Good evening, everyone! I'm glad I was able to get this one out at least remotely earlier tonight, because tomorrow I go to Virginia to see UVA shock the world by upsetting USC. For now, I have the Zeta Playoff Picture for this week! Has anyone every printed a picture that's real crisp and clean in the middle, but is just indecipherable at the top and bottom? Basically, that's how the playoff picture is this week. The "Elite 3" in the league all won again this week, pushing each team's record to a fantastic 13-1. I still have Bikini Atoll and Christchurch winning out, with Dunedin sliding in Week 16 at Sydney. Tonga won a gunfight at the Horsemen, so the final 1st-round home game is their's to lose. The Horsemen have settled into 5th, with El Fuego comfortably in 6th. From 7th on down is where things get VERY dicey. Uluru is 7th by a game, and has a VERY tough remaining schedule. Chinese is 8th, with a one-game lead over Coney Island, Mauna Kea, and Cimmerian in 9th-11th. ALL those teams are still alive in the muck at the bottom. Without further ado, here are the individual reports!
Games left: 2
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-Y: Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds, 13-1
2-Y: Christchurch Knightmares, 13-1
3-Y: Dunedin Wolverines, 13-1
4-X: Tonga Thunderbirds, 11-3
5-X. The Four Horsemen, 10-4
6-X. El Fuego, 9-5
7. Uluru Rockies, 8-6
8. Chinese Bandits, 7-7
9. Coney Island Warriors, 6-8
10. Mauna Kea Chenabogs, 6-8
11. Cimmerian Barbarians, 6-8
Team scenarios:
1. Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds: 1st, 13-1
The ever-powerful Shrooms just missed "covering" against Asau, hanging up 97-0 in a shutout loss that makes me greatful that the agony's going to end for them soon. This week, Bikini Atoll finishes their Zeta slate with playoff-contender Mauna Kea; I just can't see Mauna Kea keeping this one in striking distance for long. In Week 16, the Shrooms get a visit from the Teeth Smashers in Alpha; Bikini Atoll has to give the Teeth Smashers their full attention, but in the end, I think the Shrooms walk away with the victory. Of course, this shouldn't be decided until the final week of the season, but I think the victory over Christchurch is enough to lock down home field throughout the playoffs.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 1st
2. Christchurch Knightmares: 2nd, 13-1
The Knightmares surely didn't surprise anyone last week, smashing Tasmania by the score of 68-0. This week, Christchurch is on the road against Coney Island, and I think Christchurch shouldn't have too much trouble from the playoff-seeking Warriors. In the Week 16 Alpha matchup, Christchurch rolls to Alice Springs for a contest; the Fire has a very strong team, but I believe Christchurch is even more talented, and I see the victory going to the Knightmares. The Knightmares are on the fast track to 2 home playoff games, but that's all dependent on Dunedin falling in Week 16, too.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. Dunedin Wolverines: 3rd, 13-1
The Wolverines piled up their 8th straight win, decking FPQA 55-13. This weekm Dunedin travels to Asau for another game that should be pretty light work. In Week 16, the Wolverines travel to Sydney to take on the Sea Dragons in the Alpha matchup; this is probably one of the more riveting inter-conference games due to the nearly-equal talent, but I give Sydney the slightest edge here. This game is HUGE for the 2nd spot, as Dunedin has Christchurch beat in a 3-way tiebreak on points scored; Dunedin's proven this writer wrong before, though!
Predicted finish: 14-2, 3rd
4. Tonga Thunderbirds: 11-3, 4th
Oooh, Tonga escaped the Dome of the Apocalypse with a 47-38 victory that has to have both DCs pounding their heads in frustration. Uluru comes calling at the Colliseum this week for the Thunderbirds; I have to favor Tonga here, but Uluru's fighting for playoff positioning, so this one is going to be a tight one. The Thunderbirds host Gainesville in Week 16 for the Alpha showdown, and I think the Thunderbirds have little trouble with this game. Tonga has the 4th-seed and the home playoff game in hand; they'd be wise to take care of business ASAP.
