Season 8 is already underway but our first true look at what this season’s Owners/GMs are cooking up will come Friday, when player bidding begins. Thus far, Season 8 is already starting off with a major BANG, as team bids eclipsed numbers we’ve never witnessed in the league before. My rankings below will cover that and overall potential moving forward. 

#10 & #9 – Miami Dolphins/ Dallas Cowboys

Let’s start off with the facts, this is purely speculation based, by no means do I have a crystal ball in front of me, telling me which teams will succeed or fail this season. What I can tell you is, both of these teams currently have no true QB users heading into the season and they made the job even tougher by selecting teams that WILL NOT be QB friendly. On the positive side, cap spent is ideal and both teams are filled with OP weapons that can keep opposing teams up at night. My question is this, can they capitalize during player bidding and surround their lockeroom’s with proven VFL winners? 

#8 – Green Bay Packers 

I get it, how could Mr Gunslinger himself be ranked so low when everyone and their mother could probably throw for 300 yards a game using Aaron Rodgers. Well, the answer is simple… Owner/GM Smitty and Fig are not users with any QB experience/success at least within the last 4-5 seasons I’ve been a part of the VFL. Now, does that mean their incapable?? No… but they either plan on one of them giving QB a shot, or they plan on somehow bidding 3 QBs while only having 24 MIL left to spend, on a total of 7 players. 

#7 – Buffalo Bills

Here we go again.. The BUFFALO BILLS ranked this low??? When we can probably all agree, after roster reset this team is probably the most talented group of men in the game!! Here’s my dilemma and thoughts, similar to the Packers above, you’re 15 MIL deep in your cap already and you have no QB’s. Now I understand the very talented user “Shady” is going to give QB a try and with him having Josh Allen, chances are he can make the jump work.. BUT, how did that go last season with the Eagles?? The answer is not well. If Shady is not confident at QB and stays at his true position RB, this team then needs to figure out how to afford 3 QBs with 25 MIL cap, good luck! 

#6- Los Angeles Chargers 

I’m truly excited for Johnny Wheels and company, he landed probably the most fun team to play with offensively and somehow, he landed them while spending 3-4 MIL less than other Owners who attacked the Power 6 teams. This man truly deserves another shot at leading a team to the promise land, after last season when he was setup for failure when he selected VFL clown Blunkey as his GM.. RIP. 

#5 – Cleveland Browns 

Hey, I know these guys!! Now coming off a season where he finished top 6 in all QB statistics, TPBraves is looking to build on that success with a complete 180 team selection with the Browns. Here’s the facts because at this point, I’ve heard every critique this team is facing. Yours truly “Highwalkr” is stepping into the QB arena and is doing it with a team/player that will make passing the ball effectively, very problematic. The Browns are clearly lacking an elite QB presence with Deshaun Watson and after last season, the league eventually figured out how to stop Nick Chubb (sort of).. Here’s what I’ll say to all the haters- 39 MIL cap, an Owner/QB that has proven HE can get the job done passing and a GM that is probably one of the most active/engaged users within our league. If you think I don’t have the ability to craft together an ELITE roster with a 15 MIL advantage over 60% of the league, you bumped your damn head. 

#4 – Cincinati Bengals

I like Owner- Lucky, I also like the Bengals, especially Joe Burrow having the Fearless perk- what I’m a little concerned with is the amount of $$ they purchased this team for and his GM selection who I won a super bowl with! So I’m truly torn here, on one side of the coin I see a more than capable Owner/QB and a very capable GM/QB, playing with a team that’s loaded with talent on ball sides of the ball. Now on the other side of the coin, I see a suspect GM pairing when you compare their situation to KC, TB, PHI and I see a team that should have probably went for 10-12 MIL at the most. 

