All-Inclusive FFL

by seeker smith, correspondent

...all the slots have been slotted & all the contenders have been semi-separated from the pretenders...yes, folks, it's time for the 2K7 edition of the All-Inclusive FFL Playoffs--!  (whoo-hoo!)...

The National Conference appears to have some serious firepower to it, with all four Playoff contenders sporting 9-4 (or better) records.  The American has it's own 10-3 competitor, but the remaining teams slipped in with 7-6, 5-8, and 3-9 records.  Can anyone say:  "NC dominance similar to AFC in the Real Deal"?  Ok, that's a long phrase to say, but it seems like we've got something similar going on this year, eh?

Beyond all the hype, we've got four big games (along with 2 less-large Terlet Bowl competitions) go deal with this week.  Let's get to the game breakdowns and/or possible outcomes...

Ma'am (9-4) @ Sags (10-3)

MyFL spread:  Sags by 23.8

No lineups at presstime, so this is fairly subjective (and the MyFL Spread will likely change).  But, with Westbrook & S-Jax likely for the Saguaros, along with TO & Chad at wideout, there's a lot of FP potential in Pedernales.  Betsy counters with Peyton + Gore/Graham + R.Wayne, so the scoring in this contest should go high.  This matchup should come down to the D-squads and which owner selects the right performers in Wk.14.  Both teams have solid options, so the game might turn on a single miscue (which is just what you expect from a playoff game, right?)...

Predicted outcome:  Sags--38   Maam--33

MinP (9-4) @ Bart (9-4)

MyFL spread:  MinP by 16.9 (note:  no Bart lineup at presstime, so spread should change)

I doubt that pre-game point spread as much as anyone (especially Rich), and this showdown should be much better than that.  Barts has the Tom Brady FP-machine going for him, as well as McGahee/DS.Foster in the backfield and T.Holt + D.Driver at split end.  That's some "oomph" to deal with.  The Profits counter with Addai/Grant rushing and A.Johnson/Galloway receiving...oh & Gonzo is in there too.  Given the way Brady's been playing (discounting his MNF game in Wk.13), it's hard to bet against the Revenge.  Still, all but one D-squad for the MP has hit triple-digits in total FP, so there's some D to overcome in this one.  This game should be a classic D vs O showdown...if Barts' offense scores strong, they'll need to exceed the MinP D-scoring.

Predicted outcome:  Bart--29    MinP--20

Band (4-9) @ Dawg (10-3)

MyFL spread:  Dawg by 21.9

The Bandits certainly have their work cut out for them.  But, they do enter the playoffs on a winning path after taking down the Dudes (14-12) in Wk.13.  If there was ever a time for momentum to come into play, you just know Paul is hoping this might be it.  Unfortunately, they're squaring off against the premier team in the American Conf in the Dawg Pound.  Sandlin has put together a rock-solid year, and you'd expect he's not aiming to let it end early this week.  The Band will need Palmer to rebound this week & they'll likely want some strong D-showings too.  After all, the Dawg is putting Romo, LDT, and Fitz/K.Curtis out there.  Still, this reporter thinks the final will be closer than MyFL (or most AIFFL'ers) think.

Predicted outcome:  Dawg--30   Band--24

SeoT (7-6) @ Dude (5-8)

MyFL spread:  SeoT by 5.3

This is our closest MyFL-predicted game, and I guess that makes sense.  The Dudes are skidding into the playoffs backwards with blinders on in the dark without a clue, given their 5-game losing streak.  Yet, they get the homefield advantage since none of their Madden Division competition could challenge them.  Our 2K6 defending champs, the Seoul Train, took a tough loss last week, but even at 7-6  you know Michael has designs on another title for the franchise.  But, S.Korea will likely need some sturdy D-performances to make sure they move on in 2K7.  The Dudes are getting AD (the rookie phenom) back & he just showed he can post some serious FP.  This will likely be a low-scoring affair, with (who??) coming out on top...

Predicted outcome:  Dude--17   SeoT--11

Terlet Bowl Contestants and/or Considerations

The Seminoles are the odds-on favorites to win the time-honored Terlet Bowl in 2K7.  But, as we all know, odds mean diddly-squat when it comes to the AI-FFL postseason.  This reporter expects the Sems & the Wall to advance to the Terlet Bowl final, but don't be surprised if the X-Cards (in particular) and Rottweilers put up some strong competition.  FredO's XCar has won a couple of games at the end of the season, and they were only 4FP shy of taking down the mighty Saguaros last week.  And, even though the Rott has registered the most "0FP" outings in AI-FFL history, they just missed a chance at the Playoffs.

Predicted outcomes:  Sems--40   XCar--30;  Wall--24   Rott--10

...so, there's yer (however unlikely) predictions from yer fave ANN (AIFFL News Network) reporter...one thing is certain:  the playoffs are about to commence--!  (ok, that was a bit of a letdown...sorry)...still, we should be in store for some great contests & unexpected outcomes as Wk.14 ushers in our 2K7 postseason...

good games to all!>>

--seeker