This is a list of the top 8 teams to look out for throughout this season, none of these coaches have made the playoffs in TSFL and are looking to continue trending upward in order to earn their first playoff berth in TSFL.

8) Titans - Inherited a stripped roster and poor record, he has quietly put in the time and invested his salary cap and draft picks in the right places to return the Titans to a contender in the AFC South. Kly has been played very well in his games but has had a tough time closing out. Watch out for him if he learns to seal the games up late and walk away with the W's he should be.

7) Rams - Similar to the Titans, Maurizz has had some trouble acquiring the talent at the right spots but after 2 offseasons he has finally built a team to be strong at the front 7 on D and continuing to provide more weapons/protection on offense for Gurley and now the rookie QB, Zimmons. As long as Maurizz can stay awake through the game, he should be able to hold his own now with the improvements of his roster.

6) Giants - Is it going to be another down season, or an upseason as we saw 2 seasons ago from the JWalsh ran New York Giants. There had been rumors of the coach's retirement but those were revealed to be false. JWalsh is back and looking to give the Redskins some legit competition in the NFC East again. Paxton Lynch is grooving and if the NYG can prevent turnovers in the redzone, they will be able to put together a much stronger campaign this season than the season before.

5) Bulldogs - RP has been struggling to find breathing room in the AFC West for the past 2 seasons. Now after multiple drafts and building his team to better fit his style, he feels he is on the cusp of a strong run with the newly relocated London Bulldogs. Bell continues to be the workhorse on offense with having QB Sorensen providing a strong passing attack in relief as well. RP has also learned to play a much smarter defensive look vs teams, leading to more opportunities for his offense to keep putting points on the board. If he can eliminate turnovers by staying true to a balanced offense and cotinuing to cause turnovers on defense, he should be able to make a run for an AFC wildcard spot.

4) Bills - Another team that has a Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde persona. When the passing game is going it is on fire and usually what carries the Bills to victory but with the defense continuing to lose pieces and age, there is a youth movement from this past draft and now the question is if they are skilled enough to get the job done vs the many other elite QBs in the AFC. Now he just needs to see if he can provide the team a consistent defense that can keep the game tighter throughout the entire 60 minutes.

3) Packers - I can't sit here and say much about this team, they have always been a middle of the pack (heh) team. Without a consistent offense and a high risk-high reward defense, they have had a tough time to win games vs tougher competition. QB Benoit needs to reel it in and the running game needs to be stronger to reduce the turnover numbers. There is also the SLIGHT issue due to the coach's drinking problem, the assistant coach ends up coaching 50% of his games, which are a probable loss.

2) Dolphins - Hands down the worst managed team of all TSFL 17' teams, this didn't scare off Milan though. Since he has taken over the team, his #1 goal has been to change the scheme to Milan's style while acquiring players who fit the mold and drafting game changers. This was proven with the 2nd overall pick, MLB Griffith. The offense of this team is in a good spot but the user D Milan brings to the Dolphins will help elevate them from the bottom barrell status they have been.

1) Steelers - The fallen team of Tyler has only grown stronger and stronger under a much improved front office with the hiring of TheSeibert. He took over this team who was pretty cap strapped with a bunch of high priced, aging vets, and continued to improve the team to remain competitive in the AFC. After acquiring the right talent to fit his coaching scheme, look for the Steelers to return to the playoffs under a new coaching regime.

To these 8 teams, I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you guys make it to the playoffs before we wrap up Madden 17!

Season 3 Midway Power Rankings

By: Joe (Jaguars)
Tyler (Steelers)
Tej (Raiders)

1.    Jets (9-0)– The defending league champion Jets have come out of the gates with a perfect 9-0 record and look to keep all roads to the Super Bowl running through New York.  Their defense is in a class of its’ own and their offense is clicking lead by rookie Andrew Benoit. Audiences will be gifted with a massive week 17 matchup when the Jets travel to Oakland for a potential AFC Championship preview.

