FAT DADDY CA$H’S CORNER: Week 4!
It’s an abridged version this week as my other writing duties got in the way this weekend. The Weekly Rewind and the detailed breakdown of the upcoming Week was left on the cutting room floor, but I finished the Rankings and Predictions.
Enjoy!
Zeta Power Rankings: Week 4
1. Stockholm Meatballs (3-0)
Last Week: 3 (+2)
Despite falling behind early, Stockholm passed their first test true test of the season by dispatching the Roughnecks 45-14. Mal Brown and The Glow dominated on the ground to the tune of 310 yards and 3 TDs. More impressive than the Meat’s ground game was the defense that held Rotterdam to under 140 yards passing and a meager 28% completion percentage. The number 1 spot has been unlucky so far this year in Zeta, we’ll see how long Stockholm can hang on.
2. PPP Longnecks (3-0)
Last Week: 6 (+4)
After being leapfrogged by Rotterdam and Multiple last week, the Longnecks return the favor after their impressive upset of the Destroyers. HB Jimmy Slasher had his best game of the year in the win while the underrated secondary led by CBs Jay Marko and Shutty McDown continued to make plays.
3. Korb Destroyers (2-1)
Last Week: 1 (-2)
It really is a wide open race for the top seed in Zeta with 6 teams (maybe 7) being serious contenders. Korb’s loss to PPP shouldn’t be viewed as a failure on Korb’s part as much as the emergence of PPP as one of the Conference’s elite clubs. Still, Korb is too talented to drop behind Multiple or Berlin – for now. With a huge game upcoming against the Ballers, Korb will need to cut down on the turnovers that plagued them against the Longnecks.
4. Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-1)
Last Week: 2 (-2)
QB Pohls’ stat line against Porto: 43/54 for 993 yards, 21 TDs and 0 INTs. Sure it was against Porto but that is what we call a rut-buster of a game. With Rotterdam up next, Suggs and Stephens should be able to get the Pimps to 3-1 at the quarter mark.
5. Multiple Scorgasms (3-0)
Last Week: 5
The Scorgasms came back from an early 10-point deficit to knock off the Annihilators and stake their claim as a top 5 team. While QB James McMahon had his best all-around game of the season, completing 69% of his passes for 299 yards and 2 TDs, the Scorgasms demonstrated great balance by leaning on HBs Watson and Devil to keep the Annihilators off balance.
6. Berlin Ballers (3-0)
Last Week: 7 (+1)
With Antwerp struggling, the Ballers have emerged as the rookie Zeta team to beat. Berlin was impressive for the third straight week as they knocked off the Musketeers to the tune of 41-24. The Ballers continue to get to the QB as they racked up another 7 sacks. This week’s showdown with Korb will be the first true test for the Ballers and should be a dandy to watch.
7. Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-1)
Last Wee: 4 (-3)
The Roughnecks offense rarely looks out of sync, but that was the case in Stockholm as Rotterdam couldn’t sustain drives or find any rhythm in their passing attack. Unable to control the clock, the suspect Roughneck defense was exposed by the Meatballs’ grinding ground assault and opportunistic passing attack. The defense will have to shape up quick as the Pimps strut into town next.
8.Lyon Dynasty (2-1)
Last Week: 11 (+3)
The Dynasty bounced back from their loss to Berlin by throttling the Patriots 97-34 and earned their way into the top 8 for the first time this season. Lyon racked up 905 yards of offense including averaging 11.3 yards a carry on the ground. The only negative was the 5 turnovers committed by the Dynasty – something they will have to improve when they face the dangerous Ice & Fire this week.
9. Sevilla Naranjas (2-1)
Last Week: 12 (+3)
Another 3-point jump for a rookie Zeta club. Sevilla manhandled the Reykjavik Aggies last week, tuning them up for 426 yards of total offense – 293 of those coming on the ground. The win puts the Naranjas into the “twilight category” for me. Meaning, they have looked impressive as of late, but they have yet to face a top team. That will change this week when they face the Scorgasms.
10. ATOIAF (2-1)
Last Week: 13 (+3)
Ice & Fire continue to prove that great coaching can offset any difference in talent level on the roster. With a big win over the Black Forest Mercenaries, Ice & Fire put their ugly loss to Sevilla in the rearview mirror. This is a club that the elite teams in Zeta better not overlook in coming weeks.
11. Reykjavik Aggies (1-2)
Last Week: 8 (-3)
Despite a hot start by new QB Rich Campbell (93 QB rating, 279 yards a game, 9 TDs and 5 INTs), the Aggies are struggling to find ways to win ball games. The defense must shoulder the blame this week as they gave up 426 yards to Sevilla, much of it on the ground. Two straight loses have put the pre-season playoff hopes in jeopardy as the schedule only continues to get tougher from here on out.
