Week 8 #PowerRankings - Halloween Costume Edition!

I think I may have used up my database of Halloween candies, so instead of comping candies this year, I decided to scour some old photos (as well as Facebook for some of you) and make some Halloween costume comps. Some of you don’t have enough embarrassing photos to share (probably to your credit) so you’ll have to work with me on some of these. 

1. LAMAReyoukiddingme?! (Eric) (6-2) [1]

Eric extended his win streak to 4 games with yet another week of elite scoring. Outside of the obvious fact that Lamar Jackson is carrying his team, Eric has been fortunate with avoiding major injuries at RB and has really capitalized on the 3 he drafted - all 3 are in the top 10 scoring RBs for the season, and they have been pretty consistent on a weekly basis. Add Mark Andrews to the mix, and Gabs is right - Eric probably doesn’t need much help at WR with what he has right now. That’s how dominant his team is.

Halloween Costume Comp: Mr. Monopoly

It’s safe to say Eric has had a monopoly on the #1 spot so far this season. Not only is his team 1st in League Standings, it’s also 1st in Points For, 1st in Standard Deviation rankings, and 1st in FAAB remaining - it’s like the money that’s just hanging from his jacket, he probably doesn’t know what to do with all that FAAB.

2. 第六 (Abraham) (4-4) [2]

Jordan Love getting hurt has been a problem for Abraham multiple times this season. He still has a solid supporting cast, though, especially with Kyren and Gibbs anchoring that RB room. I’m also a little salty he picked up Keon Coleman from waivers, but Abraham has done a pretty good job this season scouring the waiver wire, so props to him for that.

Halloween Costume Comp: ?

Honestly, I don’t know what Abraham is supposed to be in this picture. But I do know he’s trying to hang with Eric, so that’s why this picture is relevant.

3. Breece Mode (Haji) (3-5) [3]

Haji had a down week in Week 8, but in spite of his frustration as a Jets fan and as a Breece owner, I think his team is still on solid ground, at least on paper. I’ll be interested to see if / what he can convert his Breece capital to. Indy’s switch to Flacco at QB should help MPJ, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers keep Jonathan Brooks out this whole season since it’s a lost one, which would mean more production for Chuba.

Halloween Costume Comp: Oompa Loompa

Like an Oompa Loompa, who do all the hard work behind the scenes to make Willy Wonka’s Factory work, Haji’s team has put in the work to get 3rd in Points For. However, Oompa Loompas are in many ways underappreciated and looked down upon, similar to Haji’s team with its 3-5 record and 9th place in League Standings. Keep working, though, Haji - maybe you’ll get a featured song soon as the movie / season progresses.

4. Kraft Mac Salad (Andrew) (4-4) [4]

Andrew’s team has been solid in October. I think Njoku will continue to do well with a new QB, and Andrew’s other regulars also ought to continue to produce. His QB situation is a little iffy, though - Stroud hasn’t been all that spectacular and it looks like Andrew might be starting Bo Nix in Week 9, which isn’t a terrible play, but would have been unthinkable just a month ago.

Halloween Costume Comp: Soldier?

This doesn’t look like a very intimidating soldier (or an actual soldier, for that matter - I don’t think it was an actual Halloween costume), but you take a closer look and you realize that’s a real sword that can do some real damage. Andrew’s team has been relatively low key good - doesn’t look all that menacing, but be careful, it’s equipped with a real sword.

5. Maybabyboo (Laura) (4-4) [10]

Laura’s dominant performance in Week 8 has given her team a big bump up in the Power Rankings as well as the League Standings. Her team has been pretty boom-bust (last place in Standard Deviation rankings) but I do think it is on the upwards trend given that she’s gotten some key players back from injury. Watch out.

Halloween Costume Comp: Spider

I know this wasn’t a Halloween costume and she’s not supposed to be a spider either, but work with me here. Laura has been spinning a web for the rest of us unassuming prey and just hanging out until it’s the right time to jump. Well, it seems like now is the right time, and it turns out duct tape is pretty strong? 

