Wane McGarity Bowl Round 1 Results: The Tough Breaks Of It All

 

The one thing about football in general is the unpredictability of injuries. It seems to have really hit hard this season as week after week we've seen superstar after superstar go down. For fantasy football, the playoffs is the worst place it could happen, especially in game injuries. I remember my first trip to the Wane McGarity Bowl, I was done off the bat because in a meaningless game, Tony Romo hit his thumb on a Eagles helmet and as a precaution he was sat the rest of the game. He finished with 0 points. A 0 at the QB position. Killed any hope of winning it all. This year, the injury bug hit my Dad as he lost both Thomas Rawls and Vincent Jackson to early game injuries and they never came back. It's one thing to survive one injury, but two? Just no way. And just like that, Dad's playoff run is over. It's the worst way you can go out. Injuries have also hurt us that are on bye. I'm hoping Greg Olsen's injury isn't serious, and while on bye Eugene lost Mark Ingram, his best running back. The team that wins is the team that survives, and now we're down to 4 survivors. Here are the results of the first round of the playoffs.

Shock The Monkey (9-5)                     91.80

BigBadBob (6-8)                                  72.60

Ugh....the worst way to go out. The ultimate "what if". Would a full game of Thomas Rawls and Vincent Jackson been enough to beat Mark's team, which really wasn't that impressive itself? We'll never know. Even Cam Newton was too good for his own good as he decimated Atlanta so bad that he was benched in the 4th quarter. He led Dad's team with 265 passing yards and 3 Passing TD's. The other problem was that Dad's team just went to shit as well. Outside of Michael Floyd's Thursday performance, nobody showed up for Dad. Nobody scored over 8.2 points. Brandin Cooks, Gio Bernard, Travis Kelce, Larry Fitzgerald, all were terrible. So with that in mind, it's not a given that Dad would've beaten Mark at all. For Mark, his team really wasn't that great, but hey all you gotta do is beat the opponent in front of you and that's what he did. He didn't have one guy score over 20, (Alshon Jeffrey led the way with 6 catches for 107 and a score, Jarvis Landry added 11 catches for 99 yards and Gary Barnidge added 84 and a score and that was basically it). Mark's in a good position to advance to the finals because he faces my shitty team next (newsflash, I would've lost to everyone but Dad, had I played this week, continuing what's been an epic slide from my team). For Dad, just a tough break as I really felt he had a solid shot to win it all. Still, it was a successful season for Dad and he'll look to build on the success next season. He takes on Drew in the 5th place game next week.

Game MVP

Alshon Jeffrey (Shock The Monkey)

6 Receptions, 107 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD, 19.70 Fantasy Points

 

No Soup For You (9-5)             119.10

Sons Of The Harpy (6-8)           90.74

This is a bit of an upset here as I thought for sure Drew would be able to survive a mediocre Adrian Peterson game and win this matchup. I felt Drew, on paper, had the best team left out of us 6. . It's always a slippery slope when you decide to use multiple position players from one team, especially when your opponent has the QB, but that's what happened this week as Drew had to play 3 Jags this week while Leland had Blake Bortles. It worked out to a point as all 3 Jags scored,(Hurns had 105 along with his TD, and Julius Thomas had 5 for 54 with his) but remember Bortles gets a piece of those TD's as well so for them to good, it means Bortles did good. Allen Robinson was SUPER disappointing. He caught a TD pass, but it was his only catch and it was for 4 yards. Amari Cooper got blanked and Buck Allen did nothing, fumbling and only ending up with 6.3 points. Demaryius Thomas had a good game, but he fumbled as well and couldn't find the end  zone. He needed a lot more than the 12.5 Points he got. Even Tom Brady needed one of those Tom Brady super elite performances and he didn't even throw for 230 yards and only had 2 scores. It was one of the good but not great overall games for Drew, and in the playoffs you need a lot more than good to get in, especially against Leland's squad, who I felt had the 2nd best team on paper out of us 6. Leland survived a terrible game from Calvin Johnson (held to one late catch in the 4th quarter) and bad Martavis Bryant game (not even 50 receiving yards thanks to Todd Gurley reemerging (140 rushing yards and two scores, great timing for this) and the aforementioned Bortles (he had those 3 TD's and also added a rushing TD). Zach Miller was also an excellent play with 85 and a score. Even Kenny Stills added a TD to put a stamp on the win. It was a great performance and shows that Leland can definitely win it all, and you have to assume Calvin Johnson won't be that bad again. So Leland advances and he'll take on his brother Eugene with the winner getting to go the finals. For Drew, he narrowly got in, only to be quickly eliminated just like that. It was just the wrong week this week. There's no doubt Drew will regroup and be a factor next season like he always is. He'll take on Dad in the 5th place game next week.