12. Antwerp Annihilators (1-2)
Last Week: 9 (-3)
Last week the it was the Annihilator defenses’ inability to get off the field cost them the game. This week it was the defenses’ inability to hold an early 10-point lead that bit them. Offensively, Antwerp looked sharp despite the difference in score as they cracked the 400-yard mark for the first time all season. Over the next 5 weeks, Antwerp will run the gauntlet with games against Stockholm, Rivals and the Longnecks. The defense will have to get fixed fast or Antwerp could be out of the playoff race before it begins.
13. Paris Musketeers (0-3)
Last Week: 14 (+1)
Despite losing to the Ballers, the Musketeers took a step forward by giving QB Ace Rivers his shot. The new starting QB performed well, throwing 2 TDs and 166 yards – impressive numbers considering he was hurried 12 times and dumped another 7. The Musketeers will have to find a way to re-establish HB Nolan Akers and shore up their O-Line, but with the Patriots on deck they are in line to snag their first win of the year.
14. Black Forest Mercenaries (1-2)
Last Week: 10 (-4)
BMF dropped four spots this week and find themselves behind a winless Paris team based on strength of schedule. While Paris has lost tough games to PPP and Berlin, the Mercs have yet to beat a quality team themselves. BMF looked bad at times against Ice & Fire and if it were not for a late 10-point rally when the game was already in hand, the score would have even been more one-sided. The culprit in Black Forest is their porous defense that has had a miserable start to the year, surrendering over 1,500 yards already this season – despite facing only 1 playoff team thus far.
15. UK Patriots (0-3)
Last Week: 15
The Patriots continue to struggle on defense, this time surrendering 97 points to the Dynasty. The good news for the Pats is that despite their 0-3 start, there is time to right the ship and avoid relegation – especially if the bottom half of the conference continues to struggle. If they can find a way to patch up the D, their offense has showed some teeth as of late – enough to make them a threat.
16. Porto Reconquistas (0-3)
Last Week: 16
Porto will be here all year folks … be sure to tip your waitress and try the veal!
Alpha Power Rankings: Week 4
1. London Monarchs (3-0)
Last Week: 1
Despite trailing by 4 points heading into the 4th quarter against the surprising Who Dats, the Monarchs remained calm cool and collected and reeled off 21 unanswered points to seal the 48-38 win. As impressive as the 4th quarter was, the Monarchs are going to need to step up their defensive game against Black Watch next week in what should be the game of the regular season in Alpha.
2. Black Watch (3-0)
Last Week: 2
While the Black Watch victory over Carthage was not unexpected, how well the BW defense performed was certainly impressive. Holding Carthage to under 200 yards while forcing 9 punts, 2 turnovers, 6 sacks and 6 hurries sets a nice tone for the upcoming battle-royal against the Monarchs. With both clubs playing at top form, this one should be dynamite and will certainly shake up the Rankings in Week 5.
3. Paris Philharmonic (2-1)
Last Week: 4 (+1)
Paris took a big step forward this week as they thrashed Aberdeen, piling up 48 points and 485 yards of offense. The impressive performance is helping to quickly erase the memories of their early season struggles and allowed them to jump the Lumberjacks in the Rankings. A dangerous Red Bandit team awaits them next week meaning Paris can’t afford to take a step back.
4. Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-1)
Last Week: 2 (-1)
It was a tough call where to slot Woodridge this week. You could easily argue they deserve to stay at 3 despite their narrow win over Berlin. Despite the close score, Woodridge was in control of the game from the second quarter on. Still, I opted to give Paris their due thanks to a more impressive Week 3 performance. Next up for the Lumberjacks: a tough game against the unpredictable Who Dats.
5. Wembley Warriors (2-1)
Last Week: 8 (+3)
QB Paul Luther survived a 2 INT day and stole a win from E-City when he connected with WR Gosbert Lang for a 21-yard TD score late in the 4th quarter. The score capped a huge day for Lang who snagged 7 balls for 124 yards. With Stuttgart up next, the Warriors rushing D will be tested once again. If the Warriors can repeat the defensive effort they displayed against the Mercs, holding them to just 86 yards, the Warriors may well be sitting at 3-1 at the quarter mark.
