What a wild week........... I still think everyone is alive in this league and also that there is no clear favorite for the top spot in the league.
1. Joe Henke V2.0 (4-1 566 pts) Coming off an impressive 128-116 victory over Doink the Clown, Joe Henke V2.0 has reached the top. They are near the top of the league in points and are co-owners of the best record. The team appears to be running on all cylinders and is nearly past all of its bye weeks. They face another difficult matchup this week considering the two-headed monster of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are on bye. It appears as if Joe Henke V2.0 is ready to stay near the top of the league.
2. The Prodigal Son (4-1 536 pts) Jumping two spots to the two spot is the Prodigal Son. They are coming off an impressive victory over Asian Persuasion in which they posted 116 points. Could it be possible this team is for real?!?! They appear to have a gimme game this week against the leagues worst defensive team, the StepChildren. That puts them at 5-1, and any team that is 5-1 deserves a top spot in the weekly power rankings. Hopefully the Prodigal Son doesn't look past the StepChildren who are no doubt hungry for their second win of the season.
3. La Bamba (3-2 564 pts) Making the jump from sixth place in the last power rankings is La Bamba. They rolled to victory last week while posting 129 points. While this team is loaded with Vikings, that may not be a bad thing. The Vikes are 5-0, and La Bamba is reaping the benefits of the team's quality performances. The Vikes do face some tough tests the next 3 weeks, so it will be interesting to see how that affects La Bamba. They have a HUGE game this week against Joe Henke V2.0. If they can come out on top in that game, the number one spot may have a new owner next week.
4. 2009 (3-2 555 pts) The former number one team in the league finds themselves down 3 spots after a disappointing loss in which they only scored 89 points. While they do play the worst team in the rankings next week, this team faces deeper issues. They HAVE to address the running back situation. They currently have one solid starting RB in LT, and even that is questionable with his injury concerns. I'd like to see this team pull off a trade to land another decent back. That trade could be what puts 2009 back on top of the league.
5. THVF (2-3 584 pts) A team that many thought would only move up in the rankings, has moved the other way, and now find themselves at the fifth spot in the league. While they did post two zeros last week, one of which was by their kicker, thats just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. I still believe this is one of the better teams in the league and that is why they didn't freefall into oblivion. They have a solid matchup this week in the Jihad Squad, and will look to get things back on track. This team has the talent to move to the top, they just have to avoid those disastrous zero point starts in the future.
6. Serenity Now (3-2 575 pts) Some people may feel that this team should have jumped higher than two spots in the rankings. What those people need to realize is we don't jump on a teams bandwagon because they have one phenomenal week. Sure Serenity Now posted a huge 149 points last week, but before that they were an average team with average stats. They did get a big win and will continue to earn respect if they can keep winning. They have to prove they are no "one week wonder" and that they are here to stay. I do like that they revamped their lineup and now have some starting running backs to go along with a strong receiving core. They have the makeup, but can they put up the numbers on a weekly basis..... only time will tell.
7. The Jihad Squad (3-2 518 pts) The Squad upset the number one team in the league last week and looks to continue winning against another team in the top half of the league. The bad news is that they have basically switched spots with the old Serenity Now team. They have solid receivers but only one startable running back. Leon Washington is currently slated to start for the Squad this week, something that they shouldn't be proud of. I would imagine they are trying to wheel and deal before Sunday's games, or at least I hope they are.... I know the Squad may have wanted to jump higher in the rankings, but once again, prove that you can keep winning. You dont have the points to earn a spot in the top half yet, but if you can beat another top team this week, you will break into the fab five.
8. Asian Persuasion (2-3 511 pts) The Persuasion is one of only a few teams in the country that started Turner, McNabb, and Braylon...... and LOST. They did have a few players on bye, and that proved costly when former Viking great Mewelde Moore was forced into the starting lineup. He should have full access to his team this week and faces a put up or shut up matchup with Doink the Clown. There is a lot on the line that game between two fairly evenly matched teams. Winner will climb a few spots in the rankings while the loser will find themselves in the sandbox with the StepChildren near the bottom of the league.
