Good evening, everyone! I apologize for not having these ready last week, but I had to turn in a bill for my Legislation class that was 40% of my total grade, so I just didn't have the time to get one of these out; this one's a little late, but better late than never. I don't think the playoff picture has been this clear in Zeta since this great conference was formed in Season 8. The big two in this league, Tonga and Christchurch, just keep on their winning ways; the Tonga Thunderbirds now stand at a perfect 14-0, while the Christchurch Knightmares are now 13-1. El Fuego and the Chinese Bandits pushed their winning streaks to 5 games and now each sit at 11-3. The Four Horsemen picked up their third win in a row to move to 10-4 and keep their home-field 1st round playoff game hopes alive. The Solomon Islands Alchemy dropped their matchup with Tonga, and now sit at 9-5 in 6th spot. The Mauna Kea Chenabogs picked up a HUGE win to get to 8-6 and stay in 7th place. The Dunedin Wolverines, though, dropped a hotly-contested game to Christchurch, and they likewise sit at 8-6. The last team with a flicker of playoff hope, the Tasmania Devils, picked up a win against Redscape to take sole possession of 9th place at 7-7. At 6-8, both the Uluru Rockies and Redscape Diplomats fall out of the playoff picture this week, as it's virtually impossible for either team to sneak in. Just 2 games left for a team to make or break its playoff desiny. How will everything shake down this week? Stay tuned!
Games left: 2
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-Y: Tonga Thunderbirds, 14-0
2-Y: Christchurch Knightmares, 13-1
3-X: El Fuego, 11-3
4-X: Chinese Bandits, 11-3
5-X: The Four Horsemen, 10-4
6-X: Solomon Islands Alchemy, 9-5
7: Mauna Kea Chenabogs, 8-6
8: Dunedin Wolverines, 8-6
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9: Tasmania Devils, 7-7
Team scenarios:
1. Tonga Thunderbirds: 1st, 14-0
The Thunderbirds keep rolling along, and now stand at 14-0 needing just 1 more win to lock down home-field throughout the Zeta Conference playoffs. Last week, the Thunderbirds had to actually climb out of a hole in the second half, getting 2 key INT returns for TDs as they beat the pass-happy Solomon Islands Alchemy 42-16. This week, Tonga will fly into Redscape to face the Diplomats in the Zeta closer; I do not believe Redscape will be strong enough to contend for an upset, as Tonga should be able to roll to a three-score win against the Diplomats. Week 16 brings an interesting Alpha showdown, as the Thunderbirds travel deep in the deserts to Alice Springs to take on the Fire; the Fire has shaken off the demons of missing the playoffs this season, but I believe Tonga will not allow a perfect season to slip away like that as they win by two scores. Tonga has one easier and one more challenging game left, and a perfect season within their grasps; I think they'll close out the deal this year.
Predicted finish: 16-0, 1st
2. Christchurch Knightmares: 2nd, 13-1
Christchurch is looking square at the #2-seed in the Zeta playoffs this season, and 2 home games isn't too shabby for this strong Knightmares squad. Last week, the Dunedin Wolverines had a spirited battle with the Knightmares, but Christchurch pulled away to a 42-31 victory. This week, Christchurch hosts the Mauna Kea Chenabogs to end their Zeta schedule; the Chenabogs offense is strong, but the Christchurch defense is like steel, and I see a two-touchdown victory for the Knightmares in this one. In Week 16, Christchurch hits the road to face the Thatto Heath Teeth Smashers in another testing Alpha draw; this game has upset alert on it, but I think Christchurch should pull out about a 10-point victory here. Christchurch will likely close out their season 2-0, which should leave them on the opposite side of the bracket of the Tonga Thunderbirds.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. El Fuego: 3rd, 11-3
Fuego and the Chinese Bandits are both sitting at 11-3; Fuego has the upper hand thanks to a 51-45 Week 8 victory, but Fuego also has a MUCH harder road. Last week, Fuego went to Coney Island and positively rocked the Warriors, 41-17. This week, Fuego closes its Zeta slate at home in a battle against the Tasmania Devils; the Devils have done very well for themselves after being promoted last season, but I think that Fuego extinguishes the Tasmania playoff dreams in a two-score victory. In Week 16, Fuego gets a crazy coincidental Alpha draw in a home showdown again the Tasmanian Devils; these two very teams tied in the preseason, but I still think that the Devils are about a touchdown favorite in this game. If Fuego can close out 2-0, they get the coveted #3-seed; if Fuego closes out 1-1, they might not even get a home playoff game, thanks to a 41-27 Week 9 loss to the Horsemen. At least they control their own destiny!
