It seems like a good time to do a little team-by-team analysis, since I have some down time.* Some of this was done earlier in the season, but we now have all the details for support. I'll start with my own tea,, because I'm nothing if not self-serving.
*It should be noted that I'm at my in-laws in Iowa, which means two things: 1) This time would probably be better spent socializing; and 2) I'm on an incredibly slow internet connection owing to the rather middle-of-nowhereness location that is the in-laws place.
MVP
Wes Welker -- It would be easy to say Peyton Manning, here, but that seemed a little too obvious. Plus, Manning was very unManning-like early on, and had he contributed a little more, then, my team's W/L record might be more impressive. Welker, on the other hand, was gold in our PPR league -- he had only one game during the fantasy season, both regular and post, with less than 6 catches -- and added 4 100-yd games in the final 7 and a TD in each of last two. Granted, I was out of the playoffs for the final two, but it was still nice to see him add TDs. For a team that looked like it had a great WR corps to start the year, this position was a real weakness. Welker was the lone bright spot.
LVP
Was there a bigger bust than Torry Holt? Players like Kevin Walter, DeSean Jackson, Ted Ginn, and even his own teammate, Donnie Avery, had better seasons, and Holt was a third-round pick.
Probable Keeper
Kevin Smith (7th Round) -- Smith played fairly well down the stretch, and this team can only get better, right? The most attractive thing about Smith is that he was the featured back once the Lions came to their senses, which is a valuable commodity these days.
Ronnie Brown remains a possibility. In a perfect world, we'd find that the Dolphins were saving Brown's newly repaired knee for next season, but the fact remains that Brown split carries with Ricky Williams, only once toting the rock more than 20 times. What's worse, the Dolphins were quite successful, leading me to believe that they aren't going to scrap the RBC approach anytime soon.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
national conference playoff matchup breakdown
West Meadows Molesters vs. Team VOTE 4 PEDRO
WMM pulled out probably one of the greatest, luckiest wins in this league's history. His team has been called a "house of cards" and "lucky", but he is just one game away from the superbowl. Team V4P got help from EVERYONE last week, even sub-average players, and posted the week high; a good thing in the first round of the playoffs. Can he do it again?
QB -
Cassel v. Rodgers - Counting on players getting their first starts earlier in the year, not many QB's have been better in the past 4 weeks. Cassel plays a little tougher pass DEF in the Oakland Raiders, making his matchup not so great. Rodgers gets a sweet matchup against a JAX team that has been mailing it lately and should have no problem posting a really nice score. Prediction - Cassel has a good game, but nothing close to those 70 point games he's had. Somewhere around 35 should be expected. Rodgers goes crazy; going for the bonus and 3 TDs on his way to 50+ point game.
RB -
Antonio Pittman / Reggie Bush v. DeAngelo Williams / Dominic Rhodes - if one matchup is going to be the difference between a loser and winner, this will be it. Bush has already played, posting an ugly 5.6 point game. And when your other starter is Antonio Pittman, you can't expect anything more than poor game. If he puts up more than Bush, it will be shock. On the other hand, no other RB has been as amazing as Williams the past 6 weeks, 6 straight weeks of 30 points. Yikes. Rhodes will split some carries, but might see more action than Addai. Prediction - The tag team of pittman and bush isn't exactly the Legion of Doom. 10 points combined is probably whats happens and is not how you win playoff games. Williams explodes once again versus a weak DEN team, 30+ points once again. Rhodes ends up getting more of the caries late in the game in a blowout, grabbing a late TD and topping 12 points.
WRs -
Ike Hilliard/Larry Fitzgerald/Benard Berrian - T.J. Houshmandzadeh/Deion Branch/Santana Moss - WMM traded for Fitzgerald earlier in the season; now he'll need him to carry a weak WR corp if he expects to keep playing next week. Fitzgerald has been quiet lately, his other WRs have been even more so. V4P got some unexpected results from some WRS who have been tough to have in your starting lineup. Prediction - Fitzgerald gets back to excellence this week with the bonus and a TD, but the other forget to show up. None one the Team V4P WRs have bad games, but none of them have great games - no bonuses and 1 TD between them.
TEs -
Donald Lee v. John Carlson - Donald Lee has benefited from being a red zone target, with tds in 3 of his 4 games. John Carlson has flashed some excellence in his rookie season. In a PPR league, he has been great with 6 and 8 catches in his last 2 games. He also plays a horrible RAMS DEF that should allow a td and some yards. Prediction - Both have good games, with a each getting a TD. Carlson will get 2 more catches and 24 more yards.
D/ST -
Arizona v. NE Pats - The 'Cards have been sorta of feast or famine this year with 6 games over 20 points 6 games under 10 points, including 3 games with negative points. This week they face AP, which is never nice, but also get to face a bad Tarvaris Jackson. New England has been overrated this year, with an aging defensive corp and just bad play. The last 4 games have been less than average, not scoring more than 5 points in any of the contests. But this week they face a Oakland team that is banged up and not exactly a juggernaut. Prediction - Neither of these teams have a dream matchup, but are facing QBs that give up some TOs and allow a few sacks. Lets say both of these squads top out at about 10 points apiece.
Ks -
Reed v. Longwell - For some reason, Reed plays best on the road, which is good for this week. He also plays the Ravens, who dont allow many TDs, also good for a kicker. Ryan "Longshanks" Longwell will be kicking indoors against a team that allows a lot of points. That adds up to make a sweet matchup. Prediction - Reed will be the bulk of the offense for the Steelers this week. 4 FGs and a xp will create his 2nd best week of the year. Longwell will be on the field this week - 3 FGs and 3 XPs sounds about right.
Final Prediction -
Team V4P has just enough sweet matchups, mostly Rodgers and Williams, to overcome any freak point blowups from the West Meadow team, who lacks even 1 player that can consistently be counted on for that HUGE game you need in the playoffs. Team V4P rides nice games from his QB and RBs, but neither team might go over 150 points total, and Pedro can expect to punch his ballot to the Championship Game. 145 - 119.