6. I am not sacko! (Jeff Chen) (4-4) [6]

Jeff Chen put up some decent numbers in Week 8, got the win, and is still middle of the pack in both the rankings and League Standings. His team has gotten hit with injuries lately to DK, Mike Evans, and Drake Maye, but has surprisingly been able to stay afloat. While his RBs still don’t look all that pretty, they’re getting the job done, and Mostert should do more work with Tua helping the Miami offense step it up overall.

Halloween Costume Comp: Drag Jeff

I mean, do I need to explain much? Jeff’s team did not look attractive at all to start the season. In fact, I still do not find it attractive. But I guess if he likes it, and that’s what he’s into, then who am I to judge?

7. Love thy Naber (Jeff Lin) (4-4) [9]

It’s looking like this might be the turning point for Jeff Lin’s team. With a lot of key players returning to health, his team has the capacity to put up big numbers like it did at the beginning of the season. Whether his team can sustain its health is another question only time will tell. But I do think Jeff’s patience throughout the down weeks of not having Kupp, Hockenson, Tua-less Achane, Nabers, etc. will pay off. 

Halloween Costume Comp: Angry Bird

The season started out strong - Jeff knocked down some blocks, maybe even a few of the green pigs - but inevitably, gravity took over and his angry bird has fallen off the screen. Well, he’s reloaded now and ready to launch another bird, probably to clear the level aka finish the season strong.

8. Unicorn QueenZ (Tim) (6-2) [8]

I’m ok stacking up more wins on mediocre performances with the hopes of sneaking into the playoffs - it beats last year’s Sacko for sure. Jayden Daniels has been my saving grace this season, and it doesn’t hurt to have JaMarr Chase as the #1 WR in the league as well. 

Halloween Costume Comp: Bret McKenzie

If you’re like, “Who?” then you got the point. He is one half of the band Flight of the Conchords, aka New Zealand's Fourth Most Popular Folk Parody Duo. If you’re still like, “Who?” that’s fine, I won’t be offended. Your confusion at my Halloween costume is just like my team, which confusingly somehow has a 6-2 record but doesn’t deserve to be in any top-tier conversations.

9. Terrific Tortoises (David) (3-5) [5]

With Jordan Mason’s injury and Javonte not being able to capitalize on the Panthers D matchup, David’s team struggled to score points in Week 8. There is some hope that CMC will return after SF’s Week 9 bye, but who knows what his involvement will look like to start, and the risk for injury will always be in the back of David’s mind. Jalen Hurts still looks good, though. David’s Indy WRs should benefit from Flacco at QB and Cedric Tillman will be interesting to watch as he develops with Jameis in Cleveland. But Week 9 might be rough for David.

Halloween Costume Comp: Squirtle Pumpkin

I couldn’t find any incriminating photos of David on Facebook, so this was the best I could do. Squirtle because, well Tortoises, and pumpkin because David’s probably waiting for the fairy godmother to turn his pumpkin of a season into a beautiful carriage, and he’s unfortunately still waiting...

10. Run It Back! (Gabs) (4-4) [7]

Gabs was happy to have Jonathan Taylor back in the fold, but injuries to Brian Thomas, Tyrone Tracy, and lingering injuries from Tee Higgins and newly-traded Diontae Johnson still puts question marks around Gabs’s team moving forward. He should at least still have enough solid players to start, but his team will need to get fully healthy to compete consistently. Also, his QB situation is not looking all that great.

Halloween Costume Comp: Volleyball Player

I couldn’t find any costume photos for Gabs, and I know this isn’t a Halloween costume, but hear me out. Gabs’s team has looked pretty good, just like this action shot of him playing volleyball - wow, so impress! But the past few weeks have been pretty bad for Gabs, almost as if he’s playing the wrong sport…

11. choubacca (Aaron) (3-5) [11]

It is kind of funny and kind of sad that Aaron can score the 2nd most points in any week so far this season and still remain Sacko with the lowest overall Points For. While Week 8’s performance was impressive, I’m still wary of bumping his team up in the rankings until it shows a bit more consistency. I do think it’s probably coming, with the rise of Tyreek, CeeDee, Baker (and maybe Cade Otton?). But scars remain from the terrible start to the season.

