Friday 28 November 2014
2014: Special Thanksgiving Edition
A first in the history of the LOC this week, a fantasy podcast on thanksgiving, during an NFL game with live fantasy updates. Nothing better. Chris Leach joins Commissioner Stubbs for another stellar episode of the LOC Report, and they are joined by another special guest...
Tuesday 25 November 2014
Power Rankings: Week 13
There are seven teams mathematically still in the playoff race with 2 weeks to go. Not one team out of the seven has clinched a playoff berth yet. This week we saw upsets, beatdowns, disappointments. What is the current state of the LOC you might ask? Volatile. And that's putting it mildly.
Power Rankings
1. Burdettinators, 7-5 (1): Wow. It took longer than everyone expected, but this team has emphatically recaptured last seasons form. This is a case of a team gaining momentum at the right time in the season, and they just need to keep riding the momentum train. While this team is still just outside wildcard spots, the 3rd and 4th seed teams (BN & GG) face off this week, couple that with a soft remaining schedule (FF & IKNAN) and this team looks almost certain to steal a wildcard spot.
2. The Tuckfards, 9-3, (2): I'm really glad Coach Burdett put on a show this week, as I was getting prepared to put The Tuckfards on top. Once again, credit where credit is due, they are in the midst of a truly special season, and are almost a lock to make their 5th consecutive playoff appearance. The next two weeks will be challenging (TTY & GG), and if they can win them both ti will do wonders for their confidence. The only question surrounding this team right now is, is this the year they put it together after Week 14?
3. Gridiron Gang, 8-4 (5): This is quite possibly the most impressive season by GM and Head Coach Stubbs, and thats quite a feat considering this storied teams accomplishments. Now fielding a pair of QB1's, WR1's and 4RB2's, this team is jam packed full of super stars. However, it's not all rainbows and hugs. They have the hardest remaining schedule out of any team (BN & TTU), and due to a lower points scored, they realistically need to win them both to guarantee playoffs. This could be the best team to miss out on playoffs, and it would be devastating to see the early season mistakes come back to haunt them.
4. Tom's Tyrants, 6-6 (6): If Tom's Tyrants some how manages to pull off a playoff berth and a Corona Bowl victory, it will blow Gridiron Gang's 2010 championship out of the water. Simply stunning. When the chips are down and this team needs to win every game, to coach makes it happen. They are still in must win mode, and they need other results to go their way in order to make it happen. This team has never been further away from the fork. This too, would be one of the best teams this year to miss out on playoffs if they didn't make it. Just sit back, and watch, is all I can say.
5. The Dream Team, 9-3 (3): Wow. And this wow isn't for the right reasons. Commissioner Stubbs hit the nail on the head on the LOC Report last week, this teams frustrations came to a boiling point, and it resulted in a mediocre score and their first loss to a team not named Gridiron Gang. They could have clinched a playoff spot last week, and essentially sealed a division win, now possibly all of that has been cast into doubt. This team is still brimming with talent, they just need to turn it around, and fast.
6. Bear Necessities, 8-4 (4): This team won last week, but they did it in such an awkward and uncomfortable fashion. It took a 30 point performance by a running back just to win by 10, in a game where they only scored 90. While I don't think this is representative of how good Bear Necessities are, they have been in somewhat of a slump in recent weeks. They have a big game this week, and should be able to bounce back from last week, but they need to be really cautious of missing out on playoffs right now.
7. IKNAN, 6-6 (7): Who would have thought 3 weeks ago that IKNAN would avoid the fork sooner than TTY? Who would have thought IKNAN would get forked at all? But here we are, and it's happened, the fork has officially been stuck in IKNAN's 2014 season. After such a promising start to the season, it has all fallen apart in the space of a month, and due to their inferior points scored, they are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. If this coach can learn from his mistakes, and pay a bit more attention to his team, they would arguably be a contender every year. But as for this year, they're finished.
8. ADRZ, 3-9 (9): Although it hasn't translated into a win yet, this team has really had a nice few weeks. Averaging around 100 points every outing, they are having a fine end to the season. They look like a good bet to avoid the toilet bowl, and could even possibly win out.
9. Forge Flyers, 2-10 (8): Coach Leach's crew have moved down, but only due to ADRZ having a nice few weeks. That won't make it any better however, and he won't like what I'm about to say next. While they are capable of putting together a nice score line, they have a horrid remaining schedule and not a lot of punch. They look destine to participate in the Toilet Bowl.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-10 (10): This team has made a week on week improvement since their historically bad week. They are still managing their team, and making good coaching decisions. While they are almost a lock for the Toilet Bowl, they could certainly avoid losing it. It might actually be an enjoyable game to monitor - albeit a likely low scoring one.
Power Rankings
1. Burdettinators, 7-5 (1): Wow. It took longer than everyone expected, but this team has emphatically recaptured last seasons form. This is a case of a team gaining momentum at the right time in the season, and they just need to keep riding the momentum train. While this team is still just outside wildcard spots, the 3rd and 4th seed teams (BN & GG) face off this week, couple that with a soft remaining schedule (FF & IKNAN) and this team looks almost certain to steal a wildcard spot.
