Category: Games Of The Week

#5 War Pony vs. #1 Sawtooths

War Pony	Tale of the Tape	Sawtooths
7-3	Record	8-2
148.78	Points Per Game	152.81
1.011	OPR	1.042
97.0%	Playoff Odds	100%

***#5 Hangovers* vs. #1 *DominationStation***

Hangovers	Tale of the Tape	DominationStation
6-4	Reocrd	8-2
145.10	Points Per Game	142.78
0.952	OPR	1.109
66.0%	Playoff Odds	100%

#2 Nightmares vs. #1 Team Tadlock

Nightmares	Tale of the Tape	Team Tadlock
8-2	Record	9-1
160.49	Points Per Game	164.69
0.909	OPR	1.113
100%	Playoff Odds	*Clinched

0 Comments

#2 Cocks vs. #1 Brewmasters

Cocks	Tale of the Tape	Brewmasters
4-0	Record	4-0
160.71	Points Per Game	160.81
1.194	OPR	1.177
93.8%	Playoff Odds	93.8%

The middle of the season is where you start to separate the wheat from the chaff, and that's what's going to happen here. Lynn's Brewmasters are 4-0 and ranked number one. Lynn deserves credit for that, but does his team have enough depth to survive the bye week blues? I think not. The second-ranked Cocks also have multiple players on a bye this week, but Peacock stacked depth from day one. His squad doesn't look like it will miss a beat this week, even with backups taking on starting roles.

#2 Whackers vs. #1 Dead Again

Whackers	Tale of the Tape	Dead Again
3-1	Record	4-0
150.81	Points Per Game	168.71
1.082	OPR	1.240
61.9%	Playoff Odds	93.8%

Number one vs. number two. Alpha vs. Bravo. First Platoon vs. HQ. Morgan vs. Schmidt. Two original OklahomIraqis competing in their 14th season. In that time, Morgan has one championship under his belt, while Schmidt has not made the playoffs since 2009. That is about to change, as Schmidt's team is head and shoulders above the rest of the league.

The Whackers, meanwhile, are sitting pretty at 3-1 and led by Deshaun Watson, Alvin Kamara, Cooper Kupp, and pair of top TEs: George Kittle and Austin Hooper. Unfortunately for Morgan, Dead Again has Patrick Mahomes, who I predict will win another one. Schmidt moves to 5-0, which would be the same as or more than his wins in six separate seasons.

#9 Orangebloods vs. #1 Team Tadlock

Orangebloods	Tale of the Tape	Team Tadlock
2-2	Record	3-1
126.83	Points Per Game	167.18
0.863	OPR	1.142
41.4%	Playoff Odds	61.9%

While this may not have the caché of a number one vs. number two matchup, there's a lot to like here. The Orangebloods began the season 2-0 but have since limped to a 2-2 record. If they lose this game, their playoff chances drop to 35.1%. This is a caged animal game, and we'll see how McKay responds with his back against the wall.

Meanwhile, Team Tadlock is ranked number one at 3-1, but there are three other 3-1 teams nipping at his heels. If Tadlock wins, he raises his playoff chances to 83.8%. If he loses, he tumbles down the standings and sees his playoff chances drop to below 50%.

There is a lot to like on McKay's team, including promising rookie WR Diontae Johnson. But Tadlock's team is just too strong to pick against him. That's my pick.

0 Comments

Week Three: Games of the Week

9/19/2019

0 Comments

It is rare that we get three matchups featuring title favorites this early in the season, but here we are.

#3 Rebel Alliance vs. #1 Vultures

*Rebel Alliance*	Tale of the Tape	*Vultures*
2-0	Record	2-0
161.00	Points Per Game	185.43
N/A until Week Four	OPR	N/A until Week Four
62.8%	Playoff Odds	62.8%

Roe's Rebels are 2-0, but they're dealing with the loss of both QB Drew Brees and WR Tyreek Hill right as they face the top team in the AFC. The Vultures won it all last year behind the arm of QB Patrick Mahomes, but they're 2-0 and ranked number one this year thanks to a solid draft that is producing big at every position. Due to injuries, I'm picking Brosh to knock off the Rebs.

#4 Hangovers vs. #2 Dogs of War

*Hangovers*	Tale of the Tape	*Dogs of War*
1-1	Record	2-0
171.95	Points Per Game	154.93
N/A until Week Four	OPR	N/A until Week Four
43.3%	Playoff Odds	62.8%

Cobb went old school in the draft, and his Dogs of War have continued to turn back the clock over the first two weeks of the season by starting three RBs and two TEs. Meanwhile, the Hangovers are 1-1 after averaging an astonishing 171.95 points per game. While the Dogs have a better record, I'm picking Duffy to win this one, despite losing Tyreek Hill in Week One. Regardless, whoever wins this one will position themselves as the main competitor to Dead Again for NFC supremacy.

