Playing some catch up on the last few deals before the deadline hit:
TRADE 22:
Phoenix acquires:
RB Darren Sproles
Pawnee acquires:
RB Charles Sims
WR Justin Hunter
When Arian Foster was placed back on the shelf, the Uprising looked to upgrade their starting option by shipping away depth that the Pride sorely needed. None of the three players cracked triple digits in their debut, though Justin Hunter might still break out as a starting option. Sproles was on the move again within days.
TRADE 23:
California acquires:
RB Darren Sproles
Phoenix acquires:
WR Cordarrelle Patterson
With a playoff spot clinched, the Uprising moved their newly acquired spark plug for another versatile weapon with WR eligibility. Sproles is a boom/bust option, while Patterson has been mostly just a bust option, though one with fifth round pedigree. Sproles has started both games since the trade, scoring a solid dozen in his debut, following up with a mediocre grade 5.6 on Turkey Day. Patterson had weak 4.68 in the flex for Phoenix, and is currently benched with a 'probably' designation.
TRADE 24:
Hill Valley acquires:
TE Delanie Walker
California acquires:
WR Pierre Garcon
The year's final trade saw a disappointing volume WR headed to the Swag for a much needed TE upgrade for the McFlys. Walker is not the sexiest name, but he does everything well, and stays on the field in nearly all contexts. Not a blockbuster, but a very solid deal that has upside going in both directions.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
Week Twelve Results
The week's festivities took a toll on me and I was unable to get a full recap done!
I apologize! Happy Thanksgiving!
WEEK TWELVE OFFENSIVE MVP:
RB Justin Forsett, Saskatoon Sasquatch - 34.2pts
WEEK TWELVE DEFENSIVE MVP:
S Barry Church, New York's Finest - 21.75pts
I apologize! Happy Thanksgiving!
Week 12 Matchups
WEEK TWELVE OFFENSIVE MVP:
RB Justin Forsett, Saskatoon Sasquatch - 34.2pts
WEEK TWELVE DEFENSIVE MVP:
S Barry Church, New York's Finest - 21.75pts
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Week Eleven Results
Mere formality, but playoff spots have been mathematically clinched at the league's summit, as Phoenix and South Park have left only four open spots for the rest of the league. It would take an epic collapse by one of them to not score a bye week- with the scoring margin as it it, it'd be nigh impossible for New York, two games back with two to go, to knock either from the top two spots. The Finest can win one of their remaining two games to assure their own station, though losing both with a reasonable showing will probably still allow them to back in to the dance. Toronto, M-Ville, Pawnee, and Indiana are pushing and shoving for the other three berths, while Manitoba, California, and Oakwood could make it with two wins and a prayer.
Week 11 Matchups
The Uprising (9-2) lead the league in scoring this week, and have taken a commanding lead in the Power Rankings, accordingly. However, the win came at a price: WR Brandin Cooks broke his thumb, leaving Phoenix thin at WR, while RB Adrian Peterson was handed a season ending suspension, pending appeal. Along with TE Jordan Cameron's lingering concussion, the bench in Phoenix is very short going forward. Indiana (6-5) had a fine game, but fine doesn't cut it against the league leader; Mike Evans' monster game (offensive MVP week 11) was wasted in the win column, but helps a Turbanator team that needs big points in their final games to eke out a tiebreak: they are currently tenth in total points, eighth among playoff contenders.
Pawnee (6-5) held off Oakwood (5-6) in a struggle between teams that came in at .500; The Pride have been an entirely different team with QB Aaron Rodgers at the helm, and are really hitting their groove in the back end of the season. The Drivers had the lowest score on the week, as Matt Stafford struggled to get things going, and the defense just couldn't make any big plays.
Hill Valley (4-7) is eliminated from the playoffs but playing for pride, spoiling Toronto's (6-5) chance to pull away from the pack. With WR Josh Gordon returning this week, the McFlys might be the favorites in the consolation bracket. Les Tres Petites were without their offensive studs Murray and Bryant this week due to bye, but should they stay the course, they are a good bet to make the playoffs and make some noise.
