I was this close again!!! After predicting a Denver-Seattle Super Bowl last year I figured there was no chance I'd ever get that close again. I went with Seattle to defeat New England with my all too early prediction for this season and lo and behold I hit the nail on the head again! With 15 minutes to play Seattle held a 24-14 lead and my predicted score of 27-16 looked pretty good. But as Geico has always said, a lot can change in just 15 minutes. New England roared back and took a late lead, but Seattle drove right back down the field and with less than a minute to play was one yard away from a back to back championship and turning me into a fatter, balder version of Nostradamus. One run by Marshawn Lynch and I was money! But no. Pete Carroll called for a pass, it was intercepted and Brady and Belichick cemented themselves as the greatest quarterback/coach duo in the history of the NFL. Kudos to them on a wonderful 4th quarter comeback that will forever be overshadowed by that final play. Do they have it in them to get back to a seventh Super Bowl before Brady hangs them up? Maybe, but you'll have to scroll down to see if I have picked them to repeat. As for the Seahawks, their window of having a cheap Russell Wilson is closed, Marshawn Lynch is a free agent and pissed so this might just be the end for their mini run. They will still be a heavy favorite to compete for a Super Bowl, but I believe it'll take at least a year or two to regroup after this debacle.
So lets look back at my predictions from my 4th annual NFL Crystal Ball and see just how horrid they were.
Breakout Candidates
Jay Cutler: Tied for the league lead in interceptions and was benched for the final game of the regular season. On a brighter note, was the starting quarterback on my fantasy football team that went 10-3 in the regular season (DeMarco Murray, Arian Foster and Jordy Nelson may have been on it too).
Andre Ellington: Played a lot more, but got injured and missed the final quarter of the season. Didn't live up to the hype, but was serviceable.
Joique Bell: More rushing, less receiving and the same total touchdowns from a year before. Maybe next year he puts it all together. Close, but no cigar.
Terrance Williams: Fewer targets, receptions and receiving yards than his rookie year, but scored 3 more touchdowns. He has all the makings of a star, but will have to settle for second fiddle with Dez in Big D.
Cordarrelle Patterson/Kyle Rudolph: I don't even know where to start with this debacle of a duo. Whether it was injury or lack of playing time or both, neither did anything of note while rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was showing glimpses of stardom.
Busts
Cam Newton: After a slow start, Cam looked more and more like the steady Cam by mid-season even overcoming a car accident and some broken ribs. Another swing and a miss.
Frank Gore: My annual prediction of his demise didn't exactly come true. Sure he is showing signs of wear and tear, but he still churned out 1100 yards rushing and 5 total touchdowns while starting all 16 games.
Pierre Garcon/DeSean Jackson: One yes, one no. I predicted 120 total catches and 2000 total yards: they went for 124 total catches and 1928 total yards. DeSean did most of the work of the pair, but this might have been my best prediction of the bunch.
As for MVP: I picked two quarterbacks and missed on both. Aaron Rodgers won (should've been J.J. Watt) while Drew Brees and Peyton Manning were great and awful at times.
Standings and Predicted Records (actual records in parenthesis)
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles 11-5 (10-6)
Dallas Cowboys 8-8 (12-4)
Washington Redskins 6-10 (4-12)
New York Giants 6-10 (6-10)
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers 13-3 (12-4)
Chicago Bears 11-5 (5-11)
Detroit Lions 9-7 (11-5)
Minnesota Vikings 6-10 (7-9)
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints 12-4 (7-9)
Atlanta Falcons 8-8 (6-10)
Carolina Panthers 7-9 (7-8-1)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 (2-14)
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks 13-3 (12-4)
Arizona Cardinals 9-7 (11-5)
San Francisco 49ers 8-8 (8-8)
St. Louis Rams 7-9 (6-10)
AFC EAST
New England Patriots 13-3 (12-4)
New York Jets 6-10 (4-12)
Miami Dolphins 3-13 (8-8)
Buffalo Bills 3-13 (9-7)
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens 11-5 (10-6)
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7 (11-5)
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 (10-5-1)
Cleveland Browns 2-14 (7-9)
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 13-3 (11-5)
Tennessee Titans 6-10 (2-14)
Houston Texans 5-11 (9-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13 (3-13)
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos 13-3 (12-4)
Kansas City Chiefs 9-7 (9-7)
San Diego Chargers 7-9 (9-7)
Oakland Raiders 5-11 (3-13)
I went 5/8 in predicting division winners, but missed an AFC division winner for the first time in three years as the Ravens came up short to Pittsburgh before beating them in the playoffs.
Biggest misses were Chicago and Buffalo (six games off) New Orleans, Miami and Cleveland (5 games off)
But just when I was looking like a fool...along came the playoffs:
I had Seattle beating Green Bay in the NFC Championship game so that was good (even though Chicago, Philadelphia and New Orleans made me look silly).
In the AFC...ah near perfection. I had every single winner correct and outside of picking Kansas City over Cincinnati for the #6 seed went perfect!!! Baltimore over Pittsburgh: YES New England over Baltimore: YES Indianapolis over Denver: YES New England over Indianapolis: YES
Can't do much better than that.
As for my all too early prediction for Super Bowl 50 where I am looking for three consecutive February bulls-eyes (Denver/Seattle, New England/Seattle) I am going: Green Bay to outscore Indianapolis and return the Lombardi Trophy to where it belongs for the leagues' 50th anniversary of the big game. Each team was a game away, but this will mark a changing of the guard in the AFC and Seattle might finally have to let some of their core walk away after two straight Super Bowl appearances.
Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nfl. Show all posts
Monday, February 2, 2015
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
FCNPFFL: Week 5 Results (I'm baaaaack)
After a three week respite where my fellow league mates, Joel and (the other) Jason filled in for me, I am back, better than ever. After suffering through extended hours at work, watching the inevitable collapse of my beloved Athletics and a complete lack of sleep, I have gotten back into Zen fantasy football mode and am ready to complete my duties as commissioner of this fine league that is still going strong in its 17th year.
BYE WEEKS FOR WEEK 6: KANSAS CITY and NEW ORLEANS
Waivers will be ran late Wednesday night as always.
We had a trade this week that was consummated while the two owners were watching the Nationals crumble during Game 1 of their series vs. the Giants. That's a solid multi-tasking effort.
Onto the games:
My incredibly difficult schedule continued as I locked horns with Mike who, through some nifty trades including the aforementioned one above now has a pretty formidable roster. We were both predicted to light up the scoreboard and that is exactly what happened. Our two quarterbacks nearly canceled each other out with Cutler getting me 26 and Luck tallying 24 for Mike. The RB situation was the same where he got a combined 22 and I received 20. I had the slight 'edge' at WR/TE if you can call it that as my trio of receivers hauled in just 3 total passes. Luckily one was a 66 yard score netting me 16 points. Mike also got a touchdown and a total of 13 points from his trio, but lost newly acquired TE Jimmy Graham to injury. I squeaked by with a 2 point edge at kicker. During the 1pm games my defense, the Steelers, scored 18 points and I looked to be in great shape until Mike's D, the Chargers, lambasted the Jets. San Diego had 21 points and was pitching a shutout with the entire 4th quarter to play and Mike trailing in our game by just 2 points. The Jets failed to scored, but they also avoided any butt fumbles, sacks or INTs and Mike fell just short.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 88 Bookoo Barbarians 86
Last weeks' ghost writer, Jason (who is filling in for Ike, who is playing for his daughter Myra) took on John (who is father to league mate's Luke and Joel, who filled in for me in Weeks 2 & 3, okay enough already). Jason had the big scorer of the week back on Thursday night as Aaron Rodgers put up 23 points. That 23 points was then matched by the Eagles defense who once again scored multiple touchdowns. Those top two scores helped offset three players putting up a bagel for Jason including losing Montee Ball to injury. John was looking to bounce back from his first loss of the season and he got 16 from Foles, 11 from Maclin and 8 from Parkey as the Eagles returned somewhat to form. He was also hampered, once again, from his injured superstar as Megatron toyed with his fantasy owners by playing, but not scoring. He could now be out a few weeks to help make the decision easier.
Final Score: Myra's College Fund 67 The Situation 54
Two teams sitting at 1-2 and in need of a win battled as Jody took on Matt with his new lineup intact after the midweek trade. The two new players, Fred Jackson and Alshon Jeffery helped out with 21 total points while Matt's backup TE (after trading Jimmy Graham away) didn't pick up the slack as his was held scoreless. It was Andre Ellington who returned from his BYE Week healthy that infused life into the Puppies leading them with 28 points and Matt Ryan chipped in 22 as well. As for Jody he saw one of his RBs leave with an injury (who didn't lose someone to injury this week?), while fantasy hero of a week ago, Matt Asiata, returned to form with just 5 points. Big Ben got 15 for Jody who dug himself a big hole that even Demaryius Thomas and his 226 yard, 2 touchdown (with bonus) couldn't overcome. Thomas scored 33 for the 'Nutz, but they still fell by 17.
Final Score: Rainbows & Puppies 86 DoggNutz 69
Alex and Nick B matched up this week in a game featuring two teams headed in the opposite direction. At 3-1 Alex, with a win, would be in line to have one of his most successful starts to a season while Nick B was looking to avoid a 1-4 start. This game went all the way until the last drive of the MNF game between Washington and Seattle. Greg Olsen and Tom Brady were standouts for Nick B on Sunday as they combined for 39 points, but some of that great play by Brady cost Nick's defense, the Bengals as they set a new low score at -7 points!!! This left the door open for Alex who only had one double digit scorer on Sunday with the Lions D clawing out 13 points. He needed a big night from Marshawn Lynch and a quiet one from Pierre Garcon who Nick owns. Garcon scored just one measly point, but that almost proved enough as after a slow start, Alex still trailed midway through the 4th quarter. The Seahawks got inside the 10 yard line where Lynch took over, scoring a TD and closed the gap to just one. On the final drive for Seattle, Lynch rumbled for enough points to tie the game up and then caught a 30 yard pass to seal the deal.
Final Score: The Worthless Peons 60 The Knacks 58
Speaking of teams who are free fallin', Nick G had dropped three in a row after his opening week win. Since then he has lost AP to being a douche and inexplicably traded away Andrew Luck for a bag of magical beans. His opponent, Joel was one of the many teams sitting at 2-2 and looked to seize a great opportunity and climb above .500. Behind 24 from Phillip Rivers, 17 from Matt Forte, 11 from Steven Jackson and 10 from the Texans D, this was no contest. Nick G tried to stay close with 15 from Kaep and 11 from his kicker, but this was over nearly as fast as it started.
Final Score: Nikachu 86 Lollipop Kids 51
Luke looked to join the leaders at 4-1 with a win over Nate this week as he was just trying to get above .500. Both teams had 4 players score in double figures, but Luke was the only team to have a player eclipse 20 as Drew Brees posted 23. Nate's top scorer was his defense as the Colts mustered 17 points. The difference maker had to be Antonio Gates for Luke who continues to defy his age with a pair of TDs and 16 fantasy points. Not even Gronk could match that for Nate as he fell just short.
Final Score: Deathtongue 79 The Bounchers 69
For the second time in five weeks we had our top scoring team of the week take on our second highest scoring team of the week. Fantasy football is a cruel game sometimes and the battle between Ben and Adam proved to be no different. After Adam got 23 from Eddie Lacy on Thursday he had to be feeling good about his chances. Phil Dawson booted in 19, the Panthers D tallied 18 and Cam Newton figured in for 17 to give Adam a huge lead. That was until Peyton Manning and Julius Thomas took the field. Behind 41 points from Peyton and 16 from Julius a sixty+ point deficit was whittled down. With two players still to play Ben now only trailed by 16 points. Late Sunday night his kicker Stephen Gostkowski took matters into his ownhands leg. He kicked five FGs including three meaningless 4th quarter scorers to post 19 all by himself giving Ben the win and the $10 for top scoring team of the week.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 101 Biggums' 'Basers 95
Standings after Week 5:
Back Wall Division
The Worthless Peons 4-1
Escaped Lunatics 3-2
Myra's College Fund 3-2
The Situation 3-2
Lollipop Kids 1-4
Biggums' 'Basers 1-4
The Knacks 1-4
Critter Corner Division
The Magic Wands 4-1
Deathtongue 4-1
Nikachu 3-2
Rainbows & Puppies 3-2
Bookoo Barbarians 2-3
The Bounchers 2-3
DoggNutz 1-4
Schedule for Week 6:
Luke 4-1 vs. Jason 3-2 (Game of the Week)
Ben 4-1 vs. Ike 3-2
Alex 4-1 vs. Adam 1-4
John 3-2 vs. Matt 3-2
Joel 3-2 vs. Nate 2-3
Mike 2-3 vs. Jody 1-4
Nick B 1-4 vs. Nick G 1-4
BYE WEEKS FOR WEEK 6: KANSAS CITY and NEW ORLEANS
Waivers will be ran late Wednesday night as always.
We had a trade this week that was consummated while the two owners were watching the Nationals crumble during Game 1 of their series vs. the Giants. That's a solid multi-tasking effort.
Onto the games:
My incredibly difficult schedule continued as I locked horns with Mike who, through some nifty trades including the aforementioned one above now has a pretty formidable roster. We were both predicted to light up the scoreboard and that is exactly what happened. Our two quarterbacks nearly canceled each other out with Cutler getting me 26 and Luck tallying 24 for Mike. The RB situation was the same where he got a combined 22 and I received 20. I had the slight 'edge' at WR/TE if you can call it that as my trio of receivers hauled in just 3 total passes. Luckily one was a 66 yard score netting me 16 points. Mike also got a touchdown and a total of 13 points from his trio, but lost newly acquired TE Jimmy Graham to injury. I squeaked by with a 2 point edge at kicker. During the 1pm games my defense, the Steelers, scored 18 points and I looked to be in great shape until Mike's D, the Chargers, lambasted the Jets. San Diego had 21 points and was pitching a shutout with the entire 4th quarter to play and Mike trailing in our game by just 2 points. The Jets failed to scored, but they also avoided any butt fumbles, sacks or INTs and Mike fell just short.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 88 Bookoo Barbarians 86
Last weeks' ghost writer, Jason (who is filling in for Ike, who is playing for his daughter Myra) took on John (who is father to league mate's Luke and Joel, who filled in for me in Weeks 2 & 3, okay enough already). Jason had the big scorer of the week back on Thursday night as Aaron Rodgers put up 23 points. That 23 points was then matched by the Eagles defense who once again scored multiple touchdowns. Those top two scores helped offset three players putting up a bagel for Jason including losing Montee Ball to injury. John was looking to bounce back from his first loss of the season and he got 16 from Foles, 11 from Maclin and 8 from Parkey as the Eagles returned somewhat to form. He was also hampered, once again, from his injured superstar as Megatron toyed with his fantasy owners by playing, but not scoring. He could now be out a few weeks to help make the decision easier.
Final Score: Myra's College Fund 67 The Situation 54
Two teams sitting at 1-2 and in need of a win battled as Jody took on Matt with his new lineup intact after the midweek trade. The two new players, Fred Jackson and Alshon Jeffery helped out with 21 total points while Matt's backup TE (after trading Jimmy Graham away) didn't pick up the slack as his was held scoreless. It was Andre Ellington who returned from his BYE Week healthy that infused life into the Puppies leading them with 28 points and Matt Ryan chipped in 22 as well. As for Jody he saw one of his RBs leave with an injury (who didn't lose someone to injury this week?), while fantasy hero of a week ago, Matt Asiata, returned to form with just 5 points. Big Ben got 15 for Jody who dug himself a big hole that even Demaryius Thomas and his 226 yard, 2 touchdown (with bonus) couldn't overcome. Thomas scored 33 for the 'Nutz, but they still fell by 17.
