See also: 

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Week 7 Week 6  Week 5 Week 4 Week 3 Week 2  Preview/Week 1

2007 Frozen Tundra Recap 

For those of you who thought they might have accidently posted last year's results on the web, no its not a typo....

For the second straight year (and in only their 3rd year of existence), Creepy Crawlers hold aloft the Frozen Tundra Title and are starting talks of the possible emergence of something ND Cardinals and Da Raidaz attempted to establish but didn't quite produce:  A dynasty.

At any rate, if there was any doubt as to whether the CCs are legit, its gone.

Meanwhile, The T.A. Starfires had all the makings of a comeback, underdog, Cinderella story that would have been quite the feel-good finish. Alas, sometimes even the fantasy world is mired in reality.

 

Championship Game        

(2)Creepy Crawlers 97, (4) The T.A. Starfires 82

As the Cincy-Cleveland game progressed into the late stages, with a goose-egg on the Browns' side of the ledger, The T.A. Starfires dared to hope that the ultimate Christmas miracle would come to pass.  But it wasn't Christmas yet as the CCs hit double-points twice with two TD connections from Anderson to Edwards late in the game to give them the boost they needed.  And since the Starfire's WR corps once again failed them (five points combined), the wind was knocked out of Brees, and the "Indy already clinched so they'll rest" assumption was proved wrong (Wayne and Clark combined for three TDs), the Creepy Crawlers turned the Starfire's would-be title carriage into a 2nd place pumpkin.  Good thing I like pie.

But considering that the Starfires should not have even GOTTEN this far, 2nd Place (highest finish for a team with a losing record) is a gift they likely won't be returning.

Third-Place Game 

(3) JohnnyBroncos07 110, (1) Da Raidaz 66

What in the world has happened to Da Raidaz?!?  The normally productive Addai yields a pedestrian 7 points along with the rest of the lineup - including a meager 13 points from a Minnesota D that should have had a big night against the Redskins.  Meanwhile the JBs guess right with Big Ben and Brandon Jacobs.  And that Seahawk club might be showing shades of the 2005 NFC Champion version.  So the JBs capture third place and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in 2008.  Meanwhile, Da Raidaz, who had looked all but unbeatable two weeks ago, have to settle for a disappointing fourth.

Interesting note:  In their last four regular season games Da Raidaz averaged 127 points per game.  But they only scored 120 points in their two playoff games combined.  Not the way you want to finish...

And lastly (literally)....

The 2007 Toilet Bowl (a.k.a. the 5th Place game):

(5) ND Cardinals 86, (6) Dakota Cheddar 55

The weather played a factor in these playoffs to a level not seen before in Frozen Tundra.  Green Bay of all teams could not deal with the elements as they go down hard to Chicago - yielding a miserable 3 points for Cheddar's defense.  Meanwhile ND only needed Romo and Co. to pass Dakota Cheddar.  So no three-peat for the Cheddar as ND Cardinals win the Consolation Championship.

Historical note:  ND Cardinals are the only team to have won the League Championship AND the Consolation Championship.

Final Picks: 

Last week:  1-2; Season:  25-22

1st 2nd 3rd
 
Creepy Crawlers The T.A. Starfires JohnnyBroncos07

Frozen Tundra Champions

Creepy Crawlers

2006 Back to Back2007

The legend continues....

Final thoughts: 

Last year, The Creepy Crawlers came in as a dark horse and won it all.  This year, despite having the proverbial bulls-eye on their jersey, they had another winning season and grab their second championship as they run up their postseason record to a league-best 6-2 overall (a perfect 5-0 in the past two seasons!).  Is it too early to start talking about a three-peat? 

After it looked like The T.A. Starfires' magical 2006 playoff run would prove to be a flash in the pan, they pull off the most improbable finish to get into the playoffs and into the title game for the second straight year.  Unfortunately the same result occured. That said if they can start turning their improved point production into more wins, they shouldn't need a Christmas miracle to get into the playoffs next time.  

While it initially looked like JohnnyBronocos07 were more lucky than good, they proved they are for real.  Had they gotten past the CCs in Round 1, they would be the ones holding the Championship trophy.  It'll be interesting to see which direction they go in 2008. 

Two teams who hope for better things in 2008:  TL’s Outlaws and ND Cardinals.  The Outlaws were not able to get into the league this year, but should be expected to jump in come 2008.  ND Cardinals just couldn't get anything going as they remained closer to the cellar than the penthouse.  While they finish with a win and the Consolation title, it doesn't carry as much weight in a six-team league.

Finally the disappointment of the year:  Da Raidaz. After falling just short of the title in ’04 and ’05 they have failed to advance past the first round two years running. It really looked like they were poised for a title run this year, but were shocked by the Starfires. Regular season success has come easy for Da Raidaz, but that is of little consolation when falling short of expectations in the playoffs.

Dakota Cheddar was also a disappointment in '07.  This team had its sights on the Championship bracket after having to settle for a Consolation run the past two years.  But a league-low 89.1 ppg just wasn't enough in a six-team, playmaker-rich Frozen Tundra league.  The Cheddar have certainly hit rock bottom, but the good news is there is no where to go but up.

That wraps up another Frozen Tundra season.  We hope to see more teams, more exciting match-ups and more great fantasy football action in 2008.  For now, happy holidays - and see you next year!

< name="Round2">Round 2 preview 

Dear Santa,

I have been a good little fantasy owner this year. I worked hard to diversify my roster, scored more points than last year, and kept my temper in check…

Dear Santa, I can explain…

I mean…I’ve tried to be kind of good, unless tempted otherwise.

I got almost everything on my list last year. A winning record. A playoff berth. A Championship Game appearance.

I only need one little thing….

A ring.

I don’t mean on the phone…. a championship ring.

You'll poke your eye out, kid....

Round 1 recap: 

(4)The T.A. Starfires 97, (1)Da Raidaz 54 

Wow! Did that really happen?!?

The one thing the Starfires were hoping for came to fruition: Brady was held in check due to inclement weather. That, plus the continued hot hand of Brees allows the Starfires to continue their back-from-the-grave season and into their second straight title game. The Starfires are the first team since Da Raidaz to appear in two straight championship games. As for Da Raidaz, it’s another improbable and disappointing end to a championship run.  Bah Humbug, indeed!

(2)Creepy Crawlers 84, (3)JohnnyBroncos07 76 

The JBs luck runs out as Mr. “All Day” finds the endzone for the second time last night in Minnesota. Had Ferguson found the endzone on his big reception earlier in the game, he would have denied AP his first TD – and likely the CCs entry into the Championship game.   Instead, the CCs join Da Raidaz and The T.A. Starfires as the only teams with two straight Championship game appearances.

Final Picks: 

Last week:  1-1; Season:  24-20

Championship Game        

(4)The T.A. Starfires vs. (2)Creepy Crawlers (-10) 

For the first time in Frozen Tundra history, we have a rematch of the previous year’s title game (should we start calling this the Tundra Bowl?). In 2006, the CCs edged the Starfires 102-90. Regardless of how this goes, there is history to be made. The CCs could become the first team to win more than one league title AND win back-to-back. If the Starfires lose, they would join Da Raidaz as the only teams to lose two straight Championship games (call ‘em the Bills and Vikes of Frozen Tundra). If the Starfires win, they would complete a Cinderella run akin to the 2005 Steelers and would become the first league champion with a sub-500 record.

