Good evening, everyone. The following is the third installment of CPP, or Chase's playoff picture. Just two more weeks to go, and everyone's playoff destiny is coming into *much* sharper focus. Melbourne's undefeated run continues easily; Bikini Atoll's closing in on a second home playoff game; Tonga clinched a home playoff game; Christchurch and the Horsemen punched their tickets to the dance; El Fuego and Coney Island stepped into the playoffs in HUGE, yet quite differing, ways; Dunedin took a big step forward while NMI took a leap back. The Chinese have to be in shock: not only did that team badly butcher a game it could've (should've?) won, it just mathematically eliminated itself from the playoffs by virtue of losing the tiebreaker with Dunedin. How crazy one week can be! Without further ado, here's your playoff picture after Week 14!
Games left: 2
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-Y: Melbourne Thorny Devils, 14-0
2-Y: Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds, 13-1
3-Y: Tonga Thunderbirds, 12-2
4-X: Christchurch Knightmares, 10-4
5-X: The Four Horsemen, 10-4
6-X: El Fuego, 9-5
7-X: Coney Island Warriors, 9-5
8: Dunedin Wolverines, 8-6
9: Northern Mariana Islands Ramekins, 7-7
Team scenarios:
Melbourne Thorny Devils: 1st, 14-0
The Devils continued their winning ways in powerful fashion, slam-dancing Mauna Kea on the road 75-0. Next week, the Devils go to El Fuego to square off against the league's resident "Dr. Jeykll, Mr. Hyde". Regardless of which El Fuego team shows up, I think the Devils win this one going away, especially now after the bickering that's going on in the other threads. Makes my work a little more juicy! But I digress. As a result, Melbourne will clinch the league's regular season title and earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Devils play their finale at Florida Parishes. This game has the potential to be closer than many think, but should also be a Devils victory. Two very winable games stand between the Devils and regular season perfection.
Predicted finish: 16-0, 1st
2. Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds: 2nd, 13-1
The Shrooms exploded today (yes, pun intended) to post half-a-century on the reeling Sand Gnats. They Shrooms play next at Coney Island, which they should win and thereby clinch two home playoff games. Don't expect Coney Island to lay down and die, especially needing to prove something after today's lackluster performance. The Shrooms play their finale at Sydney. This game interests me, especially given Sydney's recent difficulties. I think the Clouds have enough talent and coaching to pull out the win, but we surely can't count out a likely 12-3 team that easily.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. Tonga Thunderbirds: 3rd, 12-2
The Thunderbirds made it two straight since the Melbourne disaster with a 56-point beating of Uluru, gaining a home-field playoff game in the process. Next, Redscape comes calling to Tonga for a game in which the Thunderbirds should be heavily favored. Then, Illesheim arrives for the finale. The Krauts sputtered a bit in Week 14, losing solidly to an average team, but the Thunderbirds cannot afford to overlook the playoff-bound Krauts. The Thunderbirds should still win out, though.
Predicted finish: 14-2, 3rd
4. Christchurch Knightmares: 10-4, 4th
The Knightmares simply refuse to let go of their choke-hold on the last home playoff game, and beating the Ronnie Rockers by triple-digits is one way to hold your ground! The now playoff-bound Knightmares face a sliding Uluru team at home looking to salvage the rest of the regular season; mark Christchurch down for this one. The Knightmares finish against Thatto Heath. This game has slight upset potential, but I think Christchurch makes it 8 out of 10 with this game. The 4-5 game appears to be in New Zealand this year.
Predicted finish: 12-4, 4th
5. The Four Horsemen: 9-4, 5th
Were it not for a costly midseason loss to Christchurch, the Horsemen would have the home playoff game and the money that goes with it; however, I'm sure the Horsemen will take a playoff birth and a 47-point clubbing of the Ramekins. The Week 15 game is a home date against Dunedin. The Wolverines should put up much more of a fight than the highly similar Ramekins did last week, but it shouldn't be enough for a Horsemen loss. The final game is against the English Wasps, by far the weakest team in Alpha. This is the closest thing to a lock that any team in this conference has left. A bitter rematch against Christchurch should await, and it's one I'll be looking forward to seeing.