Predicted finish: 13-3, 4th
5. The Four Horsemen: 10-4, 5th
The Horsemen abused the Thunderbird pass defense, but even that wasn't enough to pull out the victory last week, as they feel 47-38. The Horsemen travel to FPQA this week in the Zeta closer, which is pretty much a near-lock. In yet another riveting Week 16 game, The Horsemen set sail for South Austrailian; this game is very close if you look at the rosters, but I see the Horsemen getting a hard-fought, well-earned victory. I doubt the Horsemen will lose another, and this will give them momentum for their Tonga rematch in 3 weeks!
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
6. El Fuego: 9-5, 6th
Fuego took care of business last week, putting up a very solid effort in a 34-10 victory over Redscape. This week, the Chinese come to Fuego for a VERY important showdown; I have to favor Fuego here with its strong defense, but never underestimate a deceptively-good team clawing for its playoff life! Manilla comes to pay a visit in Week 16 for the Alpha game; frankly, Fuego should roll against the overwhelmed Gorillaz. 2-0 looks likely to end the schedule, unless the Chinese assert their playoff stake this week.
Predicted finish: 11-5, 6th
7. Uluru Rockies: 7th, 8-6
Well, well, well! I hope I didn't jinx you all last week, but there's going to be a hard time explaining a 28-14 loss to Cimmerian, a team you had a distinct advantage over. As a consolation prize this week, you get a Tonga team that is desperate to make a defensive statement this week. If that parting gift wasn't enough Uluru goes to Molokai in Week 16 for the Alpha matchup; I think their chances are beyond bleak against those championship contenders. As the rest of my playoff ranking goes, I think 8-8 is enough to sneak you all through the backdoor, but NOT with a Chinese win and 2 Cimmerian wins. That's MUCH closer than you'd like.
Predicted finish: 8-8, 8th
8. Chinese Bandits: 8th, 7-7
It's great to see a playoff contender assert itself, and the Chinese certainly did that this week, laying a 42-20 beating on Mauna Kea. This week, the Bandits travel to Fuego for a HUGE game, but I think Fuego has to be favored to win; however, the Chinese have nothing to lose by going out and laying the hammer down, and a win would just about have them set for the playoffs. In Week 16, the Bandits travel to a solid Easter Island team; Easter Island should be favored to win here, but a solid showing by the Chinese, and they could wrap up the playoff spot here, too. If 3 teams get tangled together at 8-8, the Chinese would emerge with the 8th playoff spot (Cimmerian, at 8-8, wraps up 7th after beating both Uluru and Chinese; Chinese grabs 8th after beating Uluru, and they have more points than Uluru regardless). I hope the Bandits see how important just 1 win is!
Predicted finish: 7-9, 9th
9. Coney Island Warriors: 9th, 6-8
It's always much easier to rebound against a team vastly inferior to you, and Coney Island did that, whipping Dirty South 49-17. This week, the Warriors play this season's final Zeta game against Christchurch; in all likelihood, the Warriors will lose this game, and this will all but end the playoff dreams for the Cardiac Kids. However, the Week 16 Alpha draw is VERY favorable for Coney Island, as they play a struggling Somoa team in a game which should be a near-lock for the Warriors. I just think the Warriors have it this year, and I cannot foresee a 7-9 mark being good enough. Statistically alive, yes; realistically alive, no.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 11th
10. Mauna Kea Chenabogs: 10th, 6-8
Mauna Kea BADLY needed a win at the Chinese last week, and they just couldn't deliver the goods, falling 42-20. In a cruel twist, Mauna Kea hosts Bikini Atoll to close out the Zeta schedule this week, and I don't think I'm alone in saying that they don't stand much of a chance against the powerful Shrooms. However, the Week 16 Alpha matchup is rather light, as the Chenabogs travel to Vanuatu to play a team that hasn't really shown much this season. If only the Chenabogs hadn't had that 4-point loss to Cimmerian earlier this season. That's what's keeping you from the playoffs.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 10th
11. Cimmerian Barbarians: 11th, 6-8
How about this for playoff excitement! The statement was simple: win or be eliminated. The Barbarians came out guns ablaze and upset Uluru 28-14. Even though they're the last team in this poll, they have the BEST chance for a playoff spot out of any of the contenders! Cimmerians's game this week is against Dirty South team, and that's as near a lock as they come in Zeta. Crazily, the Barbarians have a near-lock in Week 16 as well, against a hapless Origrammar squad from Alpha. Who would've predicted this at the beginning of this playoff review? This team certainly has clawed its way in, granted they knock off two teams they should.
