Bitter Rivals matchup in Divisional Play-offs

Romo's Raiders had little problem with the Slot on wildcard week-end. Spanking JD 145-67. And what is his reward? A match-up with this season's jauggernaut, the Philly Hitmen. If not for the Hitmen, Romo would be the top seed in the play-offs. They finished with the same record (10-3), but the Hitmen had more points. Romo would be be king in any other division. But they were only second in the Four Horsemen division. The two teams split their divisional match-ups. Both games where very close. The play-off matchup will be close. Romo was given the edge on paper, but Craig just seems to be the leagues 800 pound gorilla this season.

The other match-up presents a different kind of rivalry. There will be no love lost in the Freeman household as Rando and Pamela square off. Rando should be pissed if he goes down to the Koyotes, who limped into the play-off out of the leagues weakest division. Pamela has been moaning all season about how bad her team is. To be humbled by her team would ... would kinda sux.

Regardless of who wins the Freeman match-up they will be underdogs to the Hitmen or the Raiders. Both teams are loaded, but you never know ... that's why they play the games.

Play-offs WildCard Week-End

Romo's Raiders (10-3) battles Open (in the) Slot (8-5) in the wildcard play-off match-up. Division leaders got a bye. The LOSERS bracket has been seeded based on your season record.

It's Do or Die in Week #12

The only thing we can be sure of is death, taxes and only 3 teams have a lock on the playoffs this year. It's week 12 and we are almost certain the 3 teams at 8-3 will make the playoffs. No its just a matter of which team will get that 1st round bye ... The Razors, The Hitmen, or the Raiders.

But for 4 teams sittin' at 6-5 it's do or die this week. They're are only 2 slots left. So they need to win out for a shot at wildcard week-end.



The most tenuous match-up is the Killn' Koyote (6-5) vs Tap Out (6-5). A week #12 win would help secure the Fab Four division where it seems no one really wants to win this one, but somebody has to. Pamela looks poised to win this one... (Damn I hope that's not a jinx, I'll get my ass kicked for that).

He's back!! At 6-5 Double D is in dire straits. He is the hottest team in the league (W4), but in the toughest division. He would be in if the playoffs started today. But the reality is he's gotta beat the two rivals ahead of him (both with league leading 8-3 records) to make the play-offs. So Dave ... do you believe in miracles?

Open (in the) Slot (6-5) has battled all season to make the Fantastic Four division a horse race. If he can spank Rando's Razors in week #12, a week #13 loss and a Razors loss would lock them up in a tie. The division would be decided by points. That's a stretch, but its still possible. Personally I liked to see if JD could tank any worse than he did in last year's play-offs.

In the snowballs chance in hell department, The Wilson brothers square off in a battle of 5-6 teams. As crazy at is sounds ... two wins would give either the Pitbulls or the Force a winning record. And a shot at the division because they play their division rivals in week #12. Jeez, that's a lotta work to become play-off cannon fodder.

Week #11 Power Rankings

#1 Philly Hitmen (8-2)


#2 Romo's Raiders (7-3)
#3 Rando's Razors (7-3)
#4 Killin' Koyotes (6-4)
#5 Open in The Slote (6-4)
#6 Double D's Flyin' Tigers (5-5)
#7 Tap Out (5-5)
#8 Soul Sonic Force (4-6)
#9 Brooklyn Pitbulls (5-5)
#10 OB's Method (3-7)
#11 Team Trogler (3-7)
#12 Jonesville Terrapins (1-9)
More ... [link]http://league28981.blogspot.com/[/link]

Week #10: Who's Your Daddy?

The week #9 results were not what we expected. The underdogs won more than they lost. And team that have dominated lost their MOJO. Some team did not just lose ... they got spanked.


Who's your Daddy Hitmen ... The high and mighty Philly Hitmen couldn't get it up for the Koyotes (a 30 point underdog). They lost 59-68. The Koyotes have been wallowing around the bottom of the Fab Four division, but they take down the Four Horsemen division leader and climb to 5-4 and a piece of the lead in the Fab Four.

