Match-Up Build-Up Week 8

Week 7 Recap: Morgans and McCoy are unstoppable. TPD fails to scored 130 for first time but still  remains productive in a victory. Tavon proves a point.

Week 8 of the MFFL season has arrived. The East division has four teams with a winning record while the West has one. That is unbelievable. The East is going to partake in multiple bloodbaths until the end of the season and whomever comes out alive will certainly feel fortunate to do so.

1. The Perpetual Dynasty (5-2) vs Tavon and Only (4-3)
Overview: This is one of those Eastern bloodbaths. Both teams are playing extremely well. This is perhaps the most important and influential game in the MFFL so far this season, as the games will only get bigger as the playoffs near.
Team Notes: TPD failed to score 130 points last week for the first time all season, but just barely, as they finished with 127. If not for the ungodly dominance of The Morgans and McCoy, TPD would be viewed as having a season akin to the performances early on in their MFFL career. They made yet another blockbuster trade this week, acquiring Antonio Brown. They make many high profile moves, and some work out while others don't. In taking the most risks in the league they have had two straight up and down regular season's but two straight championships. Hilariously, TPD has had to bench many of their high profile payers they have traded for in the playoffs. It is their gameday managing that has won two straight ships, not simply the players they have traded for. No one else even considers constructing such trade offers for big named talent, and no one would consider benching said talent after acquiring them. But that is quintessential TPD.
Tavon is on fire. Their last three point totals are 167, 165, 159. They made a huge trade a week ago acquiring Michael Thomas, giving away a good portion of their quality depth. Their starting lineup is now on par with any in the league. It was a move Tavon has been reluctant to make over the last two seasons but it is clear they are going for it all this year and they feel they have the team to do it. They had a statement victory a week ago against LFB and now they are faced with yet another crucial game.

Game Notes: Keenan Allen is on bye for Tavon, while both teams have multiple players in the 1:00pm time slot. TPD is heavy home slated.
Match-up breakdown: 
TPD: Average (++, =====, -) Nothing too crazy but nothing very exploitable. 
Tavon: Average (++, ====, --) Some good some bad.
Key Battle: Wilson vs Roethlisberger
This game is extremely close on paper. Neither team can feel like they have a significant edge anywhere in the match-up. TPD has played great but is still waiting for their blow up performances. Tavon has been blowing up and hopes for a continuation. This game will not knock either of these teams out, but a win would go a long way in the East division. This is a tremendous match-up in the ever intriguing MFFL and it may be the best match-up of the year to date.

2. The Glorious Morgans (6-1) vs La Flama Blanca (4-3)
Overview: The 2nd epic game in the East division this week notches in at #2 for match-up of the week.
Team Notes: The Morgans are an unstoppable rebel force. They scored 173 points last week and continue to destroy the entire MFFL. Their team feels like a TPD team from the league's early beginnings. The main source of their power is Todd Gurley, who has been putting up monster performances every week this season. It is unlikely this pace can continue at this consistency but nothing has indicated that they will be slowing down anytime soon. One question this week is whether or not they will be looking ahead to their epic clash next week against McCoy.
LFB fell hard last week scoring 86 points. It is their 3rd game this season scoring under 91 points. Their short comings have been well discussed, and unfortunately it has been a consistent theme all season. They need this victory in order to keep up in the east division. They will be hoping for a down game from the Morgans and a blow up performance from themselves, which is always a possibility with this roster.

Game Notes: Flama has Ryan and Smith on bye. Each team is slightly back loaded. Both teams have multiple players on the road.
Match-up breakdown:
TGM: Average (+, =====, --) Not the best match-ups.
LFB: Average (++, ====, --) Very average, some good some bad.
Key Battle: Gurley vs Kamara

3. The Real McCoy (6-1) vs ShowMeYourTDs (2-4-1)
McCoy is rolling just like The Morgans. Even without the services of Gordon last week it didn't matter, they played great and got the victory. Nothing has gone wrong for this franchise and their start to the season, along with the Morgans, has been a sight to be hold. The question is whether or not they will be looking ahead to next week's showdown. Playing in the West division gives them an edge over every other top team in the league this season. Smooth sailing.
TDs made a landmark trade this week, sending off the top pick in the draft. It was a power move and one understandable considering the hole they are in. They now have more quality across the board and will try out their new toys this week.

