FAT DADDY CA$H’S CORNER: Week 10!
After a longer than anticipated absence, FDC’s Corner is back! Sadly I missed some big during my hiatus – but we should get back on track with this write up.
This installment of the Corner will be slightly different as it incorporates the Mid Season reports I had planned on doing after Week 8. Below you’ll find the usual Power Rankings and Predictions as well as a Mid Season All Pro team in both Conferences and a list of Mid Season Superlatives, should make for some fun discussions …
FDC
Zeta Power Rankings: Week 10
1. Berlin Ballers (9-1)
A recap of the three weeks that I missed highlights why the top 3 of Zeta is so difficult to rank: Berlin beat Stockholm to take over the number 1 spot, only to lose to PPP who had already lost to the Meatballs earlier. All three 9-1 teams have 1-1 records against the other 9-1 teams, making this a near impossible decision. However, the Ballers maintain the number 1 spot based on their impressive #1 rankings in both Offense and Defense. Additionally, with a very soft schedule remaining, they should be able to win out and claim the top seed.
2. PPP Longnecks (9-1)
The Longnecks get the nod over the Meatballs, despite losing to Stockholm, due to their impressive win over the Ballers two weeks ago. The Longnecks have been on fire since their lone loss of the season, reeling off 4 straight wins and setting them up for a very likely 15-1 finish. The only speed bumps left on their path are showdowns with Lyon and Sevilla – both of which are very winnable games for the Longnecks who appear to be a team on a mission.
3. Stockholm Meatballs (9-1)
Stockholm has not looked sharp lately and thus their relegation to the number 3 spot. While they have won 3 in a row since losing to Berlin, they struggled in the first half against both Ice & Fire and the Aggies before finally eeking out victories in both games. The sudden drop in production on both offense and defense isn’t cause for too much panic, but with tough games left against Korb, Multiple, Lyon and Sevilla, the Meat has to get back to basics fast.
4. Korb Destroyers (8-2)
Korb’s only two loses of the season have come at the hands of Berlin and PPP – making their 8-2 record all the more impressive. The back-to-back loses early in the season might have actually done Korb a favor. As the heavy pre-season favorites to reach the Zeta Championship game, the early set backs allowed Korb to fall off the radar a bit and eased the pressure. Since those loses, Korb has dominated their opponents during Zeta’s longest win streak which now stands at 6 games. With only two tough games remaining against Stockholm and Rotterdam, Korb could very well be looking at a 13-3 finish and a Top 4 seed.
5. Lyon Dynasty (7-3)
Lyon continues to rack up the wins and has jumped up to the 5th spot in the rankings this week. While starting the year 7-3 is a great accomplishment, the toughest part of their schedule lies ahead. In 5 of their final 6 games they face three Top 4 teams and two Top 8 teams. This stretch will undoubtedly define Lyon’s regular season. If they can escape that brutal stretch with 3 wins, they will be in great shape. Anything less than 2 wins could spell big trouble as far as playoff prospects go.
6. Rivals Mainboard Pimps (6-4)
The Pimps continue to struggle against the top half of the conference. All four loses have come at the hands of the Top 4, the last two being back to back loses to PPP and Berlin in which the Pimps looked overmatched. However, during their 6 wins, the Pimps have looked as dominant as ever. It’s possible that the Pimps are just testing things out until the real meaningful games start in the playoffs. With their final 6 games all being winnable, Rivals should finish the regular season with a 12-4 record. That might be good enough for a 5 or even a 4 seed if Stockholm or Korb falters down the stretch.
7. Sevilla Naranjas (7-3)
Sevilla has been a pleasant surprise in Zeta all year long. However, their toughest stretch of schedule is just up ahead with 5 of their final 6 games coming against the Top 8 of Zeta. The Naranjas will have to find a way to win at least 2 of those games to secure a playoff spot. It will be a trial by fire for this rookie team, but they have shown the ability to compete in WEPL – an upset or two at the hands of Sevilla won’t be too surprising.
8. Rotterdam Roughnecks (6-4)
Don’t look now, but the Roughnecks are starting to make their run. After a near disastrous start to the season that saw the Roughnecks lose 4 in a row, Rotterdam has bounced back with 3 straight wins. More important to the Roughnecks is how they have performed in those wins. This team has turned the corner and is poised to make a serious run. Tough games against Korb, Sevilla and Lyon will test the Roughnecks’ new found swagger, but if they can make it out of that stretch 2-1 they should find themselves in the playoffs once again.
9. Multiple Scorgasms (6-4)
Multiple is right on the outskirts of the playoff picture. On the short end of the stick as far as tiebreakers go with Rotterdam and Sevilla, the Scorgasms are going to have to reel off at least 4 victories in their final 6 games to get in. That will be a tall order considering they face Stockholm, the Pimps, Longnecks and the Ballers during that stretch. Multiple is still a dangerous team who has shown the ability to beat every one of those teams in the past, but they will need to play near perfect football for the final stanza of the season to get into the playoffs. It should be fun to watch.
10. Reykjavik Aggies (5-5)
The Aggies are in desperation mode as their playoff window has shrunk to just a small sliver. At 5-5 with loses to Sevilla, Multiple and Rotterdam, the Aggies will most likely need to get to 11 wins on the season to crack the playoff field. That means going undefeated in their final 6 game stretch against the Pimps, Longnecks, Ballers, Patriots, Ice & Fire and Antwerp. Yikes!
11. Paris Musketeers (3-7)
Paris has really turned a corner lately with a big win over Multiple a few weeks ago and close loses to Sevilla and Lyon. At 3-7 it’s too late to do much about the playoffs this year, but they can play spoiler to Stockholm, Korb, Rotterdam and the Pimps down the stretch. If Paris can find a way to pull the upset in one of those games they will be able to carry some of that momentum into Season 7.
