Well, 2 games still wasnt enough to ultimately rank the new teams along with the old teams but it certainly gives me a better idea. Some teams boosted while others havent + some teams were sold back to GLB while others made big additions since my preseason rankings... so some teams have drastically shifted. As far as the rankings go the top 5 or 6 in each conference was really hard to place as I feel most of those teams could currently be sloted into any of those numbers. Not sure when I will be able to get a new edition out but I will when I have more free time. Should have an even better idea of where teams stand at that point.
Cheers!
-Keller
Lion Conference
1. Somalia Wasps (2-0): Started off the season with an impressive win over last years #2 and preseason #3 Night Riders. In their second game the crushed a Silverbacks team that made the playoffs in season 3. As long as they keep their winning ways up these guys will be on top.
2. Etheopian Starvin Marvins (2-0): The Marvins have proven that their offense is just as potent as it was last season and their defense has improved, but they wont receive their first true test until game 5 against the Shadow Chasers and will have to grind it out at the end with a tough second half to the season.
3. Nigeria Nightmare (2-0): Like the Marvins the Nightmares 2-0 record is the product of an easy early schedule, but don’t let that fool you as they are one of the best teams in the conference. Thus far their offense has looked potent and their defense crushing in their two blow out victories… expect them to keep rising in the standings.
4. Zimbabwe Beavers (2-0): Definitely a very talented Roster, but I was expecting more out of them in their first two games. None the less these guys are still primed for a very solid season.
5a. Zimbabwe Bush Squirrel Rebellion (2-0): Blew out the Mafia team in week 1 but had showed that they still have room to improve in week 2 against the Outlaws. This team is a bit of an enigma, but we should have a better idea of where they stand after a game 3 matchup with the Shadow Chasers.
5b. Kalahari Night Riders (1-1): Suffered a tough loss to the rival Wasps but bounced back with a strong showing in their pick-me-up game. With the Wasps out of the way the Knight Riders should be the favorites in most if not all of the games left on their schedule.
7. Sahara Shadow Chasers (2-0): Once again the Shadow Chasers field a very respectable and competitive team. In their first two games they beat two middle tiered teams which are the games they need to stay in the playoffs. The next 4 games are going to be very tough for this team, but it will show us what they are made of. Expect them to pull off one or two upsets.
8. Uganda Silverbacks (1-1): Grabbed a week 1 victory but then were ‘stung’ by the Wasps in week 2. The Silverbacks could very well make it into the playoffs but they need to win some of the games against the other middle tiered teams later in the season. The next few games should provide a few victories so this team should be in fairly good shape record wise before they enter a tough end to their season.
9. Fort Wayne Generals (1-1): Split their first two games, and looked competitive in their loss to a good Shadow Chasers team. The playoffs aren’t out of the question for this squad but they definitely have their work cut out for them and they still have a few gaps that they could fill to improve their chances.
10. Madagascar Outlaws (1-1): Pulled off an upset in week 1 against the Killer Frogs but then fell to the Bush Squirrels in their second game despite putting up a fair showing. This team has a very strong defensive unit and is capable of upsetting some of the stronger teams. Will they be making some noise this season?
11. Egypt Empire (0-2): I went out on a limb in the preseason for these guys but thus far they have disappointed me. I still expect them to finish better than in season 3 but unless they make changes I just don’t see them being in playoff contention at the end of the season anymore.
12. African Killer Frogs (0-2): Two seasons in a row I have fallen for it. I rank these guys high and they fall short of my expectations. Obviously the season isn’t over but they need find some way to get the ball rolling. They lost to one team they should have beaten and were crushed by another they should have been competitive with. Will the Frogs find their way?
13. South African Bulls (0-2): The Bulls were thrown into a tough situation this season, but they have built a roster that will grow and be competitive in time. Game 3 should be another blow out but then the next couple of games brings hope of a victory or two for this squad.
14. Sahara Death Stalkers (0-2): Started the season with two losses to playoff caliber teams, however the Death Stalkers prevented them from being utter blow outs (in GLB terms that is). The Death Stalkers have a solid core to build around and after leveling these guys might have a competitive roster in season 4.
15. Århus Medisterpølser (0-2): Random facts- Arhus is a Danish port city and is the 11th most active port in the world. A quick google search showed the Medisterpolser is a Danish beef dish that looks quite tasty. I don’t know the language but from what I can piece together this team is similar to “Mexico City Tacos” or “Canadian Bacon”. The Medisterpolser’s are still starting some CPU’s and have levels 1 in other positions. I expect them to finish off the rest of their season just like they started it…
16. Minnesota Mafia (0-2): In my preseason rankings they were still under old management, since then they have been sold and new ownership has come in. Lets face it, level 2’s and 3’s just aren’t going to be competitive in Africa AAA#1 so I don’t see any relief in sight for this team.
