#matthew's team is aware of 13's teams' abilities

[outsiderisin]

Day 23: Machines

Agent Matthew felt his guts dip as he glanced over the text from command as 13 hastily drove to the location coordinates after getting a call from her unit. He quickly got distracted as 13 whipped around a turn like a stuntman for a James Bond movie during a chase scene . He tensed a bit as his team cussed within silent prayers to survive this drive. That's when she Growled, 

"Fuck it. Anyone who says a word of this is either a liar or dead."

Suddenly they were nearly there as she speed the car towards a group of mekhanites who were trying to trap their respective personal. Half stopped and went into a defensive formation to stop the car as 13 floored the pedal again. They crashed into the group. The sound of crushing metal and grinding was heard as the car jolted about. The tires’ rubber being tossed in the air with loose rock, dust and metal pieces as 13 dropped from the car.

 Matthew waiting to be at a full stop before bailing as his team lagged behind for a moment. Him seeing 13 drawing near the remaining half of the half machines as the leader looked furious. He then saw she was bleeding terribly from her left arm as gear was stuck in it with a spring and a rock to boot. It had partially soaked her normal bandages on her arm.

"Halt child, you do not know what you…" started a member as Matthew got to 13’s side when She whistled a sharp, brief tune to her team with a hand signal. Agent Time stared wide eyed at the group of Mekhanites as he snapped his fingers; time seeming to slow down for those within his gaze.. Agent Theory got everyone else away as Agent space worked quickly to Agent Time away as he blinked, breaking his focus.

They floated over to the group drooping down and landing hard as 13 quickly gathered her crew, making sure they were okay with few coded hand signals as they made sense to anyone but them.  The scientists looking unsure at 13’s team as Matthew signalled his group to reassure them that this was normal. The mekhanites looking rather confused, before looking pissed at what just happened.

“You blasmepers. You interrupted a holy ritual that would nearly complete  our broken god. Do you realize all the work you just undone?” The leader hissed out. The echo coming from him made Matthew’s skin literally crawl under his clothing as 13 hissed at him.

“Easy Matthew. Don’t lose your shit, the major danger is over. I think.”

“Trying 13, but with our incoming back up. I might lose it a bit.” He hissed back as his team whispered lowly when 13 catch the word ‘Samsara’. The mekhanites looking unsure as suddenly in a flash of flying dirt, four new figures stood between everyone.

“Alright, looks like Red-Hand got our scientist back. And I got no clue on those useless incidents over there so Nanku keep your eyes on them” said the leader as 13 felt her eyes twitch at the comment as Matthew had the look of decking the guy with some of his crew. “Now I take your the guy in charge of this problem. How about surrendering and we  call it a day.”

“I believe we won’t.” The leader as he said something beyond anyone’s understand yet for Matthew who yelled for an instant retreat. 13 nodded as she shifted the car glass into another location as Matthew ordered everyone through it. The new team staying behind as there the sounds of shifting metal was heard behind 13 as she was the last person through the window.

“What the fuck is with this UIU squad Mr. Hummer?” snarled a scientist at Matthew as they point to 13’s team as she glared. Agent Theory stepping in her way as the scientists sort of hid behind Matthew’s team who simply just rested their fingers near their weapons’ triggers.

“This is the UIU decommissioned task force who refused to be decommissioned. Basically they are the Black Ops of the UIU. They don’t exist and I advise you keep your mouth shut on that. Director Henry has more contacts than you think to make sure of that” Matthew said as 13 couldn’t help a smug smile from coming to her face as Matthew looked at her. Her team also failing not to smile as Matthew’s crew sort of chuckled at the event.

“Trust me. They are friendly people when they haven’t been insulted” Offered Agent Comet as Matthew went into review what had occured as 13 pulled her crew to side to gain their end of event. She then conversed with Matthew and the head scientist who ended up questioning 13 on how her ability worked as she gave short  answers without detail, much to the scientist annoyance. 

Henry soon showing with O5-5 in tow, which flung everyone for a loop and even more when O5-5 hugged 13 hello. Matthew quick to give her hell as the ‘Samsara’ crew appeared soon after. They looked like shit as Agent Theory quickly asked if they could be of help to the crew at the sight of the injuries. They waved them off, as Matthew waved later to 13’s team as his men joined him with the ‘Samsara’ members. 

Ten minutes later, 13 and her team was in Henry’s car as they got lectured about using their abilities in front of so many scientists and MTF members. 13 taking the blame for giving the all clear to do so as Henry chewed her out well for it. As she slumped back in her seat, holding back tears as Agent Time snapped at Henry to shut up and that they got the point. HIm point out that 13 was nearly in tears and was clearly upset with herself now. The team then explain how and why they did it as Henry huffed. The car easing into uncomfortable silence as 13 noped out to the empty road.

The car kept going as she shifted the world to a place where reality had no sense to it. Her staying there as she calmed herself down from her flurry of emotions before returning to henry’s office. Him starting to apologize for his harshness, but 13 stopping him as the damage was done. He was simply upset and vented out on the team. 13 made it clear she knew she had messed up, but she felt no other opinion was there as she wasn’t aware of the foundation’s planned back up. After calmly hashing things out, 13 let the office feeling better as she went to medical to get the machinery out of her arm, nearly forgetting about it in everything that had happened that late afternoon.

[evdolohov]

❝ Never forget who you are for surely the world will not.❞  EVANDER DOLOHOV looks a lot like that muggle, MATTHEW DADDARIO, right? Only THIRTY years old, that DURMSTRANG alumnus works as a FREELANCE CURSE BREAKER and is sided with the NEUTRALS. HE identifies as a CISMALE and is a PUREBLOOD. [ PLOT ARC 43, PROPHECY 41, THE CYNIC ]

—— the basics. ——

full name — evander victor dolohov.

nickname — evan. ev. evie ( by his sister ).

date of birth — october 13th, 1996.

blood status — pureblood.

pronouns & gender — he/him. cis male.

orientation — heterosexual.

—— familial. ——

father — antonin dolohov.

mother — agatha dolohov.

siblings — twin sister and one older, paternal brother.

children — elliott james dolohov. 13. gryffindor.

marital status — single af.

—— education & employment. ——

former school #1 — hogwarts. years one to six.

hogwarts house — gryffindor.

former school #2 — durmstrang. years six and seven.

best subject(s) — charms, transfiguration.

worst subject(s) — history of magic ( ironically ).

functions held — keeper for the durmstrang quidditch team.

current job — freelance curse-breaker.

—— the story. ——

After the dust hat set over the ruins of the Second Wizarding War, the British Ministry of Magic set out to uncover each and every last follower of the Dark Lord and bring them to justice. Upon arriving at the old Dolohov manor they were surprised to find it lifeless, only a mess of belongings left behind to mark the existence of the previous owners. Among those fleeing for their lives was two-year-old Evander, the youngest child of Antonin Dolohov, who had absolutely no idea why he was running or from whom.  

The Dolohov family reputation had suffered considerably due to their actions during both wars and they recognized the fact that they would no longer be welcomed into the British Wizarding World. They lost their status as elite along with most of their fortune and were forced into a cone of obscurity. It was a sudden and difficult change but they endured since they couldn’t really fight the Ministry’s decision. They had sided with the losers in the War after all.

The British branch of the Dolohovs spent the next two years travelling aimlessly through Europe and Russia, jumping from one acquaintance or relative to the other until they could find a place to call home again. In her husband’s absence, Agatha Dolohov worked tirelessly to restore a semblance of normality in the family. She set aside her pride and pleaded to the authorities for the pardon of her two children stating that they were innocent of any crimes she and their father had committed and they should not be declined the opportunity of attending Hogwarts and

Eventually, her pleas were heard and the family was allowed to return to English soil. The Ministry even agreed to give them back one of the five homes the Dolohovs had previously owned so they wouldn’t have to struggle too much. Agatha was still under the watchful eye of the Ministry and she was only allowed to leave the house under special circumstances. Even then she had a tracking spell placed on her. The children were not as unlucky.

Despite the Dark Lord’s defeat and her apparent capitulation to the Ministry of Magic, Agatha never stopped believing in the sanctity of blood purity and everything that came with it. Behind closed doors, she constantly reminded her children of their duties as purebloods and of how disposable they were if they failed to meet the standards. When the Dark Lord would rise again they needed to be worthy of joining his ranks so their family could once again take their place in the elites where they belonged.

Agatha made sure to never spoil her children. They were to learn their worth as purebloods and how to act according to it, but never become overbearing. Along with positive traits such as confidence, poise and charm the youngest Dolohovs were taught about bitterness, cruelty and, most important, vengeance. The violence in their small house by the lake was kept a secret from everyone, even from other purist families. No need to wash dirty laundry in public, their mother said.

Ever since he was very little Evan has been the odd one out. He always questioned authority, disobeyed his mother, associated with people he had no business being around and, most importantly, questioned the purist way of life. Needless to say, his behaviour got him punished more times than any child should be, leaving some very deep physical and emotional scars. But it never managed to fully crush Evan’s spirit.

Agatha hoped that the boy’s attitude would adjust itself as he grew and became more aware of the world surrounding him but her hopes were all in vain. The differences between Evan and his family became more and more apparent with every passing year and his disdain for their way of life grew stronger and stronger. The only person in the house to escape his hatred was his twin sister.

Evan was the only one of the Dolohov children to not be sorted into Slytherin. Instead, the Sorting Hat decided his place was in the house of lions. Needless to say, the news came as a huge shock and disappointment to his mother who believed she had failed as a parent. His supposed failure was not left unpunished when he returned home for Christmas break that year.

Students at Hogwarts were still wary of the Dolohovs and often avoided interacting with them unless it was absolutely necessary. This was rather difficult for little Evan who had never had many people to call friends and was very eager to make some in school. He tried, to the best of his abilities, to prove he was nothing like his father and other students had no reason to fear or hate him. Whoever wanted to take the time to get to know him was more than welcome.

During his Hogwarts education, Evan tried to restore at least a shred of dignity to the name Dolohov. Instead of cowering in the shadows, ashamed of his background, the young wizard worked harder than his peers to prove he was more than just the son of a dark witch and a murderer. Even though he hasn’t always kept his head held high when walking down the school corridors, Evan tried his best not to pay any attention to idle gossip or hurtful comments directed at him.

Most of the time, Evan ended up in the company of other children coming from families of former Death Eaters. It wasn’t out of loyalty to some dead cause or nostalgia, or the need to be approved by his mother, they just understood what it meant to pay for someone else’s mistake and be looked at with suspicion just because of something your parents or grandparents were a part of.

