. Montain is one of the most talented linebackers in football, but Thomaslacher has taken a lot of the spotlight. I believe that with Thomaslacher drawing double teams, it’s going to allow Montain to return to S29 form.
Stat Predictions: 121 tackles, 7 TFLs, 3/2 FF/FR, 12 Sacks, 1 INT, 9 PDs
Sarasota Sailfish: Stumpy Jones
Sarasota has had a solid stretch of seasons, including a S30 Ultimus win. They’ve done this on the back of their RBBC strategy and efficient QBing from Mike Boss Jr. They have a ton of starpower, but where this team really wins games is in the trenches. Young LT Stumpy Jones is as electric as you can be on the OL. With 0 sacks allowed over his past 2 seasons while getting 129 and then 118 pancakes, it’s easy to see how he helps make their offense go. As Jones hits his prime, he’s only going to get stronger and harder to move. Sailfish got themselves a good one.
Stat Predictions: 121 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
Chicago Butchers: Kazimir Oles Jr.
Kazimir Oles Jr showed out in his rookie season. In a league that is notoriously unforgiving to rookie QBs, Oles Jr came out and threw 30 TDs and showed poise that couldn’t be found from veterans. The Butchers are a really young team, with young targets. While they may not be elite yet, they’re on their way and Oles Jr has the talent to get them there. If Oles can keep up with the precedent he set in his rookie year, he will easily be the Butcher’s best player. Let Oles Cook!
Stat Predictions: 398/611, 4354 yards, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
Arizona Outlaws: Tatsu Nakamura
Nakamura might be the greatest runningback in the history of the ISFL. With his incredible career winding down, the Outlaws are going to feed him like there’s no tomorrow. While he may not be the main bellcow, with Dank Memes hitting his prime, he’s going to get a ton of goal line touches as he pushes towards the 150 TD mark. The Outlaws might start their decline from the heights they reached in S30 and with that comes the time for stat padding. Trust in Nakamura to put Arizona’s scoring on his back. Despite his age, Nakamura still has at least one more season of elite production left in the tank.
Stat Predictions: 181 carries, 931 yards, 14 TDs
Berlin Fire Salamanders: Dexter Zaylren
Like Oles Jr, Zaylren was an electric rookie QB for a contending team. However while Oles wowed us with his playmaking and arm, Zaylren impressed by being a surgeon on the field. He sliced up defenses like a hot knife through butter while leading the Fire Salamanders to the #4 offense in the league. Unlike Oles Jr, Zaylren is surrounded by superstars like Cmon Skiuuup with a young talent on the way up in Troy Abed. Expect a big jump from Zaylren in production and expect a big jump from the Fire Salamanders this year.
Stat Predictions: 381/599, 4367 yards, 34 TDs, 9 INTs
Yellowknife Wraiths: Jay Cue Jr.
At the time of me writing this, the Wraiths do not have a QB on the roster. Dustin Parmalee will be coming up to take the reigns soon, but he is going to need someone to lean on while he learns the ropes. That guy is going to be Jay Cue Jr. He had an absurd amount of touches last season, with 377 carries + 52 catches. Expect both of those to go up in the coming season, as he is going to be the primary check down target for Dustin Parmalee. Rookie QBs tend to struggle and while the security blanket is normally a WR, I expect Cue to be the guy that serves as Parmalee’s crutch. Watch out for Cue to ball this season.
Stat Predictions: 391 carries, 1574 yards, 13 TDs, 61 receptions, 517 yards, 3 TDs
Philadelphia Liberty: Xavier Walls
Walls is one of the youngest players on the entire Liberty roster. He broke out in a big way last season, with 15 sacks. Xavier Walls might be the next great linebacker to grace Philadelphia and this coming season is how he can solidify that. Similar to how Thomaslacher supports Montain, Gary Goodman provides a dangerous defensive talent that defenses must try to neutralize due to his pedigree. Goodman’s talent and past production is going to allow Xavier Walls to have an even better season than he just did. Expect Xavier Walls to make some huge plays for the Liberty this season, even if the Liberty may not be great this year.
Stat Predictions: 99 tackles, 8 TFLs, 4/2 FF/FR, 17 sacks, 12 PDs
New York Silverbacks: Chunt The Badger
Chunt The Badger might be the first true outside the box pick for a team MVP. He got traded from the Hawks to the Silverbacks during last season and he had a solid season despite him having to learn the playbook. Chunt The Badger is a young talent, I think he can have a real breakout season for New York. I think his WR background gives him the ability to win 50/50 balls that get thrown his way and it should also give him the ability to catch a good amount of interceptions. The Silverbacks have a bit of a weak core for this year, and they’re hoping for a breakout season. Chunt The Badger is primed for a great season in S32.
