Mid-Season: Burressted Development

Halfway through and every team is still in playoff contention, even lowly Big Blue, who has just one win but is only three games out of rising right back into the pack. Here are the standings through WK7. I've seen crazier things in my time so let's not discount anybody! Let's take a quick look at how each team is faring so far this season.

Welcome to the BOOM! (5-2)
Despite the semi-disaster of having Josh Freeman as his starting QB for most the season, Boom has vaulted to the top of the division after defeating a top rival in WK7 -- by a close four point margin. Now Boom is positioned to control their playoff chances. Matt Forte has emerged as the top RB in all the land and his pairing with Ray Rice forms the strength of the team. Jeremy Maclin has provided some speed for the vertical game while Jason Witten works the underneath routes. Maclin is currently the seventh ranked WR and Witten the second best TE. Now if only a proper quarterback could be found, then Boom would be even more explosive.

Forsett in Her Butt (4-3)
During our pre-season preview, we said that "Wes Welker isn't really a number one receiver." Whoops. Welker isn't just a true number one, he's been the best WR in fantasy so far -- averaging 23.0 ppg. In fact, he's almost single handedly carrying Igor's team to a winning record. Yes he's had some help from Stevie Johnson but that's about it. I mean, the backfield is a mess. Chris Johnson is a huge dud, Peyton Hillis seems headed that way, and Steven Jackson was hurt for the first few weeks. The good news is that DeMarco Murray may step into a permanent role after his record breaking showing. And Redskins' rookie Roy Helu might be staring at some more playing time. QB Ben Roethlisberger has picked up his play at just the right time, and he'll be needed to keep Forsett in Her Butt headed the right direction.

Combat Evolved (4-3)
There is a lot to like about Oliver's team. QB Michael Vick hasn't been able to get many NFL wins but he's still the seventh ranked fantasy quarterback. LeSean McCoy is the third best RB around and hometown hero Ryan Mathews has emerged as a top ten option. A gaping hole in the passing game was filled by the acquisition of Greg Jennings -- at the cost of Frank Gore -- and that trade also netted Mike Tolbert, just in case Mathews goes down. There's also a potential two headed monster at TE, with Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez duking it out for who can remain healthiest. Assuming Vick picks his game up a little, we see Combat Evolved having a better second half of the season than their first. Combat Evolved's PR team would also like to mention that their owner's good looks are sure to bring more fans to their away games. Thus Oliver would like a bigger cut of everyone's gate revenues. Thanks.

The Dawg Pound (4-3)
Feasting on the easiest schedule around -- 101.94 ppg against -- has helped Brian put his team into a tie for second place. This may be a bit of a mirage however, as the team is powered by mostly two players: QB Drew Brees and RB Darren McFadden. You have to go twenty five spots down before you find the Dawg Pound's best receiver -- Nate Washington. Similarly, they own two TEs who are 11th and 13th overall, in a ten team league. The other running backs on the roster are Rashard Mendenhall, Shonn Green, and Marshawn Lynch. Only one of them is averaging double digits this season. Semi-dependable WR Santana Moss is losing a few weeks due to injury, elevating an inconsistent Mike Williams to a starting position. It's really a miracle that the Pound has three wins in a row. But that's why they play the game!

Big Blue (1-6)
Week One was so great for Leigh. A wonderful 108.86 - 97.46 win and Megatron on absolute fire. Little did she realize that would be the highlight of her season. Featuring record breaking Calvin Johnson, a resurgent Steve Smith (both are top five WRs), and effective Jordy Nelson, there is nothing wrong with Big Blue's passing game. However, there is no running attack to speak of here. Cedric Benson has been erratic and is now serving a suspension. The poop poop platter of Brandon Jacobs, Mark Ingram, James Starks, and Ben Tate have been mediocre at best. This team is dying for a running game. Also, QB Matt Ryan has been disappointing too, while original starter Mark Sanchez is long gone. The thing is, when your opponents average a league leading 130.89 ppg and you have defeats like these: 117.90 - 149.36 in WK3, 155.84 - 171.12 in WK4, 103.25 - 105.46 in WK7, what can you really do? If Leigh can find one or two more productive players to go along with Johnson and Smith, we see a big second half coming on. We predict that Big Blue won't finish in last place!