Week 8 2017: vs. Imposing Monstrosity

Starting Lineup:
QB: Drew Brees
WR: Antonio Brown
WR: Tyreek Hill
RB: Ezekiel Elliott
RB: Alvin Kamara
TE: Hunter Henry
Flex: TY Hilton
K: Blair Walsh
D/ST: Atlanta

We are officially halfway through the 2017 MFFL season and El Pollo Loco (5-1-1) is off to the best start in franchise history. They are coming of a week in which they scored the highest point total in the league this season, beating Tavon and Only 164-124. In last week's press release I mentioned Ezekiel Elliott had his best matchup of the season and needed to lead Loco to victory. Zeke did just that dropping 43 points on a lowly 49ers defense. It wasn't just Zeke for Loco as they put in another balanced team effort with 7 starters scoring over 15 points. Loco looks to keep the momentum going as they turn their attention back to the West division as Imposing Monstrosity comes to Albuquerque. Loco wants this game bad as they try to avenge an uncomfortable early season tie with Stros.

Stros is coming off of a victory over Brock n' Roll to stay 2 games behind Loco for the division lead. A win against Loco would be huge for Stros bringing them within one game of Loco and it would give them a better divisional record than Loco. Stros still has decisions to make a QB and WR, but their team will be lead by Le'Veon Bell and Rob Gronkowski. Bell has been absolutely on fire after a slow start and is good for 20 points every week. When Gronk is healthy it is hard to find a fantasy player with a higher ceiling which is a huge advantage at the TE spot.

Loco is coming off a huge performance and though it seems things have changed for them this season they still have been inconsistent. When they are good they are great scoring over 137 points 4 times this season. However they have had their share of down weeks scoring under 108 points 3 times including a game under 100. Loco likes what they saw from their team last week, but there are players that still can step up. GM Josh Cermak told me, "last week was a great team effort. Almost everyone contributed, but we still want to see more from Drew [Brees] and TY [Hilton]". It seems like nit picking, but Brees, while playing solid, hasn't quite lived up to the 3rd round hype. Also, you would like to see more production than 4 points from Hilton. We'll see this week if Cermak can't get his entire team in gear.

This is great rematch and possibly the beginning of a great divisional rivalry between these two teams. Look for this game to be just as close as the first one, but hopefully with one team coming out victorious.

Week 7 2017: vs. Tavon and Only

Starting Lineup:

QB: Drew Brees

WR: Antonio Brown

WR: Tyreek Hill

RB: Ezekiel Elliott

RB: Alvin Kamara

TE: Hunter Henry

Flex: TY Hilton

K: Greg Zuerlein

D/ST: Carolina

El Pollo Loco enters week 7 coming off their first loss of the season losing to the Glorious Morgans 97-114. Loco continues to struggle in rivalry games now holding a 2-9 record. However, it has been a historic start for this franchise and they look to get back on track against Tavon and Only this week. Loco made a trade earlier this week to acquire TY Hilton, Hunter Henry, and Ameer Abdullah. It was tough letting Keenan Allen go after his solid start, but Hilton and Henry have been immediately plugged into the starting lineup and Abdullah adds running back depth. 

Tavon is coming into the matchup after shooting themselves in the foot, leaving their QB and defense on the bench and only losing by 10. The loss brings Tavon to 2-4 on the season, but they are better than their record. Illustrated by scoring 121 points with 2 empty roster spots. They are lead by one of the best RB cores in the league with Melvin Gordon, DeMarco Murray, and Doug Martin. They also have one of the best TEs in the league with Eagles' stud Zach Ertz. 2-4 is not where you want to be, but Tavon has a solid team and they are only 2 games back from a playoff spot. Expect this team to compete down the stretch.

