ALPHA
So much volatility in Alpha. This conference is so even from top to bottom it isn't even fair. Any given day the top seed could lose to the 10th or 11th seed and it wouldn't really surprise anyone. All that means is these rankings will be shifting like the tides for at least a couple more games.
1. Oslo Norsemen
-What was said about them?: Last year's top seed got knocked off by Bastogne in the second round, and denied a promotion they probably deserved, but are better off not having gotten. They need another season down here to build up their stadium to compete in AA, and they have kept their roster in tact so they should be one of the teams to beat in Alpha.
-What has changed?: Beat up on the Zeta Stockholm team, and then took Helsinki behind the woodshed, introducing them to WE A4. Three easy games coming up that should give them time to sit on the throne for another few games.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Dresden Destroyers
-What was said about them?: A solid team last season that played Oslo well in their playoff game, and the changes they have made should keep them in contention. Should still be able to find some success through the air.
-What has changed?: Used a solid ground game and exceptional aerial game to knock Amsterdam off and out of the top spot. After Arlington this week they have a stretch of dangerous but winnable games to show if they deserve their lofty ranking in this crowded field.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Amsterdam Red Lights
-What was said about them?: Looking to avenge their losses from last season with a revamped roster full of high level talent. They have the foundation in place to take this league, if their early season chemistry issues don't play a role.
-What has changed?: Dominated a bad Zeta team in Arlanda, and then lost a close fought game against a Dresden team that looks much better than it did in preseason (I like their name more too
). Still think they have an excellent chance to be there in the end, but I can't keep them in the top spot this week.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Barcelona Assassins
-What was said about them?: Lost some heartbreakers at the end of last season to keep them from getting in to the playoffs. Patched up some holes but did not address others, and with the infusion of talent from the BBB leagues this season, will have to fight again hard if they want a playoff spot.
-What has changed?: At a time of great volatility in Alpha, Barcelona had an easier schedule and stayed strong, moving up a few spots. Their win against Bolderslev was impressive, key matchup against the Magic Dragons in week four could solidify this position.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. Stockholm Dynamites
-What was said about them?: Champions of BBB7 Alpha with an undefeated regular season, they kept most of their foundation together to try to make noise with in the crowded A4 Alpha conference. Strong core will make noise this season, but will probably struggle against the top four.
-What has changed?: Did well against two teams of inferior competition, has a great chance in week 3 to show the kind of team they are. If they beat the Magic Dragons they have a great chance to host Dresden in week 7 as an undefeated team, and play for a top four slot.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
6. Amsterdam Magic Dragons
-What was said about them?: Mixed bag last season, won some great games, and lost some heartbreakers. They look to break through to the top quarter of the league with some new additions including a new running back.
-What has changed?: Running game just straight up did not click against Ayershire. Their defense played well, but their offense got out gameplanned. Lethal stretch coming up, for their sake they need to recover fast.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
7. The Drunken Potato Farmers of Ayershire
-What was said about them?: Last season's BBB8 champions look to build off of that in their new league. Competition will be tough but they can probably find their way into the playoff field.
-What has changed?: Beaten badly in their first game, rebounded very well in their second to knock off the Magic Dragons. They showed how resilient they were when rebounding from their loss at the end of the regular season in BBB8 to win the trophy, so they can never be counted out.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8. Madrid Pirates
-What was said about them?: Decent team that was on the outside looking in last season, and could be again this season. Early triumphs gave way to late season disappointments, and the roster does not look much different. They look like they can sneak into the playoffs this season though.
-What has changed?: I think this boost might be a bit high for them, but at least for the time being they're in the playoff field in these predictions. Tulsa is a good team and they dispatched of them. I think Helsinki and they are similar teams so week 3 will tell us a lot about the playoff fight in Alpha.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Tulsa Doom
-What was said about them?: Strong foundation from last year that they chose not to mess with in the offseason. Almost took the conference champs down in round 1 of the playoffs, and lost many close games to the top teams in Alpha. With a lot of other teams improving around them, I would have liked to have seen a couple moves made to shore up their defense a bit, especially with the other teams around them in the standings last year improving.
