#this is the first draft so it's gonna be a little rough oof lol

[madrone33]

I finally listened to Hadestown! 🎉

Starting with the Original Cast Recording, ‘cause might as well do it in release order. Loved it! Groovy music. Snickered. Cried. Wrote down my reaction as I went, so if you're chill with rambled thoughts and observations, here you go lol

(Soz for any typos, I was touch typing most of the time, and I've edited it but probs missed stuff)

Road to Hell (Live)

Oh it’s JAZZY. Huh. Didn't expect that, but I am living.

I like how at the start they’re simulating a train’s chugging.

Those call and response harmonies tho *chef's kiss*

Kinda reminds me of Udad.

Oh that’s Hermes!

“It’s a sad song” he says, while singing the boppiest of bops.

I like that “suitcase full of summertime” line.

“About someone... who tries.” Oho, we’re gettin into it now! *rubs hands together*

Also, I completely get now why Jorge said that first draft of EPIC: The Musical Hermes was like Hadestown.

Livin' It Up on Top (Live)

That’s a smooth transition👌

Persephone’s voice is really cool. Kinda rough texture?

Oh I didn’t realise Persephone and Hades would be having a turbulent relationship in this.

Oooh Orpheus’ voice is smooth.

They’re all so happy huh. Welp, you know there’s gonna be a crash in their future.

Orpheus seems really grateful for Persephone’s... graciousness? When he said that she'll always fill their cups and they'll raise them to her and stuff. Theory: either she’ll have a soft spot for him later, or he’ll feel betrayed and blindsided by the more cold side of her later.

All I've Ever Known (Live)

I don’t know anything about Eurydice, but is this her song?

Ah yeah Orpheus is singing, so it must be.

Oop. Foreshadowing.

Way Down Hadestown (Live)

Hermes is back!

“Bored to death” HA

“Graveyard” wow the puns/metaphors are going hard XD

I can’t tell who’s singing lmao. This is like when I listened to Hamilton for the first time. I’ll need lyrics, or familiarity RIP

The coins as the percussion/tambourine is a nice touch.

Hades’ voice is DEEP.

They haven’t mentioned gods yet, I don’t think? Just the Fates, right? It sounds more like a mining operation metaphor for mythos right now, hmm.

Epic II (Live)

King of diamonds and spades - like the playing card suits, but also like the mining operation.

It’s the La la la la thing from Wolfy’s animatic! Almost. A different rendition - I bet I'll hear that later 👀

Why is it called Epic II? Where’s 1? Am I missing something?

Chant (Live)

Oh they’re doing overlapping meodies!!

Ah wait this is Eurydice now, gotta go back a few seconds to catch that. I keep getting her mixed up with Persephone 😅

Oh now we’ve got Eurydice and Orpheus relationship troubles? Huh, I kinda assumed they’d be the perfect couple till her death.

And a semi callback to her song, nice.

Hay Little Songbird (Live)

DAMN his voice is deep!

Is this Eurydice??

Is- Is Hades seducing her? To work for him of smth? Ummm.

Not the canary!

That shaker sounds like a rattlesnake, and it does not bode well for a little bird.

When the Chips are Down (Live)

Oh hey I was right! It is a metaphorical rattlesnake!

Does she choose to go to the Underworld of her own volition? I thought she like- died.

Gone I'm Gone (Live)

She does??

Ouch. She sounds so resigned.

Is this a metaphor for her starving to death? Oof.

The harmonies!!

Wait for Me (Live)

“Six feet under” oh yep.

“Lay low, stay outta sight” - getting Hamilton's Stay Alive vibes.

“Don’t look back” ah. FORESHADOWING.

Ohhh the River Styx being a high wall is so smart!

“And don’t look no one in the eye” I must be too deep in the Odyssey related fandoms, because I'm seeing puns where there are none lmao

The HARMONIES!

Poor Orpheus, but I mean, he was kinda being a bit… naive? If he didn’t prepare for winter and just went off in his own head to make songs?