Halloween Costume Comp: Shaving Cream Aaron

I know this also isn’t a costume, but it reflects what has happened so far this season for Aaron. An unsuspecting Aaron has been creamed so far this season - he was supposed to cruise as a top-tier team with the big names on his team, but it has been far from that. However, he’s up now and ready to seek vengeance.

12. Spider Pig (Luke) (3-5) [12]

Luke’s team continues to struggle, and I’m not sure what’ll get him out of it. His team will go as Saquon, Puka, and DeVonta Smith goes. The rest just seems like dead weight, including Patrick Mahomes at this point. 

Halloween Costume Comp: Death

Luke’s face says it all here.

Week 7 #PowerRankings - Biggest Surprise Edition!

As we near the FF mid-season mark, I’ve reflected on some of the biggest surprises on each team in relation to pre-season expectations, either good or bad.

1. LAMAReyoukiddingme?! (Eric) (5-2) [1]

Lamar Jackson is killing it for Eric. Add Mark Andrews’s production into the mix, and Eric’s got a recipe for success. Granted, Andrews won’t get 2 TDs every week, but this version of Andrews looks a lot better than Weeks 3 and 4. Bijan and Jacobs continue to produce too, but all Eric really needs is for Lamar to continue being QB1.

Biggest Surprise: Mark Andrews

A lot of players qualified for Eric’s biggest surprise - Lamar Jackson’s dominance, Alvin Kamara’s positive production, Stefon Diggs’s solid numbers, Jameson Williams’s usage. But Mark Andrews has been the rollercoaster ride of the season so far. He was a borderline drop consideration after Week 4, but has now become at least a usable starting TE. 

2. 第六 (Abraham) (4-3) [3]

Abraham’s team continued to roll in Week 7 with solid performances from pretty much every position, earning #HighScore for the 2nd time in 4 weeks. Losing Chris Godwin will be a big blow for Abraham, but the addition of Romeo Doubs and Keon Coleman may help soften that blow, and Olave will hopefully return soon. 

Biggest Surprise: Dalton Kincaid

Kincaid was supposed to develop into a top-tier TE, but he’s been mid throughout much of the season - decent enough not to drop but unproductive enough to give Abraham a few more white hairs.

3. Breece Mode (Haji) (3-4) [2]

Haji was wise to pick up (kind of) a hedge in Jauan Jennings with Deebo still being Questionable and Aiyuk out for the season, even if he had to pay up for it. I could see it turning into a good investment. I’m sure Haji was happy to see how Amari Cooper made an immediate impact after the trade - could the Allen-Cooper stack actually be a thing? Even if not, Haji’s still got a solid core of players to continue on as one of the stronger teams in our league.

Biggest Surprise: Chuba Hubbard

I think Chuba was the last starting RB to be taken in the draft, as Haji was freaking out about not having any good options at RB2. Now, he’s got one of the more consistent RBs in FF and Chuba has actually looked good enough on the field to warrant him keeping the starting job, even if Jonathan Brooks returns from injury.

4. Kraft Mac Salad (Andrew) (3-4) [5]

Andrew’s team lost, but overall still put up respectable numbers. Question marks for me revolve around Rhamondre and CJ Stroud, but I think Njoku’s stock will rise with a new QB throwing the ball to him. Andrew’s team has improved as the season has progressed, and I would expect it to continue to post solid numbers as long as Derrick Henry continues to do what he’s been doing.

Biggest Surprise: Derrick Henry

Henry has been the overall RB1 in FF by a long shot, and that has helped Andrew big-time. I thought Henry would be good, but not this good. I expected signs of age and wear to show up by now, but he still looks like vintage Henry, and that means good things for Andrew moving forward.

