Match-Up Build-Up Week 4

 

1. La Flama Blanca (2-1) vs Chicken Noodle Coop (2-1)

LFB currently sits at the top of the MFFL. After a poor week one, they have scored 345 points in the last two weeks. Their group of willy veterans are putting on a show. It has been a consistent effort across the board, with seemingly everyone in their starting lineup pulling their weight. LFB has their best team in years. Look out. A slow in play is obviously expected, but they've proven they belong this season. 

Coop is 3rd in the league in points, and for the third straight week, their match-up came down to Monday night. They won by three points last week, and on the season, every single one of their match-ups has been decided by five points or least. Talk about a stressful start to the season. But, they have come out clean on the other side, securing two wins out of three. Injuries have hurt their bench, but their starting lineup is strong enough to make do. 

One of these teams will be (3-1) after this week. That is a special thing. 

2. The Perpetual Dynasty (2-1) vs The Real McCoy (2-1)

The two most accomplished teams in the MFFL always put on a show when they play each other. 

TPD has won two straight, and they currently sit 4th in total points. Last week their opponent struggled, so it was a rare low stress Sunday for TPD. This team continues to put up points even without Cook and Taylor performing well. Cooper Kupp has been unbelievable, having a mind meld with Stafford. Look for TPD to continue making moves in an effort to improve. 

McCoy has had back to back down weeks. They have scored the fewest points in the league, but it is yet to really hurt them, as their opponents are only averaging 98 points a game against them. TPD hopes to buck that trend. McCoy's td dependent RBs hurt them a week ago, and Hill is due for a big game. Look for McCoy to right the ship soon, and get back to playing good football. 

3. El Pollo Loco (2-1) vs Baker's Chubbin' (2-1)

Loco has been on a tear. They are 2nd in points scored, and have yet to score below 130 all season. They survived last week, after UB's Monday Night players played poorly. Loco is averaging (7.33) touchdowns a week, which is slightly above TPD's all time record of (7.25) touchdowns a week, set in 2014. To put that into even more perspective, TPD scored over 185 points four separate times that season. To say loco's td production is high, is an all time understatement. If that trend continues, this team will win a lot of games this season. 

Baker lost last week, and they continue to struggle to put up big point totals. They are third to last in points scored. Their WRs have really let them down this season. If that does not change, it will be hard for them to stack wins. This is a huge game in the West Division, but more important for Baker considering their limited production to start the season. The winner of this game jumps into the driver seat for the West Division, a position Loco currently holds. 

The last two match-ups feature teams that are a combined (3-9). The Morgans played better last week but still lost. Now being (0-3), they have to get a win this week. UB has yet to make a move all season. Interesting strategy, we'll see how it plays out. Stros won last week, but mostly because of the poor play of their opponent. TDs has scored below 100 in back to back weeks. A win for any of these teams, puts them right back into contention, but a loss means they will have to scrap all season long to get out of an early season hole. 

Match-Up Build-Up Week 3

 

1. ShowMeYourTDs (1-1) vs La Flama Blanca (1-1)

TDs scored the most points in week 1, and the least points in week 2. LFB scored the least points in week 1, and the most points in week 2. They now play each other in week 3, in what is a hugely important and unpredictable affair. 

TDs watched in horror, as their worst fears were realized in week 2. After a historic week 1, the squad laid a giant egg in week 2. Obviously this is no time to panic, but there are a few over arching concerns. It remains to be seen if Kamara can be the player he once was when Brees was the QB, Nuk has never had this much competition for targets in an offense, and Cooper is now dealing with an injury. Herbert and Kamara have to start producing if this team is going to consistently compete. Chances are that they will, so patience must be practiced this week around team headquarters. 

LFB responded to the criticism of a week ago, and put up an amazing week 2 performance. Led by Henry's 51 points, the rest of the lineup performed well, and the result was a huge victory. The veterans on the roster proved they have plenty left in the tank. Still, the roster looks like it will have weekly volatility, and injuries will remain a concern based on the roster's age. The fire power is real with this lineup, but so is their ability to lay eggs, as we saw in week 1. 

Will the real slim TDs and LFBs please stand up, please stand up. The winner of this week gains a lot of confidence. 

2. The Perpetual Dynasty (1-1) vs Baker's Chubbin' (2-0)

TPD acquired a huge victory a week ago, as they try to avoid yet another slow start to a season. Cooper Kupp has shined in the early going, but the rest of the roster has plenty of room for improvement. It is a positive sign that they have been able to produce even without their star QB and RBs providing big point totals. Look for TPD to continue to try and improve, but the roster is still a competitor in its current construction. Their bench performed better last week, as was expected. 