Both teams have players with something to play for. The CCs and the Starfires are #2 and #3 respectively in scoring. The CCs postseason record is a perfect 4-0 dating back to last year (they went 1-2 in the 2004 playoffs). The Starfires have an impressive 3-1 postseason mark in the same span – with their only loss coming at the hands of…the CCs. Creepy Crawlers edged the Starfires 2-1 in the regular season, outscoring them 299-260. Obviously it looks like another CCs championship, but will it be by the margin the spread suggests?

Pick: The T.A. Starfires to cover. 

Third-Place Game 

(3) JohnnyBroncos07 vs. (1) Da Raidaz vs. (-12)

With New England having wrapped up home field, the question is whether Brady and Co. will be on the field long enough to collect solid fantasy points (will they actually risk a key injury and falling short in the playoffs for the sake of a perfect season?). Of course, the majority of Da Raidaz's roster still have something to play for. With Peyton having nothing left to play for, the JBs are going back to Big Ben. If his O-line can reduce his sacks to less than half a dozen, he should produce....

Pick: JohnnyBroncos07 to cover

And finally - what you've all been waiting for....

The 2007 Toilet Bowl (a.k.a. the 5th Place game):

(5) ND Cardinals vs. (6) Dakota Cheddar (-5)

A chance for history here as well: The Cheddar have won the last two Consolation titles and could three-peat with a win over ND. The question here is which quarterback will rebound from a sub-par game last week. At least Romo had the excuse of being distracted by Jessica Simpson....

Pick: Dakota Cheddar straight up.

Playoffs - Round 1 Preview

What is that phrase they always use..."always darkest just before the dawn?"

After losing last week, the Starfires appeared to be destined for the "Toilet Bowl" for the second time in three years.  Trailing the Creepy Crawlers by twenty-four points and only having one more player left going into last night, it looked like a grand case of painful irony was to rear its ugly head as the Starfires actually got the help they needed from Da Raidaz and JohnnyBroncos07.  Yes, it appeared time to "turn out the lights."  

Instead, Brees goes "lights out" and propels the Starfires past the CCs for their biggest win of the year - and the greatest season-saving effort in Frozen Tundra history.

Of course, there's that other phrase they always use... "be careful what you wish for."  The Starfire's reward for their improbable playoff appearance?  A Round 1 meeting against red-hot Da Raidaz.  

Oh well, at least they made it....

2007 Final Power Rankings

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Da Raidaz

10-4

1

Riding a four-game winning streak into the playoffs as the team to beat.

2

JohnnyBroncos07

7-7

4

OK, OK...so they can EARN a win, too....would hate to play these guys in round 1....

3

Creepy Crawlers

10-4

2

Had three chances to sew up the #1 seed...and failed.

4

The T.A. Starfires

5-9

5

Fends off elimination when they looked all but out - can they do it two more times?

5

ND Cardinals

 

5-9

3

Back in the Toilet Bowl for the second straight year - this was where we thought Da Raidaz were going to end up....

6

Dakota Cheddar

5-9

6

Well, at least you still have a chance to three-peat in the Consolation Game.... 

Championship Playoffs - Round 1:

(1) Da Raidaz vs. (4) The T.A. Starfires; (2) Creepy Crawlers vs. (3) JohnnyBroncos07

Consolation Game (in Week 16)

(5) ND Cardinals vs. (6) Dakota Cheddar

Week 14 Picks:  3-0 (first time all year!); Season total:  23-19

Round 1 picks:

(1) Da Raidaz vs. (4) The T.A. Starfires (+23)

With a potential squash match coming up for Brady and the Pats, the Vikings on the move and most of their roster facing soft opponents, Da Raidaz should be licking their chops at the prospect of enjoying a squash match of their own. Da Raidaz have averaged a whopping 127 ppg during their four game winning streak. The Starfires have averaged a mere 99.75 ppg by comparison and have topped 127 only once in their history.

If everything stays true to form, the Starfires will be playing for third place next week. They are taking a chance with the likes of Branch and Rudi, but after pulling off a miracle just to get to this point, they have nothing to lose….

Pick: Da Raidaz straight up

(2) Creepy Crawlers vs. (3) JohnnyBroncos07 (+17)

The good news for JBs is that Peyton and Co. still have something to play for. The bad news is so does NE and Cleveland. At first glance it would seem like CCs are ripe for the picking, losers of three straight. However the JBs, winners of three straight, may have more question marks in their lineup than the CCs. Can Anthony Gonzalez be counted on for another monster game? Can Holt produce against Green Bay and is Denver for real? CCs should be able to count on a NE rout, but will the Browns take care of business against the Bills?

Pick: Creepy Crawlers straight up

Week 14 Preview

Was it REALLY too much to ask of Favre?  As hot a hand as he had, was it REALLY too much to ask for a measely two touchdowns?!?  I suppose this is what I get when they let a middle-aged man play football....but Mr. Iron Man NFL?!?!  @#$#@$@#$#@$#@!!!!

Well, with Dakota Cheddar also losing, the bottom four teams all still have a shot at the Championship playoffs.  If memory serves, this is the first time that so many teams still had yet to punch their playoff ticket going into the final week.  Heck, even my Starfires still have a shot...

...and if memory serves, they have NEVER been THAT lucky....

Power Rankings (through Week 13)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Da Raidaz

9-4

1

Could this actually be Da Raidaz's year?

2

Creepy Crawlers

10-3

2

Finally suffering from a losing streak - good thing they play the Starfires next.

3

ND Cardinals

 

5-8

4

How 'bout them Cowboys??

4

JohnnyBroncos07

6-7

6

The FB gods align yet AGAIN to knock Favre out early.  Would take a Christmas miracle to deny JBs a playoff berth.

5

The T.A. Starfires

4-9

3

See you in the Toilet Bowl!

6

Dakota Cheddar

5-8

5

How 'bout them Cowboys...uh, sorry! 

Week 14 Championship Playoff picture:

If the season ended today:

Championship Round 1

(1) Creepy Crawlers vs. (4) ND Cardinals; (2) Da Raidaz vs. (3) JohnnyBroncos07

Consolation Game

(5) Dakota Cheddar vs. (6) The T.A. Starfires

Week 13 Picks:  1-2; Season Total:  20-19

Week 14 Picks:

Creepy Crawlers vs. The T.A. Starfires (+23)

So its come down to this:  Needing a win and help from everyone else...and you have to face the league champs.  Of course!  The good news:  The CCs are riding a losing streak for the first time this year.  The bad news:  The CCs still have something to play for with the #1 seed on the line.  So much for hoping they would sit players this week (wink, wink).  The question is this:  Will the Pats play mad against the Steelers and return to their "run up the score" ways, or is there really a "blueprint" that will allow the Steelers to keep the points down?