Game MVP

Todd Gurley (No Soup For You)

140 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing TD's, 1 Reception, 7 Receiving Yards, 27.2 Fantasy Points

 

Other News and Notes

I don't even think the competitors themselves know the consolation bracket is going on, but they are and Matt beat Mayra and Alex beat Ryan to advance. Matt will take on Albert and Alex takes on Kenny in Round 2. 

 

Thursday Night Overview/Week 13 Awards

 

Well...the playoffs kinda started slowly as all in all the players that were used, weren't too all great. Dad did get a great Michael Floyd with over 100 yards and a score. Unfortunately Larry Fitzgerald had a terrible game with only 5 catches for 41 yards so it kinda takes away the excitement for Floyd especially when there's a chance Brandin Cooks might not play due to a concussion. That would be a terrible blow to Dad and his team. It was the battle of running backs in the other matchup between Leland and Drew and both...underwhelmed a little bit. Adrian Peterson looked like he was on his way to a great game, he had 38 yards and a TD on their first drive. He was basically bottled up the rest of the game and even fumbled so he finished with a little over 13 points. For Leland, David Johnson was good, he had 123 total yards, but he also dropped a would be TD near the end zone, and then had a TD called back. He really needed those David Johnson points to capitalize on Peterson's mediocre game.  I still think Drew's fine, while Dad might be in a little trouble especially with the Cooks news. Here are the Week 13 awards

Wane McGarity Stud Of The Week

Cam Newton (The Bad Robofies)

 

Cam's brilliant game helped Dad cruise to a playoff spot. 5 Passing TD's and nearly 42 points, if Dad's going to keep getting these kind of performances from Cam, there's no doubt he'll be a favorite to win it all.

Michael Wiley Dud Of The Week

Eddie Lacy (Winter Is Over)

 When you lose your playoff spot by less than half a point, you're definitely going to blame your #1 keeper for coming up as short as someone can come in your quest to make the playoffs. Lacy's been a disappointment all season, but seemed to have turned it around recently. Then he decided to be stupid and miss curfew and the result? He was benched and ended up doing nothing with 4 Rushing Yards and a catch for -3 yards. What a disgrace this fat fuck is. 

There is no Drew Bennett Sneaky Surprise Play or Jay Cutler Bad Decision Award this week

 

 

Wane McGarity Bowl Round 1 Matchups and Predictions

For Dad, Mark, Drew, and Leland the celebration has to be short, because tomorrow already starts  Week 1 of  the playoffs. Let's get to the matchups and predictions.

No Soup For You (8-5) vs
Sons Of The Harpy (6-7)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: Series is tied 3-3

Playoff Stats
Playoff Appearances
Leland: 3rd Playoff Appearance
Drew: 3rd Playoff Appearance

Playoff Record
Leland: 4-1
Drew: 1-2

Predictions: I say Drew wins. Deep down I know I was hoping Drew was going to be knocked out and not make the playoffs because talent wise, it's the best team out of the 6 left. He shored up his big running back weakness by adding Buck Allen and my only consolation is that he won't be able to knock me out in round 2. Even though Drew's top guys have difficult matchups and I just think they find a way to win. Leland has an impressive playoff record, and this is his first playoff appearance since winning it all on 2012. Leland's got a great team himself, but Todd Gurley has been slumping recently and it looks like DeMarco Murray is damn near unplayable. Just going by "best team on paper" theory here.

Shock The Monkey (8-5) vs
BigBadBob (6-7)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: Series is tied 3-3

Playoff Stats
Playoff Appearances
Mark: 2nd Playoff Appearance
Dad: 4th Playoff Appearance

Playoff Record
Mark: 0-1
Dad: 1-3

Predictions: I Say Dad wins. Dad's made the playoffs 4 times in 5 seasons, but has yet to finish above 3rd. Mark made the playoffs in his first season but got knocked out in the 1st round. Mark just played Dad two weeks ago and beat him pretty soundly, but I think Dad gets revenge here. Dad's another team that just looks way better than his record shows. The Thomas Rawls pickup was a godsend. Mark's team is so unpredictable that I just trust Dad's team a little bit more. It wouldn't surprise me if he won, but it also wouldn't surprise me if he scored under 80 points. Slight edge to Dad here.

Week 13 Results: Surviving The Chaos

 

After weeks of uncertainty and a million different playoff combinations we finally have the answer to who got the final two slots in the playoffs. One spot, was anticlimactic, the other, didn't officially get filled until late in the Sunday Night Game. After one of the most craziest playoff chases in league history, we now are ready to crown a new champion. That process starts next week with the 1st round of the playoffs. Who's joining me, Eugene, Leland, and Mark in playoffs? Who ended up getting the #2 seed and bye? Time to find out, in a crazy Week 13.

