Monday, December 31, 2012

IV: Larkspur Bowl 2012

The Larkspur Bowl's pivotal fourth season saw more turnover, as the new Texan division folded (San Antonio, Houston, Teamville, and Kent) after populating the bottom four spots of the standings in 2011. In their place was a one and down Nebraska team, and new mainstays Silver City, Toronto, and the Islanders- the last of whom would lead the league in points, and despite a 7-6 record, run the table in the playoffs. Hill Valley would defeat rival Phoenix in the semifinals but fall to the rookie team in the big game. 2012's tiered power rankings were the precursor to the league's blog, launched in year five. After two seasons the Vermont Rams would conclude their Larkspur run with a 3-10 campaign, leaving a spot for the Oakwood Drivers to arrive in 2013.

DRAFT RESULTS

STANDINGS:

BRACKET:


  • POWER RANKINGS: WEEK ONE

Week one is in the books, and already the season has been turned upside down from a year ago. The new .5 points per reception rules aided two teams in crossing the 200 point threshold, a barrier that had only been passed three times in the past three years (Our league's modern era.) The two time defending champion Carousel team is at the bottom of the Power Rankings, humbled by Kevin Stabe's squad, and newly free of its cursed kibble & vick moniker (7th, 6th, and 13th in the past three years) it is his team that carries the torch, albeit with only one game down, a dozen to go. Lets take a look at each team, and their biggest question marks to start the season:

1. Raging Falcoholic 1-0-0 220.21
- The Falcon Punch of Matty Ice, Julio Jones, and Roddy White paved the way early for the second highest score in league history, and it would have surpassed 200 points even without the 15 PPR points it recieved. This team *just* missed the playoffs last season, due to two principle factors: A lack of depth on the bench, and the Mets fandom to which it subscribes. The former reason is no more- the scariest part about this team is that the highest scoring WR and highest scoring RB in week one were both parked on the sideline. If the team has an achilles heel, it is at running back, where, even with CJ Spiller's potential ascension and Reggie Bush's solid production buyoed with the PPR rule change, there is no definitive third guy. Nevertheless, this team has proven that it has huge firepower, and as long as the Falcons are hitting on all cylinders, so too are the Falcoholics.

2. Pacey Jones Army 1-0-0 200.44
- Pacey Jones teams have never made the playoffs, finishing out of the money in each of the past two years. Following the draft, Pacey made a blockbuster move that switched out Fred Jackson (recovering from a leg injury in '11) for Peyton Hillis (recovering from a sore throat in '11) and Charles Woodson, the Hall of Fame defensive back. While neither running back made a huge impact on week one, Hillis was a healthy scratch while Fred Jackson went down injured almost immediately, and Woodson was a force, registering 16.5 points. With a dynamic arsenal of weapons on offense commanded by Drew Brees, this team looks like a contender in the early-goings; It remains to be seen if the Army can tap into the right trio of WRs each week, as it lacks a truly elite downfield option, instead cycling five solid pieces, along with its stable of pass catchers out of the backfield.

3. Revis Islanders 0-1-0 198.44
- Hard luck losers in week one, by the slimmest of margins, the newcomer Islanders have topflight options at all of the skill positions, and should be able to cash that in for several wins this season. They recieved a huge boon from their defensive line this week, sporting a huge 41.5 score from JJ Watt and Haloti Naga, but the pass rush is typically an aspect that will wax and wane week to week. The biggest question about the team has to be their depth: The bench reserves space for Johnny Knox (Who is not currently on a team's depth chart) and LaMichael James, who saw no action in week one, and is a number four guy on the depth chart, more of a long term project than someone who will be contributing as a rookie. If they can better utilize their bench slots, with only two more weeks before the byes begin, they'll gain the attrition to soldier through the season and secure a playoff spot, despite an early hole.

4. The Great Cornholio 1-0-0 175.91
- Billy Marvin's foray into Larkspur's football league has started strong, with nine of his fifteen starters posting double digit output. Equally positive is Joe Flacco's outburst in week one, against a division rivals' traditionally strong defense. When Michael Vick inevitably goes down, the Cornholio team will be in solid hands for the duration. With two high yield tight ends on the roster as well, there is not a ton of wiggle room on the bench, and Pierre Garcon's foot injury may test the WR depth immediately. That said, everyone on this roster has loads of upside, and the team looks to be in great shape to start the year- The matchup with the Pacey Jones Army this week looks like the obvious choice for game of the week.

5. DanglingDingleberrys 1-0-0 149.50
- Ajay's Danglers backed up his considerable trash talk during the draft, winning in week one, and starting an immediate Quarterback controversy- last year's darling upstart Cam Newton, or the resurgeant hall of famer, Peyton Manning. I expect that before long, the offers will start rolling in for both, and Ajay has the opportunity to leapfrog to the top of the rankings, depending upon his haul. The rest of the roster is serviceable, with many workmanlike options and few true gamechangers beyond DeMarco Murray. The defense, made up of guys "Ajay never even heard of" might be the best in the league, which might lead one to doubt the authenticity of the Dangler's remarks. When reached for comment, Ajay promised he would, continually, for like two and a half hours after we were supposed to meet, before never showing up and giving a vague incoherant rambling mutterance instead. 

6. Draft Dodgers 1-0-0 143.80
- The Draft Dodgers came through with a win, something they did nine times last year- seven times in seven weeks, but only twice in the final six, before regaining form, winning in the first round of the playoffs, and then losing to the eventual champions on a last minute overturned call in a second round nailbiter, by less than a point. Coming out hungry with a rebuilt defense, the Dodgers have quickly turned a third year of draft absentia into a workable squad. However, there are still holes to fill: There is no second running back, and both QBs on the roster are coming off severe bouts of underachievement in 2011. Until one of them shows a return to form (and neither did in week one) and somebody takes the reins as second rusher, this team will be something of an enigma, certain to win some games, but perhaps without the X factor needed in a tight matchup. David Akers might be the unsung hero, a kicker that might be able to deliver a slight edge in every single matchup this year.

7. Lev Grossman 1-0-0 138.18
- Pete's relative indifference thus far has not hurt his team, and winning usually commands his attention, as the Larkspur Series top seed shows. Cornerback Joe Haden is suspended for four weeks for Adderall, which boggles my mind, I had never heard of a pro athlete facing suspension for a drug like that, even if it was a drug that was rampantly abused in college. Although I think that was typically for things like finals and such, which i got the feeling division one athletes didn't really have to sweat so much, especially not football players. What were we talking about? The Defense could use some tinkering, but the team will have to reach into the junk pile of leftovers, or wait for the bye weeks to bring some waiver wire turnover. The Running Back situation is solid, if very short on depth, (there was no plan B last week of Arian Foster couldn't go) and the WR position is in the same dire straits, with just a single backup on roster, but if the team gets some tender loving care and makes some opportune pickups, depth can be amassed over the season, before the need springs up. With RG3 off to a fast start, Carson Palmer may become a trade chip, or a leftover, depending on the numbers he can put up at second fiddle.

8. Beast the Rainbow 1-0-0 136.32
- Stevie G's team eeked out a W to start the season, after making a trade for Jay Cutler as the sad-faced leader of his colorful unit. The team features depth at WR, although only one clear cut every week starter, in Jordy Nelson; At running back it has two solid horses in Lynch and Bush, both of whom are also effective at the goalline, but a riddle in third stringer DeAngelo Williams, and no fourth guy in the event of injury or bye week. Despite mild return in week one, the defense is stout, and will start to put numbers together as the season progresses. Never shy on the trade market, time will tell if the Rainbow Beasts will win the transaction war the team's success will hinge upon it, as they look for a big time playmaker.

9. Hill Valley McFlys 0-1-0 136.30
- There will be no talk of an undefeated season in Verrino land this year, as there was for two months last year, but this team hopes to be built to finish, the flaw in last year's ointment. At running back, the team has elite-as-long-as-he-is-healthy running back Darren McFadden, then two startable, serviceable, though not without questions cogs in Shonn Greene and rookie Alfred Morris. It remains to be seen if either, or both, can put up lines like they did in week one, both with nearly 100 yards on the ground and both hitting the end zone, with any regularaity, but if they can, this team will have the solid foundation needed to have a shot to win every week. The WR corps does not yet have that sort of upside, as both of the Hill Valley's top split ends are known to disappear at times. Both had mediocre debuts to the 2012 season, but both are capable of spectacular play at times as well. This team will ebb and flow as Jackson and Bowe do. Behind that is staunch veteran Nate Washington, and a bunch of "Maybe?" guys, so this is a clear poition in need for the McFlys. The defense will put up better numbers most weeks, and Verrino has a long history of winning on the waiver wire. The team that last in week one will be far different than the team we see in week 13 this year.

10. Les Tres Petites 0-1-0 134.17
- The French-Canadien (I'm not French, I'm Canadian!) newcomer to the Larkspur Bowl has a serious upside on the roster, although that has to be handicapped slightly due to having too many recievers. With two stud running backs, and a third that would start on most teams, Les Tres Petites can indulge in the depth for awhile, but eventually will have to plug some holes. The defense underperformed in week one, but with a little bit of tweaking, this team has the upside of serious points, and should not be counted out by anyone after one loss. I expect this team to vault up the rankings each week, and week one to be the worst point total for the team all season.

11. LOS BASTARDOS 0-1-0 133.68
- Nick "Favre" Stano came out of retirement again and promptly lost his first game, and pulled out all of his luxurious hair. If he can find a solution to his running back situation, he should be able to calm down. With top pick Ryan Mathews shelved, his draft strategy should have included more than snagging a few discounted career backups and continuing his love affair with Beanie Wells, but it's not insurmountable. Tony Romo was elite in week one, and his four WRs rank in the top 30 for the year, two of whom are electric kick returners in addition to being major parts of the offense, which could bring the kind of huge point totals LOS BASTARDOS are known for. The defense is a bunch of tackle machines, and while nonme of them made the 'big play' in week one, they'll all take some turns at it over the course of the season. If the Bastards get a hold of a running back, and Mathews returns to form, they'll round into upper echelon form by mid season. If not, still expect a team in the playoff hunt.

12. Mt Tucky Pilots 0-1-0 129.27
- Mr Grimes started his season with a loss, like he has each of the past two years, and left his optimal lineup on the bench, a pattern for the old man. But there is still a lot of promise on the squad: Aaron Rodgers may have had the worst game he will have the season, and nearly score 20 points anyway. The depth at WR is solid to the point that one or two of them can be cut, making room for speculative adds, and while the 'Bama boys at running back have yet to deliver NFL greatness, the young first rounders both have the potential to score major points; Their backups, veteran journeymen Cedric Benson and Ronnie Brown are both very serviceable, leaving the team with depth at both of the shallowest positions, and eliteness at the top. The Aaron Rodgers-Jermichael Finley combo won the Larkspur Bowl last year, and will be at play again this year. And the defense will have more poitn totals like Bowman and Bethea in week one, and less like Peanut Tillman going forward. This is a very good team that just has to stay the course to contention.

13. The Great Sandusky 0-1-0 128.24
- Problem: Shayne's miracle squad from last season, that overcame a 1-5 first half to finish 5-1 in the second half and sneak into the playoffs, has made one move this year, to add inactive running back Tim Hightower. Stick a fork in that guy. Still if this team can avoid the hole it dug for itself last year, it has the potential for high returns: Schaub is an efficient QB that came at a great price, the top three WRs are all primary targets for the offense, and Maurice Jones-Drew is back, along with Doug Martin and Stevan Ridley, who all scored major numbers in week one. Fred Davis is a major undervalued asset at tight end, giving this team as good a starting lineup as any in football. Like several other teams, their long term production will be contingent upon the early season scramble for depth, as some sleeper contributers become apparent, the squads that snag them will be the ones in the top half of the league come midseason. 