6. London Minotaurs (2-1)
Last Week: 9 (+3)
The Minotaurs bounced back nicely from their loss to Wembley by knocking off the struggling Texas Aggies 35-28. London’s ground game was impressive as HB Armando Hughes rushed for 133 yards and 3 TDs. While the passing attack wasn’t spectacular, it was coolly efficient as both QBs combined for a 68% completion rate with 0 turnovers. A tough three game stretch against the Blitz, Who Dats and Monarchs will put the rookie team to the test.
7. Stuttgart Nighthawks (2-1)
Last Week: 7
While the match-up with the Swords lost its edge when Toledo folded this week, the win put the Nighthawks over .500 – a distinction few can claim in Alpha. Thus, they stay at the 7 spot this week. The upcoming Warriors game will go a long ways towards proving whether the Nighthawks belong in the top 8 or not.
8. E-City Mercenaries (1-2)
Last Week: 6 (-2)
Another tough team to slot this week as an argument could be made they deserve to be ahead of Stuttgart based on strength of schedule. But with Sevilla playing well in Zeta, the Nighthawks’ Week 1 win has become more and more impressive while the Merc’s narrow win over a (soon to be sold) Toledo club looks less. Still, the Mercs played Wembley tough and will be anxious to get back on the winning track against Texas this week.
9. Dinas Mawddwy Red Bandits (2-1)
Last Week: 12 (+3)
The Red Bandits exploded for 30 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter to propel themselves over Chicago 44-23. The big win shakes up the bottom half of the rankings and puts the Red Bandits in terrific shape as they head into their big match against the resurgent Philharmonic. If Dinas can find a way to pull off the upset they would stake their team as perhaps the most surprising team in Alpha in the early going.
10. Lake Charles Who Dats (1-2)
Last Week: 11 (+1)
The Who Dats are one of three teams to pull off a rare feat – moving up despite losing. The move has as much to do with how impressive they looked in their loss to the Monarchs as it does to the free-falling Aggies and Swords. Lake Charles has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone in Alpha – they just need to find balance on defense before they can crack the top 8.
11. Chicago Rocks (1-2)
Last Week: 13 (+2)
Chicago looked bad against the Red Bandits, but with 1 win on their record they inherit the 11th spot in the rankings. The Rocks should have no problem dispatching Carthage, but they need to patch a lot of holes before their Week 5 showdown with Black Watch if they hope to make a game of it.
12. Berlin Blitzkrieg (0-3)
Last Week: 14 (+2)
It was tempting to put Berlin at 11, but they need to win a game before I can justify putting them any higher. The good news is Berlin has starter to show signs of life despite back to back loses against Woodridge and the Monarchs. There’s certainly enough talent to right the ship, but the time is now. With the Minotaurs on deck, Berlin needs to win before they fall too far behind in the standings.
13. Fightin’ Texas Aggies (0-3)
Last Week: 5 (-8)
The biggest drop in either rankings goes to the Aggies. Despite the talent on the roster, they simply have not been able to muster an effective attack on either side of the ball during the first three games. Three straight loses to three (probable) playoff teams is nothing to be ashamed of, but if the Aggies want to be considered an elite in Alpha, they need to take at least one of those match-ups. With E-City in town next, the Aggies will have yet another shot against a top 8 team.
14. Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (0-3)
Last Week: 15 (+1)
Aberdeen dropped their third straight game, this time a rather one-sided affair to the Philharmonics. The Wrecking crew couldn’t do much right against Paris as they mustered only 214 yards while surrendering 485. I’m still not sure what’s wrong in Aberdeen as many expected a strong playoff push this year. While that is still a strong possibility this early in the season, the time to turn it around is now.
15. Carthage Army of Darkness (0-3)
Last Week: 16 (+1)
Toledo bumps them a spot.
16. Toledo Swords (0-3)
Last Week: 10 (-6)
Sad to see it come to this …
Week 4 Previews & Picks
Last Week: 11-5
Season Total: 35-13
Zeta
Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-1) at Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-1):
Should be a great game as Rotterdamn has a chance to get back on track – however they will need to seriously address their run defense in order to do so. It won’t happen this week, Pimps win 39-20.
Multiple Scorgasms (3-0) at Sevilla Naranjas (2-1):
One of the better match-ups of the week, Sevilla wants to prove they belong in the playoff picture and knocking off the Scorgasms would be an impressive first step. Multiple has not run away with any game yet, so expect this one to be close. But the edge goes to the Scorgasms. Multiple wins 33-31.
Stockholm Meatballs (3-0) at Antwerp Annihilators (1-2):
Antwerp would love to end their skid by knocking off Stockholm. They have the talent to pull off the feat, but the defense is still rounding into form and could be a liability against the power running game of the Meatballs. This one will be closer than some might expect but in the end, the Stockholm gets the edge. Stockholm wins 38-28.