#6 Vandals vs. #1 Havoc

*Vandals*	Tale of the Tape	Havoc
1-1	Record	2-0
157.05	Points Per Game	160.28
N/A until Week Four	OPR	N/A until Week Four
43.3%	Playoff Odds	62.8%

The Amarillo contingent of the PFC face off this this week in an early matchup of seemingly playoff-bound teams. But the Vandals are missing WR Alshon Jeffery this week, and WRs Sterling Shepard and Nelson Agholor are no sure bet to play. Therefore, I'm picking Stanley and the Havoc to win in their first full season in the league.

0 Comments

Week Two: Games of the Week

9/11/2019

0 Comments

AFC:
#6 Redlegs vs. #3 Hooligans

Redlegs	Tale of the Tape	Hooligans
1-0	Record	1-0
N/A until Week Four	OPR	N/A until Week Four
54.8%	Playoff Odds	54.8%
155.35	Points Per Game	166.15

Neely and the Hooligans are fresh off a beatdown of the number-one ranked draft class, after finishing in last place in 2018. The schedule doesn't get easier this week, as they face two-time AFC champion Zerger and his Redlegs. Regardless of whether Antonio Brown plays for the Redlegs this week, I am picking Neely to notch his second win of the season (half of his 2018 total).

NFC:
#13 Dirty Hippies vs. #14 DominationStation

*Hippies*	Tale of the Tape	*DominationStation*
0-1	Record	0-1
N/A until Week Four	OPR	N/A until Week Four
28.3%	Playoff Odds	28.3%
121.60	Points Per Game	105.60

This may seem odd that the two worst teams in the NFC qualify as the game of the week. But these two are perennial contenders in danger of falling to 0-2. Historically, less than 25% of 0-2 teams have made the playoffs. DominationStation just lost TE Hunter Henry, but I'm counting on Jessen to fill that position and doom the Hippies to an 0-2 start.

PFC:
#13 Boomtown Brawlers vs. #1 Havoc

Brawlers	Tale of the Tape	*Havoc*
0-1	Record	1-0
N/A until Week Four	OPR	N/A until Week Four
28.3%	Playoff Odds	54.8%
129.40	Points Per Game	177.40

The two-time champion against the newcomer. The Havoc joined the league last season and drafted their own team for the first time this season. I'm picking Stanley to knock off the two-time champ Brawlers.

0 Comments

Week 12: Games of the Week

11/21/2018

0 Comments

Multiple teams have clinched playoff berths, and more can clinch with a win this week.

AFC:
#3 Doughboys vs. #1 War Pony

Doughboys	Category	War Pony
8-3	Record	9-2
150.48	Points Per Game	161.82
1.130 (5th)	OPR (Rank)	1.213 (2nd)
Clinched	Playoff Chances	Clinched

The stakes here are huge: the winner is virtually assured a first-round bye in the playoffs. Despite stumbling last week, War Pony has been a superior team all season, and I expect them to win this one easily.

NFC:
#6 Arrogant Americans vs. #2 Whackers

'Mericans	Category	Whackers
6-5	Record	8-3
143.72	Points Per Game	165.37
1.017 (19th)	OPR (Rank)	1.192 (3rd)
46.2%	Playoff Chances	100%

The stakes differ for each team in this NFC matchup between two original OIL franchises. If the Whackers win, they are in the driver's seat for a first-round bye. If they lose, they likely lose the bye. The 'Mericans, meanwhile, absolutely need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Teams that enter Rivalry Week at 6-6 have only made the playoffs 34.3% of the time, and the 'Mericans have the tough Hangovers next week. Sadly, after starting 4-0, the 'Mericans are in real danger of missing the playoffs because I think Morgan will beat my 'Mericans this week.

PFC:
#6 Blue Falcons vs. #3 Great Plains Drifters

Blue Falcons	Category	Drifters
6-5	Record	8-3
150.60	Points Per Game	144.55
1.040 (16th)	OPR (Rank)	1.070 (12th)
46.2%	Playoff Chances	100%

Similar stakes here, as the Drifters seek a first-round bye and the Falcons need a win to remain in the playoff race. Unlike the Arrogant Americans, though, I think they'll get it, setting up a win-and-in matchup next week against the Vandals.