Why We Build the Wall (Live)

Free from who?

Enemy? 👀

(Yes, I'm aware I'm being led into asking all the questions he wants me to ask, but in my defence, it's very effective.)

Oh huh. Wasn't expecting it to be poverty, tho maybe I should've.

Him calling them “My children” plus the chanting is uh. Why does this sound like cult propaganda?

His voice sounds like the Ozymandias poem guy.

Also giving Frollo “She ran, I pursued” vocal vibes.

“Behind closed doors” - ominous.

Ha! Ok nice subversion.

Our Lady of the Underground (Live)

Persepone is a drug dealer XD

That’s a strange note on “there’s a crack in the wall”

Oh no, am I supposed to remember all these band member names? *crying*

Way Down Hadestown II (Live)

Bringing back motifs I see.

The pickaxes as percussion is cool.

Oop, Eurydice is getting a bit of a wake up call.

Chant II (Live)

Ooooh does the ‘backdoor’ Hermes meant, mean that Orpheus doesn’t have to ‘die’ to get there? ‘Cause he didn’t sign anything, which is a metaphor for him not actually being dead in the myth, so he can still leave.

“Hungry for the underworld” - the pomegranate?

And now Eurydice and Orpheus are singing half the La la la la tune each as if to each other from across the Underworld!

Ooh I LIKE those slant rhymes! "Young man, you can strum your lyre, I have strung the world in wire."

Oh this is where Orpheus sings his plea!! I know this is a thing because of Udad's Underworld Blues lol.

Epic III (Live)

The harmonies 🥺

Oh! It’s that part from Wolfy's animatic :O

I’m tearing up bro.

Just thinking that Eurydice was so upset with Orpheus for focusing on writing his song about Hades and Persephone, but it's that very song that is giving him a chance to sway Hades' mind. But on the other hand, if he'd focused less on the song, he never would've had to use it, y'know?

Word to the Wise (Live)

Ha the Fates(?) doing Hades’ inner monologue like, yeah bro u screwed yourself.

Uh oh this is probs where Hades comes up with the ultimatum. Wait no don't-

His Kiss the Riot (Live)

Those strings are creepy.

Belladonna? Oh the poisonous flower.

Did he call Orpheus the Jack of Hearts?

That acordian is awesome.

Fuck, I knew it.

He sounds like the guy who does the creepily ominous monologue in Micheal Jackson's Thriller.

Promises (Live)

Oh huh. It’s my theory from the 2nd song but it's Eurydice feeling betrayed that the world isn't always plentiful and not Orpheus?

Those strings are gorgeous!

Oh! A duet!

When the couple actually works out their shit:

“I do” omgggg!

KEEP WALKING. DONT LOOK BACK.

Wait for Me II (Live)

Aww that’s nice. Persephone and Hades are gonna try too!

Oh no not the “wait” like in Hurricane-

Doubt Come In (Live)

Oh noooooo

KEEP GOING. JUST KEEP GOING. SHE’S WITH YOU

OH NOOOO DON’T FALTER

LISTEN TO HER! HOLD ON! KEEP GOING!

... Oh god

Road to Hell II (Live)

NO THERE'S A FUCKING AD

Hermes sounds so sad but resigned. Like, 'Oh well. I knew it would turn out like this, but I'd hoped.' Which like. SAME.

The instruments stripped away so it's only silence and one voice is so good.

I can just imagine Orpheus collapsed shell shocked on stage as Hermes not unkindly pushes him to go on.

That reprise and ending is so fucking good AHHH omg no regrets. Some regrets. Whatever, it was good.

... Time to listen to it again with lyrics :D

And then I'm gonna listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording!

