Week 12 Predictions!! (thanks Tim for the friendly reminder games start early on Turkey day)

MUSCLE Hamster vs "Bush-whacked"
no need to explain the results of this one.. if i end up losing somehow, pigs will fly.
 
odoyle RULES vs Rainbow Warriors
both Ryan and Rodgers had "disappointing" weeks last week.. i expect Ryan to bounce back in a huge way which will propel Tim to victory this week. plus i've never heard of any of Jeff's WR.. which is troubling (okay, i've heard of them, but who exactly are they? i'll never know cause they stink)
 
The Debbinator vs Terrific Tortoises
LI has more to right for, LIN is in cruise control. i'm solely hoping LIN beats LI to help my chances of reaching the playoffs.. *fingers crossed* (plus Brees will likely throw it 50+ times because of the 49ers run defense.. playing Mendenhall is questionable but i would take that any day over Mathews.. watch him get hurt after the first series)
 
THE Pain Train vs Spider Pig
Gabs makes several moves to his roster this week in hopes of bolstering his playoff chances.. i'm not convinced though w/ the Ballard pick up and Finley.. who drops everything thrown his way... hmm)
 
RelientK vs choubacca 
i've been giving Ms Jones lots of love as of late as she makes a push for the playoffs, much like myself. but i believe she runs into a buzz saw this week as Aaron's match ups are super scary imo sorry Laura, i still love ya! :)

Predictions: Week 12

Crap, I forgot the Thursday games are early this week because of Thanksgiving.  Rapid fire predictions!

	Tim	Luke	Eric
Last week's record	(2-3)	(0-0)	(2-3)
Overall record	(35-20)	(8-7)	(33-22)
Percentage	0.64	0.53	0.60

odoyle RULES v. Rainbow Warriors
I like my chances of beating Jeff and technically staying in the playoff race (not really).  Matt Ryan, please redeem yourself.  For redemption's sake.
Winner: odoyle RULES

Kardashian Esk. Bros v. MUSCLE Hamster
MUSCLE Hamster FTW!  Refer to my power rankings if you have questions about this prediction.
Winner: MUSCLE Hamster

The Debbinator v. Terrific Tortoises
Battle of the Davids!  David Li has more to fight for, plus he has slightly better matchups this week (minus Eli, who has been very questionable as of late).
Winner: Terrific Tortoises

THE Pain Train v. Spider Pig
In spite of some tough matchups, Luke continues his streak of dominance while Gabs continues to desperately scramble for a spot in the playoffs.  The difference is Peyton Manning.
Winner: Spider Pig

RelientK v. choubacca
I'm not buying what Aaron's trying to sell.
Winner: RelientK

Power Rankings: Week 11

Sometimes, things just need to get shaken up a little bit..

1. Spider Pig (9-2) [1]

It's simple - Luke's team continues to score points and win.  That's what it takes to be a fantasy football champion.  Plus, he was without Marshawn Lynch this week.  Check this video out (fast forward to 45 seconds in) if you are skeptical of what he can do on the field.  Specifically, look at that stiff arm he throws at the 57 second mark.  Just sayin'.

2. MUSCLE Hamster (4-7) [7]

Yeah, you better believe it, folks.  How can Eric's team be so high with such a lousy record?  I'll break it down for you:
1. If there is a team right now that I would NOT want to play, it's Eric's.  Right now, in my opinion, he has the scariest team in our league, second to maybe Luke's.  Even with McCoy's status being uncertain, he's got some depth on the bench at RB to makeup for that loss, at least in the short run.
2. Eric's team has blown the whole league away these past three weeks, consistently scoring either the most or second most points each week, and I don't foresee them slowing down anytime soon.
3. If there's any team right now that I think has a great chance of vying for the title besides Luke's team, it's Eric's.  I'm going to go ahead and call it now that he wins out the rest of the season, makes the playoffs as the 4 or 5 seed, and plays in the championship game against Luke.
Hence, ladies and gentlemen, your new #2 team.

3. The Debbinator (8-3) [3]

Unimpressive performance this week, but there's no justification in me bumping David's team down.  I'm sure he's just hoping Nicks comes back to full strength and performance.

