Updated after Game 7:
Note: I know they aren't "weeks," but that's the way I think of them... So SHUT IT!
1) Bayou Bandits: No surprise again this week. Bandits 60-6 over the Black Flag. They have a legitimate matchup this coming week, so we'll get to see their metal tested for the first time in a while.
2) Huntsville Rockets: Put away Battle Creek to further build up to the game 10 clash of titans with Bayou. They have to play Hartford this week though, and the Hustlers are fresh off of an upset over Florida.
3) Orlando Soul: Another easy win for the Soul. The upcoming game between the Soul and the Predators is shaping up to be a good one that may decide who gets a playoff home game.
4) Maryland Predators: Put down the Dawg Pound this week... Are they prepared to take on the Soul?
5) Rochester Dragons: These guys get a HUGE jump in this weeks power rankings. I predicted the win over Reno, and these guys pulled it off. If you combine that with their win over Hartford last week, and the fact that Hartford put away the BeachDogz in what some might call an upset, then the Dragons made a big move. Unfortunately, these guys have to play a Bayou team that has allowed 6 points in their last 3 games while they've scored 396 points. The Dragons stay in the top 5 could be incredibly short.
On the Fence (in order):
Florida BeachDogZ: Two losses in a row, and the once undefeated Dogz are looking less and less like a tier 1 team every week. Their matchup with the Knights could determine whether or not they get a top 4 seed in the playoffs.
Reno Knights: Upset, and I called it, by the Dragons! These guys need a win against the BeachDogz in their upcoming game. Combine that with the fact that the Dogz are on a 2 game skid, and we've got a serious collision on our hands.
Cleveland Dawg Pound: Lost to Maryland, and that combined with a loss to the Knights earlier in the season puts these guys WAY down on the list this week. Fortunately they've got Battle Creek coming up. Can Battle Creek finally live up to their potential? I doubt it.
Potential playoff teams:
Battle Creek Bombers: Once again, I said after game 5 that these guys need to pickup 2 wins in their next 4 games. They've dropped 3 so far. I incorrectly stated last time that I didn't think they could beat Cleveland even though they were actually playing Huntsville. Well... I'm not budging from my previous assessment, even though it was a week off. Cleveland just lost a disappointing one to Maryland, and they are going to be hungry.
Hartford Hustlers: THANK YOU!!! These guys finally figured it out, and as I said last time, if the Hustlers could pull one off against the BeachDogz, they could be right back in it. Well GOOD JOB guys! I am officially reinstating you as a potential playoff team. Show up against the Rockets, and we'll see from there...
Yancy Street Grimm Reapers: I want to at least address these guys since they are 4-3. Their four wins are over cream-puff teams. Their next 9 games are going to be brutal, excluding the one against the Black Flag. I don't consider them a playoff team, and if they win 3 of the next 9 I will be shocked.
Games to watch:
GAME OF THE WEEK!
Maryland (6-1) / Orlando (5-2): This is pretty much a battle for a home playoff game. The Soul got an easy one last week, and the Predators put down a very game Cleveland team. I think this one comes down to whoever brings the best gameplan.
My Pick: Orlando (some might call it an upset... not me)
Huntsville (6-1) / Hartford (4-3): The Hustlers are coming off of a fresh upset over the BeachDogz, and Huntsville has been known to drop an easy one in the past. Huntsville should win it, but we'll have to wait and see.
My Pick: Huntsville
Cleveland (4-3) / Battle Creek (3-4): Cleveland needs this win to get back into the hunt for a home game, and Battle Creek needs this one to get back into the playoff race.
My Pick: Cleveland
Bayou (7-0) / Rochester (5-2): Rochester just picked up an upset over Reno, I'll say it again "I called it," and they're looking for another one against Bayou. I don't see it happening, and I'm not just saying that because I play for Bayou. On paper Bayou looks too big, too fast, and too strong to lose this one, but there's always a chance.
My Pick: Bayou
Florida (5-2) / Reno (5-2): Both teams are coming off of upset losses this week, and both have a tough game 9. Florida has to play Bayou, and Reno has to play Huntsville. This game could determine who has a shot at a home game in the playoffs.
My Pick: Reno
All comments are welcome. REP YOUR TEAM
