Last weeks SML action included some heavyweight matchups, lets take a look back.
Colts (Primetime) 10 - Seahawks (Future) 23
The SML community surely didn't see a double digit win for Future coming in this one. The Seahawks defense was dominant in this one, only allowing 165 yards of offense while racking up 6 sacks on the day. Seattle running back Bryce Love had a monster day, carrying the ball 13 times for 143 yards and a touchdown. Could we see Prime get revenge in a possible rematch in the SuperBowl? The SML audience could only hope!
Chiefs (Haas) 20 - Jets (Royce) 11
The Chiefs stay red hot, while the Jets continue to have a hangover year after a superbowl appearance last year. Le'Veon Bell couldn't quite get going, only picking up 64 yards in this one. While on the other side, Tevin Coleman found the enzone twice on the way to a Chiefs victory. Kansas City is sitting towards the top of the SML, while the Jets are wondering how to turn this seaso around.
Ravens (Meats) 27 - Steelers (JChristmann) 24
This rivalry game lived up to its hype in a big time week 8 matchup. The Steelers did a really good job of neutralizing the Ravens rookie running back Freddie Golden, holding him to a below average day with only 82 yards on 10 carries. Where the running game lacked, Marquise Brown picked up the slack. The speedy reciever hauled in 4 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers had a reciever on their side have a huge impact on the game, as James Washington caught 8 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Ultimately Josh Rosen's 3 INT's cost Pittsburgh big time in the loss. The good news is, Pittsburgh has a chance at redemption in week 13!
This week in SML, we treck through weeks 9, 10, and 11. Lets highlight some key games.
Redskins (WTFgamepad) 5-2 vs Bucs (Nole) 7-1 (Week 9)
This matchup features two highly talented users who are on a mission to bounce back from down years last year. Both teams are looking pretty evenly matched. The Redskins defense has a slight edge only allowing 231 yards per game, while the Bucs are giving up 266 yards per game. Tampa Bay likes to spread the ball around through the air, while the Redskins are bringing an effecient offensive attack to this one (100% RZ Offense, 1 turnover per game). It's a toss up on this one, so have our eyes glued to your Twitch to see the outcome in Week 9!
Eagles (Gov) 5-2 vs Bears (Oshii) 7-1 (Week 10)
SLUGFEST. This game will be nothing less than extraordinary. The defending superbowl champion Gov, takes on one of his toughest NFL foes in Oshii. Together, the Eagles and Bears are averaging a combined 7 takeaways per game. So whoever can minimize turnovers should have a good shot at winning this one. The Eagles will be looking to air it out behind Carson Wentz and there 252 yards through the air per game. While the Bears will be trying to pound the rock behind their #7 ranked SML rushing attack. This will be another must watch game! Tune in week 10!
Lions (PJ) 1-7 vs Vikings (Arachnosapien) 2-5 (Week 10)
This one will be interesting because well, somebody has to win, or do they? Our analytics team (DaddyLeagues Prediction) has this game ending in a 24-24 tie. These two teams are not off to a good start in Season 3 of this SML cycle. The key to victory here is who can convert on 3rd downs? The Lions are sitting at 33% conversion, while the Vikings are at 41%. This game will be competitive, but might determine who's looking at a top 5 pick in the draft. Catch it live on Twitch in week 10!
Here are my top 5 superbowl contenders at the halfway point of this season.
1) Ravens (Meats) Could this be the year? Quality wins over Bears, Steelers, Jets already.
2) Seattle - (Future) Only loss to defending Super Bowl champion Gov. Beat Colts,
3) Colts (Prime) - Looks like Prime is on a mission this year, tough loss to Seattle
4) Kansas City (Haas) - Big wins over Eagles, Jets, Steelers
5) Chicago (Oshii) - Only loss to red hot Baltimore.
Heres a look at some potential MVP candidates leading their teams to the top of the SML (No Order)
Patrick Mahomes, KC
Leading the league in passing yards and TD's with 2,252 and 19. The only downfall for Mahomes case is his 15 INT's thrown, which could cost his team and himself down the back stretch.
