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We are definitely at a fever pitch for the playoffs this week. Each team has been reviewing films and trying to keep all their players healthy to get them to the Big Dance next weekend. This is Tank D’Season bringing you the Championship Week which will determine who plays in the Feeding Frenzy Super Bowl IV.

Eastern Division Champions and defending Champions Parkwood Predators (9-5) hosts the Western Division Champions Nittany Dodgers (8-6):

The Dodgers are facing one of their two biggest rivals in the Predators this week. Though their pre-season goal of reaching the playoffs has been met, they are now extending that toward the Super Bowl. The Dodgers are on a five game winning streak, averaging 125.61 points per win. They have been riding on the hot hand of their QB Jake Delhomme who also facings a huge rival in the tough Atlanta Falcons this week. Julius Jones has been on fire and targeting offensive rookie of the year while trying to keep Dallas in the playoff race. He faces the Eagles who may be coasting from here to the playoffs. Jones faces his brother this week (Thomas) who is on the Predator team. Questions surround both Duce Staley and Tiki Barber in regards to if either will play this week (when both NFL teams face each other), so the 2nd RB position is up in the air. Nate Burleson is looking to get back on the winning ways with the Vikings against Detroit and should get some decent numbers as everyone concentrates on Moss. Eric Moulds is disappointed he can’t face the Browns, but this week does look forward to the Bengals. With Lee Evans starting to pick up his game, teams may not blanket Moulds as well. David Patten was thankful for Givens injury last week and performed well. It will be a tough match-up against Miami this week, but with so many weapons on the Patriots offense, Miami can’t concentrate on everyone. I see solid, but not fantastic numbers. Tony Gonzalez (the controversy still raging over his selection to the All-Frenzy #1 Team) is be going against Champ Bailey (who has been burned in the past) this week, but always seems to do well. It will be a good weekend for Jeff Reed and the Pittsburgh DT against the Giants. I expect both to do well.

The Predators look forward to another run at the title, sitting proudly as the reigning champs. However, unlike their opponent who comes into the playoffs on a streak, the Predators have been taking it easy the last couple of weeks since the playoffs were in their sites. They come in winning only three of the last five. Yet, in that same time period, they have averaged a whopping 141.97 points per game. Predators are relying on the erratic Aaron Brooks as their starting QB (Mr Feast-or-Famine) who heads into a tough TB secondary. Leading all season Ladainian Tomlinson looks to break the single-season rushing record this week against the pathetic Browns. Michael Pittman is also chomping at the bit to face off against the 32nd ranked rush DT of NO. Brandon Stokley is hoping Manning checks down to him, so he can pull in his amazing 10th TD and helping him reach the 1,000 yard season mark against a stingy Ravens DT. Javon Walker has had an amazing season, but hopes the cold doesn’t affect the team like it did last week, especially since they face a top ten team against the pass in the Jags. Hines Ward has been one of the disappointments this year after the last three seasons. Though he’ll go over 1,000 yards again, his TDs are way down. However, look for a good week against the Giants. Jermaine Wiggins has had a few amazing games, but also drifts into oblivion. The Predators hope he knows this is the playoffs and performs appropriately. Ryan Longwell also will have a tough day in the cold (how would you like to kick a rock at 10 degrees). But there will probably be ample opportunities for FGs. Baltimore is facing a tough challenge. Can they slow down the Colts offense? I doubt it.

Previous Meeting this Year: Predators 139.95 to Dodgers 111.50

Prediction: Predators make it to the Big Dance to defend their title stopping Dodgers winning streak at five.

MidWest Division Champion Liquid Swords (10-4) hosts division rival and Wild Card Wonder Mutts (10-4):

The Liquid Swords roared into the playoffs, not only making the playoffs but winning the Division Title by winning four of their last five, while averaging 151.98 points per game during that stretch. In fact, their lowest scoring week in the last five weeks was Week 11 at 111.35 (against the Wonder Mutts) as the only score being under 150. They are looking forward to Daunte Culpepper putting up some huge numbers on Detroit this week. Ahman Green has been struggling a little (due to nagging injury and three-way RBBC), and even faces a tough Jags DT. Willis McGahee has been a surprise stud for the Swords rushing for over 100 yards in all but one game. Oh, yeah, he faces the Bengals this week. Joe Horn is the only consistent WR for the Saints, but also faces a tough challenge in the TB secondary. Eddie Kennison has returned from pre-season injury to have a great season and looks to continue against Denver (especially since Champ Bailey will probably cover Gonzalez). Along the same lines, Rod Smith should have a monster game against the Chiefs. Randy McMichael started the season as the man in town, but the QBs have been looking at Chambers more lately. They face the Patriots on MNF. Josh Brown will have a good game, but nothing special. The NE DT should have a big game against the woeful Miami offense.

