Rankings

After 5 weeks of play the league is still wild and crazy. There are some teams that have records which dont reflect so much the strength of their team but more the amount of luck they have had. Luck is part of the game, but for some teams it is becoming almost too much of the game, and could prove to be a problem down the stretch. Either way, here are the rankings going into week 6.

1. The Purple People Eaters
The Eaters are tied with two other teams in the league for the best record and have scored the most points among the three. They also have scored the second most points in the entire league, even after an off week this week (73). The team has just found a way to win and is getting it done in different ways each week. They are the hottest team in the league with 4 straight wins but face a tough matchup this week against another 4-1 team.

2. The Church
The Church put up another good number this week in 97 points and continues to run away with the points crown. This team could easily still be ranked number one but will drop a spot for at least a week. They own a 3-2 record thanks to 19 points from a kicker and other unlikely events. However this team should take out its frustration on whoever it plays this week. The matchups for all players appear to be gifts from the gods, and we might see a new one week point record. Look for this team to be number one after week 6.

3. The Purple Pride
The Pride put up 94 this week in a victory over Henkes Troopers. The scary thing about that number is that only 11 points came from the K, TE, and Defense. That number should be higher most weeks meaning this team will hit that 100 marker a lot. Boldin is now an even better player with the injury to Fitzergerald and should see a considerable rise in looks. Reggie Bush and LJ put up great numbers and appear to be hitting full stride. Everything about this team is on an upswing, and I dont think anyone in the league would want to play them right now.

4. The 3 Time Champ
The Champ somehow managed to knock off the best team in the league to move to 4-1 and a tie for first place. The real question though has to be how long can the Champ continue to get lucky. This team should be 2-3 and in the lower half of the league, but somehow, with help from higher powers, has moved into a tie for first. Position wise there are a lot of teams better than this one, but that isn't what we go by, we go by record, so therefore this team is in the top half of the league. If he continues to pull out the victories he will stay here. However, I don't look for that to happen, and I for sure wouldn't say this team is " Rollin'. "

5. Open For Business
Finally the Business pulled out a win when they deserved to. The team moves to 3-2 and is coming off a good victory of The Green Machine where they scored 97 points. They get Vick back this week which is a plus since Bledsoe seemed to turn the ball over every time he touched it. They have a big matchup this week against another 3-2 team, in a game that could prove to be important down the stretch. If Westbrook and Co. keep producing, this team should keep winning.

6. Could Be Good
CBG is coming off a tough loss in which lack of production in every position hurt him, along with injury. The team has good players but they need to start to hit the endzone more. Some players did face difficult matchups last week and that could be to blame for some poor numbers. Those numbers need to improve this week as CBG faces The Business in a critical game for both teams.

7. The Green Machine
The Machine lost to the Business last week 97 - 81. The face The 3 Time Champ which would normally be a welcoming sight except that Manning and Wayne are on by this week. This is to be expected considering the way things have been going for The Champ. However The Machine puts in Drew Brees who has been quietly having a nice year. All The Machines players will most likely need to perform to a decent level to win his game. But who knows, maybe luck will be on someone elses side for a change.

8. Scott
Scott got a much needed victory over his older brother last week and moved his team into playoff contention with a 2 - 3 record. He also managed to hang a 97 spot despite only getting 4 points from his quarterback. If that kind of production can continue from his position players, then this team will win some more games. He is coming off a big victory but unfortunitely getting thrown directly into the fire with a matchup against The Church this week. It would be a great victory for Scott but highly unlikely. Either way, this team is on the rise and now has a reason to play.

9. Agre
Agre got a glimpse of what it is like to own a good team this week. He was a few points away from a victory and actually had good production from multiple players this week. The good news continues when he finds out he plays Henkes Troopers this week which means he has an excellent shot at picking up the first win of the year. This team looked great preseason, but for some reason just hasn't performed. Maybe a victory this week will start the long road back to playoff contention.

10. Henkes Troopers
The Troop suffered its 5th loss of the year this weekend and hope doesn't appear to be in sight. With Steve Smith riding the bench you have to question the coaching. This team needs to make a move to be productive, and it has to start this week against Agre. If he can manage a win and pull some things together then this team could still be good, but it must start this week, otherwise look for The Troop to be at the bottom of the league for the rest of the year.

So there you have it, the ranks after 5 weeks of play. I wish no luck to everyone, I've seen far too much of it lately.

Mike's Mix

Since I have apparently developed some sort of following, I decided that even though it is late, I'm going to post da mix this week. Tough pick for the featured matchup this week, I almost decided to do two but instead stuck with one. I have a goal of correctly picking the Featured Matchup for the rest of the year. As of now I'm 1 - 0, which is a better record than most Minnesota sports franchises. So yeah anyways here is the mix for week 5.

