Match-Up Build-Up Week 4

MFFL hierarchies start to take shape as we enter week 4.

Week 3 Recap: Loco acquires big victory in wild affair
                         The Morgans go "Hunting" again
                         Flama dominates to (3-0) start
                         UB gains first win in low scoring duel
                         Stros plays big in first ever MFFL victory

Week 4

1. The Perpetual Dynasty (2-1) vs The Real McCoy (1-2)
TPD is scratching their head after last week's loss to Loco. TPD had the three highest scoring players of the match-up (39, 28, 28) and the three lowest scoring (1, 1, 1). The Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde performance is disappointing but not very damaging at this stage of the season against an interleague opponent. Their roster remains strong with great depth at WR and overall flexibility. Even with the up and down performance TPD showcased the potential for firepower.

McCoy's match-up was lost from the start as Baltimore defense inexplicably scored (-4) points in a match-up against Jacksonville in London. It was a performance McCoy will immediately put in the rear view as there is not much to be gained in the form of positives from revision. The team still illustrates depth at WR and RB, and a bounce back week should be expected for week 4 as their players match-ups become easier as the season progresses.

The match-up's anticipation is heightened considering it features the two most decorated teams in MFFL history. Both look strong yet again but are being pushed by divisional foes for division bragging rights. Neither can afford to lose ground in their respective arms race. TPD will try to stay the course and put forth a whole team effort, while McCoy hopes to gain momentum and put up their first big performance of the season. We would expect to see some fireworks in this one.

Match-up Ratings:
TPD- Average (++, --, ====)
McCoy- Good (++, ======)
Key Battle:
(Kelce vs Graham) There are edges for both teams at different positions, this battle may decide it.

2. The Glorious Morgans (2-1) vs ShowMeYourTDs (1-2)
The Morgans continued their strong start to the season with a victory in week 3. They have scored the most points in the league entering week 4. Kareem the dream has been a bolt of lighting for this franchise. Like TPD the Morgans seemingly get stronger as the season progresses so their early season success is a great beginning for what could be another playoff season for the Morgans.

TDs had a poor showing last week for their 2nd straight loss. Their squad continues to play relatively consistent but week 5 is fast approaching, meaning bye weeks are right around the corner, and TDs bench does not have many viable options for such occasions. They need a victory this week to keep pace in the East.

The Morgans look like the favorite on paper but TDs can hang in this one. It's a bigger game for TDs, but The Morgans are looking to acquire as many wins as possible while their rookie RBs are playing so well.

Match-up Ratings:
Morgans- Average (+++, ---, ==)
TDs-  Poor (+, ---, ====)
Key Battle:
(Hunt vs Freeman) So many match-ups are close in this one but this is the headliner. 

3. La Flama Blanca (3-0) vs Tavon and Only (1-2)
LFB remained undefeated after another huge performance in week 3. They have put together back to back big weeks. While (3-0) is awesome, do not forget one of those wins was when LFB scored only 94 points. Still this squad is potent with the way their RBs are performing. They have quickly established themselves as the early team to beat in the East and have to be feeling confident entering week 4.

Tavon had a poor week in week 3 to move to (1-2). Their lack of firepower may limit their consistency but this team is still deep. They will likely make up ground when their depth is utilized during bye weeks. They have started slow but will still make waves this season.

This is a big game within the East division. Expected a close one.

Match-up ratings:
LFB-  Good to Great (++++, ====)
Tavon- Good (++++, -, ===)
Key Battle:
(Carson vs Mixon) Young RBs in the Flex  Bonus: (Gurley vs Gordon) 

4. El Pollo Loco (2-0-1) vs Unstopa-Bo (1-2)
Loco acquired a massive win over TPD in week 3. They are still unbeaten with a tie. They did not have many blow up performances but they were consistent across the board. This has the feel of a different Loco squad. They are the early front-runners in the West division. Below Loco in the West sit the 4 lowest scoring teams in the league. That will likely change but this early season success is huge for Loco's long term outlook.

UB won last week but they are still struggling to score points. Many of their starters have a big range between their floors and their ceilings, meaning they could blow up or have down performances on any given week. They can still compete but this start to the season is not what they wanted after two straight championship game appearances.

This one is closer than the experts think, but UB is going to have to start playing better in order to compete consistently. Loco still fears a potential Zeke suspension so they will get wins any way they can early in the season.

