We're are now halfway through season 40, meaning the Season 39 rookies have had roughly 24 games to get their footing in the SML. Where are they now, and how have they performed? 
 

• #1 overall, DE Denario Simmons, Kansas City, Star Dev, 85 overall

Simmons recorded 5.5 sacks, an accomplishment for any player this cycle, in his first season along with 5 TFLs, and recovered a fumble and it took it 29 yards to the house, although he recorded just 23 tackles. In his second season thus far, only 1 sack, but tackle numbers are up with 19 already, but he seems to be in the middle of a sophomore slump. Simmons very well might've been the only bright spot for a near-historically bad defense. This is a hard pick to grade, because this defense needed/needs a lot, but Simmons is a solid start.

Grade: B-

• #2 overall, QB Edward Meier, Seattle, Normal Dev, 76 ovr

Oh boy... Meier might've been the only QB in this first round, but that says more about the class that it does for poor Eddy. 16 TDs, 37 INTs, 62 rating. On top of a crappy, frankly, terrible season, he only increased 3 overall from 73. Then to top it off, Tiny said "You know what, Meier is the problem here" and hands superstar, 33 year old, Carson Wentz 64 million dollars. So instead of sticking with the 22 year old and using that 30 mil AAV somewhere else on the team, but relegated Meier to holder duty (thats 8.5 million for a holder by the way), and signed an old vet. I award you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul.

Grade: F-

• #3 overall, DE Nate Massie, Detroit, Star Dev, 80 ovr

Massie had an up and down rookie year, mostly down, posting just 3 sacks and 6 tackles, but he may be beginning to adjust to SML life with 2 sacks, 4 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles halfway through year two. This is a Lions team who needed help, and Massie still has potential, but as of now, nothing special.

Grade: B

• #4 overall, LB Ben Lincoln, Chicago, Star Dev, 78 ovr

The first of 4, yes 4, Bears first round picks in this draft, Lincoln has only progressed 2 ovr from a 76, but he recorded 35 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and a pick in his rookie year. His sophomore year so far has been nothing short of disatrous so far, only recording stats in 3 games, garnering just 1 sack and 5 solo tackles. He was the 4th overall pick, but this is a deep LB room, I wouldn't be surprised to see some other players challenge for snaps soon if Lincoln doesn't return to his rookie year form. Oh, and the Bears might've been the worst defense of all time last season.

Grade: C+

• #5 overall, DE Xavier Jennings, Tampa Bay, Normal Dev, 74 ovr

Ok, before we dig into his stats, I wanted you to just remember this pick when you see some of the picks later in the round. Normal dev, 72 ovr at #5, yikes. That alone would be enough to be a bad grade, but ok, maybe his production was solid and warranted a top 5 pick? no? oh. Wait, you're telling me he's had 7 solo tackles and 1 sack in his first 24 games? No way, you're lying, I don't believe you.

Grade: F

• #6, DT Pat Winters, Indianapolis, Normal Dev, 78 ovr

I don't remember how the Colts got this pick, nor do I care, because people keep thinking its a good idea to give the defending super bowl champion a top 10 pick, but thats besides the point. The entire league released a collective sigh of relief when they saw 75 normal on draft night. On top of that, DT's tend not to do that much in Madden 21, unless they have insane attributes or abilities. Winters has 83 block shed, and thats about it, and that resulted in 9 solo tackles, though he did recover a fumble for a TD. He's sitting behind Deforest Buckner, so I'm not sure why you draft DT2 at #6, but hey, maybe you didn't scout much and he was the "best available", which I don't believe, but sure. Just meh.

Grade: C

• #7, S, Keenan Watters, New York (the good one), Star Dev, 78 ovr

This is a pick that I don't really understand, and here's why. Watters is the Giants starting Free Safety, BUT, he's the teams 4th highest rated safety. Yes, overall doesn't tell the full story, but when you invest the 7 pick in a position where you already had a higher rated 5th year Symere Woods, and 4th year PJ Pryor, you're going to open the door to questions. That said, depsite it being a deep position group, Watters came in and snagged 3 picks and 39 solo tackles as a day 1 starter. He's having a bit of a down season thus far in season 40, with just 1 pick and 9 solo tackles. If, 24 games into his career, he wasn't sharing the safety room with 3 other guys with equal or higher coverage ratings, I would've given this a slightly higher grade, but with the state of the team, I'll keep it where I have it. Good pick. Interesting, but good.