2. The Tuckfards, 9-3, (2): I'm really glad Coach Burdett put on a show this week, as I was getting prepared to put The Tuckfards on top. Once again, credit where credit is due, they are in the midst of a truly special season, and are almost a lock to make their 5th consecutive playoff appearance. The next two weeks will be challenging (TTY & GG), and if they can win them both ti will do wonders for their confidence. The only question surrounding this team right now is, is this the year they put it together after Week 14?
3. Gridiron Gang, 8-4 (5): This is quite possibly the most impressive season by GM and Head Coach Stubbs, and thats quite a feat considering this storied teams accomplishments. Now fielding a pair of QB1's, WR1's and 4RB2's, this team is jam packed full of super stars. However, it's not all rainbows and hugs. They have the hardest remaining schedule out of any team (BN & TTU), and due to a lower points scored, they realistically need to win them both to guarantee playoffs. This could be the best team to miss out on playoffs, and it would be devastating to see the early season mistakes come back to haunt them.
4. Tom's Tyrants, 6-6 (6): If Tom's Tyrants some how manages to pull off a playoff berth and a Corona Bowl victory, it will blow Gridiron Gang's 2010 championship out of the water. Simply stunning. When the chips are down and this team needs to win every game, to coach makes it happen. They are still in must win mode, and they need other results to go their way in order to make it happen. This team has never been further away from the fork. This too, would be one of the best teams this year to miss out on playoffs if they didn't make it. Just sit back, and watch, is all I can say.
5. The Dream Team, 9-3 (3): Wow. And this wow isn't for the right reasons. Commissioner Stubbs hit the nail on the head on the LOC Report last week, this teams frustrations came to a boiling point, and it resulted in a mediocre score and their first loss to a team not named Gridiron Gang. They could have clinched a playoff spot last week, and essentially sealed a division win, now possibly all of that has been cast into doubt. This team is still brimming with talent, they just need to turn it around, and fast.
6. Bear Necessities, 8-4 (4): This team won last week, but they did it in such an awkward and uncomfortable fashion. It took a 30 point performance by a running back just to win by 10, in a game where they only scored 90. While I don't think this is representative of how good Bear Necessities are, they have been in somewhat of a slump in recent weeks. They have a big game this week, and should be able to bounce back from last week, but they need to be really cautious of missing out on playoffs right now.
7. IKNAN, 6-6 (7): Who would have thought 3 weeks ago that IKNAN would avoid the fork sooner than TTY? Who would have thought IKNAN would get forked at all? But here we are, and it's happened, the fork has officially been stuck in IKNAN's 2014 season. After such a promising start to the season, it has all fallen apart in the space of a month, and due to their inferior points scored, they are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. If this coach can learn from his mistakes, and pay a bit more attention to his team, they would arguably be a contender every year. But as for this year, they're finished.
8. ADRZ, 3-9 (9): Although it hasn't translated into a win yet, this team has really had a nice few weeks. Averaging around 100 points every outing, they are having a fine end to the season. They look like a good bet to avoid the toilet bowl, and could even possibly win out.
9. Forge Flyers, 2-10 (8): Coach Leach's crew have moved down, but only due to ADRZ having a nice few weeks. That won't make it any better however, and he won't like what I'm about to say next. While they are capable of putting together a nice score line, they have a horrid remaining schedule and not a lot of punch. They look destine to participate in the Toilet Bowl.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-10 (10): This team has made a week on week improvement since their historically bad week. They are still managing their team, and making good coaching decisions. While they are almost a lock for the Toilet Bowl, they could certainly avoid losing it. It might actually be an enjoyable game to monitor - albeit a likely low scoring one.
Sunday 23 November 2014
2014: Saturday Fantasy Podcast
The LOC Report is back with a special edition, Saturday Fantasy Podcast! Many fantasy podcasts take Saturdays off, but not the LOC Report, we are here to fill the gap....for one week anyway....largely due to the Co-Host being unavailable...Saturday Fantasy Podcast!
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Power Rankings: Week 11
Houston, we have a situation. No, I'm not talking about Ryan Mallet completing his first career Touch Down to JJ Watt, I'm talking about the LOC Playoff Race. There were some absolutely crucial match ups in the playoff race this week, and other teams who could ill afford to miss a beat as well. While we will leave the game analysis to the LOC Report, we will certainly look at the best and the worst of the LOC right now.
Power Rankings
1. Burdettinators, 6-5 (1): A game Burdettinators could ill afford to lose, they dug deep and found just enough points to bring home a huge victory, against a key playoff race opponent. Though it was a week below their standards, they have a roster brimming with talent, that will always give them a certain floor. They are putting immense pressure on the other wildcard teams ahead of them.
2. The Tuckfards, 8-3 (3): Credit where credit is due. I don't even begin to understand it, nor do I want to, but they just keep rolling out impressive performances. Barring a complete meltdown, they are almost assured to have a playoff berth one way or another this season, my only issue is the sustainability. This team relies on 3 players to get the bulk of their points, then the rest of the roster to bring it home. This team is extremely vulnerable when either the 3 don't perform or the rest don't perform, which has been their undoing in the past.
