Ultimate NFL – Tales of Redemption

[SplitPersonality1]

Which NFL team is the best of all-time?
That is a question that has been debated in stadiums, bars and living rooms across the country since the beginning of time. OK, maybe that is overstating it a bit, but I think you know what I mean.
Some people say that the best team would be the ’85 Bears or the ’72 Dolphins. Maybe it is one of the great 49ers teams of the 80’s or the Packers of the 60’s. What about the America’s Team, the Purple People Eaters, the Steel Curtain or the “Greatest Show on Turf”? Could the greatest team of all-time be one that did not hoist the Lombardi Trophy or win an NFL Championship? (2007 Patriots anyone?)
This dynasty will attempt to answer this most basic question by running the Ultimate64 Tourney, a March Madness style tournament pitting the greatest NFL teams against each other until just one remains…The Ultimate NFL Champion.

Now the question is; how to decide which teams will participate in the Ultimate64.

I created the Ultimate NFL League which consists of 64 divisions of 9 teams each. Each team plays every other team in the division home and away. Winner of the division advances to the Ultimate64 Tourney.

I ranked all of the NFL, AFL & AAFL teams since 1941* based on how deep they went into the playoffs and regular season record. The top 512 teams automatically qualified for the Ultimate NFL. I put the remaining 1300+ teams into a Preseason Tourney to get the remaining teams.

* I am using WhatIfSports to play the games and they do not simulate any teams before 1941.

For this dynasty, I will be following one particular team in detail. That team ----- The 1998 Minnesota Vikings.

Why the 1998 Vikes?
Well, I grew up in Minnesota in the 70’s. Fran “The Man” Tarkenton & the Purple People Eaters always had a good team that just couldn’t seem to win the big game. Fast forward to the 90’s and I had since moved to Packer country, watched Green Bay go from basement dwellers to Super Bowl champs with Brett Favre at the helm. Although I had become a Packers fan, my first love was still the purple and gold.

1998 was a great football year for me. The Vikings couldn’t seem to lose and destroyed other teams with the offensive exploits of Randall Cunningham, Robert Smith and some rookie named Randy Moss. The Vikings finished 15-1 and was well on their way to going to the Super Bowl. I had to work the day of the NFC Championship but it was no big deal. I had already planned ahead to be off the day of the big game. My VCR was set and I would watch the game as soon as I got home.

I got home and flipped on the TV, ready to rewind my tape. Wait a second. It looks like Atlanta is lining up to kick a field goal. Huh? The game should have been over, what the heck. The kick went…and it was good. Atlanta wins the game in overtime. I took out the tape, stomped on it and immediately put it in the trash. The rest is history. Atlanta went on to get destroyed in Super Bowl XXXIII by the Broncos and all the Vikings had was what might have been. Nearly twenty years later; I am still PO’d about that game.

The Ultimate League
So, I hope to follow this team through the Ultimate League and deep into the Ultimate64 tourney. I figure that they probably won’t win, but of course I want them to redeem themselves and do well and maybe finish in the top 10.
In addition to chronicling the ’98 Vikings in detail, I will be following the obvious favorites (’85 Bears, ’72 Dolphins etc.)

I am still finishing up the preseason tourney and will start the Ultimate NFL in the next few days.
If you readers, hopefully there will be readers, have any teams you love, let me know and I will give you weekly updates.

[SplitPersonality1]

Web Favorites
I went to a few random websites to see what other people picked for the best NFL teams of all-time. Five of the seven sites I visited picked the ’85 Bears for the number 1 spot. The ’72 Dolphins finished at #2 on 4 websites and #1 on a 5th. This was not much of a surprise. Interestingly enough, no other team was on all seven sites top ten lists.

Besides the Big Two, the following teams round out the consensus top 12
1989 San Francisco 49ers
1962 Green Bay Packers
1979 Pittsburgh Steelers
2007 New England Patriots
1998 Denver Broncos
1991 Washington Redskins
1999 St. Louis Rams
2004 New England Patriots
1942 Chicago Bears
1984 San Francisco 49ers

Of these, I would probably pick the ’84 49ers as the best of this bunch. They went 15-1 and went on to beat a very good Dolphins team rather easily in Super Bowl XIX. Out of curiosity, what do you guys think? Are the websites all wet? Are there other teams that you think should be in a top 12 list?

FWIW. Here are the websites that I looked at:
ESPN.com – Page 2
FiveThirtyEight
TopTens
Sports Illustrated
12up.com
Sports Chat Place
Opposing View

[SplitPersonality1]

A Couple of Predictions

Prediction #1
Neither the ’85 Bears not the ’72 Dolphins will make the Ultimate64 Tourney.
What!? Blasphemy you say? Not really.
The Bears will not make it because the “WhatIfSports” gods will be against them. There are a few biases that I have noticed with WIS. 1) There is a bias against older teams. It seem to be more pronounced against pre-1980 teams, bit I think it is there for pre-1990 teams as well. 2) There is a bias against defense-oriented teams. WIS seems to favor high-octane scoring vs. smash-mouth defense. The Bears also scored a bit so they may get past this one. 3) There is a bias against run-oriented teams. WIS seems to favor West Coast offenses vs. solid running teams.
The Dolphins will not make it because, frankly, they are a good team, but not a great one. I know, I know, they were perfect in 1972. However, the teams they beat had a combined sub .400 record. I just don’t think they will fare well playing against playoff-quality teams every week in the Ultimate League.
I hope I am wrong. I would like to see them both make it…Probably isn’t going to happen.

Prediction #2
The 2007 Patriots will win whatever division they are placed in rather easily. I think win most of their games without a problem. Even if they have a very good team in their division, can you think of a team that will beat the Pats home and away? I hope I am wrong, because I hate the Patriots, but I think they are a shoo-in for the Ultimate64 tournament and are probably odds-on favorites to win the whole thing.

Prediction #3
Less than half of the teams that make the Ultimate64 tourney will be Superbowl/NFL champs. No data or anything to back this up, just a gut feeling.

[SplitPersonality1]

The ’98 Vikings are members of Division 1979.

1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – beat Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV
2007 New England Patriots (16-0) – lost to New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII
1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1) – lost to Atlanta in NFC Championship
1978 Los Angeles Rams (12-4) – lost to Dallas in NFC Championship
2007 Dallas Cowboys (13-3) – lost to New York Giants in NFC Divisional Game
1977 Los Angeles Rams (10-4) – lost to Minnesota in NFC Divisional Game
2005 New England Patriots (10-6) – lost to Denver in AFC Divisional Game
2008 San Diego Chargers (8-8) – lost to Pittsburgh in AFC Divisional Game
1986 Los Angeles Raiders (8-8) – did not make playoffs

Yikes. What a tough draw. Statistically, this is one of the toughest divisions in the Ultimate NFL. The top eight teams are all real-life division winners and have a combined record of 96-30. The ’98 Vikes have the misfortune to be placed with another highly regarded underachiever in the 2007 Patriots along with arguably the best of the Steel Curtain teams. Finishing 15-1 will be a near impossibility. I wish them luck.