Final Score: Rainbows & Puppies 86 DoggNutz 69
Alex and Nick B matched up this week in a game featuring two teams headed in the opposite direction. At 3-1 Alex, with a win, would be in line to have one of his most successful starts to a season while Nick B was looking to avoid a 1-4 start. This game went all the way until the last drive of the MNF game between Washington and Seattle. Greg Olsen and Tom Brady were standouts for Nick B on Sunday as they combined for 39 points, but some of that great play by Brady cost Nick's defense, the Bengals as they set a new low score at -7 points!!! This left the door open for Alex who only had one double digit scorer on Sunday with the Lions D clawing out 13 points. He needed a big night from Marshawn Lynch and a quiet one from Pierre Garcon who Nick owns. Garcon scored just one measly point, but that almost proved enough as after a slow start, Alex still trailed midway through the 4th quarter. The Seahawks got inside the 10 yard line where Lynch took over, scoring a TD and closed the gap to just one. On the final drive for Seattle, Lynch rumbled for enough points to tie the game up and then caught a 30 yard pass to seal the deal.
Final Score: The Worthless Peons 60 The Knacks 58
Speaking of teams who are free fallin', Nick G had dropped three in a row after his opening week win. Since then he has lost AP to being a douche and inexplicably traded away Andrew Luck for a bag of magical beans. His opponent, Joel was one of the many teams sitting at 2-2 and looked to seize a great opportunity and climb above .500. Behind 24 from Phillip Rivers, 17 from Matt Forte, 11 from Steven Jackson and 10 from the Texans D, this was no contest. Nick G tried to stay close with 15 from Kaep and 11 from his kicker, but this was over nearly as fast as it started.
Final Score: Nikachu 86 Lollipop Kids 51
Luke looked to join the leaders at 4-1 with a win over Nate this week as he was just trying to get above .500. Both teams had 4 players score in double figures, but Luke was the only team to have a player eclipse 20 as Drew Brees posted 23. Nate's top scorer was his defense as the Colts mustered 17 points. The difference maker had to be Antonio Gates for Luke who continues to defy his age with a pair of TDs and 16 fantasy points. Not even Gronk could match that for Nate as he fell just short.
Final Score: Deathtongue 79 The Bounchers 69
For the second time in five weeks we had our top scoring team of the week take on our second highest scoring team of the week. Fantasy football is a cruel game sometimes and the battle between Ben and Adam proved to be no different. After Adam got 23 from Eddie Lacy on Thursday he had to be feeling good about his chances. Phil Dawson booted in 19, the Panthers D tallied 18 and Cam Newton figured in for 17 to give Adam a huge lead. That was until Peyton Manning and Julius Thomas took the field. Behind 41 points from Peyton and 16 from Julius a sixty+ point deficit was whittled down. With two players still to play Ben now only trailed by 16 points. Late Sunday night his kicker Stephen Gostkowski took matters into his own
Final Score: The Magic Wands 101 Biggums' 'Basers 95
Standings after Week 5:
Back Wall Division
The Worthless Peons 4-1
Escaped Lunatics 3-2
Myra's College Fund 3-2
The Situation 3-2
Lollipop Kids 1-4
Biggums' 'Basers 1-4
The Knacks 1-4
Critter Corner Division
The Magic Wands 4-1
Deathtongue 4-1
Nikachu 3-2
Rainbows & Puppies 3-2
Bookoo Barbarians 2-3
The Bounchers 2-3
DoggNutz 1-4
Schedule for Week 6:
Luke 4-1 vs. Jason 3-2 (Game of the Week)
Ben 4-1 vs. Ike 3-2
Alex 4-1 vs. Adam 1-4
John 3-2 vs. Matt 3-2
Joel 3-2 vs. Nate 2-3
Mike 2-3 vs. Jody 1-4
Nick B 1-4 vs. Nick G 1-4
Monday, September 1, 2014
NFL Crystal Ball 2014
I think back to just how close I was last year. No not that Denver over Atlanta prediction I made here but the Denver over Seattle prediction I made six month earlier, but chickened out because ESPN picked the exact same thing right before I posted my predictions. Sure Denver laid a big, fat, ugly egg in front of a couple million people, but they are the odds on favorite to get back there from the AFC again this season. As for the defending champions up in Seattle, they are expected to contend again, but their path should be a bit more difficult in the more rugged NFC. Picking Seattle to win again this season would be foolish of me, though because the last 8 Super Bowl champs have failed to win a single playoff game (I'm pretty sure I heard that one from Peter King first).
Now for the reason why Seattle can win this season. The New England Patriots did win back to back Super Bowls in 2004-05 as did the Cowboys in the 1990's, the 49ers in the 80's (2nd one being won in January '90 but go along with my logic), the Dolphins/Steelers did the feat in the 70's and the Packers started it all in the '60's with back to back victories. No matter the era we have seen a back to back champion in each decade and we almost half way through the 2010's. Seattle was built to win more than one Super Bowl so why not this season?
Before I get to my predictions, let me regale you with my spot on predictions as to who will be breakout stars and fabulous flops this upcoming season:
Break out candidates: Jay Cutler - The biggest thing that has held Jay Cutler back (outside of Mike Martz' LOOK OUT offensive scheme) has been Jay Cutler. This year he'll have two top 10 caliber WRs to throw to and an elite RB to dump the ball off to. The Bears defense isn't that good and in the NFC North it'll take 30+ points per game to win each week. All the makings of a great season for the enigmatic one in the Windy City. Andre Ellington - You're either a believer or not when it comes to Ellington. He showed plenty of flashes last season while splitting reps and this year the position is all his in Arizona. Whether he can hold up for 20+ touches a game is the biggest question mark. I'm on board. Joique Bell - So what if Reggie Bush is the de facto starter in Detroit. The Lions know the Bell will still be an integral part of their offense and as soon as Bush breaks down he'll get rolling. Terrance Williams - Speaking of good offenses with bad defenses, the Dallas Cowboys will be the poster-Boys in the NFL. With Miles Austin officially out of the picture in Big D and Jason Witten another year older and Dez Bryant attracting all the attention on one side of the field, Williams should be open often. Cordarrelle Patterson/Kyle Rudolph - The two most talked about breakout candidates reside in Minnesota. Whether it is Matt Cassel or rookie Teddy Bridgewater pitching the pigskin around, the Vikings have the chance to be an elite offense. Not only do they have Adrian Peterson in the backfield, but they have Norv Turner on the sidelines. Norv is a horrible head coach, but a wonderful offensive coordinator. He squeezes the most juice out of every fantasy orange he coaches. He will make sure that Patterson and Rudolph get their touches.
Busts - Cam Newton - Where to start? Coming off surgery? Yes. An inexperienced receiving corps? Yes. An aging backfield that garners little respect? Yes. I'm not banking on his rushing TDs suddenly exploding when he's not at his healthiest. In his 3 seasons his rushing TD totals have gone 14, 8 and 6. That's the wrong direction. Frank Gore - Everything is pointing to a disastrous season in San Francisco. Even their new stadium is having issues staying healthy. The 49ers defense is a mess and Jim Harbaugh is a ticking time bomb. Frank Gore served his purpose for the 49ers, but this is the year they move on. Either by injury or ineffectiveness, Gore doesn't start more than 7 games this season. Pierre Garcon/DeSean Jackson - If the Redskins learned anything this preseason it's that RGIII is not ready to stand in the pocket and deliver 30+ passes a game. Washington will be better on defense meaning they can run the ball and have a controlled passing game with TE Jordan Reed being the focal point and the WRs being more of a decoy. In 2013 the two combined for 195 catches and nearly 2700 yards (DeSean was on the Eagles) and in 2014 they'll combine for 120 catches and 2000 yards. Temper the expectations.
Regular Season MVP: Drew Brees edging out Peyton Manning
Here are your 2014 NFL Standings:
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
Dallas Cowboys 8-8
Washington Redskins 6-10
New York Giants 6-10
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers 13-3
Chicago Bears 11-5
Detroit Lions 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 6-10
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints 12-4
Atlanta Falcons 8-8
Carolina Panthers 7-9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks 13-3
Arizona Cardinals 9-7
San Francisco 49ers 8-8
St. Louis Rams 7-9
AFC EAST
New England Patriots 13-3
New York Jets 6-10
Miami Dolphins 3-13
Buffalo Bills 3-13
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens 11-5
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
Cleveland Browns 2-14
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 13-3
Tennessee Titans 6-10
Houston Texans 5-11
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos 13-3
Kansas City Chiefs 9-7
San Diego Chargers 7-9
Oakland Raiders 5-11
Playoffs:
NFC
1. Seattle
2. Green Bay
3. New Orleans
4. Philadelphia
5. Chicago
6. Detroit
Wild Card Round:
New Orleans over Detroit
Chicago over Philadelphia
Divisional Round:
Seattle over Chicago
Green Bay over New Orleans
NFC Championship:
Seattle over Green Bay
AFC
1. New England
2. Denver
3. Indianapolis
4. Baltimore
5. Pittsburgh
6. Kansas City
Wild Card Round:
Indianapolis over Kansas City
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
Divisional Round:
New England over Baltimore
Indianapolis over Denver
AFC Championship:
New England over Indianapolis
Super Bowl:
Seattle over New England 27-16 as Russel Wilson wins the Super Bowl MVP.
Now for the reason why Seattle can win this season. The New England Patriots did win back to back Super Bowls in 2004-05 as did the Cowboys in the 1990's, the 49ers in the 80's (2nd one being won in January '90 but go along with my logic), the Dolphins/Steelers did the feat in the 70's and the Packers started it all in the '60's with back to back victories. No matter the era we have seen a back to back champion in each decade and we almost half way through the 2010's. Seattle was built to win more than one Super Bowl so why not this season?
Before I get to my predictions, let me regale you with my spot on predictions as to who will be breakout stars and fabulous flops this upcoming season:
Break out candidates: Jay Cutler - The biggest thing that has held Jay Cutler back (outside of Mike Martz' LOOK OUT offensive scheme) has been Jay Cutler. This year he'll have two top 10 caliber WRs to throw to and an elite RB to dump the ball off to. The Bears defense isn't that good and in the NFC North it'll take 30+ points per game to win each week. All the makings of a great season for the enigmatic one in the Windy City. Andre Ellington - You're either a believer or not when it comes to Ellington. He showed plenty of flashes last season while splitting reps and this year the position is all his in Arizona. Whether he can hold up for 20+ touches a game is the biggest question mark. I'm on board. Joique Bell - So what if Reggie Bush is the de facto starter in Detroit. The Lions know the Bell will still be an integral part of their offense and as soon as Bush breaks down he'll get rolling. Terrance Williams - Speaking of good offenses with bad defenses, the Dallas Cowboys will be the poster-Boys in the NFL. With Miles Austin officially out of the picture in Big D and Jason Witten another year older and Dez Bryant attracting all the attention on one side of the field, Williams should be open often. Cordarrelle Patterson/Kyle Rudolph - The two most talked about breakout candidates reside in Minnesota. Whether it is Matt Cassel or rookie Teddy Bridgewater pitching the pigskin around, the Vikings have the chance to be an elite offense. Not only do they have Adrian Peterson in the backfield, but they have Norv Turner on the sidelines. Norv is a horrible head coach, but a wonderful offensive coordinator. He squeezes the most juice out of every fantasy orange he coaches. He will make sure that Patterson and Rudolph get their touches.
Busts - Cam Newton - Where to start? Coming off surgery? Yes. An inexperienced receiving corps? Yes. An aging backfield that garners little respect? Yes. I'm not banking on his rushing TDs suddenly exploding when he's not at his healthiest. In his 3 seasons his rushing TD totals have gone 14, 8 and 6. That's the wrong direction. Frank Gore - Everything is pointing to a disastrous season in San Francisco. Even their new stadium is having issues staying healthy. The 49ers defense is a mess and Jim Harbaugh is a ticking time bomb. Frank Gore served his purpose for the 49ers, but this is the year they move on. Either by injury or ineffectiveness, Gore doesn't start more than 7 games this season. Pierre Garcon/DeSean Jackson - If the Redskins learned anything this preseason it's that RGIII is not ready to stand in the pocket and deliver 30+ passes a game. Washington will be better on defense meaning they can run the ball and have a controlled passing game with TE Jordan Reed being the focal point and the WRs being more of a decoy. In 2013 the two combined for 195 catches and nearly 2700 yards (DeSean was on the Eagles) and in 2014 they'll combine for 120 catches and 2000 yards. Temper the expectations.
Regular Season MVP: Drew Brees edging out Peyton Manning
Here are your 2014 NFL Standings:
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
Dallas Cowboys 8-8
Washington Redskins 6-10
New York Giants 6-10
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers 13-3
Chicago Bears 11-5
Detroit Lions 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 6-10
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints 12-4
Atlanta Falcons 8-8
Carolina Panthers 7-9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks 13-3
Arizona Cardinals 9-7
San Francisco 49ers 8-8
St. Louis Rams 7-9
AFC EAST
New England Patriots 13-3
New York Jets 6-10
Miami Dolphins 3-13
Buffalo Bills 3-13
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens 11-5
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
Cleveland Browns 2-14
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 13-3
Tennessee Titans 6-10
Houston Texans 5-11
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos 13-3
Kansas City Chiefs 9-7
San Diego Chargers 7-9
Oakland Raiders 5-11
Playoffs:
NFC
1. Seattle
2. Green Bay
3. New Orleans
4. Philadelphia
5. Chicago
6. Detroit
Wild Card Round:
New Orleans over Detroit
Chicago over Philadelphia
Divisional Round:
Seattle over Chicago
Green Bay over New Orleans
NFC Championship:
Seattle over Green Bay
AFC
1. New England
2. Denver
3. Indianapolis
4. Baltimore
5. Pittsburgh
6. Kansas City
Wild Card Round:
Indianapolis over Kansas City
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
Divisional Round:
New England over Baltimore
Indianapolis over Denver
AFC Championship:
New England over Indianapolis
Super Bowl:
Seattle over New England 27-16 as Russel Wilson wins the Super Bowl MVP.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Sports Bucket List
Now that I'm inching towards the halfway point of the average life expectancy (77.4 years as of 2008 per Wikipedia) for men I figured I'd better start piecing together my Sports Bucket List. Everyone will probably create some type of bucket list during their lifetime and I'm sure I'll do one as well that is not centered around sports, but for now this is what I want to do/see/visit/enjoy before I'm laid to rest.
What a morbid topic Jason...let me tell you what got me thinking about this. I was watching the first UNC v Duke men's basketball game this year and tweeted to @midatlanticbias (another Jason) who happens to be a Duke fan that we should watch a season series of UNC/Duke with each other. Him walking into the palace that is the Dean Dome and me slithering into the cramped, overheated high school gym that is Cameron Indoor Stadium. Now I have already watched a game in each of the two locations. About a decade ago I went with a high school friend to watch a U. of Maryland vs Duke game near the height of their rivalry. I wore a red t-shirt with the words 'Kick Their Ass' written on it in the heart of the 'Cameron Crazies.' Outside of the ticket taker, not one student said a mean word to me. I didn't even get that many dirty looks. Duke won which probably kept me from getting into a shoving match post game, but the experience was fun. Just last month I finally got to see UNC play at home when they defeated Pitt. The place was loud and it was nice to be surrounded by a bunch of fans rooting for the same team unlike my previous three UNC games that I had seen in person: 1) at Princeton 2) in DC during the ACC tournament with a mixed bag of fans 3) at the ACC Championship game last season with a bunch of Miami fans in my section as the Hurricanes won the title.
Okay I'm getting off track...back to the bucket list.
The easiest way for me will be going from sport to sport (whether you like it or not, I will be including poker as a sport).
Baseball
1) Attend a Game 7 - any Game 7 (bonus points to it including the Oakland Athletics or Washington Nationals). I was fortunate enough to see a playoff game finally two seasons ago when Jayson Werth hit a walk-off HR in Game 4 against St. Louis for the Nationals. I don't remember what ever came of that Game 5 though.
2) See the All-Star festivities - Mainly I want to watch a HR derby. Yes I'm an old soul when it comes to baseball and I thoroughly enjoy a good old fashioned HR derby. I'd go to the All Star game too, but the derby does it for me more so.
3) 30 games in 30 (or 31) days - Maybe not like this one, but something similar without the plane flights. Me and three other people in a camper going coast to coast. It can be done with the right scheduling by MLB as long as the teams who share cities play on the same day and night so you can hit both in one day. I'll blog it if somebody's wants to pay for it :)
4) Throw live to a major league hitter - This one is about 4 years expired as my shoulder has gone to hell, but what I wouldn't have given to throw live to any MLBer during my prime. Sure they would've crushed me, but what fun I would've had.