Grade: B+

• #8, DT Bobby Preston, and #9, DE Taj Felix, Pittsburgh

I'm lumping these two together because this is my article and I can do what I want, also, same team, back to back picks. Preston is an XF, so uh, nice. 81 overall, but he hasn't done much so far in his career, because as I mentioned earlier DT's dont do much, but you always want the XF on your team when you can get him. Nothing crazy in the attribute area, but he will develop nice. Taj Felix is kinda a let down following up Preston, but he had a dev game and earned star dev despite starting as a 74 normal, and he's progressed to 77. Felix has collected 4 sacks, 15 solo tackles, and he's forced a fumble so far. Both these grades would go up significantly if production had been better, but I am also accounting for the fact that these two picks immedietly preceeded the best season for the Steelers this cycle and maybe ever for owner KJ

Grades: Preston A, Felix C+

• #10, CB Mike Sweat, Chicago, Star Dev, 81 ovr

45 solo tackles, 6 interceptions including a pick 6 thus far for Sweat, and he recorded a sack in his rookie season. I really like Sweat and I think he was a solid, borderline great pick. But like Sweat's fellow Bears teammates on this list, his grade is gonna take a hit due to the tragic, disgusting performance turned out by Chicago's defense in season 39. If he was drafted 2 seasons earlier, I think Sweat has what it takes to become one of the best CBs in the league.

Grade: A-

• #11, G Najee Gore, New York (the not so good one), Normal Dev, 75 ovr

I'm gonna spend as much time writing this as I think a subpar OL at #11 deserves

Grade: D

• #12, LB DJ McMillian, Cincinnati, 76 ovr, Normal Dev, 76 ovr

Ok wow, I love this pick. 91 speed at MLB. In a division with Lamar Jackson. McMillian straight up flies around the field, and thats what you need if you're going to be playing Lamar Jackson and Nick Chubb 4 times a year. DJ was an immediate impact, making 77 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks, snagging a pick, and scoring a TD. A torn labrum is forcing him out for 5 weeks this season, but you know what, I dont even care. I dont even care that he's normal dev. The Colts passed on him, the Bears and Steelers passed on him twice, and you can not sit here and tell me that McMillian wouldn't have been a better pick than Edward fucking meier. Ok I'm good now, got that out of my system

Grade: A-

• #13, S Calvin Laws, Atlanta, Normal Dev, 76 ovr

Lawyer, come on buddy, you're better than this... I get it, you're a lawyer, this guys name is Laws, haha, irony, whatever. I'm pressing charges for criminal misconduct at mismanaging a football team, and robbing a young man of promising career. I would like to enter the Falcons depth chart as evidence for consideration. Your honor, Keanu Neal is an 85, and Eddie Jackson is an 84. Now I present Mr. Laws career stats through 24 games; 5 solo tackles. That's it your honor. Ok, gotta go, Law and Order is back from commercial break.

Grade: F is for Falcons

• #14, TE Damien Carney, New Orleans, X-Factor, 83 overall

Alright look, I was fully prepared to roast this pick... mostly because it was a top 15 tight end and Alvin Kamara gets like 100 targets a season, and honestly I thought Hayden Hurst was still on the team. But then I clicked the roster, saw he was TE1, and then I saw XF and my eyes got a little wide... Why haven't we heard more about this dude? Wait don't answer that, it's because the Saints suck. They're 6-16-1 since they drafted Carney. Sure, is it his fault? No. Am I going to take it out on him a little bit? Yes. Carney has nearly 100 career catches, and just over 1500 receiving yards already, to go along with 13 TDs. Listen, Colton, I vouched for you. Hard. I'm gonna need you carry my casket at my funeral so that you can let me down one last time. You and PJ both. Maybe Nole too. I'm sorry, this is a little unfounded, but this is my only outlet, and I have a lot of pent up emotions involving my former Unior brothers, so this is what you get. 

Grade: A+

• #15, DT Emmanuel Dodson, Normal Dev, 78 ovr

It's fine. I guess. Like I said before, DTs unless elite, don't do much. I'd still rather have the higher rated one, but like, it is what it is. Dodson has 15 solo tackles and sack in 24 games.

