ALPHA
1. Burnt Orange Rising (Previous: 1)
-What was said about them?: This team looks to build off of last season, and looks scary as all hell. Depth issues may flare up, however.
-What has changed?: Was hard to gauge how good they were off of 2 cupcake early season games, but their thrashing of Ayrshire legitimizes their hold on the top spot for at least the forseeable future.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Kazan Golden Horde (Previous: 7)
-What was said about them?: Newcomer to Western Europe, Kazan looks to hopefully make the playoffs after their very solid season last year. Chemistry will hurt them in early season matchups, hopefully for them they can rebound and make their mark.
-What has changed?: I feel this spot is too lofty for them and that they'll lose an upcoming game to knock them out of it, but they've taken care of business while other teams havent, and their Sandersville win looks good enough to justify it for now. They'll have ample opportunity to defend this spot with four tough games in their next five.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Turin Colonels (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them?: Nearly made the conference championship game last season which would have put them in AAA1, but they're still in AA2 and will have some tough competition. They have a very solid defense, which will help them win games.
-What has changed?: Respectable loss to an excellent Sicilian team, and a dominating win over the Rusty Trombones. Wins in the next two weeks and they could easily move up from here.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Paris Gloutons (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them?: After an unspectacular season last year, they look to make some noise. Very strong team overall but they have an exceptional passing attack that will give many teams trouble.
-What has changed?: Their defense got ripped to shreds by Black Forest, and their Titletown win doesn't look very good. They should be lucky to have this spot, as its based solely on how unimpressive other teams have been.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. The Drunken Potato Farmers of Ayrshire (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them?: Up from WE A4 where they were Alpha champs, Ayrshire looks to continue their solid run. The top teams will probably be able to handle them, but they still should be able to sneak into the playoffs with their sound defense.
-What has changed?: Defense is even stronger than I had thought, and they have done very well in their two wins. The Burnt Orange game was out of their hands, but they should pick up wins in their upcoming games.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
6. Vienna Danube River Raiders (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them?: 2nd seed upset in the first round last year, and this team looks to be back with a vengeance. However, there are quite a few inactive players that could pose an issue, and they have some depth issues as well.
-What has changed?: This slight tumble is based more on teams that were ranked below them doing well, combined with their seemingly complacent efforts against teams that shouldnt be close to them. Tough test in weeks five and six, I think if they win the Kazan game they can reestablish themselves as legitimate title hunters.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
7. Black Forest Brawlers (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them?: Coming off a WE A3 title, this is a very good looking team and should make noise in its first season up with the big boys. Underwhelmed by how they performed in their scrimmages, but their offense should be able to carry them when their defense has its off days.
-What has changed?: I don't know whats more telling about them, their horrible loss to Ayrshire, or their dominating win over Paris (game wasn't as close as the score). I'm leaning toward a little of both, and while I expect them to lose to the Rising this week, they could prove themselves against Turin the week after.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
8. Lisbon Goons (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them?: Just missed the playoffs last season in AA2, and do not look to have addressed the weaknesses that kept them out last year. Look to have an average offense and average defense, which might be good enough in Alpha, but it might not be.
-What has changed?: The 3-0 record doesn't fool me, they were games in which they didn't dominate teams that aren't very good. Their game against Vienna will tell the story of this team.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Belgrade Bomb Squad (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them?: Playoff team last year, should be able to make a return trip based on an overall well balanced roster. Their lack of a power running game will hurt them though.
-What has changed?: Thrashed by Kazan, leaves me wondering if this team is going to be able to make it to the playoffs this year.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Rusty Trombones (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them?: Roster looks similar to their below-average team of last season, which does not bode well for them. They have holes in their roster at key positions, hopefully for them their defense can keep them in some games this season.
-What has changed?: Still haven't patched up their serious holes, so I don't see them beating any top teams anytime soon. That being said I think there are enough bad teams in the conference that they can feed off of to stay afloat, but they'll really need to start caring soon or they'll fall back down to the bottom third.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Barcelona Assassins (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them?: Several bright spots on the roster, they hope to improve upon last season's record and make the playoffs. Their defense is sound but their running game has me a bit worried.