5) Spend a week with my High School pals in Arizona for Spring Training - My core high school group of friends included two A's fans, a Cubs fan, a Brewers fan, a Yankees fan and a Tigers fan. 4-2 Arizona to Florida (plus I've been to spring training in Florida).
6) Go to Opening Day - This seems like an easy one to accomplish, but I have never gotten around to doing it. Shame on me.
Football
1) Watch the Redskins play (and win) an NFC Championship Game at home - This has many factors that 20 years ago looked to be a distinct possibility, but now looks near impossible. The Redskins have hosted just two playoff games since moving out of DC. I could be sitting on this one for a while.
2) Go to a Super Bowl when the Redskins aren't playing - Jokes aside about how easy this one could be, I don't think I'd like to be in house while the Redskins are playing in a Super Bowl. I'd much rather be around my friends and family. Football is the one sport that I like watching in a social atmosphere. I cuss far too much when watching baseball, hockey and college basketball to be around people I care about.
3) See JMU make the jump to Division 1 and watch UNC play for a National Championship - JMU seems on the cusp of making the leap away from 1-AA (I'm not using the proper terminology for a reason). Then when they beat Virginia Tech it won't be as much as a shock. UNC had a great season in 1997 and have been up and down since (with some help from some boosters and tutors). My hope is they at least play in a BCS level game in the next few years and possibly have that one magical season within the next 10-15 years.
Basketball
1) Go to a Final Four - I possibly could stomach watching UNC live there, but I'd probably be escorted out of the building before the first television timeout. There was a distinct possibility that I was going to get to go to the Final Four in New Orleans in 2012 through a work connection via my sister if UNC had gone, but stupid ass Creighton had to go and injure Kendall Marshall and derail a probable UNC/UK rematch. Still, and forever, bitter.
2) Watch UNC/Duke in both arenas - Already discussed above.
3) Be on UNC's campus during a Final Four/Championship victory - I have been on campus for four UNC games in my life. I was there when UNC lost to Duke, I was there when UNC lost the 1998 Final Four to Utah and I was there when UNC lost to Florida in the 2000 Final Four. Thankfully UNC beat Pitt last month or I may have never gone back.
4) Watch JMU become the next GMU/VCU/Wichita St. - I went to James Madison University (shocking as that is with my affinity to UNC throughout this blog) from 1996-2000. After making the NCAA Tournament in 1994 which was the culmination of 5 straight CAA regular season titles, I had hopes that JMU might be really good while I was there. After all they had legendary head coach Lefty Driesell at the helm. He had spoken to the freshman during orientation in 1996 and then promptly stepped down after our freshman year to go to Georgia St.. JMU won 16 games my freshman year, 11 my sophomore year, 16 my junior year and then had a great senior year with 20 wins. They didn't make the NCAA throughout until breaking a lengthy drought with an appearance last season where they picked up a play-in (1st round) win before losing to Indiana. What I want to see is JMU become the darling of the nation for three weekends in March/April. They don't have to win it all, but to emulate what fellow CAA members GMU and VCU have done would be nice (as long as they don't step on UNC like GMU did).
5) Witness the Washington Bullets Wizards return to glory - The reason I'm a Detroit Pistons fan is because the Washington franchise was just too embarrassing when I was a youth. I like the direction they are finally heading in with youthful talent and hopefully they're getting good enough to woo a veteran superstar to get them over the hump. No I don't think LeBron is headed to D.C., but I just can't understand why people won't consider playing here now that Washington has a couple of pieces in place to win.
Hockey
1) Go to the Winter Classic in 2015 - There is only one item on my Christmas list this year and it's to go to the spectacle that is the Winter Classic. With the Washington Capitals trending downward, next year could be a major crossroads for the franchise. Which leads me into the only bucket list item that matters for this category...
2) Witness a Stanley Cup for the Capitals franchise - I've been to regular season games, 1st round playoff games, 2nd round playoff games and even an Eastern Conference Final game back in 1998. I've sat through four overtime horror shows and screamed in excitement after a Game 7 OT game winner (thank you Joel Ward). The highs have been high and the lows have been soul crushing. I know I will literally weep like a baby if the Capitals ever hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.
3) Watch a Game 7 playoff game live when the Capitals win - I've never been to Game 7 in the playoffs and for good reason as a Capitals fan. It hasn't been pretty. One year I'll suck it up and go to try and break the trend, but the fan in me knows what will happen.
Poker
1) Play in the WSOP Main Event - $10,000 buy in with the longest odds of winning millions of dollars. I just want the chance.
2) Play in a $5,000 WPT Event - 1/2 the cost, much better odds of winning.
Obviously I better start making some more $$ if I want either of those to come true.
Golf
1) Hit a hole-in-one - It's every golfers dream and I got within 10 feet once when I used to play a bit more. Simple dream, difficult to achieve.
2) Watch the Masters in person - It's not spring until I start seeing commercials for the Masters on CBS. The best looking course in the world with the best players competing, what more could one ask for?
Soccer
1) Watch the USA win the World Cup - I was fortunate to go to a World Cup match back in 1994 when Mexico and Norway played at RFK in D.C.. I love international soccer (really any international competition when the best are playing the best in any event) and just once the USA will make that magical run to shock the world.
Olypmics
1) Go to an Olympics: Summer or Winter or both - I love the Olympics for the same reason I love the World Cup. I'm a competition junkie. I took off of work during the 2nd week of the Winter Olympics once again to watch the Men's Hockey tournament in peace and quiet. It's what I do. The USA is due to host the Summer Olympics within the next 20 years and I'm in wherever they may be. Same goes for the Winter Olympics and especially the Men's Hockey....
2) Watch the USA men win Gold Medal in the Olympics - The one sporting event I wish I had been at live would easily have been the 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980. While the USA winning a gold medal won't reach the fervor that occurred in 1980, it'll still be fantastic.
Horse Racing
1) Go to the Kentucky Derby - I have already asked my wife to book a trip to Kentucky for my 40th birthday which just happens to be the next time that the Derby falls on my birthday. Perfect. I'll see you there in 2018. I'll be betting on the 5 horse and the 10 horse.
I'm sure I'm missing stuff like going to the Big House to watch a Michigan game or tailgating before an Auburn v Alabama game in college football. I want to go to Dodger Stadium and sit in the 5th upper level or just sit with Vin Scully for nine innings. I'd love to meet a ton of people including Dean Smith even with his heartbreaking mental state right now. I'm sure my list could go on and on because outside of my personal favorite teams, I just love sports.
I know I'd love to sit in with Bill Belichick or any other NFL head coach for a week and see what exactly goes into game planning for a week. Obviously coaching a single MLB game would be ridiculous.
So many things to do so little time and money to do them.
I have knocked some items off the list:
1) Visit Fenway/Wrigley Field
2) Go to the College World Series (although going and seeing UNC win would be perfection)
3) Play basketball on a NBA court (sure I was 12, but I got to shake Charles Barkley's hand)
4) Visit Notre Dame
5) See the Oakland A's play in Oakland (I've also seen them play at Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago (both White Sox and Cubs) and Pittsburgh).
I would enjoy any feedback and any of my reader's bucket list items. Maybe it'll jog my ever crumbling mind on things I have forgotten.
Monday, February 3, 2014
NFL Recap
Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks on finally bringing another championship to the Pacific Northwest. Not since the now defunct Seattle Supersonics took down the nearly defunct Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in five game in 1979 has Seattle had a chance to party. Oh marijuana is legal there you say? Forget that. I just hope the Denver Broncos don't suffer the same fate as a franchise the way that the Washington basketball franchise has seen. In the 34 full seasons (not counting the current season) since that loss to Seattle, Washington has won just 41% (1128-1612) of their games which would be a 6.5 win season in the NFL. Not only that but Washington has won just two playoff series and has had 16 head coaches. Times could get tough in the Mile High City.
You think this can't happen to a proud franchise like Denver? They're not going to have Peyton Manning much longer if at all anymore. If they don't find another franchise quarterback who knows how long it could take to get back to elite status. To bring it full circle, the Washington Redskins have played 22 seasons since their last Super Bowl appearance. They have won 149 games of the 352 played. That's a winning percentage of .42 or 6.7 wins per season. The Redskins have won just three playoff games and have had eight different head coaches (nine if you count Gibbs' second term). Welcome to my own personal hell Broncos fans.
So let's look back at my predictions from my 3rd annual NFL Crystal Ball and see how bad they were.
Breakout Candidates
T.Y. Hilton - He caught more passes, for more yards, but had fewer touchdown receptions. Even with teammate and default WR1 Reggie Wayne going down with and injury, Hilton never exploded on a consistent basis.
Daryl Richardson - UGH...he killed me here and in the fantasy football world. What a utter disaster. I was correct that the Rams would produce a fantasy sleeper darling at the RB position, but that went to Zac Stacy. Richardson was a bust in all senses of the word.
Ben Tate - It was a good bounce back season for Tate, but Arian Foster didn't stay injured long enough and even when Foster went down, so did Tate. His 2013 season was very similar to his rookie campaign, but not good enough to be a breakout player.
Dwayne Bowe - The KC Chiefs were my breakout team and they did very well. Dwayne Bowe on the other hand took a step back from his 2012 campaign. His style is just not a good fit for what Andy Reid wanted to do with the passing game. Maybe the Redskins will trade a future 1st round pick for him...I kid I kid.
So yeah not so good Jason.
Busts
C.J. Spiller - Now we're talking! Taken in the first round in most every fantasy draft, Spiller was relegated to backup status behind Fred Jackson in Buffalo. He had moments of glory, but he had fewer total yards this season than he had rushing yards last season and scored just two times.
Vincent Jackson - Right shape, wrong size. I thought the downfall of Josh Freeman would lead to the downfall of Vincent Jackson, but Freeman's departure only helped Jackson. He put up very similar stats to his 2012 campaign with rookie Mike Glennon at the helm.
DeSean Jackson - As we'll see I was dead wrong on the Eagles as a whole. DeSean would have been an ideal fit for my 'breakout' category. He nearly doubled his receiving yards and caught 9 touchdowns compared to 2 in 2012. I thought he had one foot out of the league and instead he was playing in the Pro Bowl.
Carson Palmer - I suppose the bar was relatively low for Palmer and he did a pretty decent job in Arizona. Sure the interceptions were there with 22, but he also started all 16 games and threw 24 touchdowns for a team that went 10-6. Not too shabby.
MVP
I had high hopes for Colin Kaepernick, but after Week 1's explosion is was mostly downhill for his stat line. My runner-up, Peyton Manning, took home the prize with his record breaking season.
Standings and Predicted Records (actual records in parenthesis)
NFC EAST
Washington Redskins 10-6 (3-13)
New York Giants 9-7 (7-9)
Dallas Cowboys 8-8 (8-8)
Philadelphia Eagles 7-9 (10-6)
NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions 11-5 (7-9)
Green Bay Packers 10-6 (8-7-1)
Chicago Bears 7-9 (8-8)
Minnesota Vikings 5-11 (5-10-1)
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons 12-4 (4-12)
New Orleans Saints 11-5 (11-5)
Carolina Panthers 7-9 (12-4)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 (4-12)
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers 12-4 (12-4)
Seattle Seahawks 11-5 (13-3)
St. Louis Rams 9-7 (7-9)
Arizona Cardinals 2-14 (10-6)
AFC EAST
New England Patriots 13-3 (12-4)
Miami Dolphins 6-10 (8-8)
New York Jets 3-13 (8-8)
Buffalo Bills 3-13 (6-10)
AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals 11-5 (11-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7 (8-8)
Baltimore Ravens 8-8 (8-8)
Cleveland Browns 8-8 (4-12)
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 13-3 (11-5)
Houston Texans 11-5 (2-14)
Tennessee Titans 5-11 (7-9)
Jacksonville Jaguars 4-12 (4-12)
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos 12-4 (13-3)
Kansas City Chiefs 10-6 (11-5)
Oakland Raiders 3-13 (4-12)
San Diego Chargers 2-14 (9-7)
I went 4 for 8 in Division winners taking an 0-fer in the NFC and going a perfect 4-4 in the AFC. That is two consecutive years going perfect in the AFC.
Biggest misses were Arizona, Washington and Philadelphia in the NFC and the Texans and Chargers in the AFC.
As for the playoffs my prediction of Denver over Atlanta didn't come true, but my Denver over Seattle from February of 2013 was much better.
As for my all too early Super Bowl 49 prediction (with the hopes of going back to back on picking the correct two teams) will be....Seattle becoming the first repeat championsince the Cowboys in the 90's err the Patriots in the 2000s over the New England Patriots who get their last Super Bowl run with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
You think this can't happen to a proud franchise like Denver? They're not going to have Peyton Manning much longer if at all anymore. If they don't find another franchise quarterback who knows how long it could take to get back to elite status. To bring it full circle, the Washington Redskins have played 22 seasons since their last Super Bowl appearance. They have won 149 games of the 352 played. That's a winning percentage of .42 or 6.7 wins per season. The Redskins have won just three playoff games and have had eight different head coaches (nine if you count Gibbs' second term). Welcome to my own personal hell Broncos fans.
So let's look back at my predictions from my 3rd annual NFL Crystal Ball and see how bad they were.
Breakout Candidates
T.Y. Hilton - He caught more passes, for more yards, but had fewer touchdown receptions. Even with teammate and default WR1 Reggie Wayne going down with and injury, Hilton never exploded on a consistent basis.
Daryl Richardson - UGH...he killed me here and in the fantasy football world. What a utter disaster. I was correct that the Rams would produce a fantasy sleeper darling at the RB position, but that went to Zac Stacy. Richardson was a bust in all senses of the word.
Ben Tate - It was a good bounce back season for Tate, but Arian Foster didn't stay injured long enough and even when Foster went down, so did Tate. His 2013 season was very similar to his rookie campaign, but not good enough to be a breakout player.
Dwayne Bowe - The KC Chiefs were my breakout team and they did very well. Dwayne Bowe on the other hand took a step back from his 2012 campaign. His style is just not a good fit for what Andy Reid wanted to do with the passing game. Maybe the Redskins will trade a future 1st round pick for him...I kid I kid.
So yeah not so good Jason.
Busts
C.J. Spiller - Now we're talking! Taken in the first round in most every fantasy draft, Spiller was relegated to backup status behind Fred Jackson in Buffalo. He had moments of glory, but he had fewer total yards this season than he had rushing yards last season and scored just two times.
Vincent Jackson - Right shape, wrong size. I thought the downfall of Josh Freeman would lead to the downfall of Vincent Jackson, but Freeman's departure only helped Jackson. He put up very similar stats to his 2012 campaign with rookie Mike Glennon at the helm.
DeSean Jackson - As we'll see I was dead wrong on the Eagles as a whole. DeSean would have been an ideal fit for my 'breakout' category. He nearly doubled his receiving yards and caught 9 touchdowns compared to 2 in 2012. I thought he had one foot out of the league and instead he was playing in the Pro Bowl.
Carson Palmer - I suppose the bar was relatively low for Palmer and he did a pretty decent job in Arizona. Sure the interceptions were there with 22, but he also started all 16 games and threw 24 touchdowns for a team that went 10-6. Not too shabby.
MVP
I had high hopes for Colin Kaepernick, but after Week 1's explosion is was mostly downhill for his stat line. My runner-up, Peyton Manning, took home the prize with his record breaking season.
