Hello, everyone. Just to give everyone a little bit of additional reading about the league, and to add a little something to the forum, I've made a playoff picture after Week 12. I'll include every team that wouldn't need a wildly outrageous mathematical scenario to make the playoffs. I hope you all like it!
Games left: 4
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-X: Melbourne Thorny Devils, 12-0
2-X: Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds, 11-1
3-X: Tonga Thunderbirds, 10-2
4: Christchurch Knightmares, 9-3
5: The Four Horsemen, 8-4
6: El Fuego, 8-4
7: Coney Island Warriors, 7-5
8: North Marinara Islands Ramekins, 6-6
9: Dunedin Wolverines, 6-6
10: Chinese Bandits, 5-7
11: Uluru Rockies, 4-8
Team scenarios:
Melbourne Thorny Devils: 1st, 12-0
The only undefeated team in the conference keeps on keeping on this week with a 49-23 shellacking of the toughest team remaining on the schedule, Tonga. The Devils continue on next week with an interesting game at Christchurch, followed by a very winnable game against Mauna Kea. The final two games at El Fuego and Florida Parishes may test the Devils, but I don't see how the Devils lose any game until the playoffs. They've been the class of Zeta this year.
Predicted finish: 16-0, 1st
2. Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds: 2nd, 11-1
The Mushrooms are breathing much easier now, after a 77-0 shutout of Uluru and a Tonga loss. This effectively locks the Clouds into the 2nd spot for playoffs, giving them 2 home games. The Clouds have two very winnable home games in a row, against Redscape and Cimmeria. They finish the season at Coney Island (a very likely win) and at Sydney. The Sydney game is interesting, for they are one of the more talented teams in Alpha, and could give Bikini Atoll a real test. However, I think the Clouds have enough ammunition to win that final game; still, anything can happen!
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. Tonga Thunderbirds: 3rd, 10-2
That last game against Melbourne took all the wind out of the sails of the Thunderbirds, ending their 10-game winning streak in stunning fashion. However, the Thunderbirds should be able to rest easy until the playoffs. They have FPQA at home this week, one that is as close to an automatic win as there possible could be. Next, the Thunderbirds travel to Uluru, for a very winnable game. The final two games are again at home, against Redscape (a should-win) and Illesheim. The Krauts have posted a solid record, but the Thunderbirds look to have too much depth for Illesheim to counteract.
Predicted finish: 14-2, 3rd
4. Christchurch Knightmares: 9-3, 4th
Here's where the race for the 4th home playoff game really starts to heat up. While Christchurch has not mathematically clinched a playoff spot yet thanks to a stunning upset loss to the Chinese Bandits, it would be improbable not to, since they need one win or a Dunedin/NMI loss to clinch. The next two games are against Melbourne (which is looking like a likely loss) and at FPQA (a near-certain win). The final two games are against Uluru (a likely win) and against Thatto Hatto. That final game has the potential to be an upset, but I believe Christchurch has too much firepower for the Smashers.
Predicted finish: 12-4, 4th
5. The Four Horsemen: 8-4, 5th
Right now, that midseason loss to Christchurch has cost them dearly in the race for a home playoff game; even with one Christchurch loss, the Horsemen are highly unlikely to catch up. That rough early-season schedule is paying off now, as the last four weeks are not overly grueling. The next two games are at Tasmania (a very likely win) and at NMI (a game which definitely favors the Horsemen, but one that shouldn't be overlooked). The last two home games are against Dunedin (which falls into the same category of NMI) and the English Wasps (which despite some roster improvement, still sit at 0-12).
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
6. El Fuego: 8-4, 6th
This team's an interesting study: they came out balls-to-the-wall to start the season, and have since lost a little bit of that fire. They could just as easily go 1-3 or 3-1 in the next 4. The next two games are against Dunedin (which should be a close win, but has upset potential) and at Chinese. This one is likely going to be a knockdown, drag-out dogfight, which I see as *slightly* favoring El Fuego. The last two games are against Melbourne (for which they won't be favored) and against Gainesville, where the Florida-based fire will likely be extinguished. Until they prove me differently, I'm going with 3-1 in the next 4.
Predicted finish: 11-5, 6th
7. Coney Island Warriors: 7th, 7-5
This team could be easily called the "Cardiac Kids", coming back from a 4-4 record to win 2 straight games in heart-stopping fashion. The next two games are against Uluru (which should favor Coney Island) and at Redscape (which should really favor Coney Island). The final two games are against Bikini Atoll (for which I can't foresee a win) and against Solomon Island, which just doesn't have the firepower to upset Coney Island. 3-1 would be a great finish for this team.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 7th
8. Northern Mariana Islands Ramekins: 8th, 6-6
Here's where the playoff picture gets JUICY! NMI currently holds the tiebreaker due to a thrilling Week 1 win over Dunedin. The next two games are at Cimmerian (highly favoring NMI) and against the Horsemen (which highly favors the Horsemen). The final two games are at Tasmania (which is almost a definitely for NMI), and against Easter Island. This last game is HUGE. A win likely gets NMI in, and a loss has the chance to keep them off the field in the postseason. Frankly, I think Easter Island has the edge right now, but I believe that in the end, NMI *squeaks* into the playoffs due to an equally hard schedule for Dunedin. Who would've thought they'd even have a chance to miss the playoffs after Week 6 with a 5-1 mark?