[dontcrywrite]

a kingdom betrayed chapter four excerpt

word count: 1,656 words

notes: here's the very first helen/cory scene in akb, ft. everyone's favorite horse whiskey!!! <3 this takes place the night before helen leaves for her quest!

taglist (let me know if you want to be added or removed!): @bronwennjames @twentythreecrows @writeblrfantasy @chishiio

@nikkywrites @drippingmoon @forthesanityofsome @amberskywrites @ashen-crest @hellishhin @oh-no-another-idea@thelaughingstag

Once the excitement dies down, Helen slips off towards the stables.

It’s an old habit of hers, one that goes all the way back to when she was a child, hiding in her foster father’s stables and waiting for the panic choking her to subside. Even now, years later with the chaos of the day hanging over her head, Helen is only able to breathe once she sinks her fingers into Whiskey’s mane.

The stables are quiet this time of night; if they aren’t on duty, most knights are lounging about the courtyard enjoying their rare free time. If she listens hard enough, Helen can hear their voices floating on the air. Usually she’d go out and join them, but right now she’s content to sit in the dark and let the gentle sounds of the horses moving about in their stalls calm her nerves.

She’s supposed to head out tomorrow morning, according to Muriel. Helen’s been waiting for this moment ever since she first joined the palace guard; she even has a bag already packed and stored safely under her cot, ready to go. And yet Helen can’t help but feel a low sense of panic humming under her skin at the thought of the quest. There’s so much hanging on this. What if she doesn’t succeed?

Helen is so focused on running her fingers through Whiskey’s mane that she doesn’t hear the creaking of the stable door opening. She does, however, see the shadows move across the wall as someone slips inside.

Now, logically Helen knows that it’s someone from the palace, but she’s been on edge all evening. Instinct pushes her to move without thinking. Jumping in front of Whiskey, she throws one arm out in front of the horse and the other resting on the sword hanging at her hip. Whiskey didn’t react, too engrossed with the food in front of him to realize what was going on.

“Helen?” A familiar voice calls out from the shadows. “Are you in here?”

Helen’s shoulders slump, and she leans back heavily against Whiskey’s flank. Whiskey nudges her shoulder gently before returning to his food. “Don’t scare me like that,” she says.

Cory steps out of the shadows, a grin dancing on her face. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.”

The sight of Cory is enough to dissipate the tension that has been coiled around Helen’s spine ever since the prince had returned to the palace with one foot in the grave. She looks exactly the same as she did this morning when Helen ran into her: light hair pushed back from her forehead, spade shoved in her pocket, a streak of dirt across her cheek. Helen has never been more thrilled to see anyone in her life.

“What are you doing here?” Helen asks, lips twitching up in a small smile.

“Thought you might be in here,” Cory says with a shrug. She walks over to Helen, a slight bounce in her steps, before rummaging in her pockets and presenting Helen with a slightly crushed daisy. “Stressful day?”

“Don’t get me started.” Huffing out a small breath, Helen accepts the flower and threads it behind her ear. It’s a little ritual the two have shared since they met; Cory had started it, when she all but shoved a bright lily Helen’s hand the first time they’d run into one another.

Cory hums gently, sidling up to Helen and pressing into her side. “You’re heading out tomorrow morning for your quest, right?”

“Yeah.” Silence fell over the two. And then Helen realizes what Cory had just said. “Wait, how do you know about that? I haven’t gotten the chance to tell anyone yet!”

Cory shrugs. “Emory overheard Muriel talking to Joanna about it. The whole castle knew twenty minutes later.”

Helen groans and buries her head in her hands. Cory pats her shoulder sympathetically.

“So where are you going?” Cory’s voice is casual, but Helen knows her well enough to hear the undercurrent of curiosity in her voice.

Now, technically Helen isn’t supposed to talk about her mission to anyone. She was given strict instructions to keep everything close to her chest, to not trust anyone. Someone had infiltrated the palace and passed information to Ausburn; no one could be trusted until the Mage’s plans were unveiled. Not to mention that any and all missions handed down from the king himself weren’t to be shared with anyone, not even her fellow knights.

But this is Cory, the first person Helen befriended when she came to the palace. This is Cory, who always knew how to draw Helen out of her shell and knows exactly what to say to make Helen smile. Helen would trust Cory with her life. She’d never even considered keeping this from Cory.