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
4. Chinese Bandits: 4th, 9-3
Although the Bandits lost to El Fuego in a 51-45 shootout in Week 8, I think they’re still the favorites for the #3-seed and a home playoff game opposite Tonga in the bracket. Last week, the Bandits went to face the Cimmerian Barbarians and absolutely drilled them, whipping the Barbarians 52-3. This week, the Bandits look for their sixth-straight victory when they travel to Coney Island to square off against the Warriors in the Zeta finale; the Bandits have had a rough go of it lately, and that should continue, as the Bandits should be three-score favorites. In Week 16, the Bandits get an uncharacteristically easy Alpha draw, as the Vanuatu Gunslingers come calling; I see a rather lopsided multi-score victory for the Bandits. 2-0 and seven consecutive victories looks likely for the Bandits, who've truly benefitted from a more relaxed late season schedule!
Predicted finish: 13-3, 3rd
5. The Four Horsemen: 5th, 10-4
The Horsemen just keep rising up the charts, as three straight victories will put them in position for an outside shot at home-field in the first round of the Zeta Playoffs. Obliterating the Brisbane Brown Bears 160-0 last week is one way to get the confidence flowing! This week, the schedule continues to be manageable for the Horsemen, as they finish their Zeta schedule at home against the Cimmerian Barbarians; this one shouldn't be terribly competitive, as the Horsemen should roll to a three-score victory here. The Horsemen also get a more favorable Alpha draw in Week 16 when the Throwback Cowboys ride into town; the Cowboys have consistently improved as this season has went along, but I still see the Horsemen winning this one by two touchdowns. Easy closing schedules are nice, and thanks to the 41-27 win over El Fuego in Week 9, with one Fuego loss, the Horsemen may break the #5-seed trend and get themselves a home playoff game!
Predicted finish: 12-4, 4th
6. Solomon Islands Alchemy: 6th, 9-5
The Season 4 benefactors of promotion have done VERY well for themselves in their first season in AA, and are comfortably in the playoffs come this season. However, last week, the Tonga Thunderbirds gave the Alchemy a taste of just how difficult the playoffs might be, utilizing defense scores by beating the Alchemy 42-16. This week, the Alchemy host the Uluru Rockies in their Zeta closer; Uluru has just had a bumpy ending to this regular season, and I see it continuing here, as the Alchemy should roll to an impressive three-score victory. The Easter Island Moai roll into town in the Week 16 Alpha matchup for the Alchemy; this game will be VERY close in Week 16, but I still see the Moai pulling out a hard-fought single-digit victory here. 1-1 isn't an awful way to end the regular season; however, if the Alchemy wins in Week 16, they can claw right back into 6th, escaping the Week 1 23-20 loss to the Dunedin Wolverines.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 7th
7. Mauna Kea Chenabogs: 7th, 8-6
If any team has shown the ability to let the Tasmania Devils hang around and continue to have life in this playoff picture, it's the Mauna Kea Chenabogs, who really have played down to the level of their opponents. This last week was no different, as the Chenabogs beat the Tasmania Sand Gnats 36-19, a game that their offense should've ran away with. However, the following week sees yet another difficult test as they travel to face the the Christchurch Knightmares; the Chenabog offense is just no match for this Christchurch defense, and I see the Knightmares prevailing by three scores, or more. However, sometimes you just get a gift, and Mauna Kea does here as the Chenabogs get a gift-wrapped lock in Week 16 when they face the relegation-bound Williamsport Soul Reavers at home; I’d predict a huge margin of victory in this one, as the Chenabogs offense should easily take care of the Soul Reavers defense. This is unbelievable, considering the HOT 7-1 start the Chenabogs got off to, beating teams such as Dunedin (38-33 in Week 7); those victories should be JUST enough to get the Chenabogs into the playoffs for their first time ever.
