Week 8 is a very important week for the contenders. As all games are being played within the division this week, this might be the game that decides a future tiebreaker for the division title and a first-round playoff bye.
AFC SOUTH
#1 Anglia (7-3) vs #3 Greenville (4-6)
With a two-game lead in the division and a 2-0 record in intra-division play, the Dark Knights are the odds-on favorite to win the AFC South. The Storm is also 2-0 in the division, and a win here would put them right in the hunt for the division crown. Anglia QB Jon Kitna and Greenville QB Brian Griese will be facing each other this week. Griese has been excellent as the Bears starter and should thrive against a weak Detroit secondary. Kitna is usually good for solid numbers regardless of the opponent, though the Bears have a lot of talent at DB. Anglia will be without leading receiver Derrick Mason this week. Greenville has to overcome the loss of four LBs to the bye, including top scorers Julian Peterson and Ray Lewis.
#2 Cincinnati (5-5) vs #4 Bertrand (3-7)
Both teams enter the game on losing streaks after being swept in last week's doubleheader and both teams are also winless in division play. Bertrand in particular has sunk to new lows; once the class of the AFC South and perpetual division champion, the Ground Force have lost five straight and sit in the division cellar. This week will also be difficult for the Ground Force, as their top rusher and top receiver are off in Week 8. Bertrand QB Carson Palmer will need a monster week against Pittsburgh to compensate for the loss of those two key players. Cincinnati will be without top LB Lofa Tatupu but will be able to overcome the loss thanks to their new-found RB depth and solid WR corps. Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is as solidly consistent as they come and WR Kevin Curtis should have a great day against a bad Minnesota pass defense.
AFC WEST
#1 New Mexico (6-4) vs #3 California (2-8)
The AFC West is looking like a two-dog race, and if California is to have any shot at coming back and winning the division they'll need to beat the division-leading Raiders in Week 8. California QB Drew Brees has stepped up his game after being a weekly Dud of the Week contender early in the season. Facing the 49ers this week, Brees should rack up a great number of points and continue his hot streak. The Xtreme will be missing top DB Roy Williams and #3 LB DeMorrio Williams this week. Xtreme leading rusher Derrick Ward is injured and will miss the game against Miami, so Reuben Droughns might be called upon to start for California. New Mexico will be missing one guy at each defensive spot but has the depth to overcome the bye. New Mexico QB Brett Favre plays a tough Denver secondary.
#2 Austin (5-5) vs #4 Carson City (1-9)
In the midst of a nine-game losing streak, the Bandits will have a tough time turning it around against a Predators team that's currently undefeated in the AFC South. Carson City's best QB is off this week, meaning the team will have to start Cleo Lemon again. Bandits RB Travis Henry is a gametime decision. As the only good option at RB for Carson City, Henry needs to play this game. The Predators lost QB David Garrard to injury for a few weeks and suffered another poor performance from Marc Bulger. Lucky for Austin, they secured Derek Anderson in a trade after Week 6. He looks like the starter from here on out and faces a bad St. Louis defense this week. Austin also lost RB Ronnie Brown to a year-ending injury and backup RB Jesse Chatman will have to fill his shoes. Austin LBs Leroy Hill (bye) and Zach Thomas (injury) are out, leaving the Predators very thin at LB. Newly-signed DB Cortland Finnegan will start.
NFC EAST
#1 Washington (9-1) vs #3 Lower Saxony (5-5)
Washington has been steamrolling through the NFFL but faces a big challenge this week against defending NFC-champion Lower Saxony. The Braves only have one active QB this week, and Tarvaris Jackson is expected to miss that game due to injury. Washington will also be without starting RB Marion Barber and #3 WR Bobby Engram, leaving the usually potent offense weakened. A bulk of the responsibility will fall on Braves RB LaDanian Tomlinson's shoulders. Washington DB Ed Reed, the team's leading DB, is also off this weekend. The Lower Saxony offense is filled with players with good matchups. Patriots QB Ben Roethlisberger faces a horrible Cincinnati defense and Patriots RB Brandon Jacobs should run wild against the Dolphins. Lower Saxony WR Anquan Boldin is off, but the team has great depth at the position.
#2 Fairfax (6-4) vs #4 Utica (5-5)
Seven of the eight NFC teams are either 6-4 or 5-5, so this week will be an important part of sorting out the playoff picture. In the NFC East, Fairfax is looking like a solid bet for a playoff spot, but another loss for Utica would put them in danger of missing the playoffs. The Devils have been resurgent after a poor start to the season. Utica QB Tony Romo has been the biggest part of putting the Devils back in the playoff race, but he will miss the game and the team has no other QB that is guaranteed playing time. Starting LB Michael Boley and DB DeAngelo Hall are also off for the Devils. Fairfax RB Maurice Jones-Drew was injured in the Monday night game and will be a gametime decision, meaning the Foxes might have to turn to a backup WR like Andre Davis on Sunday. The bye has caused Fairfax to be thin at LB, so the team will start four DBs this week.
NFC NORTH
#1 Halifax (6-4) vs #4 Glasgow (5-5)
Despite being the first- and last-place teams in the division, only one game separates the Armada and the Warriors. The division standings are more indicative of team strength; despite the 6-4 record, Halifax is tied for the league lead in points scored with the 9-1 Braves. Halifax QB Tom Brady has been unstoppable, averaging over eight points more per game than the number two scorer in the league. Armada RB Adrian Peterson looks like the starting RB for Minnesota moving forward, which only increases his already sky-high value. Halifax suffers only one key loss this week, with WR Larry Fitzgerald on a bye. Glasgow will be without RBs Larry Johnson and Edgerrin James and leading DL Darnell Dockett. The Glasgow players have good matchups by and large but will have a tough time keeping up with Halifax.
#2 Boston (6-4) vs #3 Chicago (5-5)
This Boston lineup will have a lot of holes this weekend. Leading rusher Willis McGahee, RB Jerious Norwood, leading WR Terrell Owens, K Matt Stover, top DL Jared Allen, #2 LB Donnie Edwards and #2 Ken Hamlin are all off this week for the Inferno. Any team led by Boston QB Peyton Manning will always have a chance on Sunday, and Boston has great depth at WR, with Lee Evans entering the lineup this week with Antonio Gates, Roy Williams, and Calvin Johnson. But the team has no alternatives for Stover or Allen and only a struggling Nick Collins at DB opposite Ronde Barber. Chicago has a great opportunity to gain ground in the division in this game with all the Boston byes. Goodfellas QB Vince Young should be back and WR Plaxico Burress should have a field day against Miami. Chicago will be missing two DLs but still should have the upper hand in this game.
Good luck to all of you!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Can They Be Stopped?
Another couple huge games from Washington and Halifax have them on top of the two NFC divisions and tied in points scored, averaging almost 160 points a game. No other NFFL teams are within 20 points-per-game of the Braves and the Armada. So, much like the NFL's Patriots and Colts, the rest of the league is trying to figure out how to stop these juggernauts.
On to the Weekly Review:
Washington over New Mexico 164-158
Washington over California 164-125
The Braves scored the most points in Week 8 but had a difficult time disposing of the AFC West-leading New Mexico Raiders. Washington was in a hole with four players starting on Monday night. One scored zero, but the other three combined for 34 points, led by DB Bob Sanders. Washington DL Osi Umenyiora returned a fumble for a TD and notched a sack to finish with 25 points, which led the team. New Mexico was led by Randy Moss's 24 points, and QB Trent Dilfer had a positive day scoring 13. Raider DL Elvis Dumervil was tops on defense with 16. The Xtreme played very well in the other Washington game, with LB DeMeco Ryans returning a fumble for a TD and finishing with 33 points, the high score on the team. Embattled QB Drew Brees had another solid game with 18 points.
Halifax over Cincinnati 153-131
Halifax over Bertrand 153-88
The Armada actually didn't play well as a whole. The team suffered two zeroes and only one great game. Fortunately for Halfax, that great game was one of the best of the season. QB Tom Brady, the leading candidate for league MVP, threw six TDs and scored 50 points in this game, easily the best performance of the week. RB Adrian Peterson and WR Reggie Wayne also crossed into double-digits on offense, while DL Andre Carter scored 13 to lead the defense. The Keepers got a strong performance from their running game, a facet of the Cincinnati game that's getting better as the season progresses. RBs Reggie Bush and Kevin Jones combined for 30 points. K Robbie Gould and DB Rodney Harrison had the next best point total with 12. Bertrand was a mess, with one WR in the negatives and only three players in double digits, led by QB Carson Palmer's 13 points.
New Mexico over Fairfax 158-150
While the Raiders couldn't hang on against the Braves, they were able to score a split by defeating the Foxes. Fairfax also had a huge point total this week but ran into an even bigger day from New Mexico. Foxes WR Wes Welker led the team with 25 points, and QB Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook combined for 27. LB Bradie James led the defense with 17. Not to be forgotten, the New Mexico kicking game was one of the keys to victory. Raiders K Josh Brown hit 7 total kicks for 15 points, outscoring the Fairfax kicker by eight, which was the final margin of victory. Fairfax missed big days from bench WRs Andre Davis (16) and Kevin Walter (15) as well as an interception return for TD from bench DB Jonathan Joseph (17).
Boston over Cincinnati 138-131
Boston over Greenville 138-131
Yes, you read that right. The Inferno scored just enough points to beat both opponents, winning their two games by seven points each. Boston QB Peyton Manning was nice and rested after his week off and put up 20 points to lead the team. RB Willis McGahee (17) and WR Terrell Owens (16) also had big games for the Inferno, while Boston DL Jared Allen led the defense with 17. Four Greenville defenders were above a dozen points, including LB Ray Lewis with 15. QB Brian Griese led the Storm with 18 points. But bench QB Jay Cutler had 27 and would have won this game for Greenville. While the Cincinnati backs had a solid day, the best RB effort was left on the bench. Kenny Watson had 33 points go to waste this week, as either he or WR Roddy White (17) could have given the Keepers this game.
Anglia over Glasgow 129-119
Anglia over Chicago 129-93
All Anglia knows how to do is win football games. The majority might not agree with the team's roster decisions most of the time, but the fact is this Dark Knights team is now 7-3, two games up in the AFC South and in the midst of a three-game winning streak. DL Dwight Freeney scored a team-high 22 points after getting two sacks and forcing two fumbles. DL Jason Taylor returned a pick for a TD to finish with 12. RB Earnest Graham led the offense with 18 points and five other Dark Knight players had at least 11 points. Not all was great for Anglia: K Neil Rackers finished with -1 point, while LB Victor Hobson scored zero. Glasgow RB Larry Johnson notched a team-high 19 points and his running mate RB Joseph Addai was also in double digits. Glasgow QB Eli Manning fared well, throwing for two TDs and 15 points. Chicago really struggled with starting QB Vince Young hurt and not playing. RB LenDale White led the team with 18. LB David Thornton (11) and DB Michael Huff (10) were the only other Goodfellas with at least ten points.