DIVISION 1972

1972 Miami Dolphins (14-0) – beat Washington in Super Bowl VII
1993 Buffalo Bills (12-4) – lost to Dallas in Super Bowl XXVIII
2000 New York Giants (12-4) – lost to the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV
1993 San Francisco 49ers (10-6) – lost to Dallas in NFC Championship
1983 San Francisco 49ers (10-6) – lost to Washington in NFC Championship
1991 Dallas Cowboys (11-5) – lost to Detroit in NFC Divisional Game
1971 Washington Redskins (9-4-1) – lost to San Francisco in NFC Divisional Game
2015 Minnesota Vikings (11-5) – lost to Seattle in NFC Wildcard Game
2012 New York Giants (9-7) – did not make playoffs

No team in this division really scares me so the Dolphins have a decent chance at winning D1972. However, I think that the pre-1980 bias will come into play and the 1983 49ers will win it instead.

DIVISION 1985

1985 Chicago Bears (15-1) – beat New England in Super Bowl XX
1981 Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) – lost to San Francisco in Super Bowl XVI
2012 San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) – lost to the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII
1977 Minnesota Vikings (9-5) – lost to Dallas in NFC Championship
2006 New Orleans Saints (10-6) – lost to the Chicago Bears in NFC Championship
1980 Cleveland Browns (11-5) – lost to Oakland in AFC Divisional Game
1982 San Diego Chargers (6-3) – lost to Miami in AFC Divisional Game
2008 Atlanta Falcons (11-5) – lost to Arizona in NFC Wildcard Game
1980 Houston Oilers (11-5) – lost to Oakland in AFC Wildcard Game

I think that both Super Bowl runners-up are going to make it tough for the Bears to breeze through the division the way they went through the NFL in RL. Will McMahon and company to the Ultimate Bowl Shuffle at the end of the season? I say no and give the edge to the 2012 49ers.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week One - Featured Games

1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1) at 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)**
There are no easy games in D1979 and Week One finds my Vikings at Three River Stadium facing the Super Bowl Champion Steelers. The good: POG CB Jimmy Hitchcock picked off QB Terry Bradshaw three times. The bad: QB Randall Cunningham was picked off four times by the Steelers. The ugly: WR John Stallworth caught an 8-yard pass from Bradshaw in the first quarter and Pittsburgh never looked back.
What makes this game so disheartening, is the fact that the Steelers did not really play a very good game. Bradshaw’s line (12 for22 – 227 yards – 2td & 3int). RB Franco Harris was held just 43 yards and WR Lynn Swann just had 1 catch (a 45-yarder for a td). Unfortunately, Cunningham was horrible (16 for 31 – 205 yards – 0td & 4int). Four interceptions? RB Robert Smith was held to 55 yards and sure-footed K Gary Anderson even missed a field goal.
Minnesota needs to win the rematch in Week Four, otherwise this is going to be a long season. Week Two is no easier as they must travel to New England to face the perfect Patriots. Final score: PIT 23 - MIN 6.

Rest of Division: 2007 Cowboys over 2008 Chargers (28-13), 2005 Patriots at 1977 Rams (29-0) & 1978 Rams over 1986 Raiders (33-10). BYE - 2007 Pats

2000 New York Giants (12-4)* at 1972 Miami Dolphins (14-0)**
QB Earl Morrall & QB Bob Griese split passing duties for the Dolphins and neither was a major factor in the game. RB Larry Csonka and RB Mercury Morris combine for 135 yards and 2 tds in a nice win for Miami. Despite the close score (MIA 20 – NYG 16), the Dolphins were in control throughout much of the game.

Rest of Division: Home teams went 4-0 as 1983 49ers crushed the 2015 Vikings (32-0), 1991 Cowboys over 1991 Redskins (33-13) & 1993 49ers beat 2012 Giants (31-7)

2012 San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)* at 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1)**
The Bears Defense was simply amazing. They held San Fran to just 165 yards of total offense, had four sacks and one pic. Time of possession: 35:10 vs 24:50. QB McMahon did not have to do very mush (11 for 18, 139 yards & 1td), but it was more than enough as Chicago cruises past San Francisco (20-7)

Rest of Division: 2006 Saints over 2008 Falcons (24-13), 1982 Chargers at 1980 Browns (37-34) & 1984 Cardinals at 1970 Raiders (35-16)

[SplitPersonality1]

Week One – Around the League

D1962: 1975 Dallas Cowboys (10-4)* at 1962 Green Bay Packers (13-1)**
Staubach vs. Starr. America’s Team vs. the Titans of Titletown. This was quite a game. Statistically, it was a dead heat. First Downs 18-17 DAL. Rushing Yards 161 to 117 GB. Passing Yards 166 to 142 DAL. Both teams had 2 penalties and no turnovers. Time of Possession differed by just 32 seconds.

This was reflected in the final score as Dallas clipped the Pack 21-20 on POG Roger Staubach’s 4-yard rushing td late in the fourth quarter.

D1973: 1992 Minnesota Vikings (11-5) at 2011 Green Bay Packers (15-1)
In RL, both of these division winnings teams bowed out of the playoffs early; the Vikings lost to the Redskins in the Wildcard round and the Pack did not win a playoff game, losing to the Giants in the Divisional Game.

This game was never close. QB Rich Gannon and the Vikings scored early and often, and had a 28-10 lead at halftime. The Pack cut the lead to 8 on a RB Brandon Saine td and a Mason Crosby field goal. However, the Vikings were just too tough winning with a final score of 49-27.

D1973: 1986 Denver Broncos (11-5)* at 1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2)**
Many consider the 1973 Dolphins to be an even better team than the perfect 1972 squad. They show that it might be the case here by defeating the Super Bowl XXI runner-up Broncos rather easily. RB Mercury Morris Had 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. RB Larry Csonka also had a td. QB John Elway was not very good, throwing 1 td but 3 interceptions. Final score: MIA 27 – DEN 10.

D1997: 2004 St. Louis Rams (8-8) at 1997 Kansas City Chiefs (13-3)
D1997: 1946 New York Giant (7-3-1)* at 1997 Denver Broncos (12-4)**
In RL, the 1997 Chiefs and their division rival 1997 Broncos split their two games in the regular season, and met in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Broncos won a close one (14-10) and went on to win Super Bowl XXXII. I will be keeping an eye on this division to see who prevails in the Ultimate League.

Both teams win Week One. KC 27 – STL 24. DEN 23 – NYG 10.

D2001: 1987 Indianapolis Colts (9-6) at 2014 Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
In RL, The Colts won their division and returned to the playoffs after a ten-year absence. They were crushed by the Browns 31-21. After a rough start, the Cowboys came together and made the playoff for the first time in five years. They beat the Lions in the Wildcard round, but were defeated by the Packers 26-21 in the Divisional game.

The UL, it seems like both of these teams are out to prove that they belong with the big dogs. The two teams combined for eleven touchdowns and 975 yards of total offense. After three quarters, the Colts had a 35-34 advantage over the Cowboys. Romo hit Dez Bryant with a 19-yard pass with 5:02 remaining. The Cowboys get the 2-point conversion and lead 42-35.

The Colts answer back by marching down the field to tie it up with an Albert Bentley run from 3 yards out. 1:26 left on the clock.