3. The Dream Team, 9-2 (2): Again, don't smash the panic button, this team moving down for the 2nd week is not signifying a TDT descent. More acknowledging other teams ascent. While this team has cooled off significantly (6 100+ point games in Weeks 1-6, 1 in Weeks 7-11) they still have a very good roster that will always keep them in a game. I'm just not sure if this team has the same explosiveness they did earlier in the season. They get Arian Foster back this week, but their next few weeks will dictate if they will make an impact in the playoffs or not.
4. Bear Necessities, 7-4 (4): This is one of the most up and down teams in the LOC, and it really cost them last week. In a game against Coach Burdett, they lost a fairly low scorer, and it has made making the playoffs a lot more difficult. While they still hold the 3rd seed, they are under immense pressure to keep hold of it. This rag-tag bunch of waiver warriors is at a crossroads. They need to regain their form quick in order to keep their great season on track.
5. Gridiron Gang, 7-4 (5): Cardiac Kids. Shades of 2011. In a gritty, low-scorer against a team they struggle against (prior to this game 2-8 vs IKNAN), they've buried the hatchet against a team who delivered a few dirty wins of their own. These are the games you need to win if you want success in fantasy (and make no mistake, luck is a huge part of it). They cannot rest on their laurels though. Due to a lower point total than most other teams, they need to keep the wins going. Otherwise this team's early season mishaps will come back to haunt them immensely.
6. Tom's Tyrants, 5-6 (6): This team has been running away from the fork as fast as it could for a few weeks now. And boy, they set the land speed record this week. They just edged out a close one with divisional opponent FF. Every game is a must win game for TTY at this point, and that might not even be enough. But credit to them, they keep on winning, and could easily make a case to be a bit higher on this list. If they can some how make playoffs, they will be only the second ever team in LOC history to make playoffs having had 5 losses within the first 8 weeks of the season (Gridiron Gang 3-5 Week 8 2011). Tom's Tyrants were 2-5 in Week 7. Remarkable turnaround.
7.IKNAN, 6-5 (7): This team is now the owner of a 3 game losing streak. 3 weeks ago, they were challenging for first place in their division. Now, they are fighting just to remain in the playoff race. An extremely tough loss to take this week, but a stat line that has not been out of the ordinary of late for the coach. The coach showed signs of life this week, and it nearly paid off. This team will need the coach now more than ever if they are going to rally the troops and charge into the playoffs.
8. Forge Flyers, 2-9 (8): Forge Flyers had a very nice week and in all honesty, were extremely unfortunate to lose. Thus has been the story of their season. With only 3 games to go, time is slipping away for them to avoid the Toilet Bowl.
9. ADRZ, 3-8 (9): For a second week in a row Coach Wells coached a good week out of his team. With the big names back, they are back to putting up decent numbers. They should be good for another win or two in the final weeks of 2014.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-9 (10): They rebounded from a mortifying week 10, and for a long time looked like they might cause an upset. It wasn't meant to be, and they stumbled. Teams should not look at Jeff's Seals as a bye week, as they have shown they can put up numbers.
Power Rankings
1. Burdettinators, 6-5 (1): A game Burdettinators could ill afford to lose, they dug deep and found just enough points to bring home a huge victory, against a key playoff race opponent. Though it was a week below their standards, they have a roster brimming with talent, that will always give them a certain floor. They are putting immense pressure on the other wildcard teams ahead of them.
2. The Tuckfards, 8-3 (3): Credit where credit is due. I don't even begin to understand it, nor do I want to, but they just keep rolling out impressive performances. Barring a complete meltdown, they are almost assured to have a playoff berth one way or another this season, my only issue is the sustainability. This team relies on 3 players to get the bulk of their points, then the rest of the roster to bring it home. This team is extremely vulnerable when either the 3 don't perform or the rest don't perform, which has been their undoing in the past.
3. The Dream Team, 9-2 (2): Again, don't smash the panic button, this team moving down for the 2nd week is not signifying a TDT descent. More acknowledging other teams ascent. While this team has cooled off significantly (6 100+ point games in Weeks 1-6, 1 in Weeks 7-11) they still have a very good roster that will always keep them in a game. I'm just not sure if this team has the same explosiveness they did earlier in the season. They get Arian Foster back this week, but their next few weeks will dictate if they will make an impact in the playoffs or not.
4. Bear Necessities, 7-4 (4): This is one of the most up and down teams in the LOC, and it really cost them last week. In a game against Coach Burdett, they lost a fairly low scorer, and it has made making the playoffs a lot more difficult. While they still hold the 3rd seed, they are under immense pressure to keep hold of it. This rag-tag bunch of waiver warriors is at a crossroads. They need to regain their form quick in order to keep their great season on track.
5. Gridiron Gang, 7-4 (5): Cardiac Kids. Shades of 2011. In a gritty, low-scorer against a team they struggle against (prior to this game 2-8 vs IKNAN), they've buried the hatchet against a team who delivered a few dirty wins of their own. These are the games you need to win if you want success in fantasy (and make no mistake, luck is a huge part of it). They cannot rest on their laurels though. Due to a lower point total than most other teams, they need to keep the wins going. Otherwise this team's early season mishaps will come back to haunt them immensely.