#3 – Philadelphia Eagles

I WILL NOT BET AGIANST EBOK UNTIL HE DOESN’T WIN A TITLE… I’ve made that mistake before and I simply won’t do it again. All I will say is this.. He did a phenomenal job landing PHI for only 1MIL and as always, Hucci is a great GM addition. What I’m curious to see is if taking away the ability to high point pass 75% of his balls, will slow down his success in this league? Back-to-back season, he murdered with this meta, this season his offense will for better or for worse, look MUCH different. 

#2 & #1 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers/ Kansas City Chiefs 

With these rankings this early in the season, it’s hard to truly say who’s number one- So to make it easier on myself, I have these last two teams paired together because in my eyes, they are neck in neck when it comes to current state and potential. Both teams have phenomenal QB pairings, while both teams also paid WAYYYY too much for their respected teams. Either way, you get what you pay for and at least they only have to budget for 1 QB!  

#8 JOHNNY WHEELS x BLUNKEY (LAST WEEK #8) 

An A for effort is about as far as we will go when applauding anything this team has done so far this season. Johnny Wheels deserved an opportunity to possibly show the league that an owner does not have to be a former top tier player to succeed at running a team. Unfortunately, after starting the year 4-13 maybe this whacky experiment gone wrong will act as a warning to future unprepared owners. 

 #7 TPBRAVES x MIDNIGHT (LAST WEEK #6)

The Bengals should be thankful they are playing this season alongside The Eagles. If that wasn’t the case, much more negative attention would be circulating this team. Sitting at 6-11, with a HUGE game tonight with major playoff implications, this team is the master of their own domain. It’s hard to say where this team lands by next week, obviously I’m a little bias due to the fact I’m MR BENGAL himself, but because of that, I also see the major potential this team possesses if everything goes correct. Win or lose, Owner and GM (Braves & Midnight) are having phenomenal statistical seasons and at the very least they can use this season as momentum moving forward into Season 8. 

 #6 ACEBOOGS x BWALL (LAST WEEK #7)

I find this team very enjoyable to root for and root against, depending on how I’m feeling that day. Ace and Bwall are both VFL veterans that speak their mind and can never be told they don’t have vision. As I look down their roster, Sacrifice, Ibprofam, Aries, Warpath, Crazy Effectz, these are all extremely talented players, utilizing an extremely talented Bills team, even after the Von Miller injury. If you ask me, I would they’re probably one trade away from truly being able to complete in the Season 7 Playoffs. Statistically speaking, Warpath either needs to be delt or figure out how to pass the football again- even though Allen is a very run friendly QB, 1TD x 5INT will simply not get it done. Their recipe for success will definitely be improving that 3rd line.  

 #5 EBOK x HUCCI (LAST WEEK #2)

Look, I’m not going to get carried away here and make the same mistake I did in Season 6.  Sure, the Chiefs currently sit at 8-10, their heavily dependent on high point passes and they already have a FF and a 2v3 game that resulted in a loss late last night. Either way, let’s make one thing absolutely clear- until Ebok and the Chiefs are statistically eliminated from the playoff race (Which I doubt will happen), Any and every team that would face them come playoff time will be shaking in their Yeezy boots. This team is still dangerous, I’m curious to see if Ebok can quickly turn things around similar to how he did last season. 

 #4 LUCKY (LAST WEEK #5)

I have to give this man credit; at the beginning of Season 7 this team was a giant ball of toxic waste. You had one of the most undermining, overly confident GM’s I’ve personally ever seen- ruling with an iron fist and causing issue after issue as he made his team development decisions. Flash forward to today, the GM is gone and 3 trades later… it seems like Lucky has finally found his footing. Sitting at 11-7 and riding a 4-game winning streak, Lucky and company seem poised to make a strong playoff run and they’re also doing this while utilizing an All-Rookie 3rd line!  

#3 ABYSS x KOOLAIDZ (LAST WEEK #1) 

So, I’m a little shocked to see this team’s recent fall from grace… On one end Abyss is hands down the best QB in the league so far with 18TDS x 5 INTS, on the other end- his supposed #2 line of KoolAidz, TMO and Tiger have been lackluster to say the least. No matter what, here’s the dealio- this team will make the playoffs and be a tough out, NO MATTER WHAT. I would assume the biggest question mark moving forward is the Utah gang and their inability to score points, even though their other 2 lines are involved in major high scoring games more times than not. 