Lower Saxony over California 138-125
Lower Saxony over Carson City 138-103
The Lower Saxony offense really showed up to play this week. Everyone on offense had at least nine points, with WR Laveranues Coles scoring 25 after catching two TDs to lead the group. QB Jeff Garcia added 21 with 316 passing yards while RB Brandon Jacobs ran for 17. WR Anquan Boldin led the pass-catchers with 14, with most of those points coming on two short TD grabs. The defense only combined for 37 points, with LB Paris Lenon (11) the only defender over eight. While Garcia had a great day and the Patriots scored a sweep, the two backup QBs actually outperformed the starter, with Chad Pennington throwing three TDs for 26 points and Ben Roethlisberger throwing four TDs for 31 points. The Carson City players were either really good or really bad. Five Bandits had at least a dozen points, with TE Heath Miller and LB DJ Williams each scoring a team-high 17 points. Every other Carson City player scored five points or less.
Fairfax over Austin 150-113
The Predators started Marc Bulger at QB and were completely underwhelmed by the results. As he's done all season, Bulger struggled throughout the game and posted several turnovers, something a healthy Marc Bulger doesn't do. The Austin QB finished with -1 point and was one of the main reasons the Predators suffered two losses this week. LBs Patrick Willis and Leroy Hill each had a team-high 13 points. DL Robert Mathis was almost as bad as Bulger and scored zero. Fairfax also received a solid game from RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who had 12 points, but Jones-Drew suffered an injury in the game and might be unavailable for a period of time.
Utica over Austin 127-113
Utica over Carson City 127-103
The Devils have risen from the dead and now sit at .500 after sweeping their games this week. Utica LB London Fletcher was outstanding, finishing with 27 points after returning an interception for a TD and totaling 13 tackles. Utica QB Tony Romo was solid with 15 points to lead the offense after passing for just one TD. A surprising facet of the Devils' two wins were the lack of WRs. Utica started three receivers that didn't score any points, which in most matchups would be recipe for failure. DLs Michael Strahan (13) and Tommie Harris (11) combined with Fletcher and DB Madieu Williams (11) to carry the offense to victories. And from the Just When Things Weren't Bad Enough Department: K Rob Bironas, he of the eight field goals, spent this Sunday on the Carson City bench.
Greenville over Chicago 131-93
Glasgow over Bertrand 119-88
Greenville and Glasgow ran into the two lowest point totals of the week en route to earning splits in Week 7. Rookie RB Marshawn Lynch led the Storm ground game with 15 points in this easy victory against a depleted Goodfellas team. Chicago could have started QB Kerry Collins, but in the grand scheme it wouldn't have made a difference. Three Glasgow defenders were in double-digits, led by LB Will Witherspoon's 13.
On to the Weekly Review:
Washington over New Mexico 164-158
Washington over California 164-125
The Braves scored the most points in Week 8 but had a difficult time disposing of the AFC West-leading New Mexico Raiders. Washington was in a hole with four players starting on Monday night. One scored zero, but the other three combined for 34 points, led by DB Bob Sanders. Washington DL Osi Umenyiora returned a fumble for a TD and notched a sack to finish with 25 points, which led the team. New Mexico was led by Randy Moss's 24 points, and QB Trent Dilfer had a positive day scoring 13. Raider DL Elvis Dumervil was tops on defense with 16. The Xtreme played very well in the other Washington game, with LB DeMeco Ryans returning a fumble for a TD and finishing with 33 points, the high score on the team. Embattled QB Drew Brees had another solid game with 18 points.
Halifax over Cincinnati 153-131
Halifax over Bertrand 153-88
The Armada actually didn't play well as a whole. The team suffered two zeroes and only one great game. Fortunately for Halfax, that great game was one of the best of the season. QB Tom Brady, the leading candidate for league MVP, threw six TDs and scored 50 points in this game, easily the best performance of the week. RB Adrian Peterson and WR Reggie Wayne also crossed into double-digits on offense, while DL Andre Carter scored 13 to lead the defense. The Keepers got a strong performance from their running game, a facet of the Cincinnati game that's getting better as the season progresses. RBs Reggie Bush and Kevin Jones combined for 30 points. K Robbie Gould and DB Rodney Harrison had the next best point total with 12. Bertrand was a mess, with one WR in the negatives and only three players in double digits, led by QB Carson Palmer's 13 points.
New Mexico over Fairfax 158-150
While the Raiders couldn't hang on against the Braves, they were able to score a split by defeating the Foxes. Fairfax also had a huge point total this week but ran into an even bigger day from New Mexico. Foxes WR Wes Welker led the team with 25 points, and QB Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook combined for 27. LB Bradie James led the defense with 17. Not to be forgotten, the New Mexico kicking game was one of the keys to victory. Raiders K Josh Brown hit 7 total kicks for 15 points, outscoring the Fairfax kicker by eight, which was the final margin of victory. Fairfax missed big days from bench WRs Andre Davis (16) and Kevin Walter (15) as well as an interception return for TD from bench DB Jonathan Joseph (17).
Boston over Cincinnati 138-131
Boston over Greenville 138-131
Yes, you read that right. The Inferno scored just enough points to beat both opponents, winning their two games by seven points each. Boston QB Peyton Manning was nice and rested after his week off and put up 20 points to lead the team. RB Willis McGahee (17) and WR Terrell Owens (16) also had big games for the Inferno, while Boston DL Jared Allen led the defense with 17. Four Greenville defenders were above a dozen points, including LB Ray Lewis with 15. QB Brian Griese led the Storm with 18 points. But bench QB Jay Cutler had 27 and would have won this game for Greenville. While the Cincinnati backs had a solid day, the best RB effort was left on the bench. Kenny Watson had 33 points go to waste this week, as either he or WR Roddy White (17) could have given the Keepers this game.
Anglia over Glasgow 129-119
Anglia over Chicago 129-93
All Anglia knows how to do is win football games. The majority might not agree with the team's roster decisions most of the time, but the fact is this Dark Knights team is now 7-3, two games up in the AFC South and in the midst of a three-game winning streak. DL Dwight Freeney scored a team-high 22 points after getting two sacks and forcing two fumbles. DL Jason Taylor returned a pick for a TD to finish with 12. RB Earnest Graham led the offense with 18 points and five other Dark Knight players had at least 11 points. Not all was great for Anglia: K Neil Rackers finished with -1 point, while LB Victor Hobson scored zero. Glasgow RB Larry Johnson notched a team-high 19 points and his running mate RB Joseph Addai was also in double digits. Glasgow QB Eli Manning fared well, throwing for two TDs and 15 points. Chicago really struggled with starting QB Vince Young hurt and not playing. RB LenDale White led the team with 18. LB David Thornton (11) and DB Michael Huff (10) were the only other Goodfellas with at least ten points.
Lower Saxony over California 138-125
Lower Saxony over Carson City 138-103
The Lower Saxony offense really showed up to play this week. Everyone on offense had at least nine points, with WR Laveranues Coles scoring 25 after catching two TDs to lead the group. QB Jeff Garcia added 21 with 316 passing yards while RB Brandon Jacobs ran for 17. WR Anquan Boldin led the pass-catchers with 14, with most of those points coming on two short TD grabs. The defense only combined for 37 points, with LB Paris Lenon (11) the only defender over eight. While Garcia had a great day and the Patriots scored a sweep, the two backup QBs actually outperformed the starter, with Chad Pennington throwing three TDs for 26 points and Ben Roethlisberger throwing four TDs for 31 points. The Carson City players were either really good or really bad. Five Bandits had at least a dozen points, with TE Heath Miller and LB DJ Williams each scoring a team-high 17 points. Every other Carson City player scored five points or less.
Fairfax over Austin 150-113
The Predators started Marc Bulger at QB and were completely underwhelmed by the results. As he's done all season, Bulger struggled throughout the game and posted several turnovers, something a healthy Marc Bulger doesn't do. The Austin QB finished with -1 point and was one of the main reasons the Predators suffered two losses this week. LBs Patrick Willis and Leroy Hill each had a team-high 13 points. DL Robert Mathis was almost as bad as Bulger and scored zero. Fairfax also received a solid game from RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who had 12 points, but Jones-Drew suffered an injury in the game and might be unavailable for a period of time.
Utica over Austin 127-113
Utica over Carson City 127-103
The Devils have risen from the dead and now sit at .500 after sweeping their games this week. Utica LB London Fletcher was outstanding, finishing with 27 points after returning an interception for a TD and totaling 13 tackles. Utica QB Tony Romo was solid with 15 points to lead the offense after passing for just one TD. A surprising facet of the Devils' two wins were the lack of WRs. Utica started three receivers that didn't score any points, which in most matchups would be recipe for failure. DLs Michael Strahan (13) and Tommie Harris (11) combined with Fletcher and DB Madieu Williams (11) to carry the offense to victories. And from the Just When Things Weren't Bad Enough Department: K Rob Bironas, he of the eight field goals, spent this Sunday on the Carson City bench.
Greenville over Chicago 131-93
Glasgow over Bertrand 119-88
Greenville and Glasgow ran into the two lowest point totals of the week en route to earning splits in Week 7. Rookie RB Marshawn Lynch led the Storm ground game with 15 points in this easy victory against a depleted Goodfellas team. Chicago could have started QB Kerry Collins, but in the grand scheme it wouldn't have made a difference. Three Glasgow defenders were in double-digits, led by LB Will Witherspoon's 13.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Week 7 Preview: Interconference Doubles!
The 7-1
Washington BRAVES
If there was ever a week to look forward to playing the Braves, this is it. Washington will be without leading scorer LaDanian Tomlinson, but QB Matt Hasselbeck has a cake matchup and a potential 30-point game on the horizon against the Rams. Andre Johnson and Terry Glenn still aren't ready to play though. While the Braves aren't a pushover by any means, they will be at least weakened this week. Washington faces New Mexico and California.
The 5-3s
Chicago GOODFELLAS
The Goodfellas might be in trouble this week. QB Vince Young, the only QB on the roster, is in danger of missing this week's game. RB Jamal Lewis and WR Braylon Edwards are off, as are three LBs including defensive leader Nick Barnett. Chicago will have to rely on questionable WR Plaxico Burress and one-point Hank Baskett. Chicago looks mighty vulnerable this week. Chicago faces Anglia and Greenville.
Anglia DARK KNIGHTS
Despite trading away their best players, the Dark Knights keep winning. Anglia sits in a tie for first in the AFC South. The bye week will be pretty kind to Anglia this week, with only their top DB missing among notable players and next-to-no injuries. The receiving trio of Jerricho Cotchery, Derrick Mason and Jason Witten should put up a lot of points as all have easy matchups. Anglia faces Chicago and Glasgow.
Austin PREDATORS
If Marvin Harrison is healthy enough to play, the Austin offense will be back to its original Week 1 lineup. Marc Bulger looks ready to get back on the field, and his matchup against Seattle is much easier than David Garrard's against the Colts. Recently-acquired QB Derek Anderson is off this week. Austin faces Fairfax and Utica.
Fairfax FOXES
The Foxes have amassed the same point total as the Predators and only two more than their other opponent. The Fairfax big trio of Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and Maurice Jones-Drew look back on track but face difficult opponents this week. The Foxes will only be without one notable player, DB Sean Jones. Fairfax faces AFC West co-leaders New Mexico and Austin.
New Mexico RAIDERS
The Raiders are one of the few teams to suffer big losses due to the bye week. Two of their three leading scores are off, QB Brett Favre and WR Steve Smith. The Raiders have great depth at WR and might be able to make do without Smith, but Trent Dilfer will have to start at QB if Alex Smith isn't ready. New Mexico will also be missing starting LB A.J. Hawk due to his bye and two of their four DBs due to injury. New Mexico faces Washington and Fairfax.
