1. Stockholm Dynamites (Previous: 1)
-What was said about them: Stockholm continues to roll through Alpha with no resistance from any teams so far. I believe as it stands now there are only two teams left on their schedule that can even think about slowing them down, and I don't think either of them can actually beat them. I don't think the game against Helsinki will be as close as people say it will be. Stockholm's defense is just in a class of its own and I would need to see someone move the ball on them before I could ever pick against them.
-What has changed?: Close win against Helsinki. Scary close. I still think this is the best team in BBB7, when they play Athens coming up they will have the chance to prove it.
-Prediction: Conference Champion
2. Athens Devils (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them: Amazing win against Barcelona almost puts them in the #2 spot, and has me having second thoughts about their current ranking even as I write this. They can take the #2 spot outright with a win against Dusseldorf, and I think right now they are the team that could give Stockholm the best game. Thankfully they will meet later in the season when the playing field is a little more even, should be an excellent game.
-What has changed?: Flawlessly finished up their run through the middle of the playoff pack in Alpha. Impressed in every contest. This team is legit, and I think they are secure in their #2 spot on this list for quite some time.
-Prediction: Top four.
3. Helsinki Hitmen (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them: Their hold on #2 is slipping, as is their hold on the only team that I think can even give Stockholm a game. In a cluster of three dominating teams I think they are the second best team, but have been the least dominating of the three. Could potentially lose the game today and hold this spot in the rankings, but most likely they will be the #3 team in the next rankings.
-What has changed?: Figured they would lose to Stockholm. Did not see it being as close as it was. Helsinki earned my respect with that game. Like Stockholm, an easy upcoming slate of games means I think that they will stay in this spot for quite some time.
-Prediction: Top four.
4. Dusseldorf Noobs (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them: Since the last rankings have shut out two awful teams and handily beat a third decent team. Their easy schedule ends now though, as they have Athens and Barcelona back to back in the stretch of games that literally makes or breaks their season. Wins in both and they can count on some extra cash coming in from a home playoff game. Lose them both and they'll probably end up playing Athens or Helsinki on the road in a round one playoff game. Not very desirable.
-What has changed?: Split their crucial two game set. Lost to Athens but played well in the game, and then blew out Barcelona. The game against Athens showed how solid Dusseldorf is. The game against Barcelona showed how overrated Barcelona is.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. Cologne Ghosts (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them: Played well against Helsinki, but still fell short. Unless they make some improvements to their defense, they probably will not be able to scrape their way into the top four. However they do have four easily winnable games coming up, so they should enjoy them while they last and work out any kinks they have.
-What has changed?: Nothing new to report. Took care of business against teams they should have beaten. Two more gimmies, then a nice little four game jaunt that will determine their seeding.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
6. South Beach Sea Hawks (Previous: 7)
-What was said about them: Has one more easy game left before their gauntlet through the 3 4 5 teams in Alpha. Nothing has changed for them really, they can prove themselves as a good team in the conference or as an average one depending on how their games against Athens, Barcelona, and Dusseldorf go.
-What has changed?: Played Athens to a very close game, and I think that bodes well for their chances in the games coming up against Dusseldorf and Barcelona. If they can win those I think they have a very good shot at a top four seed.
-Prediction:
7. Liverpool SEA Fusion (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them: More good wins against awful teams and a bad loss to a good team. Glasgow this week should be a good barometer of their playoff chances.
-What has changed?: Playoff hopes are looking good. I am interested in seeing how they perform against a very good Athens team in two weeks.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8. Barcelona Dare devils (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them: Took the two free wins, and got SPANKED by Athens. Almost moved them down but a Cologne loss kept them in the 5 spot, with an actual chance to move up after this week's games shake out. They have a couple games coming up in a couple weeks that will show me if Barcelona truly has what it takes to improve over last season.
-What has changed?: I am more disappointed in their 4 point win against Burlington than I am their shutout loss to Dusseldorf. The loss makes them look like a low seeded playoff team. The win makes them look like they are barely playoff caliber. If Alpha weren't so bad after the top eight, I'd say Barcelona is playing bad enough to miss the playoffs. They need to win convincingly against Liverpool to assure me that they are playoff bound.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Burlington Blue Devils (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them: 14 points on Athens was nice, but giving up 75 to them was not. The 72-0 loss at Stockholm was expected. Unfortunately for this team, their 2-3 start will probably be around 4-7 after they finish their brutal stretch of games. I don't see them being favored against anyone save for Norwich coming up. Bad times ahead.
