Week 7: Matchups
It's rival week yet again in Super League, as every team faces their secondary rival. Tiebreakers are on the line in every matchup, and for some teams it could be the difference between playoffs or lottery. Let's get into it:
Last week (4-1), Season (12-3)
SL Matchup of the Week: UNFINISHED BIZ vs. Washington Fantasy Team
UNFINISHED BIZ declined to comment.
Washington Fantasy Team: - "Analyzing the matchup this week, we need our key players to step up and deliver another strong performance. We feel confident about our matchup but just need to pick the right starters to secure the win."
This may not seem like the matchup of the week with so many playoff determining matchups this week, but there's a ton on the line here. Carter won the first matchup, which means he has the chance to get the tiebreaker on Curtis for the season. If Carter were to win this matchup, it would be devastating for WFT's playoff chances, and they would have to surpass UNFINISHED BIZ in overall record over the remaining weeks to have any shot at the playoffs, but it doesn't end there. It would also likely place WFT at least 2 full games behind the Crooners, Slimes, and Pirates. That means WFT would have to pass UNFINISHED BIZ and one of these teams in order to gain a spot, which seems fairly unlikely with only 7 opportunities to make up that ground. On the other hand, if WFT can win, it should put them immediately within striking distance of the Crooners, which WFT hold the tiebreaker on. We've talked a lot about WFT, but for Biz, this is their best chance at proving me wrong and winning a game. If Carter wants a comeback, it has to start here. This matchup is very winnable for both teams, but I think WFT will get the better of Biz in the 2022 finals rematch. This would set up a potentially devious third matchup in Week 13 that could decide WFT's fate once and for all.
Verdict: WFT wins
SL Dynasty vs. Bud Ice Penguins
On paper, this should be the matchup of the week, given the historic nature of the Catholic ***s bowl, with both of these teams posting very similar scores last week, and given the chance for SL Dynasty to protect their league wins record / win streak record by defeating Bud Ice Penguins here... But I think this will not be as close as said paper projects. Bud Ice has the better roster and starting lineup here, and their starters even without Mixon and Henry still outclass Dynasty's. I think we see both teams return to over 100 points, but ultimately, I think Penguins win with some cushion. This would push SL Dynasty to 2-5 and would give the Penguins the season series and tiebreaker against their rival.
Verdict: Penguins win
Zark's Sharks vs. Play Action Jackson
The Sharks had a rough week, but they smell blood this week versus PAJ. The Sharks are favored at literally every position. This should be a beatdown, but there is a chance that PAJ keeps it close given their starting lineup that is averaging a nice 127.5 points on the season, but either way, I think the Sharks get back on track and close PAJ out.
Verdict: Sharks win
PGH Crooners vs. Slats Slimes
This should be a huge matchup with game of the week hype, but given the injuries and BYE situation the Crooners are coming in with, I'd give them about .00000000001% chance to win this versus an absolutely stacked Slimes team. .00000000001% is about the chance of the entire Slimes lineup entering cardiac arrest this weekend. This could be the beatdown of the year in terms of the top half teams. This sets up a potentially huge week 13 where the tiebreaker will truly be on the line.
Verdict: Slimes win
Explosive Potential vs. Parma Pirates
Explosive Potential made a trade this week that widened the point deficit even further between these two teams. The only chance for a W this week is a miracle.
Verdict: Pirates win