2.    Raiders (8-1) – After a less-than-desirable end to their season 2 campaign, the Raiders have come out guns blazing only having one loss on the season.  Their offense has laid waste to all opponents so far and their defense is starting to distinguish themselves into an elite class.

3.    Falcons (8-1) – The ownership change in Atlanta has resulted in immediate payout with the Falcons off to an 8-1 start.  Rookie QB Jackson Connell has two 5 TD performances under his belt already.  His most recent game more-than doubled his INT total but look for him to bounce back against a struggling Panthers team.

4.    49ers (7-2) – The 49ers are off to a solid start to season 3 coming out with a 7-2 start.  Their stingy defense currently sits top 3 in all major categories.  With the NFC gathering more and more ownership depth, look for the Niners to be a perennial contender in the NFC with their young roster.  Huge week 11 matchup versus the Seahawks could be the decider for the NFC West.

5.    Steelers (7-2) – Opposite of the 49ers, the Steelers have one of the most prolific offenses in the league putting up an impressive 32 points and well over 400 yards total offense per game.  With the ageless Big Ben chucking the ball to arguably the best receiving corps in the league, look for the Steelers to bring some hardware back to Pittsburgh in the very near future.

6.    Seahawks (6-3) – The Seahawks opened the season sporting a 3-3 record and seemed to have been struggling to find an offensive groove.  They appeared to have found that grove putting up 31 and 41 points in their last two matchups.  Expect the Seahawks to shake off a rocky start and put themselves back atop the NFC.

7.    Jaguars (6-3) – The Jaguars opened the season with a substandard 3-3 record but have strung off two straight crucial divisional wins to get back to the top spot in the AFC South.  They have a balanced aerial attack on offense with 4 receivers over 400 yards but appear to be still trying to find their rhythm on the ground.

8.    Redskins (5-4) – The Redskins find themselves 5-4 at this point in the season but are the beneficiaries of a 3 game win streak.  Two of those wins have come from quality opponents in the Falcons (ending their perfect season) and Seahawks.  They’ve closed the gap on the Giants being only 1 game back and look to take back the reigns in the NFC East.

9.    Giants (6-3) – The Giants rocketed out the gates to a 6-1 start but have lost back-to-back games resulting in their NFC East lead withering away.  Their offense gels being 8th in points, 5th in total yards, and 4th in passing yards but their defense - mainly their pass defense - needs to do a little soul-searching if they wish to find a spot in the playoffs.

10.   Vikings (5-4) – Going against tradition, the Vikings currently have the league’s best offense in terms of offensive yardage per game (2nd in total passing).  Their defense is pretty bend but don’t break being ranked in the bottom half of the league in all categories except 6th in points allowed.  They have a daunting 3 game road trip coming up but maintain a 2 game lead over the Packers for control of the NFC North.

11.   Browns (5-4) – The Browns won’t “wow” you with their offense being 24th in points scored per game but they have found a way to maintain a winning record in the latter half of season 3.  All that matters is that they’ve found ways to win games in one of the toughest divisions in the league.  Time will tell if the Browns can get over the hump and land themselves in the playoffs.

12.   Buccaneers (5-4) – The Bucs were on the wrong end of a rough first half schedule but are currently on a 4 game win-streak where they’ve put up 30 or more points in all 4 of those games.  They need to keep this up if they are looking to secure a spot in the NFC playoff picture.

13.   Colts (5-4) – The Colts have been slowly but surely building up a solid roster and it seems to be starting to pay dividends having a winning record with just under half a season left.  Their offense struggles to find consistency but when it’s clicking, they can be near impossible to stop.  They have a huge week 11 matchup vs the Browns that could be a big factor in the AFC playoff race.

14.   Ravens (4-5) – With what is probably the toughest schedule in the league this season, the Ravens are trying to keep their heads above water and secure a 3rd straight playoff appearance.  Things only get more difficult for them, though still having the Steelers, Bucs, Raiders, and Browns remaining (all with winning records at this point).

15.   Patriots (4-5) – Besides a week one drubbing received by the Oilers, the Patriots have been involved in 5 games that were decided by 7 or less points.  They seem to still be finding an identity after a major team overhaul but they have a lot of youth on their roster who seem to be on the rise.