-What has changed?: Their defense is their weak point, but that is not what undid them today, it was their woeful offense. Was not expecting that showing from their running game, and they have no time to waste in fixing it as two top three teams come up next.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Hell on Turff
-What was said about them?: Came up from BBB8, and has a solid core that might be able to contend in the packed A4 Alpha. Upgraded at most positions, and don't really have any holes, are a well balanced team but they might have trouble running the ball.
-What has changed?: Adequate showing so far, Palmetto was a team on their level that they beat so their 2-0 record keeps them in the playoff hunt. Need to move the ball better on offense to work their way in to the playoff field. A win against the Magic Dragons in week 5 would move them up a spot or two.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Helsinki Hitmen
-What was said about them?: BBB7 Alpha runner up makes its debut in A4. Upgraded their solid offense in the offseason, but does not look to have made enough changes to address their defensive deficiencies. Their stadium situation is near terminal.
-What has changed?: Eked out a win against the Wall, and lost against Oslo, and lost badly. Upcoming schedule does them no favors.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. Louisville Cards
-What was said about them?: Have made some changes from last season, but I do not think that they were significant enough to pull them in to the playoff discussion.
-What has changed?: Beat a pre-CPU 404 team, but that doesn't say much as they were manhandled by the Dynamites too. I don't think the playoffs are in the "cards" this season (nyuk nyuk nyuk) but do think that if they can do well in their upcoming games that they can merit a discussion.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Newcastle Seahorses
-What was said about them?: Undefeated top seed from Alpha BBB8 last season but were tripped up in the second round by the Potato Farmers, a team they had beaten 47-7 just 4 days earlier. It looks like they had a couple of defections that they have not filled with recruits yet so it is hard to judge what the future holds for them. Abused bad teams through the air last season, but when a team with secondary talent finally decided to key on their passing game they were totally shut down and exposed. They're going to need a new gimmick this season.
-What has changed?: Still going with the passing as much as possible offense, and that will not work in Alpha. Can officially move them out of the possible contenders category.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Palmetto Gamecocks
-What was said about them?: Alpha runner up in BBB8 last season, did not play with the roster and are content to play it out in A4. That could be their downfall as there is a talent gap between them and the playoff contending core of teams in Alpha.
-What has changed?: Played the Turff well, but can not establish a running game. They will lose many games until they can figure their offense out.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Arlington Avalanche
-What was said about them?: Down from AA2 from last season, this team has some great pieces in place. Unfortunately, almost all of them have been inactive for weeks and months. CPU players litter the roster.
-What has changed?: Hung 40 on Newcastle, but also gave up 100, showing both how bad Arlington is and how bad Newcastle is.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Stockholm Storm
-What was said about them?: Up from BBB8, but made the switch from Zeta to Alpha. They have decided to slow build, which is probably a good decision given the amount of top to bottom talent in Alpha this season.
-What has changed?: Still slowbuilding.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
ZETA
Great game between Krakow and Lyon this week, other than that Zeta was pretty boring, with several close but disgusting to watch games played, and a few blowouts. Not a lot of shifting, but Venice may have played themselves into a playoff position, and I think the top four is pretty set.
1. Newark Nomads
-What was said about them?: In terms of talent possibly the best team in Zeta. Looks good from top to bottom for their starters, although there is a lack of servicable depth at some positions. Stadium is alarmingly small for a roster of players that high level, equipment will be hard to come by for the team. That being said they will probably get at least one home game in the playoffs, which should relieve some of that crunch.
