There comes a time in every fantasy football season when you can begin to knock teams out of playoff contention. We are entering that phase in our league as we start week nine. In most leagues this is a little late to begin to knock teams out of playoff hope - but since 8 out of 14 teams make the playoffs in our league, nearly everyone still has a chance at the big dance! Lets take a look at the teams and their standings....
Wings of Dickarus - 1st - (6-2) - 97%
Wings of Dickarus has been on the of the top teams in the league from the get-go. Wings was voted the top team after the DDA, obvious it was a completely unbiased vote. They have backed it up with having stellar performances from Godwin, making terrific trades (getting Hopkins, trading away Hopkins), and overall consistency from the depth of the team. They should be a lock for the playoffs and they are actually battling for top spot in the regular season; but hey, until they are mathematically locked up - they won't get that hundy percent.
PEN15 Wrinkle - 2nd - (5-3) - 82%
This was a tough team to rank - ESPN has them ranked as 2nd in our standings, but that is far more because of the division this team is in rather than actual performance. It is crazy to think, if Wrinkle was in the other division it would be ranked 5th in the division. Wrinkle has a good team and they should make the playoffs - but they should be thanking their lucky stars they landed in the correct division and are now fighting for the 2nd seed rather than a playoff spot!
Biggus Dickus - 3rd - (6-2) - 97%
Biggus is currently the hottest team in the league and the current belt holder. His team has rattled off 6 wins in a row after starting the season 0-2. They find themselves in a 3-way tie for the top spot in the top division. They should very easily make the playoffs - however the difficult part is that with one slip on the week Biggus could tumble down the division rankings. We don't give out a turn around award, but if we did - Biggus would be the front runner after being voted the 13th worst team after the draft and now looking down upon most of the league from his perch on top of the belt!
Dixie Normous - 4th - (6-2) - 81%
Dixie is looking safe for the playoffs, but just think about this... if this league was ranked strictly by points scored Dixie would be ranked 10th and on the outside looking in. However, the scheduling gods have smiled upon Dixie and they have allowed this mediocre team to maneuver its way to a 3-way tie for first in the Sultry Spoon. Dixie needs to continue to find ways to win, because they will not be able to rely on their points scored as a tie-breaker.
Florida State Seminal Vesicle - 5th - (5-3) - 86%
Yes, this is the first anomaly in the rankings. FSSV has a higher chance of making the playoffs than Dixie Normous. This shouldn't come as a shock to anyone, FSSV is the only two-time belt winner. They are one of three teams to have already broken the 1,000 point threshold. They do find themselves in a tough division, but even if they don't win the division they should be able to lock up a spot based up any tie-breaker they might be in.
Aaron Rodgers Blows Llamas - 6th - (5-3) - 82%
This will be the 5th team from the Sultry Spoon, which if you haven't heard is a tough division. Yet again, ARBL has higher odds than Dixie and it is because of one reason... the schedule. However, this time it is slightly in favor for ARBL - the next two weeks he will face against opponents with losing records. This is also highly valuable for ARBL as he is trying to secure a playoff spot down the stretch as the last two weeks he will be facing two teams that are in the hunt.
Hoosier Daddy - 7th - (4-4) - 67%
Hoosier Daddy is right on the edge of making the playoffs and sitting 2nd in their division - those two things don't go hand-in-hand. The biggest issue with this team is the fact that Davante Adams hasn't played for what seems like an eternity. Which means Hoosier Daddy is still winning half their games without their top draft pick - scary thought if they are able to squeak into the playoffs. The odds are in their favor - but only slightly, there could be a pretty crucial week 12 matchup between Hoosier Daddy and Aaron Rodgers Blows Llamas.
Ankle Holster - 8th - (4-4) - 62%
Ankle Holster is sitting at the last spot of the playoffs and hoping to stay there. If you ever get into a conversation with Ankle Holster, they will be quick to let you know how good their team is - yet somehow they have been outscored by the opponents to this point in the season. Yes, Barkley coming back helps their team out tremendously - and there is going to be some urgency for him to dominant. Sitting at just .500 gives little room for error if he wants to have at least one extra week of action.
Massive TD's - 9th - (3-5) - 52%
I get it, I get it... the percentages don't make sense. Many in things in life don't make sense - taxes, afterlife, women, algebra, etc. Nonetheless, Massive TD's is on the outside looking in, but also has outscored two of the teams in the playoffs - the next five weeks need to go their way and Jones and Jacobs will need to continue to carry the load.
