WEEK ONE

David the Patriots 1690 at Robio Hurricanes 1218 The Franchise 1388 at The Republicans 675 Manhattan Projects 1511 at The Quarter Pounders 1510 The Burrier Bruisers 1181 at Backstreet Boyz 1507 Eric’s Dolphins 1195 at Griff’s Stoners 1275 Molly Pop 990 at Don’s Gators 1243

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

MANHATTAN PROJECTS: Sometime early this morning, Ahman Green went around left guard for a little three-yard gain, thus giving you a BIG OPENING DAY WIN. Last year…you would have lost this game.

QUARTER POUNDERS: Probably the most heartbreaking defeat in league history. There had been two other 1-point games in league history, the last came four years ago, but both those games were low scoring, this was a barn-burner.

BACKSTREET BOYZ: Undefeated on opening day (3-0). Am I the only person looking forward to that Backstreet Boyz vs. Manhattan Projects match up in two weeks?

BURRIER BRUISERS: I See a big black hole on this team and it’s sitting right in that second running back spot…two man teams don’t win championships

DAVID THE PATRIOT: Thank God Suggs was hurt, because Martin’s 462 points would have been sitting on the bench. Hopefully for Vick, this was just a fluke game.

THE ROBIO DYNASTY: 2-4 on opening day…what the hell? How bad was it? One player scored over 500 points, a backup running back scored over 200, my #1 ranked defense barely scored over 100 points and the rest of my team scored under 100.

GRIFF COOMERS: This team doesn’t look too solid. If Alexander has just a great day, instead of a great, great day…you lose. But you didn’t and that’s all that matters.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS: Rudy was not the Rudy we expected, but Thomas Jones looked good. You had a bunch of decent performances, but you need good performances to win.

DON GATORS: I don’t know about you, but it looks like you have one of the best one-two running back combos in the league.

MOLLY POP: Only two players broke the 200-point barrier and those running backs, ugh…149 total points! ugly.

THE FRANCHISE: Good solid week, but let’s see what happens when your two best players aren’t going against the vaunted Giants defense. We’ll see if you’re the real deal when you take on Dave next week for the early division lead.

BOB’S BOOTYLICIOUS: An ugle ending last season and an ugly start to this season. Dating back to last season, you’ve lost eight of nine. Thank God you’re in the baseball playoffs.

WEEK TWO

Don’s Gators 1164 at Griff’s Stoners 992 Molly Pop 794 at Eric’s Dolphins 1272 Backstreet Boyz 1321 at The Quarter Pounders 1021 The Burrier Bruisers 1427 at Manhattan Projects 983 The Republicans 1419 at Robio Hurricanes 1318 The Franchise 1402 at David the Patriots 1686

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

DAVID THE PATRIOT: What’s up with Curtis Martin? Has he ever looked this good? Dave has knocked out the high score in both weeks, but is it too early to celebrate Dave’s championship? History says we should relax. Here are Dave’s early season records starting with 1999 (and remember, he’s never won a division title) 3-0, 2-3, 5-1, 4-2, 5-0 and this season 2-0.

MATT NEATOCK: This loss doesn’t mean a thing. There’s no shame in losing a game that you scored 1,400 points in. Let’s do a quick evaluation of those two trades you’ve made. James for Lewis; James has 514 points and Lewis has 270 points. Winner so far: Matt. TE D. Clark for WR Lelie; Clark had zero points, Lelie had 100 points. Winner so far: Rich C.

THE BURRIER BRUISERS: Burrier won’t believe it, but this was a huge upset. Thanks to Charles Rogers’ season ending injury, Roy Williams is looking like the sleeper pick of the draft. This was the third time in four tries that Burrier has won the battle of the Richard’s.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECT: Ugly week for The Projects. Not that it would have made a difference, but is your receiving core so weak you have to start two Jets receivers at the same time? You didn’t even break 1,000 which is only the second time in eighteen career games you failed to do so.

THE REPUBLICANS: You’re QB and top receiver didn’t’ break 100 and your tight end scored nothing…how the hell did you score 1,419? And to think you had two players on your bench that scored 628 points combined. Big win Bobby!

THE ROBIO DYNASTY: Well, here we go again. Let’s look at my starts the past four years (’04) 0-2, (’03) 0-4, (’02) 2-5, (’01) 0-4. Just once I want to have a good start. The only bright spot, I scored over 1,000ppg for the 14th straight game, sixth longest streak of all-time, five away from the record.

ERIC DOLPHINS: Not a great game, but good enough to win. You had three players score 1,087 and the rest scored 185 points. Did you know that you have started 1-1 every single season? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if you beat your dad next week, you’ll be tied for first place.

MOLLY POP: How bad is this start? You’ve scored below 1,000 points in both games, two loses against two teams that don’t look like champion caliber teams, David Hightower has nearly doubled you up in total points, both your starting running backs are out for the next three or four weeks, Jamal White is your best running back. I can’t figure out how you’re going to survive without your two backs?

DON GATORS: 2-0 baby, amazing the difference a year makes. There’s still a large gap in that second receiver slot, but who knew Davis would be the next Charlie Garner being a good running back, but better receiver? Oh yeah, I did. Next week though, son vs. father with first place on the line

GRIFF STONERS: Can we change your team name to the Griff Alexander’s…cause that’s what this team has come down to. Those receivers are studs like we’d thought they were, but where the hell is Trent Green? Can you believe next week’s game against your wife is a battle for last place? The past two years, this was always a battle for first.

BACKSTREET BOYZ: You have to hate when you take out your starting running back for someone else and then proceed to lose nearly 200 points, but who cares, it didn’t hurt you. Dave’s looking good so far, but my money is still on this team winning it all.

THE QUARTER POUNDERS: I’m not sure why the web site still sometimes refers to your team as Gang Greenblatt…maybe because you’re still playing bad like last season. Where are your freaking running backs? You started Bettis against the leagues best defense and he got you zero. Not only that, you’ve got four running backs on your bench that netted you a total of 26 points (one is injured).

NEW THING THIS WEEK (The league has its own power rankings based on the numbers, I have my own)

ROBIO THE GEEK’S POWER RANKINGS

#1 BACKSTREET BOYZ (2-0) The big test comes next week…or so we thought #2 DAVID THE PATRIOT (2-0) Looking at the schedule, is there any reason you can’t be 8-0 when you play Backstreet’s in week nine? #3 THE FRANCHISE (1-1) Looking like a title contender…assuming you don’t trade it all away. #4 MANHATTAN PORJECTS (1-1) Even good teams get upset every now and then #5 BURRIER BRUISERS (1-1) Do it again next week, I’ll give you more love next week #6 DON’S GATORS (2-0) I look forward to seeing what you do when you’re playing outside the division #7 ROBIO DYNASTY (0-2) Best 0-2 team in the league…lovely. #8 GRIFF COOMER (1-1) You won’t miss the playoffs this year, thanks to another weak division #9 BOB CASTRONE (1-1) Which team are you, the 1,400 winner or the 675 loser? #10 ERIC’S DOLPHINS (1-1) You’ll have to prove to me you’re better then the teams above you #11 QUARTER POUNDER (0-2) Teams with one RB, don’t get high rankings #12 MOLLY POP (0-2) We thought the draft was bad, but those injuries…it’s not even fair

WEEK THREE

David the Patriots 825 at The Republicans 1601 The Franchise 1115 at Robio Hurricanes 1363 Manhattan Projects 1912 at Backstreet Boyz 1110 The Quarter Pounders 2091 at The Burrier Bruisers 1632 Eric’s Dolphins 1198 at Don’s Gators 1231 Griff’s Stoners 1789 at Molly Pop 933

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

THE QUARTER POUNDERS – Can a 1-2 team really be the league leader in scoring? Has Colby risen from the ashes that is a Greenblatt draft? That defense & QB are studs, but how did that trade work out for you? Barber & Dunn combined for a total of 501 points. I think that’s a good thing, don’t you?

THE BURRIER BRUISERS – There’s not much I can say about a team that scores 1,600 and loss…that’s just bad luck, so I’ll take this opportunity to talk about the division as a whole. The four teams in this division are averaging 1,434ppg. How good is that? Let’s see, The Mac Daddy’s (Mine) is average a decent 1,308ppg and the Florida Division is pulling in an average of 1,173ppg. No question what division is top dog again this season. Trade update: Kevin Jones: 4 rushes, 8 yards…eight total points.

MANHATTAN PROJECTS – I wonder why you were so concerned with the sack points…maybe because your QB went down five times? Again, let’s talk division; by beating The Boyz, you’re technically in first place, however, you’re the only one in the division who had one game where you failed to break 1,000…go figure. Trade update: In two trades with Matt, you got Lewis & Lelie who netted you 680 total points.

BACKSTREET BOYZ – We’ll call this your bye-week bust. Stat that may only interest me…of your last 22 games (regular & post) your opponents have scored over 1,500 points ten times and they have failed to score 1,000 points only once.

ROBIO DYNASTY – It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. Streak update: 15-straight weeks with over 1,000 points, tied for fifth now with Rob Masterson; four back of the record. Trade update: Not a good week. Traded over 500 points to The Pounders for Griffen’s –15 total points and Coles only produced 74 total points.

THE FRANCHISE – Ugly week for you…the running backs looked averaged at best and those bye-week picks up’s didn’t do so well. Trade Update: Warrick: 0, Clark: 0, James: 174. The total points you traded away (this week): Lewis, Barber, Lelie: 996 total points.

THE REPUBLICANS – 1,101 total points from your receivers? What the hell? Your receivers would have beaten Molly all by themselves. Is Wayne now the man in Indy?

DAVID THE PATRIOT – What did I say in my predictions; “Vick will shine (sometimes), but he’ll struggle in this new offense…this is what will keep you from advancing far into the post-season.” Take away that big run at the end and Vick’s in the negative.

GRIFF’S STONERS – Another smack down of your wife…no pity, no mercy. Can the Falcons be the steal of the year so far? Now that you’ve taken two of three in the weakest division in football, let’s see what you do against some real competition with The Boy, The Projects, The Bruisers, The Republicans. Be happy if you just go 2-2 in that stretch.

MOLLY POP – Oh Molly…it hurts to watch. Five players failing to break one-hundred. That’s harsh. Forget getting a ‘W’ just score over 1,000 points. We’re officially in ‘Tim’ territory now. For those of you who don’t know Tim, he was the worst all-time fantasy football owner with a 5-23 record. I don’t have my stat sheets on me, but I think the worst start to a season is 0-5…let the countdown begin.

DON’S GATORS – Can anyone be any luckier? At least your opponent scored over 1,000 finally. Win next week and you’ll win the same about of games you won all of last year (4). Your next four games though are against the mighty Daddy Mac division…can you say 3-4 record four weeks from now?

ERIC’S DOLPHINS – The man who refuses to ever have a winning streak. Come on Eric, is it that hard to win two in a row? Just like last week, three players rocked; 1,062 points from Brooks, Jones & Ward and 136 points from the other five.

ROBIO’S POWER RANKINGS

#1 Manhattan Projects (2-1) You won .667% of your games against the best division in football #2 Backstreet Boyz (2-1) Yeah, you went .667 also, but you lost to the guy above you #3 Quarter Pounders (1-2) Two running backs makes you a contender #4 Burrier Bruisers (1-2) One last time, toughest…division…in…fantasy…football #5 The Republicans (2-1) Receivers mania…means the first game was the fluke #6 David the Patriots (2-1) Everyone gets a fluke-week #7 The Franchise (1-2) Despite ‘L’ your starters are better than mine right now #8 Robio Dynasty (1-2) Easy stretch coming up; four of next six are in Florida Division #9 Griff’s Stoners (2-1) Only real contender from Florida #10 Don’s Gators (3-0) The 2003 Molly…is now the 2004 Don. Lowest scoring winner #11 Eric’s Dolphins (1-2) You had a chance to go to next level and you let us all down #12 Molly Pop (0-3) Record-breaking season, longest losing streak or worst record ever?

WEEK FOUR

David the Patriots 1074 at Manhattan Projects 1140 The Franchise 1425 at The Burrier Bruisers 992 Robio Hurricanes 528 at Eric’s Dolphins 1097 The Republicans 1408 at Molly Pop 1238 The Quarter Pounders 1624 at Don’s Gators 1302 Backstreet Boyz 803 at Griff’s Stoners 1339

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

THE QUARTER POUNDERS – It’s time to give this team some love. Their 6,246 points is the third highest point total after four games. The all-time leader, Brian Gagnon (Retired) 6,790 points in 2000. Second, Richard Burrier 6,428 points in 2003. If you can score 1,826 this next week, you can have the five-week record.

DON’S GATORS – You finally had a good week and you lose. Don’t sweat it though…the numbers don’t lie. Before this season, nine teams have started the season 3-0. Of those nine, none finished with a losing season, four of the nine won their division and all nine made the playoffs.

MANHATTAN PROJECTS – Last year you couldn’t win the close ones. You were 0-3 in 100-point games, this season you’re already 2-0 in the close ones…that makes a losing season into a winning one…can you say, sole possession of first place?

DAVID THE PATRIOT – Talk about night and day…you score 3,376 in the firs two games and 1,899 in the next two…which is the real Dave? Should get easier, none of your next five opponents have a winning record.