“You know what happened to Prince Levi.” It isn’t a question. There isn’t a person in the palace who hasn’t heard what occurred that morning. Cory nods, wrapping a hand around Helen’s arm and giving a reassuring squeeze. “Well, Muriel has reason to believe Mage Ausburn was behind the attack.”

Cory hisses in a breath. “I thought he was holed up in the Hingcour Peaks?”

“Apparently he got bored.”

“So, what, they want you to go find him and ask him to stop? I’m sure that’ll go over well.”

“There’s no concrete proof that it’s him. Not yet. Muriel doesn’t want to go after Ausburn until it’s strictly necessary.” Helen gestures to herself. “That’s where I come in. I have to find Ausburn. I find him, I find the proof we need.”

Cory’s fingers tightened around Helen’s arm, just shy of being painful. “That sounds incredibly dangerous.”

“It’s part of the job description,” Helen shrugs.

Cory’s hand leaves Helen’s arm. Helen turns back to Whiskey, resuming her brushing. She can feel Cory’s gaze on her, but doesn’t look up, not wanting to see the concern that she knows is shining out of Cory’s eyes. Whiskey shakes his head gently under Helen’s hands, pleased with the attention.

“Alright,” Cory says after a moment. Helen readies herself for the lecture on safety that is sure to follow. But instead, all Cory says is: “I’m coming with you.”

Helen whips around to face Cory, brush hanging limply from her hand. Even Whiskey lifts his head, as if he was just as shocked at Cory’s words. Had Helen heard her right? "What - what do you mean you're coming with me?"

Cory’s lips are pursed, arms crossed over her chest. Helen knows this look far too well; Cory’s gearing herself up for an argument. “I’m coming with you,” she repeats, narrowing her eyes at Helen.

“That’s - you -” Helen splutters. “You’ve never said this about my other missions!”

“Your other missions didn’t involve you running headfirst at the most dangerous mage in Arla!” Cory throws her hands in the air, voice bordering on a shriek.

“I’m not running at him! It’s just reconnaissance!”

“But what if you get caught? What if he hurts you?”

“I won’t.” Helen reaches out and grabs Cory’s hand, linking their fingers together. “I’m going to be fine. I’d be more worried about you if you came along.”

Cory’s really pouting now. “I can take care of myself!”

“Well, right, but -”

“Remember when I beat you in that spar?”

Helen frowns. “Just because you fight dirty -”

“I won fair and square!”

“What about your job?” Helen asks, hoping the new topic might yield better results. She knows for a fact that Cory would rather cut her own hand off than let anyone touch her flower beds. “You can’t just up and leave without any explanation! Who’ll take care of your flowers?”

This slows Cory down. She rocks back on her heels, looking torn.

“They’ll probably have Ryan take over for you,” Helen says, nodding sagely. “Remember what happened last time he came near your flowers?”

There hadn’t been a plant left untouched. Cory had been devastated. Ryan spent weeks apologizing; he didn’t mean to kill the plants, not really. The poor man didn’t have much of a green thumb.

For a moment, it looks like Cory might conceded to Helen’s point. But then she just shakes her head. “I can always plant new seeds. If I lost you …”

She trails off, but Helen can hear what Cory isn’t saying. If Helen fails this mission, there’s no coming back. Cory’s doing her best to hide it, but Helen can see worry in the way Cory holds herself, stiff and unyielding.

Of course she knows how dangerous this mission was. How could she not? But how could she bring Cory along, only to put her in danger? Cory is more than capable of taking care of herself, yes, but what if she got hurt on Helen’s watch? She’d never be able to forgive herself.

On the other hand, isn’t she one of the only people who would could keep Cory safe?

Cory is pouting again, eyes silently imploring Helen in a way she’s never really been able to say no to. And really, that’s not playing very fair.

“Alright,” Helen sighs, already knowing she’ll regret this. “You can come.”

