Well, there it is. Another year, another ACL-less finals. Is it a curse? Am I punished for fantasy crimes? Is it karma for my (branded) arrogance? Perhaps so. Oh well..."there's always next year!"
The Futures find themselves in the finals for the third time in league history. The first time, of course, they won against ACL becoming our inaugural champion. Last year, they lost to the new franchise Doctor B. This year, they face another newcomer. Not to the league at large, but to the playoffs and now to the finals.
Land O'Nutts continued their amazing streak, toppling the E-Munnies in a narrow victory. The Munnies were represented by Lamar Jackson, Davante Adams, and...well mostly nobody else. Aside their defensive end they didn't have a single other player score double digits. The Nutts took advantage of the dud week, and were able to overcome the monster that has been Lamar this year.
So here we are! No matter how this goes, history in the making. Either we crown our first, ever two-time champion or, a team that has never made the playoffs. Looking at the matchups, it would appear the Nutts have the better draw. Their Ryan/Hooper stack goes up against Jacksonville, Ingram and Andrews face Cleveland. The team's weak link is their receiving corps, and they'll have a difficult decision to make. Kenny Stills faces Tampa Bay who have allowed the most yards and 3rd most TDs to opposing receivers, but he has Blough throwing to him. Gallup faces Philly, another decent matchup, but he's fresh off a 1pt game. Cupp has had a reasonable string of games but is up against San Francisco, which could easily shut him down.
The Futures have a bit of an easier time choosing their starters, even though they have less inviting matchups. CMC faces Indianapolis who have held RBs to moderate yardage and the 3rd fewest TDs. Landry has an interesting dilemma. He gets most of his points from TDs over yardage, which is the inverse situation you'd want facing the Baltimore defense. The team's remaining WRs face similar situations, with average defenses that have been able to shut down receiving touchdowns.
Fleaflicker has The Futures as the far and away favorite, but this writer thinks it will be closer than either team would be comfortable with. On paper, The Futures' lineup does appear superior, but matchups and streaky play could see a 5th name appearing on the trophy!
Congratulations to our finalists! With the timing of the holidays this year, I will get to our offseason stuff after Christmas. At that point, any teams that have paid for the 2020 season will have their rosters opened up for trading, including their 2020 picks. You can check which teams are currently paid in the sidebar of the blog as well as in the facebook group.
Another thing I'd like to ask: Though I sincerely hope that everyone will continue in the league, if for whatever reason you will be taking your leave after this season, please reach out and let me know! It is much easier for me to find a replacement owner the more advanced notice I am given. So, again, please don't quit! But if you are going to, let me know sooner rather than later.
So thanks again everyone for another great season! I wish you and yours happy holidays, and an even happier NFL playoffs! Go Pack!