The Lead Farmers (3-8) have now gone over 200 points in two straight, their patience paying off with some big time victories. Fourth in overall points, they're a nightmare matchup late in the season, and with M-Ville and Toronto lined up next they should relish their opportunity to down contending clubs. With a couple of wins, they also have a shot of making the consolation bracket. New York (7-4) could have scored a clincher with a win, but will have two more tries to make it official.
O-Town (4-7) gets to 200 points in a season of if's and but for's. Their points say contender but their record says otherwise. RB Jamaal Charles has been a worthy lottery pick for the Massacre two years running, and even his bright star was outshined by week 11 defensive MVP Chris Borland who has been an uncaged animal the past month, culminating in an absolutely dominant performance this past Sunday. Saskatoon (2-9) has lost for two straight months, after a 2-1 start. It's just not happening for the Sasquatch this year, who look destined to miss the consolation bracket for a second straight year, and have to look forward to a mid round draft pick, hoping to draft a more balanced team in 2015.
M-Ville (6-5) looked dead this time last week, but some late stat adjusted heroics kept them in the chase, and now, after a big win over the Swag (5-6) they are actually sitting pretty for a playoff spot, ringing in fifth with two games to play- however, those two games loom daunting: The suddenly indomitable Lead Farmers come to town this week, before the season concludes against Phoenix. The Parrothead's up and down season will have to be on the up and up if it is to continue with something more than draft position at stake. California is reeling, losers of three straight. They need to beat Toronto this week, then finish strong against old nemesis Hill Valley in a rematch of the 2012 Larkspur Bowl if they're going to sneak into the top six.
For awhile, it seemed like Manitoba (5-6) might actually hang one on South Park (9-2) and keep their head above water. But it all came down to Monday night, and the stellar Cow Captain Antonio Brown was not going to be trifled with. He and RB Matt Forte are as dynamic a duo as there is in this league, producing regardless of context or game flow; WR Emmanuel Sander's health has to be a concern for the Colorado team, though they won't have to play a game that matters until a month from now. The MooseCrew's own duo, Demaryius and Jordy, remain the most productive WR combo in the league. Are they enough to win out with scores high enough to secure the six slot?
WEEK ELEVEN OFFENSIVE MVP:
WR Mike Evans, Indiana Turbanators - 39.40pts
WEEK ELEVEN DEFENSIVE MVP:
LB Chris Borland, Oniontown Massacre - 37.60 pts
Friday, November 14, 2014
TRADE 21: Prepared to Scour the Earth
We're looking at a two for two discretion trade here, similar players at identical positions getting clean slates with new teams; Pawnee is looking forward to a playoff run and gambling on future dividends, while Saskatoon, scrambling to secure a spot in the consolation bracket, is taking the more proven commodities.
Pawnee acquires:
WR Mike Wallace
TE Larry Donnell
Saskatoon acquires:
WR Steve Smith Sr.
TE Martellus Bennett
Pawnee is in the hunt, and one of the hotter teams in the league, winners in four of their last five. Both Smith and Bennett started the season as major contributors... during the Pride's 1-4 start. When the reversal of fortune came and the team began to win, it coincided with both players suffering decreased production. They retain value, but the lull in their production made them non essential for Pawnee, who has found victory by other means. Black Unicorn's questionable health designation was a risk factor the Pride couldn't afford either; In their stead, they get two fresh faces, healthy commodities with comparable upside, that have also cooled some, after hot starts. Mike Wallace is the top option in his offense, a deep threat and beneficiary of regular targets, while TE Larry Donnell has received consistent looks and flashes of nbext level playmaking ability. Saskatoon is taking what appears the safer bet: Smith a reliable veteran WR with less home run potential but a higher bottom line, and Bennett who is featured in an offense that has limited auxiliary options. Both may help the team stabilize their output as they attempt to elevate their draft position.
Pawnee acquires:
WR Mike Wallace
TE Larry Donnell
Saskatoon acquires:
WR Steve Smith Sr.
