Power Rankings: Week 10

With 3 weeks remaining in the season, we already have 2 teams that have clenched playoff berths, and 8 more teams (ok, maybe 7) clawing for the last 4 spots.  A week ago, it might have seemed obvious who those other 4 teams to make the playoffs would be, but now, things have changed.  Once-strong teams are starting to show weaknesses, and a freaking hamster on steroids has entered the scene.

1. Spider Pig (8-2) [1]

Would you look at that - his two newest acquisitions become his saving grace this week in what would have probably been a total demolishing, had he not had Marshawn and Dez Bryant.  Of course, it's all speculation, but I think it's safe to say his team is way better off post-trade (and post-Cookout).

2. choubacca (6-4) [2]

I'm going to give Aaron's team the benefit of the doubt for one more week before he takes a dive in the rankings.  Yes, his team has been terrible the past three weeks.  At times, inexcusably terrible.  But the only excuse I'll give him this week is that he had RGIII, Trent Richardson, and Randall Cobb on bye.  I'd still argue that his team, when at full force, is still very strong.  And that's why he's still #2 in the rankings.  He has one more week to prove me right or wrong.

3. The Debbinator (8-2) [3]

While David doesn't have a super strong team (statistically speaking, his team ought to be (5-5) right now), he's found ways to get wins, and he's found his way into the playoffs.  Once again, he's #3 by default, but that's not saying much in our league right now.

4. THE Pain Train (6-4) [6]

I don't know what to make of Gabs's team.  Matthew Stafford has determined to be bipolar this season, and it's affected Gabs's team in ways good and bad.  Also.. 19 points from Danny Woodhead?!  Granted, Gabs would have gotten more from his non-waiver-acquired Fred Jackson, but how often can he rely on random RBs for quality production?  Gabs's team has been the epitome of streaky and unpredictable this year, but I think he'll still be a threat come playoffs.

5. Rainbow Warriors (4-6) [5]

Jeff almost survived this week without his star QB (he hilariously started Ryan Tannehill, who was outscored by probably 99% of all fantasy players last week, including the ghost of Chris Weinke).  But I think that speaks to the massive amount of potential his team has if his star players all show up come playoff time.  That's a big if, and that's putting a lot of burden on 2 or 3 players, but it's more than some of us can hope for.

6. RelientK (4-6) [4]

Laura's team hit a rough patch this week, taking a big step backwards with the loss.  The road to the playoffs are looking a lot tougher for her from here on out.  However, it's still possible - Gabs's team has been unpredictable, Aaron's team has failed to show up the past 3 weeks, and she might have the points needed to beat out Gabs, David Li, Eric, and me, if that's what it comes down to.

7. MUSCLE Hamster (3-7) [8]

Some (Eric) would argue that Doug Martin and co. should be ranked higher.  I'd say if you were to rank our league based only on the past two weeks, then hands down, Eric's team would be #1.  Unfortunately, these power rankings are based on the entire season's performance, which puts Eric's team at a slight handicap because of the first... 8 games of the season.  So what the crap happened in the past two weeks that hadn't happened prior to that?  Uh.. maybe all his players decided to show up and play to their potential?  It's amazing what can happen when they do that.  Eric's making a serious (and surprising) run for the playoffs, people - watch out.


8. Terrific Tortoises (5-5) [7]

David's getting the numbers he needs from Jimmy Graham and CJ2K, but his QB situation is killing him, and he doesn't have much time left to correct things.  What once was a brighter future may just be a reflection of last year's Tortoises.  :(

9. odoyle RULES (4-6) [9]

Ladies and gentlemen, that is what we call a one-week wonder.  Thank you and goodnight.

10. Kardashian Esk. Bros (2-8) [10]

She got a surprising boost from the players she acquired from David.  Not so much from Luke's players.  If it's any consolation to her, she would have beaten half of the teams in our league this week.