WMM pulled out probably one of the greatest, luckiest wins in this league's history. His team has been called a "house of cards" and "lucky", but he is just one game away from the superbowl. Team V4P got help from EVERYONE last week, even sub-average players, and posted the week high; a good thing in the first round of the playoffs. Can he do it again?
QB -
Cassel v. Rodgers - Counting on players getting their first starts earlier in the year, not many QB's have been better in the past 4 weeks. Cassel plays a little tougher pass DEF in the Oakland Raiders, making his matchup not so great. Rodgers gets a sweet matchup against a JAX team that has been mailing it lately and should have no problem posting a really nice score. Prediction - Cassel has a good game, but nothing close to those 70 point games he's had. Somewhere around 35 should be expected. Rodgers goes crazy; going for the bonus and 3 TDs on his way to 50+ point game.
RB -
Antonio Pittman / Reggie Bush v. DeAngelo Williams / Dominic Rhodes - if one matchup is going to be the difference between a loser and winner, this will be it. Bush has already played, posting an ugly 5.6 point game. And when your other starter is Antonio Pittman, you can't expect anything more than poor game. If he puts up more than Bush, it will be shock. On the other hand, no other RB has been as amazing as Williams the past 6 weeks, 6 straight weeks of 30 points. Yikes. Rhodes will split some carries, but might see more action than Addai. Prediction - The tag team of pittman and bush isn't exactly the Legion of Doom. 10 points combined is probably whats happens and is not how you win playoff games. Williams explodes once again versus a weak DEN team, 30+ points once again. Rhodes ends up getting more of the caries late in the game in a blowout, grabbing a late TD and topping 12 points.
WRs -
Ike Hilliard/Larry Fitzgerald/Benard Berrian - T.J. Houshmandzadeh/Deion Branch/Santana Moss - WMM traded for Fitzgerald earlier in the season; now he'll need him to carry a weak WR corp if he expects to keep playing next week. Fitzgerald has been quiet lately, his other WRs have been even more so. V4P got some unexpected results from some WRS who have been tough to have in your starting lineup. Prediction - Fitzgerald gets back to excellence this week with the bonus and a TD, but the other forget to show up. None one the Team V4P WRs have bad games, but none of them have great games - no bonuses and 1 TD between them.
TEs -
Donald Lee v. John Carlson - Donald Lee has benefited from being a red zone target, with tds in 3 of his 4 games. John Carlson has flashed some excellence in his rookie season. In a PPR league, he has been great with 6 and 8 catches in his last 2 games. He also plays a horrible RAMS DEF that should allow a td and some yards. Prediction - Both have good games, with a each getting a TD. Carlson will get 2 more catches and 24 more yards.
D/ST -
Arizona v. NE Pats - The 'Cards have been sorta of feast or famine this year with 6 games over 20 points 6 games under 10 points, including 3 games with negative points. This week they face AP, which is never nice, but also get to face a bad Tarvaris Jackson. New England has been overrated this year, with an aging defensive corp and just bad play. The last 4 games have been less than average, not scoring more than 5 points in any of the contests. But this week they face a Oakland team that is banged up and not exactly a juggernaut. Prediction - Neither of these teams have a dream matchup, but are facing QBs that give up some TOs and allow a few sacks. Lets say both of these squads top out at about 10 points apiece.
Ks -
Reed v. Longwell - For some reason, Reed plays best on the road, which is good for this week. He also plays the Ravens, who dont allow many TDs, also good for a kicker. Ryan "Longshanks" Longwell will be kicking indoors against a team that allows a lot of points. That adds up to make a sweet matchup. Prediction - Reed will be the bulk of the offense for the Steelers this week. 4 FGs and a xp will create his 2nd best week of the year. Longwell will be on the field this week - 3 FGs and 3 XPs sounds about right.
Final Prediction -
Team V4P has just enough sweet matchups, mostly Rodgers and Williams, to overcome any freak point blowups from the West Meadow team, who lacks even 1 player that can consistently be counted on for that HUGE game you need in the playoffs. Team V4P rides nice games from his QB and RBs, but neither team might go over 150 points total, and Pedro can expect to punch his ballot to the Championship Game. 145 - 119.
American Conference playoff matchup breakdown
#2 Avalon Park Assassins vs. #1 Wings of Pastrami
You figured that at least 1 of these team would be in the Conference Finals, and it cant be too surprising that both are fighting it out for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. WOP won the low-scoring, head to head in the regular season. But that was with a still healing Tony Romo and a healthy Marion Barber. Those roles are now reversed, but can APA find an other way to pull through? Lets see...
QB -
Romo vs. Garrard - After last weeks debacle, WOP just wants his QB to stay in the whole game. GB DEF's has not been great lately, but Garrard doesn't have many weapons and cant be expected to do much. Since coming back from injury, Romo has been hot and cold. Posting two games of 50+ points, but also two games of sub 20 points. He faces a pissed off NYG this week and the 'boys are the verge of self-destructing. Prediction - Garrard will be just less than average, throwing for a scoring and for less than 200 yards, but also an INT. Romo might have to will his team to a victory this week. He wont throw for 300 yards, but count on at least 2 TDs.
RBs -
Matt Forte / Maurice Jones-Drew v. Marion Barber / Chris Johnson. - Forte played already, posting a good score, but not great, which was expected against a weak NO DEF. MO Jones-Drew's ship has come in; fred taylor went on the IR this week and plays against a soft GB run DEF. If he doesn't get 20 carries and 5 catches, its will be disappointing. Will he or wont he? That is the big questions surrounding Marion Barber this week. Guts tells him to play, his body might so no. Whatever his choice, its a risk putting him in the lineup against a tough NYG DEF. Chris Johnson faces a HOU DEF that held him in check earlier in the season, but that was before he melted some faces throughout the year. Back to back 100+ games should be the norm for him. Prediction - I predict Forte will have low yardage and get a td, about 14.8 points. MJ DREW will blow up and 30+ total points, thanks to the bonus and 2 tds. Barber plays, but doesn't reach 10 carries or 10 points. Chris Johnson does what he do, going for 110 yards and 1 td.