Grade: C+

• #16, S Tyronne Banks, Chicago, Star Dev, 79 ovr

Banks was a great pick. +4 overall from 75 already, and record 40 solo tackles, but only had 2 picks his rookie year. He's grabbed 2 picks and 18 solo tackles already this season, and looks like he could be a stud.... in another scheme. This Bears defense is... oof. Can't fault the pick though.

Hi there! Future Meats here. I just saw the next pick, and now I have to change this grade. I had a B+, but the Bears just cant catch a break and I am now lowering it.

Grade: C+

• #17, S Tyron Vernon, New England, X-Factor, 85 overall

Ok WTF is going on now? Three X-Factors in the top 20? I didn't think they made 3 in a single draft ever. Ok, so this might be the best pick of the draft, regardless of anything else. Not only is the highest rated so far, but he's gone up TEN overall already. Down season so far in season 40 for Vernon, but who cares because the Patriots are 7-0 at the time of this writing. Vernon snagged 9 picks as a rookie, and that was near the league lead.

Grade: A+

• #18, LB Pete McCain, Green Bay, Normal Dev, 76 ovr

On the surface, I like it. 88 speed. But with only 22 solo tackles, you expect more out of a starting middle linebacker, and on pace for exactly that same amount this season, though he did grab an INT already this season. Nothing remarkable, but could be a solid plug and play player/starter for the remainder of the cyle.

Grade: C-

• #19, DT Enrique Riddick, Arizona, Superstar, 80 ovr

Woohoo, another DT, I am thrilled. Riddick was the 4th DT, and 8th DL off the board, but only the 2nd superstar or better. Starting as a 74, he's gained +6 overall. Like I said, I know I was the one who drafted him, and personally I think it was the right pick, but DT's do almost nothing, so like cool, but also whatever. Riddick has 13 solo tackles through 24 games, but already has 8 in 8 games this season. 

Grade: B

• #20, C Connor Galloway, Los Angeles (the Mediocre one), Normal Dev, 76

So this is a fine area to be taking an OL, especially if you feel you dont have any holes, but you need to make sure you actually need your first round pick. DW once had the lowest paid OL in the league. Now 24 games into his career, Galloway is the starting RG, but only 2 ovr higher than Forrest Lamp, and he was lower than Lamp when he was drafted. Lamp is kinda old, but still a solid player, I don't think you need to invest a first rounder into this line, especially when your team has other holes you can fill. I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record but O LINE, BAD, REEEEEE

Grade: C I guess?

• #21, CB Tyrell Reede, Dallas, Superstar, 82 ovr

Ok I'm fairly confused. On daddyleagues it says Reede started as a 70 normal. So did he get 2 dev games? a dev game and a year end boost? I'm assuming the year end boost because 9 rookie year INTs is awesome. Reede's zone coverages have gone from 63 to 85. yeah. wow. I want to fault this pick because it was a meh borderline pick on draft night, but I can't fault the production or development.

Grade: A

• #22, OL Calvin Meredith, formerly Oakland, Normal Dev, 78 ovr

sigh.... *copy paste* "According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyway. Because bees don’t care what humans think is impossible."

Grade: B is for Bee Movie

• #23, S David Hillman, San Fransisco, Normal Dev, 74 ovr

It's year 2 for Hillman, and he is currently sitting behind a 75 ovr, 30 year old Tarvarius Moore. I remember Dump saying he didnt like the pick at the time, and it's pretty evident in Hillman's playing time. Hillman has solid atts, 88 speed, 74, zone, 75 man, not great, but serviceable at worst, but the usage just hasn't been there. Only reason this grade is not an F is because Hillman has 19 solo tackles and a pick in limited snaps.

Grade: D

• #24, TE Kevin Hoffman, Green Bay

Why? That is all. This may have been an auto draft, and I hope it was. The Packers have a MONSTER in TE Luke Moreland, who by the way, just signed a 6 year deal for over 45 million, and you take a TE in the first round? Hoffman has caught one catch for 9 yards in his career. Mikey, you better not argue with this one.

Grade: F

• #25, WR Darrell Davidson, Cleveland, Normal Dev, 76 ovr

I can't believe it took 25 picks for the first WR to come off the board. *clicks Browns depth chart* Ok what the fuck Woods? So let's count: 1. Odell, 2. Javon Williams, 3. Carl Ellerbe, 4. Donovan Peoples-Jones.... and then Davidson, in his rookie year. So you take pick #25 and turn it into WR5? Why? And then to top it off, you get LaDarius Michaels from Detroit (either trade or sign idk) mid-season, so now you got a guy at WR6 that will never see the field that you spent a first on. Davidson somehow still managed 33 catches for 549 and 3 TDs, but all those numbers are down this season as Davidson is the 6th highest rated WR on the Browns roster and currently holding the WR4 spot on the depth chart. I just don't understand the pick.

