Week 7 Power Rankings
Now that we’ve reached the midway point of the regular season, it seems like a good chance to look back at what’s happened so far, and assess everyone’s chances over the second part of the season and, for those who will make it, into the playoffs. Consider this your mid-semester grade – enough to let you know where you stand and what could be improved.
1. The Home Pwners (Record 5-2, Standings: 3, Previous Week PR: 3)
What I like:
Hands down the best lineup on paper in the league. The RB situation is especially intimidating, with 3 in the top 5 and 4 in the top 11 overall point scorers.
What I don’t like:
A lot of their stars on weak teams are the best players on weak teams, which leaves them vulnerable to being shut down by good defenses…okay, that’s just nitpicking, and also pretty stupid.
Outlook:
A strong second half of the season as the schedule lightens up dramatically, and another run at the championship. They will be no worse than the 3 seed, and should move up if/when either team ahead in the standings falters due to their huge overall point lead.
2. The Dngrs Dngrs (Record 6-1, Standings: 1, Previous Week PR: 1)
What I like:
The starting QB and receiver positions are a great leadoff punch. The luck factor also seems to be favoring them as they survived a few close calls.
What I don’t like:
Underperforming (though talented) RBs, and a weak bench compared to other top contenders – a serious injury or two could derail this team’s chances.
Outlook:
Almost everything has gone right for them so far this season. They should be in contention through the end, but it’s worth noting that championships aren’t won over the first seven weeks, and neither the Minions nor Blind Squirrels, occupiers of this position over the last two years, even made it to the championship.
3. The Schmuckernators (Record 6-1, Standings: 2, Previous Week PR: 2)
What I like:
The lineup is good top to bottom, including solid depth on the bench.
What I don’t like:
Outside of Brees, there are no names that jump out and grab you as someone who will put up huge numbers; the overall upside isn’t as great as the others at the top.
Outlook:
Another team that has the goods to contend through the end. I’d say they are one piece shy of championship material, but I’ve been plenty wrong before, and they do already own a huge victory over the Pwners.
4. Cool Runnings (Record 5-2, Standings: 4, Previous Week PR: 5)
What I like:
They seem to be back on track after a few down weeks. This is a very well-balanced team, with strengths in all the key areas: QB, WR, and RB. If they can survive all the injuries, they are a very dangerous team.
What I don’t like:
The aforementioned injuries have hit the team hard, and if their top RBs don’t ever get healthy it could be their downfall.
Outlook:
Quite good. They are now in solid position to move back up in the standings and make a deep run through the playoffs.
5. Brett’s Benzos BID (Record 4-3, Standings: 5, Previous Week PR: 4)
What I like:
Pretty decent consistency from top to bottom in this lineup. They don’t ever seem to have a really bad week.
What I don’t like:
They have been unable to emerge victorious in any matchup against the top teams in the league. At some point they need to win one of those games to establish themselves as a true contender.
Outlook:
There are really only two teams left on their schedule in the same class. As long as they can take care of business, they will be no worse than the 4-5 spot, and could go as high as 3 if some others falter.
6. Incomprehensibles (Record 4-3, Standings: 7, Previous Week PR: 7)
What I like:
This isn’t the scariest team on paper, but they keep finding ways to win games (this past week with nearly half their team on bye).
What I don’t like:
This team has been all over the place, scoring 40 points one week and 110 the next. They need to be more consistently near the top end of that range to feel safe about making the playoffs.
Outlook:
They’ve been underestimated all season long, and still have performed pretty well. I expect the second half of the season to be tougher, but they’ve managed to build a two game lead over those battling for the last playoff spot and should be able to hang on.
7. Blind Squirrels (Record 4-3, Standings: 6, Previous Week PR: 6)
What I like:
They’ve been pretty steady throughout the season. While they have yet to have a really big breakout game, they mostly managed to avoid the inconsistency that has hurt some of the other teams.
What I don’t like:
Injuries are now hitting this team in a big way with Romo going down. Their depth was not very great to begin with and now they will really be tested.
Outlook:
Probably more of the same. If they can continue to take care of business against those lower ranked teams the rest of the season, they’ll secure a playoff spot (and probably a first round exit).
