Here's my new stat called Championship Conversion Rate (CCR). CCR is how likely you are to win the title after reaching a particular round. The final column is your CCR over all playoff apperances.
There has been some discussion about simming the playoffs after the unfortunate event of last night, because the season is therefore "tainted" and there will be a gigantic asterisk on the eventual champion's forehead.
While our history may seem pretty well-structured from above, a closer inspection will find that in fact numerous times an event occured that left a sour taste in the league for the playoffs and years to come.
Season 15
The first major burner incident in the league happened when Matty made it all the way to the Super Bowl with the Rams under an alias. He was promptly removed from the league and never allowed back, and not only did it put a damper on Austin’s incredible perfect season, but also our entire SB history. With the Rams, he beat Chase’s Cowboys, Wohzi’s Eagles, and Kiing’s Saints.
Season 19
Now I wasn’t here for 19 but all I know was that it was a pretty dormant league especially in the late-cycle stages. The only time a team made it to the postseason without a user attached to its name was this season, when Samoan’s Rams defeated the CPU Saints 20-10 in a force win.
Season 21
Austin made the playoffs controversially after taking over the Cardinals in Week 17. Because there were dissenters saying he didn’t deserve to make it, he quit his WC game against Caiden’s Seahawks. However, since it was a second half concession and he was winning, the game certified an Austin win. Austin felt terrible about it and elected to take a FL against Slander’s Vikings in the Divisional Round.
Season 23
Perhaps the greatest scandal of BL history quietly began this season as Ocho joined the Bengals under the alias “Hoot Hoot Hike”. While it was not known to put a damper on these playoffs at the time, in retrospect, you can only feel for Cloud’s Colts and Chase’s Chiefs who fell to him in the playoffs respectively.
Season 24
Morty was gone for a week during the playoffs so he elected to give Chase’s Chiefs a FW over his Pats.
Season 26
On the eve of the playoffs, the Ocho scandal unraveled before our eyes. Although he wasn’t outright booted at the time, he was disallowed from competing in this season’s playoffs with his Buccaneers as well as his burner’s Titans. Ben (who defeated Steel in a “play-in game”) and Jesse, who were the 7-seeded teams in the NFC and AFC respectively, were given the right to play for those teams. Jesse went on to defeat Wohzi’s Jets and Ben went on to beat Justin’s Packers and CMass’s Cardinals to make the Super Bowl.
Another side story from this playoffs was Cody taking a FL against Justin which also puts a damper on the entire postseason.
I’m sure there are more incidents like these not mentioned, but should Austin, Samoan, Alex, Cody, Ben, and Myself have asterisks on our titles for these seasons?
And here is my interview with tonight's AFC representative.
D: First off, congratulations on your conference championship. How does it feel to make it to the big game?
S: It feels great. I’m really excited to get back here. Last time I made the Super Bowl it was right after the championship game and I didn’t get to embrace it. I told myself if I ever get back into it I want to take that time to enjoy it and get the theatrics.
D: I love it. You were last place in the AFC North a season ago. What changed to vault you into the ultimate game?
S: We built the offensive line up and injected some playmakers on both sides of the ball. We had one CB with 90 speed on the team. Drafted two DBs who will be with us for a very long time. Bringing in Brandon Aiyuk. And obviously the trade for Kyler. His ability to make every throw and extend plays has helped us convert third downs and I think we only threw 18 interceptions this year. Way down from the 48 of last year.
We also locked in. A lot of our wins were coming down to the final drive or OT or absolutely locking up.
D: What’s your favorite pet?
S: My favorite pet was my pet newt that I had in middle school. My mom switched its water one time and killed him. Rip Chaz the newt.
D: Very nice. Going back to the game, you’re facing a 19-0 Little Alex, who is the league’s favorite to win this game. How do you prepare for such an explosive team?
S: I think he does all the small things perfectly. He’s very locked in and he knows what he excels in. I want to try and take one of his offensive focuses away and make him a little uncomfortable and hopefully he goes away from his gameplan and we can force him into some turnovers.
D: Do you believe the Hall of Champions exists?
S: Yes. 100%.