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires to cover

Da Raidaz vs. Dakota Cheddar (+26)

The Steelers have been inconsistent at best lately.  Even their win this past Sunday was not assured until late due to uncharacteristic mistakes.  Should they play that way this week, they'll get destroyed - with Da Raidaz benefiting in the process.  Meanwhile, Detroit faces Dallas as their tailspin looks to continue....

Pick:  Da Raidaz straight up

ND Cardinals vs. JohnnyBroncos07 (-2)

JBs dump Big Ben for Peyton (big surprise there).  ND Cardinals, despite playing WELL below expectations, have a shot to get into the Championship bracket - and may need little else than Romo to do it.  That said the RB duo of Fargas and Grant need only one more solid week to propell JBs into the playoffs....

Pick:  JohnnyBroncos07 straight up

Week 13 Preview

Soooooo....Brady and Co. are not immortal after all.

Interesting to see the Patriots immersed in a competitive game with someone other than the Colts.  Suddenly, the whole "coronation" bit most media folk have been pushing seems less of a sure thing.  Of course, was it simply a speed bump on the road to perfection, or a sign of things to come?  They still have the Steelers and Giants....wait what was the Giants/Vikings score?? And the Steelers only scored HOW many against the winless Dolphins?!?!  Nevermind....

Sooooo....Creepy Crawlers are not immortal after all....

Da Raidaz become only the second team this year to clinch a Championship playoff spot.  The other two spots are still very much up for grabs.  But of the four teams vying for those last two spots, only two control their destiny outright, and success for one would mean putting the other on the bubble.  Should be wild finish....

Power Rankings (through Week 12)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Da Raidaz

8-4

2

Finally clinches a playoff spot - could the #1 seed be next?

2

Creepy Crawlers

10-2

1

Maybe letting their guard down before the playoffs begin?

3

The T.A. Starfires

4-8

5

Probably the most complete game for the Starfires since Week 1 (despite the Steelers nearly losing to Miami).  But is it too little too late?

4

ND Cardinals

 

4-8

4

Not even the Steeler D playing the 0-fer fins in the mud can cover a 60-point deficit.

5

Dakota Cheddar

5-7

3

Are 2-2 in their last four - with 97ppg in their two wins, but a mere 68 ppg in their two losses.

6

JohnnyBroncos07

5-7

6

The FB gods align to grant JBs an improbable win (didn't even need Big Ben - actually would have been better off playing NO ONE at QB).  Have a chance to all but knock the Starfires out this week....

Week 13 Championship Playoff picture:

If the season ended today:

Championship Round 1

(1) Creepy Crawlers vs. (4) JohnnyBroncos07 ; (2) Da Raidaz vs. (3) Dakota Cheddar

Consolation Game

(5) The T.A. Starfires vs. (6) ND Cardinals

  • Creepy Crawlers (10-2) have clinched a playoff spot.  They clinch the #1 seed with a win or tie
  • Da Raidaz (8-4) have clinched a playoff spot.  They clinch the #1 seed with two wins AND a Creepy Crawler loss in Week 14 AND they finish with a higher season total than CCs.
  • Dakota Cheddar (5-7) control their own destiny.  They clinch a playoff spot if they win out.
  • JohnnyBroncos07 (5-7) control their own destiny.  They clinch a playoff spot if they win out.
  • The T.A. Starfires (4-8) Need to win and get help.  They could clinch a playoff spot by winning their last two games AND have Dakota Cheddar lose one game AND ensure they have a higher season total than Dakota Cheddar OR JohnnyBroncos07.
  • ND Cardinals (4-8) Could technically control their own destiny if they win out AND ensure they have a higher season total than Dakota Cheddar AND JohnnyBroncos07.

Week 12 Picks:  2-1; Season Total:  19-17

Week 13 Picks:

JohnnyBroncos07 vs. The T.A. Starfires (-11)

As was the case in Week 8 against the JBs, the Starfire MUST win to keep their playoff hopes alive.  It won't be as easy as it was last week with Favre against Dallas and Indy vs. the Jags.  Meanwhile the Giants look to get right against a suspect Chicago squad and Pittsburgh's at home in primetime again against Cincy.  Of course, the Giants could be a suspect squad themselves, and Sunday Night has been the "kiss of death" lately for the Steelers.  Or am I just hoping beyond hope again?

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires straight up.

ND Cardinals vs. Dakota Cheddar (+21)

You never thought that Detroit/Minnesota and Dallas/Green Bay would mean so much this late in the year.  Yet, here we are.  With ND Cardinals faced with playoff elimination this week, they seem to be leaning more towards Dallas and Pittsburgh holding serve.  And will the Vikings forget how to play this week as they did a week after playing San Diego?

Pick:  Dakota Cheddar to cover

Creepy Crawlers vs. Da Raidaz (+16)

This game could decide whether Da Raidaz get a shot at the #1 seed.  Brady looked mortal this past Sunday Night, but should return to form against the Ravens.  Meanwhile, Cleveland should stay on Pittsburgh's heels with a winnable game against Arizona.  The wildcards here might be Donald Lee for CCs and Addai for Da Raidaz....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers to cover

 

Week 12 Preview

Ah...to live in a perfect world...

In a perfect world, a team like the Steelers wouldn't lose to a 1-8 team.

In a perfect world, a running back like Willie Parker would run roughshod over the league's worst run defense.

In a perfect world, an un-reviewable play would remain un-reviewed.

In a perfect world, Tom Brady would tear an ACL.

In a perfect world, a team over 1,000 points would be a lock for the playoffs.

Ah...to live in a perfect world...

Power Rankings (through Week 11)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

10-1

1

Dramatic one-point victory against the Cards (and with keeping the injured A.P. in the lineup no less) keeps CCs in line for #1 Seed.

2

Da Raidaz

7-4

2

A league record 160 points puts Da Raidaz in a "win and in" playoff situation.

3

Dakota Cheddar

5-6

4

Packers D beat up on an old man (Vinny) as the Cheddar look to avoid the Consolation bracket for the first time in three tries.

4

ND Cardinals

 

4-7

3

Ouch!  THAT was a game the Cards really could have used!

5

The T.A. Starfires

3-8

6

Didn't we warn these guys about playing all/mostly Steelers before?!?!

6

JohnnyBroncos07

4-7

5

Eli only scores three....wait!  That was PEYTON?!?!?

Week 12 Championship Playoff picture:

If the season ended today:

Championship Round 1

(1) Creepy Crawlers vs. (4) ND Cardinals; (2) Da Raidaz vs. (3) Dakota Cheddar

Consolation Game

(5) JohnnyBroncos07 vs. (6) The T.A. Starfires

Week 11 Picks:  2-1; Season Total:  17-16

Week 12 Picks:

Dakota Cheddar vs. The T.A. Starfires (-13)

No matter what the Starfires try, they keep getting a crippling lack of production out of supposed playmakers when it matters most.  That can no longer happen if the T.A.s want to avoid playing in the "Toilet Bowl" again.  Despite their tendency to play down to their opponent's level, Ward and Parker HAVE to be solid choices against winless Miami.  The bulk of the Cheddar's squad faces decidedly tougher match-ups, but when have the Starfires EVER been known for hitting stride this late in the season?  The simple truth:  Never.  And that's not even counting the fact the Cheddar have had T.A.'s number all year.