THE REPUBLICAN – The real Republicans got their ass kicked this week, but this Republican sure hasn’t. The Hot Bob has started back-to-back seasons at 3-1. In league history, 22 teams have started 3-1 or better, only two failed to make the playoffs, you last season and Rich Burrier in 2002.

MOLLY POP – You’re now the seventh team to start the season 0-4. I don’t want to mention the “Tim” but I have to. One more loss and you tie Timmy with the worst start in league history. Also, dating back to last year, you’ve dropped five straight, tied ninth with seven other teams; three short of the all-time record of eight straight losses. To make you feel better though, of the seven teams to start 0-4, six of them won their fifth game and twice (both times me) a 0-4 team ended up winning the division.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS – Nice win no matter how you look at it, but winning one hasn’t been your problem. In 46-straight games, you’ve only won back-to-back games three times. You got a tough road ahead if you’re going to do it; your next five opponents are five of the top-six scorers in the league.

ROBIO DYNASTY – How bad has it gotten? You tell me which numbers are worse. My 1,000-point streak ends at seventeen, my 528 points this week are my second worst in my career, I might be guilty of one of the worst trades in league history…my starting running backs over the past two weeks have scored a total of 416 points. The two backs I traded away have scored a total of 1,079. Now that’s bad, but that’s not even the worst stat. How bad was this week? My players turned the ball over seven times for (-415 total points) and scored zero, none, nada touchdowns.

GRIFF’S STONERS – Talk about a stud victory, you lose your two best players, Alexander & Moss and what do you get…Moss Jr., Andre Johnson scores 278 points and who replaces Alexander, a freaking rookie WR on one of the worst offenses in Tampa, Clayton knocking out 246 points.

BACKSTREET BOYZ – Amazing turn around in your career, in your first eighteen regular season games you never failed to score at least 1,000 points in a single game. Since then you’ve failed to score 1,000 points five times in your last thirteen regular season games.

THE FRANCHISE – You’re certainly better than a 2-2 team, so does that mean you’re just unlucky sometimes. Let’s see, you’re facing Eric next week, a team you should be able to beat, however, you loss your two best players because the Eagles take a break. That certainly feels unlucky.

BURRIER BRUISERS – New ground for the Burrier…after going 3-1 the two previous seasons, he’s started off 1-3 this year. Some good news though, despite you’re record, you’re sixth in the league’s power rankings which means you’re probably not as bad as your record indicates.

ROBIO’S POWER RANKINGS: (Record) Thoughts (Up/Down from last week)

#1 The Quarter Pounders (2-2) Can’t deny the league’s top scoring team anymore (+1) #2 Manhattan Projects (3-1) You won, but the Quarter’s dominated (-1) #3 The Republicans (3-1) No longer a sleeper team, but 5-1 start did you no good last season (+2) #4 Griff’s Stoners (3-1) New bestseller “Beat the bye-week mulligan for Dumb-asses” (+5) #5 The Franchise (2-2) You would be 4-0 if you came out of the Florida Division (+2) #6 David The Patriot (2-2) You can’t lose two in a row and be in my top-five (+1) #7 Don’s Gators (3-1) Beat up team plays good, but still falls shorts (+3) #8 Backstreet Boyz (2-2) Can’t deny the stats…this team not looking that great (-6) #9 Burrier’s Bruisers (1-3) No ‘toughest’ division excuse this time around (-5) #10 Eric’s Dolphins (2-2) Beating me use to mean something, not this season (+1) #11 Molly Pop (0-4) Decent performance slips you out of last place for now (+1) #12 Robio Dynasty (1-3) I have Dunn & Barber nightmares night after night, now Bennett will be out for two more weeks…the bad season I deserve is upon us (-4)

WEEK FIVE

Don’s Gators 1542 at Backstreet Boyz 1408 Griff’s Stoners 1762 at Manhattan Projects 1514 The Quarter Pounders 887 at The Republicans 1199 Molly Pop 651 at Robio Hurricanes 1849 Eric’s Dolphins 1104 at The Franchise 1060 The Burrier Bruisers 1522 at David the Patriots 606

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

ROBIO DYNASTY – Let’s see, Not only did I have the high score for the week, but at 2-3 I’m actually off to my best start since 2000. So one would think it’s time for me to start celebrating and talk about the great Robio comeback, right? Wrong. One good game is not going to hide the fact that I have a two-man team right now with average running backs and less-than average receivers. Five-week Outlook: Will fight it out for a bottom seed.

MOLLY POP – Welcome to the record books Molly. 0-5 start ties Tim for worst start to a season. Dating back to last season, you’re two loses away from tying Tim for longest losing streak at eight. There is good news though; both your starting running backs are back once Carolina comes off its bye-week and with Foster gone, Davis should get nearly all of Carolina’s carriers. Find some consistency at QB and Defense and you’ll have a shot. Five-week Outlook: First pick in next year’s draft

DON’S GATORS – Impressive win for the Gators. Who would have guessed you’d have a better record than the real Florida Gators (Can you say Steve Spurrier!). Can anyone remember the last time a team’s leading scorer was a TE and the team still won? Does anyone remember that Don was last season’s worst team? In league history, the team who finished dead last the previous season has never started 4-1 the following season. Five-week Outlook: Playoffs are looking good, but division title is a stretch

BACKSTREET BOYZ – This season’s most disappointing team, without a doubt. It sucks that you left 1,000 points from three players on your bench this week. But is there any doubt you wouldn’t have won if you had Holmes? It’s a rough start, but I’ll drop my pants in Time Square if this team doesn’t win at least eight games this season Five-week Outlook: No way you miss playoffs

THE REPUBLICANS – I can’t deny this team after four-straight wins, but I’m still not sold that this is a division winning team. Barlow is a near bust and Dillon is good not great. But those receivers are great and Hasselback is a stud. Can a team with average running backs win a division? Maybe. Five-week Outlook – You’re post-season bound, but I’ll be shocked if someone doesn’t catch you for division

QUARTER POUNDERS – League’s top scoring team no more. Your team was hot, but you only won two games, what happens if you cool off? Harrison is still good, but he was not worth a top pick…but Barber, Barber, Barber. Is he really this good? That sharp pain in my gut I feel every time I see his stats on Sunday tells me he is. But Colby, Kerry Collins? Didn’t you see his 0 TD’s, 5 turnover performance the week before? Five-week Outlook: Will just miss the playoffs.

GRIFF’S STONERS – Three words for you…Scary. Wide. Receivers. It’s always a good thing when Moss is having a kick-ass season and he’s looking like your second best receiver. Keeping Johnson as your sleeper keeper is looking like a steal right now. Oh, did I mention that stud running back too. Five-week Outlook: Division winner and top-seed

MANHATTAN PROJECTS – One name wraps up your week…Ahman Green. Seven points…seven points, ugh. Your star player should never end up with seven points. This defeat could keep you from the top-seed down the road in the post-season Five-week Outlook: Division winner, 2nd seed.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS – Let’s see, both your starters are gone for the week, so what do you do? Oh, you’ll just put in a couple backups who will knock down 406 points for you…solid dept at RB. But forget this game, let’s think ahead Eric…if you beat David next week, you’ll be two games over .500. In 47-career games, Eric has never, ever been two games over .500…ever! Five-week Outlook: Team most likely to collapse at end

THE FRANCHISE – Not so tough without your Eagles, are you? This lose is not a big deal. Just think though, if you had Barber, you would have won (LOL). You’re still weak at backups, but as long as your team is healthy, you’ll be post-seasoned bound. Five-week Outlook: Team most likely to catch Bob for division title

BURRIER BRUISERS – I still can’t figure this team out. You’re still just a two-man team for now. There’s only so long the roto-running back system will work for you. However, you better become a Detroit fan…if you keep the Lions defense and Kevin Jones comes back, you’ll have three Lions on your team. Five-week Outlook: Not sure this team can go on the type of winning streak needed to make the playoffs

DAVID THE PATRIOT – If The Boyz aren’t the most disappointed team, then you are. Vick looks bad, real bad. Portis looks like an average running back and Curtis Martin has come back to Earth. Right now, I don’t think you’re capable of beating Molly in two weeks. Your boys better start playing soon before the season gets ugly Five-week Outlook: The names are big, the stats are not…will fight for 8th playoff spot

ROBIO’S THE GEEKS POWER RANKINGS

#1 Griff’s Coomers (4-1) You beat one of the top teams in the league and you’re the league’s top scoring team #2 Manhattan Projects (3-2) When you lose, you lose pretty…that’s a good thing, right? #3 Don’s Gators (4-1) Two solid weeks in a row will always move you up #4 The Republicans (4-1) Damn conservatives just know how to win #5 Quarter Pounders (2-3) A bad week doesn’t usually drop anyone this much, but that’s what you get for picking up Kerry Collins #6 The Franchise (2-3) No matter how good you think your team is, you have to get that ‘W’ to be on top of my list #7 Burrier Bruisers (2-3) You’re still missing that second running back. #8 David The Patriot (2-3) Two most disappointing players; Vick & Portis #9 Backstreet Boy (2-3) You looked so solid in the first two weeks, looked like crap the last three #10 Eric’s Dolphins (3-2) You have to not only win but impress me doing it, if you want to move up this list #11 Robio Dynasty (2-3) One great game against the worst team in the league doesn’t mean much in my rankings #12 Molly Pop (0-5) More good news, you’re only two games back of a playoff spot.

WEEK SIX

David the Patriots 1277 at Eric’s Dolphins 1361 The Franchise 1338 at Molly Pop 1387 Robio Hurricanes 1562 at The Quarter Pounders 725 The Republicans 976 at Backstreet Boyz 1581 Manhattan Projects 1077 at Don’s Gators 711 The Burrier Bruisers 728 at Griff’s Stoners 1493

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS MOLLY POP – Props go out to the last team to win a game. Think about it though; terrible start, star running backs out; receivers not stepping up, no star QB and rotating defense, yet you’re only one game out of the playoff picture. MOST LIKELY TO…miss the playoffs and earn the 2nd pick in next year’s draft

THE FRANCHISE – The only reason you’re not the biggest disappointment is because you’ve managed to stay in the playoff picture. If this team loses any starter for any period of time, you’re in trouble. MOST LIKELY TO…win a few ball games down the stretch and squeeze into the playoffs

ROBIO DYNASTY – A missed field goal prevented me from having the highest scoring team again. Is it too late to change my name to the Robio Culpepper’s? His numbers this season; 548, 319, 502, 686, 605. I’m not willing to declare myself a guarantee playoff lock, but with Bennett due back next week (and yes, he will be the starter) and if Taylor ever had a 100-yard rushing game, I might have a shot. MOST LIKELY TO…catch Bob for the division title

QUARTER POUNDERS – Not even Tiki would have saved you this week. Could end up being a big loss in terms of tiebreakers, but we’ll call this your bye-week blues game since you were missing two starters, but how does Dunn always do so good then the coach, for no reason at all, starts playing Duckett more? Better watch out for this one. MOST LIKELY TO…just miss the playoffs

BACKSTREET BOYZ – Finally looked like the stud team I though you had. And to think, thanks to your bad start, you were able to be higher up on the waiver wire and land Droughns. You could really use a TE, but I still think you’re looking at the best team in the league this year. MOST LIKELY TO…be the best post-season team, not to win the division

THE REPUBLICANS – Time to play ‘Good News, Bad News’. Bad news; you lost. Good news; there were a few good sings. Good news; Dillon played like a #1 back and Barlow played like a #2 back. Bad news; Chad Johnson looks about average with Palmer at QB MOST LIKELY TO…struggle towards the end, but still make the playoffs

ERIC’S DOLPHINS – Congratulations Eric, you won three games in a row for only the second time (It’s actually three times if you count the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003). Talk about your nail biters though…you have had four games decided by less than 100 points; 80-point loss, 33-point loss, a 44-point win and an 84-point win. MOST LIKELY TO…appear in his first playoff game

DAVID THE PATRIOT – I’m officially voting you “Most Disappointing” team of 2004…so far. Your stars finally come out and play (Vick 357, Portis 290), your other stud Martin brings in another 326 and you still lose. How? I can’t figure it out? MOST LIKELY TO…turn it around and sneak into the playoffs.

