Week 12 Previews & Predictions:
A L P H A
E-City Mercenaries (6-5) at Graz Grizzlies (11-0)
What better way for E-City to prove they belong in the playoff picture than to knock off the unbeaten Grizzlies? The Mercenaries will be hungry to avenge their 1 point loss to the Lumberjacks but in order to do so they will have to find a way to stop Graz’s 7th ranked passing attack led by QB Matt Mann. Mann has thrown for 16 TDs and 2,741 yards on the year but he’s been prone to mistakes with 14 INTs as well. He should be able to find holes in the Merc’s 26th ranked pass defense and if he can limit the mistakes, the Grizzlies will be sitting at 12-0.
Prediction:E-City will put up a fight but the Grizzlies passing game will get the job done. Graz wins 33-24.
Paris Dream Bolts (9-2) at Toulouse Aviators (1-10)
No shocker here.
Dream Bolts win big.
Bonn Dynamo (8-3) at Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (7-4)
The Dynamo have leaned on MVP candidate HB Juaquan-Juan Tomba’s 23 TDs and 1,175 rushing yards to vault their rushing attack to 8th overall in the league – but it will be up to their two-headed QB attack of Eli Cash and Chris Weinke to tame the Wrecking Crew. Aberdeen boasts the league’s top ranked run defense but are almost dead last (31st) against the pass. With Aberdeen’s own offense fresh off a 51 point outing, they will need their defense to step up and stop Tomba, forcing the Dynamo to go to the air. This should be a monster game with countless playoff implications for both clubs making for exciting football.
Prediction:Bonn has been on a slide recently and I look for it to continue here. Aberdeen pulls off the upset 38-29.
Team Perkis (1-10) at Belfast Commandos (7-4)
This should be the third straight win for the Commandos who are looking to keep their head firmly above water in the narrowing playoff race.
Prediction:Belfast will win in a walk against the struggling Perkis.
West Wales Warriors (4-7) at Black Watch (5-6)
The Warriors are in a 5 game free fall which has cast them from playoff hopefuls to playoff spectators. The Black Watch had been rolling with three big wins, including a massive upset of the Dynamo before getting blown out by the Dream Bolts last week. This is a game of “something’s got to give”. If the Warriors are going to make a game of it, they are going to have to rely upon their 2nd ranked passing attack exploiting the suspect Black Watch secondary. If QB Johnny Oscar (3,200 yards, 16 TDs 11 INTs) can make some throws the game could slip away from the Black Watch. But I don’t see it happening.
Prediction:Black Watch is slumping but they still have enough teeth to get this win and crawl back into the playoff race. Black Watch win 38-35.
Turin THUNDER (4-7) at Lyon Sharks (4-7)
With Lyon gutted, this game should become a gimme win for the THUNDER.
Prediction: THUNDER roll big and get to their 5th win of the year.
London Monarchs (3-8) at Dinas Red Bandits (1-10)
Another yawner here as London will get to pile up some stats.
Prediction:You will find a penny that you once thought was lost. … that was my fortune cookie today. Thought I’d share.
Z E T A
Stockholm Meatballs (11-0) at Antwerp Annihilators (7-4)
Antwerp has been rolling, winning 4 out of 5 with a balanced offense and opportunistic defense. The Meatballs have been picking up steam all season long, slowly adding pieces to their puzzle which have hit their chemistry a bit harder than one would like. Will this play a roll in tomorrow’s game? I’m not sure – but one thing is for sure, the Meatballs will go only as far as Mal Brown and their speedy defense will let them. If they fall behind early and have to play catch up it will be the Twerps game to lose.
Prediction:This game will be close but I expect a Stockholm win here behind the legs of Mal Brown and the dynamic play of SS C.J DeCoud. Stockholm wins 30-17.
Lyon Dynasty (3-8) at Black Forest Mercenaries (11-0)
After a couple of close wins over Cardiff, Ice & Fire, Berlin and Dallas the Mercs have rebounded with two blowout wins over both London squads. They have to hope they have put their close games behind them and aren’t peaking ahead in the schedule to their Week 13 show down with Stockholm. Otherwise, the Dynasty have the talent to pull off a major upset.
