Match-Up Build-Up Week 4

 

1. Smoked Brissett (2-1) vs El Pollo Loco (3-0)

Smokin came crashing down to earth in week 3. They scored 98 points and suffered their first loss of the season. Most of the squad still put up decent performances, but their RBs flopped, and that position could prove to be an issue moving forward. Williams has not performed like they had hoped, and Montgomery might be Wally Pipped by Herbert. A bounce back performance is expected in week 4, but a 2nd straight loss would dampen the outlook after such a terrific start. 

Loco is (3-0), but it is due to some miracle not yet known. They scored just 90 points last week, and on the season they sit just 7th in points scored. They have a whopping 7 players questionable for this week. If Cook and Swift are both out this week, it would really hurt the optimal potential of the entire unit. The team is deep enough to continue their early success for the long haul, but they are also vulnerable enough to see their momentum halted. Tune in to week 4 to see which fate is revealed. 

2. Unstopa-Bo (3-0) vs Imposing Monstrosity (1-2)

UB is riding high. They are third in points scored and first in the overall standings. All this while making zero moves on the season. UB always relies heavily on their draft, which is typically a good strategy for such a strong drafting team. It is working out this season. Once again, only time will tell if it can lead to long term success.

Stros has struggled so far this season. They are 2nd lowest in points scored having twice not reached 100 points. The roster looks better than they are performing though. If their first round pick Jefferson turns it around, then they will compete each week. Look for them to be very balanced all year, with a certain lack of firepower though. 

3. La Flama Blanca (2-1) vs ShowMeYourTDs (1-2)

LFB is currently at the top of the East division. Their RBs continue to be strong, and they WR core looks better than it did to start the season. With Kittle getting back healthy, they also have flexibility. This could very well be LFB's best season in quite some time. The team looks built for the long haul. Still, it is scary how reliant this team is on veterans staying healthy, which has been a problem for this franchise for many years. 

TDs drank from the elixir of life last week, as they got to play TPD. To the surprise of no one, they had an unbelievable week. They score 134 without even starting a #2 WR. Still the roster has some concerns. Their RBs continue to underperform, and they need to get Allen back healthy. If Lamar continues this pace though, it might not matter. Even though they are (1-2) they have played well all season. Look for them to continue that this week. 

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

Coop is tied for first in the East, but are only 6th in points scored. They have had some fortunate bounces, but for the most part they have played well each week. Trading for Chubb was a big win for them last week, and Robinson looks like one of the best steals of the draft. Their WRs remain powerful too. This is one of the best teams in the league, if not the best. But they are also one of the most starting lineup dependent teams. If injuries strike they could struggle. Look for them to compete for their 3rd straight playoff appearance, a most impressive opportunity considering this is only their 3rd year in the league. 

The Morgans continue to struggle to score points. Looking at the roster though, there is still a lot to like. They are deep at RB and WR. Guys like Dillon, Moore, Davis are likely to start playing better. This is a big game for them in the East, and fireworks are expected in this match-up. If the Morgans can make the right lineup decisions each week, they will be tough to beat all season long. 

5. The Perpetual Dynasty (0-3) vs The Real McCoy (0-3)

How could it come to this. The two most successful franchises in league history have a combined 0 wins entering week 4. 

TPD was once again slaughtered by a team blowing up against them. TDs didn't even start a #2 WR, and they still scored over 130 against TPD. Dating back to 2020, the last 32 games, only 7 teams have scored below 120 against TPD. Think about that. Only 7 times has TPD not had to score over 120 to win in the last two+ seasons. With that kind of bad luck even the best franchise of all time is doomed. The squad looks as dominant as ever, it just hasn't been their season. 

McCoy is also beaten, but their lack of success looks a little different. They are bottom three in points scored, and twice have scored below 90 points this season. They placed high draft capital in veterans like Wilson, Ekeler, and Kamara, and so far it has not worked out. But all that could change if the trends against TPD continue this week. It is shocking to think that one of these teams will be (0-4) after this game. What universe are we living in? 

Match-Up Build-Up Week 3

 

1. Smoked Brissett (2-0) vs Unstopa-Bo (2-0)

Smokin has stormed out of the gates in 2022. They have scored the highest point total in both weeks, 165 and 174. It is an unbelievable start for a franchise in desperate need of some success. Everything is working for them so far, as Herbert, Kupp, and Brown have been as advertised. Obviously they cannot keep scoring 160 every week, but they have at least put the league on notice, and have taken the early top dog status in the MFFL. It's truly been a remarkable start to the season for them. 