-What has changed?: Have done nothing but take care of business. Really smacked Bolderslev around which was a performance worthy of #1. Should remain a lock for this position until a midseason jaunt with Krakow and Jacksonville where they get their shots.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Jacksonville Jackalopes
-What was said about them?: Selling out to gun for a home game in the playoffs this season, as their stadium is in dire straits. That being said, this team looks very strong, and they could very easily take this league.
-What has changed?: Two impressive wins, albeit against opposition way below them. Three games in a row against mid-range Zeta playoff teams ahead.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Krakow Knights
-What was said about them?: Playoff team last season almost knocked off Oklahoma, who got promoted to AA2. Looking very dominant all around, this team could compete for the championship this season.
-What has changed?: Beat back a Lyon team that almost took one from them, and in doing so made sure they stay in any discussion of the conference's top team. Shouldn't have a problem rolling into week 8 at home against Newark as an undefeated team.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Lyon Winemakers
-What was said about them?: Undefeated champions of BBB7 last season. Improved in many places, and should have no problem competing in A4. Stadium needs work.
-What has changed?: Played well against Krakow despite the level difference, and showed that they belong in the top four of the league. Chance to really prove it against Jacksonville in week 3. After that, brutal schedule softens up for a long time.
-Prediction: Top four.
5. Bolderslev Pirates
-What was said about them?: A team looking to grow off of their playoff berth last season, and looks good all around. Did not change much. Another playoff berth is definitely in the cards, and so might a home game.
-What has changed?: Playoff berth is definitely there, but they need to shake off the rust and do it quick as the home game and the rest of their seeding is slipping away.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
6. The Berlin Wall
-What was said about them?: BBB8 Zeta champions last season, entering in to A4. Looks to have made some defensive upgrades, which will be needed against some of the high powered offenses of the conference. Stadium looks good, but their offense looks like it will have trouble.
-What has changed?: Have played maybe two of the ugliest games in the history of Goal Line Blitz in the first two weeks, splitting them. Have three free wins with which to shake off the cobwebs hanging on their running game.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
7. Victoria Assassins
-What was said about them?: Another team that did not change much from last season, and they only missed the playoffs by virtue of a tiebreaker. Mid-season 6 game swoon cost them dearly. Their team still looks good, and figures to lock down a playoff berth this season if they fix their depth issues.
-What has changed?: Another offensively challenged team, although they have NO excuse for it with their talent. They will lose their next three games, and badly. Hopefully for them they can bounce back after it, their 1-4 start should still take them to the playoffs.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
8. Venice Freebirds
-What was said about them?: I'm assuming that this team is under new ownership. Down from AA2, this team is full of high level talent from the owner's own players, but nothing else other than a bunch of CPU players. He could turn it around, but at this point the prediction is grim.
-What has changed?: Surprisingly won a strongly weighted win against MCRG that they now have a game over them for the 8th playoff spot. If they don't lose to any other teams below them, they're probably in the playoffs.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Monte Carlo Red Glare
-What was said about them?: BBB8 Zeta runner up last season. I'm not too sure of this, but the word on the grapevine is that they are a slow build team. Will take their lumps against the league's elite but should also be able to take care of the teams with serious problems below them.
-What has changed?: Have not had an easy go of it so far in A4, and that loss to Venice is a killer. Their situation is the opposite to Venice's, if they can't knock off one of the top seven, theyre sitting at home on day 33.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Arlanda Jets
-What was said about them?: Mishmash of a team seemingly without a plan. Too many players at some positions, too few at others, few solid spots.
-What has changed?: Someone had to be #10, and they are the least horrendous team left. Zeta's bottom half really sucks.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Stockholm Assassins
-What was said about them?: Made the playoffs out of the Zeta field last season, and have some great pieces in place, but have not recruited to fill the holes left by players who left after the season. CPU players will probably follow, and this team will be a mess unless it turns its recruiting efforts around.
-What has changed?: CPU players have taken hold, and this team is decent at best, although they can probably scrape their way to a respectable looking 6-10 or 7-9 season.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. Achei Crotone
-What was said about them?: Owner owns most of the players, and owner has been inactive for a week, so it is not a good sign for this team. Looks like it will be another losing year for this team, if it isn't sold.