Match-Up Build-Up Week 7

Week 6 Recap: McCoy and Tavon put on a show, The Morgans and TPD continue to play well. LFB gets another blow up individual performance.
Week 7 has arrived and the MFFL standings are beginning to solidify. The teams at the top hope for continued success while the lower tier needs to start winning now if they have any hope of a playoff season. Points continue to be scored at an all time high, but the weather is turning, and the way teams orchestrate their offense will change with it.


1. La Flama Blanca (4-2) vs Tavon and Only (3-3)
Overview: Two teams playing well, sitting in the top 5 of the standings, match-up for a crucial Eastern division clash.
Team Notes: LFB's formula for winning this season has been simple... have at least one player blow up every week. Four different starters for LFB scored under 9 last week, but three others scored over 25. It is fair to wonder how sustainable such a formula is but it was impressive considering Kamara was out on bye. Seemingly aware of certain needs, LFB spent $40 this week on Ito Smith to perhaps solidify more consistency on the roster. LFB's firepower will when them many games this season, but they have to find more consistent ways of scoring points. Some of their stars best games are well behind them.
Tavon scored the 2nd most points in the league last week, but unfortunately played the highest scoring team. They are playing extremely well but have faced a brutal schedule this season. The surprising play of Ebron and Sanders has validated the depth of the squad. They are real contenders if they can start getting better scheduling luck.

Game Notes: Tavon has Ben and JuJu on bye. LFB is massively back loaded while Tavon also has key players late.
Match-up breakdown:
LFB: Poor (+, ====, ---) Nothing exploitable here.
Tavon: Great (++++, ===, -) Smooth sailing, maybe one bad match-up.
Key Battle: Kamara vs Barkley
What makes this the match-up of the week is what is at stake. Neither team can afford to slip in the eastern division standings. Tavon has been more consistent, while LFB has been more unpredictable. These teams may not be in the top tier currently, but a win this week would catapult them into position.

2. El Pollo Loco (3-3) vs The Real McCoy (5-1)
Overiew: If not for the putridness of the West division, this game would have been the top match-up.
Team Notes: Loco's inconsistent nature was unfortunately on display this past week. They scored the 2nd lowest point total of the week. Over the course of their MFFL career they have struggled to string important wins together, having never won more than 3 games in a row in a single season. They need this win against an elite opponent to revitalize the hope, if not it would be a 3rd straight loss. Working in their favor is a soft schedule down the stretch. They are probably hoping the East division will pick itself apart.
McCoy silenced some doubters last week, putting up huge points against an opponent who finally came to play against them. It is a reminder that McCoy has the uncanny ability to adapt to fit the needs of the situation. When they need a blow up week they get it, and when they can take a week off and secure an easy victory they do it. Everything they have touched this season has turned to gold, rather like the Morgans of last year. They have been scoring touchdowns at a ridiculous clip, and an inevitable dip in TD production is perhaps they only thing they could be concerned about. But things fall into place for this franchise and concern is but only a word at the present moment.

Game Notes: Loco will need an early lead as McCoy has stars late. No bye week concerns.
Match-up breakdown:
Loco: Average (++,====,--) Solid match-ups overall
McCoy: Average (++,====,--) Very similar to Loco
Key Battle: Edelman vs Jackson
The two games this season between these teams are the match-ups of the year in the West division. In all likelihood the West will be won by one of these teams. The victor on Sunday can stake an early claim for throne.

