The BUFF League - Week #6 Summaries

by Sam Spiegelman

Polk High vs. Atlanta Falcors

Heading into Sunday, Polk High, you knew Peyton would rebound from his previous week’s performance – too bad there was no way to know the rest of your team would take the afternoon off. Other than Peyton Manning’s 16 points, the rest of your team combined for just over 42 points; you don’t need me to tell you that won’t win you games. Fortunately, at 4-2, you were able to bear the loss. What concerns me is Matt “I’m a Man, I’m” Forte – he’s as inconsistent as they come. Also, the poor production from your tight end position – it’s difficult to see you put out Tony Moeaki instead of  Visanthe Shiancoe, but when the Vikings’ tight end gets zero targets, what other options do you have? On the flip side, Atlanta Falcors continued his winning streak, trying to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Big days from Tony Romo, Rashard Mendenhall and Andre the Giant led the way to your Week 6 annihilation, and the Titans defensive efforts on Monday Night Football only rubbed it in. Finding more consistency among your RB2 and flex positions will be a key going forward. It’s encouraging to see Felix Jones get more involved, but there’s no way of predicting how The Hoodie will use his running backs.


Yellow Yellow Jackets vs. Cock-A-Doodle-Damn

Now creeping back to .500 is Yellow Yellow Jackets, with a win led by his wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who along with all of the other Eagles receivers, has exploded with Kevin Kolb at the helm. Now consider this: starting Kolb in tandem with Maclin. Tom Terrific is a great quarterback, in reality, but the loss of Randy Moss and ever-changing offense The Hoodie runs, Kolb could be a more dynamic threat in Andy Reid’s air-it-out offense. It’s always encouraging to see Ray Rice stay hot, Brandon Jacobs finally score touchdowns instead of throwing helmets into the stands and Michael Crabtree emerge as a real threat. Let’s hope this production continues heading into the middle of the season.

As for C-A-D-D-, it’s a different story, slipping to 2-4, and a lot of questions cropping up about your team. Is Antonio Gates going to be alright? Will Deon Branch emerge as Tom Brady’s No. 1 target? What happened to Jahvid Best? All valid questions, but I think you’re okay. Gates seems to be healing up, and he’s a trooper; he’ll play through it. If Branch becomes inconsistent, you’ll have Fitz, Ocho and a rejuvenated Steve Smith with Matt Moore back at quarterback. As for Best, well, he’s a rookie. After the bye week, I expect the Lions to return to their rushing attack.

Xtreme2daMax! vs. Professional Bed Tester

Of the three capable signal-callers on the roster, Xtreme was able to select the elite one, despite the chance of him being rusty from his suspension. But Big Ben came out firing with three scores, and didn’t even head to the strip club following his big debut. His 19 points were a part of a 100-plus-point effort, with contributions from Austin Collie, D-Jax and Jamaal Charles. What’s encouraging, other than Big Ben’s instant chemistry with his team, is Charles’ growing role in the Chiefs’ offense, Collie staying hot and Aaron Hernandez emerging within the Pats’ offense. On the other hand, Jackson going down with a concussion may hinder some scoring come Week 7, so you’ll have to hope Johnny Knox and Dez Bryant can pick up the slack.

For PBT, a two-game losing streak has you falling to the bottom of the standings. Finally, Philip Rivers falling somewhat down to earth has exposed the weaknesses of your lineup. Maurice Jones-Drew, Miles “Stone Cold Steve” Austin and Ronnie Brown continue disappointing fantasy owners around the world. My advice would to be patient – players usually live up to their rankings; however, time is running out quickly.

The Nutty Nuggets vs. Motor Boatin’ Sons of Bitches

I like the bold of play of starting Mike Hart – but save it for next week, Nuggs. Joseph Addai was anointed starter early in the week, so save your audacity for Week 7. As for Hakeem the Dream and Brandon Lloyd – they finally cooled off, and your team felt the burn. A combined nine points from your wide receivers, including Mike Sims-Walker at the flex spot, helped you fall this week. Fortunately, DeAngelo Williams back next week should help you substitute at RB2; but I’d look elsewhere for your flex spot. MBSoBs, atop of the BUFF League, stays hot on his three-game winning streak with the likes of fantasy castoffs. Mark Sanchez, Marshawn Lynch, Dwayne Bowe – who would have thunk it? Bowe’s huge rebound performance against the Texans and Lynch’s debut with the Seahawks were both encouraging signs heading forward.

The Butterfly Sparkles vs. Gone Fishin

The potential is there, Butterfly Sparkles, but do your homework. Marion the Barbarian is quickly falling out of favor in Big D, and LaDell Betts was substituted for Chris Ivory (who, by the way, did work for the Saints on the ground). It’s moves like that that have you at 2-4. Granted Cedric Benson is on a bye week, but your only other options were Rashad Jennings and Brian Westbrook – tell me the last time they made a difference. As for the rest of your stars – Donald Driver, Marques Colston, Dallas Clark – they’ll rebound, but it may be too late.

Gone Fishin, on the other hand, has pulled off four in a row. Kyle Orton cooled off a bit, which is understandable considering he’s facing a stellar Jets defense. Big days from Joseph Addai, CJ, Anquan Boldin and Megatron were a part of the well-rounded team effort this week. Hines Ward received an added boost from Big Ben’s return, which provides you with an adequate option at the flex position heading down the stretch of the season.

Kickin Bart’s Ass vs. Rusty Kuntz

In the highest scoring matchup of the weekend, Rusty Kuntz was able to sneak his way to victory with a three-FG effort on the part of Rob Bironas Monday evening. Led by Arian Foster and Greg “Don’t call me Peter” Jenning’ return to existence, Rusty Kuntz received a well-rounded team effort from his superstar-filled lineup. Concerns going forward, however, include Wes Welker’s production without Randy Being Manny and The Burner being shut down more often than we all expected. If those two players can get back on track, I expect the team to make a lot of noise come playoff time. For KBA, a tough loss, especially considering the huge day out of Ryan Torrain, who has us all forgetting about Clinton Portis. However, you couldn’t expect much out of Peyton “Running Up” Hillis facing the Steel Curtain 2.0, or Ryan Matthews, who continues losing goal line carries to Mike Tolbert, and is stuck on a Chargers offense who can’t seem to get enough of a lead to establish the run. Your team is loaded with talent, you just need to let it all fall into place.