No Soup For You (8-5)               100.28

Winter Is Over (6-7)                     99.88

Wow...if somehow Drew wins the Wane McGarity Bowl, we'll be pointing back to this critical moment on how he got in, in the first place. Drew was scoreboard watching and he already knew Dad was winning his matchup, so his only way in was a win by Leland. After Alex's horrible Thursday start, it was a no brainer that Leland had this game in the bag. NOPE. Thanks to Drew Brees, Brandon Marshall, and Delanie Walker, Alex not only was able to survive, but actually was in the driver's seat and was as sure as sure can be that he would take that final spot. All he had to do was survive Martavis Bryant. Drew's longshot playoff hopes were on Bryant's shoulder and after the 1st half of last night's game, it looked like a mere formality that it would be over for Drew. At the beginning of the 3rd quarter though, Bryant caught a 68 yard TD and basically Drew needed Leland to get 2 more points to secure a win and knock Alex out of the 6th spot. Finally in the 4th he caught one more pass and it was enough to knock Alex out by less than half a point. Just like that, the scariest 6th seed secured his playoff spot. After winning last week by 2 points, Alex loses his playoff spot by less than half a point. It was a great effort by his squad (Scott Chandler added a TD too) but the luck just wasn't on his side this time. The only worrisome thing for Drew is the possibility of a stat correction and any little correction can reverse the outcome of the game. We'll see if that happens, but for now, Drew is in. It's funny that all this talk centered around one team that wasn't even in the matchup and we haven't even talked about the winner, Leland. He actually could've scored a bye, but my team sucks ass and couldn't help him, so he ends up at the #3 seed and will take on Drew next week in Round 1. Besides Bryant, Blake Bortles was AMAZING, with 322 passing yards and 5 TD's. He finished with nearly 38 points. He's been a saving grace for Leland, because Matt Ryan has been a fantasy disaster all year. It's crazy that either Drew or Leland will be knocked out after next week in what should a close high scoring affair. For Alex, considering the state of his team all year, it was surprising to see him get that close to making it to a 2nd straight playoff. I have feeling Alex will hit the reset button and start from scratch next season. It may not feel like it, but being .4 points away from a playoff spot still qualifies as a successful season in my book. We'll see what the future holds next season for him.

Game MVP

Blake Bortles (No Soup For You)

322 Passing Yards, 5 Passing TD's, 37.78 Fantasy Points

Rocket Man (9-4)                    116.22
Kumamon Express (9-4)         104.18

So I love the fact that even though I'm the first fucking seed, I'm obviously the weakest team left of the field of 6. How damn pathetic. Since starting 7-0, I ended the season 2-4, and on a 2 game losing streak. My only two wins in that span? Against non playoff teams (and I only beat Albert by fucking 4 so it wasn't even impressive). Even with Vance McDonald and Brandon Bolden in his lineup, Eugene still dispatches me with ease because my team just SUCKS beyond belief. I have a shitty QB (Eli ALWAYS ends up on my teams and ALWAYS fucks me) and a mediocre supporting cast outside of Deandre Hopkins (88 and a score mostly in the second half). Matt Forte looked good, but I don't know if I can trust that. I just don't have the talent to compete (I have the NAMES...but they are overrated shitheads). For Eugene his formula for success has been lean on Aaron Rodgers (great fantasy day on Thursday) and Julio Jones (8 for 93 yards) and the supporting cast will do the rest. It's always someone on that team. It was balanced this week but DOUG BALDWIN is who killed me with 94 yards and two TD's. Michael Crabtree added a TD, and John Brown 113 yards. This has been on the best fantasy football managing I've seen ever, considering the obstacles Eugene had to overcome. He's definitely in contention to win it all. Now he can sit and relax and see if he either plays his brother or Drew. For me, shit...it's just delaying the inevitable. How can I trust a roster that's been bad the last month and a half? I'll take on either my Dad or Mark in the 2nd round.

Game MVP

Doug Baldwin (Rocket Man)

5 Receptions, 94 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 23.90  Fantasy Points

 

BigBadBob (6-7)                  115.54

Bigger Balls (5-8)                   95.10

Dad takes cares of business and makes it to the playoffs for the 4th time in 5 years. All he had to do was win to get in and he did that convincingly led by his QB, Cam Newton. It's damn crazy to think Cam was drafted as Dad's BACKUP to Matthew Stafford. Dad avoided the dubious distinction of becoming the first team to start 3-0 and NOT make the playoffs. Cam was sensational with 331 passing yards, 5 Passing TD's, and 49 rush yards for nearly 42 points. He's been a HUGE reason why Dad survived that huge 6 game losing streak in the middle of the season. Brandin Cooks had a great game in the same game with 104 yard and a score. Thomas Rawls continues to be a great replacement for Marshawn Lynch with 122 total yards and a score. For Mayra, her team just couldn't click this season. Losing Le'veon Bell, first with the suspension, then with a season ending injury just killed her season. Antonio Brown went out with a BANG, with 118 yards, 2 TD's and a punt return TD. There's no doubt he'll be back on Mayra's team for another season next year. Andy Dalton was also great with 220 yards 2 Passing TD's and a rush TD. Surprisingly, Tyler Lockett was really good with 7 catches for 90 yards but the rest of Mayra's team...just awful. 11.5 combined points from half her team. Just too top heavy of a team this season. Ironically, last year's finals matchup is this years Michael Wiley Loser Bowl 1st round matchup as Mayra takes on Matt there. Dad will take on Mark in round 1.