3. The Perpetual Dynasty (4-2) vs ShowMeYourTDs (2-3-1)
Overview: Yet another key game for standings jockeying is on tap for week 7.
Team Notes: TPD continued their hot start to the season, once again scoring above 130 points. No other team had scored over 130 in each game to start a season beyond week 3, and TPD is now entering week 7 with the record intact. They have been able to win games with a few big individual performances, but overall the roster as a whole week to week has been extremely consistent. They'll be hoping for the blow up individual performances to come when they need them. A question mark for this team is the status of James Conner moving forward. Arguably one of the greatest free agency pick ups of all time, Conner's role is uncertain until more news about Bell surfaces. Either way TPD still has more than enough talent to compete the rest of the way.
TDs is struggling to score points this season and this week they are riddled with injuries and bye weeks. Most teams around the league would not give TDs a chance in this match-up, but it is in those games that teams seemingly always beat TPD. TDs will be hoping for TPD's terrible circumstance to be present once more for this match-up.

4. The Glorious Morgans (5-1) vs Unstopa-Bo (2-4)
The Morgans are feasting. If not for an 129 point game earlier this season, they would be sitting right next to TPD with 130 points in every game this season. The MFFL has never seen a run like this. They are now (21-5) in their last 26 regular season games. If not for an (0-4) playoff record in their last four playoff games, this franchise would be at the top of the food chain.

Match-Up Build-Up Week 6

The MFFL's 1st rivalry week of the season is here. No season prior has there been such discrepancies of strength between one division vs the other. But that is what happens when one division has double the win totals of the other.

1. The Glorious Morgans (4-1) vs El Pollo Loco (3-2)
Overview: A young rivalry within the MFFL, these two teams embark on the first of two eventual battles this season. Each of these teams have been putting up major point totals over the last two seasons.
Team Notes: The Morgans continue to roll. They still have the most points in the league and are on a 4 game winning streak. They've been winning games with huge TD totals each week, leading the league in touchdowns scored. We are running out of adjectives to describe the run the Morgans have been on for the last few seasons. Maybe this stat will illustrate their dominance...they have a (20-5) record in their last 25 regular season games played. Pure dominance. The target is squarely on the back of the Morgans.
Loco got TPDed last week when they scored the 4th most points in the league yet came away with a defeat. They've been on a tear recently leading up to this mega match-up and they look to have gotten over their inconsistent nature of the last year or two. They play the Morgans and McCoy the next two weeks, the two current division leaders. Success against either of those franchises would put the franchise on the path towards their 2nd straight playoff appearance. Working in Loco's favor seems to be improved gameday managing, which will be big down the stretch as they have multiple decisions to make each week considering the depth of their roster.

Game Notes: The Morgans are mega back loaded. The Morgans will have to wait another week before getting Ingram in the lineup as he is on bye.
Match-up breakdown:
TGM: Good (+++,====,-) Tremendous match-ups at the top of the lineup.
Loco: Average (++, ====, --) Not the best match-ups but a few exploitable ones.
Key Battle: Kelce vs Ertz
What a game to kick off rivalry week. Neither team has much to prove other than trying to acquire more wins in pursuit of a great season. Sit back and enjoy the show.

2. The Real McCoy (4-1) vs Tavon and Only (3-2)
Overview: A lopsided rivalry throughout the years is near the top of week 6's best games.
Team Notes: McCoy continues to win games in ways no other manager could dream. Even with a 31 point game out of Isiah Crowell, McCoy finished middle of the pack for points scored last week. They are (4-1), but have yet to finish 1st or 2nd in points for a single week this season, and are often finishing 4th or 5th most weeks. It is their consistency which is so impressive as they are 2nd in the league in touchdowns scored and have the 3rd most points overall. They're still playing at a high level, but the lack of adversity this team has faced is startling, especially in a season when points are at an all time high. Over their last four weeks, the league is averaging 97 ppg against them.
Tavon is quietly having a strong season. They have yet to score below 120 in any game and stand at (3-2). They had their best week of the season last week and proved they can hang with the big boys with a huge victory over Loco. Their next three games are against McCoy, LFB, and TPD. Success against those three teams would put them near the top of the east division.

Game Notes: Tavon is massively front loaded. No influential bye weeks to contend with here.
Match-up breakdown:
TRM: Good (+++, ====, -) Maybe one bad match-up.
Tav: Terrible (====, ----) Not a single good match-up to be found.
Key Battle: Barkley vs Gordon. BONUS Sanders vs Edelman.
Tavon better hope for some serious craziness to ensue on Sunday if they are to break through those match-ups. Maybe having terrible match-ups is the way to break through the McCoy magic...unlikely. If the East division also doesn't score against McCoy like the West, there will be no stopping them.