Grade: C-

• #26, WR Tyreke Foster, Carolina, Star Dev, 81 ovr

This is a really good pick, because while none of his attributes really pop, he was a 75, which at 26 is great value, and then on top of that he's already an 81. Awesome pick for coach Dom, but I want to see more from Foster before I give this an A.

Grade: B+

• #27, LB George McLeod, Chicago, Star Dev, 75 ovr

George had a great rookie season opposite fellow rookie Ben Lincoln. McLeod record 23 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Despite this, the Bears front office thought it was a cool idea to sign an aging Zach Cunningham, and then START CUNNINGHAM over McLeod. I get it, Cunningham is a superstar, but even so, you sign a guy who had 2 tackles and 1 sack on a great defense in Denver last season, and you think he's gonna singlehandedly turn your defense around... Cunningham has recorded 7  solo tackles... thats it. McLeod has sparingly seen the field this season but still has 1 sack. PLAY McLEOD and this grade will go up.

Grade: D+

• #28, WR Joey Ware, Washington, Normal Dev, 76 ovr

We got a run on WRs folks! Ware appears to be WR2 at the time he was drafted, but I can not confirm that, so it was a need draft for sure. You like the 95 speed and 81 catching, and his rookie production at 44 catches, 566 yards, and 7 TDs... but then this offseason happened. Washington brings in Brandin Cooks and Mike Evans to the equation, giving them a LOADED WR room, and Ware doesn't have a single catch to show for it this season. I like it, but the situation changed in a hurry.

Grade: C

• #29, LB Sam Webber, Philadelphia, Superstar, 76 ovr

I'm not sure how to feel about this one. Superstar, yeah, awesome! BUT he only has 82 speed, 78 tackling, and he might as well be Vita Vea in coverage. 20 solo tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles so far, so the production doesn't appear to be hindered, but I just worry some of those attributes may put a relatively low ceiling on Sammy.

Grade: B

• #30, HB Connor Church, Green Bay, Superstar, 85 ovr

Let's go Mike, this is what I like to see. I'm glad you decided Robert Bigsby was not the answer. Connor Church went from 75 normal to an 85 superstar in just one season. NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year following 1200 yardsa nd 14 TDs. In year 2, his YPC is up by a full yard, and is on pace for the same amount of  TDs. Mike, I want you to use him more. Give him 300 carries. Cut down on picks. Win some games. I believe in you <3.

Grade: A-

• #31, DT Trenton Smith, Los Angeles (the pretty good one), Normal, 75 ovr

Rumor has it that Trenton was so intimidating last season that he forced Aaron Donald into retirement this season because of how scared he was. The bright side is that Smith moves up to DT2. The down side is that Smith can not pass rush for shit. He can however hold his own against the run, but in this division, I'm not sure 80 block shed will cut it. As for the fit, I like it. Donald was old, and subsequently retired, so it was a move for the future for a strong contender with a great team. Production wise? Say it with me: DTs don't do anything. 4 solo tackles is all Smith has managed in a season and a half. And for that reason, I'm out

Grade: C-- (not quite a D+, not quite a C-)

• #32, TE Laron Fox, New England, Star Dev, 78 ovr

Awesome pick from every angle. TE1 from day 1. 87 speed. 1000+ receiving yards in year one, 85 catches, 14 (!!) tuddies! His numbers are down in year 2, probably from the lack of needing to spam him, but he's still working out great.

Grade: A

As many of you know, I have been a strong opponent of paying your offensive line in Madden. Obviously in real life, OL is extremely important, but I have my doubts about the importance in Madden.

At the start of the cycle, I did an experiment testing protection of the QB. I had an OL of 90s, 80s, 65s, and Punters. Anecdotally, the 90s did signifcantly better than the 80s as you would expect. But here's the thing. The 80s only did marginally better than the 65s, and the punters performed JUST as well as the 65s. 

So in short, unless a guy is 90+ or has abilities, he's probably trash. 