Stat Predictions: 84 tackles, 2/1 FF/FR, 5 INTs, 24 PDs
San Jose Sabercats: Jamar Lackson
Jamar Lackson had an incredible season last year, even with a low volume he was able to get to #4 in rushing yards for the season. He had the 3rd highest YPC among qualified backs, signifying that Jamar Lackson is a real threat to make plays. With SJS having young Panda McKyle developing, Jamar Lackson is going to drag the Sabercats’ offense to relevancy. He’s proven that he can be a true receiving threat, with 3 straight 600+ yard receiving seasons including an 800/8 season in S29. Jamar Lackson is the real deal.
Stat Predictions: 231 carries, 1127 yards, 11 TDs, 57 receptions, 714 yards, 2 TDs
New Orleans Second Line: Quinton Crash
NOLA has a really weak roster in this coming year. Mike Rotchburns is starting to get old and he’s feeling the workload from last season for sure. IsHe ReallyInvisible had a pretty weak season in S31, but he was one of the youngest QBs in the league last season. Fortunately for him, he has young Quinton Crash to lean on. As a scrambler, he has a pretty weak arm but Crash has more than enough speed to turn a checkdown into a big play. I expect him to make some huge plays this year, as he might be only thing keeping the Second Line in tune.
Stat Predictions: 75 receptions, 1176 yards, 7 TDs
Orange County Otters: Goat Tank
Orange County’s MVP could be nobody else. Suleiman Ramza’s regression has taken a large toll on OCOs offense and they have to lean on their best player. Last season, Goat Tank had a ridiculous season and Ramza is going to be even worse this season. Goat Tank is now the only player on the Otters who is capable of consistently gaining yards. There’s a reason he’s going to go first overall in every fantasy group. Tank’s workload might break records in the coming year. He has a real shot to break Marquise Brown’s single season carry record. The Otter’s may suck this year, but Tank is gonna keep moving.
Stat Predictions: 457 carries, 1811 yards, 14 TDs
Baltimore Hawks: Gimmy Jarropolo Jr.
Gimmy Jarropolo Jr. has already had a bit of an up and down start to his ISFL career. He followed up a solid rookie season in S30 by throwing 23 interceptions in S31. I think that this is a result of a lack of chemistry between him and his young receiving core. After a year of practice and development, I think there should be a better connection between the heir to the Jarropolo throne and his wideouts. The Hawks' young core might actually be able to bring them back to relevance. Expect the Hawks and their franchise QB to break out in a big way.
Stat Predictions: 390/631, 4876 yards, 32 TDs, 11 INTs
With the team’s main contributors established, let’s look at who is going to contribute the most to the ISFL landscape in this coming season.
Season Award Predictions
MVP: Dexter Zaylren
I expect the Fire Salamanders to show up in a big way this season, and their masterful young QB should be able to put up great numbers while leading his team to the #1 seed in the NSFC. If he can keep the stats close with Caliban while the Fire Salamanders nab the first round bye, he should have MVP in the bag.
OPoY: Eleven Kendrick-Watts
Kendrick-Watts is a ridiculous talent one a good team, and if he wasn’t a WR he might be in the running for the MVP award. This award depends the most on the voters, as Goat Tank’s ridiculous volume with mediocre efficiency may turn them off in voting. I have faith that Kendrick-Watts is going to solidify his spot atop the ladder.
ORoY: Dustin Parmalee
If Parmalee can have even a mediocre rookie season while replacing a future Hall of Famer, he will have this award in the bag. I don’t expect him to break records or even be above average but in this league where rookie QBs are eaten alive, a mediocre season is enough to win a rookie of the year award.
DPoY: Xavier Walls
I predicted a huge breakout for Xavier Walls, and if he puts up the numbers I think he will in this Liberty defense he will have a solid gap on the rest of the league’s defenders. Don’t sleep on Xavier Walls this season.
DRoY: Tessie Garciaparra
While defensive rookie is hard to project, since I don't know who is going to be called up, I do know that the Butchers only have 2 CBs on the roster right now and they have a very strong talent waiting in the wings. Tessie Garciaparra lit up the DSFL last season, leading the minor league in interceptions. She has more than enough talent to translate that to the big leagues. If she can translate from a #1 corner to more of a slot player, she can make a real run for the defensive rookie of the year award.