Sometime during his fifth year of school, Evan was accused of a very heinous crime. Allegedly, someone had seen him cast an unforgivable curse on a muggle student and later on that student ended up dead. Evan denied the accusations and tried to defend himself but the damage had already been done. Everyone had painted him a murderer and they were demanding he be punished for his actions. Lacking enough evidence to have him sent to Azkaban, the Ministry committee assigned to the case advised for his expulsion instead. Headmistress McGonagall had no choice but to obey the order.

Despite how hard he tried Evan never really felt like he fit in at Hogwarts, not with all the weight that hung on his last name and all the wrongfully placed hatred that he had been getting even before the unfortunate incident. So he considers getting expelled as probably one of the best things that had ever happened to him, even with the reason attached to it.

Even though she publicly scolded her son for the accusations, Agatha was proud of the fact that her son had supposedly come to her senses and understood that muggles were not something a respectable wizard should associate himself with. Hard as he tried, Evan couldn’t convince her that he wasn’t responsible for the crime.

It was one of Evan’s maternal uncles who called in a favour at Durmstang so that his nephew could have a place to finish his studies. Even though nothing really qualified the former Gryffindor to attend the Institute, he was accepted and was shipped off to the Scandinavian school immediately after Christmas break. The rest of his siblings remained in England. Evan was allowed to return home for the summer breaks but he would be placed under supervision by the Ministry.

The young wizard thrived during his years at Durmstrang. He wasn’t the most sociable of creatures but he did manage to make some friends with whom he spent most of his time. A good number of those friends had some kind of connection to Death Eaters: either their families had been members of the organization and were now in the same position as the Dolohovs or they had been sympathizers of the cause. The best part was that at his new school nobody judged him for what his family had done during the wars, not openly at least.

At Durmstrang Evan finally had the courage to try out for a position on the Quidditch team. He was accepted as Chaser and maintained the position until the end of his stay at the Institute.

The summer after his sixth year was the time when Evan was finally disowned by his mother. He met a muggle girl and the two were immediately drawn to one another. Evan jumped into a relationship without much regard for the consequences. At first, he tried to keep it a secret, mostly to avoid any unwanted nagging from his mother, but very quickly he stopped caring and openly admitted the relationship to his family. What he never mentioned to anyone was that he had told her about the magical world.

In an attempt to try and persuade her son to give up such foolish behaviour, Agatha sent in Evan’s twin sister. When she came back unsuccessful, Madam Dolohov was enraged, to say the least. For days she filled her son’s head with threats and insults in the hope that he would get discouraged and abandon the muggle. Her words fell on deaf ears.

The day he was set to leave for Durmstrang Evan received two pieces of news that would change his life. The first was that enraged, his mother had decided to disown him. He was cut off from what little money she sent him every month and was no longer allowed to contact any of his siblings, especially his sister. He had to take all his belonging with him when he left for school and never set foot into the house again. The second was that his girlfriend had become pregnant.

Being disowned wasn’t much of a shock, he half expected that to happen, judging by how furious his mother had been. But the second piece of news left him speechless. The pair decided that they would keep in contact as often as possible and they would sort things once he returned from school the next summer. Luckily Amelia’s parents were more understanding than his.

Little did Evan know that September 1st would be the last day he actually saw his girlfriend. Amelia died due to complications at birth. The news was absolutely devastating. What’s worse is that her parents were no longer willing to honour the deal they had made and they were not willing to let Evan see his son either. His sister somehow managed to sneak him a picture, something he was very grateful for. She also promised to look after little Elliott as well, make sure no harm came to him from their mother.  

After graduation, Evan had absolutely no idea what he was going to do with his life. Since he was no longer a student at Durmstrang the school had no obligation to host him over the summer. Evan suddenly found himself all alone in a foreign country, no roof over his head and nobody to turn to for help. Whatever great plans he had made when he was younger all seemed like distant, unachievable dreams.

He spent some time sleeping on the couches of the few friends he had managed to make while at Durmstrang but he knew it wasn’t going to be a permanent solution. He also needed to get back to England, back to his kid. The first step towards achieving this goal would be to earn some much-needed money. One of his friends’ father managed to get him a part-time job at the metal charming facility where he worked, nothing fancy but it got him enough money for a trip back to England.

At age eighteen Evan was living and working at the Hog’s Head Inn in Hogsmeade. In his free time, he kept an eye on his sister and checked in on his son who lived in Scotland with his grandparents. Even from that young age, it was clear that Elliott had inherited magical abilities from his father. It was only a matter of time until they manifested. Evan waited rather impatiently for that day to come.

While making a deposit at Gringotts, the former Gryffindor’s attention was caught by a recruitment pamphlet for Curse-Breakers. Since he met most of the requirements and was in desperate need for a job, Evan decided that it was worth giving it a shot. Within a few days of applying his presence was requested at the Ministry of Magic to discuss further training for the position.

Evan went in with as much confidence and determination as he could muster. He wasn’t there to make friends, he was there to learn and become the best. The training was every bit as rough as he had expected and there were days when he got back to the Inn exhausted, bruised and with his will almost broken. But the following day he was back at it, even more driven. Once training came to an end the male was selected to become a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts. On occasions, he also collaborates with the Ministry, when they are in need of someone with his skill set.

Three years after his return to England he was contacted by his former girlfriend’s parents. They were complaining about strange behaviour with Elliott and they had decided they could no longer take care of him as he had become dangerous. Evan knew there was nothing really dangerous about the five-year-old, he just needed someone to teach him how to control his magic. So he happily agreed to take custody of the boy.

Now he’s a part-time Curse-Breaker and a full-time dad. He’s also got some help with childcare from a great aunt who was also disowned by the family for taking a muggle’s side in an argument.

Evan currently resides in muggle London with Elliott, who is in his third year at Hogwarts, and his great aunt. They all live in a small apartment and it gets kind of stuffy and insane sometimes but he loves it either way. Evan is trying his best to keep his son as far away from the upcoming war as possible. He’s advised Eli against joining any kind of organizations at school, no matter how much pressure he feels from his peers.

Even though the Hogwarts case against him has been set aside due to lack of evidence, Evan still feels the weight of those false accusations even to this day. While some people believe his side of the story and consider him innocent, there are others who want his head on a platter even after all these years.

—— plot arc. ——

Hard as he’s trying to remain neutral in the upcoming war, for Elliott’s sake, Evan realized he can’t remain that way forever. His sister has joined the Wraiths, either by her own decision or pressure from their mother, he doesn’t know, and it looks like she is in over her head. Now feels like he’s got a duty to both his sister and his son to keep them alive no matter what comes their way.

Being neutral isn’t of much help, especially since he’s done all that he could to not be involved in the affairs of either good or bad and he has no contacts on either side. If he is to be of any use he needs to be as informed as possible and as ready as possible. To make sure he can achieve that it seems like he needs to finally choose a faction to put his faith in. The logical choice would be the Order but there’s no guaranty they will spare his sister if it comes to it. And neither will the Wraiths if the war turns sour and they win.

[tkmedia]

