Fantasy Football Mixtape: Taylor's Version
Well, we have officially made it through Week 10 of the NFL season, but we have also made it through Red Week. That’s right, the re-release of Taylor Swift’s album Red dropped on November 12th. If this means nothing to you, that’s okay—you’re just dead to me. KIDDING... Kind of. Let’s light some candles, get our vinyl records ready, and dive into a special edition of our weekly Fantasy Mixtape: Taylor’s Version. Here, I made this for you:
Track 1 Taylor’s Version
This first song goes out to newly signed Rams WR Odell Beckham. He’s “new to town... In the angel’s city, chasing fortune and fame.” When Odell first signed with the Rams, Twitter was buzzing with predictions as to where he would fall on the depth chart alongside Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Well, as you probably know, Robert Woods is now injured, and OBJ has moved up in the rankings. “And they’ll tell you now, you’re the lucky one,” Odell. Even though the Rams have struggled on offense the last two weeks, OBJ is poised for bigger games. Also, did I mention that he wanted to snag the number 13 jersey for the Rams, but it belongs to someone else? 13 is Taylor Swift’s favorite number, too. Hmm. Coincidence?
The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version) - Taylor Swift
Track 2 Taylor’s Version
This track in the Fantasy Mixtape Taylor's Version is very personal to me. To give you context, I was somehow lucky enough to join the Sleeper Bowl put on by Sleeper.app. One of my favorite pair of quads running backs, AJ Dillon, is also in the league. This week I was lucky enough to play against Dillon and also play Dillon in my lineup.
Before the games on Sunday, I told him to “think about me,” every time he scored. AJ did that - TWICE. I will be forever grateful, but I just wish he didn’t have to beat me in the process. AJ, “not that we’re done and it’s over,” I want you to know that I’ll be starting you every week from here on out. Hopefully, you can get me back on track towards the path to the Championship Trophy.
Even though we won’t be playing against each other again, “I [hope] you think about me.”
I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s version) - Taylor Swift
Track 3 Taylor’s Version
I dedicate this track to Cam Newton. Yes, it is the year 2021, and yet Newton is back with the Carolina Panthers. As much as I want to see Newton thrive in this offense, I worry how it might affect Christian McCaffery. This could mean, “trouble, trouble, trouble,” as Cam is great on his feet.
If he is somehow available in your superflex leagues, scoop him up immediately. Last season Cam was tied for 5th in the league for rushing touchdowns. I expect he keeps killing it on his feet, as we saw him in only 12% of snaps Sunday, and he already got 1 TD on the ground. I’m not panicking for CMC by any means, but Cam could take away some of CMC’s touchdowns and that feels like trouble. Don’t believe me? Here are some numbers:
Christian McCaffrey has played 33 games with Cam Newton and scored 22 scrimmage touchdowns in them.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) November 16, 2021
Christian McCaffrey has played 23 games with other QB's and scored 24 touchdowns in those games.
To sum that up, CMC's TD rate is over 50% higher without Cam than it is with him. pic.twitter.com/XO6zOuL1z5
I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s version) - Taylor Swift
Track 4 Taylor’s Version
After Week 10, I needed to take a moment to myself and take “a deep breath in the mirror.” If I could show you all of my leagues’ wins and losses, you would “throw your head back laughing like a little kid.” I love fantasy football, but “I’ve been spending the last [three] months thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end.”
Where did I go wrong? Was it my waiver transactions? Did I spend too much FAAB too soon? Did I draft poorly? Why are all my teams plagued with injuries?
I may not know where exactly I went wrong, but what I do know is I miss the thrill of drafting. I miss starting fresh and entering a new season in August. I don't want Matthew Berry's Loser Trophy but maybe it’s time for me to start looking towards next year where I can forget 2021 and just, “begin again.”
Begin Again (Taylor’s version) - Taylor Swift
If you have made it this far in our mixtape session, I want to thank you for indulging me as a fantasy football swifty. I won’t make any absolute promises, but I will try to avoid any future Taylor Swift tracks for the rest of the season. Maybe. I don’t know. Can’t say. - @cooterdoodle
