Preseason Primer: 2018 MFFL Team Previews

Bangkok Blitz

Projected Record: 7-6
Projected Points Per Game: 130.30
Super Bowl Odds: 15—1
Over/Under Win Total: 7.5
Key Returners: Todd Gurley, RB/LAR; DeAndre Hopkins, WR/HOU
Key Additions: Stefon Diggs, WR/MIN; Derrick Henry, RB/TEN
Outlook: The reigning MFFL points champion enter the 2018 season with hope to repeat the feat. The Blitz began the offseason with just three players under contract on their active roster before acquiring Stefon Diggs and Derrick Henry from Russia and retaining free agent running back Todd Gurley in the auction. With the return of quarterback Marcus Mariota, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and tight end Kyle Rudolph, Bangkok will be blitzing toward the points crown once more.
If the glass is half-full… Gurley continues to explode for points each week while Mariota takes that next step so many pundits are predicting. Diggs stays healthy and gets a boost from improved quarterback play.
If the glass is half-empty… Henry does not become the featured back as expected and Hopkins reverts to 2016-level production.

Christmas Island Crabs

Projected Record: 5-8
Projected Points Per Game: 128.98
Super Bowl Odds: 18—1
Over/Under Win Total: 6.5
Key Returners: Russell Wilson, QB/SEA; Mike Evans, WR/TB; Doug Baldwin, WR/SEA
Key Additions: Melvin Gordon, RB/LAC
Outlook: Under new ownership last season, the Crabs underwent a roster cleansing of sorts. The transformation continued when the team relocated in the offseason and continued molding its roster. The Crabs added a huge piece with the signing of running back Melvin Gordon and retained key pieces, Mike Evans and Dion Lewis, to pair with quarterback Russell Wilson and veteran wideout Doug Baldwin. While the Crabs got better this offseason, so did Wake Island and Nagasaki in what should be a competitive East Division in 2018.
If the glass is half-full… Gordon spurs the Crabs offense to success while Wilson and Baldwin continue to connect at a high rate of efficiency.
If the glass is half-empty… Evans struggles with erratic quarterback play and Lewis does not become the complementary threat everyone is predicting.

Ecuador Ewoks

Projected Record: 4-9
Projected Points Per Game: 124.17
Super Bowl Odds: 20-1
Over/Under Win Total: 5.5
Key Returners: Deshaun Watson, QB/HOU; Ezekiel Elliott, RB/DAL
Key Additions: Golden Tate, WR/DET; Marquise Goodwin, WR/SF; Trey Burton, TE/CHI
Outlook: The Ewoks sensed an opening to make a run for the title in 2017 but quarterback Deshaun Watson went down with a devastating knee injury and running back Ezekiel Elliott was in and out of the lineup all season due to a legal battle over a suspension. The Ewoks traded away future assets and wound up with no draft picks and little money to work with in the auction. The Ewoks did a good job of finding bargains in the auction and landed a few promising prospects in wide receivers Golden Tate and Marquise Goodwin, running backs Tarik Cohen and Peyton Barber, and tight end Trey Burton. The Ewoks may have missed out on some of the big-money tickets in the auction, but they should remain competitive with the lineup they’ve assembled.
If the glass is half-full… Watson returns from his injury and picks up where he left off, dominating the competition and racking up points. Elliott stays out of trouble and plays like the Top 3 back he is.
If the glass is half-empty… Burton and Tarik Cohen do not pan out as the attractive PPR options they’re projected to be, Goodwin and Tate lose their status as No. 1 targets.