On the first play from scrimmage, Dallas Walker of the Cowboys has a 6-yard run before fumbling the ball. Colts recover. They gain just two yards, but it it gets them close enough to kick to go ahead field goal. Romo and the Cowboys do nothing in the next series and the clock runs out. IND 45 – DAL 42. Great game.

Game of the Week
D1999: 1942 Chicago Bears (11-0)* at 1999 St. Louis Rams (13-3)**
It’s the “Monsters of the Midway” versus “The Greatest Show on Turf”.
The 1942 Bears were "the single most dominant team in the history of the NFL," according to Cold Hard Football Facts. "The 1942 Bears went 11–0, scored 376 points and surrendered just 84 points. Of course, that dominant team, like the dominant undefeated 2007 Patriots, was upset in the NFL championship game."

The Rams scored 30+ points twelve times in 1999; this includes a 49-37 drubbing of the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs. On defense, they returned seven interceptions for touchdowns. This Super Bowl winning team definitely earned their nickname.

The UL game opened with both teams trading field goals. Kurt Warner hits Hakim with a 27-yard strike with 2:02 left in the first half. Sid Luckman throws an interception with 45 seconds left, but on the very next play, Kurt Warner throws one as well, but this one is returned 72 yards for a touchdown. The Rams get a taste of their own medicine and go into half tied up at 10.

The Bears get a td in the third and the Rams tie it back up early in the fourth with another Kurt Warner td. This see-saw game finally ends with a field goal from K Frank Maznicki and the Bears win 20-17.

Surprises of the Week
D1978: 1992 Buffalo Bills (11-5)* at 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2)**
D1986: 1995 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)* at 1986 New York Giants (14-2)**
A pair of 14-2 Super Bowl winners not only lose, but get shutout. This is the Ultimate League and anything can happen, but these were ugly losses.

QB Terry Bradshaw was very bad (8 for 18, 103 yards & 2int). RB Franco Harris was shut down (42 yards) and the Steel Curtain was more like tissue paper as the Bills got 19 first downs. POG RB Thurman Thomas had a great game (92 yards rushing & 76 yards receiving with a td). Final: BUF 26 – PIT 0.

In the other surprise game, the Giants had no answer for Neil O’Donnell. The ’95 Steelers QB went 15 for 18, 216 yards and three touchdowns. Final: PIT 30 – NYG 0.

Blowout of the Week
D2005: 1972 San Francisco 49ers (8-5-1) at 1958 Cleveland Browns (9-3)
San Francisco could not stop the run. Cleveland rushed for 344 yards and five touchdowns, including 243 and 2 tds from POG Jim Brown. Final Score: CLV 52 - SF 0.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week One – Stats & Observations
Week One was rather odd. Here are just a few of the things that I noticed.

15-1 teams were 1-3
Steel Curtain SB teams 1-3
80’s San Francisco SB teams 1-3
90’s Dallas SB teams 1-2
Shula, Landry & Lombardi combined for 15-23
SB/NFL Champs were 30-33-1

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Two - Featured Games
D1979: 1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 0-1) at 2007 New England Patriots (16-0, 0-0)
It is only week Two in the Ultimate NFL League and the’98 Vikings find themselves in a bind. The ’79 Steelers have already dispatched the ’78 Rams and the Vikes cannot afford to get two games behind them. Unfortunately, they go up against a rested ’07 Patriots squad that has never lost a regular season game.

The Vikings get the ball first and march down the field rather easily. However, they stall out in the red zone and are held to a Gary Anderson field goal. The two teams trade three and outs and then the Vikings get two more sustained drives in the second quarter leading to two additional field goals.

With four minutes left in the half, Corey Fuller intercepts Brady and runs it back to the Patriot 13. One play later…touchdown! Minnesota has a comfortable 16-0 lead which they take into the fourth quarter. Then the wheels came off.

Minnesota forgets how to play defense. Brady goes to work, throwing pass after pass leading to a Kevin Faulk 2-yard td run. Patriots fail on the 2-point conversion. MIN 16 – NE 6 with 13:34 to go.

Minnesota goes three and out. Brady and crew march down the field for a second td, this time a pass to Ben Watson. Crap! MIN 16 NE 13 with 5:02 remaining

On the first play after the kickoff, Robert Smith runs for 2, but the ball is knocked loose – Patriots recover on the Minnesota 34. Disaster! 4:50 left on the clock

Brady throws a long pass to Randy Moss (I forgot he was on that Patriot team), and New England has the ball on the 6-yard line. Next Brady pass is…. INTERCEPTED!!!! by Corey Fuller in the endzone. Touchback!

Minnesota doesn’t take any chances. They keep the ball on the ground and grind out a few first downs. Game ends with Cunningham taking a knee. Whew. That was a close call. Final score: MIN 16 – NE 13.

Other than that long pass toward the end of the game, neither Randy Moss had much of an impact on the game. Randall Cunningham went 11 for 12 and 117 yards. Robert Smith ran for 103, Corey Fuller had the two pics and POG was Derrick Alexander who had 3 sacks. POG should have been Corey Fuller.

D1972: 1993 San Francisco 49ers (10-6, 1-0) at 1972 Miami Dolphins (14-0, 1-0)
This was another great game. A high scoring affair with four lead changes and great individual performances. Steve Young was crazy efficient going 17 for 19, 258 yards, 2tds and 1 int. Bob Griese was “only” 8 for 10, 107 yards and a td. Mercury Morris and Larry Csonka combine for 218 yards a 2tds. For Frisco, Ricky Watters rushed for 140 yards and 3 tds.

In the end, it was Rickey Watters’ 27 yard td with time expiring which was the difference and Miami falls to 1-1 on the season. Final: SF over MIA 33-30.

D1985: 1977 Minnesota Vikings (9-5, 0-1) at 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 1-0)
Chuck Foreman, Sammy White, Ahmad Rashad, Fran Tarkenton for Minnesota. Walter Payton, Willie Gault, Jim McMahaon and Matt Suhey for Chicago. None of these guys played any major factor in this game. It was all about the defense.

Minnesota kicker Fred Cox missed three field goals including the potential game winner from 53 yards out as time expired in regulation.

Chicago’s Kevin Butler kicked the game winner in overtime. Final: CHI 3 – MIN 0

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Two – Around the League

D1960: 1987 Los Angeles Raiders (5-10, 0-1) at 2005 Indianapolis Colts (14-2, 0-1)
Can a 5-10 team beat one with a record of 14-2? Why is a 5-10 team even in the Ultimate League? The answer to the first question is yes. Bo Jackson (148 yards and 3td ) and Marcus Allen (115 yards) ran all over Peyton Manning and the Colts. The game was never in doubt as LA crushed Indy 31-12.

To answer the second question, the Raiders got to this point by winning five in a row in the preseason tournament. They were a lowly 14-seed and beat a heavily favored 3-seed in the 1994 Washington Redskins (in overtime). Due to other upsets in their bracket, they never played another team that had a better than .500 record.
The ’87 Raiders really don’t have a snowball’s chance of getting to the end of season tournament, but teams like theirs can play spoiler and that is why I like running these what-if scenarios.