Prediction:As nice of a story as it would be to see Lyon pull off the upset, it just won’t happen. BFM are too good to let this one slip away. Mercs win 28-20.
Grass Root Divots (8-3) at Korb Destroyers (9-2)
A few weeks ago this looked like it would be in the running for the GOTW category. However in the past four weeks the Divots have been taken down a peg or two as their offense and defense have been pushed around by the Pimps, Meatballs and Dynasty. The truth is that the Divots are capable of winning this game but they just don’t match up well with Korb. GRD strength is found in their passing game – but pass defense is what Korb does best. This game will have significant implications for how Korb and GRD are seeded come playoff time making this game one to keep your eye on.
Prediction:As good as the Divots are (and they are good), Korb is better. Each day their chemistry improves making them tougher and tougher. Korb shuts down the Divots in this one 38-20.
London Hitmen (6-5) at Cardiff Bluebirds (3-8)
This is a must win game for the Hitmen who are clinging to their playoff dreams despite losing 4 of their last 6 games. The Bluebirds are far from the nest themselves as they have lost 4 in row – each one looking progressively more lost. This game will be an interesting test for London who is expected to win but still will have to show up with their A game to get the job done.
Prediction:The Hitmen will find a way to get it done and exploit the league’s worst rushing defense. London wins 33-20.
Dallas Browns (4-7) at Ice & Fire (5-6)
I’m excited for this one. While both teams are on the cusp of being out of the playoff picture, each one has shown more than enough fight this season to make this a game. For Ice & Fire it’s a virtual must win. They might be able to squeeze into the playoffs at 9-7 but will likely be out if they’re 8-8. Dallas though is looking to build as much momentum for next season as possible. With two great rushing attacks featured in this one, it could be a low scoring affair.
Prediction:Ice & Fire have more to play for in this one so I’m going with them 20-17.
London Rippers (5-6) at Edinburgh Black Knights (2-9)
This is another game that on paper might not seem that appealing to the viewers. However, with the Black Knights playing very well over the past 3 weeks they have enough talent to make it interesting for the slumping Rippers. More drama is added thanks to the Rippers slim playoff hopes – a loss here and they are likely done whereas a win will put them in the driver’s seat for the 8th seed.
Prediction:I’m going out on a limb here and picking the Black Knights to see this one through 33-31.
Sevilla Naranjas (0-11) at PPP Longnecks (1-10)
This one could be interesting … in theory. With both teams struggling it will be interesting to see who wants this one more. Sevilla is better than people think and the Longnecks are worse than I feared.
Prediction:Sevilla takes it in a huge upset – 2-0.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
Paris Philharmonic (7-4) at Woodridge Lumberjacks (9-2)
In what should be a dynamite game and potential playoff preview, Woodridge’s pass defense will be tested by WEPL’s 4th ranked passing attack and the still flawless QB Steve Tarkenton (25 TDs 0 INTs). Limiting mistakes has been Paris’s hallmark during their current 6 game winning streak and will need to continue against the opportunistic Lumberjacks. Look for Woodridge to lean on HB Ngo to grind down the clock and keep Tarkenton and company off the field. If Woodridge can get up early, it might force Paris to pass the ball downfield more and give the CBs a chance to make some plays.
Perdiction:This should be a dandy of a game and will most likely come down to a key turnover at an inopportune time. I’m going out on a limb and picking Paris to reach 7 straight wins with a narrow 27-24 point victory.
Berlin Ballers (6-5) at Rivals Mainboard Pimps (8-3)
This should be a great game between two talented teams. The Ballers may look like they aren’t as much of a threat with their 6-5 record, but don’t fool yourself. This is a team that’s on the cusp of the playoffs (for the 3rd straight year) and will be out to give the Pimps a game. On the other hand, Rivals is on a roll themselves, winners of 4 straight and looking mighty impressive themselves as they have boosted their overall Offensive rank to 19 and 12th on the defensive side of the ball. The Pimps are pretty much a lock for the playoffs but the Ballers are still fighting for their lives which might give them a slight edge.
Prediction:I’m tempted to pick an upset here, but I just think the Pimps are playing too well for the Ballers to stop them in this one. Pimps win 24-20.