Cory brightens immediately, throwing herself at Helen and throwing her arms around her shoulders. “Thanks, Hel! This is going to be great!”

For a moment, Helen can’t breathe. Despite her small stature, Cory was deceivingly strong. “If you come with me,” Helen says, wheezing just a bit, “you can’t mess around. This isn’t a game.”

“Of course,” Cory nods solemnly. She then immediately ruins the mood by grinning at Helen. “You know, I’ve never been on a road trip before.”

Helen groans, pushing her face into Cory’s neck. “You’re going to be the death of me,” she grumbles, voice muffled.

Cory laughs, and Helen can feel the vibrations through her skin. “You love me,” she teases as she tangles her fingers in Helen’s hair.

“Yeah,” Helen sighs softly. “Yeah, I do.”

[yellowlaboratory]

heyyy do you have any advice on writing and word building????

oof. I’ve gotta be honest with you, if you ask almost anyone who has ever heard how I write, they’ll tell you I’m insane. and, after writing this all out, I think I might agree with them. all this to say, I’m probably not the best person in the world to give advice.

but, I love the sound of my own voice, so I can offer something. take it all with a grain of salt.

first off - I don’t know if this is an ask about fic writing specifically, or writing in general. I’m not sure how much I’ve talked about writing non-fic things on here before, but I’m going to keep this advice pretty general. I don’t really treat fic writing and original writing differently, anyways. I’m pretty insane in both flavors, lmao. But. Still. I thought I’d mention it.

anyways, I think the best writing advice I’ve ever been given is to just. read so much. I went to see Rick Riordan when he was on a book tour YEARS ago (back when I wanted to be an author lmao), and I asked him for advice, and he was like “read everything.” at the time, I didn’t really appreciate the advice, but I can visibly see a difference in my writing when I’m in a reading slump vs. when I’m reading a lot. so just. read stuff you would like to write. read stories that are nothing like what you want to write. read fanfic. read magazine articles. read literally everything. Idk how it works, but Uncle Rick was right.

and in terms of actually writing, I think the biggest thing for me is that I can’t write chronologically to save my life (I get stuck almost immediately), so I rely on having a system of outlining and drafting that some may call insane. I start with an outline for the full fic/story, and then I have a series of drafts for each chapter, usually a first draft and at least one rewrite (if not multiple). if I have an idea for a scene or whatever out of the blue, I put it in the outline, and I build it in from there. when I feel like I have enough of an idea of where the story is going in the outline, then I break into into chapter drafts, which are just based on the outline plus a little more detail. this first draft is where i figure out logistics and the rough plot. things like what scenes are going in what order and maybe a vague idea of how to transition between them. after that draft is finished, I rewrite every word into a second draft that I call the rewrite. by this point, it’s probably finished, but sometimes I’ll do a second rewrite if I’m really feeling miserable. mostly, I do so much drafting because it makes me feel better, and it allows me to speed through the first draft and not take it too seriously.

to put it mildly, this approach doesn’t work for everyone. some of my favorite fic writers don’t ever have more than one draft. so. you just kind of have to figure out what works for you. I do recommend having an outline, just to track where the story is going and what you want to tie in. but also, if your characters pull you in a different direction, just go with it. sometimes they know better than you do.

and worldbuilding is hard - I don’t think I’ve quite gotten the hang of it yet. I’m outlining an original novel for nanowrimo (shoutout to alex for being my buddy in this insanity) and. well. we’ll see how it goes, lmao. but, if I’m taking my own advice - I’m not gonna worry about it too much in the first draft. I have the basic idea of what I want. I know the things that are imperative to the story. If I need to add something, I will. If I need to flush it out in a second draft, I will (if I even take it that far). i’m a strong believer that when you are writing, somethings just become apparent the further in you get. or. well. maybe i’m just telling myself that. we’ll see.