Who's your Daddy rookie ... Tap Out gets spanked by the Slot 99-57. Jesse's been Hot, Hot, Hot the last four weeks, but Open in the Slot put out the flame. Tap missed a golden opportunity to take charge in the Fab Four, because ....

Rando's Razors is the Pitbulls Daddy ... Mike's mystical Pitbulls got smoked 107-60. The Razors were a 16 point underdog. We can;t figure out how, but Rando keeps finding a way to get it done.

Double D's Tigers is the SSF's daddy ... Dave laid a 86-42 whooping on the Force. At 4-5, Dave is mounting his classic come from behind charge into contention. You gotta feel a bit sorry for the Force. They were once a proud franchise ... now they getting spanked every week. :)

More ... [link]http://league28981.blogspot.com/[/link]

Week # 9 - Who's Hot and Who's Not.

WhO's hOt!

1. Tap Out (5-3) - The rookie has won 4 straight! Okay Dave ... its really only 3.5.

2. Philly Hitmen (7-1) - They have lost once the entire season ... how could they not be hot?

3. Killin' Koyotes (4-4) - Sure the Koyotes are just .500, But after a two game win streak they are only a game off the pace. One game above .500 could win the Fab Four division.

4. Open (in the) Slot (5-3) - JT has come to grips with the reality that there won't be a Very Brady Christmas this year. He's on a two game win streak and keepin' Rando's Razors honest.



Not So Hot
1. The Brooklyn Pitbulls (5-3) - It's been a roller coaster season for the dogs.

2. Rando's Razors (6-2) - Fraud!

3. Romo's Raiders (5-3) - Romo's was in position to lead the division two weeks ago. Now he's two games back (L2).

4. Double D' Flyin' Tigers - #4 on the "Not So hot list" makes you the 5th best loser. How's that for celebrating mediocrity.

Not Hot
1. The Soul Sonic Force (3-4) The SSF has gone from contender to chump in 3 weeks. They had a good start at 3-1, but losing 3 straight match-ups means they probably stink.

2. The OB Method (2-6) - OB, OB, OB ... what can we say?

3. The Jonesville Terrapins (1-7) - Dude! You're 1-7! How could you not be "Not Hot"?

4. Team Troegler (2-6) - Marty's only slightly less not hot than the Terps, because they won last week!

Week #8 Battle of Titians

Okay maybe calling this match-up the battle of the titans is a bit too much hype. But the Week #8 meeting between the Philly Hitmen (6-1) and Rando's Razors could be a post season preview. Both teams lead their divisions. Its the second week in a row the Hitmen face a division leader. Last week they suffered their first loss to the PitBulls (a perennial juggernaut).


The Hitmen have a better shot this week, because the Razors are a bit of a paper tiger. The Hitmen are a 1 point favorite, but the Razors are notorious for under achieving. Their 6-1 record is the result of a weak division and some frickin' luck.

Key Match-ups: The Hitmen's QB Drew Brees must shake off jet lag after a flight to London, England for a game against the Chargers. The Razors' Donovan McNabb comes off a BYE week to face the Atlanta Falcons. Uhmm ... Donnie is that Falcon meat in your chunky soup?

Projected Winner: Philly Hitmen

In other match-ups; Romo's Raiders (5-2) vs Jesse's Tap Out (4-3) matches two contenders who trail their division leaders by 1 game. But the Raiders are trying to keep their boat afloat after the loss of Reggie Bush (Bush averaged 15 points per game). The rookie Tap Out is a heavy favorite (+20). But he is a rookie.

The Jonesville Terrapins (1-6) are favored to win their second straight over the Tigers (2-5) who are in a tailspin. The Terps' recent trade for Willis McGahee could be a key to this match-up.

Week #7 Showdown

Two division leaders lock horns in a big match-up in week #7. The Pitbulls (4-2) are matched up against the undefeated Hitmen (6-0). But the early gamelines project both teams to score over 100 points. The preview gives the edge to the Pitbulls, but it's hard to count the Hitmen out.