WRs -
Randy Moss/Reggie Wayne/Steve Smith v. Brandon Marshall/Laveranues Coles/Steve Breaston - WOP's squad should be considered the best in the biz. Though a little inconsistent, each guy on this corp has the ability to blow up, no matter the defense. They have combined for 12 bonuses this year. In comparison, APA boasts a team with talent, but a little underachieving, tallying only 6 bonuses between the 3 players. Each WR plays with a QB that can get them the ball, but not usually enough to be dominating. Prediction - Wayne bounces back and Smith continues his hot streak as both grab the bonus and TDs against very weak DEFs. Moss gets slowed down and shutout of the end zone, but still get 5 catches for 57 yards. Marshall does the damage out of the 3, getting 80 yards and a TD. APA's other have average games, neither topping 70 yards or a TD.
TE -
Tony Gonzalez v. Owen Daniels - This position is the big separator - if Tony Gonzo can have another huge game compared to the average game expected from Daniels, it will a big step in APA's journey to a win. Gonzo plays a SD team that allows the most points to TE's, a great sign that he'll blow up. Daniels struggled as late, but had a nice game with Schuab back. TENN is average against TE's, which is the type of game you can expect from Daniels. Prediction - Gonzo goes Gonzo; expect a bonus and a TD grab. anything less would be uncivilized. Daniels will get his standard 55 yards from 5 catches. Anything more would be gravy.
D/ST
Indy v. Washington - At this writing, the WOPs are going with the Colts, who have posted back to back huge games, 35 and 40 points, and are facing a horrible Detroit Lions that actually do have a few weapons. With Bob Sanders back, the colts have been real nasty and stingy. The Redskins also face a weak offensive team in the CINCIN Bengals. They have never had a dominant game this season, but rarely get smoked. Consistent and average is what they are, which is not bad. Prediction - INDY D/ST comes back to earth a little, but still post a 20+ game with 2 ints and 3 sacks. Washington has their best game of the year, but since they don't get many TOs, a 15 point posting will be the ceiling.
K - Gostkowski v. Mare - The New England kicker sits on top the points ladder going into the last weeks of the season. 3 of the past 4 weeks, he has topped 10 points. Count on that again when facing a terrible Oakland team. Mare is facing a team that will allow him to get lots of kicking opportunities, but maybe not many FGs chances. Prediction - Gostkowski gets a few of each, just reaching 10 points. Mare goes a little more wild in a shootout, reaching 12 points.
FINAL PREDICTION - Both teams do better than last week and both show why they made it this far. WOPs dont get much from the QB spot, but the rest of the team shows up with 3 bonuses and multiple TDs, 4 more than last week. APA gets expected great showings from a few players, but a questionable stud RB and just an average D/ST are the difference. Final Score - 175 to 156
You figured that at least 1 of these team would be in the Conference Finals, and it cant be too surprising that both are fighting it out for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. WOP won the low-scoring, head to head in the regular season. But that was with a still healing Tony Romo and a healthy Marion Barber. Those roles are now reversed, but can APA find an other way to pull through? Lets see...
QB -
Romo vs. Garrard - After last weeks debacle, WOP just wants his QB to stay in the whole game. GB DEF's has not been great lately, but Garrard doesn't have many weapons and cant be expected to do much. Since coming back from injury, Romo has been hot and cold. Posting two games of 50+ points, but also two games of sub 20 points. He faces a pissed off NYG this week and the 'boys are the verge of self-destructing. Prediction - Garrard will be just less than average, throwing for a scoring and for less than 200 yards, but also an INT. Romo might have to will his team to a victory this week. He wont throw for 300 yards, but count on at least 2 TDs.
RBs -
Matt Forte / Maurice Jones-Drew v. Marion Barber / Chris Johnson. - Forte played already, posting a good score, but not great, which was expected against a weak NO DEF. MO Jones-Drew's ship has come in; fred taylor went on the IR this week and plays against a soft GB run DEF. If he doesn't get 20 carries and 5 catches, its will be disappointing. Will he or wont he? That is the big questions surrounding Marion Barber this week. Guts tells him to play, his body might so no. Whatever his choice, its a risk putting him in the lineup against a tough NYG DEF. Chris Johnson faces a HOU DEF that held him in check earlier in the season, but that was before he melted some faces throughout the year. Back to back 100+ games should be the norm for him. Prediction - I predict Forte will have low yardage and get a td, about 14.8 points. MJ DREW will blow up and 30+ total points, thanks to the bonus and 2 tds. Barber plays, but doesn't reach 10 carries or 10 points. Chris Johnson does what he do, going for 110 yards and 1 td.
WRs -
Randy Moss/Reggie Wayne/Steve Smith v. Brandon Marshall/Laveranues Coles/Steve Breaston - WOP's squad should be considered the best in the biz. Though a little inconsistent, each guy on this corp has the ability to blow up, no matter the defense. They have combined for 12 bonuses this year. In comparison, APA boasts a team with talent, but a little underachieving, tallying only 6 bonuses between the 3 players. Each WR plays with a QB that can get them the ball, but not usually enough to be dominating. Prediction - Wayne bounces back and Smith continues his hot streak as both grab the bonus and TDs against very weak DEFs. Moss gets slowed down and shutout of the end zone, but still get 5 catches for 57 yards. Marshall does the damage out of the 3, getting 80 yards and a TD. APA's other have average games, neither topping 70 yards or a TD.
TE -
Tony Gonzalez v. Owen Daniels - This position is the big separator - if Tony Gonzo can have another huge game compared to the average game expected from Daniels, it will a big step in APA's journey to a win. Gonzo plays a SD team that allows the most points to TE's, a great sign that he'll blow up. Daniels struggled as late, but had a nice game with Schuab back. TENN is average against TE's, which is the type of game you can expect from Daniels. Prediction - Gonzo goes Gonzo; expect a bonus and a TD grab. anything less would be uncivilized. Daniels will get his standard 55 yards from 5 catches. Anything more would be gravy.