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
6. El Fuego: 9-5, 6th
This team had their backs up against the wall, facing a likely scenario of missing the playoffs with a loss; instead, they positively run over the favored Chinese by the stunning score of 51-6 and clinch a playoff spot in the process (due to the tiebreaker over NMI). Fuego's next game is against Melbourne, which they surely cannot be expected to win against this heavy favorite. Fuego then plays its finale against Gainesville, which should be a comfortable win, especially if Fuego brings its A-game. This team now looks like the team that started the season on a 179-0 scoring streak, and could be a very dangerous matchup for Tonga in the 3-6 game.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 6th
7. Coney Island Warriors: 7th, 9-5
The "Cardiac Kids" lived up to that moniker this week, barely eeking past a much inferior (or one would think) Redscape team by 3 scant points, 13-10; however, that's good enough to clinch the spot, thanks to the tiebreaker over NMI. The Warriors' next game is against Bikini Atoll, and I just don't think Coney has the power to pull the upset (and certainly won't with another output like last week). Coney Island plays its finale against Solomon Island, which appears to be a solid step below the Warriors. If this scenario happens, the Shrooms are awaiting for a first-round rematch (thanks to Fuego's tiebreak); this will definitely be fresh on the Warriors' minds.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 7th
8. Dunedin Wolverines: 8th, 8-6
Now this is the way a team fighting for a playoff spot SHOULD be playing! Today's win over Cimmeria opens up a one-game cushion on NMI with two to play. However, that 3-point Week 1 loss to NMI is *quite* tough to swallow now. At least for the moment, Dunedin's in. Dunedin plays next at the Four Horsemen, and the Horsemen have to be favored here, if not heavily. Dunedin then has its finale against South Australian. As the season progresses, I'm now changing my mind a little bit about this game. While Dunedin is behind South Australia in receiving and rush defense, they're now stronger than South Australia in passing, rushing, pass defense, and kicking. I'm now going with Dunedin, but this game is really still anyone's to grab. As far as playoff seeding in this conference goes, this is the second-biggest game remaining. Lose, and they're done. Win, and they're likely (but not certainly) in. It's that simple.
Predicted finish: 9-7, 9th
9. Northern Mariana Islands Ramekins: 8th, 7-7
The 8th-seed is going to be the most hotly contested in the conference coming down the stretch, and I have to say, NMI looks to be the odd-man out now with Dunedin's recent improvements. The Ramekins' next-to-last game is at Tasmania, which should really be a sizable win for NMI. However, the Ramekins play their finale against Easter Island. This last game is the most important game surrounding the 8th-seed. A win here will get NMI in (since Dunedin has the Horsemen left and since NMI holds that tiebreak), but a loss has the chance to keep them off the field in the postseason with a Dunedin win in Week 16. Frankly, I think Easter Island has the edge right now, given their matchup advantages in nearly every major statistical category. NMI just cannot afford a loss right here, especially with Dunedin having a one-game lead. Oh, how this mighty team has fallen from 5-1!
Predicted finish: 8-8, 9th
I sincerely thank you all for the positive feedback; that, along with the joy of making these, helps me along as I study these matchups. As always, I mean no disrespect to any team, but I do try to be as honest as possible. Good luck to all the teams in Week 15!
Games left: 2
Z: clinched home-field throughout the playoffs
Y: clinched 1st-round home playoff game
X: clinched playoff birth
Standings:
1-Y: Melbourne Thorny Devils, 14-0
2-Y: Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds, 13-1
3-Y: Tonga Thunderbirds, 12-2
4-X: Christchurch Knightmares, 10-4
5-X: The Four Horsemen, 10-4
6-X: El Fuego, 9-5
7-X: Coney Island Warriors, 9-5
8: Dunedin Wolverines, 8-6
9: Northern Mariana Islands Ramekins, 7-7
Team scenarios:
Melbourne Thorny Devils: 1st, 14-0
The Devils continued their winning ways in powerful fashion, slam-dancing Mauna Kea on the road 75-0. Next week, the Devils go to El Fuego to square off against the league's resident "Dr. Jeykll, Mr. Hyde". Regardless of which El Fuego team shows up, I think the Devils win this one going away, especially now after the bickering that's going on in the other threads. Makes my work a little more juicy! But I digress. As a result, Melbourne will clinch the league's regular season title and earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Devils play their finale at Florida Parishes. This game has the potential to be closer than many think, but should also be a Devils victory. Two very winable games stand between the Devils and regular season perfection.
Predicted finish: 16-0, 1st
2. Bikini Atoll Mushroom Clouds: 2nd, 13-1
The Shrooms exploded today (yes, pun intended) to post half-a-century on the reeling Sand Gnats. They Shrooms play next at Coney Island, which they should win and thereby clinch two home playoff games. Don't expect Coney Island to lay down and die, especially needing to prove something after today's lackluster performance. The Shrooms play their finale at Sydney. This game interests me, especially given Sydney's recent difficulties. I think the Clouds have enough talent and coaching to pull out the win, but we surely can't count out a likely 12-3 team that easily.
Predicted finish: 15-1, 2nd
3. Tonga Thunderbirds: 3rd, 12-2
The Thunderbirds made it two straight since the Melbourne disaster with a 56-point beating of Uluru, gaining a home-field playoff game in the process. Next, Redscape comes calling to Tonga for a game in which the Thunderbirds should be heavily favored. Then, Illesheim arrives for the finale. The Krauts sputtered a bit in Week 14, losing solidly to an average team, but the Thunderbirds cannot afford to overlook the playoff-bound Krauts. The Thunderbirds should still win out, though.