MANHATTAN PROJECTS – You’re honestly, the exact opposite from last season. Squeezing out close games, winning even though you didn’t do too well. You’re in first place in your division, but there’s something that smells fishy from the Projects. Your team has failed to break 1,200 points in four of your six games this season. That’s how you get upset in the first round of the playoffs instead of doing the upsetting. MOST LIKELY TO…barely hang on to division, but get upset in the first round

DON’S GATORS – Early polling says your team is a fraud and you won’t even make the playoffs, but polls don’t matter, only ‘W’s’. After three straight weeks of improvement, you’re team hit rock bottom. If Faulk and Davis can’t stay healthy and/or keep their backups on the bench, those posters are going to look right MOST LIKELY TO…never have another winning streak again and miss the playoffs

GRIFF STONERS – The man of the hour. He’s never had top score for the week, but he’s been impressive; Since failing to break 1,000 in week two, he’s thrown down 1,789, 1,339, 1,762, 1,493. His season total of 1,442 puts him on pass to be only the fifth guy to score over 20,000 points in a season (Of course, I’ve done it three times) MOST LIKELY TO…win the whole damn thing

BURRIER BRUISERS – How bad has it gotten for the Bruisers? How about the fact that only one person (Burrier himself) picked him to beat Griff this week in the Pick ‘EM. Your stars don’t shine (no one breaks 200 points) and you put in the Lion’s defense against a hot Packers offense over the Eagles defense going against a struggling Panther’s Offense. I can’t see any reason for things to improve at all this season. MOST LIKELY TO…earn the top pick in next season’s draft

ROBIO THE GEEK’S POWER RANKINGS #1 Griff Stoners (5-1) There’s no doubt about it. Even if you lost next week, I’d still vote you #1 #2 Manhattan Projects (4-2) Waiting to see more consistency from this team #3 Backstreet Boyz (3-3) Looked like the pre-season favored again #4 The Republicans (4-2) Hanging onto the top spot of VH-1 employees #5 Robio Dynasty (3-3) Two great back-to-back games puts me back near the top #6 Eric’s Dolphins (4-2) You have the lowest scoring against average in league #7 Don’s Gators (4-2) One bad game won’t send you tumbling that far down #8 The Franchise (2-4) You’re probably better than the four teams above you, but you have to actually win to prove it #9 Quarter Pounders (2-4) Dunn is faltering, is Barber next? Either way, it’s still better than having Griffen. #10 David The Patriot (2-4) You can’t lose four-straight games and stay anywhere near the middle #11 Molly Pop (1-5) You’re not a great team team, but with healthy RB’s and smart decisions down the road, you can win some games #12 Burrier Bruisers (2-4) Yes, I think you would lose to Molly right now

LOOKING AHEAD David the Patriot vs. Molly Pop Okay Molly, let’s see if you’re for real. You have no one missing on a bye-week and your backs are healthy. Dave, if you lose this one, you’re in deep shit. You better find a way to win without your top pick Portis. I like Molly Pop

The Franchise vs. Quarter Pounders Both teams should be healthy with no bye-week issues. The best team should win…but who’s really the best team. The winner will probably be in the playoff picture, the loser will most likely be out. I like The Franchise

Robio Dynasty vs. Backstreet Boyz I’m 3-1 against teams currently sitting below me and 0-2 against teams ranked ahead of me…I need Bennett back now. The Boyz need to find a defense this week, but can go a long way to prove he’s legit by beating me. I like Backstreet Boyz

The Republicans vs. Griff Stoners Bobby’s Barlow is hurt, but Griff could be short two stud WR’s (injury and bye) but Griff maybe unstoppable at this point. I like The Republicans

Manhattan Projects vs. Eric’s Dolphins Eric goes for four in a row for the first time, but Manhattan goes with the drug kingpin on suspension this week. Eric might have this one this time around. I like Eric’s Dolphins

Burrier Bruisers vs. Don’s Gators Burrier’s bye-week nightmare isn’t until week ten, this week though, Don’s got to live through it. I don’t think he has the power to pull it off this week. I like Burrier Bruisers

WEEK SEVEN

David the Patriots 1338 at Molly Pop 1305 The Franchise 1245 at The Quarter Pounders 1743 Robio Hurricanes 1460 at Backstreet Boyz 1563 The Republicans 1040 at Griff’s Stoners 1190 Manhattan Projects 1559 at Eric’s Dolphins 1058 The Burrier Bruisers 1446 at Don’s Gators 1440

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

BACKSTREET BOYZ – Your best receiver scores six total points and you can walk away with a big ‘W’ is something worth bragging about. Just imagine if Holmes didn’t get hurt (he got stopped on the one-yard line and got replaced), he would have scored six, maybe seven total touchdowns. But the real shocker was the 268 from Witten, fucking Witten. Good teams always have that one nobody step up out of nowhere.

ROBIO DYNASTY – I had no business scoring the points that I did. Thankfully Fred Taylor has finally gotten his act together, but there will be no title in Robioland if I don’t find another running back because I don’t have one great receiver, let alone three good ones. Mark my words…I will not have a winning record if I don’t make a trade to get a second running back.

GRIFF STONERS – Now some may look at your victory and laugh, make fun of you for winning with only 1,174 points. But I won’t, not me. When you take a deeper look, you shouldn’t have won this game, which makes me more impressed with your team. You’re two stud receivers are gone (injury, bye), you’re starting running back (Henry) is losing his spot, your top running back fails to break 100 and your defense score a pathetic five points….but you win. One worry though, Moore has been an awesome pick up for you, one that might save you when Henry sucks ass, but when Smith comes back in Minnesota, even if Moore continues to start, how many carries will he get when Bennett, Smith & Williams back there with him? Just something to watch

THE REPUBLICANS – Talk about opportunity missed. Yeah, you were missing Barlow, but there’s one reason you lost and his name is Hasselback. Luckily for you, you’re in a shitty division right now. Here’s how it’s going to work for you. If you can enter back into divisional play up one game over everyone else (Robio, Dave, Franchise), you’ll win the division.

DAVID THE PATRIOT – First and for most, you have no business getting 192 points from a player (Suggs) who splits equal time with another running back on his team. But something needs to happen with Vick and it better happen soon.

MOLLY POP – Poor Pop, back-to-back solid games, but you fall 17 points shorts…but be honest woman, you got to be tired of Stephan Davis breaking your heart? It’s never good when a stud acts like a dud…look on the bight side though, if you kept Charlie Garner, you’d have no shot at all. I still say you should blame your husband for your season.

QUARTER POUNDERS – I like this team…and not just because of Tiki; solid QB; one great back, one good back, one great WR, one good WR and a good enough defense…TE, well, we won’t talk about that right now. High score of the week three times is one way to contend.

THE FRANCHISE – Westbrook is hurt…and yes, this one little injury could kill your season. Hope you’re smart enough to pick up his backup. Like I’ve said a dozen times in the past, this is one team that can’t have injuries. Don’t start flipping out now. You’re still only two games back of the division lead.

MANHATTAN PROJECTS – What a difference a year makes. You were sitting at 1-6 last season at this time. Now you’re up one in the division. It’s too bad you need Griff to lose twice if you want that top seed. However, based on last year being #1 seed isn’t all that it’s all cracked up to be.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS – You lost and that sucks, but Rudi showed some life…Again, I don’t see this team competing with the Big Dogs, but I just can’t imagine this team crashing and burning and missing the playoffs.

THE BURRIER BRUISERS – Talk about refusing to just die. This team is worse than the stereotypical bad guy that just won’t die no matter how many times you stab, shoot or blow him up. However, things don’t be looking so good in the future; Tomlinson is hurting and Jones needs to step up; 30 yards and TD ain’t going to do it week in and week out. The curse of Anthony Thomas will kill you forever!

DON’S GATORS – Yeah, you lost, but hey, you scored over 1,400, so it wasn’t all that bad, but you’re team just seems like it’s tittering on the brink of disaster. This week, you’ll have to deal with bye-weeks, injuries, more injuries and now breast-cancer wife’s (not yours, Favre’s). Things just won’t come easy for you will it?

ROBIO’S NON-SCIENTIFIC POWER RANKINGS

#1 – Griff Stoners (6-1) One more win ties you for best start to a season #2 – Backstreet Boyz (4-3) I just think you’re better than Manhattan #3 – Manhattan Projects (5-2) Yeah you won and I dropped you. That’s why I’m the boss #4 – Quarter Pounders (3-4) Pounder’s high scores: 3; The rest: 4 #5 – Don’s Gators (4-3) When you lose, your lose pretty #6 – The Republicans (4-3) Vote John Kerry! #7 – Eric’s Dolphins (4-3) Not bad, not great, but decent #8 – David the Patriot (3-4) Rebirth of the Patriot? Maybe. Who knows. Could be. #9 – Robio Dynasty (3-4) 4th highest scoring team in the league…how? #10 – The Franchise (2-5) Can you say, “Sophomore Slump” baby? #11 – Burrier Bruisers (3-4) Win one more and I’ll get silly with excitement #12 – Molly Pop (1-6) A Coomer on the top, a Coomer on the bottom. Isn’t that how you have two kids?

LOOKING AHEAD:

Griff Stoners vs. Robio Dynasty Harvard vs. Yale, Packers vs. Bears, Rob vs. Griff…the leagues most historic rivalry. Rob’s dominated, but not this season. I THINK I THINK: Griff Stoners

David the Patriot vs. Quarter Pounders Both teams looking to prove they’re the real deal. My heart tells me Dave, my penis tells me Pounders…and I always think with my dick. I THINK I THINK: Quarter Pounders

The Franchise vs. Backstreet Boyz No Westbrook, Owens going against the Ravens…the Franchise needs to turn it around, but it won’t happen against The Boyz. I THINK I THINK: Backstreet Boyz

The Republicans vs. Don’s Gators Both teams are coming off heartbreaking loses, Republicans love Florida, Don lives in Florida, Florida has lots of Cubans, Bob loves Cuban strippers…where am I going with this? I don’t know. I THINK I THINK: The Republicans

Manhattan Projects vs. Molly Pop This year’s 1-6 team goes up against last year’s 1-6 team. However, the Projects aren’t 1-6 this season. I THINK I THINK: Manhattan Projects

Burrier Bruisers vs. Eric’s Dolphins The Bruises run to the playoffs better start here. It needs to stat here…but it won’t. Sorry. I THINK I THINK: Eric’s Dolphins

WEEK EIGHT

David the Patriots 1840 at The Quarter Pounders 1149 The Franchise 1368 at Backstreet Boyz 1756 Robio Hurricanes 1295 at Griff’s Stoners 1420 The Republicans 781 at Don’s Gators 751 Manhattan Projects 1145 at Molly Pop 1759 The Burrier Bruisers 1598 at Eric’s Dolphins 707

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

Sadly, I don’t keep track of weekly comebacks, but this one has to be at the top. Down 473 points going into Monday night, both with a defense still to play. I was so confident you weren’t coming back, I wrote up the playoff picture in the middle of last night’s game. More importantly, you stay on top of your division by a game.

DON’S GATORS Last week, I pitied you; you scored good and barely lost, but when you score 751 and lose, I don’t care how close it is, I have no pity. But come on, you know there’s no way you thought you were going to lose. Not only is it a painful loss, but it does effect your playoff standing. You’re now a bottom feeder, fighting for a bottom seed with almost no shot at a division title.

GRIFF STONERS Greatest start in league history (7-1); you’ve had two players (Alexander and Green) outscored (1,005) three teams. With a two-game lead over the next closest teams, it would be nearly impossible to not get the #1 seed. In fact, you can loss two more games and still win the #1-seed.

ROBIO DYNASTY Last weeks 105-point loss is followed by a 125-point defeat this week. Ugh! Should I be happy that I’ve barely lost to the top two teams in the league with a combine record of 12-4? No! As the great Rob Masterson once told me (yesterday), there are no moral victories in fantasy football.

DAVID THE PATRIOT Now this is what this team is supposed to do. Hell, you scored 1,840 with a defense that scores 26 points and your star player throwing down a wimpy 126 points. This team could be down right scary if Vick stayed consistent and Portis remembered how to run

QUARTER POUNDERS You know I pump this team up and what do they do? They get their ass kicked. Is Dunn having the typical second half drop off he always seems to have? You better hope not…even though Barber is scoring enough for both of them

BACKSTREET BOYZ I want to know what team is going to beat The Boyz the rest of the season. Forget records, this is the best team in the league. Not only are the starters dominating, he has a solid backup at the three main positions. Scary!

THE FRANCHISE Well, congratulations Matt, you have tied the record for the most games in a row scoring over 1,000 points at 19. Do it again next week and the record is all yours with no current owner anywhere near breaking your record. On the flip side, you’re now officially the worst team in the league

MANHATTAN PROJECTS Rich’s weekly points; 1511 (good), 983 (bad), 1912 (good), 1074 (bad), 1514 (good), 1077 (bad), 1559 (good), 1145 (bad); so next week you score over 1,600 points.

MOLLY POP This team is still not pretty, but you’re starting to look dept at WR with Bolden back with McCardell, Jackson and Givens. You need Davis back because your boy Pittman has never proven to be a fantasy stud. Nice win though and thanks to your victory over Matt three weeks ago, you’re no longer the worst team in the league.

BURRIER BRUISERS Manning: 689, ouch! But much like me with Culpepper, you’re relying too much on a great performance from your QB…but you know what? Who cares? You’re not in the think of the playoff picture.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS Just a bad, bad week…we all have them. Injuries and the Broncos defense might have to be rethought. A bigger concern is two of your running backs, including your top one (Jones) went down in the first quarter with injuries; no Thomas Jones, no playoffs.