10 Fantasy Thoughts: Is Cooper Kupp your 2021 fantasy saviour?

What a week for individual performances.Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones followed up lacklustre Week 1 performances to win plenty of matchups. Aaron Rodgers did what Aaron Rodgers does with a monster bounce-back performance. Austin Ekeler was used heavily in the passing game with nine catches on nine targets. Just like we all thought. Well, some of us. Week 1 overreactions are almost always followed by a market correction, so maybe keep the hot takes to a low whisper instead of shouting them out to the world. It’s very unbecoming. But hey, if people want to make it known that they think Robert Woods is washed or that Saquon Barkley suddenly became a bad running back, then be sure to seek them out and offer to take those “terrible” players off their hands. Do them that service, take that weight off them on this journey, almost like their Fantasy Sherpa. And then crush them. (All weekly rankings courtesy of Fantasy Data) 1. Cooper Kupp’s revelation I will be the first to say that I thought that the biggest benefactor of Matthew Stafford heading to Los Angeles this off-season would be Robert Woods. Through the first two weeks of the year, it’s becoming apparent that I might be just a little bit off. Kupp has been nothing short of brilliant in the first two weeks, compiling back-to-back top-10 weeks, including the top spot in this week’s finish. He has 21 targets which places him in a tie for fifth among wide receivers, 16 catches (tied for first) and 271 yards (third) with Stafford under centre and occupies a ridiculous 37.5 per cent target share. It feels like every time the Rams get possession that Kupp is going to get an opportunity to score because he constantly looks like he’s wide open. Sean McVay is also unleashing Kupp out wide as opposed to the slot where he’s primarily been deployed from since his rookie year. That percentage of slot snaps has dropped from 73 per cent in his sophomore year in 2018 to 44 per cent through the first two games of 2021. Alpha wide receivers don’t play out of the slot and it seems as though the Rams have found their alpha receiver. Kupp is going to have an off game here and there and I expect Woods is going eat a bit more into Kupp’s target share, but make no mistake about it, Kupp is going to have a monster year. 2. Derek Carr, the unlikely addition to the QB1 group Steady. Decent floor. Capped ceiling. Great second quarterback. Those have been terms used to describe Derek Carr’s fantasy relevance since coming into the league, but we might be seeing him turn a corner and maybe, just maybe, he’s actually as good as we’ve seen in the first two weeks. It’s certainly early in the schedule, but it’s not like Carr has been up against cupcake defences to start. Baltimore’s D has playmakers and the Steelers basically shut down the Bills’ aerial attack in Week 1. He currently leads the league with 817 passing yards and has four touchdowns to one interception, while occupying the QB8 spot. With the Dolphins on the docket next, it looks like another matchup that Carr can exploit, especially considering that this Raiders offence looks like it has some pretty good pass catchers outside of Darren Waller. Henry Ruggs appears ready to take the next step forward after not living up to the rookie hype of being a high first-round pick last year. Hunter Renfrow is a reliable slot receiver and Bryan Edwards has all the tools to become a good receiver at this level. All this while the running game hasn’t been too great and Josh Jacobs is dealing with an injury. Carr is going to have to be on top of his game in the coming weeks as he gets the Chargers, Bears, Broncos and Eagles in the four games following Week 3's Dolphins game. By then, we should have an accurate assessment of where Derek Carr fits into the QB1 conversation. Something tells me that this is for real. 3. The Mike Williams we’ve been waiting for He’s had a 1,000-yard season and a 10-touchdown season, but both did not occur at the same time. We’ve been drawn in by his tantalizing talent and incredible ability go make absurd leaping catches, but we’ve never seen the consistency that warrants a regular spot in your lineup. Enter new Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, formerly of the New Orleans Saints, with Williams in a contract year and you've got a recipe for success. Lombardi talked up Williams in the off-season and is using him like he used Michael Thomas with the Saints. Justin Herbert even talked about his skill set and also wanting him to get the ball more. We’re now seeing the fruits of these discussions. Williams is currently the WR5 (tied with Amari Cooper) and has 22 targets in the first two games, parlaying those into 15 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns. That’s the good stuff right there. I, for one, have been a big proponent of Williams ever since he was drafted out of Clemson and I’ve drafted him basically every year he has been in the league, so this one feels good. 4. Brandin Cooks = Automatic Cooks may be the most underappreciated fantasy player that we’ve seen in a long time. All he does is get the job done and his ADP almost never reflects his production at the end of the year. Last season, Cooks was the WR17 in 15 games with 81 catches for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns on only 119 targets. In five of seven seasons (including his rookie year where he only played 10 games), he has accumulated at least 65 catches, 1,082 yards and five touchdowns. It’s a pretty impressive resume that probably doesn’t get enough credit, especially in fantasy. The question now becomes, can Cooks still thrive with Davis Mills as the quarterback in Houston following the hamstring injury to Tyrod Taylor. What we know is that there isn’t a lot of competition for targets and that Houston is going to have to throw a lot in order to stay in games, so I will bet on Cooks getting plenty of looks and still manage to be in the WR2 or WR3 conversation going forward. 5. Teddy Bridgewater, the Wild (AFC) West’s newest gunslinger In a division that includes Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Derek Carr, Denver needed to being to have success through the air to stand a chance to stay alive in the AFC West arms race. Teddy Two Gloves was always perceived to be a dink and dunk type quarterback as evidenced by his Air Yards Per Target last season which had him near the bottom of the league for starting quarterbacks. Something has changed. It could be the poor competition faced so far as the Broncos took on the Giants and Jaguars, or it could be that Bridgewater has finally been unleashed. Through the first two weeks, he sits fourth in Intended Air Yards behind Trevor Lawrence, Derek Carr and Tom Brady and fifth in Completed Air Yards behind Brady, Carr, Daniel Jones and Justin Herbert. What we can deduce is that Teddy is slinging it early on. The Broncos offence has been very good through the first two games and gets a peach matchup against the awful Jets in Week 3. Teddy Bridgewater has become quite the fantasy asset in Denver with a plethora of weapons at his disposal and if they continue to let him sling it, we could really see him stay in the conversation as an every week starter and a back-end QB1 by the time the season is done. 6. The Cowboys RB timeshare…really? One of the Cowboys running backs is RB12 and the other one is RB26. My guess is that you’ve figured out that Pollard is the RB12 and Elliott is the RB26. Yes, the above statement is accurate. “It has to be because Pollard is making the most of limited opportunities though, right?” Incorrect! Pollard has 23 touches compared to Elliott’s 31, so yes, Pollard is making the most of his opportunities (7.7 yards per carry and seven catches on seven targets), but the workload is a lot closer than it has been in years past. Elliott just doesn’t look like nearly the same player that we saw two years ago and looks more like the player that we saw last year. So maybe this is just what he is at this point in his career. On the other hand, Pollard looks great seemingly every time he touches the ball. You’re going to start Elliott every week, but now you’re going to have to start Pollard every week until we are given a reason not to. The thought process is that the workload going forward is going to look very similar to what it is now, but there’s also a chance that if Zeke doesn’t perform that we could see Pollard get even more looks as the season progresses. 7. The Patriots backs are relevant again The best thing that happened to the Patriots running backs was to get rid of Cam Newton as the team’s signal caller and bring in a less athletic, more accurate passer in Mac Jones. That much has been evident over the first two weeks of the season. Damien Harris has taken over as the lead dog in that backfield and established that he’s going to be the guy to get the bulk of the carries. We’ve also established that James White is back after a tumultuous season last year where he dealt with great personal loss and injury. There is a very good chance with Jones at the helm that both Harris and White finish as top-30 running backs. Harris because of his workload and usage in the red zone looks like a virtual lock. For White, it comes down to how much usage he’s going to get in the passing game. With 13 targets (18 per cent target share) through two games, he’s on pace for 110 targets and if that holds up, he should be a great return on value, especially considering he was way down everyone’s draft board before the season started. The Patriots look like they’re back to being the Patriots we had seen for so many years prior, except for, you know, that Brady character. 8. Is the Vikings duo of receivers now a trio? It’s early in the season, we are all aware of that, but some times, some things happen that make you raise an eyebrow. There was obvious hype surrounding Justin Jefferson after his incredible rookie season and even though plenty of people were down on Adam Thielen, he certainly didn’t become a bad receiver overnight. But nobody expected what we’ve seen out of the third member of what might now be a trio of good receivers. KJ Osborn has been a revelation early on in the season for Minnesota, currently sitting at WR19 with 12 catches, 167 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets (18.5 per cent target share) and has been a great complement to the two great receivers ahead of him. The likelihood of this production is due to the injury of Irv Smith Jr., the lack of talent at the tight end position and Thielen and Jefferson drawing top coverages. Jefferson and Thielen are going to get theirs, but Osborn is worth an add in deeper leagues, especially because we have to think that the Vikings are going to be throwing the ball a lot this season. If Jefferson and Thielen go down with injury, Osborn is an easy WR3 play but could even pay dividends as a high-risk, high-reward flex play with those two in the lineup. 9. Patience is a virtue with Hollywood Brown There’s a very good chance that we overlooked Brown’s finish to last season where he was the WR13 from Week 12-17. Yes, he did have five touchdowns in that span and yes we know that is a fluke stat, but you know what, he’s been a touchdown machine since Week 5 of last year. In that stretch of 14 games he has 10 touchdowns, so he could just be on a hot stretch, but it’s worth noting. Through two games this year, Brown is the WR8 with 182 receiving yards, two touchdowns on 16 targets and looks like he’s becoming a lock for your lineups every week. We know that some receivers take some time to adjust to the NFL game and Brown is probably that guy. It also helps that he’s becoming a focal point of the passing game (28 per cent target share) while rookie Rashod Bateman is on the sidelines and Mark Andrews has scuffled a bit out of the gate (eight catches for 77 yards) because this Ravens team is still going to need to have some success in the passing game to make a run in the AFC. Hollywood has arrived. 10. The Weekly “Mike Tolbert Vulture Awards” Ricky Seals-Jones This is one of those rare occasions where a player vultures a touchdown and it was on a great play. Seals-Jones made the most of his lone catch, going for 19 yards and a touchdown but making a great grab in the corner of the end zone on a pass from Taylor Heinicke. I’m sure Logan Thomas managers were thrilled by this. Andy Janovich The Browns fullback not only vultured a rushing touchdown from both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but he also outscored Clyde Edwards-Helaire, James Conner, Nyheim Hines and was decimal points behind Jonathan Taylor, Alvin Kamara and Miles Sanders. Janovich’s two carries resulted in zero yards and a touchdown. Can’t make this stuff up. Jauan Jennings Jennings is outscoring Brandon Aiyuk in fantasy scoring just like you all predicted. He had two catches for 17 yards and a score in the Niners win over the Eagles and followed up the San Francisco train of touchdown vultures after they doubled up on the award last week thanks to Trey Lance and Trent Sherfield. Darrell Williams This one was easily my favourite vulture line of the week. Williams was a pre-season sleeper to take away work from Clyde Edwards-Helaire (and even outscored him this week), but you’re not going to get very far with his line of three carries for -2 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 0.7 yards per carry and still outscored the RB1 on his team. I love fantasy football. Read the full article

[aion-rsa]

15 Best Video Game NPCs Ever

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Free Guy follows a video game NPC who becomes aware of the circumstances of their existence and uses that newfound awareness to become the star of a game that they were only ever supposed to be a bit player in. It’s ultimately a look at the little people in video games and how easy it is to ignore them.

Of course, most gamers know that NPCs can be so much more than non-playable characters. While there are some NPCs that are little more than seat fillers in some of the largest and most elaborate video game worlds ever, others have used their supporting roles to steal the show and establish themselves as legends in their own right.

From mistranslated villagers and merchants to dogs and knights, these are some of the absolute best video game NPCs ever.

15. Error – Zelda II: The Adventures of Link

With the immortal introductory line “I am Error,” this humble NPC from Link’s bizarre second adventure found a home in the memories of a generation of gamers that wondered what the story behind this seemingly glitched character was. 

It turns out that Error’s bizarre dialog can be attributed to good old-fashioned translation issues, but this is a prime example of a seemingly meaningless NPC’s ability to work their way into our hearts despite being given almost no time to shine.

14. The Merchant – Resident Evil 4

For anyone who played the Resident Evil games up until the release of Resident Evil 4, the joy of encountering “The Merchant” cannot be overstated. Just when you thought you were about to have to battle yet another insane villager in a Wicker Man setting, the Merchant speaks cryptically, opens their coat, and offers you a very surprising helping hand. 

The Merchant’s sporadic appearances and unique role made them an instant favorite among franchise fans, but it’s the character’s mysterious nature that makes them so compelling all these years later. We still don’t know a lot about the Merchant, and that’s the way it arguably should be.

13. Jeff “Joker” Moreau – Mass Effect Trilogy

There’s no shortage of incredible characters in the Mass Effect franchise, but since we’ve already shown a lot of love to the game’s best squad companions, let’s talk about one of Mass Effect’s best NPCs that can’t join your away team: Joker.

Along with being one of the best pilots in the Alliance fleet, Joker is one of Mass Effect’s most consistently funniest characters. BioWare did a brilliant job of growing Joker’s story arc in future games, but he always remained a source of strength was always there to help make the Normandy feel like a home.

12. Elizabeth – BioShock Infinite

It’s fascinating to see how divisive BioShock Infinite remains eight years after its release, but one of the things that the game absolutely got right was Elizabeth’s role as an NPC companion. 

At a time when it was still fairly common to have to babysit your companions (even though there had obviously been tremendous advances in that area by this point), Elizabeth proved to be a more than capable partner who not only used her unique abilities to help you out of tight spots but would even occasionally toss you ammo and health. Elizabeth is an incredible character in her own right, but few games have ever made an A.I. partner feel so invaluable. 

11. The Narrator – Stanley Parable

It feels strange calling Stanley Parable’s narrator an NPC given that they’re the main reason that this game is one of the best of the last decade, but this disembodied voice certainly meets the technical requirements for that role.

The narrator’s determination to get you to follow The Stanley Parable’s most obvious path forward is bested only by the dry, witty frustration he exhibits whenever you start to veer off-course. He’s the real star at this look at the relationship between choice and storytelling in gaming. 

10. Cortana – Halo (Franchise)

Cortana is absolutely a strong character in her own right, but the thing that makes her stand out among the best NPCs ever is the nature of her relationship with Master Chief and you as the player. 