D1969: 1974 Los Angeles Rams (10-4, 1-0) at 1969 Kansas City Chiefs (11-3, 1-0)**
D1969: 1950 Los Angeles Rams (9-3, 0-1) at 1969 Minnesota Vikings (12-2, 0-0)*
Division 1969 is very unusual. It is the only one with both Superbowl teams participating in the division. I look forward to seeing how this one unfolds.
Week Two results: KC 24 – LA 10 & LA 17 – MIN 16.

D1986: 2000 Minnesota Vikings (11-5, 0-1) at 1986 New York Giants (14-2, 0-1)**
Phil Simms and the SuperBowl Giants right their ship and beat the 2000 Vikings. This game was never close – Minnesota scored nine of their points in the fourth quarter. It looks like last week’s 30-0 loss was an aberration. NYG 31 – MIN15

D1999: 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5, 0-1) at 1999 St. Louis Rams (14-2, 0-1)**
On the other side of the coin, the ’99 Rams laid another egg and lost to a good, but not exceptionally great ’16 Steelers team. PIT 17 – STL 13. They drop to 0-2 and are really going to have a tough time getting back into the division race especially since…

D1999: 1942 Chicago Bears (11-0, 1-0) at 2005 Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 0-0)
These Old School Bears completely dismantle a very good ’05 Seahawks squad. The Bears had a 100-yard rusher in Gary Famigletti (121, 1td) and two – 100-yard receivers in Hamp Pool (113, 2td) and Hugh Gallarneau (109, 1td). Hamp Pool – what a great name.
Final score: CHI 33 – SEA 14..

Surprise of the Week
D1999: 2015 Detroit Lions (7-9, 1-0) at 1987 San Francisco 49ers (13-2, 1-0)
Sticking with D1999, we have a sub-.500 Lions team remove a 14-point halftime deficit and take down a formidable 49ers team. They score the final ten points of the game to win 27-14. Detroit is 2-0, tied with the ’42 Bears and…

Blowout of the Week
D1999: 2016 Oakland Raiders (12-4, 0-1) at 2015 Kansas City Chiefs (11-5, 1-0)
The somewhat surprising ’15 Chiefs. KC 38 – OAK 0. I know it’s early, but the Chiefs are outscoring opponents 54-6. Offensively, they are doing it with both the run and the pass (4td & 2td). Defensively they are also quite good (5 sacks & 2 int)

D1999 is definitely one to watch.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Two – Stats & Observations

Things get back to normal in Week Two. Overall, it seems like an appropriate number of favorites won. It was not quite as random as Week One.

The 15-1 teams were 5-1
Steel Curtain SB teams were 3-1
80’s San Francisco SB teams were 3-1
Lombardi’s teams finished 5-1
Super Bowl Champions were 32-19


Week Three results will probably post tonight. Remember, if there is a specific team that you would like more information on, just let me know. I will post reader’s choice teams in with the featured games.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Three - Featured Games

D1979: 1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 1-1) – BYE WEEK

D1979: 2007 New England Patriots (16-0, 0-1)* at 1978 Los Angeles Rams (12-4, 1-1)
The ’07 Patriots play a rather lackluster game against a ‘78 Rams team without any major superstars. In fact, I don’t recognize anyone on the LA roster. Pat Haden? John Cappellettti? Terry Nelson? Who are these guys? Even with the 1940s teams, there is usually one or two names that I have heard of. Very odd.
Anyway, Brady gets one td pass in the first quarter. The remaining Patriots points are in the form of four field goals from Stephen Gostkowski. Despite mediocre play from New England, Los Angeles was never really in this one. Final: NE 19 – LA 7

D1979: 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 2-0)** at 2007 Dallas Cowboys (13-3, 2-0)
Where the Patriots looked flat, the Steelers look fantastic, getting contributions from the entire team. Sidney Thornton & Franco Harris rushed for 100+ and 1 touchdown each. Lynn Swann, Bennie Cunningham & John Stallworth combined for 7 catches and 189 yards…yep. They averaged 27 yards per catch. The defense got in on the act as well sacking Tony Romo 4 times and holding the Cowboys to just 78 yards rushing. Steeler win easily 31-6

D1972: 1972 Miami Dolphins (14-0, 1-1)** at 1983 San Francisco 49ers (10-6, 2-0)
The Dolphins came back from a 10-0 deficit and had a 24-16 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, they could not hold onto the lead and lost on a Ray Wersching field goal as the clocked ticked all zeros.
Tough break. SF 27 – MIA 24. They fall to 1-2, two games behind both the 1983 and the 1993 49ers.

D1985: 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 2-0)** at 2006 New Orleans Saints (10-6, 2-0)
The Bears picked apart a Drew Brees led Saints team and won 27-13. Chicago rushed for 226 which included 2 td’s from POG Matt Suhey. They are the only remaining undefeated team in their division.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Three – Around the League

D1954: 1974 Washington Redskins (10-4, 2-0) at 1990 San Diego Chargers (6-10, 2-0)^
The 1990 Chargers continue to exceed expectations by winning yet another game. This time, they beat Billy Kilmer and the ’74 Redskins. Marion Butts rushes for 180 yards and get a td in the win Final: SD 34 – WSH 17.

D1968: 1998 Atlanta Falcons (14-2, 1-0)* at 1971 Baltimore Colts (10-4, 0-2)
While the 1998 Vikings were resting, I decided to check out 1998 Atlanta. I forgot that they actually had a 14-2 team that year. The Falcons score a touchdown early in the first and never give up the lead. They win their Week Three matchup against the Colts by a score of 10-6. They are 2-0 on the young season.

D1971: 1971 Dallas Cowboys (11-3, 1-1)** at 2011 New Orleans Saints (13-3, 1-1)
The Cowboys bring a disappointing 1-1 record into this game. However, the offense comes alive in a 52-24 dismantling of the ’11 Saints. Hall of Famer Roger threw four td’s in the victory. AT 2-1, the Cowboys are still in decent shape in their division.

D1973: 1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2, 2-0)** at 2011 Green Bay Packers (15-1, 1-1)
The “Not Perfect” 1973 Dolphins continue to roll, taking care of the “Near Perfect” 2011 Packers. Green Bay had no answer for POG Mercury Morris who ran for 211 and four tds. Aaron Rodgers and company did not play a bad game statistically, they just could not it into the endzone. MIA 34 – GB 10. Miami moves to 3-0 on the season.

D1975: 2000 Miami Dolphins (11-5, 0-2) at 1949 Chicago Bears (9-3, 2-0)^
The Bears score 27 unanswered points in the second half to completely destroy the Dolphins by a score of 43-10 Johnny Lujack, rushed three times, threw a couple of touchdown and kicked five field goals in the victory. Gotta love Old School football.

Surprises of the Week
D1995: 1995 Dallas Cowboys (12-4, 0-2)**) at 1996 Denver Broncos (13-3, 2-0)
D1999: 1999 St. Louis Rams (13-3, 0-2)** at 1987 San Francisco 49ers (13-2, 1-1)

Both of these Super Bowl Champions enter the week 0-2 and both lose close game to remain winless in the Ultimate League. Scores: DEN 16 – DAL 13 & SF 17 – STL 16. Unless these two teams catch fire for the remainder of the season, they will be on the outside looking in come tournament time.

