Week 4 Match-Up Build-Up

GAME OF THE WEEK

Perpetual Dynasty vs Imperium

     Week 4's top match-up is consistently one of the league's most anticipated games each MFFL season. Imperium enter week 4 undefeated and flying high. Their team has an aura of invincibility surrounding it, not unlike their 2012 team which started the season (7-0). Even last week, when Imperium was disgusted by the effort being put forth by the 1:00PM players, they found a way to win the game. The nature of Imperium's victories the last two weeks has been atypical , but they look to the future with hope, as many key name players are about to get healthy, and make their lineup that much more imposing. Imperium has never had a losing season in this league largely because of their ability to adapt to any situation. Their (3-0) start is perhaps a spring board for a 2015 playoff berth. Though the season is ridiculously young, it is unwise to give Imperium such a good start and not expect great results.

     PD is trying to recover after scoring 147 points in a losing effort last week. They do not have much time to heal up as an undefeated Imperium squad is waiting for them. PD has great name value yet again this season, but as we have seen in the past, that is not equal to wins in this league. PD's players have to start playing up to their potential or they will crumble. They were active on the trade market this week per usual, and PD needs to see the fruits of their labor. Slow starts in PD's past give them hope that they can turn the ship around, many managers view that as an inevitability but PD won't stop working just because expectations are high. Perhaps it is more likely that PD has set the bar too high and they may not live up to expectations this season. PD has a good track record in games following a loss.

     The match-up on paper is super close. Both managers have player match-ups they will try to exploit. A win for Imperium will be the signature of the young season. A win for PD will keep them from having their worst start in MFFL history. Much is on the line this week for the MFFL's top match-up.

2. ShowMeYourTDs vs Tavon and Only

     Two surprise winning teams will try to pull away from the pack in week 4. TDs could not stay unbeaten last week in a disappointing effort from their squad. Their age may be catching up to them as many players on their team are starting to show injuries. They still remain confident however, and they look like they will survive the loss of Tony Romo with Cam and Andy rallying the troops. TD's always improves as the year goes on, a (3-1) start after week 4 would be a huge indicator for future success.

     Tavon bounced back in a big way in week 3 to secure their 2nd victory this season. They jumped to the top of the East division after putting up over 150 points. Their team looks like a season long competitor. Perhaps no manager asks for more out of their players than Tavon. This match-up may not have a ton of hype between each manager but the importance of this game cannot be understated.

3. El Pollo Loco vs The Real McCoy

     A history rich match-up is on the table for week 4. Anytime Loco and McCoy meet weird things happen. McCoy has consistently beaten Loco in ways that would make other managers cringe. Loco has only beaten McCoy one time. It's a match-up with a lot of pain on one side and joy on the other. McCoy is always confident when playing Loco because they know their team will find ways to win against them. This week is no different as McCoy is coming off of a loss and they have a great record in games following a loss. Also in McCoy's favor is the nature of Loco's team these days as Big Ben, Edelman, and Lynch could all be out of the lineup this week due to injuries and byes. This match-up is huge for West Division bragging rights. McCoy will try to prove they can win games consistently while Loco tries to prove they can beat McCoy. Expect the unexpected in this one.

4. Unstopa-Bo vs Whitner Wonderland

     Two teams coming off wins in week 3 are in for a huge game this week. One of these teams will be undeserving of a (1-3) record after this match-up in week 4. Both teams have talent, but their unfortunate starts make this a must win for both teams. Whitner scored the highest point total in week 3 while Bo finally got a win deserving of a team with the most points in the league. Regardless of the results, expect both teams to be a thorn in teams sides throughout the season.

5. La Flama Blanca vs The Advantageous Morgans

     A key divisional game sets the stage for this match-up. La Flama is simply trying to keep the ship afloat. Their injuries and underproduction has been a new trouble for a perennial top team in this league. Their depth will allow them to be competitive but they still lack the star firework outside of Rodgers. Flama hopes Hyde and Gurley will take the next steps this season.

     The Morgans scored 160 points last week, and they needed all of them as PD scored 147 against them. It was a statement victory and now The Morgans confidence is sky high. Their work to improve their roster has been fantastic and the results speak for themselves. The morgans are consistently underrated, but teams will start to fear them if the results keep coming. 

