Jan 1st, 2025

HLC Halftime Scoreboard:
Tourists 132, Lobos 113
Jaybirds 136, Leatherheads 71
Robots 160, Muskellunge 126
Tacos 202, Troubadours 98

Kevin Burkhardt: Welcome back, folks, to the HLC Fantasy Halftime Report, where we’re breaking down the action halfway through the most important week of the season. Once again, it’s your favorite baseball guys filling in for the NFL pros—because, well, the HLC budget is what it is. A-Rod, Big Papi, Derek Jeter—what do we make of the chaos so far?

A-Rod: Kevin, this is where fantasy football mirrors the real thing. It’s not just about who’s on your roster—it’s about who’s available to play. Both the Austin Tourists and New Mexico Lobos are facing massive challenges. Josh Allen is out for Austin, and Jalen Hurts is out for New Mexico. Now, the Lobos at least have Justin Herbert stepping in, but the Tourists are rolling the dice with rookie Jayden Daniels. Talk about pressure on a young QB in a championship setting!

Big Papi: Not so fast, big guy! Daniels isn’t just any rookie… he’s looking like a favorite for Rookie of the Year. And, you forgot to mention the wide receivers. No A.J. Brown for Austin, no CeeDee Lamb for New Mexico. Both teams are missing their heavy hitters. It’s like going into the World Series without your cleanup hitter. Sure, you’ve got depth, but this changes the whole game.

Jeter: Indeed—this championship is going to be decided by how well the backups perform. Herbert is a proven starter for the Lobos, so they might have the edge at quarterback. And they have star wideout Ja’Marr Chase ready to go. But Austin’s got Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs, two workhorses who can carry a team on their backs. This one’s far from over, and the second half is going to test both teams’ depth charts like never before.

Kevin Burkhardt: And let’s not forget the Consolation Ladder. The Jaybirds and Leatherheads, the top two regular-season teams, are duking it out for third place. It’s been a tough go for Rockport so far, but hey, we’ve seen crazier comebacks, right, Papi?

Big Papi: Absolutely, Kev! But you think the Jaybirds are just going to coast now that they have a big lead? No way! They’ve been one of the best teams all year, and Joe Burrow and Amon-Ra St. Brown are keeping them in control. Rockport needs a miracle to get back in this one.

A-Rod: And let’s not overlook the other Consolation games—it’s been a rollercoaster. The Michiana Muskellunge, out of nowhere, are looking like a team that could’ve been a playoff contender, with Jared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the charge. Still, the Robots are looking even better, taking a 35 point lead into the half. On the other side of the bracket, the Tacos are absolutely torching the Troubadours, already racking up over 200 fantasy points in the first half, thanks to Baker Mayfield and Malik Nabers putting on a clinic. Even when it’s just pride on the line, these teams are showing up and giving it their all.

Kevin Burkhardt: As we head into the final week, it’s truly do-or-die for both teams. With Austin and New Mexico dealing with significant injuries, this championship could come down to who maximizes their remaining firepower. Can Justin Herbert step up and guide the Lobos to their second title in three years, or will rookie Jayden Daniels deliver a storybook ending for the Tourists and cement his breakout season? Stay tuned—this one’s shaping up to be an unforgettable finish. Happy New Year, everyone!