D/ST
Indy v. Washington - At this writing, the WOPs are going with the Colts, who have posted back to back huge games, 35 and 40 points, and are facing a horrible Detroit Lions that actually do have a few weapons. With Bob Sanders back, the colts have been real nasty and stingy. The Redskins also face a weak offensive team in the CINCIN Bengals. They have never had a dominant game this season, but rarely get smoked. Consistent and average is what they are, which is not bad. Prediction - INDY D/ST comes back to earth a little, but still post a 20+ game with 2 ints and 3 sacks. Washington has their best game of the year, but since they don't get many TOs, a 15 point posting will be the ceiling.
K - Gostkowski v. Mare - The New England kicker sits on top the points ladder going into the last weeks of the season. 3 of the past 4 weeks, he has topped 10 points. Count on that again when facing a terrible Oakland team. Mare is facing a team that will allow him to get lots of kicking opportunities, but maybe not many FGs chances. Prediction - Gostkowski gets a few of each, just reaching 10 points. Mare goes a little more wild in a shootout, reaching 12 points.
FINAL PREDICTION - Both teams do better than last week and both show why they made it this far. WOPs dont get much from the QB spot, but the rest of the team shows up with 3 bonuses and multiple TDs, 4 more than last week. APA gets expected great showings from a few players, but a questionable stud RB and just an average D/ST are the difference. Final Score - 175 to 156
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
playoff matchup, positional breakdowns and predictions
lets take some time and go through the 4 playoff games...
West Meadows Molesters vs. Huey Ramas
The Molesters have the better record (9-4 to 7-6) but Huey Ramas scored 100+ more points in the regular season. The Molesters hold a 2-0 advantage in head to head matchups during the regular season but can they make it 3-0?
QB -
Cassel v. Cutler - both face a weak pass defense, but cassel holds the juicier matchup, at least on paper, as Seahawks have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks the past five weeks and has the better weapons. And before last week, Cassel was making people consider trading Tom Brady (idiots). Cutler has been inconsistent but has shown his ability to come through with huge games. KC is little better against the pass, but not much. Prediction - Cassel comes through with a slighty better game.
RBs -
Bush / McFadden v. Thomas Jones / SJAX - Bush is still a little rusty and Pierre Thomas has shown he is worthy of stealing some touches. McFadden has 1 good game, but is facing a SD Def that has been less than stellar all year. Thomas Jones was acquired through a late season trade and has been straight cash homey, with 100 yards in 3 of the past 4 games and 6 tds. SJAX has been hurt a lot, but with 21 carries last week, one would think he can continue to do his thing. Prediction - Jones / SJAX both come through with 20+ point games.
WRs -
B. Berrian / Larry Fitzgerald / Harry Douglas v. Roddy White / Amani Toomer / Ted Ginn Jr. - Interesting matchups here; both teams have a stud #1 WR, both have a WR who have been feast of famine all year (berrian / ginn) and both have someone tied to the success of Matt Ryan. The wild card here is "Not A" Toomer. With Burress out for the season, Eli might look to solidify that connection and look his way a lot. Molesters WRs may the better matchups, but Ramas' stronger WR corp will get the looks and probably more points.
TE -
Donald Lee v. Bo Scaife - Neither one of these guys can be considered top flight TE, but scaife at least had some big games. Matchups are pretty neutral and neither are top options for their QB. Prediction - neither get the bonus, but Scaife gets a TD
D/ST
ARI v. TENN - Which one faces the worse QB? Hard to say. But the Titans have been strong all year long. And home against Ken Dorsey? Yikes. Prediction - Titans come through with a near shutout, only allowing a 2nd half FG and grab 30 points.
K -
Elam v. Bironas - Both have been solid all year. Elam plays in a dome in what expects to be a shootout. Bironas might have some tricky winds on the road and the Titans might score some TDs. Prediction - Both grab double digits, but Elam has a season high.
FINAL PREDICTION - The Molesters get the coveted 10 point bonus. It wont matter. Ramas has dropped two 200+ games in the past 4 weeks. He wont get there this week, but his matchups are favorable and his players are consistent enough to take advantage. Final Score - 168 to 140
Hoof Hearted v. Avalon Park Assassins
Same record. 12 points separating them. stud players in multiple positions. last 2 undefeated teams. Its too bad this matchup happens in the 1st round as it probably could be the championship if they were in different conferences. One of these team will have a very disappointing, very short playoff run.
QB -
Romo v. Eli Manning - Romo has lead many a team to great records this year. One of the top QBs in the game, it not unreasonable to expect 300 yards and a few TDs. But this matchup couldn't come at a worse time. Versus a monster PITT Def? on the road? Without Barber? Expecting more than 30 points could be too much. On the flip side, little brother eli has out performed big bother lately, proving better than his mid-season play of game manager. Hoof Hearted could really use a big game again, or at least not worse than the last time he faced Philly. Prediction - Both QBs play good, but nothing crazy. "Even Steven" points-wise.
RBs -
Lynch / Peterson v. Benson / Johnson - If Hoof Hearted is going to beat a tough Assassins, it will come via the RBs. Lynch was average last time he faced Miami but has played better as of late. The matchup of the week is AP versus Detroit. Peterson could blow up for 50+ points - Hoof Hearted will need a big day from AP. He can't afford to mess this up. Benson is an interesting matchup versus a INDY DEF who is easy to run, though Bob Sanders is back. Chris Johnson, great in the beginning, average in the middle, faces an average CLEV def. The potential for a big game is there. Prediction - Both Lynch and AP do what they do and run wild. Benson gets a TD but less than glorious yards. Johnson makes more sparks as potential ROY and grabs 100+ yards but it wont be enough to keep up with AP.