Baker is (2-0), but they have had good fortunate on their side, as they currently sit 6th in points scored. Last week was a better performance, but they have still struggled for firepower in the early going. More consistency out of the lineup would go a long way, as would starting (3-0), if they are able to win on Sunday. Their roster may be the best in the West Division right now. Look for Baker to have a break out season in 2021.  

3. El Pollo Loco (1-1) vs Unstopa-Bo (1-1)

Loco predictably had a smash game a week ago. They tend to do that after duds. Unfortunately for them, their smash weeks never seem to happen when they need it. Like TPD, this squad struggles to acquire victories in fortunate ways, with most of their wins coming when they are playing at their best. Tyler Lockett is doomed to slow down eventually, but the rest of the lineup looks like it can maintain consistency. The heart and soul of this team will remain CMC and Mahomes every week. Any week they do not perform at their best, the team will be vulnerable. As is the case with most teams who picked #1 overall, investing so much into one player.

UB lost last week, but found a way to remain competitive. Many of their points were of a junk variety, from Hurts and Tampa D, but they still had a solid performance. Kelce is a beast, and Ridley and Allen are very good, but the rest of the team is vulnerable. They have the worst RB depth in the league, and their bench has struggled mightily in the early going. If they can't string some strong performances together soon, they may be in store for a down season, after winning it all a year ago. 

4. The Real McCoy (2-0) vs Imposing Monstrosity (0-2)

McCoy has the third fewest points scored, but they are somehow (2-0). Quintessential McCoy once again. Their strong performance of week 1 was quickly forgotten as they struggled to score 100 points a week ago, but it did not matter as their opponent score 94 points. They are not likely to bench Mclaurin again anytime soon. The good news is they somehow found a way to win, when both Dak and Hill likely had their worst games of the season. This teams is a real contender. One issue may be the construction of their RBs. None of them catch passes, so they rely heavily on touchdowns every week, meaning they will struggle when failing to reach the endzone. 

Stros had big performances from Jackson and Jones last week, but still struggled to make a positive impression across the rest of their lineup. All is not lost, as their bench had some nice performances. But if Barkley and Brown do not start performing at the level expected of them, they will struggle to compete week to week. Stros has the feel of a team that could explode at any moment, chances of that happening this week may be dampened though, if the trends hold for teams playing McCoy

5. Chicken Noodle Coop (1-1) vs The Glorious Morgans (0-2)

Coop had a tremendous Monday night comeback in week 1. Last week they suffered a heart breaking Monday night defeat. That's the way the cookie crumbles. They performed well, but a dud performance from Davis left them wanting. Robby Anderson has not been the player they expected, but the return of Beckham this week could help boost their WR core. If they can figure out their flex and #2 WR spot, they will be a tough team to beat all season. They traded for Sanders in an effort to do just that. 

The Morgans are struggling to start 2021. They have the fewest points scored, which stings even worse considering they have the league's second easiest schedule, meaning they could have started fast with some better performances. Considering Murray has played at an MVP level for them to start the season, and they are still struggling this much, is a negative sign. Their RBs were once thought to be a strength, they are now possibly a weakness. They are in tough spot if Gibson and CEH don't pick it up, as they can't look to their bench for reinforcements. The Morgans have been here before though, and they tend to go on big winning streaks just when you least expect it. Do not count this team out, yet. 

Match-Up Build-Up Week 2

 

1. Baker's Chubbin (1-0) vs Chicken Noodle Coop (1-0)

This is the only match-up featuring two (1-0) teams, but looks can be deceiving. 

Baker won last week while only scoring 111 points. These type of wins happen frequently across the MFFL, but this is one of the first times Baker has been on the positive end of it. It was a down week for many of their starters, but a bounce back week should be expected. Good performances from a few bench players have this team looking like real contenders for the first time in many seasons. A question will be whether or not their veteran poor performances in week 1 are a sign of age decline, or just bad games. Week 2 will help us paint a clearer picture. 

Coop won an instant classic in week 1. They went toe to toe with Loco on Monday night, exchanging haymakers all night, and eventually coming out on top. 19 targets to Waller is absurd, and will likely be one of Waller's best week's of the season, so it was crucial to get a victory during such a performance. They lost Jeudy to a high ankle sprain for some time, which hurts their already limited flex options. They'll be keeping a close eye on many of their bench players to see who they can trust moving forward. 

