FAT DADDY CA$H’S CORNER
Week 5
Power Rankings: Week 5
Zeta Conference:
With a couple surprising wins and a lopsided blowout, the Top 8 of Zeta (normally a pretty consistent group) has been thrown for a loop this week. In fact, while the Top 3 teams are so far head and shoulders above the rest, spots 4 through 8 are just chaos … and even more so between 8 and 15.
1. Berlin Ballers (4-0)
Last Week: 1
Berlin rolled to their 4th win of the year with a resounding 40-13 thumping of the Musketeers. The ground game rediscovered some of its mojo as Heather Marie and Long Stroke combined for 205 yards and 3 TDs on 46 carries. With the warm-up portion of their season over, Berlin must now steel itself for its first real challenge of the season as they head into Rotterdam who are fresh off their shellacking of the previously unbeaten Dynasty. If Berlin can make this one another routine, lopsided win, they will make the rest of WEPL more nervous than they already are.
2. Black Forest Mercenaries (4-0):
Last Week: 2
Black Forest closed out the most impressive 1st quarter stretch in all of WEPL as they pounded the Pimps 37-23 – capping a run in which BFM went 4-0 against Season 6 playoff teams. The Mercs were tied with the Pimps heading into the 4th quarter but with 21 points in the final stanza they secured the win and their claim as a legitimate threat to Berlin’s superiority in Zeta. While we’ll have to wait until Week 12 to see that Showdown unfold, it’s clear BFM is one of the hottest teams in GLB right now.
3. Korb Destroyers (3-1):
Last Week: 3
Korb bounced back from their shocking upset to BFM by outclassing the Meatballs 40-31 in Week 4. With 940 yards of offense between both teams, including 772 of those yards coming through the air, the game was far more of a shootout than many expected. Still, despite the gaudy stats, this game was never really in doubt from the opening quarter onward. Korb established itself as being able to adapt and adjust as well as keeping one step ahead of the bottom half of the Top 8 in WEPL. Korb won’t have time to rest on its laurels though with the Pimps on tap next.
4. Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-2):
Last Week: 8 (+3)
Rotterdam certainly made a mess of these rankings by not only beating the undefeated Dynasty in Week 4, but by blowing them out 72-13. The one-sided win came on the heels of Corey’s announcement that the Roughnecks would be folding if (and it’s a big if) they fail to make the playoffs this season. The motivational speech seemed to work as his team outplayed Lyon in nearly every way possible. Even the Roughneck cheerleaders looked better (for once). Still, the win was not the only reason for the chaos in the Top 8. With the Pimps, Dynasty and Meatballs losing, they had to drop leaving the only candidates for the number 4 spot as being the 3-1 Divots, or a slew of 2-2 teams. Rotterdam got the nod despite being 2-2 and having lost to Stockholm simply because the Divots have yet to play anyone and the magnitude of the Roughneck’s one-sided win. With Berlin up next, this trip to the Top 4 might be short lived.
5. Grass Root Divots (3-1):
Last Week: 9 (+4)
The Divots have to thank Stockholm, the Pimps and of course Lyon more for this jump than the quality of their own play. While the Divots have looked impressive since the season started, it’s impossible to tell how good they really are since (outside of their Week 1 loss to Black Watch), they haven’t played anyone. I suspect the 5th spot is too high for this club at this point in time, however given how the rest of the Top 8 faired this week, there’s no choice. By the time the season ends maybe the Divots will have proven me a genius for bumping them this high!
6. Stockholm Meatballs (2-2):
Last Week: 6
I wanted to drop Stockholm lower here, but just couldn’t do it. While the Meatballs have 2 losses on the season, they have come at the expense of two of the Top 3 teams. Plus, Stockholm showed signs of life against Korb, giving (this obviously biased reporter) some flickering of hope they can turn it around and get back into the Top 4. Still, before that can happen they need to play a game where BOTH their offense and defense show up at the same time. In their Week 2 loss to BFM their offense was left outside the stadium. However in last week’s loss to Korb it was their defense who looked to be missing in action. A big showdown with Lyon is up next and will be an important game for both clubs. Whoever wins will be legitimized (slightly) while the loser will be left with a lot of just critics and skeptics.
7. Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-2):
Last Week 5 (-2)
The Pimps get the same benefit of the doubt as the Meatballs are getting with this 2 point drop despite a loss in Week 4. While the Pimps are 2-2, both loses have come at the hands of two of the top WEPL teams. However, the Pimps don’t have the benefit of a solid win yet either as they beat up on the rebuilding Scorgasms and the still unpredictable Annihilators. Despite this, the Pimps have to be edged up over the Dynasty and the other 2-2 teams based on their history and talented roster. With the ever dangerous Destroyers up next, the Pimps could jump up the rankings in a hurry if they can pull the upset.
8. Lyon Dynasty (3-1):
Last Week: 4 (-4)
The sheer lopsidedness of the loss to Rotterdam forced me to drop Lyon below three 2-2 teams – something I normally wouldn’t do to a former playoff team who had started the year off 3-0. But a close examination of the Dynasty schedule reveals some of the same doubts I have about the Divots. Namely, outside of the Roughnecks, the Dynasty haven’t really played anyone. So which Dynasty team is the real deal? We’ll find out this week as they face off against Stockholm.
9. PPP Longnecks (2-2):
Last Week: 10 (+1)
The Longnecks have begun to right the ship over the past two weeks. While the victories over Ice & Fire and Sevilla will not be classified as classic games or even unexpected wins, the Longnecks seem to be adjusting and clawing their way back towards the Top 8. The ‘Necks found their stride against Sevilla as star HB Jimmy Slasher put up 130 yards on 19 carries and found pay-dirt 3 times. With the Musketeers up next, the Longnecks have to win to stay above the rest of the pack before their tougher-schedule stretch kicks off in Week 6 against the Longnecks.