-What has changed?: Still inactive, still sucks.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Berlin Spartans
-What was said about them?: Solid at spots but have a glaring lack of talent at their depth spots, and have a shoddy defense.
-What has changed?: Spanked twice in a row, nothing else to add.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Bordeaux Carlin
-What was said about them?: Interesting group, high level talent but horrendous game planning and roster structure led them to a 2-14 record last season. They also have an alarming lack of depth which contributes to their problems.
-What has changed?: Luckily got to play a CPU team, the only level of team run worse than Bordeaux.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Atlanta 404
-What was said about them?: Kept most of their BBB7 Zeta runner up team together, and that is a good thing because their lack of a stadium will probably do them in. Players on this team can't really expect to have equipment paid for.
-What has changed?: CPU.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Chrulle Mavericks
-What was said about them?: Showed promise last season, but let it all slip away with poor management of the roster and an inactive owner.
-What has changed?: CPU.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
Now on to the picks (winners in bold):
Barcelona Assassins at Louisville Cards
Stockholm Dynamites at Amsterdam Magic Dragons
Madrid Pirates at Helsinki Hitmen
Oslo Norsemen at Palmetto Gamecocks
Hell on Turff at Stockholm Storm
Dresden Destroyers at Arlington Avalanche
The Drunken Potato Farmers of Ayershire at Newcastle Seahorses
Amsterdam Red Lights at Tulsa Doom
Krakow Knights at Bolderslev Pirates
Jacksonville Jackalopes at Lyon Winemakers
Newark Nomads at Victoria Assassins
The Berlin Wall at Stockholm Assassins
Venice Freebirds at Achei Crotone
Bordeaux Carlin at Monte Carlo Red Glare
Arlanda Jets at Chrulle Mavericks
Atlanta 404 at Berlin Spartans
So much volatility in Alpha. This conference is so even from top to bottom it isn't even fair. Any given day the top seed could lose to the 10th or 11th seed and it wouldn't really surprise anyone. All that means is these rankings will be shifting like the tides for at least a couple more games.
1. Oslo Norsemen
-What was said about them?: Last year's top seed got knocked off by Bastogne in the second round, and denied a promotion they probably deserved, but are better off not having gotten. They need another season down here to build up their stadium to compete in AA, and they have kept their roster in tact so they should be one of the teams to beat in Alpha.
-What has changed?: Beat up on the Zeta Stockholm team, and then took Helsinki behind the woodshed, introducing them to WE A4. Three easy games coming up that should give them time to sit on the throne for another few games.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Dresden Destroyers
-What was said about them?: A solid team last season that played Oslo well in their playoff game, and the changes they have made should keep them in contention. Should still be able to find some success through the air.
-What has changed?: Used a solid ground game and exceptional aerial game to knock Amsterdam off and out of the top spot. After Arlington this week they have a stretch of dangerous but winnable games to show if they deserve their lofty ranking in this crowded field.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Amsterdam Red Lights
-What was said about them?: Looking to avenge their losses from last season with a revamped roster full of high level talent. They have the foundation in place to take this league, if their early season chemistry issues don't play a role.
-What has changed?: Dominated a bad Zeta team in Arlanda, and then lost a close fought game against a Dresden team that looks much better than it did in preseason (I like their name more too
). Still think they have an excellent chance to be there in the end, but I can't keep them in the top spot this week.-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Barcelona Assassins
-What was said about them?: Lost some heartbreakers at the end of last season to keep them from getting in to the playoffs. Patched up some holes but did not address others, and with the infusion of talent from the BBB leagues this season, will have to fight again hard if they want a playoff spot.