 #2 DROCK x BRADY (LAST WEEK # 4)

RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN

#1 TXJAMES x CHAMP (LAST WEEK #3)

The Chargers were my dark horse SB candidates this season and as it currently sits, my prediction for them may come true. 13-5 record with a 4-game winning streak, the high point specialist Justin Herbert has possibly surpassed Tom Brady as the most annoying QB to play against in Madden. As we go deeper into this season, I personally believe high point passing will get nerfed, as I’m writing this article now, supposedly that has already happened- we shall see. No matter what, this team is a legit contender and I want to give credit to their Owner, GM and 3 lines for being some of the easiest people to deal with in this chaotic league.

Halfway through our initial week 1 of games, storylines begin to formulate, and expectations are now transforming into reality. Below we will tackle five different scenarios and ask YOU the audience, is this a clearcut overreaction?? Or is this a storyline that could eventually pick up steam and become factual? 

#1 “NO REAL SURPRISE HERE, THE BUCS OPEN THE SEASON AT 5-1, KOOLAIDZ IS ALREADY LEADING THE LEAGUE IN TD’S AND ABYSS WILL MOST CERTAINLY FOLLOW SUIT. WE’RE NOT EVEN THROUGH WEEK 1, BUT IS THIS TEAM ALREADY THE CLEARCUT SB FAVORITES??”

#2 “LUCKY AND THE GB PACKERS HAVE ABSOLUTELY JINXED THEIR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS YEAR BY BEING THE MOST OVERCONFIDENT TEAM IN THE LEAGUE AKA “RING SEASON”. AFTER SAID PHRASE WAS CREATED, 3-4 START, (TWO WINS BY JUST ONE POINT, TWO LOSES BY A COMBINED 63 POINTS), AR MIGHT MISS THE REST OF THE SEASON, LUCKY TRADES AWAY HIS FORMER GM IBPROFAM, AND ROOKIE QB CAUSE PUBLICALLY THROWS HIS LINE UNDER THE BUS AFTER A LOSS.”

#3 “EXTREMELY PREDICTABLE AND VERY ANNOYING TO PLAY AGAINST, THE BROWNS 3 HEADED RUNNING ATTACK OF BRADY, FEAR AND NORTH- WILL ABSOLUTELY BE TOP THREE IN THE LEAGUE FOR RUSHING AND PROBABLY BREAK ANY AND ALL VFL SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING RECORDS? 

#4 FORMER MASSIVELY BIDDED QB WARPATH IS BACK IN THE LEAGUE ONCE AGAIN AND HAS QUICKLY BEEN BROUGHT UP FROM THE AFL BY THE BILLS. IN 5 SEASONS HE PUT TOGETHER AN EYE-OPENING STAT LINE OF 57TDS TO 83 INTS. NOW HE HAS AN OP JOSH ALLEN AND ZERO PRESSURE OF BEING THE TEAMS MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYER, THEREFORE SEASON 7 WILL GO DOWN AS HIS BEST SEASON EVER IN THE VFL.

#5 ALREADY OFF TO A 2-5 START, THEY’VE BEEN BLOWN OUT, SHUT OUT AND ALREADY HAVE CHATTER OF PLAYER UNHAPPINESS STARTING TO SPEW INTO DISCORD CHAT. THE SEASON 7 EAGLES WILL GO DOWN AS THE MOST DYSFUNCTIONAL AND STATISTICALLY WORST TEAM TO EVER PLAY IN THE VFL. 

 

After a two-week-long hiatus, we find ourselves a day into our inaugural Season 7 – week 1 matchups. player bidding is finally in the rearview, trades have been executed and the waiver wire is in full swing. Below we will recap what’s happened and what we predict could happen moving forward. As always, congrats to everyone involved, and here’s to hopefully what will become the best VFL season ever. 

