I'm comfortable saying that week 8 was our best week of the year. We averaged 108.47 points, the 18th most ever and the highest mark since we set the all-time record in week 5 of last year.

The average margin (17.73) isn't as impressive, historically, but week 8 is just the fourth time we've ever had three games decided by three points or less. It joins week 6, 2009; week 2, 2020; and week 8, 2021 in that group.

Week 8 Recap

Mike R. def. Ed, 123.48-123.19

The first - and closest - of the those three games was between a pair franchises each trying to avoid their 100th loss. After the early Sunday games, Ed found himself with a lead thanks to four players that scored between 16 and 17 points: Kyle Pitts (16.67), Mike Evans (16.40), Tyler Allgeier (16.03), and the Eagles defense (16.00). But on Sunday afternoon, Derrick Henry (35.10) exploded for Mike and pushed him ahead. Josh Allen's (18.80) lowest score of the year left Ed needing 52 yards and a touchdown from Tee Higgins (12.53)... and the Bengals receiver put up 49 and a touchdown.

This game's 0.29-point margin is tied for the tenth lowest ever.

Scott def. Schertz, 112.81-110.50

Scott looked like he'd cruise to victory prior to Sunday Night Football, as new additions D'Onta Foreman (31.80), Kyler Murray (25.90), and CeeDee Lamb (16.37) all had big games. But then Stefon Diggs (20.40), Aaron Jones (16.17), and Tyler Bass (11.00) returned the favor for Schertz, giving us our second game that came down to the wire on Monday night. That was when Cade York (7.50) scored just enough to push Scott back ahead for good.

Derrek def. Babel, 100.47-97.78

Our third close game also came down to Monday night, when Hayden Hurst (5.60) fell just short of earning Babel an upset victory. Prior to that, it was Dak Prescott (27.40) and Khalil Herbert (15.90) that powered Babel, while DeAndre Hopkins (27.20) and D.J. Moore (26.57) did the same for D.

Rabbit def. Dave, 133.85-112.60

Rabbit had two players - Christian McCaffrey (34.43) and Tony Pollard (33.23) - put up more than 30 points, which allowed him to cruise to victory despite a zero from Harrison Bryant on Monday night. Dave saw an even bigger game from A.J. Brown (38.80), but he was finished when Davante Adams put up a mere 0.30.

Rob def. Kevin, 123.17-102.92

This game wasn't close, but it was our fourth one decided on Monday night. Joe Burrow (13.30) didn't have a great game for Rob, but Nick Chubb (24.50) did - which was enough to overcome Joe Mixon (6.97) and Kevin.

Pulley def. Pat, 115.98-84.63

Pulley finally broke 100 with some room to spare. Alvin Kamara (37.00) and Travis Etienne, Jr. (22.40) were his top scorers. Only Dalvin Cook (21.10) hit double figures for Pat.

Richie def. Matt, 111.60-65.61

Tua Tagovailoa put up 32.00 and Amari Cooper added 21.47 for Richie, who pulled a big upset over Matt. Jalen Hurts scored 29.75 for the loser, but guys like Courtland Sutton (1.73), George Pickens (zero), and Brian Robinson, Jr. (2.00) had a much bigger impact on the outcome.

Trades

Trade between Babel and Dave

Babel received:

• Dameon Pierce - from Dave - keeper cost: 9th
• Jameson Williams - from Dave - keeper cost: 10th
• Khalil Herbert - from Dave - keeper cost: 10th

Dave received:

• D'Andre Swift - from Babel - ineligible to be kept
• Keenan Allen - from Babel - keeper cost: 2nd
• Damien Harris - from Babel - keeper cost: 5th

Babel decided to look ahead to 2023, targeting Pierce as a strong keeper. Herbert and Williams are not without upside, either.

Dave, on the other hand, was trying to avoid going from the Sanderson Cup to the lottery by nabbing Swift and Allen, both coming off injuries.

One week in, Babel's side has outscored Dave's side, but not by enough to swing either of their matchups.

Trade between Ed and Scott

Ed received:

• Tee Higgins - from Scott - ineligible to be kept
• Josh Allen - from Scott - keeper cost: 2nd
• Mack Hollins - from Scott - keeper cost: 9th

Scott received:

• CeeDee Lamb - from Ed - ineligible to be kept
• Kyler Murray - from Ed - keeper cost: 4th
• D'Onta Foreman - from Ed - keeper cost: 9th

Ed has a long history of trades that directly cause a loss the week after he makes them, but this one might set a new bar. If he had held onto Lamb, Murray, and Foreman and played them over Higgins, Allen, and Tyler Allgeier, he'd have scored just under 150 points and won Team Blangums. Instead, he lost.

And Ed's misfortune was Scott's good luck, as he wound up winning a close game thanks to his new additions. So remember, everyone, if you absolutely need to win your next matchup, make a trade with Ed. I'm sure even acquiring a player on a bye would somehow net you points that week.