Standings and Predicted Records (actual records in parenthesis)
NFC EAST
Washington Redskins 10-6 (3-13)
New York Giants 9-7 (7-9)
Dallas Cowboys 8-8 (8-8)
Philadelphia Eagles 7-9 (10-6)
NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions 11-5 (7-9)
Green Bay Packers 10-6 (8-7-1)
Chicago Bears 7-9 (8-8)
Minnesota Vikings 5-11 (5-10-1)
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons 12-4 (4-12)
New Orleans Saints 11-5 (11-5)
Carolina Panthers 7-9 (12-4)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 (4-12)
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers 12-4 (12-4)
Seattle Seahawks 11-5 (13-3)
St. Louis Rams 9-7 (7-9)
Arizona Cardinals 2-14 (10-6)
AFC EAST
New England Patriots 13-3 (12-4)
Miami Dolphins 6-10 (8-8)
New York Jets 3-13 (8-8)
Buffalo Bills 3-13 (6-10)
AFC NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals 11-5 (11-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7 (8-8)
Baltimore Ravens 8-8 (8-8)
Cleveland Browns 8-8 (4-12)
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 13-3 (11-5)
Houston Texans 11-5 (2-14)
Tennessee Titans 5-11 (7-9)
Jacksonville Jaguars 4-12 (4-12)
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos 12-4 (13-3)
Kansas City Chiefs 10-6 (11-5)
Oakland Raiders 3-13 (4-12)
San Diego Chargers 2-14 (9-7)
I went 4 for 8 in Division winners taking an 0-fer in the NFC and going a perfect 4-4 in the AFC. That is two consecutive years going perfect in the AFC.
Biggest misses were Arizona, Washington and Philadelphia in the NFC and the Texans and Chargers in the AFC.
As for the playoffs my prediction of Denver over Atlanta didn't come true, but my Denver over Seattle from February of 2013 was much better.
As for my all too early Super Bowl 49 prediction (with the hopes of going back to back on picking the correct two teams) will be....Seattle becoming the first repeat champion
Friday, January 3, 2014
2014 NFL Playoff Preview
Outside of March Madness, the NFL playoffs are the best sports spectacle around. Four weekends of the best teams squaring off where anything can happen (ask the Denver secondary). There are plenty of story lines worth writing about and each team has its own motivation for winning (outside of the glory and the trophy and the fame of course). I have already gone on file saying that Denver would beat Seattle this year. I wrote that 11 months ago and nothing that I have seen has changed my mind. Now is that the Super Bowl I want to watch? Possibly. It would make me look smart and I could get invested in rooting for Peyton Manning, but on the 'sexiness' scale it may not rank as high as other possible matchups.
There are 12 teams that can win the Super Bowl this year. I'm going to rank them in order of pure 'sexiness' taking into account possible story lines and historical implications.
From worst to best:
12) San Diego Chargers - Lucky to even be in the playoffs thanks to KC kicker Ryan Succop choking on a last second field goal, San Diego is still trying to win its first Super Bowl. Philip Rivers is not a likable person, but Antonio Gates and Danny Woodhead would make for some interesting stories.
11) Carolina Panthers - Just like San Diego they have been to one Super Bowl and lost it. If they went to this years Super Bowl I think everyone would be sick and tired of Cam Newton and the possible Auburn double dip story lines come kick off. They just don't do it for me.
10) Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck has that possible 'it' factor, but not until he shaves the neck beard. Until Peyton retires I'm sure there is a good percentage of Colts fans wishing that Peyton and not Luck were 'manning' this team. Who would be discussed more during Super Bowl week: Peyton or Andrew?
9) Cincinnati Bengals - They finally ousted both Pittsburgh and Baltimore in their division, but are they ready to take the next step? Doubtful. Andy Dalton is too streaky IMO to run the gauntlet in the AFC. Gio Bernard is a personal favorite of mine and A.J. Green has star power. The Bengals are the third team still vying for Super Bowl #1.
8) San Francisco 49ers - I'm ready to be completely Harbaugh-less as soon as possible. Taking nothing away from Colin Kaepernick and the stout Niners defense, I just couldn't stomach coach Harbaugh for another month. Plus they've won enough as a franchise.
7) Green Bay Packers - The Packers went from heavy favorites to injury riddled to a Cinderella story all in the span of a single season. Aaron Rodgers and his 'discount double check' story line will be written to death. Eddie Lacy gives them a chance to stay balanced on offense. I can understand people loving them and hating them so they get a middling spot in this list.
6) Seattle Seahawks - When they play in Seattle they are downright nasty. When they play outside of their friendly confines they're just pretty good. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch are great, but with so many substance abuse allegations from their secondary I have a feeling it'll all fell a bit tainted. They are the 4th team looking for their franchises first Super Bowl.
5) Philadelphia Eagles - The fifth and final first time possible Super Bowl winner. Chip Kelly has brought to Philadelphia the same thing the RGIII brought to Washington a year earlier in the NFC East...hope. Nick Foles is an unknown and he'll keep the spotlight away from backup Michael Vick. The Eagles could win a Super Bowl on one of their rivals home field which add extra juice to their story.
4) Kansas City Chiefs - It's fitting that Andy Reid is placed right next to his former team. The Chiefs have trailed off after a 9-0 start finishing 2-5. I don't have high hopes for them to piece it back together, but the story lines are there. Andy Reid and Alex Smith cast off from fellow playoff teams Philadelphia and San Francisco. Jamaal Charles and his speed and greatness. The Chiefs big play defense which has been hampered by injury in the second half of the season.
3) New Orleans Saints - Just a year after suspensions and sanctions derailed this franchise at its peak, the Saints return with a massive chip on their shoulder. Unfortunately they have to play on the road this playoff season which makes the job that much harder, but if they get to the Super Bowl it'll be an awkward two weeks of publicity. Just imagine Sean Payton taking the Lombardi Trophy from Roger Goodell.
2) New England Patriots - I'm sure plenty of people are quite finished with New England. Brady. Belichick. The Tuck Rule. Spygate. 2007s offense. Aaron Hernandez. Gronk. It goes on and on. You have to give it to Brady and Belichick though. With all the distractions that this season brought, they still found a way to go 12-4, get a BYE and are in line for another Super Bowl run. This has all the makings.
1) Denver Broncos - It all leads up to this. Peyton Manning and company breaking all the offensive records in the NFL. The failure of the defense a year ago is still the teams Achilles heel. Peyton Manning could win that elusive second Super Bowl on his younger brothers home field. This team was built to win this year and anything less will be seen as an epic failure.
Now that we've covered that let's look at some possible Super Bowl games that could be fun:
Kansas City vs Philadelphia: The Andy Reid Bowl
Kansas City vs San Francisco: The Alex Smith Bowl
New England vs New Orleans: The 'Cheaters' Bowl
Denver vs Philadelphia: The Defense optional Bowl
Denver vs Green Bay: The NFL Spokesperson Bowl
Here are some Super Bowls I'd rather not watch:
Carolina vs San Diego: Blech
San Francisco vs New England: The Most Annoying Coaches Bowl
Carolina vs Kansas City: First one to double digits wins Bowl
Seattle vs Cincinnati: Least Nationally Sexy Bowl
Seattle/San Francisco vs San Diego: Two West Coast teams on the East Coast Bowl
Now for predictions!!!!
Kansas City over Indianapolis
Philadelphia over New Orleans
Cincinnati over San Diego
Green Bay over San Francisco
Denver over Kansas City
New England over Cincinnati
Seattle over Green Bay
Philadelphia over Carolina
Denver over New England
Seattle over Philadelphia
Denver over Seattle...still.
There are 12 teams that can win the Super Bowl this year. I'm going to rank them in order of pure 'sexiness' taking into account possible story lines and historical implications.
From worst to best:
12) San Diego Chargers - Lucky to even be in the playoffs thanks to KC kicker Ryan Succop choking on a last second field goal, San Diego is still trying to win its first Super Bowl. Philip Rivers is not a likable person, but Antonio Gates and Danny Woodhead would make for some interesting stories.
11) Carolina Panthers - Just like San Diego they have been to one Super Bowl and lost it. If they went to this years Super Bowl I think everyone would be sick and tired of Cam Newton and the possible Auburn double dip story lines come kick off. They just don't do it for me.
10) Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck has that possible 'it' factor, but not until he shaves the neck beard. Until Peyton retires I'm sure there is a good percentage of Colts fans wishing that Peyton and not Luck were 'manning' this team. Who would be discussed more during Super Bowl week: Peyton or Andrew?
9) Cincinnati Bengals - They finally ousted both Pittsburgh and Baltimore in their division, but are they ready to take the next step? Doubtful. Andy Dalton is too streaky IMO to run the gauntlet in the AFC. Gio Bernard is a personal favorite of mine and A.J. Green has star power. The Bengals are the third team still vying for Super Bowl #1.
8) San Francisco 49ers - I'm ready to be completely Harbaugh-less as soon as possible. Taking nothing away from Colin Kaepernick and the stout Niners defense, I just couldn't stomach coach Harbaugh for another month. Plus they've won enough as a franchise.
7) Green Bay Packers - The Packers went from heavy favorites to injury riddled to a Cinderella story all in the span of a single season. Aaron Rodgers and his 'discount double check' story line will be written to death. Eddie Lacy gives them a chance to stay balanced on offense. I can understand people loving them and hating them so they get a middling spot in this list.
6) Seattle Seahawks - When they play in Seattle they are downright nasty. When they play outside of their friendly confines they're just pretty good. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch are great, but with so many substance abuse allegations from their secondary I have a feeling it'll all fell a bit tainted. They are the 4th team looking for their franchises first Super Bowl.
5) Philadelphia Eagles - The fifth and final first time possible Super Bowl winner. Chip Kelly has brought to Philadelphia the same thing the RGIII brought to Washington a year earlier in the NFC East...hope. Nick Foles is an unknown and he'll keep the spotlight away from backup Michael Vick. The Eagles could win a Super Bowl on one of their rivals home field which add extra juice to their story.
4) Kansas City Chiefs - It's fitting that Andy Reid is placed right next to his former team. The Chiefs have trailed off after a 9-0 start finishing 2-5. I don't have high hopes for them to piece it back together, but the story lines are there. Andy Reid and Alex Smith cast off from fellow playoff teams Philadelphia and San Francisco. Jamaal Charles and his speed and greatness. The Chiefs big play defense which has been hampered by injury in the second half of the season.
3) New Orleans Saints - Just a year after suspensions and sanctions derailed this franchise at its peak, the Saints return with a massive chip on their shoulder. Unfortunately they have to play on the road this playoff season which makes the job that much harder, but if they get to the Super Bowl it'll be an awkward two weeks of publicity. Just imagine Sean Payton taking the Lombardi Trophy from Roger Goodell.
2) New England Patriots - I'm sure plenty of people are quite finished with New England. Brady. Belichick. The Tuck Rule. Spygate. 2007s offense. Aaron Hernandez. Gronk. It goes on and on. You have to give it to Brady and Belichick though. With all the distractions that this season brought, they still found a way to go 12-4, get a BYE and are in line for another Super Bowl run. This has all the makings.
1) Denver Broncos - It all leads up to this. Peyton Manning and company breaking all the offensive records in the NFL. The failure of the defense a year ago is still the teams Achilles heel. Peyton Manning could win that elusive second Super Bowl on his younger brothers home field. This team was built to win this year and anything less will be seen as an epic failure.
Now that we've covered that let's look at some possible Super Bowl games that could be fun:
Kansas City vs Philadelphia: The Andy Reid Bowl
Kansas City vs San Francisco: The Alex Smith Bowl
New England vs New Orleans: The 'Cheaters' Bowl
Denver vs Philadelphia: The Defense optional Bowl
Denver vs Green Bay: The NFL Spokesperson Bowl
Here are some Super Bowls I'd rather not watch:
Carolina vs San Diego: Blech
San Francisco vs New England: The Most Annoying Coaches Bowl
Carolina vs Kansas City: First one to double digits wins Bowl
Seattle vs Cincinnati: Least Nationally Sexy Bowl
Seattle/San Francisco vs San Diego: Two West Coast teams on the East Coast Bowl
Now for predictions!!!!
Kansas City over Indianapolis
Philadelphia over New Orleans
Cincinnati over San Diego
Green Bay over San Francisco
Denver over Kansas City
New England over Cincinnati
Seattle over Green Bay
Philadelphia over Carolina
Denver over New England
Seattle over Philadelphia
Denver over Seattle...still.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
FCNPFFL: 2013 Championship
Another season in the books. This marks the leagues 17th season and my 16th as commissioner. We had easily the most exciting end to a regular season for that last playoff spot and another dominant team for the record books.
All in all I hope everyone enjoyed the season and I do expect everyone back next year. Of course if life intervenes and you cannot join us for year 18 let me know as soon as possible.
I have some rule changes in mind for next year which I will bring to the floor before next seasons draft. If you have can think of anything you would like changed please feel free to let me know whenever you want.
Okay onto the Championship Game between #1 Seed Adam and #6 Seed Nate:
In the QB battle Kirk Cousins narrowly edged out Tom Brady 13-12 giving Nate a one point lead. At RB Nate extended his lead with 29 total points from DeMarco Murray and Bobby Rainey while Adam got just 18 points from Jamaal Charles and Pierre Thomas (who posted a big fat zero). At WR Nate watched his lead disappear. The usually stout combo of Vincent Jackson and Andre Johnson mustered just 10 points while Eric Decker doubled that by himself with 20 points and Julian Edelman tacked on 5 points. Adam now held a three point lead. Neither player had a decent TE showing as Nate scored the only point from Heath Miller. Vernon Davis gave Adam his second zero of the Championship. Each team got 13 from their kickers Nick Novak and Matt Prater. With a two point lead it would come down to the defenses for Adam to hang on and win. He started the Bengals D and they came through with a DTD, 4 turnovers and 4 sacks to post 14 points. Nate would need a minor miracle from the Lions D to win. Although they forced two turnovers, two sacks and had a safety it was only good for 8 points. Adam completes his dream season at 14-1 and takes home his 2nd FCNPFFL Championship!!! Congrats Adam on a great season.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 82 The Bounchers 74
(as a reminder my predicted score was 84-73...so yeah)
In the 3rd place game, big brother Joel took down baby brother Luke behind 16 from Ryan Mathews, 12 from Matt Flynn and 11 from Julius Thomas. Luke saw his three Lions fail once again combining for just 16 points. Frank Gore did add 15 in a losing effort.
Final Score: Nikachu 67 Deathtongue 40
Until next August...
All in all I hope everyone enjoyed the season and I do expect everyone back next year. Of course if life intervenes and you cannot join us for year 18 let me know as soon as possible.
I have some rule changes in mind for next year which I will bring to the floor before next seasons draft. If you have can think of anything you would like changed please feel free to let me know whenever you want.
Okay onto the Championship Game between #1 Seed Adam and #6 Seed Nate:
In the QB battle Kirk Cousins narrowly edged out Tom Brady 13-12 giving Nate a one point lead. At RB Nate extended his lead with 29 total points from DeMarco Murray and Bobby Rainey while Adam got just 18 points from Jamaal Charles and Pierre Thomas (who posted a big fat zero). At WR Nate watched his lead disappear. The usually stout combo of Vincent Jackson and Andre Johnson mustered just 10 points while Eric Decker doubled that by himself with 20 points and Julian Edelman tacked on 5 points. Adam now held a three point lead. Neither player had a decent TE showing as Nate scored the only point from Heath Miller. Vernon Davis gave Adam his second zero of the Championship. Each team got 13 from their kickers Nick Novak and Matt Prater. With a two point lead it would come down to the defenses for Adam to hang on and win. He started the Bengals D and they came through with a DTD, 4 turnovers and 4 sacks to post 14 points. Nate would need a minor miracle from the Lions D to win. Although they forced two turnovers, two sacks and had a safety it was only good for 8 points. Adam completes his dream season at 14-1 and takes home his 2nd FCNPFFL Championship!!! Congrats Adam on a great season.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 82 The Bounchers 74
(as a reminder my predicted score was 84-73...so yeah)
In the 3rd place game, big brother Joel took down baby brother Luke behind 16 from Ryan Mathews, 12 from Matt Flynn and 11 from Julius Thomas. Luke saw his three Lions fail once again combining for just 16 points. Frank Gore did add 15 in a losing effort.
Final Score: Nikachu 67 Deathtongue 40
Until next August...
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
FCNPFFL: Playoffs Week 2 - Semifinals
Bad news: the fantasy football season is almost over.
More bad news: there's no Thursday night football to bridge us to the weekend
Who said this is the most wonderful time of the year? I for one am very sad. I'm probably the only fantasy owner in the world that not only lost WITH Jamaal Charles (another league), but got blown out 179-153. My last ditch effort last night was needing Megatron to outscore Justin Tucker by 15 points...how did that work out?
