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This will be a huge match up in week 12.  We have quite a few crucial matches this week, but this one struck me as very intense as the loser probably wont see the playoffs. Right now the Bandits are on the outside looking in with a 6-5 record.  The Niners are on the inside hanging on with a 6-4-1 record.  Thank goodness for that tie they are saying in the bay area. New owner Bruddog is no stranger to intense competition and his opposing coach this week in Nostalgia.  Over the years I bet these 2 coaches have gone at it versus each other I'd day 50 times.  This is the first ever HTL match up for both players.  So lets take a look at their squads to try to predict this thing.  The major players on both sides wont be a factor in terms of conditioning.  One thing I did come across is the Marcus Trufant, DB for the Niners is in GOOD.  This might pose trouble for Tom Brady of the Bandits.  I think the game plan of the Bandits should to be jump on RB Tiki Barber's shoulders and ride him to glory, with the occasional run from Brian Westbrook who is in GOOD shape this week.  This contradicts Nostalgias personal choice of play, but I know he can accomplish this game plan.  Brud on the other hand is very solid at all aspects of his game, and now that he has control over the Felon, I mean of Vick, the league might be in trouble.  I expect to see Vick's rushing numbers to go up as Bruddog doesn't make many mistakes.  Lack of a  major rushing threat outside of Vick is the reason I have to give the tight win to the Bandits this week.  As in all tecmo games with two top notch quality owners, which we definitely do have here, is the winner probably will have won the turnover battle.  The playoffs have basically started for these two teams.  Win or go home.

Bandits win 24-17.

Mangler QB Daunte Culpepper played the game of his life this week.  To the tune of 5 touchdown passes on 12 of 16 passing.  Racking up an amazing 273 yards in the process.  Culpepper accomplished this amazing feat while undergoing heavy pressure from the defense.  The Crown Crypt Defense harassed Culepper all day.  The Crypts were even able to bring down the big quarterback 5 times with sacks.  That still didn't detour Culpepper from having a career day for the team who is tied for the best record in the league at 8-3.  Daunte is now in 2nd place in the league with 22 Touchdown passes and is making a huge push for MVP and all league honors. If Culpepper can keep up this stellar play, they might be able to sneak into that #1 crucial home field advantage seed for the playoffs.  One thing is for sure Culpepper and his receiving corps are definitely clicking on all cylinders.  Very scary for any opposing defenses in the near future.

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Patel once again gets game of the week headlines.   Marking the 4th time in 11 weeks.  This is a battle of powerhouse owners.  Early Vegas odds say System is a 3 point underdog.  He's got the better record, but Patel is on a tear lately.  Lets forget his hiccup last week versus the Titans.  The JJ man is definitely doing things in the HTL.  System is coming off a stunning defeat at the hands of disastamasta and the Westwood Warriors.  System I think should be the way to go in this game.  Looking at the teams----  The Skins are without #1 and #2 Rbs in Reggie Bush and Rudi Johnson. Curtis Martin will have to load up his leg brace and carry the team on his back.  Nah who am I kidding, we know what Patel can do effectively, and that's definitely not run the ball.  Scary Matt Hasselbeck is in GOOD condition :)  Jurevicious is in EXCELLENT, Roy Williams is in GOOD as well.  Looking at the guys who will be covering them-----No superstar is out there.  QB Matt Leinart is in EXCELLENT, but will he see the field?  After all Donovan McNabb is 98.8 percent of the Bahps offense.  Kevin Williams could pose trouble for the Redskin offensive line as he's got 75 HP coming into this week.  Hasselbeck might be in good condition, but will not have time to make his reads, forcing 2 turnovers and the Bahps will find a way to squeeze out a victory. 

Bahps win 28-21.

Savannah Falcon Wideout Rod Smith gets the nod this week.  In a nailbiting 17-14 win over the West Allis Mustags, Smith, who i forgot was still even in the league. was unstoppable.  Smith knotched 6 receptions for 201 yards and 4 TDs.   He is just one of many reasons why Owner Mike Richardson is still undefeated this season in HTL since his midseason take over for the Falcons.  Everywhere the Mustangs Defense turned, Smith was running by them with the ball.  Ball hawks Ronde Barber and Pat Surtain figured to be stiff competition for the old guy Smith.  Rod looked like he was still in his prime, back with his Superbowl days in Denver.  Aged like fine wine perhaps?  This old dog definitely still has some tricks left up his sleeve.  His leadership is keeping the Falcons in the home field race for the playoffs.  He will have to continue his progress if the Falcons stand a chance at catching the #1 seeded Titans.

vs.