0 Comments

Week 11: Games of the Week

11/13/2018

0 Comments

The scheduling gods have brought us favor, as all three conferences feature matchups between top-four teams. Two teams (Lucky Enuf and War Pony) have clinched playoff berths, but the rest of the field is wide open. These games will play a huge role in who enjoys a first-round bye.

AFC:
#4 Cocks vs. #2 Redlegs

Cocks	Category	Redlegs
7-3	Record	8-2
151.41	Points Per Game	162.18
181.77 (10th)	OPR (Rank)	189.26 (6th)
96.4%	Playoff Chances	100%

These two teams have similar records, but have taken different paths to get there. While the Redlegs have relied on huge games from RBs Todd Gurley and Tarik Cohen, the Cocks have won seven games off the strength of the WR corps: Odell Beckham, Jr.; Tyreek Hill; and Amari Cooper. The Redlegs are without top TE David Njoku this week, but they're still favored to win. Look at them to clinch a playoff spot and get that much closer to a first-round bye with a win here.

NFC:
#4 Dogs of War vs. #2 Whackers

Dogs of War	Category	Whackers
7-3	Record	8-2
149.49	Points Per Game	169.16
177.75 (12th)	OPR (Rank)	201.30 (3rd)
96.4%	Playoff Chances	100%

These two former champions are only one game apart, despite the Whackers outscoring the Dogs of War by an average of 20 points per game. However, due to losing two starters to byes this week, the Whackers are actually underdogs this week. But, with the Dogs missing secret weapon TE George Kittle this week, I believe the Whackers will move to 9-2.

PFC:
#3 Great Plains Drifters vs. #2 Dirty Dogs

Drifters	Category	Dirty Dogs
8-2	Record	8-2
145.98	Points Per Game	159.84
179.80 (11th)	OPR (Rank)	188.81 (7th)
100%	Playoff Chances	100%

Despite winning 80% of their games thus far, the Drifters appear to be paper tigers . . . and they're without two starters due to byes this week. Meanwhile, the Dirty Dogs are at full strength and have average 15 points per game more than the Drifters this season. Look for the Dirty Dogs to win in a rout.

0 Comments

Week 10: Games of the Week

11/2/2018

0 Comments

This is a huge week in the OIL, as all three conferences feature matchups pitting fop-five teams against each other. The winners will be that much closer to a first-round playoff bye while the losers will have to re-think their playoff chances.

But the sneaky game of the week is the AMMODOGS-Dirty Hippies matchup. The DOGS tied the record for longest losing streak last week, and a loss here would give them sole possession of that ignominious record. Check the Record Book for the rest of the OIL milestones.

AFC:
#4 Cocks vs. #2 Doughboys

Cocks	Category	Doughboys
6-3	Record	7-2
147.06	Points Per Game	155.69
177.83 (12th)	OPR (Rank)	191.15 (7th)
82.1%	Playoff Chances	100%

Doughboys manager Nick Green has been in the last two championship games, but he's yet to take home the trophy. If he wins here, he he has a 64% chance of making the championship game for a third time. He'll face the Cocks, who are on their third-straight winning season after finishing third in 2016 and sixth in 2017. But the Doughboys are clearly a better team with a better starting lineup and more depth. The Cocks may very well make a deep playoff run, but it's not starting here.

NFC:
#3 Roughnecks vs. #1 Whackers

Roughnecks	Category	Whackers
6-3	Record	8-1
156.07	Points Per Game	172.52
180.02 (9th)	OPR (Rank)	206.87 (1st)
82.1%	Playoff Chances	100%

This is a David vs. Goliath matchup. The Whackers are 8-1, with their only loss coming against 8-1 Lucky Enuf. They're on pace to set the record for most points in a season, and, if the season ended today, their OPR would rank first in OIL history. Meanwhile, the Roughnecks have been doubted all season. But they're 6-3 the old-fashioned way: by leaning on workhorse RBs who don't catch a lot of passes. But their WRs remain a liability, with FantasyPros ranking his WR corps 11th in the league. Going up against such a complete team as the Whackers, you can't afford to be so below average at a key position. Look for the Roughnecks to get whacked.

PFC:
#5 Blue Falcons vs. #2 FDC Chiefs

Blue Falcons	Category	FDC Chiefs
5-4	Record	7-2
149.25	Points Per Game	162.66
170.71 (16th)	OPR (Rank)	194.06 (5th)
50%	Playoff Chances	100%

These two teams may be the two that want it the most in the PFC, as they each lead the conference in transactions with 23. The Falcons have ridden Patrick Mahomes and Alvin Kamara to the fifth spot in the PFC, but they now face three top-four teams to close out the season. In order to make the playoffs, they need to at least spllit those four games. That'll be tough with the Chiefs on the horizon, as they're the fifth-best team in the entire OIL. The Falcons are also without Lamar Miller, who is on a bye. All that being said, I can see them pulling off the upset. All it takes for Mahomes and Kamara to have big games to make up for weaker spots elsewhere. I'm picking the Chiefs, as I think they're the best team in the PFC, but it will be closer than you think.