UB is also unbeaten, scoring 133 points in back to back weeks. While they remain the only team in the league yet to make a single move on the season, at least this year they have gotten off to a good start. Their WRs remain a major issue, but if Allen, CMC, and Kelce can continue to perform at the levels we are accustomed to, then they will be competitive all season. UB is no stranger to strong starts, but they have a history of fading, just like last season. Time will tell. 

2. The Perpetual Dynasty (0-2) vs ShowMeYourTDs (0-2)

Even though this match-up features two winless teams, it ranks high on the list because everyone will be tuning in to see if TPD is about to have an (0-3) start. Teams averaged a mind numbing 132 ppg against TPD last season, and this season the SOS has been even harder, as teams are averaging 162 ppg against them in two games. What can TPD do against such reckless hate? Well TPD did what they are prone to doing in these situations, they made a flurry of trades, securing the biggest fish of them all Jonathan Taylor. It's a bold TPD styled move, but one with a lot of risk. 

TDs has also been snake bitten to start this season, as they are averaging a good point total, but coming away empty handed. This team will likely go as far as Lamar can take them. Their prized first round pick Najee Harris has to start performing better. Injuries have hurt them in the early going, but none of them seem to be long term concerns. As was stated last week, injuries hurt this team more than others, as their bench is struggling to score points. 

This is a critical game for both teams. Neither one is feeling particularly confident that their fortunes will change. But whoever does win this game will likely be injected with some much needed adrenaline. 

3. El Pollo Loco (2-0) vs The Real McCoy (0-2)

Loco watched in horror as Stefon Diggs nearly stole a victory from them on Monday Night, but they ended up surviving the onslaught for their 2nd straight victory. They were incredibly fortunate to win, as 7 other teams scored more points than they did a week ago. Loco is familiar with down performances after stellar ones the week previous, it is a franchise theme. They will be hoping for a bounce back this week. The heartbeat for this team remains their RBs, meaning Dalvin Cook has to start performing better for this squad. 

McCoy like TPD is off to a pedestrian (0-2) start. They had a heartbreaking loss a week ago, scoring 145 points, but still losing. They did all they could to obtain victory, but it wasn't enough. Still they have question marks. Many of their points came from a heroic game out of Hill, as multiple starters had down performances. Consistency may be an issue for them, as they are already starting three players they have acquired off of free agency over the last 10 days. Don't count this team out, they are too good, but this squad seems to lack a certain intimidation factor that other McCoy installments typically displayed.

4. Chicken Noodle Coop (1-1) vs Imposing Monstrosity (1-1)

Coop scored the 2nd fewest points last week, but kept the game close in a low scoring affair. Stefon Diggs can be thanked for most of it. Being aggressive, they went out and acquired Nick Chubb. It cost them a lot of depth, as Noah Brown is now their only reserve WR, but it is a move that could pay off big for them this season. Even with the addition of Chubb, this team will go as their WRs go. 

Stros bounced back after a week one disappointment. They stuck with their guys, and it paid off, especially at RB. All of their RBs played better, and the squad looks improved as expected. They will be hoping either Cousins or Tua will become an every week starter. But if that does not happen, then QB could be a disadvantage in every match-up this season. It's a very balanced team, and one that will be tough to beat all season. 

5. The Glorious Morgans (1-1) vs La Flama Blanca (1-1)

The Morgans are the lowest scoring team through two weeks. They must of sensed a change was needed, as they overhauled their roster by trading away Taylor. They are immediately starting each of the five players the received from TPD. They just replaced one starter for five. Even if that one starter was JT, it is still truly impressive that they received five starters in a trade, and a testament to the depth TPD had already acquired early in the season. Only time will tell if it was the right move.

LFB secured a critical victory in week 2, scoring 147, which was just enough to edge McCoy. It was a very balanced effort, with Waddle producing a career day. Their depth remains a concern, especially at RB, but they don't seem too worried about it. For the most part, this team will struggle to win games if Henry and Barkley aren't producing. But neither produced a week ago and they still won, so perhaps there is more than meets the eye with this roster. 

Match-Up Build-Up Week 2 2022

 

1. El Pollo Loco (1-0) vs Chicken Noodle Coop (1-0)

Loco started their title defense is style a week ago, besting TPD while scoring over 150 points. Led by their franchise hero Mahomes, the squad made a statement right from the jump. The strength of the squad rests with their QB and RBs, and while their WRs and bench may need some upgrades, they have plenty of time to sort such things out, especially if they secure another victory this week. They have played in two championship games since 2019, and have at least 8 wins three out of the last four seasons. They are trying to cement their position as the top dog in the West division. 