16.   Chiefs (4-5) – Leading the NFL in rushing with rookie RB Toneil Cook, he continues to find ways to win his games and looking to reclaim his reputation as a top competitor in the AFC. Consistency has been one of the biggest issues for them but we can fully expect them to finish strong.

17.   Cardinals (3-6) – The Cardinals went into the season with expectations to build off of last season’s playoff appearance but have hit a slump due to a tough schedule. They have faced off against the tough divisional rivals, SEA and SF, and have been swept by both. With only a couple games left in the season vs above .500 teams, they are looking for a strong finish. Look for them to break into a top 10 offense, currently sitting around 14th, and get the 29th ranked run defense back on track to match the 4th best pass defense in the league.

18.   Texans (4-5) – The Texans are still lighting up the league on offense through an elite passing attack, currently ranked 4th in yards and 2nd in passing yards. The season has been a rollercoaster for the Texans as they have had most of their games finish in a close matchup. The Texans must find a way to seal the deal in close games if they are looking for a playoff berth.

19.   Panthers (4-5) – Under the new coach, the Panthers have a tone on both sides of the ball. Looking to spread the ball more with Cam and control the time of possession. The Panthers have been able to keep the passing game of opponents under control but just can’t seem to keep them out of the endzone, ranking middle of the pack in points allowed per game. With an offseason under the new front office, the Panthers are poised to make a strong playoff push once they infuse more talent to the roster

20.   Titans (4-5) – With QB Mariota out of the picture, its rookie QB Milstead’s time to shine. After a hot start, the Titans are realizing that the path to the playoffs isn’t as clear as it looked. With the tougher part of their schedule out of the way. It is up to both the offense and defense to rise up from their currently ranked average offense and defense and show the league that they are only getting strong as a team after each and every game. Playoffs are still very much so a possibility if the Titans can make a run.

21.   Saints (4-5) – With the arrival of QB Hackenberg paired with the Saints talent at WR, they have produced a top 10 passing attack in the league. While on defense, they are still rebuilding, they are in the middle of the pack for league defense and continue to win or lose games based solely on the production of one side of the ball. But as well all know, defense wins championships and the Saints need to continue building there.

22.   Lions (4-5) – While the Detroit Lions should probably be ranked a bit higher, with recent coaching changes made to the team, we have yet to see how they look under the new regime. They are currently ranked as one of the best defenses in the league, being top 10 in point allowed, 6th in yards allowed, and top 10 in both passing and rushing yards allowed. The playoffs are still very much in reach for the Lions.

23.   Oilers (4-5) – The Oilers have made one of the biggest trades in the league of recent memory by acquiring HB Le’Veon Bell from the Steelers. In doing so, they have been able to produce a top 5 rushing attack this season and giving the rookie QB Sorensen a work-horse back to lean on. In doing so, they gave up LB Igram, which is a reason why they are allowing the 25th most yards in the league. The Oilers are staying strong though and are top 15 in point allowed and with a bend-don't-break defense mentality, they know anything is possible at this point.

24.   Packers(4-5) – The Packers offense is a dumpster fire, currently sitting near dead-last in all categories. They acquired various RBs to find a way to lean on the running game but it has only helped a small amount. The problem still lies in the passing attack and not being able to finish out drives and at least come away with 3. The defense’s only shining light is the pass D which is ranked 7th in the league but again, the rushing and points allowed are bottom 10 in the league and without changing that, the playoffs are going to be out of reach for the Pack.

25.   Bills (4-5) – The Bills can’t seem to find their groove. Starting the season off with a close loss to the Chiefs, the Bills bounced back with 2 straight wins but got blown out by the Bears. Their offense is the 9th best scoring offense and holds up in total yards (9th) and rushing yards (7th) but their defense has been their weak point as they are the 31st scoring defense allowing a ridiculous 37 points a game. In order to right the ship, they must shore up the defense and hope to go on a mistake free stretch of games but even then, the season is one more loss from no playoff berth.

