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?