Match-up Ratings:
Loco- Good (++++, -, ===)
UB- Average (+++, ---, ==)
Key Battle:
(Brown vs Evans) Both have tough match-ups  Bonus: (Seattle vs Green Bay) Juicy match-ups 

5. Imposing Monstrosity (1-1-1) vs I Love Brock N' Roll (0-3)
Stros achieved victory for the first time in the franchise's history on Sunday. It was a big win for the franchise. The squad performed well and they look like competitors this season, even with devastating injuries to start the season.

Brock scored 50 points last week. The injuries have taken their toll and Brock is in desperation mode.

Both teams need a win here.

Match-up ratings:
Stros- Poor (----, ====)
Brock- Average (+, --, =====)
Key Battle:
(Stafford vs Ryan) Both have tough match-ups

Match-Up Build-Up week 3

It's week 3 of the MFFL season and the storylines are jam packed.

Week 2 Recap: TPD over powers TDs in high scoring affair
                          LFB rebounds for key Eastern division win
                         We have  tie!
                          Tavon's team effort leads to victory
                          McCoy edges past UB for a big Western division win

1. The Perpetual Dynasty (2-0) vs El Pollo Loco (1-0-1)
TPD's squad came to play last week, scoring the most points in the league. They're off to a (2-0) start for only the 2nd time in franchise history. The strong start is is even more noteworthy considering this franchise historically wins most of their games late in seasons. The team continues to take shape and there is no doubt more moves will be made. What this team has going for them is a good weekly floor from big named players at multiple positions.

Loco miraculously acquired a tie during Monday night football, after the opposition's players combined for only 3 points in the second half. It was a big hold. We have seen multiple times in past seasons how valuable ties can be when deciding playoff fates. The team played below their standards set in week 1, but Brown and Zeke won't stay dormant forever.

Both of these teams look like competitors for the long haul. Their firepower at multiple positions will allow for consistency week to week with a strong weekly floor. This is the only match-up this week featuring two teams without a number in the loss column making it the unquestioned game of the week. Loco looks to have their stars rebound, while TPD tries to put forth two straight strong weeks. This is one of the biggest games so far this season, between two teams with high expectations.

Player matchup ratings:
TPD- Average to Poor (+, --, =====)
Loco- Average (++, --, ====)
Key Battle:
(Brady vs Brees) Both have tough matchups Bonus: (Beckham vs Brown)

2. La Flama Blanca (2-0) vs ShowMeYourTDs (1-1)
LFB's key to success last week was their RBs. They showed up and scored big in a huge victory. They will be tough to beat if their RBs continue to perform at this level. They have two key players on Thursday night this week, which is never comforting, but if they perform well it could set a big edge for the match-up. LFB looks like a strong team for 2017.

TDs played well last week but it was not enough to take down TPD. While TDs remains confident, evidenced by their lack of moves and overall strong performance, there were also negatives from last week with the injury to Nelson and the continued lack of production from anyone not in their starting lineup. Still, a win here would be huge for this franchise as their wins typically come later in the season.

This is a big game for both teams. A win for either would be a large leap towards a successful season. Both of these squads have to be happy after slow starts in previous seasons. One manager will be thrilled after this week. The health of Jordy is a big question mark for this matchup. If he can't go LFB looks to have an edge at RB and WR this week.

Player match-up ratings:
LFB- Good (++++, --, ==) 
TDs- Average (++, --, ====)
Key Battle:
(Theo Riddick vs Ty Montgomery) If Theo cannot keep up it could spell trouble.

3. The Glorious Morgans (1-1) vs Tavon and Only (1-1)
The Morgans lost last week but still had a good showing. Once again their rookie RBs put on a show. Its remarkable what they have accomplished these first two weeks. The loss of Olsen hurts but won't do anything to derail their season. They made a major move last week trading Beckham. It was a high risk high reward play by the Morgans and the result is yet to be determined.

Tavon played big last week. There weren't any blow up performances but the roster stepped up at every position. They also had encouraging performances on the bench from a few players. This squad had question marks entering last week and it looks like they answered a few of them. Their depth will allow them to compete, even without a ton of star power.

This is a key match-up for these squads. The Morgans need to find points from other places before the inevitable slow in play by their RBs. Tavon needs to find their dependable players they can rely on each week and become the cornerstone of the franchise. Both squads have tough match-ups this week with seemingly no obvious exploitable match-up.

