NFC: Cliburn's Week Nine Preview

Week eight was feast or famine (with all the injuries sustained, it was mostly famine). Six of seven winning teams scored more than 148 points, five scored more than 156, four scored more than 175, and one dropped a 200 bomb. Meanwhile, two of the losers failed to break triple-digits. Five of the losing squads scored less than 121 points. It was rough my Arrogant Americans, who faced Leal and his 210 points. Pyle kept his number one position beating Rogers's AMMODOGS. The Hard Targets (Finch) moved into the two spot and Henderson and Leal round out the top four at 6-2 each.

Duffy lost again, seemingly tying Morgan's record for longest losing streak in OIL history at seven. But, in a week where Duffy watched his Packers lose to the Broncos in person, a little luck did go his way. Namely, Peacock lost his eighth-straight game in the AFC . . . setting a new record and keeping Duffy from gaining infamy.

Speaking of the Record Book, I realized today that I had misrepresented my dominance. My W-L record was listed at 96-50. For some reason, it just didn't look right today. So I recalculated and found I'd counted one season twice (2012) when I last tallied it up. So my overall record is still the best in the league, but it's not nearly as dominant as it seemed. Heading into the 2015 season, the 'Mericans were 85-46 (64.8%). Week nine previews after the jump. 

#1 ​Lucky Enuf vs. #3 DARC NARCS

For the second straight week, Pyle finds himself in the game of the week. He's number one in the NFC and facing the number-three squad in Henderson's DARC NARCS. Pyle will be without Justin Forsett (bye) and Matt Forte (injury), but the NARCS will be without star TE Travis Kelce. Pyle says he's due for a loss, but the numbers say otherwise. Pyle is just lucky enough to stay on top this week. 

​#10 Arrogant Americans vs. #8 Dirty Hippies

Oh, boy. This was going to be my 100th victory. I had a celebratory post ready just to rub it in, too. But then I realized my math was all off. So, I'll just have to settle for another ho-hum win against the Hippies. On a serious note, I'm catching the Hippies at a right time. They're dealing with bye weeks and just lost number-one overall pick Le'Veon Bell. Since I don't have any players on bye, I'm picking my 'Mericans​ to win this one. 

​#7 AMMODOGS vs. #11 Whackers

Rogers's AMMODOGS are pissed. They just lost to the number one team in the league and sit at number seven . . . even though they have the most points in the league. Expect them to take out their frustration on the lowly Whackers. 

#12 DominationStation vs. #13 Dogs of War

Oh, man. Jessen and Cobb are having rough seasons, bless their little hearts. But even pillow fights have winners and losers, and I think Jessen wins this one. 

# 14 ​Hangovers vs. #2 Hard Targets

Duffy has had horrible luck this season. He has the toughest strength of schedule and dealt with injuries and disappointment. That continues this week. He's got multiple byes and facing a hot Targets team coming off six straight wins. Make it seven. Sorry, Duff. Maybe next year. 

​#9 Roughnecks vs. #5 SoonerJack

Baldwin has had a hell of a two weeks. First, Todd Gurley became the highest-rushing rookie RB in his first four games. Then Dez Bryant came back from injury. But then Joseph Randle was cut by the Cowboys, taking a starting RB away from the Roughnecks. And Keenan Allen was put on I.R. after lacerating his kidney. That's rough. Now he's facing a dangerous SoonerJack​ team. Bruesch wins this one. 

#6 Dead Again vs. #4 Norman Nobodies

Dead Again and Schmidt just keep on surprising people. But this week is when the clock strikes midnight. Leal's Nobodies just put up 210 points last week are projected to score 146 points without a starting defense. The Nobodies get to 7-2.