Accidentally posted this in basic West Europe forum, oops.
Haven't seen FDC around so I'll throw out a couple nuggets of info along with my prediction (no score included, I'm not THAT good).
Sandford, Gloucestershire Policeman Officers at MA Trolls
-MA is damn good, averaging nearly 450 ypg offensively. They spread the ball around extremely well throughout their stacked recieving corps and teams have a very hard time matching up. Defensively, they don't stand out in one specific area but, again, they have a lot of players making solid contributions.
-SGPO, well, they'll be lucky to keep this game in the double digit loss category.
Prediction: MA and it won't be close.
Korb Destroyers at Rohrheim Stampede
-Korb is a curious team. At times they've looked fantastic (30-17 win v. Paris, 49-13 win v. Bari, 7pt loss v. MA) but they can be maddeningly inconsistent (13pt loss v. Rotterdam). They have also played 3 of the 4 worst WEPL Zeta teams so far, the meat of their schedule remains ahead of them. The #1 rushing attack in the league by nearly 30ypg looks to control the clock and wear down the Stampede. Korb's defense will count on their solid tackling (4th fewest in WEPL) and their playmaking secondary (#1 in PDs, #6 in INTs) to force a field position battle.
-Rohrheim is probably the model for the inconsistentcy that has plagued Zeta this year. A big win against Rotterdam, as well as holding the Pimps to single digits, proves this team can compete with the best. Embarassing losses to the Meatballs & HEAT, as well as the loss v. Paris, make it hard to consider this team playoff worthy. Rohrheim's rushing game is going to have to come up big as their 5th worst passing attack will struggle to make big plays against the Destroyer secondary.
Prediction: Korb wins by 2 scores.
Valencia Billy Goats at Multiple Scorgasms
-Valencia might be the story of the year, if not for the fresh-from-AAA Pimps. Arguably the best team in Zeta at the beginning of the year, a terrible turn of events led to this team being gutted and surely destined for relegation. NOT so fast my friend. Det_pistons and his GM staff have done an amazing job recruiting and now have quality starters at nearly every position. While they probably don't have the overall talent or depth to really make a run, they'll be back next season to challenge for a playoff spot.
-Multiple started off the blocks great, but a bump in the road (read: Rocky Mountians) in the form of a blowout loss to the Pimps got them to reevaluate their tactics early. A stingy defense that allows just over 250ypg is the hallmark of the Scorgasms this year, as it was last season. They will need to fire up their passing attack if they want to challenge in the playoffs, but I don't see them having a major issue with this game.
Prediction: Multiple wins, but it'll be closer than expected.
Paris Musketeers at Reykjavík Aggies
-Paris is the surprise of the league this season, roaring to a 4-0 start before dropping 3 of their last 5. A relatively easy first half schedule has helped the Musketeers gain respect, but the 2nd half will determine if they keep it. The 2nd stingiest pass defense in WEPL combined with a rush D that gives up less than 80ypg will be the determining factor for Paris against the Aggies. The elite Paris rushing attack will have to overcome a very tough Aggie rush D to put points on the board.
-The Aggies are 2nd to only the Stampede in their inconsistencies. Losing 2 of their first 3 to the Scorgasms & Meatballs, then turning around and dealing Rivals their first loss (who had blown out those 2 teams a combined 107-9. The Aggies previously potent rushing attack has been derailed by fumbles all season, and they can't afford to put the ball on the ground against Paris. If Paris can find a way to exploit the Aggie pass D (240ypg given up) they could force the Aggies to play catch up.
Prediction: Close game, but the overall depth of the Aggies will win out late in the game.
Oslo Berserkers at Stockholm Meatballs
-Oslo has had a tough break this year. At a glance they are talented enough to compete for a playoff spot, but a closer look reveals a lack of depth and multiple inactives in key spots. They kept it close v. Bari & Paris, but have struggles as the year has gone on. A surprisingly strong rushing attack (190ypg) is Oslo's hallmark on offense, while an opportunistic defense (11 FR, 10 INTs, 21 sacks) looks to capitalize on a lazy opponent's mistake. Their rushing D (150ypg allowed) needs to tighten up for this team to make significant improvements.
