Well, we have seen a decent amount of shuffling after the last two games. We can see the importance of these swing games as the season draws near the end. Now, we see five teams vying for 3 spots, as the Manglers have been eliminated from this analysis, though they are not mathematically eliminated (3.5 games behind with 4 to play.)
The conference seems to be a four team powerhouuse, with the 5th place Islanders being on the cusp of a making this list, which would actually be a demotion for them. Again, teams will be added and removed from this list as seems fit.
Here ya go...
Team by Team Comparison:
(* Denote Swing Games)
6) Saigon Knights (7-5-0)
Overall Rating: 33
Remaining Schedule Record: 11-37-0
Last Week: 7th in Rankings (+1)
Analysis:
It appears the the Saigon Knights are in control, and will be headed ot the playoffs. Probably the most talented of this bunch, they also have the easiest remaining schedule of the five teams. I see them losing only to the Battlers, who have come on strong in their own right and are contending for that #1 seed in Zeta. Saigon may even be in a position to fight for an even higher seed if they can get past the Islanders for a 5-spot, though they are pretty much out of reach for any home field advantage in the first round. They also got lucky in drawing the worst team in the Alpha Conference (Portland Dirty Pengiuins) and this game will only serve as a tuneup and to gain some valuable experience points for the players before the playoffs begin.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Gangzhou Ducks - W* (W)
Tin Zin Taint Manglers – W (W)
Shanghai Shaolin Monks – W
oQuarterback Press - W
Aussie Battlers - L
Portland Dirty Penguins - W
Final Record: 10-6
7) Gangzhou Ducks (7-5-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 29-19-0
Last Week: 6th in Rankings (-1)
Analysis:
Gangzhou is a quality team, but has been inconsistent all season. They lost one of their swing games to the Saigon Knights, but they still seem to be in decent shape in their playoff push. They are in control of their own destiny, and do have a pretty tough remianing four games. However, they should get a win against the oQuarterback Press in these final 4 games, and they do not play any other bubble teams which could make or break their season. Of course, I am sure they would love to beat one of the big guns to solidify their chances, gain some momentum, and even some confidence heading to what is almost guaranteed to be an opening round road playoff game. They are not as talented as those big guys on their schedule, but there is not such a talent difference to where they stand no chance against them, either.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Saigon Knights - L* (L)
Shanghai Shaolin Monks – W (W)
oQuarterback Press - W
Aussie Battlers - L
Haiphong Hitmen - L
Phuket All – L
Final Record: 8-8
8) MAKATI Red Robins (6-5-1)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 31-17-0
Last Week: 11th in Rankings (+3)
Analysis:
The Red Robins got a huge win against the Stampede last week, coming back to score two late fourth quarter touchdowns to win 24-20. Not only did the comeback look great, but it may have saved their season. Now, the Red Robins ar ein the driver's seat to make the playoffs. A huge game with the Beach Bums looms in week 14, and that game could very well be the game for that last playoff spot in the Zeta conference. They have a tough final four games, starting with the undefeated Tweetys in week 13. They also drew the powerful Taiwan Royals in the last week of the season, and I am sure they wish they drew someone further down the standings from the Alpha conference. Still, assuming they beat the Tin Zin Taint Manglers, that game against the Beach Bums will be their biggest of the year. Stealing a game from the Royals or the Tweetys would definitely help their chances, and put less pressure on how the other teams do the remaining of the season.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Bangkok Gamecocks – W (W)
Peking Stampede - L* (W)
Bangkok Tweetys - L
Johor Bahru Beach Bums - W*
Tin Zin Taint Manglers - W
Taiwan Royals - L
Final Record: 8-7-1
---------------------------------------------------Current Cut Line
9) Shang Hi Seminoles (6-6-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 27-21-0
Last Week: 9th in Rankings (Same)
Analysis:
The Seminoles have had a decent season thus far, exceeding expectations and giving themselves hope for making a surprise run to the playoffs. They have a semi-tough scehdule left in the season, though they play two really good teams in the Hitmen and the New England Partisans. I have them losing to the Peking Stamnpede, but if they find a way to win that "swing game," they could sneak their way into that #8 spot, depending on how the other teams do. Much improved over the course of the season, their fans show appreciation of the team's hard work, and I look forward to seeing where they end up next season, regardless if they make the playoffs in this one.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
oQuarterback Press – W (W)
Aussie Battlers – L (L)
Haiphong Hitmen - L
Bangkok Gamecocks - W
Peking Stampede - L*