6. Tom's Tyrants, 5-6 (6): This team has been running away from the fork as fast as it could for a few weeks now. And boy, they set the land speed record this week. They just edged out a close one with divisional opponent FF. Every game is a must win game for TTY at this point, and that might not even be enough. But credit to them, they keep on winning, and could easily make a case to be a bit higher on this list. If they can some how make playoffs, they will be only the second ever team in LOC history to make playoffs having had 5 losses within the first 8 weeks of the season (Gridiron Gang 3-5 Week 8 2011). Tom's Tyrants were 2-5 in Week 7. Remarkable turnaround.
7.IKNAN, 6-5 (7): This team is now the owner of a 3 game losing streak. 3 weeks ago, they were challenging for first place in their division. Now, they are fighting just to remain in the playoff race. An extremely tough loss to take this week, but a stat line that has not been out of the ordinary of late for the coach. The coach showed signs of life this week, and it nearly paid off. This team will need the coach now more than ever if they are going to rally the troops and charge into the playoffs.
8. Forge Flyers, 2-9 (8): Forge Flyers had a very nice week and in all honesty, were extremely unfortunate to lose. Thus has been the story of their season. With only 3 games to go, time is slipping away for them to avoid the Toilet Bowl.
9. ADRZ, 3-8 (9): For a second week in a row Coach Wells coached a good week out of his team. With the big names back, they are back to putting up decent numbers. They should be good for another win or two in the final weeks of 2014.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-9 (10): They rebounded from a mortifying week 10, and for a long time looked like they might cause an upset. It wasn't meant to be, and they stumbled. Teams should not look at Jeff's Seals as a bye week, as they have shown they can put up numbers.
Thursday 13 November 2014
2014: 10 Down, 6 To Go
With only 4 weeks to go, the playoff race is starting to heat up. Commissioner Stubbs and Co Host Chris Leach join forces to decipher to teams in the LOC, and establish the pretenders and the contenders. Also, some juicy news for 2015....
Wednesday 12 November 2014
Power Rankings: Week 11
If you thought things would start to quieten down as the season winds down, you were horribly, horribly wrong. Going into Week 11, it's now gut check time in the LOC. No one is guaranteed playoffs yet, while only few teams are seemingly eliminated. Hold onto your seats men, this is going to be one bumpy ride.
Power Rankings
1. Burdettinators, 5-5 (2): TDT have been unseated as top dog in the LOC Power Rankings for the first week in a long, long time. I'll cover the reasons from their side in their section, and stick to Coach Burdett here. They have really picked up their season the longer its gone on. Even though they lost this week, they still had a stellar weekend, against a team they typically struggle against. It's unreal that this team could possibly miss out on playoffs altogether, but they are the best team right now.
2. The Dream Team, 8-2 (1): Make no mistake, this team is still extremely good. But they've been noticeably weaker of late, and with a deadline day trade that could pay off or blow up in their face, this team is at a crossroads. They can either continue their charge to the playoffs as they've been doing, or crumble. Due to their superior position, they are almost guaranteed a playoff spot, but how successful they are in playoffs is the question on all our minds.
3. The Tuckfards, 7-3 (4): I'm opening an investigation into this team, as they are clearly cheating. If the coach didn't claim his roster decisions were 'skill' and would hold his hands up and say he was the luckiest fantasy coach on the planet, we would agree and accept it (to a degree). But the fact this coach claims it's all skill, and that he has an incredibly strong team (he doesn't - I don't care what scores they post), no one will ever credit this coach for the teams success. They are having success right now though, so that's what puts them here.
4. Bear Necessities, 7-3 (3): After struggling somewhat the previous weeks, the senior coach Stubbs steadied the teams hand this week with a very nice performance. They didn't need to be on the ball last week, but they had to get something going for the last stretch. They're in a good position right now, and are poised to keep it going. Can this bunch of rag tag warriors keep it going and carry it on to the playoffs? We shall see.
5. Gridiron Gang, 6-4 (5): Shades of 2010, that's all I can say. When this team is at it's most vulnerable, it is also its most dangerous. They faced an opponent in form of late, and Gridiron Gang had all sorts of bye and injury problems, but they showed why they are the Cardiac Kids of the LOC, coming up clutch in the 4th quarter and doing enough to win the game. This team isn't the best right now, but if Mathews and Gordon return and make an impact, this team could be a force to be reckoned with.
6. Tom's Tyrants, 4-6 (7): Despite a good week, this team still lost. They got outscored by a team that's been down on their luck lately. It doesn't matter how it happened, this will be a tough pill to swallow for Coach Barnes. They've been trending up lately, but really can ill afford to lose games like this. At 4-6, the fork is looming large for them, despite their strong lineup. Every game from here on out is a must win, or they have no chance.
7. IKNAN, 6-4 (6): This team has been going south for a few weeks now, and it's really starting to show. After a good start to the season, they levelled off a bit, and now they are trending down. What makes matters worse is this is the worst possible time for them to trend down. This team really needs to change their philosophy if they want to salvage this season. They have a key matchup this week, if they can get this team back on track and win they will be in a great spot. If not....the season could be over.
