MFL: Let the Playoffs Begin

MFL: Let the Playoffs Begin

By Sam Spiegelman

The Three Jakes Defeats Ruling Barons, Takes Mendota Division

            With their records dead even and just one first-round bye week on the line, The Three Jakes showed why they are a true contender in the MFL when they defeated division foe Ruling Barons 56-41, becoming the ultimate champion of the Mendota Division.

            Despite four doughnuts from four wide receivers – Mario Manningham, Brandon Lloyd and Davone Bess, and the tight end Dustin “The Wind” Keller, The Three Jakes was able to seize the low-scoring affair. Led by average efforts on the part of Philip Rivers and Brandon Jacobs, and an outstanding 19 points from Pierre Garcon, the team scored just enough to top a pathetic effort by Ruling Barons.

            Three doughnuts from the injured Steve Smith, ineffective Megatron and disappointing Jamaal Charles, plus a negative point total from Jay Cutler, the Ruling Barons hit a brick wall in a crucial contest for playoff position with their divisional rival. Only Vernon Davis and kicker David Akers reached double-digits on the weekend, a concerning sign heading into the first round of the MFL playoffs.

            The loss puts Ruling Barons in the first round of the playoffs, vying to keep their fantasy championships hopes alive in a game against MSB Esq. On the other hand, the squeak-by win allows The Three Jakes to re-cooperate and re-gather the team in a bye week, and a potential re-match with the Ruling Barons come Week 16.

Preview: Ruling Barons vs. MSB Esq.

            After failing to win a crucial division matchup the week previous with the Three Jakes, Ruling Barons must face off with the 7-7 Manute Spud and Bird Esq. in a first-round MFL clash.

            On the Three Jakes’ side, Jay Cutler is looking to rebound from a dreadful performance at home against the Pats in a primetime showdown with the Vikes. It will be another outdoor game, but this time it is a more familiar foe that his team will need to win if they are to be crowned NFC North Divisions champions.

            Other favorable matchups include The Law Firm and Jamaal Charles. New England should have quite the lead if Aaron Rodgers fails to suit for the Pack, and if Matt Cassel is at the helm of the Kansas City offense Charles to return to his spectacular self.  Oh, and it does not hurt Reggie Wayne is in an emotional AFC South showdown, while Megatron and The Marshall Plan get depleted secondaries to attack.

            For MSB Esq., you cannot ask for more from Peyton Manning than to take advantage of a weak Jacksonville secondary in a must-win for the Colts. Manning will do his part, as will Owen Daniels, the tight end who looked excellent in his return to the Houston lineup, and DeSean Jackson, who is the best big-play threat in the league today.

            The same cannot be said for Sidney Rice now that Joe Webb looks to get the start against Da Bears, or his teammate Adrian Peterson who will now face nine or 10 in the box. I normally would favor King Felix Jones against the Skins, but if Tashard Choice and Marion the Barbarian are stealing his carries I cannot seem be as effective.

            My prediction: Too many superstars and favorable matchups for the Ruling Barons for Manute Spud and Bird Esq. to contend with. Despite Manning keeping this game semi-close, the running backs and wide receivers should dominate head-to-head.

Preview: Hitters vs. Our Gang

In what can expected to be a close contest, the showdown between Hitters and Our Gang will inevitably decide who goes home to weep Sunday night and who goes on to challenge Slackers for a right to play in the MFL championship.

The underdog, the 6-8 Hitters, will look to Joe Flacco against a revived New Orleans defense that is playing much more like their Super Bowl team from a year ago than they did early on this season. If the Ravens are smart they will look to use Ray Rice on short passing routes, which should help Flacco’s numbers, but if the look to attack the Saints deep they could be in for a long afternoon.

I dig LeGarrette Blount at home against the Lions, and the same goes for T.O. against the Browns, Jason Witten against the Skins and Andre “The Giant” Johnson in a re-match of the brawl we saw a few weeks ago against Cortland Finnegan.

For Our Gang, it would be huge if Kerry Collins can step up against the Texans, but knowing Jeff Fisher it will likely be a boring ground-and-pound game-plan, taking the game out of his quarterback’s hands.

On the other hand, Arian Foster should be in for another big game, as should Roddy White and The Daily Show. It could come to how Mike Wallace fares against the New York Jets defense, which has shown their vulnerability to Wallace’s forte, big plays, in recent weeks.

My prediction: This one is pretty evenly matched, but because of running backs that Our Gang is sending on Sunday, I have to give the edge to the home team. The Daily Show should dominate, Foster should get his scores and if Fred Jackson can make an impact against the Fins then that is the game.