Cincinnati KEEPERS
The bye week will also be harsh for the Keepers. DeShawn Wynn is out, though Kevin Jones or possibly Kenny Watson will be a fine replacement. Unfortunately, starting QB Phillip Rivers is also off, and backup J.P. Losman has lost his job to a rookie. Thankfully for Cincinnati, that's all for off-week players and the team is relatively healthy, but they'll be hard-pressed to score without a QB. Cincinnati faces Halifax and Boston.
The 4-4s
Halifax ARMADA
The Armada will be without TE Kellen Winslow, WR Vincent Jackson, K Nate Keading and LB D'Qwell Jackson due to byes, but with Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson lighting up scoreboards, Halifax looks like the favorite in most matchups. Kaeding is the team's only kicker and Winslow is the team's leading pass-catcher, though the Armada has excellent depth in that area. Halifax faces Cincinnati and Bertrand.
Boston INFERNO
The Inferno have a few injuries on offense, with D.J. Hackett, Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris all hurt. Maroney looks like he might play this week, but if not, Boston will turn to Jerious Norwood, who comes off a good game last week. The Inferno will also be missing TE Antonio Gates but have great WR depth. Boston faces Cincinnati and Greenville.
Glasgow WARRIORS
The Warriors will be without their top DB Eric Wright, starting DL Julius Peppers and WR Chris Chambers, who moved on to bye-week San Diego in a trade this week. Without Chambers, the team will have to start Michael Jenkins. LB Adalius Thomas is banged up, but Glasgow has great LB depth, rostering six LBs with at least 40 points on the season. Glasgow faces Anglia and Bertrand.
The 3-5s
Lower Saxony PATRIOTS
The Patriots leading RB is off this week, and both of their other prominent RBs are in danger of missing this week's games due to injury. Brandon Jacobs has the best shot to play and will be the starter. Two Lower Saxony WRs are off, so the team will be counting on injured WRs Laveranues Coles and Anquan Boldin to play and play well this week. Luckily for the Patriots, they play the league's two lowest scoring teams. Lower Saxony faces California and Carson City.
Bertrand GROUND FORCE
The top player at each defensive position is off this week, so the depth of the Ground Force defense will be tested. DL will be a problem, with Raheem Brock forced into starting. Bertrand QB Carson Palmer has an excellent matchup against the Jets as does struggling RB Shaun Alexander, who faces the Rams. Those two will be leaned on heavily with the holes on defense. Bertrand faces Halifax and Glasgow.
Utica DEVILS
Tony Romo, the league's second-highest scorer, should feast on Minnesota's abysmal pass defense. Top WR Donald Driver and RB DeAngelo Williams are off and much of the rest of the offensve is banged up, so Romo will probably get the lion's share of offensive points. The secondary will be without Quentin Jammer, so Rashean Mathis will start as the third DB. Utica faces Austin and Carson City.
Greenville STORM
Brian Griese looked great last week, so the team will start him over Jay Cutler, who faces a great Pittsburgh defense this week. RB Thomas Jones has a fantastic matchup against Cincinnati and should lead the team in scoring. TE Todd Heap is hurt and will probably miss this week. Two DBs are off this week and LB Ray Lewis might miss the game due to injury. Greenville faces Chicago and Boston.
The 2-6
California XTREME
The Xtreme will only be missing one player because of the bye week, but Shawne Merriman is the second-best scorer on defense and will be missed. Drew Brees finally had a great week and the team looks to stick with him and hope the big numbers are the start of a trend. I wouldn't put it past the team to sneak in an upset this week, though they do have some tough opponents. California faces Washington and Lower Saxony.
The 1-7
Carson City BANDITS
Despite season-high production from Kyle Eckel and Ben Obomanu, the Bandits only scored 63 points last week and suffered their seventh straight loss. Travis Henry is back to right the ship, and QB Kurt Warner won't miss much time after being injured last week. Warner has a shot at playing in Week 7, though Carson City will go with the more-athletic Cleo Lemon. The Bandits are another team without their top DB this week. Carson City faces Lower Saxony and Utica.
Good luck!
Washington BRAVES
If there was ever a week to look forward to playing the Braves, this is it. Washington will be without leading scorer LaDanian Tomlinson, but QB Matt Hasselbeck has a cake matchup and a potential 30-point game on the horizon against the Rams. Andre Johnson and Terry Glenn still aren't ready to play though. While the Braves aren't a pushover by any means, they will be at least weakened this week. Washington faces New Mexico and California.
The 5-3s
Chicago GOODFELLAS
The Goodfellas might be in trouble this week. QB Vince Young, the only QB on the roster, is in danger of missing this week's game. RB Jamal Lewis and WR Braylon Edwards are off, as are three LBs including defensive leader Nick Barnett. Chicago will have to rely on questionable WR Plaxico Burress and one-point Hank Baskett. Chicago looks mighty vulnerable this week. Chicago faces Anglia and Greenville.
Anglia DARK KNIGHTS
Despite trading away their best players, the Dark Knights keep winning. Anglia sits in a tie for first in the AFC South. The bye week will be pretty kind to Anglia this week, with only their top DB missing among notable players and next-to-no injuries. The receiving trio of Jerricho Cotchery, Derrick Mason and Jason Witten should put up a lot of points as all have easy matchups. Anglia faces Chicago and Glasgow.
Austin PREDATORS
If Marvin Harrison is healthy enough to play, the Austin offense will be back to its original Week 1 lineup. Marc Bulger looks ready to get back on the field, and his matchup against Seattle is much easier than David Garrard's against the Colts. Recently-acquired QB Derek Anderson is off this week. Austin faces Fairfax and Utica.
Fairfax FOXES
The Foxes have amassed the same point total as the Predators and only two more than their other opponent. The Fairfax big trio of Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and Maurice Jones-Drew look back on track but face difficult opponents this week. The Foxes will only be without one notable player, DB Sean Jones. Fairfax faces AFC West co-leaders New Mexico and Austin.
New Mexico RAIDERS
The Raiders are one of the few teams to suffer big losses due to the bye week. Two of their three leading scores are off, QB Brett Favre and WR Steve Smith. The Raiders have great depth at WR and might be able to make do without Smith, but Trent Dilfer will have to start at QB if Alex Smith isn't ready. New Mexico will also be missing starting LB A.J. Hawk due to his bye and two of their four DBs due to injury. New Mexico faces Washington and Fairfax.
Cincinnati KEEPERS
The bye week will also be harsh for the Keepers. DeShawn Wynn is out, though Kevin Jones or possibly Kenny Watson will be a fine replacement. Unfortunately, starting QB Phillip Rivers is also off, and backup J.P. Losman has lost his job to a rookie. Thankfully for Cincinnati, that's all for off-week players and the team is relatively healthy, but they'll be hard-pressed to score without a QB. Cincinnati faces Halifax and Boston.
The 4-4s
Halifax ARMADA
The Armada will be without TE Kellen Winslow, WR Vincent Jackson, K Nate Keading and LB D'Qwell Jackson due to byes, but with Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson lighting up scoreboards, Halifax looks like the favorite in most matchups. Kaeding is the team's only kicker and Winslow is the team's leading pass-catcher, though the Armada has excellent depth in that area. Halifax faces Cincinnati and Bertrand.
Boston INFERNO
The Inferno have a few injuries on offense, with D.J. Hackett, Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris all hurt. Maroney looks like he might play this week, but if not, Boston will turn to Jerious Norwood, who comes off a good game last week. The Inferno will also be missing TE Antonio Gates but have great WR depth. Boston faces Cincinnati and Greenville.
Glasgow WARRIORS
The Warriors will be without their top DB Eric Wright, starting DL Julius Peppers and WR Chris Chambers, who moved on to bye-week San Diego in a trade this week. Without Chambers, the team will have to start Michael Jenkins. LB Adalius Thomas is banged up, but Glasgow has great LB depth, rostering six LBs with at least 40 points on the season. Glasgow faces Anglia and Bertrand.
The 3-5s
Lower Saxony PATRIOTS
The Patriots leading RB is off this week, and both of their other prominent RBs are in danger of missing this week's games due to injury. Brandon Jacobs has the best shot to play and will be the starter. Two Lower Saxony WRs are off, so the team will be counting on injured WRs Laveranues Coles and Anquan Boldin to play and play well this week. Luckily for the Patriots, they play the league's two lowest scoring teams. Lower Saxony faces California and Carson City.
Bertrand GROUND FORCE
The top player at each defensive position is off this week, so the depth of the Ground Force defense will be tested. DL will be a problem, with Raheem Brock forced into starting. Bertrand QB Carson Palmer has an excellent matchup against the Jets as does struggling RB Shaun Alexander, who faces the Rams. Those two will be leaned on heavily with the holes on defense. Bertrand faces Halifax and Glasgow.
Utica DEVILS
Tony Romo, the league's second-highest scorer, should feast on Minnesota's abysmal pass defense. Top WR Donald Driver and RB DeAngelo Williams are off and much of the rest of the offensve is banged up, so Romo will probably get the lion's share of offensive points. The secondary will be without Quentin Jammer, so Rashean Mathis will start as the third DB. Utica faces Austin and Carson City.
Greenville STORM
Brian Griese looked great last week, so the team will start him over Jay Cutler, who faces a great Pittsburgh defense this week. RB Thomas Jones has a fantastic matchup against Cincinnati and should lead the team in scoring. TE Todd Heap is hurt and will probably miss this week. Two DBs are off this week and LB Ray Lewis might miss the game due to injury. Greenville faces Chicago and Boston.
The 2-6
California XTREME
The Xtreme will only be missing one player because of the bye week, but Shawne Merriman is the second-best scorer on defense and will be missed. Drew Brees finally had a great week and the team looks to stick with him and hope the big numbers are the start of a trend. I wouldn't put it past the team to sneak in an upset this week, though they do have some tough opponents. California faces Washington and Lower Saxony.
The 1-7
Carson City BANDITS
Despite season-high production from Kyle Eckel and Ben Obomanu, the Bandits only scored 63 points last week and suffered their seventh straight loss. Travis Henry is back to right the ship, and QB Kurt Warner won't miss much time after being injured last week. Warner has a shot at playing in Week 7, though Carson City will go with the more-athletic Cleo Lemon. The Bandits are another team without their top DB this week. Carson City faces Lower Saxony and Utica.
Good luck!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
AFC South Nail-Biters in Week 6
Two games this week came down to a couple points, both occurring in the AFC South:
Anglia 136, Cincinnati 135
The Keepers entered Monday night only seven points behind the Dark Knights with WR Roddy White to play. White notched for 64 yards, giving him six points and leaving Cincinnati one point behind Anglia, putting the two teams in a tie for first place in the division. The other two Cincinnati WRs combined for 44 points and LB DeMarcus Ware scored 14 to lead the defense. The player of the game for Anglia was QB Derek Anderson, who scored 34 points after having a part in four TDs. Anderson was shipped to the Austin Predators after the game for a draft pick.
Greenville 124, Bertrand 122
Much like the game above, Bertrand entered the Monday night game within striking distance of Greenville, facing a five-point deficit with DB Gibril Wilson to play. Wilson could only manage three tackles, which left the Ground Force two points shy of a comeback. QB Carson Palmer led the Ground Force with 18 points and DL Aaron Kampman led the Bertrand defense with 17. The Greenville pass-catchers struggled mightily, with all four of them combining for six points. The two players that led the Storm to victory were QB Brian Griese with 27 and DB Charles Woodson with 20.