#8 JOHNNY WHEELS x BLUNKEY (LAST WEEK #8) 

No surprise here, the Eagles are team that will ultimately sink or swim… At this point, there doesn’t seem to be any type of in between. After player bidding concluded, the dynamic duo of Wheels and Blunkey seem poised to “shock the world” you could say, with massive signings of Willy, Nate, Shady and Hutch – veteran players that have proved to be more than capable in past seasons. Though now a day into Season 7, they quickly find themselves in a 0-3 hole. Can GM QB Blunkey save the day? 

#7 ACEBOOGS x BWALL (LAST WEEK #6) 

At #7 The Money Team AKA The BBB (Big Baller Brand) of the VFL, finds themselves in a familiar spot with this ranking. Similar to the Eagles, this is another sink or swim team filled with big talent from past seasons. With the bidding selections of Areis, Sacrifice, Clutch and Crazy Effect and then a quick trade of former SB champ elite RB Ibprofam – this team is STACKED with talent and possibility. After going a respectable 2-1 last night, this team is poised to jump up the rankings with another stellar outing tonight. Though, as we dive into their 2 wins from Sunday, 27-24 over the Eagles and 28-24 win over the Browns, is this an Icarus scenario with a team that’s potentially flying too close to the sun? If you don’t know the reference… maybe hop off Madden for a moment and read a book 🙂

#6 TPBRAVES x MIDNIGHT (LAST WEEK #7)

To make sure I don’t come off bias here, heading into Sunday the Bengal’s were surely battling the #8 Eagles for the possible lowest ranked team to start our Season 7 kickoff. Flash forward to today, this team was literally 1 point away from starting the season 3-0 and this is after ending the night almost completely shutting down the QB star of the evening in KC (BLKSUPERSA1YAN). There’s a lot more football to go, but what a promising start from a team that most of the league has already written off. 

#5 LUCKY x NEDLEY (LAST WEEK #3) 

There is a lot to untangle here, so let’s just dive in headfirst- shall we? Rumors are swirling through the NFL this morning, stating Aaron Rodgers could possibly sit the rest of the 2022 season, making this team selection ultimately worthless from an offensive standpoint. Now it might not happen this upcoming week due to Rodgers stating he wants to play until the Packers are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but at 4-8 that day could be here WELL BEFORE our Season 7 playoffs begin. On top of all this real-life drama, the VFL Packers have potential problems of their own with last night loses of 21 points and 42. In 3 games their Points scored is 31 and Points allowed is 93. Is it still ring season?

#4 DROCK x BRADY (LAST WEEK # 4) 

RPO Stretch Left, Stretch Right and when all else fails, streeeeetch a little more. Staying put at #4 The Browns have shown the league their goal and that goal is run the football, at least until Deshaun Watson comes back. All jokes aside, I personally think it’s a brilliant concept, when you take away heavy passing it simply allows you to control the clock and typically win the turnover battle, which is a recipe for wins, especially in a league that QBs struggle with turning the ball over. 

#3 TXJAMES x CHAMP (LAST WEEK #5) 

After starting the season 2-1 the Chargers are quite possibly turning into my dark horse SB candidate and here’s why – ZERO PLAYER PERSONAL DRAMA, it’s really that simple. As we see most teams star players extremely vocal in chat, either complaining or overly trash talking their opponents, you’ve probably noticed most of the Chargers lineup simply play their games and keep shit moving. I highly doubt this team has to deal with any player turnover and it will allow their lines to build true chemistry together, while most of the league’s owners are contemplating trading away key players every second of the day. Maybe I’m wrong, but I doubt it. 

#2 EBOK x HUCCI (LAST WEEK #2)

Not much to dive into here with my final top teams. We know these #2 and #1 juggernauts will make playoffs and be contenders until the very end. I suppose my only question for the Chiefs here is, how well can BLK play throughout an entire season? You can clearly tell he’s a converted RB to QB by how dynamic he can be, especially when the play breaks down and he’s forced to freestyle. On the flip side of that, you see at times where he lacks reads and overall play call ability. Either way, this is a more than competitive team with ginormous upside.