-What has changed?: At a time of great volatility in Alpha, Barcelona had an easier schedule and stayed strong, moving up a few spots. Their win against Bolderslev was impressive, key matchup against the Magic Dragons in week four could solidify this position.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. Stockholm Dynamites
-What was said about them?: Champions of BBB7 Alpha with an undefeated regular season, they kept most of their foundation together to try to make noise with in the crowded A4 Alpha conference. Strong core will make noise this season, but will probably struggle against the top four.
-What has changed?: Did well against two teams of inferior competition, has a great chance in week 3 to show the kind of team they are. If they beat the Magic Dragons they have a great chance to host Dresden in week 7 as an undefeated team, and play for a top four slot.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
6. Amsterdam Magic Dragons
-What was said about them?: Mixed bag last season, won some great games, and lost some heartbreakers. They look to break through to the top quarter of the league with some new additions including a new running back.
-What has changed?: Running game just straight up did not click against Ayershire. Their defense played well, but their offense got out gameplanned. Lethal stretch coming up, for their sake they need to recover fast.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
7. The Drunken Potato Farmers of Ayershire
-What was said about them?: Last season's BBB8 champions look to build off of that in their new league. Competition will be tough but they can probably find their way into the playoff field.
-What has changed?: Beaten badly in their first game, rebounded very well in their second to knock off the Magic Dragons. They showed how resilient they were when rebounding from their loss at the end of the regular season in BBB8 to win the trophy, so they can never be counted out.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8. Madrid Pirates
-What was said about them?: Decent team that was on the outside looking in last season, and could be again this season. Early triumphs gave way to late season disappointments, and the roster does not look much different. They look like they can sneak into the playoffs this season though.
-What has changed?: I think this boost might be a bit high for them, but at least for the time being they're in the playoff field in these predictions. Tulsa is a good team and they dispatched of them. I think Helsinki and they are similar teams so week 3 will tell us a lot about the playoff fight in Alpha.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Tulsa Doom
-What was said about them?: Strong foundation from last year that they chose not to mess with in the offseason. Almost took the conference champs down in round 1 of the playoffs, and lost many close games to the top teams in Alpha. With a lot of other teams improving around them, I would have liked to have seen a couple moves made to shore up their defense a bit, especially with the other teams around them in the standings last year improving.
-What has changed?: Their defense is their weak point, but that is not what undid them today, it was their woeful offense. Was not expecting that showing from their running game, and they have no time to waste in fixing it as two top three teams come up next.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Hell on Turff
-What was said about them?: Came up from BBB8, and has a solid core that might be able to contend in the packed A4 Alpha. Upgraded at most positions, and don't really have any holes, are a well balanced team but they might have trouble running the ball.
-What has changed?: Adequate showing so far, Palmetto was a team on their level that they beat so their 2-0 record keeps them in the playoff hunt. Need to move the ball better on offense to work their way in to the playoff field. A win against the Magic Dragons in week 5 would move them up a spot or two.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Helsinki Hitmen
-What was said about them?: BBB7 Alpha runner up makes its debut in A4. Upgraded their solid offense in the offseason, but does not look to have made enough changes to address their defensive deficiencies. Their stadium situation is near terminal.
-What has changed?: Eked out a win against the Wall, and lost against Oslo, and lost badly. Upcoming schedule does them no favors.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. Louisville Cards
-What was said about them?: Have made some changes from last season, but I do not think that they were significant enough to pull them in to the playoff discussion.
-What has changed?: Beat a pre-CPU 404 team, but that doesn't say much as they were manhandled by the Dynamites too. I don't think the playoffs are in the "cards" this season (nyuk nyuk nyuk) but do think that if they can do well in their upcoming games that they can merit a discussion.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Newcastle Seahorses
-What was said about them?: Undefeated top seed from Alpha BBB8 last season but were tripped up in the second round by the Potato Farmers, a team they had beaten 47-7 just 4 days earlier. It looks like they had a couple of defections that they have not filled with recruits yet so it is hard to judge what the future holds for them. Abused bad teams through the air last season, but when a team with secondary talent finally decided to key on their passing game they were totally shut down and exposed. They're going to need a new gimmick this season.