TE Martellus Bennett
Pawnee is in the hunt, and one of the hotter teams in the league, winners in four of their last five. Both Smith and Bennett started the season as major contributors... during the Pride's 1-4 start. When the reversal of fortune came and the team began to win, it coincided with both players suffering decreased production. They retain value, but the lull in their production made them non essential for Pawnee, who has found victory by other means. Black Unicorn's questionable health designation was a risk factor the Pride couldn't afford either; In their stead, they get two fresh faces, healthy commodities with comparable upside, that have also cooled some, after hot starts. Mike Wallace is the top option in his offense, a deep threat and beneficiary of regular targets, while TE Larry Donnell has received consistent looks and flashes of nbext level playmaking ability. Saskatoon is taking what appears the safer bet: Smith a reliable veteran WR with less home run potential but a higher bottom line, and Bennett who is featured in an offense that has limited auxiliary options. Both may help the team stabilize their output as they attempt to elevate their draft position.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
TRADE 20: More for Gore
A need based trade offer between two teams trending in opposite directions.
Manitoba acquires:
RB Frank Gore
Oniontown acquires:
WR Sammy Watkins
The MooseCrew are contenders at 5-5, and currently have the edge amongst .500 teams in terms of sheer points. That's not a bad place to be, as winning two of three and scoring at a reasonable clip should net them a playoff spot. But with a questionable RB corps further nullified by byes this week, it was time they made a move: So they sent talented (and mildly injured) WR Sammy Watkins to the Massacre for ole reliable Frank Gore. It has not been a consistent season for the veteran, who has scored under ten points five times in nine games, but with an assured role he becomes an every week starter for Manitoba; The trade will allow them to start Doug Martin or Chris Johnson in the RB2 slot, and shift Denard Robinson to the flex, where he has potential to be game breaking. Watkins' monster season had been overshadowed in Manitoba, where he played third fiddle to Demaryius Thomas and Jordy Nelson. Following the byes, the Crew will be able to pick between veterans Greg Jennings and Dwayne Bowe in the WR3 slot- this team has an opportunity to delve deep into the playoffs, if they can shuffle the back end of their roster astutely. For the Massacre, Watkins is an exciting player with a higher ceiling than Gore, and should start every game he is healthy for. OT, underperformers all year, has a nice chance to regain some respectability in the consolation bracket. They're thin at RB now, but have given themselves a better chance for a weekly win.
Manitoba acquires:
RB Frank Gore
Oniontown acquires:
WR Sammy Watkins
The MooseCrew are contenders at 5-5, and currently have the edge amongst .500 teams in terms of sheer points. That's not a bad place to be, as winning two of three and scoring at a reasonable clip should net them a playoff spot. But with a questionable RB corps further nullified by byes this week, it was time they made a move: So they sent talented (and mildly injured) WR Sammy Watkins to the Massacre for ole reliable Frank Gore. It has not been a consistent season for the veteran, who has scored under ten points five times in nine games, but with an assured role he becomes an every week starter for Manitoba; The trade will allow them to start Doug Martin or Chris Johnson in the RB2 slot, and shift Denard Robinson to the flex, where he has potential to be game breaking. Watkins' monster season had been overshadowed in Manitoba, where he played third fiddle to Demaryius Thomas and Jordy Nelson. Following the byes, the Crew will be able to pick between veterans Greg Jennings and Dwayne Bowe in the WR3 slot- this team has an opportunity to delve deep into the playoffs, if they can shuffle the back end of their roster astutely. For the Massacre, Watkins is an exciting player with a higher ceiling than Gore, and should start every game he is healthy for. OT, underperformers all year, has a nice chance to regain some respectability in the consolation bracket. They're thin at RB now, but have given themselves a better chance for a weekly win.
TRADE 19: Saluting the Superman
The QB Market stirs!
Hill Valley acquires:
QB Cam Newton
Indiana acquires:
WR Cecil Shorts III
When Nick Foles went down with injury for the McFlys, QB became an immediate need in Hill Valley. Michael Vick, who had a legendary ascendance in these colors a few years ago, is still a weapon, but with his bye week coming late, they traded for an upgraded model in Cam Newton. Always a threat to be a game changer, his injuries and inefficiencies make him tough to trust: He's fresh off losing a pivotal week ten matchup for the Turbanators. Indiana was going back to the Rivers and had no further use for a backup QB, so they reacquired Cecil Shorts III, a boom or bust receiving option that is contingent upon health and context- but always a threat for a big game. A solid role player, if Indiana can deploy him correctly.