-What has changed?: Almost beat Barcelona, almost lost to Norwich. That is very conflicting to me. I think they can dream of playoffs now, but they have to play some more teams the way they played Barcelona, and not the way they played Norwich.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Glasgow Vultures (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them: Got shit on by Dusseldorf and South Beach, which does not bode well for their playoff chances if they can be ranked 8 and the #7 team demolishes them. Needs to win against Liverpool and at least hang with Cologne to get back into the thick of the playoff race.
-What has changed?: Playoff hopes? Maybe next year. Stockholm next game.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Norwich Nighthawks (Previous: 11)
-What was said about them: More losses to better teams. The loss to Liverpool pretty much ends their playoff dreams.
-What has changed?: Couldn't beat Burlington. If you cant beat fringe playoff teams, you don't deserve to be in them yourself.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. The Fantasy Helmet Project (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them: Brutal schedule continues. Maybe they can find the end zone again after their game tonight is done.
-What has changed?: Tooled on Flat Packed. 3 playoff teams loom ahead.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Mannheim Spartans (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them: A disaster, haven't scored a point since their win against Capeside.
-What has changed?: Shut out Flat Packed. Hung 7 on a playoff team. That means they move to the top of the bottom four.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Hamburg Vipers (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them: Scored a couple times since their last ranking, and will be rewarded with a trip out of the cellar. For now.
-What has changed?: Fourteen points on Helsinki moves them up another spot! Congrats!
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Gonadian Knights (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them: Beat Flat Packed Monkey in a close game to reassure the rest of the league that no, they aren't the worst team in Alpha. But they are still close.
-What has changed?: Seven points on Stockholm? Man those Dynamites are slipping!
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Flat Packed Monkey (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them: Their CPU guys are actually putting points on the board.
-What has changed?: Just as soon as I mention that their CPU guys are doing alright, they get shut out twice in a row by fellow awful teams.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
Thoughts on Alpha: Stockholm vs Athens will be an excellent game. I think South Beach can make noise in the playoffs. Liverpool has established themselves as a playoff team, what a turnaround from last season. I hope Helsinki and Stockholm get another chance to play each other in the playoffs.
1. Lyon Winemakers (Previous: 1)
-What was said about them: Offensive struggles have seemingly been worked out. In a conference with lots of parity, Lyon still stands out. Big stretch of games ahead, however, that should determine if they will be the top seed or not.
-What has changed?: Two dominating wins in a row, one against a team everyone thought would be awful, another against a team that is surprisingly awful. Chambersburg up next, big game for Lyon, bigger game for Chambersburg.
-Prediction: Conference champion.
2. Berlin Blitz (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them: Their loss to Athens looks better and better as Athens keeps rolling. Have been destroying patsies but that ends tonight with their grudge match against Chambersburg to avenge last season. Their passing and running game is really clicking, the jury is still out on their defense though.
-What has changed?: Smoked Chambersburg, to secure their place as at least the second best team in Zeta. Took care of a pesky Palermo team as well. All is looking well for Berlin now, they have a stat padding game coming up against Capeside, then a tuneup against Reading, before the game of the year for Zeta.
-Prediction: Top four.
3. Chambersburg Trojans (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them: Did what they had to do against Birmingham and Denver. Big game against Berlin this week in the best game out there in Zeta. Chambersburg hopes that they simply have Berlin's number and can keep rolling on their undefeated season.
-What has changed?: Got rolled by Berlin, but not going to punish them that much. Won't punish them much for whatever happens against Lyon next game. Losing to Baden will not be tolerated by the rankings though, although they are still in line for a home playoff game even with losses in their next two games.
-Prediction: Top four.
4. Baden Bandits (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them: Their win against Reading exposed some defensive deficiencies (alliteration bitch!). Those were used by Stockholm to bring Baden back down to earth. This team can still score a healthy amount of points on decent teams, but how will they fare against the conference's elite? luckily for them those games do not come until later on. Unluckily for them, they come almost consecutively. Until then they have some winnable games.