Baker has the better match-ups this week, but Coop has strong match-ups for his RBs and QB. One of these teams will be (2-0) after this week, taking an early lead in the MFFL race. 

2. The Perpetual Dynasty (0-1) vs Unstopa-Bo (1-0)

Two teams who scored 120 and 121 respectively last week, were on other sides of the winning coin a week ago. 

TPD performed fine in week 1, but no amount of points would have secured a victory after TDs scored a week 1 record 182 points against them. It would seem for one week at least, their classic bad circumstance has followed them into another MFFL season. TPD seems to get everyone's best shot. Regardless, TPD has to improve. They do not take losses well, typically shipping off many players to shake things up after such things happen. That was the case again this week, as they made multiple trades. The starting lineup is strong, and they hope to get better play out of their bench this week.

UB won last week in a fortunate spot. Their faith in Hurts paid off, as he had one of the better week 1 performances. The victory is huge, but not without concerns. Their questionable starting RBs combined for 89 total rushing yards between them, and their bench struggled to make a strong impression. UB is the only team in the league yet to make a single transaction, which could come back to hurt them if their bench doesn't improve this week. 

This is a big game for both teams. Both teams have question marks after week one, but UB has comfort from at least getting the W. The match-ups look to favor TPD slightly. 

3. ShowMeYourTDs (1-0) vs El Pollo Loco (0-1)

TDs just set the MFFL record for points scored in a week 1 game, with 182. The roster simply exploded, and they took the early lead for MFFL top dog. Justin Herbert certainly looks like he will avoid a sophomore slump, and if that is the case, it takes TD's team to another level. Let's see what they do for an encore, as that may have been their biggest win in franchise history. They'll have either set the tone for an excellent season, or used up some of their player's best weeks in week 1. 

Loco lost a heart breaker in week 1 on Monday Night Football. The starting lineup put up one of the best point totals of the week, but they ran into a buzz saw. The Mahomes, McCaffrey combo was as scary as feared in week one. Those two will keep this team in every game, all they need is some secondary options to step up. The team still looks strong entering week 2. 

The match-ups this week look very even. This is a bigger game for Loco, but TDs would like to prove last week wasn't a one hit wonder. 

4. The Real McCoy (1-0) vs The Glorious Morgans (0-1)

McCoy had a great week one led by their superstar Hill. Perhaps most exciting for them was the play of their bench. No team's bench had a better week than McCoy, giving them flexibility entering week 2. If their depth continues to perform at this level, they will be the team to beat in the West. Also helping was the fact that their opponent scored just 88 points in week 1. For one week at least, McCoy's long standing easy scheduling themes held serve once again. 

The Morgans had a rough week 1. They had Murray put up the best QB performance of the week, but still only acquired 114 points. No other player in the starting lineup scored over 11 points. They'll need to pull it together quickly for a difficult week 2 match-up. They sent Adams to the flex, trying to prove a point, and light a fire for the squad as a whole. We'll see if the motivational tactics work. 

5. Imposing Monstrosity (0-1) vs La Flama Blanca (0-1)

These two teams had the lowest point totals of last week, and both are searching for answers entering week 2. Veterans on both sides laid an egg. They are both hoping for bounce back performances, specifically from their RBs, as both teams went double RB in the draft. It is only one week, so don't take too much stock into what happened a week ago. This is a big early season game for both teams. 

Match-Up Build-Up Week 1 2021

 MFFL ball is back y'all! Let's get it!

1. Unstopa-Bo vs The Glorious Morgans

UB is the defending MFFL champs. The Morgans are a blue blood franchise. It's a mega match-up for Week 1. 

On paper, it looks like The Morgans have a slight edge in this match-up, due to their potential firepower. The Morgans are trying to return to the playoffs this season. They finished (8-6) last year, meaning they have finished with at least eight wins in three out of the last four seasons. The two stars are Adams and Murray, but if CEH and Gibson play to their lofty expectations, this team will be tough to beat. 

UB is trying to win back2back ships, a feat only one team has managed to accomplish, TPD, who has a 3peat to their name. After a magical 2020 season, UB once again took Kelce in the 1st round, marking the third straight year in which they have done so. They waited to get their RBs, making their two starting RBs perhaps the worst in the league to start the season, but the depth is strong. They may struggle for firepower on a weekly basis, but if they can luck out in the schedule department, then consistency may win the day for them.