Hill Valley acquires:
QB Cam Newton
Indiana acquires:
WR Cecil Shorts III
When Nick Foles went down with injury for the McFlys, QB became an immediate need in Hill Valley. Michael Vick, who had a legendary ascendance in these colors a few years ago, is still a weapon, but with his bye week coming late, they traded for an upgraded model in Cam Newton. Always a threat to be a game changer, his injuries and inefficiencies make him tough to trust: He's fresh off losing a pivotal week ten matchup for the Turbanators. Indiana was going back to the Rivers and had no further use for a backup QB, so they reacquired Cecil Shorts III, a boom or bust receiving option that is contingent upon health and context- but always a threat for a big game. A solid role player, if Indiana can deploy him correctly.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Week Ten Results
It's the Return of the King, or the Empire Strikes Back: Phoenix usurped South Park for the one spot in a head to head victory that might end up previewing the Larkspur Bowl (Proper.) Both teams, along with New York, have assured themselves a winning record, and can utilize the remaining three weeks to optimize their lineups. Oniontown fell out of the playoff race with a loss, while Hill Valley tugged M-Ville to the last finger precipice with a decimal point victory- barring stat corrections, of course. They are two steps behind Indiana and Toronto for a playoff spot, and a spot behind a crowded field of four 5-5's to be in the top six.
In the clash of the titans (8-2) Phoenix scored the decisive blows late Sunday, when Alec Ogletree and Calais Campbell scored big on the defensive side of the ball, helping compensate for some egregious duds as well as ceding a power play to the Cows. South Park was no pushover, scoring enough to defeat nine other teams this week. Alas! Both teams have matching records, though the Uprising have the point advantage as well as the head to head tiebreaker.
Week 10 Matchups
In the clash of the titans (8-2) Phoenix scored the decisive blows late Sunday, when Alec Ogletree and Calais Campbell scored big on the defensive side of the ball, helping compensate for some egregious duds as well as ceding a power play to the Cows. South Park was no pushover, scoring enough to defeat nine other teams this week. Alas! Both teams have matching records, though the Uprising have the point advantage as well as the head to head tiebreaker.
It looked like Indiana (6-4) was coasting to victory over the lowly Lead Farmers (2-8), but that was before Monday Night saw an explosive salvo out of HCM, which not only felled the Turbanators- it decimated them. The Lead Farmers ended up leading the league in points for the week, showing the firepower they're capable of and climbing out of the basement. CB Bradley Fletcher led the way as Defensive MVP, but Casey Hayward, Connor Barwin, and Antoine Bethea all helped the cause. It's a crushing blow for Indiana, who would have all but punched their playoff ticket with a win. Now they'll need to win two out of three to assure themselves a spot in the second season.
Pawnee (5-5) got back to taking care of business, winning soundly over Manitoba (5-5) in an important matchup between teams jockeying for a berth. It just wasn't the MooseCrew's day, as a sound effort was spoiled by Aaron Rodgers' heroics. Either team can clinch their spot by winning out the next three weeks, but Manitoba retains the edge, with the fifth most points on the season.
Hill Valley (4-6) has got to be chomping down to the quick on this one, as two late Kelvin Benjamin touchdowns brought the (4-6) Parrots within striking distance. Thursday morning will make this one official, either way. As it stands, both teams will need to win out, and win out big, to have a chance at the dance. The McFly's are plugging holes at QB and TE- but if they can win this week, they'll be able to add WR Josh Gordon to the lineup, and that will count for a lot.
New York (7-3) was 1-3 at one point this season. Six weeks ago. Let that sink in. There's been a lot of roster shuffling amongst the Finest, but perhaps this is the best version of them: Offensive MVP Beast Mode took over, rampaging through the Swag (5-5) who have suddenly dropped three of four and look to be in peril. They face M-Ville, Toronto, and Hill Valley, three teams desperate for W's... so it won't be an easy road for 2012's champion.
Toronto (6-4) continues its impressive season with another win, this time burying the (2-6) Sasquatch. Terrance West has been impressive in back to back weeks, but with a deep, burgeoning WR corps, might we see them move one of them for an upgrade? LTP has been patient, dancing with the girl who brung' em (sic) all year, so perhaps not. It's working for the Canadians, either way- they're a win or two away from returning to the playoffs again in 2014.