Halifax 183, Chicago 119
The Armada was the beneficiary of two huge games in their blowout victory over Chicago. The point totals were so huge that if you took the QB and one RB from each side, Chicago would have won the game. Halfax QB Tom Brady continued his amazing season with 43 points, which was 43 more than Chicago QB Vince Young had. Halifax rookie sensation RB Adrian Peterson broke off three long TDs to score 40 points. Chicago's leading points scorer was WR Braylon Edwards, who scored three TDs as well and ended the game with 24 points.
Washington 159, Utica 110
We had one more huge individual effort this week, and it came from reigning Offensive Player of the Year LaDanian Tomlinson. The Washington RB had four TDs and scored 44 points to lead his team to an easy victory. Braves QB Matt Hasselbeck had an excellent game as well, scoring 25, and LB Shaun Phillips led the defense with 21. The Utica offense had a hard time scoring outside of QB Tony Romo, who finished with 17 points. The other five offensive players combined for ten points. DB DeAngelo Hall was the star on defense with 23.
Glasgow 136, Boston 106
With a lot of players missing with a Week 6 bye, Boston predictably struggled to score points, getting a zero from the QB position and one of the WRs. That said, Glasgow still had to play well to beat the Inferno, and with QB Eli Manning and RBs Larry Johnson and Edgerrin James all with 14 points or more, they did just that. Glasgow DB Sean Taylor led all players in this game with 23 points after nabbing two interceptions and forcing a fumble. Still, the Warriors left a lot of points on the bench, with DL Julius Peppers getting 1.5 sacks and 25 points.
Fairfax 144, Lower Saxony 85
Bad day to be a Lower Saxony fan as seven Patriots scored two points or less and the Foxes rolled all over the defending NFC champion. Faifax only had six players score under eight points, including all three WRs. The RBs made up for that, with Maurice Jones-Drew scoring 29 to lead the team and Brian Westbrook adding 15. Fairfax QB Donovan McNabb also had 15, as did LB Thomas Howard, who led the Foxes defense. Three Lower Saxony players were in double digits, led by QB Jeff Garcia's 16. LB Barrett Rudd and DB Darrelle Revis each had 11.
Austin 146, California 105
California finally got a great game from Drew Brees and Donte Stallworth, but it was all for naught as they fell to the Predators this week. Brees led the team with 21 points on the strength of two TDs and no interceptions. Stallworth had 136 yards and finished with 19 points. Xtreme LB Shawne Merriman notched 2.5 sacks and led the defense with 18. Austin was without RB Willie Parker and his substitute only scored two points. The rest of the offense was fantastic, with QB David Garrard and TE Tony Gonzalez each scoring 22 to lead the team.
New Mexico 102, Carson City 63
In what can only be described as the ugliest game of the year, the Raiders came away with a convincing victory over the Bandits, who scored an NFFL-low 63 points. Acutally, it could have been much worse for the Bandits if not for RB Kyle Eckel's garbage time TD and Ben Obomanu's career-high 13-point game. Carson City DB Leigh Bodden was the star on defense with 13. Raiders WR Steve Smith led all players in this game with 20 while LB A.J. Hawk led the defense with 16. WR Santana Moss scored -2 and is one of the favorites for Dud of the Week.
Anglia 136, Cincinnati 135
The Keepers entered Monday night only seven points behind the Dark Knights with WR Roddy White to play. White notched for 64 yards, giving him six points and leaving Cincinnati one point behind Anglia, putting the two teams in a tie for first place in the division. The other two Cincinnati WRs combined for 44 points and LB DeMarcus Ware scored 14 to lead the defense. The player of the game for Anglia was QB Derek Anderson, who scored 34 points after having a part in four TDs. Anderson was shipped to the Austin Predators after the game for a draft pick.
Greenville 124, Bertrand 122
Much like the game above, Bertrand entered the Monday night game within striking distance of Greenville, facing a five-point deficit with DB Gibril Wilson to play. Wilson could only manage three tackles, which left the Ground Force two points shy of a comeback. QB Carson Palmer led the Ground Force with 18 points and DL Aaron Kampman led the Bertrand defense with 17. The Greenville pass-catchers struggled mightily, with all four of them combining for six points. The two players that led the Storm to victory were QB Brian Griese with 27 and DB Charles Woodson with 20.
Halifax 183, Chicago 119
The Armada was the beneficiary of two huge games in their blowout victory over Chicago. The point totals were so huge that if you took the QB and one RB from each side, Chicago would have won the game. Halfax QB Tom Brady continued his amazing season with 43 points, which was 43 more than Chicago QB Vince Young had. Halifax rookie sensation RB Adrian Peterson broke off three long TDs to score 40 points. Chicago's leading points scorer was WR Braylon Edwards, who scored three TDs as well and ended the game with 24 points.
Washington 159, Utica 110
We had one more huge individual effort this week, and it came from reigning Offensive Player of the Year LaDanian Tomlinson. The Washington RB had four TDs and scored 44 points to lead his team to an easy victory. Braves QB Matt Hasselbeck had an excellent game as well, scoring 25, and LB Shaun Phillips led the defense with 21. The Utica offense had a hard time scoring outside of QB Tony Romo, who finished with 17 points. The other five offensive players combined for ten points. DB DeAngelo Hall was the star on defense with 23.
Glasgow 136, Boston 106
With a lot of players missing with a Week 6 bye, Boston predictably struggled to score points, getting a zero from the QB position and one of the WRs. That said, Glasgow still had to play well to beat the Inferno, and with QB Eli Manning and RBs Larry Johnson and Edgerrin James all with 14 points or more, they did just that. Glasgow DB Sean Taylor led all players in this game with 23 points after nabbing two interceptions and forcing a fumble. Still, the Warriors left a lot of points on the bench, with DL Julius Peppers getting 1.5 sacks and 25 points.
Fairfax 144, Lower Saxony 85
Bad day to be a Lower Saxony fan as seven Patriots scored two points or less and the Foxes rolled all over the defending NFC champion. Faifax only had six players score under eight points, including all three WRs. The RBs made up for that, with Maurice Jones-Drew scoring 29 to lead the team and Brian Westbrook adding 15. Fairfax QB Donovan McNabb also had 15, as did LB Thomas Howard, who led the Foxes defense. Three Lower Saxony players were in double digits, led by QB Jeff Garcia's 16. LB Barrett Rudd and DB Darrelle Revis each had 11.
Austin 146, California 105
California finally got a great game from Drew Brees and Donte Stallworth, but it was all for naught as they fell to the Predators this week. Brees led the team with 21 points on the strength of two TDs and no interceptions. Stallworth had 136 yards and finished with 19 points. Xtreme LB Shawne Merriman notched 2.5 sacks and led the defense with 18. Austin was without RB Willie Parker and his substitute only scored two points. The rest of the offense was fantastic, with QB David Garrard and TE Tony Gonzalez each scoring 22 to lead the team.
New Mexico 102, Carson City 63
In what can only be described as the ugliest game of the year, the Raiders came away with a convincing victory over the Bandits, who scored an NFFL-low 63 points. Acutally, it could have been much worse for the Bandits if not for RB Kyle Eckel's garbage time TD and Ben Obomanu's career-high 13-point game. Carson City DB Leigh Bodden was the star on defense with 13. Raiders WR Steve Smith led all players in this game with 20 while LB A.J. Hawk led the defense with 16. WR Santana Moss scored -2 and is one of the favorites for Dud of the Week.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Week 6 Preview: Better Late Than Never!
Cincinnati (5-2) vs. Anglia (4-3)
This is the only matchup this week that pits the top two teams in a division against each other. Cincinnati hopes that Kenny Watson gets most of the Bengals carries. The Dark Knights need a positive contribution from Earnest Graham from here on out.
Chicago (5-2) vs. Halifax (3-4)
Halifax's offense, featuring Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, and Larry Fitzgerald, should again be a high-scoring force. Chicago sends a none-too-scary RB tandem of Jason Wright and Lendale White into battle, though Wright has a good matchup.
Austin (4-3) vs. California (2-5)
Austin rides in high after a sweep in Week 5 against two very good teams but is decimated by the bye. If Joe Jurevicius can't play, the Predators will be forced to start Jesse Chatman. California's Drew Brees has to break out sooner or later.
Fairfax (4-3) vs. Lower Saxony (3-4)
This should be an exciting one. Fairfax's Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are back and face an easy Jets defense. Lower Saxony's chances might rest on the health of Rudi Johnson and/or a big game from the Patriot defense.
New Mexico (4-3) vs. Carson City (1-6)
Losing six of the first seven has caused the Bandits to make some wholesale changes to the team. The Carson City offense features Kyle Eckel, Kenneth Darby, Ben Obomanu, Chris Henry, and Ted Ginn Jr. Think someone's playing for 2008? Or 2011?
Boston (4-3) vs. Glasgow (3-4)
Boston's Peyton Manning is on a bye, leaving him vulnerable. Kellen Clemens might get some action against Philly so he should be the starter for the Inferno. The Inferno will be down a WR too, leaving Glasgow as the favorite this week.
Bertrand (3-4) vs. Greenville (2-5)
The only Week 6 game featuring two teams with losing records, this one could actually be one of the high-scoring contests this week. Both defenses should pile up points, but Bertrand's Carson Palmer gives the team a big edge.
Washington (6-1) vs. Utica (3-4)
Washington should get several big games this week from Matt Hasselbeck, Bobby Engram, Chad Johnson and, of course LaDanian Tomlinson. We know Utica's Tony Romo can score, but the rest of the Devils might have a problem keeping up with the league's best team.
This is the only matchup this week that pits the top two teams in a division against each other. Cincinnati hopes that Kenny Watson gets most of the Bengals carries. The Dark Knights need a positive contribution from Earnest Graham from here on out.
Chicago (5-2) vs. Halifax (3-4)
Halifax's offense, featuring Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, and Larry Fitzgerald, should again be a high-scoring force. Chicago sends a none-too-scary RB tandem of Jason Wright and Lendale White into battle, though Wright has a good matchup.
Austin (4-3) vs. California (2-5)
Austin rides in high after a sweep in Week 5 against two very good teams but is decimated by the bye. If Joe Jurevicius can't play, the Predators will be forced to start Jesse Chatman. California's Drew Brees has to break out sooner or later.
Fairfax (4-3) vs. Lower Saxony (3-4)
This should be an exciting one. Fairfax's Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are back and face an easy Jets defense. Lower Saxony's chances might rest on the health of Rudi Johnson and/or a big game from the Patriot defense.
New Mexico (4-3) vs. Carson City (1-6)
Losing six of the first seven has caused the Bandits to make some wholesale changes to the team. The Carson City offense features Kyle Eckel, Kenneth Darby, Ben Obomanu, Chris Henry, and Ted Ginn Jr. Think someone's playing for 2008? Or 2011?
Boston (4-3) vs. Glasgow (3-4)
Boston's Peyton Manning is on a bye, leaving him vulnerable. Kellen Clemens might get some action against Philly so he should be the starter for the Inferno. The Inferno will be down a WR too, leaving Glasgow as the favorite this week.