Cortana is the voice in your head that manages to guide you along the path while making the world feel a little more interesting along the way. At a time when gamers grit their teeth at the mere mention of the words “Hey listen,” Cortana proved that it was possible to make such a character feel like an irreplaceable part of what is ultimately the player’s journey. 

9. Dogmeat – Fallout (Franchise)

Truth be told, you could fill a list of the best NPCs in gaming history with Fallout characters and it would be difficult to argue with you. However, it’s hard not to ultimately give the nod to Dogmeat. Not only is this companion one of the most consistent sights in the Fallout universe, but their status as the absolute goodest boy/girl is undeniable.

In a series filled with moral ambiguity and complex characters with unique agendas, Dogmeat is…well…a dog. They’re loyal, loving, and willing to help you in any way that they can. They’re as perfect of a companion as you could ever ask for, and they make the wasteland feel just a little less hostile. 

8. Phillip “The Bloody Baron” Strenger – The Witcher 3

In a game that’s arguably best known for a collection of side quests and side characters that are better than most of the main stories and main characters seen in other games, it’s telling that “The Bloody Baron” is regularly referred to as the highlight of this epic adventure. 

The Bloody Baron may get more screen time than the average NPC, but it honestly doesn’t take long for this morally complex and utterly fascinating character to simply steal the show. He’s one of the best examples of why you should take the time to get to know the various inhabitants of RPG worlds. 

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7. Sans – Undertale

While it sometimes feels like blasphemy to rank one Undertale character over another given how well-rounded and important so many of the game’s NPCs end up being, it’s hard to talk about the game’s best characters for long without the conversation turning to Sans. 

This apathetic skeleton’s most tragically relatable quality is his tendency to pivot between whether or not the futility of his existence is a reason to do nothing or if it’s all the more reason to relax and have fun. He practically embodies this game’s complex morality and wicked sense of humor. 

6. Hal “Otacon” Emmerich – Metal Gear Solid (Franchise)

Granted, Otacon doesn’t exactly make a great first impression (he wets his pants the first time you meet him), but this quirky scientist has to be one of gaming’s best examples of how an NPC can grow on you over time. 

While it’s easy to champion the way that Otacon becomes slightly more badass over the course of this series, his most enduring qualities are the two things that never really change: his weirdness and commitment to going above and beyond to try to help. He’s one of the most “pure’ Kojima characters. 

5. Tom Nook – Animal Crossing (Franchise)

The debate over whether Tom Nook is the quiet hero of Animal Crossing or little more than a loan shark who introduces this quaint world to the joys of capitalism will rage on, but nobody walks away from Animal Crossing without some kind of thoughts about this true icon.

Tom Nook helps you get started in the world of Animal Crossing and is often the character you need to go to whenever you want to move on to the next part of your adventure. He’s kind of a gatekeeper in that sense, but he’s also the thing that keeps the Animal Crossing experience consistently compelling. 

4. HK-47 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

You do technically have the ability to control HK-47 during combat sequence, which means that their presence on this list could be considered a bit of a cheat. However, I dare you to play Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and let that technicality get in the way of giving this character the love they deserve. 

While KOTOR’s morality system helped distinguish it from so many other console RPGs of its era, there’s always been something undeniably compelling about HK-47’s wonderfully uncomplicated moral code. He sees every human as a “meatbag” and struggles to understand why you wouldn’t just blast your way out of a situation. 

3. Solaire of Astora – Dark Souls

Solaire of Astora is everything that you’re not expecting to find in Dark Souls. He’s optimistic, friendly, and, if you play your cards right, helpful.

While it’s possible for Solaire to succumb to insanity if you make the wrong choices along the way, he’s best remembered for his unusual commitment to the idea that there is hope and good in the game’s overwhelmingly dark world. His viewpoint may be idealistic, but you cannot deny the purity of his spirit and intentions. “Praise the sun” indeed. 

2. Cave Johnson – Portal 2

It’s impossible to ignore that GLaDOS is indeed the most famous NPC in the Portal franchise as well as arguably one of the most memorable characters in video game history. Long after “the cake is a lie” became one of gaming’s most overused memes, though, it’s Cave Johnson that stands apart as one of this franchise’s greatest creations.

Cave Johnson is the former CEO of Aperture Science who apparently reached Mr. Burns levels of evilness before he died from moon rock poisoning. His incredible dialog (which, it must be said, is expertly delivered by the irreplaceable J.K. Simmons) includes some of Portal’s best jokes, but it’s when you start to spot the tragedy and world-building in-between his jokes that you really appreciate how much this character accomplishes.

1. M’aiq the Liar – The Elder Scrolls (Franchise)

I love an NPC who practically becomes the star of the show, but my heart goes out to the NPCs who occupy a small part of a game’s world but a large part of our hearts. So far as that goes, M’aiq the Liar may just stand alone. 

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

As the name implies, M’aiq the Liar isn’t always entirely truthful. While those lies are often hilarious and clever, M’aiq is best known as a kind of unofficial developers’ commentary track. He often addresses meta subjects regarding missing features and misunderstood pieces of lore but does it in ways that make it difficult to separate the world-building from the Easter eggs. He’s the perfect reminder of the ways that the best video game NPCs can surprise you. 

The post 15 Best Video Game NPCs Ever appeared first on Den of Geek.