Blowout of the Week
D1989: 1978 New England Patriots (11-5, 0-2) at 1985 Seattle Seahawks (8-8, 0-2)^
The ’78 Patriots lost 20 and then 23 in the previous two games. They turn it around here, crushing the Seahawks 40-3. Four different Patriots rushed for touchdowns and the defense picked up 3 sacks and an interception in the win. POG Sam Cunningham had one of those rushing td’s and caught one as well.

Game of the Week
D1997: 1997 Denver Broncos (12-4, 2-0)** at 1997 Kansas City Chiefs (13-3, 2-0)
This much anticipated game (at least for me) had two undefeated UL teams going against each other. In RL, these two teams split the regular season and had KC on top of the AFC West by one game. Then Denver beat KC in the divisional playoffs and went on to win Super Bowl XXXII.

This UL game did not disappoint. There were four ties in the game and neither team led by more than a touchdown. It all came down to an Elvis Grbac pass to Andre Rison in overtime to give KC a 33-27 win. They remain on top of D1997, tied with the 2001 St. Louis Rams (2-0) and the 1975 Baltimore Colts (3-0)

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Three – Stats & Observations

There are just 12 Super Bowl teams that remain undefeated in the Ultimate League.

• 1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2)
• 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
• 1981 San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
• 1983 Los Angeles Raiders (12-4)
• 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1)
• 1991 Washington Redskins (14-2)
• 1996 Green Bay Packers (13-3)
• 2000 Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
• 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4)
• 2003 New England Patriots (14-2)
• 2009 New Orleans Saints (13-3)
• 2013 Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

Of these, the 2013 Seahawks are probably the most impressive. In three games, they have scored 109 points and have given up just 13. They are winning by an average of 32 points per game.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Four - Featured Games

D1979: 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 3-0)** at 1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 1-1)

The Vikings need to win this Week One rematch to get back into the Division 1979 race. The 2007 Patriots have their second bye.

Late in the first quarter, Minnesota strikes with a Randall Cunningham to Randy Moss pass. 7-0. The second quarter was a field goal fest – two from the Vikings, one from the Steelers, and one more from the Vikings as time expires. MIN 16 PIT 3. So far, so good.

Third quarter, the famed Steel curtain shuts the Vikings down and Bradshaw tosses a td pas to John Stallworth. At the end of three – MIN 16 PIT 10. Hmmm.

Fourth quarter – The Pittsburgh D remains firm. Minnesota’s defense does as well…until late in the quarter. Another Bradshaw to Stallworth pass with 1:25 to go. Ouch. Minnesota goes three and out, Bradshaw takes a knee. The Vikings lose a heartbreaker. Final: PIT 17 – MIN 16.

The ’79 Steelers remain tops in the division at 4-0. The ’05 Patriots are 3-0. The ’07 Patriots are 1-1. The ’98 Vikings find themselves in 7th place at 1-2. It is not looking good for Minnesota.

D1972: 1972 Miami Dolphins (14-0, 1-2)** at 2000 New York Giants (12-4, 0-2)*

New York scored the first 13 points of the game and never looked back. Miami just could not get anything started on offense. QB Earl Morrall has a terrible game against the Giants (6 for 15, 87 yards and 2 interceptions). Final: NYG 13 – MIA 7.

The ’83 49ers and the ’93 49ers lead the division at 4-0. The ’72 Dolphins also find themselves in 7th place at 1-3. It is also not looking good for Miami.

D1985: 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 3-0)**at 2012 San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1, 1-1)*

On the other side of the coin, the ’85 Bears continue to roll. They win in overtime 13 – 10 . Chicago leads the division at 4-0, one game ahead of the 1980 Houston Oilers. They will meet in Week Eight.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Four – Around the League

D1962: 1962 Green Bay Packers (13-1, 2-1)** at 1975 Dallas Cowboys (10-4, 1-1)*

The 1962 Packers team lose a very close game to the ’75 Cowboys 14-13.Green Bay becomes another RL great team that is unlikely to make it to end of season tournament.

D1973: 1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2, 3-0)** at 1986 Denver Broncos (11-5, 1-1)*

Bob Griese threw two touchdowns in the first half. John Elway did not. That was the difference in the game and Miami gets past Denver 14-6 They sit atop their division with the undefeated ’85 Giants. These two teams will meet in Week 9.

D1977: 1992 Miami Dolphins (11-5, 2-1) at 1981 Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8, 3-0)^

In RL, the ’81 Steelers had a mediocre season and did not make the playoffs. In the Ultimate League, this team just keeps winning. PIT 21 – MIA 20 Terry Bradshaw hit Lynn Swann with two td’s in the win against the Dolphins.

D1996: 1996 Green Bay Packers (13-3, 3-0)** at 1953 Cleveland Browns (11-1, 0-2)*

Despite Otto Graham’s two interceptions, the Browns gave the Packers their first loss of the season. RB Dorsey Levens ran for two td’s , and was Player of the Game in the loss.

D1999: 1999 St. Louis Rams (13-3, 0-3)** at 1942 Chicago Bears (11-0, 2-0)*

I am starting to love these ’42 Bears. This week, they take down “The Greatest Show on Turf” and effectively remove any chance for the Rams to win the division. CHI 20 – STL13. I hope they can keep it going so that a 1940s team is represented in the tournament at the end of the seaon.

D2013: 2013 Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 3-0)** at 1948 Chicago Cardinals (11-1, 0-2)*

Going into this game, the Seahawks are winning by an average of 32 points. They do not disappoint and win by a margin of [i]only [/] 15. The ’13 Seahawks are probably playing the best football of any team in the UL.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Five - Featured Games

D1979: 1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 1-2) at 1986 Los Angeles Raiders (8-8, 2-2)^

The Vikings are now in a must win situation. If they manage to lose and the ’78 Steelers win, their chance for a division title is practically nil. However, a win and a Steelers loss puts them right back in it. They will still need a bit of luck, but at least they will have a fighting chance. This week’s opponent is the 1986 Los Angeles Raiders. In real life, they were a whole lotta “meh”, finishing 8-8 in Jim Plunkett’s last year in the league. This non-playoff team is definitely beatable.

Fortunately for the Vikings, POG Robert Smith had an amazing day with 178 yards and a td. Randall Cunningham was very uneven throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions. For the Raiders, Jim Plunkett was awful going 9 for 26, 158 yards and two pics. Final Score: MIN 31 – LA 16. The Vikings go to 2-2. Stay tuned for the results of the ’79 Steelers – ’07 Patriots match-up as it was the game of the week.

D1972: 1972 Miami Dolphins (14-0, 1-3)** at 1993 Buffalo Bills (12-4, 1-1)*

The Dolphins start the game with a nice drive capped by a 65-yard Mercury Morris td run…..And that was it. Miami just could not get the offense going the rest of the way. After that big run, Morris ran 9 more times – for just 10 more yards. The Bills get the win on the arm of Jim Kelly (24 for 34, 241 yards and 2 td) Final: BUF 20 – MIA 7. Miami is now four games behind the 1993 San Francisco 49ers. Stick a fork in ‘em. They are done.