Predicted finish: 8-8, 7th
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Guys (and geauxgirl), thanks for all the positive compliments about this playoff column! Definitely a respectable group of owners/GMs/players in AA#2, and it makes me happy to be a part of the group and to do something that's appreciated. As always, I have no disrespect of any team, but I call the games as I see them come up. Best of luck in Week 15; I can't wait to see what happens in the league this week!
Games left: 2
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-Y: Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds, 13-1
2-Y: Christchurch Knightmares, 13-1
3-Y: Dunedin Wolverines, 13-1
4-X: Tonga Thunderbirds, 11-3
5-X. The Four Horsemen, 10-4
6-X. El Fuego, 9-5
7. Uluru Rockies, 8-6
8. Chinese Bandits, 7-7
9. Coney Island Warriors, 6-8
10. Mauna Kea Chenabogs, 6-8
11. Cimmerian Barbarians, 6-8
Team scenarios:
1. Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds: 1st, 13-1
The ever-powerful Shrooms just missed "covering" against Asau, hanging up 97-0 in a shutout loss that makes me greatful that the agony's going to end for them soon. This week, Bikini Atoll finishes their Zeta slate with playoff-contender Mauna Kea; I just can't see Mauna Kea keeping this one in striking distance for long. In Week 16, the Shrooms get a visit from the Teeth Smashers in Alpha; Bikini Atoll has to give the Teeth Smashers their full attention, but in the end, I think the Shrooms walk away with the victory. Of course, this shouldn't be decided until the final week of the season, but I think the victory over Christchurch is enough to lock down home field throughout the playoffs.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 1st
2. Christchurch Knightmares: 2nd, 13-1
The Knightmares surely didn't surprise anyone last week, smashing Tasmania by the score of 68-0. This week, Christchurch is on the road against Coney Island, and I think Christchurch shouldn't have too much trouble from the playoff-seeking Warriors. In the Week 16 Alpha matchup, Christchurch rolls to Alice Springs for a contest; the Fire has a very strong team, but I believe Christchurch is even more talented, and I see the victory going to the Knightmares. The Knightmares are on the fast track to 2 home playoff games, but that's all dependent on Dunedin falling in Week 16, too.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. Dunedin Wolverines: 3rd, 13-1
The Wolverines piled up their 8th straight win, decking FPQA 55-13. This weekm Dunedin travels to Asau for another game that should be pretty light work. In Week 16, the Wolverines travel to Sydney to take on the Sea Dragons in the Alpha matchup; this is probably one of the more riveting inter-conference games due to the nearly-equal talent, but I give Sydney the slightest edge here. This game is HUGE for the 2nd spot, as Dunedin has Christchurch beat in a 3-way tiebreak on points scored; Dunedin's proven this writer wrong before, though!
Predicted finish: 14-2, 3rd
4. Tonga Thunderbirds: 11-3, 4th
Oooh, Tonga escaped the Dome of the Apocalypse with a 47-38 victory that has to have both DCs pounding their heads in frustration. Uluru comes calling at the Colliseum this week for the Thunderbirds; I have to favor Tonga here, but Uluru's fighting for playoff positioning, so this one is going to be a tight one. The Thunderbirds host Gainesville in Week 16 for the Alpha showdown, and I think the Thunderbirds have little trouble with this game. Tonga has the 4th-seed and the home playoff game in hand; they'd be wise to take care of business ASAP.
Predicted finish: 13-3, 4th
5. The Four Horsemen: 10-4, 5th
The Horsemen abused the Thunderbird pass defense, but even that wasn't enough to pull out the victory last week, as they feel 47-38. The Horsemen travel to FPQA this week in the Zeta closer, which is pretty much a near-lock. In yet another riveting Week 16 game, The Horsemen set sail for South Austrailian; this game is very close if you look at the rosters, but I see the Horsemen getting a hard-fought, well-earned victory. I doubt the Horsemen will lose another, and this will give them momentum for their Tonga rematch in 3 weeks!