Elephant Conference
1. Morocco Camels (2-0): Opened the season with a win over a tough Bee’s defense then snatched an easy victory over the Cannibals. I still feel like these guys are under performing based off their talent but none the less they are 2-0 and will keep the top spot until they lose or some other team out right earns it.
2. Los Angeles Xtreme (2-0): Their defense allowed 17 points per game through 2 games which is up from the 6 per game that they allowed all of last season, however their new and improved offense has more than made up for it and brought them a 2-0 start with ease. Star DE Andrew Fiorentino is already racking up sacks just as he did last season.
3. Gold coast Corsairs (2-0): The Corsairs have had a solid start to their season and were able to hang 27 points on a Bee’s defense that allowed more than 20 points only 4 times last season. Their next test will be in game 5 against the Xtreme which will give us a better idea of where these guys rank among Elephants elite.
4. San Dimas Saints (2-0): Its official- - -The SAINTS are for REAL! I under valued them in season 3 and it appears that I have once again done it in season 4. The Saints dynamic offense led them to victories over the previously higher ranked Tractors and Lions who both have solid defenses. These guys have earned my respect.
5. Eaton Beavers (2-0): They didn’t like my preseason rankings so they proved me wrong on the field. I have a ton of respect for these guys and it pained me to initially put them so low, but in this case I am more than happy to have been wrong. The Beavers defense has looked even better than it did last year and has yet to give up a point. Level wise they are still trailing most of the top teams, but solid builds and excellent coaching have proven to be more than enough to overcome the opposition.
6. Russian Tractor (1-1): A tough loss to open the season against the Saints was a heart breaker, but there is no shame in losing to a very good team. The Tractors bounced back in week 2 against a fairly good Jinx team. Will these team launch themselves into a winning frenzy this season just as they did last season?
7. Somalia Wildcats (1-1): Were shut down by a deadly Beavers defense in week 1 but were able to recover and beat the Malice quite handily. Not the start these guys were hoping for but they are still primed to go the full length of the season and lock up a playoff spot. The next few games will bring a few challenges; we will see how these guys match up against the best.
8. African Killer Bee’s (0-2): Nothing but respect for these guys and their management but it looks like they might be a step behind the other top teams this season. Their two losses were both to playoff bound teams and their defense looked solid against the Camels in week 1 but the Corsairs found a way to exploit it en route to a 20 pt victory over the Bee’s. If the Bee’s can find their wings they are capable of flying back to the top.
9. Mozambique Lions (0-2): I put my faith in the Lions and they let me down, but they still have a solid squad and lost to 2 teams that should be playoff bound. They should be able to pull some wins out of their next few games but their offense is going to need to put up more than an average of 250 yards a game if they want to win against some tough defenses.
10. River Styx Jinx (1-1): Opened the season with a nice victory over the death, but they didn’t have enough to overcome the Tractors in their second game despite putting up a strong showing. These guys very well could make it to the playoffs, but they will need to win their next few games against other middle tiered teams to move up in the standings before they face some of the tougher Elephant teams mid season.
11. New Jersey Blaze (1-1): The Blaze barely missed the playoffs last season and will certainly be in contention for a spot this season… and I think the Xtreme found out today that the Blaze aren’t a team to be taken lightly. Despite a loss the Blaze showed that they can be competitive against the tops teams.
12. Mogadishu Malice (1-1): The Malice opened their season with a victory over the Cannibals but then dropped a game to the Wildcats. Their game 3 matchup against the Death should show us where they stand, but this situation looks eerily similar to last season (they started 1-0 before faltering for the bulk of the season for those of you who cant remember).
13. Chicago Wheelhouse (1-1): Splitting their first two games is a good start to the season for these guys, but the next 3 games will be tough and a 1-4 start is probably expected. But these guys are more than capable of holding their own and have a stronger roster than they did during the scrimmages.
14. Congo Death (0-2): The Death have looked dead in their first two games. This team has a roster that could be competitive week in and week out… but the key that they are currently lacking is production. Should they get the train moving this team is capable of contending for a playoff spot.
15. High Plains Drifters (0-2): The Drifters are a very hard team to peg, like last season they look decent against tougher competition but don’t show up in games that they could very well win. If the drifters can get more production out of their outstanding talent they can win a few games this season.