Oakwood (5-5) have put the Massacre (3-7) out of their misery, and are now winners of three of their past four. If they are going to be competitors, they'll have to prove it: They face off with Pawnee, South Park, and Indiana before a potential playoff berth can come to fruition. One week into Megatron's return, and Golden Tate's numbers have held- he is looking like a truly elite WR paired with Matt Stafford in this offense. It's hard to pinpoint what went wrong for OT this year: Their offense is truly potent. A couple of close losses early, and facing some big numbers late kept them from competing at the level they were capable of. Perhaps another respectable Consolation Bracket run is in their cards?
WEEK TEN OFFENSIVE MVP:
RB Marshawn Lynch, New York's Finest- 38.40pts
RB Marshawn Lynch, New York's Finest- 38.40pts
WEEK TEN DEFENSIVE MVP:
CB Bradley Fletcher, HCM City Lead Farmers - 33.7pts
Monday, November 10, 2014
TRADE 18: Shuffling up the Decker
With byes and injuries depleting Oakwood's RB situation, and with the team needing a win to climb to .500 on the year and keep their playoff hopes alive, the Drivers exchanged players with the nearly clinched Uprising before week ten.
Oakwood acquires:
RB Joique Bell
WR Kenny Brit
RB Joique Bell
WR Kenny Brit
RB Branden Oliver
Phoenix acquires:
WR Eric Decker
WR Eric Decker
TE Jordan Cameron
After Phoenix made the move to reacquire Bell as a stalwart bye week fill in, they moved him before he could play his part, with an eye toward the end game: Decker has higher upside than Britt, as a true playmaker- though he will be sitting on bye next week, making him expendable for Oakwood's purpose. Britt is being given priority targets, giving him a high floor for a team that cannot afford flops. Branden Oliver's star has dimmed, but his early season exploits certainly count for something, and while his role is TBD, he is expected to maintain a healthy percentage of snaps- he has some near future value for an Oakwood team that took the hardest backfield hits the league doled out this year. The X-Factor in this deal may be Cameron: A stud for the Uprising during last year's breakout, he has not been healthy much this season, and when he has been on the field he has only been a difference make once in six games. He won't be pressed into a role immediately, but he might be an intriguing part of Phoenix's title defense if they can make him right again.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Week Nine Results
After last week's offensive explosion, no team delved into the 200 level in week nine. #1 South Park and #2 Phoenix are primed for a first place showdown in week ten: The winner of that matchup will take the reins down the stretch, as each team has virtually clinched a playoff spot. Saskatoon joins HCM City in assuring themselves losing records in 2014; each will have to come on strong in the final month of the season to make the consolation bowl and have a chance to make their lost season worth something. Other teams on the brink: Oniontown and Hill Valley, each of whom need to win out to sniff the playoffs. Everybody else is still jockeying for a spot- eight teams vying for four chairs.
Both Phoenix (7-2) and Pawnee (4-5) ended up playing down a Mike in this one, as Brian Cushing and Patrick Willis were both negative game time decisions. It resulted in a game sapped of any real drama- the Pride fell behind early, and their efforts to continue their winning streak proved futile. They're not in prime playoff position, but their schedule is finally softening: if they can get past Manitoba this week, they have Oakwood, Oniontown, and Saskatoon ripe for the picking. Winning out would clinch a spot in the dance- three wins might do it too.
Indiana (6-3) did themselves a solid by dropping the Swag (5-4) and slotting in as the four seed with four games left to play; They really need to split the remainder of their matchups, as their point total is so noncompetitive that seven wins would likely see them out on tiebreak. Their matchup this week with HCM City is every bit a trap game: The Lead Farmers have outscored the Turbanators over the last three weeks. California hasn't lost two in a row all season- they will need to bounce back quickly once again, as they're currently the first team out from the seven hole.
New York (6-3) has won five straight and is officially the hottest team in football. This one came down to the wire, but as it has more often than not this season, Hill Valley (3-6) came up just short of inching out a W. Barring a miracle, the McFlys will miss the playoffs for the first time in their six years of existence. It will also be only the second time in six years that the Crazy 88's do not finish in the top three in points. New York is pursuing it's third playoff berth in six years- they lost the inaugural Larkspur Bowl in '09, and lost in the Semis in 2012. 2013 Was their best power ranking, and resulted in winning the top draft pick in the Consolation bowl.