There's no love lost here.  Patel and Canes are hated rivals from way back.  Canes was the one that convinced Patel into online tecmo and not just the casual TPC game.  Ever since then its been heated.  Canes wiped the floor early in their careers, but lately Patel has had the upper hand.  Both teams will make the playoffs in HTL more than likely, but this huge impact from the game might just determine who sits at home with the #1 seed in the playoffs.  Looking at the teams QB Matt Hasselbeck for the Redskins and his JJ Wrs will go against a int happy bunch of dbs led by Ed Reed for the Titans.  Can the Titan Pass D shut down the Skin JJ attack?  The more in depth we go, I feel that the Ground games will play the determining role on who take the W.  Both QBs can throw the ball, but which Ground attack will hold the defense off guard and get chunks at a time?  In the end Willis McGahee and Thomas Jones will be able to get just enough to hold off Jon Vilma and Zach Thomas and those "hard hitting" linebackers from D.C.  Titans win a slugfest late in the game and move into sole possession of first place in the league.

Titans prevail 24-17.

Verona Park Bahps QB Donovan McNabb became the first HTL player ever to win back to back player of the week honors this week as he torched the Crown Crypts defense for 4 TD passes.  McNabb's stat line is as follows: 15/21 passing for 340 yards and 4 TDs; 4 rushes for 26 yards.  Total dominating game for the signal caller as he propelled the Bahps to top record in the league at 7-2.  How is McNabb doing so well?  TE Todd Heap is paying major dividends with his running mate McNabb being on fire.  Heap tallied another 4 catches to add to his season total and assure his spot on the All Htl Squad along with McNabb.  Can anybody stop the beast Donovan?  McNabb is a likely MVP candidate and if the season ended today would get my vote.  Will he keep up the staggering pace?  Some HTL records could fall if D keeps the ball flying through the air. Will the defenses finally figure him out? 

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Whose the top dog in the HTL?  This week 9 match up is for first place and bragging rights in the league.  The Y Vegas Titans and Massachusetts Manglers square off in a intense match up that more than likely will secure someone a playoff spot.  The magic 7th win is what it seems as though it takes to get into the playoffs, looking at seasons past.  Both teams are riding high off a week 8 victory that landed both clubs at 6-2.  Both Mangler quarterbacks, Daunte Culpepper and Steve McNair,  start the game off in bad condition, so expect Cadillac Williams to get a bulk of the load and "ride" this team to victory.  On the flip side, the Titans streakiness is in part to their stellar Defense, which includes MVP Canidate Ed Reed.  Reed leads the league with 11 interceptions and had racked up 310 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Only other defensive back that comes close to Reeds statistics is one Champ Bailey.  Bailey just so happens to wear a Mangler uniform.  Which DB will come through in the clutch and put his team on his back?  This is for all the marbles, well sorta.  In the end I feel Ed Reed contains the duo of  gun slingers and gets the W for his club.

Titans win 24-17.

QB Donovan McNabb of the Verona Park Bahps was on fire this past week.  To the tune of 5 touchdown passes.  McNabb torched the defending champion, Knockemstiff Blues, secondary with 22 of 34 passing and 285 passing yards.  McNabb also scampered for 21 yards on 5 rushing attempts in the week 8  35-10 thumpingAll world halfback LaDainian Tomlinson has become disgruntled in recent weeks.  His carry totals have really diminished with the emergence of McNabb's play.  "I want out!  I'm the fucking man, and I enjoy winning, but they can feed me a bone 1 damn time.  The past 5 weeks, I've carried the ball once.  ONCE.  What the hell?  I'm the biggest gun in the HTL, but no need to use me?  I'm usually a soft-spoken fellow, but come on  now.  I scored 31 touchdowns in the NFL this season.  I'm done with this interview."  When asked of his teammates rant after the game McNabb had this to say, "LT is just being LT.  Of course every running back wants the ball 20 times a game.  No different that any wide receiver wanted 10 catches, or a DB wanted a few picks, or a John Lynch wanted a wide out to go across the middle.  Or me even, we all know my talent, I don't mind throwing the ball 30 times a game.  Hey if its not broken don't fix it.  We are in first place at 6-2.  Good Game."