Hernandez Hit Men - 10th - (3-5) - 45%
Things are not looking good for the Hit Men, and they won't get better. Three of his final five opponents having winning records and that is not a good recipe for a team trying to make the playoffs. There are issues all across the roster, with the best player on the roster having a bye week this week - which is almost a must-win week. It also doesn't help that along with M. Thomas, three other players find themselves on a bye week.
The Back Hatch - 11th - (3-5) - 36%
After drafting one of the top teams in the league, they have made plenty of trades and many of them have not been in their favor. Losing J. Allen (drop and then picked up by another team) and Hooper (traded away) has turned The Back Hatch's season downward. The Back Hatch also finds themselves on the wrong side of a few matchups, especially that final week! This week is a must win week as they square off against a team that find themselves at the bottom of the pack.
Bluffton Backup Backups - 12th - (2-6) - 28%
I have no ill will to voice for Bluffton Backup Backups. They paid for another player's team and didn't even get to draft for themselves. We are all rooting for you!
The J-Bones - 13th - (2-6) - 18%
This has to be the biggest disappointment of the season. The J-Bones was thought to be the second best team in the league, many argued to put them first and now they find themselves just above one other team in the ranking system. Nothing has gone right for them, including an injury to A. Kamara and many tier one players performing like tier three. One can only hope that the gracious host will still open his humble abode after the regular season is over.
...And Your Johnson - 14th - (2-6) - 8%
Let us all just learn from these type of mistakes..... Don't use your first two picks for a stacked duo! Live and learn, although if you can't learn from a Cutler/Marshall combo - what will you learn from?
Team of the Week
Biggus Dickus
QB: Josh Allen/Jameis Winston/Baker Mayfield
Not many teams employ the strategy of holding three quarterbacks - interesting, very very interesting. Not that Winston or Mayfield have exactly torn it up this season, but Allen has been a good pickup. Let's give credit where credit is due, somebody drafted Allen and was given tons of crap - then somehow he found his way on the waiver wire and Biggus Dickus quickly jumped all over him. Allen is the guy out of the trio that will be dominating the starts, but those two aren't bad backups.
RB: Chris Carson, Phillip Lindsay, Sony Michel, Lesean McCoy
There is no absolute stud in this department - but all are more than capable to have good weeks. Lindsay was a 13th hour pickup on trade day and some have said that he has been the jolt to spark this significant strand of scoring. Carson/Lindsay/Michel have all been starters (taking up the FLEX position), but Michel is a game script, but we entering the phase of the season where a tough running back that can pound the ball can see a lot of action.
WR: Julian Edelman, Cooper Kupp, Dede Westbrook, AJ Green
This is the group that has been carry this team throughout the season. Kupp has been huge, currently the 2nd ranked wide receiver. Edelman has been steady, currently the 8th ranked wide receiver. This could be a really scary group if Green can return to any type of form - although the Bengals deciding to start their rookie quarterback is not helping his case.
TE: Austin Hooper, Hunter Henry
Is there a better starter/backup at tight end than these two? Hooper has been tearing up defenses, and it helps that Atlanta is awful and constantly needing to throw the ball. Phillip Rivers has had an affection for pass catching tight ends and Henry is beginning to pickup steam. Hooper will get the start on most occasions, but Henry is a great backup for bye-weeks or based upon matchups.
DEF/K: Jaguars/Prater
Luckily, you don't need these two to be dominate if you have all the other positions covered - which Biggus does. Jags looked much better when Ramsey wanted to play in Jacksonville, but now they have put their faith in Fournette and Minshew. Prater always has had the bombing leg, and for whatever reason Detroit has had decent scoring kickers in the past. These two won't hurt you, but they definitely won't win any matchups for you.
Matchup of the Week
Biggus Dickus* (6-2) v PEN15 Wrinkle* (5-3)
This is a fantastic matchup of the week, one with high expectations and big implications on the teams fighting for the number one spot.
QB: Garoppolo v Allen
Both these QB's have great matchups, but Allen's is a little more comfy. Washington has shown no opposition to quarterbacks and Allen also presents scrambling factor that should be considered. Jimmy G also has to play on Thursday - which gives less time to prepare. Advantage Allen
RB: Breida/Fournette v Carson/Lindsay
Fournette is the best back in the matchup, but Breida also presents the biggest question mark. Carson has been a steady player who also happens to matchup with Tampa Bay. Lindsay was the spark plug that made this roster flow and I have to give the edge to Carson and Lindsay - just because I am not sure what to think of Breida and his injury with a short turnaround.