WRs -
Terrell Owens / Greg Jennings / Hines Ward v. Brandon Marshall / Laveranues Coles / Steve Breaston - TO, Jennings and Ward have the potential to go for 3 for 3 on the bonus any given week. Except maybe this week. Tough of matchups for all 3. If anyone of them can get a TD, it would be real nice. Marshall, Coles and Breaston have as much ceiling as the other WR corp, maybe just not the track record. The highlight here is the matchups - all face teams with decent PASS DEF, but horrible team that you can gather yards and TDs in a hurry. Prediction - If it wasnt for the matchups, "THE T.O. GANG" could do some damage. But this week, Assassins can expect some big games.
TEs -
Witten v. Gonzo - Anything less than a stellar game for either TE is sad news. Both have the ability to grab big points, but facing each other, they could just cancel each other out. Prediction - the matchup for witten is tough but could be nice if Romo needs to dump the ball short. Gonzo should win the battle of the points, but not by much.
D/ST -
Cowboys v. Jets - Cowboys will have their hands full with a PITT team on the road. But bad weather could produce some TOs. Jets have been one of the surprises this year, but had a relapse of sorts versus the Broncos in the rain. This week, all they need to do is focus on stopping Gore. Prediction - Neither dominate, but the Cowboys get a few fumbles, giving them the edge.
Ks -
Crosby v. Gould - At home, Crosby has been nice and consistent. Gould is on an offense that has been a little less than. Prediction - Crosby gets a few extra points plus the coveted FGs, making for a double digit day.
FINAL PREDICTION - The game of the week will produce a loser that will not be happy to be leaving after the first round. Hoof Hearted might have the best matchups during the first round. And faces a team with some of the toughest. Hoof Hearted will avenge a regular season loss and move forward. Final Score - 188 to 135
Bradford Brawlers versus Team VOTE 4 PEDRO
Ahhh...it was just last week when TV4P pulled out a squeaker of a victory, which made them 2-0 versus the Brawlers. Pedro has had 2 rough weeks going into the playoffs, posting scores of 111 and 115. Brawlers has been just as consistent; 2 scores of 130+, right after 2 scores of sub 90 points. Who will turn it on for the playoffs?
QBs -
Brees v. Rodgers - It well documented what Brees does for a team; when he is on, its simply awesome. Rodgers has been consistent as above average, regularly posting scores in the 30's and higher. Both have matchups that could be really nice, but...Prediction - Brees dares teams to turn the game into a shootout. In a dome, its tough to not expect Brees to grab 50 points. Rodgers will be good, but Brees will be awesome.
RBs -
Grant / Peyton Hillis v. DeAngelo Williams / Larry Johnson - Grant was the poster child of bust earlier this season. he has been okay recently, but injuries take away any real upside. Hillis has been the poster child of late season pick up wunderkin. Both have matchups that are nice. Every week, DeAngelo was supposed to be replaced. Hasn't happened yet, and wont happen the rest of the season as he has scored 30+ for 4 weeks in a row. When LJ has played, he has actually been okay. When he played Denver last time, he blew up. Could it happen again? Prediction - Williams and LJ are going to somehow combine for 4 TDs. Hillis will drop off, but not as bad as Grant. Not good news for the Brawlers.
WRs -
Calvin Johnson / Davone Bess / Lee Evans v. T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Deion Branch / Santana Moss - Brawlers corp represents some young talent that might be twice as good if they had a decent QB throwing to them. Bess has been great PPR league pickup for this late in the season. CJ might have rough go but is TOO good to completely shut down. Evans is back and forth and frustrates owners with who shows up. Team V4P would have been in good shape in this was 2 years ago. Now? All these WRs are in bad situations, or worse, hurt, and cant be expected to bring much to the table. Prediction - Megatron and company do some good. Luckily, the other WR corps doesn't do much at all.
TEs -
Dallas Clark v. John Carlson - Clark has been in mini slump this year. Carlson has taken some rookie lumps this year, but has shown some great talent too. He blew up last week against the cowboys and Hassleback might look to him again as his new security. Prediction - Clark will get a few catches and a few yards. Nothing special. Carlson should get his 2nd awesome game as a rookie, though it will mostly come at garbage time. But who cares when it comes, as long as it counts.
D/ST -
Broncos v. Chargers - Denver has been plagued by injuries to their main men and have been less than average all year. The Chargers could play the same card, but have been far more disappointing. Drafted as the 1st D/ST then dropped and picked up late, SD has the talent. And this week they face OAK. Which could pay dividends. Prediction - DEN faces a KC team that killed them last time. SD gets an Oakland squad that has played better as of late. Neither will do great, but DEN might not get past 5 points.
Ks -
Brown v. Longwell - Brown seems to get a few chances every game, regardless of opponent. Having AP on your team, gets you at least close to the endzone each drive and Longwell gets to kick in a dome against a horrible team. Guess who scores more this game? Predicition - Brown will get 10 points. AP wont score all the TDs, so Longwell will have more XPs than FGs and will still get double digits and then some.
FINAL PREDICTION - This battle is going to be a close one. Both have good players with good matchups. Both can expect decent overall scores and need better than average games from palyers who havent done much lately (Clark and Deion Branch) The difference will be Brees. If Brees does throws down his usual 50+ point game, it will be too much for TV4P. Final Score - 155 to 147
Bourne Ulceration versus Wings of Pastrami -
This matchup will result in some nice bragging rights for a good 9 months. WOP has been hotter than a pistol, entering the playoffs on a 8 week win streak and the 2nd highest scoring team in the league. The BU's come into the Bid Dance as the only sub .500 team, but ride a wave of 2 impressive weeks of team high scores (followed by a season low) Can the BU's create another perfect storm of scores and upset the WOP's?
QBs -
Frerotte versus Peyton Manning - the WOP's have ridden the Gus Bus a few times this year with average results. Which is what you have to expect, any against a lowly Lions team. Why pass when you can run with AP? That will probably be the case this week too. Manning, as a 1st round pick, has been disappointing. But the regular season doesn't matter and his matchups couldn't be better. A 60 point game (something Peyton hasn't done all year) is not out of reach. BU needs a big one. Prediction - Gus Frerotte doesn't throw in th 2nd half and garners a 23 point game. Manning shows why he is still the best, getting 55 points in an INDY romp.