8. Forge Flyers, 2-8 (8): After two very nice weeks, this team suddenly looked to be in very good form. They had a very good week last week as well, but sadly they were just outscored by a team they historically struggle against. This teams season has been over for a few weeks now, but with the pressure off this team has really started to shine, and I see no reason why this shouldn't continue.
9. ADRZ, 3-7 (9): They had a very nice week last week, which is a nice change of scenery after their last few disastrous weeks. While their season is essentially over from a championship standpoint, they still have a very good change to finish the season on a high note. This team is actually trending up as they return to full health and their big players are rounding back into form, and this coach loves to upset teams. Watch out.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-8 (10): This team has been quite good of late, and they have done a very good job of contending with the best the LOC has to offer. However, we must acknowledge that last week was without a shadow of a doubt the worst performance we have seen by a team in the history of the LOC. It's a real shame, and is a blip in an otherwise promising season, but an ugly blip at that. Look for them to rebound next week.
Power Rankings
1. Burdettinators, 5-5 (2): TDT have been unseated as top dog in the LOC Power Rankings for the first week in a long, long time. I'll cover the reasons from their side in their section, and stick to Coach Burdett here. They have really picked up their season the longer its gone on. Even though they lost this week, they still had a stellar weekend, against a team they typically struggle against. It's unreal that this team could possibly miss out on playoffs altogether, but they are the best team right now.
2. The Dream Team, 8-2 (1): Make no mistake, this team is still extremely good. But they've been noticeably weaker of late, and with a deadline day trade that could pay off or blow up in their face, this team is at a crossroads. They can either continue their charge to the playoffs as they've been doing, or crumble. Due to their superior position, they are almost guaranteed a playoff spot, but how successful they are in playoffs is the question on all our minds.
3. The Tuckfards, 7-3 (4): I'm opening an investigation into this team, as they are clearly cheating. If the coach didn't claim his roster decisions were 'skill' and would hold his hands up and say he was the luckiest fantasy coach on the planet, we would agree and accept it (to a degree). But the fact this coach claims it's all skill, and that he has an incredibly strong team (he doesn't - I don't care what scores they post), no one will ever credit this coach for the teams success. They are having success right now though, so that's what puts them here.
4. Bear Necessities, 7-3 (3): After struggling somewhat the previous weeks, the senior coach Stubbs steadied the teams hand this week with a very nice performance. They didn't need to be on the ball last week, but they had to get something going for the last stretch. They're in a good position right now, and are poised to keep it going. Can this bunch of rag tag warriors keep it going and carry it on to the playoffs? We shall see.
5. Gridiron Gang, 6-4 (5): Shades of 2010, that's all I can say. When this team is at it's most vulnerable, it is also its most dangerous. They faced an opponent in form of late, and Gridiron Gang had all sorts of bye and injury problems, but they showed why they are the Cardiac Kids of the LOC, coming up clutch in the 4th quarter and doing enough to win the game. This team isn't the best right now, but if Mathews and Gordon return and make an impact, this team could be a force to be reckoned with.
6. Tom's Tyrants, 4-6 (7): Despite a good week, this team still lost. They got outscored by a team that's been down on their luck lately. It doesn't matter how it happened, this will be a tough pill to swallow for Coach Barnes. They've been trending up lately, but really can ill afford to lose games like this. At 4-6, the fork is looming large for them, despite their strong lineup. Every game from here on out is a must win, or they have no chance.
7. IKNAN, 6-4 (6): This team has been going south for a few weeks now, and it's really starting to show. After a good start to the season, they levelled off a bit, and now they are trending down. What makes matters worse is this is the worst possible time for them to trend down. This team really needs to change their philosophy if they want to salvage this season. They have a key matchup this week, if they can get this team back on track and win they will be in a great spot. If not....the season could be over.
8. Forge Flyers, 2-8 (8): After two very nice weeks, this team suddenly looked to be in very good form. They had a very good week last week as well, but sadly they were just outscored by a team they historically struggle against. This teams season has been over for a few weeks now, but with the pressure off this team has really started to shine, and I see no reason why this shouldn't continue.
9. ADRZ, 3-7 (9): They had a very nice week last week, which is a nice change of scenery after their last few disastrous weeks. While their season is essentially over from a championship standpoint, they still have a very good change to finish the season on a high note. This team is actually trending up as they return to full health and their big players are rounding back into form, and this coach loves to upset teams. Watch out.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-8 (10): This team has been quite good of late, and they have done a very good job of contending with the best the LOC has to offer. However, we must acknowledge that last week was without a shadow of a doubt the worst performance we have seen by a team in the history of the LOC. It's a real shame, and is a blip in an otherwise promising season, but an ugly blip at that. Look for them to rebound next week.
Saturday 8 November 2014
Power Rankings: Week 10
We're now entering the double digit weeks, and the race to the playoffs is firmly on. I already stuck a fork in two teams last week, will more be counted out this week? Who out of the remaining teams are the contenders and the pretenders? Well, you're about to find out.
Power Rankings
1. The Dream Team, 7-2 (1): Though they did stumble a bit last week (I thought you would to if your QB put up less points than Tim Tebow), there is still no question this team can go off at any moment - cc. Jeremy Maclin. While another soft tissue injury to Arian Foster concerns me, I can't see one more player going down derailing their season. They've only lost to one team this year (GG twice), and look poised to make a return to the playoffs. They just need to bring it home.