Okay back to this league where I could continue to whine and vent, but I won't (much). Let's keep the focus on the people who are actually still vying for a championship and not a whole bunch of what ifs.
The 'under card' of the week pitted defending champion and #6 Seed Nate against theDetroit Lions #2 Seed team coached by Luke. You have to hand it to Nate who started 1-4, then went 5-1, then 0-2 and backed into the last spot for not giving up all year. He won his first round playoff game with RGIII being benched in a blowout loss and then went into the semis without RGIII who has been shutdown. Nate plucked Kirk Cousins from the waivers and inserted him into the biggest game of the year and boy did he respond with a game high 31 points. He also got 20 from DeMarco Murray and 9 each from VJax and Nick Novak. Luke had a pretty deep hole to crawl out of with only Kendall Wright eclipsing double digits by the time the games stopped on Sunday. With three Detroit Lions left to play, Luke needed 53 points to win. He got 23. The good news is he didn't even have to sweat it out and be heartbroken down the stretch. The Lions just crapped the bed and ended Luke's season. Nate moves on to defend his title. We have only had two franchises reach a championship game the year after winning. Ben is the only team to win back-to-back and he did that way back in 2000-01 (long before free agency balanced out the league). The other franchise was Jody who won in 1999 and then lost to Ben in 2000. So it's safe to say that it's been awhile since this has happened. Kudos again to Nate who will be making his fourth appearance in the championship game. He is 2-1 so far.
Last season Nate beat Adam to win his championship. With a 10th (or 11th*) straight win, he'd get his chance at revenge. Standing in his way was another Hardi, this time Luke's big brother in Joel. Last week Joel went crazy with scoring, so Adam sent a note to his best player, Jamaal Charles, and asked for help. Five touchdowns and 51 fantasy points later, Adam was running away with this game. He also got 25 from Tom Brady, 17 from Vernon Davis and 15 from Julian Edelman to lead the league in scoring for the week. Joel gave it a great effort getting 29 from Matt Flynn, 18 from Ryan Mathews, 13 from Keenan Allen and 11 from the Cardinals D. Adam moves to 13-1 and hasn't scored less than 94 points in the last four weeks. He will be the heavy favorite to win his 2nd championship in his fourth appearance (1-2 so far). It's been a great run so far for Adam, but next week is the big one.
The matchup should look like this:
#1 Seed Adam v #6 Seed Nate
QB Tom Brady QB Kirk Cousins
RB Jamaal Charles RB DeMarco Murray
RB Pierre Thomas RB Bobby Rainey
WR Eric Decker WR Andre Johnson
WR Julian Edleman WR Vincent Jackson
TE Vernon Davis TE Heath Miller
K Matt Prater K Nick Novak
D Cincy D Chicago??
Commish predicted score: 84-73 Adam
It's gotta be like looking into a mirror from last year for Nate who steamrolled through the competition winning his last 13 games.
Best of luck to you two.
Luke and Joel square off in the 3rd/4th place game as the only other true Week 16 game.
In other games from Week 15:
5th/6th place: Nick G defeated Ben 82-82...tie broken by the higher seed.
7th/8th place: John used 25 from Drew Brees to beat Mike 84-50
9th/10th place: Nick B rolled through Matt with 22 from Cam Newton 100-86
11th/12th place: I destroyed Ike behind seven double digit scorers 109-56
And finally....
Jody and Alex squared off in the Toilet Bowl Championship. Loser runs the draft board during the 2014 draft. Alex got 23 each from his two Cowboys, Tony Romo and Dan Bailey to defeat Jody who topped out with 16 from Philip Rivers. The stickers await DoggNutz.
Final Score: The Worthless Peons 76 DoggNutz 64
More bad news: there's no Thursday night football to bridge us to the weekend
Who said this is the most wonderful time of the year? I for one am very sad. I'm probably the only fantasy owner in the world that not only lost WITH Jamaal Charles (another league), but got blown out 179-153. My last ditch effort last night was needing Megatron to outscore Justin Tucker by 15 points...how did that work out?
Okay back to this league where I could continue to whine and vent, but I won't (much). Let's keep the focus on the people who are actually still vying for a championship and not a whole bunch of what ifs.
The 'under card' of the week pitted defending champion and #6 Seed Nate against the
Last season Nate beat Adam to win his championship. With a 10th (or 11th*) straight win, he'd get his chance at revenge. Standing in his way was another Hardi, this time Luke's big brother in Joel. Last week Joel went crazy with scoring, so Adam sent a note to his best player, Jamaal Charles, and asked for help. Five touchdowns and 51 fantasy points later, Adam was running away with this game. He also got 25 from Tom Brady, 17 from Vernon Davis and 15 from Julian Edelman to lead the league in scoring for the week. Joel gave it a great effort getting 29 from Matt Flynn, 18 from Ryan Mathews, 13 from Keenan Allen and 11 from the Cardinals D. Adam moves to 13-1 and hasn't scored less than 94 points in the last four weeks. He will be the heavy favorite to win his 2nd championship in his fourth appearance (1-2 so far). It's been a great run so far for Adam, but next week is the big one.
The matchup should look like this:
#1 Seed Adam v #6 Seed Nate
QB Tom Brady QB Kirk Cousins
RB Jamaal Charles RB DeMarco Murray
RB Pierre Thomas RB Bobby Rainey
WR Eric Decker WR Andre Johnson
WR Julian Edleman WR Vincent Jackson
TE Vernon Davis TE Heath Miller
K Matt Prater K Nick Novak
D Cincy D Chicago??
Commish predicted score: 84-73 Adam
It's gotta be like looking into a mirror from last year for Nate who steamrolled through the competition winning his last 13 games.
Best of luck to you two.
Luke and Joel square off in the 3rd/4th place game as the only other true Week 16 game.
In other games from Week 15:
5th/6th place: Nick G defeated Ben 82-82...tie broken by the higher seed.
7th/8th place: John used 25 from Drew Brees to beat Mike 84-50
9th/10th place: Nick B rolled through Matt with 22 from Cam Newton 100-86
11th/12th place: I destroyed Ike behind seven double digit scorers 109-56
And finally....
Jody and Alex squared off in the Toilet Bowl Championship. Loser runs the draft board during the 2014 draft. Alex got 23 each from his two Cowboys, Tony Romo and Dan Bailey to defeat Jody who topped out with 16 from Philip Rivers. The stickers await DoggNutz.
Final Score: The Worthless Peons 76 DoggNutz 64
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
FCNPFFL: Playoffs Week 1
This time of year a fantasy season can be ruined by many things: weather, injuries, poor play, blowouts and owner errors. This week we saw it all. In a record scoring week in the NFL we saw elevated fantasy scores for some and complete whiffs for others.
Before we get to the games...I will NOT be able to make it to the annual FCNP Holiday Party meaning no payouts this week. If you are local and would like to schedule a swing by my work here in Fairfax please let me know and I'll bring the money. If not I will have to cut you a check.
As for this upcoming weeks games: THURSDAY brings us DENVER and SAN DIEGO. Set your rosters accordingly as I think this game will impact rosters far more than last weeks game did.
Okay...on with things:
#3 Seed Nick G went toe-to-toe with defending Champion and #6 Seed Nate in our first playoff game of the season. While most of the 1pm games were snow laden both Nick G and Nate saw some flake free fun. Nate got rolling first with an 80 yard TD run by Bobby Rainey as he finished with 24 points. Nick G had his top scorer going at 1pm as well as Andrew Luck blew up with 39 fantasy points. Then the bad news came for Nick G. Rashad Jennings was inactive and Nick G didn't react fast enough to get Marcel Reece in the game (who finished with 26 points). Then AP, the #1 overall draft pick, went down with an injury after scoring just a single point. Nate stepped on the gas pedal with 13 each from RGIII and Nick Novak and 10 from Vincent Jackson. Going into MNF Nick G needed a repeat effort from Alshon Jeffery from last week to pull out a miracle. He didn't get it...coming up 17 points short. Oh to have gotten Reece into the game. Nate survives in inexplicable fashion again as a dream of back-to-back championships lives on. Nate moves on to face #2 Seed Luke who caught a HUGE break with Stafford/Megatron playing in a blizzard as they combined for a paltry nine points and Luke mustered just 46 as a whole during his much needed BYE week.
Final Score: The Bounchers 88 The Lollipop Kids 71
The other side of the bracket featured long time owner and #4 seed Ben versus second year owner and #5 seed Joel. This game was a blowout. Ben got 35 points from Peyton Manning and 13 from Marshawn Lynch...his two constants...and stood no chance. His other six players combined for only 16 points. Joel got 19 from the Cardinals D, 18 from Ryan Mathews, 16 from Shane Vereen and 15 from Keenan Allen and had the game wrapped up long before Josh McCown stepped in to destroy the Cowboys with 41 fantasy points on Monday Night Football. Joel does NOT earn $10 for the top scoring team of the week, but he does get to play the #1 Seed in Adam who is currently riding a 10 game winning streak (really a 9 game streak, but he won on his BYE week too as he's just been that good). This should set up to be a great game as Adam went triple digits with 100 points behind 27 from Jamaal Charles and 26 from Tom Brady.
Final Score: Nikachu 118 The Magic Wands 64
In our Purgatory bracket:
#10 Seed Mike ran roughshod over #7 Seed Matt behind 39 from LeSean McCoy: 99-42
#8 Seed John rolled over #9 Seed Nick B behind a 31 point performance from Drew Brees: 82-61
In our Toilet Bowl bracket that determines draft board duties for the 2014 draft:
#11 Seed Jason held off #14 Seed Alex thanks to 25 from Josh Gordon: 81-56
#12 Seed Ike survived against #13 Seed Jody with four double digit scorers: 70-63
This sets up #14 Seed Alex vs #13 Seed Jody for Toilet BowlWinner Loser
Other games:
Ike vs Jason for 11th/12th place
Matt vs Nick B for 9th/10th place
Mike vs John for 7th/8th place
Ben vs Nick G for 5th/6th place
#6 Nate vs #2 Luke in Semi-Final 1
#5 Joel vs #1 Adam in Semi-Final 2
Good luck to the four remaining participants!!!
Before we get to the games...I will NOT be able to make it to the annual FCNP Holiday Party meaning no payouts this week. If you are local and would like to schedule a swing by my work here in Fairfax please let me know and I'll bring the money. If not I will have to cut you a check.
As for this upcoming weeks games: THURSDAY brings us DENVER and SAN DIEGO. Set your rosters accordingly as I think this game will impact rosters far more than last weeks game did.
Okay...on with things:
#3 Seed Nick G went toe-to-toe with defending Champion and #6 Seed Nate in our first playoff game of the season. While most of the 1pm games were snow laden both Nick G and Nate saw some flake free fun. Nate got rolling first with an 80 yard TD run by Bobby Rainey as he finished with 24 points. Nick G had his top scorer going at 1pm as well as Andrew Luck blew up with 39 fantasy points. Then the bad news came for Nick G. Rashad Jennings was inactive and Nick G didn't react fast enough to get Marcel Reece in the game (who finished with 26 points). Then AP, the #1 overall draft pick, went down with an injury after scoring just a single point. Nate stepped on the gas pedal with 13 each from RGIII and Nick Novak and 10 from Vincent Jackson. Going into MNF Nick G needed a repeat effort from Alshon Jeffery from last week to pull out a miracle. He didn't get it...coming up 17 points short. Oh to have gotten Reece into the game. Nate survives in inexplicable fashion again as a dream of back-to-back championships lives on. Nate moves on to face #2 Seed Luke who caught a HUGE break with Stafford/Megatron playing in a blizzard as they combined for a paltry nine points and Luke mustered just 46 as a whole during his much needed BYE week.
Final Score: The Bounchers 88 The Lollipop Kids 71
The other side of the bracket featured long time owner and #4 seed Ben versus second year owner and #5 seed Joel. This game was a blowout. Ben got 35 points from Peyton Manning and 13 from Marshawn Lynch...his two constants...and stood no chance. His other six players combined for only 16 points. Joel got 19 from the Cardinals D, 18 from Ryan Mathews, 16 from Shane Vereen and 15 from Keenan Allen and had the game wrapped up long before Josh McCown stepped in to destroy the Cowboys with 41 fantasy points on Monday Night Football. Joel does NOT earn $10 for the top scoring team of the week, but he does get to play the #1 Seed in Adam who is currently riding a 10 game winning streak (really a 9 game streak, but he won on his BYE week too as he's just been that good). This should set up to be a great game as Adam went triple digits with 100 points behind 27 from Jamaal Charles and 26 from Tom Brady.
Final Score: Nikachu 118 The Magic Wands 64
In our Purgatory bracket:
#10 Seed Mike ran roughshod over #7 Seed Matt behind 39 from LeSean McCoy: 99-42
#8 Seed John rolled over #9 Seed Nick B behind a 31 point performance from Drew Brees: 82-61
In our Toilet Bowl bracket that determines draft board duties for the 2014 draft:
#11 Seed Jason held off #14 Seed Alex thanks to 25 from Josh Gordon: 81-56
#12 Seed Ike survived against #13 Seed Jody with four double digit scorers: 70-63
This sets up #14 Seed Alex vs #13 Seed Jody for Toilet Bowl
Other games:
Ike vs Jason for 11th/12th place
Matt vs Nick B for 9th/10th place
Mike vs John for 7th/8th place
Ben vs Nick G for 5th/6th place
#6 Nate vs #2 Luke in Semi-Final 1
#5 Joel vs #1 Adam in Semi-Final 2
Good luck to the four remaining participants!!!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
FCNPFFL: Week 13 Results****
****all results pending a government review of why that wasn't ruled an interception by Seattle last night rather than a sack/fumble. Balls that go forward are usually called forward passes, thus resulting in an interception when the ball doesn't hit the ground and is caught by a member of the opposing team. (not bitter one bit)
Well...I hope everyone was thoroughly entertained by the most exciting 37-7 game in the history of football. We can't all be perched atop the league at 11-1 and having a safe stroll to the semi-finals of the playoffs. For no less than seven teams, the final two playoffs spots were up for grabs heading into MNF in the great northwest.
Everything I type here is based off of the current standings. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT EVERYTHING COULD CHANGE COME WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY. I will explain as best as I can, but without seeing the official stat corrections. For example, last week I earned 2 points on Wednesday as the 49ers were credited with two extra sacks against RGIII. Earlier this season Matt and I had 'tied', but by the time I woke up on Thursday I had lost because the Ravens lost a sack that had turned into a running play by the opposing quarterback. Hell last week Dez Bryant lost 16 yards receiving!!! Stuff happens and with this weeks results, a mere point could swing the fate for four different teams who were all one point away from having their seeds change. Yes guys this league was that close!!! Shut it Adam and your overpowering squad, we can all hear you laughing. It's karma for all the healthcare.gov website jokes I suppose.
Reminder for those four teams that actually play a meaningful game next week: THURSDAY night brings us the TEXANS and JAGUARS. I assume that game means nothing to any playoff team, but I'll throw it out there anyways.
Onto the godforsaken madness that had Mike and I up all night crunching numbers and scenarios on how it all went wrong.
Usually I start with my game, but that would ruin the suspense of the evening.
Let's start with the Hardi War of 2013. Win and you're in, lose and you're out. Father v Son. Thanksgiving week. Drew Brees vs Josh McCown. John came in on fire and Joel came in with a bunch of injured/benched players. He did have Josh McCown though who led all scorers with 29 points. John had Brandon Marshall on his side, but unfortunately every pass went to Alshon Jeffery as Marshall mustered just 3 points. Joel plugged in Shane Vereen for a benched Stevan Ridley and that got him 11 points while the Dolphins D added 13 points. John got 13 each from Stephen Gostkowski and the Panthers D, but looked to be dead in the water until fantasy zombie Steven Jackson blew up with 20 points. He was right back in the game with his best player left to play. Drew Brees needed 18 points to get John into the playoffs. Seattle was having none of that as Brees could only post half that leaving John just short of a miraculous season comeback. It was a great effort. Joel gets in with an injured Aaron Rodgers/Julius Thomas/Percy Harvin and a benched Stevan Ridley. Not too shabby in a 14 team league.