PPP Longnecks (3-0) at Porto (0-3):
No surprises here. Longnecks win big.
ATOIAF (2-1) at Lyon Dynasty (2-1):
This one could be one of the best match-ups in all of WEPL this week. Ice & Fire have shown they can compete with anyone while Lyon is trying to establish themselves as a Top 8 club week in and week out. It will be interesting to see how Ice & Fire game plans for this one. Expect this one to be close. Lyon wins 33-31.
Reykjavik Aggies (1-2) at Black Forest Mercenaries (1-2):
Both teams need this game badly. For the Aggies it’s a chance to get back into playoff contention where many assumed they would be at the start of the season. For BFM it’s a chance to distance themselves from the Patriots and the threat of relegation. The Mercs’ defense has been too inconsistent for me to pick them against the offensively explosive Aggies. Aggies win comfortably 40-20.
UK Patriots (0-3) at Paris Musketeers (0-3):
Both Paris and the Patriots are scrambling to adjust their schemes in an attempt to become more competitive in WEPL. While the Patriots may well fix their issues on defense before the year’s over, I think Paris will find their groove a bit quicker. Paris wins 40-28.
Game of the Week: Zeta
Berlin Ballers (3-0) at Korb Destroyers (2-1):
This one should be great. For the third straight week Korb gets the Game of the Week – a testament to how good Korb is as well as how tough their opening schedule has been. The Ballers’ fans believe they are the best team in Zeta and this week they get a chance to show it. A win over the Destroyers would not only cement the Ballers in the top echelon of Zeta, it would put the rest of WEPL on notice. Still, as good as I think the Ballers are, I don’t think Korb will lose two in a row. Korb’s rushing attack will counterbalance the fierce pass rush of the Ballers while simultaneously keeping Berlin’s offense on the sidelines. Korb wins 41-28.
Alpha
Stuttgart Nighthawks (2-1) at Wembley Warriors (2-1):
This is a match-up of two Rodney Dangerfields as both the Warriors and Nighthawks feel they haven’t been given their due quite yet by the rest of WEPL. The Nighthawks have quietly been very efficient this season and I expect them to make this a very tight game. Wembley has the edge on paper, but I’m calling an upset. Stuttgart wins 34-29.
Dinas Red Bandits (2-1) at Paris Philharmonic (2-1):
The Red Bandits have been a pleasant surprise in the early going this season and would love to steal one from the reigning WEPL champs. Paris has found their sea-legs over the past two weeks and are getting better each game. That’s bad news for the Red Bandits who are going to upset someone this season, but it won’t be this week. Paris wins 39-27.
E-City Mercenaries (1-2) at Fightin’ Texas Aggies (0-3):
Texas has fallen hard over the first three weeks and needs to rebound quickly. The Mercs too have not started as fast as they hoped, making this a great match-up of near desperate teams. While the Aggies were one of my pre-season picks to make the playoffs, I can’t pick them until they show me they can win. E-City wins 31-28.
London Minotaurs (2-1) at Berlin Blitzkrieg (0-3):
Berlin has slowly been shaking off the rust and seems ready to break out of their early season slump. They will face a stiff test this week as London has come on strong and looked great against the Aggies last week. Berlin will get it together, but this week London gets the nod in a tight one. London wins 29-27.
Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-1) at Lake Charles Who Dats (1-2):
Lake Charles has been streaky to start the year. They have looked impressive in a win against the Musketeers and a lose to the Monarchs while they looked miserable in their blowout loss to Black Watch. Without knowing which Lake Charles team is going to show up, Woodridge has to be prepared for any situation. Despite Lake Charles’ ability to score points, Woodridge is the favorite here. Woodridge wins 40-29.
Carthage (0-3) at Chicago Rocks (1-2):
Chicago was supposed to compete for a playoff spot this season, but so far they have looked less and less like a true contender. They’ll get a chance to get to .500 this week against a struggling Carthage club, but the success will be short lived with Black Watch around the corner. Chicago wins 40-17.
Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (0-3) at Toledo Swords (0-3):
No surprises here. AWC wins big.
Game of the Week: Alpha
London Monarchs (3-0) at Black Watch (3-0)
This is definitely the game of the week in all of WEPL. Both clubs have started off the year red-hot and are the early favorites to reach the Alpha Championship game. Neither team has faced a tough opponent yet, making this game all the more intriguing. It will be Black Watch’s first true test in WEPL while also being the first true test for the new look Monarchs. I personally think this game will come down to which defense makes the most plays and Black Watch has the clear edge on defense – at least on paper. Black Watch wins a 38-33.