D: In order to enter such a hypothetical club, if it exists, you need to beat Little Alex tonight. Do you believe this is possible?
S: If we play a clean game and win the turnover battle, I believe we can.
D: Thank you for your time, Steel, And good luck in the game tonight!
S: Thank you, Daniel. Appreciate you taking your time and doing this.
Here is my interview with the NFC representative of Super Bowl 35.
D: I’m going to ask a few questions if you’re okay with that.
A: Anything to distract me from my Spanish class.
D: How does it feel to be back in the Super Bowl?
A: It feels fantastic. I’ve finally got past the Austin hump and even if I don’t defeat Steel, I’m confident I’ll be back.
D: You made some monster offseason moves. Did that play a big part in making your way back here?
A: Hell yeah. At first I thought I was overpaying and I didn’t think I’d have an amazing season but this trade is the reason I’m back on the big stage.
D: We’ve all heard the memes of the last two cycles. What’s your mentality going into this game?
A: What memes?
D: Your well-publicized playoff struggles.
A: My mentality doesn’t change. I wanna go in, execute the gameplan, and come out with the victory. I’ve obviously had a pretty good season and winning a ring would be the ultimate cherry on top.
D: Any added pressure being undefeated? By many metrics this may be the greatest single season ever played.
A: Zero. I feel the exact same as when I was getting ready to play Hero last year. I honestly had no idea I was having such a good season but I’ll only brag about it after I take a fat dump on Steel’s chest.
D: What’s your favorite color?
A: Blue or red.
D: Do you think the Hall of Champions exists?
A: Yes and I’ll be joining later.
D: In order to join such a club, if it exists, you need to defeat Steel. How does that get done?
A: By taking a fat shit on his forehead.
D: Best of luck in the Super Bowl!
A: Thank you <3
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y0S6SZQXhaFKeye3Jrtwbg5nFMkr3T946r7ADLsNxFk/edit?usp=sharing
Teams will clinch if they meet any of the bulleted criteria.
AFC Playoffs:
Colts:
Raiders:
Ravens:
AFC 1 Seed:
Titans:
Steelers:
NFC Playoffs:
Packers:
Lions win (vs NO) AND Texans win (vs NYG)
Lions win (vs NO) AND Vikings win (vs ATL)
Texans win (vs NYG) AND Vikings win (vs ATL)
Bears:
Falcons:
Saints:
Giants:
Other Notable Games:
With the calendar year setting before our eyes, it's time to reflect on my favorite BL memories. I encourage you all to post your memories in an article of your own.
Since Season 20:
Cody - 11
Justin - 11
Dan - 11
Austin - 8
Hero Austin - 8
Ben - 6
CMass - 6
Alex - 6
Morty - 6
Ocho - 5
Little Alex - 4
Kiing - 4
Cloud - 4
Chase - 4
Phil - 3
Fern - 3
Steel - 3
Connor - 2
Caiden - 2
A year ago, I posted a rank of all BL Super Bowls in which a full highlight exists. Here’s an updated version of that list that includes all M21 games. If you’re unfamiliar with any game, feel free to click on the highlight links and enjoy. Please let me know how you would rank these games yourself!
1) Super Bowl 25 - Dan (Jaguars) defeats Ocho (Bucs) in 2OT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JLjdAwUjSk
Obviously I’m biased, but this was greatest game of all time and no one can tell me otherwise. Derek Carr led the undefeated Jags on a 17 play money drive down 3 in overtime, scoring a game winning touchdown on the second play of double overtime. Devonte Davidson with all the heart in the world!
2) Super Bowl 21 - Alex (Chargers) defeats Ocho (Bucs) in OT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MC5yDfzYow
The infamous !ochoke. While SB 25 was the most memorable game ever, Kalen Ballage's goal line fumble at the end of regulation goes down as the both the greatest and most infamous single play in league history. Overtime went to sudden death with Alex ultimately scoring a walk off TD with Melvin Gordon.