Call it hunch (or just quiet desperation), but I have a feeling they're due:

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires straight up.

Creepy Crawlers vs. JohnnyBroncos07 (+10)

Despite Peyton's recent struggles, Atlanta should definitely cure what ails him.  The CCs appear to have tougher match-ups, AND still have the injured Adrian Peterson in their line-up.  Could it be that the CCs are treating the next few weeks as byes?  Could it be that the Starfires won't get any help from the league's best team this time?  Does it sound like I'm trying to send a message about replacing a certain running back here???

Pick:  JohnnyBroncos07 to cover (change to Creepy Crawlers straight up if they update their lineup)

Da Raidaz vs. ND Cardinals (+16)

This one has the makings of the kind of triple-digit shootout these perennial favorites are famous for.  Brady will likely continue being Brady against the Eagles while Romo has the Jets (and no, I doubt Dallas will look past them like Pittsburgh did).  My guess is that Da Raidaz will cover the spread, but I'm trying to lend some respectability to my dismal pick record this year....

Pick:  Da Raidaz straight up

Week 11 Preview

If somebody had told me that not only would Peyton Manning throw six INTs, but Adam Vinatieri would miss a chip shot with the game on the line, I would have said "what a vivid imagination."

Truth is indeed stranger than fiction!  Just look at this past week's Frozen Tundra action!

Congrats to the Creepy Crawlers on securing a Championship Playoff spot, so they WILL get the chance to defend their title.  That said it should be noted that the T.A. Starfires have also all but clinched a playoff spot:  a CONSOLATION playoff spot!

Power Rankings (through Week 10)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

9-1

1

You know you're on a roll when your kicker can be your MVP!!!!

2

Da Raidaz

6-4

2

Ah, that "lights out" Minnesota D (by that I mean they played like all the lights were out).

3

ND Cardinals

 

4-6

4

Sorry, Starfires, only one win against us per century allowed....

4

Dakota Cheddar

4-6

3

Nothing says "we're ready for the playoffs" like getting a whopping THREE points from the WR corps against the defending champs...

5

JohnnyBroncos07

4-6

6

That 'ol "DaBoys dumb luck" is starting to rub off on these guys as they catch Da Raidaz at the perfect time (during NE's bye week).

6

The T.A. Starfires

3-7

5

Even with a "Priest" they don't have a prayer!  What kind of a world do we live in where the third highest-scoring team in the league is DEAD LAST?!?  @#$#@*$#@$$#@*!!!!!!

Week 11 Championship Playoff picture:

If the season ended today:

Championship Round 1

(1) Creepy Crawlers vs. (4) ND Cardinals; (2) Da Raidaz vs. (3) Dakota Cheddar

Consolation Game

(5) JohnnyBroncos07 vs. (6) The T.A. Starfires

Week 10 Picks:  2-1; Season Total:  15-15

Week 11 Picks:

Da Raidaz vs. The T.A. Starfires (+22)

Well, of COURSE my Starfires couldn't play Da Raidaz last week, that would have been too EASY!  With the Starfires clearly on the outside looking in for the Championship playoffs, they have to face Brady fresh off a bye week.  The good news:  Despite it all, the Starfires could still control their own destiny if they win out (sounds like the 2005 Steelers...hmmm).  The bad news:  Despite being the third highest-scoring team of the league, they are actually doing much worse than last year (3-7 versus 6-4 a year ago).  They'll compete in this game, but this is probably the beginning of the end for the T.A.'s dreams of returning to the title game....

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires to cover

JohhnyBroncos07 vs. Dakota Cheddar (-3)

Really hard whom to root for in this one.  Either way, it'd be help for my Starfires.  That said here is where I get into trouble with my picks:  Where I start choosing with my heart versus my head.  It would seem that with Big Ben against a lowly Jets squad, the JBs should have the edge.  That said I doubt we'll see another three-point performance from Cheddar's wide-outs (looking at the potential season points tie-break scenarios, I should actually root for the Cheddar this week, but I HAD to try to justify it in some way)....

Pick:  Dakota Cheddar straight up

Creepy Crawlers vs. ND Cardinals (-9)

Dallas showed they are among the best of the NFC against the Giants and my guess is we'll see more of the same this week against the Skins.  CCs had an uncharacteristic game last week, turning in their lowest point total of the season.  But it was good enough for a win, and with the byes out of the way, I would guess that the CCs will find more than 77 points this week....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers to cover.

 

Week 10 Preview

Well, I had said the CC’s return to the win column would hinge partly on Adrian Peterson, but even I couldn’t have predicted what happened at Metrodome this past Sunday.  Geez. 

OK, so the Pats are the team to beat…again!  New Orleans is the team to watch….again!  My Starfires run hot and cold….AGAIN!

Power Rankings (through Week 9)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

8-1

2

2 good 4 #2

2

Da Raidaz

6-3

1

Super Bowl XLI½, perhaps, but hype doesn't yield points against the Cheese…

3

Dakota Cheddar

4-5

4

Tight End, shmight end!  The Cheddar march toward .500!

4

ND Cardinals

 

3-6

5

Wow!  That was some performance by Lynch!  ND scores a season-record 133!

5

The T.A. Starfires

3-6

3

Wow!  That was some performance by A.P. (which stands for "Aw...poop!" as far as the Starfires are concerned).

6

JohnnyBroncos07

3-6

6

Wow!  That was...er...never mind.

Week 9 Picks:  1-2; Season Total:  13-14

Week 10 Picks:

ND Cardinals vs. The T.A. Starfires (-20)

One measly win in their history over ND and NOW the Starfires are favored by twenty points?!?  Are you NUTS!?!?  Sure, Brees should continue his hot hand against the Rams and Romo may find it tougher going against the resurgent Giants, but I'd love to have Pittsburgh's defense right now....

Pick:  ND Cardinals to cover

Creepy Cardinals vs. Dakota Cheddar (-2)

Considering the Cheddar's history of late-season surges, its really tempting to pick them this week - even against the CCs.  Consider that Derek Anderson is facing a scary Steelers squad and A.P. is facing Green Bay while NE is on a bye, and the Cheddar could get back to .500 for the first time since Week 2.  Of course, CCs didn't need a big day from Anderson last week, and Cleveland should put up a bigger fight than Cincinnati or Baltimore did against Pittsburgh....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers straight up

Da Raidaz vs. JohnnyBroncos07 (+1)

Can the JBs really count on Big Ben having the same kind of game he had last night again??  Will he even be OK to play with a short week?  Seems quite the gamble until you note that Da Raidaz will be without the services of Tom Brady (bye).  And will Minnesota's D repeat last week's performance against Brett Favre and Co.?

Pick:  Da Raidaz straight up

 

Week 9 Preview

Well, it was bound to happen. 