-What has changed?: The two losses aren't that bad, and this is a team that is an upset away from playoff consideration again, but Lisbon is currently in the last playoff spot in my eyes, and the 22 point loss means they'll have a rough tiebreaker to overcome.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. Tulsa Doom (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them?: Almost got knocked out of AA2 last season, and this looks to be another trying season for Tulsa.
-What has changed?: Beat the War Machine, which in my opinion says more about how bad that team is than anything about Tulsa.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Amsterdam Panthers (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them?: Will have a tough go of it in their first season in AA ball. Their starters for the most part are solid, but their depth deficiencies will be their doom.
-What has changed?: Having a tough go of it against their solid early season competition, not able to move the ball or stop others from moving it. Free win in week 4, but after that I expect to see them racking up more losses.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Steel City War Machine (Previous: 11)
-What was said about them?: A one agent team should never have as poor of a season as they had last year. Players are high level, but the builds do not look sound, and they have holes. Will beat teams purely based on their levels but will falter against the elite.
-What has changed?: So I can see why they were so bad last season. Bad loss to Tulsa confirms that this will be a bad year for the Steel City team.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Swedish Glaciers (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them?: Roster is almost entirely inactive, and they will get rolled continually again this season. Several of their contracts expire mid season.
-What has changed?: More bad play, the upside for them is that if they beat Steel City in week 5 I think they'll stave off demotion, but demotion would be a very good thing for this team.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Dublin/Dresden Connections (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them?: Slow building/CPU players.
-What has changed?: Slow building/CPU players.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
ZETA
1. Manchester Divided (Previous: 1)
-What was said about them?: Extremely strong team coming off of a league title in WE BBB1. Have no holes that I can see.
-What has changed?: Were less than convincing in their win over Seattle, but had two major statements in their other two games. Cake coming up on their schedule.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Lyon Winemakers (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them?: Last year's 4th seed looks to build on that season. Very strong defense will lead the charge, while potent rushing attack will get them points.
-What has changed?: Took care of business against their lesser opponents, will have to wait to have a competitive game.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Sicilian Centurions (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them?: Look to have retooled after missing the playoffs last season, and look very strong, especially on defense. Their offense will have to pick up the slack to overcome their chemistry issues in a tough early schedule.
-What has changed?: Have looked extremely strong, and should continue their winning ways for weeks to come. Have definitely played their way into title consideration.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Sandersville WarChickens (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them?: Won their conference in their uncapped Oceania league last season, and that will translate into success in AA2.
-What has changed?: Lost a tough out of conference game to Kazan which will come back to haunt them come seeding time, and the loss to Munish is inexplicable. Still I just have a feeling that this team will play better ball as the season goes by, and it is by virtue of that I have them at the 4 spot.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
5. Jacksonville Jackalopes (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them?: WE A4 champions last year bring a solid team to AA2. Look well balanced, if not a bit unspectacular. Should definitely make the playoffs but I think their defense will hold them back a bit.
-What has changed?: Have definitely looked shaky at best this season, have a brutal stretch coming up that will define their season.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
6. Leavenworth Inmates (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them?: Team looks solid this season, and should be a lock for a playoff spot if they can fix some depth issues, and work on their inactivity.
-What has changed?: Still very inactive, with some holes still. That being said they took care of business against their lesser competition, and that is rewarded here.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
7. Permian Panthers (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them?: This team has always been an enigma to me. On paper they could play in the pros, but they just never put it together on the field. They could just as easily go 20-0 as go 11-5.
-What has changed?: All I can say is what the fuck. Sicilian loss didn't surprise me, I know what this team is made of and its not about to beat good teams, but I did not see a 62 point shellacking in the cards for them. 5 losses might be an underestimation when this is all said and done. Still they will beat up on lesser teams, and will probably still make the playoffs.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8. Titletown Testy Tadpoles (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them?: New to AA2, after a solid but nothing special year last season in a lower league. They will have a tough time up here against the solid defenses in Zeta, as their offense will not be able to carry the load.
-What has changed?: Two very close losses to good teams have me thinking that while they might not be anything special, if the teams below them keep losing, they'll have time to right their ship and maybe upset someone on the way.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Munich Mastodons (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them?: Another new team that looks to have a tough time up here, as their starters look decent but not great, and their depth is poor.
