REBOOT

Already 1 week behind in posting week 2 results, I simulated week 3 results only to discover I had, by freak accident, simulated all games with backup QB's. Not just for week 3, but for week 2.

Just like with the 1st week of LFL, I ran the first week with auto QB select to see how teams would perform. All remaining weeks were done with the starting QB to maximize win chances. That's what I was going for this time around, but I put the wrong #'s in.

Luckily, I hadn't generated any league stats yet, but to get accurate numbers I have to reset all team stats.

With that said, I see no other way to proceed than to reboot the entire season.

Below are the results, without commentary, of Week 1 games. Attached are box scores so you can review the details for yourself.

Weeks 2-4 games will come later, as I have time to write them up. Unfortunately it won't be in sync with the regular schedule, as I'm busier than anticipated.




Week 1

'18 Houston vs. '19 Kansas City

Mahomes' Chiefs  slaughter the Texans, 49-14, as the Big Red D effectively neuters Deshaun Watson. Mahomes threw 31/41 for 397 yards, 5 TDs and just 1 pick. 3 of the TD's are from Hill, who easily broke 100 receiving yards.

'07 Indianapolis vs. '05 Jacksonville

The Jags tie the game up just outside the 2 minute warning, but after a good hold against Manning, they put another 7 on the board to go home with a V. Final score 24-17.

'84 Miami vs. '16 New England

The Dolphins just edged out the Patriots, 28-21, in this highly competitive matchup. Miami was first to score, and it was that score that would end up making the difference. From that point on, each team would trade scores trying to outdo the other, but Marino's 4 TD passes would prove the more effective route. Both teams racked up about 260 yards passing and 150 yards rushing for the day, for over 800 yards total offense. The Miami rushing game was spread out amongst 6 different carriers, showing that Shula knew how to exploit New England.  New England's rushing yards came mostly on the efforts of Blount and Brady. 

'01 Green Bay vs. '98 Minnesota

The Vikings proved practically unstoppable in this high scoring game that had everyone second guessing. After the game opened with a Green Bay score on a 50-yard throw, it seemed like the Packers had something going. But the Vikings would score next in the 1st quarter off an outstanding rushing performance. They would score not 1, not 2, but 5 times!!! Four of those were rushes. Three happened in about 90 seconds of game time. Two scores were by Smith alone and 1 score was on a fumble return. 

With the first quarter ending 35-7, it was clear Green Bay would have a tough time trying to win. And while they did put up 34 points on the day, Minnesota showed no signs of slowing down. Cunningham got his passing game on in the 2nd half, throwing for 3 TDs and 291 yards on the day.

Favre had a fantastic game by all measures, completing 60% of his throws for 365 yards, 5 TDs and just 2 picks. But with the Vikings putting up as many rushing yards as passing, the Packers were doomed. Robert Smith averaged over 6  yards / carry in picking up 150 on the day, but Hoard almost hit 100 himself bringing in 11 yards / carry average.

Minnesota 66, Green Bay 34.

'06 Chicago vs. '70 Detroit

Chicago had no trouble beating a Lions team that struggled to get their rushing game together. In fact, the Lions didn't score until the 4th quarter, but by then the 33 point deficit was too much to overcome. Neither QB looked great on the day, with Grossman throwing just 1 TD and 3 picks, completing just 41% of his throws. But where Grossman struggled to get into the red zone, he at least ended up in FG range frequently. Gould was 4 / 6 on FG attempts. 

'87 Cleveland vs. '06 Baltimore

The Ravens had no problems running all over the Browns - literally - as Jamal Lewis broke 170 yards on the day with 2 TD's. McNair had a good day as well, hitting 24/34 for 182 yards. Cleveland certainly made an effort, with Kosar having a reasonable day at 278 yards. But he couldn't get enough of those throws in the end zone. More importantly, the Ravens D shut the Browns running game down, allowing only 12 yards. Baltimore 29, Cleveland 17.

'80 Philadelphia vs. '83 Washington

The Redskins destroyed the Eagles after picking up 5 INT's off Jaworski. One of these would put 7 on the board after Murphy would run for 66 yards. Washington also converted an astounding 5 FG attempts of all 5 attempted. Their defense held Philadelphia to just 10 points. Final score Washington 43, Philadelphia 10.

'00 Oakland vs. '08 Carolina

It took almost 800 yards of offense before the see-saw game between the Raiders and Panthers was over, but Oakland's 2nd half dominance was too much for Carolina. Oakland wins 35-30. Wheatley rushed for over 100 yards and Smith caught 12 passes for over 100. 

'05 Seattle vs. '10 Atlanta

Atlanta led 21-10 by early in the 4th quarter, but within 9 minutes the Seahawks were 1 point from tying. Atlanta D held off Hasselbeck though, giving the birds a 1-point win. Over 800 yards of offense on the day, but Alexander stands out with over 150 of his own on the ground; the only player to break 100.  

'98 NY Jets vs. '80 Buffalo

Testaverde threw for over 360 yards for 3 TDs and 1 INT, but not even a 50th pass throw (he had 49 attempts on the day) would have put him in the lead against Buffalo's deadly rushing game, which accounted for over 230 yards and 2 TD's, also setting up for several more the arm of Ferguson. Buffalo wins 31-25.

'06 San Diego vs. '81 Cincinnati

The Bengals staged an impressive late game comeback against the Chargers, but ultimately fell short after failing a 2-point conversion that would have given them the lead. The 24-23 win by San Diego was not for lack of trying on either side.  Both teams had over 100 yards rushing, with Johnson's 7 carries for 140 averaging much more than Tomlinson's 27 for 120. 

'74 Cardinals vs. '94 San Francisco

The 49ers had a fun time as they racked up over 500 yards offense against the Cardinals in a 41-23 romp. Ricky Watters rushed for over 150 yards while Young threw for almost 300 yards with 80% accuracy. Young had 3 TD's and 0 picks, showing laser accuracy. 

'79 Tampa Bay vs. '92 New Orleans

The Saints came marching in over the Buccaneers in a 38-13 romp. Bobby Hebert had a good day, completing 25 throws for 285 yards, with 2 TDs passing and 1 rushing.

'77 Cowboys vs. '99 Rams

Both teams passed heavily in this offensive shootout, but it was Warner-to-Faulk that turned out to be the winning combination, connecting for all 3 of St. Louis' scores. Each of those 3 were matched by picks for Warner, but the Cowboys couldn't capitalize on the opportunities. Final score 21-7

'04 Pittsburgh vs. '08 NY Giants

Big Ben gets eaten up by a hungry Giants D, holding Roethlisberger to just 159 passing yards. Eli Manning was backed up by a stellar running game that grabbed more than 100 yards and 3 TD's. NY 37, Pitt 7.

'93 Oilers vs. '15 Broncos

Denver makes easy work of Houston, 38-14. Manning threw for over 300 yards, but 2 punt returns for TD's (over 160 yards!) by Bolden stand out as an incredible accomplishment.

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