10. London Rippers (2-2):
Last Week 13 (+3)
Between the final two 2-2 teams, London gets the nod over Edinburgh thanks to their Week 2 dismantling of the Black Knights. Last week the Rippers found their winning groove once again as they edged out Ice & Fire with a 28 yard FG with just 1:51 left on the clock. With the winless Naranjas up next, the Rippers are in line to crack the .500 barrier for the first time in their WEPL careers.
11. Edinburgh Black Knighs (2-2):
Last Week 14 (+3)
The Black Knights have won two in a row and have jumped up three spots from 14 to 11 in this Week’s Rankings. Still, despite their win streak, the quality of those wins has to be questioned. A 59-14 point win over Multiple is becoming routine and, fair or unfair, the narrow 38-34 win over the ever-frustrating Annihilators doesn’t have the same luster it would have in Week 2. That leaves a lot to wonder about this club. But with a brutal stretch upcoming against BFM, Korb, the Pimps and Stockholm, we’ll find out soon enough if they are pretenders or contenders.
12. Paris Musketeers (1-3):
Last Week: 11 (-1)
This was a tough spot to rate – on one hand I feel that Antwerp might have a better shot at making the playoffs than Paris this season, however on the other hand Paris has the more impressive win between themselves and the other two 1-3 teams. That being the case, I had to give Paris the nod here. With a big game against PPP up next, Paris can turn even more heads if they can find a way to pull off the upset.
13. Antwerp Annihilators (1-3)
Last Week: 7 (-6)
After dismantling the Nighthawks in Week 1 the Annihilators have slid into a 3 game hole with back-to-back-to-back loses to Korb, Rivals and now Edinburgh. I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt last week based on the quality of the loses ot Korb and Rivals, however losing to a rookie WEPL team, one who hadn’t beaten anyone of quality yet, is tough to swallow. The Annihilators will get a chance to rebound this week against the suddenly high flying Divots. With Ice & Fire, Sevilla and Paris up after that, Antwerp can turn things around in a hurry with a well timed winning streak.
14. Ice & Fire (1-3):
Last Week: 12 (-2)
Ice & Fire, like Antwerp is suffering from perhaps too harsh of judgment by FDC this week. After two losses to Berlin and PPP I dropped them 2 more spots once they folded against the rookie Rippers. I just don’t know who the real Ice & Fire are yet. I do still believe in their front office and coaching staff and am willing to bet a buffalo nickel they will pull one huge, unexpected upset this year. But other than that, I just don’t know. Thankfully they can get healthy against Multiple this week.
15. Sevilla Naranjas (0-4):
Last Week: 15
Sevilla’s losing streak hit 11 games with their 45-13 point drubbing they suffered at the hands of the Longnecks. This Season 6 playoff team needs to start finding answers quick or else they’ll be facing relegation sooner than anyone would have expected.
16. Multiple Scorgasms (0-4):
Last Week: 16
Multiple continues their in-season rebuilding process and showed some signs of life on offense last week against the Divots. Unfortunately the defense regressed as they allowed GRD to put up a season high 79 points. With Ice & Fire on deck, Multiple should be more competitive this week.
Alpha Conference:
While not quite as jumbled as Zeta, the Alpha conference has issues of their own when it comes to ranking the teams fairly. The Wujax loss threw a wrench into the rankings and forced me to bump some teams out of the Top 8 in order to keep the 2-2 Lumberjacks there. It should be interesting to see how these shake out over the next few games.
1. Black Watch (4-0):
Last Week: 1
Black Watch cruised to a one-sided 51-27 point victory over the Aggies in Week 4, capping their perfect start to the season. While the 4-0 start has been impressive, the Black Watch really haven’t faced any top competition … yet. That will change in a hurry in Week 5 as the Watch travels into Graz to face the 4-0 Grizzlies.
2. E-City Mercenaries (4-0):
Last Week: 5 (+3)
E-City leap-frogged the 4-0 Grizzlies thanks to their narrow win over the powerful WuJax in Week 4. The win not only put the Mercs at 4-0 but validated their turnaround from Season 6 schlubs to Season 7 contenders. With the struggling Red Bandits up next the Mercs should be one of only 2 unbeaten teams left in Alpha at the end of Week 5.
3. Graz Grizzlies (4-0):
Last Week: 3
The Grizzlies took it to the unbeaten Dream Bolts in Week 4, piling up 580 yards of offense including 265 on the ground. The game was only close in the second quarter where the Grizzlies survived a 21 point onslaught from the Dream Bolts but still managed to win without breaking much of a sweat. The win put the Grizzlies firmly at the front of the Alpha Rookie class and sets up a brilliant showdown between the unbeaten Black Watch in Week 5.
4. London Monarchs (3-1):
Last Week: 2 (-3)
Despite winning, the Monarchs slid three spots this week to make room for the Mercs and Grizzlies. While their 55-34 point thumping of Dresden was nice, it wasn’t as impressive as what the Graz and Mercs accomplished in Week 4. Still, London has to be considered one of the favorites for a title in Season 7 and can’t slide too far down these rankings. With big games upcoming against both Paris teams and Black Watch, the Monarchs will have plenty of chances to improve their standings.
5. Paris Dream Bolts (3-1):
Last Week: 6 (+1)
Paris gets a bump despite losing – that’s what happens when you lose to an undefeated and the rest of the Top 8 don’t look nearly as impressive. Still, if Paris is going to have any hopes of competing with the big boys of Alpha, they will need to find an answer to their defensive woes – and fast. With London, the Philharmonic, Black Watch and Blitz coming over the next 5 weeks, the Dream Bolts will get their trial by fire in WEPL.
6. Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-2):
Last Week: 4 (-2)
The WuJax dropped a heartbreaker to E-City and fell back to .500. The second loss of the year for Woodridge puts them in a bit of a hole on the standings sheet but not so much on the Power Rankings. They get a pass thanks to the quality of their losses (Rotterdam and E-City) and the talent on their roster itself. With 4 winnable games up next, Woodridge needs to get on a roll before their Week 9 matchup with Graz.