8. Inglorius Bat Turds (Record 2-5, Standings: 8, Previous Week PR: 8)
What I like:
They have great receivers and are finding more good pieces to fill in their weaknesses. Despite all the injuries and suspensions over the first two months, they are starting to score lots of points and wins should start to follow.
What I don’t like:
They keep losing games they have a chance to win. That doesn’t bode well for a bubble team, especially one with a brutal second half schedule.
Outlook:
After a horrendous start, this team is on the rise and will cause trouble for teams as the season continues. If you haven’t noticed, they’ve been the fourth best team in the league over the last 4 weeks (albeit with only a 2-2 record over that period).
9. Cupcakes of Doom! (Record 2-5, Standings: 9, Previous Week PR: 9)
What I like:
The big names at the top are as capable as anyone of producing huge games. They also have shown a willingness to trade, which has resulted in a greatly improved bench.
What I don’t like:
Their boom-or-bust nature, considering they practically have the Eagles offense cornered, and the fact that the above players have a long injury history leaves them vulnerable.
Outlook:
If they can make it into the playoffs, they could cause some damage, but first they have to make it. Right now they sit precariously on the outside of the bubble.
10. Cactus. Look out! (Record: 2-5, Standings: 10, Previous Week PR: 11)
What I like:
Peterson can put up big numbers, and when there is support behind him, this team can steal victories every few weeks.
What I don’t like:
The bench is paper-thin and the receivers are particularly weak.
Outlook:
Probably not going to make the playoffs, but should get another win or two before all is said and done.
11. Fat Cats (Record 2-5, Standings: 10, Previous Week PR: 10)
What I like:
With Colston coming back from injury, they now have a trio of big name receivers. If these players start to perform to potential, this team could rebound in a big way.
What I don’t like:
On paper, this team doesn’t look too bad but it has woefully underperformed. The running game is a particular weakness.
Outlook:
They should be improved over the second half of the season, but are they already in too deep a hole to recover? The upcoming schedule certainly doesn’t do them any favors.
12. Minions (Record 0-7, Standings: 12, Previous Week PR: 12)
What I like:
If the Browns ever score more than 20 points in a game, they are in great position to capitalize.
What I don’t like:
Not too much has gone right thus far, and now Bush, their one good player, has gone down for at least a month. It’s been a rough ride.
Outlook:
This is probably a one-win team at best. The only suspense left is whether or not they can spoil someone else’s season.
1. The Home Pwners (Record 5-2, Standings: 3, Previous Week PR: 3)
What I like:
Hands down the best lineup on paper in the league. The RB situation is especially intimidating, with 3 in the top 5 and 4 in the top 11 overall point scorers.
What I don’t like:
A lot of their stars on weak teams are the best players on weak teams, which leaves them vulnerable to being shut down by good defenses…okay, that’s just nitpicking, and also pretty stupid.
Outlook:
A strong second half of the season as the schedule lightens up dramatically, and another run at the championship. They will be no worse than the 3 seed, and should move up if/when either team ahead in the standings falters due to their huge overall point lead.
2. The Dngrs Dngrs (Record 6-1, Standings: 1, Previous Week PR: 1)
What I like:
The starting QB and receiver positions are a great leadoff punch. The luck factor also seems to be favoring them as they survived a few close calls.
What I don’t like:
Underperforming (though talented) RBs, and a weak bench compared to other top contenders – a serious injury or two could derail this team’s chances.
Outlook:
Almost everything has gone right for them so far this season. They should be in contention through the end, but it’s worth noting that championships aren’t won over the first seven weeks, and neither the Minions nor Blind Squirrels, occupiers of this position over the last two years, even made it to the championship.
3. The Schmuckernators (Record 6-1, Standings: 2, Previous Week PR: 2)
What I like:
The lineup is good top to bottom, including solid depth on the bench.
What I don’t like:
Outside of Brees, there are no names that jump out and grab you as someone who will put up huge numbers; the overall upside isn’t as great as the others at the top.
Outlook:
Another team that has the goods to contend through the end. I’d say they are one piece shy of championship material, but I’ve been plenty wrong before, and they do already own a huge victory over the Pwners.
4. Cool Runnings (Record 5-2, Standings: 4, Previous Week PR: 5)
What I like:
They seem to be back on track after a few down weeks. This is a very well-balanced team, with strengths in all the key areas: QB, WR, and RB. If they can survive all the injuries, they are a very dangerous team.