Bertrand (3-4) vs. Greenville (2-5)
The only Week 6 game featuring two teams with losing records, this one could actually be one of the high-scoring contests this week. Both defenses should pile up points, but Bertrand's Carson Palmer gives the team a big edge.
Washington (6-1) vs. Utica (3-4)
Washington should get several big games this week from Matt Hasselbeck, Bobby Engram, Chad Johnson and, of course LaDanian Tomlinson. We know Utica's Tony Romo can score, but the rest of the Devils might have a problem keeping up with the league's best team.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Second Doubleheader in the Books
The WINNERS
Halifax Armada - 188 points
After five games, the Armada sported a 1-4 record despite scoring the second most points in the NFFL. Well, they made sure their bad luck wouldn't continue this week by securing the high score of the week, outscoring the #2 team by 44 points. The RB-2WR-2TE offense was a success, and all offensive players scored eight or more points, led by QB Tom Brady's 28. DB Kerry Rhodes led the defense with 23, but the spectacular play of the defensive line was the story on that side of the ball, with DLs Andre Carter and Will Smith combining for 33 points.
Cincinnati Keepers - 144 points
Not only were the Keepers the only AFC South team to secure a sweep this week, they were the only team in their division not to get swept, resulting in Cincinnati's leap to the top of the division standings. QB Phillip Rivers led the team with 28 points. The LB corps played very well, with three players in double digits including two with at least 17 points. The Keepers could have scored even more points; their leading rusher was bench RB DeShawn Wynn.
Boston Inferno - 142 points
A Week 5 sweep allowed the Inferno to gain a game on their division's leader, and Boston played well as a team. Only five Boston players scored less than nine points. QB Peyton Manning led the team with 20 and TE Antonio Gates added 18. Both RBs, both DLs, and two LBs also were in double digits. What was surprising was the lack of production at WR; Terrell Owens and Roy Williams combined for five points. That's not going to happen too many weeks.
Utica Devils - 131 points
Mired in a season-long slump, the Devils needed a big game this week to turn around their season, and a big game is exactly what they got. Despite QB Tony Romo's five interceptions and three zeroes from Utica players, Utica pulled off a sweep that included a four-point victory over the AFC West-leading New Mexico Raiders. The defense gets the game ball; four Utica defenders scored 13 points or more, including Michael Boley's team-leading 21. No Utica offensive players topped Tony Romo's 12.
Austin Predators - 130 points
The Predators had one of the toughest doubleheaders in the league, facing undefeated Washington and defending NFC-champion Lower Saxony. But thanks to a few breaks, Austin swept the contests and moved back into a tie for first in the AFC West. RB Ronnie Brown continues to lead all RBs in points, scoring 20 this week. New starting QB David Garrard turned in a solid 14. K Nick Folk had a big Monday night and scored 13. Rookie LB Patrick Willis was the only defender to top 10 points and is leading the Defensive RoY race.
Fairfax Foxes - 106 points
The Foxes struggled to score points this week with QB Donovan McNabb and RB Brian Westbrook out, but often in the NFFL it's as much who you play as how you play. Neither of Fairfax's opponents reached triple digits, providing the Foxes with a sweep in Week 5. RBs Maurice Jones-Drew (17) and Brian Leonard (13) led the team in scoring. K Stephen Gostkowski and LB Bart Scott scored 10 and were the only other players in double digits. QB Trent Edwards got the start in McNabb's absence and scored five.
The LOSERS
Anglia Dark Knights - 132 points
This was definitely not the week to be a Dark Knight fan. Despite scoring a bunch of points, Anglia caught a little bit of the Halifax syndrome, losing both games to teams that had monster weeks (ironically, one of those teams was Halifax). The defense played well, four players scoring in double digits. LB Will Witherspoon led the team with 22 and DL Jason Taylor added 18. QB Jon Kitna was the main culprit, turning in a zero.
Lower Saxony Patriots - 111 points
Losing WR Santonio Holmes during warmups definitely hurt the Patriots and set the tone for the weekend. Beside K Kris Wilson leading the team with 16 points (and it's never good when a kicker leads a team in scoring), none of the players played all too well. QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Greg Jennings were solid, scoring 14 points each. LB Barrett Ruud led the defense with 11. No one stepped up with a big game though, something the Patriots have relied on coming from the rushing attack in the past.
Carson City Bandits - 99 points
The Bandits sink further into the depths of the AFC basement after being swept in Week 5. The two TEs played fantastically, with Ben Watson scoring 23 to lead the team and Heath Miller adding 10. The other four players on offense combined for five points and were largely responsible for the loss. The Bandits also learned that QB Matt Leinart would be lost for the season. DB Ike Taylor had a great day, scoring 17 in the losses.
Bertrand Ground Force - 97 points
The Ground Force was another team without a lot of firepower this week. WR Patrick Crayton led the team with 13 points, and only two other players scored as many as 10 points. The other two WRs scored zeroes this week. RB Shaun Alexander also played poorly, scoring two. Bench RB Kenton Keith would have won one game for Betrand if he had started, as the backup scored 27 points on the bench. Two backup pass-catchers were also in double digits, meaning Bertrand left a lot on the bench this week.
California Xtreme - 87 points
The Xtreme failed to reach the 100-point plateau again this week, with a majority of the players scoring five points or less. WR Donte Stallworth led the team with 13 and DB Michael Lewis had the most points on defense with 10. QB Drew Brees continues to fail to justify his record contract; he scored only six points against a poor secondary. Backup Jason Campbell is clearly the better QB at this point. RB Reuben Droughns, WR Brandon Stokley and DL Alex Brown only scored a point each.
Greenville Storm - 85 points
The Storm had the worst week of any team in this doubleheader, and the blame can be placed on almost the entire team's shoulders. Only LB Julian Peterson with 14 points scored in double digits. One other player had nine points (RB Marshawn Lynch) and one other player had eight points (LB Ernie Sims). WR Mark Clayton and TE Todd Heap were both shut out. It might be time to give up
on Clayton. Backups Brian Griese (18) and Richard Marshall (15) both did well on the bench and might get to start in the future.
The SPLITS
New Mexico Raiders - 127 points
The Raiders really underperformed on offense and it led to the team getting only one win this week. RBs Frank Gore and Clinton Portis combined for only 13 while WR Randy Moss scored four, his first bad game this year. QB Brett Favre (14) and Steve Smith (10) were the only decent offensive players. In fact, the Raiders might have been swept if not for the stellar play of the secondary. Both Carlos Rogers and Aaron Ross returned interceptions for TDs and combined for 42 points. Ross had two interceptions in his game.
Washington Braves - 122 points
The winning streak is over for the Braves but by getting one win the Braves still have the best record in the NFFL at 6-1. RB LaDanian Tomlinson and TE Dallas Clark both scored in double digits while the rest of the offense combined for 11 points. The defense played very well, four players scoring at least a dozen points. QB Matt Hasselbeck had a very bad game and scored only two points, but with a primetime game against New Orleans on tap for next week he should turn it around quickly.
Chicago Goodfellas - 112 points
The Goodfellas still lead the division but two NFC North teams gained a game after Chicago only managed a split in Week 5. This was another team that had lots of problems on offense mixed with a great effort from the defense. WRs Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards combined for 29 points; the other four members of the offense combined for five points. The RBs scored one each. However, each of the three LBs scored 15 points while DB Charles Tillman returned to the lineup to score a dozen.
Glasgow Warriors - 108 points
Glasgow was the other team to end the day with one win and one loss, and the loss caused them to slip into a tie for last in the division, two games behind Chicago. QB Eli Manning led the team with 18 and WR Torry Holt scored 16. RB Edgerrin James was decent with eight points. The other three Warrior offensive players had one point each, and that includes former workhorse RB Larry Johnson. LB Jarret Johnson led the defense with a dozen.
Congrats to the winners! To everyone else, it's time to step it up! Next week marks the halfway point of the season and a few more off weeks could have you on the outside looking in.
Halifax Armada - 188 points
After five games, the Armada sported a 1-4 record despite scoring the second most points in the NFFL. Well, they made sure their bad luck wouldn't continue this week by securing the high score of the week, outscoring the #2 team by 44 points. The RB-2WR-2TE offense was a success, and all offensive players scored eight or more points, led by QB Tom Brady's 28. DB Kerry Rhodes led the defense with 23, but the spectacular play of the defensive line was the story on that side of the ball, with DLs Andre Carter and Will Smith combining for 33 points.
Cincinnati Keepers - 144 points
Not only were the Keepers the only AFC South team to secure a sweep this week, they were the only team in their division not to get swept, resulting in Cincinnati's leap to the top of the division standings. QB Phillip Rivers led the team with 28 points. The LB corps played very well, with three players in double digits including two with at least 17 points. The Keepers could have scored even more points; their leading rusher was bench RB DeShawn Wynn.
Boston Inferno - 142 points
A Week 5 sweep allowed the Inferno to gain a game on their division's leader, and Boston played well as a team. Only five Boston players scored less than nine points. QB Peyton Manning led the team with 20 and TE Antonio Gates added 18. Both RBs, both DLs, and two LBs also were in double digits. What was surprising was the lack of production at WR; Terrell Owens and Roy Williams combined for five points. That's not going to happen too many weeks.
Utica Devils - 131 points
Mired in a season-long slump, the Devils needed a big game this week to turn around their season, and a big game is exactly what they got. Despite QB Tony Romo's five interceptions and three zeroes from Utica players, Utica pulled off a sweep that included a four-point victory over the AFC West-leading New Mexico Raiders. The defense gets the game ball; four Utica defenders scored 13 points or more, including Michael Boley's team-leading 21. No Utica offensive players topped Tony Romo's 12.
Austin Predators - 130 points
The Predators had one of the toughest doubleheaders in the league, facing undefeated Washington and defending NFC-champion Lower Saxony. But thanks to a few breaks, Austin swept the contests and moved back into a tie for first in the AFC West. RB Ronnie Brown continues to lead all RBs in points, scoring 20 this week. New starting QB David Garrard turned in a solid 14. K Nick Folk had a big Monday night and scored 13. Rookie LB Patrick Willis was the only defender to top 10 points and is leading the Defensive RoY race.
Fairfax Foxes - 106 points
The Foxes struggled to score points this week with QB Donovan McNabb and RB Brian Westbrook out, but often in the NFFL it's as much who you play as how you play. Neither of Fairfax's opponents reached triple digits, providing the Foxes with a sweep in Week 5. RBs Maurice Jones-Drew (17) and Brian Leonard (13) led the team in scoring. K Stephen Gostkowski and LB Bart Scott scored 10 and were the only other players in double digits. QB Trent Edwards got the start in McNabb's absence and scored five.
The LOSERS
Anglia Dark Knights - 132 points
This was definitely not the week to be a Dark Knight fan. Despite scoring a bunch of points, Anglia caught a little bit of the Halifax syndrome, losing both games to teams that had monster weeks (ironically, one of those teams was Halifax). The defense played well, four players scoring in double digits. LB Will Witherspoon led the team with 22 and DL Jason Taylor added 18. QB Jon Kitna was the main culprit, turning in a zero.
Lower Saxony Patriots - 111 points
Losing WR Santonio Holmes during warmups definitely hurt the Patriots and set the tone for the weekend. Beside K Kris Wilson leading the team with 16 points (and it's never good when a kicker leads a team in scoring), none of the players played all too well. QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Greg Jennings were solid, scoring 14 points each. LB Barrett Ruud led the defense with 11. No one stepped up with a big game though, something the Patriots have relied on coming from the rushing attack in the past.