Andrew Luck, IND
The wiley veteran is completing on 72.4% of his attempts. He's towards the top of SML with 2,004 passing yards, while being efficient boasting a QBR of 131.5 (17 TD, 6 INT).
Tarik Cohen, CHI
Cohen is leading the league in yardage with 929 yards. His game breaking speed has sprung him for runs of over 20 yards 12 different times this year. He's reached the endzone 8 times and has yet to fumble the ball!
John Ross III, DAL
Ross is flourishing in Dallas, hauling in 35 catches for 1,078 yards. He's caught 12 touchdowns and dropped zero passes. A darkhorse in this race, but a notable candidate being the only reciever in the league over 1,000 yards so far.
Roquan Smith, CHI
Playing out of his mind is an understatement. He's threating to break the single season INT record, with 15 currently. He's also near the top of the SML in tackles with 36. Add two trips to the endzone and we have a MVP candidate!
Thats it for this weeks SML Insiders. Dumpahontas signing off!
Dumpahontas here with the first ever edition of SML Insiders! This series will cover a wide variety of topics on the upcoming week of the Sim Madden League. Lets jump into some league news!
As we know quarterbacks can make or break a franchise. These three quarterbacks just inked new deals and look to be the face of SML superstar talent for years to come:
Cleveland Browns - Baker Mayfield 6 year deal worth 204 million.
Baltimore Ravens - Lamar Jackson - 6 year deal worth 201 million.
Kansas City Chiefs - Patrick Mahomes - 7 year deal worth 334 millon.
Not sure about the value of Baker Mayfield, especially considering Lamar Jackson has had much more success the past 2 seasons compared to Mayfield. On the other end, should Jackson be upset he didn't get Mahomes type money? Mahomes has the talent, but must bring home some trophies to Kansas City to earn that mega deal!
These veterans look to finish their careers strong, inking deals to keep them put and not face free agency.
Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck - 3 year deal worth 106 million
Carolina Panthers - Luke Kuechly - 4 year deal worth 68.2 millon
Denver Broncos - Von Miller - 3 year deal worth 65.2 million
Atlanta Falcons - Julio Jones - 3 year deal worth 54.8 million
Houston Texans - JJ Watt - 2 year deal worth 42.6 million
Most of these deals seem pretty fitting for these superstar leaders. It will be interesting to see what direction the Colts go as Luck ages on only a 3 year deal. New blood coming to Indy in the next couple years? Big news finally from Atlanta as Julio agrees to a deal after being franchise tagged last season.
The SML will pave its way through weeks 6-8 in this weeks advances with some interesting matchups. Lets take a closer look.
Colts 6-0 vs Seahawks 4-1 (Week 7)
Prime vs Future
This one should be a knock down, drag out kind of battle. Primetime is on a mission this year to show the SML hes the true GOAT after not bringing home the Simbardi trophy last year. Primetime, a perrenial power house will need to be on top of his game to get the victory in this one. The Colts run defense is only allowing 86 yards on the ground per game, while the Seattle rushing attack is top 5 in the league picking up 143 per game. That will surely be the key to victory. Colts stuff the run and they should have the advantage. Seahawks ground and pound and they'll come out victorious.
Chiefs 4-1 vs Jets 3-2 (Week 6)
Haas vs Royce
The Jets DESPERATLY need a win in this one. Although they've lost to two red hot teams in the Colts & Ravens, a win here could shift some momentum. The Chiefs come into this one looking unstoppable on offense (#1 in YPG and PYG), while the Jets defense is sitting middle of the road in overall defense. If the Jets get pressure on Mahomes and clear some running lanes for Le'Veon Bell this one could come down to the wire!
