Power Rankings Week 5

1.      Stop n Go (5-0)

Last Week #1 – No Change

No Hector, No Shumail, No Suleman, No Kunal, No Farhan?   No Problem.   Whoever is on the field simply steps up and makes plays.  This team has depth at QB with two all-pro caliber gun-slingers, depth at receiver and on the defensive side.  The injuries and attendance issues can become a concern though if it continues late into the season as we saw with Empire last year heading into the playoffs.   Let’s keep an eye on that but overall this team is on a roll.  Next up:  Warrrrrriorrrrrsss…. Come out and playyyy-e-aaaaayyy.

2.      Slumdogs (4-1)

Last Week #2 – No Change

For a team that wasn't even sure if they would return until a week before the season began, they sure are making a statement.  Mercy win after Mercy win with the only blemish being a 1 point loss to Stop N Go in week 1 when Slumdogs played the entire game with 6 guys.  If you are still sleeping on this team its time to wake up.  Potential GOTW as they face Bandits next.

3.      Bandits (4-0-1)

Last Week #3 – No Change

Without Jawed at the helm the team stays undefeated.  No surprise here however as this core was in the semi finals last year.  To that they added sure-fire star Nadir and wily veteran Yamin (advice:  stop putting your 4^th 5^th 6^th best defender on this guy…he knows how to get open) who are both making their mark on an already deep talented roster.   Their latest win over the Chargers was a costly one however as their skipper may be out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles late in the game.  Let’s wish him a speedy recovery and quick return back to the field.  They’ll have to re-group and re-focus as they face the Slumdogs next.

4.      Decepticons (4-1)

Last Week #4 – No Change

What a bounce back game for the Decepticons this past week against the Ravens.  Moe has done a great job putting together some young talent is often seen couching these guys up on little nuances of the game which can pay big dividends in key moments.  Credit goes to him getting them focused and not letting up.  Waqas Chaudhry with yet another solid performance for his team.  He has had at least 3 receptions in every game thus far.  Moe is away at Hajj the next two weeks so we’ll see how this young core steps up around Maaz, their co captain and likely replacement at QB.  Up next:  Chargers

5.      Warriors (2-3)

Last Week #7 – Up 2 spots

The previous week they got their first win and they carried it over with a solid performance over Empire this past weekend to move up in the rankings.  The Aldo to Mohamed Bahi connection early this year is as good as the Chris Mui to Atif Tatari connections from last year.  Bahi is averaging 5+ catches a game.  Let’s see if they can keep up the momentum as they face the top ranked Stop N Go squad.

6.      Savages (1-3-1)

Last Week #5 – Down 1 Spot

After picking up Hashim and Anwar from Spartans, this team came in with championship aspirations but so far have 1 win.  Despite facing a depleted Stop N Go team, they were unable to pull out the win in a hard fought game.  Pankaj has a great TD/Int ratio, Hashim/Yash are creating turnovers as well as leading the way offensively so its tough to figure out where the short coming is.  Is it time to panic???  They play the Deagles this week.  Just what the doctor ordered.

7.      Chargers (2-3)

Last Week #5 – Down 2 Spots

Why down two spots after losing to a tough Bandits team?  They fall a spot for the loss.   Half a spot cause since it was a great opportunity to upset  Bandits without Jawed and another half a spot for having a merry go round at the QB position themselves.  If key players consistently have DNPs (read: could not make it) next to their names in the stat sheet  it effects the team continuity and stating the obvious: their ability to compete.   Since its been an early season trend so far, we’ll have to see Ws and/or consistent attendance and play from them to move up.  Next Up:  Decepticons (minus their captain/QB).  Statement game for the Chargers.

8.      Empire (1-4)

Last Week #8 – No Change

Surprisingly this team is stuck at 1 win after 5 weeks (and that wasn't against a top 4 team either).  Paging Dr. Dipan…

       

You could almost do a recall on last year’s MVP vote seeing really how much a difference his loss makes.  Some solid additions were made (Kunal) to complement the core.  Guys have stepped up their game from last year (mainly Ali Nobani) but much like the Savages, they are a 1-win team despite having all the right components.  Next Up:  Thought we’d never be typing this but the game between Empire and Those Ravens could have playoff implications!!

9.       Those Ravens (1-4)

Last Week #9 – No Change

They have 7 receivers with 13 or more catches.  They have an astonishing 50 passes defended in 5 games!!!  For the mathematically challenged among us, that’s 10 batted balls PER GAME !!   And although people have questioned the QB play in the past which hasn't been great but also not horrendous, its worth pointing out that the team has 27 drops through 5 games as well so maybe Ahmad and Majid need to be cut some slack. However you slice up the numbers though, the win loss column is what matters and they are reaching that territory where they’ll be on the outside looking in come playoff time.  This game against Empire is big.

10.  Desert Eagles (0-5)

Last Week #10 – No Change

The Deagles, or as their opponents affectionately call them: Dessert Deagles have had a tough time so far.  Adam has tried various things in this control to keep the team morale up but its only gotten tougher week by week.  The learning curve of organized football is still glaringly obvious but an optimist would say that indicates room for improvement. Problem being that we are now halfway through the season so time is not in their favor.   Next up for them is the talented Savages team with something to prove.  Let’s hope for a full game at least.