Thats not to say I think OL plays poorly in Madden. Yes, blocking schemes are archaic, and over simplified, and will occassionally (or every other play) let a guy walk through untouched. BUT, this is a commentary on the players themselves, not the game. I think OL plays TOO well, in Madden 21 at least. If you've been in chat or listened to podcasts, you know I think they overtuned pass rush to essentially eliminate it, but even in M20, guys were still averaging 6+ YPC even without human joystick or comparable abilites.

Here's the problem for team building: Theres very few elite OL, and the command 15+ mil a season. Now lets say you sign 1 90+ and the rest of your OL is all 70 somethings. Your OL is still gonna be play decently well, so what was the point of wasting that 15 mil?

Today I did some more research, and here are my findings.

Here's the list of highest paid starting OLs in S38 (keep in mind this is only the 5 starters, not including back ups):

Ok, now lets look at how that spending has resulted in protecting the QB:



See that dashed line? That's the trend line. See how its basically flat? That means there is essentially no correaltion between OL spending and sacks allowed. There is a SLIGHT negative correlation, meaning, ok, theoretically, technically, the more you spend the less sacks you take, but the amount you'd have to spend for it to actually make a significant difference would be astronomical, and likely above the total cap.

Ok QB protection is one thing, but surely higher paid OL's open up more running holes and get more yards on the ground right?



NOPE, WRONG AGAIN! Actually, if you look closely you can actually see the the more that you spend on OL results in a WORSE rushing attack.

It's almost like you could take the money you have spent on your OL, and spend it elsewhere to improve your team.

You know that feeling you get when you're right, and you've known you were right, but you couldnt prove it, but then you proved it? Thats how this feels.

Lets now take a look at opposite ends of the starting spectrum:

The LA Chargers are paying their starting OL 5.02 million this season, which is insane, and it's also less than the average salary of a starting RG (5.203), the lowest paid OL position in the SML. So obviously the Chargers line sucks right? Wrong again. The Chargers are 4th in rush yards per carry. They do rank 26th in sacks allowed, but they're paying their OL over half the amount of the next team, so thats a fine ROI if you ask me. 

The New Orleans Saints on the other hand, who's lowest paid starting OL is making over 6 million this season (more than the entire Chargers OL), are paying the most by far, at 64.6 million, over 13 million more than the next closest team. The Saints rank THIRTY-FIRST in rush yards per carry, and TWENTY-NINTH in sacks allowed. How? I'm honestly dumbstruck. I know I gave Colt45 shit when he sign Shaq Mason for 16.4 mil a year (btw thats over double the average price of a starting LT, and Mason plays RG), but I thought theres no way he can have a bad offense spending this much money on his OL. Holy shit was I wrong. 

Listen, Colt, if you're reading this, I don't blame you. IRL, this would be a good team building strategy probably, but we've been over this, you can't expect Madden to reflect real life despite it's "simulation" claim. 

And that's not to say it doesnt work for every body. RD and the Rams lead the league in YPC and are coming off a title, and he's paying 2nd most in the league for his OL. But imagine how much scarier the Rams would be if they took 20 mil out of their OL and put it somewhere else into potentially 2 or more superstar players. 

So, the final verdict? Stop paying your damn OL so much damn money. And if you do, you deserve the fun we will all make of you.

I think this is where NYT usually says something witty, but you got unlucky and I'm writing it this week so. 

Overall Record:
NYT: 19-6
Meats:15-10

Bears (2-8) @ Lions (1-9)

Battle for last place in the NFCN. Someone predicted that Hova wouldn't be the worst player in the North this year, and this is his chance to claim that.

Browns (6-4) @ Colts (9-1)

Woods and the Browns dropped a 50 spot on the Colts last time they played, but both owners have promised blowout wins this time around. Prime isn't dropping 50, and Woods isn't winning by 80, but this will be a good one.

Bucs (7-2) @ Saints (3-7)

Under normal circumstances there is no way the Saints don't lose by 40, but under new (old) ownership, who knows what we will see out of the Buccaroos. Field takes over what is practically the NFC Pro Bowl roster, but he went 4-12 his last season in the SML.

Chiefs (1-9) @ Raiders (7-3)

Look, this one will probably be a blowout, but we're petty and here for the drama. 

Eagles (4-6) @ Cowboys (3-7)

Klinke and Grams. Disappointing and surprisingly disappointing. I just hope its not a boring game.

Giants (5-5) @ Patriots (3-7)

The Passing Patriots take on the Grumpy Giants. If the Pats re-commit to the run, they'll win. Matt is stuborn so I'm taking the Giants, but NYT is not a Rowin supporter, this week at least.