Loco gets Ezekiel Elliott back from bye (and suspension) this week which is much needed after Mike Gillislee managed 2 points last week. This is by far Zeke's best matchup so far this season so Loco expects him to lead the team this week. Antonio Brown has been amazing, showing why Loco invested the number 3 overall pick in him, and he has a good matchup this week. Loco's other top pick, Drew Brees, has been solid, but has not been performing the way Loco expected when they selected him in the third round. Brees needs to pick things up and play at an elite level if this team is going to be successful down the stretch. Loco will need all of their studs to play well to win this game because Hilton and Tyreek Hill have tough matchups this week. Hill's matchup coming on Thurdsay night which has not been kind to Loco. 

The experts expect a blow out victory for Loco in this game projecting a 136-114 final score. Don't bet on it because Tavon is a scrappy team that loves the underdog role and plays it well. Tune it tonight at 8:20 and don't miss a minute of this action.

Week 6 2017: vs. The Glorious Morgans

Starting Lineup:
QB: Drew Brees
WR: Antonio Brown
WR: Keenan Allen
RB: Alvin "Man Crush" Kamara
RB: Mike Gillislee
TE: Ed Dickson
Flex: Tyreek Hill
K: Greg Zuerlein
D/ST: Washington

It is officially rivalry week in the MFFL. In with the new season comes a new rival for El Pollo Loco: The Glorious Morgans. Through the first 5 years Loco was owned by their previous rival The Perpetual Dynasty holding a horrific 2-8 record. When looking at those stats it may seem Loco should be ecstatic they have a new rival, but it definitely doesn't get any easier. The Morgans come into the matchup 4-1 scoring the most points in the league lead by their stud rookie RBs. However, it is not just this season that the Morgans have had success. They have made the playoffs 3 out of the first 5 years and have a championship game appearance. This will be a tough rivalry and Loco would like to start it off with a win.

Loco comes into this matchup still undefeated. They were able to get a rare win after earning the biggest blowout bringing their record in such games to 3-6. It wasn't a great performance as Loco only scored 108 points, but they will gladly take the win. It is the first time Loco has won while scoring under 110 points since week 10 of 2013. This season was looking like the tides may have turned for Loco being able to win games they would lose in past seasons. Then they received a crushing blow when the court ruled in favor of the NFL and it looks like Ezekiel Elliott will serve his 6 game suspension after all. Zeke was on bye this week so it does not affect this matchup, but it makes a win even more important for Loco. Loco is going to have to scrap for the next 7 weeks and it starts this week with a huge matchup. The good news is Drew Brees is back from bye. Also, the Saints traded away Adrian Peterson opening up the door for Alvin "Man Crush" Kamara to get more snaps and touches. Loco will need big games from their WRs in order to keep pace with the Morgans RBs.

This matchup is razor tight and a lot of points are expected. The matchup will be over after the 4 o'clock games, but it should be a fight to the end.

Week 5 2017: @ ShowMeYourTDs

Starting Lineup:

QB: Jameis Winston

WR: Antonio Brown

WR: Keenan Allen

RB: Ezekiel Elliott

RB: Mike Gillislee

TE: Charles Clay

Flex: Tyreek Hill

K: Greg Zuerlein

D/ST: Philadelphia

El Pollo Loco is coming into week 5 hot! Scoring 152 points against Unstopa-Bo and bringing their season record to 3-0-1 (2-0-1). Still undefeated marking their best start in franchise history, that's the good news. The bad news is Loco is coming off the biggest blowout of the week and it has been well documented on this site that Loco is atrocious in games after the biggest blowout. A lowly 2-6 to be exact. Teams having letdown games after a big win is something that happens all the time in footbal. However, what has happened to Loco seems like some sort of bad juju. Loco hopes to buck this trend, but it will be tough as they play a tough ShowMeYourTDs squad.