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
6. El Fuego: 9-5, 6th
Fuego took care of business last week, putting up a very solid effort in a 34-10 victory over Redscape. This week, the Chinese come to Fuego for a VERY important showdown; I have to favor Fuego here with its strong defense, but never underestimate a deceptively-good team clawing for its playoff life! Manilla comes to pay a visit in Week 16 for the Alpha game; frankly, Fuego should roll against the overwhelmed Gorillaz. 2-0 looks likely to end the schedule, unless the Chinese assert their playoff stake this week.
Predicted finish: 11-5, 6th
7. Uluru Rockies: 7th, 8-6
Well, well, well! I hope I didn't jinx you all last week, but there's going to be a hard time explaining a 28-14 loss to Cimmerian, a team you had a distinct advantage over. As a consolation prize this week, you get a Tonga team that is desperate to make a defensive statement this week. If that parting gift wasn't enough Uluru goes to Molokai in Week 16 for the Alpha matchup; I think their chances are beyond bleak against those championship contenders. As the rest of my playoff ranking goes, I think 8-8 is enough to sneak you all through the backdoor, but NOT with a Chinese win and 2 Cimmerian wins. That's MUCH closer than you'd like.
Predicted finish: 8-8, 8th
8. Chinese Bandits: 8th, 7-7
It's great to see a playoff contender assert itself, and the Chinese certainly did that this week, laying a 42-20 beating on Mauna Kea. This week, the Bandits travel to Fuego for a HUGE game, but I think Fuego has to be favored to win; however, the Chinese have nothing to lose by going out and laying the hammer down, and a win would just about have them set for the playoffs. In Week 16, the Bandits travel to a solid Easter Island team; Easter Island should be favored to win here, but a solid showing by the Chinese, and they could wrap up the playoff spot here, too. If 3 teams get tangled together at 8-8, the Chinese would emerge with the 8th playoff spot (Cimmerian, at 8-8, wraps up 7th after beating both Uluru and Chinese; Chinese grabs 8th after beating Uluru, and they have more points than Uluru regardless). I hope the Bandits see how important just 1 win is!
Predicted finish: 7-9, 9th
9. Coney Island Warriors: 9th, 6-8
It's always much easier to rebound against a team vastly inferior to you, and Coney Island did that, whipping Dirty South 49-17. This week, the Warriors play this season's final Zeta game against Christchurch; in all likelihood, the Warriors will lose this game, and this will all but end the playoff dreams for the Cardiac Kids. However, the Week 16 Alpha draw is VERY favorable for Coney Island, as they play a struggling Somoa team in a game which should be a near-lock for the Warriors. I just think the Warriors have it this year, and I cannot foresee a 7-9 mark being good enough. Statistically alive, yes; realistically alive, no.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 11th
10. Mauna Kea Chenabogs: 10th, 6-8
Mauna Kea BADLY needed a win at the Chinese last week, and they just couldn't deliver the goods, falling 42-20. In a cruel twist, Mauna Kea hosts Bikini Atoll to close out the Zeta schedule this week, and I don't think I'm alone in saying that they don't stand much of a chance against the powerful Shrooms. However, the Week 16 Alpha matchup is rather light, as the Chenabogs travel to Vanuatu to play a team that hasn't really shown much this season. If only the Chenabogs hadn't had that 4-point loss to Cimmerian earlier this season. That's what's keeping you from the playoffs.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 10th
11. Cimmerian Barbarians: 11th, 6-8
How about this for playoff excitement! The statement was simple: win or be eliminated. The Barbarians came out guns ablaze and upset Uluru 28-14. Even though they're the last team in this poll, they have the BEST chance for a playoff spot out of any of the contenders! Cimmerians's game this week is against Dirty South team, and that's as near a lock as they come in Zeta. Crazily, the Barbarians have a near-lock in Week 16 as well, against a hapless Origrammar squad from Alpha. Who would've predicted this at the beginning of this playoff review? This team certainly has clawed its way in, granted they knock off two teams they should.
Predicted finish: 8-8, 7th
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Guys (and geauxgirl), thanks for all the positive compliments about this playoff column! Definitely a respectable group of owners/GMs/players in AA#2, and it makes me happy to be a part of the group and to do something that's appreciated. As always, I have no disrespect of any team, but I call the games as I see them come up. Best of luck in Week 15; I can't wait to see what happens in the league this week!
