2020 MFFL Team Previews

Bangkok Blitz

Projected Record: 7-6
Projected Points Per Game: 154.23
Super Bowl Odds: 19-1
Over/Under Win Total: 6.5
Key Returners: Dak Prescott (QB/DAL), Devin Singletary (RB/BUF), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR/PIT), Michael Gallup (WR/DAL)
Key Additions: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB/KC), Jonathan Taylor (RB/IND), J.K. Dobbins (RB/BAL)
Outlook: Hope springs eternal, and 2020 presents an opportunity for the Blitz to get the bitter taste of tanking out of their mouths. The Blitz have carefully crafted their team, beginning as early as the middle of last season, to make a run at the playoffs in 2020 and to become Super Bowl contenders thereafter. The early part of 2020 could be a rocky one for the young Blitz. The Blitz didn’t do a lot to upgrade their roster during the auction, but they loaded up on rookies in the draft. It is quite possible the trio of young running backs they drafted could hit their stride by midseason and help lead them on a successful playoff run.
If the glass is half-full… Much like Miles Sanders did for the Crabs in 2019, Edwards-Helaire, Taylor and Dobbins take off like rockets down the stretch and help Prescott and Smith-Schuster propel them to a long playoff run.
If the glass is half-empty… Devin Singletary does not take the sophomore “next step” and Smith-Schuster fails to recoup the success he found in 2018. Perhaps Michael Gallup loses targets and can’t produce as the apparent WR2. Even with growth from their rookie running backs, the Blitz just don’t find enough firepower to advance in the playoffs.

Christmas Island Crabs

Projected Record: 8-5
Projected Points Per Game: 155.16
Super Bowl Odds: 16-1
Over/Under Win Total: 7.5
Key Returners: Russell Wilson (QB/SEA), Miles Sanders (RB/PHI), Austin Ekeler (RB/LAC), D.J. Moore (WR/CAR), Tyler Lockett (WR/SEA)
Key Additions: DeVante Parker (WR/MIA), Deebo Samuel (WR/SF), David Johnson (RB/HOU), D’Andre Swift (RB/DET)
Outlook: The defending Super Bowl champion Crabs made quite a few moves during the offseason to shake up their roster. Gone is the superhuman receiver Michael Thomas. They freed up a lot of cash and cap space, but then they didn’t make any aggressive moves during the auction outside the addition of David Johnson. If the Crabs are going to successfully defend their crown, it is going to have to be at the hands of their returning core, with the assistance of the quartet of key newcomers.
If the glass is half-full… David Johnson puts his miserable 2019 season behind him and shows strong RB2 numbers, joining the duo of Sanders and Ekeler. By midseason, the rookie Swift boosts the Crabs’ running back depth chart to one of the best in the league. The Crabs return to make a deep playoff run and attempt to repeat last year’s magic.
If the glass is half-empty… The Crabs badly miss the reliability of Thomas’ 25-plus points per game. Newcomer Deebo Samuel struggles in his attempt to replace that production. Parker takes a step back from his fifth-year breakout in 2019. Perhaps Ekeler struggles as the featured back. Johnson never regains the form he once had in 2016 and Swift is stuck in a timeshare and never has his breakout moment.

Ecuador Ewoks

Projected Record: 4-9
Projected Points Per Game: 123.68
Super Bowl Odds: 28-1
Over/Under Win Total: 3.5
Key Returners: Chicago Bears (DST/CHI), Golden Tate (WR/NYG)
Key Additions: Ryan Tannehill (QB/TEN), Mark Ingram (RB/BAL), Raheem Mostert (RB/SF), Keenan Allen (WR/LAC), Brandin Cooks (WR/HOU), Anthony Miller (WR/CHI)
Outlook: The Ewoks underwent a major overhaul this offseason and it started with the departure of long-time Ewok Ezekiel Elliott. Ecuador brought in a number of young prospects, but also snagged some key contributors via the auction. The Ewoks starting lineup will look completely revamped from last year. There might be some missteps along the way, but the Ewoks are hoping for some improved performances this year.
If the glass is half-full… The new additions the Ewoks made make them much more competitive in 2020. Ingram and Mostert pick up where they left off as focal points of the run game. Allen, Cooks and Miller turn out to be a formidable trio. Perhaps the ageless one, Larry Fitzgerald, turns in one more strong performance.
If the glass is half-empty… Tannehill takes a step back from the guy he was in the second half of 2019. Ingram starts to lose carries and Mostert’s magical second-half run last year can’t be replicated. Allen struggles without his quarterback and Miller never has that third-year breakout that so many are expecting. The Ewoks struggle to replace the points vacated by Elliott and have to go back to the drawing board.