Ravens (5-1) vs Steelers (5-1) (Week 7)
Meats vs Jchristmann
It doesn't appear that Meats will completely run away with the division this year, but there's a lot on the line in Week 7 when these two division rivals collide. The Ravens are atop the league in rushing yards per game (180), behind a rookie running back. If the steelers expect a victory here, they must shut down the run game!
Lets take a look at some players who look unstoppable so far this year.
Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
Dak is operating on a high level this season, completely 78% of his passes for 1,337 yards. The more impressive thing is his 4/1 TD/INT ratio, which is sitting towards the top of the league (12tds, 3 INTs). If the Cowboys want to make a deep playoff run, they need Prescott to keep up this effort.
Freddie Golden - Baltimore Ravens
The rookie is on absolute fire this season, rushing for 604 yards and 6 TDs (120.8/game). He has added a new element to the Ravens team, does this mean Simbardi in Baltimore?
Kenyan Drake - Miami Dolphins
After a couple years of building, the Dolphins are showing some life this season and Kenyan Drake is a big part of that. The workhorse out of Alabama has racked up 568 yards and 3tds so far this year (117/game). If he can find himself in the end zone a little more frequently, the Dolphins may find themselves competing for a playoff spot!
John Ross III - Dallas Cowboys
As mentioned earlier Dak Prescott is off to a hot start, much thanks to John Ross. The speedy reciever has caught 22 balls for 764 yards and 9 tds (152.8 YPG). Move over Tyreek Hill, theres another speedster stealing the show!
Roquan Smith - Chicago Bears
What if we lived in a world where a middle linebacker is leading the league in INTs? Oh wait, we are! Roquan has racked up a league leading 8 INT's this year to go along with 50 tackles, also league topping number. The bears defense is always tough, but this year the star is running away with the DPOY honor.
and finally we have a 5 way tie for the SML sack crown, all players tied at 9 a piece
Joey Bosa - LA Chargers
Cameron Jordan - New Orleans Saints
Von Miller - Denver Broncos
Khalil Mack - Chicago Bears
Montez Sweat - Washington Redskins
Now lets look at some players that need to step up and help turn their teams seasons around!
First up, the bus driver, Derek Carr - Oakland Raiders
Carr looks a little aged and confused. Only completeing 57% of ihs passes while throwing 20 INTs and only 7tds, a mark that isn't leading to many victories.
Reilly Ford - Tennessee Titans
The Titans parted ways with QB Marcus Mariota this off-season, but they might want to trade to get him back! In steps rookie Reilly Ford, who looks like he's a step behind the pro game. The gunslinger from Alabama has struggled to complete passes (43%), and thrown 15 INT's. The Titans are looking for their first win and won't be finding one soon if Ford doesn't pick it up!
Saqoun Barkley - New York Giants
The Giants are struggling, with Barkley not carrying his weight. The young running back is only averaging 61 YPG (305 yards total) and only 2 touchdowns. My question is, can the Giants take back that shiny new deal he just inked?
Mike Evans - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans has 13 catches for 168 yards and 0 TDs. What could possibly look like a one game statline for the star reciever, is now a season total. It might be time for Tampa Bay to reload on offense to help on their main target!
Injuries haven't been to frequent this season, but when they've struck, they go for impact players. Lets take a look at the SML notable injuries:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Andrew Norwell - Dislocated elbow - 5 Weeks
Leonard Fournette - foot fracture - 4 weeks
Green Back Packers
Darnell Savage - torn pectoral - 29 weeks
Washington Redskins
Montez Sweat - Upper arm fracture - 2 weeks
Seattle Seahawks
Chris Carson - broken collarbone - 4 weeks
Pittsburgh Steelers
Corey Davis - shoulder tear - 5 weeks
Minnesota Vikings
Stefon Diggs - abdominal tear - 4 weeks
Dalvin Cook - broken collarbone - 5 weeks
Indianapolis Colts
Parris Campbell - ruptured disk - 6 weeks
Dante Pettis - broken ribs - 3 weeks
That wraps up this weeks preview of the SML, thanks for reading!
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