Predicted finish: 14-2, 3rd
4. Christchurch Knightmares: 10-4, 4th
The Knightmares simply refuse to let go of their choke-hold on the last home playoff game, and beating the Ronnie Rockers by triple-digits is one way to hold your ground! The now playoff-bound Knightmares face a sliding Uluru team at home looking to salvage the rest of the regular season; mark Christchurch down for this one. The Knightmares finish against Thatto Heath. This game has slight upset potential, but I think Christchurch makes it 8 out of 10 with this game. The 4-5 game appears to be in New Zealand this year.
Predicted finish: 12-4, 4th
5. The Four Horsemen: 9-4, 5th
Were it not for a costly midseason loss to Christchurch, the Horsemen would have the home playoff game and the money that goes with it; however, I'm sure the Horsemen will take a playoff birth and a 47-point clubbing of the Ramekins. The Week 15 game is a home date against Dunedin. The Wolverines should put up much more of a fight than the highly similar Ramekins did last week, but it shouldn't be enough for a Horsemen loss. The final game is against the English Wasps, by far the weakest team in Alpha. This is the closest thing to a lock that any team in this conference has left. A bitter rematch against Christchurch should await, and it's one I'll be looking forward to seeing.
Predicted finish: 12-4, 5th
6. El Fuego: 9-5, 6th
This team had their backs up against the wall, facing a likely scenario of missing the playoffs with a loss; instead, they positively run over the favored Chinese by the stunning score of 51-6 and clinch a playoff spot in the process (due to the tiebreaker over NMI). Fuego's next game is against Melbourne, which they surely cannot be expected to win against this heavy favorite. Fuego then plays its finale against Gainesville, which should be a comfortable win, especially if Fuego brings its A-game. This team now looks like the team that started the season on a 179-0 scoring streak, and could be a very dangerous matchup for Tonga in the 3-6 game.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 6th
7. Coney Island Warriors: 7th, 9-5
The "Cardiac Kids" lived up to that moniker this week, barely eeking past a much inferior (or one would think) Redscape team by 3 scant points, 13-10; however, that's good enough to clinch the spot, thanks to the tiebreaker over NMI. The Warriors' next game is against Bikini Atoll, and I just don't think Coney has the power to pull the upset (and certainly won't with another output like last week). Coney Island plays its finale against Solomon Island, which appears to be a solid step below the Warriors. If this scenario happens, the Shrooms are awaiting for a first-round rematch (thanks to Fuego's tiebreak); this will definitely be fresh on the Warriors' minds.
Predicted finish: 10-6, 7th
8. Dunedin Wolverines: 8th, 8-6
Now this is the way a team fighting for a playoff spot SHOULD be playing! Today's win over Cimmeria opens up a one-game cushion on NMI with two to play. However, that 3-point Week 1 loss to NMI is *quite* tough to swallow now. At least for the moment, Dunedin's in. Dunedin plays next at the Four Horsemen, and the Horsemen have to be favored here, if not heavily. Dunedin then has its finale against South Australian. As the season progresses, I'm now changing my mind a little bit about this game. While Dunedin is behind South Australia in receiving and rush defense, they're now stronger than South Australia in passing, rushing, pass defense, and kicking. I'm now going with Dunedin, but this game is really still anyone's to grab. As far as playoff seeding in this conference goes, this is the second-biggest game remaining. Lose, and they're done. Win, and they're likely (but not certainly) in. It's that simple.
Predicted finish: 9-7, 9th
9. Northern Mariana Islands Ramekins: 8th, 7-7
The 8th-seed is going to be the most hotly contested in the conference coming down the stretch, and I have to say, NMI looks to be the odd-man out now with Dunedin's recent improvements. The Ramekins' next-to-last game is at Tasmania, which should really be a sizable win for NMI. However, the Ramekins play their finale against Easter Island. This last game is the most important game surrounding the 8th-seed. A win here will get NMI in (since Dunedin has the Horsemen left and since NMI holds that tiebreak), but a loss has the chance to keep them off the field in the postseason with a Dunedin win in Week 16. Frankly, I think Easter Island has the edge right now, given their matchup advantages in nearly every major statistical category. NMI just cannot afford a loss right here, especially with Dunedin having a one-game lead. Oh, how this mighty team has fallen from 5-1!
Predicted finish: 8-8, 9th
I sincerely thank you all for the positive feedback; that, along with the joy of making these, helps me along as I study these matchups. As always, I mean no disrespect to any team, but I do try to be as honest as possible. Good luck to all the teams in Week 15!
Last edited Jul 9, 2008 00:10:29