Egypt Pharaohs

Projected Record: 7-6
Projected Points Per Game: 147.73
Super Bowl Odds: 19-1
Over/Under Win Total: 6.5
Key Returners: Patrick Mahomes (QB/KC), Joe Mixon (RB/CIN), Ronald Jones (RB/TB), Phillip Lindsay (RB/DEN)
Key Additions: Odell Beckham (WR/CLE), Marvin Jones (WR/DET), Jamison Crowder (WR/NYJ)
Outlook: Egypt won the 2019 South Division title and is looking to defend that crown in what appears to be a much-improved division this year. The Pharaohs’ receiving corps was in dire straits this offseason, so the team acquired Odell Beckham via trade with the Grainers and signed four wide receivers via the auction. That brings Egypt’s wide receiver depth chart to eight players deep. The Pharaohs are bringing back a trio of capable running backs in Joe Mixon, Ronald Jones and Phillip Lindsay and added to that depth with veteran Adrian Peterson. Of course, this offense will run through quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who can win several games by himself.
If the glass is half-full… Mahomes has another MVP-like season and lights the league on fire. The receiving corps sorts itself out and exceeds the experts’ expectations. Ronald Jones has a third-year breakout season and pairs with Mixon to form a formidable duo. The Pharaohs defend their crown and look to advance in the playoffs.
If the glass is half-empty… The Pharaohs struggle to find a dependable No. 2 running back to pair with Mixon. Likewise, finding a reliable No. 2 receiver to pair with Beckham proves to be a weekly challenge. Egypt fails to get adequate production from the tight end position. The Pharaohs get edged out by one of their division mates.

Jamaica Jerks

Projected Record: 5-8
Projected Points Per Game: 146.48
Super Bowl Odds: 25-1
Over/Under Win Total: 4.5
Key Returners: Dalvin Cook (RB/MIN), Julian Edelman (WR/NE), Jordan Howard (RB/MIA), Austin Hooper (TE/CLE)
Key Additions: Cam Newton (QB/NE), Chris Carson (RB/JAM), Kenny Golladay (WR/DET), Jarvis Landry (WR/CLE)
Outlook: The 2019 West Division champion Jerks exploded out of the gates to a 7-1 record behind one of the best and deepest rushing attacks in the MFFL. This season, things look a little different as the Jerks show some balance across the board. Cook and Carson will be handling the load in the backfield with Howard being asked to carry extra weight. At receiver, newcomers Golladay and Landry will team with Edelman to form a formidable trio. Hooper returns after a terrific 2019 season and will compete with Rob Gronkowski for playing time. The most interesting battle will be at quarterback, where Cam Newton will look to revive his career while rookie Joe Burrow looks to start it off on the right foot.
If the glass is half-full… Newton finds the fountain of youth and throws his hat in the ring for Comeback Player of the Year. Cook stays mostly healthy for a second-straight year and puts up dominating statistics again. Likewise, Carson stays healthy and fumble-free and is a solid No. 2 back. The new additions to the receiving corps prove invaluable as the Jerks defend their crown and look to advance in the playoffs.
If the glass is half-empty… Newton never regains the form he had in his prime while Burrow shows promise, but rookie mistakes. The Jerks struggle to find a consistent threat at quarterback. Cook misses more time again with injuries. Golladay does not have the league-leading touchdown receptions he had a year ago and Landry continues to get lost in the shuffle in Cleveland. Edelman misses his long-time quarterback and takes a major step back. Gronkowski proves to be too old and out of football shape while the offseason team switch for Hooper proves detrimental.