Predicted finish: 9-7, 8th
8. Dunedin Wolverines: 8th, 6-6
Dunedin, although they are the #8-seed right now, have a very manageable schedule with which they may move as high as 6th. Last week, Dunedin fought the Christchurch Knightmares tooth-and-nail, but just couldn't pull out the upset in the end, as the Wolverines lost be 11, 42-31. Dunedin closes out their Zeta schedule this week by traveling to the relegation-destined Los Cabolo Sharks; the Wolverines are destined to glide to a triple-digit victory in this one, as this will be the final AA Zeta goodbye for them. In Week 16, Dunedin gets a very favorable Alpha draw as they travel to do battle with the South Australian Serial Killers; Dunedin should be the one killing the Killers, as I'd expect nothing less than a three-score victory for the Wolverines. 2-0 looks like the most probable ending for the Wolverines, who will be a TOUGH out in the playoffs; however, there is some good news, as the Wolverines would propel over the Solomon Islands Alchemy by virtue of their Week 1 23-20 win, given that they finish tied.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 6th
9. Tasmania Devils: 9th, 7-7
Tasmania is holding on to a very dim playoff hope right now, as the Mauna Kea Chenabogs and Dunedin Wolverines have rather easy Alpha draws; the Devils shouldn't hang their heads, however. Last week, the Devils did exactly what they needed to do to stay alive, thrashing the Redscape Diplomats 55-3 in their home closer. However, this week, Tasmania closes out its Zeta schedule by battling El Fuego on the road; I just think El Fuego has too much depth and talent, and I see Fuego getting a two-touchdown victory in this game. In Week 16, the Devils are faced with a challenging Alpha draw, as they go on the road to face the Darwin Mud Crabs; on paper, this one looks to be rather close and an upset isn’t out of the question here, but I still favor Darwin by about 10 points here. 0-2 looks to be the likely path the Devils will take, and 2-0 doesn't even look to be enough right now; the Devils will be in the playoffs next year, though, if they can continue to improve their roster.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 9th
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I'm glad that I could get back and do these this week, late as they are, thanks to law school. It's hard to believe that there are just 2 weeks left in this playoff chase; it's hard to believe that its this time again! I wish each team the best of luck in its playoff hunt; I can’t wait to see how this playoff race shakes down. I'll be back with a whole new batch for Pre-Week 15! Thank you all for your kind words regarding these; it makes them very fun to do!
Games left: 2
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-Y: Tonga Thunderbirds, 14-0
2-Y: Christchurch Knightmares, 13-1
3-X: El Fuego, 11-3
4-X: Chinese Bandits, 11-3
5-X: The Four Horsemen, 10-4
6-X: Solomon Islands Alchemy, 9-5
7: Mauna Kea Chenabogs, 8-6
8: Dunedin Wolverines, 8-6
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9: Tasmania Devils, 7-7
Team scenarios:
1. Tonga Thunderbirds: 1st, 14-0
The Thunderbirds keep rolling along, and now stand at 14-0 needing just 1 more win to lock down home-field throughout the Zeta Conference playoffs. Last week, the Thunderbirds had to actually climb out of a hole in the second half, getting 2 key INT returns for TDs as they beat the pass-happy Solomon Islands Alchemy 42-16. This week, Tonga will fly into Redscape to face the Diplomats in the Zeta closer; I do not believe Redscape will be strong enough to contend for an upset, as Tonga should be able to roll to a three-score win against the Diplomats. Week 16 brings an interesting Alpha showdown, as the Thunderbirds travel deep in the deserts to Alice Springs to take on the Fire; the Fire has shaken off the demons of missing the playoffs this season, but I believe Tonga will not allow a perfect season to slip away like that as they win by two scores. Tonga has one easier and one more challenging game left, and a perfect season within their grasps; I think they'll close out the deal this year.