Final Score: Nikachu 75 The Situation 67
The next team that controlled his own destiny was Nate who just needed a win to get in against Matt. Nick B, Ike, Mike and I all needed Matt to win even though he had been eliminated on points alone to have a chance. Nate made a critical error by not setting his roster (I assume) leaving DeMarco Murray out and either Woodhead/Rainey in. Murray scored three touchdowns which was good for 26 bench points. Instead Nate had only one double digit scorer in RGIII who tallied 22 points. Matt came to play behind a stable of quality outings. Nick Foles stayed lightning hot with 25 points, Adam Vinatieri booted 20 points, Reggie Bush scampered for 19, Torrey Smith hauled in 12 and Larry Fitzgerald continued to amaze with 10 points. Matt had done his job opening the door for the four of us. Nate...well we'll get to that in a bit.
Final Score: Rainbows & Puppies 91 The Bounchers 59
So now Nick B could get in with a win or I could get in with a win and some help. This still makes plenty of sense. That is until this game came along. I got started on Thursday with 17 from Le'Veon Bell and took a 17 point lead into Sunday. Cam Newton got Nick B rolling with 31 points and Michael Floyd hauled in a TD to score 12 points. I had gotten a decent game from Josh Gordon, but was toiling in obscurity until he caught a game changing 95 yard touchdown and I suddenly vaulted ahead with his 35 point performance. I then got 19 from Kaep while Nick got 11 from Phil Dawson leaving me with an 11 point lead and Nick B having just the Seahawks D left to play. After a very questionable sack/fumble for a defensive TD, Nick B had regained the lead. The Saints scored knotting our game at 98 and that's the way it ended. Seattle earned no sacks/turnovers the rest of the way and the Saints couldn't score one meaningless TD the way the Rams did to my 49ers D late in the fourth to cost me two points. Ah two points...or hell one point how I love thee. C'mon stat correction gods!!! With the tie, Nick B and I were eliminated from playoff contention (Nick B due to points, me for being 0.5 games behind the group with a stellar .462 win %. We did both end up with the top scoring week of the league so we were splitting $10...two ways for now.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 98 The Knacks 98
So now it was up to Mike and Ike to decide the final playoff spot. Win and you're in for both of them. Simple as that. Both teams were going to outscore the others at .462 (Nick B, Matt, John and Nate). Mike started Carson Palmer over Matt Ryan which paid off as Palmer led the way for his team with 23 while Ryan score 18. Unfortunately, most every other decision went wrong for him. Andre Brown did score 16, Dez added 10, but Fred Jackson and his 18, Mike Wallace and his 11 and Greg the leg and his 8 could have all added more points to his starting lineup. Very similar to me starting Gano over Tucker and leaving 12 points on the table...the decisions we make that bite us in the ass. Ike got 14 from Gronk, 11 each from Moreno and AJ Green, but was dead to rights heading into MNF down by 24 with each team having two players left to play. In my head I couldn't figure out how Russell Wilson and Garret Hartley would outscore Jimmy Graham/Saints D by 24+ points. Wilson scored early only to see Jimmy Graham come right back to score. Then Wilson scored again and again as he shredded the Saints D. Ike had taken a lead, but with a sack and a Graham catch, Mike took a one point lead. Up a million points, the Seahawks faced a 3rd&7 with Wilson at 298 yards passing. This was basically his last series in the game. Ike was down a point. Mike was in the playoffs. One play...a pass to Zach Miller for a 1st down and Ike earned the final point of the night. Game tied. Yup. Another frickin' tie!!! Mike and Ike both join me at 5-7-1 and eliminated (barring further review).
Final Score: Bookoo Barbarians 73 Myra's College Fund 73
So that brings us back to the 4 teams at 6-7 or in Nick's case 5-6-2. All a .462 win % per CBS.
Head to head thrown out for a tie of 3+ teams.
We go to points....drum roll please.....
Nate gets in by virtue of being the top scoring team of that bunch!
Scenarios if anything changes from the ties:
If Nick B, Mike, Ike or I earn a point more than the others...we're in over Nate.
If Nick B loses his point from the sack/fumble that should be an INT, I'm in
If for any reason Mike and I both earn one point...Mike is in because he scored one more point than me on the season...yeah wouldn't that be a kick in the nuts??
If Ike and Nick B earn a point...Ike is in by points
Basically it goes from Mike to Jason to Ike to Nick B to God to Kent to the cleaners (name that movie reference).
We'll see if anything changes, but for right now...Nate is the #6 seed.
We still had the #3/#4 seeds to decide:
Nick G rolled through Luke behind 34 from Alshon Jeffery, 21 from AP, 15 from Rashad Jennings and 13 from Andrew Luck. Matt Stafford scored 24 for Luke as he rested up for his game in two weeks. Nick G became the 3rd member of the 98 point club for the week meaning Nick B's and my $5 and no playoff spot, turned into $3.33 and no playoff spot. Awesome. Nick G locked up the #3 seed with that win.
Final Score: The Lollipop Kids 98 Deathtongue 66
Ben having locked up the #4 seed now lost anyways to a red hot Jody. The only fun part was to see if Marshawn Lynch could get two more points to tie the game up with Jody and give us three ties on the week. Jody got 15 from Rivers, 14 from CJ2K and 11 from MJD to outlast Peyton Manning's 38 points.
Final Score: DoggNutz 64 The Magic Wands 62
Oh yeah, Adam won again by destroying Alex. Eric Decker became the newest hero for Adam with 35 points while Tim Brady tallied 25 and Jamaal Charles scored 16. Adam has now won 9 in a row and awaits somebody in the semi-finals in two weeks. Congrats again on a great season. If you had started Golden Tate over Terrance Williams we would have had four teams at 98 points.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 94 Worthless Peons 50
Final regular season standings (so far):
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 12-1 (#1 Seed Back Wall Division Winner)
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-5-1 (#2 Seed Critter Corner Division Winner)
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Lollipop Kids 9-4 (Nick G) 9-4 (#3 Seed; Wild Card #1)
The Magic Wands (Ben) 8-5 (#4 Seed; Wild Card #2)
Nikachu (Joel) 7-6 (#5 Seed; Wild Card #3)
The Bounchers (Nate) 6-7 (#6 Seed; Wild Card #4)
----------------------------------------
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 6-7
The Situation (John) 6-7
The Knacks (Nick B) 5-6-2
Bookoo Barbarians (Mike) 5-7-1
----------------------------------------
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 5-7-1
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 5-7-1
DoggNutz (Jody) 4-9
The Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-10
Week 14 (Playoffs Week 1) Schedule:
Championship Bracket:
Adam/Luke BYE Week
#3 Nick G vs #6 Nate (winner to play #2 Luke)
#4 Ben vs #5 Joel (winner to play #1 Adam)
Purgatory Bracket:
#7 Matt vs #10 Mike
#8 John vs #9 Nick B
Toilet Bowl Bracket:
#11 Jason vs #14 Alex
#12 Ike vs #13 Jody
Again...if anything changes, I'll let you know. Good season everyone. I feel decimal point scoring is on the horizon!!!
Well...I hope everyone was thoroughly entertained by the most exciting 37-7 game in the history of football. We can't all be perched atop the league at 11-1 and having a safe stroll to the semi-finals of the playoffs. For no less than seven teams, the final two playoffs spots were up for grabs heading into MNF in the great northwest.
Everything I type here is based off of the current standings. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT EVERYTHING COULD CHANGE COME WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY. I will explain as best as I can, but without seeing the official stat corrections. For example, last week I earned 2 points on Wednesday as the 49ers were credited with two extra sacks against RGIII. Earlier this season Matt and I had 'tied', but by the time I woke up on Thursday I had lost because the Ravens lost a sack that had turned into a running play by the opposing quarterback. Hell last week Dez Bryant lost 16 yards receiving!!! Stuff happens and with this weeks results, a mere point could swing the fate for four different teams who were all one point away from having their seeds change. Yes guys this league was that close!!! Shut it Adam and your overpowering squad, we can all hear you laughing. It's karma for all the healthcare.gov website jokes I suppose.
Reminder for those four teams that actually play a meaningful game next week: THURSDAY night brings us the TEXANS and JAGUARS. I assume that game means nothing to any playoff team, but I'll throw it out there anyways.
Onto the godforsaken madness that had Mike and I up all night crunching numbers and scenarios on how it all went wrong.
Usually I start with my game, but that would ruin the suspense of the evening.
Let's start with the Hardi War of 2013. Win and you're in, lose and you're out. Father v Son. Thanksgiving week. Drew Brees vs Josh McCown. John came in on fire and Joel came in with a bunch of injured/benched players. He did have Josh McCown though who led all scorers with 29 points. John had Brandon Marshall on his side, but unfortunately every pass went to Alshon Jeffery as Marshall mustered just 3 points. Joel plugged in Shane Vereen for a benched Stevan Ridley and that got him 11 points while the Dolphins D added 13 points. John got 13 each from Stephen Gostkowski and the Panthers D, but looked to be dead in the water until fantasy zombie Steven Jackson blew up with 20 points. He was right back in the game with his best player left to play. Drew Brees needed 18 points to get John into the playoffs. Seattle was having none of that as Brees could only post half that leaving John just short of a miraculous season comeback. It was a great effort. Joel gets in with an injured Aaron Rodgers/Julius Thomas/Percy Harvin and a benched Stevan Ridley. Not too shabby in a 14 team league.
Final Score: Nikachu 75 The Situation 67
The next team that controlled his own destiny was Nate who just needed a win to get in against Matt. Nick B, Ike, Mike and I all needed Matt to win even though he had been eliminated on points alone to have a chance. Nate made a critical error by not setting his roster (I assume) leaving DeMarco Murray out and either Woodhead/Rainey in. Murray scored three touchdowns which was good for 26 bench points. Instead Nate had only one double digit scorer in RGIII who tallied 22 points. Matt came to play behind a stable of quality outings. Nick Foles stayed lightning hot with 25 points, Adam Vinatieri booted 20 points, Reggie Bush scampered for 19, Torrey Smith hauled in 12 and Larry Fitzgerald continued to amaze with 10 points. Matt had done his job opening the door for the four of us. Nate...well we'll get to that in a bit.
Final Score: Rainbows & Puppies 91 The Bounchers 59
So now Nick B could get in with a win or I could get in with a win and some help. This still makes plenty of sense. That is until this game came along. I got started on Thursday with 17 from Le'Veon Bell and took a 17 point lead into Sunday. Cam Newton got Nick B rolling with 31 points and Michael Floyd hauled in a TD to score 12 points. I had gotten a decent game from Josh Gordon, but was toiling in obscurity until he caught a game changing 95 yard touchdown and I suddenly vaulted ahead with his 35 point performance. I then got 19 from Kaep while Nick got 11 from Phil Dawson leaving me with an 11 point lead and Nick B having just the Seahawks D left to play. After a very questionable sack/fumble for a defensive TD, Nick B had regained the lead. The Saints scored knotting our game at 98 and that's the way it ended. Seattle earned no sacks/turnovers the rest of the way and the Saints couldn't score one meaningless TD the way the Rams did to my 49ers D late in the fourth to cost me two points. Ah two points...or hell one point how I love thee. C'mon stat correction gods!!! With the tie, Nick B and I were eliminated from playoff contention (Nick B due to points, me for being 0.5 games behind the group with a stellar .462 win %. We did both end up with the top scoring week of the league so we were splitting $10...two ways for now.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 98 The Knacks 98
So now it was up to Mike and Ike to decide the final playoff spot. Win and you're in for both of them. Simple as that. Both teams were going to outscore the others at .462 (Nick B, Matt, John and Nate). Mike started Carson Palmer over Matt Ryan which paid off as Palmer led the way for his team with 23 while Ryan score 18. Unfortunately, most every other decision went wrong for him. Andre Brown did score 16, Dez added 10, but Fred Jackson and his 18, Mike Wallace and his 11 and Greg the leg and his 8 could have all added more points to his starting lineup. Very similar to me starting Gano over Tucker and leaving 12 points on the table...the decisions we make that bite us in the ass. Ike got 14 from Gronk, 11 each from Moreno and AJ Green, but was dead to rights heading into MNF down by 24 with each team having two players left to play. In my head I couldn't figure out how Russell Wilson and Garret Hartley would outscore Jimmy Graham/Saints D by 24+ points. Wilson scored early only to see Jimmy Graham come right back to score. Then Wilson scored again and again as he shredded the Saints D. Ike had taken a lead, but with a sack and a Graham catch, Mike took a one point lead. Up a million points, the Seahawks faced a 3rd&7 with Wilson at 298 yards passing. This was basically his last series in the game. Ike was down a point. Mike was in the playoffs. One play...a pass to Zach Miller for a 1st down and Ike earned the final point of the night. Game tied. Yup. Another frickin' tie!!! Mike and Ike both join me at 5-7-1 and eliminated (barring further review).
Final Score: Bookoo Barbarians 73 Myra's College Fund 73
So that brings us back to the 4 teams at 6-7 or in Nick's case 5-6-2. All a .462 win % per CBS.
Head to head thrown out for a tie of 3+ teams.
We go to points....drum roll please.....
Nate gets in by virtue of being the top scoring team of that bunch!
Scenarios if anything changes from the ties:
If Nick B, Mike, Ike or I earn a point more than the others...we're in over Nate.
If Nick B loses his point from the sack/fumble that should be an INT, I'm in
If for any reason Mike and I both earn one point...Mike is in because he scored one more point than me on the season...yeah wouldn't that be a kick in the nuts??
If Ike and Nick B earn a point...Ike is in by points
Basically it goes from Mike to Jason to Ike to Nick B to God to Kent to the cleaners (name that movie reference).
We'll see if anything changes, but for right now...Nate is the #6 seed.
We still had the #3/#4 seeds to decide:
Nick G rolled through Luke behind 34 from Alshon Jeffery, 21 from AP, 15 from Rashad Jennings and 13 from Andrew Luck. Matt Stafford scored 24 for Luke as he rested up for his game in two weeks. Nick G became the 3rd member of the 98 point club for the week meaning Nick B's and my $5 and no playoff spot, turned into $3.33 and no playoff spot. Awesome. Nick G locked up the #3 seed with that win.
Final Score: The Lollipop Kids 98 Deathtongue 66
Ben having locked up the #4 seed now lost anyways to a red hot Jody. The only fun part was to see if Marshawn Lynch could get two more points to tie the game up with Jody and give us three ties on the week. Jody got 15 from Rivers, 14 from CJ2K and 11 from MJD to outlast Peyton Manning's 38 points.
Final Score: DoggNutz 64 The Magic Wands 62
Oh yeah, Adam won again by destroying Alex. Eric Decker became the newest hero for Adam with 35 points while Tim Brady tallied 25 and Jamaal Charles scored 16. Adam has now won 9 in a row and awaits somebody in the semi-finals in two weeks. Congrats again on a great season. If you had started Golden Tate over Terrance Williams we would have had four teams at 98 points.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 94 Worthless Peons 50
Final regular season standings (so far):
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 12-1 (#1 Seed Back Wall Division Winner)
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-5-1 (#2 Seed Critter Corner Division Winner)
----------------------------------------
Lollipop Kids 9-4 (Nick G) 9-4 (#3 Seed; Wild Card #1)
The Magic Wands (Ben) 8-5 (#4 Seed; Wild Card #2)
Nikachu (Joel) 7-6 (#5 Seed; Wild Card #3)
The Bounchers (Nate) 6-7 (#6 Seed; Wild Card #4)
----------------------------------------
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 6-7
The Situation (John) 6-7
The Knacks (Nick B) 5-6-2
Bookoo Barbarians (Mike) 5-7-1
----------------------------------------
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 5-7-1
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 5-7-1
DoggNutz (Jody) 4-9
The Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-10
Week 14 (Playoffs Week 1) Schedule:
Championship Bracket:
Adam/Luke BYE Week
#3 Nick G vs #6 Nate (winner to play #2 Luke)
#4 Ben vs #5 Joel (winner to play #1 Adam)
Purgatory Bracket:
#7 Matt vs #10 Mike
#8 John vs #9 Nick B
Toilet Bowl Bracket:
#11 Jason vs #14 Alex
#12 Ike vs #13 Jody
Again...if anything changes, I'll let you know. Good season everyone. I feel decimal point scoring is on the horizon!!!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
FCNPFFL: Week 12 Results
Well this could get interesting...