-What has changed?: Big game against Chambersburg coming up after this next game to give them a chance to assert themselves as a top four team in Zeta again. That game is sandwiched by games against two awful teams.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. Atlanta 404 (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them: Did a solid job of getting back in my good graces the past few games. Good win against Reading is enough for me to be sure that they will be in the mix when home playoff games are being decided. That being said, they can not get complacent because an enigmatic Stockholm team awaits.
-What has changed?: Looked good in taking care of Stockholm, but looked bad against Middlesbrough who I would not have thought was in the same class as Atlanta. The Denver game will be interesting, although it seems Denver has fallen so far from last season that this can't even be a rubber match for them based on their split last season.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
6. Stockholm Lions (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them: Annihilated by Lyon, but then took care of business against Baden, crushing them. That makes me sure that this team will be there come playoff time. Losses to Luxembourg make me think that maybe that is all they will be. A win against Atlanta is absolutely necessary to keep them in the hunt for a home playoff game.
-What has changed?: Good win against Milan was exactly what they needed. They are 3-4 now but should be around .500 when Berlin comes to town.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
7. Reading Armed Centaurs (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them: Crushed by Baden and Atlanta. Starting to trust their defense less and less as each week goes by. They can climb out of their 1-4 hole, but to do that they need to re-learn how to take care of business starting this week against Milan.
-What has changed?: Two big wins inch them closer to .500, but a dangerous Palermo team awaits, followed by Berlin and Stockholm back to back. will they be .500 at the end of that little run of games? If not the playoffs probably won't happen.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8t. Birmingham Polipocs (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them: Gave Chambersburg a mediocre game. Did not give Lyon anything resembling a game with 18 total yards of offense. Will the trend continue or be reversed in their next 3 games?
-What has changed?: I think this ranking is a little too generous. That being said they are in good position for the playoffs, so why not have them at #8. Big game against Atlanta is up next.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8t. Luxembourg Lightning Bolts (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them: Wrote them off after the loss to Palermo. Of course, they immediately turn around and stun Stockholm, who stunned Baden just a week before. This team stays in the playoff hunt, and can really settle in to it if it takes care of business in their winnable games the next few weeks.
-What has changed?: Ugh. Lost the two games they really should have won. They are a confusing as all hell team to predict, it just goes to show you how even the teams are in the 6-12 spots in Zeta. Must win against a reeling Denver team up next.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Palermo Panthers (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them: Got their cornerbacks, and won a game against Luxembourg. Kept two losses to Atlanta and Milan very close, but close only counts in horseshoes. Will win tonight, then another tough stretch comes up. If they cant steal one, playoffs will remain an illusion.
-What has changed?: Did alright against Berlin, but I still don't think they are going to scrape into the playoffs. What would change my mind would be wins against Stockholm and Reading coming up.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Denver Hounds (Previous: 7)
-What was said about them: Continues to underperform their preseason projections, which disappoints me. I still can't get the notion out of my head though that they are still a dangerous team. They did give Chambersburg a game two weeks ago, and have good chances to make statements with wins against either Lyon or Baden the next two weeks.
-What has changed?: Day 14. That is how many days it took me to officially say that the season 7 version of Denver sucks balls and disappoints me greatly. 5 losses already with some tough games looming won't cut it in Zeta this season.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12t. Middlesbrough Mayhem (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them: Got throttled the last two games, but the schedule lightens up a bit. If they can keep themselves at .500 or above they can get into the playoff hunt, but its doubtful they can make it.
-What has changed?: Couldn't move them up higher than this this week, but they are making their playoff push and are a team on the rise when many others seem to be shaky or on the decline. Their close loss to Atlanta and win against Luxembourg were impressive. Need to take care of Milan this week.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12t. Milan Eagles (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them: Smoked by Berlin so we won't be guaranteeing anything about Milan this week, but a great win against Palermo keeps them in the discussion. Wins in the next two weeks will have me dropping the "contender" from their ranking.
-What has changed?: Couldn't win either of their games the past two weeks, so I will be dropping the "contender" from their prediction, but I will drop the word "playoff" from it as well.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
14. Southampton Shadows (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them: Good news? will win today. Bad news? Lyon and Baden after. Tough season continues to get tough.
-What has changed?: Beat Capeside, but still bad.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Sexintown Rubbers (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them: Still awful, but at least they can get on the scoreboard.
