Week 9 Recaps: The Big House

by Sam Spiegelman

RMPB (5-4, Blue) vs. Riback (5-4, Blue)

In a crucial matchup between division rivals, RMPB made a statement in blowing out Ben Riback by almost 30 points to hold on to first place in the Blue Division. Despite DeAngelo Williams hurting and Frank Gore on a one-week vacation, the fill-ins that were Brandon Jackson and Danny Woodhead combined for 26 points. It also cannot go unnoticed that a receiving core of Mike Williams (TB) and the Colts’ newest tight end outshined Percy Harvin, Andre the Giant, Ochocinco and Todd heap. For BR, it was tough for A-Rodge’s big night to go to waste; expect a big rebound in Week 10.

Calbears (4-5, Maize) vs. DYNOMITE (2-7, Maize)

Toss it up for Philip Rivers, whose hot hand keeps Calbears alive and kicking in the postseason race. Rivers’ 26 points were complemented by 22 from the Burner and 26 from T.O. with the team’s studs all shining, there is no doubt this team can compete for a playoff berth, as 4-5 still puts you a hot streak away from second place in the Maize Division. For DYNOMITE, you are about five games away from enforcing your will, but still an impressive effort. There was no way to know Beanie would have so many injuries he would grow allergic to his treatment; that’s on him. It was, however, a shame to see Peyton “running up” Hillis’ effort gone to waste.

SHOCKER (6-3, Maize) vs. Paydirt (3-6, Blue)

Two teams going in opposite direction, and this was one was decided by a classic 57-10 matchup between the running backs. All Day and Arian Foster dominated their games, combining for over 200 yards rushing and 130 yards through air while scoring four times. In contrast, Paydirt’s running backs had a total of about 115 yards; you can see where this one got out of hand. The Shocker got by without a dominant perfect from any of wideouts, and should see a boost when V-Jax returns after the bye week. For Paydirt, it is a three-team race in your division, and this is not your season.

Buttercup (4-5, Blue) vs. PainCurve (5-4, Blue)

A five-point win for Buttercup keeps him in oxygen in the Blue Division race. However, no one player really sticks out as the different-maker. Tom Terrific led the team with 16 points in the Pats loss, but that’s the most you are going to get out of Brady in 2010. LeGarrette Blount should be passed on, Jamaal Charles is disappointing, Shonn Greene is not getting enough carries and Ryan Mathews is quite the bust. The wideouts are nothing to brag about either. What I’m saying is enjoy your role as spoiler for now. Pain Curve, however, as a contender, needs to find some offense. Cedric Benson and Matt “I’m a man, I’m” Forte have done nothing to brag out, so a lot is riding on MJD’s shoulders to carry this running back committee. It is looking doubtful that this is a playoff-caliber team.

OldSchool (4-5, Maize) vs. LightsOut (7-2, Maize)

Perhaps the biggest sleeper team in the postseason race is Old School, who is compiling the depth necessary to make a run. The catalyst – Ray Rice – who we all were waiting to come back to reality finally did. You love to see D-Jax and Mike Wallace continue thriving when in the lineup, and now Santonio Holmes is joining that club. The biggest question mark: The Sanchize, but he performed well in your 113-83 win. For Lights Out, it is simply a case of a roadblock. Megatron won’t be left on Revis Island each week, but it is important he can stay hot without Matthew Stafford. If not, you may want to use your running back depth to make a move, or give Dez Bryant a shot.