Well, since Mudbugs isn't around, I'll do my best. Hopefully someone can do the same for Alpha. If you guys like it I'll try to keep it up. Without further ado, I give you the Week 1 Power Rankings for the Zeta Conference.
1. Edinburgh Knights (1-0)
I'll admit, I'm biased. But the Knights are the closest thing Zeta has to a defending champ, and they got a lot stronger in the offseason. Let's see if they can keep their focus thoughout the season.
2. Schiffertown Griffins (1-0)
Level-wise, the second best team in Zeta. Had a strong showing in the playoffs last year and added some quality depth.
3. Oakton Huskies (1-0)
Ended last season #3, so they'll debut this season at #3. Still some questions about their depth, but separated themselves from the pack with superior gameplanning last year.
4. Glasgow Tigers (1-0)
Solid team throughout their roster. Could foresee them moving into the #2 or even #1 slot before the season's over.
5. Icelandic Vikings (1-0)
Probably the most improved team this year. Definitely a team to keep an eye on, as they'll contend for first-round home field advantage in the playoffs.
6. Middlesbrough Mayhem (1-0)
Won a tough game against Tilburg with 28 seconds to go. Missed the playoffs last year but they've got a legit shot at it this year.
7. Frankfurt Universe (1-0)
Relegated from AA#1, but have actually won 2 of their last 3 regular season games. At the very least, they're going to have to find an actual FS before they can hope to beat the better teams in this conference.
8. Bonn Jovi (1-0)
Unimpressive win against a re-vamped Jamaica Rumrunners. After week one they're in playoff contention, but they're living on a prayer.
9. Tilburg Power (0-1)
Gut-wrenching loss, and no easy matchup in round 2. We'll see if they can rebound, but they look to have all the pieces in place to do just that.
10. Trillville Hoods (0-1)
Tough draw in week one, and they've also got a tough game in week two. Before it's all said and done I expect this team to be in the top 4. We'll see how that shakes out.
11. Chaos Engine (0-1)
Still need a running game. If they can't find one, look for Blood Money to throw 20 picks again.
12. Belfast Shamrocks (0-1)
Gave a more talented Oakton team all they wanted, just couldn't finish them off. Could go either way, depending on if they can beat some teams they shouldn't.
13. South Beach Sharks (0-1)
Managed a TD in the waning minutes to save them from the embarassment of being shut out by a former 1-win team.
14. Milan Cock Fighters (0-1)
They'll have to depend on their rushing offense to save their season. Unfortunately they'll also have to depend on their rushing defense.
15. Jamaica Rumrunners (0-1)
Jamaica at 15? Does this mean I predict them to win a game this year? Yes, yes it does. But only if they can hook me up. And I'm not talking about rum, either.
16. Sundsvall Flames (0-1)
Powerhouse to cellar-dweller. It's obvious that Marcus Berggren's roid rage scared the rest of the team off.
1. Edinburgh Knights (1-0)
I'll admit, I'm biased. But the Knights are the closest thing Zeta has to a defending champ, and they got a lot stronger in the offseason. Let's see if they can keep their focus thoughout the season.
2. Schiffertown Griffins (1-0)
Level-wise, the second best team in Zeta. Had a strong showing in the playoffs last year and added some quality depth.
3. Oakton Huskies (1-0)
Ended last season #3, so they'll debut this season at #3. Still some questions about their depth, but separated themselves from the pack with superior gameplanning last year.
4. Glasgow Tigers (1-0)
Solid team throughout their roster. Could foresee them moving into the #2 or even #1 slot before the season's over.
5. Icelandic Vikings (1-0)
Probably the most improved team this year. Definitely a team to keep an eye on, as they'll contend for first-round home field advantage in the playoffs.
6. Middlesbrough Mayhem (1-0)
Won a tough game against Tilburg with 28 seconds to go. Missed the playoffs last year but they've got a legit shot at it this year.
7. Frankfurt Universe (1-0)
Relegated from AA#1, but have actually won 2 of their last 3 regular season games. At the very least, they're going to have to find an actual FS before they can hope to beat the better teams in this conference.
8. Bonn Jovi (1-0)
Unimpressive win against a re-vamped Jamaica Rumrunners. After week one they're in playoff contention, but they're living on a prayer.
9. Tilburg Power (0-1)
Gut-wrenching loss, and no easy matchup in round 2. We'll see if they can rebound, but they look to have all the pieces in place to do just that.
10. Trillville Hoods (0-1)
Tough draw in week one, and they've also got a tough game in week two. Before it's all said and done I expect this team to be in the top 4. We'll see how that shakes out.
11. Chaos Engine (0-1)
Still need a running game. If they can't find one, look for Blood Money to throw 20 picks again.
12. Belfast Shamrocks (0-1)
Gave a more talented Oakton team all they wanted, just couldn't finish them off. Could go either way, depending on if they can beat some teams they shouldn't.
13. South Beach Sharks (0-1)
Managed a TD in the waning minutes to save them from the embarassment of being shut out by a former 1-win team.
14. Milan Cock Fighters (0-1)
They'll have to depend on their rushing offense to save their season. Unfortunately they'll also have to depend on their rushing defense.
15. Jamaica Rumrunners (0-1)
Jamaica at 15? Does this mean I predict them to win a game this year? Yes, yes it does. But only if they can hook me up. And I'm not talking about rum, either.
16. Sundsvall Flames (0-1)
Powerhouse to cellar-dweller. It's obvious that Marcus Berggren's roid rage scared the rest of the team off.