7. Berlin Blitzkrieg (3-1):
Last Week: 8 (+1)
Berlin isn’t getting any respect these days in the rankings. Truth is I feel they are a serious contender in Alpha but the facts are they haven’t really played or beaten anyone of substance yet. While that is certainly not Berlin’s fault (after all you can’t control your schedule), it would be equally unfair of me to rate them much higher than this right now. With big games coming up, Berlin will have plenty of chances to increase their respect in Alpha.
8. Paris Philharmonic (2-2):
Last Week: 8
Paris has the same problem that Berlin has – only reversed. While Paris has 2 losses this season, both have come at the hands of top WEPL clubs (BFM and WuJax). However both of Paris’s wins have come at the expense of two of Alpha’s lower ranked teams (Dresen and Dinas) making them a very difficult team to gauge at this moment. While it certainly seems the Philly’s have rebounded and adjusted to the new changes in the sim, we won’t really be able to judge their renaissance until they tangle with the Monarchs this week.
9. Toulouse Aviators (2-2):
Last Week: 11 (+2)
The Aviators have quietly put together a nice winning streak, knocking off the dangerous AWC and Season 6 playoff Nighthawks in consecutive weeks. While neither of the wins have been by a wide margin, a win is a win. While their Week 1 loss to the underperforming Ice & Fire still haunts the Aviators, they will have a chance to get two more wins against the struggling Who Dats and Aggies which will set up a great game with the (currently) undefeated Grizzlies.
10. Stuttgart Nighthawks (1-3):
Last Week: 9 (-1)
One week after they seemingly got their season back on track by beating the Blitz, the Nighthawks hit a road block in the form of the Aviators. The 28-21 point loss put the Nighthawks in a brutal 1-3 hole and leaves plenty of questions about this Season 6 playoff club. With the power running game nerfed over the off-season, the Nighthawks have had to go away from their bread and butter and rely instead on new methods of offense. So far, the results have been mixed. With a lay-up game upcoming against the Warriors the Nighthawks should be able to find their second win of the year.
11. Fightin’ Texas Aggies (1-3):
Last Week: 10 (-1)
The Aggies continue to be able to score points at will but are seemingly incapable of stopping anyone from scoring on them. Over their last three games (all losses), the Aggies have surrendered 156 points – or an average of 52 points per game. Those sorts of numbers will make it impossible for the Aggies to get out of the middle of the pack in Alpha and might make it next to impossible to eek out a playoff birth.
12. Dinas Red Bandits (1-3):
Last Week: 12
Dinas stays at the 12th spot despite losing 31-24 to the Philly’s in Week 4. In the loss the Red Bandits showed some signs of life as they nearly found a way to pull off the upset. Still, this team is still in the free-fall that began at the end of Season 6 and with the 4-0 Mercs up next there’s no reason to believe they’ll find their parachute this week.
13. Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (1-3):
Last Week: 14 (+1)
The Wrecking Crew got their first win of the year by narrowly beating the Warriors in a match-up of winless teams. While the narrow win won’t go a long ways towards proving to the Conference that the ever-underperforming-Wrecking Crew have finally found their stride, a win is a win. And an important first step for this team who began the year with high playoff aspirations. While they have been close in every game they’ve played this year (with the exception of the Week 1 loss to the Ballers), Aberdeen needs to stop settling for “close enough” and find ways to win. If they can shock the world and beat the WuJax in Week 5 it would go a long ways.
14. Dresden Dragons (1-3):
Last Week: 13 (-1)
For the third straight week the Dragons got pummeled by one of the elite teams in Alpha. This time it came at the hands of the Monarchs who pounded the Dragons 55-34. The only good news to come from the game was the Dragons did manage to score 34 points – nearly double what they scored in each of their previous two games. Still, his defense which started off the year so hot has to find a way to get back on track or else the Dragons could be facing a one-and-done year in WEPL.
15. Wembley Warriors (0-4):
Last Week: 15
The Warriors continue to feel the effects of their off-season rebuilding process as they dropped a heartbreaker to AWC in Week 4. The worst part about the 0-4 start is that their schedule only gets tougher from here on out. With upcoming games against the Grizzlies, Monarchs, Black Watch and WuJax, this season could become even more painful for this proud franchise.
16. Lake Charles Who Dats (0-4):
Last Week: 16
Lake Charles put up a good fight against the Blitz and I thought about elevating them one spot this week but ultimately couldn’t do it. However, if the Berlin game wasn’t just a fluke, then perhaps it’s a sign that the Who Dats have turned the corner. With the Aviators up next, Lake Charles certainly has the talent to win that game and really shake up these rankings.
Week 5 Previews and Predictions:
Alpha Conference:
Dinas Red Bandits (1-3) at E-City Mercenaries (4-0):
The Red Bandits have shown signs of life in their recent losses and now would be a great time to pull off an upset as they face the unbeaten Mercs. But as nice of a story as that would make, I just don’t see any way that the Mercs drop this one.
Mercs win 43-29
Paris Dream Bolts (3-1) at Dresden Dragons (1-3):
Desden is in trouble in this one. The Dream Bolts are still stinging from their loss to the Grizzlies in Week 4 and will be looking to take out that frustration on someone. Sadly, the Dragons seem to be the perfect team to bully as they have looked lost on both sides of the ball over the past three weeks. This one may get ugly.
Dream Bolts win 52-28
Paris Philharmonic (2-2) at London Monarchs (3-1):
These two teams always play each other well and normally provide plenty of fireworks. While the Philly’s have struggled somewhat this season the Monarchs have been rolling on offense, making this an interesting game. It’s true the Monarchs don’t like to get their hands dirty on defense though meaning Paris should be able to find ways to get into the endzone. Call me crazy, but I think Paris just might pull this one off …
Paris stuns the Monarchs with a 39-38 win.