-What has changed?: Played well in their games so far, and could be poised to move up with good games in their next matchups.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Wicklow Warriors (Previous: 11)
-What was said about them?: Zeta champions of WE A3 last year. Overall level deficiency, combined with inactivity and depth issues, will most likely keep this team out of the playoffs but they could scrape their way in with some changes.
-What has changed?: Smoked by the Rising, but that was to be expected. Wins over two lesser teams and a 3rd coming up have them poised to maybe jump a spot or two in the next poll.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
11. Stockholm Polar Bears (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them?: Will fight for and should secure a playoff spot in their first year up in AA ball. Some minor depth issues but nothing that can't be fixed over the course of the season.
-What has changed?: 3 losses to good teams sends them tumbling, because two more are coming up. Hopefully after this stretch they can spin things around and fight for a playoff spot, but their out of conference loss will be a killer come playoff positioning time.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
12. Snæfellsjökull Eruptions (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them?: Rebuilt after last season's disappointment, they look very well balanced and could push their way into the playoffs.
-What has changed?: Much like Stockholm, got smacked around during a tough 3 game stretch. Their Seattle, Permian, and Wicklow games will speak volumes about what they can accomplish this year.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
13. Seattle Bluehawks (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them?: Could do very well up in AA2, but have serious depth issues that will need to be addressed if they want to be more than just another playoff team.
-What has changed?: Interesting case, as I'll say they had a good loss to Manchester, but a bad win against Barcelona. The Wicklow loss is a rough pill to swallow, and to keep playoff dreams alive they'll probably have to win at least 3 of their next 4 games.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
14. Munich Owls (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them?: On paper they don't look bad, but they've never been able to put it together.
-What has changed?: Beat Hamburg which will probably be enough to keep them in AA2 for another season.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Hamburg Gangsters (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them?: Not ready for prime-time team is going to take its lumps this season. My condolences.
-What has changed?: Caught lightning in a bottle in getting their Alpha equivalent in week one, and then winning it by 3 points. It'll be their last win until week 15.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Philadelphia Global Titans (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them?: CPU players.
-What has changed?: CPU players.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
1. Burnt Orange Rising (Previous: 1)
-What was said about them?: This team looks to build off of last season, and looks scary as all hell. Depth issues may flare up, however.
-What has changed?: Was hard to gauge how good they were off of 2 cupcake early season games, but their thrashing of Ayrshire legitimizes their hold on the top spot for at least the forseeable future.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Kazan Golden Horde (Previous: 7)
-What was said about them?: Newcomer to Western Europe, Kazan looks to hopefully make the playoffs after their very solid season last year. Chemistry will hurt them in early season matchups, hopefully for them they can rebound and make their mark.
-What has changed?: I feel this spot is too lofty for them and that they'll lose an upcoming game to knock them out of it, but they've taken care of business while other teams havent, and their Sandersville win looks good enough to justify it for now. They'll have ample opportunity to defend this spot with four tough games in their next five.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Turin Colonels (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them?: Nearly made the conference championship game last season which would have put them in AAA1, but they're still in AA2 and will have some tough competition. They have a very solid defense, which will help them win games.
-What has changed?: Respectable loss to an excellent Sicilian team, and a dominating win over the Rusty Trombones. Wins in the next two weeks and they could easily move up from here.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Paris Gloutons (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them?: After an unspectacular season last year, they look to make some noise. Very strong team overall but they have an exceptional passing attack that will give many teams trouble.
-What has changed?: Their defense got ripped to shreds by Black Forest, and their Titletown win doesn't look very good. They should be lucky to have this spot, as its based solely on how unimpressive other teams have been.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. The Drunken Potato Farmers of Ayrshire (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them?: Up from WE A4 where they were Alpha champs, Ayrshire looks to continue their solid run. The top teams will probably be able to handle them, but they still should be able to sneak into the playoffs with their sound defense.
-What has changed?: Defense is even stronger than I had thought, and they have done very well in their two wins. The Burnt Orange game was out of their hands, but they should pick up wins in their upcoming games.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
6. Vienna Danube River Raiders (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them?: 2nd seed upset in the first round last year, and this team looks to be back with a vengeance. However, there are quite a few inactive players that could pose an issue, and they have some depth issues as well.