Theres been a lot of discussion in chat lately that so-and-so is "spamming" or whatever you want to call it. The SML has found no users in violation of league rules. That said, if you want to dig stats, you can make any team look bad.

This post will self destruct in 24 hours.
 

• Phillip Lindsay has touched the ball on 45% of offensive snaps

• Gurley has 200+ carries, back up RB has 1

• Marlon Humphrey is tied for 2nd on the team in sacks

• Stefon Diggs has over double the yards that the next receiver on the team does.

• CMC has 48.6% of the Panthers total offensive yards

• Allen Robinson has 39% of the teams receiving yards, slightly under double next closest

• Colluding to spam INTs into opponents defense to help their development, subliminal cheese

• Odell is averaging 25 per catch on 36 catches

• Winning DROY with a 72

• Doesn't use LBs, runs mostly 4 safety sets

• TJ Hockenson accounts for nearly 25% of the teams points scored.

• Aaron Rodgers has 3x more rushing yards than Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon combined

• Tanked a bunch of games in a row to bait Prime into a trap game, 

• Jonathon Taylor - +8 COD this season

• DJ Chark has 42% of the teams receiving yards

• Tyreek Hill averages 45 yards per catch

• Henry Ruggs has 39% of the teams receiving yards

• Once scored 31 4th quarter points in a game that was won by 49

• 3 quarterbacks on the roster, and a 149.4 passer rating. Combined.

• Jerome Baker has almost double the tackles as the next closest player on the team
   

• Eric Kendricks has 7 INTs as a linebacker, by far the most by a LB
   

• Antonio Callaway has as many TDs receiving as the rest of the team does combined
   

• Alvin Kamara leads the league in receptions by 17

• Saquon Barkley leads the team in receptions and is 10th in the league

• Sam Darnold has 352 pass attempts, Leveon Bell has 118 rush attempts, 66% pass ratio

• Miles Sanders has scored 34% of the teams points

• James Conner accounts for 34% of yards gained

• Has faced 3 hurricanes this season

• Two 3rds of passing TDs to two players

• 68% pass to run ratio

• Averages 9.4 yards per Henry Carry

• Terry McLaurin averages 36 yards per catch
   

When you come for the King, you best not miss.
 

The Real Numbers guy out.

There's been much debate in chat recently, so I wanted to put in the final word. So here it is, the OFFICIAL SML runningback rankings for Season 32! This takes into account performance this season (primary), historic performance, abilities, injury history, and expected future perfomance. These rankings can change from season to season, but here they are for this season!

1. Tyamonee Greer - Oakland (for now) Raiders
Theres not much debate at his point. Greer is leading in every notable rushing category, yards, YPC, TDs, carries, all of them. Greer has just become the first player to rush for 2000 yards in 3 seperate seasons in SML History. The main knock on Greer historically is that he couldnt find the endzone as well as some of the other names on this list, but that was due to, in part, the Raiders anemic offense. Thanks to the Raiders seeing a decade-high win total this season, Greer has been finding that endzone and a lot of yards in between. Greer is on track to run away with the MVP award this season.

2. Freddie Golden - Baltimore Ravens
He's the first player in SML history to rush for 2000 yards in seperate season. He's only the 2nd running back in SML History to average over 10 yards per carry in any season (minimum 50 carries). He's gone over 9 YPC 3 times in his 5 and a half season career. He's the only player not named CMC to rush for 31+ TDs in a single season, and he was named season 31 MVP. The Number dont lie.


3. Todd Gurley - Green Bay Packers
Following perhaps the most bizzare offseason for any single player, Todd Gurley signed with the Packers after season 30. He was nearly a Bengal but decided his best shot to win was in Wisconsin. Oh, and the Packers made Gurley the highest paid running back in SML, and NFL history. Gurley has rewarded the Packers tremendously for their money, going over 2000 yards in season 31, and he's got a shot to do it again this season with nearly 1500 yards through 13 games. Todd Gurley has a shot next season to outrush his entire production in 6 seasons in LA, in just 3 seasons in GB.

4. Jarrad Zeigler - Indianapolis Colts
Zeigler fell a long wayyy in the draft, and landed in Indianapolis at 31, despite being a top 10 talent. He hasn't forgotten it. In his 4th season at just 24 years old, Zeigler is looking at a career high in yards per carry, and has a decent shot at setting career marks for yards and TDs as well. The AFC should be scared, because there's a new workhorse in town.