WR: Williams/Diggs v Edelman/Westbrook
With Kupp on a bye week, this helps this matchup sway the other direction. Westbrook just doesn't have the same caliber of performances as Kupp and although he could still provide nice points - he just isn't the consistent performer that is needed. Diggs has began to become to come alive in the past weeks and Williams is finally working his way back onto Rivers' good side. Advantage Williams/Diggs
TE: Kittle v Henry
At this point in the season, there is no other tight end I would want to have starting the George Kittle.
FLEX: Gore v Michel
Although Michel is very dependent upon game script - he will at least get chances to carry the ball. Gore will have a few carries here and there, but Singletary is back from injury and is back to be
the guy in Buffalo. Michel has a tough matchup, but I still like his potential for opportunity much more than Gore's. Advantage Michel
DEF/K: Butker/Rams v Bills/Prater
The Bills play Washington - Advantage Bills/Prater
Prediction: Biggus Dickus wins
Mystery Guest: Biggus Dickus wins
Hoosier Daddy* (4-4) v Wings of Dickarus* (6-2)
Wings of Dickarus can really make the road tough for Hoosier Daddy if they are able to pull out a win this week. Hoosier will be (hopefully) welcoming back Adams to the lineup and will finally get to see what a starting lineup at full strength looks like - not good news for Wings. Wings of Dickarus is patiently awaiting the return of either Johnson and for now is forced to fill the spot with McKissic. Other than that both lineups consist with depth and star talent - flip a coin and see what happens.
Prediction: Wings of Dickarus wins
Mystery Guest: Hoosier Daddy wins
Bluffton Backup Backups (2-6) v Aaron Rodgers Blows Llamas* (5-3)
With a win this week ARBL can really put themselves in a good spot to lock up a playoff position and begin to compete for the top spot at the end of the regular season. As you can tell in the lineups, there are still plenty of changes that need to be made. For example Triple B will be moving Elliott to the start lineup and resting through a bye week. That alone is going to be a HUGE determing in factor in this weeks outcome. Make the change and take the win!
Prediction: Bluffton Backup Backups wins
Mystery Guest: Aaron Rodgers Blows Llamas wins
Massive TDs (3-5) v The J-Bones (2-6)
This is essentially a must win week for either team, since both are on the outside looking in. The J-Bones are riddled with injuries and bye weeks - I just don't think Rodgers will be able to win this one on his own. On the flip side, Massive will be leaning on his two Seattle wideouts and welcomes Andrews back from bye. As long as Jones continues his tear that he is currently on, this should not be a close matchup.
Prediction: Massive TDs wins
Mystery Guest: Massive TDs wins
Ankle Holster* (4-4) v Dixie Normous (6-2)
There is a scary team sitting at .500 - and it is involves a team featuring Barkley and Hopkins. Both of those players are serious contenders for the top spot in their respective position, which is a scary thought that they are on the same team. Everybody (at least those in the playoff picture) are hoping the Dixie and NYG stack can pull out a big victory and make the road tougher for Ankle Holster to get to the playoffs. Doesn't look likely though...
Prediction: Ankle Holster wins, belt winner
Mystery Guest: Ankle Holster wins
Hernandez Hit Men (3-5) v Florida St. Seminal Vesicle** (5-3)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be as good at something as Christian McCaffrey is at football? Yeah, me too.
Prediction: Florida State Seminal Vesicle wins
Mystery Guest: Florida State Seminal Vesicle wins
The Back Hatch (3-5) v ...And Your Johnson (2-6)
...And Your Jonson might have found something with Matthew "Pad Stat"fford, but will it be enough this week? If Bell and Evans have anything to say about it, which they probably will, the answer will be a resounding NO. Evans is looking to continue the big week last week and find himself battling against a far from the L.O.B. Seattle secondary. My only thoughts up to this point: How is Kelce still the number two tight end in fantasy football? Hasn't he had a down year? That alone should tell you how good Kelce is at tight end.
Prediction: The Back Hatch wins
Mystery Guest: The Back Hatch wins, belt winner
Bless
