The Beginning of the Playoff Run!
This is it. Prep time for the play-offs. I’m going to start a little early on this. As you all know, only 1/3 of you get to participate. The question I will attempt to determine is…who?
There is no clear-cut division winner at this time in any of the three divisions. In fact, with the last four weeks ALL being within the division, anything can go. So, each week will be vital!
East
Royal Hawaiian Opihi (6-4) at the Indiana Undead (5-5).
This game is important because both are 1-1 in the division. Opihi are trying to catch the Predators and take over division lead, while at least staying a game behind and looking forward to Swords losing (and giving them tie for wild card birth). Undead is looking to knock off the Opihi (not only to move up in wild card, but also try to pay off Freedom to beat Preds).
Prediction: I see Opihi pulling this one out because of Undead’s injury and match-up issues in RB & QB
Parkwood Predators (7-3) hosting Philadelphia Freedom (4-6):
The thing is, Freedom is NOT mathematically out of it yet. If they beat the Predators, they’re still in the hunt. They lose, and it’s over. Preds is attempting to keep their 1 game lead on Opihi (who they play in week 14)
Prediction: Scary thing is, if Garrad plays as he did last weekend, Freedom can pull this one out. But, I gotta go with the Predators in this one.
MidWest
Jersey Toxic Waste (3-7) at Soap Box Derby Cars (3-7):
Ok, neither is mathematically eliminated (I don’t think, I really didn’t sit there and plug in all the options), but they need RIDICULOUS help to make the play-offs. So, most likely they are playing to keep out of the Toilet Bowl (or attempting to get a better draft pick next year).
Prediction: Both host two of the top 3 QBs in the league, but only 1 RB each (worth while). I see Waste with a little better match-up in this one. Waste by less then 10
Wonder Mutts (8-2) take their league best record into fact Liquid Sword (7-3):
Someone’s streak is going to end (six game and five game streaks respectfully). This will be a dog-fight for the division and wild card, since both are 2-0 in division right now. They also play each other again in week 14, probably for division title!
Prediction: I think the Mutts will continue to roll. Favre is a little worse than C-Pepper, even at RB, but they have this WR named TO…
West
Bay Area Bloodsucking Insects (4-6) at Brain Dead Squirrel Chasers (3-7):
Somehow, neither team is out of it either, but they really need Urza’s to lose EVERY game left. Not sure that’s going to happen. Looks like they’re playing for draft picks (especially since Insects just traded to get another one – are they going to ‘throw’ the game!)
Prediction: Moss is out and Witten can’t do it by himself against Alexander and Portis…Insects
Urza’s Ragers (6-4) at Nittany Dodgers (4-6):
Dodgers pulled off the upset last week. Urza’s needs to win one to eliminate two of three of their division rivals from any glimmer of hope at playoffs. It would take them to 7-4 (2-1 in division) pushing Dodgers to 4-7 (0-3 in division). However, they play Dodgers again. If Dodgers lose this one, but win out and Ragers lose the rest, Dodgers may have a shot at division title…no, really.
Prediction: Even with return of Brees, I think if Delhomme puts up half decent numbers (they will be playing from behind AGAIN), I see Dodgers pulling off another upset. They have more depth at receiving corp (including TE) than Ragers, plus Pittsburgh DT is going up against Cincy!
I didn’t have all the stats and that’s how I see it. Tank D’Season will once again return Tues for the wrap-up.
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