Time for the playoff push
Well folks we are heading into the final weeks before playoffs. It's time for the last round of intra-division play, and it's going to be REALLY tight. Going into week 11 we had the entire Thor division at 5-5 with 2 other teams also coming in at 5-5. I know most of you are Marines like me so I took about a half hour to do the math for you: That's half the league at a .500 record. I know I say this every year, but the parity in this league is amazing. Each of you works very hard on your draft, and then managing your team throughout the year. This results in a tight race for the playoffs year after year, and I'm loving it!!
Playoff Picture:
Odin
If Geoff wins just one more game, he locks up the top spot and a playoff berth. Lance is three wins behind but will undoubtedly pass Geoff for lead if they end up with the same record due to a higher point total. Geoff would have to lose all three of the next games and Lance win all three for this to happen. As for the rest of the league, I think it's safe to say Dave and Missy are already looking to next year and are not playoff contenders. Keep in mind we are only playing other players in our division for the next three weeks, so each week will have massive implications on the playoff picture.
Thor
This division is just stupid. Everyone is still in the hunt, and I would say only Jason is so far out in points that he needs the best record to actually take first place, though Jeff also has a not-insignificant 60 point gap to overcome. I play my dad this week, and the winner will have sole possession of the top spot with the only 7-5 record. The point total between us is tighter than bug pussy. With injuries and byes hurting both of us (me much more than him though....13 players either Questionable or worse or on bye) it will be an interesting matchup and one with HUGE implications. Jason and Jeff also play each other in what I would say is a must win for each if they want a chance at getting in. Both of them are still in the mix to win the division if the cards fall right over the last three games, but they'll both have a hard time taking a wild card slot.
Freya
By far the most competitive overall division, the only one with 3 winning records. As well as the most combined Points For. Travis started the year red hot and has left everyone in the dust as far as PF, but is still only sitting on a 2 game lead over Drew. Drew will need to get a win over Steve this week in order to have the game next week against Travis matter for taking first place. Indeed if Travis just logs one more win he's going to be a lock for 1st in the division, and 1st overall seed (the only exception would be if Drew wins out and somehow manages to make up a 125 point differential). Steve is in the exact same position as Drew but would need to overcome an even bigger point deficit to take 1st place in the division. Sadly Bennet, much like Missy, is out of the running this year.
I can't even begin to tackle the Wild Cards because this year is just so damn tight. But I'll give it a whirl. In the Odin division Geoff is in whether he wins the division or not. We can assume Lance will go regardless of who wins the division. He has the 2nd highest PF in the league so as long as he doesn't lose out, he's almost guaranteed a slot. In the Thor Division, Myself and Dad (Larry) are neck and neck in points and should be in the same situation as Lance as long as we don't lose out. In the Freya division, Travis is in, whether he wins or not. But with Drew and Steve both sporting a 6-5 record and one of them is guaranteed a loss this week. This division could really determine how the wild card spots play out.
End state, Geoff and Travis are in, then we have FIVE 6-5 teams ALL WITHIN 50 POINTS OF EACH OTHER. 4 of those will go head to head this week, 2 of them are going to take an L which will really set them back in the race. That should provide a little clarity in the picture. This is going to be a wild finish to the season:
Chances of making the Playoffs:
Maximum Effort 100%
Put Your Dak Into it: >99%
Berserkers: 76%
Motown Marauders: 73%
RE RE Set: 71%
Hall or Nothing: 65%
O.P. McFury 62%
Captain Checkdown: 37%
Chubber's Out: 15%
Heavy Betty: 3%
Browneye: <1%
Justin Time: 0%
Lastly I forgot to actually label the Rivalry weeks but its always the first week of inter-division play and intra-division play. I know in the past we talked about doing the 2 point momentum bonus for winning the 2nd rivalry week (the first one is winners get 10 dollars and losers pay 10 dollars). I'd like to revisit that idea bc I don't think we executed on it last year. So let me get some input from you all on whether you like that idea. I really want to keep rivalry week, and I'd like some ideas on how to make the 2nd rivalry week fun. It can change every year I don't care. I want to leave the first one as it is though losers that week pay $10 and winners get $10.
-Dane