Predicted finish: 16-0, 1st
2. Christchurch Knightmares: 2nd, 13-1
Christchurch is looking square at the #2-seed in the Zeta playoffs this season, and 2 home games isn't too shabby for this strong Knightmares squad. Last week, the Dunedin Wolverines had a spirited battle with the Knightmares, but Christchurch pulled away to a 42-31 victory. This week, Christchurch hosts the Mauna Kea Chenabogs to end their Zeta schedule; the Chenabogs offense is strong, but the Christchurch defense is like steel, and I see a two-touchdown victory for the Knightmares in this one. In Week 16, Christchurch hits the road to face the Thatto Heath Teeth Smashers in another testing Alpha draw; this game has upset alert on it, but I think Christchurch should pull out about a 10-point victory here. Christchurch will likely close out their season 2-0, which should leave them on the opposite side of the bracket of the Tonga Thunderbirds.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. El Fuego: 3rd, 11-3
Fuego and the Chinese Bandits are both sitting at 11-3; Fuego has the upper hand thanks to a 51-45 Week 8 victory, but Fuego also has a MUCH harder road. Last week, Fuego went to Coney Island and positively rocked the Warriors, 41-17. This week, Fuego closes its Zeta slate at home in a battle against the Tasmania Devils; the Devils have done very well for themselves after being promoted last season, but I think that Fuego extinguishes the Tasmania playoff dreams in a two-score victory. In Week 16, Fuego gets a crazy coincidental Alpha draw in a home showdown again the Tasmanian Devils; these two very teams tied in the preseason, but I still think that the Devils are about a touchdown favorite in this game. If Fuego can close out 2-0, they get the coveted #3-seed; if Fuego closes out 1-1, they might not even get a home playoff game, thanks to a 41-27 Week 9 loss to the Horsemen. At least they control their own destiny!
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
4. Chinese Bandits: 4th, 9-3
Although the Bandits lost to El Fuego in a 51-45 shootout in Week 8, I think they’re still the favorites for the #3-seed and a home playoff game opposite Tonga in the bracket. Last week, the Bandits went to face the Cimmerian Barbarians and absolutely drilled them, whipping the Barbarians 52-3. This week, the Bandits look for their sixth-straight victory when they travel to Coney Island to square off against the Warriors in the Zeta finale; the Bandits have had a rough go of it lately, and that should continue, as the Bandits should be three-score favorites. In Week 16, the Bandits get an uncharacteristically easy Alpha draw, as the Vanuatu Gunslingers come calling; I see a rather lopsided multi-score victory for the Bandits. 2-0 and seven consecutive victories looks likely for the Bandits, who've truly benefitted from a more relaxed late season schedule!
Predicted finish: 13-3, 3rd
5. The Four Horsemen: 5th, 10-4
The Horsemen just keep rising up the charts, as three straight victories will put them in position for an outside shot at home-field in the first round of the Zeta Playoffs. Obliterating the Brisbane Brown Bears 160-0 last week is one way to get the confidence flowing! This week, the schedule continues to be manageable for the Horsemen, as they finish their Zeta schedule at home against the Cimmerian Barbarians; this one shouldn't be terribly competitive, as the Horsemen should roll to a three-score victory here. The Horsemen also get a more favorable Alpha draw in Week 16 when the Throwback Cowboys ride into town; the Cowboys have consistently improved as this season has went along, but I still see the Horsemen winning this one by two touchdowns. Easy closing schedules are nice, and thanks to the 41-27 win over El Fuego in Week 9, with one Fuego loss, the Horsemen may break the #5-seed trend and get themselves a home playoff game!
