Game of the Week

As we enter the heart of the second half of the 2006 CTDB season, the nooses on the playoff races across the league are definitely tightening as teams vie for a slot in this years playoffs. While the Monkeys have all but wrapped up a first week bye in the IDK division, things are no where near as clear in the SMG division. For the first half of the season, Ping's Philadelphia Phreaks had a stranglehold on first place. However, a ridiculous 7 game win streak by the Jubas (including an important divisional win over the Phreaks last week) finally put the Jubas in the driver's seat. This weeks schedule features a Monday Night Primetime matchup between the Green Team and Philadelphia Phreaks that could have huge playoff ramifications. Both teams are looking to snap a two game losing streak and more importantly, both are looking to secure their slot in this year's playoffs.

QUARTERBACK: As much as ESPN loves anyone named Manning, there is no contest here. Donovan McNabb, despite a terrible Week 8 performance and this week's bye, remains the best fantasy player this year. Donnie, as he is known throughout the Phreaks organization, is tied for the league lead for all quarterbacks with 19 combined touchdowns. With more passing yards than Peyton Manning and 33 times more rushing yards, there is no doubt McNabb is a frontrunner for this year's MVP award. The Phreaks have thrived off of McNabb's success and he is clearly carrying the team. On the flipside, Green Team's Eli Manning has averaged a solid 20 points per week this year. But has scored only 3 more points than Jon Kitna who is currently unemployed in our league. ADVANTAGE: PHREAKS

RUNNINGBACK: The key here is depth. The Phreaks have it while Green Team does not. GT is led by the very serviceable Ronnie Brown but relies on Jamal "Big House" Lewis as his running partner. Lewis has been bothered by injury all year and has been a disappointment (Mr. Lewis is currently being outscored by Reggie Bush who I thought was an even bigger bust at the time of me writing this article). For the Phreaks, its all about depth. GM Shen has four running backs on his roster currently rated as a top 20 back or higher. The group is led by the surprising Kevin Jones (who is outscoring the likes of FWP and Tiki Bear), Clinton Portis, Julius Jones and Maurice-Jones-David-Edward-Jonathan-Drew-Evan. The question for Shen has always been which running back to start - while Kevin Jones has entrenched himself as a every-week start, CP and Julius Jones have been rotated in and out of the lineup this year. We'd like to see CP if healthy. ADVANTAGE: PHREAKS

RECEIVERS: If you asked me last week who I liked here, it was likely I would've said GT here. Despite the explosive lineup of Roy Williams, TJ Whosyourmama, and Donte Stallworth, Green Team had an equally solid lineup in super sleeper Bernard Berrian, solid-Joe Hines Ward and mutant TE/WR Antonio Gates. However, Green Team representatives announced earlier today that Berrian is likely to be out 2-4 weeks following a rib injury. With Santana Moss injured, Green Team will likely look to Jerricho Cotchery - who is just as likely to go for 20 yards on 4 catches as he is 100 yards and 2 touches. Things are looking better for the Phreaks. Roy Williams has evolved into super stud while TJ has become a legitimate end zone target this season. McNabb's favorite target, Donte Stallworth, has been hurt but is expected to be back at full speed this week. We expect plenty of fireworks here. ADVANTAGE: PHREAKS

DEFENSE / KICKER: I hate rating these positions as they are a total waste of fantasy brain cells. Robbie Gould is the probably the biggest surprise if not for some dude called Colston this year but Wilkins isn't so shabby either. Eagles have a huge matchup against the Skins this week while the Falcons face off against a somewhat resurgent Browns team. I'm not sure what to say otherwise. ADVANTAGE: TIE

PREDICTION: Phreaks (121) over the Green Team (114)

Expert Analysis: According to Yahoo! fantasy expert, Brandon Funston - "This is a huge matchup and will go a long way in determining which team wants this year's playoffs more. I expect the Phreaks to come out firing here as this will be the first week in a long time where the starters will play together. The Phreaks have quietly had the second best offensive season this year and are definitely a team to watch. If the Phreaks come to play as they expect to do, Green Team may simply be overmatched."