12. ATOIAF (3-7)
Ice & Fire has stumbled through the gauntlet with consecutive loses to Rotterdam, Stockholm and Rivals. However, despite losing those three games, they have looked good in patches, including having the lead over Stockholm heading into halftime. This is a team that continues to outplay the critics’ expectations and are a good off-season away from being true playoff contenders in WEPL.
13. Antwerp Annihilators (2-8)
Antwerp continues to struggle through their rookie WEPL season in frustrating fashion. Despite some flashes of dominance against the Longnecks, Lyon and even Stockholm earlier in the year, the Annihilators just have not been able to put it all together for a complete game. However, the final 6 games are much easier than the first 10 Antwerp faced. With the exception of their Week 12 match up with Korb, all the games are winnable and could allow Antwerp to build up some swagger heading into Season 7.
14. Black Forest Mercenaries (2-8)
BFM has showed signs of life recently with their upset over the Musketeers and close loses to Sevilla and Antwerp. However, the 40-3 drubbing at the hand of Korb erased a lot of the good will that was built up until that point. Facing a brutal 6 game finish, including the final 5 games against Rotterdam, Stockholm, Rivals, Longnecks and Ballers, Black Forest is looking at a 3-13 finish to a season that many anticipated would end with a Merc playoff birth. Still, there is reason to be optimistic about Season 7. With a new coaching staff in place and plenty of talent on the roster, the Mercs can certainly compete once all the pieces click.
15. UK Patriots (1-9)
The Patriots are fighting for their lives. With 6 games remaining they will most likely need to win at least 3 of those in order to edge out Black Forest and avoid relegation. It’s a tall order to fill, but their schedule is not nearly as impossible as their first half schedule was. If the Patriots can find a way to get on a roll, it could make things interesting. Even if they fall short, there’s no shame.
16. Porto Reconquistas (0-10)
Porto will be here all year folks … be sure to tip your waitress and try the veal!
Alpha Power Rankings: Week 10
1. Black Watch (9-1)
Black Watch has been on a roll of late with impressive victories over the Minotaurs, Philharmonic and E-City Mercs – stretching their win streak to a league high 6 games. With the Monarchs slipping as of late, it’s now more apparent than ever that the Black Watch is indeed the best team in Alpha. That’s not to say the final 6 games will be a walk in the park. Tough match ups with a rejuvenated Berlin team, a surprising Red Bandit squad and the gritty Nighthawks and Warriors should make it interesting.
2. Paris Philharmonic (8-2)
Paris enters the toughest stretch of their schedule this week with a huge showdown against the Blitz. Both Paris and Berlin are two of the hottest teams in all of WEPL and this one promises to be a great game. It only continues to get tougher after Berlin for Paris as they will face the Monarchs, Woodridge, the Minotaurs and E-City to close out the year. No one should ever count out the reigning WEPL champs, but the final 6 games will truly test their staying power at the number 2 spot.
3. London Minotaurs (7-3)
The Minotaurs hit an unexpected speed bump last week as Stuttgart knocked them off 44-24. The loss put a slight damper on a great first half of the year for the rookie Alpha club. Fortunately, the final stretch of schedule is very favorable for London with their only tough games being against the Red Bandits and Paris. Even if the worst happens and the Minotaurs go 0-2 in those games, a 11-5 record will be good enough to get between a 3 and 6 seed in the playoffs.
4. Dinas Mawddwy Red Bandits (7-3)
If the rest of Alpha didn’t already believe in the Red Bandits, their 40-27 dismantling of the Monarchs should have swayed any of the remaining doubters. The Red Bandits have been the most surprising team of Alpha, and perhaps of WEPL, this season. Their only loses have come at the hands of Korb, Paris and Berlin – all of which should be playoff teams in a few weeks. That’s an impressive feat for this rookie team that many thought would flirt with a playoff birth at most in their first season. Despite their great start, the final 6 games are brutal as they will face 5 likely playoff teams -- Woodridge, the Minotaurs, Mercs, Nighthawks and Black Watch.
5. London Monarchs (7-3)
The Monarchs are in a bit of a slide having lost 3 of their last 5 games. While losing to the Minotaurs is not the end of the world, dropping games to Stuttgart and Dinas – two teams the Monarchs should have beaten soundly – is cause for some alarm. The question is whether or not Dinas and Stuttgart have just been underrated or whether it has more to do with the Monarchs being over rated. With only two games left against playoff hopefuls (Paris and Wembley) the Monarchs have no reason not to finish 13-3 or 12-4. Anything less than that will cast serious doubt as to their ability to make a run at the Alpha crown.
6. Berlin Blitzkrieg (6-4)
After a brutal start to the year, Berlin has bounced back with a league high 6 game winning streak. More importantly, they have looked very impressive along the way, knocking off the Nighthawks and Red Bandits in routine fashion. A huge game against Paris looms – if Berlin can find a way to extend their winning streak, they might become a serious contender for a Top 4 seed. Either way, the turnaround Berlin has executed has been more than impressive this season.
7. Woodridge Lumberjacks (6-4)
Yeah, yeah, I hear you all booing me now. I’m aware that Woodridge beat Berlin this season and thus should probably be ranked ahead of the Blitz. However, Berlin is just playing better football at the moment than the Lumberjacks. After three straight losses to the Monarchs, Minotaurs and Black Watch, Woodridge has bounced back with three straight wins. However they have not been all that pretty -- barely beating Aberdeen and Stuttgart. With three tough games remaining against Dinas, Paris and Wembley, Woodridge will have enough time to prove they belong back in the Top 5. They’re going to need to go 4-2 down the stretch at the very least to secure a playoff spot.
