1. The Perpetual Dynasty (0-0) vs The Real McCoy (0-0)
Overview: As is the case every year in the MFFL, the opening week brings about a re-match from last season's title game. TPD vs TRM is a true blue blood match-up. The two most decorated franchises in league history set the tone for what will be a fantastic season of MFFL football.
Team Notes: TPD is your back2back champions. While perhaps never in doubt, the last two seasons have validated the greatness of this franchise after so many playoff heartbreaks previously. They have been grinding each of the past two season's, using their knowledge gained from playoff defeats to capture gold. It has not always been pretty but TPD's gameday managing have won them everything, managing that held them back in previous dominant regular seasons with failed playoff pursuits. Entering 2018 their roster looks much of the same with top heavy talent at WR, but this year they may have a better RB core to start the season. They are obviously already making moves and much will change for this roster. This franchise is the current cream of the MFFL crop, and they have a massive target on their back.
TRM was one game away from capturing their 3rd title in six years. Their regular season consistency is unmatched by any team in the MFFL. The only blemish for this perennial power would be their playoff record over the last three seasons, as they have only two wins in six tries. Many managers around the league would love to have that as their only blemish. The norm should be expected once again from TRM. Their roster is balanced from top to bottom.
Gameday Notes: A balanced slate of starting times as each team has players on Thursday, Sunday, Monday. McCoy has only a few road games in their starting 9. This being week one there are obviously no bye weeks to contend with.
Match-Up Breakdown: Brutal, Poor, Average, Good, Great
TPD: Poor (+, ===, ----)(1,3,4)
With match-ups against Jags, Rams, Broncos, don't be surprised if TPD benches studs to avoid brutal match-ups.
TRM: Good (+++, ===, --)(3,3,2)
Only one match-up is really tough on paper with Julio matched up against the Eagles.
Key Battle: #2RB. Which ever #2RB can show up could be the difference maker.
So much is unknown every year around this time, but the historical significance of this game is what makes it a classic. What a way to start the 2018 season.
2. The Glorious Morgans (0-0) vs La Flama Blanca (0-0)
Overview: An eastern division grudge match comes in at #2 for week one.
Team Notes: TGM set perhaps the most impressive record a season ago, winning 9 straight en route to the top seed for the MFFL playoffs. Unfortunately their momentum ceased as they lost both match-ups and were not able maintain strong weeks from their starting nine, struggling to score points to close out the year. It was yet another example of how dominant regular seasons do not always finish as such. Entering this season they were once again gifted a fantastic draft slot in the draft, due to manager decisions ahead of them. It is rare to see a team this good over the last two season's secure slot 4th and 3rd in successive years. They are reloaded again for 2018.
Once a recurrent playoff participant, LFB has fallen on hard times. Their record last season was strong (8-5-1) but they caught more than a few times on down weeks, winning three separate match-ups while scoring under 112 points, while finishing with a subpar total point output. After three consecutive non playoff seasons LFB did not draft their team titans Aaron Rodgers and Todd Gurley. The fresh blood on the roster looks to have injected some new life into this franchise as the look to recapture success of old.
Gameday Notes: This game will be decided late, as both teams are back loaded time wise. Neither team is lopsided in home or road splits.
Match-up Breakdown:
TGM: Average (+, ======, -)
LFB: Average (++, =====, -)
Key Battle: FLEX
This is a fantastic week one match-up. The East will be watching.
3. El Pollo Loco(0-0) vs ShowMeYourTDs(0-0)
Overview: The last two owners of Antonio Brown settle the score in the #3 match-up of the week.
Team Notes: Loco scored the most points in the league last season and secured their first playoff birth in the process. Their most successful season in franchise history was an up a down affair with many a blow up week and down weeks. The future is bright for this franchise but work still remains. They already lost Jerick Mckinnon for the year but this squad is deep at RB to start the season and will look to be a contender in 2018.
ShowMeYourTDs won two games last season. They are a long way away form their only playoff birth in 2012. A strong draft has this franchise moving in the right direction, though much is left to do. Slight managerial improvements, coupled with a reverse in fortune, could have this squad competing in 2018. They need to start winning games in order to build confidence.
Game Notes: Loco is back loaded while TDs will need to score early in order to hold onto a lead. Neither team is lopsided in home/away splits.
Match-up Breakdown:
EPL: Average to Good (++, =====, -) Nothing daunting here.
TDs: Good (+++, ====, -) Only one match-up looks troublesome, Freeman vs Philadelphia
Key Battle: QB, Cousins vs Newton could shift the balance.
Both teams would like to start their season with some momentum before the grind of divisional games begin.
4. Imposing Monstrosity (0-0) vs Tavon and Only (0-0)
Overview: Two teams wanting a bit more from their squads in 2018 lock horns in the #4 match-up.
Team Notes: Stros' first season in the MFFL could be labeled a success. They had a winning record and beat their rival TPD twice. Unfortunately they did not do enough to make the playoffs. Having the success they did in year one is a great sign for their future enterprises in the MFFL. Somehow acquiring the #2 pick in this years draft after a winning season, Stros acquired major firepower at every position but WR. Pulling the reverse TPD strategy, Stros could be a major player if they solidify WR at any point during the season.
Tavon's championship in 2015 will forever live on in memory, but it has become a distant memory. Their last two season's have looked more like their first three. They know who they like and they stick with their guys, and sometimes it works and other times not. Their 2015 championship season saw more than double the moves of any other season. Perhaps being more active on free agency and trades could bring this franchise back to the heights they once climbed.
Game Notes: This match-up has multiple 1:00pm time slots with neither team having lopsided home or away splits. Look for a back and forth affair.
Match-up Breakdown:
IMP: Good (+++, ====, -) Nothing scary you would think.
TAO: Average to Good (++++, ==, --) Mostly good with a few tough match-ups
Key Battle: #1RB Bell will be eased in after no offseason work, Barkley faces the Jags for his first ever MFFL test.
5. HydeMyChubbyJohnson (0-0) vs Unstopa-Bo (0-0)
Overview: Two teams starting from scratch are this week's #5 match-up.
Team Notes: Hyde again finished near the bottom of the league last season. If they can escape their star players going down with year ending injuries then they will be a head of the game for this year. Still, much work remains for this franchise.
Would you believe me if I told you that entering last season UB was coming off of two straight championship game appearances? Last season's quiet fall from grace overshadowed much of the work accomplished the previous two seasons. This team has forever been led by the strength of their draft and that puts a lot of pressure on hitting multiple picks. If their draft this year proves not to carry the weight, then it could be another long season for this up and down franchise, unless they show more activity throughout the season.
Game Notes: The Sunday night game will hold the key for unlocking a victor in this match-up. Neither with home/away splits lopsided.
Match-up Breakdown:
UB: Average to Poor (++, ===, ---) UB rivals TPD for toughest match-ups of the week.
HCJ: Poor (+, ====, ---) Same goes for Chubby
Key Battle: #2 WR. Unknowns on new teams square off.
Week one is upon us. Our destinies are colliding. The 2018 MFFL season starts now. LETS GO! COME ON!
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