4. choubacca (6-5) [2]

How ugly is Aaron's team right now?  That's a rhetorical question, because all of you, including Aaron, should know the answer.  The last four weeks, he has been scoring in the bottom half of our league, and even this week, with his team at full strength minus Victor Cruz, he still couldn't beat out the worst team in our league.  I was tempted to take it down even further in the ranks, but I couldn't find another team worthy of the spot.  I'm just going to say that it's statistically possible - and not all that unreasonable - that Aaron's team doesn't make the playoffs, and I think that should concern him a little.

5. THE Pain Train (6-5) [4]

Gabs blew his chance of clenching a playoff spot, and now I'm not so sure he can clench one anymore.  I think it'll boil down to the final week, when he plays the Terrific Poops.  I'm sure Gabs is hoping his team will be less like Bruce Banner and more like The Hulk from here on out.  But who knows, it's been all over the place.

6. Terrific Tortoises (6-5) [8]

Impressive performance this week (somewhat).  Kudos to scoring the most points, but if you break down how he got those points, you'll see it's probably more of a one-time gig than it is a sustainable act.  However, he'll have Percy Harvin (hopefully) and Chris Johnson back in the mix next week, which are options David can comfortably rely on.  I will say that David's team has impressively set themselves up for a good end-of-the-season run, so it'll be fun to see where that takes him.

7. RelientK (5-6) [6]

Not a pretty win, but a win nonetheless, and an important win to keep Laura's post-season relevant.  However, the nice addition of Felix Jones may not offset the uncertainty of some of her players (Andy Dalton?  Jordy Nelson?  Dwayne Bowe?  RB2?).  I guess only time will tell, but I like her chances of snatching the last spot in the playoffs.


8. Rainbow Warriors (4-7) [5]

The season is just crumbling before his eyes.  Even with 25+ points from Gronk (who will no longer be providing those services to Jeff anymore this season), he scores the least amount of points this week.  Bye bye, season, bye bye post-season.


9. Kardashian Esk. Bros (3-8) [10]

Nice victory for Justina.  As a prize, I am giving her a bump in the rankings.  Next week, I fully expect to have my spot back in the rankings, but I'll let her enjoy it for a week.  We have to do what we can to keep ourselves entertained down here.

10. odoyle RULES (4-7) [9]

It was my chance to slay the beast and dash the Hamster's hopes of a late season run, and set myself up for a chance in the dance, but no, my team was too weak and incompetent.  When I saw Matt Ryan's stat line (when the game had ended), I was certain that he had gotten hurt early in the game or something.  I mean, what QB scores 1.74 points in fantasy football and actually tries?!  But then I found out he threw 5 freaking picks.  And I STILL didn't get it.  That's only -10 points, right?  1.74?!  Whatever. 

WEEK 11! (a little late, sorry) 

MUSCLE Hamster vs odoyle RULES
my little hamster runs all over the sorry Panthers D this week. also, Megatron is starting to come around, even w/o the TD's he's suppose to have. I think I pull off a 3rd win in a row this week
 
Kardashian Esk. Bros vs choubacca
chubs starts both Bush's this week. she's going to get bush-whacked cause they're both terrible. her team is terrible. the end.
 
Rainbow Warriors vs Terrific Tortoises
Aaron Rodgers is back this week. Jeff avenges last week's narrow loss to the flaming luke. good game David Li. good game..
 
The Debbinator vs Spider Pig
i agree w/ Tim, a meaningless match up b/t 2 of the top teams. looking at their line ups, no one has anything that really sticks out to me as an advantage. i'll say Luke wins because Peyton will have another field day against the Chargers.. Brees will be up by so much by the end of the first quarter, he'll sit the final 3 out. that's how bad the Raiders are.
 
THE Pain Train vs RelientK
i felt bad for Laura Jones.. not having a RB2.. plus I love hoarding them and they will serve me no purpose on the bench.. why would i need anyone else when i have a hamster ragin on the roids? i don't even know. plus Murray may be back in a week or so.. but he may or may not be at 100%.. we'll see how this pans out. I needed another WR so I think it works out for both. with this said, even w/ Felix, I feel Gabs' team has monster match ups in his favor this week. Laura also asked me whether she should start Owen Daniels or Scott Chandler. I said Chandler. if she miraculously wins this week, I think Chandler and Felix will have good weeks.. 
  