8. Stuttgart Nighthawks (6-4)
Again, I’m aware that the Nighthawks lost to the 9th ranked Warriors earlier this year – however this is a judgment call. Stuttgart has simply been playing better than the Warriors as of late, highlighted by their wins over the Minotaurs and Monarchs. And, with only Dinas and Black Watch remaining on their schedule, a 10-6 record is a very likely outcome – just good enough to win them the 8th seed.
9. Wembley Warriors (6-4)
Despite being 6-4 the Warriors are in a bit of a free fall. Losers of 3 of their past 5 games, including ugly loses to Chicago and Paris, has sapped the club of any momentum. It’s worse when you factor in their only two wins in that stretch came at the expense of the gutted Swords and hapless Army of Darkness. With a tough final stretch that includes Black Watch, Berlin, the Minotaurs and Woodridge and the Warriors’ playoff hopes look bleak unless they can snap out of their funk.
10. Fightin’ Texas Aggies (4-6)
The Aggies’ have just not been able to get it done against the top half of the conference this season and as a result they are nearly out of playoff contention with 6 games left to play. Despite the talent on their roster and the explosive offense, Texas has suffered through a frustrating season. They’ll get a chance to get healthy against the Swords this week, but their final 5 games pits them against 4 playoff teams. For a team that cannot afford another loss, that is a very tough schedule.
11. Chicago Rocks (4-6)
Chicago got the biggest win of their season over Wembley three weeks ago. Since then, they have suffered a two game losing streak at the hands of Texas and Berlin. Chicago just has not been consistent enough this season to mount much of a playoff push. At 4-6 their playoff window is nearly shut. This is a team that will have to do some serious soul searching in the off season.
12. Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (2-8)
Aberdeen has started to play better over the past four weeks – but they still have not found that magic elixir to cure their woes. With their only wins of the season coming at the expense of Toledo and Lake Charles, the Wrecking Crew has been one of WEPL’s biggest disappointments. Despite a massive haul in free agency, the team just never found a way to put it all together and will be out of the playoffs for second straight season.
13. E-City Mercenaries (2-8)
Like the Wrecking Crew, the Mercs entered into Season 6 with high hopes and expectations. However, the season quickly spun out of control with an early 3 game losing streak that was followed by their current 4 game slide. The bright side for the Mercs is that they have an easier finish than AWC meaning they could crawl up the rankings a bit before the season ends and hopefully build some momentum for Season 7.
14. Lake Charles Who Dats (2-8)
The good news is Lake Charles still has yet to play Toldeo, meaning they will get at least 3 wins on the season. The bad news is they have been far too inconsistent to bank on much more than that. Perhaps the most frustrating team to follow in Alpha, Lake Charles has played well in some games and then followed those performances up with absolute stinkers. With no fear of relegation, the Who Dats have to start focusing on Season 7 and fixing their problems before its too late.
15. Carthage Army of Darkness (1-9)
Everyone knew Carthage was facing an uphill battle this season, however not many expected it to be this dire. The Army of Darkness has just been outclassed in every game this year, assuring them of relegation. However, that is not to say this team is without talent. They certainly have heart and could end up being a strong contender in AAA in Season 7. Still, it would be nice if Carthage could show some more life in their final 6 games.
16. Toledo Swords (0-10)
They’ll be here all year …
Mid Season Superlatives:
Alpha:
Biggest Surprise: Dinas Red Bandits
Biggest Disappointment: Aberdeen Wrecking Crew
MVP: Billy (the Kid) Superstar, Black Watch
Team no one wants to draw in the first round: Berlin Blitz
Team everyone wants to draw in the first round: Dinas Red Bandits
Zeta:
Biggest Surprise: Berlin Ballers
Biggest Disappointment: Antwerp Annihilators
MVP: Rich Campbell, Reykjavik Aggies
Team no one wants to draw in the first round: Rivals Mainboard Pimps
Team everyone wants to draw in the first round: Rotterdam Roughnecks
Mid Season All-Pro Teams
Alpha:
QB: Billy (The Kid) Superstar (BW)
HB: Ankle Breaka (STU), Run All Ova U Addai (LOMI)
FB: Brandon Laphroaig (PAR)
WR: Jon Horton (LOMO), Gosbert Lang (WEM), Larry Legend (STU)
TE: Saint Elistan (BER)
OT: Tommy Fizzler (STU), Knuckle Head (LOMI)
G: Stewie Pushova (LOMI), G Stcheng (PAR)
C: Jake “Pancake” Spooner (BW)
DE:Jimmy Johnson (AWC), Xenon Blue (DIN)
DT:Rock Head (BW), Johnny Was (DIN)
LB: Razir Ward (BER), Perry DD (TEX), Manny Mo (BW), Brock Sampson (AWC)
CB:Nate Vasher (BER), Terrence McKennon (BW), Marcus Woodson (WEM), Tre Mick (BW)
FS: Dallas Berner (LOMI)
SS:Conrad Metcalf (CHI)
Zeta:
QB:Rich Campbell (REY)
HB: Mal Brown (STO), Heather Marie (BER)
FB: Bloody Helmet (SEV)
WR:Montgomery Brogan (MUL), Dennis Gentry (ROT), Jimmy Jammer (REY)
TE: Jereme Smith (ROT)
OT: Johnny Forcefield (STO), Reggie Youngblood (RIV)
G: Chubbs Peterson (STO), Digital Gravel (LYO)
C: Snappy McSnapperson (BER)
DE:Magnus Samuelsson (BER), Mario Williams (PAR)
DT: Sienna Miller (BER), Baron Von Keane (PPP)
OLB: John Matrix (STO), Disa Destroyer (KOR), Damien Smith (ROT), Kristofer Juncaj (MUL)
CB: Bumble Bee Man (BER), The Random Hero (LYO), Harold Longfellow (STO), Deion Smith (ROT)
FS:Vincent Dillon (MUL)
SS: Tyde Prater (RIV)
Week 11 Previews & Picks
Season Total: 82-30
Zeta
Reykjavik Aggies (5-5) at Rivals Mainboard Pimps (6-4):
A must win game for both teams – but for the Aggies a loss will effectively close their playoff window. These two teams have played some great games in the past two years and the Aggies have to hope they have another stout effort left in them. As much as I like Campbell and the Aggies’ offense, the Pimps are just too strong. Pimps win 48-37.