Carson City Bandits - 99 points
The Bandits sink further into the depths of the AFC basement after being swept in Week 5. The two TEs played fantastically, with Ben Watson scoring 23 to lead the team and Heath Miller adding 10. The other four players on offense combined for five points and were largely responsible for the loss. The Bandits also learned that QB Matt Leinart would be lost for the season. DB Ike Taylor had a great day, scoring 17 in the losses.
Bertrand Ground Force - 97 points
The Ground Force was another team without a lot of firepower this week. WR Patrick Crayton led the team with 13 points, and only two other players scored as many as 10 points. The other two WRs scored zeroes this week. RB Shaun Alexander also played poorly, scoring two. Bench RB Kenton Keith would have won one game for Betrand if he had started, as the backup scored 27 points on the bench. Two backup pass-catchers were also in double digits, meaning Bertrand left a lot on the bench this week.
California Xtreme - 87 points
The Xtreme failed to reach the 100-point plateau again this week, with a majority of the players scoring five points or less. WR Donte Stallworth led the team with 13 and DB Michael Lewis had the most points on defense with 10. QB Drew Brees continues to fail to justify his record contract; he scored only six points against a poor secondary. Backup Jason Campbell is clearly the better QB at this point. RB Reuben Droughns, WR Brandon Stokley and DL Alex Brown only scored a point each.
Greenville Storm - 85 points
The Storm had the worst week of any team in this doubleheader, and the blame can be placed on almost the entire team's shoulders. Only LB Julian Peterson with 14 points scored in double digits. One other player had nine points (RB Marshawn Lynch) and one other player had eight points (LB Ernie Sims). WR Mark Clayton and TE Todd Heap were both shut out. It might be time to give up
on Clayton. Backups Brian Griese (18) and Richard Marshall (15) both did well on the bench and might get to start in the future.
The SPLITS
New Mexico Raiders - 127 points
The Raiders really underperformed on offense and it led to the team getting only one win this week. RBs Frank Gore and Clinton Portis combined for only 13 while WR Randy Moss scored four, his first bad game this year. QB Brett Favre (14) and Steve Smith (10) were the only decent offensive players. In fact, the Raiders might have been swept if not for the stellar play of the secondary. Both Carlos Rogers and Aaron Ross returned interceptions for TDs and combined for 42 points. Ross had two interceptions in his game.
Washington Braves - 122 points
The winning streak is over for the Braves but by getting one win the Braves still have the best record in the NFFL at 6-1. RB LaDanian Tomlinson and TE Dallas Clark both scored in double digits while the rest of the offense combined for 11 points. The defense played very well, four players scoring at least a dozen points. QB Matt Hasselbeck had a very bad game and scored only two points, but with a primetime game against New Orleans on tap for next week he should turn it around quickly.
Chicago Goodfellas - 112 points
The Goodfellas still lead the division but two NFC North teams gained a game after Chicago only managed a split in Week 5. This was another team that had lots of problems on offense mixed with a great effort from the defense. WRs Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards combined for 29 points; the other four members of the offense combined for five points. The RBs scored one each. However, each of the three LBs scored 15 points while DB Charles Tillman returned to the lineup to score a dozen.
Glasgow Warriors - 108 points
Glasgow was the other team to end the day with one win and one loss, and the loss caused them to slip into a tie for last in the division, two games behind Chicago. QB Eli Manning led the team with 18 and WR Torry Holt scored 16. RB Edgerrin James was decent with eight points. The other three Warrior offensive players had one point each, and that includes former workhorse RB Larry Johnson. LB Jarret Johnson led the defense with a dozen.
Congrats to the winners! To everyone else, it's time to step it up! Next week marks the halfway point of the season and a few more off weeks could have you on the outside looking in.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Week 5 Preview: The Second Doubleheader
Let's attack Week 5 with a different format:
AFC South
Anglia (4-1)
The Dark Knights enter Week 5 on a three-game winning streak, having swept their first doubleheader and defeated Austin in Week 4. The bad news is that Anglia might be without Travis Henry for the rest of the year, Henry having apparently failed another drug test. After trading away Frank Gore, this news would be doubly disastrous for the Dark Knights, who would then be forced into a rotation with Fred Taylor, Warrick Dunn and Earnest Graham. QB Jon Kitna will need to continue averaging 20 points per game to keep the offense afloat. WR Derrick Mason has been limited in practice and could be a late scratch. DL Jason Taylor needs to find the spark he had in 2006. Anglia faces Boston (2-3) and Halifax (1-4) this week.
Bertrand (3-2)
A slow start has the Ground Force sitting out of first place, a rarity for the franchise, but a sweep this week should give them at worst a tie atop the division. Unfortunately, leading point-scorer Carson Palmer is off this week and the team is forced to start Steve McNair at QB. RB Shaun Alexander has a tough match against the Steelers, but it looks like Ron Dayne will start again against Dolphins, which should lead to a double-digit performance provided the team doesn't call too many outside pitches this week. Besides Palmer, the rest of the team remains intact this week, and we should get our first look at DB Atari Bigby, whom the Ground Force signed this week. Bertrand faces Chicago (4-1) and Boston (2-3).
Cincinnati (3-2)
For those who don't know, the Keepers currently carry nine RBs on the roster. This means Cincinnati has had to sacrifice depth at other positions, and even in a week where only four teams are on bye, this Cincinnati squad is having to dig deep on their rosters to find a starting lineup. Luckily, injury hasn't struck the team fatally. At WR, the Keepers will be without their top two performers, instead starting Brandon Marshall, Roddy White and Devery Henderson, the last of whom only has four points this season. At DB, the Keepers will have to hope Rodney Harrison is on the top of his game returning from suspension. Cincinnati faces Chicago (4-1) and Glasgow (2-3).
Greenville (2-3)
Greenville rolls into the Week 5 doubleheader almost completely healthy, with DB Daneil Bullocks on the IR and only TE Todd Heap and DL Kalimba Edwards threats to miss the game. However, Heap is the team's best receiver after four weeks and losing him would make sweeping the doubleheader nearly impossible. Only one other Storm WR has as many as 20 points, so the running game, Thomas Jones and Marshawn Lynch, will be relied on heavily. The Greenville LB corps has been fantastic to this point, with Julian Peterson leading the team by scoring 60 points. Big days from all four Storm LBs will be essential to the team's success. Greenville faces Glasgow (2-3) and Halifax (1-4).
AFC West
New Mexico (3-2)
The AFC's leading point scorer, New Mexico will look to extend their lead in the AFC West in Week 5's doubleheader. WRs Santana Moss and Hines Ward will miss the game and Jerry Porter is off this week. That leaves Roscoe Parrish to join Randy Moss and Steve Smith in the starting lineup. Parrish will actually see his role increase in Buffalo due to the injury to Peerless Price. Only one starting defender has more than 21 points. New Mexico will be without LB Kirk Morrison due to his off week. The secondary has been hit the hardest though. With the top DB injured and the next two DBs off, the Raiders will start Carlos Rogers and Aaron Ross, who have combined for 31 points thus far. New Mexico faces Lower Saxony (3-2) and Utica (1-4).
Austin (2-3)
After a strong start, the Predators have been in a freefall heading into a difficult Week 5 doubleheader. Both Austin and St. Louis have benched Marc Bulger, though instead of Gus Frerotte Austin will turn to David Garrard fresh off his bye. Ronnie Brown has went from the trading block to the top RB in the league in four weeks time. He'll face an improved Texans defense. Marvin Harrison looks like he'll miss this game, so the team will have to decide between Joe Jurevicius and Arnaz Battle to play alongside Joey Galloway and Tony Gonzalez. Luckily for Austin, the team might be getting back LBs Zach Thomas and Matt Wilhelm. Thomas in particular would be a huge boost to the defense. Austin faces Washington (5-0) and Lower Saxony (3-2).
California (2-3)
The Xtreme head into this week's doubleheader fresh off a seven-point win in Week 4 that took them out of the AFC West basement into a tie for second. QB Drew Brees should explode after having a week off against a bad Carolina secondary. With the top WR on the team off this week, California will be forced to start Bryant Johnson and a questionable Donte Stallworth. Brandon Stokley will see an increased role this week due to Javon Walker's injury. The only kicker on roster has a bye, as does starting DL Mike Patterson and top DB Darren Sharper. The Xtreme have struggled to score points this season, and with so many people off it looks like this week will be difficult for the team as well. California faces Fairfax (2-3) and Utica (1-4).
Carson City (1-4)
Losers of four straight, the Bandits look to be in selling mode. With the increased competitiveness of the AFC South, it will be difficult for Carson City to rebound and earn a playoff spot. QB Matt Leinart gets another start and has a great matchup. Unfortunately, he hasn't been playing all of every game, with Arizona rotating Kurt Warner in in certain situations. The Bandits might want to look to Trent Green until Leinart starts getting all the snaps. Franchise Player Javon Walker will miss this week due to injury. The team will line up with two TEs, Heath Miller and Ben Watson, each having scored 24 points this year. The team is leaning toward starting Aaron Stecker as the lone RB over Tatum Bell. Carson City faces Washington (5-0) and Fairfax (2-3).
NFC East
Washington (5-0)
The league's top team will face a couple teams on the downslope this week, giving the Braves a great shot at starting the season 7-0. Four players on the Washington offense have scored over 60 points, and only one will be off this week. Without Chad Johnson (bye) and Andre Johnson (injury), Washington will start newly-signed Reggie Williams along with Bobby Engram and TE Dallas Clark. DL Osi Umenyiora is questionable and his absence would mean the Braves only have one DL playing this week. Top DB Bob Sanders is also questionable; if he can't go, Washington would lose another couple points this week switching to Antonie Bethea or Kenoy Kennedy. Washington faces Austin (2-3) and Carson City (1-4).
Lower Saxony (3-2)
Lower Saxony will get a rematch of each of the first two NFFL Bowls in Week 5, facing the AFC's top team of 2005 and 2006. With QBs Ben Roethlisberger and Chad Pennington limited in practice, the Patriots might have to start third QB Jeff Garcia against Indianapolis. The Patriots might get back RB Brandon Jacobs this week, which would be a huge boost with Rudi Johnson and Anquan Boldin out. WRs Laveranues Coles and Santonio Holmes should start, and Lower Saxony has to decide on Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jeremy Shockey, with Jennings looking like the favorite. LB Channing Crowder will miss this week's game, meaning the team might have to start three DLs. Lower Saxony faces New Mexico (3-2) and Austin (2-3).
Fairfax (2-3)
The Foxes have the good fortune of facing the league's two lowest-scoring teams in Week 5. Don't pencil them in for two wins; Fairfax will be without QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, and LB Thomas Howard, the team's three top scorers. Trent Edwards will likely start against Dallas over David Carr. Fairfax currently plans on starting RBs Maurice Jones-Drew and Brian Leonard, but with excellent WR depth that could change. All five healthy WRs have over 20 points this season; the two RBs have combined for 19 points. The Foxes are also without LB Omar Gaither, the second-best LB behind Howard, meaning Bradie James and Bart Scott will be the only LBs this week. Fairfax faces California (2-3) and Carson City (1-4).