0 Comments

Week Nine: Games of the Week

10/30/2018

0 Comments

We're getting closer and closer to the playoffs and the field is taking shape. The games below will play a huge role in determining seeding and playoff chances moving forward.

AFC:
#5 Sawtooths vs. #1 War Pony

Sawtooths	Category	War Pony
4-4	Record	7-1
156.19	Points Per Game	162.84
179.99 (11th)	OPR (Rank)	202.65 (2nd)
35.7%	Playoff Chances	100%

The Sawtooths sit at just .500 entering Week Nine, but they're OPR ranks 11th in the 42-team OIL. They're a solid team, but they're facing a championship favorite in War Pony, who won the first two AFC championships. If Reed's Sawtooths pull this off, they'll set themselves up well for a run at the playoffs. If War Pony wins, they'll all-but-assure themselves a first-round bye in the playoffs. I predict Venable will do just that, leaving Reed having to win out to guarantee a playoff spot.

NFC:
#4 Dogs of War vs. #3 Roughnecks

Dogs of War	Category	Roughnecks
5-3	Record	6-2
149.23	Points Per Game	160.51
174.6 (15th)	OPR (Rank)	187.46 (9th)
73.3%	Playoff Chances	88%

To date, the Roughnecks have been maybe the surprise of the league. At 6-2, they're poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2012. And they're ranked ninth out of 42 OIL teams, but they're playing this week without Joe Mixon and Zach Ertz, each of whom are on a bye this week. That's why I'm picking the lower-ranked Dogs of War this week.

PFC:
#5 Blue Falcons vs. #3 Dirty Dogs

Blue Falcons	Category	Dirty Dogs
5-3	Record	6-2
147.39	Points Per Game	161.73
171.66 (16th)	OPR (Rank)	191.96 (7th)
73.3%	Playoff Chances	88%

UPSET ALERT: The Blue Falcons average 14 fewer points per game than the Dirty Dogs, but I'm predicting them to eke out a close victory here while Buehre is dealing with bye weeks for his top QB, top RB, and top two TEs.

0 Comments

Week Eight: Games of the Week

10/24/2018

0 Comments

AFC:
#5 Sawtooths vs. #4 Doughboys

Sawtooths	Category	Doughboys
4-3	Record	5-2
161.11	Points Per Game	148.76
185.80	OPR	178.77
55.4%	Playoff Chances	82.9%

Although Green (who has lost the last two Thunder Bowls) has the better record, Reed's Sawtooths are a more impressive team (despite barely being above .500). A win here could cement Reed as a title contender after two years of Danny Woodhead-induced mediocrity. And that's what I'm predicting will happen as Reed starts making a run.

NFC:
#4 Dogs of War vs. #2 Lucky Enuf

Dogs of War	Category	Lucky Enuf
5-2	Record	6-1
149.67	Points Per Game	159.01
178.43	OPR	194.82
82.9%	Playoff Chances	90.0%

Pyle and Lucky Enuf have been jockeying for a first-round bye all season, and a win here could go a long way in that pursuit. But Cobb's Dogs of War have been sneaky-good thus far, sitting at 5-2 and clearly in the playoff hunt. This game will be a toss-up but is equally important for both squads.

PFC:
#12 Boomtown Brawlers vs.
#1 Great Plains Drifters

Boomtown Brawlers	Category	Great Plains Drifters
2-5	Record	7-0
152.32	Points Per Game	157.57
161.79	OPR	198.47
6.9%	Playoff Chances	100%

I chose this matchup because Brake, at 2-5, absolutely needs a win to keep his playoff streak alive. The Brawlers have not only made the playoffs in each of their three OIL seasons, but they've made it to the championship game in each of those seasons. He'll need to win out to guarantee a playoff spot this year. Meanwhile, Gray's Great Plains Autodrafters are on the verge of setting the OIL record for most wins to begin a season. Either way, this game has real stakes, and I'm picking Brake to pull off the upset.