I will probably mention the Dolphins again in passing, but they will no longer be a featured team. That honor will go to ---

D1973: 1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2, 4-0)** at 1999 Tennessee Titans (13-3, 1-1)*

These Dolphins are kicking ass and taking names. They get past the ’99 Titans rather easily by a score of 25-15, Larry Csonka led the way with 2 rushing touchdowns. The defense chipped in as well with 2 sacks and an interception.

The ’73 Dolphins lead the division by a game and a half over the 1985 New York Giants. The rest of the division is at .500 or worse.

D1985: 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 4-0)** at 1981 Cincinnati Bengals (12-4, 1-1)*

7 – 0 – 13 – 10 – 14

That is the number of points that the ’85 Bears have allowed so far this season. The ’85 Bears defense is living up to their reputation as they roll over the Super Bowl XVI runner-up ’81 Bengals. Final: CHI 27 – CIN 14. Highlight of the game – a blocked punt return for a td to close out the first half.

The Bears keep a one game lead over the 1980 Houston Oilers. All others teams in the division have two or more losses.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Five - Around the League

There are several clashes between undefeated teams this week.

D1954: 1955 Los Angeles Rams (8-3-1, 3-0)* at 1990 San Diego Chargers (6-10, 4-0)^

Norm Van Brocklin hit Crazy Legs Hirsch (great name) for two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough as the Chargers beat the Rams 31-28. Marion Butts rushed for three td’s in the win.

D1955: 1969 Dallas Cowboys (11-2-1, 4-0) at 2005 Washington Redskins (10-6, 3-0)

The Redskins take the top spot in D1955 with a win over the Cowboys. Mike Clark missed four field goals for Dallas. Final: WSH 10 – DAL 7

D1968: 2000 Tennessee Titans (13-3, 4-0) at 1988 Philadelphia Eagles (10-6, 3-0)

The Eagles were 3-0 going into this game despite averaging just 14 points per game. Their lack of offense finally caught up to them as the Titans rolled past them by a score of 23-3

D1983: 1983 Los Angeles Raiders (12-4, 4-0)** at 1963 San Diego Chargers (11-3, 2-0)**

The old AFC gets some bragging rights this week as the AFC Champion ’63 Chargers defeated the Super Bowl XVIII Champion Raiders. It wasn’t much of a game as Tobin Rote and the Chargers led throughout. Jim Plunkett threw two interceptions in the loss.

Division 1999

D1999: 1999 St. Louis Rams (13-3, 0-4)**at 2005 Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 0-2)*

The ’99 Rams finally get a win. Kurt Warner and crew still have not shown the explosive offense that they are known for, but they do just enough to get past the Seahawks. Final: STL 20 – SEA 10

D1999: 1942 Chicago Bears (11-0, 3-0)* at 2015 Detroit Lions (7-9, 2-2)^

The ’42 Bears continue to roll past their opponents. This week’s victim – the 2015 Lions. Detroit scored first and actually had a 6-0 lead halfway through the first quarter. It did not last as Gary Famiglietti completely took over the game. He rushed for 113 yards, caught a td pass, had four tackles and sacked Matthew Stafford. The Bears win 27-9.

D1999: 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5, 3-1) at 2016 Oakland Raiders (12-4, 2-2)

The Steelers need to win this one to stay within striking distance of the undefeated Bears. However, the Raiders had other ideas, crushing Pittsburgh by a score of 51-17. POG Derek Carr threw five touchdowns to five different receivers.

Blowout of the Week

D2001: 2001 New England Patriots (11-5, 3-1)** at 1943 Chicago Bears (8-1-1, 0-2)**

The 1942 Bears did not win the NFL Championship but are currently 4-0 in the Ultimate League and are leading their division. The 1943 Bears were champions, but are winless and in last place in Division 2001. The ’43 version of the Monsters of the Midway continue to lose getting absolutely crushed by the ’01 Patriots. Score: NE 51 – CHI 0.. QB Bob Snyder had one of the worst lines I have ever seen. (3 for 20, 25 yards & 4 interceptions). Yikes. The Patriots’ Antowain Smith rushed for 212 yards and 2 td’s and was POG.

Game of the Week

D1979: 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 4-0)** at 2007 New England Patriots (16-0, 1-1)*

A win by the Steelers would keep them at the top of the division and have both of their toughest rivals (’98 Vikings & ’07 Patriots) sitting with two losses. However, it was not meant to be as New England topped Pittsburgh 24—17. It was a very close game, but in the end, miscues by Terry Bradshaw (2 pics) were the difference in the game.

Team					W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA
1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)**	4	1	0	0.800	101	59
2005 New England Patriots (10-6)  	3	1	0	0.750	117	81
2007 New England Patriots (16-0)* 	2	1	0	0.667	56	40
2007 Dallas Cowboys (13-3)  		3	2	0	0.600	91	104
1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1)  		2	2	0	0.500	69	69
1978 Los Angeles Rams (12-4)  		2	3	0	0.400	81	65
2008 San Diego Chargers (8-8)  		2	3	0	0.400	95	108
1986 Los Angeles Raiders (8-8)^ 	2	3	0	0.400	77	110
1977 Los Angeles Rams (10-4)  		0	4	0	0.000	51	102

So far, the big three heavyweights in this division have only lost to each other. This is starting to get interesting.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Five – Stats & Observations

After five weeks of play, there are 50 undefeated teams remaining in the Ultimate League. Here are a few observations.

Brett Favre leads all quarterbacks with four of these teams (’97, ’03, ’07 Packers & ’09 Vikings). Odd fact is that each team is led by a different coach (Holmgren, Sherman, McCarthy & Childress).

Steve Young has three undefeated teams (’92, ’93 & ’95 49ers). Mark Brunell (’99 Jaguars & ’05 Redskins), Steve McNair (’00 Titans & ’06 Ravens), Kurt Warner (’01 Rams & ’08 Cardinals) & Russell Wilson (’13 & ’15 Seahawks) all have two.

For coaches, the leaders are Joe Gibbs (’84, ’91 & ’05 Redskins) & George Seifert (’92, ’93 & ’95 49ers) with three undefeated teams. Pete Carroll, John Madden, Andy Reid & Don Shula have two.