9. Doink the Clown (2-3 523 pts) Doink was ohhhhhhhhhhh so close to a huge win against Joe Henke V2.0 last week. It took a huge last drive from Ronnie Brown and Co. to steal a victory and send Doink to his third straight loss. This is the point in the season when the veteran presence has to step up. This is a huge week for Doink, a win is huge and a loss is devastating. I haven't lost faith in the clown, but losses like the one he suffered last week can linger with teams. Hopefully this doesn't happen, because if it does Doink might not be there towards playoff time.
10. Get in the Van (2-3 464 pts) A week after being known as the worst team in the league, Get in the Van has won two in a row and is one of the hottest. Well lets not go that far, but they have won two games in a row. They have a big game against Serenity Now this week, and if they win it could shut the door on those worst team in the league talks. Last week they didn't have any players that could top the 60 point mark, now they have five. It appears as if I may have inadvertently started a fire in the van. We'll see how long it burns.
11. The StepChildren (1-4 446 pts) A week after I claimed that the StepChildren were here to stay, they never actually showed up. In fact that is probably an understatement. They could have doubled their score last week, AND STILL LOST. While they did face the most points in the league (149), they also scored the least (74). I've heard a lot about how they always face the team that scores the most points in the league. While they have indeed given up the most points in the league, they have also scored the least.... When you get scored on the most and score the least you are either the Minnesota Timberwolves or a fantasy football team with a terrible record. They would be the latter.
12. Frank Costanza (1-4 457 pts) Frank tried, but failed. He made some trades last week, and tried to turn his season around. However it didn't work, and he lost another game. He now plays his next three weeks against 3 of the top five teams in the league. This could be devastating news to say the least. If Frank can't turn things around, he may be staring a 1-7 record straight in the eyes. However if he can turn it around and get some quality wins, he may step over the children and leave the bottom spot of rankings.
That concludes week 5's power rankings. Good Luck this week. Unless you play me.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Week 4 Power Rankings
After 4 weeks in the books, we are finally starting to see what every team is made of and what they are capable of doing down the stretch. We lost the last remaining undefeated team and defeated teams this week. This could mean a tight knit race to the finish. Here is where we stand now.
POWER RANKINGS
1. 2009 - (3-1 466 pts) A close call but I had to go with the team who has scored the second most points and is tied for the best record in the league. This team is led by Reggie Wayne and followed by numerous middle of the road players that have managed to score the necessary amount of points to win 3 out of 4 weeks. The question remains if a team full of what many view as, "flex running backs" at best, can lead a team into the playoffs. For now Wayne and company have 2009 at the top spot in the power rankings.
2. Joe Henke V 2.0 - (3-1 438 pts) A close second to 2009, Joe Henke V 2.0 is fresh off a win over what was the last undefeated team in the league. A huge win like that will earn you a top spot in the rankings. JHV2.0 has scored the third most points in the league and is tied for the best record. The team is fairly balanced and is led by superstar receiver Larry Fitzergerald and a strong supporting cast of RB's and WR's. The main question for JHV2.0 is if Greg Jennings will ever be found. Jennings has been missing since week 1 of the regular season and his whereabouts remain a mystery.
3. THVF - (2-2 497 pts) The Travis Henry Vasectomy Fund was cut just short of top 2 spots in the league. They have scored the most points in the league and have a .500 record of 2-2. That record was essentially the only thing keeping them out of the top spots. This team has some playmakers at nearly every position and is poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. The one question for THVF is running back health. Brian Westbrook is known to be injury prone and has already missed some time this season. If Westbrook can't go THVF must go to Michael Bush or Willie Parker, who have issues themselves. Assuming Westbrook can stay on the field, watch for THVF to climb higher in the rankings in the coming weeks.
