The Playoff Hopefuls
1. Newcastle Nightmare
These new comers will look to roll over Western Europe BBB #14 like the Smugglers did before them. They have talent at every position and on paper are far superior to anyone else in the league. It would take some major recruiting and/or game planning for another team to catch the Nightmare but I full expect Zeta to at least attempt to rise to the challenge.
2. Mannheim Sharks Profi
The Sharks look to benefit from their first season of continuity in regards to their ownership if not nomenclature. They have made some upgrades from a season ago but still have some areas that could use work on their roster. Their linebackers and defensive tackles are weaker but their secondary is one of the strongest in the league. They had a strong season 7 but a disappointing first round playoff exit, look for them to change that this season.
3. Jersey Mammoths
The Mammoths made some nice offseason acquisitions and are looking to have a strong showing in season 8. They have shown steady improvement over the past through seasons and are ready to join the elite of the league. Their receiving corps looks like it will be tough to stop but teams will respond by attacking their weaker linebackers. Their goal should be a top 4 finish.
4. Indianapolis Stampede
The Stampede will have a strong running attack again this season as they try to break into the conference championship conversation. They have an easy opening schedule, so look for them to jump out to a strong start but their real tests come in the second half of the season. The Stampede are another team that has shown steady improvement and should challenge for a top 4 seed this season.
5. Madrid Matadors
The Matadors have perennially been a strong regular season team but have not been able to get it done when it counts. This season they are under new management and while that will set them back at first, look for them to make strides quickly. They still have plenty of holes to fill and if they aren't able to secure a few big name free agents, it looks their run of hosting a playoff game will come to an end. The fans in Madrid are used to success though, so it will be interesting to see how they react if their beloved Matadors get off to a slow start.
6. Budapest Tizenhetedikkerület
Another season and Budapest looks strong on paper again. They have been disappointing in the past so it will be interesting to see if they can turn around that trend and maximize on their talent. Their O-Line and Secondary are their strengths, but they are comparatively week in their front 4 and wide receiving corps. I don't have a lot of faith in this team until they prove they are for real.
7. Nashua Pride
The Pride are a step behind the rest of the league in terms of talent but they are no stranger to being the under dog. They wilted under high expectations last season but played some of their best football when they were counted out. Not much will be expected out of the boys from Nashua this season, so maybe they'll surprise the league with a strong showing. That may be wishful thinking, but they will at least make the playoffs.
8. Natal Hellboys
The Hellboys finally put together a human team after coasting by all CPU the last two seasons. Unfortunately their efforts don't look like they'll be good enough as they are a distant 8th talent wise. Luckily for them, the league is weak and they'll have a good shot at a playoff birth but getting crushed by the Nightmare in the first round is their most likely fate. It is good to see some life in Natal after the first two seasons though and I wish them the best.
The Rest
These teams don't seem to be trying to field competitive teams, so I'm not going to bother to rank them. Lets have a strong season 8 boys and hopefully someone will catch-up to the Nightmare enough to give them a game.
1. Newcastle Nightmare
These new comers will look to roll over Western Europe BBB #14 like the Smugglers did before them. They have talent at every position and on paper are far superior to anyone else in the league. It would take some major recruiting and/or game planning for another team to catch the Nightmare but I full expect Zeta to at least attempt to rise to the challenge.
2. Mannheim Sharks Profi
The Sharks look to benefit from their first season of continuity in regards to their ownership if not nomenclature. They have made some upgrades from a season ago but still have some areas that could use work on their roster. Their linebackers and defensive tackles are weaker but their secondary is one of the strongest in the league. They had a strong season 7 but a disappointing first round playoff exit, look for them to change that this season.
3. Jersey Mammoths
The Mammoths made some nice offseason acquisitions and are looking to have a strong showing in season 8. They have shown steady improvement over the past through seasons and are ready to join the elite of the league. Their receiving corps looks like it will be tough to stop but teams will respond by attacking their weaker linebackers. Their goal should be a top 4 finish.
4. Indianapolis Stampede
The Stampede will have a strong running attack again this season as they try to break into the conference championship conversation. They have an easy opening schedule, so look for them to jump out to a strong start but their real tests come in the second half of the season. The Stampede are another team that has shown steady improvement and should challenge for a top 4 seed this season.
5. Madrid Matadors
The Matadors have perennially been a strong regular season team but have not been able to get it done when it counts. This season they are under new management and while that will set them back at first, look for them to make strides quickly. They still have plenty of holes to fill and if they aren't able to secure a few big name free agents, it looks their run of hosting a playoff game will come to an end. The fans in Madrid are used to success though, so it will be interesting to see how they react if their beloved Matadors get off to a slow start.
6. Budapest Tizenhetedikkerület
Another season and Budapest looks strong on paper again. They have been disappointing in the past so it will be interesting to see if they can turn around that trend and maximize on their talent. Their O-Line and Secondary are their strengths, but they are comparatively week in their front 4 and wide receiving corps. I don't have a lot of faith in this team until they prove they are for real.
7. Nashua Pride
The Pride are a step behind the rest of the league in terms of talent but they are no stranger to being the under dog. They wilted under high expectations last season but played some of their best football when they were counted out. Not much will be expected out of the boys from Nashua this season, so maybe they'll surprise the league with a strong showing. That may be wishful thinking, but they will at least make the playoffs.
8. Natal Hellboys
The Hellboys finally put together a human team after coasting by all CPU the last two seasons. Unfortunately their efforts don't look like they'll be good enough as they are a distant 8th talent wise. Luckily for them, the league is weak and they'll have a good shot at a playoff birth but getting crushed by the Nightmare in the first round is their most likely fate. It is good to see some life in Natal after the first two seasons though and I wish them the best.
The Rest
These teams don't seem to be trying to field competitive teams, so I'm not going to bother to rank them. Lets have a strong season 8 boys and hopefully someone will catch-up to the Nightmare enough to give them a game.
Last edited Feb 24, 2009 14:14:06