Antwerp Annihilators (2-8) at Paris Musketeers (3-7):
Both teams have been playing better as of late which should make this game more interesting than the combined record of the teams involved. For Antwerp, they desperately need to start stacking up wins to wash the taste of a bad season out of their mouth. For the Musketeers, they want to keep adding to the momentum they’ve built up over the past few weeks. Antwerp wins a close one 27-25.
Stockholm Meatballs (9-1) at Multiple Scorgasms (6-4):
Stockholm is 0-2 lifetime against the Scorgasms – something they desperately need to change if they hope to hang onto to a Top 4 seed. For Multiple, their playoff dreams are on the line in this one. Stockholm just hasn’t been playing well lately and Multiple matches up well. Multiple takes it in a shootout 48-40.
Korb Destroyers (8-2) at Lyon Dynasty (7-3):
This game should be a dandy to watch as Korb has quietly been on a roll. The Dynasty, despite being 7-3, are still trying to prove they belong in the upper echelon of Zeta. A win over the Destroyers would go a long ways towards not only securing that claim but their playoff hopes as well. In these match ups I always have to go with defense, and as good as Lyon’s D is, the Destroyers’ are better. Korb wins a close one 34-31.
Berlin Ballers (9-1) at UK Patriots (1-9):
The only real question in this one is how many sacks the Ballers will rack up on the one dimensional offense of the Patriots. Ballers win 58-10.
Black Forest Mercenaries (2-8) at Porto Reconquistas (0-10):
No shockers here. BFM wins … big.
PPP Longnecks (9-1) at Ice & Fire (3-7):
Two old rivals get to renew acquaintances this week. The Longnecks have been the hottest team in Zeta that no one talks about – look for them to try to make a statement in this one. Fortunately, Ice & Fire has a good defense and matches up well with the Longnecks, or at least have historically. If Ice & Fire can cause a turnover or two, they should be able to make a game of it. PPP wins 38-29.
Game of the Week: Zeta
Rotterdam Roughnecks (6-4) at Sevilla Naranjas (7-3):
This one promises to be a heck of a game – and an important one as far as the playoff picture goes. For Rotterdam, it’s a chance to validate their current winning streak and earn a valuable tie breaker over Sevilla. For the Naranjas, it’s the beginning of a brutal stretch in their schedule and might be the most winnable game left, making it all the more crucial. As good as Sevilla has been as of late, the Roughnecks are finally coming together and it’s tough not to pick them. Rotterdam wins 58-40.
Alpha
Woodridge Lumberjacks (6-4) at Dinas Red Bandits (7-3):
This one very easily could have been the Game of the Week as the upstart Red Bandits get to cut their teeth against the sleep walking Lumberjacks. A win for the Red Bandits would make it very difficult to write them off for the rest of the year and would go a long ways towards locking up a Top 4 seed. A loss for the Lumberjacks would really cause a panic as it would conceivably drop them out of the Top 8 and make it a struggle to get back in. With so much on the line, I have to think that the real Lumberjacks are going to show up. That’s bad news for Dinas. Lumberjacks win 33-10.
London Monarchs (7-3) at Carthage Army of Darkness (1-9):
Carthage is the perfect remedy for the struggling Monarchs. This one will get ugly fast as London looks to put their recent woes behind them. London wins 58-3.
London Minotaurs (7-3) and Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (2-8):
This one could be better than Aberdeen’s record might indicate. Despite being 2-8, AWC has been showing signs of improvement. The Minotaurs are anxious to get their 8th win and move one step closer to a Top 4 seed. Aberdeen won’t make it easy on them. London wins 33-30.
Fightin’ Texas Aggies (4-6) at Toledo Swords (0-10):
No upset here. Texas wins big.
Wembley Warriors (6-4) at Black Watch (9-1):
A huge game for the Warriors who are fighting for their playoff lives. A win here will make that goal much more attainable and might even propel the Warriors to a 6 or 5th seed. A loss will make it extremely difficult for the Warriors to get into the playoffs without help from some other teams. For Black Watch it’s business as usual. With a firm grip on the top seed, don’t look for them to ease off the gas pedal. Black Watch wins 40-27.
Lake Charles Who Dats (2-8) at Chicago Rocks (4-6):
Two teams that are trying to find some mojo for Season 7 will battle it out in Chicago. With both teams being so unpredictable, this prognostication is near impossible. Call me crazy, but I think Lake Charles gets their act together just enough to pull the upset here. Lake Charles wins 30-24.
E-City Mercenaries (2-8) at Stuttgart Nighthawks (6-4):
This is a dangerous game for the Nighthawks who desperately need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. E-City is better than their 2-8 record would indicate meaning it would be a mistake to over look them. However Stuttgart is still riding high after their upset of the Monarchs and should be able to lean on their bruising running game to get the win here. Nighthawks win 38-20.
Game of the Week: Alpha
Berlin Blitzkrieg (6-4) at Paris Philharmonic (8-2):
This is the game of the week for all of WEPL as Paris and Berlin might be the second and fourth best teams in Alpha. In a game loaded with playoff implications, Berlin will be out to validate their 6 game win streak while Paris will be looking to get some breathing room for the number 2 seed. This one will be anyone’s game and most likely will hinge on a key special teams play or turnover. Berlin pulls the upset 33-30.