14. The Carousel of Doom 0-1-0 127.34
- From first to worst, the Carousel put togethert a paltry point total in week one, and got squashed. The blockbuster move it made in the preseason, to acquire Fred Jackson to form a two headed monster at running back, backfired after 15 rushing yards, as Jackson is immediately out a month or two. Back to spinning doom boys. The team retains solid WR depth that all underperformed in week one, and two decent wildcards behind Jackson- Donald Brown, who is a primary ballcarrier, at the very least, and Ben Tate, who would see a huge elevation in value should something happen to Arian Foster. Jared Allen put up a goose egg in week one, but the ewighning defensive MVP has always had a few bust weeks, and should he even put up 60% of his 2011 totals, he will be high end value at the scarcest of positions. I'm not worried about the team that has been in four of five Larkspur Bowl Championships. Are you?


  • POWER RANKINGS: WEEK TWO

This should have been posted on Tuesday, before waivers went through; The power outage effed everything up! Some of the comments may be old hat now, as teams try to refine their rosters. I'd suggest everyone look at the recap feature next to past matchups, it's a pretty cool breakdown. I'd also like everyone to consider changing their name to an actual team name for the duration of the season. Until then, you'll have to make do with my (weak) suppositions:

=THE UPPER ECHELON: (First Tier)
1.(1) Atlanta Rage 2-0-0 1.000 456.20
-(last week: 1) Already pre-ordained the champions of the league in 2012, it's merely a formality that we are going to continue playing the games. The Rage made good on their threat to break the points record, dropping 235 in week two, (although Babe Ruth's dead widow has insisted we asterisk it, due to the 19.5 ppr points scored) and the Rage have no discernable weakness right now. With two more weeks before the byes begin, it looks like poor fortune to face the full wrath of the rage in the season's first month. I've heard Kevin Stabe took Michael Turner out partying and left him without a ride home last night, in an effort to secure a third running back for the Rage, but lets see how this plays out before we point fingers.

=A MILE OR TWO BEHIND THAT (Second Tier)
2.(2) NYC Army 2-0-0 1.000 377.42
-(last week: 2) The New York City Army maintained their pace in week two, despite leaving much of their optimal lineup on the bench. The team's linebacking corps led the way in their thrashing of Nebraska, scoring nearly 50 points, with Clay Matthews leading the team with 32. The rest of the team was pretty much who we thought they were, performing up to expectation and putting two wins in the books. It looks like preseason trade acquisition Peyton Hillis might be pressed into starting duty with Ahmad Bradshaw's status uncertain for Thursday- Peyton and Pacey had a much publisized love affair for a couple of years, so we'll see if the old flame burns hot again in week three. 

3.(5) Revis Islanders 1-1-0 .500 376.38
-(last week: 3) The Islanders scored a victory after a narrow loss in week one, and their offense looks stalwart. Certainly, Johnny Knox and LaMichael James's roster spots could be better utilized, but perhaps they deliver rousing sideline collaborative antics, or something? But perhaps that is the scariest part about this team; They've scored the third most points in the league, and have yet to really groom their roster. They will face off with the Dodgers next week, in Week Three's "Game of the Week."

=SOLID OUTPUT (Third Tier)
4.(3) Dodge City Drafters 2-0-0 1.000 335.20
-(last week: 6) Draft City made a shrewd move picking up Jerrell Freeman, who was a monster all over the field in his Dodger debut. The rest of the defense was very solid as well. The team loses its top tight end Aaron Hernandez, but might have a majestic built-in replacement with Martellus "The Black Unicorn" Bennett primed after a big week. Vince's team will face a big test in week three, but if its passing game can remain elite, the lack of a second running back might be masked for awhile.

5.(6) Nebraska Holios 1-1-0 .500 309.28
-(last week: 4) Dropping a spot after losing to the Army, Nebraska's starters underperformed at 11 of their 15 starting positions. No matter how well prepared, that sort of perfomance will dim any team's chances for victory. The team's lack of depth at WR really showed through in week two, with Carmel, NY native Pierre Garcon injured. His possible return in week three would be a huge boon, but coach Billy Marvin has to be thinking about alternatives.

6.(7) San Berdino Bastards 1-1-0 .500 307.80
-(last week: 11) The 2009 champions bounced back after a lackluster week one, and with first round pick Ryan Mathews looking to return to action in week 3, here come the bastards, picking up steam. Along with rookie acquisition Trent Richardson's arrival in week 2, the biggest weakness on the team from San Bernadino now looks like one of the best duos in the league. And that's how fast things can change! With more than a few impact Tight Ends showing up on the waiver wire, I'd expect the Bastards to look to supplement their depth there before week three begins.

=QUESTIONABLE RETURNS (Fourth Tier)
7.(4) Wilkes-Barre Danglers 2-0-0 1.000 292.37
-(last week: 5) The Danglers remain undefeated, more by virtue of the Rainbows self destructing than by their own pedigree. Wilkes-Barre had the smallest point total for a victorious team in week two, but irregardless, a win is a win and it is in the books. Cam Newton and Daryl Washington keep this team chugging, despite a lack of other playmakers. If Michael Turner faces any disciplinary action following his DUI arrest, the team has to hope it is put off for at least three more weeks- Rashard Mendenhall might be able to step in to shoulder some of the load by then.

8.(11) Les Canadian Petites 0-2-0 .000 288.02
-(last week: 10) The team from the great white north has had some southrn luck thus far, as the only team to see over 400 points in two weeks, and failing to register a win, despite outscoring three teams that have split (albeit by the slimmest of margins on two of them) and now running into the number two ranked Pacey Jones Army. Perhaps moving Chris Johnson to the bench in favor of third stringer Willis McGahee will spark a victory, or letting DeMeco Ryans return to the lineup after being benched following week one. The team boasts good depth and good top level talent, and once it puts those things together, the wins should follow.

9.(8) Stamford Grossmen 1-1-0 .500 281.42
-(last week: 7) Six starters scored less than five points in week two, almost insurmountable. Furthermore, starting OLB and bad commercial spokesman Brian Orakpo was lost for the year. With Pat Angerer still waiting in the wings, that will leave a void at linebacker, along with the void at third RB- Jamaal Charles was seen on the exercise bike in the fourth quarter Sunday, leaving the Grossmen no compliment for Arian Foster. Those should be two key moves for Stamford this weekend, who suffered with the loss of Greg Jennings. 

10.(9) Mt Tucky Pilots 1-1-0 .500 280.68
-(last week: 12) The Pilots won a nailbiter Monday Night, topping the two-time defending champs by just over a point. Following the victory, the team announced a major blockbuster, moving six players, including starting QB and 2011 league MVP Aaron Rodgers, and starting TE and silly named JerMichael Finley. Along with last weeks trade of Trent Richardson and Robert Meachem, they retain only two offensive starters from opening night. Overall, their roster depth has been deeply supplemented, boasting three elite WRs, three bonafide starting RBs, and upgrading to the most targeted TE in the league. Collateraly, their offense is now in the hands of stable game manager Alex Smith, and sad-faced boom or buster Jay Cutler. How they rotate that platoon will determine their chances for rising in the ranks going forward.

11.(12) Hill Valley McFlys 0-2-0 .000 279.60
-(last week: 9) The McFlys fall beneath the team they satirize, to 0-2, after finishing with only three losses last year. They'll have to turn it around in a hurry if they want to have a chance to equal that mark next year, and it will have to start with Matt Stafford and Darren McFadden. Neither have been bad, but nor have they lived up to the expectations of being their team's number one and two guys. With two workhorses in Morris and Greene, and a bevy of capable WRs, they should look into securing some depth for the oft-injured TE Antonio Gates, who missed last week. His goose egg wasn't the difference in week two, but it could cause loss number three.

12.(13) FiveBoro's Battalion 0-2-0 .000 277.50
-(last week: 14) The Battalion lost in back-to-back weeks last season during their week 7 and 8 matchups, before going 6-1 to finish the season as champions. They lost by the slightest of margins Monday Night, and Wesley Woodyard just couldn't come through as the clock struck midnight. (He was promptly cut. Like, I mean, dismembered.) The team needs to address their defense, where only Ray Lewis put up double digits in week two. The offense has been decent thus far, as Ben Tate has played himself into a potentially filling in for the injured Fred Jackson as second running back, but will have to build off his week two, as newly signed Mikel LeShoure looms as the next potential dance partner on Ray Rice's carousel of doom.

13.(14) Philadephia Duskys 0-2-0 .000 265.69
-(last week: 13) The Dusky 'Delphians lost another game, despite a very good running game. Their WRs, while very talented, are all of the boom or bust variety, and the QBs are not difference makers. It has been very difficult for this team to put together a cohesive effort on offense, trotting out a lineup of home run hitters without anyone getting on base. Their defense has been solid, but neither rookie Nick Perry nor Veteran James Harrison managed to get a tick on the stat sheet in week two, and the defensive line only got a passing nod. Shayne Lisa cannot expect to lightning to strike the same spot twice, last season's second half magic did not carry over, and he has to find a lineup that will give him a solid base week in and week out, and soon.

=SHIT ADDS UP AT THE BOTTOM (Fifth Tier)
14.(10) Wisconsin Rainbows 1-1-0 .500 230.26
-(last week:  Although they rank dead last this week after a laughable week two performance, the squad has been completely overhauled since the trouncing, and sits even in the standings, where it matters; It's now time to see the Rainbow's true colors. They've loaded up on Green & Gold, counting on 2011 MVP Aaron Rodgers and three of his top options, JerMichael Finley, Jordy Nelson, and Cedric Benson to produce. Like the #1 Rage, they have placed most of their important eggs in one basket, as they may utilize as many as five Packers on offense in a given week. It has some serious potential for lighting up the scoreboard, and if Rodgers can even approach last year's production, the Rainbows could ascend in short order. If they struggle though, consider this goose cooked.


  • WEEK 3 POWER RANKINGS

I was all ready to write my report about parity, and then the NYC Army stormed back to remain undefeated, pushing the Canadian Team into the basement. Still, through three weeks, we're seeing that any given Sunday, any team can be a beast. As we enter into the bye weeks and more players go down with injuries, the game becomes more about depth, attrition, and matchups, than purely high level talent... also, in addition to the cool RECAP features, check out the RECORD BOOK feature under the LEAGUE heading- as well as all of the buttons under the RESEARCH heading. Week 4 is the first of our RIVALRY WEEKS! They count the same as every other week, but have names added to them, and pretend stakes that nobody listens to.

THE GIRLS OF NITTANY BOWL: Battalion vs. McFlys
THE SIMON KUKLEVSKY MEMORIAL BOWL: Rage vs Packers
THE SWEET D BOWL: Duskys vs Danglers
THE BAD P BOWL:Pilots vs Petites
THE STANLEY CUP: Islanders vs Bastards
THE PETER BOWL: Army vs Grossmen
THE OTHER BOWL: Holios vs Drafters

