Through the first 6 weeks of the season, these teams had a combined record of 1-11. Over the past 2 weeks, they're 4-0. Quite the turnaround if you ask me. Even considering their recent successes, I have a hard time finding a route to the playoffs for either of these teams. But, if one exists, it begins this week. Recent history suggests Who Is You has the upper hand. In their last 3 games, You is outpacing the Hunters by an average of almost 24 points per week. And, over the course of the season, Who Is You has outscored the Bounty Hunters in 5 of 8 weeks. Having said that, if the Bounty Hunters can get Michael Thomas back in their lineup this week, this contest could take a turn.
LINE: NH Bounty Hunters -1
COMMISH'S PICK: Who Is You
Both teams are sitting in the same position: 3-5 and just 1 game out of playoff contention in the Sagebrush division. With the race for a playoff berth hanging in the balance, this is clearly a must-win situation for both teams. Over the last 3 weeks, Blue Ribbon has outscored Badazz Bri by an average of 35 pts per week. And while Badazz Bri is hosting this game, where they've held opponents under 100 pts/game this season, it's worth pointing out that they're 0-2 at home against Ribbon. Plus, Blue Ribbon has outscored Bri in 6 of 8 weeks this season. The big question is which Badazz Bri team will show up. The one that scored 143 points against Blue Ribbon in their last meeting, or the one that allowed 200 points in the same game? I expect this game to finish much closer than expected, provided Ribbon sets their lineup, and I think their last meeting provides all the bulletin board motivation Bri will need.
LINE: Blue Ribbon -15
COMMISH'S PICK: Blue Ribbon
Running with a Bye Week lineup against one of the top scoring teams in the league will make this matchup an uphill battle for Baby Got Dak. However, they have history on their side when it comes to playing the Chops at the Compound Fracture Coliseum. In the 2 games where they've hosted Pork Chop Express, Dak hasn't lost. This might be the only bright spot for Dak being that the Chops have had a difficult time holding opponents down when on the road this season. In 4 road games, the Chops are allowing an average of 122.3 pts/game. The problem is that, when playing at home, Dak allows an average of 130.7 pts/gm. I honestly don't hold out much hope for Dak to pull off the upset, but if they have a good day, they could keep it close.
LINE: Pork Chop Express -7
COMMISH'S PICK: Pork Chop Express
Over the past 3 weeks, Chief Sticky Balls is the highest scoring team, averaging 138 pts/gm. In the same span, Flash Dem TD's is one of the lowest scoring teams, averaging only 78.3 pts/gm. Based on those facts alone, you might be a bigger fan of Balls than TD's which seems strange because I think most men like TD's better than they like Balls. But, hey, you do you. No judgement. I've digressed. One fact that may surprise you is that Chief Sticky Balls has never beaten Flash Dem TD's. Never. But, this may be their best chance. Between injuries and the bye week, both of these teams will be taking the field with a patchwork roster so I don't think we'll see any scoring records broken. If you're a betting man, feel free to pass on the TD's and take the Balls.
LINE: Chief Sticky Balls -35
COMMISH'S PICK: Chief Sticky Balls
The number that stands out to me is 36. That's the average margin of victory for Christian McMingle whenever they visit the Warriors. In case you're wondering, the Warriors have never beaten McMingle when hosting them. They're 0-3 all-time. Thirty-six also happens to be the number of weeks they've been waiting for Christian McCaffrey to return to their lineup, which could happen this week. Lastly, 36 also happens to be the number of days since the Warriors last won a game. Don't believe me? Look it up. Ok, maybe I just made that up, but I might not be far off. The Golden State Warriors haven't been so golden, scoring just 71.3 pts/gm during their 4-game losing streak. The good news for them, is that McMingle has fallen off their early-season success as well. Through the first 5 weeks, McMingle averaged 126.8 pts/gm, but have averaged only 91.3 pts/gm since. I think they both turn things around and put up some respectable scores this week. If McCaffrey mc-makes his return, take McMingle. If he doesn't take Wa-Warriors.
LINE: Golden Tate Warriors -13
COMMISH'S PICK: Golden Tate Warriors
The Los Perros Locos have never had much luck against Thunda Buddies. In 8 previous contests, they're a paltry 2-6 while averaging 95.3 pts/gm. For comparison, Thunda Buddies have averaged over 120 points in those matchups. Moreover, the Thunda Buddies are the highest scoring team in the league this season with an average score of almost 133 pts/gm. And, it's pretty clear that Thunda Buddies is happy to be hosting this game at Flash Gordon Field where they're 3-0 this season. Another reason Thunda Buddies are the obvious favorite: they've outscored Los Perros in 6 of 8 weeks this season. Try as I might, I can't find a single data point to suggest the dogs have any chance at a victory. So, why would I pick them to win? Because every game that looks like it's the Stone Cold Lead Pipe Lock for the week has burned me. Just as Bush used to say: "Fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."
LINE: Thunda Buddies -10
COMMISH'S PICK: Los Perros Locos
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