-What has changed?: This slight tumble is based more on teams that were ranked below them doing well, combined with their seemingly complacent efforts against teams that shouldnt be close to them. Tough test in weeks five and six, I think if they win the Kazan game they can reestablish themselves as legitimate title hunters.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
7. Black Forest Brawlers (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them?: Coming off a WE A3 title, this is a very good looking team and should make noise in its first season up with the big boys. Underwhelmed by how they performed in their scrimmages, but their offense should be able to carry them when their defense has its off days.
-What has changed?: I don't know whats more telling about them, their horrible loss to Ayrshire, or their dominating win over Paris (game wasn't as close as the score). I'm leaning toward a little of both, and while I expect them to lose to the Rising this week, they could prove themselves against Turin the week after.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
8. Lisbon Goons (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them?: Just missed the playoffs last season in AA2, and do not look to have addressed the weaknesses that kept them out last year. Look to have an average offense and average defense, which might be good enough in Alpha, but it might not be.
-What has changed?: The 3-0 record doesn't fool me, they were games in which they didn't dominate teams that aren't very good. Their game against Vienna will tell the story of this team.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Belgrade Bomb Squad (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them?: Playoff team last year, should be able to make a return trip based on an overall well balanced roster. Their lack of a power running game will hurt them though.
-What has changed?: Thrashed by Kazan, leaves me wondering if this team is going to be able to make it to the playoffs this year.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Rusty Trombones (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them?: Roster looks similar to their below-average team of last season, which does not bode well for them. They have holes in their roster at key positions, hopefully for them their defense can keep them in some games this season.
-What has changed?: Still haven't patched up their serious holes, so I don't see them beating any top teams anytime soon. That being said I think there are enough bad teams in the conference that they can feed off of to stay afloat, but they'll really need to start caring soon or they'll fall back down to the bottom third.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Barcelona Assassins (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them?: Several bright spots on the roster, they hope to improve upon last season's record and make the playoffs. Their defense is sound but their running game has me a bit worried.
-What has changed?: The two losses aren't that bad, and this is a team that is an upset away from playoff consideration again, but Lisbon is currently in the last playoff spot in my eyes, and the 22 point loss means they'll have a rough tiebreaker to overcome.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. Tulsa Doom (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them?: Almost got knocked out of AA2 last season, and this looks to be another trying season for Tulsa.
-What has changed?: Beat the War Machine, which in my opinion says more about how bad that team is than anything about Tulsa.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Amsterdam Panthers (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them?: Will have a tough go of it in their first season in AA ball. Their starters for the most part are solid, but their depth deficiencies will be their doom.
-What has changed?: Having a tough go of it against their solid early season competition, not able to move the ball or stop others from moving it. Free win in week 4, but after that I expect to see them racking up more losses.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Steel City War Machine (Previous: 11)
-What was said about them?: A one agent team should never have as poor of a season as they had last year. Players are high level, but the builds do not look sound, and they have holes. Will beat teams purely based on their levels but will falter against the elite.
-What has changed?: So I can see why they were so bad last season. Bad loss to Tulsa confirms that this will be a bad year for the Steel City team.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Swedish Glaciers (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them?: Roster is almost entirely inactive, and they will get rolled continually again this season. Several of their contracts expire mid season.
-What has changed?: More bad play, the upside for them is that if they beat Steel City in week 5 I think they'll stave off demotion, but demotion would be a very good thing for this team.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Dublin/Dresden Connections (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them?: Slow building/CPU players.
-What has changed?: Slow building/CPU players.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
ZETA
1. Manchester Divided (Previous: 1)
-What was said about them?: Extremely strong team coming off of a league title in WE BBB1. Have no holes that I can see.
-What has changed?: Were less than convincing in their win over Seattle, but had two major statements in their other two games. Cake coming up on their schedule.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
2. Lyon Winemakers (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them?: Last year's 4th seed looks to build on that season. Very strong defense will lead the charge, while potent rushing attack will get them points.
-What has changed?: Took care of business against their lesser opponents, will have to wait to have a competitive game.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
3. Sicilian Centurions (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them?: Look to have retooled after missing the playoffs last season, and look very strong, especially on defense. Their offense will have to pick up the slack to overcome their chemistry issues in a tough early schedule.