RBs -
Matt Forte / Steve Slaton v. Lendale White / Portis - The combo of Forte/Slaton has been rookie gold, catapulting the WOPs to the top this year. Both have been strong of late and are true #1 backs on their respective teams. And both face some of the worse rushing DEFs this week in GB and JAX. Expect good things. When White and Portis are good, they are good. In other words, both have the ability to get TDs and 30 point games. The only problem now is that Portis has been hurt the past few weeks and faces a nasty BALT def. And when Lendale isn't eating twinkies, he has been in the end zone, especially last week. But this week, the Titans might lean more on Chris Johnson and leave LenDale on the sidelines with some leftovers. Prediction – Forte and Slaton both run wild and grab the bonus, 4 catches each and a TD each. White gets enough to make him “startable” but plays 2nd fiddle to CJ. Portis toughs it out and gets a TD, but less than 60 yards total.
WRs –
Randy Moss/Reggie Wayne/Steve Smith v. Wes Welker/Lance Moore/Dwayne Bowe - Moss, Wayne and Smith are top 10 WRs and each week have the potential to melt their opponents face off. Their matchups range from awesome to just okay. Each should be get their standard 15 points and at least 1 of them should dominate. Welker and friends have been great for a PPR and each have had streaks of goodness this year. But all 3 of them are coming of poor showings last week. Moderate rebounds should be in the card this week though. Prediction - Moss and Wayne grab the WR headlines of the week, getting the bonus and 3 TDs between them. Smith wont get shutout, but wont do what he did last time against the TAMPA D/ST. Welker can't shake the cobwebs from getting smoked last week, but still Gets 6 catches for 55 yards. Moore ends his streak of TDs but get some good targets. Bowe's outcome depends on if Champ B plays. I say he does and shuts Bowe down.
TEs -
Dustin Keller v. Tony Scheffler - Keller qualifies as someone who is peaking at the best time possible, going from dud to stud just in time for the playoffs. Though SF is tough against TEs, Keller will get a lot of targets since Farve wants to makeout with him and have his babies every week. Or at least it seems that way. Scheffler seems to showup and disappear at random times. He stunk last time he faced KC, but lately, TEs have had some good success. Predication - Keller finds a way to have a decent game; 50 + yards but no TDs. Scheffler decides to play this time and creates a nice day for himself, finding the endzone and 70 yards.
D/ST -
Indy v. TB - The Colts have been the victim of missing Bob Sanders. Oh, and not being that great anyways. Getting Sanders back and facing a horrible CINCIN team will help a whole lot. Tampa has been dominate all year long, rarely not getting a TO or letting in a bunch of points. Prediction - Indy plays better than their season average an sack Fitzpatrick 4 times and get a fumble on thier way to 20 point day. Tampa slows down both DeAngelo and Steve Smith but dont generate the TOs like usual. But another 20+ day is managable.
K's -
Gostkowski v. Rackers - Not as awesome as last year, Gostkowski still gets a lot of opps, but isnt trusted still to go for any 50 yarders. Against Seattle, he might get more XPs than FGs but still..cmon...he'll get a lot of points. Rackers has been great and versus St Louis he might get his season high. Prediction - Gostowski gets on the field for 6 kicks, bu 4 will be for XPs. Rackers will boot his way to a 15 point day.
FINAL PREDICTION - The WOPs will not get high points from their non-QB position, something scary for a league that places emphasis on that spot. And playing Manning is equally as scary. But every other player on the WOP's should outscore their counterpart on the BU's team. Player bonuses and the #1 seed bonus will be too much for an upset. Final Score - 172 to 135
West Meadows Molesters vs. Huey Ramas
The Molesters have the better record (9-4 to 7-6) but Huey Ramas scored 100+ more points in the regular season. The Molesters hold a 2-0 advantage in head to head matchups during the regular season but can they make it 3-0?
QB -
Cassel v. Cutler - both face a weak pass defense, but cassel holds the juicier matchup, at least on paper, as Seahawks have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks the past five weeks and has the better weapons. And before last week, Cassel was making people consider trading Tom Brady (idiots). Cutler has been inconsistent but has shown his ability to come through with huge games. KC is little better against the pass, but not much. Prediction - Cassel comes through with a slighty better game.
RBs -
Bush / McFadden v. Thomas Jones / SJAX - Bush is still a little rusty and Pierre Thomas has shown he is worthy of stealing some touches. McFadden has 1 good game, but is facing a SD Def that has been less than stellar all year. Thomas Jones was acquired through a late season trade and has been straight cash homey, with 100 yards in 3 of the past 4 games and 6 tds. SJAX has been hurt a lot, but with 21 carries last week, one would think he can continue to do his thing. Prediction - Jones / SJAX both come through with 20+ point games.
WRs -
B. Berrian / Larry Fitzgerald / Harry Douglas v. Roddy White / Amani Toomer / Ted Ginn Jr. - Interesting matchups here; both teams have a stud #1 WR, both have a WR who have been feast of famine all year (berrian / ginn) and both have someone tied to the success of Matt Ryan. The wild card here is "Not A" Toomer. With Burress out for the season, Eli might look to solidify that connection and look his way a lot. Molesters WRs may the better matchups, but Ramas' stronger WR corp will get the looks and probably more points.
TE -
Donald Lee v. Bo Scaife - Neither one of these guys can be considered top flight TE, but scaife at least had some big games. Matchups are pretty neutral and neither are top options for their QB. Prediction - neither get the bonus, but Scaife gets a TD
D/ST
ARI v. TENN - Which one faces the worse QB? Hard to say. But the Titans have been strong all year long. And home against Ken Dorsey? Yikes. Prediction - Titans come through with a near shutout, only allowing a 2nd half FG and grab 30 points.
K -
Elam v. Bironas - Both have been solid all year. Elam plays in a dome in what expects to be a shootout. Bironas might have some tricky winds on the road and the Titans might score some TDs. Prediction - Both grab double digits, but Elam has a season high.