Berlin Blitzkrieg (3-1) at Fightin’ Texas Aggies (1-3):
Berlin is a team looking for respect despite starting the year 3-1. The Aggies are a team looking for a defense after their 1-3 start. While I think the Aggies have some fight left in ‘em, I’m would bank on the Blitz finding their respect before the Aggies find their D.
Berlin wins 48-33
Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-2) at Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (1-3):
The WuJax are going to be looking to wash the taste of their Week 4 loss to the Mercs out of their mouths and will pick on AWC to do so. While I still feel the Wrecking Crew is more talented than their record, I’m done picking them to win these sorts of games until they prove to me they really can do that.
Woodridge wins 38-28
Toulouse Aviators (2-2) at Lake Charles Who Dats (0-4):
If there ever was a game for Lake Charles to put all the pieces together, this is it. Last year Lake Charles made a habit of being the most inconsistent team in Alpha – however when they were good, they were really good. That talent still exists and they could easily give the Aviators a run for their money here. But sadly, I can’t pick them here. The Aviators are playing much better and are looking to prove something to the rest of the conference.
Toulouse wins 45-29
Wembley Warriors (0-4) at Stuttgart Nighthawks (1-3):
The Nighthawks needs this win just as badly as the floundering Warriors do. While the Warriors have an excuse for being 0-4, the Nighthawks don’t. This is a game that playoff teams simply have to win if they are to be truly considered a playoff team. That being the case, I think Stuttgart finds a way here.
Stuttgart wins 38-24
Zeta Conference:
Black Forest Mercenaries (4-0) at Edinburgh Black Knights (2-2):
The Black Knights are clamoring for respect. Just a little bit. Well this is their chance to take it. If they can knock off BFM, something four playoff teams from Season 6 have thus far been unable to do, then the Black Knights will find themselves racing up the Power Rankings in the Corner. Still, I don’t see that happening this week. The Mercs are playing too well right now and the Black Knights haven’t shown me enough consistency for me to go out on a limb and pick them here.
BFM gets the win 30-13
Antwerp Annihilators (1-3) at Grass Root Divots (3-1):
Once again Antwerp has proven themselves to be an enigma to this prognosticator. I really don’t know which Annihilator team is going to show up on any given day making this game a very difficult one to pick. The Divots have been playing great lately but have benefited from a somewhat soft schedule making them just as difficult to gauge. Still, I’m going to have to ride the hot hand with this one.
Divots find a way to get it done 33-32
Korb Destroyers (3-1) at Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-2):
Korb got off the mat quickly last week as they dismantled Stockholm in almost routine fashion. Things will get tougher this week as they face A Pimp team still reeling from their Week 4 loss. For the Pimps this is not only a chance to once again renew an old AAA rivalry, it’s also an important game for them to remain firmly in the early season playoff picture. For Korb, it’s a chance to once again demonstrate they belong in the same conversation as the Ballers. I would love to call an upset here and think the Pimps have the talent to do it. But Korb is just too strong.
Korb wins 33-27
Stockholm Meatballs (2-2) at Lyon Dynasty (3-1):
After their horrific loss to the Roughnecks, doubters wonder how good the Dynasty really are this year despite their 3-1 start. The same could be said of the Meatballs who are piling up their own doubters after two lopsided losses to the Destroyers and Mercs. That makes this an interesting game on many levels as the winner will find some validation while the loser might be facing a tough, uphill struggle all year just to make the playoffs. While the Dynasty utterly destroyed the Meatballs in Season 6, I think this time around the Meat get their revenge in a close offensive oriented game.
Stockholm wins 45-42
London Rippers (2-2) at Sevilla Naranjas (0-4):
There’s something really rotten in Sevilla as their losing streak continues to approach 15. London is a team still finding their balance in WEPL but has looked impressive in brief flashes. I think that is more than enough to get the job done against the wandering Naranjas this week.
Rippers win 34-23
PPP Longnecks (2-2) at Paris Musketeers (1-3):
The Longnecks have slowly found their stride amidst the new tweaks to the sim while the Musketeers continue to flounder. Still, it would be a mistake to write this game off for Paris as their Week 2 win over the Roughnecks showed they can compete with anyone in this league. That being said, PPP is more hungry in this one as they are out to claw their way back into the playoff conversation.
PPP wins 38-20
Multiple Scorgasms (0-4) at Ice & Fire (1-3):
Both teams need this win bad. For Ice & Fire a loss to the picked on Scorgasms would cast serious doubts about their abilities to stave off relegation in Season 7. For the Scorgasms, a loss here will surely come back to haunt them at the end of the year as relegation is decided. While Ice & Fire has a win this year and hasn’t looked all that bad in their 3 losses, Multiple has been making moves and improving their still undermanned roster. As much as I think Multiple will get off the schnide this year, I don’t think it happens this week.
Ice & Fire win 38-29
Games Of The Week:
Black Watch (4-0) at Graz Grizzlies (4-0):
For the second week in a row, Graz gets the GOTW honors as well as the chance to face off against an unbeaten. That should mean they are becoming old hats at this sort of thing and maybe the bright lights and big pressure of facing one of Alpha’s truly elite clubs won’t bother them. Then again, this is Black Watch we’re talking about. A team who has made their living making other Alpha teams look foolish and lost. Still, I think this game is going to be a barn burner and will ultimately come down to who has the ball last. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, I think that team will be Black Watch.
Black Watch wins a narrow one 34-31.
Berlin Ballers (4-0) at Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-2):
Just like the Grizzlies, the Roughnecks find themselves in the GOTW spot for the second straight week. Last week they dismantled the undefeated Dynasty in unimaginable fashion. This week they draw the toughest opponent in all of WEPL. The Ballers have made every win look routine this year but they have yet to play any true contenders. Until now. The Roughnecks would love to shock the world here with this win and get above .500 – while the Ballers would love to win this one in a walk and put even more distance between themselves and the rest of the conference. In the end I think the Roughnecks will give Berlin a game here, but I have to ride the best game-planners in WEPL to victory.
