In the North the playoff picture is still very fuzzy with a few exceptions.The Cobras need just one more win to virtually guarantee a seat at the table (Two more wins does in fact secure them a playoff spot).The Gladiators are also knocking on the door to the playoffs, although they still need some wins to secure their seat at the table.They are greatly helped by the fact that the Montana division is pretty weak.If the Gladiators win one more and everyone else in their division loses one more they are all but be in.
Two team have almost punched their tickets into the playoffs but what about the teams that have almost thrown theirs' out the window.The Avalanche have played four games so far and have lost all four.Another loss and it will be near impossible for them to see the post season.Not to put too much pressure on them but with 4 road games remaining on the schedule I can see one more loss easily being handed to them.
The North also has three teams currently sitting at 1-3, the Monsters, the Warriors, and the Outlaws.Post-season isn’t out of the picture for you guys but you do have a lot of work ahead of you considering you each have to play one more game against either the Cobras or Gladiators.Not saying you can’t win against these teams, just that no one has yet, this season.
The rest of the North is sitting in the middle of all this.Six teams are duking it out for the 5 remaining playoff spots.The 1-3’ers are looking to spoil it for a few of these teams and sneak in through the back door.The picture is still murky.Maybe after SASA we will have more clarity.
Prediction:The Cobras take the #1 spot and a first round bye.The Gladiators, the Xtreme, and the Oilers punch their tickets as well.The last remaining spots will most likely go to Idaho Division teams.They all still have to play each other again so the ride could be bumpy. I think though that the Mustangs have the easier road to victory here since the Anarchy has to go to the Gladiators and the Stampede has to go to the Cobras.Mustangs also get the Anarchy and the Stampede both at Home and the Mustangs don’t lose at Ravsten. Diggers have a tough road having to go to both the Anarchy and the Stampede but they do get the Mustangs at Home. I think the Mustangs take the division followed closely by the Diggers and the Stampede bumping off the Anarchy at home in Week 9 to get the final playoff spot.
Big 9
The Big 9 playoff picture is pretty clear already.You have 5 teams that are clearly superior.The Trojans, the Rev, the Shock, the Lions, and the Sting.Any one of these top five teams has as many or more wins as all of the bottom 4 teams combined.I don’t see that changing.That leaves just one spot open for the Wildcats or the Vipers.Both have to play 3 of the top 5. Each have one easy game left on their schedules.Both have had their bye week.Everything being equal it is hard to say who gets in.It comes down to who wins this week.They play each other in what could very well be the Big 9 wildcard match of the season.I think the Vipers have the edge.They sneak in with the win over the Wildcats this week.
Prediction:The Lions take the #1 spot with the win over the Trojans on the 7th.The Trojans take #2.They both get the bye in the first round.The Rev are still pissed about losing to the Lions at SASA, and take it out on the Vipers who squeaked into the Playoffs.The Shock and the Sting engage in WWIII for an invite to play with the Big 3.The game is so fierce that the World cracks and the ref’s have to call the game. Who knows?Many more weeks of football to come.Hopefully some upsets happen in the Big 9 to throw the world into chaos.
-- Edited by Beez25 on Tuesday 26th of April 2016 02:10:49 PM
-- Edited by Beez25 on Tuesday 26th of April 2016 02:11:12 PM
The Great North actually sends 7 teams to the playoffs. Only the 1st seed gets a BYE. In round 1.....#2 hosts #7, #4 hosts #5 and #3 hosts #6. Winner of %4 and %5 game travels to #1 seed in 2nd round. Obviously the winners of #2 v #7 and #3 v # 6 games play each other in the 2nd round.
Top seed in each division is automatic #1, #2 and #3 and the other 4 seeds are based on records and tie-break scenarios. No reseeding after each round.
The Great North has 7 playoff spots. Only the #1 seed gets the 1st round bye. Don't forget that the Diggers also have away games vs the Anarchy and Stampede still to play. The Anarchy team they played in Week 2, is not the same team they will see in Week 8. The Stampede are a much better team at home as well. So I would say that all 4 teams in the Idaho Division are just as likely to take the top Idaho seed.
Since I screwed up the North so bad I'll Just throw in my top 7 prediction for playoffs.
1. Cobras
2. Gladiators
3. Mustangs
4. Oilers
5. Diggers
6. Xtreme
7. Stampede