New England Partisans - L
Final Record: 7-9
10) Johor Bahru Beach Bums (6-6-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 20-26-2
Last Week: 8th in Rankings (-2)
Analysis:
The Johor Bahru Beach Bums have the second easiest remaining schedule, other than the Knights. They dropped out of that #8 spot after MAKATI won their two games, and they went 1-1. Still, they are in a pretty good spot to make the playoffs, and that game against the Red Robins proves to be their tickets in if they can win. Because of their loss to the Ducks earlier in the season, the Ducks would have the tiebreak over them in the case of both teams finishing 8-8. That being said, the Red Robin game in week 14 is a must win road game, which will make things tough playing in front of a hostile Makati crowd. Of course, drawing the Fightin' Farmers in the intaleague game help's their chances, though they must not overlook them, as well. Also, stealing a win against Indonesia is always a possibilty.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Peking Stampede - W* (W)
Bangkok Tweetys – L (L)
Tin Zin Taint Manglers - W
MAKATI Red Robins - L*
Indonesia Islanders - L
Aggieland Fightin Farmers - W
Final Record: 8-8
11) Peking Stampede (5-7-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 32-15-1
Last Week: 10th in Rankings (-1)
Analysis:
A tough last two weeks, losing both swing games against the Red Robins and the Beach Bums. Though not currently out of the race, they will need a lot of help to make the top 8, especially after losing those two head to head matchups. They pretty much have to win out, which is no easy task considering they have the Islanders and the Colonels coming up for their next two games. They seem to have lost their confidence, and it was shown by the comeback by the Red Robins against them last week. Of course, they have to play desperate now, maybe even mix in some new strategies against the higher tier teams they play against. It isn't over for them yet, but it could be after the next game.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Johor Bahru Beach Bums - L* (L)
MAKATI Red Robins - W* (L)
Indonesia Islanders - L
Kentucky Colonels - L
Shang Hi Seminoles - W*
Macau Gamblers - L
Final Record: 6-10
Eliminated from Contention:
- Tin Zin Taint Manglers (3-9) - Not mathematically out, and if things go their way they will be back on the list. However, it is a too much a tall order for them to come back and have been put in this category.
Final Projected Playoff Standing:
6) Saigon Knights (10-6)
7) MAKATI Red Robins (8-7-1)
8) Gangzhou Ducks* (8-8)
------------------------------
9) Johor Bahru Beach Bums (8-8)
10) Shang Hi Knights (7-9)
11) Peking Stampede (6-10)
* - Gets Higher Standing due to Head to Head Win
The conference seems to be a four team powerhouuse, with the 5th place Islanders being on the cusp of a making this list, which would actually be a demotion for them. Again, teams will be added and removed from this list as seems fit.
Here ya go...
Team by Team Comparison:
(* Denote Swing Games)
6) Saigon Knights (7-5-0)
Overall Rating: 33
Remaining Schedule Record: 11-37-0
Last Week: 7th in Rankings (+1)
Analysis:
It appears the the Saigon Knights are in control, and will be headed ot the playoffs. Probably the most talented of this bunch, they also have the easiest remaining schedule of the five teams. I see them losing only to the Battlers, who have come on strong in their own right and are contending for that #1 seed in Zeta. Saigon may even be in a position to fight for an even higher seed if they can get past the Islanders for a 5-spot, though they are pretty much out of reach for any home field advantage in the first round. They also got lucky in drawing the worst team in the Alpha Conference (Portland Dirty Pengiuins) and this game will only serve as a tuneup and to gain some valuable experience points for the players before the playoffs begin.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Gangzhou Ducks - W* (W)
Tin Zin Taint Manglers – W (W)
Shanghai Shaolin Monks – W
oQuarterback Press - W
Aussie Battlers - L
Portland Dirty Penguins - W
Final Record: 10-6
7) Gangzhou Ducks (7-5-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 29-19-0
Last Week: 6th in Rankings (-1)
Analysis:
Gangzhou is a quality team, but has been inconsistent all season. They lost one of their swing games to the Saigon Knights, but they still seem to be in decent shape in their playoff push. They are in control of their own destiny, and do have a pretty tough remianing four games. However, they should get a win against the oQuarterback Press in these final 4 games, and they do not play any other bubble teams which could make or break their season. Of course, I am sure they would love to beat one of the big guns to solidify their chances, gain some momentum, and even some confidence heading to what is almost guaranteed to be an opening round road playoff game. They are not as talented as those big guys on their schedule, but there is not such a talent difference to where they stand no chance against them, either.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Saigon Knights - L* (L)