A loss for either team would drop them back in to the pack. The Pitbulls has only a 1 game lead over two division foes. But its possible both Tap Out and the Soul Sonic Force could lose their week#7 match-up. The stakes are a bit higher for the Philly Hitmen. Romo's Raider (5-1) are on their heels and have a favorable week #7 match-up against the Terps (0-6).

Both teams were active on the waiver wire this week.

Projected Winner: Pick-em

UPDATE
The Pitbulls win a close battle over The Hitmen in spite of the brilliant start of Mewelde Moore (32 points), 91-83. Mike's 5-2 Pitbulls stay a game ahead of the rookie. The Hitmen drop to 6-1, but remains a game ahead of Romo who got spanked by the Terps 119-96. The Terps earned their first win with major help from the Bears D/ST. Checkout this line ... 8 INT's, 2 FR's, 2 Sacks, a Fumble Recover TD, and a Block Punt TD for a total of 26 points. Its better to be lucky than good. Like Rando's Razor (6-1) who won their match-up 'cause Double D could only muster up 37 points ... Jeeze!

Conference Wrap-up

We are getting near to the mid-point of the season. Winning your division means an automatic playoff berth. So let's take a snapshot look at how the three divisions are shaping up this year.

Fab Four
The Fab Four is the most balanced division this year. Two teams are tied for 1st and the other two are a game behind. So everybody has a shot. The Pitbulls (3-2) lead based on points for (PF), but Mike is in a bit of a slump. The Pitbulls have lost the last two, both to teams from the Four Horsemen division. The SS Force has been up and down all season. They are tied for 1st and trail by only 8 in PF (460-468). But we're havin' a hard time taking them seriously. The squad's fate rests with the fortunes of Atlanta RB, Micheal Turner. They can't depend on just one guy.

Even the division's doormats (The Koyotes & Tap Out are both 2-3) have managed to stay in the hunt. But Pamela's 85-68 win over the Slot is a bit of a parlor trick and Tap Out got the nod in a 76-76 tie with Double D, because they were the home team.

Projected Winner: The Pitbulls

The Fantastic Four
Rando's Razors (4-1) has emerged as the team to beat in the Fantastic Four. Although this is primarily due to the fact they are in such a week division. The not so Fantastic Four's scoring average is 367 (the other two divisions average over 400). The Razors are 5th in scoring (452) and scored over 100 only twice. Open (in the ) Slot (3-2) has managed to keep the wheels on after losing Tom Brady. But again two of the 3 wins came over weak division foes. The lose to the Koyotes last week was telling.

Team Trogler and The Terrapins are destined to be the league doormats this year. Marty's team (1-4) seems to be suffering from owner neglect. And the Terps (0-5)are the only team yet to win a match-up. The over/under is week #10 for the Terps 1st win. That's when they play Marty again.

Projected Winner: Flip a coin - The Razors or The Slot. Either team will be one and done in the playoffs.

The Four Horsemen
This division leads all divisions in scoring average (434). The division leader Philly Hitmen(5-0) are the only undefeated team remaining and they have the league's best scoring per game scoring average (99). Drew Brees has been a beast for the Hitmen. They may not fall until the Saints bye week (9). But Romo's Raider's (4-1) have kept pace in this tough division. Although you have to be a bit skeptical about this team. They have had narrow wins over division leaders. Only a 1 point 81-80 win over the Razors last week and a week #4 8 point win over the PitBulls. We're not sure they are the real deal yet.

OB's (2-3) team is competitive, but not really scaring anybody. Double D ... what can we say .. at 1-4 the Tigers need a hail Mary pass to get a play-off spot. The 8 game win streak starts today right Dave? Yeah ... right!