1(2)Atlanta Rage 2-1-0 .667 592.00
(LW:1) The Rage dropped a game, despite starting a quarterback. Entering the matchup, they enjoyed the highest two scoring RBs in the league, but both went down with injuries early in week three, and neither are guaranteed to return in week 4. Jacquizz Rodgers had some big points this week, but is he a viable week-to-week alternative? And what happens if the Falcons offense struggles at any point this season? There are some definite questions plaguing the league's highest scoring team. 
-
2(1)NYC Army 3-0-0 1.000 543.55
(LW:2) Chris Clemons stormed the gate Monday night, producing 35 points for Pacey Jones, and willing his team to maintain their unblemished record. Questions remain at RB, as Hillis now joins Bradshaw on the injury report, and with no obvious alternative, it might be time for the Army to address their need on the trading block. With solid WR depth, lets see if Pacey can fortify his position in time for his annual grudge match in week four, THE PETER BOWL!
-
3(3)Revis Islanders 2-1-0 .667 526.08
(LW:3) JJ Watt was a huge pickup this season for the Islander's defense, as he has quickly blossomed into a superstar gridiron monster. The defensive front five paced the victory, as the offense produced thoroughly mediocre numbers in week three- expect most days to be better for this well constructed arsenal of stable weapons, as all seven offensive starters are typically matchup-proof.
-
4(8)San Ber'dino Bastards 1-2-0 .333 469.87
(LW:6) Los Bastardos continue to climb the scoring ranks, despite the loss. It's become tradition for Donut's teams scoring to outpace his record, driving him slowly insane. A QB controversy could be erupting, as Tony Romo takes most of the blame for a disasterous week 3, and Andy Dalton waits in the wings. After moving Andre Johnson, the third WR spot has a new contender in Denarius Moore, who along with Randall Cobb and Brandon LaFell, presents one of the more boggling lineup decisions Stano will make each week.
-
5(4)Dodge City Drafters 2-1-0 .667 464.96
(LW:4) The Drafters, who went 7-0 to start the season last year, end their streak at 2 in 2012. Jonathan Dwyer scored negative points and was released from the team, without a parachute, halfway through their flight from Revis Island back to Dodge City. His current whereabouts are unknown, as like, one and a half of those places don't exist. Ryan Williams looked like a capable substitute in week 3, but who knows what week 4 will bring? The (non) Drafters crippling lack of a second RB stunts what is otherwise a very solid offense. With Roethlisberger and Wallace both facing a bye this week, it will be a remarkable feat for Vince to stay above .500
-
6(9)Hill Valley McFlys 1-2-0 .333 459.42
(LW:11) A scoring outburst from Hill Valley was led by their running backs, as McFadden finally tore up the turf, and Alfred Morris looks like the latest in a long series of shrewd early season pickups by Verrinom nom nom. Still, the worry has to be about Matt Stafford, who ended his best day in three tries by suffering a leg injury. With a couple of other teams needing QB replacements, and slim pickings, it will be interesting to see if the McFly's use their number one waiver ticket, or spin the wheel on leftovers.
-
7(10)FiveBoro's Battalion 1-2-0 .333 454.97
(LW:12) The Battalion got their first win of the season by piling on the Packers. Philip Rivers struggled, but his team carried him, with 12 of their 15 starters nearing or exceeding their projections. The depth of their RB carouself booned with addition Mikel LeShoure's immediate elevation to starter, while their WR depth took a hit, with Heyward-Bey spending the night in a hospital and Justin Blackmon nearly MIA for a second straight week.
-
8(5)Stamford Grossmen 2-1-0 .667 454.52
(LW:9) The GrossestMen cored their second win on the legs of Jamaal Charles, who seems to be fully healthy after a 37.8 point onslaught. RGIII has far exceeded his 6th round draft choice, and is the key to the Stamford season. The startling lack of depth has to be a concern now- 3 of their 4 benched offensive 'weapons' did not play in week three, and there remains no third running back on the roster. Brett Keisel has been useless, and goes into a bye week, necessitating a change on the defensive line.

9(11)Philadelphia Duskys 1-2-0 .333 450.04
(LW:13) The Duskys broke into the left side in a big way, scoring the most points in week 3, and the sixth highest single week score on the young season, with all but two starters scoring over 8 points, eight starters reaching double digits, and three going over 20 points. It's testament to what this team can be, if they can retain a consistent approach. With good overall depth, the team will look to even their record and march their way up the standings.
-
10(14)Toronto Petites 0-3-0 .000 449.44
(LW:8) The Petites looked like they were on the verge of their first victory Monday night, when it all came crashing down at the end, amd they remained the last winless team in North America. Their score in Week 3 was the third highest losing number this year, as the bad luck continues- they've seen three sterling efforts through three weeks, facing an incredible 578 points against, nearly 90 more points than anyone else. They'll have to hit a soft patch in the schedule eventually.
-
11(6)Wilkes-Barre Danglers 2-1-0 .667 444.00
(LW:7) On the other end of the spectrum, the Danglershave only faced 403 points so far this season, a ridiculously low number, 17 points more fortunate than the other lucky teams. They dropped to 2-1, after their opponents broke 130 points for the first time this season. This team is good enough to compete as is, but still retains two top end QBs; Look for a trade in week 8, after both Peyton and Cam have gone through their bye week. Week 10 is the trading deadline.
-
12(7)Mt Tucky Pilots 2-1-0 .667 429.54
(LW:10) The Pilots score a W over the number one team in the league, and drop two spots on the rankings. Weird. The face lift certainly has made the team better, even as neither Alex Smith nor Jay Cutler has really taken a hold of the starter's job vacated by Aaron Rodgers. The bench is full of underperforming depth, as Mark Ingram, Beanie Wells, or DeAngelo Williams might bring back a nice bargain for one of the teams desperate for RB depth, despite their inglorious numbers to date. Having Ramses Barden and Hakeem Nicks makes the Sunday Night game easier, as Nicks' game time decision will be easy to counter. If he plays, he will start, if he cannot go, Barden is the play, a perfect caddy.
-
13(12)Nebraska Holios 1-2-0 .333 417.99
(LW:5) A big dip for the Holios, who bottomed out this week with just 111 points. The Michael Vick roller coaster ride continued, as Joe Flacco waits in the wings. Already dealing with a medley of injuries (Forte and Garcon out, Stephen Jackson limited) Kevin Smith's sudden ambush demotion left the team reeling. If it can get healthy, this team has high upside, but with the season roughly 25% decided, it may take a brash move of an injured commodity for some healthy risks to tread water. 
-
14(13)Green Bay Packers 1-2-0 .333 346.21 
(LW:14) New team, same results. Two straight blowout losses have Steven Grimes' team wondering what they have to deo to compete. Luckily, they may not have to do much of anything- after a hellish string of matchups to begin the season, Aaron Rodgers and company have the New Orleans defense to feast on this week, and I expect a sudden point explosion, Alderon-like world breaking. This is a team that, if the cards fall right, could put up a record breaking week. My wanton prediction is that the Pack set a new scoring record in week 4, to win THE SIMON KUKLEVSKY MEMORIAL BOWL against the current record holder. 


  • WEEK FOUR POWER RANKINGS

A month in, and the last of the undefeated teams have fallen. General parity, week to week variance, and luck are as important to the game as the most refined strategies, and it is showcased in our standings. Each team will be rated plus or minus, the difference between their actual rating and their power rating... a team with a plus has overachieved, while a team with a minus has underachieved. Still, with nine games left, everyone still has a chance to make the playoffs.

1(7) Atlanta Rage 2-2-0 .500 749.09 L-2
-6 Rating: The Rage have dropped two straight, but still lead the league in total points, showcasing the divergence from overall skill level that can occur week to week. While Roddy White's big output made up for some of Julio Jones' low score, therein lies the risk of investing too much in a single team, when there are only so many touchdowns to go around. The Rage lose Mason Foster, their #2 IDP to bye this week, but have already accounted for his replacement.

2(1) Revis Islanders 3-1-0 .750 737.63 W-3
+1 Rating: The Islanders continue to roll, as JJ Watt looks like the best pickup of the season in the early going. The team looks to continue their three game win streak, and should be able to field an optimal lineup in week five, before things get dicey in weeks 6-9. The team has a few flexible roster spots to plug holes, such as their absence of kicker Dan Bailey this week.

3(2) NYC Army 3-1-0 .750 675.47 L-1
+1 Rating: The NYC Army fell in the Eponymous Bowl this week, leaving Pacey Jones a frog searching for a princess to kiss him and change him back into a Peter- four of his defensive players had very poor games, along with WR Malcom Floyd, the nails in the coffin for the last team without a loss. Still, his team has earned their spot at the top of the leaderboard, and needing only a kicker to combat the bye, his team is primed to rebound.

4(10) Philadelphia Dusky 1-3-0 .250 656.87 L-1
-6 Rating: The Duskys always seem to run below their output, and are par for the course, falling to 1-3 despite elite four production. This time, the margin of defeat was less than a point, another heartbreak for Shayne Lisa. All three of his losses have come against his opponents best week in the first month, which is just a bad break. Perhaps naming his team after a noted child molester carries some bad karma? The team has already accounted for their bye week absences going into their matchup with the Battalion, two playoff teams in 2011, with the loser falling to 1-4.

5(3) Wilkes-Barre Danglers 3-1-0 .750 641.57 W-1
+2 Rating: The Danglers proved their mettle this week, putting up big points to win a nail biter, and silence the luck police that were predicting an imminent fall. Rashard Mendenhall looks to return just in time to help, as DeMarco Murray goes into a bye week... This offense is built to withstand the bye weeks well, as it stands now, no glaring absences should open up over the next month, barring injuries.

6(4) Dodge City Drafters 3-1-0 .750 636.16 W-1
+2 Rating: The Drafters got back on track following their first loss of the season, with backup QB Harvard Fitzpatrick put up big points despite four turnovers, and Victor Cruz cemented his status as an elite wideout. The season long search for a third running back continues, as the early going seems to have provided us with less out of nowhere ascendance than season's past, punching few lottery tickets. 

7(8) Hill Valley McFlys 2-2-0 .500 622.43 W-2
-1 Rating: The McFLys got the win on Monday night, as their linebackers provided enough big plays to throw the defending champs down another notch. Now though, those same guys, Sean Lee and DeMarcus Ware, along with Matt Stafford, Vincent Jackson, and Darren McFadden, threaten Hill Valley's chances of surging over .500, as the bye week has sapped a lot of the juice from the turnaround. If this team can defeat the number one scoring machine in the league this week, undermanned as they are, the momentum will be tough to stop.

8(5) Lev Grossman 3-1-0 .750 614.44 W-2
+3 Rating: The Champion of the Pumpkin Eating Challenge, Pete Persampieri has had a blessed season to date, running to 3-1, with Dez Bryant catching some of the balls thrown to him, and Jason Witten scoring a last second, game clinching touchdown. Neither player will be available to help in Week 5, and the team will also need to replace the anchor of their Defensive Line, Gerald McCoy, as the bye week strikes again.

9(14) Les Habitants Miserables 0-4-0 .000 612.00 L-4
-5 Rating: I thought for sure the losing streak would end this week... outrageously, Peanut Tillman picked six to take a late lead that the Pilots would not relinquish, the second time in two weeks that Les Miserables have been done in by a freak Monday night IDP performance. I don't know what Stu and Mike Hart need to do to win, but I think at this point, human sacrifice cannot be ruled out. Jeremy Kerley and Dwan Edwards are the likeliest candidates, both putting up a miserable 2.5 scores in week four.

10(11) FiveBoro's Battalion 1-3-0 .250 604.23 L-1
-1 Rating: The champs have missed the boat this year, riding their carousel to doom- Every week, they have left their optimal second running back on the bench, and have played a the wrong WR3 in three quarters of their matchups. All the depth in the world doesn't help if you dress the wrong guys.

11(6) Mt Tucky Pilots 3-1-0 .750 600.41 W-3
+5 Rating: The Pilots have won three of four, with a point differential of two. With a month in the books, the team comes out tied for the best record in the league, and can only move upwards. If Jay Cutler can build off his efficient week 4 performance, this team could really go off in the next two months, and legitimize their quick start. It all comes down to the chronically injured Hakeem Nicks, who can give the team a three headed monster at WR, if he can get his legs right.

12(12) SAN BER'DINO BASTARDS 1-3-0 .250 584.58 L-2
Even Rating: The Bastards are who we thought they were, placing right at the bottom, and sitting at 1-3 on the season. The defensive line could not sustain a rush in week four, Tony Romo served up five (!!!) picks, and Dennis Pitta laid an egg, dooming the rest of the team, which put together some decent scores. Andy Dalton will start in week five, and should he put together a solid line, you have to wonder if the Bastards will ever trust Romo behind center again.

13(13) Nebraska Holios 1-3-0 .250 566.83 L-3
Even Rating: After a W to start the season, Nebraska has fallen back to earth HARD. They will have to turn the season around in week five without number one pick Calvin Johnson, who is on the bye, which hurts a team that is deep on role players, but short on star power. Steven Jackson, Matt Forte, and Pierre Garcon will all need to return to pre injury form to get this corn totin' train back on track.

14(9) Green Bay Packers 2-2-0 .500 519.37 W-1
+5 Rating: The Packers have an even record, despite the least points in the league, having been out scored by ninety points over the course of the season. But having beaten the #1 rated Rage, they may be turning a corner, and have an even foundation to build on. Amassing linebackers is a curious strategy (they score very few touchdowns) but perhaps a trade is in the making. Weeks ten and eleven both look dangerously thin with the bye, but there is still plenty of time to address those attrition needs, and the Pack just need to keep taking the games one at a time.