5. Terrific Tortoises (David) (3-4) [9]

David’s team got the victory it needed with an impressive line from Javonte Williams. He’ll get at least one more week of that kind of production when Denver faces / demolishes Carolina this week. The return of Nick Chubb should also be huge for David, and the DeAndre Hopkins trade should be good news moving forward. In spite of all the injuries, David has adapted well and seems to be on the upward trajectory.

Biggest Surprise: Christian McCaffery

I don’t think anyone expected CMC to miss this much time. Who knows if he’ll even play at all this FF season, and even if he does, how effective he’ll be. Honorable mentions to Rashee Rice before he got injured and to Jordan Mason, who has filled in well enough to keep David’s team afloat in CMC’s absence.

6. I am not sacko! (Jeff Chen) (3-4) [6]

Jeff Chen got steamrolled by Lamar on MNF, and on top of that, Mike Evans was injured and will miss some time. Jeff does have Wicks as a decent backup plan, and at least Drake Maye looks like a usable FF asset so far. 

Biggest Surprise: George Kittle

Can I say Jeff’s whole team? I was really expecting Jeff to end up in Sacko contention, but his team has proven otherwise. Montgomery and Dobbins have been solid RB options, Nico was playing extremely well before he got hurt, Joe Burrow and Drake Maye have been serviceable QBs, and Mike Evans and DK Metcalf have shown flashes. But Kittle has been the overall TE1 in FF this season, and in a TE landscape that has been extremely hit-or-miss this season, Kittle’s relative stability has given Jeff the consistency he needs.

7. Run It Back! (Gabs) (4-3) [4]

I didn’t expect Gabs would drop Anthony Richardson by now, but it happened. While he still has a good core of Kenneth Walker, Brock Bowers, and Brian Thomas Jr, there are some players trending in the wrong direction for Gabs. Diontae Johnson’s production will drop with Bryce under center, Garrett Wilson will continue to compete for targets with Davante Adams, and Aaron Rodgers just doesn’t look great.

Biggest Surprise: Brock Bowers

A case could be made for Brian Thomas Jr - who has scored the 6th most points amongst WRs this season. An opposite case could be made for Anthony Richardson, who Gabs has clearly been frustrated with. But Brock Bowers, rookie TE for a struggling Raiders team, currently has the 2nd most points amongst TEs and has proven to be a solid draft pickup for Gabs.

8. Unicorn QueenZ (Tim) (5-2) [7]

I was disappointed in my team losing to Aaron’s team in Week 7, but I’ll comfort myself with the fact that if Jayden Daniels didn’t get hurt, I’d still be at #1 in league standings - just look at what Marcus Mariota did to the disgrace of a defense / team that is the Carolina Panthers. I get it, injuries are part of the game so I’m not complaining. Also, my team really isn’t that good.

Biggest Surprise: Jayden Daniels

My other Jayden (Reed) has also been a pleasant surprise, but I didn’t expect Jayden Daniels to be a reliable every-week FF starter so soon. Reed at least showed flashes of it last year, but with Daniels as a rookie QB, I was expecting a little more time for development before he exploded. Hopefully his injury won’t set him back too much, but I guess that’s always a risk with mobile QBs.

9. Love thy Naber (Jeff Lin) (3-4) [8]

Jeff Lin had another down week, but with Kupp returning and Achane likely to get a bump up with Tua’s return, I can see a sliver of hope for him moving forward. Tank Dell’s goose egg will not be the norm, and Malik Nabers should return to form. At least Jeff’s got an easier matchup against Luke coming up to hopefully right the ship.

Biggest Surprise: Malik Nabers

Given where they were drafted and the teams that they were going to, most people expected Marvin Harrison Jr to outperform Malik Nabers going into the season. But Nabers has shown to be the more reliable FF asset so far, minus the 2 weeks he was out due to injury. Moving forward, I would expect Nabers to continue to be the better rookie WR for FF.

