Well the pre-season tinkering is over. The game plans are polished(hopefully) and kickoff is now less than 24 hours away from season 6. Zeta will crown a new champion and so will the league. Time for the fun to begin - after about week 6 or so expect this to become like survivor teams with no post-season hopes fall off the write up. I'll also start doing 3 game projections after we see some games.
Three Not to be Tangled with
1. Hollywood Knights(0-0)
Maintain the top ranking as they are the team returning with the best record from last season and they had a post-season victory. 80+ percent of their team returns including their star receiving corps which is the bane of most secondaries in the league. They do need to worry though about a possible lack of offensive depth and the question of weather they have done enough(any) upgrades to keep pace with the rest of the league.
First Three Games: B.R. Tigers, Minotaurs, Outlaws
2. Warsaw Wolves(0-0)
Got no favors this season with our Alpha Conference opponent. As it's Wolves vs. DarkWolves to open the season and Toulose is one of the clear favorites to take it all in Alpha, along with Amsterdam, Arkham, and Shetland. The Wolves made some big time upgrades in the off-season to shore up that sorest of sore spots their defense so that the offense isn't forced to score 45+ a game to win. Biggest additions include LB's Jack Andrews and Sam Elby, CB Red Tank, DT Gotya Again, FS Tornado Alley, and K Bris Krown. They added new offensive toys as well with Midas Mulligan at WR and Balls Fast and Ground Game Punnisher in the backfield.
First Three: Darkwolves, Sidewinders, Tigers
3. Chuck Norris(0-0)
Signed half a pro-team in the last stages of the off-season and look to take the league by storm. Maybe they will maybe they won't it'll all depend on the strength of their builds and until we see them in action against a quality opponent it'll be hard to rate them with a 50% roster turnover. The Manlets should give us some idea, and perhaps a little more against the Vikings.
First Three: ATX, Manlets, Vikings
The Potential Contenders
4. Iberian Bocs(0-0)
Last years Mr. Inconsistent overhauled their defense as well, brought in some major talent, upgraded their offensive line and backfield. They seem to have brought back a good many of their key performers and it should be interesting to see them on the field. If they can gain some consistency they could be lethal. We won't know how good they are though until week 4 when they do battle with Hague.
First Three: Vice City, Outlaws, Manglers
5. Misc Manlets(0-0)
The Manlets will look to survive early season depth issues from this forum recruiting team. Their playoff upset of the Draftniks last year shows they know how to build a winning team, question is will it come together fast enough this season to do them any good? This week shouldn't be too much of an issue, but after that it gets rough.
First Three: Manchester Chiefs, Chuck Norris, Hague
6. Hague Pirates(0-0)
For those of you new to the league, you wont enjoy playing against this team. They are never dominant, but they are the any given sunday club. Their solid and if you commit turnovers they will beat you. They are sound on the O-Line behind Fortress Maximum and company, and sound on the D-Line behind Michael Malone. Never sleep on these guys.
First Three: Vaqueros, Manglers, Manlets
7. Vienne Vikings(0-0)
This is a team with great players on it like Raif Severange. It's also a team with some obvious holes. They fell apart down the stretch last year but clearly have a good plan and could make some noise with the squad they have, Especially if they could ever learn to defend the pass but the leagues recent push towards an aerial attack leaves them in some trouble.
First Three: Vikings, Tigers, Chuck
Too soon to tell on these teams
8. Milano Mamertini(0-0)
Finished last season on a tear ruining some teams playoff chances and stealing lolipops from babies. Janus Djurhuus is back to lead their O-line again and they added some receivers while brining back most their offense. The defense could be a sore spot for them this year but of course only time will tell.
First Three:Wildcats, Bulls, Minotaurs
9. Pamplona Bulls(0-0)
Better, much better. They got relegated last season and I think they have put together a solid team, now can they make a post-season push, well just how solid are they and do they have the playmakers to cause damage?
First Three: Destroyers, Mamertini, C-Knights
10. Glasgow Manglers(0-0)
Not sure what to make of these guys but I can actually see them making the post-season. In fact despite their #10 current ranking Im going with them as my darkhorse pick. They have a some players and have added some key pieces. After stepping down lets see if they can step up.
