That does it for the 18th iteration of the LOC regular season.

We've got a lot of ground to cover as we enter the postseason. Congratulations to the Wolves and Cheetahs, who (as the top 2 seeds) will enjoy a Week 15 break while the 4 other playoff teams battle it out to get a spot in the semis. Both top teams suffered Week 14 losses, but still enter the tourney with plenty of justified confidence and a guaranteed top-4 finish. The Wolves earned their first #1 seed in franchise history and their first-ever 10-win season. Meanwhile, the Cheetahs have extended their own record by claiming a 5th points title.

The Remix led all scoring in Week 14, claiming the NLS after a recent slump that is now in the rearview. This is a welcome return to the playoffs after a 4-year absence. Their big game sets the stage for a 3/6 matchup against the division rival Addicts, who got the 6-ticket based on their overall points production throughout the year. Ghetto marks their 3rd consecutive trip to the postseason.

Overall, three NLS teams have advanced to the playoffs, as the Lamar-led Crew got it done against the Addicts in the divisionals week to take the 4-seed. They've earned a record 11th playoff appearance. They'll now face the shifty Football Team, who ousted the Threat in a less-than-competitive WS showdown. For Walkertown, this marks a new league record of 5 consecutive playoff appearances!

So many big moments from the final week, and plenty of accomplishments to celebrate.

Trophies are up first, followed by a final look at Week 14. 

Points Champion

Conover Cheetahs
1669.5 points

Owner of the Week

Remix OG
145.5 points

Power Player

The 4:20 Crew
L. Jackson - 35 pts

The Payoff

Ghetto Krackaddicts
J. Browning - 24.5 pts

Overcomer

Ledford's Losers
13.5 pt. Deficit

Fantasy Fumble

Threat Level Midnight
57 points

Win Left Behind

Conover Cheetahs
E. Elliot - 21.5 pts

Matchups

Crew vs. Addicts

This battle for NLS playoff tickets resulted in both teams making the cut, but it was the Crew who pushed their record to 8-6 and now carry the league's only winning streak of note (W3) into the postseason. Lamar's 35 was the Power Player performance, while Mixon and Likely both chipped in 17.5 in the narrow win. The Addicts were somewhat derailed in their comeback attempt Monday night, as Tyreek's injury kept his score capped. A clutch pickup of Browning (24.5) was supplemented by the Vikes D (24) and Breece (20.5). Was close til the end.

Remix vs. Crushers

The Remix emerged as the OTW in Week 14, posting 145.5 points to blow past the Crushers and secure the division in style. Deebo is earning every cent of his trade value (32 this week), while Kupp came to life with 21.5 points. White added 20 and Fields 18.5 more in the decisive win. The Crushers slipped back below .500 and couldn't play spoiler, with the Broncos D (18) being the team high. Allen chipped in 15 and Kyren flexed for 14.5, but the game wasn't competitive for long. 

Football Team vs. Threat

This was to be a hard-fought WS matchup to determine playoff participation, but the Football Team drubbed the Threat to claim the 5-spot and eliminate TLM on points tiebreakers. Walkertown was led by Purdy's 23.5 points, while DJ Moore continued his production with 19.5. The Threat couldn't ever get off the ground in a must-win, as Gabe was blanked and Herbert injured with -3. Etienne and Hubbard combined for 23 points, but only Waddle joined them in double digits.

Wolves vs. Marauders

A highly successful year for the Wolves ended on a down note with a loss to the inconsistent Marauders, but they still hold the #1 seed entering the postseason. The Marauders got their 6th win thanks to a big day from Evan Engram (23.5) and 20 more from the Saints D in a waiver plug. Ekeler/Mostert combined for 34.5 in the victory. Dire got 14 from Jayden Reed in a smart flex play, while Pollard and Gibbs combo'ed for 26, but no other players reached 10 in the loss.

Cheetahs vs. Losers

The Cheetahs appeared to have the #1 seed locked up entering Monday night vs. LL, but they were let down by a late Fins defensive swoon. Conover still earned a bye week and an unprecedented 5th scoring title despite the L. Aubrey kicked in 24 points to lead the effort, while the Niners pair of CMC (18) and Aiyuk (16) put them in position. The Losers weren't to be denied, as DeAndre Hopkins went for 21.5 on Monday to help them get a 1-point win. Drake London's 26 was the team lead for the 7-7 Losers, who missed the playoffs on points tiebreakers.

Dominators vs. Bruisers

In a battle for pride, the Dominators finally ended the brown streak with a win over the hapless Bruisers. Stafford led the way with 21, while James Cook flexed for 20. They overcame a receiving letdown to secure a comfortable W. The Bruisers were still handicapped by running back health issues (and waivers limits), though Saquon posted 17.5 and the Browns D continued to be strong with 15. RB2 was again a pain point. Both teams finish at 4-10.

This is where the regular season rubber meets the road. The last stop before the postseason.

It's Divisionals week in the LOC, and two big matchups are on deck for deciding who will make the cut. A full 5 of the 6 have playoff implications in some form or fashion.

It's also your last chance to add a win to the '23 tally. No matter your team's situation, we've reached the last stop before the tourney. Get a win for pride's sake...or to let the league know that you're ready for the elimination games ahead. No more rehearsal, no excuses. It's showtime.

Crew vs. Addicts

Win and in for both teams, this NLS battle features the ascending Crew against the dangerous Addicts, both seeking a way into the winners' bracket.

In what should be an incredibly close game, the Crew get Jefferson back just in time for this one. They will need him and Evans against the Addicts' Hill/Metcalf combo. Watch out for Pittman though. He could be the difference at WR this week. Lamar has a favorable matchup, while the Addicts are trusting Jake Browning to deliver a spot-start payoff. 

At RB, Hall and Swift will outperform expectations for GK, setting up a likely positional win there. If Montgomery shows up against Chicago or Cincy decides to lean on the run, 4:20 may match them there. Both team D's have good matchups, but the Texans will likely get the better of the total. This game will come down to the QBs, but won't be decided until Monday night when Tyreek takes the field...making it anyone's game.

----

H2H: 19-8, Addicts
Experts: Crew by 3
ESPN: Crew by 5
LM: Addicts by 3

Threat vs. WFT

A massive WS showdown that will decide whether the Threat and/or the Football Team advance to the playoffs, with plenty of possibilities for intrigue.

If ever there was a guessing game, it's going to be the outcome here. No Pacheco means a McKinnon plug-in for the Football Team, and while the paper edge goes to the Threat's Etienne/Hubbard combo, that's by no means a lock. Purdy should go for 15, but TLM's Herbert is due for a good week. Can he excel against the Broncos D? 

The receiving edge goes to Walkertown, as Moore and Brown will go for a combined 30+. Adams is a wild card these days, but still plenty capable. Chase and Waddle will meet expectations, but Gabe is a dice-roll against KC. Look for the Chargers and Colts defenses to be tested--netting no more than 5 points apiece. Goedert is back for the Threat, and his TE battle with Hockenson will decide this outcome.

----

H2H: 4-2, WFT
Experts: WFT by 2
ESPN: Threat by 1
LM: WFT by 4

Wolves vs. Marauders

Playing for a team record in wins, the Wolves will look to avenge their Week 6 loss to the foundering Marauders and claim the #1 seed in this WS battle.

The Wolves are riding high, and they will look to Jalen Hurts to overcome a stingy Dallas D on Sunday night. He should match or exceed Tua's numbers on the other side. Gibbs and Pollard will win the rushing battle, as neither Marauders RB is playing up to par. The TE duel will be closer than expected, with Engram on the up and Kelce struggling of late. 

Look for Gibbs and Keenan Allen to excel, with Gus Edwards as a wild-card flex that might just deliver the win. The Marauders WR group will win the positional battle but lose the war.

----

H2H: 12-6, Marauders
Experts: Wolves by 4
ESPN: Marauders by 3
LM: Wolves by 8

Cheetahs vs. Losers

Whether it's the points title or the 10-win mark, the Cheetahs would love to advance their position against the Losers in this Rest division battle.

Can the Cheetahs lock up the #1 seed? They will need help, but they should do their part against the set-it-forget-it Losers. Mahomes is likely to bounce back for Ledford (and outpace Stroud), though the run game leaves a lot to be desired in this one. Look for CMC and Moss to combo up for a painless position win. 

The duo of Hopkins and Devonta Smith will deliver solid numbers, but Pitts/Drake are question marks at best. Expect CeeDee to continue lighting up the scoreboard and the Fins D to put the icing on the Conover cake Monday night.

----

H2H: 8-2, Cheetahs
Experts: Cheetahs by 7
ESPN: Cheetahs by 20
LM: Cheetahs by 17

Remix vs. Crushers

The NLS division title is at stake as the Remix hope to end their losing streak and better position themselves for the postseason against a Crushers team ready to play spoiler.

This isn't the way the Remix were hoping to close the season, but they have a chance to right the ship heading into Week 15. Fields gets another look at QB, and he will surprise the experts by outscoring Josh Allen. The Crushers will get more from Lockett/Godwin than the OG's Kupp and Olave, but Deebo should show up big for the Remix. 

Kyren will struggle against Baltimore, and Kamara will give Dan the rushing edge. Give me the Broncos D instead of the Niners (sounds crazy) this week, but it won't change the outcome here. Remix by a mile.

----

H2H: 10-9, Remix
Experts: Remix by 14
ESPN: Remix by 14
LM: Remix by 20

Bruisers vs. Dominators

In the 'what gives' game of Wk 14, these two teams will look to close the season with a win, as the Doms seek to end a frustrating L10 against the roster-cuffed Bruisers.

Dak is the story of the second half for the Bruisers, though he will be tested in this one. Look for the suddenly-healthy running games for both teams to show up big. Aaron Jones will surprise, but Achane's late-game workload will provide a scoring edge for the Dominators.

LaPorta will continue his momentum, and Sutton should get into the end zone. Otherwise, the receiving edge goes to Dolla, as Diggs will see a lot of volume and Ridley will continue his return to form. The two defenses face each other, setting up that as the final determinant for who claims a much-needed win.

----

H2H: 17-9, Bruisers
Experts: Dolla by 15
ESPN: Bruisers by 2
LM: Dolla by 1

A huge Week 13 is officially a wrap.

The Wolves and Cheetahs are now locked in as the top 2 seeds. They will get a bye in Week 15 for a well-deserved run of success in the second half of the season. Speaking of the run, the Wolves W7 is a new franchise record (eclipsing their 2013 W6). The Cheetahs have now blasted their way to 6 straight wins. Watch out for these two in the postseason.

It isn't the ideal scenario, but the Remix have also officially clinched a playoff spot. Their NLS division is not yet decided, but that is due in large part to the Addicts and Crew, who both earned a piece of the Week 13 OTW by putting up a lofty 152 apiece! The Threat joined the Addicts and Crew at 7-6 with an important win as well. 

On the other end of the spectrum, the Football Team, Crushers, and Losers took losses and are now in must-win scenarios in Week 14. We'll cover that in more detail on Wednesday. The Marauders beat the Dominators in the Mitchell Bowl, but it didn't save them from being officially eliminated. The Dominators fell to a frustrating L10. The Bruisers got locked up in a tie with the Wolves, but the lack of waiver moves prevented a starting 10 and the win.

Owner of the Week

The 4:20 Crew
152 Points

Owner of the Week

Ghetto Krackaddicts
152 Points

Power Player

Ghetto Krackaddicts
T. Hill - 34 Pts

The Payoff

Ghetto Krackaddicts
Falcons D - 21 Pts

Fantasy Fumble

Ledford's Losers
68.5 Points

L10

Dolla Dominators
Wk 4 - Wk 13

Week 12 is in the books. The postseason picture is extremely opaque at this point, but image improvements are being made. 

The Wolves and Cheetahs are officially into the playoffs, with the Wolves clinching the WS division. That's 5 wins in a row for the Cheetahs and 6 in a row for the Wolves. Well-deserved playoff tickets.

The Crushers are surging, jumping up to 7th in scoring and now in the thick of the race at 6-6. They led all scoring in Week 12, and suddenly look like the most promising of the .500 teams.

Speaking of .500 teams, a full half of the league is now 6-6. The Losers, Football Team, and Crew all scored important wins to get there. Assuming the Remix don't lose out, that leaves 3 spots for those 6 teams. Who will emerge? We likely won't know until the epic Divisionals slate in Week 14. Should be fun.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Bruisers were officially eliminated and the Marauders are hanging by a narrow statistical thread (due only to total points). Safe to assume that we're down to 9 teams remaining in the race, with two spots clinched.

A playoff-minded review of Week 12 with associated trophies is below.

In Like Flint

Dire Wolves (9-3)
After a 3-3 start, the Wolves have been on a tear, ripping off 6 straight wins to clinch the WS and ensure at least a 3-seed in the postseason. They maintained their hold on the LOC points lead as well and are a win away from a free pass in Week 15.

Week 12 saw another great effort from Hurts (28.5), while Allen's consistency delivered 17.5 more. The Steelers D (14) have been on the ascent. Thielen failed to show again, and the running game is hit or miss, but the Wolves got past the Threat and are now primed for a playoff run. 

Conover Cheetahs (8-4)
The other big win streak in the league is the Cheetahs, who went from 3-4 to 8-4 and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. They opened up a two-game lead in the division, locked up a playoff spot, and can assure a top-3 bid with a win in the last two.

Posting an impressive 137 in their Week 12 win over the Remix, the Cheetahs got a big boost from CMC and the Fins D, who each provided 26. Taylor flexed for 17, and Goff added 16.5 points. The receiving group remains solid, and if positional depth holds up, all signs point to a strong finish.

At the Door

Remix OG (8-4)
After running uncontested as the LOC's #1 team in terms of wins, the shine has started to wear off a bit the last two weeks, but this team still controls their own destiny, needing only a single win to clinch the division and a playoff opp.

