Match-Up Build-Up Week 8

We're past the midway point of the season and much is still to be determined

Week 7 Recap: Morgans Blast TPD
                         Loco dominates again
                         Flama rebounds
                         McCoy survives again for 3rd straight win
                         Stros wins in a low scoring game

Week 8

1. El Pollo Loco (5-1-1) vs Imposing Monstrosity (3-3-1)
Loco continues to produce each week. Their best season ever has been one for the record books. Scary is the fact that their RB depth has improved and they have solidified their TE spot. There is not much this team has to change in order to attempt a playoff run. The only thing they are currently worried about is the Zeke chronicles. If his suspension is upheld it could mean time missed during potential fantasy playoff weeks, which is a worst case scenario. Regardless, this team is a force.

Stros has had an up and down season but their roster remains deep if they can get healthy. Bell is back to being Bell and this is a very hard team to match-up against week to week. The playoffs are still a big possibility for this squad, but they have to find a way to be consistent. They have had some very poor weeks and are slightly fortunate to have 3 wins.

These team tied earlier in the season and you know both would like to get that taste out of their mouths. Expect this week to be another close battle between these two.

Player Matchup ratings: 
Loco- Average (++, -, =====)
Stros- Good (++++, --, =)
Key Battle:
(Elliott  vs Bell) Both off huge weeks, BONUS: (Kamara vs McKinnon) Nice

2. The Perpetual Dynasty (4-3) vs La Flama Blanca (5-2)
TPD has been sinking ever since the Beckham injury. Their RBs are a disaster while the studs are not producing at elite levels. It's likely the squad will turn it around, but spirits have to be low after the last couple weeks. They will have a chance to knockoff a team ahead of them in the East this week and it is a big game for the franchise. They continue to make moves and their WR core is still a major strength. This team has the pieces, but they have yet to fit properly.

Flama was true to form last week having a blow up performance after some poor ones. It's the same trend over and over for this unpredictable unit. They have bye week issues this week, which is unfortunate considering the magnitude of the game. Still, being (5-2) is huge for this inconsistent squad. A win here would be massive.

Both teams have the talent to compete with anyone, but so far it has been hit or miss. A win here for either team would be a huge confidence booster.

Matchup ratings:
TPD- Good (+++++, --, =)
LFB- Average (+++, --, ===)
Key Battle:
(Green vs Julio)

3. The Glorious Morgans (6-1) vs Unstopa-Bo (2-5)
The Morgans are getting close to the best start to a season record. The best team in the league took down TPD in last week's game of the week. It simply does not matter who this team puts in their lineup. Everyone has stepped up for them this year. They have had the midas touch all season. It has been a special year for this already accomplished franchise.

UB is better than their record. They have started to perform better and they almost pulled out a victory on Monday night football a week ago. It will be tough sledding from here on out but crazier things have happened than this team potentially going on a big run.

Morgans are the clear favorite but you never know in the MFFL.

Matchup ratings:
Morg- Average (++, --, ====)
UB- Average (+++, --, ===)
Key Battle:
(Wilson vs Cousins)

4. The Real McCoy (4-3) vs I Love Brock N' Roll (2-5)
McCoy won their 3rd straight game last week. It has been a huge turn around after a slow start. Their confidence is rising with each passing week. They survived in a 3 point victory a week ago over UB. The squad continues to find unique ways to win, which has always been the case for this franchise. They have established themselves as contenders in 2017.

Brock had a winnable game last week but could not take advantage. They remain competitive and can hang week to week.

Matchup ratings:
Mc- Average (+++, --, ===)
Br- Average (++++, ----)
Key Battle:
(White vs Allen)

5. ShowMeYourTDs (1-6) vs Tavon and Only (2-5)
TDs continues to have guys blow up against them. Its been another slow start for this franchise. They will compete down the stretch though.

A week after not starting two roster spots, Tavon started 2 RBs from the same team last week. What is going on.