Nagasaki Kamikazes

Projected Record: 9-4
Projected Points Per Game: 168.39
Super Bowl Odds: 13-1
Over/Under Win Total: 9.5
Key Returners: Kyler Murray (QB/ARI), Aaron Jones (RB/GB), Davante Adams (WR/GB), Travis Kelce (TE/KC)
Key Additions: Ezekiel Elliott (RB/DAL), Michael Thomas (WR/NO), A.J. Brown (WR/TEN)
Outlook: Maybe this is finally the year? It’s been well-documented by now that the Kamikazes have been ousted from the playoffs by the last three Super Bowl winners — twice in the championship game and once in the Northeast Conference title game. The Kamikazes pulled out all the stops and brought in some big-time playmakers this offseason in Elliott, Thomas and Brown to help their core inch across the finish line. In a division that appears loaded with talent, it will be no small feat to defend the East crown. The two questions waiting to be answered this year are: will there be a complete football season in 2020, and will the Kamikazes be the last team standing?
If the glass is half-full… Kyler Murray is the next in line to have a second-year breakout, following Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. Elliott and Thomas continue to play at an elite level, combining for nearly 50 points per week between the two of them. Brown takes the next step into WR1 territory. Kelce continues to dominate as the league’s best tight end. The Kamikazes win their division and finally capture that elusive Super Bowl trophy.
If the glass is half-empty… All hell breaks loose. Perhaps COVID strikes and nixes the season. Maybe injuries to key stars take their toll and the bench can’t adequately back them up. Murray does not take that big leap that so many are expecting. Jones has a major regression from a precipitous dip in touchdowns. Thomas comes back down to earth and is merely … “great”. The Kamikazes advance in the playoffs but once again fall victim to the emerging curse.

Russia Renegades

Projected Record: 7-6
Projected Points Per Game: 154.74
Super Bowl Odds: 19-1
Over/Under Win Total: 7.5
Key Returners: Lamar Jackson (QB/BAL), Josh Jacobs (RB/LV), Kareem Hunt (RB/CLE), Allen Robinson (WR/CHI), Courtland Sutton (WR/DEN), Hunter Henry (TE/LAC), Evan Engram (TE/NYG)
Key Additions: Le’Veon Bell (RB/NYJ), Calvin Ridley (WR/ATL)
Outlook: The 2019 season for the Renegades was always one with eyes set toward 2020. The team began the season with a plethora of young players who needed to find their footing. When they started winning, the Renegades made a few aggressive moves to see if they could speed up the timeline. After failing to achieve the dream last year, they’re back for another run this year. Most of the same cast of characters return, while the team welcomes back Calvin Ridley and brings in Le’Veon Bell, who is looking to make up for a miserable 2019 campaign. In an ultra-competitive North Division, the going will be tough. But the Renegades are hoping for another strong run, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson.
If the glass is half-full… Jackson picks up where he left off last year and shreds opposing defenses. Jacobs makes a run at the rushing title while Bell avenges the down year he had. Hunt shows what he can do in a full season after missing the first eight games a year ago due to suspension. The trio of Robinson, Sutton and Ridley prove tough for defenses to defend. The Renegades advance in the playoffs once again and look to reclaim that ultimate prize.
If the glass is half-empty… Jackson’s running either leads to an injury or it regresses from last season. Jacobs is unable to take that next step into the top tier of running backs. Bell has a similar season to the previous one and never provides that No. 2 spark. Henry and Engram continue to suffer untimely injuries. Sutton loses targets and Ridley fails to take the next step that so many are expecting. The Renegades make the postseason but are ousted early.

San Juan Scorpions

Projected Record: 7-6
Projected Points Per Game: 157.88
Super Bowl Odds: 19-1
Over/Under Win Total: 7.5
Key Returners: Josh Allen (QB/BUF), Alvin Kamara (RB/NO), Nick Chubb (RB/CLE), Robert Woods (WR/LAR), DK Metcalf (WR/SEA), Terry McLaurin (WR/WAS), Zach Ertz (TE/PHI)
Key Additions: Stefon Diggs (WR/BUF), Dallas Goedert (TE/PHI), Jalen Reagor (WR/PHI)
Outlook: Last year’s reigning Super Bowl champions were unable to defend their crown. They started out at a disadvantage from the beginning when A.J. Green was out with an injury — and went on to miss the entire year — and T.Y. Hilton lost his quarterback in the preseason. Hilton and Alshon Jeffery also missed several games during the year with injuries. The Scorpions had to rely on their young receiving prospects — Metcalf and McLaurin — to step up, and they did so admirably. The run game was strong as usual, anchored by the trio of Kamara, Chubb and Marlon Mack. In the end, though, the firepower of Ukraine was a bit too much in the postseason. The Scorpions are aiming not just to reclaim the West Division crown they lost to Jamaica, but to once again make a deep postseason run.
If the glass is half-full… Josh Allen picks up where he left off, playing as a QB1. Marlon Mack doesn’t quite lose his job completely and provides a nice complement to Kamara and Chubb. Woods and Diggs join second-year receivers Metcalf and McLaurin to form a dangerous quartet. The Scorpions regain control of the West Division and set up another showdown with Ukraine in the postseason.
If the glass is half-empty… Allen takes a step back from last season and sees a dip in those 9 rushing touchdowns he had a year ago. Mack is phased out of the offense and the three-headed running back monster becomes just two. Diggs struggles to adapt to his new offense and the sophomore receivers don’t quite pack the same punch they did a year ago. The Scorpions still make the playoffs, but fail to advance far.

