Jedi Knights (4-0)We’ve often spoken of Jedi’s resurgence — or just “surgence” with no “re-“ — and lauded them for climbing out of the gutter into the spotlight. Well, now they are the top team in M&B, with an unblemished first month of the season. Sure, they’ve beat up on some bad teams, but what potential champion hasn’t? After two straight division titles, Jedi already have a leg up for their third.
Of course, they’ve done it by leaning on Peyton Manning again, who has thrown for 20+ points in all three of his appearances. The nice surprise has been the solid RB duo of Alfred Morris and Lamar Miller. They’ve given Jedi a ground game to complement the dangerous passing game. Emmanuel Sanders has racked up a ton of catches and yards in his new role, while T.Y. Hilton has steadied himself at the other receiver position. Interestingly, neither of them have scored a TD yet this season. In fact, only Marques Colston has a TD for this receiving corps, which includes TE Jason Witten. The biggest sign that Chris is taking this season as his championship push? Trading away a future pick for one week of QB Mike Glennon, a ballsy move that rewarded Jedi with 18 points during a WK4 victory. We love everything this team is doing. It’s the (Re-)turn of the Jedi!
Another Bad Creation (3-1)
We gave ABC the best keeper core scores in the division but maybe we were overrating some of the talent here. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is a superstar, and Marshawn Lynch is running for a contract, but the two-headed Lion attack of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell have mostly flamed out. Andre Johnson and Vincent Jackson have yet to break double digits in four games, and Oliver has had to scramble to keep his team on a winning track. ABC haven’t been to the playoffs in two years and they’re hungry for more than Skittles.
You know who else is hungry? Steve Smith Sr., who is hungry for revenge! While Smith didn’t hit ABC’s lineup until WK4, Smith’s three 100+ yard games so far this season could mean that he’s now here to stay. His 25 point outburst last week shot him to #3 scorer on this roster. With last week’s pickup of free agent Eddie Royal, the receiving corps got a boost as they wait for Johnson and Jackson to join the party. It looks like Oliver is moving to the run-and-shoot, and with a big matchup this week against Jedi Knights, ABC could look to make a major statement about their championship aspirations this year.
Original Salt (3-1)For the past two years, Reno’s squad had only four wins all season! Assuming they win at least one more game, Original Salt fans can already declare this year a success. (Of course, Original Salt started off 2013 2-2 before collapsing, but we’d like to stay optimistic here.) Their only loss so far has been WK3, against division foe Another Bad Creation. Overall, this team won’t likely be a mirage because their PF/PA numbers are very solid and sustainable.
Powered by the Berenstain Bears set of Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, Original Salt has been using a pass oriented attack to ride to victory. Cutler has actually been performing as a top five fantasy QB option. He’s throwing to Roddy White and Terrance Williams, who have taken turns with big games. Unfortunately, TE Jordan Cameron’s huge start to 2013 was a definite aberration and there’s a chance free agent pickup Levine Toilolo could unseat him. And please, release Danny Amendola and put him out of his misery. There’s a chance Bernard Pierce could return from injury to solidify the other RB position, but for now it’s Darren McFadden and a touch of Steven Jackson holding that slot down. It’ll be a tough battle for Reno this season to move up in the division, but they should savor the 3-1 record because they’ve earned it.
P Funk All Stars (0-4)
The surprise team of last season almost took a division crown off Jedi Knights, tying for the wins lead with an 8-4 record and hitting the playoffs for the first time since 2006. We wondered if they could retain their excellent or regress to their previous losing state. Well, unfortunately, the latter has happened. Paolo’s team is putting up the lowest PF in the league, even as they are being pounded by one of the worst PAs around. It’s hard to win games when you average 54.5 ppg and your opponents put up 79.8 per outing. But we are not here to bury, but to provide hope. The good news is…well, okay. There’s not a lot of good news.
Joe Flacco is leading this team in scoring despite only starting two games. Ryan Fitzpatrick got the call the first two weeks of the season, before getting subbed out. Together they haven’t been half bad — a combined output that puts them on the Alex Smith and Nick Foles level — but maybe clear leadership is needed to turn this boat around. Off-season trade acquisition DeSean Jackson hasn’t been quite as explosive as advertised, and Rayn Mathews looks like he’s headed for an injured plagued season. Last season’s hero, Michael Floyd has stamped himself as the top WR in Arizona with two 100+ yard games, but he’s yet to score a touchdown. Terrance West, one of three first round picks by P Funk this season, has proven serviceable so far, but his carries have been in slow decline. And let’s just go ahead and cut the cord on Tavon Austin, as the Rams have no idea how to use him effectively. Paolo’s team needs to regroup and try to pull a respectable season together, even if they are likely already out of post-season contention.
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