Getting Towards the End

11 weeks in the books and things are starting to take shape as the playoffs approach. A 4^th team has locked up a playoff berth and 1-2 more teams could follow suit this Sunday. Here is the recap from all things week 11.

The game of the week certainly shook things up in the EFFL. A stunning performance from the Jackson Five has catapulted them right back into contention and left the picture for the final 2 playoff spots wide open. Bridging the way for this victory was 75 minutes of football from McNabb and Housh as well as solid efforts from Michael Turner and DeAngelo Williams. The Golds in the meantime have hit a rough patch, and expressed his concerns to me about his team making the playoffs. A quote from Gambino’s post game press conference: “You know, I really feel we’re playing like complete shit right now. Ever since we traded Ronnie it’s like the players don’t respect me as a man. Steve Smith even threatened to fuck me up in the showers. We may miss the postseason.” Shocking words from the Golds.

Needing only 19 points to win from TO and MB3, the Eyepatches made quick work of Dueling Pylons Sunday night. This is a win the Eyepatches needed to make their presence felt as a serious contender in the EFFL. Winners of 3 of 4, Jimish looks to be heading in the right direction as the postseason approaches. The Pylons meanwhile showed up with their 2^nd lowest point total of the season. Finishing the regular season on a high note has continually been a problem for the Pylons. With a difficult slate the final two weeks, the Pylons cannot falter if they hope to ever win a playoff game.

Up only 10 points heading into Sunday night, TPG had Cooley going against Santana Moss and took care of business. Moss continued his inconsistent season and sent My Team is Awful out of the playoffs and to a 1-10 start. This is the worst 11 week start in EFFL history. This is also the first time a team has failed to show up at the draft. Perhaps there is a correlation. TPG meanwhile has their swagger back like Puff, and looks poised to go deep in the postseason ala 2007. Gore, Megatron, LT, and BMarsh are the backbone of this team, and as they go so will the Gnomes.

In a matchup of two heavyweights, the King took out the Stanky Monkeys by a margin as wide as the Woody’s double wide in West Virginia. As the sun went down Sunday evening, the Monkeys were found on a sidewalk in the fetal position crying “Why did I bench Lance Moore?!?!?” Lou completely forgot that the King still had 2 players left and this lineup decision was irrelevant. The Monkeys inconsistency may rear its ugly head once the playoffs roll around. In odd weeks, the Monkeys are now averaging only 105 points, while in even weeks the team is averaging 134. The King meanwhile is the league’s hottest team and certainly looks like the team to beat at the moment.

*** Week 12 Preview ***

The King’s Crusaders vs. My Team is Awful

This game screams blowout. A 1-10 team against a 9-2 team, plus the fact that Chris has taken 8 of 10 against his sister seems like an easy call on paper. Looking a little closer, the King has actually only scored over 117 one time in these 10 matchups. I still think that this game doesn’t get anywhere close. These 7 game streaks respectively will not end. I predict an 8 piece chicken tender and a King victory.

The Jackson Five vs. Animals With Eyepatches

Here’s a game featuring two teams right in the thick of the wild card mix. With a playoff spot locked up AEP cannot let up against a fierce rival. In 7 straight, neither team has beaten the other by more than 20 points. This seems like another close battle and one that the Five need desperately to stay in the hunt. I think the Eypatches will just be too much and continue to take care of business.

Stanky Monkeys vs. The Ari Golds

Former neighborly rivals, these two teams have turned into sworn enemies on the fantasy football field. Lou has never put up fewer than 129 points against the Golds in 4 games. Apparently knowing this, the Golds have tried to ignite a spark by attempting to trade for Braylon Edwards. This is an absolutely critical game for the Golds with the Jackson Five breathing right down their neck. This game could end up coming down to Monday night, and with Westbrook banged up the Golds have hope. Look for the Monkeys to complete a comeback late in this matchup and send Nick home with his tail between his legs.

*** Game of the Week ***

Dueling Pylons vs. Tequila Party Gnomes

That bitter taste in the Pylons’ mouth is the backlash from Norv Turner’s week 6 escapade to self glory. This man has laughed and spat in my face since his days back with LaMont Jordan and the Raiders in 2005. A stunning 1 point defeat to the Gnomes was my undoing. The Pylons are out for revenge, especially after losing in the playoffs last year. These teams simply do not like each other, and I expect this matchup to be a dog fight. Knowing that a TPG victory would almost certainly seal up a Gnomes-Eyepatches playoff spot, I fully expect the Gnomes to win this game.

That’s all for Week 11. Trade deadline is the start of games tonight. If anyone is around this weekend, maybe we can get together to watch the games somewhere.