Player match-up ratings:
Morg- Poor (--, ======)
Tavon Average (+, ---, ====)
Key Battle:
(Morg RBs vs Tavon RBs) These are the hearts of both teams.

4. Imposing Monstrosity (0-1-1) vs The Real McCoy (1-1)
Stros has to be disappointed coming so close to a victory but settling for a tie. It is not the start they wanted for their season but nothing is yet unattainable. Last week was sabotaged by their starting WRs, who combined for 10 points. Their lineup looks like it has the ability to rebound.

McCoy acquired a much needed win last week in a low scoring game. Once they figure out their optimal starting lineup they should be fine. This team is deep at the necessary positions. Still, the lack of production each of the first two weeks is a slight concern but very minor. This looks like McCoy teams of old.

Bigger game for Stros than McCoy here. Both want to build some momentum after slow starts.

Player match-up ratings:
Stros- Average (+++, --, ===)
McCoy- Average (++++, ----)
Key Battle:
(Newton vs Stafford) Both QBs have games in which they will need to score, its the key battle.

5. I Love Brock N' Roll (0-2) vs Unstopa-Bo (0-2)
Crazy to think one of these teams will be (0-3) after this match-up. This is a huge game for both of these teams. Brock continues to look for solutions after the loss of D. Johnson. UB needs to find someone who can score points outside of Ajayi and Evans. It's too early to call this a must win game, but (0-3) is not a good place to be.

Player match-up ratings:
Brock- Poor (+, ----, ===)
UB- Average to Good (++, -, =====)
Key Battle:
(Jeffery vs Cooks) A strong performance from one of them could steal a victory.

Match-Up Build-Up Week 2

Many teams will be looking to rebound after a down week across much of the MFFL.

Week 1 Recap: UB cannot exact revenge as TPD's Monday night comeback snatches victory.
                         The Morgans' rookie RBs put on a show and put down a statement.
                          Loco's WRs stand tall, and now Loco stands atop the West.
                          LFB wins while scoring 94.
                          TDs whole team effort slowly pulls away for victory.

1. Unstopa-Bo (0-1) vs The Real McCoy (0-1)
UB was at a serious disadvantage last week and it showed. They were unable to exact revenge in the championship rematch but they should still be satisfied with many performances. While no one blew up, there were consistent performances across much of the roster. This team will look different this week with the return of Evans and Ajayi. It is not a moment too soon as they are matched-up in a pivotal early season game against McCoy.

McCoy will certainly put their last match-up in the distant past, after losing in week one by 71 points. Even with the blow out, there were positives to be taken from their efforts on Sunday. Beastmode looked like Beastmode and D. Cook looked strong in his first NFL game. Add Landry back after not being available last week and McCoy should be fine moving forward.  

These two teams have been the class of the West for each of the last two seasons, but after this match-up one of them will be (0-2). It is not a must win game, but it is important considering what is at stake and the two teams playing. Both will add firepower to their lineup this week and expect both to fair better in week 2. These teams have put on some shows in their previous match-ups, and this one could be another classic.

Player Match-up Ratings:
UB- Good (++++,--,==)
Mc- Average (+++,---,==)
Key Battle:
(Seattle vs Baltimore) Both def have amazing match-ups, Bonus- (Mc RBs vs UB WRs)

2. The Perpetual Dynasty (1-0) vs ShowMeYourTDs (1-0)
TPD had a Monday night comeback victory in week 1 for the second consecutive season. They only scored 108 points, but when you consider that Brady, Kelce, Green, and Thomas, only combined for 36 points, it's actually a pretty impressive performance.

TDs did nothing to wow anyone last week but the overall depth of their starting lineup is a major strength. They are strong at every starting position. Do not expect their lineup to change in anyway for their week 2 match-up.

This is a fun match-up because of the differences in philosophies. TPD is top heavy with Star power, while TDs is deep with consistent performers. Both of these squads typically start slow to begin MFFL seasons, so a (2-0) start for either would be big. Almost every position battle is a wash for this match-up, with neither team being a clear favorite. Expect a barn burner.  

Player Match-up Ratings:
TPD- Average (++,--,====)
TDs- Good (++++,-,===)
Key Battle:
(TPD RBs vs TDs RBs) This match-up is extremely close, the RBs may make the difference.