What I don’t like:
The aforementioned injuries have hit the team hard, and if their top RBs don’t ever get healthy it could be their downfall.
Outlook:
Quite good. They are now in solid position to move back up in the standings and make a deep run through the playoffs.
5. Brett’s Benzos BID (Record 4-3, Standings: 5, Previous Week PR: 4)
What I like:
Pretty decent consistency from top to bottom in this lineup. They don’t ever seem to have a really bad week.
What I don’t like:
They have been unable to emerge victorious in any matchup against the top teams in the league. At some point they need to win one of those games to establish themselves as a true contender.
Outlook:
There are really only two teams left on their schedule in the same class. As long as they can take care of business, they will be no worse than the 4-5 spot, and could go as high as 3 if some others falter.
6. Incomprehensibles (Record 4-3, Standings: 7, Previous Week PR: 7)
What I like:
This isn’t the scariest team on paper, but they keep finding ways to win games (this past week with nearly half their team on bye).
What I don’t like:
This team has been all over the place, scoring 40 points one week and 110 the next. They need to be more consistently near the top end of that range to feel safe about making the playoffs.
Outlook:
They’ve been underestimated all season long, and still have performed pretty well. I expect the second half of the season to be tougher, but they’ve managed to build a two game lead over those battling for the last playoff spot and should be able to hang on.
7. Blind Squirrels (Record 4-3, Standings: 6, Previous Week PR: 6)
What I like:
They’ve been pretty steady throughout the season. While they have yet to have a really big breakout game, they mostly managed to avoid the inconsistency that has hurt some of the other teams.
What I don’t like:
Injuries are now hitting this team in a big way with Romo going down. Their depth was not very great to begin with and now they will really be tested.
Outlook:
Probably more of the same. If they can continue to take care of business against those lower ranked teams the rest of the season, they’ll secure a playoff spot (and probably a first round exit).
8. Inglorius Bat Turds (Record 2-5, Standings: 8, Previous Week PR: 8)
What I like:
They have great receivers and are finding more good pieces to fill in their weaknesses. Despite all the injuries and suspensions over the first two months, they are starting to score lots of points and wins should start to follow.
What I don’t like:
They keep losing games they have a chance to win. That doesn’t bode well for a bubble team, especially one with a brutal second half schedule.
Outlook:
After a horrendous start, this team is on the rise and will cause trouble for teams as the season continues. If you haven’t noticed, they’ve been the fourth best team in the league over the last 4 weeks (albeit with only a 2-2 record over that period).
9. Cupcakes of Doom! (Record 2-5, Standings: 9, Previous Week PR: 9)
What I like:
The big names at the top are as capable as anyone of producing huge games. They also have shown a willingness to trade, which has resulted in a greatly improved bench.
What I don’t like:
Their boom-or-bust nature, considering they practically have the Eagles offense cornered, and the fact that the above players have a long injury history leaves them vulnerable.
Outlook:
If they can make it into the playoffs, they could cause some damage, but first they have to make it. Right now they sit precariously on the outside of the bubble.
10. Cactus. Look out! (Record: 2-5, Standings: 10, Previous Week PR: 11)
What I like:
Peterson can put up big numbers, and when there is support behind him, this team can steal victories every few weeks.
What I don’t like:
The bench is paper-thin and the receivers are particularly weak.
Outlook:
Probably not going to make the playoffs, but should get another win or two before all is said and done.
11. Fat Cats (Record 2-5, Standings: 10, Previous Week PR: 10)
What I like:
With Colston coming back from injury, they now have a trio of big name receivers. If these players start to perform to potential, this team could rebound in a big way.
What I don’t like:
On paper, this team doesn’t look too bad but it has woefully underperformed. The running game is a particular weakness.
Outlook:
They should be improved over the second half of the season, but are they already in too deep a hole to recover? The upcoming schedule certainly doesn’t do them any favors.
12. Minions (Record 0-7, Standings: 12, Previous Week PR: 12)
What I like:
If the Browns ever score more than 20 points in a game, they are in great position to capitalize.
What I don’t like:
Not too much has gone right thus far, and now Bush, their one good player, has gone down for at least a month. It’s been a rough ride.
Outlook:
This is probably a one-win team at best. The only suspense left is whether or not they can spoil someone else’s season.
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