The top franchises are San Francisco (’49, ’92, ’93 & ’95) and a surprising San Diego (’63, ’81, ’90 & ’06) with four teams. The Chargers teams are in four different decades, are led by four different coaches and four different quarterbacks.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Six - Featured Games

Division 1979
1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 2-2) at 2008 San Diego Chargers (8-8, 2-3)

Despite giving up 28 points in the second quarter and being down 28-17 at halftime, the Vikings made a game of it. They grabbed the lead (32-31) with 1:54 to go on a Robert Smith 13-yard td run. Unfortunately, the defense broke down and Minnesota loses the game due a Nate Kaeding field goal at the end of regulation. This was a heartbreaker. I have a feeling that to win this division, a team cannot lose to an inferior team and the Vikings were the first of the heavyweights to blink. It may have them on the outside looking in at season’s end.
Final: SD 34 – NE 32

’98 Vikings
Passing: Randall Cunningham (19 for26, 295 yards, 2td, 1int)
Rushing: Robert Smith (20 for 129 yards, 2td)
Receiving: Cris Carter (5 for 128 yards) – Randy Moss (5 for 49 yards, 2td)
Defense: 2 sacks

[i]’08 Chargers[\i]
Passing: Philip Rivers (19 for 23, 250 yards, 2td)
Rushing: LaDainian Tomlinson (16 for 108 yards, 2td)
Receiving: Chris Chambers (2 for 65 yards) – Antonio Gates (4 for 51 yards, 1td)
Defense: 1 int

POG: ’08 LaDainian Tomlinson

Division 1973
1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2, 5-0)** – BYE WEEK

The 1985 New York Giants (10-6, 3-1) defeat the 1993 Kansas City Chiefs (11-5, 1-4) to stay one game behind the Dolphins. Final: NYG 20 – KC 13.

Division 1985
1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 5-0)** – BYE WEEK

The 1980 Houston Oilers (11-5, 4-1) get past the 1981 Cincinnati Bengals (12-4, 1-2)* and move a half-game behind Da’ Bears. Final: NYG 22 – KC 17.

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Six - Around the League

Division 1954
1984 Miami Dolphins (14-2, 1-2)* at 1990 San Diego Chargers (6-10, 5-0)^

The Chargers were down 16-6 to start the fourth quarter, and it seemed as if this Cinderella run of theirs was coming to an end. A Billy Joe Tolliver td pass and a Marion Butts td run reversed their fortunes and they pull off another shocking win.

From Wikipedia: “San Diego would struggle from season's start, losing 4 of it's first 5 games before winning 4 of it's next 5 games to even their record at 5-5. The Chargers would then finish the season on a frustrating 1-5 finish.”. This team was a big nothing in RL. In the Ultimate League, they have won 10 in a row (4 preseason games to qualify and now six in the regular season. They stay 1 and half games above the ’74 Redskins & the ’55 Rams.

Final: SD 20 – MIA 16

’84 Dolphins
Passing: Dan Marino (23 for31, 298 yards, 1td)
Rushing: Joe Carter (11 for 47 yards) – Woody Bennet (14 for 43 yards)
Receiving: Mark Clayton (7 for 97 yards)
Defense: 0 sacks, 0 int

’90 Chargers
Passing: Billy Joe Tolliver (10 for 19, 105 yards, 1td)
Rushing: Marion Butts (17 for 205 yards, 2td)
Receiving: Anthony Miller (4 for 38 yards) – Craig McEwan (2 for 31 yards, 1td)
Defense: 1 sack
Kicking: John Carney 0-1 – missed 44-yard fg

POG: ’90 Marion Butts

Division 1998
2008 Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, 4-1) at 1980 Buffalo Bills (11-5, 3-1)

In Division 1998, there are four teams at the top with 1 loss. All four play each other this week and are looking to separate from the crowd. Game One was a defensive snoozefest with the Eagles edging out the Bills by a field goal. Buffalo’s Joe Cribbs wins Player of the Game in a losing effort.

Final: PHI 10 – BUF 7

’08 Eagles
Passing: Donovan McNabb (11 for 18, 113 yards, 1td)
Rushing: Correll Buckhalter (8 for 59 yards) – Brian Westbrook (16 for 37 yards)
Receiving: DeSean Jackson (4 for 35 yards)
Defense: 1 sack, 0 int

’80 Bills
Passing: Joe Ferguson (11 for 25, 94 yards)
Rushing: Joe Cribbs (20 for 109 yards, 1td)
Receiving: Jerry Butler (4 for 37 yards)
Defense: 3 sacks

POG: ’80 Joe Cribbs

Division 1998
2002 Oakland Raiders (11-5, 3-1)* at 1998 Green Bay Packers (11-5, 4-1)

Game Two had the Packers dominate every phase of the game and they utterly destroy the Raiders in a blowout.

Final: GB 33 – OAK 0

’02 Raiders
Passing: Rich Gannon (11 for 27, 113 yards, 1int)
Rushing: Charlie Garner (12 for 65 yards)
Receiving: Jerry Rice (4 for 39 yards)
Defense: 1 sack, 0 int

’98 Packers
Passing: Brett Favre (16 for249, 256 yards, 2td)
Rushing: Dorsey Levens (16 for 58 yards, 1td)
Receiving: Antonio Freeman (4 for 59 yards, 1td)
Defense: 3 sacks, 1 int
Kicking: John Carney 0-1 – missed 44-yard fg

POG: ’98 Brett Favre

Division 1999
1987 San Francisco 49ers (13-2, 2-3) at 2015 Kansas City Chiefs (11-5, 4-0)

Division 1999 is one the few remaining divisions with two undefeated teams. I am hoping that both the ’15 Chiefs and the ’42 Bears win this week to set up an undefeated showdown in Week Seven.

Kansas City gets it done the hard way, skating past the 49ers with an overtime field goal. Neither team had any offense to speak of and the quarterback play was uninspiring to say the least.

Final: KC 9 – SF 6

’87 49ers
Passing: Joe Montana (18 for 33, 182 yards, 1int)
Rushing: Roger Craig (17 for 71 yards)
Receiving: Jerry Rice (6 for 60 yards)
Defense: 4 sacks, 2 int
Kicking: Ray Wersching – missed potential game-winning 52-yard fg in overtime

’15 Chiefs
Passing: Alex Smith (18 for 30, 183 yards, 2int)
Rushing: Charcandrick West (13 for 126 yards)
Receiving: Jeremy Maclin (6 for 72 yards)
Defense: 2 sacks, 1 int

POG: ’90 Marion Butts

Division 1999
1942 Chicago Bears (11-0, 4-0)* at 2016 Oakland Raiders (12-4, 3-2)

The Bears, on the other hand, dispatch the Raiders rather easily winning going away. They led 21-0 at the end of one, 28-3 at halftime and never looked back. A highly efficient QB Sid Luckman threw three touchdowns on 7 passes and 103 yards. The Bears defense held the Raiders to just 43 yards rushing.

Final: CHI 38 – OAK 6

’42 Bears
Passing: Sid Luckman (7 for 16, 103 yards, 3td)
Rushing: Gary Famigletti (17 for 101 yards) – Hugh Gallarneau (9 for 89 yards)
Receiving: Hamp Pool (3 for 64 yards, 1 td)
Defense: 2 sacks, 1 int

’16 Raiders
Passing: Derek Carr (16 for 35, 148 yards, 1int)
Rushing: DeAndre Washington (5 for 23 yards) – Latavius Murray (15 for 10 yards)
Receiving: Michael Crabtree (6 for 55 yards)
Defense: nonexistent

POG: ’42 Sid Luckman

Week Seven Upcoming Games

Featured Games

D1979: 1977 Los Angeles Rams (10-4, 0-5) at 1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 2-3)
D1979: 2008 San Diego Chargers (8-8, 3-3) at 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 4-1)**
D1979: 2005 New England Patriots (10-6, 4-1) at 2007 New England Patriots (16-0, 3-1)*
D1973: 1992 Minnesota Vikings (11-5, 3-3) at 1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2, 5-0)**
D1985: 2008 Atlanta Falcons (11-5, 3-3) at 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 5-0)**

Around the League - division battles for first place

D1972: 1983 San Francisco 49ers (10-6, 5-1) at 1993 San Francisco 49ers (10-6, 6-0)
D1987: 1971 Kansas City Chiefs (10-3-1, 5-0) at 2007 Green Bay Packers (13-3, 5-0)
D1995: 1996 Denver Broncos (13-3, 6-0) at 1994 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 5-1)

Game of the Week

D1999: 2015 Kansas City Chiefs (11-5, 5-0) at 1942 Chicago Bears (11-0, 5-0)*

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Six – Stats & Observations

Being a numbers geek, I developed a formula to determine an Ultimate NFL Team’s power rating. Here are the top ten teams based on this new rating.