A L P H A
E-City Mercenaries (6-5) at Graz Grizzlies (11-0)
What better way for E-City to prove they belong in the playoff picture than to knock off the unbeaten Grizzlies? The Mercenaries will be hungry to avenge their 1 point loss to the Lumberjacks but in order to do so they will have to find a way to stop Graz’s 7th ranked passing attack led by QB Matt Mann. Mann has thrown for 16 TDs and 2,741 yards on the year but he’s been prone to mistakes with 14 INTs as well. He should be able to find holes in the Merc’s 26th ranked pass defense and if he can limit the mistakes, the Grizzlies will be sitting at 12-0.
Prediction:E-City will put up a fight but the Grizzlies passing game will get the job done. Graz wins 33-24.
Paris Dream Bolts (9-2) at Toulouse Aviators (1-10)
No shocker here.
Dream Bolts win big.
Bonn Dynamo (8-3) at Aberdeen Wrecking Crew (7-4)
The Dynamo have leaned on MVP candidate HB Juaquan-Juan Tomba’s 23 TDs and 1,175 rushing yards to vault their rushing attack to 8th overall in the league – but it will be up to their two-headed QB attack of Eli Cash and Chris Weinke to tame the Wrecking Crew. Aberdeen boasts the league’s top ranked run defense but are almost dead last (31st) against the pass. With Aberdeen’s own offense fresh off a 51 point outing, they will need their defense to step up and stop Tomba, forcing the Dynamo to go to the air. This should be a monster game with countless playoff implications for both clubs making for exciting football.
Prediction:Bonn has been on a slide recently and I look for it to continue here. Aberdeen pulls off the upset 38-29.
Team Perkis (1-10) at Belfast Commandos (7-4)
This should be the third straight win for the Commandos who are looking to keep their head firmly above water in the narrowing playoff race.
Prediction:Belfast will win in a walk against the struggling Perkis.
West Wales Warriors (4-7) at Black Watch (5-6)
The Warriors are in a 5 game free fall which has cast them from playoff hopefuls to playoff spectators. The Black Watch had been rolling with three big wins, including a massive upset of the Dynamo before getting blown out by the Dream Bolts last week. This is a game of “something’s got to give”. If the Warriors are going to make a game of it, they are going to have to rely upon their 2nd ranked passing attack exploiting the suspect Black Watch secondary. If QB Johnny Oscar (3,200 yards, 16 TDs 11 INTs) can make some throws the game could slip away from the Black Watch. But I don’t see it happening.
Prediction:Black Watch is slumping but they still have enough teeth to get this win and crawl back into the playoff race. Black Watch win 38-35.
Turin THUNDER (4-7) at Lyon Sharks (4-7)
With Lyon gutted, this game should become a gimme win for the THUNDER.
Prediction: THUNDER roll big and get to their 5th win of the year.
London Monarchs (3-8) at Dinas Red Bandits (1-10)
Another yawner here as London will get to pile up some stats.
Prediction:You will find a penny that you once thought was lost. … that was my fortune cookie today. Thought I’d share.
Z E T A
Stockholm Meatballs (11-0) at Antwerp Annihilators (7-4)
Antwerp has been rolling, winning 4 out of 5 with a balanced offense and opportunistic defense. The Meatballs have been picking up steam all season long, slowly adding pieces to their puzzle which have hit their chemistry a bit harder than one would like. Will this play a roll in tomorrow’s game? I’m not sure – but one thing is for sure, the Meatballs will go only as far as Mal Brown and their speedy defense will let them. If they fall behind early and have to play catch up it will be the Twerps game to lose.
Prediction:This game will be close but I expect a Stockholm win here behind the legs of Mal Brown and the dynamic play of SS C.J DeCoud. Stockholm wins 30-17.
Lyon Dynasty (3-8) at Black Forest Mercenaries (11-0)
After a couple of close wins over Cardiff, Ice & Fire, Berlin and Dallas the Mercs have rebounded with two blowout wins over both London squads. They have to hope they have put their close games behind them and aren’t peaking ahead in the schedule to their Week 13 show down with Stockholm. Otherwise, the Dynasty have the talent to pull off a major upset.