16. Lake M’Zumba Cannibals (0-2): Two games, two losses. These certainly get credit for trying but I don’t see their roster matching up with anyone in Elephant conference. But then again, “Fate is what you make of it.”
Cheers!
-Keller
Lion Conference
1. Somalia Wasps (2-0): Started off the season with an impressive win over last years #2 and preseason #3 Night Riders. In their second game the crushed a Silverbacks team that made the playoffs in season 3. As long as they keep their winning ways up these guys will be on top.
2. Etheopian Starvin Marvins (2-0): The Marvins have proven that their offense is just as potent as it was last season and their defense has improved, but they wont receive their first true test until game 5 against the Shadow Chasers and will have to grind it out at the end with a tough second half to the season.
3. Nigeria Nightmare (2-0): Like the Marvins the Nightmares 2-0 record is the product of an easy early schedule, but don’t let that fool you as they are one of the best teams in the conference. Thus far their offense has looked potent and their defense crushing in their two blow out victories… expect them to keep rising in the standings.
4. Zimbabwe Beavers (2-0): Definitely a very talented Roster, but I was expecting more out of them in their first two games. None the less these guys are still primed for a very solid season.
5a. Zimbabwe Bush Squirrel Rebellion (2-0): Blew out the Mafia team in week 1 but had showed that they still have room to improve in week 2 against the Outlaws. This team is a bit of an enigma, but we should have a better idea of where they stand after a game 3 matchup with the Shadow Chasers.
5b. Kalahari Night Riders (1-1): Suffered a tough loss to the rival Wasps but bounced back with a strong showing in their pick-me-up game. With the Wasps out of the way the Knight Riders should be the favorites in most if not all of the games left on their schedule.
7. Sahara Shadow Chasers (2-0): Once again the Shadow Chasers field a very respectable and competitive team. In their first two games they beat two middle tiered teams which are the games they need to stay in the playoffs. The next 4 games are going to be very tough for this team, but it will show us what they are made of. Expect them to pull off one or two upsets.
8. Uganda Silverbacks (1-1): Grabbed a week 1 victory but then were ‘stung’ by the Wasps in week 2. The Silverbacks could very well make it into the playoffs but they need to win some of the games against the other middle tiered teams later in the season. The next few games should provide a few victories so this team should be in fairly good shape record wise before they enter a tough end to their season.
9. Fort Wayne Generals (1-1): Split their first two games, and looked competitive in their loss to a good Shadow Chasers team. The playoffs aren’t out of the question for this squad but they definitely have their work cut out for them and they still have a few gaps that they could fill to improve their chances.
10. Madagascar Outlaws (1-1): Pulled off an upset in week 1 against the Killer Frogs but then fell to the Bush Squirrels in their second game despite putting up a fair showing. This team has a very strong defensive unit and is capable of upsetting some of the stronger teams. Will they be making some noise this season?
11. Egypt Empire (0-2): I went out on a limb in the preseason for these guys but thus far they have disappointed me. I still expect them to finish better than in season 3 but unless they make changes I just don’t see them being in playoff contention at the end of the season anymore.
12. African Killer Frogs (0-2): Two seasons in a row I have fallen for it. I rank these guys high and they fall short of my expectations. Obviously the season isn’t over but they need find some way to get the ball rolling. They lost to one team they should have beaten and were crushed by another they should have been competitive with. Will the Frogs find their way?
13. South African Bulls (0-2): The Bulls were thrown into a tough situation this season, but they have built a roster that will grow and be competitive in time. Game 3 should be another blow out but then the next couple of games brings hope of a victory or two for this squad.
14. Sahara Death Stalkers (0-2): Started the season with two losses to playoff caliber teams, however the Death Stalkers prevented them from being utter blow outs (in GLB terms that is). The Death Stalkers have a solid core to build around and after leveling these guys might have a competitive roster in season 4.
15. Århus Medisterpølser (0-2): Random facts- Arhus is a Danish port city and is the 11th most active port in the world. A quick google search showed the Medisterpolser is a Danish beef dish that looks quite tasty. I don’t know the language but from what I can piece together this team is similar to “Mexico City Tacos” or “Canadian Bacon”. The Medisterpolser’s are still starting some CPU’s and have levels 1 in other positions. I expect them to finish off the rest of their season just like they started it…
16. Minnesota Mafia (0-2): In my preseason rankings they were still under old management, since then they have been sold and new ownership has come in. Lets face it, level 2’s and 3’s just aren’t going to be competitive in Africa AAA#1 so I don’t see any relief in sight for this team.