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The Savannah Falcons play host to the San Francisco 49ers in this crucial week 8 match up.  Both squads are jockeying for playoff position as we are starting the second half of the season.  Both the Falcons and Niners enter this game with identical 4-3 records.  Winner gets a leg up and a huge jump in the standings.  The loser quite possibly watches the playoffs from the message boards.  However, I still see both teams making the HTL playoffs this season.  Its Vick vs. Palmer.  Alexander vs. Dillon.  Gamble vs. O'Neal.  All in all a wash.  But my deciding factor is Week 7 Player of the Week, WR Santana Moss.  Moss will propel the niners with his plethora of skills.  Returning, rushing, receiving.  Name it, he does it.  He will accrue over 200 all purpose yards in this game and hold off the potent Falcon attack.  One thing is assured from this match up.  It will be a "Meaty" Game.

Niners win 21-17.

San Francisco 49er Wide Receiver Santana Moss stole the show in week 7.  The "do it all" player did just that; did everything.  1 2 Rushing TDs, 1 Receiving TD. and 1 Kick Return for a Touch.  Moss game breaking speed helped propel the 49ers to a 33-3 thumping of the Westwood Warriors.  Moss racked up 111 yards from the kick returns, 65 from the 4 receptions, and 85 yards on the ground.  The Warriors simply had no answer for the EXCELLENT Moss.  Moss will no doubt be named to the all league team at least as the return man.  Hes already shattered the 880 yard record for kick return yards established in season 2 by Fro who used Johnnie Morton.  Moss has an outside shot at 2000 yards from special teams.  With 3 scores he will more than likely set a record that will be held for a long time.  My guess is Moss ends up with 5 TD dances by years end.  His 43.5 yard per return clip is crippling to the opposition.  What that basically means is the Niners start on the opposition's side of the field almost all the time.  Playing against a great player like Edge, doesn't really bode well.  When asked where has this explosion came from, Moss replied "That's how us boys from the U run man.  Devin Hester in Chicago is doing it in the NFL.  Hell that guy housed the first kick in the Super bowl.  My Lil bro will start to do it in New York.  I've always had this talent man.  I know I'm quick, I think teams will start to take notice and try to avoid getting the ball in my hands...................at all costs." 

vs.

The Massachusetts Manglers play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Steelers are red hot under their new team management with coach/GM Eifer.  He has been able to masterfully play his skillful game with this adequate squad.  The Steelers as a result are back in the thick of the playoff hunt, middle of the pack in the league.  The Manglers on the other hand are breathing down the necks of the West Alli Mustangs and first place for the league.  The Manglers are led by superstar QB Daunte Culpepper, who has been very efficient this season.  14 Touchdown passes to 1 interception so far is unheard of.  Facing off versus Culpepper is the best linebacker in the game.  Brian Urlacher and his amazing 69 MS this week will no doubt give Culpepper all sorts of problems.  Urlacher has an outside shot at the league sack record which is 17 held by Jupie with LaVar Arrington.  So the question is, can Urlacher do enough to contain this amazingly hot QB and quite possibly front runner for MVP of the league?  My answer, yes and no.  Culp will get his, but so will Urlacher.  Tough game to call but ill give the edge to the hometown Manglers.

Manglers win 24-21.