It’s an abridged version this week as my other writing duties got in the way this weekend. The Weekly Rewind and the detailed breakdown of the upcoming Week was left on the cutting room floor, but I finished the Rankings and Predictions.
Enjoy!
Zeta Power Rankings: Week 4
1. Stockholm Meatballs (3-0)
Last Week: 3 (+2)
Despite falling behind early, Stockholm passed their first test true test of the season by dispatching the Roughnecks 45-14. Mal Brown and The Glow dominated on the ground to the tune of 310 yards and 3 TDs. More impressive than the Meat’s ground game was the defense that held Rotterdam to under 140 yards passing and a meager 28% completion percentage. The number 1 spot has been unlucky so far this year in Zeta, we’ll see how long Stockholm can hang on.
2. PPP Longnecks (3-0)
Last Week: 6 (+4)
After being leapfrogged by Rotterdam and Multiple last week, the Longnecks return the favor after their impressive upset of the Destroyers. HB Jimmy Slasher had his best game of the year in the win while the underrated secondary led by CBs Jay Marko and Shutty McDown continued to make plays.
3. Korb Destroyers (2-1)
Last Week: 1 (-2)
It really is a wide open race for the top seed in Zeta with 6 teams (maybe 7) being serious contenders. Korb’s loss to PPP shouldn’t be viewed as a failure on Korb’s part as much as the emergence of PPP as one of the Conference’s elite clubs. Still, Korb is too talented to drop behind Multiple or Berlin – for now. With a huge game upcoming against the Ballers, Korb will need to cut down on the turnovers that plagued them against the Longnecks.
4. Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-1)
Last Week: 2 (-2)
QB Pohls’ stat line against Porto: 43/54 for 993 yards, 21 TDs and 0 INTs. Sure it was against Porto but that is what we call a rut-buster of a game. With Rotterdam up next, Suggs and Stephens should be able to get the Pimps to 3-1 at the quarter mark.
5. Multiple Scorgasms (3-0)
Last Week: 5
The Scorgasms came back from an early 10-point deficit to knock off the Annihilators and stake their claim as a top 5 team. While QB James McMahon had his best all-around game of the season, completing 69% of his passes for 299 yards and 2 TDs, the Scorgasms demonstrated great balance by leaning on HBs Watson and Devil to keep the Annihilators off balance.
6. Berlin Ballers (3-0)
Last Week: 7 (+1)
With Antwerp struggling, the Ballers have emerged as the rookie Zeta team to beat. Berlin was impressive for the third straight week as they knocked off the Musketeers to the tune of 41-24. The Ballers continue to get to the QB as they racked up another 7 sacks. This week’s showdown with Korb will be the first true test for the Ballers and should be a dandy to watch.
7. Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-1)
Last Wee: 4 (-3)
The Roughnecks offense rarely looks out of sync, but that was the case in Stockholm as Rotterdam couldn’t sustain drives or find any rhythm in their passing attack. Unable to control the clock, the suspect Roughneck defense was exposed by the Meatballs’ grinding ground assault and opportunistic passing attack. The defense will have to shape up quick as the Pimps strut into town next.
8.Lyon Dynasty (2-1)
Last Week: 11 (+3)
The Dynasty bounced back from their loss to Berlin by throttling the Patriots 97-34 and earned their way into the top 8 for the first time this season. Lyon racked up 905 yards of offense including averaging 11.3 yards a carry on the ground. The only negative was the 5 turnovers committed by the Dynasty – something they will have to improve when they face the dangerous Ice & Fire this week.
9. Sevilla Naranjas (2-1)
Last Week: 12 (+3)
Another 3-point jump for a rookie Zeta club. Sevilla manhandled the Reykjavik Aggies last week, tuning them up for 426 yards of total offense – 293 of those coming on the ground. The win puts the Naranjas into the “twilight category” for me. Meaning, they have looked impressive as of late, but they have yet to face a top team. That will change this week when they face the Scorgasms.
10. ATOIAF (2-1)
Last Week: 13 (+3)
Ice & Fire continue to prove that great coaching can offset any difference in talent level on the roster. With a big win over the Black Forest Mercenaries, Ice & Fire put their ugly loss to Sevilla in the rearview mirror. This is a club that the elite teams in Zeta better not overlook in coming weeks.
11. Reykjavik Aggies (1-2)
Last Week: 8 (-3)
Despite a hot start by new QB Rich Campbell (93 QB rating, 279 yards a game, 9 TDs and 5 INTs), the Aggies are struggling to find ways to win ball games. The defense must shoulder the blame this week as they gave up 426 yards to Sevilla, much of it on the ground. Two straight loses have put the pre-season playoff hopes in jeopardy as the schedule only continues to get tougher from here on out.