Game MVP

Cam Newton (BigBadBob)

331 Passing Yards, 5 Passing TD's, 1 INT, 49 Rushing Yards, 41.64 Fantasy Points

 

Sons Of The Harpy (6-7)             145.68

Hoosier Daddy (4-9)                     127.92

And because of the .4 of a point win by Leland, here is your 6th seed. It's crazy because roster wise, Drew's got the best team, yet he's a 6th seed who only got in because Leland got a crazy win against Alex. Drew gave a preview of what's to come by putting up the most points of the week. His depth is just unreal. You got Tom Brady at QB (312 Passing Yards, 3 Passing TD's, 1 Rushing TD, all without any "real" weapons) at WR Allen Robinson (what a BEAST he's been, 10 for 153 yards and 3 TD's) Demaryius Thomas (still scary despite Osweiler starting at QB, he had 61 and a score) Amari Cooper (scary high upside, not a great game, but capable of them). Drew put up nearly 146 points with Adrian Peterson sucking and C.J. Anderson getting hurt. Buck Allen was a great late season pickup as he had 170 total yards and a TD for 29 points. Julius Thomas hasn't even been that bad recently and he scored a TD as well. Ryan wasn't even bad, in fact he scored the 2nd most points in the league this week! That's just the kind of season Ryan's had. Bad luck all around (including drafting ANDREW LUCK). Every player on Ryan's team scored double digits led by of all people Brian Hoyer (nearly 300 passing yards and 3 TD's) Deangelo Williams (165 total yards) Frank Gore (94 total yards and a TD) and DeSean Jackson (80 yards and a score).  Great effort to play spoiler but Drew's team was up for the challenge. Drew's 1st round opponent won't be easy, he's got Leland up next. For Ryan, it's back to the Michael Wiley Loser Bowl he goes. He'll take on Alex in Round 1.

Game MVP

Tom Brady (Sons Of The Harpy)

312 Passing Yards, 3 Passing TD's, 2 INT's, 1 Rush TD, 36.28 Fantasy Points

 

Woe Is Me (6-7)                        93.40

Shock The Monkey (8-5)         70.92

This matchup is important for a couple reasons. Most important it knocked Mark from the 3rd seed to the 4th seed and this might have been the last relevant fantasy football game for Kenny Bybee. After 6 seasons, Kenny's decided to take a break from fantasy football as it has frustrated him to no end. I understand the frustration, year after year, he's always pined to be a favorite to win it all yet in 6 seasons he's only made the playoffs twice (though he did make it the finals two seasons ago but ultimately lost to me). This game is supposed to be fun (lol...coming from me) so if it's not anymore, maybe it is time to step back and take a breather. Kenny's "Devonte Adams Decision" last week did indeed end up costing him a playoff spot because had he stayed pat, he would've run the table and made the playoffs. Jeremy Maclin led the way with 95 yards and 2 scores. For Mark...not a great way to end the season as he team barely put up 70 points. Mark's team has been so up and down. He can put up games like this or put up 125 point games. Just a horrible performance all around and his guys will have step up next week against Dad if he wants to advance to round 2. For Kenny...it's back to the Michael Wiley Loser Bowl (which he has won twice, lol). He even gets a bye in the first round.

Game MVP

Jeremy Maclin (Woe Is Me)

9 Receptions, 95 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 24 Fantasy Points

 

Channel 4 News Team (6-7)     125.14

Light's Broken Bots (5-8)         108.10

This has to sting because Albert was next in line should Drew or Dad had lost. Of course he wouldn't have been in this situation had he not given away a game he played an inactive and lost by less than half a point. Such a brutal mistake and it's a shame because these last 3 weeks Albert's team has been putting up nice points. Even with a 0 from Stevie Johnson, Albert put up the 3rd most points in the week. Carson Palmer had over 350 passing yards and 2 TD's, A.J. Green had 128 yards and a score, Sammy Watkins had 109 yards and a score, T.J. Yeldon had 136 and a score, Doug Martin had 95 and a score and Shaun Draughn had 86 total yards and a score. Just an overall great game from Albert but because Drew led by points, it doesn't matter in the long run. He's got a bye in the first round of the Michael Wiley Bowl. For Matt....just a disaster of a season, with injuries galore which started before the season even started with Jordy Nelson tore his ACL, thus taking him out of keeper consideration for Matt. Ben Roethlisberger was great with over 360 yards passing and 4 scores for almost 38 points and Odell Beckham JR had 149 and a score. Danny Amendola and Jonathan  Stewart rounded out a great effort by Matt, but it just wasn't enough to overcome Albert's surging team. The curse seems to be real and after facing Mayra in the finals last year, he'll face Mayra again.....in the first round of the Michael Wiley Loser Bowl. For Matt and the other 5 teams out of the playoffs, it was a crazy ride...but like the old saying goes..."there's always next year".