26.   Cowboys (2-7) – With only two wins on the season, this year has been a disaster for the cowboys with little bright spots. Offensively (13 ppg) and defensively (25 ppg) this team struggles when matching up against the rest of the league with their running game being dead last. Looking at their QB, Dak has struggled throwing 10 TDs to 16 INTs and will look to be better down the stretch, and while they are all but out of the playoff race for sure, there does not look to be much promise moving forward. I expect maybe 2 wins for the rest of their schedule.

27.   Bengals (2-7) – “Andy Dalton threw a pick!” If you play the Bengals, you have heard that a few times… Andy has been a turnover machine with 29 INTs to only 11 TDs. Promising young speedy receivers give the Bengals hope that maybe if they can shore of the 29th worst scoring defense in the league and limit the turnovers, they can be a more competitive team that can strike quickly with their speed on the outside next year after FA and the draft.

28.   Dolphins (2-7) –  The Dolphins as well have a struggling season with their most recent loss being a drubbing by the Jets. Their two wins are against the #31 Rams and the #20 Titans which are not that impressive itself but you have to start somewhere. Looking forward for this team it does not look too bright but if they can reload in this years draft and FA class, they will be able to be more competitive next season.

29.   Eagles (3-6) –  The Eagles sitting at 3-6 have been struggling with the QB issue. Bringing in the Vet Carson Palmer has not done what they expected in the offseason and instead has resulted in them being the worst passing offense yards wise in the league. Palmer posting a 53% completion and throwing 8 TDs to 21 INTs has made a lot of GMs around the league questioning why the Eagles gave up on young QB Wentz when still able to pay him cheaply. Hopefully for the Eagles they figure out the QB issues quickly or we could see them stuck with Palmer and Wentz waltz right into the hand of a QB needy team not willing to gamble on an unproven QB.

30.   Broncos (2-7) – The Broncos a year ago were in the thick of the playoff race, now they’re seeing if they can secure the #1 pick this year, or so it looks. With the old owner having similar success with his new franchise, the Broncos are looking like a shell of a team that was once a good bet to make a run at the title. 4 different QBs have thrown passes for them and only Case Keenum has thrown more TDs (1) than INTs (0). The other three combine for 14 TDs and 15 INTs and their defense has been horrible compared to just last year now ranking in at 28th in points allowed around the league.

31.   Bears (3-6) – The Bears are still looking for an identity to the team, a face of the franchise. But until they find one, Jay Cutler continues to let down the offense and only stick to his gun-slinger ways of throwing the ball. The defense is slowly coming around but it is still from from even a top 15 ranked D. Lots of work left for this team and not enough time in the season. Look for them to make some big moves this offseason.

32.   Rams (1-8) – After multiple coaching changes during this season. The Rams have finally found a coach who believe in the team and is looking forward to the rebuild. They still have their core players but being bottom 3 is almost all offensive and defensive categories (30th in offensive points, 32nd in points allowed). The LA Rams best hope right now is to get to the offseason and make a big splash

AFC Playoff Predictions

#1 Seed - Jets (8-0) Undefeated, elite defense, offense is geling with the rookie QB. And history proves to repeat itself for this SB champ

#2 Seed - Raiders (8-0) Undefeated, defense is finally able to force turnovers. Entering a rough stretch of games soon but should come out 

#3 Seed -  Jaguars (5-3) Currently sitting in the 4 seed spot. With the softer schedule ahead, Jags should be able to pull ahead and secure the #3 spot going into playoffs

#4 Seed - Steelers (6-2) Steelers are finally grooving once again, with the arrival of the Melvin's on both O and D. A couple tough games lie ahead but the Steelers should only be walking away with 1-2 loses tops

#5 Seed - Ravens (4-5) Off to a shakey start but as always, Kev will find a way to sneak back into the playoffs and create atleast a couple upsets along the way.

#6 Seed -  Browns (5-4) He finally does it, with a big win over divisional rivals PIT and BAL, Milz is setting himself up for a nice run at the Wildcard spot for the AFC.