The Wonder Mutts were the team to beat for most of the season putting up an eight-game win streak. However, like the Predators, they head into the playoffs with their last two games being loses, and going 2-3 in the last five games. They averaged 131.67 points per game in the last five games. The Mutts are seriously hoping Brett Favre breaks out of this mini-clump he’s been in and moves back to top-five QB status. This week will be tough against the Jags and the cold. Dominic Davis went bananas last week. This week he faces a roller-coaster DT in Chicago (while playing in the windy city), not sure how he’ll do there. Corey Dillon will get the ball often on MNF against a bad Miami run DT. He should easily break the 20 points range. Antonio Bryant happens to be the only Brown worth starting, if you dare to start one. The upside is, Cleveland will be playing from behind and passing a lot. Darrell Jackson seems to have the eye of Hasselbeck lately (and actually catching the ball). Should have a tough game on the road against the Jets, though. TO, well, he’s TO. He’ll get at least 100 yards and a score or two against Dallas. Antonio Gates has had an off several weeks, but should wake up against Cleveland (and prove he should have been 1st team All Frenzy). Shayne Graham will be active in FG against a tough Buffalo DT. Philly DT will do well if they can contain Julius Jones. They will be looking forward to Vinny’s two to four turn overs.

Previous Meeting this Year: Week 11 – Liquid Swords 111.35 to Wonder Mutts 128.6

Week 13 – Liquid Swords 155.7 to Wonder Mutts 128.3

Prediction: Strange thing is, in the two previous meeting this year, Wonder Mutts had a scoring variation of .3 – wow! Each team has some bad match-ups and some good ones. I think, once again this will be a close game. We all know, it’s tough to beat the same team three times in one season. However, I see the Swords looking to continue their season and head to the Super Bowl in a down-and-ugly game against the Mutts.

Only two games….that’s all she wrote. Don’t forget there’s Saturday games this week, so set your roster early. This is Tank D’Season congratulating the four teams taking the field this week, you all did well no matter what happens. Ok, that’s a load. It’s win or I mock you.

Great write up Rami.

The tough RB matchups I have this week, as well as the 7 point handicap is going to make this upset difficult to pull off, but that much sweeter when it happens.

way to keep that positive outlook!

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Immortal Ramirez

Predators are relying on the erratic Aaron Brooks as their starting QB (Mr Feast-or-Famine) who heads into a tough TB secondary.

--snip--

Baltimore is facing a tough challenge. Can they slow down the Colts offense? I doubt it.

I had already set the wheels in motion to resolve these situations long before you raised these issues! ;) The defending champs will show the nads to start 2 free agents in their place!

Titans QB Billy Volek will be starting this week (at Oakland) over Brooks, and the San Diego (super) Chargers Defense will be getting the surprising start over the Ravens D (just love the matchup against the Brownies ;))!

I'd have considered a different Kicker, but I actually think Longwell does better in the cold, and the irony of using the Dodgers former Kicker who I acquired late in the year for a 4th round pick is just too tempting ;).

The Preds WILL win this week... we respect the Dodgers franchise... but we're the defending champs for a reason... come playoff time, we come to PLAY! ;) Don't worry Brian, losing to us will be a good "learning" experience for your squad! This aint the Western Division, you're playing against the big boys now!

:box :helmet :football :champ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

Great write up Rami.

The tough RB matchups I have this week, as well as the 7 point handicap is going to make this upset difficult to pull off, but that much sweeter when it happens.

The excuses are already spewing from the Dodgers. ;)

BTW, many (including myself) consdier Julius Jones' matchup agains the piss poor Philly run D a great matchup!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preds

I'd have considered a different Kicker, but I actually think Longwell does better in the cold, and the irony of using the Dodgers former Kicker who I acquired late in the year for a 4th round pick is just too tempting ;).

This thought actually crossed my mind when I made the trade. At first I thought, what the heck, a kicker I don't need to recoup the 4th rounder I just gave up for Patten. Would I trade a kicker for a receiver? Of course.

Then I thought, if I actually get back in the race, I very well could be facing him in the playoffs. Nah, that would never happen, so I pulled the trigger.

Thankfully, I have my all time favorite kicker to counter. In the 14+ year history of my local league, Elam is the all time leader kicker. He has kicked for more Champions in our league than anyone else. I've won the previous two years with him. I plan on transfering a little of that fortune to the Frenzy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preds

The excuses are already spewing from the Dodgers. ;)

BTW, many (including myself) consdier Julius Jones' matchup agains the piss poor Philly run D a great matchup!