-What has changed?: Still awfully awful. Can't play Capeside soon enough.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Capeside Minutemen (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them: I think it would take an act of god for them to score a point this season.
-What has changed?: Still think it would take an act of god for them to score a point this season.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
Thoughts on Zeta: 6-13 the teams are very close. This late in the season for teams with records like that to even have a hope for the playoffs is amazing and shows how god damn entertaining Zeta is to follow this season. Chambersburg, Berlin, and Baden all get their shots at Lyon in the upcoming weeks.
picks (too tired to do scores right now lol)
Stockholm Dynamites at Glasgow Vultures
-Prediction: Stockholm
Cologne Ghosts at Mannheim Spartans
-Prediction: Cologne
Hamburg Vipers at Gonadian Knights
-Prediction: Hamburg
Liverpool SEA Fusion at The Fantasy Helmet Project
-Prediction: Liverpool
Norwich Nighthawks at Helsinki Hitmen
-Prediction: Helsinki
Flat Packed Money at Athens Devils
-Prediction: Athens
South Beach Sea Hawks at Barcelona Dare devils
-Prediction: South Beach
Dusseldorf Noobs at Burlington Blue Devils
-Prediction: Dusseldorf
Lyon Winemakers at Chambersburg Trojans **GAME OF THE WEEK**
-Prediction: Lyon
Capeside Minutemen at Berlin Blitz
-Prediction: Berlin
Palermo Panthers at Reading Armed Centaurs
-Prediction: Reading
Sexintown Rubbers at Stockholm Lions
-Prediction: Stockholm
Milan Eagles at Middlesbrough Mayhem
-Prediction: Middlesbrough
Atlanta 404 at Birmingham Polipocs
-Prediction: Atlanta
Luxembourg Lightning Bolts at Denver Hounds
-Prediction: Luxembourg
Baden Bandits at Southampton Shadows
-Prediction: Baden
enjoy
-What was said about them: Stockholm continues to roll through Alpha with no resistance from any teams so far. I believe as it stands now there are only two teams left on their schedule that can even think about slowing them down, and I don't think either of them can actually beat them. I don't think the game against Helsinki will be as close as people say it will be. Stockholm's defense is just in a class of its own and I would need to see someone move the ball on them before I could ever pick against them.
-What has changed?: Close win against Helsinki. Scary close. I still think this is the best team in BBB7, when they play Athens coming up they will have the chance to prove it.
-Prediction: Conference Champion
2. Athens Devils (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them: Amazing win against Barcelona almost puts them in the #2 spot, and has me having second thoughts about their current ranking even as I write this. They can take the #2 spot outright with a win against Dusseldorf, and I think right now they are the team that could give Stockholm the best game. Thankfully they will meet later in the season when the playing field is a little more even, should be an excellent game.
-What has changed?: Flawlessly finished up their run through the middle of the playoff pack in Alpha. Impressed in every contest. This team is legit, and I think they are secure in their #2 spot on this list for quite some time.
-Prediction: Top four.
3. Helsinki Hitmen (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them: Their hold on #2 is slipping, as is their hold on the only team that I think can even give Stockholm a game. In a cluster of three dominating teams I think they are the second best team, but have been the least dominating of the three. Could potentially lose the game today and hold this spot in the rankings, but most likely they will be the #3 team in the next rankings.
-What has changed?: Figured they would lose to Stockholm. Did not see it being as close as it was. Helsinki earned my respect with that game. Like Stockholm, an easy upcoming slate of games means I think that they will stay in this spot for quite some time.
-Prediction: Top four.
4. Dusseldorf Noobs (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them: Since the last rankings have shut out two awful teams and handily beat a third decent team. Their easy schedule ends now though, as they have Athens and Barcelona back to back in the stretch of games that literally makes or breaks their season. Wins in both and they can count on some extra cash coming in from a home playoff game. Lose them both and they'll probably end up playing Athens or Helsinki on the road in a round one playoff game. Not very desirable.
-What has changed?: Split their crucial two game set. Lost to Athens but played well in the game, and then blew out Barcelona. The game against Athens showed how solid Dusseldorf is. The game against Barcelona showed how overrated Barcelona is.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. Cologne Ghosts (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them: Played well against Helsinki, but still fell short. Unless they make some improvements to their defense, they probably will not be able to scrape their way into the top four. However they do have four easily winnable games coming up, so they should enjoy them while they last and work out any kinks they have.