Standings

1. Rob, 7-1, 906.75
2. Scott, 5-3, 899.69
3. Rabbit, 5-3, 798.66
4. Mike R., 5-3, 761.85
5. Ed, 4-4, 870.99
6. Matt, 4-4, 834.56
7. Derrek, 4-4, 820.68
8. Kevin, 4-4, 794.39
9. Richie, 4-4, 693.67
10. Schertz, 3-5, 888.14
11. Dave, 3-5, 832.92
12. Pat, 3-5, 706.25
13. Pulley, 3-5, 698.04
14. Babel, 2-6, 661.93

Blingalytics Ratings

1. Rob, 733
2. Scott, 647
3. Ed, 621
4. Schertz, 602
5. Dave, 588
6. Matt, 551
7. Derrek, 534
8. Rabbit, 513
9. Kevin, 495
10. Mike R., 442
11. Pat, 351
12. Pulley, 328
13. Richie, 320
14. Babel, 275

Weekly Awards

Team Blangums

Rabbit's 133.85 was good for his second Team Blangums in a three week span.

Slapped Heartbeat

Matt surprisingly put up the low score of the week, 65.61.

Weekly MVP

There were numerous players who scored over 30 this week, and while Derrick Henry didn't put up the highest score among them, Mike R. needed every single one of his 35.10 points.

Dud of the Week

Matt had the Slapped Heartbeat award wrapped up heading into Monday night, but Evan McPherson twisted the knife by scoring -1.00.

Start of the Week

Derrek went with Dawson Knox (7.33) over Irv Smith, Jr. (3.73) and won by less than three points.

Misplay of the Week

Schertz lost a close game, in part because he went with the 49ers defense (5.00) over the Seahawks (15.00).

Pryor Play of the Week

Kyle Pitts (16.67) put up what was easily his highest score of the season for Ed.

D'Ernest D'oh

For some reason, Schertz picked up the Seahawks defense and didn't play them. That cost him a win.

Week 9 Preview

Game of the Blingaweek

Harrison Hammers (Matt, 4-4, 6th) vs. D's Nuts (Derrek, 4-4, 7th)

Derrek leads all-time series, 10-9.

I won't go so far as to say this is a do-or-die game for our 2018 Blingabowl participants, but it could have a big impact on their playoff odds.

Matt's team has been confusing me lately. He looked like he might once again be the team to beat just three weeks ago, but since then he's put up a high score of 101.80. Only Babel has failed to do better than that in the same timeframe. Jalen Hurts (@HOU) and Saquon Barkley (bye) have been fine recently; Mark Andrews (@NO) has been bad the past two weeks, but Ken Walker III (@ARI) has exploded, so I'm not sure why Matt's been struggling as much as he has... or how well he'll fare the rest of the way.

Derrek's well past his own three-week swoon (weeks 2-4), but he's still on the outside looking in. Justin Jefferson (@WAS) and Patrick Mahomes II (vs. TEN) are his strengths. But I can't figure out if D.J. Moore (@CIN) and DeAndre Hopkins (vs. SEA) will continue their performances from weeks 7 and 8, or if D will stay firmly planted outside the playoff picture.

Pick: D's Nuts.

Other Blingamatches

Three Digit FC (Scott, 5-3, 2nd) vs. The Chocolate Donuts (Kevin, 4-4, 8th)

All-time series tied, 2-2.

Scott gambled on D'Onta Foreman (@CIN) being a the real deal, and for one week at least, it paid off. He's got some bye week issues now, though; none of CeeDee Lamb, Deebo Samuel, or Ezekiel Elliott will be available this week. If Kyler Murray (vs. SEA) gets a boost just from being off Ed's team, Scott can probably hold his bye position through the end. If not... well, I think he's still probably OK, but should be a little concerned - the Ed Trade Curse usually doesn't last that much longer than a week...

With Kevin, I can't tell which side of the "league average" barrier he falls on. By just about any metric - record, points, expected wins, all-play record - he's a .500 team. He has some potential issues this week, as Cooper Kupp (@TAM) is hurt and George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk are on bye. At least Joe Mixon (vs. CAR) and Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. IND) project well.

Pick: The Chocolate Donuts.

Live Commish (Ed, 4-4, 5th) vs. DK Country (Richie, 4-4, 9th)

Richie leads all-time series, 6-4.

I think Ed has a good team. He's lost some games where he had quite high scores (2nd and 3rd in points for the week), but also has needed some opponent duds to win a couple more. Josh Allen (@NYJ) should hopefully return to form, and Mike Evans (vs. LAR), Tee Higgins (vs. CAR), and Leonard Fournette (vs. LAR) have all been pretty consistent producers. If Kyle Pitts's (vs. LAC) week 8 is his new normal, Ed will be one of the scariest teams to face from here on out.

