Week 9 Matchups
HCM City (3-6) flat out coached the Uprising (7-2) who looked to be in cruise control. Phoenix played down three roster spots, got nothing from another, and benched a superlative running back in favor of an untested rookie- all reasons for their demise. The Lead Farmers made four last minute roster changes, each of which ultimately contributed to their victory. Yes, without any of them, even the 3.5 points Byron Maxwell scored, HCM loses this game.
Saskatoon (4-5) took care of business. Mostly, OPotW Antonio Brown took care of business, scoring 50.8 points and really giving Pawnee (5-4) no chance. Yes, that is the season high for points scored by a single player in a single week. No, I don't think he's being traded anytime soon- The Sasquatch are still primed for a playoff run, after two years in the cellar. The Pride will need to shrug off the loss and get back at it against Toronto this week, as they jockey to stay in the top six.
New York (9-0) is just really in a league of their own right now, just silly good. They go into week ten without a sure thing at RB2 (Gore on bye, Forte on crutches) but Todd Gurley has been such a monster, it might not matter. Michael Crabtree is the team's best WR now, and that might not matter either. There is no obvious achilles here. Manitoba (3-6) never had a chance in this one, and even if they win out, is likely looking at a berth in the consolation bracket.
Hill Valley (5-4) has fought and gashed their way into playoff position, and their monster performance in week nine has the trumpet them as contenders. Even with unsettled running back situation, this is a squad of WRs that could go toe to toe with Pawnee as potentially the best in the league. They'll get a chance to prove they belong against Phoenix in Week ten. Oakwood (3-6) gave a valiant effort, but with the loss their playoff hopes are dangling by a string. DPotW Antwon Blake has been a difference maker in six of nine games this season, and along with Hill Valley's Josh Norman, is a top CB in this league.
Deputy (4-5) showed why patience is a virtue on the waiver wire, as top claim Deangelo Williams made good on his potential as the PUotW. The Van Halens have new life and could push for a playoff spot with a quality final month of the season. Flipside, Savannah (2-7) are the first team to be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. They'll need to fight to make the consolation bracket and have a chance at a top draft pick, and it appears they'll have to do it without their current top draft pick, Andrew Luck.Just a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year for the Petes.
The Islanders (6-3) are quietly a top three team in the league, handily disposing of a dangerous South Park (4-5) squad to secure their position. However, they're in need of QB help once again, as Big Ben suffered another injury, just as he was getting back in his groove. South Park started waiver claim Vernon Davis who did nothing, while Richard Rodgers sat on the bench, a rare misstep for one of the shrewdest movers and shakers in the league. They remain in striking distance at seventh.
Toronto (5-4) might as well be called the Woodheads: Since the beginning, they have believed in Danny "Les Tres Petites" Woodhead, and he has delivered time and time again: Here, his 22.5 points clinched the victory in the final two minutes. Liberal (3-6) should have their best month in the last month, but they're not making the playoffs in 2015. If they can get out of the bottom two, they can make some noise in the consolation bracket, where the clinched the second pick last year.
DPotW: CB Antwon Blake, Oakwood Drivers (20pts)
Blake is not a huge name, but he's been a huge force all season. In Oakwood's loss to Hill Valley, he was all over the field, making nine total tackles, one for a loss, defending two passes, and forcing a fumble. On the season, this guys has linebacker tackle numbers: 49 solo, ten assists, and three backfield stuffs. Nine swats, two picks, 112 return yards, and a TD make him an impact player, and one of the rare cornerbacks that can make a difference almost every Sunday.
OPotW: WR Antonio Brown, Saskatoon Sasquatch (50.8pts)
Antonio Brown inhabited this space in week two, when he put up bonkers numbers:
...nine catches for over two fields worth of total yardage, seven first downs, a touchdown, and a two point conversion would be a good month for a WR3. Brown continues to show why he is the top WR in the game.
Well those numbers look downright mundane compared to what he did this week. SEVENTEEN CATCHES. TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR TOTAL YARDS. THREE PLAYS OVER 40 YARDS. NINE FIRST DOWNS. He didn't score and he lost a fumble, and he still had the best day of any player in our league this season. Frightening.
PUotW: RB DeAngelo Williams, Deputy Van Halens (45.2pts)
Often this award goes to a stealth pickup who delivered in a huge spot. Not this week. Number one claim Deangelo Williams did all that was advertised and more in his return to feature backdom. Twenty nine touches for 235 total yards, two touchdowns, a two point conversion, he's reshaped the Van Halen's entire roster, and gives them as potent a roster as any, if he can keep his 32 year old body healthy.
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