Green Machine vs. Open For Business.
This is a huge game between the only two and two teams in the league. The winner goes to 3-2 and is assured at least a share of 4th place and could even move into a tie for 3rd. The loser on the other hand will drop to 2-3 and be on the bottom half of the league. The Machine has Manning and Wayne going up against a horrible Texans defense, this could cause problems for The Business. Also causing a problem is a dinged up Coles facing a tough Jaguars defense and Brian Westbrook possibly not playing. Without Westbrook this running back battle favors The Machine. I look for Manning to be the difference maker in this one. Final Score Green Machine 99 Open For Business 87

The Purple Pride vs. Henkes Troopers
This game will probably be a blowout in favor of the Pride. The Troop still dont have their best player in the lineup in Steve Smith, why this is no one knows. Larry Johnson is coming off a huge week and plays a Cardinal Team that is struggling, which could mean another big game from LJ. The Troop isn't even outmatched that much in other positions except the RB, but without Smith I dont like his chances. Final Score The Purple Pride 94 Henkes Troopers 81

Could Be Good vs. The Purple People Eaters
This game is a big one. There is a lot more riding on this game than just the record. This is a game between two teams that hate each other, both are wanting the win more than any other game they have played this year. The game is pretty even matched, with both teams sending out great recieving teams. The slight edge will go to CBG but the PPE could outscore them in the position. I think this game will come down to running backs. The PPE could be in trouble if Ahman Green doesn't play, it might cost him the game. However, Portis should have a nice game so he will make some points up there. CBG has benched Willis McGahee in a manly move and put in Joseph Addai, the rookie, to start in his place. I look for Addai and Ronnie Brown to have good games and ultimately lift CBG over the PPE. Final Score Could Be Good 93 The Purple People Eaters 90

The Church vs. The 3 Time Champ
In what could be an epic battle, The Church takes his service against the proven Champ. No team is hotter than The Church, but can he continue his run is the question. This one will be close there is no doubt, a 20 point victory by The Church is highly unlikely, and if somehow it happens could solidify The Church in the number one spot for some time to come. With the recievers, TE, K, and Defense being fairly equal this game will come down to the QB and RB battle. The Church wins the QB battle hands down no questions asked. McNabb is on fire as of late and I think he will have another insane fantasy week again sunday. If he goes for more than 30 then the RB battle wont even matter, but we are going to assume McNabb is held to 20 give or take(most likely give) a few points. The Church sends out LT and Julius Jones. Jones is coming off his best week of the season and is in a huge game against the Eagles. I think he will have a decent week but nothing special. LT on the other hand is on primetime and that doesn't bode well for The Champ. The Champ sends out Steven Jackson and Frank Gore, Tiki Barber, or Mr. Maroney, which is a great combination of backs as well. However, I dont know if he will be able to pick the right one to play, and honestly, he needs to. I think LT will go big and have a breakout game along with McNabb. I look for The Church to win, but not in a blowout.
Final Score The Church 107 The 3 Time Champ 95

Featured Matchup

Scott vs. Agre

This weeks Featured Matchup involves two teams that are both hungry for a win. It also involves two teams whose managers are related by blood, brothers, yes brothers. They both have the same team logo and know each others tendecies and strategies. That makes this weeks game between Scott and Agre a huge family battle. Now Agre owns the worst team in the league, there is no question about it, but they just might step up for him this week considering the circumstances. Lets take a look at the Matchup.

Quarterback

Mark Brunell vs. Marc Bulger

While the Mark vs Marc matchup isn't exactly the Manning vs. Manning matchup, it could still be a fun one to watch. Bulger is at Green Bay which could mean a big day for the Rams passing game. In fact it could just mean a big day for the Rams in general. I think Bulger will throw 2 scores for sure and maybe get a 3rd. No doubt he will have a good game. Brunell on the other hand is up against the Giants. It is a division game so it could be a high scoring affair. I look for Brunell to get at least one score and probably two, but Clinton Portis will ultimately take away some fantasy points from Brunell this week.

Edge - Bulger - Agre

Wide Recievers

I.Bruce/Randy Moss vs. T. Glenn and Rod Smith

Bruce is up against Green Bay while Moss draws the 49's. Under normal circumstances Agre should be drooling over this matchup but unfortunitely The Raiders QB situation is so bad they have been seen scouting local High School Football games for possible talent. Glenn draws Philly and Smith plays Baltimore on monday night. Glenn has potential to have a big game because of all the attention that will be on T.O. Overall I think the outcome of the recievers should be fairly close, but we will give the edge to the big name guys.