We have 4 1/2 of the 6 playoff spots locked up...yes I included a 1/2 in that...you'll see later.
Before we get to that (this is usually my most fun post of the season...for the tiebreaker scenarios) let's look ahead to the NFL slate in Week 13. It's Thanksgiving week so you know that means 3 NFL games on THURSDAY!!!
For THURSDAY: DALLAS, DETROIT, GREEN BAY, OAKLAND, PITTSBURGH and BALTIMORE all play. Check you lineups and adjust accordingly.
NO BYE WEEKS!!!!!!!! Waivers will be done normally...as will K/DT add drops. Feel free to email or tweet (Ben) your wants and needs.
Onto the games:
My season has crumbled, but I got another chance to break my pesky losing streak against another Hardi...this time 1st place Luke. Matt Stafford paced the way for Luke with 22, but he didn't get his usual output from Megatron. Kendall Wright helped with 12 the Rams scored 10, but neither was enough. My team unloaded 7 weeks of frustration by finally fulfilling their potential. Kaep led the way with 25, Flash Gordon posted 21, Zac Stacy had 14 before being injured, Antonio Brown tallied 12 and the 49ers kicked in 11 points to boot. Luke would now need some help to clinch the division title.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 106 Deathtongue 65
Joel looked to stay within reach of his brother for the Division crown going up against Nick B who left two players in on a BYE. That didn't matter as Cam Newton led all scorers with 22, Jason Witten added 14 and Mendenhall put up 12. Joel hit near rock bottom with his QB getting benched and four players scoring 0 or fewer points (Stevan Ridley I'm looking at your butter covered fingers). Now Joel is just looking for a playoff spot and that is in doubt. Nick B stays alive.
Final Score: The Knacks 64 Nikachu 39
Two of the league's hottest teams not named (Biggums' 'Basers) squared off in what turned out to be a disappointing affair. Drew Brees was the games top scorer with 21 for John who was looking to win his 5th straight while Nate got 17 from Danny Woodhead as he was looking to win his seventh game in eight tries. Johns' next best was Brandon Marshall with 13 while Nate got 11 from Nick Novak. John countered with 10 from Gostkowski so it came down to RGIII on MNF. He needed 23 to win for Nate and mustered just 7 points. The streak lives on for John. With the losses by Nate and Joel, Luke clinches the Back Wall Division!!
Final Score: The Situation 59 The Bounchers 44
Now the door was open for Matt to climb right back into the thick of the playoff chase in the Back Wall Division as he drew Jody who, record aside, is playing much better ball now. This continued as Jody got 35 from Philip RIvers and 18 from MJD to pace the way. Matt got 16 from Eli Manning, 15 from Fitz and 11 from the Broncos D, but couldn't keep pace as Jody as now won 3 of 4 after starting 0-8 like Tampa Bay!!
Final Score: DoggNutz 83 Rainbows & Puppies 66
Adam, if he hadn't done so yet, clinched everything this week with his 8th straight win. He dominated Nick G with 27 from Brady, 25 from Charles, 18 from the Steelers D and 10 from Pierre Thomas. Nick G got 18 from AP, 15 from Andrew Luck and 10 from Rashad Jennings. Even with the loss, Nick G is in the playoffs, but a big congrats goes to Adam for winning the regular season!
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 94 The Lollipop Kids 61
Ben needed a win to get into the drivers seat for the overall #3 seed against Mike. In a rare bit of fantasy karma, Mike finally went up against a dud of an opponent. Only Peyton Manning and his 14 points went into double figures for the Wands who were anything but Magic. Mike got 15 from Matt Ryan, 14 from Andre Brown, 12 from Jimmy Graham and 10 from Greg the Leg to win going away and keep his season alive. Ben is safely in the playoffs though, even with the loss.
Final Score: Bookoo Barbarians 65 The Magic Wands 43
Last game...but top scoring team of the week! Ike went off on Alex...poor poor Alex having to take a beating while working in St. Thomas. Ike keeps his slim playoff hopes alive behind an explosion of points. 28 from Knowshon, 25 from Alex Smith, 20 each from Lacy and Tavon Austin and 12 each from Gronk and the Ravens. He earns $10 for his troubles and for Myra.
Final Score: Myra's College Fund 123 Worthless Peons 50
Standings Through Week 12:
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 11-1 (Clinched #1 Overall Seed...Critter Corner Champ)
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-4-1 (Clinched #2 Overall Seed...Back Wall Champ)
Lollipop Kids (Nick G) 8-4 (Clinched playoff spot, #3 seed w/ win or Ben loss...wins H2H tiebreaker)
The Magic Wands (Ben) 8-4 (Clinched playoff spot, #3 or #4 seed, loses H2H tiebreak with Nick G)
----------------------------
The Situation (John) 6-6 (Win and in against Joel)
Nikachu (Joel) 6-6 (Win and in against John)
The Bounchers (Nate) 6-6 (Win and in against Matt)
----------------------------
The Knacks (Nick B) 5-6-1
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 5-7
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 5-7
Booboo Barbarians (Mike) 5-7
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 5-7
-----------------------------
The Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-9
DoggNutz (Jody) 3-9
Joel and John control their own destiny for the 5 seed (or potential 6 seed if Nate wins...I'll figure that out later)....loser is eliminated (points) I believe barring somehow only 2 teams finishing 6-7 and they win H2H
Scenarios for the non 6 win teams.....
If Nate wins they're all eliminated simple as that.
Nick B: Win and Nate loses and in with the 1/2 game tiebreak)
Mike: Win and Nate and Nick B lose and in (unless I outscore him by 29 points and my tiebreakers come through)
Jason: Win and Nate and Mike lose (or outscore him by 29+ points (I'd beat Nick) AND not have Ike outscore me by 13 points.
Ike: Nate lose...Win (over Mike), I beat Nick B and Ike outscores me by 13 points
Matt: Is eliminated, but controls the fate for everyone above
Schedule for Week 13:
Adam 11-1 vs Alex 3-9 (Nothing matters)
Luke 7-4-1 vs Nick G 8-4 (only important to Nick G)
Ben 8-4 vs Jody 3-9 (only important to Ben)
John 6-6 vs Joel 6-6 (Father v Son Win and in; Lose and out; Happy Thanksgiving!!! Game of the Week)
Nate 6-6 vs Matt 5-7 (Nate win and in, Matt win and fun happens!)
Nick 5-6-1 vs Jason 5-7 (Elimination game at best for each)
Ike 5-7 vs Mike 5-7 (Same boat as Nick B v Jason...win and need help)
So yeah....Go Matt...but no thanks for those two losses by 7 total points all the good it did you!
Happy Thanksgiving to all, but the Hardi household should be fun come Sunday!
We have 4 1/2 of the 6 playoff spots locked up...yes I included a 1/2 in that...you'll see later.
Before we get to that (this is usually my most fun post of the season...for the tiebreaker scenarios) let's look ahead to the NFL slate in Week 13. It's Thanksgiving week so you know that means 3 NFL games on THURSDAY!!!
For THURSDAY: DALLAS, DETROIT, GREEN BAY, OAKLAND, PITTSBURGH and BALTIMORE all play. Check you lineups and adjust accordingly.
NO BYE WEEKS!!!!!!!! Waivers will be done normally...as will K/DT add drops. Feel free to email or tweet (Ben) your wants and needs.
Onto the games:
My season has crumbled, but I got another chance to break my pesky losing streak against another Hardi...this time 1st place Luke. Matt Stafford paced the way for Luke with 22, but he didn't get his usual output from Megatron. Kendall Wright helped with 12 the Rams scored 10, but neither was enough. My team unloaded 7 weeks of frustration by finally fulfilling their potential. Kaep led the way with 25, Flash Gordon posted 21, Zac Stacy had 14 before being injured, Antonio Brown tallied 12 and the 49ers kicked in 11 points to boot. Luke would now need some help to clinch the division title.
Final Score: Escaped Lunatics 106 Deathtongue 65
Joel looked to stay within reach of his brother for the Division crown going up against Nick B who left two players in on a BYE. That didn't matter as Cam Newton led all scorers with 22, Jason Witten added 14 and Mendenhall put up 12. Joel hit near rock bottom with his QB getting benched and four players scoring 0 or fewer points (Stevan Ridley I'm looking at your butter covered fingers). Now Joel is just looking for a playoff spot and that is in doubt. Nick B stays alive.
Final Score: The Knacks 64 Nikachu 39
Two of the league's hottest teams not named (Biggums' 'Basers) squared off in what turned out to be a disappointing affair. Drew Brees was the games top scorer with 21 for John who was looking to win his 5th straight while Nate got 17 from Danny Woodhead as he was looking to win his seventh game in eight tries. Johns' next best was Brandon Marshall with 13 while Nate got 11 from Nick Novak. John countered with 10 from Gostkowski so it came down to RGIII on MNF. He needed 23 to win for Nate and mustered just 7 points. The streak lives on for John. With the losses by Nate and Joel, Luke clinches the Back Wall Division!!
Final Score: The Situation 59 The Bounchers 44
Now the door was open for Matt to climb right back into the thick of the playoff chase in the Back Wall Division as he drew Jody who, record aside, is playing much better ball now. This continued as Jody got 35 from Philip RIvers and 18 from MJD to pace the way. Matt got 16 from Eli Manning, 15 from Fitz and 11 from the Broncos D, but couldn't keep pace as Jody as now won 3 of 4 after starting 0-8 like Tampa Bay!!
Final Score: DoggNutz 83 Rainbows & Puppies 66
Adam, if he hadn't done so yet, clinched everything this week with his 8th straight win. He dominated Nick G with 27 from Brady, 25 from Charles, 18 from the Steelers D and 10 from Pierre Thomas. Nick G got 18 from AP, 15 from Andrew Luck and 10 from Rashad Jennings. Even with the loss, Nick G is in the playoffs, but a big congrats goes to Adam for winning the regular season!
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 94 The Lollipop Kids 61
Ben needed a win to get into the drivers seat for the overall #3 seed against Mike. In a rare bit of fantasy karma, Mike finally went up against a dud of an opponent. Only Peyton Manning and his 14 points went into double figures for the Wands who were anything but Magic. Mike got 15 from Matt Ryan, 14 from Andre Brown, 12 from Jimmy Graham and 10 from Greg the Leg to win going away and keep his season alive. Ben is safely in the playoffs though, even with the loss.
Final Score: Bookoo Barbarians 65 The Magic Wands 43
Last game...but top scoring team of the week! Ike went off on Alex...poor poor Alex having to take a beating while working in St. Thomas. Ike keeps his slim playoff hopes alive behind an explosion of points. 28 from Knowshon, 25 from Alex Smith, 20 each from Lacy and Tavon Austin and 12 each from Gronk and the Ravens. He earns $10 for his troubles and for Myra.
Final Score: Myra's College Fund 123 Worthless Peons 50
Standings Through Week 12:
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 11-1 (Clinched #1 Overall Seed...Critter Corner Champ)
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-4-1 (Clinched #2 Overall Seed...Back Wall Champ)
Lollipop Kids (Nick G) 8-4 (Clinched playoff spot, #3 seed w/ win or Ben loss...wins H2H tiebreaker)
The Magic Wands (Ben) 8-4 (Clinched playoff spot, #3 or #4 seed, loses H2H tiebreak with Nick G)
----------------------------
The Situation (John) 6-6 (Win and in against Joel)
Nikachu (Joel) 6-6 (Win and in against John)
The Bounchers (Nate) 6-6 (Win and in against Matt)
----------------------------
The Knacks (Nick B) 5-6-1
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 5-7
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 5-7
Booboo Barbarians (Mike) 5-7
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 5-7
-----------------------------
The Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-9
DoggNutz (Jody) 3-9
Joel and John control their own destiny for the 5 seed (or potential 6 seed if Nate wins...I'll figure that out later)....loser is eliminated (points) I believe barring somehow only 2 teams finishing 6-7 and they win H2H
Scenarios for the non 6 win teams.....
If Nate wins they're all eliminated simple as that.
Nick B: Win and Nate loses and in with the 1/2 game tiebreak)
Mike: Win and Nate and Nick B lose and in (unless I outscore him by 29 points and my tiebreakers come through)
Jason: Win and Nate and Mike lose (or outscore him by 29+ points (I'd beat Nick) AND not have Ike outscore me by 13 points.
Ike: Nate lose...Win (over Mike), I beat Nick B and Ike outscores me by 13 points
Matt: Is eliminated, but controls the fate for everyone above
Schedule for Week 13:
Adam 11-1 vs Alex 3-9 (Nothing matters)
Luke 7-4-1 vs Nick G 8-4 (only important to Nick G)
Ben 8-4 vs Jody 3-9 (only important to Ben)
John 6-6 vs Joel 6-6 (Father v Son Win and in; Lose and out; Happy Thanksgiving!!! Game of the Week)
Nate 6-6 vs Matt 5-7 (Nate win and in, Matt win and fun happens!)
Nick 5-6-1 vs Jason 5-7 (Elimination game at best for each)
Ike 5-7 vs Mike 5-7 (Same boat as Nick B v Jason...win and need help)
So yeah....Go Matt...but no thanks for those two losses by 7 total points all the good it did you!
Happy Thanksgiving to all, but the Hardi household should be fun come Sunday!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
FCNPFFL: Week 11 Results
I probably use this line every year around this time, but.....'And down the stretch they go'. While our top five teams seem pretty set in stone, barring an unwelcome three game losing streak, we had at least seven teams vying for the final playoff spot. You know how they say, 'Gotta be in it to win it.'
Your weekly friendly reminder about THURSDAY NIGHT football takes us to the NFC South as ATLANTA and NEW ORLEANS square off.
On a bright note...this upcoming week marks the final week of BYE WEEKS. This week CINCINNATI, SEATTLE, BUFFALO and PHILADELPHIA get to take a some time to heal.
This league has no trading deadline, but still requires a 48 hour voting window. Feel free to make some trades.
Onto the games:
I had my final shot at salvaging my season against Nate. I got the jump with two long TDs from Antonio Brown who scored 21 points, but Nate took control shortly thereafter behind fill-in RB Bobby Rainey who scored three times and amassed 34 points. He also got 17 from fellow Bucs player Vincent Jackson and ran away behind 29 from RGIII. With 11 from the Bears D and 10 from Nick Novak, Nate secured $10 for top scoring team of the week as his run to the playoffs continues.
Final Score: The Bounchers 115 Escaped Lunatics 67
Who likes kissing their sister?? Apparently Luke and Nick B do because as of now...they're tied. (Of course CBS and the NFL could add/subtract a point on Wednesday...who knows). Luke continues to ride his Stafford/Megatron combo as they combined for 60 total points. Nick B got 24 from Michael Floyd and 12 from the Seahawsk D, but needed a huge night from Cam Newton to get back into the game. Newton tallied 28 points and left the game knotted at 83. Nick B failed to replace his TE who was on a BYE week while his backup TE scored a single point on the bench. Oh what could have been for the Knacks.
Final Score: Deathtongue 83 The Knacks 83
Matt needed a win (like everyone else), but he was going up against a suddenly hot squad coached by John. This was another nail biter. Matt saw Nick Foles stay hot with 24 points and he got 10 from Fitz while John was led by Drew Brees with 18. Chris Ivory added 15 and Delanie Walker put up 12 way back on Thursday. Going into MNF John trailed by just a point but he had the Panthers strong D and Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski while Matt had Panthers TE Greg Olsen. This game stayed tight throughout as Olsen scored, the Panthers D held NE in check, but when they scored it was from the foot of Gostkowski. A very muddled affair. When the dust settled, John emerged with a two point victory.