No matter how sure you are of something, the Law of Averages dictates that an exception to the rule will eventually reveal itself.  It’s the old “any given Sunday” mantra in full effect. 

Still, I have to admit I was absolutely shocked when Willie Parker actually scored a touchdown! 

Oh yeah, and the Creepy Crawlers lost…uh, and ND Cardinals won too....

Power Rankings (through Week 8)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Da Raidaz

6-2

2

The ABC Club (Addai, Brady, Chad Johnson)…wait, Ocho Stink-o only had 2 points??  I mean the ABD Club (Addai, Brady, Vikes D) hands CCs their first loss.

2

Creepy Crawlers

7-1

1

The gross under-use of A.P. dooms the CCs in a tight game between the class of Frozen Tundra (all other teams have sub-500 records).  That said it’s hard for ANYone to face a team playing Brady right now…

3

The T.A. Starfires

3-5

5

The Starfires “Brees” past the JBs….

4

Dakota Cheddar

3-5

3

The Cheddar D “Packs” it in too soon.

5

ND Cardinals

 

2-6

6

The Devin Hester experiment hasn’t quite panned out…yet...

6

JohnnyBroncos07

3-5

4

News flash:  Indy has a running game!

Week 8 Picks:  2-1; Season Total:  12-12

Week 9 Picks:

Creepy Crawlers vs. The T.A. Starfires (+7)

The WR corps turned up big for the first time since Week 1 for the T.A.s as they score a franchise high 131...but don't expect the same thing this week as Pittsburgh and Indy face tough defensive squads.  That said you can tell the T.A.s are serious:  They grabbed the Charger D knowing they face a punch-less Vikings offense (Minnesota's still my second favorite team, really!).  This one may ride on two things:  Can A.P. provide the Vikes some spark and will New England's D really be able to hold Peyton and Company in check?

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires to cover (tho I'm sure I'll kick myself for this later)

Da Raidaz vs. Dakota Cheddar (+18)

The ABD club is no more, as Da Raidaz also bail on Minnesota in favor of Baltimore's defense - who have owned the Steelers for the past several match-ups.  If Super Bowl XLI½ (as some media folk have chosen to call the Pats-Colts game) turns out to be a shootout, there should be plenty of points to go around for both teams.  That said Da Raidaz should still come out on top - even if LT has a break-out game at Metrodome....

Pick:  Dakota Cheddar to cover (change to Da Raidaz straight up if Cheddar does not fill TE spot)

ND Cardinals vs. JohnnyBroncos07 (+2)

In this cellar-dweller match-up, for one team its a somewhat expected situation.  For the other, its a surreal situation.  Across the board, its hard to find any clear-cut advantage for either team.  Hold on, let me flip a coin....

Pick:  ND Cardinals straight up (assuming they fill their empty WR slot)

Week 8 Preview

First of all, apologies if this preview is later than usual.  I'll explain why below:

And so ends perhaps the worst weekend of football in recent memory.  The Golden Gophers went belly-up against NDSU (a Division II program posing as a I-AA team), The Vikes and Steelers lost.  And, to top it all off, it seems the Boston Red Sox have indeed lifted their age-old curse...

...and affixed it firmly on my T.A. Starfires.

In every case which I was precariously clinging to a lead of less than 20 points going into a Monday Night game with only one position player versus an opponent's two or more, the other team ALWAYS caught me in the end, handing me a crushing defeat.  Last night was to be MY turn:  I had three - count 'em THREE key players to Cheddar's lone kicker.  I would be the one with the come-from-behind win for once!

What the HELL happened?!  @#$%@#$@#%%#@!!!!

I was incredibly peaked, but still in control, until I saw this on Yahoo Sports regarding Marvin Harrison's status going into last night:

"Congratulations if you gambled on Harrison’s availability this week and left him in your lineup."

That's when I threw my coffee mug through the monitor.

So again, sorry if this is later than usual.

My loss is also CCs' gain - as Peyton was held in check, allowing them to remain undefeated.  Creepy is emerging as the Patriots of Frozen Tundra.  That would make my Starfires the Vikings of the league, blaming loss after loss to flukes and bad luck - wonder how many "flukes" equals a trend?  At least they're not the New Orleans of the league (Sorry, ND).

At least things are gelling into consistency now (no change to the power rankings this week).  And with two clear-cut cellar dwellers already established, it would appear that we will know which teams will be playing for the Championship by Thanksgiving...

I'm sorry - that probably wasn't fair...

...with the way things are going, we'll probably know which teams will be playing for the Championship by HALLOWEEN!!!

Power Rankings (through Week 7)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

7-0

1

And here they'll stay until they lose

2

Da Raidaz

5-2

2

Skating along thanks to the Brady Bunch (of TD's)

3

Dakota Cheddar

3-4

3

Hometown hero Vinatieri kicks the Starfires to the curb.

4

JohnnyBroncos07

3-4

4

There's no "WR" in "Peyton's Place"

5

The T.A. Starfires

2-5

5

There's no other way to lose that the Starfire's haven't experienced, is there?

6

ND Cardinals

 

1-6

6

And here they'll stay until they win...

Week 7 Picks:  2-1; Season Total:  10-11

Week 8 Picks:

JohnnyBroncos07 vs. The T.A. Starfires (+5)

If the Starfires are going to get back in the Championship Bracket hunt, they HAVE to win this game.  If Addai continues to take away TD opps for Peyton, then the JBs might be in trouble.  That said, the T.A.s are taking a gamble by picking Brees and a possibly still-rusty Hines Ward.  But since their Week 8 RBs, not to mention their supposedly dangerous Indy WRs, have yielded next to nothing over the past few weeks, what's the harm in taking a chance?  Something good has to happen at some point, right?

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires, plus the points.

ND Cardinals vs. Dakota Cheddar (off)

"No more Consolidation Bracket for us, thank you!"  That seemed to be the cry emitting from the Cheddar as they held on to beat the Starfires last week.  Now they have a chance to establish a firm stronghold on third place in facing the worst team in the league.  ND will need to make some major moves this week just to fill their roster slots.  I get the sense that Dakota Cheddar could sit all their players and it would still be close.  In any case, I can't see picking ND until they show me something:

Pick:  Dakota Cheddar straight up

Creepy Crawlers vs. Da Raidaz (-15)

This is easily the biggest test the CCs have had thus far (despite the difference in records, both teams are tied for most season points (727)).  While it seems that Da Raidaz have benched the Raven's D, the combination of Brady, Addai (the guy taking away all the TDs from Peyton and his WRs), and Minnesota's opportunistic D (yes, the same squad I cut, don't remind me) might Addai up to the CC's first loss.  But with the CCs countering with Brady's new best friend (Moss), plus Manning Lite & Plax against a sorry Fins squad, and I can't see picking against the CCs until they show me otherwise.  That said, I have to apologize to CCs:  With a sub-500 picks mark, I can't pass up that point spread:

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers to cover.

Week 7 Preview

OK, who told the Saints they could start playing for real?

OK, who said BOTH QBs on the Arizona carousel could get hurt?

