Revving the Playoff Engines: MFL

Revving the Playoff Engines: MFL

By Sam Spiegelman

Slackers Doubles Kidd Miller, Forces Desperation

            The 78-39 shellacking by the Slackers on Kidd Miller was not only embarrassing, but took the playoffs out of Kidd Miller’s hands. It is now up to fate.

            Despite subpar performances by the usual suspects – Peyton “Running Down” Hillis, Santonio Holmes – Slackers was able to double up Kidd Miller. The team was led by 21 points by Drew Brees and 11-point efforts from S-Jax and Knowshon Moreno, which combined outscored the entire starting lineup of the opponent.

            On the other side, Kidd Miller’s best performer Sunday was Cedric Benson, who decided to make a rare appearance in the end-zone against New Orleans – twice, actually. Injuries forced Maurice Morris and Legedu Naanee into the starting lineup, joined by an unproductive cast led by The Boss and Larry Fitzgerald. Oh, and it did not help to get doughnuts from Braylon Edwards and Stone Cold Miles Austin.

            The loss forces Kidd Miller into a four-way tie for the final playoff spot, but the starters on Sunday are nowhere near playoff-caliber. Aside from Matty Ice, Austin and Edwards, this team lacks consistency big time, and it does not look as if a quick solution is coming.

Hitters Edged Out by Manute Spud and Bird Esq., Tied for Sixth

            A 70-65 victory by Manute Spud and Bird Esq. may have sealed the season for Hitters, who now stand tied with three other teams for the sixth and final spot in the playoff bracket, forcing a do-or-die Week 14.

            The solid Steelers defense limited Hitters quarterback Joe Flacco to nine points Sunday night, which were nine more points that came from LaDainian Tomlinson, Dez Bryant and Reggie Bush combined. L.T. has slowly faded out of fantasy relevance as the season progressed, while Bryant is now lost for the remainder of the year. Oh, and Bush – yeah, have not heard too much buzz surrounding him since the Super Bowl.

            For the Landon Division-leading Manute Spud and Bird Esq, a weak afternoon for Peyton Manning could not slow down his team. Vikings stars Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice exploded in Minny against the Buffalo Bills. All Day, an injury question mark heading into the game, totaled three touchdowns on over 100 yards rushing, while Rice, who finally looked healthy, took over Percy Harvin’s starting role to score twice on 105 yards via the air.

            The Hitters will take on Pine Apple, another team tied for sixth place in the playoff hunt. The season for both teams will be on the line in Week 14.

Playoff Preview: The Three Jakes at Ruling Barons

            When the 9-4 Ruling Barons take on the 8-5 The Three Jakes, it was a nasty divisional matchup between two Mendota Division teams that plain just does not like each other. The winner could end up winning the division, and this could be a preview of a playoff match in two weeks.

            The division-best Ruling Barons, riding a two-game win streak, will rely on the shaky play of Jay Cutler taking on a Patriots defense that looked impenetrable on Monday Night Football against the Jets. Cutler has a tendency to show up in big games, like his four-touchdown game versus the Eagles. Just as quickly, however, he can let you down with a mediocre effort versus the Lions.

            Running backs Jamaal Charles and The Law Firm have difficult matchups, so it will be on the receiving core to help provide scoring. Peyton Manning’s go-to target Reggie Wayne should feast on the Titans, as Peyton and the Colts will need this win to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Detroit should be behind early and often versus the Pack, so throwing to Megatron should be a common theme. Vernon Davis will get Alex Smith back at quarterback; he and Smith have a much better chemistry than he did with the other Smith.

            For The Three Jakes, Philip Rivers will get Kansas City in a must-win game for San Diego to keep their 2010 season relevant. Rivers was awful against the R-R-Raiders, and should rebound nicely against the Chiefs.

            The G-Men have been dominating on the ground lately, and a lot of that has to be credited to the latest surge of big Brandon Jacobs. He should find the end-zone against the Vikings. Ray Rice gets the Texans defense on Monday night, the same team that last Thursday was torched by LeSean McCoy, but could put together a better effort in primetime.

            My prediction: The Ruling Barons have a considerable advantage in the receiving core. I expect Rivers to go buck-crazy and put up a tremendous effort with his season in the balance, but too much talent and decent RB matchups favor The Ruling Barons this week.

Pine Apple, Hitters Clash for Final Playoff Berth

            The playoffs start early for these two teams. Both teams have their season on the line, and both need this win for a chance to reach the postseason.

            Pine Apple has won two straight despite poor outings from quarterback Kyle Orton. This week, however, Orton will get a Cards team that has plain stopped trying; he and his favorite wide-out Brandon Lloyd are due for big games.

            Michael “The Burner” Turner will get to take on a Carolina team that allowed Marshawn Lynch to score thrice last week, and the Burner is churning; he’s likely to have a huge showing. Greg Jennings torched the Lions defense on Thanksgiving and he should see similar results Sunday. Other favorable matchups include Speedy Stevie Johnson versus the Browns and Run DMC against the Jags.

            On the other side, Hitters must hope Joe Flacco rebounds against the Texans on Monday Night Football, a shaky defense that is vulnerable to the pass. LeGarrette Blount will take on the Skins, who were ripped up a week ago by both G-Men backs, while LaDainian Tomlinson will look to recapture his early season success against the Fins at home.

            Receiving-wise, Andre “the Giant” and Terrell Owens are must-starts. However, injuries to Dez Bryant and Jason Witten leave question marks heading into the weekend. With Bryant down, expect Roy Williams to see an influx of catches for Big D.

            My prediction: Too many injuries and questionable matchups for Hitters have Pine Apple looking like a clear-cut favorite this weekend for the game and the final playoff spot. Orton should rebound, Turner should burn and Jennings should make his presence felt in Detroit.