3. La Flama Blanca (1-0) vs The Glorious Morgans (1-0)
LFB won last week but they scored only 94 points in the victory. Bigger days are ahead for this team as Rodgers and Jones only combined for 23 points. It has the look and feel of LFB teams of old, being that you don't know what to expect on a weekly basis, but they have the ability to explode at any moment.

The Morgans were the class of the MFFL last week. Their rookie RBs exceeded all expectations in a huge week one performance. They should get OBJ back this week, which adds a different kind of fire to this team. Their gambles paid off in week one, but they will need bigger performances from their veterans moving forward if they hope to maintain consistency.

Both teams succeed in unconventional ways. Anything but the expected is on tap for this early season Eastern division clash. Both teams have very good match-ups this week.

Player Match-up Ratings:
LFB- Good (+++,-,====)
TGM- Good (++++,====)
Key Battle:
(Odell vs Julio) It's a match-up of star WRs, with the rest of the match-up more unpredictable.

4. El Pollo Loco (1-0) vs Imposing Monstrosity (0-1)
Loco smashed their competition in week one with huge performances form their WRs. It was an impressive performance from a team with high expectations for this season. The core is extremely strong. Zeke, Brown, and Brees offer up a weekly floor and ceiling combo that is hard to match.

Stros had a very disappointing first showing in the MFFL. Bell, Hilton, and Gronk combined for 18 points, while two players on their bench both scored over 25 points each. A rebound can be expected for much of the roster this week.

Loco was the only team in the West to win a game last week.

Player Match-up Ratings:
Loco- Average (+++,--,===)
Stros- Average (++++,----)
Key Battle:
(Bell vs Zeke) Both have tough match-ups

5. Tavon and Only (0-1) vs I Love Brock N' Roll (0-1)
Tavon had an average to poor week across much of the roster last week, and A. Robinson is now out for the season. They have the depth to replace him but as was the fear after the draft, the squad lacks a certain star quality to take over games when needed. Gordon and Murray will have to be the heartbeat of this team each week.

Brock lost yet another 1st round pick to IR in David Johnson. The bad luck they have had with star players in their MFFL career is truly astounding. Much of the league feels for this franchise. There is not much to say about a team that loses D. Johnson this early in the season other than they have to fight.

Both teams have questions that need answered this week.

Player Match-up Ratings:
Tavon- Average (+++,--,===)
Brock- Average (+++,--,===)
Key Battle:
(Cooper vs Baldwin) These two inconsistent WRs need to show out.
  

                         

Match-Up Build-Up Week 1 (2017)

Here at last.

Once again the leaves of autumn cover the grass, the impetus for the uplifting of our hearts. The nostalgic weather turns, and with it the eyes of each manager of the MFFL towards the task at hand. The 2017 MFFL season has arrived. It is game week in the MFFL and it is time to breakdown each match-up. As is tradition in the MFFL, we begin where we left off, with a championship rematch. 

The Perpetual Dynasty (0-0) VS Unstopa-Bo (0-0)
The Perpetual Dynasty, The 2016 Champion. As is the case for all previous champions TPD was locked into whatever draft slot was left after others had chosen, and this season it was 10th. They drafted 4 foundations of their team with the first 4 picks, no RBs of course, and tried to find talent wherever they could the rest of the draft. Naturally, they have already made moves to bolster their RB depth. This has the look and feel of TPD teams of old, meaning a slow start to the season is entirely possible, and their roster has flexibility for gameday managing and trading.

UB attempts to rebound from two straight championship game defeats. Their success last season was due in large part to a fantastic draft which featured many mainstays of the 2016 season. This season they attempted to due the same from the 8th slot, and while it may not end up being as strong as last season's selections, particularly players on their bench, this still looks like a strong team right out of the gate. Hot starts are no surprise for this franchise.

This is a massive week 1 game. All are hoping the Bucs Fins game can be moved to a neutral site, so UBs top two selections can suit up for gameday. If the game is moved to week 11 it would be a big blow to UBs roster for week 1, but they would get a massive uptick for week 11. The game is expected to be played this weekend however, making this the top match-up of the week, and a great way to kick off the 2017 MFFL season. It all starts here. It is time.