Excuses? I wouldn't say excuses. I'm just talking about my own optimism factor. Duce against the Giants would be a great matchup, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to count on Duce, so I have to go with Tiki, with the Giants reeling, going against a great Pitt run D.

I've got nothing to lose in this game. I'm a huge underdog. No one can deny that. If I lose, I was expected to lose. If I win, it will largely be due to luck at this point. I can guarantee you if I win, there won't be any speeches about how I built a superior team to yours (or anyone else in the post season for that matter). I need your big guns to have off days. I need my big guns to have great days, and my lesser players to come up big. That's my only hope.

dang it, how can I get my players all riled up when your so damn nice about things?

ah forget it, it's friggen COLD, blustery, and pretty much miserable outside... that alone will put my Preds in a foul playoff dominating mood.

Bring you're longjohns... :)

Hawaii was made to host the playoffs in December...

(If only Bulger hadn't gone down with an injury two weeks ago... DOH!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preds

Yeah, cause my players aren't used to the cold playing in Minnesota all year?

Bring it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preds

Too funny. I was thinking the same thing about him being as "nice" an adversary as you can find. Come on Dodgers...talk some smack.

Yes, Julius should play well. Tiki and Duce (who most likely won't play) are not...

Game by game histories

Parkwood Predators vs. Nittany Dodgers, week 3, 2002. The 1-1 Nittany Dodgers travel to face the 1-1 Parkwood Predators.

The Predators are lead as usual by LaDanian Tomlinson’s 32.6 points. Marty Booker, acquired from the Dodgers in the off season, chips in 19.7, and Corey Dillon has 14.1. No other players scored in double digits. The Pred’s leave Jake Plummer’s 25.35 points, which would have made the difference.

In a very uncharacteristic game, the newly formed Dodgers are lead by their receivers. Donald Driver and David Patten combine for 38.2 points. Edge James has a solid, but not spectacular 19 points. Curtis Martin shows up with 11.3, and Vinny Testeverde is plagued by turnovers with a mere 6.35 points. The Tampa Bay D saves the day with a 21 point explosion, to lead the Dodgers to a 114.2 to 105.1 victory. The Dodgers lead the series 1-0, and 2-0 if you include their predecessor Rabid Garbage Dog victory over the Preds in 2001.

Parkwood Predators vs. Nittany Dodgers, week 11, 2003. The reeling 3-7 Nittany Dodgers face the East leading 7-3 Parkwood Predators.

The Predators again have an off scoring day with no players scoring 15 points. Brad Johnson, Derrick Mason, Santana Moss, Dallas Clark, and the Seattle D all score between 12 and 14 points, but the Preds really get nothing else. LT2 and Marcel Shipp combine for 16 points. The Preds starters score a mere 92.5 points, while the bench scores 176.85, lead by Jake Delhomme (24.1), Tim Rattay (24.65), Kevan Barlow (17.8), Andre Johnson (20.45), and Shannon Sharpe (31.6).

The Dodgers on the other hand play almost their best lineup, and are lead by their studs. Chad Pennington scores over 25 points on just 14 pass attempts. Tiki Barber goes for just over 25, and Edge has a then team record 46 points. The KC receiver due of Johnnie Morton and Tony Gonzalez chip in a combined 31.2, and the Dodgers rout the Preds with 146.9 points.

Parkwood Predators vs. Nittany Dodgers, week 7, 2004. The 5-1 Predators look for revenge against the down, but not yet out, 2-4 Nittany Dodgers.

The Dodgers just lacked any firepower this week, with Tiki Barber the only player to show up, posting 32.2 points. Fill in Amos Zereoue played decently with 13.65 points, and the special team combination of Longwell and the MN D combined for 28 points. Things were so bad, the Dodgers actually went with a 2 TE starting lineup.

The Predators, meanwhile, finally showed up to play in the series. The Preds barely missed regular starters Kevan Barlow, Andre Johnson, and Hines Ward, all out on the bye. Fill ins Michael Pittman and Dennis Northcut combined for 37.15 points. Aaron Brooks had a nice game with 23, and LT2 chipped in 16.75. The Baltimore D demolished their opponent with 24 points.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nittany Dodgers

Nice write-up Brian, but I think we've reversed the losing trend earlier this season, and look forward to making it 2 straight against you. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preds

Nice write-up Brian, but I think we've reversed the losing trend earlier this season, and look forward to making it 2 straight against you. :D

Just a small blip on the steam roller that is the Nittany Dodger wrecking machine.