OK, who reminded the Bengals that they suck again?

OK, who said I knew how to pick games?!?  Arrrragh!

Power Rankings (through Week 6)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

6-0

1

Showing that they are no fluke....

2

Da Raidaz

4-2

2

Showing that their first loss was a fluke....

3

Dakota Cheddar

2-4

5

Showing they can win in spite of a fluke (Palmer)

4

JohnnyBroncos07

3-3

3

Showing that they can lose despite a fluke (Griese)...

5

The T.A. Starfires

2-4

4

Showing that their first win was a fluke....

6

ND Cardinals

 

1-5

6

Showing that they ARE a fluke....

Week 6 Picks:  1-2; Season Total:  8-10 (really need a 3-0 performance this week!)

Week 7 Picks:

Dakota Cheddar vs. The T.A. Starfires (-2)

While it may be too early to look at this as a key match-up, these teams are riding the bubble insofar as the last Championship Bracket slot - with the Starfires on the outside looking in by only a handful of points.  Both seem to be hoping for "rebound" efforts this week - primarily regarding Cincy, Arizona and Chicago.  The Starfires, with Indy coming off a bye, look to have a good shot at finally getting a win against the Cheddar at quite the opportune time - yet the Colts' opponent is defensive-minded Jacksonville....

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires straight up

Creepy Crawlers vs. JohnnyBroncos07 (off)

The CCs are the next team to be hit by the bye-week bug, as two fantasy golden boys from Cleveland are off.  With Indy coming back to action, its tempting to suggest this may be the CCs' first loss.  But with Pittsburgh's Santonio Holmes looking to be ready this week and CCs other QBs having good-looking match-ups, I'm not ready to bet against them just yet....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers straight up

Da Raidaz vs. ND Cardinals (+13)

Forget the P&P Connection for the JBs - lets talk about the B&B (Brady and Baltimore) Connection for Da Raidaz!  Those two positions alone produced enough points to beat the Starfires last week.  And with ND averaging 80.5 PPG, an incredible 15 points below last season's average, the B&B Connection could be all Da Raidaz need....

Pick:  Da Raidaz straight up

Week 6 Preview

If history has taught us anything, it is that, no matter how dominant or powerful, all reigns must come to an end.

It was true for Rome when Augustus was deposed by Odoacer.

It was true for Napoleon when defeated at Waterloo.

It was true for ND Cardinals when defeated by The T.A. Starfires...

WHAAAAAAT????  That has to be a misprint.  HAS to be....

Power Rankings (through Week 5)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

5-0

1

Imagine these guys at full strength....

2

Da Raidaz

3-2

3

Imagine if they've had Buffalo's Defense....

3

JohnnyBroncos07

3-2

2

Imagine if they've had Pittsburgh's Defense....

4

The T.A. Starfires

2-3

6

Finally getting the "can't beat ND" monkey off their backs!  Not even the Starfires could blow a 73-point lead going into Monday Night.

5

Dakota Cheddar

1-4

4

At least Carson Palmer improved on last week's...wait - he had a bye??  Nevermind....

6

ND Cardinals

 

1-4

5

And you can hear those "Fire Millen" chants again!

Week 5 Picks:  1-2; Season Total:  7-8

Week 6 Picks:

Da Raidaz vs. The T.A. Starfires (+14)

In the season preview, we suggested Da Raidaz might assume the "cellar dweller" role the Starfires have filled all too frequently - unless the Pats proved to be for real.  Well guess what?  They're for real - and they certainly WON'T allow Dallas off the hook like the Bills did last night!  To make matters worse for the Starfires, they're caught in another bye week shuffle (too bad since they're coming off a HUGE lop-sided 103-36 win against ND).  That said Hasselbeck should get right against the sad-sack Saints, but is Ocho-Stink-o going to be right after a bye week stewing over a poor showing against those Pats?

Pick:  T.A. Starfires to cover

JohnnyBroncos07 vs. Dakota Cheddar (-20)

Speaking of getting right, Carson should get right against KC (assuming he and Chad aren't yelling at each other anymore).  One key piece for the Cheddar is whether Boldin will be ready to play in Week 6.  Despite getting worn down in the second half against the Steelers, Seattle's defense looked good considering - and should have a field day against the Saints.  After getting hammered 21-0, one would think that Seattle and their fans will finally stop their Super Bowl XL rants, right?

Pick:  JohnnyBroncos07 to cover

Creepy Crawlers vs. ND Cardinals (off)

The CCs seem to have found a diamond in the rough in Derek Anderson.  Cleveland actually has a good chance of pulling within 1½ games of the idle Steelers in the AFC North against the winless fins.  Meanwhile, ND has been hit hard by the bye week bug as of this posting.  Terrible timing for ND after scoring a near-record low 36 points last week.  The lowest score ever recorded (non-bye) was by DaBoys (23) in the 2005 playoffs.  The old second-lowest score was in the 2005 3rd-place game by Mossy Raiders (37) - against these same Cardinals!  And to top it all off, ND lost to a team they had flat-out owned heretofore.  Time will tell whether ND will make some moves in an attempt to blemish the CC's perfect record, or have simply stopped trying....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers straight up

 

Week 5 Preview

I was suffering from flashbacks last night - back to last year's championship game where I desperately needed my final WR to have a 2-touchdown night against these same CCs.  But, as was the case last year, my guy would only tease at having a breakout game - as my largest lead going into a Monday Night game (33) disappeared under the onslaught of Randy Moss and the Patriots' defense.  When Ocho-Stink-o came within a yard from scoring early on, I said to myself:  How ironic would it be if that's as close as he gets from the endzone all night?  Ah, cruel irony!!

So no revenge.  No upset win (due more to myself - AGAIN - than anything).  Both my NFL teams lost, my college team lost, my baseball team is out....

Some days I just don't want to be a fan....

Power Rankings (through Week 4)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

4-0

1

Quarterback?!?  Wee don't neeed no stinking quarterback!!

2

JohnnyBroncos07

3-1

4

Hey Peyton, you got two OTHER wide-outs, you know!

3

Da Raidaz

2-2

5

OK, maybe its a good thing they played Cheddar now (high scorer of Week 4).

4

Dakota Cheddar

1-3

3

The Carson Show appears to be in re-runs (from the days of the "Bungles").

5

ND Cardinals

 

1-3

2

Should have checked the expiration date on that Chunky Soup (or were those gawd-awful throw-back uniforms recent China imports?)

6

The T.A. Starfires

1-3

6

Playing those they should bench and benching those they should play...now THERE'S the T.A. Starfires we know and love!

Week 4 Picks:  2-1; Season Total:  6-6

Week 5 Picks:

ND Cardinals vs. The T.A. Starfires (off)

Remember the old saying for ND:  Games against the Starfires = wins.  ND is undefeated against the T.A.s - and with most of the roster looking at easy opponents (can we still say that of Cleveland?), it may not matter who ND puts in for QB & D in this unlikely battle of cellar-dwellers.  Of course, at this point, NOTHING may be better than McNabb and his team's defense....

