The LOC Report

Friday 27 November 2015

2015: What the hell is happening?

We're 3 games from the end of the regular season, and there are 9 teams on 5-6 or 6-5. Two divisions are either 5-6 or 6-5. The LOC playoff race is as wide open as it has ever been. We genuinely have no idea who will make playoffs (other than one team). Coach Merritt and Commissioner Stubbs put their heads together to figure out what will happen and what teams have a shot at the playoffs.

Wednesday 25 November 2015

Power Rankings: Week 12

The LOC has descended into anarchy. I'm not even going to make an attempt at explaining how close the playoff race is right now - it's pretty close. What's even worse is the power has seemingly shifted all over the place as well, and right now it's anyone's game. Anyway, let's see if I can make sense of it

Power Rankings

1. The Dream Team, 6-5 (2, ^1): In a week where near every team was terrible, The Dream Team had one of few good performances. Unfortunately for them however, it wasn't enough to get the win. They've got a very good team with a high floor, albeit maybe with a lack of explosion. But they're pretty solid, and should stay that way.

2. Bear Necessities, 5-6 (1, v1): It's hard to base anything off of last week, but the injuries appear to be catching up with this team. This isn't the first time they've had a shot to close ground on The Dream Team, and they blew it. While they remain high now, the lack of steam could cause them to move down swiftly. They're in must win mode.

3. IKNAN, 6-5 (5, ^2): IKNAN absolutely had to win last week, and they absolutely did. Another team that has the consistency factor, they're doing a tremendous job despite the lack of RB production. They're finally getting the signal caller right on a consistent basis, and it's showing. As long as this team can keep it up, they seem destined to make the playoffs.

4. ADRZ, 9-2 (3, v1): Look we know how consistent this team is, but even last week they showed they weren't as consistent as some other teams. Their whole game is coming consistency, but they're not going to blow up the scoreboard. With the state of the LOC the way it is, they're one of the better teams. But are they among the best? Well, I'll let you make that decision yourself.

5. The Tuckfards, 6-5 (4, v1): Does The Tuckfards possibly have a bogey team? This team is one of the better teams of the league, but in very non-Tuckfards fashion they haven't shown the same killer instinct that they've displayed in the last few seasons. I do actually like this team, they've got some nice pieces in place, and it's more probable than not they make the playoffs.

6. Tom's Tyrants, 5-6 (7, ^1): This team is the king of late season revivals, and if they somehow reach the playoffs they'll probably earn another comeback award. This team is getting healthy, the coach is getting thrifty, and history could possibly be repeating itself. They'll need some games to fall their way (as before), but you can't count them out.

7. Gridiron Gang, 6-5 (6, v1): This team was 5-1 at one point. Just a torrid second half of the season. A combination of slim pickings on free agency and players slowing down has caused a grid-lock. What's worse is this teams gem, Tom Brady, is also slowing down. This coach has pulled off some incredible things before, and they'll likely need to do the same again.

8. The Romosexuals, 5-6 (8, =): This team is still in the playoff hunt, but they'll be hard pressed to do any more than that. The team has been so hot and cold all season - don't get me wrong, their hots have been pretty damn hot, but their colds have also been pretty cold. Realistically they'd probably need to win all 3 games, and I don't see it happening.

9. Forge Flyers, 3-8 (9, =): This team is a surprising last place for the second year running. Last year it was warranted, this year not so much. Almost certainly going to the James Milner Bowl bracket, it would surprised me if they played in the James Milner Bowl itself. They're a good team, and they'll pick up a win or two down the stretch.

10. Burdettinators, 5-6 (12, ^2): Maybe all it took was hitting rock bottom to get this team going? This team has had morbidly bad weeks, yet they find themselves in the playoff race still. Like The Romosexuals, they need to win all 3 games realistically to give themselves a chance, and based on the season so far....yeah, you know what I'm gonna say...

11. Patistan, 4-7 (11, =): So, I've defended this team for the most part of the season, and although they haven't been good, I've always thought they could get a win on their day. They did last week, but they got VERY lucky. Now that the coaches focus has gone elsewhere, I've lost faith in this team, and if it doesn't change, they'll be bottom next week.

12. Jeff's Seals, 6-5 (10, v2): Yeah, turns out losing Bell, Edelman, and not having Jeffrey crippled this team - who knew? If Jeffrey, Cooper and Rodgers don't light it up, this team is rarely going to have a chance. When one of those is in and out of the lineup, it's even harder. They are the worst 6-5 by a wide margin, and it would be a minor miracle if they made playoffs.