-What has changed?: Have looked extremely strong, and should continue their winning ways for weeks to come. Have definitely played their way into title consideration.
-Prediction: Conference championship contender.
4. Sandersville WarChickens (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them?: Won their conference in their uncapped Oceania league last season, and that will translate into success in AA2.
-What has changed?: Lost a tough out of conference game to Kazan which will come back to haunt them come seeding time, and the loss to Munish is inexplicable. Still I just have a feeling that this team will play better ball as the season goes by, and it is by virtue of that I have them at the 4 spot.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
5. Jacksonville Jackalopes (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them?: WE A4 champions last year bring a solid team to AA2. Look well balanced, if not a bit unspectacular. Should definitely make the playoffs but I think their defense will hold them back a bit.
-What has changed?: Have definitely looked shaky at best this season, have a brutal stretch coming up that will define their season.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
6. Leavenworth Inmates (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them?: Team looks solid this season, and should be a lock for a playoff spot if they can fix some depth issues, and work on their inactivity.
-What has changed?: Still very inactive, with some holes still. That being said they took care of business against their lesser competition, and that is rewarded here.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
7. Permian Panthers (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them?: This team has always been an enigma to me. On paper they could play in the pros, but they just never put it together on the field. They could just as easily go 20-0 as go 11-5.
-What has changed?: All I can say is what the fuck. Sicilian loss didn't surprise me, I know what this team is made of and its not about to beat good teams, but I did not see a 62 point shellacking in the cards for them. 5 losses might be an underestimation when this is all said and done. Still they will beat up on lesser teams, and will probably still make the playoffs.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8. Titletown Testy Tadpoles (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them?: New to AA2, after a solid but nothing special year last season in a lower league. They will have a tough time up here against the solid defenses in Zeta, as their offense will not be able to carry the load.
-What has changed?: Two very close losses to good teams have me thinking that while they might not be anything special, if the teams below them keep losing, they'll have time to right their ship and maybe upset someone on the way.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Munich Mastodons (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them?: Another new team that looks to have a tough time up here, as their starters look decent but not great, and their depth is poor.
-What has changed?: Played well in their games so far, and could be poised to move up with good games in their next matchups.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Wicklow Warriors (Previous: 11)
-What was said about them?: Zeta champions of WE A3 last year. Overall level deficiency, combined with inactivity and depth issues, will most likely keep this team out of the playoffs but they could scrape their way in with some changes.
-What has changed?: Smoked by the Rising, but that was to be expected. Wins over two lesser teams and a 3rd coming up have them poised to maybe jump a spot or two in the next poll.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
11. Stockholm Polar Bears (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them?: Will fight for and should secure a playoff spot in their first year up in AA ball. Some minor depth issues but nothing that can't be fixed over the course of the season.
-What has changed?: 3 losses to good teams sends them tumbling, because two more are coming up. Hopefully after this stretch they can spin things around and fight for a playoff spot, but their out of conference loss will be a killer come playoff positioning time.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
12. Snæfellsjökull Eruptions (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them?: Rebuilt after last season's disappointment, they look very well balanced and could push their way into the playoffs.
-What has changed?: Much like Stockholm, got smacked around during a tough 3 game stretch. Their Seattle, Permian, and Wicklow games will speak volumes about what they can accomplish this year.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
13. Seattle Bluehawks (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them?: Could do very well up in AA2, but have serious depth issues that will need to be addressed if they want to be more than just another playoff team.
-What has changed?: Interesting case, as I'll say they had a good loss to Manchester, but a bad win against Barcelona. The Wicklow loss is a rough pill to swallow, and to keep playoff dreams alive they'll probably have to win at least 3 of their next 4 games.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
14. Munich Owls (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them?: On paper they don't look bad, but they've never been able to put it together.
-What has changed?: Beat Hamburg which will probably be enough to keep them in AA2 for another season.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Hamburg Gangsters (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them?: Not ready for prime-time team is going to take its lumps this season. My condolences.
-What has changed?: Caught lightning in a bottle in getting their Alpha equivalent in week one, and then winning it by 3 points. It'll be their last win until week 15.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Philadelphia Global Titans (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them?: CPU players.
-What has changed?: CPU players.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
Edited by goldielax25 on Jun 25, 2009 09:49:08