Predicted finish: 12-4, 4th
6. Solomon Islands Alchemy: 6th, 9-5
The Season 4 benefactors of promotion have done VERY well for themselves in their first season in AA, and are comfortably in the playoffs come this season. However, last week, the Tonga Thunderbirds gave the Alchemy a taste of just how difficult the playoffs might be, utilizing defense scores by beating the Alchemy 42-16. This week, the Alchemy host the Uluru Rockies in their Zeta closer; Uluru has just had a bumpy ending to this regular season, and I see it continuing here, as the Alchemy should roll to an impressive three-score victory. The Easter Island Moai roll into town in the Week 16 Alpha matchup for the Alchemy; this game will be VERY close in Week 16, but I still see the Moai pulling out a hard-fought single-digit victory here. 1-1 isn't an awful way to end the regular season; however, if the Alchemy wins in Week 16, they can claw right back into 6th, escaping the Week 1 23-20 loss to the Dunedin Wolverines.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 7th
7. Mauna Kea Chenabogs: 7th, 8-6
If any team has shown the ability to let the Tasmania Devils hang around and continue to have life in this playoff picture, it's the Mauna Kea Chenabogs, who really have played down to the level of their opponents. This last week was no different, as the Chenabogs beat the Tasmania Sand Gnats 36-19, a game that their offense should've ran away with. However, the following week sees yet another difficult test as they travel to face the the Christchurch Knightmares; the Chenabog offense is just no match for this Christchurch defense, and I see the Knightmares prevailing by three scores, or more. However, sometimes you just get a gift, and Mauna Kea does here as the Chenabogs get a gift-wrapped lock in Week 16 when they face the relegation-bound Williamsport Soul Reavers at home; I’d predict a huge margin of victory in this one, as the Chenabogs offense should easily take care of the Soul Reavers defense. This is unbelievable, considering the HOT 7-1 start the Chenabogs got off to, beating teams such as Dunedin (38-33 in Week 7); those victories should be JUST enough to get the Chenabogs into the playoffs for their first time ever.
Predicted finish: 9-7, 8th
8. Dunedin Wolverines: 8th, 6-6
Dunedin, although they are the #8-seed right now, have a very manageable schedule with which they may move as high as 6th. Last week, Dunedin fought the Christchurch Knightmares tooth-and-nail, but just couldn't pull out the upset in the end, as the Wolverines lost be 11, 42-31. Dunedin closes out their Zeta schedule this week by traveling to the relegation-destined Los Cabolo Sharks; the Wolverines are destined to glide to a triple-digit victory in this one, as this will be the final AA Zeta goodbye for them. In Week 16, Dunedin gets a very favorable Alpha draw as they travel to do battle with the South Australian Serial Killers; Dunedin should be the one killing the Killers, as I'd expect nothing less than a three-score victory for the Wolverines. 2-0 looks like the most probable ending for the Wolverines, who will be a TOUGH out in the playoffs; however, there is some good news, as the Wolverines would propel over the Solomon Islands Alchemy by virtue of their Week 1 23-20 win, given that they finish tied.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 6th
9. Tasmania Devils: 9th, 7-7
Tasmania is holding on to a very dim playoff hope right now, as the Mauna Kea Chenabogs and Dunedin Wolverines have rather easy Alpha draws; the Devils shouldn't hang their heads, however. Last week, the Devils did exactly what they needed to do to stay alive, thrashing the Redscape Diplomats 55-3 in their home closer. However, this week, Tasmania closes out its Zeta schedule by battling El Fuego on the road; I just think El Fuego has too much depth and talent, and I see Fuego getting a two-touchdown victory in this game. In Week 16, the Devils are faced with a challenging Alpha draw, as they go on the road to face the Darwin Mud Crabs; on paper, this one looks to be rather close and an upset isn’t out of the question here, but I still favor Darwin by about 10 points here. 0-2 looks to be the likely path the Devils will take, and 2-0 doesn't even look to be enough right now; the Devils will be in the playoffs next year, though, if they can continue to improve their roster.
Predicted finish: 7-9, 9th
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I'm glad that I could get back and do these this week, late as they are, thanks to law school. It's hard to believe that there are just 2 weeks left in this playoff chase; it's hard to believe that its this time again! I wish each team the best of luck in its playoff hunt; I can’t wait to see how this playoff race shakes down. I'll be back with a whole new batch for Pre-Week 15! Thank you all for your kind words regarding these; it makes them very fun to do!