TDs comes into this matchup 1-3, but their team is much better than that record as they have the leagues toughest schedule so far. They have one of the deepest teams in the league and this week they are going to need that depth with a lot of significant byes. Devonta Freeman, Jordan Reed, and Denver D are all big contributors to this team and all have byes this week. The good news is they still have Jordy Nelson, DeAndre Hopkins, and Bilal Powell. Additionally, TDs made some good pickups this week with Cameron Brate and Detroit D both having good matchups. TDs has the bye week blues, but don't expect him to leave this week black and blue. He will compete.

This week Loco only has to deal with one bye. They will be without the services of Drew Brees because of his bye week. Which should not be a huge problem as QB is the deepest position in the game. However, it still hurts Loco not having that leadership on the field and will need Antonio Brown and Ezekiel Elliott to shoulder more of the load than usual. Loco made a trade earlier this week and a new face steps into the lineup as Mike Gillislee makes his first start in red and yellow. His debut last night was less than desirable as he had only managed 5 points.

The matchup got off to a poor start last night for Loco as both players had down nights compared to expectations and TDs players rose to the occasion. Jameis Winston was able to save a poor start with 15 points. As it stands now TDs leads Loco 32-20. Loco is not out of it yet, but they have some work to do. As it was stated earlier TDs is going to compete in this game. With a live projection of 128-126 this one may come down to Tyreek Hill vs. DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday night.

Week 4 2017: @ Unstopa-Bo

Starting Lineup:

QB: Drew Brees

WR: Antonio Brown

WR: Keenan Allen

RB: Ezekiel Elliott

RB: Christian McCaffrey

TE: Charles Clay

Flex: Tyreek Hill or DeVante Parker

K: Greg Zuerlein

D/ST: Green Bay

Last week El Pollo Loco was able to notch another W, pulling out the 137-119 victory over TPD to stay atop the West at 2-0-1. It was another balanced effort with all of Loco's stars showing up and most of the complementary players doing their part. Antonio Brown lead the way with 28, but Loco has to be most excited about Christian McCaffrey's performance. He finally flashed some of the potential Loco thought he had taking him on draft. The question still remains if he can continue to play at the level for multiple weeks, but for now Loco feels more comfortable about his RB2 spot.

This week Loco goes on the road to face a division rival in Unstopa-Bo. UB got his first win last week bringing his record to 1-2, but the season is still young and he is still very much in the thick of things in the West with a 1-1 division record. Last week's 113 point total was UB's season high, but he does have some fire power. Brandin Cooks went off last week with 33 points and looks like he is finally acclimated to the Patriots offense, which is bad news for Loco. UB has firepower at the other WR position with superstar Mike Evans. I asked GM Josh Cermak which player on UB he is most concerned with this week he told me, "We know that Bo has a pair of stud WRs, but we need to watch out for Ajayi this week. He's a great RB with an amazing matchup and could spell trouble for us this week."

Coming off a good week the question still remains whether or not Loco can be consistent week to week. It is something they have struggled with their entire MFFL career. This year they started hot in week 1 to turn around and have a down week in week 2. They bounced back last week and they hope to keep the momentum going in an important division game. Loco expects his stars to show up, but there is a shake up to this weeks lineup. Loco hopes that Charles Clay and possibly DeVante Parker (game time decision) can provide a spark stepping into the lineup for the first time this season.

Although Loco is still undefeated this is a big game for them trying to establish a consistent product and build on there division lead. Look for UB to compete in this game he owns a 6-4 record versus Loco and has made the championship game in back to back season.

Week 3 2017: vs. The Perpetual Dyanasty

Starting Lineup:
QB: Drew Brees
WR: Antonio Brown
WR: Keenan Allen
RB: Ezekiel Elliot
RB: Christian McCaffrey
TE: Martellus Bennett
Flex: Tyreek Hill
K: Cairo Santos
D/ST: Tampa Bay