Shanghai Shaolin Monks – W (W)
oQuarterback Press - W
Aussie Battlers - L
Haiphong Hitmen - L
Phuket All – L
Final Record: 8-8
8) MAKATI Red Robins (6-5-1)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 31-17-0
Last Week: 11th in Rankings (+3)
Analysis:
The Red Robins got a huge win against the Stampede last week, coming back to score two late fourth quarter touchdowns to win 24-20. Not only did the comeback look great, but it may have saved their season. Now, the Red Robins ar ein the driver's seat to make the playoffs. A huge game with the Beach Bums looms in week 14, and that game could very well be the game for that last playoff spot in the Zeta conference. They have a tough final four games, starting with the undefeated Tweetys in week 13. They also drew the powerful Taiwan Royals in the last week of the season, and I am sure they wish they drew someone further down the standings from the Alpha conference. Still, assuming they beat the Tin Zin Taint Manglers, that game against the Beach Bums will be their biggest of the year. Stealing a game from the Royals or the Tweetys would definitely help their chances, and put less pressure on how the other teams do the remaining of the season.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Bangkok Gamecocks – W (W)
Peking Stampede - L* (W)
Bangkok Tweetys - L
Johor Bahru Beach Bums - W*
Tin Zin Taint Manglers - W
Taiwan Royals - L
Final Record: 8-7-1
---------------------------------------------------Current Cut Line
9) Shang Hi Seminoles (6-6-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 27-21-0
Last Week: 9th in Rankings (Same)
Analysis:
The Seminoles have had a decent season thus far, exceeding expectations and giving themselves hope for making a surprise run to the playoffs. They have a semi-tough scehdule left in the season, though they play two really good teams in the Hitmen and the New England Partisans. I have them losing to the Peking Stamnpede, but if they find a way to win that "swing game," they could sneak their way into that #8 spot, depending on how the other teams do. Much improved over the course of the season, their fans show appreciation of the team's hard work, and I look forward to seeing where they end up next season, regardless if they make the playoffs in this one.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
oQuarterback Press – W (W)
Aussie Battlers – L (L)
Haiphong Hitmen - L
Bangkok Gamecocks - W
Peking Stampede - L*
New England Partisans - L
Final Record: 7-9
10) Johor Bahru Beach Bums (6-6-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 20-26-2
Last Week: 8th in Rankings (-2)
Analysis:
The Johor Bahru Beach Bums have the second easiest remaining schedule, other than the Knights. They dropped out of that #8 spot after MAKATI won their two games, and they went 1-1. Still, they are in a pretty good spot to make the playoffs, and that game against the Red Robins proves to be their tickets in if they can win. Because of their loss to the Ducks earlier in the season, the Ducks would have the tiebreak over them in the case of both teams finishing 8-8. That being said, the Red Robin game in week 14 is a must win road game, which will make things tough playing in front of a hostile Makati crowd. Of course, drawing the Fightin' Farmers in the intaleague game help's their chances, though they must not overlook them, as well. Also, stealing a win against Indonesia is always a possibilty.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Peking Stampede - W* (W)
Bangkok Tweetys – L (L)
Tin Zin Taint Manglers - W
MAKATI Red Robins - L*
Indonesia Islanders - L
Aggieland Fightin Farmers - W
Final Record: 8-8
11) Peking Stampede (5-7-0)
Overall Rating: 30
Remaining Schedule Record: 32-15-1
Last Week: 10th in Rankings (-1)
Analysis:
A tough last two weeks, losing both swing games against the Red Robins and the Beach Bums. Though not currently out of the race, they will need a lot of help to make the top 8, especially after losing those two head to head matchups. They pretty much have to win out, which is no easy task considering they have the Islanders and the Colonels coming up for their next two games. They seem to have lost their confidence, and it was shown by the comeback by the Red Robins against them last week. Of course, they have to play desperate now, maybe even mix in some new strategies against the higher tier teams they play against. It isn't over for them yet, but it could be after the next game.
Remaining Game Predictions (Actual Result):
Johor Bahru Beach Bums - L* (L)
MAKATI Red Robins - W* (L)
Indonesia Islanders - L
Kentucky Colonels - L
Shang Hi Seminoles - W*
Macau Gamblers - L
Final Record: 6-10
Eliminated from Contention:
- Tin Zin Taint Manglers (3-9) - Not mathematically out, and if things go their way they will be back on the list. However, it is a too much a tall order for them to come back and have been put in this category.
Final Projected Playoff Standing:
6) Saigon Knights (10-6)
7) MAKATI Red Robins (8-7-1)
8) Gangzhou Ducks* (8-8)
------------------------------
9) Johor Bahru Beach Bums (8-8)
10) Shang Hi Knights (7-9)
11) Peking Stampede (6-10)
* - Gets Higher Standing due to Head to Head Win