-What has changed?: Nothing new to report. Took care of business against teams they should have beaten. Two more gimmies, then a nice little four game jaunt that will determine their seeding.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
6. South Beach Sea Hawks (Previous: 7)
-What was said about them: Has one more easy game left before their gauntlet through the 3 4 5 teams in Alpha. Nothing has changed for them really, they can prove themselves as a good team in the conference or as an average one depending on how their games against Athens, Barcelona, and Dusseldorf go.
-What has changed?: Played Athens to a very close game, and I think that bodes well for their chances in the games coming up against Dusseldorf and Barcelona. If they can win those I think they have a very good shot at a top four seed.
-Prediction:
7. Liverpool SEA Fusion (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them: More good wins against awful teams and a bad loss to a good team. Glasgow this week should be a good barometer of their playoff chances.
-What has changed?: Playoff hopes are looking good. I am interested in seeing how they perform against a very good Athens team in two weeks.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8. Barcelona Dare devils (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them: Took the two free wins, and got SPANKED by Athens. Almost moved them down but a Cologne loss kept them in the 5 spot, with an actual chance to move up after this week's games shake out. They have a couple games coming up in a couple weeks that will show me if Barcelona truly has what it takes to improve over last season.
-What has changed?: I am more disappointed in their 4 point win against Burlington than I am their shutout loss to Dusseldorf. The loss makes them look like a low seeded playoff team. The win makes them look like they are barely playoff caliber. If Alpha weren't so bad after the top eight, I'd say Barcelona is playing bad enough to miss the playoffs. They need to win convincingly against Liverpool to assure me that they are playoff bound.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
9. Burlington Blue Devils (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them: 14 points on Athens was nice, but giving up 75 to them was not. The 72-0 loss at Stockholm was expected. Unfortunately for this team, their 2-3 start will probably be around 4-7 after they finish their brutal stretch of games. I don't see them being favored against anyone save for Norwich coming up. Bad times ahead.
-What has changed?: Almost beat Barcelona, almost lost to Norwich. That is very conflicting to me. I think they can dream of playoffs now, but they have to play some more teams the way they played Barcelona, and not the way they played Norwich.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Glasgow Vultures (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them: Got shit on by Dusseldorf and South Beach, which does not bode well for their playoff chances if they can be ranked 8 and the #7 team demolishes them. Needs to win against Liverpool and at least hang with Cologne to get back into the thick of the playoff race.
-What has changed?: Playoff hopes? Maybe next year. Stockholm next game.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Norwich Nighthawks (Previous: 11)
-What was said about them: More losses to better teams. The loss to Liverpool pretty much ends their playoff dreams.
-What has changed?: Couldn't beat Burlington. If you cant beat fringe playoff teams, you don't deserve to be in them yourself.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12. The Fantasy Helmet Project (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them: Brutal schedule continues. Maybe they can find the end zone again after their game tonight is done.
-What has changed?: Tooled on Flat Packed. 3 playoff teams loom ahead.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
13. Mannheim Spartans (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them: A disaster, haven't scored a point since their win against Capeside.
-What has changed?: Shut out Flat Packed. Hung 7 on a playoff team. That means they move to the top of the bottom four.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
14. Hamburg Vipers (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them: Scored a couple times since their last ranking, and will be rewarded with a trip out of the cellar. For now.
-What has changed?: Fourteen points on Helsinki moves them up another spot! Congrats!
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Gonadian Knights (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them: Beat Flat Packed Monkey in a close game to reassure the rest of the league that no, they aren't the worst team in Alpha. But they are still close.
-What has changed?: Seven points on Stockholm? Man those Dynamites are slipping!
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Flat Packed Monkey (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them: Their CPU guys are actually putting points on the board.
-What has changed?: Just as soon as I mention that their CPU guys are doing alright, they get shut out twice in a row by fellow awful teams.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
Thoughts on Alpha: Stockholm vs Athens will be an excellent game. I think South Beach can make noise in the playoffs. Liverpool has established themselves as a playoff team, what a turnaround from last season. I hope Helsinki and Stockholm get another chance to play each other in the playoffs.