Week 3 Match-Up Build-Up

GAME OF THE WEEK

ShowMeYourTDs vs Imperium
      The best match-up of week 3 features two teams who are (2-0). The only two remaining unbeatens will battle it out for top ranks among the league. TDs is off to their best start in league history. Their (2-0) record has been sparked by strong performances up and down the board featuring complete team efforts in their first two victories. Their veteran laden team has proven they still have a lot left in the tank. TDs has staked an early claim in the East division, as they beat two of the strongest East division members, PD and LFB, in consecutive weeks. Simply put, its been a dream beginning for TDs in 2015.
     Imperium is back a top the West division. Its where they feel they belong. Last week's victory was a big step in securing their 2nd divisional crown in 4 years. Unfortunately for Imperium the nature of the victory, DeAngelo and Fitz combined for 71 points, has left them with remaining questions entering week 3. Their roster is awaiting production from 3 massive names in the fantasy world, Demarco, Arian, and Alshon. Imperium's ability to shape their lineup week to week is a beauty to behold. Having a chance to go (3-0), without the services of Arian and Alshon for the majority of the beginning weeks, is a scenario even Imperium could not have considered.
     Both managers have to feel like they are playing with house money entering week 3. TDs has beaten two divisional opponents to take the division lead, while Imperium has won games without some of their best players. Its a match-up without a ton of buzz, due to the success already cataloged for both managers, and the questions that remain. As such, this is not a must win for either team, but anytime two unbeaten teams face off, its the best match-up of the week. A (3-0) start for either manager would be such a welcomed joy. The winner of this game is the best in the MFFL through 3 weeks.

2. El Pollo Loco vs Unstopa-Bo
     Two extremely unlucky managers will try gain some confidence in week 3. The unlucky nature of Loco has been illustrated many times before, but week 2 again showed why this team may be cursed. They were beat in large part due to two players that many managers would not have placed in their starting lineups prior to this week. Fitz and DeAngelo turned back the clocks and combined for 71 points to beat Loco. It was a devastating loss for a team so desperate to stand alone a top the West Division. Still, Loco scored over 120 with Anderson and Evans combining for 3 points; Loco has to like how the team is shaping up.
     Unstopa-Bo has run into two straight buzz saws in 2015. This is perhaps the second best (0-2) team of all time(2012 PD started 0-2). Like PD in 2012, Bo has a terrific chance to turn it around and gain victories throughout the season. There is nothing standing in their way from being a top team this year, especially after the renewed interest shown by Bo to start the season. After all, its only 2 games.
     This is a big game for both managers with a lot on the line. Neither manager wants to start 2015 in a hole too deep to climb out of. The match-up on paper is razor close. Do not miss a second of this one.

3. Perpetual Dynasty vs Advantageous Morgans
     Two teams that obtained victories in week 2 will try to keep the momentum rolling in this East Division clash. The Morgans made no secret of their desire to beat Tavon after Tavon's week one testimonial on the league website. They entered week 2 with a fire. As stated by The Morgan's themselves, "Never doubt the Morgans...ever." This team is talented and hungry. They enter week 3 with confidence and high hopes. It is easy to see why when looking at their starting WRs.
     PD bounced back in week 2 and got a much needed victory. Their roster continues to perform below expectations however, as many big named players laid eggs in week 2. PD is use to big named stars destroying seasons, but never has a PD team looked so vulnerable to start a season. Still, many managers around the league expect PD to be one of the top teams by years end. They will look for more success in week 3 against an ever improving Morgans squad. This match-up could be a turning point in the season for both managers.

4. The Real McCoy vs Whitner Wonderland
     Two teams trying to keep pace in the West will bash heads in week 3. McCoy yet again achieved a victory following a loss. They are one of the better teams at rebounding quickly. McCoy has to be feeling better about their team after a strong performance in week 2, but we have seen this before. They are notorious for their inconsistency week to week, outside of last season, and a loss in week 3 would further illuminate the point.
     Whitner gets Leveon Bell back for week 3 and it is not a minute too soon. They need a win and Bell could be the catalyst. McCoy can't be happy being the first team to face Bell, but they knew this day was coming. The talent is there for both teams, but they both need to prove they can win games consistently in 2015.

5. Tavon and Only vs La Flama Blanca
     Back to the drawing boards for Tavon. They could not repeat their week 1 success in a week 2 loss against the Morgans. Lets lay down facts. Tavon was not as strong as the believed they were after week one, but they are also not as weak as they believe they are after week 2. Tavon needs to keep emotions in check. They are a good team that just needs some proper guidance.
     LFB is also a team feeling far different in week 2 than in week 1. Their roster has been hit by injuries and under-performing results. Without Bryant, this team only has one star to jump on the back of, Rodgers. They need to find more consistent performers in order to survive without the services of some key injured starters.