100	2013 Seattle Seahawks (13-3, 5-0)**
100	2011 Baltimore Ravens (12-4, 6-0)
97	2009 Minnesota Vikings (12-4, 6-0)
96	2006 Baltimore Ravens (13-3, 6-0)
95	2001 St. Louis Rams (14-2, 4-0)* 
95	1973 Oakland Raiders (9-4-1, 4-0)
94	1947 Cleveland Browns (12-1-1, 4-0)**
93	2000 Tennessee Titans (13-3, 5-1)
93	1949 Chicago Bears (9-3, 5-1)^
92	8 teams

Here are the ratings of some of the other teams mentioned in this thread

92	1942 Chicago Bears (11-0, 5-0)*
92 	1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2, 5-0)**
89	2015 Kansas Chiefs (11-5, 5-0)
82	1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 5-0)**
81	1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 4-1)**
79	2007 New England Patriots (16-0, 4-1)*
45	1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 2-3) – not looking good for my Vikings

I also created formulas for point spreads and over/under. I will test them in Week 7. If they seem valid, I will include them in the write-ups

[SplitPersonality1]

Week Seven - Featured Games

Division 1979
1977 Los Angeles Rams (10-4, 0-5) at 1998 Minnesota Vikings (15-1, 2-3)

Minnesota is in a win and pray situation for the rest of the season. Fortunately, they face a last place Rams team that scores 12 points a game while giving up an average of 25. The game plays out as expected and the Vikings get an easy win.

Final: MIN 36 – LA 13

’77 Rams
Passing: Pat Haden (11 for21, 158 yards, 1int) – Joe Namath (3 for 6, 24 yards, 1td)
Rushing: Lawrence McCutcheon (18 for 49 yards)
Receiving: Harold Jackson (5 for 54 yards, 1td)
Defense: 1 sacks

[i] ’98 Vikings /\i]
Passing: Randall Cunningham (16 22, 236 yards, 1td)
Rushing: Robert Smith (21 for 57 yards, 1td)
Receiving: Cris Carter (5 for 74 yards) – Jake Reed (2 for 51 yards, 1td)
Defense: 1 sack, 1 int

POG: '98 Randall Cunningham

Division 1979
2008 San Diego Chargers (8-8, 3-3) at 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, 4-1)**

The Steelers stay on top of the division by getting past a surprisingly tough Chargers team. Pittsburgh was down 19-7 late in the third quarter; then Bradshaw, Harris, Stallworth & Lynn got it together and put together two nice touchdown drives to end the game and win by three.

Final: PIT 22 – SD 19

’08 Chargers
Passing: Philip Rivers (16 for 25, 163 yards, 1td, 2int)
Rushing: LaDainian Tomlinson (19 for 116 yards)
Receiving: Vincent Jackson (3 for 47 yards) – Antonio Gates (4 for 44 yards, 1td)
Defense: 2 sacks, 2 int

’79 Steelers
Passing: Terry Bradshaw (13 for 25, 172 yards, 2td, 2int)
Rushing: Franco Harris (20 for 102 yards, 1td)
Receiving: Lynn Swann (4 for 52 yards, 1td) – John Stallworth (4 for 46 yards, 1td)
Defense: 2 sacks, 2 int

POG: ‘08 Philip Rivers

Division 1979
2005 New England Patriots (10-6, 4-1) at 2007 New England Patriots (16-0, 3-1)*

The 2005 Patriots have been flying under the radar in Division 1979. The one loss that they have keeps them virtually tied with the ’07 Patriots and the ’79 Steelers. This game is their first real test of the season. Winner of this game keeps pace with Pittsburgh.

And the winner is…the ‘ 07Patriots. Despite the close final score, this one was never in doubt as the “Perfect” Patriots jumped to a 20-0 lead by the middle of the second quarter.

Final: ’07 NE 23 – ’05 NE 19

’05 Patriots
Passing: Tom Brady (14 for 20, 188 yards, 1td, 1int)
Rushing: Patrick Pass (8 for 75 yards) – Heath Evans (3 for 52 yards, 1td)
Receiving: David Givens (4 for 63 yards, 1td)
Defense: 2 sacks

’07 Patriots
Passing: Tom Brady (16 for 21, 255 yards, 1td)
Rushing: Laurence Maroney (14 for 74 yards) – Sammy Morris (12 for 56 yards, 1td)
Receiving: Randy Moss (5 for 98 yards)
Defense: 1 int

POG: '07 Tom Brady

Division 1973
1992 Minnesota Vikings (11-5, 3-3) at 1973 Miami Dolphins (12-2, 5-0)**

The ’73 Dolphins seem unstoppable at this point as they dismantle a decent ’92 Vikings team.

Final: MIA 38 – MIN 10

’92 Vikings
Passing: Rich Gannon (10 for 25, 79 yards, 1td)
Rushing: Terry Allen (17 for 85 yards)
Receiving: Cris Carter (4 for 45 yards, 1td)
Defense: 2 sacks. 1 int

’73 Dolphins
Passing: Bob Griese (13 for 27, 171 yards, 1td) – Earl Morall (5 for 7, 47 yards, 1td, 1int)
Rushing: Larry Csonka (18 for 97 yards, 1td) – Mercury Morris (17 for 82 yards, 1td)
Receiving: Ron Sellers (2 for 72 yards)
Defense: 1 int

POG: '73 Larry Csonka

Division 1985
2008 Atlanta Falcons (11-5, 3-3) at 1985 Chicago Bears (15-1, 5-0)**

Walter Payton dominated in this this game against the Falcons with 207 yards and three touchdowns. Da Bears win by 24 in a laugher.

Final: CHI 41 – ATL 17

’08 Falcons
Passing: Matt Ryan (13 for 2026, 295 yards, 2td, 1int)
Rushing: Michael Turner (19 for 86 yards)
Receiving: Roddy White (6 for 94 yards)
Defense: 1 sack

’85 Bears
Passing: Jim McMahon (14 for 22, 176 yards, 2td)
Rushing: Walter Payton (25 for 207 yards, 3td)
Receiving: Dennis McKinnon (3 for 45 yards, 2td) – Walter Payton (3 for 31 yards)
Defense: 3 sacks, 1 int

POG: '85 Walter Payton