El Pollo Loco enters week 3 unbeaten. However, not in the fashion you would imagine as last weeks match up with Imposing Monstrosity ended in a 103-103 tie. This marks the first tie in franchise history for Loco. It was a down week across the board as only 4 players scored in double digits and Antonio Brown and Ezekiel Elliot combined for 16 points. As disappointing as the score total was for Loco they can't be too disappointed being able escape with a tie. A tie that keeps them undefeated and atop the West division. A tie that sets up a battle of unbeatens. Of course that other unbeaten is none other than 2-0 The Perpetual Dynasty. TPD has been a juggernaut in the league and this season they are defending their first MFFL title. TPD and Loco know each other very well being rivals for the first five years of the league, but this will be their only meeting this year. Both managers have a lot of respect for each other, but TPD holds an 8-2 record over Loco so don't think that Loco doesn't want to give TPD his best shot.

A lot of TPD's success can be attributed to his WR corps over the years. So it is no surprise that he has another stellar set of WRs. This week his starters (at the time of this post) are Odell Beckham Jr., A.J. Green, and Amari Cooper. Oh and his QB is Tom Brady so TPD is bringing a lot of fire power to this match up. Evident by his 151 point total from last week. His gameday managing is arguably the best in the league sitting players that other managers wouldn't dream of so you know he will have his optimal lineup on the field for gametime.

As mentioned above Loco didn't have a great week last week with his stars having down weeks. However, the arrow is pointing up this week for Antonio Brown with a much better match up. Zeke has another tough match up this week, but you gotta think 8 rushing yards could be a career low for him. Outside of his stars Loco has good match ups for Christian McCaffrey, Martellus Bennett, and Tyreek Hill. Loco will need every one to play well in order to keep up with TPD this week, but they really want to see McCaffrey play well.

The experts expect this to whitey tighty tight projecting a score of 132-131 in favor of Loco. Although with their success in the league and Loco specifically we would argue TPD is the favorite. Expect a high scoring close affair and great sportsmanship in this one.

Week 2 2017: @ Imposing Monstrosity

Starting Lineup:

QB: Drew Brees

WR: Anotonio Brown

WR: Keenan Allen

RB: Ezekiel Elliott

RB: Christian McCaffrey

TE: Martellus Bennett

Flex: Tyreek Hill

K: Cairo Santos

D/ST: Oakland

El Pollo Loco is coming off a week 1 win for just the second time in 6 years beating I Love Brock n' Roll 138-80. Brock took a devastating blow losing David Johnson to a wrist injury for the foreseeable future. You gotta feel for that franchise. However, Johnson would not have been enough to take down Loco that put on a balanced team effort. Loco looked strong in week one and now they sit alone on top of the West division for the first time in franchise history. However, the talk around Albuquerque this week has been: will this be the same Loco? It is true that Loco has had big games in the past just to turn around and disappoint the very next week. But something seems different about this Loco team. GM Josh Cermak told me, "this team just seems to have a confidence that our teams in the past lacked". This seems like a confident bunch indeed, but will they be able to keep the offense rolling this week?

Loco's week 2 opponent will be league newcomer Imposing Monstrosity. Stros lost a heartbreaker to La Flama Blanca in the closest matchup of the week. It was a down performance in which their stars Leveon Bell and Rob Gronkowski never got going. Don't expect that to happen this week as Gronk has a much better matchup this week and Bell has another week to get into football shape after reporting just before week 1. Stros also added another piece in Stefon Diggs via trade last night and it appears he will be plugged right into the starting lineup.

Loco showed a balanced attack in week one with Antonio Brown and Tyreek Hill leading the way with 30 and 27 points respectively. Everyone else in the starting lineup contributed without anyone having a really bad week. If Loco wants to turn the tide this season being able to have consistent weeks like that will be the key. Heading into week 2 Cermak expects Drew Brees to lead the charge with a better matchup this week and playing at home. Additionally, Loco likes what they saw from Christian McCafferey and they expect him to take another step forward this week.

The experts don't expect this one to be very close projecting a final score of 135-121, but with Stros' stars having better matchups this week they should have a much better week. Don't be surprised when this one comes down to the wire.