10. Maybabyboo (Laura) (3-4) [10]

Laura got a needed win this week and her team did decent without some starters (you know you can put players that are “out” in IR for the week to pick up another player, Laura? Aka Jake Moody). I still think it’s possible for Laura’s team to excel if the right pieces fall into place, and Waddle’s stock should go up if Tua stays healthy, which is good news for Laura.

Biggest Surprise: D’Andre Swift

I was convinced after Week 3 that Swift was droppable, but thankfully Laura kept him. Whether he’ll be able to continue his Weeks 4-6 production is TBD, but at least his matchups are a bit more favorable for the next month or so. Laura will need him to continue putting up big numbers to remain out of Sacko.

11. choubacca (Aaron) (3-4) [12]

Baker Mayfield saved the night for Aaron - he’s (Baker) been impressive in FF this season. With Tua returning, Tyreek’s stock should go up, and Dak + CeeDee ought to see better days moving forward. But Aaron’s team still sux for now, so I won’t bump his team too far up in the rankings yet.

Biggest Surprise: Tyreek Hill

The narrative of Tua getting injured negatively affecting Hill has been a large part of this surprise. But even with Tua hurt, I wouldn’t have expected Hill to be this bad. Hopefully Tua can stay healthy, because otherwise Aaron’s team is in trouble. Sam LaPorta was also a Biggest Surprise candidate with how poorly he’s played based on pre-season expectation.

12. Spider Pig (Luke) (3-4) [11]

I was going to keep Luke’s team at 11th, but after taking a closer look at it, I’m not impressed. Aaron’s team I feel like has more potential moving forward, and Luke’s team just seems stuck in a rut. Losing Aiyuk didn’t help. But I also don’t see league-winners on his team besides someone who rises up following an injury (maybe DeVonta Smith if AJ Brown gets hurt, Jordan Addison if Jefferson gets hurt, Charbonnet if Walker gets hurt, or Ray Davis if James Cook gets hurt?).

Biggest Surprise: Patrick Mahomes

Saquon has been the main man keeping Luke’s team relevant, and while his production has exceeded my expectations, I don’t think it’s as big of a surprise to me as how bad Patrick Mahomes has been for FF. Part of that can be attributed to losing Rashee Rice, but rookie Caleb Williams has scored more FF points than Mahomes (with both already having their byes). That just feels wrong, and has definitely negatively impacted Luke’s team.

Week 6 #PowerRankings - NC State Fair New Food Comp!

Week 6 #PowerRankings - NC State Fair New Food Comp!

With the NC State Fair starting up this week, I thought I’d do another NC State Fair food comp. But since I took all the good foods a few years ago, I figured I’d do a New Food Comp. Evidently, this year there are 73 new foods featured at the fair (https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair/2024/attractions/newin24). Although I have not tried any of these new foods, I have chosen one per team to use as a comp, using my imagination to guess how the new food would taste. For you FFNUTHANGers going to the State Fair this year, you can try some of the new foods and share your thoughts.

1. MyRavensStackIsntWorkingOut (Eric) (4-2) [1]

Eric finally gets a big game out of Bijan Robinson, whose schedule looks pretty cush for the next 4 weeks. If Bijan continues to produce, and if Mark Andrews continues his scoring streak, Eric’s team will be even more potent, it will be in prime position to continue winning, and it will eventually take the #1 spot in the league standings, which it deserves.

NC State New Food Comp: Cowboy Bites

Out of all the new foods I looked at, this would be the one I’d want to try the most. Smoked white cheddar cheese mixed with brisket, rolled in panko and deep fried? Yes, please - give me all of them.

2. Breece Mode (Haji) (2-4) [2]

After a few down weeks, Haji’s team pulled together an impressive Week 6, with Breece Hall and Deebo putting up big numbers and Josh Allen, Chuba, and MPJ adding some solid contributions. Chuba looks really good in spite of Carolina’s woes, and it sounds like Jonathan Brooks won’t return as soon as I hoped, so I would expect Chuba to continue putting up high-end RB2 numbers. It’s TBD how Amari Cooper will look on a new team, but he’s generally been a boom-or-bust player, so I’m not sure if he’ll be any more reliable on the Bills. Haji’s TE situation is still not great, but I think that’s irrelevant given how strong the rest of his team is.