On the bubble

Titans (4-5) Hasn't played many actual users and the ones he has have been tough battles. With rookie QB Milstead finally having the spotlight for himself with Mariota traded, can he find his footing and get rolling to fight for the #6 spot?

Patriots (4-5) On the rise, complete overhaul of the team is nearly complete and is looking to continue playing smart football. But with consistency being the biggest issue for this team, the Patriots may fall a win or two short from this goal.

The time is here, it was one of the most anticipated games of the 2019 season as soon the schedules were released. The Oakland Raiders will be traveling to the Cleveland Browns to face off for the first time in Madden 17. The history between the two coaches goes back many years to when they were still in college learning to become coordinators at the collegiate level.

Milz was always focusing on the defensive side of the ball, winning the game through time of possession along with a solid ground and pound game to exhaust the opposing defense and to keep any superior offense off the field as long as possible. This strategy proved to be a strong one, he took down many of his friends through his coaching and even managed to almost win a Madden Tournament that he and his friends hosted. Unfortunately, he fell short in the finals and was never able to shake off the L. He continued to beat down his friends with no mercy, except for the one that always proved to be a worthy opponent, Tejguy.

Tejguy was just arriving into the Madden scene, still learning defensive formations, the importance of the offensive line, and focused mainly on producing a west coast offense. Tejguy continued to play anyone and everyone that would be willing to go head-to-head, start franchise CFMs (fantasy drafted teams with atleast 2 users, had up to 6 at one time). From there, learning had to be done from the mistakes. Being greedy with the ball lead to many turnovers and would cause an occasional L to sub-par competition. Again, we can see that being the common issue for most of the big games for his Oakland Raiders even now in Madden 17.

Tejguy and Milz were always the top of the group, you knew you had to pull out all the stops in order to get the W over them. Most of the time teams fell short and would upsettingly hand off the controller to the next person waiting in line. Milz and Tejguy would always appreciate playing each other. Having polar opposites approach to the game, continously making adjustments to attack/defend the other's adjustments. One score games were almost always guaranteed between us. Overtime was never an afterthought with the two, it was always where the games were won since the football IQ of both coaches was unrivaled to most others.

And now here we finally are, game day. The biggest moment of Milz TSFL career comes down to a game in which his team stacked on the defensive side of the ball. Ready to roll with those monster DEs and destroy the O-Line of the Raiders. While the Raiders are doing everything they can in order to prepare for the duo of Gumbs and Booty (heh), they are highly confident in Carr's ability to get the ball out to his receivers in order to avoid sacks and play nickel and dime his way to a new first down. With WR Gordon out for the Browns, there will be extra pressure on the run game for Duke Johnson to be able to carry the load. QB Chase Stapleton, fraternal brother of TSFL 49er's QB Mike Stapleton, is now in his 2nd season as the leader of the team and is keeping them composed and ready for the uphill battle they will be facing tonight but understands that the season isn't all down to 1 game and the goal for Cleveland is a playoff berth. A win tonight would be a major stepping stone towards that goal and solidifying the Browns as a team to watch out for each season. The Raiders players don't quite yet understand the challenge that lies ahead of them tonight, but Coach Tejguy is demanding nothing but 110% effort throughout the whole game due to the history between the two coaches and the historically close games that they two have had, regardless of rosters.

Predictions

Score: 35-10 OAK

Passing
OAK: 350 passing, 3 TD
CLE: 220 passing, 1 TD

Rushing
OAK: 125 yards, 1 TD
CLE: 60 yards, 0 TD, 1 Fumble

Defensive Sacks
OAK: 2
CLE: 3

Defensive INTs
OAK: 2
CLE: 1

Defensive TD
OAK: 1
CLE: 0

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to give the league a little early holidays gift from the ol' commishes. We are now back onboard with Daddyleagues after they revived themselves with the Madden CFM Companion App. Please take a look around and let me know if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions to our league page. Feel free to post any articles/blogs/news regarding your team by accessing the "Front Office" tab and going to the "Blog" sub section.

Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season. Let's get off on the right foot to the new season, and more importantly, the New Year!