First Three: Gunslingers, Pirates, Bocs
Still need work to compete
11. Luxemborg Sidewinders(0-0)
Wow - blew up their roster and then some. Added players but honestly they remind me of my first season in Warsaw when we went 5-11. I could see the Sidewinders with that record(maybe a little higher the league is weaker) but still... some really obviously holes are open.
Who's First: Admirals, Wolves, Gladiators
12. Luxemborg Tigers(0-0)
In my estimation the Tigers are one season away from contention - they've laid the groundwork - great job on that. Now they need time to develop and gell as a ballclub. Their time may not be now but its soon.
Whos First: Royals, Vikings, Wolves
13. Constantinople Knights(0-0)
Awsome level 13 cap team- except the level cap is the league below us. Gonna be in for a long year and more than a season away.
Who's First: Mauraders, Gladiators, Bulls
14. Unknown Outlaws(0-0)
Building rapidly and could very easily become dangerous by season end but certainly next season they should have post-season dreams. It'll be a good club it's just not a complete good club yet.
Whos first: Playboys, Bocs, Hollywood (Rough)
15. Athens Minotaurs(0-0)
Better than last season but after yielding 150-200 points each week one season together and some decent off-season pickups just are not gonna cut it. In for another rough one and Im hoping they have a plan that Im just not seeing.
Whos First: Pimpin, Hollywood, Mamertini
16. Roman Gladiators(0-0)
Have added some players .....some isn't enough and im sure every running back in the conference has this game circles so they can rack up some yards and try to get to paydirt to boost some stats.
Who's First: Asylum, C-knights, Sidewinders
Week 1 Games (Predictions will begin after week 4 when I have a chance to see some teams)
Game of the Week: Toulose Darkwolves vs. Warsaw Wolves
It's Wolf versus Wolf this week with Toulose holding a slight advantage on the overall ratings and Warsaw still digesting new additions. Even still neither of these fellow Canines are anyone to be trifled with and Im expecting a close contest.
Must See TV: Bulls versus Destroyers
These Alpha vs. Zeta matchups are mismatches for the most part as by and large its Zeta's Tops versus Alpha's bottoms and vice versa. Dundee obviously should be the better team in this one but Im curious to see how well the Bulls play. If they can hold this close till the end, the Bulls maybe running this season.
Not much else on the schedule that excites me I had a great Vikings versus Vikings line but .....yeah didnt feel like being corny opening week so I'll see you all after the games.
Three Not to be Tangled with
1. Hollywood Knights(0-0)
Maintain the top ranking as they are the team returning with the best record from last season and they had a post-season victory. 80+ percent of their team returns including their star receiving corps which is the bane of most secondaries in the league. They do need to worry though about a possible lack of offensive depth and the question of weather they have done enough(any) upgrades to keep pace with the rest of the league.
First Three Games: B.R. Tigers, Minotaurs, Outlaws
2. Warsaw Wolves(0-0)
Got no favors this season with our Alpha Conference opponent. As it's Wolves vs. DarkWolves to open the season and Toulose is one of the clear favorites to take it all in Alpha, along with Amsterdam, Arkham, and Shetland. The Wolves made some big time upgrades in the off-season to shore up that sorest of sore spots their defense so that the offense isn't forced to score 45+ a game to win. Biggest additions include LB's Jack Andrews and Sam Elby, CB Red Tank, DT Gotya Again, FS Tornado Alley, and K Bris Krown. They added new offensive toys as well with Midas Mulligan at WR and Balls Fast and Ground Game Punnisher in the backfield.
First Three: Darkwolves, Sidewinders, Tigers
3. Chuck Norris(0-0)
Signed half a pro-team in the last stages of the off-season and look to take the league by storm. Maybe they will maybe they won't it'll all depend on the strength of their builds and until we see them in action against a quality opponent it'll be hard to rate them with a 50% roster turnover. The Manlets should give us some idea, and perhaps a little more against the Vikings.
First Three: ATX, Manlets, Vikings
The Potential Contenders
4. Iberian Bocs(0-0)
Last years Mr. Inconsistent overhauled their defense as well, brought in some major talent, upgraded their offensive line and backfield. They seem to have brought back a good many of their key performers and it should be interesting to see them on the field. If they can gain some consistency they could be lethal. We won't know how good they are though until week 4 when they do battle with Hague.