Projected Winner: The Hitmen

Power Rankings

#1 Philly Hitman #2 Brooklyn Pitbulls #3 Romo's Raider

#4 Rando's Razors #5 Soul Sonic Force #6 Open (in the) Slot #7 OB's Method #8 Tap Out #9 Killin Koyotes #10 Double D's Flyin Tigers #11 Jonesville Terrerpins #12 Team Troegler

Week #2 RAIDERS & PITBULLS post big wins

The RAIDERS & PITBULLS posted big wins last week, while Double D's Tigers remain winless. So its only week #2 and the 3 division leaders are the only undefeated teams. Is that parity or mediocrcy? Only time will tell. Scoring was up this week. Five teams scored better than 100 compared to ony two squads the previous week. The average score rose from 80.5 in week #1 to 89.8 in week #2. So if your team hasn't scored over 80 yet (Pamela) your team might stink.



RAIDERS 135 @ OB'S METHOD 84
After a tough 94-100 lost in week #1 Romo's Raiders get thier 1st win by spanking OB's Method (1-1). Romo's RB corps (Parker, Westbrook, Bush) look really strong. If El Cinco Stinko every gets going they could be a jaggernaut.

SLOT (69) @ RAZORS (100)
Open (in the) Slot (1-1) is trying to adjust to life without Brady. Jake Delhomme scored only 3 point in his debut for the Slot. They fall 69-100 to the Razors. Rando's Razor (2-0) did not need a 3 TD game from McNabb to win this week, but we're sure he would have liked to have a TD from the 60 yard pass that DeShaun Jackson left on the 1 yard (that turned into a Westbrook TD for the Raiders). The Razors were paced by a monster 3 TD game from Anquan Boldin (33 points).

PITBULLS (125) @ SONIC FORCE (70)
This was not the match-up we thought would materialize. The Pitbulls stay undefeated. No Jedi mind trick here. Just an old fashion but kickin. Mike's team scored 125 and had Clinton Portis on the bench with 23.

OUT (101) @ KOYOTES (71)
Tap Out (1-1) gets thier first win. They got 27 from QB Tony Romo and 25 from WR Santana Moss to down the Koyotes (0-2). Hey Jesse we didn't talk you out of starting McFadden (21 points) this week did we?

TROEGLER (77) @ TERRAPINS (64)

Marty's Team (1-1) came back from a loss in week #1 to limp past the Terps. This was a pedestrian affair. The highest score by any player was 19.

HITMEN (100) @ FLYIN' TIGERS (82)
The Hitmen are 2-0. Breaking the century mark in both games. Keep playing that rope-a-dope routine Double D. We will forget just how good your are.

Week #3
Looking ahead to week #2 there are two match-up that look even. Tap Out takes on the SS Force. Both teams are 1-1. And the Terps strap it on against Team Troegler. The Terps desperately need a win here. An 0-3 start could be a disaster.

More ...

The Slot lose Brady - Season in Jeopardy

It's just week #1 and we already have our 1st major injury. The Pats Tom Brady was the engine that made Open in the Slot a division leader last year. So it wasn't a big surprise when JT drafted Brady again this season (despite that disappointing playoff no-show). Now that Brady is done for the season you have to wonder about his chances.

It makes you wonder if "Auto Pick" would have taken Brady in the draft?

RECAP of Week #1

SLOT EDGES OUT TEAM TROEGLER (71-64)
No Tom Brady, but the Big O still had enuff to beat Marty. I don't know if they can count on the rookie RB, Matt Forte (20 pts.) to give 'em 123 yards and a TD each week. Marty was the victim of a sub-par nite from Peyton Manning who scores 16 pts (sub-par by Manning's standards).

RAZORS OUTPACE the TERRAPINS (81-72)
The Razors were paced by a break-out performance by D. McNabb (33 pts). But they were lucky to win after the gaff of starting an injured Willis McGee (Yo Rando, check out ESPN sportscenter next time). The Terps had good performances from QB Kitna (20 pts) and RB Peterson (18). But they look a little thin at wide out.

KOYOTES BLOWN-OUT BY SONIC FORCE (79-105)
The Force put the hammer down on the Koyotes to post the best score of the week. Who would have guessed Michael Turner (35 pts) would bust a groove in his first start as "the man". Turner had 220 yards and 2 TD's against the Lions. He can't do that every week, but it looks like he's the real deal.