-What has changed?: Still going with the passing as much as possible offense, and that will not work in Alpha. Can officially move them out of the possible contenders category.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Palmetto Gamecocks
-What was said about them?: Alpha runner up in BBB8 last season, did not play with the roster and are content to play it out in A4. That could be their downfall as there is a talent gap between them and the playoff contending core of teams in Alpha.
-What has changed?: Played the Turff well, but can not establish a running game. They will lose many games until they can figure their offense out.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Arlington Avalanche
-What was said about them?: Down from AA2 from last season, this team has some great pieces in place. Unfortunately, almost all of them have been inactive for weeks and months. CPU players litter the roster.
-What has changed?: Hung 40 on Newcastle, but also gave up 100, showing both how bad Arlington is and how bad Newcastle is.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Stockholm Storm
-What was said about them?: Up from BBB8, but made the switch from Zeta to Alpha. They have decided to slow build, which is probably a good decision given the amount of top to bottom talent in Alpha this season.
-What has changed?: Still slowbuilding.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
ZETA
Great game between Krakow and Lyon this week, other than that Zeta was pretty boring, with several close but disgusting to watch games played, and a few blowouts. Not a lot of shifting, but Venice may have played themselves into a playoff position, and I think the top four is pretty set.
1. Newark Nomads
-What was said about them?: In terms of talent possibly the best team in Zeta. Looks good from top to bottom for their starters, although there is a lack of servicable depth at some positions. Stadium is alarmingly small for a roster of players that high level, equipment will be hard to come by for the team. That being said they will probably get at least one home game in the playoffs, which should relieve some of that crunch.
-What has changed?: Have done nothing but take care of business. Really smacked Bolderslev around which was a performance worthy of #1. Should remain a lock for this position until a midseason jaunt with Krakow and Jacksonville where they get their shots.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Jacksonville Jackalopes
-What was said about them?: Selling out to gun for a home game in the playoffs this season, as their stadium is in dire straits. That being said, this team looks very strong, and they could very easily take this league.
-What has changed?: Two impressive wins, albeit against opposition way below them. Three games in a row against mid-range Zeta playoff teams ahead.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Krakow Knights
-What was said about them?: Playoff team last season almost knocked off Oklahoma, who got promoted to AA2. Looking very dominant all around, this team could compete for the championship this season.
-What has changed?: Beat back a Lyon team that almost took one from them, and in doing so made sure they stay in any discussion of the conference's top team. Shouldn't have a problem rolling into week 8 at home against Newark as an undefeated team.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Lyon Winemakers
-What was said about them?: Undefeated champions of BBB7 last season. Improved in many places, and should have no problem competing in A4. Stadium needs work.
-What has changed?: Played well against Krakow despite the level difference, and showed that they belong in the top four of the league. Chance to really prove it against Jacksonville in week 3. After that, brutal schedule softens up for a long time.
-Prediction: Top four.
5. Bolderslev Pirates
-What was said about them?: A team looking to grow off of their playoff berth last season, and looks good all around. Did not change much. Another playoff berth is definitely in the cards, and so might a home game.
-What has changed?: Playoff berth is definitely there, but they need to shake off the rust and do it quick as the home game and the rest of their seeding is slipping away.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
6. The Berlin Wall
-What was said about them?: BBB8 Zeta champions last season, entering in to A4. Looks to have made some defensive upgrades, which will be needed against some of the high powered offenses of the conference. Stadium looks good, but their offense looks like it will have trouble.
-What has changed?: Have played maybe two of the ugliest games in the history of Goal Line Blitz in the first two weeks, splitting them. Have three free wins with which to shake off the cobwebs hanging on their running game.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
7. Victoria Assassins
-What was said about them?: Another team that did not change much from last season, and they only missed the playoffs by virtue of a tiebreaker. Mid-season 6 game swoon cost them dearly. Their team still looks good, and figures to lock down a playoff berth this season if they fix their depth issues.