12. Antwerp Annihilators (1-2)
Last Week: 9 (-3)
Last week the it was the Annihilator defenses’ inability to get off the field cost them the game. This week it was the defenses’ inability to hold an early 10-point lead that bit them. Offensively, Antwerp looked sharp despite the difference in score as they cracked the 400-yard mark for the first time all season. Over the next 5 weeks, Antwerp will run the gauntlet with games against Stockholm, Rivals and the Longnecks. The defense will have to get fixed fast or Antwerp could be out of the playoff race before it begins.
13. Paris Musketeers (0-3)
Last Week: 14 (+1)
Despite losing to the Ballers, the Musketeers took a step forward by giving QB Ace Rivers his shot. The new starting QB performed well, throwing 2 TDs and 166 yards – impressive numbers considering he was hurried 12 times and dumped another 7. The Musketeers will have to find a way to re-establish HB Nolan Akers and shore up their O-Line, but with the Patriots on deck they are in line to snag their first win of the year.
14. Black Forest Mercenaries (1-2)
Last Week: 10 (-4)
BMF dropped four spots this week and find themselves behind a winless Paris team based on strength of schedule. While Paris has lost tough games to PPP and Berlin, the Mercs have yet to beat a quality team themselves. BMF looked bad at times against Ice & Fire and if it were not for a late 10-point rally when the game was already in hand, the score would have even been more one-sided. The culprit in Black Forest is their porous defense that has had a miserable start to the year, surrendering over 1,500 yards already this season – despite facing only 1 playoff team thus far.
15. UK Patriots (0-3)
Last Week: 15
The Patriots continue to struggle on defense, this time surrendering 97 points to the Dynasty. The good news for the Pats is that despite their 0-3 start, there is time to right the ship and avoid relegation – especially if the bottom half of the conference continues to struggle. If they can find a way to patch up the D, their offense has showed some teeth as of late – enough to make them a threat.
16. Porto Reconquistas (0-3)
Last Week: 16
Porto will be here all year folks … be sure to tip your waitress and try the veal!
Alpha Power Rankings: Week 4
1. London Monarchs (3-0)
Last Week: 1
Despite trailing by 4 points heading into the 4th quarter against the surprising Who Dats, the Monarchs remained calm cool and collected and reeled off 21 unanswered points to seal the 48-38 win. As impressive as the 4th quarter was, the Monarchs are going to need to step up their defensive game against Black Watch next week in what should be the game of the regular season in Alpha.
2. Black Watch (3-0)
Last Week: 2
While the Black Watch victory over Carthage was not unexpected, how well the BW defense performed was certainly impressive. Holding Carthage to under 200 yards while forcing 9 punts, 2 turnovers, 6 sacks and 6 hurries sets a nice tone for the upcoming battle-royal against the Monarchs. With both clubs playing at top form, this one should be dynamite and will certainly shake up the Rankings in Week 5.
3. Paris Philharmonic (2-1)
Last Week: 4 (+1)
Paris took a big step forward this week as they thrashed Aberdeen, piling up 48 points and 485 yards of offense. The impressive performance is helping to quickly erase the memories of their early season struggles and allowed them to jump the Lumberjacks in the Rankings. A dangerous Red Bandit team awaits them next week meaning Paris can’t afford to take a step back.
4. Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-1)
Last Week: 2 (-1)
It was a tough call where to slot Woodridge this week. You could easily argue they deserve to stay at 3 despite their narrow win over Berlin. Despite the close score, Woodridge was in control of the game from the second quarter on. Still, I opted to give Paris their due thanks to a more impressive Week 3 performance. Next up for the Lumberjacks: a tough game against the unpredictable Who Dats.
5. Wembley Warriors (2-1)
Last Week: 8 (+3)
QB Paul Luther survived a 2 INT day and stole a win from E-City when he connected with WR Gosbert Lang for a 21-yard TD score late in the 4th quarter. The score capped a huge day for Lang who snagged 7 balls for 124 yards. With Stuttgart up next, the Warriors rushing D will be tested once again. If the Warriors can repeat the defensive effort they displayed against the Mercs, holding them to just 86 yards, the Warriors may well be sitting at 3-1 at the quarter mark.
6. London Minotaurs (2-1)
Last Week: 9 (+3)
The Minotaurs bounced back nicely from their loss to Wembley by knocking off the struggling Texas Aggies 35-28. London’s ground game was impressive as HB Armando Hughes rushed for 133 yards and 3 TDs. While the passing attack wasn’t spectacular, it was coolly efficient as both QBs combined for a 68% completion rate with 0 turnovers. A tough three game stretch against the Blitz, Who Dats and Monarchs will put the rookie team to the test.