West Alli Mustang Quarterback "Big" Ben Roethlisberger led his team to a crucial week 6 victory over the visiting Crown Crypts.  The Mustangs still hold onto sole posession of first place by a whole game as we reach the half-way part of the season.  Roethlisberger  went 9 for 12, a 75 % clip, for 301 yards with 4 touchdown strikes.  Ben also rumbled for 21 on the ground on 2 carries in a triumph over the Crypts 31-21.  Ben was able to find his favorite target, and all HTL performer Randy Moss 7 times for 287 yards and all 4 of his TD passes.  Roethlisberger must continue his stellar play for the Mustangs to get a good seed in the playoffs, as 3 teams are only one game behind them for top record.  Asked of his play at a post game press conference, Roethlisberger responded, "I played good today.  My team played well.  We need to keep this momentum up.  One game at a time.  Mustangs are winners to quote my boy "The Rock" from his new movie The Gridiron Gang.  Hes right, we are winners.  We go into every game thinking we are 0-0 not the top dawg of the league.  Me and Randy just have found a groove that has been potent this year.  We also know that our past performances wont grant us any easy victories, and in fact making it much tougher since we can't sneak up on anyone anymore."  Roethlisberger faces a stingy Bandit Defense in week 7.  The Mustangs will no doubt turn to their leader....#7.

vs.

The Ultimate player versus the ultimate shit talker.  I hear on AIM how Patel owns edge and has his number.  Umm yeah, right.  Edge takes 8/10 id figure versus agnee.  Anyways onto the teams and game itself.   The Skins come into the game tied for first in the league with a 4-1 record.  Edge's niners are on a 3 game slide with a record of 2-3.  Still plenty of time for each team to make a push for sole possession of the #1 seed for the playoffs.  Patels first 3 years in this league were miserable, failing greatly in his quest to make the playoffs.  Last year he finally struck gold and actually made the big dance.  Advancing to the title game, where he promptly lost to the Blues.  Having got revenge for last season's bowl loss last week vs Bent, Agnee is looking to prove this is no fluke and defeat probably the best skilled player in the HTL.  Edge has gone down to Bent, Canes, and TSBGOD over the past 3 games.  Vick and company prepare to right the ship in this battle of tecmo minds.   Mike Vick is in good for Edge, as is 3/4 of his secondary.  His secondary is why I feel Edge pulls this one out.  He will make Agnee one dimensional by stopping the duo of Rudi Johnson and Reggie Bush early in the first half. In the 2nd half Patel will be down by a few scores and earn his nickname "JJ" Patel.  But in the eend he will get a few JJs, but still will not be enough to hold off the reeling Edge. 

Niners Roll 28-17.

Crown Crypt LB Nick Barnett recorded a monster game....tallying 6 sacks.  One off the League record set last season by Donnie Edwards and Larry when that number was 7.  Barnett crushed any chances of the Westwood Warriors. Barnett and company were able to hold superstud RB Edge James to only 44 yards on 11 carries; making the Warriors one dimensional and dead red on the pass.  Barnett flying around helped the Crypts get on the scoreboard when it comes to the Win Column in the standings with a 21-14 victory over the Warriors.  Barnett has racked up 11 sacks on the season and is almost a lock for all league honors and going to Hawaii at the end of the season.  The Crypts as a team have 17 sacks on the season and are tied with the Philly Stars for tops in the league.

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The top 2 teams in the league square off in a crucial and huge week 5 battle.  The West Allis Mustangs will face the Verona Park Bahps. The mustangs coming off a huge win last week, in which that was the game of the week putting the top 2 teams in the league at the time, and the only undefeated teams on the season.  Now we are left with one undefeated squad.  At 4-0 the Mustangs are riding high, after being picked to be a cellar dweller by many in the off-season.  The other sideline is coming off the most amazing defeat in league history perhaps.  Down by 2 late in the game, the Bahps somehow block a punt.  Really they didn't block a punt, they grappled with the punter for what seemed like an eternity probably.  Tackling the punter with enough time to kick a chip shot fg and move to 3-1 on the season.  The clash of these two titans will be huge to playoff seeding down the road.  Coming into the game both real life Pennsylvania QBs are in good.  Big Ben and McNabb will lead their respective clubs, and the winner will probably be determined by who doesn't make the most mistakes.  My take Donovan is the real deal in Verona and I have to side with him in this one.

Bahps win 31-20

Savannah Falcons Running Back isn't having a Madden cover curse in the HTL.  Shaun Alexander shredded the Westwood Warrior defense up for a tune of 268 total yards(224 rush,44 receiving). Notching 5 scores in a 51-6 thumping.  The Falcons earned their first win of the season and Alexander is on top of the MVP ballots a third through the season.  424 yards with a 8.5 average per carry and 5 scores; he is the top RB in the league.  New Coach Mike will rely strongly on the workhorse to advance into playoff contention this season.  Alexander was asked about his career best in the league with the win.  "We played real well, the line gave me some gaping holes and hell, anyone could have had a career day.  This is a total team effort.  We were disappointed how we opened the season losing our first 3 games, all through the week we made it a point to run the ball and eat up the clock.  This is the way the Falcons play football. Look for more of our game to dominate the HTL."  Big words from SA.