FINAL PREDICTION - The Molesters get the coveted 10 point bonus. It wont matter. Ramas has dropped two 200+ games in the past 4 weeks. He wont get there this week, but his matchups are favorable and his players are consistent enough to take advantage. Final Score - 168 to 140
Hoof Hearted v. Avalon Park Assassins
Same record. 12 points separating them. stud players in multiple positions. last 2 undefeated teams. Its too bad this matchup happens in the 1st round as it probably could be the championship if they were in different conferences. One of these team will have a very disappointing, very short playoff run.
QB -
Romo v. Eli Manning - Romo has lead many a team to great records this year. One of the top QBs in the game, it not unreasonable to expect 300 yards and a few TDs. But this matchup couldn't come at a worse time. Versus a monster PITT Def? on the road? Without Barber? Expecting more than 30 points could be too much. On the flip side, little brother eli has out performed big bother lately, proving better than his mid-season play of game manager. Hoof Hearted could really use a big game again, or at least not worse than the last time he faced Philly. Prediction - Both QBs play good, but nothing crazy. "Even Steven" points-wise.
RBs -
Lynch / Peterson v. Benson / Johnson - If Hoof Hearted is going to beat a tough Assassins, it will come via the RBs. Lynch was average last time he faced Miami but has played better as of late. The matchup of the week is AP versus Detroit. Peterson could blow up for 50+ points - Hoof Hearted will need a big day from AP. He can't afford to mess this up. Benson is an interesting matchup versus a INDY DEF who is easy to run, though Bob Sanders is back. Chris Johnson, great in the beginning, average in the middle, faces an average CLEV def. The potential for a big game is there. Prediction - Both Lynch and AP do what they do and run wild. Benson gets a TD but less than glorious yards. Johnson makes more sparks as potential ROY and grabs 100+ yards but it wont be enough to keep up with AP.
WRs -
Terrell Owens / Greg Jennings / Hines Ward v. Brandon Marshall / Laveranues Coles / Steve Breaston - TO, Jennings and Ward have the potential to go for 3 for 3 on the bonus any given week. Except maybe this week. Tough of matchups for all 3. If anyone of them can get a TD, it would be real nice. Marshall, Coles and Breaston have as much ceiling as the other WR corp, maybe just not the track record. The highlight here is the matchups - all face teams with decent PASS DEF, but horrible team that you can gather yards and TDs in a hurry. Prediction - If it wasnt for the matchups, "THE T.O. GANG" could do some damage. But this week, Assassins can expect some big games.
TEs -
Witten v. Gonzo - Anything less than a stellar game for either TE is sad news. Both have the ability to grab big points, but facing each other, they could just cancel each other out. Prediction - the matchup for witten is tough but could be nice if Romo needs to dump the ball short. Gonzo should win the battle of the points, but not by much.
D/ST -
Cowboys v. Jets - Cowboys will have their hands full with a PITT team on the road. But bad weather could produce some TOs. Jets have been one of the surprises this year, but had a relapse of sorts versus the Broncos in the rain. This week, all they need to do is focus on stopping Gore. Prediction - Neither dominate, but the Cowboys get a few fumbles, giving them the edge.
Ks -
Crosby v. Gould - At home, Crosby has been nice and consistent. Gould is on an offense that has been a little less than. Prediction - Crosby gets a few extra points plus the coveted FGs, making for a double digit day.
FINAL PREDICTION - The game of the week will produce a loser that will not be happy to be leaving after the first round. Hoof Hearted might have the best matchups during the first round. And faces a team with some of the toughest. Hoof Hearted will avenge a regular season loss and move forward. Final Score - 188 to 135
Bradford Brawlers versus Team VOTE 4 PEDRO
Ahhh...it was just last week when TV4P pulled out a squeaker of a victory, which made them 2-0 versus the Brawlers. Pedro has had 2 rough weeks going into the playoffs, posting scores of 111 and 115. Brawlers has been just as consistent; 2 scores of 130+, right after 2 scores of sub 90 points. Who will turn it on for the playoffs?
QBs -
Brees v. Rodgers - It well documented what Brees does for a team; when he is on, its simply awesome. Rodgers has been consistent as above average, regularly posting scores in the 30's and higher. Both have matchups that could be really nice, but...Prediction - Brees dares teams to turn the game into a shootout. In a dome, its tough to not expect Brees to grab 50 points. Rodgers will be good, but Brees will be awesome.
RBs -
Grant / Peyton Hillis v. DeAngelo Williams / Larry Johnson - Grant was the poster child of bust earlier this season. he has been okay recently, but injuries take away any real upside. Hillis has been the poster child of late season pick up wunderkin. Both have matchups that are nice. Every week, DeAngelo was supposed to be replaced. Hasn't happened yet, and wont happen the rest of the season as he has scored 30+ for 4 weeks in a row. When LJ has played, he has actually been okay. When he played Denver last time, he blew up. Could it happen again? Prediction - Williams and LJ are going to somehow combine for 4 TDs. Hillis will drop off, but not as bad as Grant. Not good news for the Brawlers.
WRs -
Calvin Johnson / Davone Bess / Lee Evans v. T.J. Houshmandzadeh / Deion Branch / Santana Moss - Brawlers corp represents some young talent that might be twice as good if they had a decent QB throwing to them. Bess has been great PPR league pickup for this late in the season. CJ might have rough go but is TOO good to completely shut down. Evans is back and forth and frustrates owners with who shows up. Team V4P would have been in good shape in this was 2 years ago. Now? All these WRs are in bad situations, or worse, hurt, and cant be expected to bring much to the table. Prediction - Megatron and company do some good. Luckily, the other WR corps doesn't do much at all.
TEs -
Dallas Clark v. John Carlson - Clark has been in mini slump this year. Carlson has taken some rookie lumps this year, but has shown some great talent too. He blew up last week against the cowboys and Hassleback might look to him again as his new security. Prediction - Clark will get a few catches and a few yards. Nothing special. Carlson should get his 2nd awesome game as a rookie, though it will mostly come at garbage time. But who cares when it comes, as long as it counts.