  • WEEK FIVE POWER RANKINGS:
Five weeks in! The standings run the gamut from 1-4 to 4-1, and we have a huge cross section on luck: Bad teams have good records, good teams have bad records, and everybody can beat everybody. I had some work this morning at work, and yard work to do this afternoon, so I apologize for the brevity on this one. Cheers! 

1;4. Revis Islanders 3-2-0 .600 906.95 L-1
-3 Rating: The Islanders lose by less than a point, but score so well they rise to the top of the rankings.

2;8. Atlanta Rage 2-3-0 .400 893.44 L-3
-6 Rating: The Rage have dropped three straight since talking smack about not needing a QB.

3;1. NYC Army 4-1-0 .800 860.95 W-1
+2 Rating: The Army is no fluke despite the slim win, having won 4 of 5 despite facing the 3rd most points.

4;5. Dodge City Drafters 3-2-0 .600 821.49 L-1
-1 Rating: The Drafters scored the third most points in week 5, but lost by a fraction.

5;2. Wilkes-Barre Danglers 4-1-0 .800 812.10 W-2
+3 Rating: The Danglers squeeze out another close one, their second straight win by less than a point.

6;12. Toronto Petites 1-4-0 .200 798.56 W-1
-6 Rating: Finally a win! The team's worst luck team has got to have better luck down the stretch.

7;13. Philadelphia Joes 1-4-0 .200 796.28 L-2
-6 Rating: The league's other terrible horrible no good very bad luck team lost again.

8;9. FiveBoro's Battalion 2-3-0 .400 773.52 W-1
-1 Rating: They've had a bit of bad luck but have nothing to complain about.

9;6. Hill Valley McFlys 3-2-0 .600 773.40 W-3
+3 Rating: Phantom stat adjustments monday morning led to an improbable 3-2 record.

10;3. Mt Tucky Pilots 4-1-0 .800 751.01 W-4
+7 Rating: The luckiest team in the league keeps lucking- It was only the 9th best team this week.

11;10. San Ber'dino BASTARDOS 2-3-0 .400 746.39 W-1
-1 Rating: The Bastards score a W but will need even more to square their record against PACEY JONES.

12;7. Stamford Grossmen 3-2-0 .600 731.13 L-1
+5 Rating: The law of averages states what goes up must come down. Or some shit like that.

13;14. Nebraska Holios 1-4-0 .200 675.91 L-4
-1 Rating: They haven't had good luck, but they haven't been very good either, on a 4 game slide.

14;11. Green Bay Packers 2-3-0 .400 647.19 L-1
+3 Rating: They're sneaking back towards the pack (heh) and are still within a game of .500!

  • WEEK SIX POWER RANKINGS:
Life is not fair. And so, of course, neither is Fantasy Football. This week's power rankings showcase that is spades, as the entire field is scrambled up and mixed together. That said, parity remains, as two games separate 1st and twelfth, with seven games remaining. Lets see who on each team has been most valuable, and where the holes are- kickers be damned!

1;1. Revis Islanders 4-2-0 .667 1090.03 W-1
EVEN: The Islanders are the class of the league, led by JJ Watt, the first half's MVP, a matchup nightmare for every team in the league- his 136 points almost double the number two rated DL, and are double digits above the number two rated overall point scorer. Tom Brady is 5th at QB, Frank Gore and Benjarvus Green-Ellis 13th and 23rd amongst RB, Brandon Marshall and DeSean Jackson are 7th and 24th amongst WR, and Brent Celek is 9th amongst TEs. Antonio Cromartie is 20th at DB, Haloti Naga is 13th at DL, and at LB Lance Briggs ranks 1st overall.

2;7. Atlanta Rage 3-3-0 .500 1047.20 W-1
-7: The Walking Dead sprang back to life this week, evening their record back up following a three game slide. Their Falcons are clearly the key to victory, which will be problematic this week, as they are on bye. Matt Ryan is 3rd overall at QB, Roddy White and Julio Jones are 5th and 17th at WR, with injured Danny Amendola still perched at 21st, still looking at least a month more on the sideline. CJ Spiller is 5th overall at RB, Reggie Bush 9th, and TE Rob Gronkowski 3rd. On Defense, Mike Adams is ranked 18th at DB, Calais Campbell is 12th at DL alongside newly aquired Henry Melton (22nd) and the linebacking corps of D'Qwell Jackson (5th) Jo-Lonn Dunbar (7th) and Sean Weatherspoon (8th) is unparalleled.

3;8. NYC Army 3-3-0 .500 997.70 L-3
-5: Drew Brees is unquestionably the leader of this team. Propped up on his tiptoes, he's the only scorer on the Army in triple digits, and is the 6th ranked QB in the league. His running backs, also undersized, are Ahmad Bradshaw and Darren Sproles, are 14th and 15th overall, and his surprising depth is buoyed by Shaun Draughn and Jackie Battle, uncelebrated change of pacers rated 21st and 24th at the position. Tony Gonzalez, the all-time greatest receiving TE in history, is also the greatest TE in 2012 to date, at #1 positionally. Michael Johnson and Chris Clemons have wrecked havoc at the line of scrimmage (3rd and 7th at DL) while big play linebackers Von Miller and Clay Matthews maintain the defensive philosophy of living and dying by the sack, ranked 3rd and 6th at the position.

4;2. Dodge City Drafters 4-2-0 .667 981.03 L-1
+2: The Drafters lack of a quality second RB has not really hurt them yet, as their outrageous aerial attack, has kept them well above water. Big Ben is the 8th ranked QB, coming back strong after a lackluster 2011. WRs Victor Cruz, Demaryius Thomas, and Mike Wallace are 3rd, 8th, and 22nd at WR, and Shady McCoy slots in 7th at RB. Martellus Bennett has filled in admirably while Aaron Hernandez was out with injury- the Black Unicorn is 12th at TE. Rookie DL Chandler Jones has been outstanding, ranking 5th at the position, with second year man Robert Quinn not far behind at #9. Substitutes LBs Jerrell Freeman and DJ Smith slotted in early and have exceeded expectations, at 13th and 22nd.

5;3. Hill Valley McFlys 4-2-0 .667 967.14 W-4
+2: Make it four straight for the McFlys, who took off after a rough start. If #16 QB Matt Stafford and the rest of the squad can play up to expectation, they'll peak at the right time: Dwayne Bowe and Vincent Jackson rank 16th and 20th at WR; The Butler Albert Morris is the shock of the season, the league's #6 RB, with perennial underachievers Shonn Green and Darren McFadden the 16th and 17th ranked performances to date. Antonio Gates is ranked #16 at TE, but remains healthy, boding for a good second half. DBs Tramon Williams and THomas DeCoud are 13th meow and 14th in the secondary, and Mario Williams has turned it on to ascend to 23rd among defensive linemen. DeMarcus Ware has made enough big plays to be good for 21st amongst Linebackers. 

6;13. Ramrods of Vermont 1-5-0 .167 948.06 L-3
-7: Shayne Lisa starts really slow. But he's already pulled over. He cannot pull over anymore. For the last time, lets remind everyone of his team's 1-5 start last year. They were constantly overranked in the power ratings, and then, finally, turned it around, reeling off six straight wins before backing into the playoffs at 6-6. If he's gonna do it again, this is who will get him there (along with positional rank): QB Schaub (19); WRs Fitzgerald (15) and Hartline (19); RBs Ridley (10), Jones-Drew (16), and Martin (22); TE Daniels (4); DBs Hall (2) and Reed (12); DL Abraham (2) and Dumervil (4); LBs Kerrigan (11) and Woodyard. (19)

7;11. FiveBoro's Battalion 2-4-0 .333 942.22 L-1
-4: ARGHHHHHHHHH! QB Luck (14) WRs Green (1) and Welker (4) RB Rice (2) TE Davis (2) DL Allen (11) LB Lewis (17; RIP)

8;4. Wilkes-Barre Danglers 4-2-0 .667 936.39 L-1
+4: Peyton Manning is back, (#4 QB) which probably makes Cam Newton (#17) expendable next week- Ajay will have a month from today (Nov. 16) to hope he improves and a market develops for him, (or Peyton) then hope to cash in for a major piece. If someone's #1 goes down, he could fetch an elite talent, or two starters- otherwise, he could still be looking out solidifying his starting lineup. As it stands, the team could use help: RBs Michael Turner and DeMarco Murray have underperformed at #17 and #20, and Jared Cook, the #10 TE in the league, is the only other obvious weapon on offense. The defense, led by DB Cary Williams (5), converted DLs Cameron Wake (8) and Robert Mathis (14), and LB Daryl Washington (2) have kept the team in playoff position, along with some fortuitous scheduling.

9;14. Toronto Petites 1-5-0 .167 923.78 L-1
-5: Just as it seemed the Petites were going to build some momentum, they had their worst game of the season, being manhandled by the Packers. They've suffered two very close losses, which puts them in their current predicament. Regardless, it shouldn't be hard to name some All-Star representatives for them! Elisha is #7 among QBs, Reggie Wayne and Marques Colston have soldiered to 6th and 11th split out, and Adrien Peterson and Willis McGahee are 8th and 11th out of the backfield. At TE Heath Miller is 6th. I don't know how this happens either. The defense is stout enough, sporting William Moore (4) and Alterraun Verner (10) on the third level, DeMeco Ryans (9) and Chad Greenway (10) on the second, and and Geno Atkins (6) and Michael Bennet (18) on the first. Blame Canada.

10;5. Stamford Grossman 4-2-0 .667 921.01 W-1
+5: Beyond number 1 scoring QB RGIII, and number 1 and 3 RBs Arian Foster and Jamaal Charles... what exactly do the Gross Men from Stamford have on offense? #25 and #25 wideouts, Dez Bryant and Andre Roberts. #14 and #15 tight ends Jason Witted and Greg Olsen. It doesn't matter. Those three players at the top have accounted for over a third of the team's total points. The secondary is pretty good too: #1 DB Cortland Finnegan alongside #7 Patrick Peterson. But the rest of the defense is fairly ho-hum, with #17 and #24 DTs Kyle Williams and Gerald McCoy, and #18 LB Michael Boley. It doesn't matter. Peter's team is 4-2 and in playoff position, and until someone stops their truly three headed monster at the front, he will stay there.

11;9. San Bernadino Bastados 3-3-0 .500 902.88 W-2
+2: The Bastards are at .500, which all things considered, is not a bad place to be. They switched QBs, but still have only middling production from #10 Andy Dalton. Versatile WRs Percy Harvin (#2) Randall Cobb (#10) and Torrey Smith (#18) have been dynamite, and they really upgraded at RB, scoring #4 Trent Richardson early on, while #25 Ryan Mathews worked his way back from injury. #13 Dennis Pitta is not going to set the world on fire, but he usually chips in some steady points. The defense doesn't have the big numbers in the first half (Brandon Mebane DL # 16 is the only ranked player) But like the rest of the team, they could all explode for big numbers in the second half. 

12;6. Mt Tucky Pilots 4-2-0 .667 899.74 L-1
+6 I gotta give my Pops some respect, his team is in playoff position, and he has the #1 Kicker in Fantasy Football. How his team has gotten to such lofty heights at the midpoint is a mystery to me, but it doesn't matter. He's there, and it is in the books. His QB is ranked 18th (Smith) and his RB is number 12 (Lynch) and he has the #5 and #7 TE (Rudolph and Graham) along with a very good defense- D. McCourty and Peanut Tillman are 9th and 24th at DB; Jason Pierre-Paul is #10 on the line, Randy Starks is #15. Justin Houston is the #4 LB, Navarro Bowman is #12, and London Fletcher is #15. I guess defense wins championships. If his WRs ever take off, this team could earn their place in the second half.

13;12. Nebraska Holios 2-4-0 .333 819.48 W-1
+1: After a month of losing, the Holios rolled over Wilkes-Barre. With #9 and #11 QBs of differing styles (Flacco methodical and consistent, Vick slapdash and big play) they may have a piece to move, especially if someone is willing to gamble on Vick's ups and downs- they could certainly use an upgrade at RB, where they currently have no ranking players. WR Calvin Johnson has underwhelmed to his own standards so far, only #12 at his position, although his battery mate #13 Eric Decker has certainly benefited. TE Jacob Tamme is ranked #20, although he is only ranked above two rostered TEs. The defense has only two ranked LBs: #14 Jerod Mayo and #24 Mason Foster, making that another obvious area of need.