Berlin gets it done 44-38
Week 5
Power Rankings: Week 5
Zeta Conference:
With a couple surprising wins and a lopsided blowout, the Top 8 of Zeta (normally a pretty consistent group) has been thrown for a loop this week. In fact, while the Top 3 teams are so far head and shoulders above the rest, spots 4 through 8 are just chaos … and even more so between 8 and 15.
1. Berlin Ballers (4-0)
Last Week: 1
Berlin rolled to their 4th win of the year with a resounding 40-13 thumping of the Musketeers. The ground game rediscovered some of its mojo as Heather Marie and Long Stroke combined for 205 yards and 3 TDs on 46 carries. With the warm-up portion of their season over, Berlin must now steel itself for its first real challenge of the season as they head into Rotterdam who are fresh off their shellacking of the previously unbeaten Dynasty. If Berlin can make this one another routine, lopsided win, they will make the rest of WEPL more nervous than they already are.
2. Black Forest Mercenaries (4-0):
Last Week: 2
Black Forest closed out the most impressive 1st quarter stretch in all of WEPL as they pounded the Pimps 37-23 – capping a run in which BFM went 4-0 against Season 6 playoff teams. The Mercs were tied with the Pimps heading into the 4th quarter but with 21 points in the final stanza they secured the win and their claim as a legitimate threat to Berlin’s superiority in Zeta. While we’ll have to wait until Week 12 to see that Showdown unfold, it’s clear BFM is one of the hottest teams in GLB right now.
3. Korb Destroyers (3-1):
Last Week: 3
Korb bounced back from their shocking upset to BFM by outclassing the Meatballs 40-31 in Week 4. With 940 yards of offense between both teams, including 772 of those yards coming through the air, the game was far more of a shootout than many expected. Still, despite the gaudy stats, this game was never really in doubt from the opening quarter onward. Korb established itself as being able to adapt and adjust as well as keeping one step ahead of the bottom half of the Top 8 in WEPL. Korb won’t have time to rest on its laurels though with the Pimps on tap next.
4. Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-2):
Last Week: 8 (+3)
Rotterdam certainly made a mess of these rankings by not only beating the undefeated Dynasty in Week 4, but by blowing them out 72-13. The one-sided win came on the heels of Corey’s announcement that the Roughnecks would be folding if (and it’s a big if) they fail to make the playoffs this season. The motivational speech seemed to work as his team outplayed Lyon in nearly every way possible. Even the Roughneck cheerleaders looked better (for once). Still, the win was not the only reason for the chaos in the Top 8. With the Pimps, Dynasty and Meatballs losing, they had to drop leaving the only candidates for the number 4 spot as being the 3-1 Divots, or a slew of 2-2 teams. Rotterdam got the nod despite being 2-2 and having lost to Stockholm simply because the Divots have yet to play anyone and the magnitude of the Roughneck’s one-sided win. With Berlin up next, this trip to the Top 4 might be short lived.
5. Grass Root Divots (3-1):
Last Week: 9 (+4)
The Divots have to thank Stockholm, the Pimps and of course Lyon more for this jump than the quality of their own play. While the Divots have looked impressive since the season started, it’s impossible to tell how good they really are since (outside of their Week 1 loss to Black Watch), they haven’t played anyone. I suspect the 5th spot is too high for this club at this point in time, however given how the rest of the Top 8 faired this week, there’s no choice. By the time the season ends maybe the Divots will have proven me a genius for bumping them this high!
6. Stockholm Meatballs (2-2):
Last Week: 6
I wanted to drop Stockholm lower here, but just couldn’t do it. While the Meatballs have 2 losses on the season, they have come at the expense of two of the Top 3 teams. Plus, Stockholm showed signs of life against Korb, giving (this obviously biased reporter) some flickering of hope they can turn it around and get back into the Top 4. Still, before that can happen they need to play a game where BOTH their offense and defense show up at the same time. In their Week 2 loss to BFM their offense was left outside the stadium. However in last week’s loss to Korb it was their defense who looked to be missing in action. A big showdown with Lyon is up next and will be an important game for both clubs. Whoever wins will be legitimized (slightly) while the loser will be left with a lot of just critics and skeptics.
7. Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-2):
Last Week 5 (-2)
The Pimps get the same benefit of the doubt as the Meatballs are getting with this 2 point drop despite a loss in Week 4. While the Pimps are 2-2, both loses have come at the hands of two of the top WEPL teams. However, the Pimps don’t have the benefit of a solid win yet either as they beat up on the rebuilding Scorgasms and the still unpredictable Annihilators. Despite this, the Pimps have to be edged up over the Dynasty and the other 2-2 teams based on their history and talented roster. With the ever dangerous Destroyers up next, the Pimps could jump up the rankings in a hurry if they can pull the upset.
8. Lyon Dynasty (3-1):
Last Week: 4 (-4)
The sheer lopsidedness of the loss to Rotterdam forced me to drop Lyon below three 2-2 teams – something I normally wouldn’t do to a former playoff team who had started the year off 3-0. But a close examination of the Dynasty schedule reveals some of the same doubts I have about the Divots. Namely, outside of the Roughnecks, the Dynasty haven’t really played anyone. So which Dynasty team is the real deal? We’ll find out this week as they face off against Stockholm.
9. PPP Longnecks (2-2):
Last Week: 10 (+1)
The Longnecks have begun to right the ship over the past two weeks. While the victories over Ice & Fire and Sevilla will not be classified as classic games or even unexpected wins, the Longnecks seem to be adjusting and clawing their way back towards the Top 8. The ‘Necks found their stride against Sevilla as star HB Jimmy Slasher put up 130 yards on 19 carries and found pay-dirt 3 times. With the Musketeers up next, the Longnecks have to win to stay above the rest of the pack before their tougher-schedule stretch kicks off in Week 6 against the Longnecks.