They came up short in a blistering week from the Cheetahs, but scoring is improving for this team. A balanced week was led by the Niners D (18) and complemented by 16.5 point efforts from Pollard and Olave. White and Kamara combined for 27.5 more. The OG's won't want to deal with tiebreakers in Wk 14, so finding a win in the next two is critical.

Walkertown FT (6-6)
In a pivotal WS matchup, the Football Team pulled off a late win against the Marauders to advance their postseason bid. Their 4th place scoring rate is an assist over other 6-6 teams for potential tiebreakers in two weeks.

Pacheco's 19 was the team high in Week 12, but the most important points were the 18.5 provided by DJ Moore, 6 of which came in the final minute to clinch the win. Most everyone showed up for WFT, excluding the Saints D, providing a balanced effort that pushed them over the top.

Cliff's Crushers (6-6)
The Crushers are the hottest team in the league at this point, leading all scoring in the last two weeks and rallying for their shot at a tourney ticket. They will have to maintain the momentum a bit longer, but a big win against the Losers aided the cause.

Josh Allen was the Power Player, posting 36 to lead the team yet again. The return to form for Kyren Williams was a huge boon, as his 33 was a key. A clutch waiver swap yielded 22 from the Broncos D as an indication of a more concerted effort by Crushers ownership. Can they keep it rolling in Wk 13?

Ledford's Losers (6-6)
Up and down in recent weeks, the Losers were on the wrong end of the Crushers' recent momentum. They may have lost their chance to contend for the Rest division, but are very much alive in the postseason race if they can close strong.

The Losers have been fairly consistent in putting up points, but could have had a better day were it not for the Eagles D (-1) and a dud from Schultz. Josh Jacobs led the effort with 23.5, while Devonta Smith dropped 20.5 more. Mahomes was there for 18.5, and DP stud Bobby Okereke posted a nifty 17.

The 4:20 Crew (6-6)
Another team that is trying to find consistency late, they got a close but important win over the Dominators to get back to .500 and keep themselves in the NLS logjam of contending teams. With two divisional weeks to close the year, things will get interesting.

Led by their receivers in this one, Evans and Pittman combined for 35.5 points in the W. Henry and the Giants D both scored 16, while Montgomery added 13 more. Starting calls will be the big key in the final two weeks if 4:20 is to claim a spot.

Threat Level Midnight (6-6)
The Threat definitely threatened the Wolves, but fell off late and slipped back to 6-6. While the opportunity is still very much in reach, they will need to bounce back from a middling week to regain ground in the race.

Familiar faces paced the Threat in defeat, with Waddle (17) and the Cowboys D (14) at the top of the effort. Chase and Etienne posted respectable 10.5 point games, but it wasn't enough against the Dire forces. Davis and Hubbard had unexpectedly great games on the bench, adding to the chagrin.

Ghetto Krackaddicts (6-6)
For the Addicts, the run appears to be materializing at just the right time, as they notched their second win in a row to get to .500, slipping past the Bruisers to move up in the NLS group. Two tough opponents await for earning a postseason bid.

It was the Trevor and Tyreek show in Week 12, as Lawrence led with 24 and Hill notched 21. The Vikings D put up 12 to aid the cause. Kirk's 10.5 was essential, as the running game and DK Metcalf underperformed in comparison to their usual pace. The Addicts close out their season with the Crushers and Crew.

Out of Time

Mitchell's Marauders (4-8)
They've now dropped 6 straight, finding ways to lose in most every game. This one was a RB/WR flex shuffle that left them just short against a wily Walkertown team. It came down to the last minute of Monday night, but the Marauders are out of time to turn it around.

Nico's 19.5 was the team's best in defeat, with Mostert (17) continuing to defy projections. Amon-Ra and Kyler each put up 14, but Ekeler's strange underachievement doomed the outcome.

Benny's Bruisers (4-8)
In a whirlwind of player swaps and waiver rotations, the Bruisers could not quite find the right equation to get a survival win against GK in Week 12. They find themselves unofficially eliminated while having the most points scored against them of any team this season.

Dak has proven to be one of the top 3 waiver snags of the year, and his 34 was certainly the team high. LaPorta added 13 to the tally, but Barkley didn't help the cause and no one else reached 10 points.

Dolla Dominators (3-9)
Whether scoring 60 or 120, the last nine straight weeks have yielded only defeats for the Dominators. They came away empty-handed in this one despite a hard-fought effort against the Crew, slipping to 3-9 in the process.

The effort was led by Stafford's 23 and Bijan's solid upswing of 21.5. Ridley and Diggs were good for 17 and 14, respectively, and only Conner let down the Dolla cause in this one.

Owner of the Week

Cliff's Crushers
139 Points

Power Player

Cliff's Crushers
J. Allen - 36

The Payoff

Cliff's Crushers
Broncos D - 22

The Overcomer

Walkertown FT
19 Pt. Deficit

Fantasy Fumble

Benny's Bruisers
96 Points

Win Left Behind

Mitchell's Marauders
G. Wilson - 11.5

Week 12 motors along through the holiday weekend, with NFL action on 4 of the 5 days between Thursday and Monday.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday already gave us some standout performances, with Dak Prescott's 34 for the Bruisers and a pair of 26's from CMC & the Dolphins D for the Cheetahs. There are still a dozen games to be played on Sunday/Monday, so we can expect more fireworks in a mission-critical LOC slate. 

The Rest is engaged in battle against the NLS, while the high-scoring WS fights among themselves. What's at stake this weekend?

The Wolves and Remix can become the first teams to clinch a playoff spot with a win.
The Cheetahs can extend their win streak to 5 and claim the top seed with a win and Wolves loss.
The Bruisers and Marauders are eliminated with a loss.

Additionally, keep an eye on teams like the Losers and Threat, who seem poised to shake things up and assert their case for the postseason.

With 7 of 12 teams below .500, there is still a lot to be sorted out. Perhaps Week 12 will help clarify things. Matchups preview below.

Leftovers

Let's look at the matchups already in progress for Week 12...no game is decided yet, but all are on the way. Plenty of good leftovers on the table. Enjoy.
Note: Predictions/Projections reflect current remaining outlook for the week.

Remix vs. Cheetahs

Previously
This matchup between contenders is well on its way to completion. The Cheetahs lit up the holiday with 26's from the Fins D and CMC, adding 16.5 from Goff. They are already over 100. The Remix got 18 from the Niners D and 16.5 from Pollard, but now must play chase on Sunday/Monday.

Potentially
For Conover, only 3 starters remain, with Jon Taylor being the critical piece. His performance will set the bar for any potential Remix overtake. In that same Colts/Bucs game, the OG's will be counting on Rachaad White to match him up. Kamara/Olave will be big keys as well, and Kupp's workload is still in question. How many points will Justin Fields need on Monday night? That's what this one will come down to.

Probability
H2H: 10-3, Cheetahs
ESPN: Cheetahs by 16
Experts: Cheetahs by 10
LM: Cheetahs by 5

Wolves vs. Threat

Previously
Initially projected as a Wolves win, this WS battle will be closer than thought. Waddle (17) and the Dallas D (14) have moved the Threat into a better outlook, while Dire's run game didn't live up on Thursday.

Potentially
The Threat have half their starters remaining, and will be keyed by the rushing attack of Etienne and Williams. Look for a combo of 20+ to win the RB slate. Herbert will be the essential determinant for TLM's chances. The Wolves have plenty of firepower left, with Keenan Allen's target share (from Herbert) being a big factor. Hurts should excel, and the Steelers D should go for 10+. Keep an eye on Kelce for a bounce-back game.

Probability
H2H: 2-2, Tied
ESPN: Threat by 6
Experts: Wolves by 3
LM: Wolves by 12

Losers vs. Crushers

Previously
These two teams are in the chase for a playoff spot, but the Crushers got underwhelming numbers from Lockett and Kittle to skew projections. The Losers are in the driver's seat with all 10 to play.

Potentially
The Losers receiving group was a question mark, but Tank Dell (WR13) has emerged and Hopkins is showing throwback flashes. If Devonta Smith can find room against the Bills, LL will win the WR battle. Mahomes and Jacobs should both exceed projections. The Crushers were the league's best last week, but will need some Bills magic to recreate that success. Watch for a big game from Najee and the return of Kyren Williams to determine their odds.

Probability
H2H: 11-8, Losers
ESPN: Losers by 13
Experts: Losers by 8
LM: Losers by 10

Addicts vs. Bruisers

Previously
The Bruisers are in must-win mode, and Dak got the memo. His 34 points (along with LaPorta's 13) have provided a weekend cushion. Tyreek got 21 for Ghetto, but Hall and Metcalf came in below expectations.

Potentially
The rushing duo of Saquon and Herbert looks primed for their best week yet, adding to the Bruisers edge here. Sutton should find room against the stingy Browns, though that has an offsetting effect for this team. Downs and Douglas are question marks with upside. The Addicts can flip the script if Lawrence and Kirk can connect on a big play or two. Keep an eye on that. Swift may not reach his projection, putting pressure on the Vikes D to deny Fields and the Bears. Tough road.  

Probability
H2H: 16-14, Addicts
ESPN: Bruisers by 22
Experts: Bruisers by 4
LM: Bruisers by 9

Football Team vs. Marauders

Previously
The Marauders are in a must-win scenario, and Mostert's 17 + St. Brown's 14 have them out in front. Purdy underachieved for WFT on Thursday, creating a projected edge for Mitchell.

Potentially
Walkertown brings plenty of potential into this one, with their dangerous receiving trio to lead the effort. AJ Brown's totals will be a big key. Adams and Moore should get to double digits. The Saints D will need to squash ATL, and Zeke has to find a way to support the Pacheco numbers. Kyler gets the start for the Marauders and should have a good (not great) day. Ekeler and Ford must go over 10 each or this outcome could shift. Chiefs D is set with a good matchup, but it is a division game. 

Probability
H2H: 14-11, Marauders
ESPN: Marauders by 19
Experts: Marauders by 9
LM: Marauders by 3

Crew vs. Dominators

Previously
The Crew desperately need a win here against the Dominators (who will look to play spoiler). Montgomery put up 13 on Thursday, and the Crew have the advantage entering Sunday.

Potentially
Both teams are rolling with a 3-RB set in this one. Mixon should be fine, but Henry's success against CAR will be essential for the Crew. Lamar will likely feast (20+). The WR combo of Evans and Pittman must combine for 20 to keep 4:20 high enough. The Doms would love to end their losing streak with a big day from Stafford pacing the effort. Bijan and Conner should have decent days in the run game, though Cook may struggle. Diggs will be fine, but which Ridley shows up? The Jags D isn't likely to finish above 5. 

Probability
H2H: 10-7, Crew
ESPN: Crew by 12
Experts: Crew by 16
LM: Crew by 12

A week of massive importance to the playoff picture is in the books.

The primary impact is the continued separation of the 3 teams at the top, with 6 teams battling below them for the other 3 playoff spots. Two other teams are hanging by a thread, and one has been eliminated from contention.

No one has clinched a postseason spot yet, though that will certainly change in Week 12. We are on the cusp of a decisive weekend across the fantasy landscape. As for Week 11? It only exacerbated the mess in the middle. Let's review the action with 11 headlines...followed by weekly awards.

Lack of Close Games Defines Wk. 11

There wasn't much drama to be had, though two games technically came down to Monday night. Every game's final margin was greater than 10 points, which stands in contrast to the number of narrowly-decided contests we'd seen throughout the season. Scoring was down again, and this week's performances were mostly feast or famine.

Crushers Momentum Builds

Don't look now, but Cliff's Crushers have won three in a row and appear poised to challenge for a postseason bid. Their 129 points was the LOC's best in Week 11, fueled by 28 from the Bills D and another 24.5 from Josh Allen. Singletary (18.5) has proven to be a valuable addition, and CRSH is now in a 3-way tie with NLS cohorts chasing a playoff spot.

Remix Denied NLS Crown

Most games have broken the OG's way this season, but that was not the case in the 11th outing. Let down by their receiving corps, the Remix couldn't lock up a postseason spot quite yet. Pollard and White combined for 26, and the Niners D/Warner combo accounted for 26.5, but otherwise it was a letdown week. 8-3 is still a good spot to be.

Wolves at W5; Ascend to Top Spot

No team is carrying more postseason energy than the Wolves at this point. With a 5th straight win, they move past the Remix on a tiebreak, and now stand only one win away from ensuring a postseason bid. 3-3 seems so long ago with now 8 wins in the bank. Keenan Allen continues to lead, with 22.5 in this one. The RB combo of Robinson and Gibbs accounted for 32.5.

Losers End Skid, Remain in Chase

It's been a season of streaks for the Losers, who saw their 5-game run of wins morph into 2 straight losses to push them out of the Rest lead. This week's divisional battle with the Bruisers saw them regain footing, propelled by Tank Dell's team-leading 24.5 points. Mahomes added 15.5, and despite a paltry rushing effort, the Ledford fortunes are looking up again.

Dominators Fumble to L8, Elimination

The story has been told, but since the tie/non-tie of Week 4, there has been nothing but fantasy turmoil for this Dominators team. The 3-0 start has given way to a 3-8 disappointment that denotes Dolla as the first team out of the playoff race. This week's effort was marked by a season-low 58.5 points. Burrow and Achane were both injured, a seemingly inescapable theme.

Surging Cheetahs Notch 4th Straight W

Late-season surges are nothing new for this franchise, but this year's Cheetahs squad is lining up for a playoff push and holding serve in the Rest division. With their 4th win in a row, they control their own fate for the Top 6. In Week 11, it was Aiyuk who showed up in a big way, notching 27 for the cause. The Fins D and CMC both chipped in 16. All systems go at this point.