After a longer than anticipated absence, FDC’s Corner is back! Sadly I missed some big during my hiatus – but we should get back on track with this write up.
This installment of the Corner will be slightly different as it incorporates the Mid Season reports I had planned on doing after Week 8. Below you’ll find the usual Power Rankings and Predictions as well as a Mid Season All Pro team in both Conferences and a list of Mid Season Superlatives, should make for some fun discussions …
FDC
Zeta Power Rankings: Week 10
1. Berlin Ballers (9-1)
A recap of the three weeks that I missed highlights why the top 3 of Zeta is so difficult to rank: Berlin beat Stockholm to take over the number 1 spot, only to lose to PPP who had already lost to the Meatballs earlier. All three 9-1 teams have 1-1 records against the other 9-1 teams, making this a near impossible decision. However, the Ballers maintain the number 1 spot based on their impressive #1 rankings in both Offense and Defense. Additionally, with a very soft schedule remaining, they should be able to win out and claim the top seed.
2. PPP Longnecks (9-1)
The Longnecks get the nod over the Meatballs, despite losing to Stockholm, due to their impressive win over the Ballers two weeks ago. The Longnecks have been on fire since their lone loss of the season, reeling off 4 straight wins and setting them up for a very likely 15-1 finish. The only speed bumps left on their path are showdowns with Lyon and Sevilla – both of which are very winnable games for the Longnecks who appear to be a team on a mission.
3. Stockholm Meatballs (9-1)
Stockholm has not looked sharp lately and thus their relegation to the number 3 spot. While they have won 3 in a row since losing to Berlin, they struggled in the first half against both Ice & Fire and the Aggies before finally eeking out victories in both games. The sudden drop in production on both offense and defense isn’t cause for too much panic, but with tough games left against Korb, Multiple, Lyon and Sevilla, the Meat has to get back to basics fast.
4. Korb Destroyers (8-2)
Korb’s only two loses of the season have come at the hands of Berlin and PPP – making their 8-2 record all the more impressive. The back-to-back loses early in the season might have actually done Korb a favor. As the heavy pre-season favorites to reach the Zeta Championship game, the early set backs allowed Korb to fall off the radar a bit and eased the pressure. Since those loses, Korb has dominated their opponents during Zeta’s longest win streak which now stands at 6 games. With only two tough games remaining against Stockholm and Rotterdam, Korb could very well be looking at a 13-3 finish and a Top 4 seed.
5. Lyon Dynasty (7-3)
Lyon continues to rack up the wins and has jumped up to the 5th spot in the rankings this week. While starting the year 7-3 is a great accomplishment, the toughest part of their schedule lies ahead. In 5 of their final 6 games they face three Top 4 teams and two Top 8 teams. This stretch will undoubtedly define Lyon’s regular season. If they can escape that brutal stretch with 3 wins, they will be in great shape. Anything less than 2 wins could spell big trouble as far as playoff prospects go.
6. Rivals Mainboard Pimps (6-4)
The Pimps continue to struggle against the top half of the conference. All four loses have come at the hands of the Top 4, the last two being back to back loses to PPP and Berlin in which the Pimps looked overmatched. However, during their 6 wins, the Pimps have looked as dominant as ever. It’s possible that the Pimps are just testing things out until the real meaningful games start in the playoffs. With their final 6 games all being winnable, Rivals should finish the regular season with a 12-4 record. That might be good enough for a 5 or even a 4 seed if Stockholm or Korb falters down the stretch.
7. Sevilla Naranjas (7-3)
Sevilla has been a pleasant surprise in Zeta all year long. However, their toughest stretch of schedule is just up ahead with 5 of their final 6 games coming against the Top 8 of Zeta. The Naranjas will have to find a way to win at least 2 of those games to secure a playoff spot. It will be a trial by fire for this rookie team, but they have shown the ability to compete in WEPL – an upset or two at the hands of Sevilla won’t be too surprising.
8. Rotterdam Roughnecks (6-4)
Don’t look now, but the Roughnecks are starting to make their run. After a near disastrous start to the season that saw the Roughnecks lose 4 in a row, Rotterdam has bounced back with 3 straight wins. More important to the Roughnecks is how they have performed in those wins. This team has turned the corner and is poised to make a serious run. Tough games against Korb, Sevilla and Lyon will test the Roughnecks’ new found swagger, but if they can make it out of that stretch 2-1 they should find themselves in the playoffs once again.
9. Multiple Scorgasms (6-4)
Multiple is right on the outskirts of the playoff picture. On the short end of the stick as far as tiebreakers go with Rotterdam and Sevilla, the Scorgasms are going to have to reel off at least 4 victories in their final 6 games to get in. That will be a tall order considering they face Stockholm, the Pimps, Longnecks and the Ballers during that stretch. Multiple is still a dangerous team who has shown the ability to beat every one of those teams in the past, but they will need to play near perfect football for the final stanza of the season to get into the playoffs. It should be fun to watch.
10. Reykjavik Aggies (5-5)
The Aggies are in desperation mode as their playoff window has shrunk to just a small sliver. At 5-5 with loses to Sevilla, Multiple and Rotterdam, the Aggies will most likely need to get to 11 wins on the season to crack the playoff field. That means going undefeated in their final 6 game stretch against the Pimps, Longnecks, Ballers, Patriots, Ice & Fire and Antwerp. Yikes!
11. Paris Musketeers (3-7)
Paris has really turned a corner lately with a big win over Multiple a few weeks ago and close loses to Sevilla and Lyon. At 3-7 it’s too late to do much about the playoffs this year, but they can play spoiler to Stockholm, Korb, Rotterdam and the Pimps down the stretch. If Paris can find a way to pull the upset in one of those games they will be able to carry some of that momentum into Season 7.