10. London Rippers (2-2):
Last Week 13 (+3)
Between the final two 2-2 teams, London gets the nod over Edinburgh thanks to their Week 2 dismantling of the Black Knights. Last week the Rippers found their winning groove once again as they edged out Ice & Fire with a 28 yard FG with just 1:51 left on the clock. With the winless Naranjas up next, the Rippers are in line to crack the .500 barrier for the first time in their WEPL careers.
11. Edinburgh Black Knighs (2-2):
Last Week 14 (+3)
The Black Knights have won two in a row and have jumped up three spots from 14 to 11 in this Week’s Rankings. Still, despite their win streak, the quality of those wins has to be questioned. A 59-14 point win over Multiple is becoming routine and, fair or unfair, the narrow 38-34 win over the ever-frustrating Annihilators doesn’t have the same luster it would have in Week 2. That leaves a lot to wonder about this club. But with a brutal stretch upcoming against BFM, Korb, the Pimps and Stockholm, we’ll find out soon enough if they are pretenders or contenders.
12. Paris Musketeers (1-3):
Last Week: 11 (-1)
This was a tough spot to rate – on one hand I feel that Antwerp might have a better shot at making the playoffs than Paris this season, however on the other hand Paris has the more impressive win between themselves and the other two 1-3 teams. That being the case, I had to give Paris the nod here. With a big game against PPP up next, Paris can turn even more heads if they can find a way to pull off the upset.
13. Antwerp Annihilators (1-3)
Last Week: 7 (-6)
After dismantling the Nighthawks in Week 1 the Annihilators have slid into a 3 game hole with back-to-back-to-back loses to Korb, Rivals and now Edinburgh. I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt last week based on the quality of the loses ot Korb and Rivals, however losing to a rookie WEPL team, one who hadn’t beaten anyone of quality yet, is tough to swallow. The Annihilators will get a chance to rebound this week against the suddenly high flying Divots. With Ice & Fire, Sevilla and Paris up after that, Antwerp can turn things around in a hurry with a well timed winning streak.
14. Ice & Fire (1-3):
Last Week: 12 (-2)
Ice & Fire, like Antwerp is suffering from perhaps too harsh of judgment by FDC this week. After two losses to Berlin and PPP I dropped them 2 more spots once they folded against the rookie Rippers. I just don’t know who the real Ice & Fire are yet. I do still believe in their front office and coaching staff and am willing to bet a buffalo nickel they will pull one huge, unexpected upset this year. But other than that, I just don’t know. Thankfully they can get healthy against Multiple this week.
15. Sevilla Naranjas (0-4):
Last Week: 15
Sevilla’s losing streak hit 11 games with their 45-13 point drubbing they suffered at the hands of the Longnecks. This Season 6 playoff team needs to start finding answers quick or else they’ll be facing relegation sooner than anyone would have expected.
16. Multiple Scorgasms (0-4):
Last Week: 16
Multiple continues their in-season rebuilding process and showed some signs of life on offense last week against the Divots. Unfortunately the defense regressed as they allowed GRD to put up a season high 79 points. With Ice & Fire on deck, Multiple should be more competitive this week.
Alpha Conference:
While not quite as jumbled as Zeta, the Alpha conference has issues of their own when it comes to ranking the teams fairly. The Wujax loss threw a wrench into the rankings and forced me to bump some teams out of the Top 8 in order to keep the 2-2 Lumberjacks there. It should be interesting to see how these shake out over the next few games.
1. Black Watch (4-0):
Last Week: 1
Black Watch cruised to a one-sided 51-27 point victory over the Aggies in Week 4, capping their perfect start to the season. While the 4-0 start has been impressive, the Black Watch really haven’t faced any top competition … yet. That will change in a hurry in Week 5 as the Watch travels into Graz to face the 4-0 Grizzlies.
2. E-City Mercenaries (4-0):
Last Week: 5 (+3)
E-City leap-frogged the 4-0 Grizzlies thanks to their narrow win over the powerful WuJax in Week 4. The win not only put the Mercs at 4-0 but validated their turnaround from Season 6 schlubs to Season 7 contenders. With the struggling Red Bandits up next the Mercs should be one of only 2 unbeaten teams left in Alpha at the end of Week 5.
3. Graz Grizzlies (4-0):
Last Week: 3
The Grizzlies took it to the unbeaten Dream Bolts in Week 4, piling up 580 yards of offense including 265 on the ground. The game was only close in the second quarter where the Grizzlies survived a 21 point onslaught from the Dream Bolts but still managed to win without breaking much of a sweat. The win put the Grizzlies firmly at the front of the Alpha Rookie class and sets up a brilliant showdown between the unbeaten Black Watch in Week 5.
4. London Monarchs (3-1):
Last Week: 2 (-3)
Despite winning, the Monarchs slid three spots this week to make room for the Mercs and Grizzlies. While their 55-34 point thumping of Dresden was nice, it wasn’t as impressive as what the Graz and Mercs accomplished in Week 4. Still, London has to be considered one of the favorites for a title in Season 7 and can’t slide too far down these rankings. With big games upcoming against both Paris teams and Black Watch, the Monarchs will have plenty of chances to improve their standings.
5. Paris Dream Bolts (3-1):
Last Week: 6 (+1)
Paris gets a bump despite losing – that’s what happens when you lose to an undefeated and the rest of the Top 8 don’t look nearly as impressive. Still, if Paris is going to have any hopes of competing with the big boys of Alpha, they will need to find an answer to their defensive woes – and fast. With London, the Philharmonic, Black Watch and Blitz coming over the next 5 weeks, the Dream Bolts will get their trial by fire in WEPL.
6. Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-2):
Last Week: 4 (-2)
The WuJax dropped a heartbreaker to E-City and fell back to .500. The second loss of the year for Woodridge puts them in a bit of a hole on the standings sheet but not so much on the Power Rankings. They get a pass thanks to the quality of their losses (Rotterdam and E-City) and the talent on their roster itself. With 4 winnable games up next, Woodridge needs to get on a roll before their Week 9 matchup with Graz.