Matchup ratings:
TDs- Average (++++, ---, =)
Tav- Good (++++, --, ==)
key Battle:
(McCaffrey vs Martin)

Match-Up Build-Up Week 7

Week 7 brings about the mid way point of the MFFL regular season.

Week 6 Recap: Stros pummels TPD
                         Morgans survive in low scoring mega-matchup
                         Brock dominates rival while scoring 106
                         McCoy wins due to rival missteps
                         UB blow-ups against down on luck TDs

Week 7

                       
1. The Perpetual Dynasty (4-2) vs The Glorious Morgans (5-1)
TPD was destroyed last week as they scored a horrible 66 points. It was a poor showing for a team trying to move past the Beckham injury. They simply cannot find any production from their RBs. They made more trades this week to try and bring new talent into the fold, but it is anyones guess as to how they will perform. Still, this team is way better than they showed last week and they will have a chance to prove it this week against the best team in the league. They will hope for bounce back performances from everyone on their roster, especially their studs.

The Morgans have won 4 straight games. They have the most points in the league and are currently in 1st place. The life of their roster, their RBs, continue to play at a pace that is hard to believe. Fournette has scored a TD in every game this season and Hunt continues to perform each week. When they have had bye weeks their bench players have stepped up in key spots. Players love playing for this manager and this team. Their WRs have not performed at the level expected of them but they still have depth there. Their victory over Loco last week proved they are the top dog entering week 7. 

This is a huge East division showdown. TPD has a few players on bye while the Morgans look fully loaded. It is not often that TPD is the underdog but that is the case here based on how each squad is performing entering this week. The Morgans will want to win as many games as possible, because as the proved last year, a season's fortunes can change at any moment. TPD wants to keep pace with the pack and gain confidence in a team that just scored 66 points. The Morgans have better match-ups.

Matchup ratings:
TPD- Poor (+, ---, ====)  
Morg- Good to Great (+++++, -, ==)
Key Battle:
(Kelce vs Jenkins) The TEs may tip the scale for this match-up.

2. Unstopa-Bo (2-4) vs The Real McCoy (3-3)
UB came to play last week and their squad now has some life to it. They had huge performances from their RBs and their WRs. Their starting lineup looks strong if they can keep the momentum for week 7. This may have been a sign of things to come for a team with multiple good players, though the margin for error is slim based on their early stumbles.

McCoy finally had a big week from their roster and their fortunes are pointing up as well. They enter week 7 at a very respectable (3-3), even though they are 2nd to last in points scored. McCoy finds ways to win every season, but last week was something different entirely. They won by 10 points, but their opponent failed to start two players, their QB and defense. It was an unforgivable error on Tavon's part, but one that McCoy will certainly take. The jury is still out on McCoy, but being (3-3) is a godsend for a team that knows how to put good players on the field.

Both teams need to keep winning. This is a big West division battle. Whoever can carrying the momentum from last week will win this match-up.

Matchup ratings:
UB- Average (++, -, =====)
Mc- Good to Great (+++++, -, ==)
Key Battle:
(Landry vs Fitz) Bonus: (Cam vs Kirk)

3. El Pollo Loco (4-1-1) vs Tavon and Only (2-4)
Loco lost in last week's top match-up. While the loss hurts, they are more upset by how the team performed in a winnable game. The Zeke chronicles continue to be a cloud over this franchise, but that was always going to be the case when they drafted him. They are hoping beyond belief that Zeke is not suspended during crucial late season games, but that is out of their hands. The hot start has been huge for this team and they continue to hold sway in the West division, as one of the best teams in the league. Last week was a tiny stumble against the league's best.

Tavon inexplicably failed to start two players last week. It is a tarnishing look for a previous champion. 

Matchup ratings:
Loco- Good (+++++, --, =)
Tav- Poor (++, -----, =)
Key Battle:
(Elliott vs Gordon)

4. I Love Brock N' Roll (2-4) vs Imposing Monstrosity (2-3-1)
Brock gained a massive victory over their rival in week 6. They have fought admirably after losing their star RB. Their free agent pickups and roster maneuvering have allowed them to stay competitive. The season still remains an uphill battle.