NC State New Food Comp: Barbecue Bacon Queso Sandwich

This sandwich looks solid. Take something good - BBQ sandwich - and add bacon and queso? Yes, please. You might get polarizing opinions from the new school vs. the BBQ purists, but let the controversy begin! Haji’s team has looked good on paper pretty much all season. The controversy has come with the lack of wins and poor performances in Week 4 and 5. But in spite of being 9th in league standings, his team is still 3rd in Points For. Regression to the mean is bound to happen, and regression to converting BBQ purists to adding bacon and queso to their sandwiches is bound to happen. Maybe.

3. 第六 (Abraham) (3-3) [3]

Abraham’s team looked good in Week 6, thanks to 30 points from Chris Godwin. That’s not sustainable, but Abraham will take it along with the win. Jordan Love’s 33 points should be more sustainable, especially in the next 2 weeks against easy defenses. Olave might be out for a bit, but it’s not like he was doing much for Abraham the past few weeks. Bigsby should be a good play this week and with Kyren returning from bye, Abraham should put up another strong Week 7 showing. 

NC State New Food Comp: Deep Fried Ribs

Sometimes, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel or do something crazy fancy to make something good. Just deep fry some ribs and add some sauce and you’re golden. Abraham’s team has had its ups and downs, but overall it has just been solid. With some unfancy but productive pieces on his team, he’s earned 2nd in Points For this season, and is poised to compete for the #1 spot down the road.

4. Run It Back! (Gabs) (4-2) [4]

Gabs’s team had a respectable showing in Week 6 but ended up with the loss. The Davante Adams trade should help give Brock Bowers more targets, but will likely eat into Garrett Wilson’s targets. Gabs has bought into the Adams hype though, picking up Aaron Rodgers in hopes of re-living the old days (hit me up Gabs - I can make the Rodgers-Adams stack happen for you again). Gabs actually has a really strong team with lots of depth, but just hasn’t put together a boom type of week yet. And that might just be the formula that works for him.

NC State New Food Comp: Sweet Cheese Pie

Sometimes, you just have to keep it simple. The sweet cheese pie looks like something you could get at a normal restaurant that would taste good. Gabs doesn’t really have super exciting players, but he’s gotten the job done with an above-average scoring and a 4-2 record. His team is 1st in Standard Deviation Rankings, meaning it’s been the least boom-bust, and it has just been solid all around. Nothing flashy here, but still tasty.

5. Kraft Mac Salad (Andrew) (3-3) [10]

Andrew has put together 3 straight weeks of respectable points, stringing together a 3-game winning streak, earning Week 6 #HighScore and a big bump up in the rankings. Derrick Henry has been absolutely ridiculous, and with the return of AJ Brown and the development of chemistry between McLaurin and Daniels, Andrew has started to find a nice groove. Even with Justin Fields potentially being benched, CJ Stroud looks like he can take the helm at QB. There are still some holes that need to be patched, particularly at RB2 and TE (although now it’s hard not to start Kraft now), but Derrick Henry is beastly enough to continue carrying Andrew’s team.

NC State New Food Comp: Candied Oatmeal Pies

Yes, this looks weird, but I can see it working. Why? You’ve got your tried and true Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Pies driving the whole thing, all you have to do is add a layer of sweet crunchiness on the outside, and you’ve got yourself a new fair food. Andrew’s team is powered by tried and true Derrick Henry. The added sweetness added from AJ Brown, DJ Moore, Terry McLaurin, Justin Fields, and company (whenever they are actually playing well) is just icing on the cake (or cookie), so to speak. But the whole thing is driven by Derrick Henry. Without him, things may start to fall apart.