Player Match-up Ratings: Brutal, Poor, Average, Good, Great
TPD- Average to Good (3 +++, 2 --, 3 ===)
UB- Average (3 +++, 3 ---, 2 ==)  
Key Battle:
(#2 RB vs #2 RB) Most battles look paper thin, this one could determine the victor.

2. The Real McCoy (0-0) VS The Glorious Morgans (0-0)
McCoy is on the heels of yet another terrific season. But their recent playoffs struggles (they have lost 3 of their last 4 playoff games) has given this franchise extra motivation for the 2017 season. They drafted from the 7th slot, just like last season, and the results look strong. It is a typical balanced roster from the McCoy franchise, with multiple well known veterans and a high profile rookie immediately inserted into their starting lineup. They expect to compete right from the get go.

The Morgans have added Glorious to their name, and they hope the results are Glorious. Entering 2017 after orchestrating the biggest regular season turn another in league history, they had 1 win entering week 8 and made the playoffs, this team is confident and ready. They selected from the 4th slot and came away with some potential stars. This team will change as the season progresses but they can definitely start stronger than they did last season.

These blue blood franchises battle once again in what is an under the radar rivalry int he MFFL. It is well deserving of the #2 game of the week.

Player Match-up Ratings: 
McCoy- Good (++++, --, ==)
TGM- Good (++++, --, ==)
Key Battle: 
(K. Hunt/L. Fournette vs D. Cook) It is the battle of the rookie RBs in this match-up.

3. El Pollo Loco (0-0) VS I Love Brock N' Roll (0-0)
Loco took the biggest risk in the 2017 draft selecting E. Elliott in the 2nd round. Zeke is in for week 1 and that is not something their opponent wanted to see. Loco supports potentially 3 of the best players at each of their individual positions, Brown, Brees, Zeke. Their fire power is undeniable and they hope it translates into their best season ever in the MFFL. This has the makings of a team that explodes from the start, which would be a change for this annual slow starter.

Brock is searching for an identity. It feels like a long time ago when they made two straight playoff appearances. Their lineup looks incredibly balanced and strong from top to bottom. This looks like one of their better drafts so look out, they could turn back the clocks this season.

Brock has always been a thorn in the side of Loco. Both managers need to start fast this season. It has the makings of an incredible game for week 1.

Player Match-up Ratings:
Loco- Average (+++, ---, ==)
Brock- Good (++++, -, ===)
Key Battle:
(D. Johnson vs E. Elliott) What a battle. BONUS (Houston vs Buffalo) Both have great match-ups.

4. La Flama Blanca (0-0) vs Imposing Monstrosity (0-0)
LFB is trying to get back to the success of old. It was assumed a change was in order for their draft strategy but the assumption was wrong. They drafted the same core of players once again, with the major difference being J. Jones at the top. They are reaching into the cookie jar for a 3rd straight season, maybe this year they won't get caught. It is a veteran loaded team.

Stros is playing in their first ever MFFL game. Emotions will be running high but they started strong by acquiring Yahoo's best draft award. Some may view the award as a poor omen but their roster stands tall with depth and talent across the board. They lost two players already to season ending injuries, it was a massive blow. Luckily it is early enough that they have time to make the necessary changes. Welcome Stros.

Both managers look to establish identities in 2017.

Player Match-up Ratings:
LFB- Average (++++, ---, =)
Stros- Poor (+, ---, ====)
Key Battle:
(T. Gurley vs L. Bell) Will Gurley bounce back, Will Bell be ready? Both have + match-ups

5. ShowMeYourTDs (0-0) vs Tavon and Only (0-0)
TDs thought last season was destined for success after having both D.Johnson and A. Brown on their squad for much of the year. Having those two combine for over 40 each week wasn't enough while the others were only contributing 60-70. Depth and balance are the take aways after TDs controversial 9th draft slot selecting. WHY DID THEY CHOOSE TO DRAFT THERE WILLINGLY! They could lay down a serious hammer were they to have success this season. To quote this franchise: "We are a wild card."

Tavon could not match the championship success of 2015. Drafting from the 6th slot this season was perfect for a team that loves picking fast and often. Their squad is incredibly deep, though it does lack a certain star power. Look for a rebound season from them, it has the makings of a team that can handle the riggers of an MFFL season.

Player Match-up Ratings:
TDs- Good (+++, -, ====) 
Tavon- Average (+++, ---, ==)
Key Battle:
(M. Mariota vs D. Carr) Young studs due battle