4. The Prodigal Son - (3-1 420 pts) The last team to suffer a defeat, the Prodigal Son is tied for the best record in the league. Their point production suggests their record should be worse, as they have the sixth most points in the league. The Prodigal Son has been lead by surprise RB's in Cedric Benson and Fred Jackson. The question is if those backs can keep up the early pace they are on. With two solid starting receivers, a decent quarterback, and reggie bush hiding on the bench, it is possible that the Prodigal Son continues on with a successful season. Unfortunately for them, it is also possible they've peaked for the season at fourth in the power rankings.
5. Asian Persuasion - (2-2 406 pts) In terms of points they are the worst 2-2 team in the league. I however, have them at the second best 2-2 team. I don't think this team is operating at full speed yet. Turner and Forte could still turn into elite backs this season and if that happens Asian Persuasion will be a force in the league. This team has struggled with injuries early in the season but some of those players are finally starting to get back into the swing of things. A solid TE, potentially superstar RB's, and a group of receivers that should only get better, I like this team. The main question will be if his RB's can get it going and how Braylon Edwards fits into his new offense.
6. La Bamba - (2-2 435 pts) A crazy owner operating a crazy team, it can't get much better. With AP, this team can compete with anyone week to week. The rest of the team is where we run into problems. A solid TE, 2 solid quarterbacks, and an average group of receivers, the team could be good..... could be. Not paying attention to bye weeks on draft day has led to Jake Delhomme starting at QB this week. This doesn't bode well for La Bamba seeing as Delhomme has more turnovers than completions this year. I think a few trades should be in order for La Bamba to reach their full potential. Without a trade, this is a team full of average players who will lead La Bamba to an average season and a first round playoff exit.
7. Stepchildren - (1-3 372 pts) Statistically they are the second worst team in our league, however one look at their new lineup will make you think otherwise. Brady, Moss, Jones-Drew, K-Smith, V-Jack, doesn't sound like a 1-3 team right? That's because this team was first sent out this week after a blockbuster trade. The new team earned Stepchildren their first win of the season and should continue to earn wins as the weeks go on. The main question for this team is ownership. With the only split owners in the league, Stepchildren have proven week in and week out that they are dead last in coachability. They constantly leave hundreds of points on their bench and it cost them the first three weeks of the season. Even in their win last week they left Rashard Mendenhall's 32 point performance watching from the bench. If their new team can be coached at even an average level, this team should be on the rise for weeks to come.
8. Serenity Now - (2-2 426 pts) Serenity Now should consider changing their team name to Receivers R' Us. They have five solid receivers and can only play 3 on any given week. With a solid QB and TE it begs the question why doesn't Serenity Now trade a receiver or two for a solid starting running back, which is something the team currently lacks. There are average backs that split carries, ala ray rice and pierre thomas, but why not make a move to get a proven guy. Thomas could turn into that guy if he stays healthy, but that still leaves a spot open. At 2-2 there is time to wait for the right trade, but I'd start looking sooner than later. Until that happens I think Serenity Now is confined to the middle of the power rankings pack.
9. Doink the Clown - (2-2 407 pts) Doink the Clown has a veteran presence on the team, in fact they might have all the veteran presence in the league. They are led by the likes of Torry Holt, Terrell Owens, Willis McGahee, Brett Favre, and Muhsin Muhammed to name a few. They jumped out to a hot start at 2-0 but have since lost two straight and need to stop the bleeding. With one of the best QB's in the league, and capable RB's, Doink could be a good team. The question remains if his receivers, namely Boldin and Owens, can start to play at a high level. If that doesn't happen this veteran team may be watching the playoffs from home.
10. The Jihad Squad - (2-2 419 pts) Jihad Squad brings up the bottom of the 2-2 teams. They are another team that should be looking to trade. They have running backs that could be good, but not much to go with them in the WR area. There are also a lot of questions concerning the RB's they do have. Can Barber stay healthy? What is happening in Carolina? Even if the backs do pan out, rookie receiver Percy Harvin has been the best WR for the Squad. In this league, in order to succeed you need to have good WR's. It is a problem that HAS to be addressed if the Squad wants to move anywhere other than down in the power rankings.