-What has changed?: Another offensively challenged team, although they have NO excuse for it with their talent. They will lose their next three games, and badly. Hopefully for them they can bounce back after it, their 1-4 start should still take them to the playoffs.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
8. Venice Freebirds
-What was said about them?: I'm assuming that this team is under new ownership. Down from AA2, this team is full of high level talent from the owner's own players, but nothing else other than a bunch of CPU players. He could turn it around, but at this point the prediction is grim.
-What has changed?: Surprisingly won a strongly weighted win against MCRG that they now have a game over them for the 8th playoff spot. If they don't lose to any other teams below them, they're probably in the playoffs.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Monte Carlo Red Glare
-What was said about them?: BBB8 Zeta runner up last season. I'm not too sure of this, but the word on the grapevine is that they are a slow build team. Will take their lumps against the league's elite but should also be able to take care of the teams with serious problems below them.
-What has changed?: Have not had an easy go of it so far in A4, and that loss to Venice is a killer. Their situation is the opposite to Venice's, if they can't knock off one of the top seven, theyre sitting at home on day 33.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Arlanda Jets
-What was said about them?: Mishmash of a team seemingly without a plan. Too many players at some positions, too few at others, few solid spots.
-What has changed?: Someone had to be #10, and they are the least horrendous team left. Zeta's bottom half really sucks.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Stockholm Assassins
-What was said about them?: Made the playoffs out of the Zeta field last season, and have some great pieces in place, but have not recruited to fill the holes left by players who left after the season. CPU players will probably follow, and this team will be a mess unless it turns its recruiting efforts around.
-What has changed?: CPU players have taken hold, and this team is decent at best, although they can probably scrape their way to a respectable looking 6-10 or 7-9 season.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. Achei Crotone
-What was said about them?: Owner owns most of the players, and owner has been inactive for a week, so it is not a good sign for this team. Looks like it will be another losing year for this team, if it isn't sold.
-What has changed?: Still inactive, still sucks.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Berlin Spartans
-What was said about them?: Solid at spots but have a glaring lack of talent at their depth spots, and have a shoddy defense.
-What has changed?: Spanked twice in a row, nothing else to add.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Bordeaux Carlin
-What was said about them?: Interesting group, high level talent but horrendous game planning and roster structure led them to a 2-14 record last season. They also have an alarming lack of depth which contributes to their problems.
-What has changed?: Luckily got to play a CPU team, the only level of team run worse than Bordeaux.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Atlanta 404
-What was said about them?: Kept most of their BBB7 Zeta runner up team together, and that is a good thing because their lack of a stadium will probably do them in. Players on this team can't really expect to have equipment paid for.
-What has changed?: CPU.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Chrulle Mavericks
-What was said about them?: Showed promise last season, but let it all slip away with poor management of the roster and an inactive owner.
-What has changed?: CPU.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
Now on to the picks (winners in bold):
Barcelona Assassins at Louisville Cards
Stockholm Dynamites at Amsterdam Magic Dragons
Madrid Pirates at Helsinki Hitmen
Oslo Norsemen at Palmetto Gamecocks
Hell on Turff at Stockholm Storm
Dresden Destroyers at Arlington Avalanche
The Drunken Potato Farmers of Ayershire at Newcastle Seahorses
Amsterdam Red Lights at Tulsa Doom
Krakow Knights at Bolderslev Pirates
Jacksonville Jackalopes at Lyon Winemakers
Newark Nomads at Victoria Assassins
The Berlin Wall at Stockholm Assassins
Venice Freebirds at Achei Crotone
Bordeaux Carlin at Monte Carlo Red Glare
Arlanda Jets at Chrulle Mavericks
Atlanta 404 at Berlin Spartans