1. Lyon Winemakers (Previous: 1)
-What was said about them: Offensive struggles have seemingly been worked out. In a conference with lots of parity, Lyon still stands out. Big stretch of games ahead, however, that should determine if they will be the top seed or not.
-What has changed?: Two dominating wins in a row, one against a team everyone thought would be awful, another against a team that is surprisingly awful. Chambersburg up next, big game for Lyon, bigger game for Chambersburg.
-Prediction: Conference champion.
2. Berlin Blitz (Previous: 2)
-What was said about them: Their loss to Athens looks better and better as Athens keeps rolling. Have been destroying patsies but that ends tonight with their grudge match against Chambersburg to avenge last season. Their passing and running game is really clicking, the jury is still out on their defense though.
-What has changed?: Smoked Chambersburg, to secure their place as at least the second best team in Zeta. Took care of a pesky Palermo team as well. All is looking well for Berlin now, they have a stat padding game coming up against Capeside, then a tuneup against Reading, before the game of the year for Zeta.
-Prediction: Top four.
3. Chambersburg Trojans (Previous: 3)
-What was said about them: Did what they had to do against Birmingham and Denver. Big game against Berlin this week in the best game out there in Zeta. Chambersburg hopes that they simply have Berlin's number and can keep rolling on their undefeated season.
-What has changed?: Got rolled by Berlin, but not going to punish them that much. Won't punish them much for whatever happens against Lyon next game. Losing to Baden will not be tolerated by the rankings though, although they are still in line for a home playoff game even with losses in their next two games.
-Prediction: Top four.
4. Baden Bandits (Previous: 6)
-What was said about them: Their win against Reading exposed some defensive deficiencies (alliteration bitch!). Those were used by Stockholm to bring Baden back down to earth. This team can still score a healthy amount of points on decent teams, but how will they fare against the conference's elite? luckily for them those games do not come until later on. Unluckily for them, they come almost consecutively. Until then they have some winnable games.
-What has changed?: Big game against Chambersburg coming up after this next game to give them a chance to assert themselves as a top four team in Zeta again. That game is sandwiched by games against two awful teams.
-Prediction: Top four contender.
5. Atlanta 404 (Previous: 4)
-What was said about them: Did a solid job of getting back in my good graces the past few games. Good win against Reading is enough for me to be sure that they will be in the mix when home playoff games are being decided. That being said, they can not get complacent because an enigmatic Stockholm team awaits.
-What has changed?: Looked good in taking care of Stockholm, but looked bad against Middlesbrough who I would not have thought was in the same class as Atlanta. The Denver game will be interesting, although it seems Denver has fallen so far from last season that this can't even be a rubber match for them based on their split last season.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
6. Stockholm Lions (Previous: 5)
-What was said about them: Annihilated by Lyon, but then took care of business against Baden, crushing them. That makes me sure that this team will be there come playoff time. Losses to Luxembourg make me think that maybe that is all they will be. A win against Atlanta is absolutely necessary to keep them in the hunt for a home playoff game.
-What has changed?: Good win against Milan was exactly what they needed. They are 3-4 now but should be around .500 when Berlin comes to town.
-Prediction: Playoffs.
7. Reading Armed Centaurs (Previous: 8)
-What was said about them: Crushed by Baden and Atlanta. Starting to trust their defense less and less as each week goes by. They can climb out of their 1-4 hole, but to do that they need to re-learn how to take care of business starting this week against Milan.
-What has changed?: Two big wins inch them closer to .500, but a dangerous Palermo team awaits, followed by Berlin and Stockholm back to back. will they be .500 at the end of that little run of games? If not the playoffs probably won't happen.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8t. Birmingham Polipocs (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them: Gave Chambersburg a mediocre game. Did not give Lyon anything resembling a game with 18 total yards of offense. Will the trend continue or be reversed in their next 3 games?
-What has changed?: I think this ranking is a little too generous. That being said they are in good position for the playoffs, so why not have them at #8. Big game against Atlanta is up next.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
8t. Luxembourg Lightning Bolts (Previous: 10)
-What was said about them: Wrote them off after the loss to Palermo. Of course, they immediately turn around and stun Stockholm, who stunned Baden just a week before. This team stays in the playoff hunt, and can really settle in to it if it takes care of business in their winnable games the next few weeks.