3) Super Bowl 30 - Austin (Patriots) defeats (CMass)
Unquestionably the game of the cycle in Madden 21. Each cruising to the big game with 15-1 records with no real threat, this was a clash between two guys at their very best. CMass was in great control of the game early on, but became a back and forth struggle into the second half. Some incredible moments happened towards the end; Byron Murphy’s unbelievable acrobat interception, CMass’s infamous interception in field goal range, and Austin’s legendary celebration that was unfortunately never fully captured on video. It was a great night as a spectator and I think the rest of BL would agree.
4) Super Bowl 6 - ShawnG (Cowboys) defeats Phil (Bills) in OT
While I was not in the league in Madden 17, it was quite thrilling looking back at this game. What an incredible, bizzare play that PI was to end regulation, giving Phil a game tying field goal and forcing an OT. Shawn responded by running the ball eight (8) consecutive times in overtime en route to a walk off touchdown by Zeke.
5) Super Bowl 27 - Cody (Bengals) defeats Dan (Saints)
Cody is a champ for a reason, he played a hell of a game in SB27. I made a couple of bad mistakes in the second half that swung the game in his favor, and he definitely did a great job on capitalizing on those errors. Overall though, I thought this was a very clean game and was a great show for the league. Congrats to Cody.
6) Super Bowl 29 - Connor (Browns) defeats Ben (49ers)
While not a very close game by any means, this one is a fan favorite for most Better Leaguers. Connor Rice, a man that had been nothing more than a fringe playoff user if not a sub .500 user, came out of nowhere with this Cleveland team, beating both Little Alex and Austin in the AFC playoffs, and put on an absolute show for the league on the biggest stage. The San Francisco defense had no answers for Christopher Banyard’s rushing attack, and Kyler Murray was suffocated by the stout Browns defense. I’ll never forget how much that Twitch chat was popping off that night as we all saw the impossible, Coach Bernie Sanders hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
7) Super Bowl 5 - Cloud (Cardinals) defeats Morty (Patriots)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnXSDHYe8dE
Everyone who lived through Madden 17 says this was Cloud's league, and I can't dispute that after seeing him pull out this great win in SB5. Morty was no slouch either, and this turned out to be a great game. Looks like the pivotal moment of this Super Bowl was a Cloud user lurk in the 4th quarter which helped seal a perfect season.
8) Super Bowl 24 - Ben (Falcons) defeats Dan (Jaguars)
Ben's magical Falcons 19-0 run culminated in Arizona for a great Super Bowl against my Jags. Out of my 3 Super Bowl losses, this one probably stung the most, as I felt like I really missed some key opportunities throughout the game. But congrats to Ben, he played great and deserved the win 100 percent. The key moment was my failed 4th down attempt in the fourth quarter, which definitely tipped the scales in his favor. The 2023 Falcons of BL20 was a very special team, and it was a special night for Ben.
9) Super Bowl 33 - Dan (Saints) defeats Austin (Patriots)
A personal favorite of mine for obvious reasons. What an immaculate night for Norman Fletcher, who finished off his HOF career with a passing clinic aided by the Omaha cheese. It was awesome to finally get the job done for the kid and that entire Saints team after all the heartbreak and disappointment. But it was also a victory for the entire NFC, and a demonstration that no one in this league, or any competition for that matter, is unbeatable.
10) Super Bowl 7 - Morty (Patriots) defeats Cloud (Vikings)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xci2_IzUs4I&t=1s
SB7 comes in at number seven, as Morty gets revenge on Cloud in the next cycle. The stakes were very high for Cloud, as he was trying to accomplish another perfect season. However, Morty prevailed, and it were a few key first half turnovers that were the deciding factor in this one. Morty seemed to be one possession ahead the whole game, and Cloud was unable to make enough ground to come back.
11) Super Bowl 28 - Austin (Patriots) defeats Ben (49ers)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO8xGkKuDMQ&feature=youtu.be
This was the game that solidified Austin’s GOAT status, as he finally won his long awaited fifth BL crown. Rookie QB and league MVP Matthew Davis obliterated just about every defense he played that year and it was clear he was going to be an unstoppable force for as long as we played Madden 21. This game was competitive in the 4th quarter, but it all turned south when Ben failed a 4th down conversion towards the goal line. Austin was then able to pull away and seal the victory.