Week 2 Match-Up Build-Up

GAME OF THE WEEK

Imperium vs El Pollo Loco

     A massive west divisional match-up is the main event for week two of the MFFL Season. The only two teams from the West division to escape week 1 with victories will try to take sole possession of 1^st place in the division. There are very few managers who rework their lineup throughout the week, in order to put their team in the best possible position, as well as Imperium. They consistently plug lesser known commodities into their starting lineup and consume positive results. Illustrated last week by Heath Miller and Deangelo Williams, Imperium once again made dust into gold. Even with confidence in finding players other managers look over, Imeprium will not settle for weekly starting lineup battles, as they are constantly trying find players who will grab hold of a starting position and never relinquish their spot.

     Loco achieved a week 1 victory for the first time in franchise history last week. They now look to acquire another piece of the fantasy puzzle that has eluded them, a lead in the West Division. Loco has never once been a top the West division at any moment in three years. They yearn for such security and power. Loco’s early season trades paid off in spades last week as two post draft acquisitions scored over 20 a piece for loco. They now hope to get better performances from players they drafted to lead this team.

     Imeprium has made no secret of the fact that Loco has beaten them consistently in the MFFL. Imperium mentions this to Loco out of respect but also as a way to remind Loco how serious Imperium takes this match-up. It is rare to find an early season match-up with such intrigue and importance, but week 2’s match-up of the week promises to have a great impact on the league for the 2015 season. The winner of this match-up will be the early front runner for the west division crown. Need I say more.

2. ShowMeYourTDs vs La Flama Blanca

     Yet another pivotal divisional match-up is in store for the MFFL in the #2 match-up of the week. La Flama and TDs have been battling in the East since the league's inception. La Flama once again proved doubters wrong as his young, but talented, team put on a show last week scoring the most points in the league. They do this every year folks. Unfortunately for LFB last week’s victory was not without a casualty. Dez Bryant will be sidelined for quite some time and LFB is already squarely behind the eight ball. They have to keep the ship afloat by garnering victories until Dez returns. Assuming they can do that, which they probably will, Dez’s return will be a major spark for a team likely to be in a playoff race.

     TDs beat PD for the first time ever last week. It was a victory long in the making but no less satisfying. The challenge for TDs is to not let the euphoria last too long. They have to rally the troops and get ready for a tough LFB team. TDs knows how talented LFB is even without Dez. Unfortunately for TDs the Dez injury hurts the value of his starting QB Tony Romo. TDs is known for finishing strong down the stretch of seasons, if they can get some wins early, they will be a team with a lot of momentum throughout the season.

3. Unstopa-Bo vs The Real McCoy

     Unstopa-Bo scored the 3rd most points in the league week 1 and lost. It is a devastating way to start the season. Their massive explosion of points on Thursday night was not even to hold off Tavon and Only. Still, they have to be feeling confident after such a strong performance in week 1. They may be without the services of T.Y. Hilton in week 2 which could lessen the fire power on display from their lineup. Unstopa-Bo needs to obtain a victory in order to keep the spirits high.

     The Real McCoy have to be smiling after the players they acquired in a post draft trade led their team in points in week one. Unfortunately for McCoy, their stars acquired from the draft did the exact opposite and destroyed McCoy’s chances at a victory. No other team enters week 2 with as many possible changes to the lineup as McCoy. They may be replacing their #1 QB, #2 WR, FLEX, and Defense. McCoy understands that it is only week one, in no way are they pushing the panic button. With that said, they need to see big improvements from certain players or major changes may be in order. This match-up is huge for both managers.

4. Tavon and Only vs The Advantageous Morgans

     Few managers are as confident after week one as Tavon and Only. Their massive comeback over UB was as good as it gets in fantasy. Their team looks powerful after a 142 point outburst. However, Tavon also scored over 140 in week one last season and the rest as they say is history. Their single week success means nothing unless they continue to back it up. Tavon’s message to the league after their win has not gone unnoticed and other managers around the league look to crack the shield of Tavon’s confidence.

     The first manager to try and do so will be The Morgans. The Morgrans felt they needed to make a move after the draft, and after week one they felt some of their fears had been realized. They scored the fewest points and fell to bottom of the league after one week. They decided to shake things up and acquire new bodies before their match-up with the ever boastful Tavon. If they claim victory in this match-up, their major lineup shake up could look to carry them throughout the season.