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How has your day been going? I hope you, your family, and friends stay safe by taking the proper precuations as we enter in to confusing and troubling times as we watch a worldwide pandemic unfold with this Coronavirus. Could there be something more deeper going on with all of this? Could we be seeing the signs of the times unfolding? Could this be a door of opportunity for people to open their hearts to what God has to say? Jesus says to His disciples concerning the last days, "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:7-8). We have been seeing a record setting amount of Earthquakes world-wide in various places, incuding places that normally do not receive Earthquakes. Now with this Coronavirus, could this be one of the pestilences that will fall upon us in the last days as spoken by Jesus? Where will it leave our economy? Did you know the Bible teaches there will be a cashless society in the last days? Will this be a major stepping stone in bringing that about? You may have seen on NBC news just months ago concerning the implantable RFID microchip that is gaining ground in Sweden where people are getting this microchip implanted in their hand. Would you allow a microchip to be placed inside your body that has the ability to track where you go and what you do? How about if you knew it matched perfectly with Bible prophecy where God warns us not to take it during the future reign of the Antichrist, otherwise we will receive the fullness of His wrath (Revelation 14:9-11)? This may be the most imporant message you will read in these times...please do not ignore this! This messsage reveals what the Mark of the Beast is, and the meaning behind counting a number people have been pondering for centuries, 666. This is truly a message from God! In the Revelation of Jesus Christ given to the apostle John, we read: ...."He (the false prophet who deceives many by his miracles) forces everyone—the small and great, the rich and poor, the free and slaves—to have a mark put on their right hand or on their forehead. He will not allow anyone to make a purchase or sell anything unless the person has the mark with the beast’s name or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom. Let the one who understands calculate the beast’s number, for it’s a human being’s number. Its number is six hundred sixty-six" (Revelation 13:16-18 CEB)..... Speaking on the last days, this could only be pointing to a cashless money society, which has yet to occur, but we are on the horizon of. Why's that? Otherwise we would be able to buy or sell without taking the mark of the beast among each other if physical currency was still valid. It logically deduces itself to this reason. The mark could not be something spiritual, because the word references two different physical spots. If it was spiritual, it would just say in the forehead. Here is where it really starts to come together. It is shocking how accurate the Bible is concerning the RFID microchip. These are notes from a man named Carl Sanders who worked with a team of engineers to help develop this microchip in the late 1960's. Mr. Carl Sanders sat in seventeen New World Order conferences with heads of state officials such as Henry Kissinger and Bob Gates of the CIA to talk about plans on how to bring about this one-world system. The US government commissioned Carl Sanders to invent a microchip for identifying and controlling the peoples of the nations-a microchip that would be inserted under the skin with a hypodermic needle (a quick, convenient system that would be progressively accepted by society). Carl Sanders, with a crew of engineers behind him, with US grant monies provided by US tax dollars, took on this project and designed a chip that is powered by a lithium battery, rechargeable through the temperature fluctuations in our skin. Without having understanding of the Bible (Brother Sanders was not a believer at the time), these engineers spent one-and-a-half-million dollars conduction research on the best and most convenient place to have the chip inserted below the skin. These researchers observed that the forehead and the back of the hand (the two locations Revelation says the mark will go) aren't only the most convenient locations, but are additionally the only viable locations for constant, steady temperature fluctuations within the skin to recharge the lithium battery. The chip is approximately 7 millimeters in length, .75 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a grain of rice. It's capable of holding many pages of details about you. All of your basic history, work records, crime information, health information, and financial records could be stored on this microchip. Mr. Sanders believes that this chip, which he regretfully helped bring forth, is the "beast's mark" spoke of in Revelation 13:16-18. The original Greek word for "mark" is "charagma," which means a "scratch or etching." Additionally it is fascinating to be aware that the number 666 is in fact a word in the original Greek language. That word is "chi xi stigma," with the end word, "stigma," additionally meaning "to stick or prick. Mr. Sanders believes this is referencing to the usage of a hypodermic needle being poked in a person to insert the chip." Carl asked a Boston Medical Center doctor what would happen if the lithium contained within the RFID microchip leaked into the body. The doctor responded that if the microchip broke inside a human body, the lithium would cause a severe and painful wound filled with pus. This is what the book of Revelation says: "So the first angel poured his bowl on the earth, and a nasty and terrible sore appeared on the people who had the beast’s mark and worshipped its image" (Revelation 16:2 CEB). THE HIDDEN MEANING BEHIND THE NUMBER 666 REVEALED! The holy scriptures tell us that we can't buy or sell with out having the mark of the beast, or the number of its name. Which is the number of the beast, 666. Revelation 13:18 tell us to calculate the number 666. How do we calculate 666? Here is where it becomes an eye opener. Counting the number 666 has been long debated throughout centuries, but has now been revealed in these last days by the Holy Spirit. What you will see affirms itself with the Bible the true meaning to calculate 666. Throughout God's Holy Scriptures, God uses the number 3 for confirming things. A few examples are shared below: ...."So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One" (1 John 5:7 AMPC).... ...."that he was buried and was raised to life on the third day as the Scriptures say" (1 Corinthians 15:4 NCV).... ...."Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" (Revelation 4:8 NKJV).... Now what is fascinating is the the mark of the beast is explained in detail in 3 different verses (Revelation 13:16,17,18), and every verse lists 3 distinct examples of the given subject. The final 3 being the number six used 3 times in a row. Here is a key point to solving the way to calculate the number 666. What does it suggest to count 666? It means to add up. How might we add up 666? Recall my earlier point regarding God confirming in 3's. Now logically, what would be the most rational way to add up the number 666? To add it up equally in 3's based off the number. It is not sensible to count it equally as 600+60+6, this would also take us back to the start. We can't count it as 600+600+600, or 60+60+60, for there are no zeroes in between or at the end of 666. The only reasonable explanation we are left with is 6+6+6=18. What's fascinating is that the verse that tells us to count the number itself is verse 18, being the 3rd verse out of 3 verses that describe the mark of the beast. What is 18 divided by 3? 6. So 3x6=18, or 6+6+6=18. Yet another interesting factor is the only two other combinations (making a total of 3 possible combinations) for placing a plus symbol in between the sixes are 66+6=72, and 6+66=72. Add up both 72's together and you get 144. Why the number 144 is interesting is due to the fact that the verse following Revelation 13:18 is the first time in the scriptures where the 144,000 are being described in detail: ...."Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads" (Revelation 14:1 NIV).... If we add up all 3 numbers by counting 666 by shifting the plus symbol around in all 3 possible combinations, it would be 72+72+18=162. What's interesting in regards to the number 162, is, if you divide 144,000 by 162, you get 888. The name for Jesus in Greek gematria adds up to 888. The New Testament was initially written in the Greek language. Revelation 14:1 not only mentions the 144,000, but additionally the Lamb being Jesus Christ. Now what is interesting in regards to the the number for Jesus, 888, is that if you apply this same method, you get 8+8+8=24. Now why the number 24? Revelation chapter 4 tells us there are 24 elders seated around the throne of God. That is the same throne where Jesus sits: "Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads" (Revelation 4:2-4). Now if you take 8+8+8=24, and 8+88=96, and 88+8=96, you get 24+96+96=216. Take 144,000 divided by 216 and you get 666. Take into account that this was the same exact method to get the number 162 out of counting 666 that produced the number 888 when dividing 144,000 by 162. It's perpetual. When making use of the same method of counting by including the plus symbol in between the numbers, why do all these numbers relate in such a manner? The book of Revelation contains the use of the number 7 in various forms. For instance 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls. What is interesting about the number 37 (three sevens) is if if you divide any number that contains the same single digit three times in a row, such as 111 to 999, it comes out to the value of if you were to add all three numbers up. For example 888 divided by 37 equals 24. So 8+8+8=24. Or 666 divided by 37 equals 18. So 6+6+6=18. Could this be another way of God's word confirming itself that the mystery behind calculating the number 666 indeed is 18? Yet another fascinating factor to be aware is that if you add up all the numbers from 1 to 36 (1+2+3...+36), it totals 666. The number 36, as in three sixes? Could this be a sign that we ought to add up three sixes as opposed to perceiving the number as six-hundred sixty six? Now what might this suggest? We all know in this world we are identified by numbers in numerous forms. From our birth certificate to social security, as well as our drivers license, being identified based on a system of ruler ship. So it's possible that this RFID chip will comprise a new identification that has a total of 18 characters. "here the wisdom is, the one having the mind let him calculate the number of the wild beast, number for "of human" it is, and the number of it 666" (Revelation 13:1, Greek Translation). The Greek word "anthrōpos" being used in verse 18 where it says "of human" is the Greek strongs concordance G444. The first two definitions of the word are "a human being, whether male or female", and, "generically, to include all human individuals". Could the number of the beast apply to all mankind? In the Greek (the New Testament was originally written in the Greek language), and other translations, you will notice the beast is described as an "it", instead of "him". The reason I'm making this point is because when a translation says "His number is 666", this would imply a singular person, the Antichrist. But by saying "the number of it 666", implies that it is of the beast system as a whole. We can know the number of the beast cannot be to identify products (like a new barcode) to buy or sell because scripture says we cannot buy or sell without the number of the beast. What am I getting at? There will be instances where you could buy something someone made themselves and it wouldn't have a store branded identification on it. But for this number to be in our chips, that is where it must be to conclude ultimately that we cannot buy or sell without having the number of the beast. As previously mentioned in Revelation 13:18, the number of the beast (6+6+6=18) is a "human number", definition "generically, to include all human individuals". Could this be the identification of the beast, the number of its name? The one-world beast system that is identified by 18 characters? This would fit the scriptures that speaks of a mark that we must have to buy or sell in our right hand or forehead, and that it also incorporates the number of the beast, throughout a future cashless money society. Go to: 666-revealed.voice-truth.com|awake.voice-truth.com|blog.voice-truth.com|go.voice-truth.com|home.voice-truth.com|rfid.voice-truth.com|speak.voice-truth.com|one.voice-truth.com|hear.voice-truth.com|god.voice-truth.com|seek.voice-truth.com|tv.voice-truth.com|radio.voice-truth.com|station.voice-truth.com] to see all the proof! The Holy scriptures warns us in the end times that a false prophet will stand up doing miracles to deceive many to receive the beasts mark: ...."and the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who did the signs before him, in which he led astray those who did receive the mark of the beast, and those who did bow before his image; living they were cast -- the two -- to the lake of the fire, that is burning with brimstone" (Revelation 19:20 YLT).... No matter the cost, DO NOT TAKE IT! "Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name" (Revelation 14:9-11). We are living in very prophetic times with very important Biblical prophecies being fulfilled. When Donald Trump acknowledged Jerusalem as capital of Israel in December of 2017, this was a large step to fulfill the Third Temple foretold within the words of God. God's word tells us that the Antichrist will seat himself in this temple: "...and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God" (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Inside the Islamic faith, they have a man called the Mahdi, referred to as their messiah who they are awaiting to be revealed. There are various testimonies from people on-line who imagine this man shall be Barack Obama who may be the biblical Antichrist. I have had unusual dreams about Barack. He came on stage claiming to be a follower of Jesus with no affiliation to the Muslim faith, however it was later revealed by his circle of relatives that he certainly is a religious Muslim. So what's in the name? The meaning of someones name can say a lot about a person. God throughout history has given names to people that have a specific meaning tied to their lives. How about the name Barack Obama? Let us take a look at what may be hiding beneath the surface... Jesus says, "And He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven'" (Luke 10:18). In Hebrew, the name "Barack" means "lighting", and the use of "Bama" (Strongs Hebrew word 1116) is used to refer to the "heights" of heaven.   The day after the election of Barack Obama (11/04/08), the prevailing pick 3 lotto numbers in Illinois (Obama’s domestic state) for 11/5/08 were 666. Obama was formerly a U.S. senator for the state of Illinois, and his zip code was 60606. Regardless, whomsoever seats themselves in the future Third Temple in Jerusalem, declaring themselves to be God IS THE ANTICHRIST. DO NOT BE DECEIVED. So, why do we need Jesus? "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 2:23). "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Our good works cannot save our souls from our sins. If we step before a judge in the court of law, being responsible of a criminal offense, the judge is not going to judge us by the good that we've accomplished, but rather the crimes we've committed. If we as fallen humanity, created in God's image, pose this type of moral justice, how much more a perfect, righteous, and Holy God? God has brought down to us His ethical law's through the ten commandments received by Moses at Mt. Siani. These legal guidelines were not given so we may be justified, but in order that we could see the need for our saviour. They are the mirror of God's character of what He has put in each and every one of us, with our conscious bearing witness that we know that it's wrong to steal, lie, dishonor our parents, and so on. We may attempt to observe all the ethical laws of the ten commandments, but we'll by no means catch up to them to be justified before a Holy God. That same word of the law given to Moses became flesh over 2000 years ago within the body of Jesus Christ. He came to be our justification by perfectly fulfilling the law, living a sinless life that solely God may accomplish. The gap between us and the law can by no means be reconciled by our very own merit, however the arm of Jesus is stretched out by the grace and mercy of God. And if we are to grab on, through faith in Him, He'll pull us up being the one to justify us. As within the court of law, if somebody steps in and pays your fine, even though you are guilty, the judge can do what is legal and just and let you go free. That is what Jesus did almost 2000 years ago on the cross. It was a legal transaction being fulfilled within the spiritual realm by the shedding of His blood, with His final words being, "...It is finished!..." (John 19:30). Now why did Jesus have to die for us? Because God is Holy and just, the wrath that belongs to us could not go unnoticed. Because of the perfect righteousness and justice of God's character, it must be dealt with, it must be quenched and satisfied. For God takes no pleasure in the demise of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23). That is why in Isaiah chapter 53, the place it speaks of the coming Messiah and His soul being a sacrifice for our sins, why it says it satisfied God to crush His only begotten Son. That is due to the fact the wrath that we deserve was justified by being poured out upon His Son. For if it were to be poured out on us who have earned it, we would all perish and go to hell. God created a means of escape by pouring it out on His Son who's soul could not be left in Hades, but was raised and seated at the right hand of God in power. So now once we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14), God no longer see's the individual who deserves His wrath, but the glorious image of His perfect Son dwelling in us, justifying us as if we acquired the wrath we deserve, making a means of escape from the curse of death. Now what we must do is turn from our sins and trust in the saviour, confessing and forsaking our sins. That is not just a head knowledge of believing in Jesus, but rather receiving His words, taking them to heart. Where we no longer live to exercise sin, but turn away from our sins and exercise righteousness: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). By doing so we may become transformed into the image of God through faith in His Son Christ Jesus Who's inclined to offer the Holy Spirit to those that ask of Him: "Most assuredly, I (Jesus) say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' (John 3:5-6). "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His" (Romans 8:9). So what are you waiting for? Our heavenly Father only wants the best for us all, restoring every thing this world has stolen from us. That is what it means to be "holy". To be made whole. He is ready to hear from you. That God given tongue to speak language, by using faith, pray to Him, ask Him to forgive you by confessing to Him your sins and be willing to forsake them; that you receive the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross, and that you need His Holy Spirit living inside you transforming you into a child of God. Jesus says, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him (the Holy Spirit) will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." Did you know that Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible, even more than He spoke about heaven?! For this very cause He came to die for us, to deliver us from this place that we earned by our sins against a holy God.   He describes hell as a real place where, "Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:44). And where, "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth..." (Luke 13:28). Jesus tells us who to fear, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.' Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.' And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.'" (Revelation 21:1-8). With all the world religions, how can we make certain the Bible has it right? The scientific facts has established and continues to support that the universe once had a starting point in which space, time and matter were created. Many know this as the big bang. "The non-biblical religions tell us that god or god's create within space and time that eternally exist. The Bible stands alone and says that time and space don't exist until God creates the universe." - Astronomer (Phd) Hugh Ross The Bible not only got it correct that space, time and matter all came into existence at the beginning of the universe, it also states in 7 distinct scriptures that the universe is expanding thousands of years earlier than scientists found out this information. Did you already know that the real Noah's Ark was found in the place where the Bible instructed us it'd be with the correct dimensions? As well as proof for the destruction of the cities of Sodom & Gomorrah and the Exodus account of the Red Sea crossing? The Bible is by far the most translated and examine document in the history of the world, filled with predictive prophecies, matching what we find within the book of nature. Wouldn't you expect God's word to be so? Jesus is calling you!