Threat Climb in WS Division Race

It's certainly the most crowded division, but continued wins and an upset of the #1 team entering the week have helped the case for a Threat postseason run. If TLM is rising at the right time (as it seems), credit goes to the Cowboys D (26) for their continued dominance. Herbert also posted 26 this week, which helped offset some down days elsewhere.

WFT Drops Third in Last Four

The Football Team have--at times--looked like a top-3 team in the LOC. Week 11 was not one of those weeks. In a trend they'd like to reverse, Walkertown was again let down by their running game, primarily in the RB2 spot. Moore was the team lead with 17, and Davante was right there with 16.5. AJ had a disappointing week, but WFT remains in contention. 

Flailing Marauders, Bruisers Out of Time

Up and down and mostly down, these two teams have run out of wiggle room in the wins department. Mitchell dropped their 7th in 8 weeks, led by Tua's 18.5 but undercut by a terrible rushing day (7 combined). For the Bruisers, Saquon has been a beast (23.5), but an Andrews injury and Herbert's limited work capped the effort. Both teams must win out. 

Ghetto Edges Closer to Contention

The winning version of the script is pretty familiar...Tyreek goes off (25.5 this week) and the run game delivers an Addicts victory. That write-up materialized in Wk 11, as Hall and Swift combo-ed for 30 and DK put up 15.5 in a must-win game. With that W, the Addicts stay in the NLS/playoff races with 3 weeks to go. Howell/Lawrence starting calls aside.

Owner of the Week

Cliff's Crushers
129 Points

Power Player

Cliff's Crushers
Bills D/ST: 28

The Payoff

Remix OG
J. Dobbs: 12

Overcomer

Ledford's Losers
Deficit: 30

Fantasy Fumble

Dolla Dominators
58.5 Points

This weekend presents a rubber-meets-road situation for half of the LOC. 

If 7-7 is the playoff baseline, the math gets pretty simple for the remaining 4 weeks. Teams near .500 are going head to head with the first feelings of necessity creeping in.

Above the fray, we could also see the first playoff spots clinched this weekend. The Remix and potentially the Wolves can lock up a postseason ticket with a win. For the Remix, they could clinch the NLS division as well. The Wolves face the Crew and the Remix are up against the Threat in the weekend's only matchups between winning teams. Should add to the excitement.

The Rest division has divisional battles in Wk 11, while the NLS and WS face off. No matchup is immune to playoff implications as we enter the final turn toward season's end.

At this moment, all 12 teams are still in the playoff hunt, but that may no longer be the case by Monday night. Make the right calls and get a needed win. Good luck!

matchups

Remix vs. Threat

Projections
The Remix look to be the first team to lock up a playoff spot against a rising Threat team.

Dobbs gets the nod over Fields for the OG's. Will his success continue? A returning Stafford sets up Kupp for a better day. K Mitchell was a miss on Thursday, but the Pollard/White combo should still fare well for rushing points. The Niners D/K trio will determine if the Remix move to 9-2. Will come down to the wire.

Despite a down day from Chase, the Threat have an opportunity to get a key win. Expect Etienne and Javonte to combine for 25+. The Cowboys D is likely to reach 20. Herbert is set up with a good matchup, but his actuals and the performance of Jaylen Waddle will decide if the Threat are moving up.

Predictions
ESPN: Remix by 2
Experts: Threat by 7
LM: Threat by 3

Wolves vs. Crew

Projections
A contending Wolves team looks to keep momentum against the inconsistent but capable Crew.

The Dire forces will be waiting 'til Monday night to see if they are moving on to W5. That's when Hurts and Kelce play, with one of the two delivering a great performance. Watch for a big game from Keenan Allen, with Gibbs posting a high YPC average and Deebo bouncing back for SF. Robinson and Thielen are wild cards this week.

Lamar's 20 and Mixon's 16 are the baselines set on Thursday for the 4:20 effort. If Henry and Montgomery can outpace their opponents (especially DM in the timeshare with Gibbs), this one could swing the Crew's way. The Giants D is a question mark, and the WR pointage of Evans and McLaurin will be critical.

Predictions
ESPN: Wolves by 4
Experts: Wolves by 14
LM: Wolves by 2

Cheetahs vs. Dominators

Projections
The Cheetahs look to extend their W streak to 4 against a Dominators team trying to salvage the season.

Assuming Goff continues his pace, the Cheetahs bring few questions to this matchup. CMC is as reliable as they come, and Lamb and Aiyuk are good for 30+ combined this week. As for questions, Chandler and Rashee Rice are both dice rolls, and the Dolphins D is improving but no guarantee. Shouldn't affect the outcome.

An injury to Burrow (and a Boyd dud) was icing on the cake for the struggling Dominators, who can't seem to catch a break. To get by their favored opponent, returning RBs Conner and Achane must jump right back into top-tier status. Diggs and Hollywood will both have great games, but will the run game deliver?

Predictions
ESPN: Cheetahs by 15
Experts: Cheetahs by 3
LM: Cheetahs by 10

Football Team vs. Crushers

Projections
A battle between the unpredictable but solid Football Team and the recently surging Crushers. 

The receiving group drives the train for WFT, and this week is no exception. Adams, Moore and AJ will likely produce half of the team's output here. Purdy seems like he's ready to improve. Pacheco must carry the run game (Dowdle is a dart throw). The Lions D could be a factor in the final score, which will be close.

For the Crushers to make it 3 in a row, the recent trends must continue. Allen will have something to prove against the Jets D. Godwin and Lockett are not guarantees, but their performances will be critical. Likewise Royce Freeman in the flex. Najee and Singletary should have solid games, and Kittle could be the difference.

Predictions
ESPN: Football Team by 2
Experts:  Football Team by 14
LM: Crushers by 4

Bruisers vs. Losers

Projections
Two Rest teams trying to get back in the chase, as the .500 Losers face the topsy-turvy Bruisers.

Benny gets Herbert back this week, shoring up the revolving-door running game. Saquon and he should both have a day. Can Henderson show out against the Seahawks? The Andrews injury hurt, and Johnston will go for <10, but watch for another big game from the Browns D (and Garrett). Sutton could be also be an x-factor.

The lineup is at 100% for Ledford, but Mahomes has been less stellar than usual. He faces a tough Eagles D (who are counter-balanced in the Losers starting 10). Jacobs and Walker should win the rushing duel, but the WR group yields concern as far as consistency. Devonta will be the high scorer in that trio. Butker for the win?

Predictions
ESPN: Losers by 12
Experts: Losers by 15
LM: Losers by 2

Addicts vs. Marauders

Projections
The struggles have been real for both, as the Addicts and Marauders seek a course correction.

Howell rightfully steps in as the Ghetto frontman this week, and this feels like the cherry on top. Swift and Hall will be strong in the run game, and Tyreek leads a dangerous WR trio. The Commanders D should feast, and if Kirk steps up in the flex, this one will go GK's way. Ferguson's performance could be the difference.

The pieces are there for the Marauders, but that hasn't helped them to this point. Tua should have a decent day against LA, and Ekeler and Amon-Ra are the two guarantees this weekend. Whether Aaron Jones or Garrett Wilson provide support remains to be seen. Risky start of the Chiefs D. Close game that gets away late.

Predictions
ESPN: Marauders by 12
Experts: Marauders by 8
LM: Addicts by 10

Trending

We might know a couple of things. There's still a lot we don't.

If Week 10 was any indicator, the path to the postseason is still far from clear...but the frontrunners are beginning to emerge. Every division has a defined leader. 

The 8-2 Remix are two games clear in the NLS, the 7-3 (and points-leading) Wolves won an important division game to keep their WS edge, and the 6-4 Cheetahs just won their third straight, topping the league in scoring to claim the outright lead in the Rest. 

While things could always change, these three are trending up as playoff teams. Fortunately for everyone else, there are six playoff spots. With 8 teams at either 5-5 or 4-6, we can confidently assume that three of those will find their way to the dance.

The Crew started the year 3-0--and while they have wavered at times--earned an important win this week to move to 5-5. Two wins in a row have the Crushers feeling optimistic as well. Over in the WS, the Threat have been strong in two of the last three, nabbing another important division win this week. If there's a time to start trending up, it's now.

There are also downward trends. The Marauders and Dominators also both started the season 3-0, but have dropped 6 of 7 and 7 of 7 (respectively) since then. The Losers have posted two L's in a row after a big win streak. Likewise, the Addicts have their own 2-game slide. The Bruisers and Football Team had been trending in the right direction, but both took tough losses this week.

Overall, scoring was up this week. Most of the bye-heavy weeks and IR stints are now behind us, though they took their toll on several teams in Wk 10. We've only got 4 regular season weeks left, culminating in a massive Week 14 divisional slate that will likely decide multiple teams' fates.

Find some positivity in what's possible over the final weeks of the regular season. Everyone is still in the race. Get your team in order and make a run.

Owner of the Week

Benny's Bruisers
126 Points

Power Player

Walkertown FT
CJ Stroud - 44

The Payoff

Threat Level Midnight
LAC D/ST - 29

Fantasy Fumble

Ghetto Krackaddicts
87.5 pts.

Nine Down

Nine games in the books...and just like that, we're down to only 5 regular season weeks remaining.

The story of this week was not team scoring. Or maybe it was, but not for the right reasons. The league scoring average this week was a cool 97.75 points, the lowest of the season thus far.

At the top of the heap this week, the Bruisers posted the league's best score. They've had their best two weekly outings in the last three games, and now are in a much better position for the playoff chase. 

The indomitable Remix ascended to 7-2 despite the scoring concerns, and the Wolves made it 3 straight to get to 6-3 atop the WS. The Football Team (led by Stroud's coming-out party) are also above .500 and challenging for a spot. Likewise at 5-4, the Cheetahs take the division lead in the Rest division thanks to a win and a Losers loss. The Crushers aren't going away quietly, posting a critical NLS division win.

Would you believe 7 of the 12 teams are now below .500? With 5 at exactly 4-5, the pack is sliding in the wrong direction. Still, we are seeing separation at the top, an indicator that the number of available postseason spots will be confined in the coming weeks.

It's certainly still anyone's ballgame, and no one is out of contention entering Week 10. If this week taught us anything, it was that we have one hell of a Wild Card race developing.

Let's look at the action...

The Matchups

Bruisers vs. Marauders

The suddenly-thriving Bruisers got closer to even with a shootout win over the sinking Marauders.

It was the highest-scoring effort in a pedestrian week, with the Bruisers improving their status behind a dangerous Cleveland D (33) and the continued production of Dak (24). Supplemental production behind Barkley and the team leaders hasn't been stellar, but the Bruise Cruise is sailing toward contention of late.

A third straight loss for Mitchell was marked by another win left behind. Second in scoring this week, the two biggest contributors were waiver grabs. The Raiders D provided 23 and Taysom added 16. The running game held up well, but QB production left a bit to be desired. Marauders drop below .500.

Remix vs. Addicts

Consistently finding ways to win, the Remix held off a late Addicts comeback attempt to remain the top seed.

The Nugget will cover more of the 2023 Remix dichotomy, but the end result means an even bigger division lead. Rachaad White was the star of the show with 21.5, and Carr added 16 in fill-in duty. While big WR points were benched, the sum was enough to get by with a seventh win and keep the Remix locked in at the top.

The Addicts had a good shot at upsetting their division rival, but a rare down day from Tyreek (8) kept the lid closed. Howell and Ferguson (a TE!) both led the effort with 16.5 each, but a number of 8's on the board prevented a better outcome. Ghetto slips back to the 5-pack of teams that are 4-5.

Football Team vs. Losers

The Losers win streak came to an abrupt halt as the Stroud-led Football Team cruised to another win.

Even if the run game is struggling to find good ground, the Football Team were propelled by a career day from (Power Player) CJ Stroud. His 44 points were far and away the best of the week. AJ Brown added 14, and WFT got 25 from their kicker/defense combo. Now above .500, this team is one to watch in the coming weeks.

A weekend move meant no roster moves for Ledford, and in this case proved costly. Dalton Schultz was stellar with 22, and Jacobs looked solid with 17.5. Mahomes (13) was better than in Week 8, but previous scoring balance wasn't there this week. A still-promising 5-4, but the next two weeks will be critical.

Wolves vs. Dominators

For the third straight week, the Wolves came out on top, this time against the struggling Dominators.

Hurts continues to produce high-floor numbers, this time with 20.5 to pace the Wolves. Diontae is rounding into form (16.5), and both RBs went for 13+, dismissing the commish prediction. Despite Kelce being locked down (2.5), the Dire way stood undaunted with production elsewhere, and they're up to 6-4 atop the division.

Not able to catch any sort of break, the Doms dropped their 6th straight game, as a promising start has turned into a fight for survival. Burrow stepped right in to deliver 22 at QB, and Diggs added 17.5. Crosby was a nice add (15) at IDP, but the Hawks D subtracted 5 and Waller went down. With RB injuries almost past, this team will improve.

Cheetahs vs. Threat

The Cheetahs continued their ascent with a convincing win over an inconsistent Threat team.

No Niners, no problem for Conover. Rhamondre stepped in and up with 21.5, joined by JT's 13 points. Lamb continues to lead, this week with 24.5, and while support scoring was mid, the Jets D (11) continues to excel. Tiebreak lead atop the Rest for HATR as they now operate at full strength.

The Threat weren't able to match last week's excellence, finding a Fumble with only one double-digit performer. That performance was from a wise waiver addition of the Chargers D, who offered a lofty 29. RB byes and Herbert failure contributed, and TLM slides back to 4-5.

Crushers vs. Crew

Not to be forgotten, the Crushers secured an important NLS win against the up-and-down Crew.

With Allen leading the band, this time to the tune of 21 points, the questions for Cliff have always been in the supporting cast. Tee Higgins re-emerged this week with 17 important points. The Michael Thomas haunting tour is now in year two, but the Ravens D was stout (22) and Koo kicked in 19 for the Crushers victory.