12. ATOIAF (3-7)
Ice & Fire has stumbled through the gauntlet with consecutive loses to Rotterdam, Stockholm and Rivals. However, despite losing those three games, they have looked good in patches, including having the lead over Stockholm heading into halftime. This is a team that continues to outplay the critics’ expectations and are a good off-season away from being true playoff contenders in WEPL.
13. Antwerp Annihilators (2-8)
Antwerp continues to struggle through their rookie WEPL season in frustrating fashion. Despite some flashes of dominance against the Longnecks, Lyon and even Stockholm earlier in the year, the Annihilators just have not been able to put it all together for a complete game. However, the final 6 games are much easier than the first 10 Antwerp faced. With the exception of their Week 12 match up with Korb, all the games are winnable and could allow Antwerp to build up some swagger heading into Season 7.
14. Black Forest Mercenaries (2-8)
BFM has showed signs of life recently with their upset over the Musketeers and close loses to Sevilla and Antwerp. However, the 40-3 drubbing at the hand of Korb erased a lot of the good will that was built up until that point. Facing a brutal 6 game finish, including the final 5 games against Rotterdam, Stockholm, Rivals, Longnecks and Ballers, Black Forest is looking at a 3-13 finish to a season that many anticipated would end with a Merc playoff birth. Still, there is reason to be optimistic about Season 7. With a new coaching staff in place and plenty of talent on the roster, the Mercs can certainly compete once all the pieces click.
15. UK Patriots (1-9)
The Patriots are fighting for their lives. With 6 games remaining they will most likely need to win at least 3 of those in order to edge out Black Forest and avoid relegation. It’s a tall order to fill, but their schedule is not nearly as impossible as their first half schedule was. If the Patriots can find a way to get on a roll, it could make things interesting. Even if they fall short, there’s no shame.
16. Porto Reconquistas (0-10)
Porto will be here all year folks … be sure to tip your waitress and try the veal!
Alpha Power Rankings: Week 10
1. Black Watch (9-1)
Black Watch has been on a roll of late with impressive victories over the Minotaurs, Philharmonic and E-City Mercs – stretching their win streak to a league high 6 games. With the Monarchs slipping as of late, it’s now more apparent than ever that the Black Watch is indeed the best team in Alpha. That’s not to say the final 6 games will be a walk in the park. Tough match ups with a rejuvenated Berlin team, a surprising Red Bandit squad and the gritty Nighthawks and Warriors should make it interesting.
2. Paris Philharmonic (8-2)
Paris enters the toughest stretch of their schedule this week with a huge showdown against the Blitz. Both Paris and Berlin are two of the hottest teams in all of WEPL and this one promises to be a great game. It only continues to get tougher after Berlin for Paris as they will face the Monarchs, Woodridge, the Minotaurs and E-City to close out the year. No one should ever count out the reigning WEPL champs, but the final 6 games will truly test their staying power at the number 2 spot.
3. London Minotaurs (7-3)
The Minotaurs hit an unexpected speed bump last week as Stuttgart knocked them off 44-24. The loss put a slight damper on a great first half of the year for the rookie Alpha club. Fortunately, the final stretch of schedule is very favorable for London with their only tough games being against the Red Bandits and Paris. Even if the worst happens and the Minotaurs go 0-2 in those games, a 11-5 record will be good enough to get between a 3 and 6 seed in the playoffs.
4. Dinas Mawddwy Red Bandits (7-3)
If the rest of Alpha didn’t already believe in the Red Bandits, their 40-27 dismantling of the Monarchs should have swayed any of the remaining doubters. The Red Bandits have been the most surprising team of Alpha, and perhaps of WEPL, this season. Their only loses have come at the hands of Korb, Paris and Berlin – all of which should be playoff teams in a few weeks. That’s an impressive feat for this rookie team that many thought would flirt with a playoff birth at most in their first season. Despite their great start, the final 6 games are brutal as they will face 5 likely playoff teams -- Woodridge, the Minotaurs, Mercs, Nighthawks and Black Watch.
5. London Monarchs (7-3)
The Monarchs are in a bit of a slide having lost 3 of their last 5 games. While losing to the Minotaurs is not the end of the world, dropping games to Stuttgart and Dinas – two teams the Monarchs should have beaten soundly – is cause for some alarm. The question is whether or not Dinas and Stuttgart have just been underrated or whether it has more to do with the Monarchs being over rated. With only two games left against playoff hopefuls (Paris and Wembley) the Monarchs have no reason not to finish 13-3 or 12-4. Anything less than that will cast serious doubt as to their ability to make a run at the Alpha crown.
6. Berlin Blitzkrieg (6-4)
After a brutal start to the year, Berlin has bounced back with a league high 6 game winning streak. More importantly, they have looked very impressive along the way, knocking off the Nighthawks and Red Bandits in routine fashion. A huge game against Paris looms – if Berlin can find a way to extend their winning streak, they might become a serious contender for a Top 4 seed. Either way, the turnaround Berlin has executed has been more than impressive this season.
7. Woodridge Lumberjacks (6-4)
Yeah, yeah, I hear you all booing me now. I’m aware that Woodridge beat Berlin this season and thus should probably be ranked ahead of the Blitz. However, Berlin is just playing better football at the moment than the Lumberjacks. After three straight losses to the Monarchs, Minotaurs and Black Watch, Woodridge has bounced back with three straight wins. However they have not been all that pretty -- barely beating Aberdeen and Stuttgart. With three tough games remaining against Dinas, Paris and Wembley, Woodridge will have enough time to prove they belong back in the Top 5. They’re going to need to go 4-2 down the stretch at the very least to secure a playoff spot.