Prediction:As nice of a story as it would be to see Lyon pull off the upset, it just won’t happen. BFM are too good to let this one slip away. Mercs win 28-20.
Grass Root Divots (8-3) at Korb Destroyers (9-2)
A few weeks ago this looked like it would be in the running for the GOTW category. However in the past four weeks the Divots have been taken down a peg or two as their offense and defense have been pushed around by the Pimps, Meatballs and Dynasty. The truth is that the Divots are capable of winning this game but they just don’t match up well with Korb. GRD strength is found in their passing game – but pass defense is what Korb does best. This game will have significant implications for how Korb and GRD are seeded come playoff time making this game one to keep your eye on.
Prediction:As good as the Divots are (and they are good), Korb is better. Each day their chemistry improves making them tougher and tougher. Korb shuts down the Divots in this one 38-20.
London Hitmen (6-5) at Cardiff Bluebirds (3-8)
This is a must win game for the Hitmen who are clinging to their playoff dreams despite losing 4 of their last 6 games. The Bluebirds are far from the nest themselves as they have lost 4 in row – each one looking progressively more lost. This game will be an interesting test for London who is expected to win but still will have to show up with their A game to get the job done.
Prediction:The Hitmen will find a way to get it done and exploit the league’s worst rushing defense. London wins 33-20.
Dallas Browns (4-7) at Ice & Fire (5-6)
I’m excited for this one. While both teams are on the cusp of being out of the playoff picture, each one has shown more than enough fight this season to make this a game. For Ice & Fire it’s a virtual must win. They might be able to squeeze into the playoffs at 9-7 but will likely be out if they’re 8-8. Dallas though is looking to build as much momentum for next season as possible. With two great rushing attacks featured in this one, it could be a low scoring affair.
Prediction:Ice & Fire have more to play for in this one so I’m going with them 20-17.
London Rippers (5-6) at Edinburgh Black Knights (2-9)
This is another game that on paper might not seem that appealing to the viewers. However, with the Black Knights playing very well over the past 3 weeks they have enough talent to make it interesting for the slumping Rippers. More drama is added thanks to the Rippers slim playoff hopes – a loss here and they are likely done whereas a win will put them in the driver’s seat for the 8th seed.
Prediction:I’m going out on a limb here and picking the Black Knights to see this one through 33-31.
Sevilla Naranjas (0-11) at PPP Longnecks (1-10)
This one could be interesting … in theory. With both teams struggling it will be interesting to see who wants this one more. Sevilla is better than people think and the Longnecks are worse than I feared.
Prediction:Sevilla takes it in a huge upset – 2-0.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
Paris Philharmonic (7-4) at Woodridge Lumberjacks (9-2)
In what should be a dynamite game and potential playoff preview, Woodridge’s pass defense will be tested by WEPL’s 4th ranked passing attack and the still flawless QB Steve Tarkenton (25 TDs 0 INTs). Limiting mistakes has been Paris’s hallmark during their current 6 game winning streak and will need to continue against the opportunistic Lumberjacks. Look for Woodridge to lean on HB Ngo to grind down the clock and keep Tarkenton and company off the field. If Woodridge can get up early, it might force Paris to pass the ball downfield more and give the CBs a chance to make some plays.
Perdiction:This should be a dandy of a game and will most likely come down to a key turnover at an inopportune time. I’m going out on a limb and picking Paris to reach 7 straight wins with a narrow 27-24 point victory.
Berlin Ballers (6-5) at Rivals Mainboard Pimps (8-3)
This should be a great game between two talented teams. The Ballers may look like they aren’t as much of a threat with their 6-5 record, but don’t fool yourself. This is a team that’s on the cusp of the playoffs (for the 3rd straight year) and will be out to give the Pimps a game. On the other hand, Rivals is on a roll themselves, winners of 4 straight and looking mighty impressive themselves as they have boosted their overall Offensive rank to 19 and 12th on the defensive side of the ball. The Pimps are pretty much a lock for the playoffs but the Ballers are still fighting for their lives which might give them a slight edge.
Prediction:I’m tempted to pick an upset here, but I just think the Pimps are playing too well for the Ballers to stop them in this one. Pimps win 24-20.
Last edited Mar 19, 2009 16:09:49