For the Crew, the losses are hard to figure sometimes. Both RB's (Henry/Mixon) were solid again, with Henry's 15.5 leading the way. Lamar and Pittman both got to 10, and there were a smattering of 9's as well. It was just the lack of a standout performance that pushes 4:20 back under .500.

Owner of the Week

Benny's Bruisers
126 Points

Power Player

Walkertown FT
CJ Stroud - 44

The Payoff

Threat Level Midnight
LAC D/ST - 29

Fantasy Fumble

Threat Level Midnight
73 Points

Win Left Behind

Mitchell's Marauders
A. Jones - 13.5

Week 9 Express

The Germany game is over and the Commish has washed his hands of the stink of defeat.

Week 9 is fully underway with great games in every window. In the LOC, we feature two NLS division showdowns and the Rest matching up against the WS.

Can the Losers make it 6 straight wins? Will the Wolves and Cheetahs continue their upward trajectory? Can the Dominators and Marauders end their recent misery? Are the Remix ready to take the next step to 7-2? Can the Bruisers and Crushers turn things around? How about the Addicts and Crew fighting for divisional position? Will the Threat keep last week's momentum rolling? Is the Football Team ready for a bounce-back week? These questions are about to be answered.

Express picks incoming...

The Matchups

Addicts vs. Remix

The Addicts are susceptible here after a down game from Tyreek. If the run game gets rolling for the Remix, this one may be a convincing win for them.

H2H: 8-6, Addicts
Experts: Addicts by 1
ESPN: Remix by 18
LM: Remix by 15

Losers vs. Football Team

The Losers didn't bother to check their lineup before kickoff, so they will be at a disadvantage. The likely outcome is an AJ Brown-led victory lap for the Football Team.

H2H: 7-4, Losers
Experts: WFT by 1
ESPN: WFT by 2
LM: WFT by 13

Dominators vs. Wolves

Two teams headed in opposite directions, but the Wolves get a down week from their rushing attack and the Dominators finally end their losing streak in an upset.

H2H: 11-9, Wolves
Experts: Wolves by 14
ESPN: Wolves by 7
LM: Dominators by 5

Crushers vs. Crew

Lamar and Co. are likely to roll through this matchup, with the Crew riding their receivers to a big win over the Crushers.

H2H: 17-12, Crew
Experts: Crew by 16
ESPN: Crew by 19
LM: Crew by 20

Bruisers vs. Marauders

Likely to be a low scoring affair, with both teams getting out of the gate slow. Could go either way, but the Bruisers upset feels imminent here.

H2H: 14-10, Bruisers
Experts: Marauders by 12
ESPN: Marauders by 4
LM: Bruisers by 2

Cheetahs vs. Threat

This matchup feels like the leading candidate for game of the week. Watch for the Cheetahs run game to be the difference in a hard-fought contest.

H2H: 2-1, Threat
Experts: Cheetahs by 2
ESPN: Cheetahs by 2
LM: Cheetahs by 7

Over & 8

With no byes on the slate, Week 8 delivered plenty of standout performances. Our first all-divisional menu of the year offered multiple close games and tense moments.

Teams like the Cheetahs, Threat, and Addicts got back into gear. The Remix moved up to 6-2. The streaking Losers made it 5 straight wins, and the Wolves stepped up to join them at 5-3. 

Scoring was up overall. Drama emerged late Monday to decide two key matchups. Even teams on the losing end saw reasons for optimism. It's important to note though, the separation of teams has begun.

Things could settle right back into madness in Week 9, but for the moment, three teams are now clear of the crowd. There's a six-pack of 4-4 teams and three below that trying to keep pace.

For those who got important division wins, optimism abounds. For everyone else, it's time to regroup.

Let's hand out some trophies and break down the Week 8 action.

The Results

Remix vs. Crew

A very close NLS battle that saw the Remix escape with a narrow victory to stretch their division lead to two games.

The Saints contingent keyed the Remix victory, with Carr posting 22 and Kamara rushing for 20.5. The WR group was down in scoring, but White and Njoku chipped in 14 apiece to provide enough for a win. The Crew got an effective pair of 16's from Henry and Mixon, and their trio of receivers averaged over 10, but Lamar's down day was likely the difference in a close loss.

Wolves vs. Football Team

Decided Monday night, the Wolves took sole possession of the WS lead and denied the Football Team's attempt to get to W5. 

Gibbs has proven to be just what the Wolves running game needed, and his 27 was the edge in this one. Not to be downplayed, Gus Edwards pumped out 22 in the flex. Hurts was back in business with 26.5 to ensure the W. The Football Team were in it until the end when Adams couldn't get rolling. AJ Brown's 27 was the team high, and the McManus effect (17.5) was real. Hockenson (now TE2) added 15.5.

Losers vs. Dominators

The lowest scoring of the week's matchups, but the Losers held on late against the Dominators to extend their win streak to 5.

Despite bad days from the Eagles D (-3) and Mahomes (2), the Losers found solace in a breakout day from their top 2 WRs, gaining 32.5 from Hopkins and 17 more from Smith. Jacobs added 13.5 more in a close comeback win. The Dominators were on pace in this one, but Cousins (16.5) and Waller both got hurt. Four others reached double digits, but no peak player emerged to lift them from the L streak.

Cheetahs vs. Bruisers

Emerging as the dangerous team we saw in Week 1, the Cheetahs lit up the scoreboard against a struggling Bruisers squad.

Lamb's big day was the primary story here, with 32.5 points to lead the scoring. CMC added a strong 22, and 9 of 10 starters reached double digits. It takes balance to top 150, and the Cheetahs appear to be finding their stride. The Bruisers made a savvy pickup of Dak that rewarded them with 27 points. Barkley (16) and LaPorta (13.5) are steady contributors, but the receivers failed the cause. BB needs a bounce back.

Threat vs. Marauders

The other WS matchup featured a Threat team on the rebound, and they put the points to the inconsistent Marauders.

When 5 players go over 20 points, odds are good for a decisive win. Etienne was the Threat's best with 25 this week, but the WR duo of Chase/Waddle going over 21 each was the best news for the team. Herbert and the Cowboys D also excelled. Tua's 21.5 led the Marauders effort, with Ekeler adding 17 and the Chiefs holding up for 15. The right WRs were not started, and Mitchell drops their 4th in 5 games.

Addicts vs. Crushers

This NLS matchup was a boost for the Addicts division standing as they sought ascension against the confounded Crushers. 

Tyreek was back to his 20+ ways in the Addicts win. The running game looked good, with Breece putting up 19 and Swift adding 11. Trevor and the Vikes D both chipped in 14, and the Addicts seem poised to make a run. The Josh Allen show delivered 26 for the Crushers, and their overall scoring is improving. Kittle was strong with 21.5, while Koo kicked in 13.5 more. It just wasn't enough in this big matchup.

Trophies

Owner of the Week

Conover Cheetahs
155 Points

Power Player

Ledford's Losers
D. Hopkins - 32.5

Power Player

Conover Cheetahs
C. Lamb - 32.5

The Payoff

Benny's Bruisers
D. Prescott - 27

Overcomer

Ledford's Losers
6.5 Points

Fantasy Fumble

Dolla Dominators
89 Points

Win Left behind

The 4:20 Crew
G. Smith - 13

not half bad

We've seen plenty of seasons where one or two teams were way out in front and conversely, a couple were completely toast by midseason. Not the case this year! 10 of 12 teams are either 4-3 or 3-4! There's a lot more to cover about all of that in the midseason report.

As for Week 7, at least the battles were closer this week, and while scoring wasn't astronomical, teams in desperate need of a win to keep pace were able to come through. Trending up are the Wolves, who led all scoring this week (and for the 4th time in 7 weeks!). The Crew and Crushers snapped their losing streaks, while the two teams with the best records both underachieved.

Those aren't the only noteworthy trends happening. Both the Losers and the Football Team are on 4-game winning streaks after starting the year 0-3. A nice bit of momentum heading into the back half of the year! The Bruisers stepped up and got their second win in a row to keep pace in the Rest, rounding out a competitive slate of games.

The Results

Walkertown FT vs. Remix

The Football Team notched their 4th win in a row against the current top-seeded Remix in a low-scoring battle. 

Anytime your defense posts -8, it's tough to overcome. For WFT, the work of AJ Brown (24) and Hockenson (14) were the difference-makers to ensure victory. Pacheco chipped in 11.5 and Davante and DJ had 9 apiece, putting Walkertown in a 3-way tie atop the WS division.

A Fumble was certainly not what the 5-2 Remix were hoping for, though they still hold the best record league-wide. Watson, Kmet, and the Lions D combined for -4. In contrast, the running game was solid with 23 from Kamara and 12.5 from White (Warner too).

Losers vs. Cheetahs

Another win for the Losers, this time in a Rest division matchup against a capable Cheetahs squad.

Mahomes has been solid all year, but this week he put up his best thus far with 35.5 points. The receivers had down weeks, but Walker and the Eagles D added 14 each, sending the streaking Losers into sole possession of the Rest lead.

The clear bright spot for the Cheetahs in this one was the running game. Taylor just arrived and had a team best 17.5, while CMC added 17 and Stevenson another 11. The receiving effort left a lot to be desired (minus Addison from the pine), and the Cheetahs slip to 3-4.

Wolves vs. Addicts

The Wolves bounced back against the recently surging Addicts to regain momentum and the WS division lead.

In a crowded field, the Wolves have emerged as the top threat through 7 weeks, and this week reinforced the notion. Kelce's 29.5 points were a season-high, and the plug-in of Gibbs rewarded Dire with 20.5 more. A clutch pickup of Dustin Hopkins yielded 24 OTW-clinching points. 

Tyreek led the way again for GK this week, but 18 was the peak point. Kirk's 15 was a nice flex play, and most players contributed in a balanced scoring day. Unfortunately for the Addicts, it wasn't enough against the top scorer, keeping them obscured in the 3-4 group.

Crew vs. Marauders

Projections said otherwise, but the Crew ended their skid with a close (and important win) against the Marauders.

Even with Henry/Mixon on bye and Montgomery injured, the 4-3 Crew overcame doubts with a clutch day. Lamar Jackson's 33.5 was the standout of the group, and while the running game still struggled, the WRs made up for it with a pair of 16's from Evans/Pittman and 12 from McLaurin.

The Marauders were failed by their running game, though Ford did manage 17 in the flex. Trade arrival Puka led the effort with 21.5 and Amon-Ra caught 18.5 more, but otherwise the scores were flat. MIM drops back into a tie in the WS division.

Bruisers vs. Dominators

For the second week, the Bruisers overcame predictions and closed out strong against the struggling Dominators.

Both teams put up good scores, but the Bruisers were rewarded for trusting D'onta Foreman (25) and Saquon (who added 15 to the total). Andrews' 16 and a balanced receiving attack was enough to get BB to the 2nd highest score of the week and a more positive outlook.

The Doms stepped up this week, but the L streak continued, thanks in large part to Bijan's ghosting. Unclear why he wasn't ruled out. Kirk Cousins looked sharp Monday night with 26, and Oluokun's 25 was an IDP blast. With a little more health, the Dolla's fortunes should improve.

Crushers vs. Threat

In a must-win effort, the Crushers emerged in a slog against the Threat, keeping hope alive entering the midseason.

As expected, Josh Allen led the charge with 20.5 points for the Crushers (though the Bills D provided no help). Najee and Koo both chipped in a dozen, and Kittle reached 10. There weren't a lot of points, but this was an important win for Team Crush.

The Threat knocked out most of their byes in one game, but it came at the expense of starting production this week. The running game actually looked better, with Etienne (16.5) and Javonte both reaching double digits. Goedert posted 14, but there just wasn't enough elsewhere.

Trophies

Owner of the Week

Dire Wolves
131.5 Points

Power Player

Ledford's Losers
P. Mahomes - 35.5

The Payoff

Dire Wolves
D. Hopkins - 24

Fantasy Fumble

Remix OG
71 Points

Win Left Behind

Mitchell's Marauders
Chiefs D/ST - 10

WeekEnd 7

As the season races along and injuries continue to pile up, team management has never been so critical. Add in the fact that 2/3 of the league has the same .500 record and it seems even more critical. 

Week 7 gets us to the midway point of our regular season. Are you ready to shake things up or are you going to stay the course? We just saw the second trade of the season (albeit a substantive one). Teams are scrambling to pull bench players into the starting lineup. The RB position looks thin most places. Studs are on IR. It's not pretty right now, but it doesn't have to be. Figure out your path to a winning record and play the matchups. 

Speaking of matchups, the NLS face the WS and the Rest division battles it out in this important leadup to midseason. Ready the troops.

Remix vs. WFT

Summary

All-Time H2H: 7-4, Remix

Kamara provided a spicy 23 on Thursday, giving the Remix a head start against the wily Football Team. Watson should be able to match up QB points with Purdy, and watch for White to have a great rushing day against ATL. Kupp is the driver at WR, but Cooper and Flowers will need a good day also. If the Niners D feasts, the Remix may take this one.

The Football Team will want a better effort from Purdy this week, and they should get another solid game from Pacheco. The WR trio is sound, but a disgruntled Adams will need to contribute alongside Moore and Brown. Moss may underachieve this week. Hockenson's 10+ will be critical. Lions D may decide WFT's fate. 

Predictions

ESPN: WFT by 1
Experts: WFT by 2
Commish: Remix by 5

Crew vs. Marauders

Summary

All-Time H2H: 16-10, Crew

Fresh off a big trade, the Marauders will likely roll out Puka and Aaron Jones to support their offensive efforts. With Tua and Mostert playing Sunday night, the team success will hinge on their output. Ekeler should have a bounce-back game and Amon-Ra is due for another one. Assuming the Bucs D holds up, this one may not be close.

