Match-Up Build-Up Week 1 (2023)

 The MFFL is back baby! Week 1 begins tomorrow, and everyone is raring to go. The week 1 slate is tremendous. Let us get right to it. 

Imposing Monstrosity vs La Flama Blanca (Unfinished Business)

Last season's championship game ended in a draw. Not a standard draw though, in which both teams score the same point total. This draw occurred due to a player injury, which stopped the game. Had that not taken place, it is unclear how the championship finale would have played out. Stros was in the lead, but LFB had two players going, one of which being Joe Burrow. 

Now, after months of waiting, they get to settle the score. 

Stros has had consistent success since joining the MFFL in 2017. They have made the playoffs three out of the last four years, capturing one championships and one co-championship. They've solidified themselves in the upper echelon of franchises in the MFFL. As such, it is not surprising to see them put together such a strong team following this season's draft. Yahoo gave them an A+ and the designation of best draft in the league. It could be viewed as an ominous sign, but for the most part it simply illustrates the talent they acquired. Outside of Conner and Kelce, they targeted extremely young players, betting on youth and explosiveness. Their WRs are particularly enticing, with three of them having been rookies last season. They will be looking for sophomore jumps from each of them. Hurts and Kelce represent elites of their positions, though Kelce may be hurt entering week1. If there is a weakness to target, it would be RBs. Their starters have questions marks, while their bench lacks the excitement of their WR bench. Either way, it is a lineup ready to compete from the jump. Look for them to have a very strong season in 2023. 

LFB finally exercised some demons last season, after years of falling short of expectations. Not much has changed for this franchise throughout the years. They targeted big named veterans throughout the draft, and hope health remains consistent. It happened last season, and this year they are at it again. Their starting lineup is littered with big named superstars of present and old. Unfortunately, health is not on their side to start this season. They had to make a trade to acquire Hopkins, as it was looking like rookie Jordan Addison was going to be their only healthy WR in week 1, and George Kittle is questionable for Sunday. It is a brutal test out of the gates considering their injuries, but it won't impact their resolve of trying to prove who the real champion from last season is. 

Get your popcorn ready. Both teams aim to prove they are the best. This time we can assume, only one will be left standing. 

The Peaking Dynasty vs The Dingos Ate Your Babies (Eastern Boundaries)

TPD may have the same acronym, but the name is changed. Perpetual shifts to Peaking, following their first ever last place finish in any fantasy football league ever. Their lack of success was largely due to a gauntlet schedule and injuries. Teams scored 779 points against TPD in the first 5 weeks of last season, a 156 point average. TPD still finished with the 4th most points scored, only 41 points below the top point scorer. No one will be counting TPD out this season, and last year can easily be chalked up as an outlier season. Making it easier to expect a bounce back is how well they performed in the draft. Contrasting last season's draft, which TPD feels was their worst ever, this year's draft was a big success picking from the 1st draft slot. The WRs are loaded as always, but this year they also leave with what should be positional advantages most weeks at QB and TE. The RBs are unproven, but TPD is used to that. Expect them to improve that position as the season progresses, or their young high upside picks will play into full time roles. Not surprisingly, they have already made a few trades, giving them the most depth in the league presently. Jefferson, Waddle, and Olave will carry the load, but Scary Terry, Jeudy, and Gabe Dave represent elite depth at that position. This team is not screwing around this year. Expect them to do whatever it takes to improve off of last season's disaster. 

The Dingos are in a weird position. They finished tied for third last season, but scored the fewest points in the league. How does that happen? It was just one of those season's in the MFFL last year. During this years draft, they targeted high upside rookies and vets looking to bounce back. The strength of the team appears to be at WR. If Bijan hits, then this team is an instant contender. But if he doesn't, their RB depth is not likely to carry the water. Trading for Pierce helped them with an immediate need. They will be counting on Bijan, Watson, and Allen all performing at elite levels this season, as Brown and Cooper are good WRs, but lack some of the elite upside of others at their position. They, like TPD, are likely to overhaul their roster throughout the season. They will hope their moves lead to the same end of the seasons success, but with more scoring along the way.