[junker-town]

2017 NHL mock draft: Stars, Lightning get top-5 talent in our 1st simulation

Everything is backward.

The 2017 NHL Entry Draft is 151 days away, but it’s already time to start thinking about how special it’ll be.

After all, there’s a twist this year: the Vegas Golden Knights will draft their first player in franchise history, throwing a monkey wrench into the works. Vegas will receive the same draft lottery odds as the team with the third-best odds, meaning they’re pretty much guaranteed a top-three pick.

Plus, the pecking order is all backward. Stanley Cup hopefuls like Dallas and Tampa Bay will likely pick in the top 10, while Edmonton and Toronto are playoff-bound.

So here’s our first monthly NHL mock draft. Note that the order isn’t lined up with the standings because I ran the standings through the Tankathon simulator based on current standings and odds. The following draft order is based on the first (and only) time I simulated it. And since most teams are still fighting for playoff chances, the order will look totally different next month.

Let the fun begin.

1. Colorado Avalanche - Nolan Patrick, C, Brandon (WHL)

When you have the luxury of the first overall pick, you never pass the chance at taking the best player available. And Patrick is simply the best player in the 2017 draft. The 6’3 center is molded in the vein of Auston Matthews: a big forward with skill and vision to spare. A center with size is something the Avalanche have lacked with Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon, and Patrick’s equally strong playmaking abilities should provide a nice complementary element.

2. Vegas Golden Knights - Nico Hischier, C, Halifax Mooseheads

There is no consensus second-best player in the draft, but Hischier is approaching that status. The 6’1 center from Switzerland rose in scouts’ minds even before the World Juniors, but his strong performance there only magnified his abilities in everyone’s minds. Few players in the draft blend speed and scoring senses like Hischier, and he’ll be a good first block for the Golden Knights to build around.

3. Arizona Coyotes - Timothy Liljegren, D, Rogle

I’ve seen a few mock drafts predicting the Coyotes will go with a forward here. I don’t really see it; so few NHL teams are blessed with a forward pipeline as strong as Arizona’s. They can afford to take a defenseman here, even if it ends up as a bit of a reach.

And I don’t think Liljegren qualifies as a reach yet. A lengthy bout of mono kept him out of the lineup in Sweden for a few months, and thus he’s fallen in scouts’ eyes. That’s unfair. Liljegren is still a smart, puck-moving defenseman with plenty of high upside, and the kind of player I think GM John Chayka adores.

4. Dallas Stars - Gabriel Vilardi, C/RW, Windsor Spitfires

Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images

The Stars simply can’t afford to swing and miss on another project first-round pick. Too many (Scott Glennie, Jack Campbell, Jamie Oleksiak) have stagnated their progress as a franchise.

Luckily, Vilardi is both a strong prospect and the kind of forward the Stars look for. He’s big (6’3), but he’s a possession hound, defensively responsible, and has a true knack for scoring and finding the open man. As good a Jason Spezza replacement as any other prospect in the draft.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning - Juuso Valimaki, D, Tri-City (WHL)

Another team with Stanley Cup aspirations likely heading up the draft instead, the Lightning might consider trading down to pick up a defenseman later in the round. But Valimaki might not be a reach here. Tampa Bay lacks a true offensive-minded defenseman in their stacked system, and Valimaki is the best one of those in the draft. The 6’2 defenseman is enjoying a strong year in the WHL with 40 points in 40 games.

6. Winnipeg Jets - Elias Pettersson, C, Timra (SWE-2)

Winnipeg’s future on the wings is bright with Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers already emerging as stars and Kyle Connor, Nic Petan, and Jack Roslovic on the way. But what their system lacks is a pass-first center who can distribute the puck at exceptional levels. Pettersson fits that mold with some of the best playmaking vision in the draft. If Pettersson becomes the Sam Reinhart to Laine’s Jack Eichel, then the Jets would be quite pleased.

7. Florida Panthers - Eeli Tolvanen, RW, Sioux City (USHL)

Considering the front office turmoil in Sunrise this year, it’s hard to gauge what the Panthers will look for at the draft. It’s easier to look at what their system lacks and work from there, so we’ll go with a winger for now. And Tolvanen is a nice prize: he’s quick, plays with excellent vision, and has shown strong possession play in his own end. He’ll play at Boston College next season.

8. New Jersey Devils - Michael Rasmussen, C, Tri-City (WHL)

Rasmussen is a pure power forward with a strong nose for the net and scoring ability. His huge 6’6 frame belies his mobility — Rasmussen’s skating could improve, but he’s agile enough to create plays around the net and talented enough to know how to finish the many puck battles he’ll win. Rasmussen has 30 goals and 52 points in 48 games.

9. Detroit Red Wings - Nicolas Hague, D, Mississauga (OHL)

If the Wings are finally ready to rebuild, then a strong defenseman with offensive ability is a nice place to start. Hague is huge (6’6, 208 lbs), and he already displays awareness of how to use that size and reach to his defensive advantage. But he’s a two-way defender, with 32 points and 14 goals this season.

10. Buffalo Sabres - Klim Kostin, W, Balashikha (KHL)

Kostin’s draft stock has risen considerably, and it’s not hard to see why. The 6’3 winger reminds one of Denis Gurianov, the Dallas Stars prospect who dominated the World Juniors with Russia in December. He skates well, is strong on the puck, and would provide a nice scoring, power winger presence to Buffalo’s system. He’s out for the next three months with a shoulder injury, however.

11. Boston Bruins - Casey Mittelstadt, C, Eden Prairie (High School)

It’s time for the Bruins to start preparing for life without Patrice Bergeron or David Krejci, who are approaching the last third of their NHL careers. Mittelstadt, a University of Minnesota recruit, could be that center of the future for the Bruins: a hard-working, high-energy attacking center with vision and skill for days. He could be the steal of the first round.

12. Calgary Flames - Cale Makar, D, Brooks (AJHL)

Bound for U-Mass Amherst next season, Makar could run the Flames’ power play for a long time. Makar has gone from draft unknown to first-round dark horse after a strong performance at the 2016 World Junior A Challenge.

The 5’11 defenseman is what you want out of an offensive-minded, puck-moving blue liner these days: playmaking ability and vision in the offensive zone with speed and responsibility to cover in his own end. Makar could be a strong pickup for the Flames, who would love to see him and Johnny Gaudreau play together on the power play.

13. Vancouver Canucks - Lias Andersson, C, HV 71 (SWE)

Bo Horvat is becoming a player to build around for the Canucks, and Andersson would complement him nicely down the middle for years to come. The Swedish center possesses playmaking ability and a two-way mindset that would make him useful in all situations, kind of like Aleksander Barkov does in Florida.

14. New York Islanders - Owen Tippett, RW, Mississauga (OHL)

Hey, remember when John Tavares had a winger who could finish plays for him named Kyle Okposo? That was fun.

Tippett is in the same mold: a 6’2 right-winger with a knack for finishing plays fueled by an elite skating ability and one of the best shots in the draft. New York must start giving Tavares players to thrive with. Tippett is a good start.

15. Carolina Hurricanes - Cody Glass, C, Portland (WHL)

Carolina is healthy on the wings and on defense throughout their system, but they lack some speed and skill down the middle. Glass would fill that hole. A relative unknown before this season, Glass has skyrocketed up draft rankings with 38 assists and 59 points in 45 games with Portland. Still growing into his 6’2 frame, Glass’ exceptional playmaking abilities would make him hard for the Hurricanes to pass up.

16. Los Angeles Kings - Ryan Poehling, C, St. Cloud State (NCAA)

Few teams covet strength and two-way games more than Los Angeles. Poehling is loved by scouts for those qualities, making him a player trusted in all situations for his college team. If he’s NHL-ready soon, Poehling could easily slot well into L.A.’s third line. And, if asked, he could play a top-six role on either Jeff Carter’s wing or as his center.

17. Philadelphia Flyers - Nikita Popugaev, LW, Prince George (WHL)

Philly has done quite well in recent drafts filling system needs with high-upside players with bright futures. But an over-reliance on depth scorers like Matt Read and Michael Raffl can only go so far. Size and skill are in order as Jakub Voracek ages, and Nikita Popugaev fits that mold. The 6’6 power winger put up 51 points in 40 games with Moose Jaw before a deadline trade to Prince George.

18. St. Louis Blues - Callan Foote, D, Kelowna (WHL)

We know what the Blues want out of their defensemen: size, mobility, and smarts. Offensive upside is an added bonus. Foote meets all of those criteria with a 6’3 frame, accurate, well-reasoned zone exits, and oozing with hockey IQ. And wouldn’t it be perfect if Adam Foote’s kid haunted the Avalanche for years?

19. Nashville Predators - Martin Necas, C, Brno (CZE)

Nashville went heavy on defensemen last draft, as if they were preparing to trade Shea Weber or something. Hm.

So they can afford to go after a forward in the first round in 2017. And with Mike Ribeiro on his way out, the Predators could use a similar pass-first player like Necas. Few players in the 2017 draft possess his combination of speed and puck-handling, which lets him create space for teammates and find them with accurate passes.

20. Toronto Maple Leafs - Urho Vaakanainen, D, JYP (FIN)

It’s true that Toronto’s glut of incredible forwards needs a puck-mover to get the puck to them, but they also need someone equally capable of keeping the puck out of their own end. Vaakanainen is the best of both worlds this late in the first round, with intelligence with exit decisions and a defensive game sound enough to offset risks taken by Morgan Rielly or Nikita Zaitsev. A safe pick.

21. Ottawa Senators - Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, HPK Jr. (FIN)

With Thomas Chabot and Colin White on the way, the Senators’ future with skaters is bright. But they need something to look forward to in net, and it’s not Matt O’Connor. Luukkonen is the best goalie in the draft, with the size (6’4) and agility scouts love. He was the lone bright spot on a disappointing Finland World Juniors roster, and as safe a bet as goalie draftees get.

22. Edmonton Oilers - Henri Jokiharju, D, Portland (WHL)

Alright, I’ll just say it: it’s super weird to be talking about Oilers and Leafs draft prospects this late in the first round. I don’t like it.