2. Burdettinators, (2): They lost a close one to Tom's Tyrants last week, but it was just another day in the office for Burdettinators. They had another 100+ performance, and look like they're hitting their stride. The division title is squarely up for grabs, and they should be able to take it down to the wire. If they can keep perform at the high level they are, this team will have no problem making playoffs one way or another.
3. Bear Necessities, 6-3 (4): Clutch win by this team. Against a divisional opponent they could ill afford to lose to, this team is now only one win out of being first place in the division. While cracks continue to appear in their roster, as long as they have Andrew Luck captaining their team, they will be challenging for a W every single week. We've seen a revival of the old guard this season, headlined by Bear Necessities, they just need to keep it up for a few more weeks.
4. The Tuckfards, 6-3 (5): I'm stunned. There is no logical reason for how this coach has done so well. Through the season and last week. They got an absolute gift from the scheduling gods, as Jeff's Seals had bye week and injury issues up the wazoo, but they still managed to have a nice week despite being without one of their Big 3. They needed a win this week, as they are without one of their Big 3 for each of the next 2 weeks, so every win is crucial during this span.
5. Gridiron Gang, 5-4 (6): This team has only posted 130+ points twice. Both this season. Both against TDT. Unreal. This team just loves rising to the occasion in must win games against the best opponents. Quintessential Gridiron Gang. You know what else is Quintessential Gridiron Gang? Coming from behind and making a last gasp jump into the playoffs. Currently in 6th place and performing solidly, we could be seeing classic Gridiron Gang history in the making.
6. IKNAN, 6-3 (3): Gentleman, if you would look to your left, you will see what happens to a team that has a hands off coach. If this coach paid half the attention of some of the other coaches on this list, they would be a title contender every year. The lack of focus is really killing this team. They've done well to get to 6-3, don't get me wrong, but they can ill afford any more weeks like this heading into the last few games. They have the players, they just need to put it together.
7. Tom's Tyrants, (7): The revival continues. The result from last week aside, this team is really starting to hit its stride. I just worry they have too high a number in that second column. At this point, nearly ever remaining game for them is a must win. If there is a coach that can achieve that with the pressure on, it's this one, but they will be hard pressed to make a push for the playoffs at the position they are in. The fork could be stuck here imminently, despite how good they've become.
8. Forge Flyers, 2-7 (10): After I stick a fork in them, they come alive, who knew! Joking aside, very nice week from this team. Two weeks ago it was looking all the more likely this team could feasibly go without a win, then they file in two clutch performances. While the jury is still out on whether they can keep this up, there is no denying they've had a nice last two weeks, and that's enough to move them up to 8th on the Power Rankings.
9. ADRZ, 2-7 (9): I'm not going to slam the team this week, they did fantastically well to put up the point total they did considering the plethora of bye weeks they had. It's just a shame the GM went a step too far with their waiver moves, dropping Jeremy Hill, who would have won the game for them. Still, with Calvin Johnson returning to the fold this week, they should be on the up tick for the last few games of the season.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-7 (10): Just as I start to think this team might be able to keep their good run going and maybe make a very late, great push for the playoffs, they return to their early season form and stuck themselves with a fork so I didn't have to. What was always going to be an uphill struggle for this team, they've performed amazingly well this season despite what their record indicates, and should be proud of it. Look out for this team in 2015.
Power Rankings
1. The Dream Team, 7-2 (1): Though they did stumble a bit last week (I thought you would to if your QB put up less points than Tim Tebow), there is still no question this team can go off at any moment - cc. Jeremy Maclin. While another soft tissue injury to Arian Foster concerns me, I can't see one more player going down derailing their season. They've only lost to one team this year (GG twice), and look poised to make a return to the playoffs. They just need to bring it home.
2. Burdettinators, (2): They lost a close one to Tom's Tyrants last week, but it was just another day in the office for Burdettinators. They had another 100+ performance, and look like they're hitting their stride. The division title is squarely up for grabs, and they should be able to take it down to the wire. If they can keep perform at the high level they are, this team will have no problem making playoffs one way or another.
3. Bear Necessities, 6-3 (4): Clutch win by this team. Against a divisional opponent they could ill afford to lose to, this team is now only one win out of being first place in the division. While cracks continue to appear in their roster, as long as they have Andrew Luck captaining their team, they will be challenging for a W every single week. We've seen a revival of the old guard this season, headlined by Bear Necessities, they just need to keep it up for a few more weeks.
4. The Tuckfards, 6-3 (5): I'm stunned. There is no logical reason for how this coach has done so well. Through the season and last week. They got an absolute gift from the scheduling gods, as Jeff's Seals had bye week and injury issues up the wazoo, but they still managed to have a nice week despite being without one of their Big 3. They needed a win this week, as they are without one of their Big 3 for each of the next 2 weeks, so every win is crucial during this span.