maybe the most important advice is that you have to say fuck it to what everyone else says about writing (including me lol) and do what works for you. It’s hard to find your voice and figure these things out, but I promise that whatever works for you is going to be some weird, cobbled together version of advice you’ve gotten from other places. all the advice I’ve given you is things I’ve gathered from the internet or other writers. I’ve literally googled “writing advice” before and read articles about it (can you tell I’m a woman of science lol). None of this is original to me, and I choose bits and pieces of what people tell me and utilize it in my own writing. If any of my advice seems helpful, take it. If all of it sounds stupid, ignore it. Writing can easily bog you down and become a chore if you let it - don’t let anyone else’s advice or expectations get in the way. take what works and throw out the rest. and also - it’ll probably take a little bit of practice to figure out what works. don’t be scared to try something new or weird or slightly insane. if it makes you feel any better, i promise you, I’ve done weirder things to write. 

also, in kind of the same vein: don’t give too much of a shit. I’m not saying don’t take pride in what you write - you should. But don’t try to live up to someone else’s writing or take yourself too seriously or whatever. I have learned that I write best when I stop trying to be serious. just have fun!! write what you want to write! write what you want to read! this is for you! 

And probably my last piece of advice: if you can find friends who also write, that’s a huge bonus for motivation! I never would have gotten through pltc without the community of writers and readers I’ve found. lord knows writing is sometimes emotionally draining and frustrating. If you ever need a sounding board or writing buddy, my dms are always open!!!!

[powerranks]

Ortonary Gentlemen Power Rankings, Week 1

We back.

1. WAP (Chris “ashamed to admit this but I had no idea you moved to Modesto until you turned on the webcam for the draft” Gatzow) (1-0)

If Big Ben is good for 20+ a week, we’re all in big trouble. Plenty of RB depth, plenty of WR depth (even without Deebo), Waller will probably be ok. Yet again, Chris should teach a fucking class on how to draft. Is this finally his year? We’ll see. Nobody that hasn’t won one deserves one more than Chris, who seems to put together bonkers ass teams every single year. 

2. KYLER INSTINCT (Alex “Would be a terrible NFL GM” Ahn) (1-0)

The best set of runningbacks Orton has probably ever seen, although it was aided a ton by the Mack injury. Alex has 4 guys who would probably walk into anyone else’s lineup, and it’s insane. Kyler looks like the real deal. The Ravens defense is always somehow 50% better when you roster them. However, will those receivers and tight ends hold up all year? I’m thinking you’ll get more down weeks than up weeks from those guys, but it might not matter with the rest of the roster. You’d probably be lower if not for a lucky injury to Conner, I can’t not factor that in.

3. I Won’t Bang Your Wife (Anthony “prepared less than all of us and destroyed week 1″ Mendola) (1-0)

We all questioned Anthony drafting who he drafted and when he drafted them, but this is why he does it! I view my team and Anthony’s pretty similarly, but he has significantly more depth than I do. Losing bell might be a blessing in disguise, since Bell might suck this year even if he played. You have a set starting lineup outside of your flex (but plenty of options for it), and I like those teams in which there isn’t much uncertainty. The only reason you aren’t higher is Ertz’ uncertain situation. He scored but did almost nothing outside of that, and seems to be arguing with management and may even be traded. Rodgers being Rodgers would give you a really valuable trade chip.

4. Billy Crammed (David “Trash Julian Edelman takes apparently” Chinchilla) (1-0)

Definition of a glass cannon. Arguably the best starting lineup in the league, with absolutely ZERO depth behind the starters. Part of that is drafting my own handcuffs (which look like a good move, Edmonds and Mattison looked good W1) but when AP is my only non-handcuff cover at RB and Anthony Miller is my only current cover at WR, That’s not great. We all know depending on Will Fuller is a fool’s errand. Golladay can’t come back sooner. Ridley breaking out might make up for Hurst not being as good as we may have thought.

