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