First Three: Vice City, Outlaws, Manglers
5. Misc Manlets(0-0)
The Manlets will look to survive early season depth issues from this forum recruiting team. Their playoff upset of the Draftniks last year shows they know how to build a winning team, question is will it come together fast enough this season to do them any good? This week shouldn't be too much of an issue, but after that it gets rough.
First Three: Manchester Chiefs, Chuck Norris, Hague
6. Hague Pirates(0-0)
For those of you new to the league, you wont enjoy playing against this team. They are never dominant, but they are the any given sunday club. Their solid and if you commit turnovers they will beat you. They are sound on the O-Line behind Fortress Maximum and company, and sound on the D-Line behind Michael Malone. Never sleep on these guys.
First Three: Vaqueros, Manglers, Manlets
7. Vienne Vikings(0-0)
This is a team with great players on it like Raif Severange. It's also a team with some obvious holes. They fell apart down the stretch last year but clearly have a good plan and could make some noise with the squad they have, Especially if they could ever learn to defend the pass but the leagues recent push towards an aerial attack leaves them in some trouble.
First Three: Vikings, Tigers, Chuck
Too soon to tell on these teams
8. Milano Mamertini(0-0)
Finished last season on a tear ruining some teams playoff chances and stealing lolipops from babies. Janus Djurhuus is back to lead their O-line again and they added some receivers while brining back most their offense. The defense could be a sore spot for them this year but of course only time will tell.
First Three:Wildcats, Bulls, Minotaurs
9. Pamplona Bulls(0-0)
Better, much better. They got relegated last season and I think they have put together a solid team, now can they make a post-season push, well just how solid are they and do they have the playmakers to cause damage?
First Three: Destroyers, Mamertini, C-Knights
10. Glasgow Manglers(0-0)
Not sure what to make of these guys but I can actually see them making the post-season. In fact despite their #10 current ranking Im going with them as my darkhorse pick. They have a some players and have added some key pieces. After stepping down lets see if they can step up.
First Three: Gunslingers, Pirates, Bocs
Still need work to compete
11. Luxemborg Sidewinders(0-0)
Wow - blew up their roster and then some. Added players but honestly they remind me of my first season in Warsaw when we went 5-11. I could see the Sidewinders with that record(maybe a little higher the league is weaker) but still... some really obviously holes are open.
Who's First: Admirals, Wolves, Gladiators
12. Luxemborg Tigers(0-0)
In my estimation the Tigers are one season away from contention - they've laid the groundwork - great job on that. Now they need time to develop and gell as a ballclub. Their time may not be now but its soon.
Whos First: Royals, Vikings, Wolves
13. Constantinople Knights(0-0)
Awsome level 13 cap team- except the level cap is the league below us. Gonna be in for a long year and more than a season away.
Who's First: Mauraders, Gladiators, Bulls
14. Unknown Outlaws(0-0)
Building rapidly and could very easily become dangerous by season end but certainly next season they should have post-season dreams. It'll be a good club it's just not a complete good club yet.
Whos first: Playboys, Bocs, Hollywood (Rough)
15. Athens Minotaurs(0-0)
Better than last season but after yielding 150-200 points each week one season together and some decent off-season pickups just are not gonna cut it. In for another rough one and Im hoping they have a plan that Im just not seeing.
Whos First: Pimpin, Hollywood, Mamertini
16. Roman Gladiators(0-0)
Have added some players .....some isn't enough and im sure every running back in the conference has this game circles so they can rack up some yards and try to get to paydirt to boost some stats.
Who's First: Asylum, C-knights, Sidewinders
Week 1 Games (Predictions will begin after week 4 when I have a chance to see some teams)
Game of the Week: Toulose Darkwolves vs. Warsaw Wolves
It's Wolf versus Wolf this week with Toulose holding a slight advantage on the overall ratings and Warsaw still digesting new additions. Even still neither of these fellow Canines are anyone to be trifled with and Im expecting a close contest.
Must See TV: Bulls versus Destroyers
These Alpha vs. Zeta matchups are mismatches for the most part as by and large its Zeta's Tops versus Alpha's bottoms and vice versa. Dundee obviously should be the better team in this one but Im curious to see how well the Bulls play. If they can hold this close till the end, the Bulls maybe running this season.
Not much else on the schedule that excites me I had a great Vikings versus Vikings line but .....yeah didnt feel like being corny opening week so I'll see you all after the games.