Pick:  ND Cardinals straight up.

Creepy Crawlers vs. Dakota Cheddar (off)

Looks like a bye week for most everyone - as lots of spots have yet to be filled.  That said, I can't bring myself to pick against the CCs.  That said they may want to be sure an active QB is on the roster.  After all, they can't play the Starfires every week!

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers straight up.

Da Raidaz vs JohnnyBroncos07 (+10)

Da Raidaz's fortunes are looking up as he looks to Addai another win to his record.  Despite eyeballing only one target lately, Peyton has proven reliable, and benching Steelers' D with a belated Super Bowl rematch coming up is probably a smart move for the JBs.  But Brady against Cleveland and Dallas' D against Buffalo?

Pick:  JohhnyBroncos07 to cover

 

Week 4 Preview

Maybe I shouldn't have changed my team's name back to the Starfires - looks like bad luck times are back.  It can't be that I simply am not that good at filling out my roster, right?

Was it really a bad call to assume Minnesota's D would roll against the winless Chiefs?  Was it bad to assume that a WR corps consisting of Chad Johnson, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne would get big points?  Was it bad to assume that I should bench Westbrook in case his knees couldn't hold up?

It's just bad luck...right??

Power Rankings (through Week 3)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

3-0

1

Can anyone stop Creepy?!?

2

ND Cardinals (a.k.a. Rapid Delivery)

 

1-2

6

Returns to the win column in grand fashion (Philly & McNabb must have finally found their Chunky Soup stash)!

3

Dakota Cheddar

1-2

2

Definitely NOT the best of Carson this week...

4

JohnnyBroncos07

2-1

5

Westbrook was on the bench?!?  Colston is the game's MVP - making the difference with 3 measly points?!?  Sometimes it IS better to be lucky than good.

5

Da Raidaz

1-2

4

Too bad they weren't playing Cheddar (could have had our first tie of the year).

6

The T.A. Starfires

1-2

3

Too bad Westbrook was on the bench.  That said a whopping 6 points from Harrison and Wayne is NOT going to get 'er done in ANY case....

Week 3 Picks:  1-2; Season Total:  4-5

Week 4 Picks:

Creepy Crawlers vs. The T.A. Starfires (+4)

Oh great - riding a losing streak, still a week BEFORE a bye hits, AND the Starfires have to face the defending champ!  The Starfires, despite being on pace towards destroying a franchise high mark of 81.6 PPG, are one Rudi Johnson fumble from being 0-3 right now.  While its probably too early to put the brakes on Starfire's WR corp just yet (maybe Addai will fall in a hole somewhere), it looks like Creepy Crawlers will still have the edge with New England facing a vulnerable-looking Cincinnati squad. 

The other thing to note is that this will be the first meeting between these teams since last year's championship game, so perhaps we could play the revenge card?  But unless the Starfires are capable of getting break-out performances like they got in the first two weeks, expect the infamous Starfire Slide (which seems to happen every year) to continue....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers, minus the points.

Da Raidaz vs. Dakota Cheddar (-2)

Things don't get any easier for Palmer and Co. as they take on NE.  The Cheddar do have the edge in the RB department, but it won't be enough with Baltimore's D and Favre's favorite target ready to put old #4 into the record books at Metrodome....

Pick:  Da Raidaz plus the points.

ND Cardinals vs. JohnnyBroncos07 (pick em)

Da Raidaz have to like those throw-back Eagles jerseys (even tho it makes them look like a photo negative of the Michigan Wolverines).  My guess is that the JBs will go back to the Steeler D in time for this tilt, but their luck from riding the P & P connection may run out this time.  A lot of this game's outcome rides on how real Dallas is and how underachieving the Rams remain, but with the way I've been picking lately, I'd probably do better just flipping a coin....

Pick:  ND Cardinals straight up.

 

Week 3 Preview

OK, its starting to get a little weird....

To see Peyton's two favorite targets kept out of the endzone was one thing, and Detroit "upsetting" the Vikings another.  But Brees and Co. going 0-2?!  Another close game for the Starfires?!  Cleveland putting up 51 points?!  ND Cards 0-2?!?!  What????

I can see where its going to be a little tougher to call these games (I mean, the only pick I got right was the one I had hoped was wrong) - not to mention to call where the Frozen Tundra teams fall.  At least Creepy Crawlers are lending some sanity to it all!

Power Rankings (through Week 2)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

2-0

1

Picking up where they left off!  Only two weeks in and they're the last undefeated team!

2

Dakota Cheddar

1-1

5

The Cheddar still have Starfires' number:  Number 9 to be exact!

3

The T.A. Starfires

1-1

2

Whoops!  Spoke to soon.  Addai actually subtracts a potential game-winning TD for Starfire's top WRs, but Hasselbeck fumbling away a handoff late turns out to be the difference against the Cheddar!

4

Da Raidaz

1-1

4

Answers a heart-breaking loss last week with the dismantling of ND.

5

JohnnyBroncos07

1-1

3

At least Pittsburgh's looking fine....

6

ND Cardinals (a.k.a. Rapid Delivery)

 

0-2

6

At least you got your first 100+ point game!

Week 2 Picks:  1-2; Season Total:  3-3

Week 3 Picks:

JohnnyBroncos07 vs. The T.A. Starfires (-4)

At first glance, the JBs have a shot at rebounding here with Peyton facing Houston.  Of course any TD pass for Peyton will likely be offset by giving the same points to Starfires' WRs.  So, looking at the rest of the roster, it looks like anyone's guess for Colston, Holt and Branch for the JBs.  The same could be said of Benson and Chad Johnson as well for T.A.  Look for the Starfires to go back to Minnesota's D against the hapless Chiefs.  That alone, assuming Cincy allows another unlikely shootout against Seattle, and assuming Hasselbeck doesn't botch another handoff, should be enough.

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires straight up.

ND Cardinals vs. Dakota Cheddar (+4)

Will we see another shootout involving Cincy?  Will Drew lay another egg?  That's what this match-up likely boils down to....

Pick:  Dakota Cheddar to cover.

Creepy Crawlers vs. Da Raidaz (+1)

Despite it being a losing effort, Delhomme put up big numbers last week.  Expect that to continue this week against Atlanta (should even get the other wideouts not named Smith involved).  Da Raidaz's having Brady could be offset with CCs having Moss.  The rest of the line-up for Da Raidaz have a couple of tougher match-ups (Donald Driver against SD - who will be eager to rebound after Sunday Night and Javon Walker against Jacksonville).  That should give the CCs the edge - albeit barely....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers straight up.

 

Week 2 Preview

In a week filled with blowouts in Frozen Tundra, how about that barn-burner last night??

In perhaps the tightest game in Frozen Tundra history, Da Raidaz and The T.A. Starfires were essentially neck and neck going into the 4th quarter of the Ravens-Bengals game.  With the Starfires clinging to a 1-point lead, Bengal Robert Geathers made an apparent interception, which resulted in a Bengal touchdown.  Then a penalty on the ensuing 2-point try gave the Bengals - and Da Raidaz's Rudi Johnson - another shot.  They cashed in.  Da Raidaz up 109-108 with only minutes left.