Final Score: The Situation 64 Rainbows & Puppies 62
Ben and Joel met in what appeared to be a great game on paper even with Joel missing Aaron Rodgers. Ben was led by Marshawn Lynch with 23 who has been equally as valuable as his QB Peyton Manning who mustered 'just' 18 points. Joel got 17 from backup QB Jason Campbell and 13 from Ryan Mathews. Unfortunately for Joel he had no other double digit scorers while Ben got 16 from Dan Carpenter. His last chance with his two Patriots came up woefully short as Ridley and Dobson were held to just 10 total points when he needed at least 28.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 81 Nikachu 63
Ho-hum another week and another win for Adam. He was led by the Bengals D who scored 21. Ike got 20 from Russell Wilson and 11 from Garrett Hartley. His WR combo of AJ Green and Riley Cooper went drastically cold, scoring only 2 total points (Josh Gordon had 20...inside joke y'all). On MNF Ike had Gronk left, but Adam still had Brady and a six point lead. Unless everything went to Gronk Adam was going to win. Brady 17, Gronk 9.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 74 Myra's College Fund 60
Nick G went to the church of Mike and was rewarded with a strong scoring week. Oh Mike how giving you are. Nick G got 27 from Rashad Jennings, 20 from Andrew Luck and 12 from Steven Hauschka to roll easily over Mike even with 23 from Shady McCoy and 22 from Matt Ryan.
Final Score: Lollipop Kids 90 Bookoo Barbarians 68
Jody continues to play hard down the stretch as he dominated Alex this week. He got 20 from a resurgent CJ2K and 17 from Philip Rivers along with a well balanced 5-8 points from his other six players. Alex got 16 from Matt Forte, 14 from the Bills D, but a big fat 0 from Geno Smith who matched Tony Romo while Romo was probably chillin' on a Caribbean island somewhere with a cold drink in hand.
Final Score: DoggNutz 77 The Worhless Peons 55
Standings after Week 11:
Back Wall Division
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 10-1 (Overall #1 Seed)
Lollipop Kids (Nick G) 8-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Magic Wands (Ben) 8-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Bookoo Barbarians (Mike) 4-7
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 4-7
Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-8
DoggNutz (Jody) 2-9
Critter Corner Division
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-3-1 (#2 Seed)
The Bounchers (Nate) 6-5 (T-#5 Seed)
Nikachu (Joel) 6-5 (T-#5 Seed)
The Situation (John) 5-6
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 5-6
The Knacks (Nick B) 4-6-1
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 4-7
Schedule for Week 12
Adam 9-1 vs Nick G 8-3 (Game of the Week)
Ben 8-3 vs Mike 4-7
Luke 7-3-1 vs Jason 4-7
Nate 6-5 vs John 5-6
Joel 6-5 vs Nick B 4-6-1
Matt 5-6 vs Jody 2-9
Ike 4-7 vs Alex 3-8
So the correct answer to last weeks question was: 2. Only 2 5-6 teams.
Your weekly friendly reminder about THURSDAY NIGHT football takes us to the NFC South as ATLANTA and NEW ORLEANS square off.
On a bright note...this upcoming week marks the final week of BYE WEEKS. This week CINCINNATI, SEATTLE, BUFFALO and PHILADELPHIA get to take a some time to heal.
This league has no trading deadline, but still requires a 48 hour voting window. Feel free to make some trades.
Onto the games:
I had my final shot at salvaging my season against Nate. I got the jump with two long TDs from Antonio Brown who scored 21 points, but Nate took control shortly thereafter behind fill-in RB Bobby Rainey who scored three times and amassed 34 points. He also got 17 from fellow Bucs player Vincent Jackson and ran away behind 29 from RGIII. With 11 from the Bears D and 10 from Nick Novak, Nate secured $10 for top scoring team of the week as his run to the playoffs continues.
Final Score: The Bounchers 115 Escaped Lunatics 67
Who likes kissing their sister?? Apparently Luke and Nick B do because as of now...they're tied. (Of course CBS and the NFL could add/subtract a point on Wednesday...who knows). Luke continues to ride his Stafford/Megatron combo as they combined for 60 total points. Nick B got 24 from Michael Floyd and 12 from the Seahawsk D, but needed a huge night from Cam Newton to get back into the game. Newton tallied 28 points and left the game knotted at 83. Nick B failed to replace his TE who was on a BYE week while his backup TE scored a single point on the bench. Oh what could have been for the Knacks.
Final Score: Deathtongue 83 The Knacks 83
Matt needed a win (like everyone else), but he was going up against a suddenly hot squad coached by John. This was another nail biter. Matt saw Nick Foles stay hot with 24 points and he got 10 from Fitz while John was led by Drew Brees with 18. Chris Ivory added 15 and Delanie Walker put up 12 way back on Thursday. Going into MNF John trailed by just a point but he had the Panthers strong D and Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski while Matt had Panthers TE Greg Olsen. This game stayed tight throughout as Olsen scored, the Panthers D held NE in check, but when they scored it was from the foot of Gostkowski. A very muddled affair. When the dust settled, John emerged with a two point victory.
Final Score: The Situation 64 Rainbows & Puppies 62
Ben and Joel met in what appeared to be a great game on paper even with Joel missing Aaron Rodgers. Ben was led by Marshawn Lynch with 23 who has been equally as valuable as his QB Peyton Manning who mustered 'just' 18 points. Joel got 17 from backup QB Jason Campbell and 13 from Ryan Mathews. Unfortunately for Joel he had no other double digit scorers while Ben got 16 from Dan Carpenter. His last chance with his two Patriots came up woefully short as Ridley and Dobson were held to just 10 total points when he needed at least 28.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 81 Nikachu 63
Ho-hum another week and another win for Adam. He was led by the Bengals D who scored 21. Ike got 20 from Russell Wilson and 11 from Garrett Hartley. His WR combo of AJ Green and Riley Cooper went drastically cold, scoring only 2 total points (Josh Gordon had 20...inside joke y'all). On MNF Ike had Gronk left, but Adam still had Brady and a six point lead. Unless everything went to Gronk Adam was going to win. Brady 17, Gronk 9.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 74 Myra's College Fund 60
Nick G went to the church of Mike and was rewarded with a strong scoring week. Oh Mike how giving you are. Nick G got 27 from Rashad Jennings, 20 from Andrew Luck and 12 from Steven Hauschka to roll easily over Mike even with 23 from Shady McCoy and 22 from Matt Ryan.
Final Score: Lollipop Kids 90 Bookoo Barbarians 68
Jody continues to play hard down the stretch as he dominated Alex this week. He got 20 from a resurgent CJ2K and 17 from Philip Rivers along with a well balanced 5-8 points from his other six players. Alex got 16 from Matt Forte, 14 from the Bills D, but a big fat 0 from Geno Smith who matched Tony Romo while Romo was probably chillin' on a Caribbean island somewhere with a cold drink in hand.
Final Score: DoggNutz 77 The Worhless Peons 55
Standings after Week 11:
Back Wall Division
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 10-1 (Overall #1 Seed)
Lollipop Kids (Nick G) 8-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Magic Wands (Ben) 8-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Bookoo Barbarians (Mike) 4-7
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 4-7
Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-8
DoggNutz (Jody) 2-9
Critter Corner Division
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-3-1 (#2 Seed)
The Bounchers (Nate) 6-5 (T-#5 Seed)
Nikachu (Joel) 6-5 (T-#5 Seed)
The Situation (John) 5-6
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 5-6
The Knacks (Nick B) 4-6-1
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 4-7
Schedule for Week 12
Adam 9-1 vs Nick G 8-3 (Game of the Week)
Ben 8-3 vs Mike 4-7
Luke 7-3-1 vs Jason 4-7
Nate 6-5 vs John 5-6
Joel 6-5 vs Nick B 4-6-1
Matt 5-6 vs Jody 2-9
Ike 4-7 vs Alex 3-8
So the correct answer to last weeks question was: 2. Only 2 5-6 teams.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
FCNPFFL: Week 10 Results
Okay quick recap today because I'm swamped with stuff to do at work and couldn't get anything done this morning before work with Jessica laid up.
We still have BYE WEEKS this week with: DALLAS and ST. LOUIS taking the week off.
Of course there is a THURSDAY night game...this week we get INDIANAPOLIS and TENNESSEE.
Note from last weeks games: The Ravens lost a sack after further review and thus I lost a point, lost my tie to Matt and lost the game. Fun.
Onto the games:
My free falling squad took on Joel who was without Aaron Rodgers as he kindly tried to level the playing field. Everything was going fine as I got 13 from Le'Veon Bell and 12 from Zac Stacy but he took the lead for good after Julius Thomas posted 18 while Ryan Mathews and the Cardinals D added 11 each in the afternoon.
Final Score: Nikachu 74 Escaped Lunatics 61
Luke looked to stay on top of the Critter Corner Division against Matt who was riding high after winning on Wednesday. He got 28 points from the suddenly hot Nick Foles and 10 from Reggie Bush. It wasn't enough though as Luke stormed back with 38 from his Stafford/Megatron connection and 13 from Gio.
Final Score: Deathtongue 71 Rainbows & Puppies 61
Don't look now, but Nate is making a charge to the playoffs. He busted up Nick B this week who is in his own free fall at the moment. RGIII led all scorers in this game with 30 and he was helped by DeMarco Murray and Andre Johnson who added 14 each. Nick B was led by his kicker, Phil Dawson, with 11 and that is never a good sign.
Final Score: The Bounchers 67 The Knacks 32
Another week...another victory for Adam. Even without Tom Brady he still rolled as he turned to Case Keenum who put up 21 points. Just when Mike tightened things up with 15 from LeSean McCoy and 13 from Matt Ryan...Adam got a boost from another backup as Pierre Thomas stepped right in with Run DMC and Jamaal Charles out to score 21 points. Sometimes it's your year.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 68 Bookoo Barbarians 51
After Jody earned his first victory, he was hoping to start a winning streak against Nick G who had begun to stumble. Nope, sorry, didn't happen. Nick G put it all together and blasted Jody and also earned $10 as top scoring team of the week. AP got it started with 19, Steven Haushcka added 19 of his own, Andrew Luck put up 18 and DeSean Jackson added 17. Jody got 14 from Philip Rivers, 13 from Marques Colston and 12 from MJD in a losing effort.
Final Score: Lollipop Kids 97 DoggNutz 61
Ben and Ike met in a game that turned out to be just a 1 point affair. Peyton Manning obviously led the way in this game as he scored 34 points for Ben and Marshawn Lynch added 21. Ike got 24 from his Seahawk, Russell Wilson and 22 from AJ Green, but left Riley Cooper and his 18 points on the bench. He also saw his kicker not even step on the field. Even though Ben left Kyle Rudolph active again and Lamar Miller failed to increase his one point advantage on MNF, he secured a close win.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 83 Myra's College Fund 82
As noted in our league poll, John earned his 3rd straight victory as he destroyed Alex. Drew Brees and his 39 points almost outscored Alex alone as he mustered just 42 total points. John also got 21 from Brandon Marshall. Alfred Morris led the way for Alex with 13.
Final Score: The Situation 71 Worthless Peons 42
Standings after Week 10:
Back Wall Division:
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 9-1 (#1 Seed Overall) (Clinched Playoff spot)
Lollipop Kids (Nick G) 7-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Magic Wands (Ben) 7-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Bookoo Barbarians (Mike) 4-6
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 4-6
The Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-7
DoggNutz (Jody) 1-9
Critter Corner Division:
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-3 (#2 Seed)
Nikachu (Joel) 6-4 (#5 Seed)
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 5-5 (T-#6 Seed)
The Bounchers (Nate) 5-5 (T-#6 Seed)
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 4-6
The Knacks (Nick B) 4-6
The Situation (John) 4-6
Week 11 Schedule:
Adam 9-1 vs Ike 4-6
Luke 7-3 vs Nick B 4-6
Nick G 7-3 vs Mike 4-6
Ben 7-3 vs Joel 6-4 (Game of the Week)
Matt 5-5 vs John 4-6
Nate 5-5 vs Jason 4-6
Alex 3-7 vs Jody 1-9
All five of the 4-6 teams have a chance to be mathematically in the playoffs with a win this week. How awesome would a 7-way 5-6 chase for the final playoff spot be with just two weeks to go???
We still have BYE WEEKS this week with: DALLAS and ST. LOUIS taking the week off.
Of course there is a THURSDAY night game...this week we get INDIANAPOLIS and TENNESSEE.
Note from last weeks games: The Ravens lost a sack after further review and thus I lost a point, lost my tie to Matt and lost the game. Fun.
Onto the games:
My free falling squad took on Joel who was without Aaron Rodgers as he kindly tried to level the playing field. Everything was going fine as I got 13 from Le'Veon Bell and 12 from Zac Stacy but he took the lead for good after Julius Thomas posted 18 while Ryan Mathews and the Cardinals D added 11 each in the afternoon.
Final Score: Nikachu 74 Escaped Lunatics 61
Luke looked to stay on top of the Critter Corner Division against Matt who was riding high after winning on Wednesday. He got 28 points from the suddenly hot Nick Foles and 10 from Reggie Bush. It wasn't enough though as Luke stormed back with 38 from his Stafford/Megatron connection and 13 from Gio.
Final Score: Deathtongue 71 Rainbows & Puppies 61
Don't look now, but Nate is making a charge to the playoffs. He busted up Nick B this week who is in his own free fall at the moment. RGIII led all scorers in this game with 30 and he was helped by DeMarco Murray and Andre Johnson who added 14 each. Nick B was led by his kicker, Phil Dawson, with 11 and that is never a good sign.
Final Score: The Bounchers 67 The Knacks 32
Another week...another victory for Adam. Even without Tom Brady he still rolled as he turned to Case Keenum who put up 21 points. Just when Mike tightened things up with 15 from LeSean McCoy and 13 from Matt Ryan...Adam got a boost from another backup as Pierre Thomas stepped right in with Run DMC and Jamaal Charles out to score 21 points. Sometimes it's your year.
Final Score: Biggums' 'Basers 68 Bookoo Barbarians 51
After Jody earned his first victory, he was hoping to start a winning streak against Nick G who had begun to stumble. Nope, sorry, didn't happen. Nick G put it all together and blasted Jody and also earned $10 as top scoring team of the week. AP got it started with 19, Steven Haushcka added 19 of his own, Andrew Luck put up 18 and DeSean Jackson added 17. Jody got 14 from Philip Rivers, 13 from Marques Colston and 12 from MJD in a losing effort.
Final Score: Lollipop Kids 97 DoggNutz 61
Ben and Ike met in a game that turned out to be just a 1 point affair. Peyton Manning obviously led the way in this game as he scored 34 points for Ben and Marshawn Lynch added 21. Ike got 24 from his Seahawk, Russell Wilson and 22 from AJ Green, but left Riley Cooper and his 18 points on the bench. He also saw his kicker not even step on the field. Even though Ben left Kyle Rudolph active again and Lamar Miller failed to increase his one point advantage on MNF, he secured a close win.
Final Score: The Magic Wands 83 Myra's College Fund 82
As noted in our league poll, John earned his 3rd straight victory as he destroyed Alex. Drew Brees and his 39 points almost outscored Alex alone as he mustered just 42 total points. John also got 21 from Brandon Marshall. Alfred Morris led the way for Alex with 13.
Final Score: The Situation 71 Worthless Peons 42
Standings after Week 10:
Back Wall Division:
Biggums' 'Basers (Adam) 9-1 (#1 Seed Overall) (Clinched Playoff spot)
Lollipop Kids (Nick G) 7-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Magic Wands (Ben) 7-3 (T-#3 Seed)
Bookoo Barbarians (Mike) 4-6
Myra's College Fund (Ike) 4-6
The Worthless Peons (Alex) 3-7
DoggNutz (Jody) 1-9
Critter Corner Division:
Deathtongue (Luke) 7-3 (#2 Seed)
Nikachu (Joel) 6-4 (#5 Seed)
Rainbows & Puppies (Matt) 5-5 (T-#6 Seed)
The Bounchers (Nate) 5-5 (T-#6 Seed)
Escaped Lunatics (Jason) 4-6
The Knacks (Nick B) 4-6
The Situation (John) 4-6
Week 11 Schedule:
Adam 9-1 vs Ike 4-6
Luke 7-3 vs Nick B 4-6
Nick G 7-3 vs Mike 4-6
Ben 7-3 vs Joel 6-4 (Game of the Week)
Matt 5-5 vs John 4-6
Nate 5-5 vs Jason 4-6
Alex 3-7 vs Jody 1-9
All five of the 4-6 teams have a chance to be mathematically in the playoffs with a win this week. How awesome would a 7-way 5-6 chase for the final playoff spot be with just two weeks to go???
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