-Stockholm is the target of my ire. WHERE DID YOU GO FDC?!? YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU AREN'T AROUND!??! PEOPLE LIKE ME WRITE SHIT! Seriously though, Stockholm is another maddeningly inconsistent team. Tough wins against the Aggies and Roughnecks are offset by a shutout loss to the Scorgasms and a blowout loss to the Pimps. A solid, balanced offense (nearly 350ypg) keeps teams guessing while a stingy pass D (5th best in WEPL, 2 INT TDs) forces teams to become one dimensional.
Prediction: Stockholm increases their winning streak to 3 with a 20+ point win.
Rotterdam Roughnecks at Rivals Mainboard Pimps
-Rotterdam, expectedly, leads Zeta in passing offense. What's NOT expected is their INTs (5th highest in Zeta, 2nd highest among playoff calibur teams) and sacks allowed (5th highest in Zeta, 2nd among playoff teams). Another surprise is the rushing attack (125 ypg, 3nd most rushing TDs in WEPL) which has made Rotterdam possibly the most potent offense in the league. A stingy rushing defense (just over 60ypg allowed) is offset by a middle-of-the-pack pass D (nearly 250ypg allowed). Rotterdam will have to put up points to keep up with the Pimps, and I think they're gearing up for a shootout.
-Rivals, well, what can you say. They came in talking and have backed it up with a strong pimp hand across the face of the majority of the league. The Pimps boast arguably the best rushing attack in the WEPL (SGPO, Valencia & Oslo are still on their schedule) and have ridden the backs of Suggs & Cooper all year long. A strong defense (3rd best rushing ypg allowed, 8th in pass ypg allowed) that bends but doesn't break has allowed them to put up some gaudy numbers on both sides of the ball. Self-proclaimed "best DE in WEPL" Mr. Bundy will have the opportunity to add to his sack total this week, as Rotterdam's OL has had protection issues this season.
Prediction: Rivals can REALLY run the ball, Rotterdam can REALLY pass the ball. I'm not convinced either team can shut the other down, but I'm giving the edge to Rivals here because of their pass rush.
DFools AllStars at Oxford Eagles
-Dfools is battling to avoid relegation here and I expect their best effort of the season. Similar to Oslo, this team seems to have the talent to compete but inactivity and a lack of depth will keep them at the bottom of the WEPL, if not send them down to AAA. The brightest star on this team is DE Holger Forcedfumble who ranks 4th in WEPL in sacks.
-Oxford, well, see above.
Prediction: DFools wins by 2 scores because Oxford's owner is currently inactive.
Bari Barracudas at Frankfurt HEAT
-Bari is still a team on the rise, and I bet they're tired of hearing that. Not in the same boat as Oslo, Oxford or DFools, Bari is a step above the bottom but still below the perennial playoff teams. With no wins against playoff teams, most weren't close, Bari is trying to solve the WEPL puzzle and pull a couple upsets. Their last 8 games are BRUTAL, facing 6 of Zeta's top 8 teams. Bari's strong rushing game (180ypg) is keeping their offense alive, as their passing game (2nd worst in WEPL) is pretty much pathetic. Bari appears to have a top end pass defense, but I think that's from teams running the ball more as their lead increases.
-Frankfurt is in a 3-way tie for 2nd place in Zeta right now, and I would be shocked to see them fall out of the top 3. Their remaining schedule sets up very well, with only 2 Zeta playoff teams left, but they got no favors with the interleague game v. AWC. A very potent (nearly 450ypg), very balanced attack coupled with a very strong OL (5 sacks, 3 hurries allowed) grinds on teams and takes advantage of defensive mistakes. Boasting the best pass D in WEPL (51 sacks, 26 hurries, 4 INT TDs), if you want to score on these guys (or keep THEM from scoring) you have to be able to run the ball in key spots. Become one dimensional and they will pin their ears back and make the offense's life miserable.
Prediction: Frankfurt by 4+ TDs.
Hope y'all liked it, threw this together in a couple hours at work. I apologize in advance for any misspellings, statistical errors or generally idiotic statements.