7. Berlin Blitzkrieg (3-1):
Last Week: 8 (+1)
Berlin isn’t getting any respect these days in the rankings. Truth is I feel they are a serious contender in Alpha but the facts are they haven’t really played or beaten anyone of substance yet. While that is certainly not Berlin’s fault (after all you can’t control your schedule), it would be equally unfair of me to rate them much higher than this right now. With big games coming up, Berlin will have plenty of chances to increase their respect in Alpha.
8. Paris Philharmonic (2-2):
Last Week: 8
Paris has the same problem that Berlin has – only reversed. While Paris has 2 losses this season, both have come at the hands of top WEPL clubs (BFM and WuJax). However both of Paris’s wins have come at the expense of two of Alpha’s lower ranked teams (Dresen and Dinas) making them a very difficult team to gauge at this moment. While it certainly seems the Philly’s have rebounded and adjusted to the new changes in the sim, we won’t really be able to judge their renaissance until they tangle with the Monarchs this week.
9. Toulouse Aviators (2-2):
Last Week: 11 (+2)
The Aviators have quietly put together a nice winning streak, knocking off the dangerous AWC and Season 6 playoff Nighthawks in consecutive weeks. While neither of the wins have been by a wide margin, a win is a win. While their Week 1 loss to the underperforming Ice & Fire still haunts the Aviators, they will have a chance to get two more wins against the struggling Who Dats and Aggies which will set up a great game with the (currently) undefeated Grizzlies.
10. Stuttgart Nighthawks (1-3):
Last Week: 9 (-1)
One week after they seemingly got their season back on track by beating the Blitz, the Nighthawks hit a road block in the form of the Aviators. The 28-21 point loss put the Nighthawks in a brutal 1-3 hole and leaves plenty of questions about this Season 6 playoff club. With the power running game nerfed over the off-season, the Nighthawks have had to go away from their bread and butter and rely instead on new methods of offense. So far, the results have been mixed. With a lay-up game upcoming against the Warriors the Nighthawks should be able to find their second win of the year.
11. Fightin’ Texas Aggies (1-3):
Last Week: 10 (-1)
The Aggies continue to be able to score points at will but are seemingly incapable of stopping anyone from scoring on them. Over their last three games (all losses), the Aggies have surrendered 156 points – or an average of 52 points per game. Those sorts of numbers will make it impossible for the Aggies to get out of the middle of the pack in Alpha and might make it next to impossible to eek out a playoff birth.
12. Dinas Red Bandits (1-3):
Last Week: 12
Dinas stays at the 12th spot despite losing 31-24 to the Philly’s in Week 4. In the loss the Red Bandits showed some signs of life as they nearly found a way to pull off the upset. Still, this team is still in the free-fall that began at the end of Season 6 and with the 4-0 Mercs up next there’s no reason to believe they’ll find their parachute this week.
13. Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (1-3):
Last Week: 14 (+1)
The Wrecking Crew got their first win of the year by narrowly beating the Warriors in a match-up of winless teams. While the narrow win won’t go a long ways towards proving to the Conference that the ever-underperforming-Wrecking Crew have finally found their stride, a win is a win. And an important first step for this team who began the year with high playoff aspirations. While they have been close in every game they’ve played this year (with the exception of the Week 1 loss to the Ballers), Aberdeen needs to stop settling for “close enough” and find ways to win. If they can shock the world and beat the WuJax in Week 5 it would go a long ways.
14. Dresden Dragons (1-3):
Last Week: 13 (-1)
For the third straight week the Dragons got pummeled by one of the elite teams in Alpha. This time it came at the hands of the Monarchs who pounded the Dragons 55-34. The only good news to come from the game was the Dragons did manage to score 34 points – nearly double what they scored in each of their previous two games. Still, his defense which started off the year so hot has to find a way to get back on track or else the Dragons could be facing a one-and-done year in WEPL.
15. Wembley Warriors (0-4):
Last Week: 15
The Warriors continue to feel the effects of their off-season rebuilding process as they dropped a heartbreaker to AWC in Week 4. The worst part about the 0-4 start is that their schedule only gets tougher from here on out. With upcoming games against the Grizzlies, Monarchs, Black Watch and WuJax, this season could become even more painful for this proud franchise.
16. Lake Charles Who Dats (0-4):
Last Week: 16
Lake Charles put up a good fight against the Blitz and I thought about elevating them one spot this week but ultimately couldn’t do it. However, if the Berlin game wasn’t just a fluke, then perhaps it’s a sign that the Who Dats have turned the corner. With the Aviators up next, Lake Charles certainly has the talent to win that game and really shake up these rankings.
Week 5 Previews and Predictions:
Alpha Conference:
Dinas Red Bandits (1-3) at E-City Mercenaries (4-0):
The Red Bandits have shown signs of life in their recent losses and now would be a great time to pull off an upset as they face the unbeaten Mercs. But as nice of a story as that would make, I just don’t see any way that the Mercs drop this one.
Mercs win 43-29
Paris Dream Bolts (3-1) at Dresden Dragons (1-3):
Desden is in trouble in this one. The Dream Bolts are still stinging from their loss to the Grizzlies in Week 4 and will be looking to take out that frustration on someone. Sadly, the Dragons seem to be the perfect team to bully as they have looked lost on both sides of the ball over the past three weeks. This one may get ugly.
Dream Bolts win 52-28
Paris Philharmonic (2-2) at London Monarchs (3-1):
These two teams always play each other well and normally provide plenty of fireworks. While the Philly’s have struggled somewhat this season the Monarchs have been rolling on offense, making this an interesting game. It’s true the Monarchs don’t like to get their hands dirty on defense though meaning Paris should be able to find ways to get into the endzone. Call me crazy, but I think Paris just might pull this one off …
Paris stuns the Monarchs with a 39-38 win.
Berlin Blitzkrieg (3-1) at Fightin’ Texas Aggies (1-3):
Berlin is a team looking for respect despite starting the year 3-1. The Aggies are a team looking for a defense after their 1-3 start. While I think the Aggies have some fight left in ‘em, I’m would bank on the Blitz finding their respect before the Aggies find their D.
