The Sanderson Gazette - 2011-11-09 - A Bit of Clarity
We're back to our old high-flying ways; this week was the eighth-highest-scoring week in modern Blingaleague history.
Week Nine Recap
Allen def. Dave, 118.08-105.61:
Things looked dim for Allen heading into the Monday night tilt. He led Dave by less than nine points, and had only Robbie Gould going up against Dave's Jeremy Maclin and Devin Hester. Well, Erin's favorite player scored 14.00 for her husband, while the Maclin/Hester combo put up only 10.00 for Dave. As a result, Allen stays in first place for the fifth straight week.
Pulley def. Pat, 107.15-102.28:
The matchup that looked to be the week's dud turned out to be its closest contest. Pulley, despite getting zeroes from both Darrius Heyward-Bey and the Titans defense, was able to overcome Pat. Julio Jones's 32.77 points was key for Adam, while Pat's surprising 18.40 from Jay Cutler just couldn't get it done.
Rabbit def. Kevin, 107.54-93.69:
Rabs bounced back from last week's disappointing loss; the Cowboys defense put up a nice 13.00 for Nick, who also got his usual big game from Arian Foster (21.87). Kevin put up a good fight, despite Delone Carter scoring a putrid -1.20 points. Two of Kevin's WRs - Dwayne Bowe and Anquan Boldin - scored the same amount of points (11.73).
Derrek def. Mike, 105.35-94.19:
Derrek will not go away. Philip Rivers (27.15) bounced back and Michael Bush (20.00) filled in nicely for the injured Darren McFadden. Tony Romo (23.25) and Jordy Nelson (20.00) had good weeks for Mike, but the Chiefs defense scoring -4.00 points was costly.
Rob def. Matt, 113.55-86.04:
Has Rob righted the ship? He had a very nice week this week, even though the Raiders defense (-5.00). Aaron Rodgers scored 29.55 and Mike Tolbert chipped in with 22.17. Matt was paced by DeMarco Murray (20.17), but didn't get enough support from the rest of his team.
Ed def. Babel, 133.41-64.51:
The Timberwolves hat is mine, finally! Until this week, our rivalry had been a one-sided affair, with Babel having taking all six previous meetings (five if you don't include 2007). Vincent Jackson came alive for me, scoring 36.80 points. Babel's high scorere was Michael Vick, with a meager 11.05 points.
Current Standings
Allen, 6-3, 970.89
Ed, 6-3, 942.69
Rabbit, 5-4, 1028.70
Mike, 5-4, 943.15
Babel, 5-4, 914.10
Derrek, 5-4, 866.61
Rob, 4-5, 970.46
Kevin, 4-5, 931.35
Matt, 4-5, 882.00
Pulley, 4-5, 812.42
Dave, 3-6, 906.90
Pat, 3-6, 782.19
"200 Points, Bitches"
Steelers defense:
Week Nine: 4.00
Season-To-Date: 55.00 (6.11 per week)
Points To Goal: 145.00 (48.33 per week (bye still remaining))
Weekly Awards
Team Blangums: I'm happy to take Team Blangums this week, with a total of 133.41 points.
Slapped Heartbeat: A rough week for Mark Babel, who put up 64.51 points.
Start of the Week: Derrek played Michael Bush (20.00) instead of BenJarvus Green-Ellis (6.67) points. That's a 13.33-point difference, in a game D won by 11.16.
Misplay of the Week: Kevin left Ben Tate and his 17.50 points on his bench, in favor of Delone Carter, who scored -1.20. Kevin lost by 13.85 points; his RB2 spot was the difference.
Weekly MVP: Vincent Jackson scored 36.80 points, powering me to Team Blangums.
Weekly Dud: It's gotta be Delone Carter (see above).
Pickup of the Week: A new award, because I feel like bragging; I picked up Roy Helu at 11:12 am on Sunday, and was rewarded with 16.10 points.
Week Ten Preview
Game of the Blingaweek
Pralines & Dick (Rabbit, 5-4, 3rd) vs. Optimus Prime (Allen, 6-3, 1st):
Allen's now been in first place for five consecutive weeks. During his dominant 2010 season, Rabbit's longest run was five weeks.
So, it's fitting that to establish a new Blingaleague record, Allen must go through the man who shares the current mark.
Allen might be catching Rabbit at a good time; the latter has Tom Brady going against the Jets, Mike Wallace going against the Bengals, and A.J. Green going against the Steelers. Arian Foster (at Tampa Bay) and Jackie Battle (vs. Denver) have nicer matchups, though.
Allen's top player, Drew Brees, faces the Falcons, which looks promising. And Santonio Holmes could have a big game against a weak New England defense. However, his RBs, particularly Marshawn Lynch (at Baltimore) have rougher matchups.
This should be a good game.
Pick: Optimus Prime.
Other Blingamatches
The Chocolate Donuts (Kevin, 4-5, 8th) vs. D's AutoPicks (Derrek, 5-4, 6th):
Our game of the Blingaweek features two teams in contention for first-round byes; this matchup features two teams fighting just to make the playoffs. Currently, Derrek would nab the final playoff spot, but with his low point total, needs to get as many wins as he can. Kevin's in the same situation, since he's a game behind D right now. LeSean McCoy (vs. Arizona) has a great matchup for Kev; the Steelers defense (at Cincinnati) has one for Derrek.
Pick: The Chocolate Donuts.
Harrison Hammers (Matt, 4-5, 9th) vs. Goulden Pink OBGYN's (Babel, 5-4, 5th):
Here is another game between teams fighting for playoff spots. While Babel has some hope of a first-round bye (he's only one game behind Allen and me), Matt really needs this game to keep any realistic hope alive. Matt has to be excited for Maurice Jones-Drew getting to take on the awful Indianapolis Colts. Babel has to like that Michael Vick gets to play against the terrible Arizona Cardinals.
Pick: Goulden Pink OBGYN's.
Oedipus Rex Ryan (Mike, 5-4, 4th) vs. Camp Hope (Pat, 3-6, 12th):
Give Pat credit: his team still puts up a fight. Mike would like to avoid a rumble, though, as he could really use a win to solidify his playoff status; and he'll have to do without Miles Austin for a few weeks.
Pick: Oedipus Rex Ryan.
St. Olaf Real Stuff (Ed, 6-3, 2nd) vs. The Yips (Dave, 3-6, 11th):
Dave's team is frisky, but near last place; in the Blingaleague, we call that "normal". And after a few weeks of treading water, I seem to be back on track. Dave has some players with nice matchups (Antonion Gates vs. Oakland; Jeremy Maclin vs. Arizona), so this game should be closer than our records would suggest.
Pick: St. Olaf Real Stuff.
Pullman's MondoSquad (Pulley, 4-5, 10th) vs. Pulley sucks (Rob, 4-5, 7th):
The Clash of Hatred returns! And then will happen again three weeks later! Huzzah! This year, Rob's team is flat-out better than Pulley's, despite their similar records.
Pick: Pulley sucks.
Closing Thoughts
This week is the start of Thursday night games (that means tomorrow). Don't forget to set your lineups before then, if you have any Chargers or Raiders on your roster.
EWG