Haven't seen FDC around so I'll throw out a couple nuggets of info along with my prediction (no score included, I'm not THAT good).
Sandford, Gloucestershire Policeman Officers at MA Trolls
-MA is damn good, averaging nearly 450 ypg offensively. They spread the ball around extremely well throughout their stacked recieving corps and teams have a very hard time matching up. Defensively, they don't stand out in one specific area but, again, they have a lot of players making solid contributions.
-SGPO, well, they'll be lucky to keep this game in the double digit loss category.
Prediction: MA and it won't be close.
Korb Destroyers at Rohrheim Stampede
-Korb is a curious team. At times they've looked fantastic (30-17 win v. Paris, 49-13 win v. Bari, 7pt loss v. MA) but they can be maddeningly inconsistent (13pt loss v. Rotterdam). They have also played 3 of the 4 worst WEPL Zeta teams so far, the meat of their schedule remains ahead of them. The #1 rushing attack in the league by nearly 30ypg looks to control the clock and wear down the Stampede. Korb's defense will count on their solid tackling (4th fewest in WEPL) and their playmaking secondary (#1 in PDs, #6 in INTs) to force a field position battle.
-Rohrheim is probably the model for the inconsistentcy that has plagued Zeta this year. A big win against Rotterdam, as well as holding the Pimps to single digits, proves this team can compete with the best. Embarassing losses to the Meatballs & HEAT, as well as the loss v. Paris, make it hard to consider this team playoff worthy. Rohrheim's rushing game is going to have to come up big as their 5th worst passing attack will struggle to make big plays against the Destroyer secondary.
Prediction: Korb wins by 2 scores.
Valencia Billy Goats at Multiple Scorgasms
-Valencia might be the story of the year, if not for the fresh-from-AAA Pimps. Arguably the best team in Zeta at the beginning of the year, a terrible turn of events led to this team being gutted and surely destined for relegation. NOT so fast my friend. Det_pistons and his GM staff have done an amazing job recruiting and now have quality starters at nearly every position. While they probably don't have the overall talent or depth to really make a run, they'll be back next season to challenge for a playoff spot.
-Multiple started off the blocks great, but a bump in the road (read: Rocky Mountians) in the form of a blowout loss to the Pimps got them to reevaluate their tactics early. A stingy defense that allows just over 250ypg is the hallmark of the Scorgasms this year, as it was last season. They will need to fire up their passing attack if they want to challenge in the playoffs, but I don't see them having a major issue with this game.
Prediction: Multiple wins, but it'll be closer than expected.
Paris Musketeers at Reykjavík Aggies
-Paris is the surprise of the league this season, roaring to a 4-0 start before dropping 3 of their last 5. A relatively easy first half schedule has helped the Musketeers gain respect, but the 2nd half will determine if they keep it. The 2nd stingiest pass defense in WEPL combined with a rush D that gives up less than 80ypg will be the determining factor for Paris against the Aggies. The elite Paris rushing attack will have to overcome a very tough Aggie rush D to put points on the board.
-The Aggies are 2nd to only the Stampede in their inconsistencies. Losing 2 of their first 3 to the Scorgasms & Meatballs, then turning around and dealing Rivals their first loss (who had blown out those 2 teams a combined 107-9. The Aggies previously potent rushing attack has been derailed by fumbles all season, and they can't afford to put the ball on the ground against Paris. If Paris can find a way to exploit the Aggie pass D (240ypg given up) they could force the Aggies to play catch up.
Prediction: Close game, but the overall depth of the Aggies will win out late in the game.
Oslo Berserkers at Stockholm Meatballs
-Oslo has had a tough break this year. At a glance they are talented enough to compete for a playoff spot, but a closer look reveals a lack of depth and multiple inactives in key spots. They kept it close v. Bari & Paris, but have struggles as the year has gone on. A surprisingly strong rushing attack (190ypg) is Oslo's hallmark on offense, while an opportunistic defense (11 FR, 10 INTs, 21 sacks) looks to capitalize on a lazy opponent's mistake. Their rushing D (150ypg allowed) needs to tighten up for this team to make significant improvements.
