“It’s a Brett Maher type of day”
Kickers ruled in week 11, with Tyler Bass (26), Brett Maher (23), Daniel Carlson (14) and Harrison Butker (14) providing excellent outputs from the kicker position last week. Galen wasn’t so lucky after picking up Graham Gano and getting -2 points though. But that is just how the year has gone for that squad.
As of writing this article, the Jets have benched Zach Wilson but have not named a starter which will either be Joe Flacco or Mike White. On that same note, Flacco hasn’t played since week three and has more passing touchdowns than Wilson (5-4) so what does that tell you. But the people want to know, is Joe Flacco elite?
Did you know that if the Broncos scored just 18 points in regulation in every game this season they would be 9-1? 18 points. Denver is 3-7 right now and just cut Melvin Gordon because he fumbled one too many times. Surely, that will solve the offensive struggles right? No chance. Let’s ride.
Still as we sit here entering week 12, no team has clinched a playoff spot but many teams sit in the drivers seat. We will follow a similar format as I wrote last week, highlighting each team.
STANDINGS
1. HURTS SO GOOD, 8-3
Taking down the Avalanche (thanks to Kyler Murray), HSG has all but clinched a playoff spot. Scoring 126 points, it was the seventh highest score last week and the first time they did not score above the league median this season. A win this week against GWW and they will be in play for the first-round bye.
2. AMAZON PIRANHAS, 8-3
Getting a comeback win on Monday, the Piranhas as well just have to win and they will clinch a playoff spot. The good news is that for the rest of the season, they won’t have to be tricked into playing Kyle Pitts anymore. The bad news is that Kyle Pitts got injured and we truly hope that the Kyle Pitts breakout is next season. Having excellent depth, this might be the year for the Piranhas. They face the Sandstorms this week.
3. MISTREATED MISFITS, 7-4
Despite scoring 153 points (second most in week 11), they went against the highest scorer in the league. The good news is that the Misfits had built up seven wins already and still control their playoff hopes. The Misfits battle HCTM which could have major seeding implications should the Misfits lose. And of course, it helps when you have Patrick Mahomes.
4. HCTM, 6-5
After losing due to a Monday night comeback by the Piranhas, they fell for the Kadarius Toney hype as the fantasy community was all in on Toney. Toney scored zero points. If they would have started DeVonta Smith, they would be in a solid position sitting at 7-4, but instead they are 6-5. While they would probably have to lose the next three games to miss the playoffs, this week should be focused on getting a win and trying to leap the Misfits in the standings. Justin Fields will be the key to that run and if he isn’t healthy, this team will not make an impact in the playoffs.
5. EVERGLADE SQUATCHES, 6-5
Scoring the most points in the league last week without Tua no less, the Squatches made their presence known again. They benefited the most from the kicker position, getting those 26 points from Tyler Bass. I mean really, it was a Tyler Bass game. Every year, Ezra wonders if he drafts Travis Kelce too high in the draft. Every season the answer is no. Travis Kelce is the positional advantage that puts his team above everyone else in the league. They battle the Icecaps this week in a crucial mid-standings matchup. It is a should probably win.
6. TUNDRA ICECAPS, 6-5
The Icecaps went cold again dropping their second game in a row. They have been gifted one of the easier schedules on the year (2nd easiest) and have a 6-5 record to show for it. Kirk Cousins let him down, scoring zero points but it wouldn’t have helped even if he put up 20 points last week. The aforementioned matchup against the Squatches could decide whether or not you will make the playoffs. Win, and you’re basically in. Lose, and you could be on the outside looking on the playoff picture. It is a should probably win as well.
7. ALPINE AVALANCHE, 5-6
Due to not planning ahead with their roster, they ran out of options after Kyler Murray was declared out before the game on Monday night. The result? A big zero on the scoreboard and a loss by just 17 points. As we get down to the final weeks, that move could cost the Avalanche a playoff spot. The issue is the quarterback position will continue to plague them if they do not figure something out soon. They still can’t afford any injuries and face the Thunder this week. If they want to make the playoffs, they can put the Thunder to bed this week with a win. This is a should most definitely win.
8. TROPICAL THUNDER, 4-7
Where did this come from? Surpassing yahoo’s 115 points expectation, the Thunder put up a season high 144 points in a convincing win over the Icecaps. I’m not sure anyone was as upset than Book after Brett Maher made a 60-yard field goal that was taken off the board because of a late review. But, since Brett Maher is a beast, he drilled the 60-yarder again and all was well. The problem is that it might be too late for this team. Technically, they are still in the playoff hunt mathematically, but they would need to win out which is unlikely at this point. Maybe if they get 20 points from Brett Maher every week they can make a late playoff push. What I do know is that if they do want to make a mathematical playoff push, this week is a must win against the Avalanche.
9. GALENSWINNINGWINNERS, 3-8
This is not the year. They put up 87 points in an embarrassing loss and have done everything except throw in the towel. Also, technically not eliminated, GWW could win out and get in at 6-8 if other things fall their way. No chance that happens though with this team. They face HSG this week.
10. SAHARA SANDSTORMS, 2-9
They got their second win of the year beating GWW but this team is playing for the consolation bracket. Still mad at the Broncos being bad, they are banking on their offense to pick it up after dropping $40 on Latavius Murray while also have Russell Wilson. Hey maybe the Broncos can score more than 18 points this week. Let’s Ride!
CLOSING
The trade deadline still remains on December 3, 2022. Happy Thanksgiving from the league office!
Cheers!
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