12) Super Bowl 32 - Austin (Patriots) defeats CMass (Bears)
This was the only Super Bowl of M21 I didn’t get the chance to catch live. While the final score was a little lopsided, I found the game to be very compelling while working on the highlight video. CMass had a couple of big touchdowns before the half which included a miraculous aggressive catch from a midfield heave by Tua. The turning point of the game was definitely Dugger’s user lurk in the second half. While not as well known as the SB30 mishap, this throw must really haunt CMass at night, especially with Omaha activated. He was unable to recover, and Austin cruised comfortably to his astonishing eighth BL championship.
13) Super Bowl 22 - Dan (Jaguars) defeats Austin (Cardinals)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE-0X2icOMA
Austin and I have known each other for years and how each of us approach the game of Madden, which makes anytime we play a great game to watch. While I was in control early after a first play pick six, Austin made up ground and even took the lead in the 2nd quarter. After a tremendous TD catch by DJ Chark, we never looked back, and were able to pull away in the 2nd half. I think the biggest play of the game was Austin's failed 4th down attempt early in the 3rd quarter, which gave me great field position en route to a score. Shoutout to those M20 blinkers.
14) Super Bowl 12 - Phil (Broncos) defeats Alex (Bears)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59YF29zqN2k
Phil wins his second SB of the cycle against Alex. It just seemed like he was in control the whole game, never letting go of the lead he claimed in the first quarter. I believe Phil described that game as him being very cautious and playing mistake-free football, and you can definitely see that in his play style throughout this game. Alex scored late to make it a one possession ball game, but failed on an onside attempt which sealed the game for the Brit.
15) Super Bowl 9 - Phil (Broncos) defeats Beard (Giants)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8siqcm8YSE
Phil took a commanding 21-0 lead and never looked back. I think this game really shows how dominant his Denver defense was in Madden 18, as Beard had nothing all game until they hit garbage time. I recall being upset watching this game because I lost to Beard in the NFCCG and felt I could have given him a better fight, but in retrospect I'm not so sure given Phil's dominance in 18.
16) Super Bowl 31 - Austin (Patriots) defeats Steel (Panthers)
From a pure game standpoint, this was one of the least entertaining Super Bowls. Austin was absolutely cooking with Matt Davis en route to his second straight championship. I sometimes wonder if the game would have been different if Steel had not agreed to play at 1 AM. Austin had ripped through his entire playoff schedule in one night, and with the way he ran through the competition that day, Steel was nothing more than a speed bump for Austin’s seventh Lombarid trophy. However, the game was must watch television due to the inebriated broadcast booth of Cody and Connor, a legendary night for the classic duo.
17) Super Bowl 26 - Dan (Jaguars) defeats Ben (Bucs)
While the game was close in the first half, I broke through in the second half making this a very poor game for the neutral fan. I honestly don't fault Ben too much for this, as he was not playing with his team and therefore was unable to play his style to the best of his ability. Derek Carr rode off into the sunset with his third Super Bowl in five years to cap off the Madden 20 cycle. A true dynasty!
18) Super Bowl 23 - Cody (Giants) defeats Dan (Jaguars)
Cody definitely showed up to play in this game. I really think he was the nightmare matchup for me in Madden 20 because he was the one guy that was able to shut down my potent Jags offense. From the get go, he ran down my throat and simply dominated the clock and the game as a hole. Despite this, I still felt I had a chance deep into the game because it was so low scoring. But Cody made sure that wasn't possible with a dominant defense and some insurance points down the stretch. Overall, however, it was one great snooze-fest for the league as a whole.
Here are your total BL win/loss records, playoffs included, as it stands in Week 6 of Season 34:
Active users by Win %:
MOST LOSSES: JESSE
With 234 total losses across five cycles, Jesse has the most career losses in league history. While not the worst player in the league, he has competed in every Madden through thick and thin. He was gracious enough to reflect with me about his time in the league and what to expect going forward.
