Back in the saddle again....I'm back. I know you all missed me something horrible, but I just had no desire to write last week, and since I don't get paid to do this who cares? :) Anyhow, looking forward I don't see how anyone can say the Short Bus Bullies aren't the clear cut number one. Interestingly enough, as we near the season's midpoint I think the actual standings are almost 100 percent the same as the power rankings, with one minor difference. Let's lay it out:
- Short Bus Bullies - There's no arguing it. With a 5 game winning streak and some of the biggest scorers in the game, the Bullies are tough. But with Gates and Steve Smith on the bench, they could be vulnerable to the Pumas potent attack this week. Of course, this team is the luckiest in the league, winning several games now thanks to good Monday night performances.
- Annandale Pumas - Riding a four game winning streak going into the showdown for number one against the Bullies the Pumas are bringing Manning, TO, Randy Moss, Joesph Addai and Ronnie Brown to the fight this week. If they all have a normal game (for them) then the Pumas will have a good shot at going back into first.
- Rocky Runners - Moving into number three, the Runners look strong coming into a very winnable game this week against the Sunshine. Rumors persist of a Shockey for Rudi Johnson trade with the Red Dogs, but apparently ownership quarrels are preventing this deal from getting done.
- Centreville Red Dogs - The Red Dogs are looking solid with their MoJo finally having put together a nice couple games and Reggie Bush stepping up to be a true number one back for the Saints. With Marvin Harrison hopefully back this week and Plaxico 'All I Do Is Catch Touchdowns' Burress at the WR, and the #1 fantasy scorer so far this year in Tom Brady (160 points, next closest Randy Moss with 136) they Dogs are only a tight end away from being a bad ass.
- Annandale Sunshine - It's a mystery to me how the Sunshine haven't lost more games with their poor luck at QB, and how in the h - e - double hockey sticks is Brees is projected for 14 points this week when he's only scored 18 all season??. QB and RB are the weak points here. If they get good games from those positions then they have a shot to win and move up this week.
- Black Hand - Still one of the pleasant surprises this year, it's just too bad the ownership can't get past being a homer long enough to sit Randle-El. If they had started Braylon Edwards last week instead of Randle-El, the Hand would have knocked off the number one Bullies, and would probably be in the top three. I also have to question the thought process in carrying two kickers? Should be a good matchup with SxC this week.
- Sixteen In The Clip - The other pleasant surprise this year, SxC, who I predicted would be lucky to win a game is looking like a solid shot for the playoffs. Their game this week versus the Black Hand could be the match up for the last playoff spot considering the records of the teams behind them.
- Space for Rent - The Spacers really need to start winning to have a shot at the playoffs. It's not too often you hear the name LaDainian Tomlinson and missed the playoffs in the same breath. Could the Spacers owner/coach be the Norv Turner of our league?
- Angry Amish - YEAH! Great win last week for the Amish against the Sunshine and facing the Helmets this week they have a good shot to run the win streak to two games. Except that Phillip Rivers, Donald Driver and Derek Anderson are all on bye, and as of yet the league hasn't gotten any reports that management realizes this. Somebody in the Amish's front office needs to wake up!
- Green Helmets - Officially the unluckiest team in the VIFFL, this week is the Helmets best chance for a win so far this season. They look stacked against the Amish....somebody better tell them to bring a camera for backup.