5. Christian McCaffrey - Jacksonville Jaguars
Season 31 saw the only season of the last 6 in which he failed to break 1000 yards on the ground due to injury. But CMC, despite now being 30 years old, is rushing a blistering pace this season to the tune of just under 100 yards per game. The Jags sent two first round picks in Carolina and CMC has sent the ball into the endzone now 30 times in 2 seasons. 
 

6. Michael Rivers - New England Patriots
Despite a career low in YPC, Rivers has already hit 1000 yards on the season. Last season was the year the 4th year back really burst onto the season touting 1700 rushing yards and 25 TDs. While he likely wont hit those marks this season, he's still a player that you have to plan for, and it capable of wrecking a defense's day.

7. Joe Mixon - Tennessee Titans
Mixon is on his 3rd team in just 5 season, but that hasn't stopped him from producing. Traded from a cellar, to a contender, and back to a cellar. In fact, Mixon helped lead the Bills to an AFC Title in season 29 in his first season not on the Bengals. 7 straight 1000 yard seasons has Mixon feeling as one of the most overlooked playmakers in the SML.
 

8. Zeke Elliot - Dallas Cowboys
Elliot has been a name that garnered some buzz entering the cycle but has seemingly failed to live up to it. He has, however, quietly put together a solid cycle with six 1000 yard seasons thus far, and 7 seasons of at least 10 TDs, scoring at least 9 rushing TDs in all 8 seasons so far. He wont gash you for 200+ in a game (or least, not very often, maybe once every 2 seasons), but he can quietly rack up the yards.
 

9. Khalil Peoples - Arizona Cardinals 
The Youngest player on this list, Peoples is just a 2nd year guy, but the former 9th overall pick rushed for just under 1000 in his rookie year which he combined with 13 TDs. Peoples is already over the century mark in his 2nd season averaging about half a yard more per carry than last season. He's not getting a ton of mainstream recognition on a high powered Cardinals offense that consists of Andy Isabella, Christian Kirk, George Kittle, and new starting QB, 19th overall pick Lucas Wolfe, but dont sleep on Peoples or he will burn you. 92 speed, 93 acceleration and an XFactor dev trait has the Cardinals begging for more than just 1 more season.
 

10. Nyheim Hines - Minnesota Vikings
If it weren't for his season ending torn pec, Hines would be significantly higher on this list. He came to Minnesota in a deal many people considered a win for Indianapolis including a first round pick, but for the first two and a half seasons in purple, this man PRODUCED! Nearly 4000 yards on the ground and count it up.... FIFTY SIX touchdowns in just over 40 games. He was a huge reason the Vikings won the AFC North for the first time since season 22 last season, and Coach Pauly has to just cross his fingers he can stay healthy in season 33. 

Noteable Mentions:

Angelo French - Tampa Bay Bucs 
If it weren't for injury forcing him out of an early prime, French may have gone down as the goat, but the season 29 MVP has now failed to hit 1000 in consecutive seasons.

Joey Foreman - Cleveland Browns
Whats this? The Browns found another productive back? Not surprising as the Browns have had close to every single running back in the league on their roster (and bench) this cycle. Foreman went down earlier this season and rookie Greg Barber has carried the load well, but Foreman is a force to be reckoned with.

Kyle Miles - Philadelphia Eagles
I was told to have something about Miles on this list. He's an underused 3rd year back, tallying just 24 carries in his first 2 seasons as a 70 overall. But Miles has recently taken over the starting HB job from Leonard Fournette and he's made defenses pay. Over 800 yards on just over 100 carries. Watch out for Miles in season 33.

Happy Monday SML! With the playoffs kicking off, we wanted to bring you an early version of the power rankings this week. A lot went down this week, but these rankings are not reflective on the playoff games.