TAP OUT GETS BIT BY THE PITBULLS (64-99)
Jesse, the rookie, fell prey to the Jedi Master. Don't worry Jesse. That was a Jedi mind trick you experienced last week.

RAIDERS FALL TO HITMEN (94-102)
The Raiders finished Sunday with 94 points, but the Philly Hitmen got double digits points from 6 of 8 starters. Nice.

OB'S METHOD HOLDS ON TO BEAT FLYIN' TIGERS (74-61)
RB Willie Parker broke out of the starting gate with a 138 yard, 3 TD, 32 point performance and OB was off to the races. The Tigers got a late start and could not catch 'em.

The league champ post the lowest score this week. I guess Dave would say he's got us right where he wants us.

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Week two game to watch: A battle of un-defeated teams - The Soul Sonic Force vs the Dogs of New York.

Whazzup - Week #1 Preview

Here's an early look at the league going to week #1. We will ignore the G-Men's 16-7 snooze-fest win over the 'Skins last Thursday nite and review early game-lines.

FAB FOUR MATCH-UPS

Killin' Koyotes +7 @ Soul Sonic Force (94-101)
The Force (sporting a new logo this year) is projected to edge-out Pamela's Koyotes. The Koyotes' RB Brandon Jacobs scored his project 12 points. Now SFF RB Michael Turner has to do the same if they are going to win this. Of course Pamela is bankin' on TO havin' a monster game and trash the force.

Tap out -5 @ Brooklyn PitBulls (91- 86)
The rookie Tap Out is a 5 point favorite over the PitBulls. Don't believe it. Mikey is a former champion and seems to work magic with his roster in early season match-ups. Whazzup rookie! You're not really gonna start Oakland RB Darren McFadden RU?

FANTASTIC FOUR MATCH-UPS

Rando's Razors -11 @ Jonesville Terrapins (104-93 )
In an attempt to erase the memory of last years 2-11 season, Rando's renamed his team from the Razorbacks to the Razors. He's projected to walk over the Terps this week (3-10 last season). Rando's prayers rest on the performance of McNabb and LT (as most games this season will). But the Terps have a shot. They look much more balanced this year.

Open (in the) Slot EVEN Team Troegler (84-84)
The forecasters have this match-up of teams drafted off-line even. This one will be decided by the match-up of the league's two premier QB's ... Brady for the Slot vs. Manning for T-Trogler. JD didn't you learn yout lesson with Brady late last season? And Marty ... a bit of league history for ya ... no team with Peyton Manning as their QB has every won this league (we call it the Manning jinx).

FOUR HORSEMEN MATCH-UPS

OB's Method +9 @ Double D's Flyin' Tigers (86- 95)
This is not a good sign Double D. You are better off when you're not the favorite. OB could get the jump on you if the Palmer to Houshmandzadeh connection hooks up against the Ravens.

Romo's Raiders +22 Philly Hitmen (86-108)
The Hitmen are a 22 point favorite , but this will be closer than projected. Lions RB Kevin Smith for the Hitmen will share carries with newly signed Rudi Johnson and don't forget the Ocho Cinco factor for Romo's Raiders. Ocho Cinco ... Damn I'm gonna love saying that all season.

League Draft Day

Have you tested your computer to make sure it's ready for the draft? Have you ranked your players yet? Have you done your research? Did you know Brett Favre plays for the Jets? Did you know there's only 1 Ricky Williams this year, but you still should think twice about drafting 'em. How 'bout the Manning brothers - one's injured and the other is super bowl champ. Which would you pick?

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The league has been expanded to 12 teams this year and I decided to break the league into 3 divisions. So the "Fab Five" and the "Big Five" don't really work for division names. But I stayed with the number thing rather than go back to West, Central and East. The "Fab Four" works as well as five and the "Fantastic Four" was a natural. But I had a hard time coming up with a 3rd four. Finally it came to me. The famed football four horsemen. Perfect.