ROBIO’S POWER RANKING

#1 – Griff Stoners (7-1) Here until you loss and not a moment before that #2 – Backstreet Boyz (5-3) Looking like the best team in the league #3 – Manhattan Projects (5-3) I can’t say it again; consistent! #4 – David The Patriot (4-4) Not quite an upper-tier team yet #5 – The Quarter Pounders (3-5) Another week like this week and I drop you far #6 – Burrier Bruisers (4-4) Dear God make Tomlinson healthy #7 – The Republicans (5-3) Twice this season you failed to score 800 points #8 – Don’s Gators (4-4) We’ll call this week a mulligan #9 – Eric’s Dolphins (4-4) You lost your star player, not your fault #10 – Robio Dynasty (3-5) No ‘W’ no love #11 – The Franchise (2-6) You’re better than this, but too many loses to ignore #12 – Molly Pop (2-6) Won 2 of 3, keep it up and I’ll shoot you straight up this list

A LOOK AHEAD

Molly Pop vs. Burrier Bruisers A good chance for Molly to prove she’s back, good chance for Burrier to prove he’s for real. MY SPIDEY SENSE SAYS: Burrier Bruisers

Eric’s Dolphins vs. Quarter Pounders Eric has only been above .500 once this late in the season…the more things change, the more they stay the same. MY SPIDEY SENSE SAYS: Quarter Pounders

Manhattan Projects vs. The Republicans The only game featuring two winning teams. This week is the up week for Manhattan’s. MY SPIDEY SENSE SAYS: Manhattan Projects

Don’s Gators vs. Robio Dynasty Robio has never been 3-6 in history…no reason to start now. MY SPIDEY SENSE SAYS:Robio Dynasty

Griff’s Stoners vs. The Franchise The poor Franchise…it doesn’t get any easier, does it? MY SPIDEY SENSE SAYS: Griff Stoners

Backstreet Boyz vs. David the Patriot The two hottest teams in the league, but no one can beat the Boyz. MY SPIDEY SENSE SAYS: Backstreet Boyz

WEEK NINE

Molly Pop 1273 at The Burrier Bruisers 1285 Eric’s Dolphins 868 at The Quarter Pounders 1370 Manhattan Projects 1522 at The Republicans 1046 Don’s Gators 1322 at Robio Hurricanes 1424 Griff’s Stoners 1340 at The Franchise 1427 Backstreet Boyz 1306 at David the Patriots 1712

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

THE FRANCHISE I love records. I love when records are broken and Matt (The Franchise) is a new record holder by scoring at least 1,000 points in twenty straight games. To understand how tough this record was to break, just look at everyone else’s current streak; Robio 5, Backstreet 5, Dave 4, Don 1, Eric 0, Griff 7, Manhattan 7, Molly 4, Burrier 3, Pounders 3, Republicans 1. So in honor of Matt’s new record, here are Matt’s twenty 1,000-point scores: 1334, 1199, 1346, 1409, 1299, 1000, 1270, 1089, 1189, 1662, 1128, 1388, 1402, 1115, 1425, 1060, 1338, 1245, 1368. Matt started the streak with five-straight wins, but his total record in those games is 9-11. His opponents have scored over 1,000 points in fourteen of those games. The crazy stat of the streak is out of those twenty games, Matt only scored over 1,500 points once (1,662) in week fourteen of last season…and lost.

GRIFF STONERS Hard to say that a 7-2 team is in trouble, but Griff may be in trouble. Moore and Henry are now backups, his defensive scores are getting lower each week and Moss could be out for two or three more weeks…but let’s try to be positive. With only five games to go, Griff has a 3-game lead over Eric and Don in his bad, bad division. In fact, win two of his last three and he’ll win his second division title ever

BURRIER BRUISERS Way to avoid the upset and place yourself among the winners. Has a team ever won three-straight games quieter than the Bruisers? It might have something to do with the fact the three wins were against three teams currently sitting out of the playoff race (Don, Eric, Molly). He’s only 2-4 against teams currently in the playoff pictures. Maybe though, it has to do with the fact that if you take away his pounding of Eric last week; he beat Don and Molly by a combined 18 points.

MOLLY POP No love and no luck for the Pop. One day you’re going to have to explain to be why you would pickup Eddie George, a man who has failed to break 100 in four games this season and has never scored 200 and sit Pittman, a man who’s last game scored 293 and was facing one of the worst defenses in the league? Anyhow, it could be a season ending decision. You have two tough games in a row with Quarter Pounders and Backstreet Boyz…if you don’t win at least one, your season will be over.

ROBIO DYNASTY Failing to pick up a kicker almost cost me my season, but luckily a Sunday morning pick up of Bettis saved me. Somehow, someway I keep surviving thanks to the Ravens Defense (two 300-point games, two 500-point games), TE Gonzalez (Four 200-point games) and Culpepper (two 500-point games, two 600-point games). However, I got a tough road ahead, my next four opponents are four of the top six teams, all with winning records. I have to win two of the four and beat Matt at the end to have a shot at the playoffs

DON’S GATORS After Don’s impressive 4-1 start, I posed the question to the rest of the league regarding which early successful team was the biggest fraud…most in the league voted Don’s team as the biggest fraud. Since then, Don has dropped four-straight games and out of the playoff picture for now. But hope is not all lost, although you made the mistake of sitting McGahee, you now realize you have a fantasy stud that could be enough to turn this ship around

QUARTER POUNDERS You have the high score three times this season, but you’ve only won four games…strange days indeed. Someone really must like you up there if you’re able to still win when your QB scores six points. You got winnable games against Molly and Griff coming up, so you better get a hot streak going before heading into the toughest division in football.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS Injuries, bye-weeks…life is starting to get tough. Oh and it’s going to get tougher with your next three opponents combined record at 17-10, sitting 1, 3 and 4th in the playoff picture.

DAVID THE PATRIOT Suddenly he’s the most impressive and dangerous team in the league after winning his third-straight game, knocking out the highest scoring game for the 2nd straight week and 4th time in nine weeks this season. You are officially a contender now, congratulations.

BACKSTREET BOYZ The hottest team in the league just ran into a Patriot and with Pennington down for a couple weeks, Holmes limping around…this team is looking vulnerable right now. However, you have four starting running backs on your roster right now; the question is what do you do with them?

MANHATTAN PROJECTS Until you break this up and down streak, I have nothing else to say about you. Your scores: 1511, 983, 1912, 1140, 1514, 1077, 1559, 1145 and this week 1522. It’s almost funny, you’ve never scored in between 1,146 and 1510.

THE REPUBLICANS You’re barely hanging on to that division lead. How bad has it gotten? You’ve lost three of four games, but your team has failed to score at least 1,100 points in any of those four games…you’re lucky you won one game at all during this stretch. Get a healthy Dillon and Barlow and you might be okay.

ROBIO RANKINGS #1 – Griff Stoners (7-2) Won’t be here long if he doesn’t fill that hole in his lineup #2 – Manhattan Projects (6-3) Next week you score under 1,200 points #3 – David the Patriot (5-4) Could be the best of the bunch heading into the playoffs #4 – Backstreet Boyz (5-4) You’ve lost to all three teams ranked above you #5 – Burrier Bruisers (5-4) Three game winning streaks will always move you up #6 – Quarter Pounders (4-5) Tired of being a pretender, win two in a row #7 – Robio Dynasty (4-5) Maybe you can win with just a QB, Defense and TE #8 – The Republicans (5-4) Why are you ranked below me? You would have lost to me the last five weeks if we played each other. #9 – The Franchise (3-6) Twenty in a row, moves you up the chart #10 – Don’s Gators (4-5) Which Vozzola will collapse faster, Eric or Don? #11 – Eric’s Dolphins (4-5) If you two fail to make the playoffs, that’s three times in four years #12 – Molly Pop (2-7) Let the end of the season countdown begin.

WEEK TEN

David the Patriots 1403 at Griff’s Stoners 1567 The Franchise 1491 at Don’s Gators 1817 Robio Hurricanes 1263 at Manhattan Projects 1836 The Republicans 1768 at The Burrier Bruisers 1234 The Quarter Pounders 1776 at Molly Pop 1038 Backstreet Boyz 1096 at Eric’s Dolphins 1207

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

The road to a title has gotten a lot tougher. Two games back in your division with four to go means you’re looking at the 4th or 5th seed, which means they’ll be no easy ones in the post-season.

ERIC DOLPHINS A nice season saving victory over the heavily favorite Boyz, will keep you battling it out for a bottom seed the rest of the way. With the trade deadline coming up, if Thomas Jones can come back by then, you have some interesting trade bait with one of your running backs for a top of the line receiver.

GRIFF STONERS Pittman may not be the solution, but since you didn’t really have to give up anything of value, no big deal. Unless Moss can get healthy, I’m not sure how far this team can go, but I can’t deny what Griff’s done with victories over Backstreet Boyz, Manhattan Projects, Burrier Bruisers, Republicans and now Dave…all the top teams.

DAVID THE PATRIOT Don’t care about this loss, you’re still one of the top teams. In fact, this division comes down to week 14 when you face off against The Republicans. You’re a game back of him, but if you can beat him in week fourteen, you’ll be the division winner.

THE REPUBLICANS You basically gave up a great WR for the top QB in the league, so good deal for you. More importantly, this could be your breakout week. Seems strange to say that when you have a first place team, but you’ve been the lowest scoring team in league. But like I said up top, this division will come down to that final game of Dave vs. Bob.

BURRIER BRUISERS Tough loss for you, especially when your QB knocks out 502 points. It’s not good when he personally outscored your running back, three receivers, your kicker and your TE combined. Next week’s game against Robio is huge; not only will you pretty much eliminate me from the playoff picture, but you’ll probably just need to win one of your final three to make the playoffs.

MANHATTAN PROJECTS Back-to-back great games, finally! Who knew Nate Burleson was the next Randy Moss? You’ll have to really blow up to not win the division thanks to two-game lead over the rest of your boys in the division. If Bulger can keep doing what he did this past Sunday, then your first title is looking good.

ROBIO DYNASTY Just to lay down some math to sum up my season; here are the points in week ten from all the players I traded away this season: Culpepper: 561 F. Taylor: 278 Tiki Barber: 328 Warrick Dunn: 126 K. Jones: 134 E. George: 137 P. Warrick: IR So if anyone is looking to improve their teams before the deadline, just trade with me.

QUARTER POUNDERS Not too impressed with your last two victories…each coming against teams at the bottom of the power rankings. In fact, if you look at the playoff picture, you’re 5-2 against teams below you and 0-3 against teams above you. You’ll have a chance to prove your worth the next four weeks against four playoff teams including the top two in the league

MOLLY POP The season…is…just…about…over. You’re three games back of the 8th seed and you now have one running back with Davis gone, Pittman traded and Anthony Thomas going back to the bench. You better start praying for a miracle, you basically can’t lose anymore games this year.

DON’S GATORS Impressive victory, now that’s one way to end a four-game slide. Now aren’t you glad you didn’t trade Favre? Your season would be over by now if you had. You’re not going to win the division, but since you’re playing in the worst division (based on points), you could position yourself for a higher seed

THE FRANCHISE You’re not dead, but The train is pulling away from the station and you’re still in line to buy a ticket. But even if you get a little hot streak going, you have no tiebreaker love. Against the playoff bottom feeders (meaning teams not winning the division) you lose out in head-to-head tiebreaker to Robio, Dave, Backstreet, Pounders, Don and Eric. As for the division, if Bob wins next week, you can’t win the division. Now the goods news, you extended your 1,000-point game streak to a record 21 games and you’re officially chasing the record for most points scored by a team who failed to make the playoffs. The record is 17,360 held by Griff in 2001. To beat that record, you’ll have to average 1,025ppg over the past four games, which will be easy for you.

ROBIO THE GEEK’S POWER RANKINGS #1 – Griff Stoners (8-2) Could break the record for most wins in a season #2 – Manhattan Projects (7-3) Finally has two good games in a row #3 – David the Patriot (5-5) Only 1-4 when not scoring high score of the week #4 – Backstreet Boyz (5-5) Could this team miss the playoffs? #5 – Quarter Pounders (5-5) Been dominate the last two weeks #6 – The Republicans (6-4) Need two solid games in a row to move up on my list #7 – Burrier Bruisers (5-5) Would probably be 7-3 in any other division #8 – Don’s Gators (5-5) Read Bob’s (The Republicans) above #9 – The Franchise (3-7) Just no luck for the tall one this season #10 – Eric Dolphins (5-5) All the luck was with Eric this week #11 – Robio Dynasty (4-6) Worst career record after ten weeks #12 – Molly Pop (2-8) You hear that? It’s the fat lady warming up her singing voice

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT WEEK Last non-divisional games

David the Patriot vs. Don’s Gators With so many 5-5 teams; the loser could find themselves outside the playoff picture with a loss here…WHO WINS: David the Patriot

The Franchise vs. Manhattan Projects One team has had the mojo all year, the other’s had none. I’m going pro-mojo here. WHO WINS: Manhattan Projects

Robio Dynasty vs. Burrier Bruisers Could we be seeing the end of the Robio dynasty? Both teams have glaring holes, neither is a serious threat to win it all…so why even play the game? WHO WINS: Burrier Bruisers

The Republicans vs. Eric’s Dolphins Who’s going to continue their hot streak after this past week’s big win? I have a feeling last week’s points for Bob weren’t a fluke. WHO WINS: The Republicans

Quarter Pounders vs. Griff Stoners It’s time for the Pounders to step up and beat a good team. Griff needs to go 4-0 to have the best regular ever. WHO WINS: Quarter Pounders

Backstreet Boyz vs. Molly Pop Sorry Molly, the Boyz won’t have back-to-back bad weeks. WON WINS: Backstreet Boyz

WEEK ELEVEN

David the Patriots 908 at Don’s Gators 1317 The Franchise 1287 at Manhattan Projects 1171 Robio Hurricanes 1639 at The Burrier Bruisers 1674 The Republicans 1588 at Eric’s Dolphins 1070 The Quarter Pounders 1784 at Griff’s Stoners 1433 Backstreet Boyz 1062 at Molly Pop 1510

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

Good teams win the close ones baby. Four weeks ago I told you that the next four non-divisional games were the most important of your season. I said you had to at least split. You did me one better and went 3-1. Now you’re only one game behind Manhattan Projects for the division lead and you already beat him. AMAZING STAT: You’ve won three games this year by a total of 53 points

ROBIO DYNASTY There’s been a lot of bad decisions this year made by me; trading Barber, picking up and cutting Mohammad, not picking up M. Moore for those couple games, but one decision I made this Sunday has summed up my season. This week, Hasselback was doubtful, so I picked up Delhomme. However, he was then downgraded to doubtful on Friday. On Sunday, I had to go to the Giants game, so I was forced to make my QB decision without knowing whether Jake was playing or not. I decided to pick up Garrard (JAX) because I couldn’t take the chance and have a QB not playing. Of course Delhomme did play and he scored 212 points; Garrard scored 154…a loss of 58 points. I ended up losing to Rich by 35 points this week…season over. AMAZING STAT: Despite my 4-7 record, I’m on pace to score the 10th highest single season total in league history

MOLLY POP You just refuse to die. However, you’ll have to admit you got a break playing Backstreet with three starters out this week, including his two starting running backs. Next week, you’ll be the one shorthanded with Holmes coming back, you’ll have two backup running backs with Thomas and Blaylock and George who is worthless at this point. If you lose next week and two of the three 5-6 teams win, you’re officially out of the playoffs. AMAZING STAT: You’re a respectable 3-3 in your last six games

BACKSTREET BOYZ Weren’t you the most stacked team just a few weeks ago? By the time The Boy get all their boys back, the season could be over. I find it shocking this team is currently sitting out of the playoffs right now. You have a tough road ahead because you’re back in your division where your opponents are ranked 1st, 3rd and 5th in scoring. AMAZING STAT: You’re missing three starters who average 786ppg. Your subs scored 314 points…a loss of 472 points.