Oakwood (4-5) is quietly having a very impressive season, which continued as they buried the Sasquatch (2-7) and soldiered forward. They're only one win short of last season's total, and while their talent level would seem to preclude them from a playoff run, their misfit toys might still have a Cinderella run in them. The same cannot be said of Saskatoon, who have are destined for another cellar dweller season: 2009 and 2013 both finished the same way, 13th in the standings and 14th in points. Week 9's defensive MVP Brent Grimes rocked the brown on brown in a losing effort; Always one of the ballsiest teams, Saskatoon/Atlanta's aggressive risk taking makes them one of the league's ultimate wild cards.
Don't count out Manitoba. Now 5-4 and currently owners of the final playoff spot, the Moosecrew are a scary team trending upward. Their RB situation has not clarified itself, but with that WR corps intact, they continue to get it done via aerial assault. Who wants to face Demaryius Thomas, Jordy Nelson, Rob Gronkowski, and Sammy Watkins in the playoffs? The answer of course, is no one. They put Oniontown (3-6) in a precarious position- The Massacre are on the brink of missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Outside of their superb 2011 season, O-Town has always been a competent squad that has come up just short in big spots, one difference maker short. After picking RBs in the first round five years in a row, might we see a different strategy from the notorious 'draft dodgers' in 2015?
Toronto (5-4) is following up on its quality 2013 season nicely, plugged into the five slot with a month left to play. Staying patient on RB Terrance West seems to have proven a shrewd decision, his return to prominence providing DeMarco Murray a capable sidekick. Dez Bryan and Jeremy Maclin are both elite WRs, and Week 9 offensive MVP QB Ben Roethlisberger has turned in back to back monster performances, seizing what has been a fluid quarterback situation to date. M-Ville drops to a surprising 4-5: You look at their roster and you see a lot of quality depth- they need to optimize that. Every game is a playoff game down the stretch for the underachieving Parrotheads.
Early on, it almost looked like HCM City might stun the Cows with back to back defeats- but that thought was quashed quickly. The Cows turned in an A+ effort rebounding from their only defeat on the season, finishing off the Lead Farmers with a flourish. HCM Has actually been reliably competitive, rarely scoring enough to win, but never turning in an absolute dud either. The Cows are doing it without an elite QB option, an impressive feat- the Larkspur Bowl champion QBs have been Peyton Manning, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Philip Rivers. With Andy Dalton and Eli Manning currently at the helm, will we see one of them (or someone else?) lead South Park's championship drive?
WEEK NINE OFFENSIVE MVP:
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Toronto Les Tres Petites - 33.70pts
WEEK NINE DEFENSIVE MVP:
CB Brent Grimes, Saskatoon Sasquatch - 24.80pts
Week 9 Matchups
Both Phoenix (7-2) and Pawnee (4-5) ended up playing down a Mike in this one, as Brian Cushing and Patrick Willis were both negative game time decisions. It resulted in a game sapped of any real drama- the Pride fell behind early, and their efforts to continue their winning streak proved futile. They're not in prime playoff position, but their schedule is finally softening: if they can get past Manitoba this week, they have Oakwood, Oniontown, and Saskatoon ripe for the picking. Winning out would clinch a spot in the dance- three wins might do it too.
Indiana (6-3) did themselves a solid by dropping the Swag (5-4) and slotting in as the four seed with four games left to play; They really need to split the remainder of their matchups, as their point total is so noncompetitive that seven wins would likely see them out on tiebreak. Their matchup this week with HCM City is every bit a trap game: The Lead Farmers have outscored the Turbanators over the last three weeks. California hasn't lost two in a row all season- they will need to bounce back quickly once again, as they're currently the first team out from the seven hole.
New York (6-3) has won five straight and is officially the hottest team in football. This one came down to the wire, but as it has more often than not this season, Hill Valley (3-6) came up just short of inching out a W. Barring a miracle, the McFlys will miss the playoffs for the first time in their six years of existence. It will also be only the second time in six years that the Crazy 88's do not finish in the top three in points. New York is pursuing it's third playoff berth in six years- they lost the inaugural Larkspur Bowl in '09, and lost in the Semis in 2012. 2013 Was their best power ranking, and resulted in winning the top draft pick in the Consolation bowl.