6. I am not sacko! (Jeff Chen) (3-3) [6]

Jeff Chen’s team posted respectable numbers in spite of his Week 6 loss. David Montgomery got paid, and his role in this offense looks to be pretty secure. JK Dobbins continues to roll, and George Kittle has emerged as the best TE in FF so far this season. Jeff’s wait on Drake Maye might end up working out, since he’s playing a bottom-of-the-barrel Jacksonville team this Sunday. So, Jeff’s team is looking better than it did 6 weeks ago, but I still consider it middle-of-the-pack given his inconsistent WR production.

NC State New Food Comp: Glazed Donut Coffee Float

This looks like diabetes in a cup. Donut-infused ice coffee over vanilla ice cream, topped with a donut hole and more ice cream? To be honest, just looking at the picture makes my head hurt on a sugar high. But I bet if I tried this, I would enjoy it. At least until I started jumping off the non-existing State Fair walls. Jeff’s team did not look good (in my estimation) to start the season - it made my head hurt. But I’ve given it a chance, and I’ve learned to like it. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if after the initial sugar and caffeine high to start this season, Jeff’s team comes crashing down, because, well, science.

7. Unicorn QueenZ (Tim) (5-1) [7] 

I lucked out again with a win this week against Jeff Lin’s struggling team, but I’ll take the W to add to my 5-game win streak and enjoy this #1 spot in the standings while I can! I’m hoping this Davante Adams trade will breathe new life into him (it’s already miraculously healed his hamstring) and help him produce at WR2 levels. But my RB situation is still pretty tenuous.

NC State New Food Comp: Big Bacon Wrapped In Cheese On A Stick

It sounds simple, and it is simple, but it works. It might be lacking in quantity, since it’s just cheese and one slice of bacon on a stick, but I’m sure it’ll be a crowd-pleaser because who doesn’t like cheese and bacon? My team hasn’t been putting up the points to justify #1 in league standings, but it has gotten the job done and has made it to the top. It might not be exotic, and I might not be a lot to look at, but sometimes fried bacon and cheese is all you need.

8. Love thy Naber (Jeff Lin) (3-3) [5]

I feel like Jeff Lin’s team needs to be ranked lower - he’s scored fewer points than everyone except Aaron in the past 2 weeks, and has fallen hard with this 3-game losing streak. However, his strong first 3 weeks have offset the terrible last 3 weeks, and I think brighter days are ahead for Jeff after he weathers this storm. Tank Dell should continue to produce with Nico Collins out for a while, Malik Nabers should return to form, Cooper Kupp should be back, TJ Hockenson will eventually return, and Aaron Jones looks good when healthy. Jeff has just been hit with bouts of bad luck the past 3 weeks, and hopefully things will start to turn around for him.

NC State New Food Comp: Mema Mia

This is too much going on in one bun. It all sounds pretty good - deep fried spaghetti with meat sauce, cheese, and slaw on a garlic parmesan bun. But it’s too much. You try to take a bite of this on the bun, and everything will fall out of the bun. You might as well dump the spaghetti, sauce, etc. into a bowl and eat it separate from the bun. Jeff’s team has been like that this season - looked good to start, but it was too much goodness in one bun, so halfway in, everything has just fallen apart.

9. Terrific Tortoises (David) (2-4) [8]

David just can’t catch a break - with Jordan Mason injured and possibly missing time, he was forced into an Isaac Guerendo waiver pickup. The good news is Nick Chubb should be returning soon, and Cleveland will likely rely on him (assuming he stays healthy). Tony Pollard has looked like a solid RB2. We’ll see if Josh Downs can return (hopefully with Joe Flacco instead of Richardson), but Wan’Dale Robinson has been surprisingly consistent as a low-end WR2. David is 10th in Points For, but I’m somewhat optimistic with the return of Nick Chubb, so I’ll keep him at 9th in the Power Rankings for now.