Stros had the biggest win in the franchise's young history last week over TPD. They dominated their new rival. They have great depth at RB but their WRs have been suffering injuries as of late. They will need to string a few wins together to keep pace but this team will compete all season. Bell is their one true firepower star, they will need to rely on him the rest of the way. McKinnon has played great after being thrust into the lead role.

Stros has some good matchups for this week.

Matchup ratings:
Brock- Average to Good (+++, -, ====)
Stros- Great (+++++, ===)
Key Battle:
(Allen vs McKinnon)

5. La Flama Blanca (4-2) vs ShowMeYourTDs (1-5)
LFB has two straight weeks of scoring in the 60's. They lost the heart of their team last week, Rodgers, to injury. They will still compete but they have to turn it around somehow. The fact that they are (4-2) is unbelievable.

TDs cannot catch a break. They are 5th in total points but sit dead last in the standings. Look for them to be a giant killer down the stretch. They need to remember the Morgans from a year ago, there is still hope.

Matchup ratings:
LFB- Good (+++++, --, =)
TDs- Average (+++, --, ===)
Ket battle:
(Prescott vs Wentz) Two of the best QBs and neither were drafted.

Match-Up Build-Up Week 6

Rivalry Week #1 is here!

Week 5 Recap: TPD wins but at what cost
                         Morgans continue to beast
                         Loco remains unbeaten
                         McCoy hands LFB first loss
                         Tavon crushes in statement win

Week 6

1. El Pollo Loco (4-0-1) vs The Glorious Morgans (4-1)

Loco remained unbeaten in a wild contest in week 5. They won a game while scoring under 110 points for only the 2nd time in their franchise's history and the first time since week 10 of 2013! Helping them last week was the fact that their opponent failed to start a QB due to not having a backup for their injured starter and waiver problems. Loco will take the low scoring victory as a sign that this season could be different than their previous ones. They remain the top dog in the West. They will be without Zeke for this one. 

The Morgans continue to get better every week. They had guys on bye last week and others stepped up for a big win. They are clicking on all cylinders. They have destroyed the competition this season and remain at the top of the points list. One of their goals for this season was to not have a slow start and they have accomplished that desire.  

This is the first match-up for these two as rivals and hype and anticipation is at a crazy high. What a rivalry it could be with the way these teams are playing. Both teams have been hesitant to acknowledge they are the teams to beat in their respective divisions but it's obvious at this point. It is perhaps a bigger game for the Morgans considering the heat behind them in the East. This is probably the most anticipated game of the young season and both teams want to put on a show. The winner here perhaps stops waiting for the other shoe to drop on their season and gains lots confidence. Either way both teams will be fine and we should just enjoy the fireworks on Sunday. This is the showcase game for rivalry week #1. 

Matchup Ratings:

Loco- Average to Good (+++, -, ====)

Morg- Average (++, --, ====)

Key Battle:

(Adams vs Hill) The victor of this match-up will be key

2. The Perpetual Dynasty (4-1) vs Imposing Monstrosity (1-3-1)

TPD won again last week but they lost one of the best players in the NFL in Beckham to a season ending injury. It is a massive blow to this franchise's psyche and roster. Most teams will look at TPD's depth at WR and proclaim "they'll be fine,'' like they always do to TPD, but this loss is gigantic as he was arguably TPD's best player. They will look to move forward fast but will need to find consistent production from their RBs to compete at the level expected of them. They have multiple RBs on the roster with the hope at least one of them can earn a solidified role moving forward. They are without A.J. for this week.

Stros has been struggling to score points this year having the 4th lowest total in the league entering week 6. Fortunately for them they have scored the 2nd highest total in their division, meaning they are right in the middle of things in the West, even if their record is not what they want at this stage. This is a key game for them as a win would keep them squarely in the hunt in a West division that has been struggling outside of the team at the top. Their roster competes week to week but struggles to find blow up performances beyond Bell. Still, the depth will be used during these bye week blues for most other teams. 