Oakwood (4-5) is quietly having a very impressive season, which continued as they buried the Sasquatch (2-7) and soldiered forward. They're only one win short of last season's total, and while their talent level would seem to preclude them from a playoff run, their misfit toys might still have a Cinderella run in them. The same cannot be said of Saskatoon, who have are destined for another cellar dweller season: 2009 and 2013 both finished the same way, 13th in the standings and 14th in points. Week 9's defensive MVP Brent Grimes rocked the brown on brown in a losing effort; Always one of the ballsiest teams, Saskatoon/Atlanta's aggressive risk taking makes them one of the league's ultimate wild cards.
Don't count out Manitoba. Now 5-4 and currently owners of the final playoff spot, the Moosecrew are a scary team trending upward. Their RB situation has not clarified itself, but with that WR corps intact, they continue to get it done via aerial assault. Who wants to face Demaryius Thomas, Jordy Nelson, Rob Gronkowski, and Sammy Watkins in the playoffs? The answer of course, is no one. They put Oniontown (3-6) in a precarious position- The Massacre are on the brink of missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Outside of their superb 2011 season, O-Town has always been a competent squad that has come up just short in big spots, one difference maker short. After picking RBs in the first round five years in a row, might we see a different strategy from the notorious 'draft dodgers' in 2015?
Toronto (5-4) is following up on its quality 2013 season nicely, plugged into the five slot with a month left to play. Staying patient on RB Terrance West seems to have proven a shrewd decision, his return to prominence providing DeMarco Murray a capable sidekick. Dez Bryan and Jeremy Maclin are both elite WRs, and Week 9 offensive MVP QB Ben Roethlisberger has turned in back to back monster performances, seizing what has been a fluid quarterback situation to date. M-Ville drops to a surprising 4-5: You look at their roster and you see a lot of quality depth- they need to optimize that. Every game is a playoff game down the stretch for the underachieving Parrotheads.
Early on, it almost looked like HCM City might stun the Cows with back to back defeats- but that thought was quashed quickly. The Cows turned in an A+ effort rebounding from their only defeat on the season, finishing off the Lead Farmers with a flourish. HCM Has actually been reliably competitive, rarely scoring enough to win, but never turning in an absolute dud either. The Cows are doing it without an elite QB option, an impressive feat- the Larkspur Bowl champion QBs have been Peyton Manning, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Philip Rivers. With Andy Dalton and Eli Manning currently at the helm, will we see one of them (or someone else?) lead South Park's championship drive?
WEEK NINE OFFENSIVE MVP:
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Toronto Les Tres Petites - 33.70pts
WEEK NINE DEFENSIVE MVP:
CB Brent Grimes, Saskatoon Sasquatch - 24.80pts
TRADE 17: Trick or Treat
A few days late on this one: New York and Phoenix flipped positional needs just before week nine got underway.
New York acquires:
WR Marques Colston
Phoenix acquires:
RB Joique Bell
After moving TY Hilton for Marshawn Lynch, the Finest had to deal with some mediocrity at the flex; They looked to upgrade with Colston, a reliable possession receiver, a large end zone target, and a capable big play threat. He's not quite the steady WR2 he was during his heyday, but on any given Sunday he can still be a difference maker. Phoenix reacquires RB Joique Bell during his bye week with an eye toward week ten: Bell will presumably slot in for the man he was initially traded for, RB Arian Foster. With both teams in the playoff hunt, these organizational depth moves may prove pivotal in bracket placement.
New York acquires:
WR Marques Colston
Phoenix acquires:
RB Joique Bell
After moving TY Hilton for Marshawn Lynch, the Finest had to deal with some mediocrity at the flex; They looked to upgrade with Colston, a reliable possession receiver, a large end zone target, and a capable big play threat. He's not quite the steady WR2 he was during his heyday, but on any given Sunday he can still be a difference maker. Phoenix reacquires RB Joique Bell during his bye week with an eye toward week ten: Bell will presumably slot in for the man he was initially traded for, RB Arian Foster. With both teams in the playoff hunt, these organizational depth moves may prove pivotal in bracket placement.
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