Utica (1-4)
Utica backs into the doubleheader losers of three straight. Despite owning the league's best player in QB Tony Romo, the Devils are struggling to score points. RB Ahman Green looks should miss this week, leaving DeAngelo Williams as the only RB option. With Isaac Bruce hurt, WR Drew Bennett should be a good start this week. Due to byes and injuries, Tommie Harris is the only available DL, though he's banged up as well. Top DB Madieu Williams is on a bye, and DeAngelo Hall and Lance Briggs are both questionable and in danger of missing this week's games. That means Utica's usually great defense will struggle to score points this week. It will be Romo's job once again to keep the Devils competitive. Utica faces New Mexico (3-2) and California (2-3).
NFC North
Chicago (4-1)
The Goodfellas swept the last doubleheader and eeked out a seven-point win in Week 4, giving them a three-game winning streak heading into Week 5. QB Vince Young is back from his bye and is a threat to put up huge numbers at home against Atlanta. RB LaMont Jordan is both hurt and on a bye, so LenDale White looks to get the start next to Jamal Lewis. Plaxico Burress is questionable, and Mike Furrey would start in his absence and still give Chicago a solid offense. The Chicago defense is hurting, with six of eight potential starters either questionable or out. The Goodfellas will have to pray that they can get production from the injured group of DBs Charles Tillman, Troy Polamalu, and DL James Hall. Chicago faces Bertrand (3-2) and Cincinnati (3-2).
Boston (2-3)
Boston has a losing record despite being the fourth-best scoring team in the league and ran into the Washington juggernaut last week. The Inferno will be close to full strength this week, with no notable players on byes and only Laurence Maroney, Calvin Johnson and Freddie Keaiho listed as questionable. Maroney's absence could mean a start for Sammy Morris. Johnson is the fourth option at WR. At this point, Boston looks to start Lee Evans over those guys this week, as Evans had a promising Week 4 with Trent Edwards at QB and faces a bad Dallas secondary this week. If Keaiho can't go, the team could go with Kamerion Wimbley or rookie Anthony Spencer. Boston faces Anglia (4-1) and Bertrand (3-2).
Glasgow (2-3)
Glasgow is coming off a win over Utica in Week 4 but suffered a potentially big injury in the game. RB Joseph Addai is questionable for this week and the Colts might opt to keep him out of their game to give him two weeks off (Indianapolis has a Week 6 bye). Fortunately, the Warriors have Edgerrin James and Larry Johnson, both great starting options. QB Eli Manning looks to be starting, though Matt Schaub has an easier matchup. Only one prominent Warrior has a bye this week, Landon Johnson who leads the LB unit in points. DB Erik Coleman will miss the game, leaving Glasgow with only two DBs this week, Dawan Landry and Sean Taylor. Glasgow faces Cincinnati (3-2) and Greenville (2-3).
Halifax (1-4)
Halifax is the hard-luck team of the NFFL, having the second-most points scored in the league despite a 1-4 record. The Armada has more points than the division-leading 4-1 Goodfellas. Number two scorer in the league Tom Brady should have a field day against Cleveland. Adrian Peterson is off and Cadillac Williams is hurt, so underperforming Cedric Benson will be by himself in the Armada backfield. Good thing for Halifax the top WRs are healthy, and Larry Fitzgerald in particular should be huge against St. Louis. The defense should excel as well, with no injuries and only one backup LB on a bye. Four Halifax LBs have scored 39 points or more, including Rocky McIntosh who comes off a bye in Week 4. Halifax faces Anglia (4-1) and Greenville (2-3).
Good luck to everyone this week! I'll need it!
AFC South
Anglia (4-1)
The Dark Knights enter Week 5 on a three-game winning streak, having swept their first doubleheader and defeated Austin in Week 4. The bad news is that Anglia might be without Travis Henry for the rest of the year, Henry having apparently failed another drug test. After trading away Frank Gore, this news would be doubly disastrous for the Dark Knights, who would then be forced into a rotation with Fred Taylor, Warrick Dunn and Earnest Graham. QB Jon Kitna will need to continue averaging 20 points per game to keep the offense afloat. WR Derrick Mason has been limited in practice and could be a late scratch. DL Jason Taylor needs to find the spark he had in 2006. Anglia faces Boston (2-3) and Halifax (1-4) this week.
Bertrand (3-2)
A slow start has the Ground Force sitting out of first place, a rarity for the franchise, but a sweep this week should give them at worst a tie atop the division. Unfortunately, leading point-scorer Carson Palmer is off this week and the team is forced to start Steve McNair at QB. RB Shaun Alexander has a tough match against the Steelers, but it looks like Ron Dayne will start again against Dolphins, which should lead to a double-digit performance provided the team doesn't call too many outside pitches this week. Besides Palmer, the rest of the team remains intact this week, and we should get our first look at DB Atari Bigby, whom the Ground Force signed this week. Bertrand faces Chicago (4-1) and Boston (2-3).
Cincinnati (3-2)
For those who don't know, the Keepers currently carry nine RBs on the roster. This means Cincinnati has had to sacrifice depth at other positions, and even in a week where only four teams are on bye, this Cincinnati squad is having to dig deep on their rosters to find a starting lineup. Luckily, injury hasn't struck the team fatally. At WR, the Keepers will be without their top two performers, instead starting Brandon Marshall, Roddy White and Devery Henderson, the last of whom only has four points this season. At DB, the Keepers will have to hope Rodney Harrison is on the top of his game returning from suspension. Cincinnati faces Chicago (4-1) and Glasgow (2-3).
Greenville (2-3)
Greenville rolls into the Week 5 doubleheader almost completely healthy, with DB Daneil Bullocks on the IR and only TE Todd Heap and DL Kalimba Edwards threats to miss the game. However, Heap is the team's best receiver after four weeks and losing him would make sweeping the doubleheader nearly impossible. Only one other Storm WR has as many as 20 points, so the running game, Thomas Jones and Marshawn Lynch, will be relied on heavily. The Greenville LB corps has been fantastic to this point, with Julian Peterson leading the team by scoring 60 points. Big days from all four Storm LBs will be essential to the team's success. Greenville faces Glasgow (2-3) and Halifax (1-4).
AFC West
New Mexico (3-2)
The AFC's leading point scorer, New Mexico will look to extend their lead in the AFC West in Week 5's doubleheader. WRs Santana Moss and Hines Ward will miss the game and Jerry Porter is off this week. That leaves Roscoe Parrish to join Randy Moss and Steve Smith in the starting lineup. Parrish will actually see his role increase in Buffalo due to the injury to Peerless Price. Only one starting defender has more than 21 points. New Mexico will be without LB Kirk Morrison due to his off week. The secondary has been hit the hardest though. With the top DB injured and the next two DBs off, the Raiders will start Carlos Rogers and Aaron Ross, who have combined for 31 points thus far. New Mexico faces Lower Saxony (3-2) and Utica (1-4).
Austin (2-3)
After a strong start, the Predators have been in a freefall heading into a difficult Week 5 doubleheader. Both Austin and St. Louis have benched Marc Bulger, though instead of Gus Frerotte Austin will turn to David Garrard fresh off his bye. Ronnie Brown has went from the trading block to the top RB in the league in four weeks time. He'll face an improved Texans defense. Marvin Harrison looks like he'll miss this game, so the team will have to decide between Joe Jurevicius and Arnaz Battle to play alongside Joey Galloway and Tony Gonzalez. Luckily for Austin, the team might be getting back LBs Zach Thomas and Matt Wilhelm. Thomas in particular would be a huge boost to the defense. Austin faces Washington (5-0) and Lower Saxony (3-2).
California (2-3)
The Xtreme head into this week's doubleheader fresh off a seven-point win in Week 4 that took them out of the AFC West basement into a tie for second. QB Drew Brees should explode after having a week off against a bad Carolina secondary. With the top WR on the team off this week, California will be forced to start Bryant Johnson and a questionable Donte Stallworth. Brandon Stokley will see an increased role this week due to Javon Walker's injury. The only kicker on roster has a bye, as does starting DL Mike Patterson and top DB Darren Sharper. The Xtreme have struggled to score points this season, and with so many people off it looks like this week will be difficult for the team as well. California faces Fairfax (2-3) and Utica (1-4).
Carson City (1-4)
Losers of four straight, the Bandits look to be in selling mode. With the increased competitiveness of the AFC South, it will be difficult for Carson City to rebound and earn a playoff spot. QB Matt Leinart gets another start and has a great matchup. Unfortunately, he hasn't been playing all of every game, with Arizona rotating Kurt Warner in in certain situations. The Bandits might want to look to Trent Green until Leinart starts getting all the snaps. Franchise Player Javon Walker will miss this week due to injury. The team will line up with two TEs, Heath Miller and Ben Watson, each having scored 24 points this year. The team is leaning toward starting Aaron Stecker as the lone RB over Tatum Bell. Carson City faces Washington (5-0) and Fairfax (2-3).
NFC East
Washington (5-0)
The league's top team will face a couple teams on the downslope this week, giving the Braves a great shot at starting the season 7-0. Four players on the Washington offense have scored over 60 points, and only one will be off this week. Without Chad Johnson (bye) and Andre Johnson (injury), Washington will start newly-signed Reggie Williams along with Bobby Engram and TE Dallas Clark. DL Osi Umenyiora is questionable and his absence would mean the Braves only have one DL playing this week. Top DB Bob Sanders is also questionable; if he can't go, Washington would lose another couple points this week switching to Antonie Bethea or Kenoy Kennedy. Washington faces Austin (2-3) and Carson City (1-4).
Lower Saxony (3-2)
Lower Saxony will get a rematch of each of the first two NFFL Bowls in Week 5, facing the AFC's top team of 2005 and 2006. With QBs Ben Roethlisberger and Chad Pennington limited in practice, the Patriots might have to start third QB Jeff Garcia against Indianapolis. The Patriots might get back RB Brandon Jacobs this week, which would be a huge boost with Rudi Johnson and Anquan Boldin out. WRs Laveranues Coles and Santonio Holmes should start, and Lower Saxony has to decide on Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jeremy Shockey, with Jennings looking like the favorite. LB Channing Crowder will miss this week's game, meaning the team might have to start three DLs. Lower Saxony faces New Mexico (3-2) and Austin (2-3).
Fairfax (2-3)
The Foxes have the good fortune of facing the league's two lowest-scoring teams in Week 5. Don't pencil them in for two wins; Fairfax will be without QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, and LB Thomas Howard, the team's three top scorers. Trent Edwards will likely start against Dallas over David Carr. Fairfax currently plans on starting RBs Maurice Jones-Drew and Brian Leonard, but with excellent WR depth that could change. All five healthy WRs have over 20 points this season; the two RBs have combined for 19 points. The Foxes are also without LB Omar Gaither, the second-best LB behind Howard, meaning Bradie James and Bart Scott will be the only LBs this week. Fairfax faces California (2-3) and Carson City (1-4).
Utica (1-4)
Utica backs into the doubleheader losers of three straight. Despite owning the league's best player in QB Tony Romo, the Devils are struggling to score points. RB Ahman Green looks should miss this week, leaving DeAngelo Williams as the only RB option. With Isaac Bruce hurt, WR Drew Bennett should be a good start this week. Due to byes and injuries, Tommie Harris is the only available DL, though he's banged up as well. Top DB Madieu Williams is on a bye, and DeAngelo Hall and Lance Briggs are both questionable and in danger of missing this week's games. That means Utica's usually great defense will struggle to score points this week. It will be Romo's job once again to keep the Devils competitive. Utica faces New Mexico (3-2) and California (2-3).