THE FRANCHISE Like Molly, you pulled one out of your stink hole to save your season at least for another week. But make no mistake about it, you cannot lose another game this season. Yes, there will be one or two 6-8 teams, but you don’t match up well in head-to-head tiebreakers. AMAZING STAT: Another game over 1,000…21 in a row.

MANHATTAN PROJECTS Guess what your punishment is for losing to the Franchise? You get a much tighter divisional race to enjoy. You’re one game up against the two hottest teams in the league. Both Burrier and Pounders have won four out of their last five putting you in a must win situation in both your match ups against them in the next two weeks. AMAZING RECORD: 0-2 against the two last place teams, combined record 7-15

QUARTER POUNDERS My favorite stat of this team is the fact that you’ve beaten the top two teams in the league right now (Griff and Projects). With yet another weekly high score, there’s no doubt you’re one of the contenders. You’re also the only team that could go three wide receivers and be better off. AMAZING STAT: You’re currently the league leader in points, but sitting in 2nd place in your division. In league history, only once did the highest scoring team not win their division (Justin Acerno ’02)

GRIFF STONERS I never like calling an 8-3 team average, especially after a good scoring game, but over the past five weeks, Griff’s breakdown (how he’d do against all the teams each week) is only 28-27…not dominating numbers. But if he wins next week and his wife beats Donnie, Griff will have his first division title since 1999. AMAZING STAT: This is a division stat. Not one team in the Florida Division (Griff, Molly, Don & Eric) has gotten the high score in any week. In league history, there’s never been a division that failed to get at least one weekly high score.

THE REPUBLICANS You sure picked a great time to get hot. You’re now in a comfortable two-game cushion over the rest of the division. If you do win the division, you should be excited…you’ll become the first person to keep me from winning the division. AMAZING STAT: You’re currently sitting two-games above Dave and three games over Rob and Matt, despite the fact you trail all three in total points.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS Those receivers are killing you and so is the Bears offense (Thomas), Shockey’s three drop passes didn’t help. It also always sucks when your top pick (Rudi) can’t even break 100 points…but oh, those receivers. It’s never a good thing when your top-scoring receiver is the third receiver on the Rams…sitting on your bench. AMAZING STAT: After being two games over .500 for only the second time in your career, you’ve dropped four of five heading back into division play.

DON’S GATORS Every year there’s a team like yours; starts hot 4-1, collapses 4-straight loses and recovers to make the playoffs (2-straight wins). You have two good running backs and stud QB and at least one capable receive, that’s enough to get you into the playoffs, but let’s see if it’s enough to get you out of the 1st round. AMAZING STAT: You’re not out of the race to win the division. You’re two games back. If Eric can upset Griff next week and you can beat Molly, then you beat Griff the following week you’ll be in the driver seat for the division title. Even if Griff beats Eric, if you go 3-0 and Griff loses to both you and Molly, the division is yours.

DAVID THE PATRIOT So it’s starting to look like the Broncos running back theory is true. Droughns looks like the second coming of Eric Dickerson and Portis is looking like the second coming of Orlando Gary. 30 points? 30 points? Who’s his coach? Gibbs? What the ‘F’? The Smith receivers combined 100 points? Better get this straightened out or it could bye-bye Davey. AMAZING STAT: You’re 4-0 when you have the weekly high score. You’re 1-6 when you don’t.

ROBIO THE GEEK’S POWER RANKING #1 – Griff’s Stoners (8-3) The top two teams lose, but Griff scored decent and deserves to keep the top spot. #2 – Manhattan Projects (7-4) The Pounders deserve to move up to this spot, but you lost both your stud running backs in the 1st quarter and still almost won #3 – Quarter Pounders (6-5) The hottest team in the league keeps pounding out victories and weekly high scores #4 – Burrier Bruiser (6-5) The second hottest team in the league could easily be 3-8 this season #5 – The Republicans (7-4) The only winning team in the VH-1 division #6 – Backstreet Boyz (5-6) Getting an injury bye one last time. Lose again and you’re falling way down #7 – Don’s Gators (6-5) More than capable of sweeping your last three #8 – David the Patriot (5-6) One loss away from joining the bottom feeders #9 – Robio Dynasty (4-7) Just another impressive loss. I’ve scored over 1,400 points three times and lost this season #10 – The Franchise (4-7) Win a game and drop in the rankings…your opponent lost both his backs in the 1st quarter, you got lucky. #11 – Eric Dolphins (5-6) On track to become the lowest ranking (On the power rankings) playoff team in league history #12 – Molly Pop (3-8) You’re going to have to go 3-0 and get some help if you’re going to make the playoffs.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Robio Dynasty vs. David the Patriot (Last meeting winner: Dave) If Robio loses, the Dynasty will be over. If Dave loses, he’s outside looking in. WINNER: Robio Dynasty

Republicans vs. The Franchise (Last meeting winner: The Franchise) Scoring big three games in a row has been rare this season. Look for Bob to come back down to planet Earth for at least one week. WINNER: The Franchise

Quarter Pounders vs. Manhattan Projects (Last meeting winner: Manhattan Projects) Using the same logic I’ve used so much in the past, when you’re hot, you’re hot and the Pounders are hot. WINNER: Quarter Pounders

Backstreet Boyz vs. Burrier Bruisers (Last meeting winner: Backstreet Boyz) Everything depends on those starting running backs of the Boyz…will they be back? I say yes. WINNER: Backstreet Boyz

Griff Stoners vs. Eric’s Dolphins (Last meeting winner: Griff Stoners) It might be easy to predict a Stoner collapse. Griff’s teams have never been one to sail through a entire season smoothly, but Eric just doesn’t have the fire power. WINNER: Griff Stoners

Don’s Gators vs. Molly Pop (Last meeting winner: Don’s Gators) It’s either time for Molly to spoil Don’s return or for Don to finally put Molly out of her misery. I love misery. WINNER: Don’s Gators

WEEK TWELVE

Robio Hurricanes 1119 at David the Patriots 1458 The Republicans 1568 at The Franchise 1214 The Quarter Pounders 1796 at Manhattan Projects 1950 Backstreet Boyz 1069 at The Burrier Bruisers 1974 Griff’s Stoners 1114 at Eric’s Dolphins 973 Don’s Gators 1488 at Molly Pop 1748

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

Starting to look like clear sailing to the playoffs for the Stoned-One. I don’t see you losing to both Don and Molly. Moss is finally healthy and Pittman seems to be the answer to your running back hole, even if Alstott gets a few careers down the stretch. Could be the year of the Griff! DID YOU KNOW? Thanks to his victory last week and Don’s loss, Griff won his first division title since 1999, the first year of the league.

MANHATTAN PROJECTS By far your most impressive win of the season and not just because you beat the hottest team in the league or that you scored the second most points this week. What impressed me the most was the fact that you scored 1,950 points with only one running back. I can see that happening with a Jamal Lewis or an Ahman Green but you did it with a Julius Jones. In fact, I’m calling this the most impressive win this season from anyone. DID YOU KNOW? The fact Rich Calderon scored 1,950 points but didn’t get high score for the week is pretty impressive, but it’s not the highest. In 2002, Jason Phishheads scored 1,954 points in his victory, but Robio’s Hurricanes took top honor with 1,963 points.

THE REPUBLICANS Five players score at least 200 points, so your victory was a total team effort; no luck from one player scoring more than God. A victory over Robio next week will give you your first division title. If you do win the division, it would be the fourth year in a row that a team that finished last the previous season, went on to win a division title the following season. However, it looks like you’re first round opponent will be someone from the MTV division, which could be a huge test. DID YOU KNOW? Bob will most likely finish last in his division in total points, but will still win the division. If so, he’ll be the first division winner in league history to do so. In fact, of the 14 previous division winners, only four failed to lead their division in total points.

BURRIER BRUISER Now that the Pounders have lost, you’re now the hottest team in the league and just like Quarter Pounders next week, you’re in a position to take the division title. However, if you want it, you’re going to need some help. Tiebreakers for division title are first head-to-head, then divisional record, then total points. If you beat Manhattan Projects next week, you’ll both be 3-2 in the division. You’ll need to either win in week fourteen and hope that he loses, or if you do end up tied at the end, you need to overcome the 627 points you trail in total points. DID YOU KNOW? Thanks to his high score this past week, the MTV division now has seven high scores for the season. If they can win the next two, they’ll tie the record of nine do in 2001 by the ‘Western Division’ of Jason (5), Don (3) Anne (1) and Eric (0).

QUARTER POUNDERS Disappointing loss, no doubt, but you’re definitely one of the favorites heading into the playoffs. I still wish you had a second starting running back worth starting. I just don’t have faith in a three-receiver team winning three in a row in the playoffs. Although you’re not in the playoffs yet, it would take a freaking miracle for you to miss it, but just in case, win one of two and you should be all set. DID YOU KNOW? Currently, the Quarter Pounders are the league leader in points. If they finish with the highest point total, they could be the lowest seeded point leader in league history. In fact, only once in five years has the league leader in scoring not been the top seed; Justin Acerno was top scorer in 2002, but was only the 4th seed in the playoffs (he also lost in the first round).

DON’S GATORS Because you lost to Molly, you lost any shot at winning the division and although you’ll probably make it to the post-season, you’ve made the road bumpier. If you win next week, you’re honestly in the playoffs, even if Eric and Backstreet win, you own the head-to-head tiebreaker over both. The only thing that could go wrong is if a bunch of teams are tied for the last couple seeds, then you’d be in a bit of trouble because currently you only lead Molly and Eric (Bob too, but he already in the playoffs) in total points. DID YOU KNOW? Don became the tenth team in league history to start the season 3-0. Good stuff, right? Sadly, he became the 7th of the 10 teams not to winning the division.

DAVID THE PATRIOT I know you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I win the division when I’m two games back? Easy…beat Franchise this week, hope that I beat the Republicans and then in week fourteen, beat The Republicans and the division is yours. However, if you lose both games, you could be out of the playoffs…so yeah, not a lot of wiggle room. Win one of two and you should be in. DID YOU KNOW? You beat me (Robio) twice this season. You’re the only person in league history that has beaten the mighty Robio twice in one season.

ERIC’S DOLPHINS Missing the playoff history: In 2001, you had no realistic shot. You trailed Rick (who beat you) by a game, you needed Rick to lose, you to win and Brian to lose and you also had to score over 700 more points then Rick. Well, Rick did lose, but Brian won and you lost. In 2002, you had a very outside shot. You had to win your game and you needed Dave to lose and you had to outscore him by about 500 points. Dave did end up losing, you did win, but you only made up about 200 points. In 2003, you were involved in the best final week ever. Going into Week 14, you had no real shot. You need Jeff, Bob and Rich C to lose and you had to score over 1,000 more points than Jeff or Bob to get in. However, Rich C. owes you some love. Sitting in the 10th spot, the only way he could get in was to have not just Jeff and Bob lose (which they did), he needed you to win as well, because Bob owned the head-to-head tiebreaker against Rich C. and Jeff, but not you. You ended up beating Griff, despite the fact you only scored only 852 points, forcing a four-way tie for the 8th seed, which Rich C. won thanks to total points. In 2004, you’re in the driver seat…keep winning and you’re in for the first time. DID YOU KNOW? You’re on pace to end up the 6th lowest scoring playoff teams in league history…assuming you make the playoffs of course. You’d have to average less than 833ppg in your final two games to break the record.

