So begins the crapshoot we call fantasy NFL. For the umpteenth year in a row, I just let the computer autodraft for me while I was out and about. Over the years, I've become the fantasy football manager that really doesn't pay any attention to the NFL in the offseason (blame it on L.A. going on 15 years running without an NFL team).

One last week to go in the regular season and a much needed update on the West's top league is in order.

First off, apologies for not posting an update in forever and a day. I've been very busy lately and I had been on holiday for the past month or so, some of which spent at some massive soccer tournament, which some of you might be familiar with. At any rate, how do I know I'm good at fantasy baseball?

Howdy all,

I'm pleased to announce that for the third straight year, the Rotodatabase Premier League is back. I'm a bit lazy to make a form right now and so, simply:

1) go to Fantasy Premier League: http://fantasy.premierleague.com

It took a month to make my first move of the year and a first move up the standings too. Ryan Madson hit the DL and I picked up Joel Zumaya (I had no MR, for what it's worth), who in turn became a spot start for Aaron Harang. I had an 11-1 lead at one point during the weekend and having lost ERA/WHIP on Saturday, I needed a Sunday starter to clinch strikeouts and protect a one win lead.

First off, sorry for the late postings. In short, busy weeks at the office. Here's the first 3 weeks' worth of results out in the US West's top flight:

H2HWS USA West Draft Results:

"Maybe next year." That's what the fellas in Brooklyn say whenever their beloved Dodgers fall short and that's what yours truly says now that his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers are out of the running for the World Series. As others in Los Angeles say to some effect, "At least Laker season starts soon" and yours truly says, "There's also plenty of Manchester United football to be played" and what a time to reflect on that thought just as United visit Anfield for a big clash against Liverpool.

So, yours truly is back from Sin City and that can only mean that we're back on a regular train schedule, no? Based on the week's fixtures on paper, this weekend's games will fall short of delivering an encore from last week's action. Liverpool and Chelsea should have an easy go of it against Hull and Wigan respectively while Manchester United have the pleasure of an always tricky trip to Stoke. In fantasy terms, this might be the week that you should pay attention to the Man of Glass, Louis Saha's goal output and buy the oft-injured striker.

As promised, here's this Friday's Diving in the Box... today. I'm writing this as I'm preparing to head to Sin City, but at any rate, it's another big weekend of Premier League football. Of course, it's the Manchester Derby this Sunday and even though City will be without a few of their star players, the Derby is always a tantalizing fixture. Also, Tottenham have to rebound quick from their first loss of the season as they're facing the league leaders, Chelsea. How does this all affect your fantasy teams? Read on...

The title can mean only one thing: Anderson has finally scored. It took him two-plus years of his Manchester United career to find the net and the lad came up golden in a pivotal win over then-unbeaten Spurs at White Hart Lane. Meanwhile, back in Manchester, the club from Stockport, erm, that other club from Manchester hosted Arsenal in a heated affair where Emmanuel Adebayor's nagging obsession with all things Arsenal reared its ugly head.

To prove I haven't gone the way of Special 1 TV being canned due to Setanta Sports going belly up, I'm back from my rather long vacation to resurrect Diving in the Box (shut up, administration!). What a week to make a return on, just as the Premier League resumes from the international break with three big matches: Manchester United going to unbeaten Tottenham, Manchester City also on a 100% record hosting Arsenal, and the first Birmingham Derby of the season. Meanwhile, let me just say it's surreal to see Argentina and Portugal on the brink of not qualifying for next Summer's World Cup.

I regret to announce that there will be no Diving in the Box this week and next. I don't like putting personal news here, but I'd have to, because my mother passed away last Tuesday. This was the family emergency I referred to a couple of weeks back, as she was sick for the last four-plus months. She had many complications, caused by an aggressive intestinal T-cell lymphoma which spread into her bone marrow and made things worse. It has been a very emotional Summer for me, for many different reasons, but I'm relieved that she passed away in peace and with no suffering to the end.

An update on Brad Evans' Yahoo blog league is in order, no?

Don't adjust your screen settings, it is truly I, Ray, pinch-hitting for Chris today while he's gone for a few days, settling in his new abode, I take it. Anyhow, It's been a so-so year for me with fantasy baseball and the H2HWS in particular has been a slog. Yours truly has been hanging by a doornail to that sixth playoff spot in forever and a day... that was, until Sunday when the Ealing Eagles knocked on the door for a big win over those ailing Thrashers. Moving day, Monday? Read on...

Well, it's go time folks. Another Premier League season is set to kick off this weekend and Diving in the Box is back to be your personal advisor for all things related to your fantasy football/soccer/futbol team, ranging from buy and sell decisions to helping you spot the next Amr Zaki, so that you can brag to your fellow mates in your Monday watercooler chat about how you hopped aboard the (insert once-obscure overnight sensation's name here) bandwagon before anyone else knew that lad's name.

As promised, here's a lengthy, detailed team-by-team preview of the Premier League 2009-10 season. Not only is it yours truly's take on how the league table will pan out, this is the ultimate fantasy preseason guide and cheat sheet for your fantasy Premiership squad. Who will be crowned champions? Will Manchester City crack the top four? Can Burnley actually escape the drop? Is Andrei Arshavin the real deal? Can Wayne Rooney be a fantasy beast? Can Michael Owen enjoy a 20-goal comeback season? Well, one can dream, but at any rate, find out and read on...

Arsenal

I've been idle for too long to blog, but I've been busy and I've also been caught up with family emergencies recently (a few of you know what's going on, I know). Here's the latest on where we are with our little Fantasy Premier League:

Great news, gang. You can now create a private H2H league in the Fantasy Premier League game! It was bound to happen with the new introduction of public H2H leagues last year, but nonetheless I'm pretty stoked when I signed up my team just now. The cool thing is, I also have the option to renew last year's RDB league. So, this got me thinking...

I promised that once the Fourth of July passed, I'll transition from offseason form to preseason form and will now accept sign-ups for this coming season's Fantasy Premier League game. Lo and behold, you can now register for the new season, which starts on August 15, which as of this writing is 41 days. Registration for the league ends August 5 and so, I'll give you a month to do the deed. Read on for league details...