This eastern divisional clash is a big one to start the season. The Dingos have given TPD fits for years. We'll see what changes to start this season, or what stays the same. 

El Pollo Loco vs The Real McCoy (Proving Grounds)

Coming off a championship in 2021, Loco put up a respectable 7 wins in 2022, en route to a 5th place finish. They will certainly be looking for a better finish in 2023, but you can't overlook their recent run off success. During their first 5 years in the league, 2012-2016, they made zero playoff appearances. During the last six years of league play, they have four winning seasons, three playoff appearances, two championship appearances, and one championship. So what is the one constant during this run of good play? Two Words. Patrick Mahomes. Since 2019, they have drafted Mahomes every season. The results speak for themselves. Paired with Mahomes this season are a bevy of high end veteran WRs. They punted on the RB position in the draft, which is customary, but if they could find someone to stabilize that position, they should be fine. They have already made a trade to address their RB weakness, and they took the risk on Taylor in the draft. For years, the theme of this franchise is alternating smash weeks with disaster weeks. This year's team will look to be more consistent.

McCoy fell short of many goals last season, but even in a down year, they still managing to win 6 games, and score the 6th most points. Their schedule was similar to TPDs, as they started cold early, rattled off a winning streak mid season, before losing six straight to end the season. Long a blue blood of the MFFL, their success has largely been linked to excellent drafts, and stellar free agent pick-ups. But last season, they only made 18 moves all year, their lowest amount ever in the MFFL. If they can get off to a hot start this year, look for them to rebound in many areas. The team this year is young and exciting. They are betting on young stars becoming super stars, and as always the roster is balanced. Their bench is lacking a proven presence, but they will hope someone emerges as the season progresses. 

It is always fireworks when these two Western foes lock horns. 

Chicken Noodle Coop vs Unstopa-Bo (Conflicting Styles)

What CNC has accomplished in their first three seasons of MFFL ball is nothing short of spectacular. They have made the playoffs every season, and never had less than eight wins. This season they will attempt to finally capture the only thing that has eluded them, a championship. They are incredibly consistent week to week and very active in roster management. They have never had less than 30 moves in a season. The lineup is strong right out of the gates, as they mix proven vets with young dynamos. They also support more depth than others to start the season. The RBs are loaded, while the WRs will be banking on Garrett Wilson joining the elites of the position. It is hard to look at this team and find a weak point on paper. They will look to continue their unbeaten playoff appearance streak in 2023. 

UB has also had success as of late, but in a different way. They have at least six wins in each of their last three seasons, and a championship. The style difference is in reference to the number of moves. Last season they made 12 moves. While in 2021 they only made 9. That type of managerial method makes crushing the draft a crucial ingredient to success. But perhaps this year will be different. Before week 1 has even started, they have already made a trade. They went RB heavy in the draft, and acquired many big named vets. If health holds, they will be tough to deal with. They waited on QB and TE, and only took one of each, meaning they also have hope for good play out of those positions. Like most seasons, this teams looks like it has a wide range of outcomes. They will be hoping for a positive spin in 2023. 

Rader Flashing TDs vs Njokus On You (Phoenix Rising)

TDs will be looking to make the playoffs this season, for the first time since the league's inaugural season. They were perhaps the most prepared for any draft this year, which they hope will lead to more success. The strength of the team is in their high end, and deep, WR core. They will be hoping for career years from Lawrence, Dobbins, and Mattison. Taking Chase in the first proves they are out to win, as normally taking any players in the AFC North who don't play for the Steelers, causes their soul to snap in half. One of these seasons this franchise is gonna pop. It could be in 2023. 

Njokus has struggled for many seasons. This season they invested early in Josh Allen, with the hopes that he can rewrite the pages of this franchise's history. They are balanced across the board, but may struggle due to a lack of elite playmakers at the WR position. Like TDs, it is only a matter of time before they have a big redemption season. They started the season out well with such a great name rebrand.