5. Praters Gonna Prate (Jack “strangely absent so far” Cleek) (0-1)

Was James Conner staying healthy away from having a pretty impressive win/week. I’m personally very high on Ryan (will be throwing all fuckin game every game), Gurley (receiving option on that same offense), Mixon (once Burrow figures it out), Davante (Literally Jesus Christ) and Jared Cook might be the #1 receiver on that team until Thomas is back. The Conner injury is a BUMMER, but you may have found a diamond in the rough with Robinson, and I like the depth behind McLaurin.

6. Odell and the Poopers (Alec “Almost Married” Bernstein) (0-1)

So I might also be one of the luckiest people from week 1, because Alec’s team legitimately had 3 touchdown passes that they dropped (like in their hands, in the end zone) and Mayfield wildly overthrew OBJ on what should have been a pretty long TD if I’m not mistaken. The top end talent on this team is kind of crazy (Deshaun, Jacobs, Julio) and could score 90 by themselves on a weekly basis. The problem is the rest of the team needs to probably step up a bit more than they have. Sutton coming back will make his life a lot easier, but if OBJ and Robinson keep beefing with their teams Alec might be hard pressed for a solid flex. I’d also be...mildly concerned about the RB2 spot. Singletary might be in a full on committee where Moss gets the valuable touches. 

7. Pain (Dylan “Loser Pick’em Loser #1″ Jessop) (0-1)

Josh Allen is wild. Truly wild. I think his rushing floor will be enough to make him super viable, but oh man the rest of the roster didn’t have a great showing outside of Henry, and you probably didn’t get his floor since the game was close. The Chargers seemed hell bent on using Ekeler as a primary runner (when he’s devastating as a receiver) and your receivers had a BAD day. I do think you wildly underperformed (and still got to 115ish) but I just wish there were a few more encouraging signs. Moore, Hilton, Allen, and Chark all had an underwhelming day in one form of another, and RoJo (currently your flex) might not have too much life left as a useful player. Joshua Kelley SZN.

8. Baker’s Dozen (Scott “Beshoy week 1 nemesis” Felgenhauer) (1-0)

Losing your first round pick is never a good thing, and even though you won I think you’re going to struggle through a few weeks. Ingram might be losing his job, David Johnson has a really bad matchup (he looked REALLY good though!!!), and the receivers are ROUGH without Thomas (although Evans coming back could fix a lot). I think you’ll need Lamar and Andrews to continuously have monster weeks for you to have a chance, but that might not be the worst bet to make. Everyone who plays you has to withstand 50 from Lamar and Andrews every week. 

9. The Shoydemic (Beshoy “Loser Pick’em Loser #2″ Halim) (0-1)

Lowest scorer, oof. I believe in Miles Sanders as much as anyone, so him coming back will definitely boost this quite a bit as the season goes on. Hines looks like a potential league winner. I think you’d be much higher if you didn’t have a ton of bad matchups (Barkley and Engram can’t possibly do worse) and injuries (Sanders). Brady looked better for fantasy than he did in real life, which is all that matters to you. I actually do like your team but for the sake of the power rankings I can’t ignore the awful week. I also can’t ignore the fact that...you have NO receivers outside of Cooper and Godwin? Beshoy what the hell man? Godwin has a concussion lol

10. Who’s your daddy (Tony “Texas” Mendola) (0-1)

Our trade was fair but looks a little worse for you in hindsight. Lindsay got hurt and Gallup looked uninvolved. However, Mahomes/Clyde is a crazy good top 2, and Montgomery will only get better as the season goes along despite a pretty slow start. Juju looked better than advertised, but the rest of the receiving corps was ROUGH. I think drafting more receivers/RB’s would have looked a lot better in hindsight as opposed to the three QB’s. This is probably a little harsh, but I like the roster as a whole the least here. Unproven RBs, and receivers who were all seen as risks prior to the year. 

PICKS:

LOCK OF THE WEEK:

ALEC over Scott

UPSET OF THE WEEK:

DYLAN over Alex

OTHER PICKS:

DAVID over Jack

ANTHONY over Tony

CHRIS over Beshoy