To be fair to the Crew, injuries and bye week issues make this one a lot more challenging than it might be. Regardless, the running game is a major wild card, depending on JWJ's and Evans' snap counts in their respective matchups. Lamar is due for a big game, and look for Pittman and Evans to both put up numbers. Will it be enough?

Predictions

ESPN: Marauders by 22
Experts: Marauders by 20
Commish: Marauders by 15

Cheetahs vs. Losers

Summary

All-Time H2H: 8-2, Cheetahs

The new-look Cheetahs will roll out the Love to Watson connection this week, and CMC will be joined by the combo of Rhamondre and trade arrival Taylor. Could be a recipe for big points. Aiyuk should feast with Deebo out, and the Packers offense should set the table for HATR Sunday afternoon. Pitts won't be a factor.

Mahomes and the Losers are certainly on a roll, but this divisional foe will make the work a bit harder. The Jacobs/KW3 running combo will likely put up 30-35...essential points for the Losers chances. Samuel and London are not sure things, but Devonta should have a great receiving day. Will the Eagles D contain Miami? If not, the win streak ends.

Predictions

ESPN: Losers by 1
Experts: Losers by 4
Commish: Cheetahs by 7

Addicts vs. Wolves

Summary

All-Time H2H: 9-6, Wolves

The Wolves running game has a chance to excel this week, with Gibbs getting bulk carries and Robinson facing the Giants. Fade Mattison at flex. Keenan should have another great game, and Diontae will at least provide a high floor. The Raiders D is primed to shut down the Bears backups, and Hurts/Kelce won't be relied on as much this week.

With Tyreek on the field, the chance for an Addicts win is always there. DK should support the effort and Kirk has already yielded 15 at flex. Swift should have a big game, but Hunt is out and Gainwell isn't startable. Commies D is worth 5-7 here. Can Russell show up in a big way to give this team a shot? 

Predictions

ESPN: Wolves by 10
Experts: Wolves by 9
Commish: Wolves by 12

Dolla vs. Bruisers

Summary

All-Time H2H: 16-9, Bruisers

The Oluokun breakout on Thursday was a nice cushion for the Dominators, though Ridley managed only a single point. Cousins faces a stingy Niners D, so measured expectations there. Bijan/Cook will have challenging defenses, meaning only one of the two will reach projections. Diggs/Waller's effort will be important to the Doms chances.

Barkley is truly back for the Bruisers, which will relieve some stress on the running game. Mid-tier WR performances are likely for Meyers and Sutton. Stafford should exceed projected totals. The Browns D will be one to watch against Indy. If the dual TE starters show up, the Bruisers have a chance to take this one.

Predictions

ESPN: Dolla by 14
Experts: Dolla by 8
Commish: Bruisers by 1

Threat vs. Crushers

Summary

All-Time H2H: 3-0, Threat

Etienne got the Threat off to a good start with his 16.5 on Thursday. No Chase this week means that Waddle and WR3 Gabe Davis will need to deliver a combined 25+. Osborn gets flex duty and should have a solid game. Herbert will post 18+. Javonte is a dice-roll in a game where the Broncos are trailing.

Who steps up besides Allen for the Crushers this week? Godwin will have to go big in this one. Expect a great game from Kittle on Monday night. Is this the game that Najee shows some promise? Touches will be an issue for Royce Freeman. The Bills D should put up plenty against NE. Uphill battle overall.

Predictions

ESPN: Threat by 10
Experts: Threat by 10
Commish: Threat by 2

Week 6

What a ride. By the time the dust settled on Week 6, the landscape in the LOC looked strangely familiar.

Familiar in the sense that the pack of teams vying for prominence is unusually thick. We've seen signs in recent weeks that this sort of jam was emerging, and this week only reinforced it.

The undefeated Remix finally fell. That is certainly the big headline. The Football Team and Losers both notched their third win in a row. The Crew and Dominators lost their third in a row. The Marauders got a statement division W. The Bruisers and Cheetahs earned important bounce-back wins. And the Addicts made it two straight after a rocky start. 

There were no comebacks completed Monday night, though the Remix and Threat came awfully close to erasing big margins. The league scoring overall was rather pedestrian. The continuing injuries, costly.

Back to the point, though. Through six weeks, 8(!!!) teams are 3-3. Historically, we've never seen that much of a .500 logjam past Week 4. And yet, outside of a couple of teams on both fringes, this burgeoning playoff race continues to be a wide-open marathon. No one is a clear favorite. No one is out of it. The fun is just getting started.

Let's look at what there is to see from Week 6, starting with trophies.

The Results

Marauders vs. Wolves

This WS matchup saw the Marauders retake the division lead against a tough Wolves team, posting over 150 for the first time in 5 seasons in the process.

The Dolphins made life a little easier, as Mostert's 28.5 and Tua's 23 paced the Marauders scoring outburst. St. Brown offered 24 and the Chiefs D held up for 21 as part of a balanced assault where Ekeler proved to be the only underachiever. After dropping two in a row, MIM moves up to 4-2.

For the Wolves, points came from all the right places, though a Deebo injury stifled the final number. Thielen was the best of the lot with 23 points. Keenan's 18.5 and Kelce's 16 were also solid. The Raiders D were a waiver wonder, posting 15. There just wasn't enough overall to keep up this week.

Losers vs. Remix

The 5-0 Remix finally had fate turn against them late, as the Losers climbed to 3-3 and a share of the Rest lead while taking down their previously undefeated foe.

The quietly ascending Losers have gotten their scoring from different places over the last 3 weeks, this time led by Drake London's 19. The running game was effective with Walker and Jacobs combining for 24.5, and Butker actually outscored Mahomes by 1 with 18 this week. Things are looking up.

The outcome might have been different had Justin Fields not taken an early injury, limiting the Remix attack somewhat. There were still plenty of nice scores, with Kupp's 24 pacing the group. Four other players scored between 12-15, with Cooper's 14.5 the best there. 5-1 is still a damn good place to be.

Football Team vs. Threat

The Football Team made it three in a row by staving off a late comeback attempt by the plucky Threat to pull even at 3-3 in the WS group.

Perhaps not the fiery scoring barrage of recent weeks, but the Football Team got solid balance from their key players (minus Purdy) to hold on for another win. AJ and McManus paired for 18.5 each to lead the effort, with Pacheco and Moss posting 12.5 apiece. The Lions D's 14 proved to be the winning edge.

The Threat can look at Hubbard's performance on the bench with regret, but most starters gave a good effort. Herbert and Etienne were good for 17.5 each, and Waddle and Chase both provided double digit days (though not the predicted explosions). Maher kicked in 15. Back to .500 for TLM.

Cheetahs vs. Crushers

In an important get-back game for the usually stingy Cheetahs, they gained a share of the Rest lead and reached .500 against the woeful Crushers.

McCaffrey's injury is likely the biggest thing on the Cheetahs' mind, though he did manage 10 prior to exiting. Lamb's 17 was the team's high point, with Rhamondre adding 13 and the matchup-proof Jets D adding 12 more. Things haven't clicked often, but a healthy version of this team will be a force.

The Crushers can't afford injuries, so Damien Harris dropping early was a bad omen. Kyren continues to be a bright spot, posting 21 as the team's best again this week. Allen had a middling 13, but several non-contributors hurt the cause. Team depth will need to be addressed quickly

Addicts vs. Dominators

For a second straight week, the capable Addicts found a way to win, riding their stars to a victory over the suddenly-spiraling Dominators.

As long as Tyreek is active, the baseline for GK is high. His 26 were the best of the lot this week, and Breece seems to be rounding into form (15). Kirk, Swift, and Lawrence all reached double-digits, creating enough balance to get the Addicts into the .500 group entering Week 7.

Things just haven't been right for the Dominators since the tiebreak. Their third straight defeat was mostly a product of average outings from key players. Diggs was solid with 17, and Oluokon d'ed up for 11.5. Outside of a couple of 10's from Bijan/Seahawks, there were just too many 5's and 7's.

Bruisers vs. Crew

In a matchup marred by injuries and waiver plugs, the Bruisers overcame the sliding Crew to get themselves back into the hopeful category.

Saquon ended up playing Sun night, but the Bruisers chose to go with afternoon guarantees, and the results were enough to get by. Dak led everyone with 17, Jakobi and Sutton (12.5,10.5) were key contributors, and the Falcons D also found 11. Balance gave BB a much-needed win here.

The Crew are trying to right the ship, but losing Jefferson has hurt the progress. A couple of scoring duds and a Montgomery injury this week prevented a potential win. On the bright side, Pittman looks good (17) and both Henry and Jackson were solid (31 combined). Good call on Bernard at DP. On to next week.

Trophies

Owner of the Week

Mitchell's Marauders
167 Points

Power Player

Mitchell's Marauders
R. Mostert - 28.5

The Payoff

Dire Wolves
LV D/ST - 15

Fantasy Fumble

Cliff's Crushers
73.5 Points

Win Left Behind

Threat Level Midnight
C. Hubbard - 13

Week 6 Express

The weekend is upon us. Big matchups between the 4 capable WS teams highlight the slate while the Rest and NLS duel for positioning.

The undefeated Remix will be tested this week against the Losers. They are a win away from their best start in franchise history. This one feels like it could be a high-scoring affair, with both run games posting a glut of points. The WR battle is likely to hinge on Cooper Kupp's efforts in the flex. If Justin Fields has a big game, the Remix win. Otherwise, the Losers might just steal this one.

At 1-4, the Bruisers have shuffled the deck with waivers and a trade to calibrate their attack. Dak could be the answer at QB if he can get rolling. The run game is finally healthy enough to go, but the dual TE's will have to bring noise for them to keep pace with the Crew. Even though they've dropped 2 straight and lost Jefferson to IR, 4:20 still fields a capable starting roster. Lamar's rises and falls dictate a lot here, but defense will decide the winner.

A battle for WS supremacy has the fiery Wolves looking to gain the division lead outright against the slumping Marauders. Dire got 18.5 from Kelce, and their 3-strong receiving group of Deebo/Thielen/Allen will lead the positional scoring. The run game will determine their fate here. In contrast for the Marauders, with a healthy Ekeler and an uninhibited Mostert, the receivers will have to bring their A game to give MIM a shot at the win.

There's no reason to expect any drop-off from the Walkertown scoring machine, but they'll have to prove it again against an improving Threat squad. If there is one big expectation here, it's that Chase and Waddle will both have plus performances to drive TLM scoring. If Etienne can deliver again, this will be a close one. The Football Team brings their explosive WR group and the reliable Purdy for plenty of points. Moss and the Lions D will be critical to continuing the win streak.

A compelling matchup of two up-and-downs finds the 3-2 Dominators squaring off against the recently ascendent Krackaddicts. This is a pick-em game if there ever was one, as both receiving tandems should excel equally as should the QB's. The Doms' Bijan and the Addicts' Swift are key elements here, with their performances dictating an edge one way or another. The Addicts have the defensive edge in this one, but Waller could equalize in the Sunday nighter. Will come down to the wire.

The need for a win is always there, but with the race heating up, both the Cheetahs and the Crushers are in a position where this matchup is critical. Josh Allen has the QB edge, but how much of the weight can he carry here? The RB advantage goes to CMC and Stevenson, though Kyren could help minimize damage. Neither Mike WR will match the Cheetahs' trio of CeeDee, Puka, and Aiyuk. If Cook is getting the nod at flex, the Crushers are cooked. If not, the expectation is still a Conover win by 15 or more.

Week 5 & 0

What a thrilling week it turned out to be. Several teams lit up the scoreboard in statement wins. The Remix moved to 5-0 and are now the only team with more than 3 wins through 5 weeks. Two teams topped 150 (a rarity covered in this week's Nugget). Two players topped 40. The only thing that's any clearer after this week is that we are in for a hell of a playoff race. Buckle up, LOC.

Don't get it twisted. This was a drama-free slate of games. There were no close ones. 6 for 6 on blowouts. Average margin of victory? Over 44 points!

Outside of the undefeated (and healthy) Remix, the 3 other teams that once stood at 3-0 have dropped two straight. The Crushers and Bruisers couldn't repeat success in Wk 5, but otherwise 9 out of the 12 teams are either 3-2 or 2-3. Hard to find any clarity in this muddy picture through the first third of the season. 

There is momentum to be celebrated just the same. The Football Team and Wolves look dangerous in the WS. The Threat and Losers have won 2 straight. The Addicts seem ready to turn the corner. 

Think about how big those all-divisional weeks are gonna be in Week 8 and Week 14! They should give us much more drama than this week.

But back to Week 5...

Matchups

Remix vs. Crushers

The path to 5-0 hasn't been a cakewalk, but the Remix took care of business yet again against a Crushers team still trying to put things in order.

Justin Fields is justifying his 5th round draft position, earning 32.5 to lead the OG attack. Kupp's welcome return yielded 17.5, while Kamara chipped in 15 more. Things seem to be falling into place for the Remix to be the first team into the playoff circle.

In contrast, the Crushers were unable to duplicate Week 4's success, as byes and a poor rushing day (10 combined) crippled the attempt. Josh Allen was excellent with 27, and Kittle (20) had his best day yet this season. Time to regroup for Wk 6.

Wolves vs. Cheetahs

The continued momentum of the Wolves was evident again, as they handled the shifty Cheetahs in a lopsided affair that earned them another OTW.

In a team spread that saw almost everyone light up the charts, only the Wolves running game was less-than great. Otherwise, 8 of 10 starters posted 13+ in a league-leading show. Hurts was team lead with 26, Thielen added 22, and the Steelers D/Watt combo-ed for 36. All signs are positive.

The starting QB calls have been hit or miss for the Cheetahs, and Dak (1) hurt the cause this week. The Jets D (19) continues to impress, and Puka chipped another good one with 14.5. CMC had a down day by his standards, but Conover has plenty of firepower going forward.

