Now it’s time to take a look at what has happened thus far, since most teams have had at least 6 guys play their first game. Averages in parentheses are their lineup totals going into the playoff, NOT what they are currently averaging in their first round games.
Upper Bracket
#1 Gator Bait (179.1) vs. #16 The Hoop Guru (NL/144.5)
No surprise here. Even with GB scoring a season low of 113 fantasy points through 6 games, The Hoop (they’ve lost their “Guru” status) has just 95 points in 7 games, although they do have 35 locked in with DeAndre Williams having just one game. There is some drama however, with DeVries not suiting up for his game, so GB will be subbing someone in for him. And, with The Hoop having everybody but Williams score so low, each of their other players has some serious room to bump up their averages. Of course, GB basically just needs Timme to get his usual and that should pretty much take care of that. So, there is technically, still time for the greatest upset in MML history, but, I wouldn’t hold your breath.
#8 North Pole Fightin’ Reindeer (153.9) vs. #9 Hoosiers (164.3)
Sorry! Did I jinx NPFR when I said the following: “Edwards & Dickinson have been highly productive all season.” Oh boy! Edwards & Dickinson combined for just 18 fantasy points in their first games! It also did not help that Tyler Burton scored about half of what he did during the regular season as well. Hoosiers looking good to advance.
#4 Maize & Blue Bloods (162.2) vs. #13 KC Warthogs (150.5)
I hate to say I told you so but I did say “MBB does have a “freshman issue,” And the 3rd try was not the charm as Braden Smith went for just 3 points. Meanwhile, KC got “the Edey factor” working, as Edey went for 53. That has carried them to a 14-point lead, and, they have more players who can bump up than MBB. Upset city? Looks like KC could get it done here.
#5 Saluki YRD’s (151.8) vs. #12 Virginia Gentlemen (159.8)
The YRD’s are down just one point but the Virginia Gentlemen have not played two of their first round games compared to just one for the YRD’s. It didn’t help the YRD’s that the “bad Antoine Davis” decided to show up with just 8 points in his first game. This one is still a toss-up but VG is in good shape to pull off the upset.
Lower Bracket
#2 Deep Valley Grouchos (171.2) vs. #15 Hillbilly Maulers (151.8)
With a game still left to play, DVG’s are cooking while the Maulers have completed their first round of games and are already 22 fppg behind. DVG’s will be moving on.
#7 House of Sparky (153.7) vs. #10 Vindaloos (154.4)
Vindaloos must feel they are in the house of spanky, as House of Sparky is rolling! Only Tshiebwe has performed to expectations for the Vins’. HOS even got a 34 from Polakovich, so, this one is over. HOS moving on.
#3 Psychos (167.8) vs. #14 Hardwood Heroes (154.7)
Even if every player in their lineup bumped his average up 5 fantasy points from their first round of games, Psychos would almost certainly be toast. My guess is that the Psychos like their guard group, but, I didn’t, and, while they weren’t horrible, they weren’t good, either. And, in the playoffs, if you ain’t good, you’re bad. Combine that with some first round disappointments (Nunge and Wilson) and you have HH performing more of their recent history playoff magic.
#6 Prozac Pups (151.8) vs. #11 Sam Jacobson Went To Class (139.8)
At 197.0 after a complete first round, nobody is close to matching their production. The Pups are playing their hearts out for fallen teammate Jake Stephens. At 165.0 the Sams are having a great round that normally would be a first round winner. I do not see any wiggle room here. Prozac will be moving forward.