Edmonton should look for a power play quarterback of the future here, and Jokiharju is the best one available at the moment. Makar’s rise has led to Jokiharju’s fall, but that’s no fault of his own. Like Makar, he uses his small, 6’0 frame to elude defenders and make smart passes out of his zone or within the offensive zone. More of a project than Makar, but that’s kind of what you get later in the first round.

23. Anaheim Ducks - Shane Bowers, C, Waterloo (USHL)

Ryan Getzlaf is already starting to slow down, and Ryan Kesler might join him soon. Bowers is a good step toward the future of the Ducks’ center depth, with qualities they value: size (at 6’1, he’s still growing), playmaking ability, and a two-way mindset. He’ll join Boston University next year, where he’ll continue to grow into an effective top-six player.

24. San Jose Sharks - Kailer Yamamoto, W, Spokane (WHL)

If you’re a small winger then you’re usually doomed to at least the second round, because scouts haven’t figured out that those players can succeed in today’s NHL more easily than ever. But I hope Yamamoto gets taken in the first round because he’s a joy to watch. The 5’7 winger mixes the game-breaking of a Johnny Gaudreau with the feisty edge of a Brendan Gallagher. He’s ninth in WHL scoring with 30 goals and 62 points in 41 games.

25. New York Rangers - Filip Westerlund, D, Frolunda (SWE)

If the Rangers are smart, they’ll draft heavy on defense this season. Marc Staal and Ryan McDonagh aren’t getting any younger and Dan Girardi isn’t getting any better. Westerlund is admired for how his intelligence with the puck offsets his stout 6’0 frame. He’s already trusted in most situations with Frolunda as a teenager, so he’s more NHL-ready than most European defensemen.

26. Montreal Canadiens - Maxime Comtois, LW, Victoriaville (QMJHL)

Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images

Once regarded as a top-five pick, Comtois’ stock has fallen as other players have simply exceeded their initial expectations. So he’s still a good player, and exactly the kind of winger the Canadiens would love to have. He’s tough on the puck, but will walk right up to the edge without crossing over it. Add in elite speed and a sneaky wrist shot, and Comtois could become a terrific player in Montreal.

27. Chicago Blackhawks - Nick Suzuki, C, Owen Sound (OHL)

Suzuki is the kind of Swiss Army knife center that teams are falling more in love with. As a teenager, he already kills penalties better than most prospects and constantly makes great decisions whenever the puck is on his stick, no matter what zone he’s in. Again, his height (5’11) might make him drop this far, and the Blackhawks would love to let him marinate in their system.

28. Pittsburgh Penguins - Miro Heiskanen, D, HIFK (FIN)

Heiskanen’s stock fell after a quiet World Juniors, but he’s still a defenseman with intriguing upside, even if he ends up as a bit of a long-term investment. The good news is he’s leaned on heavily by HIFK even as one of the youngest prospects available, meaning there’s already a lot to like.

29. Minnesota Wild - Matthew Strome, LW, Hamilton (OHL)

Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images

If there’s one thing Eric Staal taught the Wild, it’s that a skilled winger with size can thrive in their system. Strome fits perfectly in that case. The younger brother of Ryan and Dylan, Matthew put up 23 goals and 38 points in the first half of the season with Hamilton.

30. Washington Capitals - Isaac Ratcliffe, LW, Guelph (OHL)

If there’s one place where Washington’s system is lacking, it’s depth and size on the left wing. Ratcliffe projects as a power forward with finishing ability, enjoying a breakout year with 22 goals and 40 points in 46 games.

31. Columbus Blue Jackets - Stelio Mattheos, RW, Brandon (WHL)

Overshadowed by Nolan Patrick, Mattheos stepped in admirably in the center’s absence this season. He’s shown strong offensive ability but will more likely end up as a complementary winger who performs well in whatever situation Columbus asks him to play.

[rotoworld-yahoopartner]

Silva's Wild Card Matchups

Wild Card Round Sunday 1:05 PM ET Game Miami @ Pittsburgh Vegas Projected Score: Steelers 28, Dolphins 18