5. Gridiron Gang, 5-4 (6): This team has only posted 130+ points twice. Both this season. Both against TDT. Unreal. This team just loves rising to the occasion in must win games against the best opponents. Quintessential Gridiron Gang. You know what else is Quintessential Gridiron Gang? Coming from behind and making a last gasp jump into the playoffs. Currently in 6th place and performing solidly, we could be seeing classic Gridiron Gang history in the making.
6. IKNAN, 6-3 (3): Gentleman, if you would look to your left, you will see what happens to a team that has a hands off coach. If this coach paid half the attention of some of the other coaches on this list, they would be a title contender every year. The lack of focus is really killing this team. They've done well to get to 6-3, don't get me wrong, but they can ill afford any more weeks like this heading into the last few games. They have the players, they just need to put it together.
7. Tom's Tyrants, (7): The revival continues. The result from last week aside, this team is really starting to hit its stride. I just worry they have too high a number in that second column. At this point, nearly ever remaining game for them is a must win. If there is a coach that can achieve that with the pressure on, it's this one, but they will be hard pressed to make a push for the playoffs at the position they are in. The fork could be stuck here imminently, despite how good they've become.
8. Forge Flyers, 2-7 (10): After I stick a fork in them, they come alive, who knew! Joking aside, very nice week from this team. Two weeks ago it was looking all the more likely this team could feasibly go without a win, then they file in two clutch performances. While the jury is still out on whether they can keep this up, there is no denying they've had a nice last two weeks, and that's enough to move them up to 8th on the Power Rankings.
9. ADRZ, 2-7 (9): I'm not going to slam the team this week, they did fantastically well to put up the point total they did considering the plethora of bye weeks they had. It's just a shame the GM went a step too far with their waiver moves, dropping Jeremy Hill, who would have won the game for them. Still, with Calvin Johnson returning to the fold this week, they should be on the up tick for the last few games of the season.
10. Jeff's Seals, 2-7 (10): Just as I start to think this team might be able to keep their good run going and maybe make a very late, great push for the playoffs, they return to their early season form and stuck themselves with a fork so I didn't have to. What was always going to be an uphill struggle for this team, they've performed amazingly well this season despite what their record indicates, and should be proud of it. Look out for this team in 2015.
Thursday 6 November 2014
2014: 9 Down, 7 To Go
Join Commissioner Stubbs and Co host Chris Leach for another week of exciting LOC action, as they are counting down the games to the playoffs.
Saturday 1 November 2014
Powe Rankings: Week 9
We are careening towards the playoffs at an unprecedented speed, and the playoff race is starting to take shape. While I'm hesitant to draw a line and state which teams are firmly in the playoff race and what aren't, there is no denying there are teams in a lot better situation than others for the final stretch. Will the power rankings agree?
Power Rankings
1. The Dream Team, 7-1 (1): I can't say anything more about this team that I've already said, I feel like I'm just repeating myself every week. There is one thing that I feel differently about with them this week however, and it isn't down to them. The past few weeks have seen the teams behind them be a mixed bag, so I think this team is actually widening the gap between the rest of the competition again. A sensational season for Coach Nathwani in his 4th year.
2. Burdettinators, 5-3 (2): This team has really captured fire the last few weeks, and is starting to form into the team we expected at the start of the season. They are starting to pull things together, and look poised to seize the division title from The Tuckfards. If they can keep doing what they are doing, they may be challenging in Corona Bowl VI (following the trend of the curse yet again...).
3. IKNAN, 6-2 (3): After a middling few weeks, they have a very nice week last week and still find themselves in third on the power rankings. I just get the feeling this team is solid and not spectacular. They are solid throughout, don't get me wrong, but they aren't amazing. The lack of depth may also starting to show the cracks in the team. While I think they will continue to have success, they aren't a dominating force.
4. Bear Necessities, 5-3 (4): This team is really starting to look like the sum of its parts. They have had a very good season, but are squarely a Quarter Back or bust team. Don't mistake me for saying they don't have other players, they do, but this team operates the best when the QB performs, and seems to stumble every time he doesn't. They have a great shot to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010, but it would also not surprise me if they are on the outside looking in come week 15.
5. The Tuckfards, 5-3 (6): This team moves up a spot for being more consistent than the teams below it. There's not much to say about this team, they are a 3 player team (Rodgers, Murray, Charles). If they are without any of these players on a given week, their chances of winning drop monumentally. Likewise if they don't perform on any given week. As such, this team is a hard one to figure out going into the stretch.
6. Gridiron Gang, 4-4 (5): After some very nice weeks, they had a pretty bad week last week, when everyone else seemed to perform. As has been the case with Gridiron Gang throughout the season, if they haven't had the points on the board they've had them on the bench. Last week marks the first week they couldn't have won, but those early season games are really coming back to haunt them. They can make a late push (a typical trait of this coach), but they will have to really come up clutch to pull off a playoff berth.
7. Tom's Tyrants, 3-5 (7): Just like last season, we are really starting to see this team pull it together now. While the 5 losses will be tough to overcome in such a competitive division and wildcard race, this team looks like they could be gearing up to do it. Watch out for this team, they could rapidly rise up the Power Rankings and the standings. Coach Barnes has seemingly put it together, just as everyone was ready to write this team off.