-Stockholm is the target of my ire. WHERE DID YOU GO FDC?!? YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU AREN'T AROUND!??! PEOPLE LIKE ME WRITE SHIT! Seriously though, Stockholm is another maddeningly inconsistent team. Tough wins against the Aggies and Roughnecks are offset by a shutout loss to the Scorgasms and a blowout loss to the Pimps. A solid, balanced offense (nearly 350ypg) keeps teams guessing while a stingy pass D (5th best in WEPL, 2 INT TDs) forces teams to become one dimensional.
Prediction: Stockholm increases their winning streak to 3 with a 20+ point win.
Rotterdam Roughnecks at Rivals Mainboard Pimps
-Rotterdam, expectedly, leads Zeta in passing offense. What's NOT expected is their INTs (5th highest in Zeta, 2nd highest among playoff calibur teams) and sacks allowed (5th highest in Zeta, 2nd among playoff teams). Another surprise is the rushing attack (125 ypg, 3nd most rushing TDs in WEPL) which has made Rotterdam possibly the most potent offense in the league. A stingy rushing defense (just over 60ypg allowed) is offset by a middle-of-the-pack pass D (nearly 250ypg allowed). Rotterdam will have to put up points to keep up with the Pimps, and I think they're gearing up for a shootout.
-Rivals, well, what can you say. They came in talking and have backed it up with a strong pimp hand across the face of the majority of the league. The Pimps boast arguably the best rushing attack in the WEPL (SGPO, Valencia & Oslo are still on their schedule) and have ridden the backs of Suggs & Cooper all year long. A strong defense (3rd best rushing ypg allowed, 8th in pass ypg allowed) that bends but doesn't break has allowed them to put up some gaudy numbers on both sides of the ball. Self-proclaimed "best DE in WEPL" Mr. Bundy will have the opportunity to add to his sack total this week, as Rotterdam's OL has had protection issues this season.
Prediction: Rivals can REALLY run the ball, Rotterdam can REALLY pass the ball. I'm not convinced either team can shut the other down, but I'm giving the edge to Rivals here because of their pass rush.
DFools AllStars at Oxford Eagles
-Dfools is battling to avoid relegation here and I expect their best effort of the season. Similar to Oslo, this team seems to have the talent to compete but inactivity and a lack of depth will keep them at the bottom of the WEPL, if not send them down to AAA. The brightest star on this team is DE Holger Forcedfumble who ranks 4th in WEPL in sacks.
-Oxford, well, see above.
Prediction: DFools wins by 2 scores because Oxford's owner is currently inactive.
Bari Barracudas at Frankfurt HEAT
-Bari is still a team on the rise, and I bet they're tired of hearing that. Not in the same boat as Oslo, Oxford or DFools, Bari is a step above the bottom but still below the perennial playoff teams. With no wins against playoff teams, most weren't close, Bari is trying to solve the WEPL puzzle and pull a couple upsets. Their last 8 games are BRUTAL, facing 6 of Zeta's top 8 teams. Bari's strong rushing game (180ypg) is keeping their offense alive, as their passing game (2nd worst in WEPL) is pretty much pathetic. Bari appears to have a top end pass defense, but I think that's from teams running the ball more as their lead increases.
-Frankfurt is in a 3-way tie for 2nd place in Zeta right now, and I would be shocked to see them fall out of the top 3. Their remaining schedule sets up very well, with only 2 Zeta playoff teams left, but they got no favors with the interleague game v. AWC. A very potent (nearly 450ypg), very balanced attack coupled with a very strong OL (5 sacks, 3 hurries allowed) grinds on teams and takes advantage of defensive mistakes. Boasting the best pass D in WEPL (51 sacks, 26 hurries, 4 INT TDs), if you want to score on these guys (or keep THEM from scoring) you have to be able to run the ball in key spots. Become one dimensional and they will pin their ears back and make the offense's life miserable.
Prediction: Frankfurt by 4+ TDs.
Hope y'all liked it, threw this together in a couple hours at work. I apologize in advance for any misspellings, statistical errors or generally idiotic statements.
Last edited Aug 20, 2008 14:20:56
... We may actually lose this game my Punters demanding reps at QB this game