-What has changed?: Ugh. Lost the two games they really should have won. They are a confusing as all hell team to predict, it just goes to show you how even the teams are in the 6-12 spots in Zeta. Must win against a reeling Denver team up next.
-Prediction: Playoff contender.
10. Palermo Panthers (Previous: 12)
-What was said about them: Got their cornerbacks, and won a game against Luxembourg. Kept two losses to Atlanta and Milan very close, but close only counts in horseshoes. Will win tonight, then another tough stretch comes up. If they cant steal one, playoffs will remain an illusion.
-What has changed?: Did alright against Berlin, but I still don't think they are going to scrape into the playoffs. What would change my mind would be wins against Stockholm and Reading coming up.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
11. Denver Hounds (Previous: 7)
-What was said about them: Continues to underperform their preseason projections, which disappoints me. I still can't get the notion out of my head though that they are still a dangerous team. They did give Chambersburg a game two weeks ago, and have good chances to make statements with wins against either Lyon or Baden the next two weeks.
-What has changed?: Day 14. That is how many days it took me to officially say that the season 7 version of Denver sucks balls and disappoints me greatly. 5 losses already with some tough games looming won't cut it in Zeta this season.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12t. Middlesbrough Mayhem (Previous: 13)
-What was said about them: Got throttled the last two games, but the schedule lightens up a bit. If they can keep themselves at .500 or above they can get into the playoff hunt, but its doubtful they can make it.
-What has changed?: Couldn't move them up higher than this this week, but they are making their playoff push and are a team on the rise when many others seem to be shaky or on the decline. Their close loss to Atlanta and win against Luxembourg were impressive. Need to take care of Milan this week.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
12t. Milan Eagles (Previous: 9)
-What was said about them: Smoked by Berlin so we won't be guaranteeing anything about Milan this week, but a great win against Palermo keeps them in the discussion. Wins in the next two weeks will have me dropping the "contender" from their ranking.
-What has changed?: Couldn't win either of their games the past two weeks, so I will be dropping the "contender" from their prediction, but I will drop the word "playoff" from it as well.
-Prediction: Outside looking in.
14. Southampton Shadows (Previous: 14)
-What was said about them: Good news? will win today. Bad news? Lyon and Baden after. Tough season continues to get tough.
-What has changed?: Beat Capeside, but still bad.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
15. Sexintown Rubbers (Previous: 15)
-What was said about them: Still awful, but at least they can get on the scoreboard.
-What has changed?: Still awfully awful. Can't play Capeside soon enough.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
16. Capeside Minutemen (Previous: 16)
-What was said about them: I think it would take an act of god for them to score a point this season.
-What has changed?: Still think it would take an act of god for them to score a point this season.
-Prediction: Bottom third.
Thoughts on Zeta: 6-13 the teams are very close. This late in the season for teams with records like that to even have a hope for the playoffs is amazing and shows how god damn entertaining Zeta is to follow this season. Chambersburg, Berlin, and Baden all get their shots at Lyon in the upcoming weeks.
picks (too tired to do scores right now lol)
Stockholm Dynamites at Glasgow Vultures
-Prediction: Stockholm
Cologne Ghosts at Mannheim Spartans
-Prediction: Cologne
Hamburg Vipers at Gonadian Knights
-Prediction: Hamburg
Liverpool SEA Fusion at The Fantasy Helmet Project
-Prediction: Liverpool
Norwich Nighthawks at Helsinki Hitmen
-Prediction: Helsinki
Flat Packed Money at Athens Devils
-Prediction: Athens
South Beach Sea Hawks at Barcelona Dare devils
-Prediction: South Beach
Dusseldorf Noobs at Burlington Blue Devils
-Prediction: Dusseldorf
Lyon Winemakers at Chambersburg Trojans **GAME OF THE WEEK**
-Prediction: Lyon
Capeside Minutemen at Berlin Blitz
-Prediction: Berlin
Palermo Panthers at Reading Armed Centaurs
-Prediction: Reading
Sexintown Rubbers at Stockholm Lions
-Prediction: Stockholm
Milan Eagles at Middlesbrough Mayhem
-Prediction: Middlesbrough
Atlanta 404 at Birmingham Polipocs
-Prediction: Atlanta
Luxembourg Lightning Bolts at Denver Hounds
-Prediction: Luxembourg
Baden Bandits at Southampton Shadows
-Prediction: Baden
enjoy