8. Jeff's Seals, 2-6 (8): Another tough loss despite this team having a nice performance again. They should get a boost over the coming weeks with key players returning to the fold, so they may actually be able to build upon the success that no one saw them having early on in the season. While I'm close to sticking a fork in them for 2014 due to having too many losses, I'm not ready to count out a late season surge just yet. But they won't be winning the Stubbs Trophy in their first season.
9. ADRZ, 2-6 (9): This team actually had a good week last week while the team is in disarray, but it still wasn't enough to win. What's more, I think we saw this teams absolute ceiling. They will be getting a key player or two back soon, but they are in absolute bye week hell this week and it will likely lead to another loss. Staring 2-7 in the face with a lacklustre roster, I think we can safely say this team is done for 2014 and stick a fork in them.
10. Forge Flyers, 1-7 (10): This coach must be ecstatic. After losing their 7th straight game, continuing the worst start ever in the LOC, they have finally won their first game in what could potentially be a toilet bowl against Jeff's Seals. But it's not all rosy. A herculean effort from their defence is what secured the win, and this team still remains the worst in the league. They're done for 2014, but they can still salvage some pride. And don't forget, there is nothing more dangerous than playing a team with nothing to play for.
Power Rankings
1. The Dream Team, 7-1 (1): I can't say anything more about this team that I've already said, I feel like I'm just repeating myself every week. There is one thing that I feel differently about with them this week however, and it isn't down to them. The past few weeks have seen the teams behind them be a mixed bag, so I think this team is actually widening the gap between the rest of the competition again. A sensational season for Coach Nathwani in his 4th year.
2. Burdettinators, 5-3 (2): This team has really captured fire the last few weeks, and is starting to form into the team we expected at the start of the season. They are starting to pull things together, and look poised to seize the division title from The Tuckfards. If they can keep doing what they are doing, they may be challenging in Corona Bowl VI (following the trend of the curse yet again...).
3. IKNAN, 6-2 (3): After a middling few weeks, they have a very nice week last week and still find themselves in third on the power rankings. I just get the feeling this team is solid and not spectacular. They are solid throughout, don't get me wrong, but they aren't amazing. The lack of depth may also starting to show the cracks in the team. While I think they will continue to have success, they aren't a dominating force.
4. Bear Necessities, 5-3 (4): This team is really starting to look like the sum of its parts. They have had a very good season, but are squarely a Quarter Back or bust team. Don't mistake me for saying they don't have other players, they do, but this team operates the best when the QB performs, and seems to stumble every time he doesn't. They have a great shot to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2010, but it would also not surprise me if they are on the outside looking in come week 15.
5. The Tuckfards, 5-3 (6): This team moves up a spot for being more consistent than the teams below it. There's not much to say about this team, they are a 3 player team (Rodgers, Murray, Charles). If they are without any of these players on a given week, their chances of winning drop monumentally. Likewise if they don't perform on any given week. As such, this team is a hard one to figure out going into the stretch.
6. Gridiron Gang, 4-4 (5): After some very nice weeks, they had a pretty bad week last week, when everyone else seemed to perform. As has been the case with Gridiron Gang throughout the season, if they haven't had the points on the board they've had them on the bench. Last week marks the first week they couldn't have won, but those early season games are really coming back to haunt them. They can make a late push (a typical trait of this coach), but they will have to really come up clutch to pull off a playoff berth.
7. Tom's Tyrants, 3-5 (7): Just like last season, we are really starting to see this team pull it together now. While the 5 losses will be tough to overcome in such a competitive division and wildcard race, this team looks like they could be gearing up to do it. Watch out for this team, they could rapidly rise up the Power Rankings and the standings. Coach Barnes has seemingly put it together, just as everyone was ready to write this team off.
8. Jeff's Seals, 2-6 (8): Another tough loss despite this team having a nice performance again. They should get a boost over the coming weeks with key players returning to the fold, so they may actually be able to build upon the success that no one saw them having early on in the season. While I'm close to sticking a fork in them for 2014 due to having too many losses, I'm not ready to count out a late season surge just yet. But they won't be winning the Stubbs Trophy in their first season.
9. ADRZ, 2-6 (9): This team actually had a good week last week while the team is in disarray, but it still wasn't enough to win. What's more, I think we saw this teams absolute ceiling. They will be getting a key player or two back soon, but they are in absolute bye week hell this week and it will likely lead to another loss. Staring 2-7 in the face with a lacklustre roster, I think we can safely say this team is done for 2014 and stick a fork in them.
10. Forge Flyers, 1-7 (10): This coach must be ecstatic. After losing their 7th straight game, continuing the worst start ever in the LOC, they have finally won their first game in what could potentially be a toilet bowl against Jeff's Seals. But it's not all rosy. A herculean effort from their defence is what secured the win, and this team still remains the worst in the league. They're done for 2014, but they can still salvage some pride. And don't forget, there is nothing more dangerous than playing a team with nothing to play for.
2014: 8 Down, 8 To Go
Here it is, the midpoint of the season, that now means we've had most of our games and episodes of the LOC Report for the year, so you better enjoy them while they last. Starting with this one, Co Host Chris Leach joins Commissioner Stubbs for a mid-season update, and a rant about a particular government agency....
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