5. Perpetual Dynasty vs Whitner Wonderland

     This match-up would look a lot different if Leveon Bell were available for Whitner. Even without Bell this match-up looks close on paper. PD will try to get a victory after a disappointing week 1 performance. While PD may be down because of their lost, many managers around the league have not lost confidence in the team or the manager. People know the trends of the league and PD tends to get wins after slow starts. PD has 10 regular season losses after their defeat in week 1. In the 9 previous games PD played after a loss they won 8 of them. They tend to bounce back in these situations, but if they don’t, look for PD to waste no time in reworking their roster.

     Whitner just needs to survive without Bell for one more week. If they beat PD it will be a huge success going (1-1) without the services of the best back in fantasy football. The rest of the roster looks strong and Whitner is hoping to take advantage of good match-ups for his starting lineup against teams like Jacksonville, Oakland, and the Giants. 

2015 Week 1 Match-Up Build-Up

And Here We…Go

The 2015 season is upon us. Fantasy matchups begin in 2 days. The wait...for the 2015 Miller Fantasy Football Season...is finally over.

MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

The Real McCoy vs La Flama Blanca

                We begin with where we left off. The 2014 MFFL season climaxed with The Real McCoy winning their second MFFL championship. It was a record breaking season for McCoy that will go down in the history books as one of the best ever. Their 2015 offseason began with a trade in which they moved from the 10^th draft slot to the 5^th. It was a move they felt they had to make. Their draft featured many big names like, Peyton Manning, Odell Beckham, and Jamaal Charles. A few days after the draft they made a massive trade in order to improve their #2 RB spot through the services of Mark Ingram. Their release of Jordan Matthews and Greg Olsen was a tough pill to swallow but they felt it was a move that had to be done, similar to their draft slot trade. They now look towards week one with cautious optimism in hopes of achieving the unthinkable, 3 championships in 4 years. Standing in their way are none other than La Flama Blanca, the two time defending championship game participant.

                For how special McCoy’s season was in 2014, La Flama did something no other team has ever accomplished before. They scored at least 120 points in every single regular season game they played. Leading into the 2014 championship game, La Flama had scored at least 120 points in 17 consecutive games, dating back to week 14 of 2013. Their amazing streak came to an end in the championship and now La Flama is looking for a bit of revenge. Their 2015 draft kicked off with two huge names in the fantasy business, Dez Bryant and Aaron Rodgers, but many of their drafted players are young and have much to prove. A consistent winner of the worst draft award, granted by yahoo every season, La Flama again achieved that recognition beginning this season, but they view winning that award as a sign of hope leading into another MFFL year.

                While winning in week one is never of vital importance, this matchup seems to have a different feel to it. The winner of this game is setting the tone for what hopes to be another successful season. If either of these managers play like they did in 2014, their excellence will be unquestioned. 2014 was a terrific season for both of these teams, but 2015 starts in 2 days and all that success written in the pages of MFFL history is about to be turned over to a new chapter, and with it, more questions to be answered. The pressure is on for both managers of this matchup. Who will continue their success from last season in week one of 2015? Stay tuned. 2 days.

2. Unstopa-Bo vs Tavon and Only

                

               While this matchup may not have been voted as the best matchup of the week, it probably should have been. The top matchup was designated so because of the pedigree and success dating back to last season, but the #2 matchup of the week, this matchup, promises to be a blood bath. If you want further proof for why this matchup will be exemplary, just look at the draft results and the fire power dawning each of these teams. Unstopa-Bo struck gold with Tom Brady as a late round flier, after already drafting players like Adrian Peterson, Gronk, and T.Y. Unstopa-Bo’s draft preparation and implementation were a clear sign of his new found dedication. The future has always been bright for this team, it now appears Unstopa-Bo is ready to make it become a reality.

                Tavon and Only are simply determined to break the themes of the past. Their MFFL career has not been a bright one, but 2015 is sure to be fireworks. Not only did Tavon have a tremendous draft yet again, but they acquired Jordan Matthews and Greg Olsen via trade, to make the squad that much more terrifying. Tavon put the league on notice, specifically the East division, that they are head hunting this season. Tavon has their sights set on that East division crown.