Elephant Conference
1. Morocco Camels (2-0): Opened the season with a win over a tough Bee’s defense then snatched an easy victory over the Cannibals. I still feel like these guys are under performing based off their talent but none the less they are 2-0 and will keep the top spot until they lose or some other team out right earns it.
2. Los Angeles Xtreme (2-0): Their defense allowed 17 points per game through 2 games which is up from the 6 per game that they allowed all of last season, however their new and improved offense has more than made up for it and brought them a 2-0 start with ease. Star DE Andrew Fiorentino is already racking up sacks just as he did last season.
3. Gold coast Corsairs (2-0): The Corsairs have had a solid start to their season and were able to hang 27 points on a Bee’s defense that allowed more than 20 points only 4 times last season. Their next test will be in game 5 against the Xtreme which will give us a better idea of where these guys rank among Elephants elite.
4. San Dimas Saints (2-0): Its official- - -The SAINTS are for REAL! I under valued them in season 3 and it appears that I have once again done it in season 4. The Saints dynamic offense led them to victories over the previously higher ranked Tractors and Lions who both have solid defenses. These guys have earned my respect.
5. Eaton Beavers (2-0): They didn’t like my preseason rankings so they proved me wrong on the field. I have a ton of respect for these guys and it pained me to initially put them so low, but in this case I am more than happy to have been wrong. The Beavers defense has looked even better than it did last year and has yet to give up a point. Level wise they are still trailing most of the top teams, but solid builds and excellent coaching have proven to be more than enough to overcome the opposition.
6. Russian Tractor (1-1): A tough loss to open the season against the Saints was a heart breaker, but there is no shame in losing to a very good team. The Tractors bounced back in week 2 against a fairly good Jinx team. Will these team launch themselves into a winning frenzy this season just as they did last season?
7. Somalia Wildcats (1-1): Were shut down by a deadly Beavers defense in week 1 but were able to recover and beat the Malice quite handily. Not the start these guys were hoping for but they are still primed to go the full length of the season and lock up a playoff spot. The next few games will bring a few challenges; we will see how these guys match up against the best.
8. African Killer Bee’s (0-2): Nothing but respect for these guys and their management but it looks like they might be a step behind the other top teams this season. Their two losses were both to playoff bound teams and their defense looked solid against the Camels in week 1 but the Corsairs found a way to exploit it en route to a 20 pt victory over the Bee’s. If the Bee’s can find their wings they are capable of flying back to the top.
9. Mozambique Lions (0-2): I put my faith in the Lions and they let me down, but they still have a solid squad and lost to 2 teams that should be playoff bound. They should be able to pull some wins out of their next few games but their offense is going to need to put up more than an average of 250 yards a game if they want to win against some tough defenses.
10. River Styx Jinx (1-1): Opened the season with a nice victory over the death, but they didn’t have enough to overcome the Tractors in their second game despite putting up a strong showing. These guys very well could make it to the playoffs, but they will need to win their next few games against other middle tiered teams to move up in the standings before they face some of the tougher Elephant teams mid season.
11. New Jersey Blaze (1-1): The Blaze barely missed the playoffs last season and will certainly be in contention for a spot this season… and I think the Xtreme found out today that the Blaze aren’t a team to be taken lightly. Despite a loss the Blaze showed that they can be competitive against the tops teams.
12. Mogadishu Malice (1-1): The Malice opened their season with a victory over the Cannibals but then dropped a game to the Wildcats. Their game 3 matchup against the Death should show us where they stand, but this situation looks eerily similar to last season (they started 1-0 before faltering for the bulk of the season for those of you who cant remember).
13. Chicago Wheelhouse (1-1): Splitting their first two games is a good start to the season for these guys, but the next 3 games will be tough and a 1-4 start is probably expected. But these guys are more than capable of holding their own and have a stronger roster than they did during the scrimmages.
14. Congo Death (0-2): The Death have looked dead in their first two games. This team has a roster that could be competitive week in and week out… but the key that they are currently lacking is production. Should they get the train moving this team is capable of contending for a playoff spot.
15. High Plains Drifters (0-2): The Drifters are a very hard team to peg, like last season they look decent against tougher competition but don’t show up in games that they could very well win. If the drifters can get more production out of their outstanding talent they can win a few games this season.
16. Lake M’Zumba Cannibals (0-2): Two games, two losses. These certainly get credit for trying but I don’t see their roster matching up with anyone in Elephant conference. But then again, “Fate is what you make of it.”