At this point, I'm all but ready to start crying foul (I personally thought the ball touched the ground as Geathers scooped it up).  Then, the unthinkable:  Rudi fumbles!  Rudi fumbles!!!  That negates the two-pointer scored earlier giving the Starfires back the lead - which they held onto for the win.

Hope ALL my games aren't like this!

A quick note:  I'm sad to say TL's Outlaws are unable to join us this year - so this year the league will stay at six teams.  Which means we'll see a lot of rematches, and familiarity, by the time we're done.  Hopefully TL will be back next year!

Power Rankings (through Week 1)

Rank

Team Name

Record

Last week

Skinny

1

Creepy Crawlers

1-0

1

The CCs are now riding a six-game winning streak, including last year's playoffs.

2

The T.A. Starfires

1-0

4

So far so good for the WR corps...

3

JohnnyBroncos07

1-0

6

Peyton and Pittsburgh seem like the right combo - for now.

4

Da Raidaz

0-1

5

The Starfires were NEVER as unlucky as DaRaidaz were last night (Rudi Johnson fumbles away a win in the final minutes).

5

Dakota Cheddar

0-1

3

Not even LT can "pass" the JBs (I told you about that green helmet, guys)

6

ND Cardinals (a.k.a. Rapid Delivery)

 

0-1

2

Yeah, its only a six-team league, but ND at the bottom??!?  The apocalypse should be next....

Week 2 Picks:  2-1; Season Total:  2-1

Week 2 Picks:

Dakota Cheddar vs. The T.A. Starfires (-4)

The Starfires are off to a solid start, hitting the century mark in their first game (a rarity with them in any week), but still needed a late fumble by Da Raidaz to preserve a win.  Dakota Cheddar came close to the 100-point mark in a loss to the upstart JBs.  The Cheddar have pretty much owned the Starfires - having won the last three meetings dating back to the '05 season.  With Carson and Hines looking to feast on soft opponents, plus Hasselbeck losing a key WR, we should expect that trend to continue.  Then again, could it be that the Vikings D haven't lost a step despite Mike Tomlin leaving?

Pick:  Dakota Cheddar to cover.

Creepy Crawlers vs. JohnnyBroncos07 (+5)

The P&P Connection (Peyton and Pittsburgh) should see the same kind of big points they saw last week.  As expected, the rest of the roster is a question mark.  Meanwhile, the CCs aren't matching up much better with SD vs. NE and Plax's QB out for at least a month. 
Unless newly acquired Adrian Peterson and Shaun Alexander can come up big for the CCs, that aforementioned six-game win streak may be in jeopardy....

Pick:  JohnnyBroncos07, plus the points.

Da Raidaz vs. ND Cardinals (-3)

Does this not say it all??

ND picked the wrong horse BIG time when going with Brees against the Colts.  Don't call the glue factory just yet:  He should rebound nicely against the hapless Bucs.  Brady meanwhile will have a hard time matching last week's numbers against SD.  Da Raidaz's running backs and defense should have a field day, which could be the difference....

Pick:  ND Cardinals straight up.

 

The Frozen Tundra – 2007 Preview 

Here we go again!

Football's back - and all seems right in the world now that Peyton has his ring, right?  Right.....?

Aside from that, all appears normal insofar as what it was like in 2006:  Rex Grossman runs hot and cold, the Vikings have another "old-timer" as QB (trust me, he WILL be under center before you know it), Detroit still sucks, Bengals are still in trouble, Farve is still playing and Bill Cowher...wait, he's gone?!  Mike Tomlin's the coach??  OK, fine - but that means I'll have to wait at least ten years before the Steeler's next Super Bowl, right?  Right.....?

Anyway, here is how the teams shake (many sporting new looks by the way) out coming into 2007 (2006 final rank is team's final power ranking, not official order of finish):

2007 Preseason Power Rankings

Rank

Team Name

2006 Record

2006 PPG

2006 Final Rank

Key Stats:

Skinny/ Prediction

1

Creepy Crawlers

8-4-1

95.8

2

The Crawlers had the best draft in 2006 as they rode a record-setting PPG season all the way to the title.

IF the CCs hold form in this year's draft, expect them back in the title hunt.

2

ND Cardinals (a.k.a. Rapid Delivery)

 

10-3

95.5

1

A to-be-expected great 2006 regular season goes for naught as the #8 seeded Yardbyrdz stun ND in Round 1 of the '06 playoffs.

Despite stumbling late last year, this is still the team to beat.

3

Dakota Cheddar

5-8

94

4

The Cheddar have captured the Consolation Championship two years in a row

Enough with the appetizers - on to the main course!

4

The T.A. Starfires

7-6

81.6

5

The Starfires reached the title game in 2006, despite a crippling lack of WR production stemming back to just after mid-season.

The Starfires' success in '07 could depend on whether this year's batch of wideouts are consistent playmakers (good sign:  two of them hail from Indy).

5

TL’s Outlaws*

4-9

80.8

6

This squad had one of two major upsets in the 2006 playoffs, beating Da Raidaz 107-98 in round one.

The owner of the Outlaws returned to semi-pro football in 2007 and went deep into the playoffs.  Will his Fantasy team do the same?

6

Da Raidaz

9-4

87

3

Although 87 PPG was better than four other teams in 2006, all of those teams finished higher than Da Raidaz

Unless Brady and the Pats are the favorites they're billed to be, Da Raidaz may be the new T.A. Starfires.

7

JohnnyBroncos07

--

--

--

The new team on the block got the coveted Peyton...and little else. Peyton and Pittsburgh may be all the JBs need during some weeks, but is the remaining roster too young/old to produce consistently for a playoff run?

* Entry in 2007 pending

Week 1 Picks:

Da Raidaz vs. The T.A. Starfires (pick em)

At its face, as even as you can get (no point spread).  Hasselbeck is supposed to be back to form and should feast on the Bucs.  That said Brady and Co. are already being billed at Super Bowl favorites and can start proving that against the hot-and-cold Jets.  Going down the line it appears the Starfires have better match-ups overall and should be able to start 2007 off on the right foot....

Pick:  The T.A. Starfires

JohnnyBroncos07 vs. Dakota Cheddar (+8)

Don't know about the green helmet, Cheddar.  I keep thinking stinky cheese....

Both star quarterbacks, both against tough teams.  That said (and I would have said this anyway even though he's played) I think Peyton will have an easier time than Carson will.  But the Cheddar have LT and a solid WR corps to fall back on.  Will Peyton and Pittsburgh be enough for the JB's?

Pick:  Dakota Cheddar to cover

Creepy Crawlers vs. ND Cardinals (+1)

A match-up between old and new.  The CC's start their title defense the hard way by facing the perennial favorite.  A lot of writers would have us looking out for the Rams and Pats this year, and the CCs seem to be banking on that hard.  Even if it doesn't pan out, there should be enough points this week as most of ND's roster have the tougher match-ups....

Pick:  Creepy Crawlers straight up.