Switzerland Squirrels

Projected Record: 4-9
Projected Points Per Game: 143.26
Super Bowl Odds: 28-1
Over/Under Win Total: 3.5
Key Returners: D.J. Chark (WR/JAX), T.Y. Hilton (WR/IND)
Key Additions: Leonard Fournette (RB/TB), James Conner (RB/PIT), Adam Thielen (WR/MIN), Cooper Kupp (WR/LAR), Mark Andrews (TE/BAL), Tyler Higbee (TE/LAR)
Outlook: The skies are shining much brighter in the Alps these days. A year after the Squirrels endured a painful season that began with the preseason injury to running back Lamar Miller, optimism is abound. The Squirrels look like a completely different team than the one that went 1-12 in 2019. Fan-favorite, Adam Thielen, returns to the team along with Cooper Kupp to join D.J. Chark and T.Y. Hilton to form one of the top receiving corps in the league. And speaking of top, new tight ends Mark Andrews and Tyler Higbee, similarly, form one of the top tight end duos in the MFFL. The Squirrels are hoping the recent move by Leonard Fournette does not do much damage to his expected production.
If the glass is half-full… The Squirrels have a strong passing game in 2020, led by their four receivers and two tight ends. Fournette and James Conner do just enough to help Switzerland post some strong numbers from week to week. One of the Squirrels’ four quarterbacks stands out above the rest and becomes a regular contributor. The Squirrels compete in a tough North Division and try to sneak into the postseason with one of the wild cards.
If the glass is half-empty… The Fournette news comes as devastating to the Squirrels, not quite as bad as the Miller injury from 2019, but on a similar wavelength. Fournette and Conner fail to live up to their billing and struggle in the run game. Injuries beset the receiving corps and limit their effectiveness. And none of the quarterbacks step forward to claim the throne, leaving a maddening lineup decision each week.

Turkey Jerky

Projected Record: 4-9
Projected Points Per Game: 144.15
Super Bowl Odds: 28-1
Over/Under Win Total: 4.5
Key Returners: Derrick Henry (RB/TEN), Amari Cooper (WR/DAL), Mike Evans (WR/TB)
Key Additions: Melvin Gordon (RB/DEN), Tarik Cohen (RB/CHI), Tyler Boyd (WR/CIN), Hayden Hurst (TE/ATL)
Outlook: The Jerky are looking to regroup from last year’s disappointing conclusion to their season. Leading the South Division with three weeks to play, they dropped two of three and missed the postseason. Turkey enters the 2020 season with a strong core of players featuring running backs Henry and Gordon and receivers Cooper, Evans and Boyd. They also added third-year tight end Hayden Hurst who is expected by many to have a solid season. Where the Jerky might struggle some is in the depth department, and that comes from having some high-priced top talent. So as Henry-Gordon-Cooper-Evans-Boyd goes, so goes Turkey.
If the glass is half-full… Henry resumes being the workhorse he was at the conclusion of the 2019 season and dominates for the Jerky. Gordon regrets his holdout from a season ago and showcases what he can do for a new team and for a full season. The wide receiver trio puts up strong numbers and Hurst, indeed, has that breakout season.
If the glass is half-empty… Depth becomes a major issue for Turkey. Henry’s heavy workload lightens and Gordon struggles in an offense with so many mouths to feed. Likewise, Evans has to contend with a lot of other weapons and fails to get what’s coming to him. Hurst never takes the next step and the Jerky are left cycling tight ends. Jared Goff has another rollercoaster season and the Jerky fail to recapture the South Division crown.

