League of Tax Free Shopping - Week #6 Summaries

by Sam Spiegelman

Tigris Tigers @ Wilmington Wookies

A rash of injuries has the Wilmington Wookies starting Shaun Hill again at quarterback, fresh off the show he put on against the Rams the week previous. But after 91 yards and a score, Hill was injured, leaving the Hill-to-Brandon Pettigrew connection to come to an end, falling short to Tigris Tigers by 39 points. A big performance out of Chris Johnson led the Wookies this week, but was easily matched by Tigers’ no-name, Ryan Torain. The Clinton Portis fill-in totaled 33 points, adding to the abundance of 30-plus-point performances from Aaron Rodgers and Greg “don’t call me Peter” Jennings. The win put Tigris Tigers at 4-2, but the team has a higher ceiling. Sitting Megatron, especially while he’s hot, is a no-no. I don’t care if Shaun Hill, Matthew Stafford or Joey Harrington comes back from the dead to play quarterback on your opponents’ team; you play your studs. 

Columbus Clobber Knockers @ Comptom Colons

In the quest to reach .500, Comptom Colons made a statement Sunday, doubling up the Columbus Clobber Knockers and topping 160 points. A double-digit effort from all starting players (except for the Dallas defense with nine) was the trick. Four players – Tom Terrific, Ahmad Bradshaw, S-Jax and LaDainian Tomlinson – all topped the 20-point mark. Blow out? Yes. Impressive? Yes. Contender? Yes.

For the Clobber Knockers, it’s painful to see a loss this bad. A not-so-Philip-Rivers-like day for Philip Rivers may have the problem; or Percy Harvin’s kickoff return for a touchdown not being a factor in this league. How about the fact you opted to play Deji Karim as your RB2? Ever hear of him? Me neither. I know LaDell Betts wasn’t the sexiest option, but please – give me him any day of the week. Deji Karim should not even better on your roster, let alone your starting lineup. Puh-lease! 

Kibera Weider @ FKAR

Peyton returned to being Peyton and Derrick Mason tore up the Pats – and that’s about it. The rest of Kibera Weider’s team forgot to come to the ballpark Sunday. Double doughnuts from Devery Henderson and Willis McGahee didn’t help; but did you expect either to have too much of an impact? McGahee and Brandon Jacobs are good players to hang around as backups, but at least Jacobs has the chance to score. Then again, what’s your excuse for Javon Ringer and Fred Taylor? Now ask me again why you have just one win this season. FKAR, fortunate to be facing off against KW Sunday, was led by Andre the Giant and waiver wire wonders Chris Ivory, who played a starring role for Saints, and Marshawn Lynch, who returned back to fantasy football relevance in his Seattle debut. What concerns about this team, FKAR, is Austin Miles’ inconsistency – something is stinking in Big D, and Miles is feeling it. Also, I don’t know how effective Wes Welker is going to be in the Pats’ offense without Randy Moss; let’s see if he can prove me wrong. 

Jordan @ Franchise 4 Kicking Your Ass

A three-point tilt in favor of Jordan was the game of the week in the league. Big Ben’s return the Stillers was a handsome reward for Hines Ward’s fantasy afternoon. That, in addition to small contributions from all players in the lineup helped Jordan to score 131 points Sunday, moving to 4-2. Matt “I’m a man, I’m” Forte and Maurice Jones-Drew continue their Jekyll and Hyde seasons, and until they begin producing to their capabilities consistently, I have concerns. I think DeAngelo Williams back next week will do this team well though.

For 4-2 Franchise 4 Kicking Your Ass, I wouldn’t read too much into Justin Forsett’s day. I like all three of your running backs right now more, but I am weary of the Ryan Mathews project which has yet to heat up out in San Diego. I’m also wondering if Jahvid Best can return to his early-season form – the Lions seemed to become pass-happy under Shaun Hill, but will hopefully revert back to their rushing attack following the bye week. It was good to see Arian Foster dominate in Kansas City and Matty Ice find his way into the end zone in Philly – both will be key down the stretch. Another suggestion, if I may: get Jeremy Maclin in there. 

Manning to Nicks @ Dreshertown Dragons

A four-game winning streak has Manning to Nicks atop of the league, despite lackluster performances on the season on behalf of Brett the Sexter and Ronnie Brown. However, the likes of Frank Gore, Pierre Garcon and the Marshall Plan were able to carry the team to victory Week 6 against Dreshertown Dragons, as well as a 20-point contribution from the Steel Curtain 2.0, who just happened to feast upon Browns rookie signal-caller Colt McCoy. I would keep waiting for Favre to break loose because I don’t see Carson Palmer or Sanchize as superior options. However, the same cannot be said for Brown. Both Shonn Greene and Santonio Holmes, to me, are emerging as better players each week than the Dolphins running back, who I thought would get more involved in the offense. The team, despite my advice, continues their love affair with the passing game.

For Dreshertown Dragons, a tough loss, yes, but there’s nothing to be discourages about. Drew Brees rebounded, Rashard Mendenhall and Anquan Boldin are studs and Felix Jones is seeing an increased role in the ‘Boys’ offense. Where you went wrong is using the two Baltimore wideouts in tandem – a big no-no. I understand you had a tough bye week, but this is always a situation is avoid; this week it cost you. 

Montclair Moonshiners @ The Best Team Ever (For real this time)

If this is the best team ever, the best team Sunday was the Montclair Moonshiners. In a 128-85 contest, the Moonshiners took advantage of strong efforts on the part of Matt “Stump the” Schaub and Joseph Addai, as well as needed double-digit scoring from one Brandon Jackson, Mike Wallace and Roddy White. It was impressive seeing Jackson find ways to make more of a difference in the Aaron Rodgers-dominated Packers offense. On the other hand, it was disappointing to see the Burner come up dry yet again.

A loss this week doesn’t hurt too much because I don’t expect too many more this season. A dominant committee of running backs between All Day and LeSean “The Real” McCoy, complemented by Tony Romo, who continues finding ways to put up numbers despite his offenses’ question marks, and a deep receiving core. The inconsistent play of Greg Olsen at the tight end spot worries me; it may be time to go with Kellen Winslow. And as Run DMC gets healthy, be weary of a decreasing role for Michael Bush – it may be time to return to the three wideout formation with Fitz.