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The return of the weekly recaps. So it took until week 10, but here we are with the first installment of the year. Due to traveling, being in Argentina for the last three months, and not being able to watch enough football, my article writing has suffered. But hopefully I’ll be able to finish out the season strong; apart from the one week I’ll be in Peru hiking Machu Picchu … poor me.

Enough about me, the 2009 MFL season is well underway and we’re starting to get some insight into this year’s playoff picture. As per usual, the Clowns are chugging along, and only 3 games away from completing their first ever undefeated season. They’re also challenging their own record for biggest point total differential between 1^st and 2^nd place, averaging over 100 points a week. After Las Vegas, no one has really stood out. Golden State and Springfield are probably the next best two teams, making the White Conference very strong this year, especially when you consider that Denver will likely miss the playoffs despite having the 4^th best record in the league. In all likelihood, the playoff picture in the White will look exactly the same as last year, pitting the Storm and Isotopes against each other in the opening round, with the winner playing Las Vegas in the Conference Championship.

As always, the Black Conference is a lot foggier, especially with divisional play beginning this week. There are still five teams all very much in the playoff hunt for the three spots, and the Rockets are the only team who look to have a good hold on a playoff berth (not to mention that they just added Carson Palmer to complement their impressive collection of running backs). In addition, the fact that no team is above 6-4 has allowed the Piranhas and Sharks to fight their way back into playoff relevance both behind 4-game winning streaks. This week’s matchups could clear some things up though as the Outlaws take on the Sharks and the Longhorns fight to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Thunderbirds. On that note, let’s take a look at what happened in week 10.

Piranhas (6-4) vs. Longhorns (4-6): 63-37

In a game signifying a changing of the guards, the up-and-coming Piranhas took down perennial powerhouse Philly with ease en route to their 4^th straight victory, keeping them atop the Southern Division standings. The Piranhas D proved ferocious enough to keep Brees from going off, not to mention completely stifling Philly’s run game, while their offense was led by a pair of old men. LT apparently fed off the news he got right before game time about his wife’s pregnancy to finally put up a game reminiscent of his name. And Favre continued what he’s been doing all season, limiting turnovers while doing what needs to get done. On a side note, here’s a much better version of the Favre Wrangler ad you’re always forced to watch.

Rockets (6-4) vs. Sharks (5-5): 53-54

Thomas Jones, who arrived in New Orleans only one day before Sunday’s game, was the deciding factor in this one, rushing for what proved to be the decisive touchdown. Although, the Rockets were still only 1 yard from victory when star running back Maurice Jones-Drew decided to take a knee at the 1-yard line in order to run more time off the clock. Ronnie Brown ran well too in this one; it was New York’s D that really let them down. That and an uncharacteristically turnover-free game from Aaron Rodgers. David Garrard’s lost fumble might have been the deciding moment though, his 5^th of the season, only 2 less than the amount of touchdowns he’s thrown all season. I doubt New York will miss Garrard’s presence in the starting lineup now that they acquired Carson Palmer. And now I finally think I have a theory as to why he can’t hold onto the ball (Garrard wedding photos). If he gets this sweaty dancing at a wedding, I hate to think how soaked his hands get when playing an actual sport. It’s gotta be tough trying to grip a football when your hands are covered in salt water.

Outlaws (6-4) vs. Warlords (2-8): 58-28

St. Louis took down the Warlords to keep pace with Palm Beach in the South behind strong games from Gore and Pierre Garcon. It didn’t hurt either that Washington couldn’t find the endzone Sunday. Now the Outlaws need to gear up for their big matchup next week against the rival Sharks.

Mustangs (3-7) vs. Thunderbirds (2-8): 64-87

Tom Brady’s back. Just in time to help New England in the Toilet Bowl. Along with outgoing receiver Brandon Marshall, they put up a show this week, reminiscent of the old days of this franchise. Houston actually put some numbers on the board as well behind a great game from rookie running back Beanie Wells, who’s beginning to show some real promise. Roy Williams also backed up all his talk about being a “#1” receiver for the 2^nd straight week. However, Houston has a lot of work to do to make themselves a contender again, even in their weak division.

Clowns (10-1) vs. Dragons (4-6): 141-39

Wow! The Clowns are looking unbeatable. They only had one offensive player score under 10 points Sunday, their tight end. Not to mention that they had four score over 20. That is a rare and impressive stat. Manning threw for 4 touchdowns and Chris Johnson and AP added 4 more on the ground. Add in three 100-yard receiving games, one by their RB, Johnson, and you have one dominant offensive showcase. Moss is starting to look like his old self at just the right time as well. I think there’s a good chance the Clowns can finally complete the first undefeated championship MFL season in history.

The Dragons are another story. After a fiery start to the season, they’ve now lost 5 straight. The once extremely promising seasons of Flacco, Jackson, and the other Steve Smith have slowly dwindled away, with only Smith still really contributing. Not to mention injuries to Kevin Smith and simple ineffectiveness from Larry Johnson. This team has some promise going forward, but has its share of work to do in the offseason.

Storm (8-2) vs. Wolfpack (5-5): 49-56

Detroit’s defense absolutely dominated Golden State Sunday, including adding a touchdown themselves. Alex Smith simply looked outmatched all day trying to replace Eli Manning for the day. Eli will be back for next week though. Ray Rice and the old Steve Smith still put up solid games for the Storm, but it just wasn’t enough. Now they get to take on Las Vegas next week, in what has become an even more heated rivalry after last season. The way Las Vegas is looking though, Golden State is going to need a lot of things to fall their way to take down their arch nemesis.

Isotopes (7-3) vs. Mountain Katz (6-4): 92-84

The Isotopes have now pretty much clinched their 5^th straight division title, although Denver actually put up quite a fight in this week’s shootout. Warner led the team with 340 yards and 2 td’s, but the running game behind Stewart and Maroney scored 3 touchdowns of their own. In the end though, it proved not to be enough to stop Mcnabb and company. Free agent pickup Ladell Betts proved to be the difference in this one, rushing for 114 yds and a td. Addai also continued his recent resurgence, adding 2 important touchdowns. Now the Isotopes can pretty much just cruise into the playoffs.

Predators (2-8) vs. Slayers (4-6): 41-73

The Slayers easily handled the lowly Predators on Sunday, bringing them to at least a respectable 4-6 on the season. Although stuck in the toughest division in the MFL, this team actually has a lot of potential, possibly the most of the non-playoff teams this year. With 5 1^st rounders in the next two years combined with a very solid core built around Steven Jackson, Moreno, Bush, Charles, and Cassel, this team could very well become a contender for years to come. In this game, it was Jackson and Bush that led the charge combining for 274 total yards and 3 scores.

The Predators also underwent a massive rebuilding effort right before the deadline, turning Thomas Jones and Kyle Orton into Brandon Marshall, Cotchery, and a bunch of draft picks. Not to mention snagging Portis off free agency. It’ll be interesting to watch both these teams continue to grow over the next few years.