#1 ABYSS x KOOLAIDZ (LAST WEEK #1) 

2 weeks in a row now, we’ve given Abyss and company the #1 slot and that trend looks to continue as we play through week 1 and head into week 2 Sunday. Whichever way you slice it or dice it, this team is going to be a tough out, no matter what line it is and no matter what team they face. Now playing the devil’s advocate here, something to look into is Tristian Wirfs health moving forward. The star lineman could be out for the rest of the season and that would be a HUGE loss to this already banged up offensive line. 

Team bidding ended last night and as the dust finally settled, we look into our latest rankings as our 8 teams start to take on their season 7 identities a bit more. Next up is player bidding 🙂 

#8 JOHNNY WHEELS x BLUNKEY (LAST WEEK #7) 

Our initial #8 ranked team is back to their original ranking after spending the minimum 1MIL required on the Eagles. I don’t mind this bid, you take over the NFL’s #1 ranked team by wins/losses, figuring players like Hurts and AJ Brown have a strong chance to receive badges in the following weeks ahead. My only true concern with this bid is simple, currently Hurts isn’t a top 8 Madden QB and Sanders/Gainwell are nowhere near top 8 in RBs. Can a brand-new owner and a brand-new GM thrive using star level players at the games most important positions?? And most importantly, will top level talent be happy using this team for season 7, knowing they are also paired with Ownership “Green Pea’s” of the VFL. 

#7 TPBRAVES x MIDNIGHT (LAST WEEK #8)

Jumping back to their original #7 ranking, we see Braves and company land the Bengals for 3 MIL. This is definitely a high value selection, Burrow has fearless, Mixon is a RB cheat code and the entire field is filled with offensive weapons (Chase, Higgins, Boyd, Hurst). With an improved offensive line and defense, the Bengals are a team that can compete with anyone in the league, IF you pair the team with the appropriate users. Where this team will potentially have issues is on the defensive end of the ball as they lack playmakers, especially within the secondary. 

#6 ACEBOOGS x BWALL (LAST WEEK #6) 

VFL “Bad Boys” aka the MONEY TEAM, stay put at #6 with their low-risk selection of the Bills. In my opinion this was the correct move by ownership, neither the Owner or GM are QBs, so having Josh Allen should attract many available QBS to their team, now we simply wait for bidding. 

#5 TX JAMES x CHAMP (LAST WEEK #4) 

Down one spot from last week, is TXJames and Champ. This is a tougher team to grade/rank due to the massive injuries of their top OL, WR, top CB and of course Joey Bosa. Where many were to believe he would return Week 10/11, news actually came out last night that Bosa reaggravated his injury and his timetable for return could soon change. Coach Brandon Staley said this when asked about Bosa’s return, “It’s going to be some time”- Source

#4 DROCK x BRADY (LAST WEEK #5) 

Coming in at #4 with possibly the sneakiest bid of Season 7, Drock and Brady put all their eggs into the run game and Deshaun Watson (If he gets his abilities back). I personally enjoyed this bid, especially when you consider it only cost ownership 1.5 MIL. Like stated above, the biggest question mark is Deshaun Watson and the potential of him returning to the game, but with no abilities. EA dev team sadly holds this VFL team’s future in their hands. 

#3 LUCKY x NEDLEY (LAST WEEK #2) 

Coming in at the #3 spot- down one spot from a week ago, Star QBs/Ownership Lucky and Nedley put all faith in the 38-year-old, ayahuasca sipping HOF Aaron Rodgers. From the standpoint of their team so far, the pick makes perfect sense. You have two great QBs selecting possibly the most OP QB in the game of Madden. My only concern is their lack of WRs and edge rushers, which could pose an annoying element for other users that are bided to this team. Either way, Lucky certainly has a clear-cut vison and he’s sticking to it. 