8. Stuttgart Nighthawks (6-4)
Again, I’m aware that the Nighthawks lost to the 9th ranked Warriors earlier this year – however this is a judgment call. Stuttgart has simply been playing better than the Warriors as of late, highlighted by their wins over the Minotaurs and Monarchs. And, with only Dinas and Black Watch remaining on their schedule, a 10-6 record is a very likely outcome – just good enough to win them the 8th seed.
9. Wembley Warriors (6-4)
Despite being 6-4 the Warriors are in a bit of a free fall. Losers of 3 of their past 5 games, including ugly loses to Chicago and Paris, has sapped the club of any momentum. It’s worse when you factor in their only two wins in that stretch came at the expense of the gutted Swords and hapless Army of Darkness. With a tough final stretch that includes Black Watch, Berlin, the Minotaurs and Woodridge and the Warriors’ playoff hopes look bleak unless they can snap out of their funk.
10. Fightin’ Texas Aggies (4-6)
The Aggies’ have just not been able to get it done against the top half of the conference this season and as a result they are nearly out of playoff contention with 6 games left to play. Despite the talent on their roster and the explosive offense, Texas has suffered through a frustrating season. They’ll get a chance to get healthy against the Swords this week, but their final 5 games pits them against 4 playoff teams. For a team that cannot afford another loss, that is a very tough schedule.
11. Chicago Rocks (4-6)
Chicago got the biggest win of their season over Wembley three weeks ago. Since then, they have suffered a two game losing streak at the hands of Texas and Berlin. Chicago just has not been consistent enough this season to mount much of a playoff push. At 4-6 their playoff window is nearly shut. This is a team that will have to do some serious soul searching in the off season.
12. Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (2-8)
Aberdeen has started to play better over the past four weeks – but they still have not found that magic elixir to cure their woes. With their only wins of the season coming at the expense of Toledo and Lake Charles, the Wrecking Crew has been one of WEPL’s biggest disappointments. Despite a massive haul in free agency, the team just never found a way to put it all together and will be out of the playoffs for second straight season.
13. E-City Mercenaries (2-8)
Like the Wrecking Crew, the Mercs entered into Season 6 with high hopes and expectations. However, the season quickly spun out of control with an early 3 game losing streak that was followed by their current 4 game slide. The bright side for the Mercs is that they have an easier finish than AWC meaning they could crawl up the rankings a bit before the season ends and hopefully build some momentum for Season 7.
14. Lake Charles Who Dats (2-8)
The good news is Lake Charles still has yet to play Toldeo, meaning they will get at least 3 wins on the season. The bad news is they have been far too inconsistent to bank on much more than that. Perhaps the most frustrating team to follow in Alpha, Lake Charles has played well in some games and then followed those performances up with absolute stinkers. With no fear of relegation, the Who Dats have to start focusing on Season 7 and fixing their problems before its too late.
15. Carthage Army of Darkness (1-9)
Everyone knew Carthage was facing an uphill battle this season, however not many expected it to be this dire. The Army of Darkness has just been outclassed in every game this year, assuring them of relegation. However, that is not to say this team is without talent. They certainly have heart and could end up being a strong contender in AAA in Season 7. Still, it would be nice if Carthage could show some more life in their final 6 games.
16. Toledo Swords (0-10)
They’ll be here all year …
Mid Season Superlatives:
Alpha:
Biggest Surprise: Dinas Red Bandits
Biggest Disappointment: Aberdeen Wrecking Crew
MVP: Billy (the Kid) Superstar, Black Watch
Team no one wants to draw in the first round: Berlin Blitz
Team everyone wants to draw in the first round: Dinas Red Bandits
Zeta:
Biggest Surprise: Berlin Ballers
Biggest Disappointment: Antwerp Annihilators
MVP: Rich Campbell, Reykjavik Aggies
Team no one wants to draw in the first round: Rivals Mainboard Pimps
Team everyone wants to draw in the first round: Rotterdam Roughnecks
Mid Season All-Pro Teams
Alpha:
QB: Billy (The Kid) Superstar (BW)
HB: Ankle Breaka (STU), Run All Ova U Addai (LOMI)
FB: Brandon Laphroaig (PAR)
WR: Jon Horton (LOMO), Gosbert Lang (WEM), Larry Legend (STU)
TE: Saint Elistan (BER)
OT: Tommy Fizzler (STU), Knuckle Head (LOMI)
G: Stewie Pushova (LOMI), G Stcheng (PAR)
C: Jake “Pancake” Spooner (BW)
DE:Jimmy Johnson (AWC), Xenon Blue (DIN)
DT:Rock Head (BW), Johnny Was (DIN)
LB: Razir Ward (BER), Perry DD (TEX), Manny Mo (BW), Brock Sampson (AWC)
CB:Nate Vasher (BER), Terrence McKennon (BW), Marcus Woodson (WEM), Tre Mick (BW)
FS: Dallas Berner (LOMI)
SS:Conrad Metcalf (CHI)
Zeta:
QB:Rich Campbell (REY)
HB: Mal Brown (STO), Heather Marie (BER)
FB: Bloody Helmet (SEV)
WR:Montgomery Brogan (MUL), Dennis Gentry (ROT), Jimmy Jammer (REY)
TE: Jereme Smith (ROT)
OT: Johnny Forcefield (STO), Reggie Youngblood (RIV)
G: Chubbs Peterson (STO), Digital Gravel (LYO)
C: Snappy McSnapperson (BER)
DE:Magnus Samuelsson (BER), Mario Williams (PAR)
DT: Sienna Miller (BER), Baron Von Keane (PPP)
OLB: John Matrix (STO), Disa Destroyer (KOR), Damien Smith (ROT), Kristofer Juncaj (MUL)
CB: Bumble Bee Man (BER), The Random Hero (LYO), Harold Longfellow (STO), Deion Smith (ROT)
FS:Vincent Dillon (MUL)
SS: Tyde Prater (RIV)
Week 11 Previews & Picks
Season Total: 82-30
Zeta
Reykjavik Aggies (5-5) at Rivals Mainboard Pimps (6-4):
A must win game for both teams – but for the Aggies a loss will effectively close their playoff window. These two teams have played some great games in the past two years and the Aggies have to hope they have another stout effort left in them. As much as I like Campbell and the Aggies’ offense, the Pimps are just too strong. Pimps win 48-37.