WFT vs. Dominators

What looked to be a shootout ended up as a blowout, thanks to the Football Team's continued scoring barrage against the Doms.

Over in the WS, the Football Team are making an early case for the postseason, posting another 150+ effort and maintaining their overall points lead. When your Flex (Moore) gets you 45 and your RB2 (Moss) goes for 33.5 more, its gonna be a good week. A subpar day from Davante, but Brown covered with 17.5.

Last week's tiebreak shift carried tremors into this one for Dolla. Defensive calls continue to haunt (TEN/-1), and points were definitely left behind. That said, Achane's 23.5 was a solid team lead, and Diggs' 20.5 was WR1 comfort. Loss aside, the Dominators still have a lot of optimism.

Threat vs. Bruisers

The upward momentum for the Threat continued in this one, as they pummeled an injury-depleted Bruisers team with little resistance.

Chase is certainly the story here for the Threat, as his 43.5 reminded of the '21 TLM title run. Etienne was brilliant with 32, and Dallas Goedert came alive with 21.5 points. Depth is still in question for this squad, but points are up and their over .500.

The injury bug was clearly still hungry, as Richardson was bitten early and Gibbs/Barkley were late scratches. The Commies D subtracted 5 points, but the Bruisers fought for it, wisely grabbing Spears (13) off the wire. LaPorta (14) continues to impress at TE, and Meyers had a team-leading 15. 

Addicts vs. Crew

The Addicts own a significant historical h2h edge over the Crew, and this matchup was no exception as they cruised to a comfortable win.

The Fins were a key for the Addicts here, with Tyreek's 31 and the D/ST posting 15. But points showed up from all corners, as Breece exploded for 29.5 and Swift continued his solid production. Even Russell held his own. RB depth questions linger, but things might be turning around for GK.

The Crew have been hot/cold thus far, falling here on duds from Lamar/HH and a very unfortunate injury to Jefferson. Montgomery got his start and delivered, posting 20.5 to lead the offense. The Saints D had a monstrous 29, but there wasn't enough elsewhere to get 4:20 a 4th win.

Losers vs. Marauders

This was an important get-right win for the Losers against a banged-up Marauders squad that seems to have lost their way.

Technically the closest game by margin, but it never felt that way, as a breakout game from Hopkins (20 led the way. The RB's paired up for 14 apiece, and Mahomes added 17 to the tally. Devonta had a bad day (1), but overall the Losers are consistently competitive.

For Mitchell, the return of Taylor was fool's gold in the first week, and Amon-Ra missed the action. Tua's 20.5 was the team's best, whereas elsewhere no one posted more than 12.5 points (Raheem, Williams). Though the season started strong, the Marauders need answers.

Last Man Standing

Remix OG
5-0

Owner of the Week

Dire Wolves
154.5

Power Player

Walkertown FT
D. Moore - 45

The Payoff

Dire Wolves
K. Fairbairn - 16

Fantasy Fumble

Benny's Bruisers
74.5

Five Arrives

Week 5 is going to be a telling one. The 4-0 Remix get to see their top pick Cooper Kupp in action for the first time this week. The Marauders will get their first look at Jonathan Taylor. There are still a lot of banged-up rosters across the league. What impact will it have this weekend?

As for matchups, the NLS has a divisional week while the WS squares off against the Rest. The only tussle between teams with winning records is a 2-2 showdown between the Wolves and Cheetahs.

From a top down view, the Remix are the Last Man Standing, thanks to good timing and opponent miscues. A rare Thursday adjustment broke the tie between the Cheetahs and Dominators, changing the temporary fortunes of both of those teams in the Rest race. Along with Dolla, both the Crew and Marauders fell to 3-1 in Week 4. 

Combined with the fact that all three 0-3 teams got a win, the separation between top and bottom in the standings is almost arbitrary. Nearly half the league sits at 1-3. A win streak in this sort of traffic jam will reap massive dividends down the road.

In Week 5, the race for the postseason officially reaches the second stage. Bye weeks are here, so your team depth will continually be put to the test. Hopefully, you've accounted for those absences and won't miss a beat.

This time last year, the Addicts and Football Team were charging to the front of the pack and daring anyone to catch them. Conversely, no one looks like a clear favorite this year (though the Remix are basically halfway to the playoffs). There's a lot still to be sorted out, and Week 5 will either initiate some clarification or further compound the mystery.

We almost had a trade or two this weekend, but so far the market hasn't yet yielded one. Waivers have been busy, but a little less so than in previous years. It seems patience is ruling the day. Will your patience pay off?

Let's see what Week 5 tells us...

Dominators vs. WFT

All-Time H2H: 11-7, Doms

Perspective

Two teams coming off different outcomes but with plenty of momentum. The Doms are scoring well and barely lost in Week 4. The Football Team are the hottest team at the moment but just got their first win. Who gets the better of this one?

Players

The Football Team got a massive edge from Moore's 45-point explosion on Thursday. Watch for another solid game from Stroud, and the Adams/Brown combo should have a great day. The RBs are likely going to have a down week. Hockenson is due for a bounce back.

The Doms need big games from their Robinson/Achane combo, and there's no reason to think they won't get it. Diggs should post a good 15+, and Waller may have his best game yet. Cousins will be put to the test. The Titans D will have to shut down Stroud to give the Doms a shot.

Picks

Experts Pick: Dominators by 8
ESPN Pick: Dominators by 1
LM Pick: Football Team by 15

Remix vs. Crushers

All-Time H2H: 9-9, Tied

Perspective

The only undefeated team left faces a Crushers team that just notched their first win. The Remix are finally completely healthy, setting the stage for success in this NLS division matchup. Can the Crushers upset the fun?

Players

With the cushion of a 32.5 point game from Fields, the Remix got a nice lead-in for this matchup. Kamara and Pollard should combo for 30 today. Flowers and Olave are not sure things here, so that production will be important. The Broncos D will have to overcome expectations.

The Crushers aren't done yet, but they will need a big day from Josh Allen and a better showing from their running game. Kyren should fare well, but Cook/Najee will have to outperform the projections. Look for the two Mikes to both have solid games in the receiving effort. The Bills D is likely to do well.

Picks

Experts Pick: Remix by 8
ESPN Pick: Remix by 13
LM Pick: Remix by 10

Wolves vs. Cheetahs

All-Time H2H: 9-7, Cheetahs

Perspective

Both the Cheetahs and Wolves enter this one at 2-2 and one game back in their respective division races. Both also seem to be playing better than their record, though the Wolves are coming off a poor Week 4. Which team gets the better of it today?

Players

Dak gets the start for Conover, and the hope is that he and Lamb can combo for at least 25 against a stout Niners D. If that game goes the other way, Aiyuk should benefit. CMC may not have his best game. The Jets D will be a factor in the outcome. Can Puka go for 15 with Kupp back?

The Wolves are leaning on Kelce and Deebo to keep this one close. They'll both post good numbers. Williams gets the call at flex, and his performance will be critical. Feels like Thielen is due for a good day. Hurts and Mattison should meet expectations. Might be close at the end.

Picks

Experts Pick: Wolves by 7
ESPN Pick: Cheetahs by 4
LM Pick: Cheetahs by 3

Bruisers vs. Threat

All-Time H2H: 1-1, Tied

Perspective

Fortune has been a little more kind to the Threat than the Bruisers, but wins are wins. The Threat are at 2-2 and could really use a win here to keep pace in the WS. The Bruisers are banged up and trying to hold out until they're healthy. A tough challenge awaits.

Players

In what should be a low-scoring battle, the Bruisers took a 5-point hit from the Commies D and now must replace Barkley. That call will be mission-critical. Richardson is due for a good game with the addition of Taylor. Expect big games from Garrett Wilson and Mark Andrews. If LaPorta and Jakobi can produce, this may be close.

The Threat need Chase and Waddle to score in the same week, and this might be the one. Dobbs gets a look at QB, so his performance will be essential. Goedert and Gabe are maybes here, and Miles Sanders needs to post a great game. Etienne will lead the way. The Colts D has to show up, and if they do, the Threat take the win.

Picks

Experts Pick: Threat by 2
ESPN Pick: Threat by 18
LM Pick: Threat by 4

Losers vs. Marauders

All-Time H2H: 7-3, Marauders

Perspective

For the Losers, the outcomes haven't gone their way despite a decent start. They'll look to build momentum against a Marauders group that is without their top RB/WR, but still a capable 3-1 unit. Could go either way.

Players

Ledford called up McLaughlin for the RB2 spot this week, and he and Jacobs should post solid numbers. Mahomes is nearly a sure thing, but the WRs are the group to watch. Can Hopkins show he's still got it? Devonta is hit/miss but this looks like a 'hit' week. Dell is a decent wild card at flex, though the Eagles D may be challenged.

Tua may not get a lot of opportunities for MIM, but the hope is that Mostert will fill in the gaps. The return of JT should help balance the rushing attack. Watson needs to step up but its unclear if he will. Nico is likely to shine this week. Pierce is a decent flex, and the Marauders' Texans trio will rise/fall based on the defense. As will the outcome.

Picks

Experts Pick: Losers by 7
ESPN Pick: Losers by 5
LM Pick: Losers by 2

Crew vs. Addicts

All-Time H2H: 18-8, Addicts

Perspective

These two NLS rivals face off in an important effort to keep up with the division leader. The Crew have been one of the early success stories, and they'll hope to keep it going against an Addicts squad still trying to find the right starting spread.

Players

The Crew's running game is set up well here, with Henry and Montgomery likely to combine for 30+. Lamar faces a division opponent, so that could go either way. Expect more rushing points from the flex with Mixon. Jefferson may not reach projections today. Hunter Henry will exceed his average, and the Crew will need the Saints D to otherwise excel.

For Ghetto, the Dolphins trio should bring a bit of extra help this week. Tyreek will have his day, and the defense/Sanders should have an easier go of it than last week. Russell is always a question mark these days, but Hall will have a breakout game and Swift should be fine. Even with Breida and Ferguson not being sure things, this will be close.

Picks

Experts Pick: Crew by 15
ESPN Pick: Crew by 9
LM Pick: Addicts by 1

Shocking Turns
Week 4 Review

Wow. We haven't seen a week unfold the way this one did in quite a while. Extremely improbable outcomes suddenly realized. 0-3 teams lighting up the scoreboard. 3-0 teams getting handed losses. 4 games decided by a combined 6 points. And a loss that became a win on Thursday. 

Nothing matched expectations entering the week. Everyone is now on the board with a win. Two of our four undefeated teams lost close battles. Parity has officially made its presence known in the '23 season. Time to reiterate... it's anyone's ballgame.

Let's look at the details and hand out some awards.

WFT vs. Addicts

It wasn't close for long...and suddenly the winless Football Team shot up the scoreboard for 170 and posted the highest score of the season (and second-highest in franchise history).

Not easy to beat your opponent by 60 when they put up 110, but Walkertown got a show of force from multiple starters, led by AJ Brown's 35. A descending 24, 23, and 22 were a great support from Pacheco, DJ Moore and the Jags D. In fact, other than Hockenson, everyone chipped in to get the Football Team in the win column in style. They also ascend to 3rd in overall scoring.

The Addicts haven't had an easy road thus far, but they did make good starting decisions in this one, earning 20 from Russell Wilson and 19 from the Vikes D in plug-in duty. Swift (13.5) continues to be a bright spot amid the chaos of a 1-3 start.

Threat vs. Crew

It was just a matter of 'when' for the Crew to move to 4-0, and they had it locked up until a Geno knee injury and a late sack turned the outcome over to the Threat (who have now won twice on late sacks).

There weren't explosions of output for TLM in this one, but the Cowboys D bounced right back and posted a superb 27 to lead the way. Surviving for the win still counts, and with the aid of Herbert (16.5) and Maher (14.5), the Threat held on and got another one on the board. They're in the thick of it in the WS division.

The Crew have been solid through 4 weeks, and while they took a loss here, they'll likely still challenge for the NLS division. Derrick Henry's 23.5 points were certainly an encouraging sign, and Jefferson and Jake Elliot both delivered 19.5. While the start of Geno over Lamar proved to be a misfire, there were 4 such WLB's this week.

Dominators vs. Cheetahs

In the most improbable comeback, the Cheetahs held a 36-point lead entering Monday and still led by 7 with only 5 minutes to go. The Dominators got Waller catches and even more Seattle sacks/ints to tie the score and win on bench points. This was the league's first tie in 2.5 seasons. Upon adjustment, the Cheetahs won by .5 point.

It was a pair of 32's that ultimately drove the Dominators effort--one from Diggs and the other being that critical Seahawks D. Bijan (18) and Cook (11.5) continue to provide good service. Even with more points left on the pine, the Dominators move to 4-0 and have a commanding 3-game lead in the Rest division drop to 3-1 but maintain the Rest division lead.

The Cheetahs keep running into top-3 scorers, and the timing is challenging a pretty noteworthy start to the year. They hold the overall points lead but only a single win and are now even at 2-2. There were definitely standout performances again this week, with CMC posting a week-leading 39 and waiver gem Nacua dropping 26.5. A hard-fought win that took days to resolve!

Losers vs. Bruisers

The Losers only needed 9 points from Kenneth Walker on Monday night, but he got stuck at 8 for most of the second half. One final drive saw him surpass the Bruisers margin and earn Ledford a W1.

Surviving a lesser day from Mahomes (12), the Losers got double-digit efforts from Walker, Smith, Mosley and Butler to sneak by for the win. Josh Jacobs came to life with 21.5 to lead the way, which is a promising sign for the future. With the win, LL is locked in a 3-way tie in the Rest division chase.

The Bruisers have been in several close battles that haven't gone their way. This week they were let down by standouts from previous weeks. On the plus side, a healthy Richardson responded with 25.5 points, but only Khalil Herbert (19.5) joined him in double digits. As was common this week, bench points impacted the outcome.