Predicted finish: 8-8, 8th
9. Dunedin Wolverines: 9th, 6-6
Boy, does that Week 1 loss ever sting. Dunedin reminds me so much of NMI: a 5-2 start to the season, only to be on the outside-looking-in for the playoff picture. A 7-point win against the lowly Chenabogs keeps them alive for now. The next two games are at El Fuego (which does not favor Dunedin) and against Cimmerian (where Dunedin has a sizable advantage). The last two are at the Four Horsemen (a fairly likely loss) and against South Australian. This last one is a toss-up game, for the teams are fairly evenly matched. However, the blocking and rush defense for South Australia appear to favor them, so I believe this game cannot favor Dunedin. A 1-3 finish is likely, and I just don't see a feasible scenario for them to get in, barring winning the toss-up game and an upset of two solid teams.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 10th
10. Chinese Bandits: 5-7, 10th
You think they're out of it, and they come storming back in with a BIG upset of Christchurch. I believe Chinese would have to win out to make the playoffs (since they lost to both Dunedin and NMI), but with games like today and the talent on the roster, it's not insane to think they could. The schedule makes it even more possible! The next two games are at Mauna Kea (a game which highly favors Chinese) and against El Fuego. Of all the games in the playoff race, this one has the most potential to shake up the standings. A win could perhaps ease these guys smack into the playoffs, while a loss could be devastating to those hopes. As I said above, this game *slightly* favors El Fuego, but I see upset alert all around this game. The final two games are at Cimmerian (which is heavily slanted toward Chinese) and at Newcastle (which is, for all intents and purposes, equal to Cimmerian). This team would be a DEADLY first-round match in the playoffs, considering they go 4-0. I lean toward no, but it wouldn't be the first time they've shocked us.
Predicted finish: 8-8, 9th
11. Uluru Rockies: 4-8, 11th
I include Uluru this week because they're mathematically alive, and that's about all they have going for them. It would take a Seattle Slew of upsets both for them and against the three teams above for Uluru to make it, and I just don't see it happening. Their next two games are at Coney Island (which looks bleak for Uluru) and against Tonga (which looks even worse). The final two games are at Christchurch (a no-go for Uluru) and at Origrammar (which really should favor Uluru here). Better luck next season, my friends.
Predicted finish: 5-11, 11th.
I hope you all enjoyed these. I certainly mean no disrespect to any team, I just call them as I see them. Good luck, everyone!
Games left: 4
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-X: Melbourne Thorny Devils, 12-0
2-X: Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds, 11-1
3-X: Tonga Thunderbirds, 10-2
4: Christchurch Knightmares, 9-3
5: The Four Horsemen, 8-4
6: El Fuego, 8-4
7: Coney Island Warriors, 7-5
8: North Marinara Islands Ramekins, 6-6
9: Dunedin Wolverines, 6-6
10: Chinese Bandits, 5-7
11: Uluru Rockies, 4-8
Team scenarios:
Melbourne Thorny Devils: 1st, 12-0
The only undefeated team in the conference keeps on keeping on this week with a 49-23 shellacking of the toughest team remaining on the schedule, Tonga. The Devils continue on next week with an interesting game at Christchurch, followed by a very winnable game against Mauna Kea. The final two games at El Fuego and Florida Parishes may test the Devils, but I don't see how the Devils lose any game until the playoffs. They've been the class of Zeta this year.
Predicted finish: 16-0, 1st
2. Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds: 2nd, 11-1
The Mushrooms are breathing much easier now, after a 77-0 shutout of Uluru and a Tonga loss. This effectively locks the Clouds into the 2nd spot for playoffs, giving them 2 home games. The Clouds have two very winnable home games in a row, against Redscape and Cimmeria. They finish the season at Coney Island (a very likely win) and at Sydney. The Sydney game is interesting, for they are one of the more talented teams in Alpha, and could give Bikini Atoll a real test. However, I think the Clouds have enough ammunition to win that final game; still, anything can happen!
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. Tonga Thunderbirds: 3rd, 10-2
That last game against Melbourne took all the wind out of the sails of the Thunderbirds, ending their 10-game winning streak in stunning fashion. However, the Thunderbirds should be able to rest easy until the playoffs. They have FPQA at home this week, one that is as close to an automatic win as there possible could be. Next, the Thunderbirds travel to Uluru, for a very winnable game. The final two games are again at home, against Redscape (a should-win) and Illesheim. The Krauts have posted a solid record, but the Thunderbirds look to have too much depth for Illesheim to counteract.
Predicted finish: 14-2, 3rd
4. Christchurch Knightmares: 9-3, 4th
Here's where the race for the 4th home playoff game really starts to heat up. While Christchurch has not mathematically clinched a playoff spot yet thanks to a stunning upset loss to the Chinese Bandits, it would be improbable not to, since they need one win or a Dunedin/NMI loss to clinch. The next two games are against Melbourne (which is looking like a likely loss) and at FPQA (a near-certain win). The final two games are against Uluru (a likely win) and against Thatto Hatto. That final game has the potential to be an upset, but I believe Christchurch has too much firepower for the Smashers.