Wednesday 18 November 2015

2015: Guess who's back

The prodigal sons have returned! Well...The LOC Report is back after a brief 1 week hiatus. But to make up for our impromptu absence, we have an incredible show lined up for you. Commissioner Stubbs is joined once again by Coach Sherwood of IKNAN, but this episode also has its own place in history, as head coach of ADRZ, Nigel Wells, makes his first ever appearance on the LOC Report. Are you as excited as I am?

Tuesday 17 November 2015

Power Rankings: Week 11

Apologies for the week absence, coursework was consuming my life! But hey, now you'll appreciate this edition of the power rankings that much more. We're getting closer and closer to the end of the regular season. With only 4 games to go, it's still all to play for. Where does the power lay in the LOC? you're about to find out.

Power Rankings

1. Bear Necessities, 5-5 (1, =): Despite the injuries starting to pile up, this team still remains in fine form. They dropped a game last week, but they won a crucial divisional game this week. However, they were somewhat fortunate with their QB output and this can't be relied on week to week. Be that as it may, the approach I have taken all season is 'you stay where you are until you prove me otherwise'.

2. The Dream Team, 6-4 (2, =): And that statement rings true for these guys too. Ok, it was an average week from them last week, but they've been ballin' up until now. This roster is formidable right now, and they've really got a great shot at an attempt to bring home the title after coming so close last season. They just have to keep it going.

3. ADRZ, 8-2 (3, =): Look, they haven't been explosive since they lost Charles, but they are consistently getting it done. They've not dipped below 80 all season, and they continue to churn in good scores. They actually have an under the radar important match up this week against Jeff's Seals, as they still haven't quite sealed up the division (but for all purposes, they basically have).

4. The Tuckfards, 6-4 (5, ^1): The Tuckfards is leading the division for the first time this season. It's surprising it took until Week 11 to say this for a team that is accustomed to being at the top. They came up with a clutch win to take division supremacy last week, and they're patching the roster together nicely. One of the most underrated teams in the league this year, by the sum of their parts and the whole.

5. IKNAN, 5-5 (6, ^1): Much like IKNAN, they've not looked the same since losing their star RB. That being said, they've still been very good. VERY good. They dropped an important game last week, and have gone from 1st to 3rd in the division. They have an absolutely critical game this week. They've got problems, but they've also got superstars. They're still a force to be reckoned with.

6. Gridiron Gang, 6-4 (4, v2): This team has been a model of consistency since week 4, they've not dipped below 90 once. However, they've also only gone above 100 3 times in that span too. They are a good team, and their WR corps is emerging. They haven't got the fire power that is needed to dominate, but they're going to find themselves competing in nearly every game.

7. Tom's Tyrants, 4-6 (9, ^2): I was right to be wary about putting the fork in this team. It's uncanny a team that had just 2 wins 2 weeks ago is still in contention, but they're only 2 games behind the division and the wildcard right now. It's like this team had to bottom out to really get going. Now their QB problem is solved, they are hitting their stride at the right time.

8. The Romosexuals, 4-6 (8, =): In the last 5 weeks, this team has only topped 90 points once. They have been the true definition of boom and bust. But, with start QB Tony Romo returning, that may change soon. They've been without Forte and Hyde as well. This team has the potential to explode over the next few weeks - but will the coach make it happen?

9. Forge Flyers, 3-7 (7, v2): After an early season renaissance the wins just haven't come together this season. They've been inconsistent lately, but this team is stacked. The name value and potential is eye watering. At this point, I'm willing to say this season hasn't been on this coach. They've been better than the W column indicates. But they are forked.

10. Jeff's Seals, 6-4 (11, ^1): I can't believe this team is on a 3 game win streak. They actually have a wildcard record right now. I would be shocked if this team made the playoffs though, despite their current position. This roster is bad. They've just lost Edelman, and they only have 3 players who will consistently generate points.

11. Patistan, 3-7 (12, ^1): I can't remember if they'd been forked already, but they are now. 3-7 would be tough to come back from for any team at this stage, but Patistan don't have the resources to compete with the LOC's finest. They've got some nice pieces, and I think they'll be able to do enough to avoid the James Milner Bowl.

12. Burdettinators, 4-6 (10, v2): What happened? This team has only won one in the last 6. It's not pretty, they've topped 100 points just once in that span, and scored below 75 FOUR times. The bottom fell out last week, with 39 points. It's a sad ending to what looked like a promising season, and the fork is in them. Can they avoid the James Milner Bowl?



Friday 6 November 2015

2015: The Cutlery is Coming Out!