Egypt Pharaohs

Projected Record: 2-11
Projected Points Per Game: 123.50
Super Bowl Odds: 24-1
Over/Under Win Total: 4.5
Key Returners: Marshawn Lynch, RB/OAK; Jay Ajayi, RB/PHI; Marvin Jones, WR/DET
Key Additions: Royce Freeman, RB/DEN; Sony Michel, RB/NE; Greg Zuerlein, K/LAR
Outlook: The Pharaohs retained much of their roster from last season. Unfortunately, it’s also the core that led them to a 4-9 record in 2017. The hope for Egypt is that second-year pro Patrick Mahomes becomes the young gunslinger many are predicting him to be and that rookie third-overall pick Royce Freeman develops into a featured back. Marvin Jones should return as a steady receiving threat while Will Fuller offers promise if he stays healthy. The Pharaohs secured arguably the best kicker in the league in Greg Zuerlein and one of the top defenses as well in the Los Angeles Rams. The key, ultimately, could lie in what kind of season running backs Marshawn Lynch and Jay Ajayi have in 2018.
If the glass is half-full… Mahomes’ cannon leads to big spurts of points, Ajayi finds his role after a full offseason of preparation, Freeman and fellow rookie Sony Michel turn into solid weekly contributors.
If the glass is half-empty… The same level of production from many of these players in 2017 remains the same in 2018. Lynch becomes old very fast. Ajayi fails to live up to high expectations coming out of college

Jamaica Jerks

Projected Record: 9-4
Projected Points Per Game: 132.55
Super Bowl Odds: 12-1
Over/Under Win Total: 8.5
Key Returners: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB/SF; Allen Robinson, WR/CHI;
Key Additions: LeSean McCoy, RB/BUF; Tyreek Hill, WR/KC; Jimmy Graham, TE/GB
Outlook: At some point in the 2017 season, Jamaica sensed they were in for a long, arduous season and began trading away its present assets for future ones. It’s a similar move to what Russia did in 2016, and the Jerks are hoping to follow the same “tank to win” model that the Renegades parlayed into a 2017 Super Bowl championship. The Jerks acquired the cap-friendly contract of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as well as three extra first-round draft picks, which they used to accumulate rookie running backs Derrius Guice and Ronald Jones as well as veterans Tyreek Hill and Jimmy Graham. While the team will have to wait to see Guice until 2019, the Jerks acquired enough talent with which they hope to compete in 2018 and beyond.
If the glass is half-full… Jones becomes a versatile back and pairs with the veteran LeSean McCoy to become a productive running back duo. Veteran Lamar Miller does not fade into obscurity as many have suggested and adds to the offensive output.
If the glass is half-empty… McCoy misses time due to suspension. Allen Robinson fails to regain his form post-knee injury. Jones fails to crack the starting lineup and remains a complementary back. And Graham’s touchdown total in 2017 sees a decline.

Nagasaki Kamikazes

Projected Record: 10-3
Projected Points Per Game: 139.63
Super Bowl Odds: 10-1
Over/Under Win Total: 9.5
Key Returners: Aaron Rodgers, QB/GB; Ben Roethlisberger, QB/PIT; Le’Veon Bell, RB/PIT; Antonio Brown, RB/PIT
Key Additions: Davante Adams, WR/GB
Outlook: After a slow start to the 2017 season, the Kamikazes swung a couple trades, loaded up on Steelers, got hot at the right time and coasted to the title game. The way they finished the back half of the season is the same formula they’re hoping to succeed with in 2018. The team spent mucho dinero — $40.75 — on re-signing Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, while also spending an additional $7.50 on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The trio are arguably the best at their respective positions, and it is in them that the front office is placing its trust. Second-year pros Joe Mixon and JuJu Smith-Schuster are expected to break out and the team acquired the cap-friendly contract of Davante Adams as well.
If the glass is half-full… The dynamic scoring prowess of Rodgers, Bell and Brown, the dependency of Adams, plus the promise of Mixon and Smith-Schuster elevates the Kamikazes into the points-title race and league championship contention.
If the glass is half-empty… Bell has a protracted holdout and misses considerable time. Brown finds the fountain of old age. Mixon and Smith-Schuster remain mid-tier players. An injury or two ravage the lineup and test the shaky roster depth.