RED TEXT = Edited based on new info. Sunday’s kickoff game has the highest total (46.0) on the Week 18 slate and is lopsided in Pittsburgh’s direction with the Steelers favored by ten points at home. As we’re all aware, Ben Roethlisberger has wicked home-game splits, having completed 533-of-783 passes (68.1%) for 6,781 yards (8.66 YPA) with a 59:16 TD-to-INT ratio and 16-4 record at Heinz Field over the last three seasons -- good for averages of 2.95 touchdowns and 339.05 yards per game. This year’s leaders in passing scores and yards per game were Aaron Rodgers (2.50) and Drew Brees (325.5). Four of the final six quarterbacks to face Dolphins DC Vance Joseph’s defense posted top-three fantasy results, the two exceptions being Bryce Petty and Carson Palmer in a Miami monsoon. In playoff DFS, Roethlisberger is this week’s top quarterback play and I’m not sure it’s close. … Same goes for Le’Veon Bell among Week 18 running backs. The Dolphins’ run defense closed the season ranked No. 22 in Football Outsiders’ DVOA while being dusted for a combined 137-724-3 (5.28 YPC) rushing line by enemy backs over its final six games. As Jay Ajayi went completely off (25-204-2) in these clubs’ Week 6 meeting and Roethlisberger turned in his typical road-game dud while playing through a knee injury that required surgery the following Monday, Le’Veon disappointed – for him – with 109 yards on a season-low 16 touches. The Dolphins dominated time of possession (36:30 to 23:30) and ran 68 offensive plays to the Steelers’ 53 in a stunning 30-15 rout. As Pittsburgh finished top 15 in both possession time and play volume and stiffened considerably on defense down the stretch, a repeat script seems unlikely in this rematch back in Pittsburgh. The Fins have also allowed the NFL’s sixth most receptions (89) to running backs. Just as Ajayi did to the Steelers back in October, I’d look for Le’Veon to return the favor and smash this matchup out of the park. Ben’s targets since the Steelers’ Week 8 bye: Antonio Brown 79; Le’Veon 57; Eli Rogers 40; Ladarius Green 34; Jesse James 25; Cobi Hamilton 16; Sammie Coates 13. … Dolphins top CB Byron Maxwell gave Brown more problems than any corner all year in Week 6, winning their head-to-head matchups more often than not as Brown finished with a season-low 39 yards on eight targets. Maxwell suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 15. In Weeks 16-17, Sammy Watkins (7-154-1) and Julian Edelman (8-151-1) both proceeded to set season highs in yardage against Miami. Brown has topped 100 yards and/or scored a touchdown in six straight home games. He’s the best Wild Card wide receiver play, ahead of Odell Beckham and Jordy Nelson. … Slot man Rogers caught four balls in these teams’ Week 6 game, while Patriots slot man Edelman shredded Miami’s interior defense last week. PFF has charged slot CB Bobby McCain with the Dolphins cornerback corps’ highest passer rating allowed (112.7). Rogers has plus splits in the absence of Green (concussions), averaging 7.0 targets and 82.7 yards in Green's last three missed games compared to 4.2 targets and 35.2 yards in Green's six appearances. … Green suffered an apparent late-week setback and is unlikely to play against Miami. James will take over as Pittsburgh's every-down tight end after logging 84% and 86% snap rates with 5 and 3 targets when Green missed Weeks 16-17. As the Dolphins have lost both of their starting safeties (Reshad Jones, Isa Abdul-Quddus) to injured reserve, they were hit for 6-79-1 by 49ers tight ends in Week 12, 12-129-2 by Ravens tight ends in Week 13, 8-85-2 by Charles Clay in Week 15, and 4-37-1 by Patriots tight ends last week. Although James has not been a high-volume part of Pittsburgh's passing game, he is squarely in touchdown-or-bust punt discussion as an every-down player in a high-scoring offense. I like James better than guys like Dion Sims, Will Tye, Ryan Griffin, and Clive Walford on the Wild Card slate. Keyed by a rejuvenated pass rush and settled secondary, the Steelers skied to No. 12 in pass-defense DVOA by season’s end while holding each of their final seven quarterbacks faced below 265 yards and outside of the top-12 weekly fantasy scorers. From their Week 8 bye on, Steelers DC Keith Butler’s increasingly blitz-heavy defense piled up 30 sacks to finish ninth in the NFL (38) after managing 8 sacks combined in Weeks 1-7. Ageless OLB James Harrison earned PFF’s No. 13 pass-rush grade among 59 qualified 3-4 outside linebackers while late-season I.R./recall returnee OLB Bud Dupree led the league in sacks from the month of December on (4.5). Early-season slot corner liability Sean Davis took over at strong safety in Week 11 and the Steelers didn’t lose another game. Matt Moore has performed above game-manager expectations three starts in, guiding an offense that has averaged 27.3 points per game since Ryan Tannehill (knee) went down. Moore has hit long gains, albeit most of them via dynamic RAC plays. Moore did find Kenny Stills for an over-the-top 25-yard score in last week’s loss to New England where Stills got so wide open it looked like a coverage bust. As Miami is a ten-point dog in Week 18’s highest-totaled game, there is a story to be told where Moore stacks stats in catch-up mode or a sneaky shootout. More likely, the Dolphins will remain a run-first team that tries to control this game and holds Moore under 35 attempts for the fourth straight start. … Jay Ajayi was the star of these clubs’ Week 6 date, eviscerating Pittsburgh’s defense on zone runs to the edge and going BeastMode when sprung free while gaining three quarters of his 204 yards after initial contact against a Steelers defense that was missing ILB Ryan Shazier (knee). Pittsburgh was gashed last week by Browns backs for a combined 27-190-1 (7.04 YPC) rushing line, albeit without DE Stephon Tuitt (knee). Both Shazier and Tuitt will play on Sunday. Getting a true read on the Steelers’ run-defense stoutness has been difficult, but Ajayi’s workload has never been in doubt with 11 straight games of 18-plus touches. Beyond Le’Veon Bell, Ajayi’s usage is arguably the most secure of any Wild Card Round running back. … With such a limited game menu, passing-down specialist and sometimes red-zone vulture Damien Williams might be a mildly intriguing long-shot DFS punt had he not lost what amounted to last week’s game-ending fumble at the Patriots’ six-yard line. We’re really stretching here, but it’s a miscue that might lead to a playing-time bump for fleet-footed rookie Kenyan Drake, who also returns kickoffs for the Dolphins. Moore’s targets this season: Jarvis Landry 23; Kenny Stills 20; DeVante Parker 17; Williams and Dion Sims 8; Ajayi and MarQueis Gray 4. … Landry’s target totals in Moore’s starts are 4 > 6 > 12 with his volume correlating directly to Moore’s game-script-impacted pass attempts totals. Landry has quietly put together 80-plus yards and/or a touchdown in four of his last five games and should be the main beneficiary if this game flows as the ten-point spread suggests. Landry fared well (7-91) in these clubs’ Week 6 meeting and offers one of the best PPR wide receiver floors on the Week 18 slate. He’s in top-six wideout consideration with only Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham, Jordy Nelson, Doug Baldwin, Davante Adams, and maybe DeAndre Hopkins offering a better case. … Stills’ targets with Moore are 3 > 8 > 7 with a touchdown in all three and four scores over his last five games. Stills is always a big-play threat, but he is catching about three balls per game while living on a wildly unsustainable touchdown rate facing a Steelers defense that allowed the NFL’s second fewest touchdowns to wide receivers (9) this year. … Parker’s targets are 3 > 7 > 7 with Moore. Strictly in terms of cornerback-receiver battles, Parker has the toughest in Miami’s pass-catcher corps as the likeliest to draw Steelers LCB Ross Cockrell, who broke out as one of the league’s top young corners this year and played a major role in holding Parker to 28 yards on five catches in Week 6. Because Miami’s pass volume could be elevated by negative script and Parker offers downfield playmaking ability, I’m still going to have DFS tournament exposure. Ultimately, neither Parker nor Stills sets up as a strong on-paper play against a Steelers pass defense yielding so few scores and big passing gains. Only Denver and Houston gave up fewer 20-plus-yard completions than the 2016 Steelers (40). … Sims’ targets with Moore are 4 > 3 > 1 on snap rates of 94% > 100% > 98%. We know Sims will be on the field, but his passing-game usage has been minimal beyond two Week 15 goal-line scores against the Jets. He’s a touchdown-or-bust punt with a goose-egg floor. Score Prediction: Steelers 28, Dolphins 17 4:40 PM ET Game NY Giants @ Packers Vegas Projected Score: Packers 24.5, Giants 20 Aaron Rodgers enters the Wild Card Round as the NFL’s hottest quarterback north of Matt Ryan with an 18:0 TD-to-INT ratio over his last seven games and increased recent rushing production, a handy tool because opponents like to play the Packers’ receivers in man coverage, increasing scrambling lanes. The Giants yielded the NFL’s second fewest quarterback rushing yards (85) this season, however, while only 2-of-16 quarterbacks to face New York posted top-12 fantasy results, including stretch-run shutdowns of Dak Prescott (QB27), Matthew Stafford (QB20), and Kirk Cousins (QB21). When these teams met in Week 5 at Lambeau Field, the Giants held Rodgers to 5.8 yards on 45 attempts and picked him off twice – both by Janoris Jenkins -- the first on a Jordy Nelson drop-deflection over the middle and second on a fantastic diving play in front of Davante Adams. Rodgers has otherwise been lights out in home games, where he has a 22:4 TD-to-INT ratio and multiple touchdown passes in 7-of-8 games this season, most notably in theoretically tough draws with the Giants (2), Texans (2), Seahawks (3), and Vikings (4). Rodgers was the most matchup-proof quarterback in fantasy this year. In DFS tournaments, my guess is Ben Roethlisberger will attract higher ownership. Rodgers still offers a similar or even superior ceiling. … The Packers benched Ty Montgomery for most of last week’s first half following a failed screen pass after which Rodgers left the field shouting at Montgomery. FB Aaron Ripkowski wound up with his second highest snap rate (48%) of the season and a career-high 11 touches. Montgomery did return to start the second half and operated as Green Bay’s feature back the rest of the way, but this occurred a week after Montgomery once again struggled in pass protection. Still learning to play NFL running back, Montgomery’s usage has become volatile while trying to earn Rodgers’ trust. Due to his wide receiver background, it is surprising that Montgomery hasn’t made an impact in the passing game since October. The Packers’ rushing matchup is tough against a Giants run defense that ranks No. 3 in DVOA and has held enemy running backs to a combined 151-512-2 (3.39 YPC) rushing line over its last seven games. Rodgers’ target distribution over the last two months: Jordy Nelson 79; Davante Adams 56; Jared Cook 40; Montgomery 28; Randall Cobb 27; Richard Rodgers 20; Geronimo Allison 17; Ripkowski 6. … Albeit at a time when Jordy wasn’t running as well as he is now, the Giants held him to 38 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets in Week 5 as Nelson left a ton of yards on the field with four arguable drops. Giants top CB Janoris Jenkins also repeatedly made spectacular pass breakups. Jordy scored his two-yard touchdown on off-script improvisation against rookie CB Eli Apple. The Giants have limited enemy No. 1 wideouts, notably checking DeSean Jackson (2-34-0), Dez Bryant (1-10-0), and Antonio Brown (6-54-1) over the season’s final five weeks. The matchup isn’t strong on paper, but a bet on Rodgers is generally a bet on Nelson, and both were incredibly strong bets in the second half of the season. In DFS tournaments, Rodgers-to-Jordy will likely have less ownership than Ben-to-Brown. Nelson has caught at least six passes in six straight games and scored a touchdown in 11-of-16 games this year. Even in a tough draw, Jordy is a top-three wideout on the Wild Card slate. … Adams went to work (5-85-1) in Week 5, doing much of his damage against UDFA CB Michael Hunter, who isn’t on the Giants’ 53-man roster anymore. Adams’ yardage results can be hit or miss, but he finished second in the NFL in touchdown catches (12) behind only Nelson (14) and will get better individual matchups if Jenkins chases Jordy. … Cook is one of Week 18’s top matchup-driven DFS plays facing a Giants defense that yielded 7-89-1 to Redskins tight ends last week and gave up the NFL’s sixth most catches (89) and fourth most yards (1,052) to the position this year. While still not a full-time player, Cook has become a consistent part of Green Bay’s passing game with snap rates of 66% > 59% > 53% and target totals of 8 > 5 > 8 in Weeks 15-17. Cook has a tendency to disappear in the red zone, but his elevated usage and matchup make Cook one of this week’s most intriguing box-score bets. … Allison replaced Cobb (ankle) as the Packers’ third receiver in last week’s win, logging six targets on 81% of the snaps. Allison hooked up with Rodgers for 39 yards on a bootleg pass that required post-snap communication, a 31-yard shot play on a designed downfield pick, and a diving touchdown where Rodgers looked to Allison in the end zone on an improvised play. It was a promising effort by an undrafted rookie. Allison might disappear if Cobb returns, but he’ll get a ton of playing time again if Cobb doesn’t. Allison ran a brutal 4.67 forty at the Combine, but he improved to 4.56 at Illinois’ Pro Day and has vertical ability on sheer length at 6-foot-3, 197 with 33-inch arms. Matchups will work strongly in Eli Manning’s Wild Card Round favor against a Packers defense that gave up 22 touchdown passes over its final ten games and three straight 340-yard games to Matt Barkley, Sam Bradford, and Matthew Stafford in Weeks 15-17. Manning’s recent performance won’t after he topped 270 yards in just one of the final ten weeks in an offense that failed to score 20 points in 10-of-16 games and four straight to end the year. The Packers sold out to stop Odell Beckham on Sunday Night Football in Week 5, putting at least two defenders in his vicinity on all of OBJ’s 12 targets and limiting him to 56 yards on five catches, saved by an eight-yard garbage-time score. As Manning’s fantasy results depend almost completely upon Beckham turning easy completions into big plays, Eli had an ugly 199-yard game to discourage his remaining apologists on national TV. Manning was horrific on the road this season, averaging 223.5 yards per game and 5.94 yards per attempt with multiple touchdown passes in 3-of-8 games. I think Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and Russell Wilson are all significantly better NFL playoff DFS bets than Eli. Most of the field will, too, of course, making Manning worthy of low-owned tournament consideration based on OBJ’s playmaking ability in the best quarterback matchup on the Wild Card slate. … Paul Perkins’ Weeks 15-17 touch counts were 11 > 16 > 21 on snap rates of 39% > 38% > 51% compared to Rashad Jennings’ 18 > 13 > 19 on 39% > 46% > 39% playing-time clips. Perkins averaged 4.48 yards per carry to Jennings’ 3.00 over the final five weeks. The pendulum is swinging in Perkins’ direction ahead of a plus Week 18 draw against a Packers defense that allowed a combined 203-950-9 rushing line (4.68 YPC) to running backs over its last ten games. I don’t think Jennings is going away, but Perkins has become a better bet for touches and yards. Jennings remains the favorite for scoring-position work after piling up five red-zone carries to Perkins’ two in last week’s win. Manning’s targets since the Giants’ Week 8 bye: Beckham 99; Sterling Shepard 57; Will Tye 45; Jennings and Victor Cruz 31; Jerell Adams 17: Perkins 16; Roger Lewis 14. … OBJ will probably face heavy coverage on every snap, but he is likelier than not to win battles against a depleted Packers secondary that gave up 12-202-2 (Adam Thielen), 8-110 (Deonte Thompson), 9-104 (Cameron Meredith), 6-89-1 (Alshon Jeffery), 6-77-1 (Golden Tate), 5-76 (Marvin Jones), and 4-57-1 (Anquan Boldin) to enemy wide receivers in its final three games on top of league highs in yards (3,017) and touchdowns (26) to the position this year. Despite his slow Week 5 against the Packers, this is a blowup spot for Beckham, who finished second in the NFL in targets (169), third in catches (101), and third in receiving yards (1,367). … Bogged down by a dysfunctional passing game, Giants slot man Shepard managed 14 yards on seven targets against Green Bay in Week 5. Not much of a big-play threat, Shepard was a short score-or-bust fantasy gamble for most of the year. He closed out the season with 13 straight games below 65 yards. … Cruz didn’t even catch a pass in these clubs’ previous meeting. While we can count on Cruz to be out there for over 80% of the snaps, Cruz drew just two red-zone targets from Week 6 on and went over 50 yards once in the Giants’ final nine games. He’s in the same conversation with Jermaine Kearse and Geronimo Allison as DFS punts that cost near the minimum but have goose-egg floors. It’s interesting to note that Cruz (10) hauled in four more 20-plus-yard plays than Shepard (6) this season despite seeing 33 fewer targets. With the Packers’ attention likely to be focused on Beckham, I’m leaving the light on for Cruz to surprise with a big play. … Tye was a popular Week 5 DFS play against Green Bay, only to finish with 37 scoreless yards as Eli overthrew him on a would-be walk-in 60-yard touchdown. Tight ends always have good matchups against the Packers, but Tye hit pay dirt in 1-of-16 games and cleared 55 yards in 0-of-16. That shortage of season-long production has me looking elsewhere for tight end plays this week. Score Prediction: Packers 23, Giants 17