14;10. Green Bay Packers 3-3-0 .500 813.82 W-1
+4: The Packers showed what a basket full of Packers can do, absolutely hammering the Petites, as all their eggs hatched at once. Shushing his critics, QB Aaron Rodgers has vaulted back up to #2 overall, and WRs Jordy Nelson and James Jones checking in at 9 and 14, respectively. The running game remains a concern for this group, as does TE JerMichael Finley, currently number 23 at his position, and last amongst rostered TEs that have not missed games due to injury. Still, at .500, and their offense apparently back at full capacity, this team is a scary missile that could blow up any (or every) week. The defense: Not so much. Beyond stalwart LB Patrick Willis (16) and upstart Akeem Ayers (20) this unit could use some fine tuning. Lucky for them, DB is the deepest position on the wire.



  • WEEK 7: GO FUCK YOURSELF.

We have passed the threshold, and moved into the second half of the season. I think we can say now, that we are past the point of no return. It no longer matters how many points you have, if you don't have the W's to back it up. Therefore, I will tier the rankings first by number of wins, then by how many points a team has. Which is... just the standings. We'll examine each team's chances for the playoffs by identifying the X factor that may determine who is in the top six playoff, and who is just along for the ride:

TIER 1: POLE POSITION
1. Dodge City Drafters 5-2-0 .714 1144.65 W-1
X: Fred Jackson: The team traded their WR1C, Demaryius Thomas, and landed FJax, P-Riv, and Hey-Bey. Jackson paid immediate dividends, scoring 22 points and paving the way for a Drafter victory in his debut. Jackson has been solid to spectacular following his return, but his ceiling is limited by his platoon role. How many touches he gets moving forward will be vital to Dodge City staying at the top of the pack.

2. Hill Valley McFlys 5-2-0 .714 1117.18 W-5
X: Antonio Gates: The rich get richer, as Verrino cashed in his #1 waiver for Rashad Jennings, and continued to build his impressive RB depth. I expect him to be able to turn a blockbuster or two in the coming weeks to fortify his lineup, but I'm not sure he can upgrade over the Gates enigma; Obviously proven to be a top TE, and obstensively healthy this year, if Gates shows up this is may be an unstoppable juggernaut. If not, it's the glowing red spot to hit in the boss battle. Or else... Matt Stafford.

3. Stamford Grossman 5-2-0 .714 1064.34 W-2
X: RGIII: The question is not so much, if he will produce, but if he can stay healthy. Historically, mobile QBs like the rookie phenom take a licking, and despite a proclaimed effort to shy away from contact, it will inevitably happen again. With one concussion already, if RGIII is knocked out of a game or misses time, the Grossmen will lose their top playmaker, and be left with no one to produce even half of what he gives them.

4. Mt Tucky Pilots 5-2-0 .714 1045.52 W-1
X: RB2: This is not RGIII's cousin, but a question mark on who will platoon with Beast Mode in the backfield. Jacquizz Rodgers is a backup with a silly name, and Deangelo Williams is the best paid, least played backup in the league. The Pilots have been racking up wins by rolling the dice on Jay Cutler or Alex Smith behind center, but they cannot conjure up a second RB; Moving one of their upper tier tight ends for a serviceable starter might be a start. Let the Jimmy Graham to Hill Valley rumors begin!

TIER 2: IN THE SLIPSTREAM
5. Revis Islanders 4-3-0 .571 1225.39 L-1
X: Jonathan Stewart: He's been a huge disappointment (Still better than Deangelo) but might still have time to turn it on down the stretch. All this team is missing is a capable second RB; with studs at the top of the depth chart, great WR depth, and the defensive MVP JJ Watt all in tow, they should be barreling towards the playoffs. If Stewart gets going, look out.

6. Atlanta Rage 4-3-0 .571 1200.38 W-2
X: Danny Amendola: The Rage sidestepped the landmine of the Falcon Bye-Week, and I have no doubt they'll somehow Houdini through this week, despite only one active RB currently on the roster. When the team got off to their record breaking start, the unsung hero was Wes Welker's second coming, Danny Amendola. After suffering life-threatening injuries, the slot stud is on the return trail; If he comes back at the same pace he left, this team will be impossible to defend downfield.

7. NYC Army 4-3-0 .571 1163.16 W-1
X: Clay & Von: The Army has a powerful arsenal on offense, with weapons of all shapes and sizes for Drew Brees to connect with. The X factor here will come on the other side of the ball. Clay Matthews and Von Miller are monster OLBs that make their living with big plays. While most of the league goes conservative, stocking their defense with middle linebackers that score on tackle volume, the Army needs the two guys on the perimeter to rack up sacks and TFLs to make the grade. If both get shut out in the same week, (like they did in week 3) the Army will not cut it in the playoffs.

8. Wilkes-Barre Danglers 4-3-0 .571 1054.76 L-2
X: Ajay Patel: Will he show up for the playoffs? Will he say he is going to show up, but then not show up? Will he just not respond at all, and then end up there, laughing? So many questions, and I don't even know how to evaluate his team. They win, they've got all their talent at QB and RB and then a bunch of third tier WRs. BJ Raji is still on this team, I guess due to his All-State dance? I don't know. I'll predict they won't win another game, and they'll win six straight and clinch the top seed with ten wins. I just dunno. Maybe I'm losing it.

TIER 3: STILL TREADING WATER
9. SAN BERNADINO BASTARDOS 3-4-0 .429 1012.56 L-1
X: Randall Cobb: Why was this guy on the bench the last two weeks? Stano protects him and sends Andre Johnson packing, then benches the electric playmaker who is pretty much a clone of his teammate Percy Harvin. This is a good team that could still make a run for it, with solid playmakers all along the roster. Sometimes the ball just bounces funny. Because the ball is not round, like most balls. So it takes some shitty bounces. Gotta keep getting up again, Charlie Brown. Don't quit.

10. Green Bay Packers 3-4-0 .429 952.80 L-1
X: Aaron Rodgers: After a tumultuous start, this team has really come together, even after losing a tough one to one to a very talented Hill Valley squad. This team is Aaron Rodgers, and as he has regained his touch, so too has this team ascended into playoff contention. The team has no viable #1 RB, and carries way too much defense. But if Rodgers is putting up 4+ TDs, and some of them find their way into Jordy and Jones hands, the double dipping will be hard for any team to match.

11. Nebraska Holios 3-4-0 .429 951.99 W-2
X: Mike Vick: The lowest scoring squad in the league has strung two together, and that counts as getting on a roll. If Mike Vick can cut down the turnovers, and be the playmaker he has been in the past, that would lend cohesion to an offense that has been all over the place in the early going. The pieces are still there to contend despite the slow start. Beware!

TIER 4: LEFT FOR DEAD
12. Phoenix 2-5-0 .286 1066.61 L-2
X: Andrew Luck: His name is Luck, so why the hell don't I have any? Also, the Buffalo Bills' insignia is a Buffalo, why doesn't Pheonix go by their arisen namesake? HERE WE COME FROM THE ASHES.

13. Toronto Petites 1-6-0 .143 1078.96 L-2
X: Chris Johnson: The team from Canada's misfortune has been chronicled on a weekly basis. Maybe if Chris Johnson could cut out his dual personality, he could help carry the weight on the comeback trail. Johnson is a dancer in the Barry Sanders mold, that will get stopped for no gain several times a game... but if you keep giving him chances, he will eventually break into a home run trot. If he takes advantage of those opportunities every week, he could be the spark plug this team needs.

14. Vermont Ramrod 1-6-0 .143 1042.93 L-4
X: Maurice Jones-Drew: The weird thing about this team is that everybody contributes above average performance, but nobody has been able to break into that elite contributor category. Everyone has 65-90 points, but no one is outstanding. Someone has to take charge. Jones-Drew was the team's number one pick, and has gone down with an injury, for an indeterminate amount of time. This will either be the death knell for Vermont's finest, or give him the freedom to gamble to blockbuster trades, moving his depth for the high risk-high reward guys that might deliver the six straight wins he will need.



  • WEEK 8: FIVE MORE WEEKS TO GO.

TIER 1: TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN:
1. Mt Tucky Pilots 6-2-0 .750 1191.39 W-2
- Despite scoring more than only two teams in the league, Mount Tucky has ascended to the top spot in the league, with just five weeks remaining. Don't ask me how; They've eclipsed 151 points just once in two months, their star WRs and TEs have under performed, the QB slot has been a revolving door with multiple negative performances, and they have no viable second RB. The defense has been upper echelon, and Marshawn Lynch is the seventh rated RB in the league. I guess you have to chalk this one up to coaching and experience.

TIER 2: ON THE CUSP:
2.Atlanta Rage 5-3-0 .625 1367.76 W-3
- The Rage started off 2-0 and the league's early favorite; They then went on a three game losing skid. They've since reversed that, getting on a three game winning streak, and leading the league in overall points. Kevin Stabe's team has made a strong case to return to that 'most favored' status, as he made the ballsy move to trade Roddy White for upstart Alfred Morris, to cement his RB corps. His team's overall depth has really elevated to a point where shrewd matchup exploitation makes him a team no one wants to face come playoff time.

3.Dodge City Drafters 5-3-0 .625 1304.53 L-1
- The Drafter team has done a very good job of maximizing performance, rarely leaving many points on the bench. Vick Ballard has carved out a role, albeit a reduced one going forward, but the team should be able to roll Shady McCoy and F-Jax to high level output, barring injury. Otherwise, the WR3 slot is a solid platoon of Givens and Heyward-Bey, two big play threats that might alternate weeks scoring on the bomb, the defense is decidedly above average, and Ben Roethlisberger has been a huge net gain this year, sitting pretty at 7th overall in the QB rankings to date.

4.Hill Valley McFlys 5-3-0 .625 1251.74 L-1
- The McFlys showed they are human afterall, coming off of a five game win streak by losing to the poor fortune Petites. Still, Mike has shown himself to be a shrewd negotiator, upping his team's top level talent via two blockbusters in the past two weeks, reducing depth but upgrading the starting lineup, where the only underachiever is now Antonio Gates, (who is afterall, still Antonio Gates.) This team is in excellent playoff position, and should push for one of the top two spots, barring a catastrophic injury. On defense, a replacement needs to be found for Sean Lee. 

5.Wilkes-Barre Danglers 5-3-0 .625 1238.84 W-1
- The Danglers continue to get by with midtier offensive talent. I expect they could move Peyton Manning for two significant upgrades, but think it more likely that Ajay moves Cam Newton for a moderate upgrade at WR, which is where I gauge his worth on the market right now. Daryl Washington and Tim Jennings have been elite producers all year, and the rest of the defense has been solid. This team's playoff chances will be dictated by whatever move Ajay can make before the trade deadline.

6. Stamford Grossmen 5-3-0 .625 1205.85 L-1
- The Grossmen have held on to Greg Jennings all season, and the next couple matchups should dictate what they do next with him. With a couple of wins, or even a split, the team will be comfortably inside the playoff picture and beyond the bye weeks, and they can retain him and allow him to heal, giving them a secret playoff weapon. With a couple of losses though, the team will be at .500, and may be better served by moving the WR for some immediate help, for as Shakespeare said: "You have to be in it, to win it."

TIER 3: TOILING MIDRANGE
7.Revis Islanders 4-4-0 .500 1352.15 L-2
- The Islanders are in second in overall points, but playing maddening .500 ball. They scored 169 or more in five of the first 6 weeks, losing two games, each by a single point- but have gone for just 135, and a season low 126, in the past two. A major factor of that has been bye weeks taking out two major contributors in weeks 7 and 8- and in week 9 they lose Tom Brady and Frank Gore for the break. Even if they lose this week, they are a threat to storm down the stretch, but one more bad break could leave this team on the outside looking in. 