                How far each manager can climb after poor 2014 seasons still remains a question mark, but it is clear that both managers aim to fix the mistakes of the past. The winner of this matchup will send chills down the spines of their divisional foes. They are marching…

3. Perpetual Dynasty vs ShowMeYourTDs

                

              Each season begins with these two teams squaring off. It is one of the MFFL’s most prized traditions. TDs and PD have been battling inside the East division for 3 years, each time seeing PD the victor. This fact eats at the heart of TDs. TDs has come extremely close to beating PD on many occasions, but last season’s opening week seemed like the best time for TDs to finally get the victory they so covet. They had just traded for Drew Brees and were sending a message straight to the core of PD, but they were still unable to get the monkey off their back in the form of a victory. TDs drafted a strong veteran laden team with the likes of Romo, D. Thomas, Forte, and Shady. Their big name potential is off the charts. Their goal is the same, BEAT PD, TDs just hopes they didn’t waste their best opportunity to do so last season.

                PD has accomplished every single goal imaginable in the MFFL except for one. Everyone knows what PD strives for, and the fact that PD has yet to win a championship is a circumstance many managers simply find hard to believe. PD began the 2015 offseason just as hungry as ever, trying to relinquish the demons of their past. Their first big move happened when they traded from the 8^th draft slot to the 3^rd draft slot. The draft featured big named players headlined by the two at the top Antonio Brown and Calvin Johnson. PD’s next big move happened when they acquired Andrew Luck and Jimmy Graham in the biggest pre-season trade in MFFL history. PD is once again going all-in, in an effort to grab the one piece of glory that has eluded them. Standing in their way is a team that PD respects and  knows one day will beat them. PD is trying to delay that inevitability as long as possible.

                Will TDs finally beat PD? Will the fantasy Gods allow PD to use TDs best weapon of 2014, Antonio Brown, against them? Did TDs muff their best opportunity to beat PD last season? All these questions and more set the stage for one of week 1’s top matchups.

4. Imperium vs Whitner Wonderland

                

              Two teams shaped by drafting at opposite ends of the draft do battle in week one 2015. Whitner drafted from the 1^st slot while Imperium drafted 10^th. Both managers traded for their draft position. Whitner’s move to one allowed them to acquire leveon Bell, Randall Cobb, and Justin forsett. Whitner has made the playoffs two years in a row, but they are still searching for their first playoff win. They have come a long way since year one, when many managers questioned the credibility of their franchise. Few questions remain as Whitner has had success two years running, but their gamble to move to one and select a suspended player will be a story line worth watching all season.

                Imperium enter 2015 hoping to change many aspects of their football. They changed names, moved to a new city, and traded draft slots. The Imperium franchise is doing all they can to get back into the playoffs, including trading away big named players just days after the draft. Imperium has made no secret about their dislike for how their 2015 draft unfolded and they quickly sought to right their believed wrong by acquiring two of the biggest fantasy names around in Russell Wilson and Alshon Jeffery. The two contract extension players will aim to improve upon their 2014 success which saw Imperium maintain his strong claim as being one of only two managers to never have a losing season in the MFFL.

                This West division matchup is a great way to kick start 2015. Imperium hopes to take a victory from Whitner while he is without the services of Leveon Bell; Whitner tries to keep the status quo and achieve many victories during west divisional matchups. The tone will be set for these two divisional foes in week one 2015.

5. El Pollo Loco vs Advantageous Morgans

                

               A matchup far more deserving than the 5^th most anticipated matchup, headlines the 5^th most anticipated matchup. Do not sleep on this matchup as both managers are a kin to snakes in the grass; either one can strike at any moment. Loco has been one of the most unlucky managers in fantasy football history, but loco does not want to use that as an excuse. Loco is taking the difficult approach of trying to get better as a manager rather than let his unlucky nature consume him. His work ethic and dedication is second to very few. Their offseason preparation lead to the drafting of big named players like, Beastmode, C.J. Anderson, Big Ben, and Mike Evans. They’ve also made trades to improve their lineup before their important week one clash with the morgans.

                The Morgans are only one year removed from a championship game appearance but they feel like they have so much to prove. They drafted a tremendous core for their team with the likes of Lacy, Brees, Green, and Tate. If the Morgans improve the roster like they do every season then they are in store for a massive year. Their path through the east division is littered with land mines, but as we have seen with this franchise in the past, they find ways to get the job done, no matter what the challenges.

                Few managers are as hungry as both of the teams facing off in this matchup come week one. It would not surprise anyone in the league to see one or both of these teams in the playoffs. Neither team wants to start slow out of the gates like they did last season. Both need to win in week one.