Russia Renegades

Projected Record: 9-4
Projected Points Per Game: 134.97
Super Bowl Odds: 12-1
Over/Under Win Total: 8.5
Key Returners: Carson Wentz, QB/PHI; Kareem Hunt, RB/KC; Michael Thomas, WR/NO; Evan Engram, TE/NYG
Key Additions: Odell Beckham Jr., WR/NYG; D.J. Moore, WR/CAR
Outlook: In 2016, Russia was about .500 midway through the season and reached the proverbial fork in the road. Stand pat and continue trudging in mediocrity, or go into “tank mode” and acquire future assets for their present ones. They chose the latter road and it led to a 2017 MFFL championship. The Renegades largely retained their core from their title team, while working to acquire draft picks to build for the future as well. The team signed receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the auction to add to their core and selected six rookies in the draft, some of whom could contribute immediately.
If the glass is half-full… Kareem Hunt maintains the pace he set in his rookie season. Beckham returns from injury to take the league by storm. Michael Thomas and Evan Engram remain among the top contributors at their respective positions.
If the glass is half-empty… Quarterback Carson Wentz, the projected league MVP last year until he tore up his knee, never quite returns the same. Hunt experiences a sophomore slump. Beckham and Engram cancel out production for each other. Jordan Howard and Demaryius Thomas experience a slide.

San Juan Scorpions

Projected Record: 11-2
Projected Points Per Game: 141.71
Super Bowl Odds: 8-1
Over/Under Win Total: 10.5
Key Returners: David Johnson, RB/ARI; Alvin Kamara, RB/NO; A.J. Green, WR/CIN; T.Y. Hilton, WR/IND; Zach Ertz, TE/PHI
Key Additions: None
Outlook: The San Juan Scorpions have virtually retained the same team that led them to a 9-4 record in 2017 — at least in the starting lineup. This time around, they could be even better. The Scorpions have — inarguably — the best running back duo in the league, assuming health and reasonable projections are met. David Johnson missed all of last season with a dislocated wrist, but should return to being a prominent featured back. Alvin Kamara busted onto the scene last year as a rookie and remains a top-tier back. Those two alone ought to carry the Scorpions to many victories. In addition to their backfield, the Scorpions re-signed their “Big 3” receivers in the auction: A.J. Green, T.Y. Hilton, and Alshon Jeffery. When you throw in the fact that San Juan starts one of the league’s best tight ends in Zach Ertz, one of the top kickers in Justin Tucker, and one of the most stout defenses in the Minnesota Vikings, it’s no wonder why the Scorpions are projected to be the MFFL’s top team in 2018. Oh yeah, and that Kirk Cousins guy … he ought to be even better than he was a season ago.
If the glass is half-full… The Scorpions’ star-studded lineup stays healthy and outpaces the competition week-in and week-out. Cousins thrives in his new surroundings and puts the cherry on top.
If the glass is half-empty… Jeffery battles injuries and inconsistency all year long. Johnson does not return to being the same back he was pre-injury. Defenses begin to key in on Kamara. Hilton and Green start to slow down at their respective ages.

Switzerland Squirrels

Projected Record: 6-7
Projected Points Per Game: 129.73
Super Bowl Odds: 18-1
Over/Under Win Total: 6.5
Key Returners: Tom Brady, QB/NE; Leonard Fournette, RB/JAX; Adam Thielen, WR/MIN; Jacksonville Jaguars, DST/JAX
Key Additions: Rob Gronkowski, TE/NE
Outlook: The former Greenland Monsters were one game away from the 2017 Super Bowl, but went on to defeat Turkey in the third-place game. They found a new home in Switzerland and brought back many of the same faces to try to make another run at that elusive title. Veteran quarterback Tom Brady returns and the Squirrels added a favorite target of his in tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronk will join receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Devin Funchess as well as holdovers Adam Thielen and Sammy Watkins to form a lethal passing offense. The team will also ride second-year back Leonard Fournette and rely on their league-leading Jacksonville Jaguars defense.
If the glass is half-full… The Squirrels amplify their passing game from a year ago to supplement the “defense and run game” attack they employed in ‘17.
If the glass is half-empty… Brady and Fitzgerald break down in their golden years. Fournette and Gronk continue missing sporadic games with injuries.