Game MVP

Carson Palmer (Channel 4 News Team)

356 Passing Yards, 2 Passing TD's, 24.24 Fantasy Points

 

 

 

 

Thursday Night Overview/Week 12 Awards

 

Well...apparently I missed a good game. Can't really talk about what I didn't see, but I'll just analyze the stats of the players that were used in last night's thriller. Glad this game doesn't matter much but here's yet ANOTHER terrible start for me. I read Randall Cobb got a lucky ass TD recovering a James Starks fumble in the end zone. Good lord, Cobb has regressed to the point where I don't even know if I can play him anymore. Another shitty 29 yard performance. I'm going to lose again and if I do, I'll be 2-4 in my last 6 games. I keep wanting to see a turnaround but I'm not seeing it. Of course Aaron Rodgers seemed to suck badly in the first half and then  came back and ended up with 28 points including that 61 yard hail mary to Richard Rodgers to win the game. Rodgers still looks bad, but in fantasy football you get your points any way possible. Great start for Eugene as he looks to keep his #2 seed and bye. The biggest thing to come out last night's game was this probably put a nail in the coffin for Alex's playoff chances. His backs are so bad he played Joique Bell who has been terrible all year and was again with 5 rushing yards. The 25 receiving yards helped turn that in a 4 point performance. Eddie Lacy returned to Fat Shitty Eddie Lacy at the WRONG time. He was benched and didn't even have a point last night. To get under 5 points combined from your two running backs with the rest of your roster looking shaky is not good. It's gonna tough to try to  come back from that start especially against Leland. Speaking of Leland, Calvin Johnson did score a TD but he was held to under 50 yards, so it was a little bit of a disappointing game. Still, Leland should be in great shape to win his matchup. Alex's bad start is good news for the rest of 5-7 teams looking to sneak in, but it's really great news for Drew, who benefits from this the most. With Alex all but done, all Drew needs to do is win and he'll get in, regardless of the other matchups because of his points. He was already a huge favorite against Ryan, but Ryan already used up Golden Tate, and he wasn't bad but nothing special with 8 catches for 63 yards. Didn't meet his projection so Drew's in pretty good shape. Kenny's looking to end his shitty season by upsetting Mark and the jury's still out on that. Matthew Stafford looked like he was going to have an awesome game as he had two quick TD's, but he didn't do anything else after that and ended up not even meeting his projections. Kenny's still the slight favorite, but a disappointing ending for looked like a points bonanza. Onto the Week 12 Awards.

Wane McGarity Stud Of The Week

Calvin Johnson (No Soup For You)

 

Calvin showed up big time on Thanksgiving, scoring 3 TD's and helping Leland get a huge crucial Week 12 win against me. He's a big reason why Leland is a threat to win it all his year.

Michael Wiley Dud Of The Week

Dez Bryant (Woe Is Me)

 

Tony Romo or not, it didn't matter as Josh Norman completely shut down Dez Bryant. He had a pathetic 2 catches for 26 yards. This one of many reasons Kenny lost a crucial game to Drew and thus basically ended any hope of making the playoffs.

Drew Bennett Sneaky Surprise Play

Julius Thomas (Sons Of The Harpy)

 

Drew had Kyle Rudolph in his lineup all the way until less than hr to kickoff before he switched to Julius Thomas, who has been pretty much a big letdown this season. The move worked beautifully as Thomas had his best game of the season with 9 catches for 116 yards and a score. Kyle Rudolph had only 7 for 53 yards. Great decision and helped Drew win easily against Kenny.

Jay Cutler Bad Decision Award

Kenny's Receiver Choices

 

Sometimes this game can make you overthink to the point of insanity. If Kenny had just kept his original lineup that he had up until the 7 o'clock Thanksgiving game, he'd beaten Drew by 3 and been in prime position to grab a playoff spot. Instead, he convinced himself to take Kamar Aiken out of his lineup to play Devonte Adams. Adams was AWFUL with 2 catches (and numerous drops) for 14 yards. After that, once again before Sunday Kickoff, he talked himself out of playing Jeremy Maclin and put Kamar Aiken back in. Maclin ended up with 160 yards and a score and 26.5 points. Aiken was great with 80 and a score. It ended up being a bad call that cost a win and possibly the season. Stuff like this is what makes Kenny want to step away from this crazy frustrating game.