Once again, here are Connor’s thoughts about one of the OG’s of our league:
Back when I used to do midseason power rankings pods I think I said the same thing about Jesse every single time: if he embraced the Kiing approach to Madden and focused on running and defense, I think he’d be a tough out for anyone and would be able to piece together a couple winning seasons each cycle. Just in M21, he was able to find unprecedented success in season 3 with a 12-4 season featuring wins over Dan, Lil Alex and Steel, and reached at least 10 wins in the final three seasons of M20. His ability to read running lanes and take away your preferred route concepts with his user is unimpeachable, but too often he reacts to a small deficit by yeeting that bitch deep and turning competitive games into blowout losses. There was a direct correlation between how run-heavy he was and how much trouble I had with him in our M21 divisional matchups. Off the field Jesse is a Miami brother, a Shepley Hotel king, one of the hottest users in the league (literally… did you see those sunburns?) and I’m happy to have broken bread with him irl. It saddened me when he retired between cycles and I’m glad he’s back for M22, but he did himself no favors by getting stuck in a division with Austin, Kiing, and Cam the Preseason God. Dumpoffs and runs Jesse! Dumpoffs and runs!
Here is my interview with the Mr Jesse:
J: Oh shit am I.
Well I’ll take some pride in that but go ahead fire away
D: Ok hahaha, so I guess my first question is what is your reaction to this distinction?
J: Well I mean, you don’t have the most losses in BL unless you’ve been here a while, and I’ve been here since January of m17 so I understand why I have the most losses, m17-m19 were some dark days
D: Absolutely. It's more of a testament to your longevity than anything.
What was your favorite Madden to play? Least favorite?
J: I would say m18 and m20 are tied for my favorites to play. M18 just because of 1. The gameplay and 2. Being able to actually draft good players beyond the 1st round. M20 because of the blinkers, which I know a lot of users are against, but the days of XF Jordan Howard and XF Raijon Haynes made playing so much more fun when your good players are actually making an impact. Least favorite Madden was definitely m19 and m21. M19 just wasn't enjoyable and m21, everything we knew about abilities and blinkers completely changed. Good abilities are no longer good, good abilities are harder to get
D: Would you say those were your most enjoyable times in the league overall, 18 and 20?
J: I would say for sure. Even though I sucked at m18, the league was booming, so much activity in the league, Connors podcasts made the league go crazy each time one dropped, a lot of the users we have here now joined in m18, and then m20, coming back to BL after being gone for a while, finally hitting playoffs and winning games, plus the league was in a good balance of toxic and fun as far as chat, so yeah I would say they were the most enjoyable
D: Let's transition over to teams. Talk a little bit about the best team you ever built in this league.
J: I would definitely say either my lions team at the end of m18, or my Steelers team in m20. I will give partial credit for that lions team to my man Connor. He drafted most of the key pieces to that lions team. I joined in with like 2 seasons left and drafted a few of them.
D: Connor is a great guy for sure. Now if you can remember, through all the years, is there one game you wished you had back?
J: I would definitely say a wildcard loss against Connor in m21. Had a great roster and was having a good season and couldn’t go on a farther run
D: What about your best win?
J: Oof. I’d have to say my win with ochos burner in the playoffs. Only because I took a team I had no experience with and played against a user who beat me earlier that season, and got my first playoff win
D: How do you see yourself as the Dolphins in 22?
J: Well, truly I’m not sure. I have yet to try out m22. I’ll have a decent team and a lot of pieces to be excited about, but I think I’ll do well. I’m just excited to have a team that isn’t my favorite, where I have sentimental value as far as players, I can trade anyone and not be torn doing it
D: One last thing, talk to me about your time in BL, what it has become, and where you'd like to see us go in the future.
J: I’m glad you asked that, I love BL, it was my first CFM ever, and to see it from its early days until now is night and day. The users we have are constantly active, interacting with other users more and more, the content we do, everything it has become, I love it and hope we can continue to do more. I’ve been in a good bit of leagues and the amount of history, content, activity, the friendship you see between users, BL has always been the best and I hope we do nothing but continue to grow and get better.
D: Thank you for your time, Jesse! Despite your distinction, you're certainly a winner in my book.
J: You’re welcome and don’t you sweet talk me Dan, I'm not that easy.