1) Ironton Tanks (6-0) - gonna copy and paste this part. No credible challenger until they run into Le Thor in week 10....and that's not a knock on the Wildebeest in 2 weeks....the Tanks are just that good.
2) Wallachia Wamphyrii (5-1) - yeah I jumped them ahead of the Bats. After their impressive showing on both sides of the ball against a quality Luxembourg team, they've done a little more with a tougher schedule.
3) Le Thor Devil Bats (6-0) - No shame in dropping a spot here....they did nothing to lose the spot and could regain it if the Wamphryii are not impressive vs the Space Cowboys in a couple weeks. Still, along with Wallachia and Luxembourg, appear to be a tier below Ironton.
4) Luxembourg Lions (5-1) - They were ambushed by the Wamphyrii this week and are not as bad as the score indicated. They're still in the 2nd echelon of teams in the Lion Conference and it would be shocking if they aren't hosting a 1st round playoff game.
5) Serengeti Wildebeest (5-1) - Prevailed in an exciting shootout with the Gigolos to hold onto the 5th spot. They have an exciting young team and may not make much noise beyond the 1st round of the playoffs this year but will be a force to be reckoned in with next year in AA1.
6) Uganda Stink Apes (4-2) - Somewhat confusing but appear to be the only team capable of cracking the top 4. However, they've failed to impress in their meetings with two of the top four so far. They get another chance when they face the Lions next week.
7) Johannesburg Gigolos (3-3) - Playoff caliber squad that has made some impressive showings this year. They routed one of the top 5 Elephant Conference teams, and lost thrillers to the Wildebeest and the Apes. Their only non-quality performance all year was a beat down to Wallachia which was not nearly as bad as the 90-0 score indicated (the Wamphyrii scored 52 points in the final 16 minutes of the game).
8) Houston Space Cowboys (3-3) - For whatever reason, they have not played as well as their roster levels indicate they can. Unless they can figure out some things, they may be in danger of missing the playoffs.
9) Copenhagen Cowboys (4-2) - Deceiving record as all 4 wins have come against significantly inferior opponents. They stumbled badly in their two games against quality teams (Appalachicola and Serengeti). Their next two games will determine if they're a threat to Houston's playoff hopes as they face the Bats and the Gigolos. A close game to either of those teams would be huge in the leagues perception of the Cowboys.
10) Ethiopia Camel Snackers (2-4) - Someone has to be 10th.
GOTW: Luxembourg Lions vs Uganda Stink Apes: The Lions get their 2nd consecutive GOTW and should make a better showing against the Apes. I'm sure the Lions' think tank will be analyzing their recent loss at Wallachia and are gonna be prepared for Uganda. While the Apes have only lost to the two undefeated teams in the league, they've lost badly. The Lions need a win here to not only redeem themselves for their week 5 performance but to keep their hold on a home playoff spot. Uganda should give them a good game but I don't think in the end they'll have enough to score on the Lion Defense..........Luxembourg 28 Uganda 16
2) Wallachia Wamphyrii (5-1) - yeah I jumped them ahead of the Bats. After their impressive showing on both sides of the ball against a quality Luxembourg team, they've done a little more with a tougher schedule.
3) Le Thor Devil Bats (6-0) - No shame in dropping a spot here....they did nothing to lose the spot and could regain it if the Wamphryii are not impressive vs the Space Cowboys in a couple weeks. Still, along with Wallachia and Luxembourg, appear to be a tier below Ironton.
4) Luxembourg Lions (5-1) - They were ambushed by the Wamphyrii this week and are not as bad as the score indicated. They're still in the 2nd echelon of teams in the Lion Conference and it would be shocking if they aren't hosting a 1st round playoff game.
5) Serengeti Wildebeest (5-1) - Prevailed in an exciting shootout with the Gigolos to hold onto the 5th spot. They have an exciting young team and may not make much noise beyond the 1st round of the playoffs this year but will be a force to be reckoned in with next year in AA1.
6) Uganda Stink Apes (4-2) - Somewhat confusing but appear to be the only team capable of cracking the top 4. However, they've failed to impress in their meetings with two of the top four so far. They get another chance when they face the Lions next week.
7) Johannesburg Gigolos (3-3) - Playoff caliber squad that has made some impressive showings this year. They routed one of the top 5 Elephant Conference teams, and lost thrillers to the Wildebeest and the Apes. Their only non-quality performance all year was a beat down to Wallachia which was not nearly as bad as the 90-0 score indicated (the Wamphyrii scored 52 points in the final 16 minutes of the game).
8) Houston Space Cowboys (3-3) - For whatever reason, they have not played as well as their roster levels indicate they can. Unless they can figure out some things, they may be in danger of missing the playoffs.
9) Copenhagen Cowboys (4-2) - Deceiving record as all 4 wins have come against significantly inferior opponents. They stumbled badly in their two games against quality teams (Appalachicola and Serengeti). Their next two games will determine if they're a threat to Houston's playoff hopes as they face the Bats and the Gigolos. A close game to either of those teams would be huge in the leagues perception of the Cowboys.
10) Ethiopia Camel Snackers (2-4) - Someone has to be 10th.
GOTW: Luxembourg Lions vs Uganda Stink Apes: The Lions get their 2nd consecutive GOTW and should make a better showing against the Apes. I'm sure the Lions' think tank will be analyzing their recent loss at Wallachia and are gonna be prepared for Uganda. While the Apes have only lost to the two undefeated teams in the league, they've lost badly. The Lions need a win here to not only redeem themselves for their week 5 performance but to keep their hold on a home playoff spot. Uganda should give them a good game but I don't think in the end they'll have enough to score on the Lion Defense..........Luxembourg 28 Uganda 16