Berlin wins 48-33
Woodridge Lumberjacks (2-2) at Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (1-3):
The WuJax are going to be looking to wash the taste of their Week 4 loss to the Mercs out of their mouths and will pick on AWC to do so. While I still feel the Wrecking Crew is more talented than their record, I’m done picking them to win these sorts of games until they prove to me they really can do that.
Woodridge wins 38-28
Toulouse Aviators (2-2) at Lake Charles Who Dats (0-4):
If there ever was a game for Lake Charles to put all the pieces together, this is it. Last year Lake Charles made a habit of being the most inconsistent team in Alpha – however when they were good, they were really good. That talent still exists and they could easily give the Aviators a run for their money here. But sadly, I can’t pick them here. The Aviators are playing much better and are looking to prove something to the rest of the conference.
Toulouse wins 45-29
Wembley Warriors (0-4) at Stuttgart Nighthawks (1-3):
The Nighthawks needs this win just as badly as the floundering Warriors do. While the Warriors have an excuse for being 0-4, the Nighthawks don’t. This is a game that playoff teams simply have to win if they are to be truly considered a playoff team. That being the case, I think Stuttgart finds a way here.
Stuttgart wins 38-24
Zeta Conference:
Black Forest Mercenaries (4-0) at Edinburgh Black Knights (2-2):
The Black Knights are clamoring for respect. Just a little bit. Well this is their chance to take it. If they can knock off BFM, something four playoff teams from Season 6 have thus far been unable to do, then the Black Knights will find themselves racing up the Power Rankings in the Corner. Still, I don’t see that happening this week. The Mercs are playing too well right now and the Black Knights haven’t shown me enough consistency for me to go out on a limb and pick them here.
BFM gets the win 30-13
Antwerp Annihilators (1-3) at Grass Root Divots (3-1):
Once again Antwerp has proven themselves to be an enigma to this prognosticator. I really don’t know which Annihilator team is going to show up on any given day making this game a very difficult one to pick. The Divots have been playing great lately but have benefited from a somewhat soft schedule making them just as difficult to gauge. Still, I’m going to have to ride the hot hand with this one.
Divots find a way to get it done 33-32
Korb Destroyers (3-1) at Rivals Mainboard Pimps (2-2):
Korb got off the mat quickly last week as they dismantled Stockholm in almost routine fashion. Things will get tougher this week as they face A Pimp team still reeling from their Week 4 loss. For the Pimps this is not only a chance to once again renew an old AAA rivalry, it’s also an important game for them to remain firmly in the early season playoff picture. For Korb, it’s a chance to once again demonstrate they belong in the same conversation as the Ballers. I would love to call an upset here and think the Pimps have the talent to do it. But Korb is just too strong.
Korb wins 33-27
Stockholm Meatballs (2-2) at Lyon Dynasty (3-1):
After their horrific loss to the Roughnecks, doubters wonder how good the Dynasty really are this year despite their 3-1 start. The same could be said of the Meatballs who are piling up their own doubters after two lopsided losses to the Destroyers and Mercs. That makes this an interesting game on many levels as the winner will find some validation while the loser might be facing a tough, uphill struggle all year just to make the playoffs. While the Dynasty utterly destroyed the Meatballs in Season 6, I think this time around the Meat get their revenge in a close offensive oriented game.
Stockholm wins 45-42
London Rippers (2-2) at Sevilla Naranjas (0-4):
There’s something really rotten in Sevilla as their losing streak continues to approach 15. London is a team still finding their balance in WEPL but has looked impressive in brief flashes. I think that is more than enough to get the job done against the wandering Naranjas this week.
Rippers win 34-23
PPP Longnecks (2-2) at Paris Musketeers (1-3):
The Longnecks have slowly found their stride amidst the new tweaks to the sim while the Musketeers continue to flounder. Still, it would be a mistake to write this game off for Paris as their Week 2 win over the Roughnecks showed they can compete with anyone in this league. That being said, PPP is more hungry in this one as they are out to claw their way back into the playoff conversation.
PPP wins 38-20
Multiple Scorgasms (0-4) at Ice & Fire (1-3):
Both teams need this win bad. For Ice & Fire a loss to the picked on Scorgasms would cast serious doubts about their abilities to stave off relegation in Season 7. For the Scorgasms, a loss here will surely come back to haunt them at the end of the year as relegation is decided. While Ice & Fire has a win this year and hasn’t looked all that bad in their 3 losses, Multiple has been making moves and improving their still undermanned roster. As much as I think Multiple will get off the schnide this year, I don’t think it happens this week.
Ice & Fire win 38-29
Games Of The Week:
Black Watch (4-0) at Graz Grizzlies (4-0):
For the second week in a row, Graz gets the GOTW honors as well as the chance to face off against an unbeaten. That should mean they are becoming old hats at this sort of thing and maybe the bright lights and big pressure of facing one of Alpha’s truly elite clubs won’t bother them. Then again, this is Black Watch we’re talking about. A team who has made their living making other Alpha teams look foolish and lost. Still, I think this game is going to be a barn burner and will ultimately come down to who has the ball last. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, I think that team will be Black Watch.
Black Watch wins a narrow one 34-31.
Berlin Ballers (4-0) at Rotterdam Roughnecks (2-2):
Just like the Grizzlies, the Roughnecks find themselves in the GOTW spot for the second straight week. Last week they dismantled the undefeated Dynasty in unimaginable fashion. This week they draw the toughest opponent in all of WEPL. The Ballers have made every win look routine this year but they have yet to play any true contenders. Until now. The Roughnecks would love to shock the world here with this win and get above .500 – while the Ballers would love to win this one in a walk and put even more distance between themselves and the rest of the conference. In the end I think the Roughnecks will give Berlin a game here, but I have to ride the best game-planners in WEPL to victory.
Berlin gets it done 44-38