8.NYC Army 4-4-0 .500 1277.66 L-1
- New York City is still treading water, (See what I did there? Because there was hurricane flooding!) but fell back to .500, after it had gained ground last week. The team retains a solid core, with good overall depth- there are no real elite WRs on the roster, but plenty of serviceable options. As stated last week, the team's fortune in tight games goes along with their defense's ability to make big plays- Pacey has valued sacks, turnovers, TFLs, and deflections over the steady grind of tackles. 

9.Los Angeles Bastardos 4-4-0 .500 1196.65 W-1
- The Bastards go back up to .500 with this week's win. Their record going forward is predicated on getting the right guys in the lineup, with several boom or bust candidates each week. The defense has been average, but a few big plays down the stretch could make a huge difference for the 2009 Champions. An area of obvious upgrade might be TE, where Dennis Pitta has been cold for a month, after starting the season as a popular target. 

TIER 4: NO ROOM FOR A MISSTEP
10. Phoenix Uprising 3-5-0 .375 1204.34 W-1
- The Uprising have got to live up to their (brand new) namesake, because they need to win out for a real shot at a playoff spot. The defense has been conservative, taking few chances, scoring meager big plays, and performing at a consistently below average level. Jason Babin has been a major bust, leaving Jared Allen the lone threat to the QB, and the team has four interceptions, no recovered fumbles, and a single defensive score. With 3 top 9 WRs and Ray Rice, this team has the firepower on offense, but it takes production on both sides of the ball to win. 

11. Nebraska Holios 3-5-0 .375 1115.53 L-1
- The Holios could not make it three in a row, losing in a nailbiter to the Rage. Brett Keisel is not the answer at DL, currently the worst rostered player that has not missed the majority of the season due to injury. The RBs, Forte and Jackson, have not delivered at the clip we're used to, both suffering mild injuries along the way. And Mike Vick has nullified his big play abilities by losing points on 20 sacks, and 13 turnovers, while Joe Flacco has returned to the mediocrity he's flirted with his entire career. 

12. Green Bay Packers 3-5-0 .375 1038.54 L-2
- After reaching .500, the Pack have tumbled two straight. The team is constantly reinventing itself, taking off the junk pile to fill holes, throwing shit at a wall to see what sticks. The DL, a major source of pride following the draft, has been atrocious as a catalyst for big plays. With Rodgers, this team always has the potential for big points, but until the defense steps up, it is going to come away disappointed at least half the time.

TIER 5: BROKEN CROWNS
13. Toronto Petites 2-6-0 .250 1234.64 W-1
- The Petites score a second victory in a lost season. Winning out is the only chance for a winning record, and 7-6 took the 6th seed last year. All year I've said this team deserved to win- now is the time it has to make good on potential.

14. Vermont Ramrods 2-6-0 .250 1201.99 W-1
- Same old song and dance- The Ramrods have been competitive all year, doing just enough to not win, more often than not. Both teams have their backs to the walls, and Shayne has delivered in this spot before. Both could really shake up the landscape if they can build off of this, and doom a few other team's playoff shots.



  • Week 10 Power Rankings and Magic Numbers:
With one month remaining, I think the magic number for a playoff birth is 8. Everyone with eight or more wins is going to clinch a birth; Some seven win teams will definitely enter the fray as well, but likely on tie-breakers that will leave at least one team above .500 out in the cold. With that as our criteria, and the knowledge that only SIX teams will make the cut, lets examine stretch run strategy.

1.Kentucky Pilots 7-2-0 .778 1360.57 1247.70 W-3
Magic Number: 1
The Pilots need just one win down the stretch to reach my assumed magic number, which gives them the opportunity to gamble a little bit, in preparation for the big dance. Beanie Wells may end up being a great investment, as he could be a solid RB2 in the season's most important weeks. With three high profile, but underachieving WRs, on the roster, the gamble might be staying put, and giving Johnson, Nicks, and Bolden a chance to get close to their projections with some big time production here at the end. My advice would be to dance with who brought ya, but having beaten the law of averages all season, perhaps a last minute blockbuster will payoff for this Tier One organization

2.California McFlys 6-3-0 .667 1456.84 1376.32 W-1
Magic Number: 2
The McFlys got closer to clinching their own playoff birth, rebounding very strongly from their first loss since an 0-2 start, putting up the week's high score of 205 points. Verrino has had the magic touch with trading this year, improving his team in each of the past three weeks with blockbuster moves. With no obvious weakness beyond some compromised depth, the team could sit pat. But with four triple digit WRs and Darren McFadden's healthy iffy at the moment, I expect Verrino to shop around and find a surer option at RB2 before the deadline.

3.Philadelphia Danglers 6-3-0 .667 1364.38 1329.76 W-2
Magic Number: 2
The Danglers have still not found a suitor for their dual QBs, with only eight days remaining, and room for improvement on their offense- especially at WR. The team thrives when their defensive backfield forces turnovers, and if they fail to do so, this squad will be shown to be very average. Still, needing only to split in their final four games, they have a very good chance to be there in the playoffs, and a shrewd trade would redefine their outlook at the most pivotal juncture.

4.Atlanta Rage 5-4-0 .556 1486.04 1316.55 L-1
Magic Number: 3
It is entirely possible that Mr Stabe, on the west coast, is unaware that his tight victory over the NYC Army last week has been reversed, and awarded to the Sandy Ravaged home team by .2; This is a major blow to a team that is in second in overall points, and would likely win a tiebreaker- they missed the playoffs in 2011 at 7-6 on the tiebreaker. Still, the team is favored to edge their way in, and should it avoid another three game skid, has the pieces to make a lot of noise in the second season. The Rage suffer a few byes this week- if they can manage to eke out a win on attrition again, pencil them in.

5.Kansas Drafters 5-4-0 .556 1426.57 1403.26 L-2
Magic Number: 3
The Drafters dropped a second game in a row, and desperately need to right the ship to make the 'ship. With a solid roster, and a decent point total for tiebreakers, a split would give them a good chance to back into the playoffs. I don't see the pieces to make a major move, but I don't see any obvious weaknesses either. Vick Ballard has a huge opportunity tonight in J'Ville, and if he can score in the low teens, it could set the tone for a big week against the defending (and flailing) Champions.

6.New York Army 5-4-0 .556 1386.65 1360.47 W-1
Magic Number: 3
The overturned call in the matchup with Atlanta may have saved the Army's season. With only a moderate total score, the team is not in great position for tiebreakers, but sitting in the sixth slot puts them in control of their destiny. They could go a long way towards that goal by finding a second RB with the status of Darren Sproles very uncertain going forward. With an unspectacular, but solid quartet of WRs, along with Tony Gonzalez, there might be a blockbuster to be made, if Pacey Jones has the huevos!

7.Stamford Grossman 5-4-0 .556 1348.78 1387.82 L-2
Magic Number: 3
Dropping two straight, and now short RGIII for the bye week, (Not to mention leading WR Andre Roberts) and his pro bowl caliber duo of RBs facing rock solid defenses, there might be a sinking feeling in Stamford this week. One way he might be able to help his cause, is to move the inert (but potential lottery ticker) WR Greg Jennings for another piece- perhaps bundling him in a move for Cam Newton, then turning around and selling Newton or RGIII at the deadline. Something needs to change for the Grossmen, who will face serious adversity if they fall to 5-5.

8.Revis Islanders 4-5-0 .444 1510.01 1384.96 L-3
Magic Number: 4*
I listed the Islanders magic number at 4, but really they just need to win 3 to have a good chance at the playoffs. With the highest overall score in the league, they are likely to win a tiebreaker at 7-6. Of course, the way their luck has gone, that is not something to count upon. Without a hole in their lineup, Jason's best options before the deadline are to work up some positive karma, say some prayers, maybe a human sacrifice or something. Not much else to say for these guys.

9.Phoenix Uprising 4-5-0 .444 1403.51 1363.01 W-2
Magic Number: 4
While the Uprising might luck into the playoffs with 7 wins, their best shot is to win out, to have the opportunity to defend their back-to-back titles. The team is peaking at the right time, and while very few teams looking to three peat can be called Cinderella stories, that is exactly what Phoenix might be.

10.Los Angeles Bastardos 4-5-0 .444 1290.87 1384.06 L-1
Magic Number: 4
Stano's squad will probably need to win out to make the playoffs, as their low point total gives them limited opportunities at winning tie breakers. With the team's top two performers likely out this week, it will be up to the supplementary talent to get it done against the #3 Dangler team. Tony Romo will need to maintain the pace he has shown since bottoming out in week four.

11.Chicago Blockbusters 4-5-0 .444 1205.86 1349.87 W-1
Magic Number: 4
It is impossible to properly gauge this chameleon like team, who has made a league leading six trades. Facing a very tough bye week challenge at QB and WR, the team will have to lean on a brand new RB duo to keep their playoff hopes alive, because they will not win any tiebreakers, barring an unheard of splurge in scoring over the last four weeks. Then again, this team is so different over the course of the season, perhaps they put up 200 every week. That might be a little ambitious in week 10, but if they can get to .500, Rodgers is the one player (or perhaps trade chip) to score a miracle berth.

12.Toronto Petites 3-6-0 .333 1372.14 1437.66 W-2
- Here is the thing; If the Petites run the table and finish at 7-6, they have the score to get a potential edge on a tiebreaker. Lets not get ahead of ourselves, but if the Canadian team can push their win streak to 6 straight, watch out come playoff time.

13.Nebraska Holy Warriors 3-6-0 .333 1229.64 1409.29 L-2
- Just when they had momentum, they let it slip away again. They still have a chance to finish 7-6, a decent score and a decent roster, but it will take Disney Magic for these guys to storm their way in. We'll check in next week.

14.Vermont Rams 2-7-0 .222 1374.26 1465.39 L-1
- The Rammers won't edge in with a winning record this year, but playing for respectability and as a spoiler are both things Shayne Lisa will compete for; Next year show up for the draft! (Or send your brother again!)

NEXT WEEK: The Power Rankings will not be released until Friday, and will examine each team's trades this season. Please keep in mind that any attempt at collusion will be redacted. Cheers!




  • WEEK 11: RANKINGS & TRANSACTIONS
In honor of the trade deadline, we'll examine this season's 
trades, and the winners and losers of wheelin' and dealin' in 2013.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
TIER ONE
1. Kentucky Pilots 8-2-0 .800 1540.97 1403.72 W-4
-------------------------------------------------------------------
TIER TWO
2. Atlanta Rage 6-4-0 .600 1679.43 1480.40 W-1
3. California McFlys 6-4-0 .600 1608.80 1547.25 L-1
4. Pennsylvania Danglers 6-4-0 .600 1480.72 1474.72 L-1
-------------------------------------------------------------------
TIER THREE
5. Revis Islanders 5-5-0 .500 1680.94 1536.92 W-1
6. Dodge City Drafters 5-5-0 .500 1544.93 1542.94 L-3
7. Phoenix Uprising 5-5-0 .500 1543.19 1481.37 W-3
8. New York Army 5-5-0 .500 1542.67 1540.87 L-1
9. Stamford Grossman 5-5-0 .500 1512.63 1581.21 L-3
10. Los Angeles Bastards 5-5-0 .500 1435.83 1500.40 W-1
-------------------------------------------------------------------
TIER FOUR
11. Toronto Petites 4-6-0 .400 1521.49 1534.56 W-3
12. Nebraska Holy-Warriors 4-6-0 .400 1386.54 1553.79 W-1
13. Chicago Gang-Busters 4-6-0 .400 1350.36 1506.77 L-1
-------------------------------------------------------------------
TIER FIVE
14. Green Mountain Rams 2-8-0 .200 1471.16 1614.74 L-2
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Trade 1: 8/27
Uprising receive Fred Jackson and Kam Chancellor
Army receives Peyton Hillis, Charles Woodson, James Anderson
-This preseason move involved five players, none of which remain on the teams involved. Phoenix kept Kam Chancellor until today's deadline, where he served as a consistent tackler through ten weeks, but ultimately putting up an underwhelming point total. Fred Jackson's value plummeted almost immediately after the season started, and he was later dealt in a package for Demaryius Thomas. The Army recieved Peyton Hillis, who also was an early casualty, and has yet to produce, as he has bounced around several rosters since being dropped on 9/27. James Anderson performed below expectation, with one decent game before being dropped on 10/10. Charles Tillman is the lone highlight for the Army, scoring well at his advanced age, however he went down with an injury in week 7, and was also dropped.
-WINNER: Phoenix, getting two players that contributed below expectation, but remained relevent.