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At the beginning of the season, who would have said at the end of 3 weeks we have 2 undefeated teams.  Probably a bunch.  3 games big deal, someone can go 3-0 right, Edge and System are in the league, surely they can be undefeated.  Well after 3 weeks we have 2.  The reigning defending champion, Knockemstiff Blues, and the suprising West Allis Mustangs.  The blues come in looking good after what must be said as a huge upset last week over Edge's Niners.  The Mustangs come in after a real nailbiter against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Looking at both clubs they seem fairly equal with each other holding an upperhand in a few areas.  Watch for the battle in the trenches however.  The Mustang mammoth Oline vs the Blue Dline.  Somethings got to give.  West Allis drafted high for their protection support for Big Ben Roethlisberger.  The Blues drafted a solid defensive squad.  Can the pressure from an EXCELLENT Jason Taylor or a GOOD Bertrand Berry force the opposing signal caller into a bad decision?  Ty Law and Michael Boulware will be there waiting if he does.  I believe the key however will come down to who can run the ball more effectively.  This close game will be won with who can run the ball the best.  Marshall Faulk vs Priest Holmes.  Fantasy footballers would drool over this matchup 6 years ago, but this is 2006, both have slowed down and been hampered with injuries.  I see the defending champs getting a crucial 4th down turnover and winning this one late in the game and milking that clock.

Blues win 27-24

Massachusetts WR Larry Fitzgerald has become an elite receiver in the HTL.  His performance this week wowd the league over.  10 receptions for 212 yards and 6 scores in a 42-0 blowout win over the visiting Westwood Warriors was down right scary.  He set the single game record for TD grabs with 6.  Previous record was held by WR Marvin Harrison owned by Tushar then.  Mangler QB Daunte Culpepper was asked after the game how it felt to help Fitzgerald set a new league record. "Me and Fitz got in a groove out there.  He would just throw his hands up like a former guy i had to throw the ball to in Minnesota.  This guy is much better than him though, he can play all the time.  Larry is bar none the best receiver in the league, as he goes to the pro bowl, hopefully i go.  The QB has to get him the ball you know."  Culpepper is right, the duo looks pretty content on making it to all HTL selection team this season.  The Warriors had no answer for Fitzgerald.  He would do the short pass...........intermediate pass..........the bomb.  Just was imposing his will and helped the Manglers regain a top spot in the playoff chase, although its only the 3rd week of the season.  Massachusetts bounces back from a week 2 upset and gets the player of the week nod.

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Knockemstiff and San Fran battle with both clubs being 2-0.   Quite possibly a Hardcore Bowl preview in this weeks game of the week.  Edge hasn't won the HTL title in 2 years.  Both years being beat out by the Sorrell boys.  First Ryan dethroned Edge in Season 3 in the title game.  Then in Season 4 Bent ousted the Niners in the Conference finals.  This time its payback I do believe.  Once again Star CB Chris Gamble is in good for the Niners.  This is the guy Edge can dominate with a friggin scrub, but a Good player who is GOOD.  Watch out Drew Brees.  Going to be interesting to see the running game of the Blues.  The human bulldozing machine is in EXCELLENT.  Lorenzo Neal by the way, that equates to oh ya know roughly 100 HP.   The question is can the Blues pound the ball and milk the clock enough to keep Niner QB Mike Vick on the sideline?  Vick on the field is the key to the game.  Vick is quite possibly the deadliest weapon in the league, manned by Edge is a nightmare on opposing players.   In the end after the dust has settled someone has to be 3-0 I figure.  The road team gets the W and goes back to San Fran atop the HTL Standings as they steal a victory late in the fourth quarter.