11. Frank Costanza - (1-3 376 pts) This was my favorite team before the season started, now they are perhaps my most dreaded. This team has be plagued by injuries to it superstars, namely LT, Gore, and Anthony Gonzalez. This has caused Frank Costanza to have to start players that some people would touch in a 20 team league. He has paid the price for starting them and is currently sitting at 1-3. If this team can get healthy soon, it could make its way back into the playoff picture and be a potential force down the road. However if the injuries don't go away this team may need to think trade. Some teams may take a chance on an injured player now and hope they can help them out down the road. Frank Costanza, if you don't get healthy or make a move, the only thing funny about you at the end of this year will be your record.
12. Get In the Van - (1-3 357 pts) The first week winner for worst team in the league goes to Get In the Van. They have underachieving running backs and a week bench, something that has cost them dearly. Chad Ochocinco has been a nice surprise but that is the only thing on this team that has been nice this season. Here's a stat for Get In the Van, no one on their team has scored 60 points this season. Ouch. I'm not sure what to do with this team. There isn't much trade value for anyone now, so maybe he'll have to ride the storm out and hope the weather clears up soon. If it doesn't, this ship may sink before it even had a chance to leave port.
That concludes the Week 4 Power Rankings. See you next week.
POWER RANKINGS
1. 2009 - (3-1 466 pts) A close call but I had to go with the team who has scored the second most points and is tied for the best record in the league. This team is led by Reggie Wayne and followed by numerous middle of the road players that have managed to score the necessary amount of points to win 3 out of 4 weeks. The question remains if a team full of what many view as, "flex running backs" at best, can lead a team into the playoffs. For now Wayne and company have 2009 at the top spot in the power rankings.
2. Joe Henke V 2.0 - (3-1 438 pts) A close second to 2009, Joe Henke V 2.0 is fresh off a win over what was the last undefeated team in the league. A huge win like that will earn you a top spot in the rankings. JHV2.0 has scored the third most points in the league and is tied for the best record. The team is fairly balanced and is led by superstar receiver Larry Fitzergerald and a strong supporting cast of RB's and WR's. The main question for JHV2.0 is if Greg Jennings will ever be found. Jennings has been missing since week 1 of the regular season and his whereabouts remain a mystery.
3. THVF - (2-2 497 pts) The Travis Henry Vasectomy Fund was cut just short of top 2 spots in the league. They have scored the most points in the league and have a .500 record of 2-2. That record was essentially the only thing keeping them out of the top spots. This team has some playmakers at nearly every position and is poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. The one question for THVF is running back health. Brian Westbrook is known to be injury prone and has already missed some time this season. If Westbrook can't go THVF must go to Michael Bush or Willie Parker, who have issues themselves. Assuming Westbrook can stay on the field, watch for THVF to climb higher in the rankings in the coming weeks.
4. The Prodigal Son - (3-1 420 pts) The last team to suffer a defeat, the Prodigal Son is tied for the best record in the league. Their point production suggests their record should be worse, as they have the sixth most points in the league. The Prodigal Son has been lead by surprise RB's in Cedric Benson and Fred Jackson. The question is if those backs can keep up the early pace they are on. With two solid starting receivers, a decent quarterback, and reggie bush hiding on the bench, it is possible that the Prodigal Son continues on with a successful season. Unfortunately for them, it is also possible they've peaked for the season at fourth in the power rankings.
5. Asian Persuasion - (2-2 406 pts) In terms of points they are the worst 2-2 team in the league. I however, have them at the second best 2-2 team. I don't think this team is operating at full speed yet. Turner and Forte could still turn into elite backs this season and if that happens Asian Persuasion will be a force in the league. This team has struggled with injuries early in the season but some of those players are finally starting to get back into the swing of things. A solid TE, potentially superstar RB's, and a group of receivers that should only get better, I like this team. The main question will be if his RB's can get it going and how Braylon Edwards fits into his new offense.