This is also a first meeting between new rivals. Stros comes in as the underdog but TPD will be without Beckham and Green so the match-up looks even. This is one of the closest games of the week.  

Match-up Ratings:

TPD- Good (+++++, --, =)

Stros- Average (++++, ---, =)

Key Battle:

(McGuire vs McKinnon) The #2 RB match-up is pivotal

3. Tavon and Only (2-3) vs The Real McCoy (2-3)

Tavon secured a huge victory in week 5. They were led by the play of free agent pickup Prescott and some usual suspects. Tavon has not had a strong start to the season, but as has been previously stated, their depth will win out in these bye weeks. They need more production from the WR position but the rest looks set. They have not had success in this rivalry but they have to be feeling more confident after last week. 

McCoy found a way to get a massive win in week 5. They are one win away from a .500 record, even though they have not scored over 113 points in a game this season. Their confidence is not very high at the moment but a win this week could turn their fortunes once some key players start performing better. The jury is still out on this team but they have remained in the hunt through the first five weeks. 

This is a big rivalry week for both of these teams. Bye weeks are an issue on both sides here. Each team will need an ugly win but both will take it.

Match-up Ratings:

Tavon- Average (+++, ---, ==)

McCoy- Average (+++, --, ===) 

Key Battle:

(Carr vs Newton) The QBs will to lead these teams

4. La Flama Blanca (4-1) vs I Love Brock N' Roll (1-4)

LFB is (4-1), but they are fortunate to be so. The last two weeks have been poor and this squad is as unpredictable as ever. They have one of the lowest floors week to week while also having a massive ceiling too. The talent is obvious, and this is a team no one wants to play considering their potential, but they need to find some consistency. 

Brock is (1-4) having scored the least points in the league. They will try to turn it around in rivalry week. 

Match-up ratings:

LFB- Average (++++, ----)

Brock- Good (++++, -, ===)

Key Battle:

(Rodgers vs Ryan) Previous MVPs battle

5. ShowMeYourTDs (1-4) vs Unstopa-Bo (1-4)

Both teams are on the brink of disaster. A victory keeps one alive. 

Match-up ratings:

TDs- Average (+++, ---, ==)

UB- Average (+, -, ======)

Key Battle:

(Hogan vs Cooks) Pats attack

Match-Up Build-Up Week 5

A wild first quarter of the MFFL season sets up key match-ups for week 5.

Week 4 Recap: TPD wins battle of manager titans
                         Morgans ride RBs yet again
                         Loco dominates
                         LFB does it again
                         Brock hangs on for first win

Week 5

                       
Imposing Monstrosity (1-2-1) vs The Glorious Morgans (3-1)
Stros is coming off a devastating loss in week 4. They entered Monday night football with a chance at victory but were unable to get an average game out of C. Thompson. It's been a slow start for Stros but things could turn around quickly. Their starting lineup is balanced and their bench has depth at WR and RB. A win against a hot Morgans squad would turn their season around very quickly and set it on the right path.

The Morgans continue to win on the strength of their RBs. Hunt and Fournette have exceeded any expectations and The Morgans have been reaping the benefits. Add in the depth at WR and this team won't have to do much in the form of changes to continue their winning ways. Simply put, this is one of the best teams in the league and no one wants to play them right now.

This match-up is bigger for Stros. Looking at both teams it is clear each will compete beyond this match-up. Bye weeks begin and the Morgans will be without M. Thomas while Stros loses some bench RB support. The starting lineups for this week are super close.

Match-up Ratings:
Stros- Good to Great (++++, ====)
Morg- Average (+++, ---, ==)
Key Battle:
(Stafford vs Wilson) Lots of battles in this match-up but this may determine it.