3. The Perpetual Dynasty (3-2) vs Imposing Monstrosity (0-4-1)
Overview: Would you believe it if I told you Stros is unbeaten against TPD?
Team Notes: TPD played great once again last week and is still the only team yet to score below 130. They also had a much needed break in schedule difficulty as their opponent failed to score 120 for the first time all season. They have scored the 2nd most points in the league and continue to make multiple moves each week trying to improve an already strong roster.
Stros is still looking for their first win after a tie a week ago. They will use TPD's old players against them this week in a effort to break through. TPD will in all likelihood be facing five of their former players this week. Yikes.

Game Notes: TPD has M. Thomas on bye while Stros has Brees and K. Johnson. Many 1:00pm start times here. Both teams are home heavy.
Match-up breakdown: 
TPD: Good (++++, ===, -) Maybe one bad match-up.
Stros: Good (++++, ===, -) Maybe one bad match-up. 
Key Battle: Winston vs Dalton

4. ShowMeYourTDs (2-2-1) vs Unstopa-Bo (1-4)
This has been one of the better rivalries over the years with multiple close games between them. It is crunch time for both of these teams. TDs is wishing they played in the west division right now.

5. La Flama Blanca (3-2) vs HydeMyChubbyJohnson (1-4)
LFB had a chance to answer some questions a week ago, but they came out flat and left much unanswered. It is a different looking team when Kamara isn't scoring 30 ppg. With Kamara and Fournette out of their lineup this week, Hyde could steal a victory, something LFB can ill afford while playing in the East. This has also been a close rivalry over the years and this week looks no different.

Match-Up Build-Up Week 5

The MFFL continues to score points in droves and the East division further demonstrates it's superiority.

1. La Flama Blanca (3-1) vs The Real McCoy (3-1)

Overview: Two of the top teams in the league battle in week 5's top match-up. We should learn a lot from this match-up as these teams have the 1st and 2nd easiest schedules in the league to date.
Team Notes: LFB lost last week to end their perfect season. They were lucky to be in the contest as five separate players scored under 10 points, but Alvin Kamara's special start to this season kept him in it right up to the end. This team is still tough to pin down as they have the 2nd easiest schedule and have survived by having blow up individual performances each week. It is concerning how many players on their roster have most likely already had their best weeks of the season. Even with the question marks, a (4-1) start would be fantastic for this franchise. Their style is unconventional, and perhaps unsustainable, but it is working. They look to validate themselves this weekend.
McCoy blew up last week with five separate great performances. It covered up some disappointing performances from other roster members but they now have the 2nd most points in the league. Their laughably easy schedule got even easier a week ago as their opponent scored 77 points. They're obviously scoring enough points to compete each week but there is no doubt their soft schedule has contributed to their early season success. The weakness of the West division is setting into motion a potential run away season for McCoy. They're balanced, score points, and have a schedule paved in gold. Deja vu?

Game Notes: McCoy's Jordan Howard is the only bye week loss. McCoy gets Edelman back from suspension and will immediately insert him into the starting lineup. A +30 year old quick cutting slot WR coming of an acl tear has obvious risk, but the reward could be big. LFB is back loaded, McCoy is front loaded. No drastic H/A splits.
Match-up breakdown:
LFB: Average (++, ====, --) A couple great and a few bad.
McCoy: Good (++++, ===, -) Good match-ups across the board.
Key Battle: Gordon vs Kamara
It is a bigger game for LFB considering their upcoming battles with Eastern division opponents. Even with the fortunate circumstance for both teams, each of them are top dogs for the 2018 season. Don't miss a second of this one.