Edge Moss/Bruce - Agre

Running Backs

W.Parker/C. Williams vs. E.James/L.Jordan

This battle isn't actually that bad and features some good running backs. Unfortunitely it features some bad football teams and some worse offensive lines. I think Jordan will have a big day and also that Edge will find the endzone against Kansas City. Parker has a tough draw against San Diego and could be playing from behind that game. I'm not sure what to think about Williams, perhaps the bye week did him and his team some good, Agre will need a good performance out of him to get the edge in this category.

Edge: Edge/Jordan - Scott

The Rest = TE, K, Def.

Assuming Scott actually picks up a defense and sends one out, this one should be fairly close. Agre has his kicker and defense against Green Bay so he will like that. But overall this is still a tie in the category.

Edge - No One

Coaching

Scott Agre vs. Brian Agre

In a brother vs. brother battle coaching will always come into play. I wont lie, it was tough to pick a winner in this category when the combined records of the teams is 1-7. From that standpoint it looks like no one would have the edge, like the teams are controlling themselves, just going with the flow, like an unexperienced Kayaker, unaware of class 5 rapids and giant waterfalls. But I dont think that is the case, at least this week. Both Teams have made some moves this week in prepartion for the game. Agre made the huge acquistion of Chris Brown, whether it is the singer or the running back we aren't sure yet, but either way he made a move. This shows me some true passion for the game and a lot of heart. You can tell both of them want this game. In the end I will give the advantage to the older and perhaps wiser Brian Agre. Surely he doesn't want to be beat by his younger brother, so I think he pulls all the strings in this one, and for that, I give him the edge.

Edge Brian Agre

So after all that who will win this Brotherly Battle???? Who will emerge victorious and have bragging rights for weeks to come???? After much deliberation and running scenarios through my head, I decided that this will be a close matchup either way. But I think we all knew that going in, after all, it is one of the requirements for The Featured Matchup. Even though Agre has more advantages than Scott, I'm again looking for Scott to pull out another win this year. I think Agre will go to 0 - 5 and be tied with recent Minnesota sports teams. However, unlike some of them, he will make a valiant attempt at victory and outcoach his opponent, but in the end, come up just short.

Final Score Scott 4 Agre 3

Thanks For Reading. Good Luck.

Power Rankings

Due to the week from hell in school, the rankings and mix are coming out a little late. But nonetheless here they are.

1. The Church - They dropped 145 last week.... that alone is enough. This team is solid and has been on a roll. They are tied for the best record in the league and have the most points. This team will own first place in the rankings unless they are beat by someone.

2. The Purple People Eaters - Won again and have the second most points in the league. They lose the number one spot because of the performance The Church put on and the fact that they lose a so-called TE to a WR spot. The point total will be lower each week but it was a move that had to be made for the fairness of the league.

3. The 3 Time Champ - Team moves up in the rankings. Could easily drop or rise in the coming weeks. Had a solid 103 point performance while some other teams faltered. This puts them in the three spot. Big matchup this week against the number one team.

4. Could Be Good - Coming off a disappointing week that did produce a victory. Got only 4 total points from the QB/K position, which usually will result in a loss. However the rest of this team is solid and showed up. Most likely this team will score 20 more points a week, which puts them into the 100 - 110 range. That number will produce victories more weeks than not.

5. The Purple Pride - Another 3 - 1 team that has some talent. LJ finally showed up last weekend and it helped the Pride win. If LJ has figured out how to be the back he was last year then this team is dangerous and will only move up in the rankings.

6. Open for Business - Coming off a tough week and a loss to the best team in the league. They didn't have a second running back playing so that proved costly and explains why the point total is low. The team will bounce back, just a tough week with injuries and what not.

7. The Green Machine - Should have had a better week last week. The running backs went crazy but the rest of the team just couldn't put it together. They will have to put it together if this teams wants to get into the playoffs, because right now it looks like it will be quite the race.

8. Scott - Another team that should have put more points on the board last week. With only one win the team needs to pick it up and get victory number two. The league is too good to get way behind early in the year.

9. Henkes Troopers - Almost pulled out a victory this week, which would have been huge for the team. Had they started Steve Smith they would have pulled it out most likely. Not real sure about the decision to keep him on the bench, but those kind of errors can not be made any longer with an 0 - 4 record.

10. Agre - 27 points out of your QB and you dont even score 70 total points?????? This team is in some trouble. If they want to make any kind of push at all, which is still possible, they need to do something right now. I would suggest making some trades and trying to get some more consistant players.

Thats your ranks after 4 weeks of play.