We're getting closer and closer to the end of the regular season, and you know what that means....STICK A FORK IN THEM, THEY'RE DONE!! The cutlery is coming out of the draw, and teams seasons are going to be announced as done. Commissioner Stubbs is aided in his endeavor to fork by Coach Merritt of The Tuckfards and Coach Nathwani of The Dream Team.

Thursday 5 November 2015

EDOTLOCCA's Corner: Week 9

Hello one and all! Well, as happens seemingly sooner and sooner each year, our Commissioner is prising open his cutlery draw and threatening various franchises with his array of sharply-pronged metaphors. I for one currently take my trusty metal detector with me everywhere I go, guarding me against any potential ambushes. But, as is unavoidable in the brutally competitive LOC, we are at the part of the season where teams enter the last chance saloon, edge of the seat stuff from here on out boys! Anyway, this article is 100% fork-free (prepare for some spoons however), so let us dive in to my latest fantasy thoughts, it's Week 9 and here is your EDOTLOCCA's Corner (that's 'Executive Director of the League of Champions Coaches Association')!

Coaches Award

Speaking of cutlery, in Week 8 a Coach who has previously dabbled with the Wooden Spoon (multiple times), attempted to redeem themselves somewhat. They have previously struggled with an internal QB competition, but this week they nailed it, and it really did matter. Coach Sherwood went with Rivers this week, who outscored his teammate Newton by 8.02 points, IKNAN won by 6.4 points. Small margins. This decision clearly won IKNAN the match, and for that reason it may have been enough for the Coaches Award, but the importance of the match cannot be overlooked either. This win not only made the most competitive division in the LOC even closer, but it also propelled Coach Sherwood’s team to the top of it. Come December, this victory could well go down as one of the most important of the season. Well-deserved commendation indeed.

Wooden Spoon

I have been moaning about this for a while now – and as proved by last week and another near 50 point defeat, I clearly haven’t been contributing – these awards don’t work when we have no close games people! We need a division of wealth, if everyone scored between 90 and 105 each week, these awards would run as smoothly as silk, but no! Last week, maths bailed me out, but this week we have had no such luck. There were no costly decisions, if you lost this week it was because you couldn’t win, shame on you (us). For this reason, in an unprecedented occurrence, there will be no Wooden Spoon this week, I am depriving you all of it. Let it be a lesson, improve or I will not be able to call out one of you for poor coaching.

Bold Predictions

Light the beacons! Sound the horn! Ring the bells! We’re all getting laid tonight! Well no, well maybe? I don’t know, why would I? Anyway, it is far better than that, we have another correct bold prediction! Stefon Diggs played his little heart out and outscored Rodgers and Bell and for that, I will be eternally grateful. Stefon, when you undoubtedly read this, you have been officially invited to the EDOTLOCCA’s Corner Xmas Party, please RSVP ASAP. Well, let’s not get cocky, I think a reasonable expectation this week would be 4 correct predictions, let’s do this.

Gridiron Gang vs. The Dream Team: Two teams with one eye on the playoffs here, but all I can focus on is Gridiron Gang’s RB matchups, ouch! Without Hopkins as well, can Brady do it all on his own? Not with Brees partying like it’s 2009, another 35+ QB performance from The Dream Team.

IKNAN vs. Burdettinators: Who would have thought Peyton Manning would end up as a bye week replacement? Wow. Well, this is a good week to have him in, he lights up the Colts for 30 points, unfortunately for Burdettinators, Thomas catches a couple of those TDs, negating their advantage.

Jeff’s Seals vs. Bear Necessities: It is no secret that Luck has been disappointing, but I love Coach Stubbs Sr.’s decision to turn to Mr. reliable himself. Well, the matchup is golden and I see Cutler outscoring opponent and divisional rival Rodgers here. And yes, that is bold.

The Tuckfards vs. ADRZ: After losing another starter, surely ADRZ must start slowing down? Nope, I just can’t see it, they have been too impressive this year. This game just has big scorer written all over it, I am saying 125+ each. But who is going to win? Well it has to be ADRZ…. no…. The Tuckfards…. no…. errrrr, I’ll tell you next week.

The Romosexuals vs. Forge Flyers: Byes and injuries for The Romosexuals, just as their season is reaching its critical point. What an opportunity for Forge Flyers to climb off the (familiar) foot of the league. And we have a Beckham off, fantastic. Well, Odell and Dorial combine for 30 points, then David scores a curling free kick in stoppage time.