BACKSTREET BOYZ We could be watching one of the greatest collapses in league history. Don’t worry its not the worse (See Bob last season). There are not a lot of teams that could win with both their starting running backs out. Oh wait Manhattan Projects just did it. Although Pennington and Brown will probably be back next week, they won’t be 100% and Holmes is already said to be ‘out’ on the web site, this season could be over quickly. In fact, I just realized this…if you lose to the Quarter Pounders this week and Eric beats Molly, you’ll have virtually no shot. You’ll need Don to go 0-2 and Robio to go 2-0 to force a three-way tie; I beat Don, Don beat you, you beat me…but even then you’re not in, you’d have to make up the 400 in total points you’re currently trailing to me. DID YOU KNOW? Rob’s had both a 3-game and 4-game losing streak this season. In league history, nine teams have had both a 3-game and 4-game losing streak in a single season. Of those nine previous teams, none made the playoffs.

ROBIO HURRICANES Ugh, what a season. My first losing season, the first season I won’t win the division title. The easiest way to the playoffs is to go 2-0 and hope that Eric and Backstreet go 0-2. If they go 0-2 and I only go 1-1, I need Molly to also go 1-1 and force a total points tiebreaker. However, since I lose out in head-to-head tiebreaker to Backstreet, Eric and Dave, my chances are slim. DID YOU KNOW? I’m on pace to score 18,711…the highest for a non-playoff team in league history.

MOLLY HURRICANES The fact that you have any shot at all to make it into the playoffs is a miracle. You were 0-5, but you’ve won 4 of 7 and your foot may not be in the door, but at least you’re on the front porch. What needs to happen? Win both games and that’s a good start. Hope that Eric and Backstreet go 0-2 and I go 1-1 and then you’ll be in. If Eric and Backstreet go 1-1 and I go 1-1, the tiebreaker at 6-8 will be you, Eric and Backstreet. As long as Don, David or Quarters go 0-2, you’ll be in. DID YOU KNOW? There’s only been one other 0-5 team and he finished with two wins. Molly’s already doubled that.

THE FRANCHISE You my son…have virtually no shot of getting in. Your problem is you’ve beaten only good teams, but you lose out in head-to-head tiebreaker in all the teams that you could possible end up being tied with; David, Robio, Eric, Molly, Quarter, Backstreet and Don. Of course, if you go 2-0 you would need Eric and Backstreet to go 0-2 and Robio and Molly to go 1-1. The only tiebreaker you could possible win is if you were tied with me, either without Eric and Backstreet (assuming you beat me in week fourteen) and then you must pass me in total points. Good luck with that. DID YOU KNOW? Matt’s record streak of 1,000 point games in a row is now at 22 games.

ROBIO’S POWER RANKING #1 – Griff Stoners (9-3) Two games from tying the record for most wins in a season at eleven. #2 – Manhattan Projects (8-4) Win next week and the division title is yours #3 – Burrier Bruisers (7-5) Over 3,600 points the past two weeks…scary #4 – Quarter Pounders (6-6) Won’t drop you too far after impressive loss #5 – The Republicans (8-4) Stud at VH-1, but you’d be at the bottom if you were in the MTV division #6 – David the Patriot (6-6) No Portis, no shot at winning a playoff game, even with a hot Vick #7 – Don’s Gators (6-6) Can you really sit McGahee anymore after this week? #8 – Robio Hurricanes (4-8) Four wins despite the fact I’m fifth in scoring, fourth in breakdown (sixth in power rankings) #9 – Backstreet Boyz (5-6) You have a better record then me and you beat me this season, why are you below me in these rankings? You would have lost to me the last four weeks if we faced each other. #10 – Molly Pop (4-8) You scored over 1,500 three times; over, two were over 1,700 in the past five weeks. #11 – The Franchise (4-8) Record against the top five teams in these power rankings? 4-2. Against the rest below? 0-6 #12 – Eric Dolphins (5-6) Why are you now dead last? Your record against the four teams above you over the last seven weeks (if you faced them) would be: Molly 1-6, Franchise 1-6, Backstreet 2-5, Robio 0-7. That’s a combined record of 4-24.

LOOKING AHEAD

Griff Stoners vs. Don’s Gators One looking to claim the top seed, one looking to lock up a playoff spot…look for the Stoner to get that top seed. THE NON-LOSER: Griff Stoners

Eric’s Dolphins vs. Molly Pop A game a lot of people will be watching. This game will decide a lot of people’s playoff fates. Molly has scored more points over the last five weeks than she has at any 5-week period in her career. THE NON-LOSER: Molly Pop

Quarter Pounders vs. Backstreet Boyz Can the Pounders knock Rob Masterson out of the playoff picture? No, but a victory here would put Rob in the coffin, top closed, nail not nailed in yet, but hammer coming down hard. THE NON-LOSER: Backstreet Boyz (Upset special)

Manhattan Projects vs. Burrier Bruisers Not quite for the division title, but close enough. A Manhattan victory gives him the division; a Burrier victory gives him a legit shot. Manhattan found a way to pull one out against the flavor of the month Pounders. Can he do it again against the new hottest team? THE NON-LOSER: Manhattan Projects

Robio Hurricanes vs. The Republicans Looking to bring back the magic, Robio switches back to the name ‘Hurricanes’. Will a last second trade to bring in McAllister be enough to beat the Republicans? Probably not, but maybe. THE NON-LOSER: Robio Hurricanes

David the Patriot vs. The Franchise Go ahead and call it, throw in the towel, the season is over. The Franchise is no more. Pack up the bags, turn in your equipment, start thinking about the #1 pick next season or in your case, the 24th and 25th picks. THE NON-LOSER: David the Patriot

WEEK THIRTEEN

Griff’s Stoners 1729 at Don’s Gators 1108 Eric’s Dolphins 1227 at Molly Pop 1498 The Quarter Pounders 1534 at Backstreet Boyz 1808 Manhattan Projects 1445 at The Burrier Bruisers 1989 Robio Hurricanes 1016 at The Republicans 1767 David the Patriots 1448 at The Franchise 1559

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

I made a mistake earlier by saying the Franchise was out of the playoffs, but he has a shot still. If he wins and Dave loses and Don wins, the Franchise can get in as long as he stays about Dave in total points.

This will make what I sent out the other day wrong for a few of you if Matt does win next week, but I’m not about to rewrite all that crap again. If you want to know how you get into the playoffs next week, email and I’ll tell you personally.

STAT OF THE WEEK I will take this time to honor the end of fantasy football’s greatest dynasty, Robio. 3-time league champion 5-straight winning seasons 5-straight trips to the playoffs 5-straight division titles (Only Molly, Griff and maybe Burrier this year have two) Total point leader twice in league history Scored over 18,000 every season for five-straight season

‘Should of, could of, didn’t’ award (Team that SHOULD HAVE won but failed) Week 1 – Robio Hurricanes Week 2 – Robio Hurricanes Week 3 – David the Patriot Week 4 – Backstreet Boyz Week 5 – Quarter Pounders Week 6 – The Franchise Week 7 – Don’s Gators Week 8 – Manhattan Projects Week 9 – Griff Stoners Week 10 – Backstreet Boyz Week 11 – Manhattan Projects Week 12 – Don’s Gators Week 13 – Eric’s Dolphins…not really the most shocking loss, but a painful one; if you would have one, you would be in the post today, but now you need help next week to get in.

‘Look what I pulled out of my ass’ award (Struggling team that scored big and won) Week 1 – Griff’s Stoners Week 2 – The Republicans Week 3 – Robio Hurricanes Week 4 – Griff Stoners Week 5 – Don’s Gators Week 6 – Molly Pop Week 7 – Burrier Bruisers Week 8 – Molly Pop Week 9 – The Franchise Week 10 – Griff Stoners Week 11 – Molly Pop Week 12 – David the Patriot Week 13 – Backstreet Boyz….you haven’t scored over 1,100 in three-straight loses, then you breakout with high score to save your season

‘Better to be lucky than Good’ Award (A team that wins a game despite having a horrible score) Week 1 – Don’s Gators Week 2 – Don’s Gators Week 3 – Don’s Gators Week 4 – Eric’s Dolphins Week 5 – Eric’s Dolphins Week 6 – Manhattan Projects Week 7 – Griff Stoners Week 8 – The Republicans Week 9 – Burrier Bruisers Week 10 – Eric’s Dolphins Week 11 – The Franchise Week 12 – Griff Stoners Week 13 – Molly Pop…I don’t feel like checking the records, but I’m willing to bet this was the highest scoring, lowest scoring winner of a week

‘Rodney Dangerfield – I Get No Respect’ Award (Given to person who loses, despite posting winnable numbers) Week 1 – Quarter Pounders Week 2 – The Franchise Week 3 – The Burrier Bruisers Week 4 – Don Gators Week 5 – Manhattan Projects Week 6 – The Franchise Week 7 – Robio Hurricanes Week 8 – The Franchise Week 9 – Griff Stoners Week 10 – The Franchise Week 11 – Robio Hurricanes Week 12 – Quarter Pounders Week 13 – Quarter Pounders…third time on the list, one behind the Franchise on the list four times.

‘Hugh Heifner – It’s Good To Be Me’ Award (The team that won because one player scored more points than God) Week 1 – Griff’s Stoners w/Shaun Alexander Week 2 – The Republicans w/Kevin Barlow Week 3 – Robio Hurricanes w/D. Culpepper Week 4 – Manhattan Projects w/A. Gates Week 5 – Don’s Gators w/Eric Johnson Week 6 – Molly Pop w/Bills Defense Week 7 – Backstreet Boyz w/Jason Witten Week 8 – The Republicans w/Jets Defense Week 9 – Burrier Bruisers w/Adam Vinatieri Week 10 – Griff Stoners w/Dallas Clark Week 11 – The Franchise w/E. James Week 12 – Manhattan Projects w/A. Gates Week 13 – The Franchise w/B. Westbrook…it did you know good, because you’re still eliminated from the playoffs, but no victory without Westbrooks 520 points

‘So Close, yet so Far’ Award (The team that comes the closest to winning, but falls just short) Week 1 – Quarter Pounders Week 2 – Robio Hurricanes Week 3 – Eric’s Dolphins Week 4 – David the Patriot Week 5 – The Franchise Week 6 – The Franchise Week 7 – Don’s Gators Week 8 – Don’s Gators Week 9 – Molly Pop Week 10 – Backstreet Boy Week 11 – Robio Hurricanes Week 12 – Eric’s Dolphins Week 13 – David the Patriot…111-point defeat to the past place team eliminates you from winning your first division title ever.

Thank You Sir, May I Have Another’ Award (The team who spanked their opponent the worst) Week 1 – The Franchise Week 2 – Eric’s Dolphins Week 3 – Griff Stoners Week 4 – Eric’s Dolphins Week 5 – Robio Hurricanes Week 6 – Robio Hurricanes Week 7 – Manhattan Projects Week 8 – Burrier Bruisers Week 9 – Quarter Pounders Week 10 – Quarter Pounders Week 11 – The Republicans Week 12 – Burrier Bruisers Week 13 – The Republicans…751-point ass whopping puts you on this list for the second time in three weeks

ROBIO’S DEEP THOUGHTS

#1 – GRIFF STONERS You wrapped up your first number one seed in your long history, which is good news when you consider the top seed has won the title in three of the five years. Now all you have to play for is the record book. Win next week and you’ll tie Robio ’99, Rick ’00 & Jason ’01 with 11 wins in the regular season. PERSONAL STAT: If you don’t get the high score next week, you’ll be the first #1 seed not to get at least one high score during the regular season.

#2 – THE REPUBLICANS In the beginning off the season, you just got lucky a lot, the last four weeks, you’ve dominated. You had five wide receivers break 200 points (two who broke 400). This is definitely the year of the receiver. Right now, you, Pounders and Backstreet all are playing three wide receivers on a regular basis. You are, without any doubt, a contender. Your 1,673ppg average over the last month is my evidence. PERSONAL STAT: The top two teams (you and Griff) have the lowest opponent scoring.

#3 – BURRIER BRUISER The Republicans have been impressive, but he’s got nothing on Burrier. The Bruiser has average 1,867ppg over the past three weeks. With Kevin Jones stepping up like man the last three weeks, you now have a complete team except at Tight end. You will be tough to be in the post-season PERSONAL STAT: With a win next week, Burrier will become only the third owner to win a division title in back-to-back years (Rob, Molly)

#4 – MANHATTAN PROJECTS Talk about the pick up of the season; Julius Jones. After scoring a total of one-point in the first ten weeks, he’s scored 102, 350 & 532. Even if Jamal Lewis comes back, you’ll have to consider keeping him on the bench. Decisions like these will decide how far you go into the playoffs. You can’t have your bench outscore nearly all your starters. PERSONAL STAT: You’ve lost four of five career games against the other Rich in the league

#5 – QUARTER POUNDERS Tough, tough, tough luck for the Pounders. You’re currently 5-3 outside your division, but 1-4 inside. However, the hard part is you have lost games despite scoring 1510, 1796 & 1534. You’re not going to miss the playoffs, but you could use some luck my brother. PERSONAL STAT: You have tied the record with three others (Robio ’99, Rich ’99 & Jason ’01) with eight games scoring over 1,500. However, your record is only 5-3 in those games.