Predicted finish: 12-4, 4th
5. The Four Horsemen: 8-4, 5th
Right now, that midseason loss to Christchurch has cost them dearly in the race for a home playoff game; even with one Christchurch loss, the Horsemen are highly unlikely to catch up. That rough early-season schedule is paying off now, as the last four weeks are not overly grueling. The next two games are at Tasmania (a very likely win) and at NMI (a game which definitely favors the Horsemen, but one that shouldn't be overlooked). The last two home games are against Dunedin (which falls into the same category of NMI) and the English Wasps (which despite some roster improvement, still sit at 0-12).
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
6. El Fuego: 8-4, 6th
This team's an interesting study: they came out balls-to-the-wall to start the season, and have since lost a little bit of that fire. They could just as easily go 1-3 or 3-1 in the next 4. The next two games are against Dunedin (which should be a close win, but has upset potential) and at Chinese. This one is likely going to be a knockdown, drag-out dogfight, which I see as *slightly* favoring El Fuego. The last two games are against Melbourne (for which they won't be favored) and against Gainesville, where the Florida-based fire will likely be extinguished. Until they prove me differently, I'm going with 3-1 in the next 4.
Predicted finish: 11-5, 6th
7. Coney Island Warriors: 7th, 7-5
This team could be easily called the "Cardiac Kids", coming back from a 4-4 record to win 2 straight games in heart-stopping fashion. The next two games are against Uluru (which should favor Coney Island) and at Redscape (which should really favor Coney Island). The final two games are against Bikini Atoll (for which I can't foresee a win) and against Solomon Island, which just doesn't have the firepower to upset Coney Island. 3-1 would be a great finish for this team.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 7th
8. Northern Mariana Islands Ramekins: 8th, 6-6
Here's where the playoff picture gets JUICY! NMI currently holds the tiebreaker due to a thrilling Week 1 win over Dunedin. The next two games are at Cimmerian (highly favoring NMI) and against the Horsemen (which highly favors the Horsemen). The final two games are at Tasmania (which is almost a definitely for NMI), and against Easter Island. This last game is HUGE. A win likely gets NMI in, and a loss has the chance to keep them off the field in the postseason. Frankly, I think Easter Island has the edge right now, but I believe that in the end, NMI *squeaks* into the playoffs due to an equally hard schedule for Dunedin. Who would've thought they'd even have a chance to miss the playoffs after Week 6 with a 5-1 mark?
Predicted finish: 8-8, 8th
9. Dunedin Wolverines: 9th, 6-6
Boy, does that Week 1 loss ever sting. Dunedin reminds me so much of NMI: a 5-2 start to the season, only to be on the outside-looking-in for the playoff picture. A 7-point win against the lowly Chenabogs keeps them alive for now. The next two games are at El Fuego (which does not favor Dunedin) and against Cimmerian (where Dunedin has a sizable advantage). The last two are at the Four Horsemen (a fairly likely loss) and against South Australian. This last one is a toss-up game, for the teams are fairly evenly matched. However, the blocking and rush defense for South Australia appear to favor them, so I believe this game cannot favor Dunedin. A 1-3 finish is likely, and I just don't see a feasible scenario for them to get in, barring winning the toss-up game and an upset of two solid teams.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 10th
10. Chinese Bandits: 5-7, 10th
You think they're out of it, and they come storming back in with a BIG upset of Christchurch. I believe Chinese would have to win out to make the playoffs (since they lost to both Dunedin and NMI), but with games like today and the talent on the roster, it's not insane to think they could. The schedule makes it even more possible! The next two games are at Mauna Kea (a game which highly favors Chinese) and against El Fuego. Of all the games in the playoff race, this one has the most potential to shake up the standings. A win could perhaps ease these guys smack into the playoffs, while a loss could be devastating to those hopes. As I said above, this game *slightly* favors El Fuego, but I see upset alert all around this game. The final two games are at Cimmerian (which is heavily slanted toward Chinese) and at Newcastle (which is, for all intents and purposes, equal to Cimmerian). This team would be a DEADLY first-round match in the playoffs, considering they go 4-0. I lean toward no, but it wouldn't be the first time they've shocked us.
Predicted finish: 8-8, 9th
11. Uluru Rockies: 4-8, 11th
I include Uluru this week because they're mathematically alive, and that's about all they have going for them. It would take a Seattle Slew of upsets both for them and against the three teams above for Uluru to make it, and I just don't see it happening. Their next two games are at Coney Island (which looks bleak for Uluru) and against Tonga (which looks even worse). The final two games are at Christchurch (a no-go for Uluru) and at Origrammar (which really should favor Uluru here). Better luck next season, my friends.
Predicted finish: 5-11, 11th.
I hope you all enjoyed these. I certainly mean no disrespect to any team, I just call them as I see them. Good luck, everyone!
Last edited Jul 4, 2008 22:55:54
