Chili Chat Presents - Fantasy Chili 2011: Power Rankings

As summer begins to wind down, leaves fall from the trees and youngsters return to school, it can mean only one thing...Chili season!

I'm sure most of you have been following chili very closely this off-season eagerly awaiting the first bowl. Like millions of Americans, I’m sure you’re also getting close to your fantasy chili draft. This season posts many tough questions, like “Will chicken chili bounce back this year?” and “Do I take Firehouse or Sirloin with the first pick?”.  As always, we’re here for you.  Our chili analysts have spent a majority of their offseason crunching numbers, comparing, contrasting and debating over where each and every bowl of chili ranks this season.  Consider this your cheat sheet.

(These rankings are for 10 team standard scoring leagues.)

10. White Chili: Making the leap to the big board this year.  White chili has been an up and coming stud over the last two seasons and we think this will be its breakout year (especially with the bread bowl crowd).

9. Texas Chunk Chili:  A few spots down from last year’s ranking due to the Dallas Cowboy’s chili confetti incident, but don’t be afraid to draft Texas Chunk.  A great steal if it falls a few positions on your draft board.  Don’t underestimate the heartiness of those green peppers and onions.

8. Verde Chili: This year’s steal.  We think Verde has the potential to win you your league this year.  Most won’t see this underdog coming, so don’t listen to the naysayers telling you that you’re over bidding for this one.  Not only one of the best chilis to fill someone’s cargo pockets with, but one of the best to bring to a work party and look like a real top notch employee.  If you decide to draft Verde, make sure you handcuff your pick and draft some tortilla chips in the late rounds.

7. Sirloin Chili: Hasn’t shown much improvement since last year, but never fails to put up numbers.  A solid veteran with some fresh upside now that it’s available in a can, thanks to Campbell’s Chunky lineup.

6. Chicken Chili: Lean and mean.  Chicken chili has been risen on our board each of the last 4 seasons, with no signs of slowing.  Since the inception of the to-go container, Chicken chili has the highest take out rate of any chili on our board. Now that’s something you can hang your hat on!

5. Vegetarian Chili: This was a tough one.  Vegetarian could easily be in the 4^th spot. We’re giving the slight advantage to 3 bean because of the vegetable to bean ratio.  But don’t let that sway your decision.  Veggie will have a great year.  Given the boost in quality of artificial meat substitutes and improved spices over the past year, make Veggie a clear top 5 chili.

4. 3 Bean Chili: Many across the league would argue that 3-Bean is not a chili. I’ve even heard comparisons to Michael Jordan playing baseball.  But that’s just not fair. 3-Bean is a solid contender every season.  When the league expanded to 25 beans 2 season ago, it opened the door for 3-Bean to make a solid run at MVP.  Maybe not this year, but definitely a step in the right direction.

3. Turkey Chili: Early reports out of camp say Turkey has really trimmed down this season.  After a disappointing 2010 campaign, Turkey is ready for a strong comeback.  We’re definitely riding that bus.  Last year appeared to be a fluke and Chili Chat is not ready to write Turkey off yet. Feel free to bid as many as 50 oyster crackers on this horse.  Remember, you heard it here first!

2. Firehouse Chili: Last year’s MVP and a clear cut winner at any level.  Despite an outstanding 2010 campaign, Firehouse may have taken a step back this season with the chili filled fire hose incident in the off season.  We don’t think that will effect much of the season, but the 2 week suspension may provide opportunity for others to show their skills and knock Firehouse down a peg or two.  Rumors have it, “The House” may have added noodles this year.  More as that develops.

1. 4 Alarm Chili: We think this is finally the year for 4 Alarm to shine.  4 has been in our top 5 for the last 4 season and we think this is the year it takes that final step and proves itself as a number one chili.  If this season was as goddamned cold as last season, we think it will hands down be a 4 Alarm kinda year.  Going number one overall in almost 80% of mock drafts this year, we think the nation agrees.  Barring unforeseen food poisoning or diarrhea, we think you can ride 4 Alarm to the championship game!

Sleeper: Chorizo Chili

Dud: Horse Chili

On the bubble: Cincinnati Chili, Chili Dog, Chili Go-Gurt

Good luck this season and happy eating.

Cheers,