#6 – BACKSTREET BOYZ Nice jump up. You go from out of the playoffs, to the sixth seed. That’s what a solid 1,800 will do. However, if you lose next week, you’re in trouble because of all you lose so many head-to-head tiebreakers. However, that’s if you lose. You have some good news and bad news; Smith appears to be getting the majority of carries in Minnesota, but Brown’s turf toe is evil and I’m hearing rumors that Holmes’ season is done. No three-wide receiver team has ever won the title.

#7 – DAVID THE PATRIOT If Vick goes, you go. If Vick crashes, you crash. The good news is Gibbs finally figured out he has a good running back, which may give you a solid one, two punch going into the playoffs. However, that’s not a guarantee, you got a tough game next week against one of the hottest teams in the league. However, if you do win, you’ll be the only owner in league history to make it to that playoffs for six-straight years. PERSONAL STAT: Week three: 28 points (loss), Week five: 27 points (loss), Week seven: 73 points (won by only 33), Week thirteen: 13 points (loss)

#8 – DON’S GATORS How surprising, one of the final playoff spots will help be decided by the league’s son/father match up. I can’t believe 974 of your 1,108 points came from your two wide receivers. Don’t sweat this defeat too much. Favre won’t have this type of game again and running backs are too good to play like this too often. PERSONAL STAT: You started 3-0 this season. A 3-0 team has never missed the playoffs.

#9 – ERIC DOLPHINS How sad. It was yours for the taking. You were all over it. Now you need help. That’s all I’m going to say. PERSONAL STAT: During my free time I’m doing a stat thing where I’m finding out how well you would have done with other people’s schedule and how they would have done with yours. To give you a taste, if Eric had the Quarter Pounders’ schedule this season, he’d be 1-12 at this point.

#10 – MOLLY POP Whether you make it to the post-season or not, you’ve had a hell of a turnaround. 0-5, 1-6, yet here you are fighting for a playoff spot by beating the teams you need to beat, meaning these are teams you’ll be tied with if you’re going to make it into the post. PERSONAL STAT: With a victory next week, you’ll be the first person to start 0-5 and not finish last in their division.

#11 – THE FRANCHISE Survival-city, baby! You’re not in good shape, but you’re still fighting. To make the playoffs, you need to win and you need Dave to lose. Assuming that happens, you need to make sure you and Dave are not both tied with either Don or Eric. Both of them have the head-to-head tiebreaker over you and Dave. So also cheer for Don to win. If that all happens, you also have to then make sure you are leading Dave in total points as well as any other 6-8 team. Good luck with that. PERSONAL STAT: You’ve scored over 1,000 points a game for 23-straight games. However, this week was the first time during that streak, you scored over 1,500 points.

#12 – ROBIO DYNASTY Nothing to say…I’m just going to have a moment of silence.

ROBIO’S RANKINGS #1 – Griff Stoners (10-3) Just keeps winning #2 – Burrier Bruiser (8-5) Hot, hot, hot #3 – Manhattan Projects (8-5) Julius Jones, season savior, Mm? #4 – Quarter Pounders (6-7) Loses don’t get any tougher than yours #5 – The Republicans (9-4) One more great week, I’ll move you to number two #6 – Backstreet Boyz (6-7) Last place in one, great division #7 – David the Patriot (6-7) I’m envisioning yet another 1st round exit for the Patriot #8 – Molly Pop (5-8) Three-straight wins vaunts you straight up my poll #9 – Don’s Gators (6-7) son vs. father for all the marbles #10 – The Franchise (5-8) It’s been a long, tough year. You could use some love at the end here #11 – Eric’s Dolphins (6-7) I can’t believe you would be 1-12 if you had the Quarter Pounders #12 – Robio Dynasty (4-9) What went wrong? I now have the whole off-season to figure it out

LOOKING AHEAD

The Republicans will beat David…Bob’s too hot, too good looking, too bushy haired The Franchise will beat Robio Dynasty…Robio’s gone from unlucky to just bad Manhattan Projects will beat Backstreet Boyz…both teams with RB health issues. The Boyz drafted Julius Jones, but the Projects have him now Burrier Bruisers will beat the Quarter Pounders…no luck and no love for the Pounders, now they have to face the hottest of them all Don’s Gators will beat Eric’s Dolphins…no room in the playoffs for the lowest scoring team in the league Griff Stoners will beat Molly Pop…that trade Molly made that gave Griff Pittman will cost Molly her shot at the post-season.

IF I’M RIGHT, THE POST-SEASON SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS

#1 – Griff Stoners 11-3 #2 – Republicans 10-4 #3 – Burrier Bruisers 9-5 #4 – Manhattan Projects 9-5 #5 – Don’s Gators 7-7 #6 – Quarter Pounders 6-8 #7 – Backstreet Boyz 6-8 #8 – The Franchise 6-8

#9 – David the Patriot 6-8 #10 – Molly Pop 6-8 #11 – Eric’s Dolphins 6-8 #12 – Robio Dynasty 4-10

PLAYOFFS #1 Griff Stoners vs. #8 The Franchise #4 Manhattan Projects vs. #5 Don’s Gators #3 Burrier Bruisers vs. #6 Quarter Pounders #2 Republicans vs. #7 Backstreet Boy

WEEK FOURTEEN

The Republicans 1555 at David the Patriots 1533 Robio Hurricanes 1749 at The Franchise 783 Backstreet Boyz 1101 at Manhattan Projects 1178

The Burrier Bruisers 1293 at The Quarter Pounders 1172 Don’s Gators 1490 at Eric’s Dolphins 1207 Molly Pop 1682 at Griff’s Stoners 1172

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

Quick look at the four teams not playing anymore: Franchise…a tough season ends on a sad, streak-ending note. Your 1,000-point game streak ends this week at an amazing 24 games. Robio Dynasty…wouldn’t you know it, ends the season with high score of the week. I become the highest scoring non-playoff team in league history Eric’s Dolphins…four years, 0 winning seasons, 0 playoff trips, eliminated on the last game every season Molly Pop…tons of props goes out to Molly. A lot of teams should be glad not to be facing you in the post-season right now. Despite the 0-5 beginning, (tied for worst in league history) you not only didn’t finish last, but you went 6-3 barely missing the playoffs.

PLAYOFF ODDS: 5/1 Burrier Bruisers 8/1 Griff Stoners 9/1 Republicans 12/1 Don’s Gators 13/1 Manhattan Projects 15/1 David the Patriot 16/1 Backstreet Boyz 18/1 Quarter Pounders

#1 GRIFF STONERS (10-4) STATS: The first #1 seed to never have high score for any week during the season. He’s also struggled down the stretch, going 3-3 in his final six games and has scored over 1,500 in a game only four times all season, but you can’t forget the fact that he’s third in the league in scoring and there’s no luck involve there. Griff went 6-2 against the other playoff teams (tops in the league) FACTS: A powerful team with a top QB, top RB, capable second back and two top receivers (Moss is looking healthy again, just at the right moment). Griff’s title run will depend a lot of those Buccaneers of his though. Pittman & the Bucs defense look amazing one week and shitty the next. He’s not playing in his division now, so he’s not going to win any 1,200-point games now.

#2 THE REPUBLICANS (10-4) STATS: In his first nine games, Bob averaged a pathetic 1,127ppg. In his last five games though, Bob has an amazing 1,658ppg. If Bob can score over 1,500 points next week, he’ll tie the record of six 1,500-point games in row, set by Robio in 1999. Bob is 5-3 against the other playoff teams. FACTS: Can a team win a title with only one starting running back? A great QB, a top of the line RB (Dillon) and a stud defense, certainly enough to understand his hot streak. You can also guarantee one of those receivers is going to score big. However, my fear is one of the big three not having a big game will end the Republicans season.

#3 BURRIER BRUISERS (9-5) STATS: You know you have a hot team when you score 1,303 and it’s considered a bad game. In his last four games, Rich has averaged an astonishing 1,735ppg. He hasn’t scored under 1,200 in any game. In his last seven games, Peyton Manning’s lowest scoring game was 380. He has averaged 503ppg during that stretch. Burrier became only the second owner in league history to win a division title two years in a row (Robio ’99-’03 & Molly ’02-‘03). Rich is 6-4 against the other playoff teams. FACTS: The X-factor without a doubt is Kevin Jones stepping up to be a good back…oh yeah, and Manning scoring more than God every week. With Peyton on his team, Burrier will never be out of a game, but those receivers are decent at best right now and his tight end has had a habit recently of scoring zero. Just like last year though, Burrier is hot at the right time and you can’t deny the guy who won the toughest division in football.

#4 MANHATTAN PROJECTS (8-6) STATS: Going into the post-season a tad bit chilly…lost two-straight, three of four and four of seven. In 14 games this season, the Projects never won three games in a row. Rich is 6-4 against the other playoff teams. FACTS: In any other division, Manhattan probably wins it, but will his recent struggles continue into the playoffs. There are a lot of stud running backs, but if they’re healthy; it’s still Green and Lewis. The Patriots defense has been erratic lately, but their match ups are favorable the next three weeks. However, consistency has bothered me about this team all year and I’m still bothered by it. #5 DON’S GATORS (7-7) STATS: The only team in the playoffs (top eight teams) not ranked in the top eight in the power rankings. Don’s 1,259ppg average is the lowest among the playoff teams. Don is 2-5 against the other playoff teams. FACTS: Yes, this team is good enough to win a title; two stud backs, two decent receivers; a top QB…Heap is back in Baltimore. The Dolphins Defense scares me big time.

#6 DAVID THE PATRIOT (7-7) STATS: The only team to make it to the playoffs six times in league history. In his previous five trips though, Dave has lost in the first-round four times. Dave is 2-6 against the other playoff teams this season. FACTS: Two words for Dave…Michael Vick. If you get the good Vick, you’re set. If you get the bad Vick, you’re done. The Smith brothers at wide receiver have not been a solid twosome and Martin seems to losing carries in New York. Right now, this team doesn’t scare me.

#7 BACKSTREET BOYZ (7-7) STATS: Rob has been 7-7 all three years of his career, was the 7th seed in all three years and went 1-1 in the previous two seasons. The Boyz recently lost four games in a row; only one team in league history has lost four in a row and still won the title. Rob went 5-5 against the other playoff teams this season. FACTS: No Holmes, no trophy…that’s all I say. The once scariest backfield is looking pretty boring with Brown (Turf Toe) and Smith (Not enough carriers). Holt, Walker and Mason have looked like star receivers at times this year, but other times they look like the third best receivers on their team. Lastly, the QB situation suddenly looks very shaky.

#8 QUARTER POUNDERS (6-8) STATS: The first team in league history who scored and his opponents scored over 20,000 in a season. Tied the record with eight games scoring over 1,500 points in one season. Lowest seeded league leader in points in league history. Only 3-7 against other playoff teams this season. FACTS: One fact that needs to be known…Barber has scored 46 & 56 points the last two weeks. If that happens, and Dunn does become second fiddle to TJ, this is going to be a short season. It’s tough to win a title with only one running back. It’s impossible with none.

FIRST ROUND PREDICTIONS:

#1 Griff Stoners (10-4) vs. #8 Quarter Pounders (6-8) Previous Meeting: The Pounders won 1,784-1,433 in week eleven Thoughts: The Pounders have one running back and he’s facing the Steelers defense, not good. He does have stud receivers, but Griff can match him. I can forget that Griff has been the only team outside the MTV division to have a winning record against the MTV division (3-1). WINNER: Griff Stoners

#4 Manhattan Projects (8-6) vs. #5 Don’s Gators (7-7) Previous Meeting: Manhattan Projects beat Don 1,077-711 in week six Thoughts: There’s no doubt the Projects have been the better team all season, but this isn’t a beauty contest. It’s single elimination time and the Projects look shaky. Bulger was out last week and he’s expected to miss next week too. And who do you start at running back; a lot of options (Green banged up, Lewis only played a half last game, Jones was brought back to earth, Johnson has been absent the last two games, Bell separated his shoulder) but will it be the right choice. Look for big games from McGahee, Davis and Favre next week for Don. WINNER: Don’s Gators (Upset special)

#3 Burrier Bruiser (9-5) vs. #6 David the Patriot Previous Meeting: Burrier Bruisers beat David the Patriot 1,522-606 in Week Five In their last meeting, Dave showed just what could go wrong with this team. Again though, for Dave to beat Burrier, he needs Vick to have a Manning-type game. I don’t see it happening. WINNER: Burrier Bruisers

#2 The Republicans (10-4) vs. #7 Backstreet Boyz (7-7) Previous Meeting: Backstreet Boyz beat the Republicans 1,581-976 For the first nine weeks I would have easily picked Rob over Bob, but over the last four weeks, the Republicans would have gotten the nod. The Backstreet Boyz are hurt and things don’t look too good right now. WINNER: The Republicans

SECOND ROUND PREDICTIONS #1 Griff Stoners (11-4) vs. #5 Don’s Gators (8-7) One upset is all Don’s going to get. Griff is a complete team that’s not going to suffer the upset. WINNER: Griff Stoners

#2 The Republicans (11-4) vs. #3 Burrier Bruisers (10-5) Dream semi-final match up, the two hottest teams in the league face off for a shot at the title. Bob’s been hot, Burrier’s been hotter…I’m going with the hottest team. WINNER: Burrier Bruisers

TITLE GAME PREDICTIONS #1 Griff Stoners (12-4) vs. #3 Burrier Bruisers (11-5) A rematch of last season’s championship game…Griff has lost the title game three times (a Coomer has lost it four of the five times). The key to this game is will Manning and Tomlinson have something to play for in week 17? I say yes…Griff goes 0-4 in title games, Burrier goes 6-0 in post-season play. WINNER: Burrier Bruisers

QUARTER FINALS

The Quarter Pounders 1349 at Griff’s Stoners 1396 Don’s Gators 1075 at Manhattan Projects 1845 David the Patriots 1274 at The Burrier Bruisers 1190 Backstreet Boyz 1494 at The Republicans 1825 TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS ROUND TWO MATCH UPS #1 Griff Stoners vs. #6 David the Patriot #2 The Republicans vs. #4 Manhattan Projects

NEXT YEAR’S DRAFT (SO FAR) #1 – Matt Neatock #2 – Robio Murray #3 – Eric Vozzola #4 – Molly Pop #5 – Jeff/Colby #6 – Rob Masterson #7 – Don Vozzola #8 – Richard Burrier

DEEP THOUGHTS

BURRIER BRUISERS The defending champion goes down! You go into Monday night needing only 147 points with three players and you get 63 points. Ouch! Well, we always said you’d go down if Manning looked human and Manning looked human with 279 points. But you lost this game for one reason, Anthony Thomas. Yes, the A-train. All season long you’ve been rotating average receivers; Johnson, Chambers, Bryant, Coles, Williams…up to this point you always seemed to make the right decisions, but not this week. Johnson’s 172 points would have propelled you to a victory! STATS: This was Rich’s first career playoff lost. This is the second year in a row the defending champ went down in the first round the following year. This is the third time in six years the #3 seed fell in the first round.