0 Comments

Week Seven: Games of the Week

10/17/2018

0 Comments

AFC:
#7 Warm Bodies vs. #5 Rebel Alliance

Warm Bodies	Category	Rebel Alliance
3-3	Record	3-3
145.75	Points Per Game	158.17
169.29	OPR	177.97
42.5%	Playoff Chances	42.5%

Roe's Rebels have won three of four since beginning the season 0-2. But the Warm Bodies are the stronger team this week, and I predict them to cement their status as playoff contenders here.

NFC:
#3 Hangovers vs. #2 Lucky Enuf

Hangovers	Category	Lucky Enuf
4-2	Record	5-1
166.03	Points Per Game	161.03
193.60	OPR	199.21
71.2%	Playoff Chances	88.2%

Lucky Enuf manager Kevin Pyle is one Aaron Rodgers touchdown away from being 6-0, while the Hangovers have dropped two despite averaging over 166 points per game. The winner here sets themselves up nicely going into the second half of the season, and I believe that winner will be Duffy. Pyle is without JuJu Smith-Schuster this week, and I expect that to be the difference.

PFC:
#10 Boomtown Brawlers vs. #4 Team Tadlock

Boomtown Brawlers	Category	Team Tadlock
2-4	Record	3-3
151.33	Points Per Game	163.56
163.10	OPR	183.82
8.3%	Playoff Chances	42.5%

Two-time champion Brake began this season 0-4, but he's won two straight in dramatic fashion. If he can win this week, he'll almost be out of that four-game hole he dug. No team has ever started 0-4 and made the playoffs, so keep an eye the Brawlers. Team Tadlock has averaged over 12 more points per game than Brake, but this week is too close to call. Selfishly, I'm hoping Brake wins just for the story of an 0-4 team turning it around though.

0 Comments

<<Previous

AFC: #6 Redlegs vs. #3 Hooligans

NFC: #13 Dirty Hippies vs. #14 DominationStation

PFC: #13 Boomtown Brawlers vs. #1 Havoc

AFC: #3 Doughboys vs. #1 War Pony

NFC: #6 Arrogant Americans vs. #2 Whackers

PFC: #6 Blue Falcons vs. #3 Great Plains Drifters

AFC: #4 Cocks vs. #2 Redlegs

NFC: #4 Dogs of War vs. #2 Whackers

PFC: #3 Great Plains Drifters vs. #2 Dirty Dogs

AFC: #4 Cocks vs. #2 Doughboys

NFC:#3 Roughnecks vs. #1 Whackers

PFC: #5 Blue Falcons vs. #2 FDC Chiefs

AFC: ​#5 Sawtooths vs. #1 War Pony

NFC: ​#4 Dogs of War vs. #3 Roughnecks

PFC: ​#5 Blue Falcons vs. #3 Dirty Dogs

AFC: #5 Sawtooths vs. #4 Doughboys

NFC: #4 Dogs of War vs. #2 Lucky Enuf

PFC: #12 Boomtown Brawlers vs.​#1 Great Plains Drifters

AFC: #7 Warm Bodies vs. #5 Rebel Alliance

NFC: #3 Hangovers vs. #2 Lucky Enuf

PFC: #10 Boomtown Brawlers vs. #4 Team Tadlock

The OklahomIraqis League

What we are:

Who we are:

What we play for:

AFC:
#6 Redlegs vs. #3 Hooligans

NFC:
#13 Dirty Hippies vs. #14 DominationStation

PFC:
#13 Boomtown Brawlers vs. #1 Havoc

AFC:
#3 Doughboys vs. #1 War Pony

NFC:
#6 Arrogant Americans vs. #2 Whackers

PFC:
#6 Blue Falcons vs. #3 Great Plains Drifters

AFC:
#4 Cocks vs. #2 Redlegs

NFC:
#4 Dogs of War vs. #2 Whackers

PFC:
#3 Great Plains Drifters vs. #2 Dirty Dogs

AFC:
#4 Cocks vs. #2 Doughboys

NFC:
#3 Roughnecks vs. #1 Whackers

PFC:
#5 Blue Falcons vs. #2 FDC Chiefs

AFC:
#5 Sawtooths vs. #1 War Pony

NFC:
#4 Dogs of War vs. #3 Roughnecks

PFC:
#5 Blue Falcons vs. #3 Dirty Dogs

AFC:
#5 Sawtooths vs. #4 Doughboys

NFC:
#4 Dogs of War vs. #2 Lucky Enuf

PFC:
#12 Boomtown Brawlers vs.
#1 Great Plains Drifters

AFC:
#7 Warm Bodies vs. #5 Rebel Alliance

NFC:
#3 Hangovers vs. #2 Lucky Enuf

PFC:
#10 Boomtown Brawlers vs. #4 Team Tadlock