Coop narrowly secured victory in week one, beating TDs by only 5 points. But they did score the 4th most points of the week, so it was a good close battle. Their unconventional draft looked a little less wild after a few trades that brought in talent at the RB and TE positions. They also made a free agent move to acquire another QB. Led by the star trio of Adams, Diggs, and Brown, Coops season could not have gotten off to a better start. Finding star power at any position other than WR will be difficult, but if they are able to fill out the rest of the starting lineup, there will be no stopping them. They have the feel of older TPD teams, and their early season moves suggest they are ready to do whatever is necessary to win. 

This match-up looks super close on paper, as both teams could be in store for slight regression. It's Loco's RBs vs Coop's WRs. It's gonna be fun. 

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

For the 2nd straight season, TPD got smashed in week 1. Last season TD's scored a week 1 record 182 points against them, and this season Loco put up 151. While it is never fun losing in week 1, the actual impact of it is rather minor. TPD ended up losing only three games last season, setting multiple records with arguably the greatest roster in MFFL history. Still, TPD does not take losses well, evidenced by some big named moves this week. New season, same TPD. Expect them to continue pushing for excellence. After all, they did score 129 a week ago, and their roster is deep at both WR and RB. No one will even remotely count them out. That would be foolish. 

Baker put up a massive point total of 165 in week one, the best of the week. It was an impressive display, by a team trying to carry over some momentum from last season. Baker went (5-3) against the West a season ago, and obtained another victory against a West foe to start 2022. Outside of Kupp, it is a very young team, and in week 1 the youngsters balled out. If their investment in youth hits, then look for them to have perhaps their best season of MFFL ball since their last playoff appearance in 2014. 

Baker is likely due for some regression, but TPD's 2nd round pick Lamb now has suppressed value due to the Dak injury. Baker's lineup is locked and loaded, while it will be interesting to see what decisions TPD makes at #2WR, #2RB, and FLEX. 

3. The Glorious Morgans (1-0) vs Unstopa-Bo (1-0)

The Morgans are (1-0), but they scored the 4th lowest point total of the week, benefiting from a poor performance by their opponent. A bounce back in week 2 could spell big things for them this season. They are coming off of their worst season ever in the MFFL, a last place finish. Such a finish is so rare for this franchise that you knew they would come back with a vengeance this season. While their WRs lack consistent WR1 type players, the starting lineup as a whole is very strong, and if they hit on Etienne and Hall, then this team is going places this season. Look for them to have a point to prove all year. 

UB came out strong a week ago as they try to make amends for their disastrous title defense season a year ago. They closed last season on a four game losing streaking, averaging 95 points per game during that stretch. Their week one victory was much needed. Allen and Kelce will likely carry this team all season, but their WR core has major issues, as Scary Terry poses as their WR1 and Metcalf poses as their WR2. Age and injury concerns could also be an issue, as they rely on players like CMC, Zeke, Kelce, and Thielen in their starting lineup. It could be a similar story to last season, when they started out ok, but slowly faded down the stretch. But they still won 6 games a season ago. This franchise knows how to win games. 

4. Imposing Monstrosity (0-1) vs ShowMeYourTDs (0-1)

Stros was hit hard in week 1, only scoring 96 points. While this is no time to panic, they can't be devoid of anxiety considering the questions marks at their RB position. Jones, Akers, and Pollard could all have been over drafted, if their week 1 performances continue for the long haul. Justin Jerfferson will band aid a lot of issues, but even a 40 point game out of JJ in week 1 wasn't even to secure 100 total points. Stros will ride it out, and hope their players perform in week 2. But expect them to make some aggressive moves next week if the poor trends continue. A bounce back performance is expected. 

TDs almost came away with a victory a week ago, but an injury to Keenan Allen sealed their fate. The team played well overall, and they may have obtained major bargains in the draft with Lamar, Cooks, and Connor. Unfortunately this team is walking a tight rope, as any injury to their starting lineup would force them to turn to their bench, a group that scored a combined total of 24 points a week ago. Ouch. Allen, Harris, and Godwin are already banged up. This squad will try to stay afloat while taking on water. They will have to rely on the strength of their RBs. 

5. The Real McCoy (0-1) vs La Flama Blanca (0-1)

Weeks like last week do not happen to the McCoy franchise. They scored 87 points, which is the lowest week 1 point total in the MFFL since 2017. Without beast performance from Ekeler and Kamara, the rest of the lineup was unable to stand. Expect a massive bounce back in week 2. This team is not as bad as their performance a week ago. It is a fools errand to ever doubt this franchise. 

LFB played ok a week ago, but not well enough to obtain victory. Disaster performances out of their WRs made securing a victory impossible. Like McCoy, they are destined to bounce back this week. The lineup is more than capable of laying down a better performance. This franchise narrowly missed the playoffs a year ago, a place they haven't been since the 2014 season.