The first four weeks of a fantasy season are primarily about figuring out what we have on our teams. Coming into the season, everyone thinks they know how players will perform. But each year is different, and things change fast. Guys you thought you could count on are not playing well. On the other hand, guys who nobody even drafted are turning into league winners. Plus, injuries are beginning to mount, and the bye weeks begin. So, week five is when winning a championship in fantasy football begins.
As I have pointed out, the Dakota Dragons (Butch) started 0-4 last year. But they made changes, managed their roster well, and ended up in the First Division Championship game. So whether you are 4-0, 0-4, or somewhere in between, this is when team management becomes essential.
FAMILY DIVISION
Currently, there is not much middle ground in the Family Division. No one is 2-2. Three teams have winning records, and three teams have losing records.
STANDINGS
GAME OF THE WEEK
3-1 Ocean City Flockers (Diane) versus 4-0 Farmville Furies (Maddie)
The Furies are the only team in the Family Division with a championship title and are looking for a second. This week they look to stay atop the standings and put some distance between them and the Flockers. But if the Flockers win, they would take over first place in the standings. Yes, it’s still very early in the year, but this has the feel of an important game.
FIRST DIVISION
Apparently, all roads to the First Division championship are going through Louisiana. There are two 4-0 teams, and both are from Louisiana. The Louisiana Lightning (Denny) and the Louisiana Lycanthropes (Kiley) have begun the year at 4-0.
STANDINGS
One-half of last year’s championship-winning power couple, the Olney Ospreys (Kirsi), are finding life a little more challenging in the First Division. But remember, there is a long way to go, and the Ospreys may still find that championship groove.
GAME OF THE WEEK
3-1 Fruitland Fruit Flies (Tanner) versus the 4-0 Louisiana Lycanthropes (Kiley)
Not only is this matchup between two of the three teams with winning records in the First Division. It is also a matchup between two of the First Division former champions. It will be interesting to see which of these two begin their march towards another title.
DYNASTY DIVISION
As is typically the case, the standings in the Dynasty Division are already compacted. No team has begun 4-0, and no team has started 0-4. Therefore, let the parity continue as eight of the fourteen teams sit at 2-2.
STANDINGS
The most interesting team is The Real Dakota Dragons (Dakota). The other half of last year’s championship-winning power couple, the Real Dragons are making their mark on the Dynasty Division. In consecutive weeks the Real Dragons took down the New Orleans Hurricanes (Jamie) and the Minnesota Blizzard (Geri). These are the two winningest teams in the league’s history and have combined to win 13 of the 32 titles. Beating them both in a season is not easy, and the Real Dragons did in back-to-back games. Impressive!
Then, in week four, the Real Dragons had the West Virginia Blacklungs (Rob S) on the ropes until a last-second Monday night interception return by Talanoa Hufanga. That miracle pick-six is the only thing that kept them from winning three straight. But, despite the last-second loss, the Real Dragons have put the league on notice.
GAME OF THE WEEK
3-1 Minnesota Blizzard (Geri) versus the 3-1 West Virginia Rednecks (Wayne)
I mean, how is this not the game of the week? It might be in Wayne’s best interest to tank.
Good luck everyone!