Yea, this was kind of hard. Soooo much talent in this league, really one or two things could swap a team as low as 14 with a team as high as 5. Take it for what it's worth - one man's opinion. If you don't like it, prove me wrong. It's really as simple as that.
16. Dallas - this team has been fighting off relegation for several seasons. They won't be able to stave it off any longer.
15. Las Vegas - last season saw this once successful franchise spiral downwards quickly. That will continue even further this year as they look to be a sure bet to relegate barring some miracles.
14. South Bay - another team that at one time used to find themselves near the top of the standings, this is still a good team... it's just USA Pro is that tough. If they can out game plan some teams though, they might surprise.
13. Compton - a team that came in with high expectations and loud mouths was quickly quieted. They have high hopes again this season but there is just too much talent in front of them.
12. Northwest Arkansas - a 10-6 AAA team does not equate into a USAPL playoff team. A solid, talented team, for sure, but they are in for a rough ride in their first season here.
11. Parma - their owner brought in a lot of very talented players. I wanted to rank this team higher but because of their performance last season, I'm going to say for now that they are just on the cusp. It wouldn't surprise me at all though to see this team make the playoffs.
10. Chicago - this team proved they belonged in USAPL last season, making the playoffs in their first year here. They'll be in contention again this season for one of the last two spots but their lack of depth concerns me a bit.
9. Bourbon Street - another team that has all the talent in the world but their lack of running game hurt them last season. If the season 9 sim becomes a passing one, watch out, because this team is dangerous through the air.
8. San Diego - their merger with a USA AAA champion has made them definite contenders for a playoff spot. They now have more depth than any team in the league, but will that be enough?
7. Spicewood - another team with a lot of depth, Spicewood is a team that will probably surprise us one week and disappoint us the next. If they can get some consistency, they have a shot at moving into home playoff game territory.
6. NY-CA - the USA AAA#2 champions are a very probable playoff team in their first season here. However, they will probably find the going a little rough in their first season here. Relatively speaking that is.
5. Minnesota - one of the most talented rosters in the game, the Marauders definitely have the pieces to win it all. It's a matter of whether they can put it together in the big game. So far they haven't.
4. Lincoln - this team struggled down the stretch in season 8 but is still one of the elite teams in GLB. How will the loss of their best RB effect their running game? That's one of the bigger questions they will need to answer early on.
3. Honolulu - showed signs of returning to dominance at the end of the season before running into Monmouth in the 2nd round of the playoffs. I expect them to continue the good run into season 9.
2. Washington - their only losses last season were to Monmouth. Fortunately for the Wolfpack, the most they'll have to play Monmouth is two times (unless they match up in a tournament). Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, that'll be two times they lose.
1. Monmouth - the only thing this team hasn't done is win a USAPL trophy. Will this be the year? I think so - especially if they can get away from a one play, predictable offense.
16. Dallas - this team has been fighting off relegation for several seasons. They won't be able to stave it off any longer.
15. Las Vegas - last season saw this once successful franchise spiral downwards quickly. That will continue even further this year as they look to be a sure bet to relegate barring some miracles.
14. South Bay - another team that at one time used to find themselves near the top of the standings, this is still a good team... it's just USA Pro is that tough. If they can out game plan some teams though, they might surprise.
13. Compton - a team that came in with high expectations and loud mouths was quickly quieted. They have high hopes again this season but there is just too much talent in front of them.
12. Northwest Arkansas - a 10-6 AAA team does not equate into a USAPL playoff team. A solid, talented team, for sure, but they are in for a rough ride in their first season here.
11. Parma - their owner brought in a lot of very talented players. I wanted to rank this team higher but because of their performance last season, I'm going to say for now that they are just on the cusp. It wouldn't surprise me at all though to see this team make the playoffs.
10. Chicago - this team proved they belonged in USAPL last season, making the playoffs in their first year here. They'll be in contention again this season for one of the last two spots but their lack of depth concerns me a bit.
9. Bourbon Street - another team that has all the talent in the world but their lack of running game hurt them last season. If the season 9 sim becomes a passing one, watch out, because this team is dangerous through the air.
8. San Diego - their merger with a USA AAA champion has made them definite contenders for a playoff spot. They now have more depth than any team in the league, but will that be enough?
7. Spicewood - another team with a lot of depth, Spicewood is a team that will probably surprise us one week and disappoint us the next. If they can get some consistency, they have a shot at moving into home playoff game territory.
6. NY-CA - the USA AAA#2 champions are a very probable playoff team in their first season here. However, they will probably find the going a little rough in their first season here. Relatively speaking that is.
5. Minnesota - one of the most talented rosters in the game, the Marauders definitely have the pieces to win it all. It's a matter of whether they can put it together in the big game. So far they haven't.
4. Lincoln - this team struggled down the stretch in season 8 but is still one of the elite teams in GLB. How will the loss of their best RB effect their running game? That's one of the bigger questions they will need to answer early on.
3. Honolulu - showed signs of returning to dominance at the end of the season before running into Monmouth in the 2nd round of the playoffs. I expect them to continue the good run into season 9.
2. Washington - their only losses last season were to Monmouth. Fortunately for the Wolfpack, the most they'll have to play Monmouth is two times (unless they match up in a tournament). Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, that'll be two times they lose.
1. Monmouth - the only thing this team hasn't done is win a USAPL trophy. Will this be the year? I think so - especially if they can get away from a one play, predictable offense.