6. La Bamba - (2-2 435 pts) A crazy owner operating a crazy team, it can't get much better. With AP, this team can compete with anyone week to week. The rest of the team is where we run into problems. A solid TE, 2 solid quarterbacks, and an average group of receivers, the team could be good..... could be. Not paying attention to bye weeks on draft day has led to Jake Delhomme starting at QB this week. This doesn't bode well for La Bamba seeing as Delhomme has more turnovers than completions this year. I think a few trades should be in order for La Bamba to reach their full potential. Without a trade, this is a team full of average players who will lead La Bamba to an average season and a first round playoff exit.
7. Stepchildren - (1-3 372 pts) Statistically they are the second worst team in our league, however one look at their new lineup will make you think otherwise. Brady, Moss, Jones-Drew, K-Smith, V-Jack, doesn't sound like a 1-3 team right? That's because this team was first sent out this week after a blockbuster trade. The new team earned Stepchildren their first win of the season and should continue to earn wins as the weeks go on. The main question for this team is ownership. With the only split owners in the league, Stepchildren have proven week in and week out that they are dead last in coachability. They constantly leave hundreds of points on their bench and it cost them the first three weeks of the season. Even in their win last week they left Rashard Mendenhall's 32 point performance watching from the bench. If their new team can be coached at even an average level, this team should be on the rise for weeks to come.
8. Serenity Now - (2-2 426 pts) Serenity Now should consider changing their team name to Receivers R' Us. They have five solid receivers and can only play 3 on any given week. With a solid QB and TE it begs the question why doesn't Serenity Now trade a receiver or two for a solid starting running back, which is something the team currently lacks. There are average backs that split carries, ala ray rice and pierre thomas, but why not make a move to get a proven guy. Thomas could turn into that guy if he stays healthy, but that still leaves a spot open. At 2-2 there is time to wait for the right trade, but I'd start looking sooner than later. Until that happens I think Serenity Now is confined to the middle of the power rankings pack.
9. Doink the Clown - (2-2 407 pts) Doink the Clown has a veteran presence on the team, in fact they might have all the veteran presence in the league. They are led by the likes of Torry Holt, Terrell Owens, Willis McGahee, Brett Favre, and Muhsin Muhammed to name a few. They jumped out to a hot start at 2-0 but have since lost two straight and need to stop the bleeding. With one of the best QB's in the league, and capable RB's, Doink could be a good team. The question remains if his receivers, namely Boldin and Owens, can start to play at a high level. If that doesn't happen this veteran team may be watching the playoffs from home.
10. The Jihad Squad - (2-2 419 pts) Jihad Squad brings up the bottom of the 2-2 teams. They are another team that should be looking to trade. They have running backs that could be good, but not much to go with them in the WR area. There are also a lot of questions concerning the RB's they do have. Can Barber stay healthy? What is happening in Carolina? Even if the backs do pan out, rookie receiver Percy Harvin has been the best WR for the Squad. In this league, in order to succeed you need to have good WR's. It is a problem that HAS to be addressed if the Squad wants to move anywhere other than down in the power rankings.
11. Frank Costanza - (1-3 376 pts) This was my favorite team before the season started, now they are perhaps my most dreaded. This team has be plagued by injuries to it superstars, namely LT, Gore, and Anthony Gonzalez. This has caused Frank Costanza to have to start players that some people would touch in a 20 team league. He has paid the price for starting them and is currently sitting at 1-3. If this team can get healthy soon, it could make its way back into the playoff picture and be a potential force down the road. However if the injuries don't go away this team may need to think trade. Some teams may take a chance on an injured player now and hope they can help them out down the road. Frank Costanza, if you don't get healthy or make a move, the only thing funny about you at the end of this year will be your record.
12. Get In the Van - (1-3 357 pts) The first week winner for worst team in the league goes to Get In the Van. They have underachieving running backs and a week bench, something that has cost them dearly. Chad Ochocinco has been a nice surprise but that is the only thing on this team that has been nice this season. Here's a stat for Get In the Van, no one on their team has scored 60 points this season. Ouch. I'm not sure what to do with this team. There isn't much trade value for anyone now, so maybe he'll have to ride the storm out and hope the weather clears up soon. If it doesn't, this ship may sink before it even had a chance to leave port.
That concludes the Week 4 Power Rankings. See you next week.
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