NFC North
Chicago (4-1)
The Goodfellas swept the last doubleheader and eeked out a seven-point win in Week 4, giving them a three-game winning streak heading into Week 5. QB Vince Young is back from his bye and is a threat to put up huge numbers at home against Atlanta. RB LaMont Jordan is both hurt and on a bye, so LenDale White looks to get the start next to Jamal Lewis. Plaxico Burress is questionable, and Mike Furrey would start in his absence and still give Chicago a solid offense. The Chicago defense is hurting, with six of eight potential starters either questionable or out. The Goodfellas will have to pray that they can get production from the injured group of DBs Charles Tillman, Troy Polamalu, and DL James Hall. Chicago faces Bertrand (3-2) and Cincinnati (3-2).
Boston (2-3)
Boston has a losing record despite being the fourth-best scoring team in the league and ran into the Washington juggernaut last week. The Inferno will be close to full strength this week, with no notable players on byes and only Laurence Maroney, Calvin Johnson and Freddie Keaiho listed as questionable. Maroney's absence could mean a start for Sammy Morris. Johnson is the fourth option at WR. At this point, Boston looks to start Lee Evans over those guys this week, as Evans had a promising Week 4 with Trent Edwards at QB and faces a bad Dallas secondary this week. If Keaiho can't go, the team could go with Kamerion Wimbley or rookie Anthony Spencer. Boston faces Anglia (4-1) and Bertrand (3-2).
Glasgow (2-3)
Glasgow is coming off a win over Utica in Week 4 but suffered a potentially big injury in the game. RB Joseph Addai is questionable for this week and the Colts might opt to keep him out of their game to give him two weeks off (Indianapolis has a Week 6 bye). Fortunately, the Warriors have Edgerrin James and Larry Johnson, both great starting options. QB Eli Manning looks to be starting, though Matt Schaub has an easier matchup. Only one prominent Warrior has a bye this week, Landon Johnson who leads the LB unit in points. DB Erik Coleman will miss the game, leaving Glasgow with only two DBs this week, Dawan Landry and Sean Taylor. Glasgow faces Cincinnati (3-2) and Greenville (2-3).
Halifax (1-4)
Halifax is the hard-luck team of the NFFL, having the second-most points scored in the league despite a 1-4 record. The Armada has more points than the division-leading 4-1 Goodfellas. Number two scorer in the league Tom Brady should have a field day against Cleveland. Adrian Peterson is off and Cadillac Williams is hurt, so underperforming Cedric Benson will be by himself in the Armada backfield. Good thing for Halifax the top WRs are healthy, and Larry Fitzgerald in particular should be huge against St. Louis. The defense should excel as well, with no injuries and only one backup LB on a bye. Four Halifax LBs have scored 39 points or more, including Rocky McIntosh who comes off a bye in Week 4. Halifax faces Anglia (4-1) and Greenville (2-3).
Good luck to everyone this week! I'll need it!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Washington, Chicago continue to dominate
The Washington Braves took their undefeated record into a battle with the Boston Inferno, a team projected to have a legitimate shot at the NFFL Bowl this year. The Chicago Goodfellas squared off against the Fairfax Foxes, a team that scored 179 points in Week 3 and seemed to be on the rise. These two games, along with a matchup of two AFC division leaders, were in the national spotlight this week, though only one of the games ended up being a close contest.
GAME of the WEEK
Chicago 121, Fairfax 114
Despite struggling to score points this week, the Goodfellas were able to hang onto victory due to the underperformance of the Foxes' best players. Fairfax RB Brian Westbrook was in the starting lineup but didn't play in the Sunday night game, and his absence clearly affected Fairfax QB Donovan McNabb, who scored only three points in the game. Fairfax rookie WR led all players in this game with 22 points, but the inability of the rest of the offense to score doomed the Foxes. Four Chicago offensive players scored a dozen points or more in the victory, including WR Braylon Edwards with a team-leading 15 points.
California 116, Cincinnati 109
California has scored the fewest points in the NFFL, leading to a 1-3 start, but struck a huge blow to Cincinnati's 3-1 start in this big upset. With Xtreme QB Drew Brees off this week, the team was able to put his poor play on hold for a week and started QB Daunte Culpepper, who scored five TDs and 35 points to lead California to victory. Cincinnati had only one offensive player in double-digits and got only two points from QB Phillip Rivers. The Keepers' Week 3 breakout WR Kevin Curtis also had only two points.
Washington 178, Boston 124
The Braves continue their dismantling of the NFFL with a 54-point win over one of the better teams in the league. Washington DL Osi Umenyiora notched six sacks and finished the day with 38 points to lead the team. Three Washington offensive players scored at least 19 points, including 21 each from QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB LaDanian Tomlinson. Boston QB Peyton Manning was his usual spectacular self, scoring 31 points in the defeat, but the rest of the team couldn't keep up with him. No one else on the team scored over 13 points and only three other players were in double digits.
Anglia 138, Austin 93
The first game of the post-Frank Gore era is a success for Anglia as they destroyed the defending champion Austin Predators in Week 4. Seven Dark Knights were in double digits, with QB Jon Kitna's 19 leading the team. While none of the Anglia players had huge games, the team got solid efforts from almost everyone on the team to score the win. The Austin offense scored only 34 points, with RB Ronnie Brown getting 26 of them. QB Marc Bulger had another off day with two points and the Austin WR crew combined for one sole point.
Lower Saxony 155, Halifax 142
Eight Lower Saxony players, including all three WRs, scored double digits as they took sole possession of second in the NFC East in Week 4. The Patriots WRs scored 46 points, led by Santonio Holmes' team-high 24. Patriot LB Derrick Johnson led the defense with 17 points. Halifax also played very well but fell in this tough matchup. QB Tom Brady led the team with 25 points. The Armada scored only two points between their two DL.
New Mexico 138, Greenville 128
The Raiders staved off a hungry Greenville team to leave Week 4 with a ten-point win and the AFC West lead. New New Mexico QB Brett Favre scored 23 points to lead the team and new RB Frank Gore added nine points. Raider WR Jerry Porter caught two TDs and finished with 17. The top three Greenville performances were all on defense, with LBs Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims combining for 45 points and DB Marcus Trufant scoring 19. Seven Storm players scored four points or less.
Glasgow 117, Utica 89
Utica's tough season continues as the Devils score the least amount of points in Week 4, giving the Warriors an easy win. The breakdown for Utica's 89 looks like this: 37 from the league's best player, QB Tony Romo; 13 from LB Michael Boley; two players with nine points each; two players with five points each; one player with three points; two with two points; four with one point; two with zero points. The Warriors only had three players in double digits, but most of the team scored in the five to nine points range. Glasgow DL Darnell Dockett led the team with 22.
Bertrand 135, Carson City 98
The Ground Force dealt Carson City its fourth consecutive loss and moved to 3-2 with a 37-point victory. Bertrand WR Patrick Clayton exploded for 30 points and easily led all players in this game. Bertrand DB Antoine Winfield added 14 and Carson City LB D.J. Williams scored 13. The rest of the players on both sides had a dozen points or less. Carson City DL Trent Cole struggled, scoring only two points, and was traded to Austin after the game for a package including DL Luis Castillo and draft picks.
GAME of the WEEK
Chicago 121, Fairfax 114
Despite struggling to score points this week, the Goodfellas were able to hang onto victory due to the underperformance of the Foxes' best players. Fairfax RB Brian Westbrook was in the starting lineup but didn't play in the Sunday night game, and his absence clearly affected Fairfax QB Donovan McNabb, who scored only three points in the game. Fairfax rookie WR led all players in this game with 22 points, but the inability of the rest of the offense to score doomed the Foxes. Four Chicago offensive players scored a dozen points or more in the victory, including WR Braylon Edwards with a team-leading 15 points.
California 116, Cincinnati 109
California has scored the fewest points in the NFFL, leading to a 1-3 start, but struck a huge blow to Cincinnati's 3-1 start in this big upset. With Xtreme QB Drew Brees off this week, the team was able to put his poor play on hold for a week and started QB Daunte Culpepper, who scored five TDs and 35 points to lead California to victory. Cincinnati had only one offensive player in double-digits and got only two points from QB Phillip Rivers. The Keepers' Week 3 breakout WR Kevin Curtis also had only two points.
Washington 178, Boston 124
The Braves continue their dismantling of the NFFL with a 54-point win over one of the better teams in the league. Washington DL Osi Umenyiora notched six sacks and finished the day with 38 points to lead the team. Three Washington offensive players scored at least 19 points, including 21 each from QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB LaDanian Tomlinson. Boston QB Peyton Manning was his usual spectacular self, scoring 31 points in the defeat, but the rest of the team couldn't keep up with him. No one else on the team scored over 13 points and only three other players were in double digits.
Anglia 138, Austin 93
The first game of the post-Frank Gore era is a success for Anglia as they destroyed the defending champion Austin Predators in Week 4. Seven Dark Knights were in double digits, with QB Jon Kitna's 19 leading the team. While none of the Anglia players had huge games, the team got solid efforts from almost everyone on the team to score the win. The Austin offense scored only 34 points, with RB Ronnie Brown getting 26 of them. QB Marc Bulger had another off day with two points and the Austin WR crew combined for one sole point.
Lower Saxony 155, Halifax 142
Eight Lower Saxony players, including all three WRs, scored double digits as they took sole possession of second in the NFC East in Week 4. The Patriots WRs scored 46 points, led by Santonio Holmes' team-high 24. Patriot LB Derrick Johnson led the defense with 17 points. Halifax also played very well but fell in this tough matchup. QB Tom Brady led the team with 25 points. The Armada scored only two points between their two DL.
New Mexico 138, Greenville 128
The Raiders staved off a hungry Greenville team to leave Week 4 with a ten-point win and the AFC West lead. New New Mexico QB Brett Favre scored 23 points to lead the team and new RB Frank Gore added nine points. Raider WR Jerry Porter caught two TDs and finished with 17. The top three Greenville performances were all on defense, with LBs Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims combining for 45 points and DB Marcus Trufant scoring 19. Seven Storm players scored four points or less.
Glasgow 117, Utica 89
Utica's tough season continues as the Devils score the least amount of points in Week 4, giving the Warriors an easy win. The breakdown for Utica's 89 looks like this: 37 from the league's best player, QB Tony Romo; 13 from LB Michael Boley; two players with nine points each; two players with five points each; one player with three points; two with two points; four with one point; two with zero points. The Warriors only had three players in double digits, but most of the team scored in the five to nine points range. Glasgow DL Darnell Dockett led the team with 22.
Bertrand 135, Carson City 98
The Ground Force dealt Carson City its fourth consecutive loss and moved to 3-2 with a 37-point victory. Bertrand WR Patrick Clayton exploded for 30 points and easily led all players in this game. Bertrand DB Antoine Winfield added 14 and Carson City LB D.J. Williams scored 13. The rest of the players on both sides had a dozen points or less. Carson City DL Trent Cole struggled, scoring only two points, and was traded to Austin after the game for a package including DL Luis Castillo and draft picks.
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