 

Week 13 Matchups and Predictions

Well...this is it. We're at the final week of the fantasy regular season. Ryan's already been mathematically eliminated, and unfortunately after this week, 5 more teams will join him. Who's it going to be though? Who's going to get bye #2? So many questions to be answered on the final week of the regular season. Should be a fun week of football. Here's this week's matchups.

Kumamon Express (9-3) vs
Rocket Man (8-4)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: I lead series 3-1

What's at Stake
For Me: Nothing. I've got the #1 seed locked up
For Eugene: 2nd seed and bye

Predictions: I say Eugene wins. I can't pick my team right now. They look like shit. Even though this game means nothing to me, I'm locked in at #1, I'd still love to see my team show up and give me some hope for the playoffs. I hate that I'm 1st place with a first round bye and I have ZERO confidence in my team winning. Eugene really needs this more as if he loses he opens up a chance at losing the bye to either Mark or Leland. He's been struggling as well recently, but I'll give him the edge just because.

No Soup For You (7-5) vs
Winter Is Over (6-6)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: Series is tied 1-1

What's At Stake
For Leland: Seeding and a possible bye
For Alex: A playoff berth

Predictions: I say Leland wins. Well, this is pretty important all around as a win for Leland might end up getting him the #2 seed and bye pending on Eugene and Mark losing, while if Alex wins, he'll make the playoffs as the 5th seed. It's 5th seed or bust with Alex, because his points are last in the league and if he loses, Mayra, Dad, Albert, Drew, and Matt all have better points so if two of them win (which 2 are guaranteed) Alex would be out. I just think Leland has the better team and he'll take the W in this big matchup.

Light's Broken Bots (5-7) vs
Channel 4 News Team (5-7)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: Series is tied 4-4-1

What's at Stake
For Albert: Chance at a playoff berth
For Matt: Chance at a playoff berth

Predictions
I Say: Albert wins. Man...this is gonna be tough. It's funny how this was supposed to be the only meaningless game on the schedule, and all of a sudden it turned into a game where the playoffs could be at stake. They'll both need help should they win, but still both have a legit shot at making the playoffs. I'm going to give Albert the slight roster edge here. We'll just see if he gets the additional help he needs to sneak into the playoffs.

BigBadBob (5-7) vs
Bigger Balls (5-7)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: Dad leads series 3-1

What's at Stake
For Dad: A playoff berth
For Mayra: A Chance at a playoff berth

Predicitions
I Say: Dad wins. This is why points are so important. Thanks to Dad having by far the most points out of the non playoff teams, all Dad has to do is win and he's in. He doesn't have to worry about help or anything. Just beat Mayra and the playoff spot is his. Mayra's team has been struggling recently as she's dropped 3 straight games. Her roster seems thin right now, so all signs point to Dad taking this one and a playoff spot. If Mayra does win, she'll need help from others to get in.

Shock The Monkey (8-4) vs
Woe Is Me (5-7)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: Series is tied 2-2

What's at Stake
For Mark: Seeding and a possible bye
For Kenny: A super small microscopic shot at the playoffs

Predictions
I Say: Kenny wins. Last week's loss was huge for Kenny as because of his points his chances of making the playoffs are super slim. He'd not only need basically everyone ahead of him to lose, but also need to outscore people by a ton of points. Realistic? Probably not...but hey..never say never. Mark's got a lot on the line too as he could finish anywhere from #2nd with the bye to 4th place depending on whether he wins or loses and what Leland and Eugene do. I think Kenny takes this one though, but I don't think it'll be enough to get in the playoffs.

Sons Of The Harpy (5-7) vs
Hoosier Daddy (4-8)

Matchup Stats
All Time Record: Drew leads series 6-1

What's At Stake
For Drew: A chance at a playoff berth
For Ryan: Nothing

Predictions: I Say Drew wins. Outside of Alex and Dad, I think Drew has the easiest path to the playoffs. I believe all it's going to take for Drew to get in is for Alex to lose and Drew to beat Ryan. He'd be 6th if that happens, if Dad loses, he'd finish 5th probably. Ryan's got nothing to lose, so the only thing he can do is stop Drew from making the playoffs. I just don't think that's going to happen as Drew's team is just too good to not get in the playoffs. If he does get in, watch out, he's not a team I want to face.




 

Week 12 Results: Nearing The Finish Line

 

We're down to one week left on the regular season fantasy schedule and things are as chaotic as ever. It's pretty crazy that even though there's only two spots left, there are 7 teams that have a chance at still making the playoffs. Leland and Mark both clinched playoff spots to join me and Eugene. The rest of the league...in pure disarray and unpredictable. There's absolutely no way to tell who's getting those last two spots in what has been a tightly contested season. Here's what happened in Week 12.