Tom’s Tyrants vs. Patistan: Did Coach Allen keep the correct QB? We will find out this week. Two great matchups and the QBs combine for 50 points, and the winner could save themselves from the Milner Bowl.


Well, spirits were high after last week’s correct prediction, hopefully some of that positivity translates to more results! In the meantime, the LOC is just starting to sizzle nicely, what a time to be alive! Enjoy the coming week and good luck everyone! Turrah!


Wednesday 4 November 2015

Power Rankings: Week 9

As we head into Week 9, you get the strong sense around the league that crunch time is approaching - and fast. While one division continues to divide, the other 2 are looking closer every week. What do the power rankings make of it all? You're about to find out...

Power Rankings

1. Bear Necessities, 4-4 (1, =): After another great week, this team has done absolutely nothing to convince me they should be removed from the number 1 spot. Quite frankly, unless an injury strikes, I can't see anything that will remove this team from number 1. The only thing that might keep this team out of the playoffs is a few dropped games like the start of the season.

2. The Dream Team, 5-3 (5, ^3): Just another strong week from the resurgent Dream Team. Look, this team isn't bullet proof, but make no mistake they are very good. Currently holding the top spot in the division, they're definitely going to struggle to stave off Bear Necessities, but I think they've got just enough to do it.

3. ADRZ, 7-1 (7, ^4): I moved this team down after a somewhat disappointing week, as I thought they were feeling the effect of losing Charles. I think this team is going to be just fine. They've basically locked up the division, and they've done enough to make me think they're as good as they were with Charles. The loss of Smitty stings though.

4. Gridiron Gang, 5-3 (2, v2): This team had a real opportunity to establish themselves the past two weeks, and they lost both games by a combined 14 points. As a result, they're in a dog fight, of which they're no longer top dog. They've got some great core pieces, but there are chinks in the teams armour, and they're far from a sure fire bet for playoffs.

5. The Tuckfards, 4-4 (3, v2): The first disappointing week in a while for this team, and I get the sense their early season struggles might start to resurface. I think they're a good team, don't get confused on that point, but I'm just not sure they're going to be able to go toe to toe every week with some other teams in the league. But this coach will probably (annoyingly) find a way.

6. IKNAN, 5-3 (4, v2): The first week post Foster and they're more or less what they were pre Foster. Foster really added another dimension to this team, and I think their juice had just been zapped a little. The RBs are going to give this team fits every week, but I'm confident the rest of the lineup can compensate. Kind of the same situation as The Tuckfards, they're competitive, but not a giant.

7. Forge Flyers, 2-6 (6, v1): Hmm. The first disappointing week in a while for the Forge. Before we tear them apart for a 66 point week, Brown was active but didn't play, Tannehill s*** the bed, and the rest of the roster just had a flat week. While I definitely think better weeks are ahead for this team, it's not a top tier side, and the 6 wins at this stage are crippling. At risk of being a bit early, the cutlery is coming out. Stick the fork in them for 2015.

8. The Romosexuals, 4-4 (9, ^1): You might be scratching your head a bit at this one. This team had a tremendous week, I'm aware, but last time I moved the, up following a good week, they proceeded to reinforce what I was worried about in the first place. Fool me once and all that. They have a very nice side, but I don't think they have the consistency.

9. Tom's Tyrants, 2-6 (8, v1): After a resurgent couple of weeks that now feel like a distant memory, this team has really trailed off the past few weeks. I...I don't know what to make of this team. While a change of QB could breath new life into this team, I think their problems go further than that. That being said, with Dez coming back, they could have a turnaround. But with 6 in the loss column, the fork may drop next week.

10. Burdettinators, 3-5 (12, ^2): Wahey! There's life on Mars! Sorry I mean Burdettinators, but you get it. After 3 weeks in the wilderness this team finely returned. They returned bloody, dirty and a little bit scruffy looking (they got 88 points is what I'm getting at). I still want to believe they can't get something going, but I don't see them making an appearance in the playoffs.

11. Jeff's Seals, 4-4 (10, v1): The plane on autopilot continues to chug along an comically finds themselves at 4-4 and in the playoff hunt. But I'll go short of saying they have a shot to make it. Had this team not lost Bell, I may think differently, but that's the straw that broke the camels back, and don't be surprised if the L's start to pile up.

12. Patistan, 3-5 (11, v1): Oh boy, just as this team started to look like it might be putting something nice together, the floor fell through. But don't fret, better times are ahead. Dalton, Woodhead and Cobb will all have better weeks. But this team did lose one of their cornerstones in Keenan Allen (no relation). I want to see them for one more week, but the fork is perilously close.