2. The Real McCoy (1-3) vs La Flama Blanca (4-0)
McCoy lost last week and their squad continues to under perform. It's their worst start to a season in their franchise's history. While they may be feeling down they must not forget that slow starts typically plague many teams in this league, and others have rebounded from much worse. It will be hard replacing D. Cook but the season is still young and it is not safe to doubt this team. They need a win this week.

LFB won last week but they once again scored a point total that would deliver a loss most weeks. Remaining unbeaten entering week 5 is no joke, but there is still room for pause when diving deeper. They have been spending big bucks on free agency, already spending half of their season's budget. The strength of this team is Rodgers, Gurley, and Julio. The (4-0) start is massive considering this team still has ways in which they want to improve. It's a strong bunch though.

McCoy may be the underdog in this match-up but LFB is a bit unpredictable. LFB will be without Julio due to bye while McCoy begins life without Cook. The only thing to expect from this match-up is the unexpected.

Match-up ratings:
McCoy- Average to Good (+++, -, ====)
Flama- Average to Good (++++, --, ==)
Key Battle:
(Mc #2RB vs LFB #2 RB) Bonus (Flex vs Flex) Question marks in these battles.

3. The Perpetual Dynasty (3-1) vs I Love Brock N' Roll (1-3)
TPD acquired a big win in week 4. The team continues to put up points even with low production in certain areas hamstringing them. If they can fix some of their torpedoing performances then they may have something cooking. TPD's RBs are showing signs of improvement. They traded for C. McCaffery this week in hopes of adding more electricity to the RB room. Their supporting cast will try keep up with their big named counterparts, so the squad can be at optimal potential.

Brock survived last week to gain their first victory of the season. They continue to adjust to life without the league's first overall pick. It's a mixed bag week to week for this team but their free agent pickups this week look strong and they will compete even with guys on bye.

losing M. Ryan to bye this week may actually be a bonus for Brock, as he has yet to go over 15 points in a game this season. They will also be without C. Anderson which hurts. The experts would lean towards TPD in this match-up but we would expect it to be closer than the experts think. TPD may have multiple guys on Thursday night which is a wild card of unpredictability.

Match-up Ratings:
TPD- Average (+++, --, ===)
Brock- Poor (+, ----, ===)
Key Battle:
(McCaffrey vs Allen) Who will catch more passes?

4. ShowMeYourTDs (1-3) vs El Pollo Loco (3-0-1)
TDs have remained competitive this season but has struggled to acquire wins so far. They have talent across the starting lineup but their bench has plagued them to start this season. That will continue this week as they have multiple guys on bye. Their slow start is more concerning than other slow starts because its happened in the East, with teams ahead of them performing well.

Loco continues to dominate. That tends to happen when you score the 2nd most points in the league and have the league's 2nd easiest schedule. Loco's past circumstances in this league keep them from being fully confident for the weeks to come, but it is obvious at this point that they are the front-runners in the West. Every other team in the West has only 1 win. Still, the MFFL is always unpredictable as the seasons progress.

TDs will hope for a down week out of Loco. Loco has never had success after acquiring the previous week's biggest blowout, but TDs has multiple byes to contend with giving Loco the edge on paper. Don't assume anything here however.

Match-up Ratings:
TDs- Average (+++, --, ===)
Loco- Average (+, -, ======) 
Key Battle:
(Hopkins vs Allen) Both have played huge to start this season.

5. Unstopa-Bo (1-3) vs Tavon and Only(1-3)
Neither team has started the way they wanted, but both have the ability to turn it around. They have play makers that have yet to put it all together for one week. This is a huge game for both teams. The winner gets to a very manageable (2-3). The loser is off to (1-4). Do not sleep on this week's #5 match-up it deserves to be higher, though the records and overall performance place it here this week.

Match-up Ratings:
Bo- Great (++++++, --)
Tavon- Poor (+, ----, ===)
Key Battle:
(Ajayi vs Gordon) These two early picks need to start playing like it.