Print Page - PRESS RELEASE: FWLs playoff-hunt is hotter than ever!

With just 2 weeks to go, a look at the standings shows that we have great matchups ahead. This reports takes a closer look at who is hot and who´s not. Would be halpfuo if you take a look at FWLs standings in order to follow the comments. You will see my estimation of PO-chances in brackets:

AFC East:

NEW YORK 8-4-0 (already in POs):
Will NY throw it all away in the last 120 minutes after starting 8-1? At 8-4 they might be in danger to lose the division-title against strong Orlando Thunder (currently 7-5). On the other hand: The remaining schedule (vs. MON, at ORL) is horrible and they have to overcome a hostile crowd in Orlando! The unthinkable might happen!

ORLANDO 7-5-0 (80%):
The Thunder seems to be hot these days and might make it: One more win ant they are in the Playoffs. If they overcome struggling Birmingham next week, they even can clinch the division-title with a win at home vs. New York. On the other hand: Do not take a win against Birmingham for granted as the Fire is still takting a shot at the POs!

OHIO 5-6-1 (20%):
You think you are out of AFSs-playoffs at 5-6-1? You are wrong! It is looking bad on paper but if Ohio wins both games (vs. Mexico, at Montreal) AND ORL loses both of their remaining, the Glory is slipping into the hunt for money and glory. Funny, yes. Impossible? NO!

BIRMINGHAM 5-7-0 (5%):
You think you are out of AFSs-playoffs at 5-7-0? Once again: You are wrong! If both Ohio and Orlando struggle in week 13 and 14 and Birmingham wins both (at ORL, vs. SA) Birmingham might reach teh POs due to the better record against both teams (2-0). The week13-clash vs. Orlando is the key-game.

AFC WEST:

SAN ANTONIO 8-4-0 (already in POs):
MONTREAL 8-4-0 (already in POs):
Those two dominant teams of the FWL are planning their post-regular-season-games already, with the Riders on the edge of winning the division-title: their win against Montreal gives them the advantage, and their remaining schedule (at RHE; at BIR) seems a little easier than the Machines (at NY; vs. OH) as the latter is facing two playoff-contenders.

RALEIGH-DURHAM 5-8-0:
MEXICO 4-8-0:
SACRAMENTO 3-8-1:
These teams have had disappointing seasons, with the Surge "standing out" after a season where many fans now go for the head of GM Paul Johns, who defenitely turned a great franchise into a joke within one single season.... It is time to try some of the backups, folks!

EFC East:

FRANKFURT 10-2-0 (already in POs):
BERLIN 10-2-0 (already in POs):
Week 13 will decide it all: Whoever wins the clash of the two top teams in the EFC will get the division-title and home-advantage throughout the playoffs. No doubt about that. In the unlikey case of a tie, the edge would be on Galaxys side as they have already beaten the surprisingly strong Thunder.

AMSTERDAM 7-5-0 (70%):
Same applies to the game of this team: The matchup against the strong Musketeers could severly damage the post-season-dreams of the reigning EFC-champion. The Admirals have been struggling throughout the season but their surprising win against Frankfurt last week kept their hopes alive. But analysts say that a win at Paris is unlikely....

RHEIN 5-7-0 (10%)
Another disappointing team needs a miracle. Even if they mathematically might make it with two wins, the reality seems to say "NO". Nobody expects Rhein Fire to beat both Frankfurt (10-2-0) and San Antonio (8-4-0). But all but two wins would defenitely end it all. Be prepared to see them finish at a disappointing 5-9.....

EFC West:

AUSTRIA 6-6-0 (70%)
PARIS 6-6-0 (60%)
Boy oh boy, what a division. Austria, without any superstar and managed by a youth-obsessed GM and Paris, historically a less than average team battle for the division-title. And we are talking about two 6-6-teams! Embarrassing..... The advantage seems to be on GM Kreiners side as Austria played up and down all year long but they won 4 of their 6 against both rivals, Paris (2-0) and Barcelona (2-0). Paris on the other hand needs to overcome Amsterdam in week 13, needs a win in Barcelona in week 14 and in addition to that must hope for a DarkKnights-loss against the Claymores or in "FWL-Classic XXIV" in London...... It will be tough until the end....

BARCELONA 5-7-0 (5%)
The Dragons threw it all away against Austria (0-2) and Paris (0-1) so their only chance is a win against London and Paris, combined with 2 losses of the DarkKnights. They even could catch Amsterdam if the Admirals lose both games as the Dragons beat them in week 11. Does anyone think all that will happen? Nope.

SCOTTISH 4-8-0:
LONDON 2-10-0:
Some say it is not surprising that NFLE shut down both franchises as their FWL-counterparts play some embarrassing football. While the Claymores tried real hard but still struggle, there is rumour around the talented London-team that some of the last-minute-losses did not come out of nowhere but are a clear indication that many players have problems with GM Compton and boycott him. Some sources even say that the fans want fresh blood. Both teams will try some of their benchwarmers, but London still have a highlight ahead. They might put a knife into the heart of DarkKnight-GM Kreiner in week 14 as a Monarchs-win at "FWL-Classic XXIV" could end the rivals playoff-hopes.... Could be sweet for Jason Compton to do just that.....

Well, that is it for this week, come back after week 13 for an update!

Mario Kreiner
(mariokreiner@aon.at)

Fantasy World League Forum

FWL Boards => FWL Articles => Topic started by: Mario ADK on April 29, 2005, 03:16:27 PM