NC State New Food Comp: Turducken Burger

This thing looks solid - turkey, duck, and chicken on a bun with a bunch of toppings. It sounds decent, looks decent, and will definitely be filling. But then the more I think about it, the more I feel like it’s mostly for show and not actually for substance. Turkey burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches are generally dry. I’ve never had a duck burger, so maybe that helps add some fattiness. But I would still expect this sandwich to be disappointing. David’s team looked pretty decent on paper to start the season. But then without CMC to start the season and now with Rashee Rice gone, his team has been disappointing and has seemed more show-over-substance. Hopefully that’ll turn around, if he can somehow change that Turducken Burger into an actual burger.

10. Maybabyboo (Laura) (2-4) [11]

Laura puts together another impressive scoring week on the backs of Joe Mixon and D’Andre Swift. She would have done even better with Purdy’s bench points, but Geno has been more consistent so I can understand why she started him over Purdy. With James Cook possibly set to return and Kelce coming back from the bye, I like Laura’s chances of continuing this momentum into Week 7 against a struggling Jeff Lin, even with Swift on bye.

NC State New Food Comp: Red Velvet Glazed Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich

Red velvet cake funnel cake as buns and fried chicken in the middle with sweet syrup and hot sauce. This perfectly describes Laura’s team because I can’t tell what her team is. In Week 1, her team scored 3rd in points, followed by 11th in Week 2, 11th in Week 3, and then 12th in Week 4. Then it explodes with 2nd in points in Week 5 and this past week put up a respectable 4th in points with her 2nd win. Is it good or is it bad? I can’t tell - each week will probably be different, and she might have to be ok with that. Is this Red Velvet Glazed Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich sweet or savory? I can’t tell - each bite will probably be different, and maybe you just have to be ok with that.

11. Spider Pig (Luke) (3-3) [9]

It continues to be tough sledding for Luke, as he drops his 3rd straight loss and slides to 9th in Points For. It’s promising to see Caleb Williams improving, and if DeVonta Smith can stay healthy, he’ll be a big contributor. I’m not sure if the big FAAB spend on Ray Davis will move the needle much for Luke, though. It feels like the hot start to Luke’s season was just a mirage, and reality is now sinking in.

NC State New Food Comp: Chamoy Pickles

Flavored pickles wrapped in fruit roll ups and stuffed with candy, sprinkles, and takis chips dipped in chamoy sauce and tajin seasons. Sometimes, you read about something and then you look at something, and you think: “That looks nasty.” And it probably is nasty. But then someone tries to convince you to try it. Against all logic. So you try it. Maybe the first bite is tolerable - you get mostly fruit roll up and candy. And maybe you’re adventurous enough to try a 2nd bite. Then you immediately regret it. Luke’s team has been that this season - looked nasty, is nasty, but somehow he tried to convince us to give him a shot. Beginning of the season looked ok. Good, even. But now? No thanks.

12. choubacca (Aaron) (2-4) [12]

Aaron’s team is in bad shape. I don’t know what’s going on in Dallas, but it’s not looking good. CeeDee has had some passable weeks, but he hasn’t been the league-winning WR Aaron was expecting. Aaron will have to continue waiting on Tua’s return before Tyreek can return to relevance. His RB situation is looking worse by the week (although Alexander Mattison at least has secured the starting job in Las Vegas). Things have gone south for Aaron and he hasn’t been able to adapt quickly enough to right the ship. Now he’s 12th in the league standings, and has the lowest Points For by 50+ points. Eek.

NC State New Food Comp: Dill Delight Funnel Cake

What in the world is this nonsense? Who thought it would be a good idea to take a classic fair food like funnel cake with powdered sugar and add ranch dressing and dill pickles?? Get this nonsense out of the fair - it doesn’t belong. They decided to take a good thing (funnel cake) and destroy it with pickles. Aaron has taken a good thing (his team with Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, Sam LaPorta) and destroy it with his managing (lack of) skillz. Ok, that’s being a bit harsh - sorry, Aaron. But for real his team looks like funnel cake with pickles: disgusting.