Richie's 4-4, like Ed, but profiles much differently. He trails his week 9 opponent by 177 points and 2.4 expected wins. I don't know how he's doing it, but he's still in the playoff conversation. Austin Ekeler (@ATL) is back from bye, but Amari Cooper has his. Tua Tagovailoa (@CHI) is coming off a great week, too; if he keeps that up, Richie's peripherals might start matching his record.

Pick: Live Commish.

Rob for Today (Rob, 7-1, 1st) vs. Swift Justice (Babel, 2-6, 14th)

Rob leads all-time series, 9-8.

Rob has a firm hold on first place, and it's pretty safe to say he's making the playoffs. Is he the very best team in the league this year? He's got a better argument than anyone else. There isn't a hole on his team, though he might have to grudgingly play A.J. Dillon (@DET) this week to cover Nick Chubb's bye. But Joe Burrow (vs. CAR) should bounce back from last week's poor showing, and Jaylen Waddle (@CHI) and Terry McLaurin (vs. MIN) have been good-to-great all year long.

Babel has a firm hold on last place, and I think I'm confident in saying he is the worst team in the league this year. DK Metcalf (@ARI) has been better than expected, and Chase Claypool (vs. MIA) just moved to a team where he's almost certainly the best WR. Otherwise, there's not much going on here, making the Dickran Duel quite the dud this season.

Pick: Rob for Today.

Bernie's Bullies (Mike R., 5-3, 4th) vs. Super Bash Bros. (Dave, 3-5, 11th)

Dave leads all-time series, 10-4.

Mike is a marginally better version of Richie. He's got better metrics and he's banked an extra win, but his 5-3 record doesn't really indicate his overall team quality. Derrick Henry (@KC) is a beast, but I don't see how a team that is starting Drake London (vs. LAC), Rondale Moore (vs. SEA), and Allen Robinson II (@TAM) at WR is a true contender.

Dave is the opposite of Mike, and not just by record. He should have more wins than he does, and his roster is much scarier to face. A.J. Brown (@HOU) and Travis Kelce (vs. TEN) are absolute stars, and Davante Adams (@JAC) and D'Andre Swift (vs. GB) are capable of blowing up any week. But sitting below .500 - and not even with the most points of that cohort - does hurt Dave's chances of repeating quite a bit.

Pick: Super Bash Bros.

Pralines & Dick (Rabbit, 5-3, 3rd) vs. The Vistas are Back (Pat, 3-5, 12th)

Rabbit leads all-time series, 13-3.

I don't know what to expect from Rabbit. He's sandwiched two Team Blangums awards around a 66-point performance, which was one of four times he's had a bottom-four weekly score this season. Christian McCaffrey is on bye this week; does that mean another bad game is in store? Or will Tyreek Hill (@CHI) and Gabriel Davis (@NYJ) blow up and move him to 6-3 on the year.

Pat's also hard to figure. He's beaten Scott, Ed, and Matt, but also lost to Mike R., Pulley, and Babel. Josh Jacobs (@JAC) looked like a fantastic pick, but then did barely anything last week. Maybe JuJu Smith-Schuster (vs. TEN) has emerged as the top WR in Kansas City?

Pick: Pralines & Dick.

schertzopotamus (Schertz, 3-5, 10th) vs. Pullman's MondoSquad (Pulley, 3-5, 13th)

Pulley leads all-time series, 8-4.

Schertz is third overall in points despite being under .500, and it's sort of hard to tell why. Lamar Jackson (@NO) hasn't kept up his torrid start to the year, but he's still a solid high-end QB. Stefon Diggs (@NYJ) has been awesome, and Aaron Jones (@DET) has been the clear #1 on the Packers. Schertz should be fine moving forward, but will he have to leapfrog too many teams to make the playoffs.

Pulley's coming off his best week of the year, and to be honest, it's confusing as to why his team has been as bad as it has. Alvin Kamara (vs. BAL) started kind of slow, but has been about as good as expected. Travis Etienne, Jr. (vs. LV) has been a good RB. And Miles Sanders (@HOU) has been pretty good, too. TE has been a wasteland for Pulley, though; he has more weeks with zero from the position (3) than ones with five or more points (2).

Closing Thoughts

I'm going to reiterate what I said in the email about the trade between Pulley and Scott that I vetoed due to a technical error.

1. If you ever do make a transaction in error - by hitting the wrong button, or due to a misreading of Yahoo - let me know immediately and I will review and potentially undo it. (I can't promise I always will, as I can't foresee every scenario, but I can promise I will rule as fairly as I can.)
2. Please double check all offers you receive in the Yahoo app, i.e. make sure you are scrolling even if it doesn't look like there's any more to see. Depending on the number of players involved and your phone's dimensions, some parts of the trade can be completely hidden, with no indication there was any need to scroll from Yahoo.

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