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.