With playoff spots and seeding all but wrapped up last week, Week 14 simply served as a prelude to the playoffs, and with four teams finishing the season with 11 wins or more, it's shaping up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated roads to the Super Bowl ever.
Leading the way were the Chunky Chickens, who did just enough on Monday Night to secure their 13th victory of the season and 10th in a row thanks to 10 points from RB John Conner. While Chickens teams have scored more points in the past, no other team in franchise history has been so successful, which is saying a lot for the storied franchise that now owns an incredible 17 division titles. However, true success has long been measured by Super Bowl titles and the Chickens are looking for their first in nearly a decade. Can MVP candidate Jalen Hurts lead the Chickens back to the promised land? GM Nick Wood has pushed all the right buttons thus far.
They may need to go through owner Mike Kinsman's other team to do it. The Burger Buddies rebounded from their loss to the Thugs last week to once again remind everyone why they finished with the 2nd most points scored all-time this season. Sporting the most dangerous lineup in the league, the Buddies' stars were on full display in Week 14 as QB Patrick Mahomes, RB Derrick Henry, WR Tyreek Hill and K Justin Tucker all scored in double figures to down the Eaters. The Buddies' streak of 3 straight Super Bowl appearances may have been snapped last year, but they look ready to make another run to the big game.
However, nothing is certain with plenty of talented teams also in the mix, including both of owner Bobby Sansone's teams. The Beans and Thugs both captured the Wild Card and will be looking to continue that success this week. The Beans will go as far as franchise QB Joe Burrow will take them, and the Thugs were able to flip their record from 3-11 to 11-3 in just one season thanks to a late season charge from QB Geno Smith and a collection of dynamic skill players led by teammates RB Dalvin Cook and WR Justin Jefferson.
Lastly, two big quarterback stories will play out for the AFC East and NFC East winners. QB Tom Brady is the YFFL's all-time leading scorer but unlike in the NFL, he is still chasing his first YFFL championship. While Brady scored his fewest points in a decade this year, the cast around him looks stronger than ever as Bear Poop looks to add their first title to the trophy case in 27 years. As for the High 5'n White Guys, huge question marks remain at the QB position as Lamar Jackson and Jimmy Garoppolo were both injured late in the regular season. Can the White Guys recapture their usual playoff magic to hang on until Lamar returns? If past history has proven anything, we should never count out Anthony Aceto's squad.
With that, another YFFL regular season comes to a close and the road to Super Bowl XXX begins. With a wealth of captivating storylines ready to unfold, it's sure to be a wild ride.