Split 4 Recap (Weeks 7 & 8)
Iron Man returns, the leagues longest win streak comes to an end, along with playoffs hopes for 8th place. With the Top 2 managers finally showing vulnerability in Split 4, 1st place is now wide open for any of the Top 4 managers.
Odell’s Rusty Hip
CURRENT RECORD: 6-2
It’s finally come to an end. The longest streak we’ll ever see is finally over, as the 2022 Champion goes 0-2 in Split 4. She hasn’t had consecutive regular season losses since 2020, making this rather unfamiliar territory for her. Her status hasn’t changed, remaining in 2nd place still.
Don’t fret just yet, she takes on a wounded Suh-Tang Clan and last place in Split 5. A win against Sun-Tang would give her sole possession of 1st place once again.
TEAM G-MEN
CURRENT RECORD: 3-5
The GMEN had a strong Split 4, managing to stop the bleeding while knocking off the reigning champion in Week 8 with a prior win in Week 7 making him undefeated in Split 4.
The GMEN have proved to be a dangerous squad every week. He’ll need to continue to play at this level, facing 4th and 5th place respectively in Split 5. While a postseason push may be too little too late, another undefeated split would make things very interesting.
SLEDGE HAMMER
CURRENT RECORD: 3-5
In Phase 6, Thanos looks very evitable. Perfectly balanced, Thanos sees a 1-1 record in Split 4. His win against the best regular season manager we’ll ever see should absolutely be commended. He wasn’t able to carry this momentum, losing in a blowout to Iron Man. Losing to his biggest rival comes at an unfortunate cost; he’s now 2 games back from the #4 seed with 5 games left.
His remaining schedule will have him playing 3 of the managers below him in consecutive weeks, so the making of a win streak is there. However, his playoff odds still don’t look favorable, especially considering that 2 of his losses came from these managers. Unless we see a major drop off from a Top 4 team, he may be stuck in the purgatory of 5th-6th place. An undefeated Split 5 is his last chance to fight for a playoff spot.
IS THIS SOCCER?
CURRENT RECORD: 5-3
Following a close loss to Peyton that moved him into the 4th place, he came back stronger than ever to defeat a 6-1 Suh-Tang Clan, avenging a Week 1 loss. While he remains in 4th place, the door is now wide open for him to compete for a #1 seed if he can continue to put together performances like this.
Facing 2 managers out of playoff consideration at this time in Split 5, Dr. Strange will be able to move up in the standings if the right managers lose this upcoming split.
BRADSHANK REDEMPTION
Current Record: 3-5
A narrow defeat to the GMEN kicked off Split 4 for Bradshank. She was able to follow it up with a victory against the Scarlet Witch. Just when we were getting ready to put the toe-tag on this season, her win places her in the mix for 5th place with a 3-way tie.
She’ll face a white hot Peyton next week, following that up with a game against Thanos. She was able to defeat Thanos last time, but his roster has been much more competitive as of late. A win against either would do wonders to separate herself at the top of the consolation bracket.
SUH-TANG CLAN
CURRENT RECORD: 6-2
Starting Split 4 with a victory against the Scarlet Witch, his vision was clouded, ending his 5 game win streak to Doctor Strange.
Now, he enters what is certainly going to be his most difficult split of the season. Not only will he go up against 2nd and 3rd place back-to-back, he’ll be without a combined 8 starting players (4 in each). He’s not in danger of falling out of contention by any means, but coming out of this anything but 0-2 would be huge to keep his foothold on the top spot.
PEYTONS FOREHEAD SHINER
CURRENT RECORD: 5-3
Systems initiating…Iron Man Mark VI has come online.
A tumultuous first month had us wondering where exactly the former champion belongs in the mix. Winning his 3rd straight game by scoring the 2nd most fantasy points by any manager this season answered this question; he belongs right at the top. After two close wins, a 220+ point outing against his arch nemesis felt like the true coming out party for this team, even leaving some meat on the bone with his bench.
Moving to 5-3 on the season and 2nd overall in points scored, his playoff hopes look to soon become reality. In Split 5, he’ll take on Bradshank and Suh-Tang Clan during his large string of byes. A 2-0 split could put him near or outright in the #1 Seed heading into the final stretch.
PULL THE LEVER, GRONK!
CURRENT RECORD: 1-7
:(((((((
We are in Spain without the S. After picking up her first win a month back, the Witch has dropped 3 in a row, going winless in Split 4. It feels like 1800s America or 1500s Europe, as everyone seems out to get her this season. Interestingly enough, she’s not the lowest scorer, only 3 points from being 6th place. Scoring over league average in the last month, it still hasn’t been enough to garner any victories.
As we’ve never had a 6 win manager make the playoffs, it’s safe to say her playoff hopes are over. In Split 5, she takes on 2 current playoff teams. Getting a win here will be difficult. Let’s hope she can conjure up enough magic to manage one.