1. Seahawks
2. Colts
3. Ravens
4. Bucs
5. Bears
6. Redskins
7. Eagles
8. Jags
9. Browns
10. Steelers
Chiefs
Jets
Panthers
Cowboys
Cardinals
Broncos
Patriots
Chargers
Rams
49ers
Texans
Falcons
Saints
Bengals
Dolphins
Packers
Giants
Bills
Lions
Vikings
Titans
Raiders

Meats is knocked off his first place pedastal as he takes a loss in an AFC Championship game preview vs the Colts and the Seahawks take over the mantle. The Chiefs finished the year 0-2 in part thanks to the suspension of Mahomes and have fallen out of our top 10. The Browns finish 9th afer blowing out the Steelers, despite not making the playoffs. The Jags also hop into the top 10 this week. The Eagles fall to 7th after a shaky finish. The Raider win the #1 draft pick and the #32 place on our list after an 0-16 season, one of very few in SML history. The Jets finish 12th after missing the playoffs the year after winning the AFC. Teams to watch in Season 28 include the Rams, Broncos, and Cardinals after they all made significant strides this season down the stretch. 

The SML Power Rankings will return next Tuesday in season 28!

Who's in and Who's out of the playoffs for season 25. We're gonna take a look at 2 teams currently slotted to make the playoffs who will miss them, and the 2 team who will be taking their places. First lets check out the current playoff picture:

AFC:

1. Colts

2. Ravens

3. Chargers

4. Bills

5. Chiefs

6. Texans

NFC:

1. Eagles

2. Seahawks

3. Bears

4. Bucs

5. Cowboys

6. Lions

AFC:

OUT: Houston Texans. They have a tough schedule remaining including games against 3 playoff teams and the team I expect to replace them in the playoffs.

IN: New England Patriots. While the Patriots dont have a particularly easy schedule either, in fact it may be tougher than the Texans, but he's done it before and I expect him to do it again

NFC:

OUT: Dallas Cowboys. I feel bad about this one. Under normal circumstances the Cowboys are a Super Bowl contender and they still are for the time being. But they have quite possibly the toughest remaining scheduling in the league. Bears, Bills, Eagles, Patriots, Redskins (who they tied earlier in the season), the Vikings who gave cowboys owner Grams trouble last cycle, even the Rams who can smack anybody in the mouth. It won't happen, but 6-9-1 is within the realm of possibilities for this team.

IN: Washington Redskins. The Redskins have one of the easiest remaining schedules including 4 teams with 3 or less wins currently. They still have to go through the Eagles (who have won 8 straight since losing the skins) and the Cowboys again. The Lions are another current playoff team that could give the Redskins some trouble, but at 6-2-1 and just a half game behind the Cowboys and Lions for the final wildcard spot, anything could happen. 

We're officially more than half way through season 23 of the SML, and we've had some surpises so far.

HOT:

Arizona Cardinals - 6-3

The Cardinals have long been an afterthought in the SML. After starting 1-3, many gave the cardinals not even a second look. But now, riding a 5 game win streak, including 2 wins over season 22 playoff teams, the league is starting to take notice. Despite middle of the road statistics, the Cards have the 2nd best run game in the league led by David Johnson, and a top 10 scoring defense led by Budda Baker. Was the signing of Andrew Luck last season all the cards needed to turn it around? With 4 of their remaining 7 opponents being currently slated to make the playoffs, it won't be an easy finish for the underdogs, but to be the best you have to beat the best.

NOT:

Baltimore Ravens - 2-6

Despite making the playoffs and beating the defending champions just last season, AND beating the Colts again week 1 this season, it has been far from a story book season so far for the Ravens. 5 straight losses, including 2 to the division leading Steelers has the young buck reeling on the brink of elimination. Aside from 2 wins, NOTHING has gone right for the Ravens this season as they rank in the 20s in all 8 major team stat categories. The road doesnt get much easier for the boys in purple as they have to play 3 super bowl favorites to end the season in the Bills, Chargers, and Seahawks. It might already be over for the birds.

HOT: 

Washington Redskins - 4-5

Another team that is often overlooked, the Redskins are starting to turn some heads. Still under .500, but riding a 3 game win streak, the Skins aren't out of it yet. Despite the slow start, the Redskins are currently 2nd in their division, and within striking distance if the Giants falter.Only 2 two games back of the final wildcard spot, they might not even need to win the division to get in. 

NOT: 

Carolina Panthers - 5-4

Here's a team that got off to a hot start, and has slowed down considerably in recent weeks. In the last 4 weeks, they've suffered 2 losses to former super bowl champions in the Jags and Falcons, beat the lowly Titans, and had a bye week. Sitting at 5-4 and 3rd in the division, the Panthers are going to need to step up in a hurry if they want to make a run at the playoffs. With 4 of their final 7 opponents currently above .500 (and the hot Redskins), they better get going.