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
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