No Soup For You (7-5)               100.96

Kumamon Express (9-3)              91.04

This was never in doubt after Leland's Thanksgiving performances and my Thanksgiving letdowns. Third straight week of scoring under 100 points as my team continues to trend down at the absolute worst time possible. I have zero dependable running backs and a very inconsistent QB. Not a good combo. Only T.Y. Hilton decided to show up with two TD's and 95 yards. For Leland, my guys sucking allowed leeway and he wins despite horrible games from Todd Gurley and DeMarco Murray. Besides Calvin Johnson, Blake Bortles had a great fantasy day with nearly 330 passing yards and 2 TD's and Martavis Bryant had 60+ yards receiving and a TD to help secure the win. The win gets Leland in the playoffs officially as he and Mark become the first teams to start 0-3 and make the playoffs. This will be a dangerous team to face indeed. He's still even got a shot at the bye if things break his way. For me, despite sucking big time the past month, I'm locked in with the #1 seed and bye which is a blessing because I least, worst case scenario I'll play for my money back. I'm very frustrated how shitty my team's become, but there's nothing I can do about it now. Just gotta hope they somehow figure it out and click. I'll take on Eugene next week in a game that has bye implications for Eugene, while Leland takes on Alex in a big time matchup for both guys.

Game MVP

Calvin Johnson (No Soup For You)

8 Receptions, 93 Receiving Yards, 3 Receiving TD's, 31.3 Fantasy Points

 

Channel 4 News Team (5-7)           135.34

Rocket Man (8-4)                               65.28

Albert went from playing playoff spoiler to getting himself back in the mix just like that. Back to Back wins against the Lawrence brothers is very impressive, considering both are playoff bound. He DESTROYED Eugene, as just like me, the writing was on the wall after Eugene's terrible Thanksgiving plays. Eugene's team has come down to earth recently after a hot start. There's really nobody worth talking about on his side, except that he lost Chris Johnson for the rest of the fantasy season to an injury. For Albert..just wow what a performance led by his receiving duo of Sammy Watkins and A.J. Green. Watkins had 158 yards and 2 scores, while A.J. Green had 61 yards and two scores. Stevie Johnson added 92 and a score, while Gronk had 88 and a score but suffered a scary looking injury. Although he's week to week, Albert needs him the most this week to try to clinch a playoff spot. That's a big loss for sure. Everyone but Tevin Coleman put up double digits (and he didn't because he lost two points by fumbling). Eugene is in legit trouble of losing his bye if he doesn't beat me next week. Mark and Leland are very much alive in the hunt for the bye. For Albert he needs a ton of help to get in, but all start with winning your matchup and he'll take on another team looking to make the playoffs in Matt.

Game MVP

Sammy Watkins (Channel 4 News Team)

6 Receptions, 158 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 30.80 Fantasy Points

 

Light's Broken Bots (5-7)      106.24

Bigger Balls (5-7)                     81.02

Wow...Matt's got Mayra's number in big game situations as he scores the upset with ease and got himself back into the playoff hunt with the big win. Mayra's team has been falling apart recently and I thought a soft matchup against Matt would be the ticket to a win and to get back on track. Nope. Matt was led by Odell Beckham Jr. (how fitting, the guy that led his playoff run last year, is doing it again this year) who had 142 yards and a score and Ben Roethlisberger who had over 450 yards passing and a TD pass. Unfortnately, Big Ben got concussed and might be forced to miss time which would be a huge blow to Matt who just can't seem to shake off the injury bug. Add in an 8 catch 114 yard Donte Moncrief performance and it was enough to put Mayra away. Lamar Miller has been awful the past couple of weeks (hmmm.maybe Mark DID know what he was doing...) and Karlos Williams has been killing Mayra as he only had half a point this week. She did get a TD from Dontrelle Inman and Eifert scored again, while Andy Dalton 233 Passing Yards and 3 Passing TD's, but she got little else from everyone else (Antonio Brown got basically shut down by Richard Sherman). She's in serious danger of missing the playoffs and now needs help just to get in. She'll need to first beat my Dad who needs the win just as bad as she does. Matt plays Albert which two weeks ago seemed like a who cares matchup, it now has playoff implications. 