D/ST -
Broncos v. Chargers - Denver has been plagued by injuries to their main men and have been less than average all year. The Chargers could play the same card, but have been far more disappointing. Drafted as the 1st D/ST then dropped and picked up late, SD has the talent. And this week they face OAK. Which could pay dividends. Prediction - DEN faces a KC team that killed them last time. SD gets an Oakland squad that has played better as of late. Neither will do great, but DEN might not get past 5 points.
Ks -
Brown v. Longwell - Brown seems to get a few chances every game, regardless of opponent. Having AP on your team, gets you at least close to the endzone each drive and Longwell gets to kick in a dome against a horrible team. Guess who scores more this game? Predicition - Brown will get 10 points. AP wont score all the TDs, so Longwell will have more XPs than FGs and will still get double digits and then some.
FINAL PREDICTION - This battle is going to be a close one. Both have good players with good matchups. Both can expect decent overall scores and need better than average games from palyers who havent done much lately (Clark and Deion Branch) The difference will be Brees. If Brees does throws down his usual 50+ point game, it will be too much for TV4P. Final Score - 155 to 147
Bourne Ulceration versus Wings of Pastrami -
This matchup will result in some nice bragging rights for a good 9 months. WOP has been hotter than a pistol, entering the playoffs on a 8 week win streak and the 2nd highest scoring team in the league. The BU's come into the Bid Dance as the only sub .500 team, but ride a wave of 2 impressive weeks of team high scores (followed by a season low) Can the BU's create another perfect storm of scores and upset the WOP's?
QBs -
Frerotte versus Peyton Manning - the WOP's have ridden the Gus Bus a few times this year with average results. Which is what you have to expect, any against a lowly Lions team. Why pass when you can run with AP? That will probably be the case this week too. Manning, as a 1st round pick, has been disappointing. But the regular season doesn't matter and his matchups couldn't be better. A 60 point game (something Peyton hasn't done all year) is not out of reach. BU needs a big one. Prediction - Gus Frerotte doesn't throw in th 2nd half and garners a 23 point game. Manning shows why he is still the best, getting 55 points in an INDY romp.
RBs -
Matt Forte / Steve Slaton v. Lendale White / Portis - The combo of Forte/Slaton has been rookie gold, catapulting the WOPs to the top this year. Both have been strong of late and are true #1 backs on their respective teams. And both face some of the worse rushing DEFs this week in GB and JAX. Expect good things. When White and Portis are good, they are good. In other words, both have the ability to get TDs and 30 point games. The only problem now is that Portis has been hurt the past few weeks and faces a nasty BALT def. And when Lendale isn't eating twinkies, he has been in the end zone, especially last week. But this week, the Titans might lean more on Chris Johnson and leave LenDale on the sidelines with some leftovers. Prediction – Forte and Slaton both run wild and grab the bonus, 4 catches each and a TD each. White gets enough to make him “startable” but plays 2nd fiddle to CJ. Portis toughs it out and gets a TD, but less than 60 yards total.
WRs –
Randy Moss/Reggie Wayne/Steve Smith v. Wes Welker/Lance Moore/Dwayne Bowe - Moss, Wayne and Smith are top 10 WRs and each week have the potential to melt their opponents face off. Their matchups range from awesome to just okay. Each should be get their standard 15 points and at least 1 of them should dominate. Welker and friends have been great for a PPR and each have had streaks of goodness this year. But all 3 of them are coming of poor showings last week. Moderate rebounds should be in the card this week though. Prediction - Moss and Wayne grab the WR headlines of the week, getting the bonus and 3 TDs between them. Smith wont get shutout, but wont do what he did last time against the TAMPA D/ST. Welker can't shake the cobwebs from getting smoked last week, but still Gets 6 catches for 55 yards. Moore ends his streak of TDs but get some good targets. Bowe's outcome depends on if Champ B plays. I say he does and shuts Bowe down.
TEs -
Dustin Keller v. Tony Scheffler - Keller qualifies as someone who is peaking at the best time possible, going from dud to stud just in time for the playoffs. Though SF is tough against TEs, Keller will get a lot of targets since Farve wants to makeout with him and have his babies every week. Or at least it seems that way. Scheffler seems to showup and disappear at random times. He stunk last time he faced KC, but lately, TEs have had some good success. Predication - Keller finds a way to have a decent game; 50 + yards but no TDs. Scheffler decides to play this time and creates a nice day for himself, finding the endzone and 70 yards.
D/ST -
Indy v. TB - The Colts have been the victim of missing Bob Sanders. Oh, and not being that great anyways. Getting Sanders back and facing a horrible CINCIN team will help a whole lot. Tampa has been dominate all year long, rarely not getting a TO or letting in a bunch of points. Prediction - Indy plays better than their season average an sack Fitzpatrick 4 times and get a fumble on thier way to 20 point day. Tampa slows down both DeAngelo and Steve Smith but dont generate the TOs like usual. But another 20+ day is managable.
K's -
Gostkowski v. Rackers - Not as awesome as last year, Gostkowski still gets a lot of opps, but isnt trusted still to go for any 50 yarders. Against Seattle, he might get more XPs than FGs but still..cmon...he'll get a lot of points. Rackers has been great and versus St Louis he might get his season high. Prediction - Gostowski gets on the field for 6 kicks, bu 4 will be for XPs. Rackers will boot his way to a 15 point day.
FINAL PREDICTION - The WOPs will not get high points from their non-QB position, something scary for a league that places emphasis on that spot. And playing Manning is equally as scary. But every other player on the WOP's should outscore their counterpart on the BU's team. Player bonuses and the #1 seed bonus will be too much for an upset. Final Score - 172 to 135
playoff winners - week 1
Wings of Pastrami
Hoof Hearted
Huey Ramas
Bradford Brawlers
Last Week : 5-1
Overall : 35 -19
Hoof Hearted
Huey Ramas
Bradford Brawlers
Last Week : 5-1
Overall : 35 -19
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