7. Stuttgart Nighthawks (2-1)
Last Week: 7
While the match-up with the Swords lost its edge when Toledo folded this week, the win put the Nighthawks over .500 – a distinction few can claim in Alpha. Thus, they stay at the 7 spot this week. The upcoming Warriors game will go a long ways towards proving whether the Nighthawks belong in the top 8 or not.
8. E-City Mercenaries (1-2)
Last Week: 6 (-2)
Another tough team to slot this week as an argument could be made they deserve to be ahead of Stuttgart based on strength of schedule. But with Sevilla playing well in Zeta, the Nighthawks’ Week 1 win has become more and more impressive while the Merc’s narrow win over a (soon to be sold) Toledo club looks less. Still, the Mercs played Wembley tough and will be anxious to get back on the winning track against Texas this week.
9. Dinas Mawddwy Red Bandits (2-1)
Last Week: 12 (+3)
The Red Bandits exploded for 30 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter to propel themselves over Chicago 44-23. The big win shakes up the bottom half of the rankings and puts the Red Bandits in terrific shape as they head into their big match against the resurgent Philharmonic. If Dinas can find a way to pull off the upset they would stake their team as perhaps the most surprising team in Alpha in the early going.
10. Lake Charles Who Dats (1-2)
Last Week: 11 (+1)
The Who Dats are one of three teams to pull off a rare feat – moving up despite losing. The move has as much to do with how impressive they looked in their loss to the Monarchs as it does to the free-falling Aggies and Swords. Lake Charles has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone in Alpha – they just need to find balance on defense before they can crack the top 8.
11. Chicago Rocks (1-2)
Last Week: 13 (+2)
Chicago looked bad against the Red Bandits, but with 1 win on their record they inherit the 11th spot in the rankings. The Rocks should have no problem dispatching Carthage, but they need to patch a lot of holes before their Week 5 showdown with Black Watch if they hope to make a game of it.
12. Berlin Blitzkrieg (0-3)
Last Week: 14 (+2)
It was tempting to put Berlin at 11, but they need to win a game before I can justify putting them any higher. The good news is Berlin has starter to show signs of life despite back to back loses against Woodridge and the Monarchs. There’s certainly enough talent to right the ship, but the time is now. With the Minotaurs on deck, Berlin needs to win before they fall too far behind in the standings.
13. Fightin’ Texas Aggies (0-3)
Last Week: 5 (-8)
The biggest drop in either rankings goes to the Aggies. Despite the talent on the roster, they simply have not been able to muster an effective attack on either side of the ball during the first three games. Three straight loses to three (probable) playoff teams is nothing to be ashamed of, but if the Aggies want to be considered an elite in Alpha, they need to take at least one of those match-ups. With E-City in town next, the Aggies will have yet another shot against a top 8 team.
14. Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (0-3)
Last Week: 15 (+1)
Aberdeen dropped their third straight game, this time a rather one-sided affair to the Philharmonics. The Wrecking crew couldn’t do much right against Paris as they mustered only 214 yards while surrendering 485. I’m still not sure what’s wrong in Aberdeen as many expected a strong playoff push this year. While that is still a strong possibility this early in the season, the time to turn it around is now.
15. Carthage Army of Darkness (0-3)
Last Week: 16 (+1)
Toledo bumps them a spot.
16. Toledo Swords (0-3)
Last Week: 10 (-6)
Sad to see it come to this …
Week 4 Previews & Picks
Last Week: 11-5
Season Total: 35-13
Zeta
Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-1) at Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-1):
Should be a great game as Rotterdamn has a chance to get back on track – however they will need to seriously address their run defense in order to do so. It won’t happen this week, Pimps win 39-20.
Multiple Scorgasms (3-0) at Sevilla Naranjas (2-1):
One of the better match-ups of the week, Sevilla wants to prove they belong in the playoff picture and knocking off the Scorgasms would be an impressive first step. Multiple has not run away with any game yet, so expect this one to be close. But the edge goes to the Scorgasms. Multiple wins 33-31.
Stockholm Meatballs (3-0) at Antwerp Annihilators (1-2):
Antwerp would love to end their skid by knocking off Stockholm. They have the talent to pull off the feat, but the defense is still rounding into form and could be a liability against the power running game of the Meatballs. This one will be closer than some might expect but in the end, the Stockholm gets the edge. Stockholm wins 38-28.