2. El Pollo Loco (3-1) vs Tavon and Only (2-2)
Overview: A massive inter-league game is set for week 5's 2nd best match-up.
Team Notes: Loco failed to put faith in their team ahead of last week's match-up with TPD, but the team balled out anyway scoring 163 points. Expect Loco's thoughts regarding their team's potential to change following their crucial week 4 victory. They made a big splash on the trade market this week and are looking to not let the (3-1) start go to waste by targeting key needs with the pieces they acquired. Considering the depth and strength at top, coupled with the seemingly easy nature of the West division, this team could ride a wave far this season. A big game this week would change the perception of Loco's nature, while a poor week would illustrate once again their volatility.
Tavon has slowed a bit after a hot start. With so many blow up individual performances by other teams, Tavon's balanced roster is struggling to seal games. The biggest concern is their schedule, as they play the top western performer as a rival and match-up divisionally with the East. If not for that the outlook for this squad would look much rosier. This is a bigger game for Tavon than it is for loco.

Game Notes: No influential bye weeks to really be worried about. Tavon is heavy front loaded while Loco is back loaded. Even H/A splits.
Match-up Breakdown:
Loco: Poor (++, ===, ---) Not the most welcoming of match-ups.
Tavon: Good (+++, ===, --) Some key blow up spot potential.
Key Battle: Cousins vs Big Ben

3. The Perpetual Dynasty (2-2) vs Unstopa-Bo (1-3)
Overview: A previous championship matchup is a week 5 headliner.
Team Notes: TPD is the only team in the league yet to score below 130 points, but are once again being devoured by the league to start a season. Even with two championships directly in their rear-view, these poor circumstances continue to haunt TPD and make them work seemingly the hardest just to survive and compete late in the season. They were at it again this week, overhauling their roster with multiple big trade splashes. It is a bold strategy for a team playing well but that is the standard set for this franchise, scoring 130 every game is not enough, especially in the face of such poor circumstance. Thursday's have been especially hard on TPD as players on average score 25 points when starting on a Thursday against them. It is still early and everything TPD wants is still well within reach. They would do well to remember the nature of each of their last two season's.
Bo exploded last week for their 1st victory of the young season. Surprisingly they have scored over 140 on two separate occasions, though the other two games have seen them struggle to score 100. It is a mystery as to which team will show up for week 5. Led by Watson, Diggs, and Zeke, this team has major blow up potential any given week. They need this victory to remain competitive, and the victory would put them right back in the thick of it in the West.

Game Notes: TPD may be without Gronk, while Bo may be without Hilton. No bye week concerns. Thursday will be big in determining this week's outcome. Even H/A splits.
Match-up breakdown:
TPD: Average (+++, ==, ---) Some great and some terrible
Bo: Average (+, ======, -) Stark difference in terms of match-up nature.
Key Battle: McCaffrey vs Zeke BONUS Rivers vs Watson

4. HydeMyChubbyJohnson(1-3)vsThe Glorious Morgans(3-1)
Team Notes: Hyde is improving, as each week they have scored more than the last. But they have to start wining games fast or the season unfortunately will look too similar to the disappointments of the recent past.
The Morgans continue to score points in a hurry. They are the top team in the league currently, though you'd never know it by the anxiety they show come Sundays, as they are seemingly always fearful of a defeat no matter how far the cards are stacked in their favor. The fact is this franchise is a top dog in the MFFL and with it brings pressure. This team will be favored in the majority of the games they play. Don't let their Sunday coach speak foul you, it is similar to that of a Jim Tressel. Their one concern may be similar to LFB, being that some of their players have more than likely had their best weeks.

The Morgans are without Evans for this week. The emergence of Calvin Ridley have made Chubby more formidable. Even with the top team in the league facing the 9th, this match-up looks somewhat close on paper.

5. ShowMeYourTDs (2-2) vs Imposing Monstrosity (0-4)
Both teams need to win this game. TDs shares a (2-2) record with other league members, even while scoring 20 less points a game than TPD. Their weakness seems to be their RBs, but Freeman may be back this week. A loss this week for TDs would be devastating as they still look to compete each week. Stros overhauled their roster trading away a staggering 5 players in one deal to TPD. He also acquired 5 players and will immediately change the outlook of their starting lineup. It was a necessary move from a desperate team, and their efforts to save their season should be commended.