Ukraine Grainers

Projected Record: 9-4
Projected Points Per Game: 172.08
Super Bowl Odds: 13-1
Over/Under Win Total: 9.5
Key Returners: Deshaun Watson (QB/HOU), Christian McCaffrey (RB/CAR), Todd Gurley (RB/ATL), Chris Godwin (WR/TB), Tyreek Hill (WR/KC), George Kittle (TE/SF)
Key Additions: Cam Akers (RB/LAR)
Outlook: When you have that many key returners, you know you’re doing something right. The theme of the 2020 season for the Grainers has to be “finish.” Last year, the Grainers finished with the best record and the most points scored, but they just couldn’t defeat the Crabs in the Super Bowl to put a bow on it. Now returning mostly the same cast of characters plus some additional depth and firepower, the Grainers are hoping to reach the top of the mountain. The Grainers have one or two Top 6 players at almost every position. And, sadly, they could probably trot out their reserves and compete most weeks. In order to finish the deal this year, they’re going to have to hope for sustained health and continued production from their core.
If the glass is half-full… Christian McCaffrey continues posting ridiculous numbers and is once again one of, if not the top scorer in the league. Todd Gurley stays healthy, David Montgomery takes a big step in Year 2, and rookie Cam Akers eventually comes on as the season goes on, forming a four-headed monster at running back. The receivers are as lethal as ever with Godwin and Hill posting huge weekly numbers. The duo of George Kittle and Darren Waller are unstoppable. The Grainers cruise through the regular season and finally grab that championship trophy.
If the glass is half-empty… McCaffrey slows down … a little … in a new offense with new weapons around him. Gurley struggles with his knee while Montgomery fails to have his sophomore breakout season. Godwin’s numbers dip a little due to extra mouths to feed. And Watson badly misses his top target. The Grainers still make the playoffs, but get edged out again.

Wake Island Wookiees

Projected Record: 7-6
Projected Points Per Game: 153.45
Super Bowl Odds: 19-1
Over/Under Win Total: 6.5
Key Returners: Matt Ryan (QB/ATL), Saquon Barkley (RB/NYG), Kenyan Drake (RB/ARI), Julio Jones (WR/ATL)
Key Additions: DeAndre Hopkins (WR/ARI), T.J. Hockenson (TE/DET)
Outlook: The Wookiees had a down year in 2019, a year after finishing third in points scored. They still made the playoffs, but clearly lacked the offensive punch they showed in 2018. In 2020, things look like they are on the upswing. The Wookiees have a perennially high-performing quarterback in Matt Ryan, two top-tier running backs in Saquon Barkley and Kenyan Drake, two stud receivers in Julio Jones and DeAndre Hopkins, and have top-rated players at both kicker and defense. The one area of concern heading into the auction and now the regular season is what kind of tight end production can they expect? Veteran Greg Olsen is back on a minimum contract and could actually provide decent value — if he stays healthy. But the Wookiees also traded for second-year pro T.J. Hockenson, who they hope has a big sophomore season.
If the glass is half-full… Wake Island’s starters stay healthy and post the big numbers they’re expected to. Jones and Hopkins finish among the Top 5 receivers, Barkley finishes in the Top 3 for running backs, and Drake flirts with RB1 territory. Hockenson, indeed, steps up in his second year and provides a big boost. The Wookiees battle in a tough East Division and make it to the postseason, hoping to advance.
If the glass is half-empty… Drake’s second-half run in 2019 was an illusion, as he falls back into mediocrity. Hopkins struggles with his new surroundings and posts good, not great, numbers. The tight end position continues to be a quagmire. The issue with depth proves to be a problem. The Wookiees compete for a wild card, but their season ends prematurely.

Predicting the Final Standings

Playoff Predictions

NORTHWEST WILD CARD ROUND
Ukraine defeats Jamaica
San Juan defeats Russia

SOUTHEAST WILD CARD ROUND
Nagasaki defeats Wake Island
Christmas Island defeats Bangkok

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Ukraine defeats San Juan

SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Nagasaki defeats Christmas Island

SUPER BOWL
Ukraine defeats Nagasaki