Trade 2: 9/3
Petites recieve Stevie Johnson
Gangbusters recieve Jay Cutler
-The Gangbusters were looking for a franchise QB, and took their shot on Cutler, who has been up and down all season. He ended up not being the guy- although he did play a part in the biggest blockbuster of the season. Stevie Johnson has put up good WR2 caliber numbers, scoring double digit points in 6 of 9 games.
-WINNER: Toronto.

Trade 3: 9/12
Bastards receive Trent Richardson and Robert Meachem
Pilots recieve Andre Johnson and Beanie Wells
-The Pilots aggressively shopped rookie Richardson after his week one performance, and hooked the Bastards who were minus Ryan Mathews. Richardson went off in week 2, and has continued at a top ten pace. Andre Johnson has been a start worthy WR, although he is clearly in a declining phase of his potentially hall of fame career. Beanie Wells went down with an injury, but has resurfaced with the Pilots, and could end up contributing down the stretch. Let us never speak of Robert Meachem.
-WINNER: Los Angeles/ San Bernadino

Trade 4: 9/17
Gangbusters recieve Aaron Rodgers, James Jones, JerMichael Finley, Cedric Benson, Dexter McCluster, and Ronnie Brown
Pilots receive Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham, Alex Smith, Jay Cutler, Deangelo Williams, and Alshon Jeffery
-This trade is so large, it becomes a bit tricky to breakdown. Lets start by cutting out the fat- Alshon Jeffery, Deangelo Williams, Jay Cutler, Ronnie Brown, Dexter McCluster, Cedric Benson, and JerMichael Finley had all been dropped or moved again before Halloween, and none have been game changers, so we'll peg their worth at a net loss. The complexion of both teams changed completely with this trade, as Aaron Rodgers and James Jones hooked up for several TDs, before Jones was shipped off. Marshawn Lynch and Jimmy Graham have been elite contributors at their positions when healthy, and Alex Smith prvided a few stedy weeks at QB.
-WINNER: Kentucky. They gave up one elite talent and got two, and eventually found a capable QB on the bargain bin in Freeman. In a trade that redefined two franc in a trade that would come to define two 1-1 teams, they've gone 7-1 since.

Trade 5: 10/2
Uprising receive Andrew Luck and Santonio Holmes
Army receives Sidney Rice and Ben Tate
-This trade happened about an hour before Santonio Holmes was definitively lost for the season. Ben Tate has been a total bust since the trade, which makes is a scenario of Luck for Rice. Both have had solid seasons, and addressed a need for their team.
-WINNER: Phoenix has a slight edge, due to Rice missing this week's matchup due to a bye, and Luck playing each week. This trade worked out well for both sides.

Trade 6: 10/11
Rage receive Henry Melton
Holy-Warriors receive Mason Foster
-An under the radar swap of IDPs addressing bye week needs.
-WINNER: Nebraska; Both players had their best weeks prior to the trade, but Foster has been stable in the Holy linebacking corps, while Melton was eventually dropped.

Trade 7: 10/16
McFlys receive Doug Martin and Kenny Britt
Rams receive Shonn Greene and Andrew Hawkins
-This trade stunned me, the first of Verrino's absolute coups. Greene had been on the fringe of waiver wire fodder before a monster week, which Mike parlayed and spun off for an emerging Doug Martin. Greene has been solid since, putting up double digits twice in three games, along with taking his bye week. Martin has been the best RB in the league over the same time period, scoring 116 points. Britt is an upside play that hasn't panned out yet, while Hawkins has really cooled off since switching uniforms.
-WINNER: Hill Valley in a no doubter.

Trade 8&9: 10/17 and 10/19
Gangbusters receive Kyle Rudolph and Mario Manningham
Pilots receive Patrick Willis and JerMichael Finley
-I lumped these two trades together, as these two regular conspiritors exchanged spare parts. Rudolph, Finley, and Manningham all went cold immediately following the trade.
-WINNER: Kentucky, as Patrick Willis has been the only reliable contributor since the moves were made.

Trade 10: 10/20
Drafters receive Philip Rivers, Fred Jackson, and Darrius Heyward-Bey
Uprising receive Demaryius Thomas
-Thomas has been the highest scorer involved in the deal, and helped Pheonix go 3-1 since. However, this move reloaded the Drafters, as Fred Jackson offered a viable RB2 (before his recent concussion) and now Phil Rivers gives the team a QB with upside to step in following Ben Roethlisberger's injury. Heyward-Bey has scored double digits in every game since the trade, minimizing the loss of Heyward-Bey.
-WINNER: Both teams got what they were looking for, but in gaining three starters, the Drafters gained more with this deal.

Trade 11: 10/26
McFlys receive Roddy White
Rage receive Alfred Morris
-Both teams got what they were looking for in this deal, upgrading their starting lineup. Since the move, Morris has had his two worst weeks of the season and a bye week, while White has been stellar in two of three weeks.
-WINNER: Advantage, McFlys.

Trade 12: 11/2
Bastards receive Rashad Jennings and Nate Washington
McFlys receive Randall Cobb and LaRod Stephens-Howling
-Jennings, Howling, and Washington are all role players, and two of the three have since been moved in subsequent trades, leaving Cobb as the gem of the deal. He was outstanding in his only game with the McFlys, before going on bye. You're not really sure HOW he is going to contribute each week, but he manages to put serious points on the board week in and week out.
-WINNER: The McFlys of course.

Trade 13: 11/6
Gangbusters receive CJ Spiller
Rage receive James Jones
-Atlanta's sudden desperation to trade Spiller puzzled me, and his aggressive shopping netted him Jones, to replace Roddy White. Jones has concerns about playing time going forward, while Spiller now inherits a full time role, trying to save Chicago's season. FUNNY HOW THAT WORKS.
-WINNER: Chicago; Spiller could end up being the best RB in the league over the course of the season's final month. 

Trade 14: 11/7
Uprising receives Roman Harper
Pilots receive Greg Little
-Both teams addressed week 11 bye week needs in advance- Harper moved into the starting DB role immediately, scoring double digits. Little will make his debut this week in place of Hakeem Nicks.
-WINNER: It will depend on Little's production this week, but Phoenix to date.

Trade 15: 11/7
Uprising receive James Laurinitis
Gangbusters receive Golden Tate and Jermaine Gresham
-All three players were thrust immediately into starting roles, with Tate emerging immediately. His stock soared before the trade, as he scored two TDs in his only game with the Uprising; In his debut with Chicago he was responsible for two more. 
-WINNER: Chicago has the upside play here.

Trade 16: 11/13
McFlys receive Calvin Johnson and Dustin Keller
Holy-Warriors receive Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates
-Calvin Johnson is a reliable upgrade over Vincent Jackson, despite the lack of touchdowns this season. Gates has come on as of late.
WINNER: Unless the Holy-Warriors can reel off three straight wins and sneak into the playoffs, this is probably going to directly benefit the McFly's playoff chances.

Trade 17: 11/13
McFlys receive Tony Gonzalez 
Army receives Dwayne Bowe, Dustin Keller, and LaRod Stephens-Howling
-The McFlys immediately upgraded at TE, and are probably in better shape than they started. I don't know how this happens.
-WINNNER: Hill Valley.

Trade 18: 11/13
Bastards receive Malcom Floyd
Army receives Rashad Jennings
-The Army desperately needed some healthy RBs, and the Bastards spun the guy they moved Randall Cobb for off, and cut their losses. Pete addressed a need, but going forward, The Bastards scored the most upside in Floyd, a borderline WR2.
-WINNER: Bastards.

Trade 19: 11/16
Pilots receive Ryan Broyles
McFlys receive Jacquizz Rodgers
-The deadline went out with a whimper, as two teams at the top of the leaderboard exchanged some spare parts. Both are depth moves with limited ceilings, but Rodgers gets the nod for having a more defined role in the offense.
-WINNER: McFlys (Duh)



  • WEEK 12 POWER RANKINGS:
With just two weeks remaining, the race is shaping up nicely. We'll examine the ramifications of week 12 and 13 on the playoff picture:

TIER A. CONTROL OF THEIR DESTINY
1. Kentucky Pilots 9-2
-The Pilots are in Pole Position, with their spot clinched. All that matters now is taking a bye slot. If they can get to ten wins, it is theirs. If they back into the tournament with two losses, they still retain their bye if the Rage or McFlys drop a game. If they lose out and those two teams both make it to 9, the Pilots will probably fall to third due to their modest point total. Their final two matchups are against a pair of 5-6 squads, the tail spinning Drafters, and the steadfastly lame duck Bastards.

2. Hill Valley McFlys 7-4
-The McFlys got an otherworldly boost from Aldon Smith, who scored 5.5 sacks (48 points) to give them a slim points edge over the Rage. One of these two teams has the inside corner on the second playoff bye, and without assuming victories in their last two games (The McFlys have a pair of Petes blocking their launch: the Fifth seeded 6-5 Army and the 5-6 Grossmen) the points race will be an exciting denominator.

3. Atlanta Rage 7-4
-With their second win in a row, the Rage have all but clinched a berth in the playoffs, and now will battle for a first round bye. In their penultimate matchup, they see the 2009 Champion Bastardos, a shell of their former glory at 5-6 then they may have a chance to end the currently sixth seeded Danglers' season in heartbreaking fashion in week 13. The Rage will need every point should they finish with the same win total as the Hill Valley team, as they have spotted them a fractional advantage through twelve weeks.

4. Phoenix Uprising 6-5
-After battling back from obscurity, the two time defending champions have put themselves right back into the game, reeling off four straight wins. If they want to win the championship, they'll probably need to extend that streak to nine, which would break the league record. With Luck at the helm, they face the sixth seed Danglers and the late season surging 5-6 Petites. 

5. New York City Army 6-5
-The Army has been unable to win two games in a row, after starting off hot in the first three weeks. This week's rivalry against the McFlys is going to be a huge test of the team's meddle, and their last chance to get some momentum. Afterwards, they will face the last place 3-8 Rams.

6. Pennsylvania Danglers 6-5
-The Danglers have been regressing to the norm, losing two straight, and plummeting towards their 11th best output. Nevertheless, their fate is in their own hands, as two wins will clinch their second season. Facing two teams above their station (the Uprising and the Rage) their work is cut out for them. This team's tenuous hold on their position should give the praying contingent hope.

TIER B. LIVING ON A PRAYER

7. Revis Islanders 5-6
-The Islanders still have the best scoring team in the league, and yet they are struggling to break the surface. Two wins will promise them a playoff spot, as their point margin is unsurpassable for the teams they are contending with, and with three matchups between teams ahead of them, the situation is ripe. Now it just needs to win out, and it can assure itself of being the playoff matchup no one wants. In their way are the suddenly red hot Canadian team, and a lost season Nebraska squad looking for respect.

8. Stamford Grossmen 5-6
-Stamford's own have lost six games, and only one of those six was ever really a contest- this past week, against 2012's perennial victor. Four straight losses have the team, which once stood at 5-2, looking at dim playoff chances. However, two wins would secure a winning record, and depending on how the chips fall, a sneaky six seed. This week's matchup with the Gangbusters would be a start- they'll have to finish against the McFlys. If they do that, their explosive offense could make noise.

9. Toronto Petites 5-6
-Their rough start has nearly been evened, with a straight month of W's. A funny caveat- their top four scores in losses are better than their last four victories. If they keep the train rolling against the points leading Islanders and the equally hot Uprising, they are Cinderella, the glass shoe fits, and they are going to the dance. If they don't... well it is still a nice story and a warning shot to not sleep on them next year. Because you'z all ugly step sisters.