 Niners take it 27-21

Tampa Bay RB Tiki Barber was used very little in the Week 2 upset of the Y Vegas Titans.  Only 6 carries and 2 reception.  It netted him 24 total points with 4 Touchdowns.  He wins the Player of the Week.  His Stat line is as follows:  6 carries for 46 yards and 2 scores, 2 receptions for 90 yards and 2 scores.  Whatever it takes to win was Tiki's motto after the game.  When asked about his 2 long bomb pass catches..."Coach Beef drew it up and we ran it to perfection.  Its like back in schoolyard ball.  The QB draws lines in the dirt and just says go and ill throw it you."  Tom Brady delivered the  ball with precision to an agile Barber who skied for his 2 grabs and found pay dirt.  The Titans couldn't combat it and were in a hole the whole game. When The titans were playing prevent D, Tiki would get some on the ground.  When they put 8 in the box, Tiki found a seam through the secondary and capitalized.   Back to the drawing board for the Titans and for Tiki and the Bandits, they look forward to keeping this momentum as they have a week 3 clash with the Verona Park Bahps.

vs.

Probably the 2 most talented owners in the HTL.  System versus his real life friend in Edge.  Lets break this down position by position.  QB=Advantage Niners; Mike Vicks in good watch out.  RB=Advantage Bahps;LT nuff said. WR=Advantage Niners.  Santana Moss is in good who is also his Return man, possible TD if system isnt careful.  TE =Advantage Bahps, got the best duo in Heap and Shockey.  OL=Advantage Bahps; got a mammoth Oline to hide LT from the SF Backers. DL=Advantage Bahps, Strahans in good and hes lining up vs an AVG OL guy with 50 hp.  Possible popcorn.  LB =Advantage Niners, Bahps backers aren't scary.  DB =Advantage push, but Gambles in good(who edge controls).  K=Advantage push, both are avg now with SF kicker being in bad. P=Advantage not needed, I dont see these 2 punting very much. It will be closed fought, nail biter well into the 4th quarter. Very unlike last year's 53-7 thumping the niners handed the Ptown Panthers, systems former team.  Vick in good, and I have a hunch he goes into good again in the game, basically making him in excellent condition. 

San Francisco wins 24-17.

Knockemstiff WR Reggie Wayne scorched the Tampa "Cover 2" Defense.  The Bandits were feeling Blue when Waynes number was called over and over again on gameday.  5 receptions for 134 yards and 4 touchdown grabs.  Wayne the Cane was the key role into the 42-0 pounding the Blues delivered the Tampa Bay Bandits.  After the game Bandit Defensive back Brian Dawkins was asked what happened in coverage.  "Coverage, nah we didn't cover for shit.  Drew Brees coming off offseason shoulder surgery so we figured the Champs would do what they did in their championship run last year....RUN.  I was in the box most of the game, so coverage, nah we didn't do that today.   We must do a better job and be able to stop the run with the front 7 so I can help my corners out.  This was a ridiculous effort.  I'm done here."  Correct Dawkins was as Drew Brees ate them up on the seam route over and over to his new favorite target in Reggie Wayne. Wayne was unable to be reached by the HTL media;  Immediately after the game ESPN analyst Stuart Scott grabbed Wayne as he was the Sunday Night Interview on Sportscenter.  Last year Thomas Jones was the guy who stepped up, do we have another star in the making here?

vs.

The season starts with a bang with this clash of the Titans. The Massachusetts Manglers host the Tusharp's Redskins. The Redskins come into this game after re upping their holdout contract of their owner and remain one of 3 teams to have been in the HTL all 5 seasons of the leagues existence. Patel is lead on offense by QB Superstar Matt Hasselbeck. Known for his JJ style, Agnee must change his style of play to fit the more pure passer Hasselbeck is and the defensive minded rom of the HTL. Hasselbeck is in for a long day if he tries to JJ it, the Manglers secondary is the sickest in the league by far. Champ Bailey, Nathan Vasher and Greg Wesley are all ballhawks. The lone DB mate that isnt a int stud is very underrated S Adrian Wilson who will smack you in the mouth with his 69 HP. Manglers QB is no slouch hisself, Daunte Culpepper coming off major knee surgery in the offseason, hes looking good in training camp. He will need to play huge this season as the Manglers traded away their franchise player from last season in RB Edge James. Home field advantage and the huge secondary advantage swings this for the Manglers.
Massachusetts wins 24-14.