Turkey Jerky

Projected Record: 2-11
Projected Points Per Game: 123.25
Super Bowl Odds: 24-1
Over/Under Win Total: 3.5
Key Returners: Travis Kelce, TE/KC
Key Additions: Devonta Freeman, RB/ATL; Amari Cooper, WR/OAK
Outlook: Turkey lost the third-place game in 2017 after finishing the regular season 9-4 atop the South Division. Holdover Travis Kelce is the one key player returning from that lineup, and he’ll be joined by a bunch of newcomers. The team added Amari Cooper, Josh Gordon and Chris Hogan to the receiving corps. They signed veteran running backs Mark Ingram and Carlos Hyde to join the pairing of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman in the backfield. Philip Rivers and Alex Smith could do battle for the No. 1 quarterback job.
If the glass is half-full… Freeman will return his 2016 form. Kelce will continue to put out wide receiver-like numbers. Amari Cooper will make strides toward being an upper echelon receiver.
If the glass is half-empty… Josh Gordon continues to fizzle with behavioral issues. Hyde hits a running back wall. Smith regresses with a change of scenery.

Ukraine Grainers

Projected Record: 8-5
Projected Points Per Game: 132.52
Super Bowl Odds: 12-1
Over/Under Win Total: 8.5
Key Returners: Christian McCaffrey, RB/CAR; Dalvin Cook, RB/MIN; Keenan Allen, WR/LAC; Jarvis Landry, WR/CLE; Delanie Walker, TE/TEN
Key Additions: Calvin Ridley, WR/ATL
Outlook: Ukraine quietly assembled a young, dynamic team last year which they’ve carried over into the 2018 season. Led by running backs Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook, and wide receivers Corey Davis, Kenny Golladay and Cooper Kupp, the Grainers have set themselves up for a dynasty for years to come. On top of that young talent, the team will also feature quarterback Cam Newton, wide receivers Keenan Allen and Jarvis Landry, and tight end Delanie Walker. The Grainers also walked away from draft day with four new rookies and a few solid budget buys in Matthew Stafford and Aaron Jones. The Grainers will look to defend their North Division crown and make a run toward the 2018 championship.
If the glass is half-full… McCaffrey becomes a bell cow who touches the ball more than most other running backs. Cooks returns successfully from his knee injury and forms a lethal tandem with McCaffrey. One of the Grainers’ young receivers rises to the challenge to complement Allen and Landry.
If the glass is half-empty… Cook and Allen suffer injuries again. McCaffrey struggles to run the ball. Walker begins to show his age. No combo of receivers step up and seize the starting jobs, causing a guessing-game each week.

Wake Island Wookiees

Projected Record: 5-8
Projected Points Per Game: 127.91
Super Bowl Odds: 18-1
Over/Under Win Total: 5.5
Key Returners: None
Key Additions: Drew Brees, QB/NO; Saquon Barkley, RB/NYG; Julio Jones, WR/ATL; Brandin Cooks, WR/LAR; Greg Olsen, TE/CAR; Kenyan Drake, RB/MIA
Outlook: The 2017 season was not a pretty picture for the Wookiees, who finished the regular season 0-13. The bright side of that was they were rewarded with the first-overall pick, which they used on running back Saquon Barkley. In Barkley, Wake Island has a nice asset to build around for years to come. The Wookiees also had an abundance of cash to spend in the auction and they didn’t disappoint, landing key pieces such as Julio Jones, Brandin Cooks, Greg Olsen and Kenyan Drake. The team also acquired quarterback Drew Brees from Nagasaki prior to draft day.
If the glass is half-full… Brees staves off old age for one more season and continues to play like a Pro Bowler. Barkley proves that he is every bit as valuable as the pundits proclaim. Jones begins to find the end zone again and Cooks settles into his new role.
If the glass is half-empty… Olsen gets hurt again as Father Time takes his toll. Barkley suffers a serious injury. Drake shows 2017 was a bit of a fluke.