PPP Longnecks (3-0) at Porto (0-3):
No surprises here. Longnecks win big.
ATOIAF (2-1) at Lyon Dynasty (2-1):
This one could be one of the best match-ups in all of WEPL this week. Ice & Fire have shown they can compete with anyone while Lyon is trying to establish themselves as a Top 8 club week in and week out. It will be interesting to see how Ice & Fire game plans for this one. Expect this one to be close. Lyon wins 33-31.
Reykjavik Aggies (1-2) at Black Forest Mercenaries (1-2):
Both teams need this game badly. For the Aggies it’s a chance to get back into playoff contention where many assumed they would be at the start of the season. For BFM it’s a chance to distance themselves from the Patriots and the threat of relegation. The Mercs’ defense has been too inconsistent for me to pick them against the offensively explosive Aggies. Aggies win comfortably 40-20.
UK Patriots (0-3) at Paris Musketeers (0-3):
Both Paris and the Patriots are scrambling to adjust their schemes in an attempt to become more competitive in WEPL. While the Patriots may well fix their issues on defense before the year’s over, I think Paris will find their groove a bit quicker. Paris wins 40-28.
Game of the Week: Zeta
Berlin Ballers (3-0) at Korb Destroyers (2-1):
This one should be great. For the third straight week Korb gets the Game of the Week – a testament to how good Korb is as well as how tough their opening schedule has been. The Ballers’ fans believe they are the best team in Zeta and this week they get a chance to show it. A win over the Destroyers would not only cement the Ballers in the top echelon of Zeta, it would put the rest of WEPL on notice. Still, as good as I think the Ballers are, I don’t think Korb will lose two in a row. Korb’s rushing attack will counterbalance the fierce pass rush of the Ballers while simultaneously keeping Berlin’s offense on the sidelines. Korb wins 41-28.
Alpha
Stuttgart Nighthawks (2-1) at Wembley Warriors (2-1):
This is a match-up of two Rodney Dangerfields as both the Warriors and Nighthawks feel they haven’t been given their due quite yet by the rest of WEPL. The Nighthawks have quietly been very efficient this season and I expect them to make this a very tight game. Wembley has the edge on paper, but I’m calling an upset. Stuttgart wins 34-29.
Dinas Red Bandits (2-1) at Paris Philharmonic (2-1):
The Red Bandits have been a pleasant surprise in the early going this season and would love to steal one from the reigning WEPL champs. Paris has found their sea-legs over the past two weeks and are getting better each game. That’s bad news for the Red Bandits who are going to upset someone this season, but it won’t be this week. Paris wins 39-27.
E-City Mercenaries (1-2) at Fightin’ Texas Aggies (0-3):
Texas has fallen hard over the first three weeks and needs to rebound quickly. The Mercs too have not started as fast as they hoped, making this a great match-up of near desperate teams. While the Aggies were one of my pre-season picks to make the playoffs, I can’t pick them until they show me they can win. E-City wins 31-28.
London Minotaurs (2-1) at Berlin Blitzkrieg (0-3):
Berlin has slowly been shaking off the rust and seems ready to break out of their early season slump. They will face a stiff test this week as London has come on strong and looked great against the Aggies last week. Berlin will get it together, but this week London gets the nod in a tight one. London wins 29-27.
Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-1) at Lake Charles Who Dats (1-2):
Lake Charles has been streaky to start the year. They have looked impressive in a win against the Musketeers and a lose to the Monarchs while they looked miserable in their blowout loss to Black Watch. Without knowing which Lake Charles team is going to show up, Woodridge has to be prepared for any situation. Despite Lake Charles’ ability to score points, Woodridge is the favorite here. Woodridge wins 40-29.
Carthage (0-3) at Chicago Rocks (1-2):
Chicago was supposed to compete for a playoff spot this season, but so far they have looked less and less like a true contender. They’ll get a chance to get to .500 this week against a struggling Carthage club, but the success will be short lived with Black Watch around the corner. Chicago wins 40-17.
Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (0-3) at Toledo Swords (0-3):
No surprises here. AWC wins big.
Game of the Week: Alpha
London Monarchs (3-0) at Black Watch (3-0)
This is definitely the game of the week in all of WEPL. Both clubs have started off the year red-hot and are the early favorites to reach the Alpha Championship game. Neither team has faced a tough opponent yet, making this game all the more intriguing. It will be Black Watch’s first true test in WEPL while also being the first true test for the new look Monarchs. I personally think this game will come down to which defense makes the most plays and Black Watch has the clear edge on defense – at least on paper. Black Watch wins a 38-33.
Last edited Nov 17, 2008 13:22:17