Game MVP

Odell Beckham Jr (Light's Broken Bots)

9 Receptions, 142 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD, 24.70 Fantasy Points

 

Shock The Monkey (8-4)              117.50

BigBadBob (5-7)                             83.62

This was very shocking, considering Mark's terrible Thanksgiving start. Not only did Mark turn it around, but he won with ease, securing his 2nd ever playoff berth after starting the season 0-3. He's even got a solid chance at securing the bye if he wins and Eugene loses. Jarvis Landry made me look dumb, by having his best game of the season by far with 13 receptions for 165 yards and a score. That combined with Derek Carr going for 330 and 3 TD's help Mark overcome that bad start. Emmanuel Sanders added 6 catches for 113 yards, while Ronnie Hillman punched a TD and Gary Barnidge put up 91 yards on 7 catches. For Dad...golden opportunity squandered as his team finally came back down to earth after a couple of high scoring weeks. Thomas Rawls had 81 and a score, and Travis Kelce finally found the end zone, but outside of a modest Larry Fitzgerald yardage game, no one really did much else. The silver lining for Dad is he's got an easy track to the playoffs. Win and he's in. He doesn't need any help, his points will be enough to secure him a spot. He just has to beat Mayra to get in. For Mark, he'll take on Kenny, who's basically out, but still has a good enough team to prevent Mark from securing a playoff bye.

Game MVP

Jarvis Landry (Shock The Monkey)

13 Receptions, 165 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving TD, 29.4 Fantasy Points

 

Sons Of The Harpy (5-7)              134.70

Woe Is Me (5-7)                             113.78

Well....this might be the breaking point in what leads to Kenny's "retirement". After the Stafford performance, it alllllll went downhill from then. Kenny also made yet another critical mistake, talking himself out of playing Jeremy Maclin and playing Kamar Aiken instead. Aiken was good with 80 and a score, but Maclin was amazing with 9 receptions, 160 yards and a score. It wasn't really the Aiken decision that was bad, it was Kenny playing Devonte Adams, which then forced Kenny to chose between Maclin and Aiken that was horrible. Had Kenny stuck to his original lineup, he would've won by 3.17 points. Instead, because his points are so bad, it would take a miracle of all miracles for him to make the playoffs. Just goes to show you just how crucial lineup decisions are. Kenny got great games from Eric Decker (scored yet another TD), LeSean McCoy (who looks like a top back again with over 100 total yards and a TD) and Chris Ivory (Scored a TD and had 102 total yards) but Drew's team came to play it just wasn't enough to match his firepower. Drew didn't even need Demaryius Thomas (not even 5 points) to put up nearly 135 points. Tom Brady was great even without weapons (lost Gronk too, and threw for 280 and 3 scores), Amari Cooper bounced back big time from his shitty game last week and had 7 catches for 115 yards, Allen Robinson added a TD, Julius Thomas looked like the Julius Thomas from Denver with 116 and a score,  and Buck Allen added a Monday night TD to finish the week off. The headliner though, was  Adrian Peterson who showed just how dangerous he can be as he had 158 rushing yards (187 total) and two rushing scores to lead the way with nearly 32 points. I still contend that Drew is not a team you'd want to face in the playoffs. He still has a solid shot if he wins and gets help from other teams losing. He'll have to first beat Ryan and then let everything else fall into place. Kenny for the most part is done. Even if he does win, his points are too far behind barring a scoring explosion. Even with his playoff hopes dim, he can still impact the playoffs by beating Mark who's playing for a bye.

Game MVP

Adrian Peterson (Sons Of The Harpy)

158 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing TD's, 2 Receptions, 29 Receiving Yards, 31.70 Fantasy Points

 

Winter Is Over (6-6)             99.22

Hoosier Daddy (4-8)             97.00

Holy CRAP...what a huge win for Alex and by the narrowest of margins. It took until 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter to FINALLY get his half a point from Brandon Lafell to take the lead but he got it and a little more and now making the playoffs looks like a real possibility. Unfortunately because of his points, it's basically win or go home as if he wins, he's in for sure, but a loss knocks him out as he's the worst scoring team in the league. Alex wins with Drew Brees having one of his worst games of the SEASON, with 0 TD's and not even 8 points. "Old Man" Brandon Marshall, one of the rare bright spots on Alex's team led the way with 131 yards and two TD's. Alex continues to play C.J. Spiller (another shitty performance with less than 2 points) and got lucky that Anquan Boldin (8 for 93) and Delanie Walker (6 for 91) picked up the slack along with Eddie Lacy's resurgence on Thanksgiving. The only bad news is Alex lost Jimmy Graham for the season due to injury so I don't know who's going to replace him in that flex spot. For Ryan, it was a valiant effort, but he officially becomes the first team to be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. His Running Backs showed up as Deangelo Williams had 117 total yards and a score, while Spencer Ware was an excellent pickup with 114 yards and a TD. He just got no help from the rest of his team really. Losing Andrew Luck proved to be a fatal blow, and Devonta Freeman missing the week with a concussion made it hard for Ryan to stay alive in the hunt. He should get Freeman back and could play spoiler against Drew, while Alex needs to beat Leland to get in to the playoffs for a 2nd straight season.

Game MVP

Brandon Marshall (Winter Is Over)

9 Receptions, 131 Receiving Yards, 2 Receiving TD's, 29.60 Fantasy Points