Antwerp Annihilators (2-8) at Paris Musketeers (3-7):
Both teams have been playing better as of late which should make this game more interesting than the combined record of the teams involved. For Antwerp, they desperately need to start stacking up wins to wash the taste of a bad season out of their mouth. For the Musketeers, they want to keep adding to the momentum they’ve built up over the past few weeks. Antwerp wins a close one 27-25.
Stockholm Meatballs (9-1) at Multiple Scorgasms (6-4):
Stockholm is 0-2 lifetime against the Scorgasms – something they desperately need to change if they hope to hang onto to a Top 4 seed. For Multiple, their playoff dreams are on the line in this one. Stockholm just hasn’t been playing well lately and Multiple matches up well. Multiple takes it in a shootout 48-40.
Korb Destroyers (8-2) at Lyon Dynasty (7-3):
This game should be a dandy to watch as Korb has quietly been on a roll. The Dynasty, despite being 7-3, are still trying to prove they belong in the upper echelon of Zeta. A win over the Destroyers would go a long ways towards not only securing that claim but their playoff hopes as well. In these match ups I always have to go with defense, and as good as Lyon’s D is, the Destroyers’ are better. Korb wins a close one 34-31.
Berlin Ballers (9-1) at UK Patriots (1-9):
The only real question in this one is how many sacks the Ballers will rack up on the one dimensional offense of the Patriots. Ballers win 58-10.
Black Forest Mercenaries (2-8) at Porto Reconquistas (0-10):
No shockers here. BFM wins … big.
PPP Longnecks (9-1) at Ice & Fire (3-7):
Two old rivals get to renew acquaintances this week. The Longnecks have been the hottest team in Zeta that no one talks about – look for them to try to make a statement in this one. Fortunately, Ice & Fire has a good defense and matches up well with the Longnecks, or at least have historically. If Ice & Fire can cause a turnover or two, they should be able to make a game of it. PPP wins 38-29.
Game of the Week: Zeta
Rotterdam Roughnecks (6-4) at Sevilla Naranjas (7-3):
This one promises to be a heck of a game – and an important one as far as the playoff picture goes. For Rotterdam, it’s a chance to validate their current winning streak and earn a valuable tie breaker over Sevilla. For the Naranjas, it’s the beginning of a brutal stretch in their schedule and might be the most winnable game left, making it all the more crucial. As good as Sevilla has been as of late, the Roughnecks are finally coming together and it’s tough not to pick them. Rotterdam wins 58-40.
Alpha
Woodridge Lumberjacks (6-4) at Dinas Red Bandits (7-3):
This one very easily could have been the Game of the Week as the upstart Red Bandits get to cut their teeth against the sleep walking Lumberjacks. A win for the Red Bandits would make it very difficult to write them off for the rest of the year and would go a long ways towards locking up a Top 4 seed. A loss for the Lumberjacks would really cause a panic as it would conceivably drop them out of the Top 8 and make it a struggle to get back in. With so much on the line, I have to think that the real Lumberjacks are going to show up. That’s bad news for Dinas. Lumberjacks win 33-10.
London Monarchs (7-3) at Carthage Army of Darkness (1-9):
Carthage is the perfect remedy for the struggling Monarchs. This one will get ugly fast as London looks to put their recent woes behind them. London wins 58-3.
London Minotaurs (7-3) and Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (2-8):
This one could be better than Aberdeen’s record might indicate. Despite being 2-8, AWC has been showing signs of improvement. The Minotaurs are anxious to get their 8th win and move one step closer to a Top 4 seed. Aberdeen won’t make it easy on them. London wins 33-30.
Fightin’ Texas Aggies (4-6) at Toledo Swords (0-10):
No upset here. Texas wins big.
Wembley Warriors (6-4) at Black Watch (9-1):
A huge game for the Warriors who are fighting for their playoff lives. A win here will make that goal much more attainable and might even propel the Warriors to a 6 or 5th seed. A loss will make it extremely difficult for the Warriors to get into the playoffs without help from some other teams. For Black Watch it’s business as usual. With a firm grip on the top seed, don’t look for them to ease off the gas pedal. Black Watch wins 40-27.
Lake Charles Who Dats (2-8) at Chicago Rocks (4-6):
Two teams that are trying to find some mojo for Season 7 will battle it out in Chicago. With both teams being so unpredictable, this prognostication is near impossible. Call me crazy, but I think Lake Charles gets their act together just enough to pull the upset here. Lake Charles wins 30-24.
E-City Mercenaries (2-8) at Stuttgart Nighthawks (6-4):
This is a dangerous game for the Nighthawks who desperately need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. E-City is better than their 2-8 record would indicate meaning it would be a mistake to over look them. However Stuttgart is still riding high after their upset of the Monarchs and should be able to lean on their bruising running game to get the win here. Nighthawks win 38-20.
Game of the Week: Alpha
Berlin Blitzkrieg (6-4) at Paris Philharmonic (8-2):
This is the game of the week for all of WEPL as Paris and Berlin might be the second and fourth best teams in Alpha. In a game loaded with playoff implications, Berlin will be out to validate their 6 game win streak while Paris will be looking to get some breathing room for the number 2 seed. This one will be anyone’s game and most likely will hinge on a key special teams play or turnover. Berlin pulls the upset 33-30.