#2 EBOK x HUCCI (LAST WEEK #3)

The returning champ made another solid value bid by selecting the Chiefs for only 3.5 MIL. Ebok himself though is currently in a very conflicting state this afternoon. Early this morning his original GM of choice Beaste announced he will in fact play in Season 7 and his teams speedy WR Mecole Hardmon was put on 4 game IR. Two tough breaks for the defending champion. 

#1 ABYSS x KOOLAIDZ (LAST WEEK #1) 

Ending our V3 rankings here, we see a very familiar face staying put at the #1 spot. Abyss lands himself the hands down most annoying team to play against in M23. You can except a constant barrage on high point bullet passes from Brady to Evans all season long. 

Late last night Season 7 GMs were announced and now the clock begins on Team Bidding. This is our first look at the decision-making ability of our newly appointed Owners. Below are my updated Owner rankings based on their GM additions. Once again, congratulations to everyone involved this season! 

#8 TPBRAVES x MIDNIGHT YORK (#6 LAST WEEK)

Down two spots from last week, Braves heads into Season7 face first! Being a new Owner will always present early issues and needed adjustments, but what hurts this particular owner the most is his questionable hiring of Midnight. The hiring itself can be looked at in many ways, but Braves posting in discord chat just hours before GMS were announced, looking for his Season 7 apprentice is a questionable start to the upcoming season. How prepared or not prepared was he when this crucial decision was made??

#7 JOHNNY WHEELS x BLUNKEY (LAST WEEK #8)

Do you believe in miracles!!?? Some were shocked when Mr. Wheels himself was given the opportunity to be a Season 7 Owner and now his first decision made was adding VFL’s Bad Boy QB Blunkey, to be his #2 this season. In my opinion, I love the move and because of this move Wheels has been bumped up one spot in my rankings. This duo will have major eyes on them all season, let’s see what they decide next, once Team Bidding is announced. 

#6 ACEBOOGS x BWALL (LAST WEEK #5) 

A small drop from my initial rankings last week, Ace starts his comeback tour aka revenge season by adding the likes of BWALL to his arsenal. Here’s what you have with this duo, two VFL veterans that know how to win and most importantly what it takes to build a championship caliber line. My question here is simple, they both carry giant personalities that sometimes rub people the wrong way, as the #1 and #2 of a team, how can that potentially effect team building moving forward?

#5 DROCK x BRADY (LAST WEEK #6) 

Don’t call it a comeback! Jumping up one spot from my initial rankings, Drock made a very strong and bold move by aligning himself with one of the leagues most touted and feared QBs IR Brady. Here’s the dilemma though, Brady is signed up as an RB for Season 7!  

#4 TXJAMES x CHAMP (LAST WEEK #4) 

Staying put at my initial #4 ranking, TX James adds a stellar GM by the name of Champ to his potential championship roster. I personally love the move and will be very interested in seeing who these two select during team bidding. 

#3 EBOK x HUCCI (LAST WEEK #1) 

Trending way down from last week’s initial rankings, Ebok starts his possible repeat season by adding a position player from Season 6 that put together only 600 yards, 3 TDS and a 3-2 record. Now at first glance I’m sure many will question this move, but the champ does what the champ wants and only time will tell if this decision adds to the $$$ bag or quite possibly fumbles the bag. 

#2 LUCKY x NEDLEY (LAST WEEK #3) 

Lucky makes a giant swing for the fences with the addition of Nedley as his Season 7 GM. These two QBs could both end the season top 5 in all QB statistics. When it comes to the VFL, that’s a potential recipe for a title.

#1 ABYSS x KOOLAIDZ (LAST WEEK #2) 

Back like he never left, Abyss finds himself in the beginning stages of what looks like a MONSTARS like potential squad! With a combined record of 17-5 from Season 6, these two will hit the ground running and immediately demand respect as we head into Team Bidding.