This is a huge game, but not all that impactful, as it is an interdivisional game. Still, starting strong is always desired in the MFFL. Slow starts have doomed quality teams time and time again. Here we go.

2. The Perpetual Dynasty vs ShowMeYourTDs

This eastern divisional game is one of the biggest of the week. 

TPD finished 3rd in points scored a year ago, only 57 points away from the leader, but they acquired only a (6-8) record. They have never finished below 4th in points scored in a season. It was a tough luck year for the top franchise in the league. Before last season, they had won three straight ships in 16,17,18 and they went (12-2) in 2019. A typical strong performance is expected this season, with better luck in the win department expected as well. They had a strong draft, securing high end talent, like Taylor, Allen, and Pitts, all in rounds well below their ADP. They took a RB in the 1st round for the first time in nine years, and the starting RB duo of Cook and Taylor may be the best in the league to start the season. Hopes are high, so are expectations. 

TDs hit the books this offseason, researching their brains out, and it showed, as they had a strong performance in the draft. They support one of the best on paper starting lineups in the league. They also, uncharacteristically, made a trade before week 1, something they have never done previously. It is a sign that they are going all in, and trying to fix the mistakes of their past. They have not made the playoffs since the league's inaugural season. They plan to change that this season.  

Both teams have difficult challenges on paper, TPD having slightly easier match-ups. TD's plans to start strong on Thursday Night, while TPD will have wait until Sunday to get started. This battle has a chance to be explosive. 

3. El Pollo Loco vs Chicken Noodle Coop

Loco is trying to bounce back after finishing last in the West a season ago. Before last season, they had won at least 8 games in three straight seasons, so a return to form is to be expected. Yahoo awarded them the best draft in the league designation. Getting McCaffrey and Mahomes with their first two picks is terrifying, though they will need Jefferson to perform at the levels he did a season ago in order to reach their full potential. Inconsistency week to week has always been a theme for this franchise, we'll see if that changes this season. 

Coop ended their first season of MFFL ball in style a year ago, finishing in 2nd place and putting the whole league on notice. Their draft preparation was strong and the roster looks deep and talented. One issue may be the health of their RBs, as Ekeler and Carson have been injury prone in the past, but so is almost every other RB in the league. This franchise is here to play. They set the bar high, but they ain't scared. 

Coop has the tougher match-ups on paper, but not by much. This match-up will likely be razor close. 

4. The Real McCoy vs La Flama Blanca

McCoy bounced back last season and returned to the playoffs. They have made the playoffs in seven out of the nine years of MFFL ball, a number matched only by TPD. Unfortunately, they have lost seven out of their last ten playoffs games, as their strong regular seasons have been buoyed by a consistently weak schedule. Last season was no different, as they had the third easiest schedule. This team is once again talented entering 2021. They perhaps have the deepest roster in the league to start. Chubb and Robinson are not your typical ppr studs, but their skills are undeniable. Look for McCoy to be a real threat for the Western crown, as is standard. 

LFB is trying to rekindle the fires of old. They have really struggled in recent seasons of MFFL ball. They went back to their old flame in this years draft, taking Aaron Rodgers, in hopes of sparking the previous magic. The rest of the lineup looks very much like a LFB team, as they are littered with veterans across the board. Staying healthy will always be a struggle based on how LFB drafts, but if they can, the name value jumps off the page. 

Good luck predicting a winner in this match-up, it's tight. 

5. Imposing Monstrosity vs Baker's Chubbin'

Stros had another strong season a year ago, but some of it was smoke and mirrors, as they had the league's easiest schedule, and finished 5th in points scored. Entering 2021, they will try to make the playoffs for a third consecutive year. They got perhaps the biggest swing pick in the draft, taking Barkley in the 2nd round. If he hits, it's gold, but if not, it's stone. Getting Lamar Jackson where they did was one of the better value picks of the draft. Look for Stros to compete heavily once again in 2021. 

Chubbin' is looking to reshape their image in the MFFL. They can build on last season, as they had a sneaky solid season finishing (7-7). Their top three WRs and RBs are very strong, though the bench looks weak on paper. The starting lineup is good enough to give them their best season in a long time. 

Yahoo was not kind to either team regarding their draft grades, though both roster's look stronger than what was written. A chance to prove it is on the table for both franchises come Sunday. 

Week 1 is Here! Let's Go! Come On! AAAAHHHH! MFFL football is back baby, 2021 style!