Remix vs. Marauders

Two 3-0 teams battling for league supremacy? Hardly...it was a low-scoring snoozer until the end. The Remix held an 8-point lead entering Sunday night, but the Chiefs D failed the Marauders, propelling the OGs to 4-0.

An injured Watson led to a smart start of Justin Fields, and he delivered 25.5 big points for the Remix in the win. The return of Kamara aided the cause with 14.5, and Aubrey kicked in 10.5. While there were letdowns on the box score, the win streak continues for this team. They now hold the standalone lead in the NLS race.

The Marauders took their first L thanks to some mismanagement and a Fins letdown. Tua and Mostert did not deliver, and benching Nico (33) proved incredibly costly. Only Amon-Ra (12) and Pierce (11.5) reached 10+ in this Fumble-worthy effort. MIM holds a one-game lead in the WS division.

Crushers vs. Wolves

The Wolves entered this one as heavy favorites, but the 0-3 Crushers answered the bell, with Josh Allen helping them post a runaway win to renew hope for the season's future. 

Win 1 for the Crushers might have been an upset, but they were overdue for a winning start from the top overall pick. Allen's 36.5 were the driver, and key waiver acquisition Kyren (23.5) continues to assist the cause. A big 24 from the Ravens D was icing on the cake and gets Team Crush back into the race.

There was zero expectation of a letdown game, but a surprising failure from the Steelers (-6) and Deebo's issues held the Wolves down this week. Hurts led the positives with 25, and Thielen chipped in 11.5 in his first start. The RBs paired for 10 each, but there wasn't enough elsewhere to make this one close.

Trophies

Last Man Standing

Remix OG
4-0

OTW

Walkertown FT
170 Pts

Power Player

Conover Cheetahs
C. McCaffrey - 39

Payoff

Dolla Dominators
SEA D/ST - 32

FUMBLE

Mitchell's Marauders
73 points

WLB

Dolla Dominators
D. Achane - 23

LOC Week 4

We're hitting the fourth weekend of the season already. This one brings us a rematch between the top 2 seeds from last season, a battle of 3-0 teams, important Rest division matchups, and the NLS squaring off against WS. Additionally, 4 of the 6 matchups this week have ties in the all-time head-to-head series.

Will the points stack up again this week? Which of the four undefeated teams falls? Which of the 0-3's snag a win? The commish doesn't know, but he'll say words about these things and then make arbitrary picks.

Let's get to it...

Remix vs. Marauders

Overview
The presumed game of the week features two 3-0 teams looking to stay untarnished in the standings. The Remix get their first run from Kamara in this one, while the Marauders hope Miami's offense stays hot.

Opinions
The immediate boost provided by Kamara's return will help the Remix points production, as he and Pollard should combo for 25-30. Fields is a risky start, but he has to get rolling at some point, right? Olave and Cooper should both produce, and if the Niners D can contain Arizona (why not?), this one will swing the OG's way.

Marauders spirits were high after hitting 3-0, but the continued absence of Ekeler and a tough assignment for Tua/Mostert may dampen the bag. Thursday's numbers from St. Brown and Watson were less than stellar, thus Sutton will have to go big to keep this respectable. Pearce is a wild card at RB2, and only the Chiefs D feels like a solid start.

Overheard
Remix: "Hoping Fields remembers how to play QB."
Marauders: "Cautiously pessimistic about this one."

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H2H All-Time: 8-8, Tied
ESPN Pick: Remix by 1
Experts Pick: Remix by 3
Commish Pick: Remix by 8

Crew vs. Threat

Overview
This matchup features the undefeated Crew aiming to keep the momentum going against a Threat team hoping to bounce back from an uneven start to the season.

Opinions
It appears to be all systems go for 4:20, though Geno gets the start today over Lamar. Not a terrible idea (given Balt/Cle). Watch for Henry to have a get-right game, and with the steady production of Jefferson and Evans, there should be a solid baseline here. Pittman and Mixon will need to hold up this week, and the Saints D is subject to division-game woes.

Waddle is back and Chase looks like himself, providing a match-worthy WR combo score for the Threat that will be essential. The run game still has upside, but Miles and Etienne need to produce more than in previous weeks. Expect smooth sailing from Herbert and a return to form for the Cowboys D. This one feels like a Threat upset.

Overheard
Crew: "LFG!!!"
Threat: "Going to smoke the Crew and get a high score."

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H2H All-Time: 2-2, Tied
ESPN Pick: Crew by 6
Experts Pick: Crew by 1
Commish Pick: Threat by 3

Dominators vs. Cheetahs

Overview
This historically lopsided showdown sees the 3-0 Dominators attempting to ride their potent running game to a win against the Cheetahs, who need a victory to keep up in the Rest.

Opinions
With several players rolling early, the Doms should get a good feel for what's possible, as Bijan and Ridley are both key cogs for this offense. They will need 25 combined today. Cousins has been a great value at QB, and he should continue that roll. Watch for a big game from James Cook, though Conner may have a tough time finding lanes. Will come down to Monday night (Hawks D).

The Cheetahs are not off to their usual start, but capabilities are still there. The CMC ceiling will have to be located this week, as Aaron Jones (2) did not hold up his end of things. Expect good days from Lamb and Nacua here. The Bengals D needs to have a big game, and indications are that they will find 10 at least. Rhamondre needs to outpace projections.

Overheard
Dolla: "C.R.E.A.M., it's a new year, Dolla Dolla Dominators, y'all!!"
Cheetahs: Spongebob meme: "Ight, Imma head out."

---

H2H All-Time: 16-5, Cheetahs
ESPN Pick: Dominators by 12
Experts Pick: Dominators by 9
Commish Pick: Dominators by 7

Addicts vs. Football Team

Overview
Two teams in dire need of a W square off in what could be a high-scoring affair. Both the Football Team and Addicts will ride their receivers for maximum production.

Opinions
The Addicts have the talent on board, but they'll need more luck this week to make it two wins in a row. Hill and Metcalf will both be tested, but production should still be viable. The Vikings D is a boom/bust option here, and Kirk's role is still in question. Expect a better day from Breece Hall paired with Swift's continued excellence. Will Russ cook this week?

Zach Moss is the man to watch for the Football Team in this one. Pacheco is tough to predict, but Moss should shine. Purdy gets another go at QB, and he should hold up fine. Adams has a backup throwing to him, so expectations should be measured. AJ Brown will need to carry the bulk of the WR scoring. DJ Moore likely makes something happen, and Hockenson ensures the win.

Overheard
WFT: "Fentanyl-laced crack for Corey's boys this weekend."

---

H2H All-Time: 13-11, Addicts
ESPN Pick: WFT by 4
Experts Pick: WFT by 5
Commish Pick: WFT by 10

Wolves vs. Crushers

Overview
No team has been as potent as the Wolves thus far, and they will look to keep things rolling against a Crushers squad that has been inconsistent to this point.

Opinions
To keep the coals burning, Dire is calling up Adam Thielen to WR2. Mattison and B Rob are both capable backs, but output is unsure. Expect 15+ from Hurts against the Commanders. This feels like a big week for Kelce with at least 2 TDs. The Steelers D may be tested more than projected, but TJ will still make plays. Deebo is primed for another great effort. Wolves will be fine.

The Crushers should win the QB battle here, simply for the defensive matchups. Allen will find plenty of yards. Kyren and Najee are critical to the outcome today, and one of the two should go off. Higgins and Godwin are cause for questions, though Lockett should reward in the flex. Look for Parsons to find 10 and the Ravens D to land a couple of points below that. Kittle has to shine.

Overheard
Wolves: "I'm Thielen it!"
Crushers: Anonymous Crushers player: "I think the owner is washed up. I know he's won championships in the past, but damn, he can't set a lineup to save his ass. He had Buffalo's D on the bench last week with 34 points...all because they were playing the Commanders. That's bush league shit. I hope he gets his head out of his ass."

---

H2H All-Time: 7-7, Tied
ESPN Pick: Wolves by 10
Experts Pick: Wolves by 8
Commish Pick: Wolves by 12

Losers vs. Bruisers

Overview
This battle between the Losers and Bruisers finds both squads in a bit of a jam, with one combined win and a need for a change in fortune. This is the chance.

Opinions
Someone has to emerge with momentum here, and the odds say it will be the Losers. Jacobs and Walker should win the RB tilt, and Mahomes is a lock at the QB spot. Can Smith and Hopkins deliver more than 8 each in the receiving battle? Drake's points will be important. The Eagles D should answer the bell against Wash, but division games can break rules. Should be close. 

Anthony Richardson is primed to lead the Bruisers attack and should be counted on for at least 15. Pickens is likely to exceed projections, but can Garrett Wilson match him against KC Sunday night? The Browns D will be respectable, and Khalil Herbert may surprise in this one. If Jakobi Meyers has a double-digit day, the Bruisers could pull this one off.

Overheard
Losers: "Losers need a win."
Bruisers: "Got my hammer and a few nails, hanging an L on the Losers today!"

---

H2H All-Time: 6-6, Tied
ESPN Pick: Losers by 9
Experts Pick: Losers by 15
Commish Pick: Losers by 3

Week 3 review

The points came in bunches. Everything was super competitive this week. The Wolves once again led the scoring. The Addicts found a win. The undefeated's stayed that way. There were multiple nail-biting finishes. This was an exciting Week 3, and we've got a lot to cover.

Crew vs. Cheetahs

This much-heralded matchup was not as competitive as predicted. The Crew got to 3-0 and maintained their NLS edge behind sterling efforts from Lamar (22) and Jefferson (27). Henry and Henry had forgettable days, but the Pats D provided an 18-point waiver lift that was much of the difference in this one. The 4:20 receiving corps looks primed for many great weeks ahead.

The Cheetahs posted their lowest score thus far after two solid weeks previously. The Aiyuk injury cut production, and neither Lamb nor Nacua reached double-digits. McCaffrey led the scoring with 18, and Brooks provided a solid 10 at IDP, but most of the reliables had down days. Conover will seek a bounce-back in Wk 4 against the Dominators.

Marauders vs. WFT

For much of this WS matchup, it appeared to be a runaway win for the Marauders. While the final score did go in Mitchell's favor, the Football Team looked much more in sync than before, managing 135 in the shootout. The Marauder magic was in Tua and Mostert this week, as they combined for 66.5 points. Amon-Ra added 17, while waiver scoops Ford (13.5) and the Chiefs D (15) made important contributions. MIM moves to 3-0 and matches last year's win total.

Walkertown had plenty of scoring but was ultimately hampered by a bad defensive day (Jags, -5) that defied projections. Davante was brilliant with 33.5 and Moss added 21. Purdy proved to be the correct start with 20. AJ's 19.5 was a nice Monday gain and was nearly twice that (on a couple of end zone targets). For a team that's 0-3, the momentum seems real.

Wolves vs. Threat

As was the case for all 4 WS teams, both of these squads put up great efforts, but no one was going to match the Wolves continued inferno in Wk 3. They became the first team to post 150+ this season in a points-heavy win over the Threat. The key component was Keenan Allen, whose 39.5 points were the week's best. Deebo and Myers both went for over 20, while Kelce added 14 and Alex Mattison finally earned some keep. The Wolves are the hottest team in the league through 3 games.

The Threat got off to a slow start in this one, but closed strong to make the outcome much more respectable. Justin Herbert's 31 was the team's high point, Chase posted a welcome 22, and even the kicker added 21. The running game showed improvement (combined 27.5) and there weren't any drawbacks besides the Cowboys D getting bent over (-2). Positive days are ahead for this team.

Remix vs. Bruisers

It was going to take a few more points this week for the Remix to extend to 3-0, and they found them at just the right time to beat the Bruisers. Amari Cooper was the key cog, posting 22 in the win. Deshaun's connection with him yielded 18.5, and 4 other starters (led by Olave's 16) found double-digits. The Niners D bounced back with 15. The OG's managed their way to 3-0 and will get Kamara back at just the right time to keep momentum going.

The Bruisers were hoping to build on a Week 2 win, and did find some continued success despite the defeat. Jordan Love's 20.5 were a good sign, as was the smart start of the Cleveland D, which yielded 22. The team leader was Mike Williams, who--despite 22.5 points--suffered a season-ending injury that hampers the cause. The running game is piecemeal until Barkley returns, which BB will hope is next week.

Dominators vs. Crushers

In what was the lowest-scoring matchup, the Dominators remained unbeaten by clipping the struggling Crushers. Kirk Cousins has been a steady hand for Dolla, delivering 26 to lead the attack this week. Bijan has cooled off after a hot start, but it didnt prove costly. Stefon was good for 17, while James Cook and Moody both contributed 11.5. The defensive roulette is a bit painful for this squad, but they are otherwise in a great position atop the Rest.

The Josh Allen express continues to roll, this week to the tune of 18.5 points, but otherwise it was a forgettable week for the Crushers. Kittle's 12.5 points were the only other 10+ posting. There were plenty of 6's and 7's, but the lack of star power in the RB/WR positions is hampering production. That said, the Bills D posted a masterful 34 on the bench, which would have been plenty for the win here.

Addicts vs. Losers

Unfeated no more! Our closest battle of the week saw the Addicts scrape by the Losers in a back-and-forth foray that came down to the final moments Monday night. The Addicts lost both of their previous nail-biters, but fate was on their side here (with a late score by the Bucs that shifted the outcome). Tyreek's 29 was the team high as the cheetah continues his brilliance. Metcalf and Swift both chipped in 16 and Zaire Franklin added 14.5. Breece Hall was a no-show, but Ghetto is on the board with a win.