DON’S GATORS Well, no one expected you to win (except me). There was nothing you could have done, the Projects just had too much fire power this week. However, you have a lot to look forward to next year. You can if you want keep D. Davis in the second, Heap in the fifth and McGahee in the 8th round. Which will allow you to grab a top receiver of QB with your first pick next season. STATS: In eight completed seasons (four each for Eric and Don) a Vozzola has never won a fantasy playoff game. Don is 0-2, Eric is 0-0.

BACKSTREET BOYZ It just wasn’t fair for Rob this season. He scores 1,494 points…he would have beaten every other team this week, except one…the guy he faced of course. It’s amazing that a team with the running he had all season (Holmes, Brown, Droughns & Smith) had to start one running back who scored 36 total points. How? Holmes, injured. Brown, injured. Droughns, traded (is a back up now) and Smith, splits time with everyone and their mothers/ STATS: First losing season, first year not to win a playoff game. Surprisingly, Rob has never had a winning season in three years

QUARTER POUNDERS Impressive year until the end, but the playoffs mirrored the regular season. Who would have thought though it would be McNabb and Steelers defense letting you down this week? Tough decision next year though, do you keep Barber with the 8th pick or Mohammad with the 11th pick? STATS: End the season on a four-game losing streak. A 100-point game is the measuring stick for “close” games. This season you were involved in only two 100-point games; a I-point loss to the Projects in week one and the 47-point defeat to Griff in the playoffs.

DAVID THE PATRIOT Impressive win…one that the other three playoff teams are glad you pulled off. Everybody on your team seems to be playing good…however, if you plan on making it to the championship circle, you’re going to need a couple of your boys to step up and play great. STATS: Dave is the only owner to make it to the playoffs all six years in league history, however, this was only the second time Dave made it out of the first round.

MANHATTAN PROEJCTS Volek and Bennett. Bennett and Volek. What the hell is this all about? I’d have to say, I’ve been very impressed with the decisions made this year by this team. You definitely get G.M. of the year award. You pick up Volek and Bennett, the hottest QB and the hottest WR right at the right time. You pick up Jones right when he’s getting hot. You trade for Johnson, for RB insurance; oh and you pick up Tatum Bell, a potential keeper for you now that he looks like the man in Denver STATS: The 4th seed has made it to the title game twice in league history, but has never won

THE REPUBLICANS The hot teams always cool off, don’t they? The Pounders, cooled off big time and went bye-bye. Burrier Bruisers were hot, but hit the wall this week. Now you’re the hottest team in the league. However, can a one-running back team really win it all? Well, since it always seems like one of your receivers always scores at least 300 points, I would say yes. STATS: You’ve scored over 1,500 points in six straight games, tying the six-year record held by Robio in 1999. Score over 1,500 next week and the record is yours.

GRIFF STONER All that talk of worst division, best division…bullshit! Four teams from the MTV division make the playoffs, but only one advances to the second round…while Griff just continues his first round dominance. Next week though should be fun, Griff and Dave, twelve total years of fantasy football experience in this league. Amazingly, last season was the only time they’ve played in the post-season against each other. STATS: Griff has never lost in the first or second round in post-season history. This will be Dave and Griff’s record 12th meeting in league history. Griff leads the series 6-5.

LOOKING AHEAD #1 Griff Stoners vs. #6 David the Patriots We’ll call this the runner up bowl…because these two teams have been the runner up four of the league’s five years. Dave has only advanced in the post-season once back in 2001 as the 6th seed.

#2 The Republicans vs. Manhattan Projects Republicans have been hot, hot, hot! Bob has been on a record setting pace with 1,500-point games, but if he does win the title, he’ll go into next season with an 8-game winning streak, third longest in league history. The Projects have won 2-straight games, which he has done four times this season. However, he’s never won three straight games.

SEMI FINALS

David the Patriots 913 at Griff’s Stoners 1379 Manhattan Projects 965 at The Republicans 1239

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS (ON SUNDAY, I’M SKIING IN COLORADO ON TUESDAY) * Assuming Dave’s TE doesn’t have a career day

FIRST…NEXT YEAR’S DRAFT #1 Matt Neatock #2 Robio Murray #3 Eric’s Vozzola #4 Molly Coomer #5 Jeff/Colby #6 Rob Masterson #7 Don Vozzola #8 Richard Burrier #9 David Hightower #10 Rich Calderon

MANHATTAN PROJECTS You live with Volek, you die with Volek…one of the strangest playoff teams in league history, ends at the same spot last season. The Patriots defense kept it close, but no one else stood out this week. This team was fantastic one week, down right ugly the next, this week the ugly one show its face.

DAVID THE PATRIOT Those running backs of yours, those damn running backs. To win a championship, you need your stars need to be stars. Portis: 44 points Griff’s Alexander 428. Now who do you keep next year, Portis with the first or Vick with the second pick?

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME #1 GRIFF STONERS (12-4) VS #2 THE REPUBLICANS (12-4) This is what it’s all about baby, #1 vs. #2…two 12-4 teams. This is only the second time in league history (1999) the top two seeds faced off in the title game, but more importantly, their 24-8 record is the best combined record for the two title teams. This year’s best team (Griff) with this year’s second half king (Bob).

PERSONAL: I got a lot of love for both boys. Griff, we go way back. We’ve known each other since the teenage years, been friends four a dozen. I can’t count the number of nights we spent at the Peanut Gallery; Robio & Scott vs. Griff & Worm. I’ll always remember upsetting you, the fooze ball God, at the Patty Wagon, forcing you to drive 50 miles the next day to make it to the championship round. And I’ll never forgive you for coming back from an 8-2 score in the title game to beat us for the championship. My heart is still broken. Bob, probably the funniest guy I know. The only man I know, who in ten years I’ll be telling chicks that I knew you, so they’ll be impressed by me and hopefully put out. Reading your blog is one of my favorite activities of the day and I’ve just sat back all year and watched your sports dominance; first when you rolled through our baseball league and won that title, followed by your record pace in the second half of this football season.

PREVIOUS MEETING: An ugly week seven victory for Griff 1,190-1,040. Both teams were a bit different back then. Bob was just starting to go 3-wide at the receiver spot, but he has one thing now he didn’t have then…C.U.L.P.E.P.P.E.R. Griff however, also went in with a couple missing pieces with Moss injured and Johnson on a bye-week.

TITLE GAME BY THE NUMBERS – Griff leads the all-time series 2-0 – Coming off a 6-8 season, Bob becomes the 3rd team in four years to go from a losing season to a title game appearance. – This is Griff’s fourth time in the title game in six years (Most in league history). However- – Griff is 8-0 in the first two rounds of the playoffs but 0-3 in the title game. – Bob enters the title game with a seven game winning streak. He is tied for 3rd in league history for longest winning streak.This is also the second longest streak entering a title game. – Despite the fact Bob failed to break 1,500 this week, he has averaged an amazing 1,616ppg over the last eight weeks. – Interesting historic stat: Doing better in the semi-finals doesn’t mean victory in the title game. In 1999, Robio & Griff won in the semi-finals, Robio outscored Griff in that round and Robio went on to win the title. Since then, the team that’s scored the most in the semi-finals has lost in the title game. This year, Griff outscored Bob.

TITLE GAME PLAYERS (Now one down side to my league is the title game is the last week of the season, which means some players on teams who have nothing to play for, sit down their stars. On Sunday night, I’m not sure who all those teams are, but here’s some possibilities. (I’m also assuming no one is hurt)

GRIFF TRENT GREEN – The Chiefs are out of it, so Green will be playing next week against a team (San Diego) who have nothing to play for. Good news for Griff (No Doubt) ALEXANDER – You better be a Rams fan. If St. Louis loses, Seattle clinches the division. However, they could be playing for the #3 seed. If the #3 seed is important to the Seahawks, then Alexander is in. (Probable) PITTMAN: Tampa Bay is out, Pittman is playing for a roster spot next season. (No Doubt) MOSS: The Vikings are still fighting for a playoff spot. I’m not sure about that leg of his (Most likely) JOHNSON OR CLAYTON: Both teams are out of contention, both players are in (No Doubt) McMICHAEL: Dolphins are out, Randy is in (No Doubt) DEFENSE: Bucs are out, looking good (Full defense will be in) BENCH: The only major concern is Alexander. Griff can either pick up (not sure who’s available, if anyone) or go three wide out. But no Alexander is a big drop off for Griff.

BOB CULPEPPER: The Vikings need a W, but face a tough ‘D’ in the cold. (No Doubt) DILLON: My biggest concern. The Patriots have nothing to play for. They have wrapped up the 2nd seed and they’re not going to risk Dillon. WAYNE: The Colts have nothing to play for, so I’m not sure how long Wayne will start.. (Questionable) JOHNSON, KENNISON, MOSS & HOUSHMANDZADEH: All four guys are on teams playing next week. (All players No Doubt) WIGGINS: Need to get into playoffs. (No Doubt) DEFENSE: Jets need a win. (All players in) BENCH: Too bad Bob can’t start four wide receivers, he’d be all set. He has Barlow. I know he’s done nothing all year, but the 49ers need to see if Barlow is worth keeping next season. I expect him to get more carries next week.

Both teams could be in running back trouble. Neither went out and got solid RB backups before the post-season, so now they’ll have to sleep in the bed they made.

ROBIO’S SUGGESTION: Keep an eye on good backups on teams who are sitting their starters. Their some quality back ups that will get an opportunity to start for the only time this season. The title could go to whoever makes the smartest decision.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The Republicans 1216 at Griff’s Stoners 1169

TUESDAY’S THOUGHTS

2004 CHAMPION: BOB “REPUBLICANS” CASTRONE

Oh the Stoners…oh, how it hurts. What an amazing finish.

Bob holding on to a slim lead 1110-1019. He has a kicker and Kennison, Griff has a struggling Green and Alexander in as the Bucs game comes to an end.

Atlanta scores a TD with no time on the clock, a two point conversion ties the game, sends it into overtime, where Alexander could possibly get some more carriers. But it’s not meant to be. Warrick Dunn gets stopped on the one-inch line. No more carrier for Alexander; no rushing title, no more points for Griff.

It’s all up to Trent Green for the Stoners.

Kansas City gets the ball down by 21 points to San Diego. The game is over, but the Chiefs are still passing. Trent Green takes them all the way down the field, but two big passes go to Bob’s Kennision, helping Bob more than Griff. However, KC is on the 2-yard line, a TD is huge for Griff…but noooo, they hand it off to Larry Johnson, Touchdown!!

I have to go to the bathroom…

…I come back!

Griff is down 15 points!!! KC and Trent Green get the ball back on their own nine, with :56 seconds left. They’re still passing, right? Yes!

Bob 1,216 Griff 1,201

Trent Green throws to Gonzalez…incomplete! (-2 points)

Bob 1,216 Griff 1,199 (Bob’s lead grows by two)

Trent Green throws to Gonzalez…incomplete! (-2 points)

Bob 1,216 Griff 1,197 (Griff goes from 15 down to 19 down) Third down!

Trent Green throws to Gonzalez…complete!!!

Griff 1,218 Bob 1,216 (Griff’s in the lead! Griff’s in the lead!!!)

Trent Green spikes the ball. Incomplete (-2 points)

Griff 1,216 Bob 1,216 (TIE GAME! TIE GAME! TIE GAME!)

Only seconds left in the game. Time for about two more plays.

Trent Green throws to Daute Hall…INTERCEPTED! (-47 points for Griff; -2 for non-completion, -45 for INT) GAME OVER!!! GAME OVER!!

BOB WINS, BOB WINS…THE REPUBLICANS WIN!!!

THE 2004 FANTASY FOOTBALL CHAMPION IS BOB CASTRONE (The Republicans).