10. Dodge City Drafters 5-6
-The Drafters have been a mess since their close loss to the Bastards in week 8's rivalry. Their subsequent point total has dwindled from a paltry 121, to 118, to a crushing 105. Last year's #3 seed won 11 games, and was within a point of the championship game (which they would have won) but now has sunk nearly to the bottom. Two wins would bring them into the conversation, though they cannot help themselves much; They face the clinched Pilots, and the out of the race Gangbusters. They'll have to win, win, and pray to get a shot at redemption.

11. Los Angeles Bastardos 5-6
-The Bastards are in their fourth, (and self proclaimed final) year in the Larkspur Bowl. They have ALWAYS finished in the money (1st, 3rd, 2nd) which is a feat unmatched, but face an uphill battle to keep the streak going in 2012. They have the longest odds, and the slimmest chance, but they still have a chance. Complicating matters: They face the Rage and Pilots in the final two weeks of the season, as severe underdogs. The Los Angeles team (that plays sixty miles east in San Bernadino) should at the very least, hope to go out on a high note. But to my very closest competitor, I beseech ye- please don't go at all.

TIER C: PLAYING SPOILER

12. Nebraska Holy-Warriors 4-7
-I feel like Billy Marvin has had a terrible draw of things in Larkspur affiliated events. While his team only has the 13th most points, he's been competitive all year, as a smart, active, hard nosed manager. He faces the last place Rams, and the highest scoring Islanders in his last two matches, as he looks to elevate himself to a respectable standing, and potentially be the fatal blow to the bad luck Revis team.

13. Chicago Gangbusters 4-7
-Steve Grimes goes into the final lap with the least points on the board, though not for lack of trying. Via several blockbuster trades, the Busters shook things up and always had the potential to do more. Ultimately, 2012 will not give the Chicago team a chance to go to the playoffs (which have eluded them since their 2009 first round exit) But if they can beat the Grossmen and Drafters, they can assure their demises as well.

14. Vermont Rams 3-8
-Last year, the Rammers started slow, before heating up and snagging the last playoff spot. This year, the turnaround never came. They have the 9th highest point total in the league, and with two strong showings when the stakes are low, they could end up with a top 6 score. That won't give them a shot at the playoffs, but it will show that they've been the victim of very bad luck (they suffered the most points against in the whole league) than any indictment of Shayne Lisa's abilities. They will seek to reflect their anguish on the similarly languished Holy-Warriors, and doom New York City's Army in their swan song.



  • ARE YOU IN!?

Heading into the league's final week of regular season play, we'll see what each team needs to do to lock down a playoff spot, highlight their offensive and defensive MVP, (based on points and positional efficiency) and select each team's best free agent addition since the season started (any move made after 9/10)

1. Kentucky Pilots 10-2 1869.36
-The Pilots have clinched the number one seed, and can rest all of their players in their matchup with the Bastards, with nothing tangible left to gain... except the best regular season record in Larkspur Bowl history. No team has ever reached 11 wins in the modern era (2009-present)

Offensive MVP: Andre Johnson, WR, 164.3
Defensive MVP: Charles Tillman, CB, 148.05
Best Addition: Josh Freeman, QB, 172.64

2. Hill Valley McFlys 8-4 1971.42
-The McFlys have clinched a playoff spot, and with a win will lock down the two seed, and a first round bye. If they back into the playoffs with a loss, they still have a 25+ point lead on the Rage and Uprising in tiebreaker points.

Offensive MVP: Doug Martin, RB, 203.7
Defensive MVP: DeMarcus Ware, LB, 115
Best Addition: Aldon Smith, LB, 163.5

3. Atlanta Rage 7-5 1945.34
-A win and they're in. A loss and... they're probably still in. Of the teams below them in the standings, only Phoenix (one point behind) and Revis (90 ahead) have the point total to seed above them. The next highest competitor is 75 points behind them, so Atlanta is looking at the 5 seed, worst case.

Offensive MVP: Rob Gronkowski, TE
Defensive MVP: D'Qwell Jackson, LB, 135.05
Best Addition: Cecil Shorts, WR, 129.30

4. Phoenix Uprising 7-5 1944.33
-They are in the same circumstance as the Rage, and could slot anywhere from 2-5 when the dust settles. 

Offensive MVP: AJ Green, WR, 204.5
Defensive MVP: Paul Posluszny, LB, 122.75
Best Addition: Mikel Leshoure, RB, 107.8

5. Revis Islanders 6-6 2034.83
-The Islanders' game is probably a must win, despite the highest point total in the league. The most likely scenario has five 6-6 teams competing for two playoff spots. None of the other teams will match the Islanders in points, so a win clinches, but with a loss, but with none of the teams facing each other, it is also likely that at least two of the five teams get a W.

Offensive MVP: Tom Brady, QB, 225.56
Defensive MVP: JJ Watt, DL, 214.85
Best Addition: Antonine Winfield, CB, 129.85

6. Stamford Grossmen 6-6 1869.49
-The Grossmen will almost definitely need to win this week to get into the playoffs, and have the unenviable task of downing the McFlys to get there. They will have to lean heavily on their dynamic duo of RGIII and Arian Foster (1 and 2 in the game) to get the points needed to clinch.

Offensive MVP: Robert Griffin III, QB, 223.18
Defensive MVP: Cortland Finnegan, CB, 133.9
Best Addition: Andre Roberts, WR, 124.25

7. NYC Army 6-6 1827.37
-The Army is another team that has to win in their finale, and draws the lowly Rams- whom they have outscored by only 26 points over the course of the season. Even with a win, they'll need to see the Islanders or Grossmen go down to have a chance at the Wild card.

Offensive MVP: Drew Brees, QB, 214.92
Defensive MVP: Von Miller, LB, 176
Best Addition: Philip Wheeler, LB, 109.5

8. Pennsylvania Danglers 6-6 1750.85
-The Danglers have dropped three straight, and need to beat the Rage this week to have an opportunity to advance. They'll need help- Of the Islanders, Grossmen, and Army, they'll need at least two to lose, as they trail them all by at least 77 points.

Offensive MVP: Peyton Manning, QB, 197.90
Defensive MVP: Daryl Washington, LB, 174.35
Best Addition: Tim Jennings, CB, 168.2

9. Los Angeles Bastardos 6-6 1716.83
-The Bastards of slim chances of making the playoffs, but a chance nonetheless. Monster points in week 13 would help, and a win is a must. Then it probably needs three of four to lose: Islanders, Grossmen, Army, and the Danglers. Perhaps this perennial contender just needed their back to the wall. But it may have bitten off more than it can chew this time.

Offensive MVP: Trent Richardson, RB, 163.6
Defensive MVP: Derrick Johnson, LB, 118.5
Best Addition: Andy Dalton, QB, 165.06

10. Toronto Petites 5-7 1849.45
-The cinderella story came to an end last week, and the Petites, after a valiant late season run, have been eliminated. Close losses in weeks 3, 4, and 7 doomed them, as their team ranked 7th in scoring. 

Offensive MVP: Adrian Peterson, RB, 197.60
Defensive MVP: Chad Greenway, LB, 124.65
Best Addition: Geno Atkins, DL, 119.5

11. Dodge City Drafters 5-7 1773.07
-Five straight losses have doomed this team, that had been 14-6 in its previous twenty regular season games. Their loss in week 9, by a scant four points, has to sting, as a W there puts them into the fray for the last playoff spot.

Offensive MVP: Victor Cruz, WR, 162.4
Defensive MVP: Luke Kuechly, LB, 125.8
Best Addition: Jerrell Freeman, LB, 126.7

12. Nebraska Holy-Warriors 5-7 1648.2
-The most stretched team name (Corn= Nebraska! Holio= Holy!) underperformed, but has still managed a respectable record in their first tour of action in the Larkspur Bowl. If it can doom the Islanders and reach 6-7, they should take some satisfaction in their topsy turvy debut season.

Offensive MVP: Eric Decker, WR, 148.05
Defensive MVP: Jerod Mayo, LB, 127
Best Addition: Ronde Barber, DB, 154.5

13. Chicago Gangbusters 4-8 1611.01
-Chicago went all in on a number of blockbuster moves, and the gamble left him deep in debt. Two weeks at double digits killed his bottom line, and his parlay on the Packers came up just short. He never got hot, never winning even twice in a row. He'll have to hope for better luck next year.

Offensive MVP: Aaron Rodgers, QB, 191.22
Defensive MVP: Akeem Ayers, LB, 121.6
Best Addition: Felix Jones, RB, 102.1

14. Vermont Rams 3-9 1801.22
-The Green Mountain state put up put up a respectable point total, but will need a W this week to avoid tying for the worst record in league history. With four losses by less than ten points, a few bounces going the other way could have made this a VERY different season for the Rams. Alas, the ball is oblong and bounces in peculiar ways. 

Offensive MVP: Stevan Ridley, RB, 143
Defensive MVP: Deangelo Hall, CB, 146.68
Best Addition: Wesley Woodyard, LB, 157.1



  • Final Standings & All-Larkspur Teams

(Rank-Team-Record-Number of All-Star Players)
1. Kentucky Pilots 10-3* (4)
2. Hill Valley McFlys 9-4* (7)
3. Phoenix Uprising 8-5 (5)
4. Revis Islanders 7-6 (5)
5. Atlanta Rage 7-6 (2)
6. New York Army 7-6 (2)
------------------------------------
7. Pennsylvania Danglers 7-6 (2)
8. Los Angeles Bastardos 7-6 (2)
9. Stamford Grossmen 6-7 (3)
10 Dodge City Drafters 6-7 (1)
11 Toronto Petites 5-8 (4)
12 Nebraska Holy-Warriors 5-8 (3)
13 Chicago Gang-Busters 4-9 (2)
14 Vermont Rams 3-10 (3)

Offensive MVP: Robert Griffin, Stamford
Defensive MVP: JJ Watt, Islanders

2013 All-Larkspur 1st Team
QB Robert Griffin III, Stamford: 240.9
WR Brandon Marshall, Islanders: 221.7
WR Calvin Johnson, Hill Valley: 219.8*
WR AJ Green, Phoenix: 217.5
RB Adrian Peterson, Toronto: 226.1
RB Doug Martin, Hill Valley: 215*
TE Rob Gronkowski, Atlanta: 163.3
PK Lawrence Tynes, Kentucky: 138.5
DB Tim Jennings, Pennsylvania: 172.2
DB Charles Tillman, Kentucky: 165.55
DL JJ Watt, Islanders: 245.85
DL Jason Pierre-Paul, Kentucky: 132.9
LB Von Miller, New York: 209.8
LB Daryl Washington, Pennsylvania: 189
LB Aldon Smith, Hill Valley: 173

2013 All-Larkspur 2nd Team
QB Tom Brady, Islanders: 232.98
WR Randall Cobb, Hill Valley: 194.03*
WR Demaryius Thomas, Phoenix: 193.9*
WR Dez Bryant, Stamford: 186.55
RB Arian Foster, Stamford: 214.9
RB Ray Rice, Phoenix: 194.6
TE Tony Gonzalez, Hill Valley: 160.5*
PK Matt Bryant, Hill Valley: 136.5
DB Ronde Barber, Nebraska: 159.5
DB Janoris Jenkins, Los Angeles: 150.63
DL John Abraham, Vermont: 126.5
DL Geno Atkins, Toronto: 124
LB Wesley Woodyward, Vermont: 158.6
LB Lavonte David, Atlanta: 147.85
LB Justin Houston, Chicago: 147.6

2013 All-Larkspur 3rd Team
QB Drew Brees, New York: 217.56
WR Reggie Wayne, Toronto: 184.6
WR Wes Welker, Phoenix: 182.75
WR Vincent Jackson, Nebraska: 176.5*
RB Trent Richardson, Los Angeles: 179.6*
RB CJ Spiller, Chicago: 169.1*
TE Jimmy Graham, Kentucky: 143.9
PK Stephen Gostkowski, Islanders: 132.5
DB DeAngelo Hall, Vermont: 150.18
DB William Moore, Toronto: 141.55
DL Jared Allen, Phoenix: 117
DL Mario Williams, Hill Valley: 116.5
LB Lance Briggs, Islanders: 146.5
LB Luke Kuechly, Dodge City: 145.8
LB Jerod Mayo, Nebraska: 142.5