The Losers have yet to make a Wednesday waiver claim, but they have gotten a lot of bang out of their draft buck. Unfortunately it hasn't resulted in a win (despite decent scoring). Mahomes and KW3 both offered 24.5 points to the cause, and the Eagles D was clutch with 21. A disappointing receiving day was likely the difference here, when acquisition Tank Dell (26) could have answered the bell. Can the Losers turn the luck around?

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Trophies

OTW

Dire Wolves
156 Pts

Power Player

Dire Wolves
K. Allen - 39.5

Payoff

4:20 Crew
Pats D - 18

FUMBLE

Cliff's Crushers
83 Pts

WLB

Ledford's Losers
T. Dell - 26

Week 3 Preview

Week 3 has already rolled in and the stakes are beginning to rise. This week gives us the first divisional matchups for the WS division while the NLS and Rest square off. 

We've got a big annual matchup between two 3x champs, a battle of two 0-2's that ensures someone gets a confidence boost, and a lot of early jockeying for position in what has been an injury-riddled and unpredictable start to the year.

Bring your A game today. These outcomes will come in handy later when it all boils down to one win or a few points for playoff qualification. Some teams are actively scrubbing the waivers for anyone with a pulse, while others are holding fast to their WR80 in hopes that he'll somehow spring into action. Whatever your plan is, it needs to start working soon. Good luck.

Spoiler alert: the Commish is going upset-heavy with picks this week.

Matchups

Crew vs. Cheetahs

Summary
This historically competitive matchup sees the two most successful LOC franchises face off for early-season leverage. The stakes aren't as high as they were in the '10 or '15 title games, but the outcome still matters.

Standouts
The Lamar show should kick into action for the Crew again this week. Henry and Mixon will have decent defensive challenges, but the WR group will post some serious points. Expect Pittman (and of course Jefferson) to approach 20 pts in their games. The Pats D is a wild card, but they should find 10 points.

CMC has already given Conover 18, and assuming Rhamondre gets the RB2 start, there will be another 10+ there. The Dak to CeeDee connection will be critical here, and though Arizona is susceptible, how much will it be needed? Jeudy is due for a solid day in a game where receptions will be necessary.

This one will come down to Monday night. Mixon or Puka will decide it.

Sidelined
Crew: Montgomery, Beckham
Cheetahs: Aiyuk

Soundbites
Crew: "If it wasn't for Cam's sack/fumble/tackle and an adjustment four days later, I'd have 4 championships."
Cheetahs: "At least he doesn't have Diontae."

Speculation
HTH: 12-11, Cheetahs
Experts: Crew by 6
ESPN: Crew by 7
Commish: Cheetahs by 2

Threat vs. Wolves

Summary
The Wolves came to life in Week 2 while the Threat came back to earth. Both teams will box out for improved standing in the WS division.

Standouts
The Cowboys D are an automatic start for the Threat, and they should deliver 12-15 in a comfortable defensive win. Waddle's absence will hurt the WR cause, and Chase will need Burrow healthy. Javonte draws a good rushing opportunity, but his team will likely be playing from behind. Herbert will find 20+ this week and Etienne will deliver.

Howling back in Week 2 and off to a good start with Deebo's 21.5, the Wolves are feeling some early momentum. Kelce and Keenan are both likely to shine, though the running game still needs to find its feet. Will Mattison get on track? A spot start from Reynolds could pay dividends.

Hurts will ice the cake for Dire on Monday night.

Sidelined
Threat: Waddle
Wolves: Akers, Johnson

Soundbites
Threat: "Going to turn the dire wolves into some dire puppies."

Speculation
HTH: 2-1, Threat
Experts: Wolves by 15
ESPN: Wolves by 14
Commish: Wolves by 10

Dominators vs. Crushers

Summary
The improving Crushers will look to get a much-needed W against the balanced attack of the 2-0 (and division-leading) Dominators.

Standouts
To this point, the youth movement has benefitted the Doms, and they'll look to Bijan and Cook to continue the progress. Dillon seems like a risky call. Waller didn't do much on Thursday, but Diggs and a rejuvenated Ridley should combine for 30. Cousins has a chance for a big day vs. the Chargers...can he keep his jersey clean? The Panthers D will be tested often.

A Crushers team that looked bad in Week 1 saw much progress in Week 2. Kittle was sharp on Thursday (12.5), and Kyren has proven to be a valuable backfield addition. Expect Allen to light it up against the Commies D. Higgins and Godwin are not sure things, but they are capable. Lockett may be hold the highest upside here. Najee will need to be strong Sunday night.

A lower-scoring matchup that will likely go Cliff's way.

Sidelined
No one!

Soundbites
Dominators: "Domination is at hand."
Crushers: "We let everyone have a head start by losing the first 2. The win streak starts now."

Speculation
HTH: 9-6, Dominators
Experts: Dominators by 10
ESPN: Dominators by 2
Commish: Crushers by 6

Losers vs. Addicts

Summary
Someone will walk away with their first win of the season in this matchup. Both teams were worse in Week 2 than in the opener. Who gets it together first?

Standouts
The Losers are hesitant to adjust their team, but fortune may press them into more of an active role. Mahomes is certainly set to bring big points this weekend, but the RB tandem will need to as well. Both Jacobs and Walker are capable and face softer run defenses. Hopkins is likely to slide, but DeVonta and Drake will help carry the load. If the Eagles D holds up Monday...

Things are scary in the Ghetto, as the loss of Chubb put a dent in a team with plenty of points potential. Regardless, they line up with the best 1-2 at WR this week in Tyreek and DK. Those 30-35 points will be mission-critical. The run game is in recovery, and we haven't seen Breece back at full strength. Kirk and the Fins D both need big games to secure the win.

Swift makes the difference in a close one.

Sidelined
Addicts: Chubb (RIP)

Soundbites
Losers: "Gonna send the Krackaddicts back to where they belong."
Addicts: "F**k."

Speculation
HTH: 9-8, Losers
Experts: Losers by 9
ESPN: Losers by 10
Commish: Addicts by 5

Bruisers vs. Remix

Summary
The Remix are 2-0 in two battles of attrition thus far. The Bruisers rallied late last week to get to 1-1. Neither are at full strength in this important face-off.

Standouts
Love gets the lead role for the Bruisers this week, and he'll need a dozen to make things work. Kelley is in from waivers, and there should be more lanes for him and Gibbs this week. Mike Williams will be the player to watch in the WR group. Wilson will be held in check, and Pickens will bring another big effort. The Browns D could be a sneaky good start.

Across the way, Watson gets the nod for the OG's. It's unclear what that will mean in terms of points. Pollard will excel in this one, and Cooper will collect the towels from Deshaun to at least a noteworthy total. The Niners D already provided 15, and Olave should have a decent showing. Flowers and White are wild cards, with White's Monday night deciding this one.

First one to 90 wins.

Sidelined
Bruisers: Richardson, Barkley
Remix: Kupp, Kamara

Soundbites
Bruisers: "Bruisers about to extend the Remix." **Makes record scratching sound.** Remix: "Easy Money."

Speculation
HTH: 8-6, Bruisers
Experts: Remix by 1
ESPN: Remix by 10
Commish: Remix by 2

WFT vs. Marauders

Summary
The other WS scrum features the 2-0 Marauders looking to ride out their RB woes while the Football Team look to capitalize and notch their first win.

Standouts
With Rodgers and Dobbins shelved for the year, the Football Team turn to Purdy and Zach Moss to carry the weight. Purdy put up 20 on Thursday, which should be enough to win the QB battle. Pacheco and Moss are projected well, but may struggle to match those numbers. Davante will have a nice game Sunday night, but AJ Brown will have to find one on Monday. The Jags D is a questionable play.

The continued absence of Ekeler aside, it isn't encouraging for the Marauders to be starting a waiver plug in Ford and a hit/miss in Mostert. They will post better results than expected. However, Pierce is a dice-roll in the flex. St. Brown is questionable, but he and Nico should be able to find some scoring. Tua will be counted on for 20, while the Chiefs D posts double-digits against the Bucs.

This one could go either way.

Sidelined
Marauders: Ekeler, Taylor

Soundbites
Football Team: "Dolphin drowning time."
Marauders: "If there's one place to get off easy, it's definitely Wankertown."

Speculation
13-11, Marauders
Experts: Football Team by 5
ESPN: Football Team by 12
Commish: Marauders by 1

Week 2 Review

Scoring was up across the league in Week 2...and so were injuries. 8 of 12 teams managed at least 100 points, with the Wolves leading all team scoring at 145.5 points. The other four all scored in the 80's, though the Remix were able to escape with a win.

Speaking of wins, there are four teams left standing at 2-0...the Crew, Marauders, Dominators, and Remix. And four at 0-2...though just barely. Definitely a few wins left behind this week. Congrats to the Bruisers and Wolves for answering the bell after disappointing Week 1's. 

The personnel losses continue to add up, specifically in the running game. This sort of unpredictability is driving the waiver wire action and making team depth even more critical. It becomes increasingly difficult to field the right starters when you don't even know who will get the majority of looks. Expect things to settle into a rhythm in the coming weeks as teams have a clarified offensive identity.

Week 3 will be here in no time, testing your roster management skills yet again. In the meantime, let's take one more look back at the week that was.

Crew vs. Crushers

Our biggest shootout of the week. The Crew jumped out to an early lead and held on despite a solid challenge from the Crushers in this one. With 3 players posting 20+ (led by Mike Evans' 26), great efforts from Lamar and Jefferson, and improved rushing output from Henry/Mixon, the points came in bunches. Overall team balance appears to be in order. With the win, 4:20 takes the NLS division lead (on points) and is living up to their projected strength at this stage of the season.

For Team Crush, this week was a definite improvement from the last one, but a slight misfire cost them the potential win. New acquisition Kyren Williams was an immediate success, adding 21 in his Crushers debut. Had he replaced Dalvin (instead of Lockett)...Higgins and Allen both performed vastly better than Wk 1, providing 20.5 each. The Bills D (14) looked stronger, and this team has reasons to be optimistic.

Marauders vs. Cheetahs

Another matchup with a lot of points, and it took a Sunday night rally for the Marauders to sneak past the favored Cheetahs. This team was without 3 starters, but Mostert's 24 matched a team high along with the surprising Nico Collins. The running game was otherwise dismal, as Kelley/Pierce combined for only 7.5 points. A strategic Bucs D start yielded 19, and the combination was enough for the Marauders to get an outright lead in the WS division. The luck won't hold if the injuries continue.

The Cheetahs were balanced overall and can likely lay the loss at the feet of the Jets D (-2). Puka was a solid waiver payoff, flexing for 24 in his first appearance. Goff, CMC, and Lamb all went for over 20, setting up a win in most weeks. There isn't much to feel bad about from Week 2, save for an Aaron Jones injury that hampers flexibility in the short term. This team will be fine...and a tough out most weeks.

Wolves vs. Losers

This week's top scorer found a late surge to top the slate after a tough Week 1. The Steelers D and TJ Watt combined for 38 points on Monday night, ensuring the Wolves' win margin would not be close against the Losers. Keenan Allen's 25 was the best of the lot, though Brian Robinson chipped in a promising 23.5 to aid the rushing effort. While some questions remain about the running game, the points potential has been validated.

The Losers improved their scoring from last week, but were hampered this time around by down performances from Hopkins, Jacobs, and the Eagles D. London was benched (and responded), but the flex spot continues to be a sore point. DeVonta Smith was the team leader with 24.5 and Mahomes notched 22 against the Jags, but there wasn't enough to go around against a high scoring opponent.

Dominators vs. Threat

The Dominators quietly moved to 2-0 and the outright lead in the Rest division with a win over the Threat. Defensive misfire aside (Texans, -3), there was a good bit of balance in the Dolla attack. Bijan posted 20.5 more points, and seems like the force he was projected to be. James Cook added 19.5, while Burrow and Moody paired up 14 for the cause. The Doms run game appears to be one of the league's best, and they will look to keep building momentum.

Conversely, the Threat were largely stymied by underachievement across the board. Seven of the 10 starters posted between 4-6 points, and that is not the recipe for a good weekend. On the plus side, Herbert led the effort with 21 and the Cowboys D continued their dominance with 19 more. Chase had a rough go of it and the run game looks a bit timid, but the season is young and the Threat will recalibrate.

Remix vs. Addicts

It doesn't matter how you get there, as long as you win...that's the Remix mantra through two weeks. They slipped past the Addicts in a low-scoring slog, but it counts. The rushing attack was solid again, with White's 16.5 and Pollard's 16 pacing the effort. Olave led the receivers with 11.5 points (though Cooper could have contributed a dozen). The WR depth and Fields underwhelming play are points of concern, but nothing that can't be sorted out in the near term. RMX shares the NLS lead.

For the Addicts, it was another tough loss, this one compounded by the Chubb injury. D'Andre Swift's 25 were left on the bench, but that production will become essential moving forward. Kirk had a bounce-back game with 18.5 to lead the way. The Fins D posted 13 and Hill and Metcalf both reached double-digits, but there wasn't enough left from the run game to carry the day. Regroup time for GK.

Bruisers vs. Football Team

This battle of two slow-starters turned into just what the Bruisers needed to get to 1-1. Balance was key here, with 7 of 10 starters finding 10+ to carry them past the Football Team. Barkley led the way with 19.5, though his injury will slow the roll for the next couple of games. Wilson and Williams combined for 28.5 in the WR spots, and while Richardson may be hit/miss at QB, Andrews and the D/K calls are going to keep them competitive. Look for Pickens to be a lock in this offense going forward.

For Walkertown, it was another one to forget, with Carr (3) disappointing and the best performances left on the bench. Hockenson led the starters with 18 and Adams chipped in 15, but the run game has holes that need to be filled. DJ Moore and Zach Moss should help the overall cause in the coming weeks, but the FT will need to get things sorted soon to avoid playing catch-up later.

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Trophies

OTW

Dire Wolves
145.5