Chris Carter's Fall Guys @ Chicken Little Flea Flicker
Hold on to your hats, folks; we have a major upset in the making.
SURPRISE!: The owner of the worst team name in the L.E.D. kicked open the playoff door in the final hour -- and he's landed a favorable first round match-up. The majority of this roster has favorable tilts this week, but will be relying on two backup running backs that are trying to prove they are for real. Led by a group of elite WRs including DeAndre Hopkins and Robby Anderson, the Fall Guys are relying heavily on the arm of QB Philip RIvers to throw the ball early & often to Keenan Allen and TE Hunter Henry. Coach Florian is also streaming the Cincinnati defense in a favorable match-up against the Bears, but will Adam Jones, Dre Kirpatrick, and LB Vontaze Burfict be back in time to solidify the pick?
ON THE OTHER SIDE: After putting the league on notice early in the season, Chicken Little has lost some steam and backed into the playoffs with a loss. In the process, she lost her first-round bye and it couldn't have come at a worse time. Combine that with a list of unfavorable tilts up and down the roster, the injury uncertainty of star TE Zach Ertz and you have got one tough match-up for the first round.
But the sky is not falling for Chicken Little! Coach Meads still has the #1 ranked Jacksonville defense, as well as two top 5 running backs in Todd Gurley and Kareem Hunt in her stable that she'll lean on throughout the playoffs.
Chicken Little is clearly the better and more talented team, but they desperately needed the first-round bye. Personnel and unfavorable match-ups will be too much here.
WINNER: Chris Carter's Fall Guys
Cam Newton's Law @ Grizzly Adams Beards
Coach Luck is hoping that the third time really is the charm. After going 0-2 to division rival, Grizzly Adams Beards, Cam Newton's Law would be thrilled to go 1-2.
LOW FLOOR, HIGH CEILING: It truly was an up and down year for the Beards. Their win-loss record for much of the year resembled a two-step (win, loss, win, loss, win, loss...). But ol' Grizzly Adams two-stepped his way into the playoffs, and has a boom or bust roster that is capable of being a top three scoring offense in the playoffs.
The roster is loaded with talent from top-to-bottom (including the bench) that includes elite RB Le'Veon Bell, but a portion of it hasn't strung together consistent results and leaves a lot unanswered. Last week, Rex Burkhead put up a two touchdown performance; but does Belichik to go with the hot hand, or is it Dion Lewis or James White type week? Will the Buccaneers continue to look Cameron Brate's way or will they force feed Mike Evans after a terrible performance in Green Bay? Does Josh Gordon put up another good week? (SPOILER: yes, he does)
HAVE WE MET BEFORE?: Ironically, a major reason Cam Newton's Law made the playoffs is through a series of trades with Grizzly Adams Bears. Three prominent players, Adam Thielan, Alvin Kamara, and Marshawn Lynch were all acquired in trades from Grizzly Adams and have contributed immensely . However, new comers Marquise Goodwin & Stephen Anderson are risky streaming options this week.
But if Cam Newton's Law hopes to win this week, they'll need a strong performance from...well, Cam Newton. Facing the league's #2 ranked defense at home, Newton will need to be sharp and secure points with both his arms and legs. That's going to be difficult with
covering Devin Funchess and Everson Griffen breathing down his neck.
Grizzly Adams has better match-ups across the board, but Cam Newton's Law is marginally more talented. This starts on Thursday, but will be decided on Monday in a thrilling nail biter.
WINNER: Cam Newton's Law