  

Predictions: Week 11

As our league undergoes another trade in the works, I just wanted to give you all a friendly reminder that trade deadline is Friday, November 23.  :)

	Tim	Luke	Eric
Last week's record	(3-2)	(0-0)	(4-1)
Overall record	(33-17)	(8-7)	(31-19)
Percentage	0.66	0.53	0.62

odoyle RULES v. MUSCLE Hamster
A win this week would mean a lot for both teams.  Eric's team is much better equipped to make it happen.  But I'm still hoping for a miracle.
Winner: MUSCLE Hamster

Kardashian Esk. Bros v. choubacca
Aaron is more or less at full power now, but who knows what version of his team will show up this week.  All signs point to his team coming out with a W, but I wouldn't be surprised if an upset happened in this matchup.
Winner: choubacca

Rainbow Warriors v. Terrific Tortoises
Huge holes in David's team due to the bye week.  While Jeff won't have Adrian Peterson, I think he'll have enough help from Rodgers and crew to easily win this one.
Winner: Rainbow Warriors

The Debbinator v. Spider Pig
A meaningless matchup between two (8-2) teams.  Luke has Marshawn on the bench, but even without Beast Mode, I think his team is strong enough to come out victorious.
Winner: Spider Pig

THE Pain Train v. RelientK
This one was hard for me to pick.  Who knows how well Jordy will do for Laura on his return to the field?  And what about her RB2 (looks like she might get a so-so fill-in for this week after the trade, given that DeMarco Murray doesn't return)?  But then, for Gabs, Julio Jones might be held out this week (which I hope he is, for Roddy's sake).  I know Laura wants this win more than Gabs does, but I'm afraid to say I'm not sure she'll get it.
Winner: THE Pain Train

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.

Predictions: Week 10

Eric not only had an impressive fantasy performance last week, but he went (5-0) in his predictions.  Congrats to the newly-named MUSCLE Hamsters.

	Tim	Luke	Eric
Last week's record	(4-1)	(0-0)	(5-0)
Overall record	(30-15)	(8-7)	(27-18)
Percentage	0.67	0.53	0.60

odoyle RULES v. Kardashian Esk. Bros
I'll probably end up jinxing it for myself, but I'm hoping Justina's team will continue their downward spiral to fantasy oblivion and I'll finally get my first win in a while to keep me somewhat relevant for the playoffs.  We both have favorable matchups here and there, but I think my team will play better this week.  I'm not losing hope!
Winner: odoyle RULES

MUSCLE Hamster v. Terrific Tortoises
Talk about two teams that have been on the rise.  David's team has been on a more long-term rise, while Eric's team received a shot in the arm of fantasy crack last week - enough to compel him to change his name and logo.  Remember the last team that changed their name to highlight their superstar player(s)?  I'm sure Eric is hoping that doesn't happen again.  Anyways, for this week - both have tough matchups, but I think Eric's team will continue to ride his surprise high for at least another week - at least enough to win the game.
Winner: MUSCLE Hamster

Rainbow Warriors v. Spider Pig
You know what it means when Jeff doesn't have Aaron Rodgers on board, right?  Easy win for Luke.
Winner: Spider Pig

The Debbinator v. RelientK
Intriguing matchup here.  Laura's team has been on a win streak, but David's team has been quietly maintaining a top ranking in our league.  Laura has a better matchup at QB, but David's got a slight upper hand at WR.  I think Laura's RBs will do more damage, and TE/K/DEF is about even.  It'll be a close one, but I'm liking Laura to continue her streak.
Winner: RelientK

THE Pain Train v. choubacca
Gabs has a better QB matchup, and arguably a better WR matchup, but his RBs will most likely fall flat against Aaron's.  However, Gabs's team has been doing weird things, and I can't rely on him to pull out what ought to be a victory for him.  This pick is based more on gut, less on logic.
Winner: choubacca